Friday, December 24, 2021

My Take -> Week 16

Greetings, G-Force.

The 2021 version of the Green Bay Packers continues to amaze me. The days of a chaotic, disgruntled past are far in the rear-view mirror and it’s been replaced by harmonic unified overtures. These days are savored and the short term future looks bright.

As I write, I sip a Station 26 Mango Juicy Banger. 7.5% ABV. Fruity, hoppy goodness. Lightly clouded pour into a pint glass. Goes down too easy. The first song I played was MTV’s Unplugged version of Natalie Merchant’s “These are days” and no, I’m not sorry. I couldn’t help myself.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur has taught his team how to win. They’ve been resilient. When the game is on the line, there’s no waffling; someone is going to make a play.

Suddenly, Aaron Rodgers looks to be the odds on favorite to win the NFL’s MVP. A horrendous showing by Brady coupled with Rodgers playing elite level football. What an unbelievable season Rodgers is having. The excitement level is on overdrive.

Watching Davante get double teamed presnap is the stuff of Legend.

Aaron Jones bursting through holes. AJ Dillon pounding through them. It’s possible that we will see a day over the next month that the Packers will have to win on those 4 legs. They look ripe for the challenge.

Marcedes playing with the force of a powerful Mercedes!

When this offense gets rolling, it has a really Super feel to it.

Fun to see MVS fighting for the goal line to get Rodgers the record tying TD pass.

I liked seeing LaFleur calling the underneath crossing route to Lazard early in the game. Put Lazard in a position to win. He was hit and strife and allowed to use his strength to plow forward. Lazard against a LB is a matchup that I’ll take everyday.

While the offense is cooking right now, the defense is struggling if they aren’t forcing turnovers. We’ve reached the point in the season where this team really needs Za’Darius to step in and help on 3rd down. Oh, and the special teams? Well, it might be the most laughable unit that I’ve ever seen in the Green and Yellow.

What’s interesting about the defense is that there are a number of players playing exceptionally well. Clark, Campbell, Rasul, Stoked for Stokes, Amos, Lowry, Gary, Barnes, and Preston are all playing very good football. Sullivan is playing decent as well. Savage is being attacked. He’s been in position to make the play. He’s just now finishing the play. I can’t tell if he’s like a young Nintendo Nick Collins or if he’s morphed into Kevin King as a Safety. When Nintendo Nick was a youngster, he was always in position, but he rarely made the play. Then, in 2008, it all clicked for him and he became among the best play making Safeties in the NFL. Or Savage might be like King. Often in position, but rarely makes the play and because he doesn’t make the play, he becomes a sieve in the eyes of the defense. When it’s all said and done, it’s trending to appear that this season will come down to whether Savage can make a play or not in a similar manner to the way I mentioned the same about King at this time last year. King was brutalized in the NFCCG last year and the Packers came up short. You know who else got torches in that game? Savage.

Really like the way Garvin fights. He’s become a reliable EDGE player. Maximum effort. Good discipline.

Preston and Gary are handling the EDGE at a Super level. When healthy, Clark has won on the interior with that same Super feeling. If Za’Darius can make his way back, this defense might be a force on passing downs.

Slaton and Wild Man 70 are very similar to me. Both make plays that allow me to think that the Packers might’ve found long term starters. And, then, they get blown off the ball. I’m not sure if it’s mental or physical or both? But, both certainly have the capacity to play in this league.

Have to give it up for Tyler Davis. Great to see him streaking down the seam for a 22-yard grab.

Grab the t-shirt and the the hat, Aaron Rodgers.

This week - it’s the Browns. At Lambeau. On Christmas Day. That puts the Merry in Christmas.

The Cleveland Browns are going to try and punch the Green Bay Packers in the mouth. Just like the Tennessee Titans tried to do last year. Last year, the Packers were up to the Derrick Henry challenge. This year, it’s the Chubb and Hunt combo. They’ll strike fear into any DL. Lowry, Lancaster and Clark must be ready to ball out. Campbell and Barnes are going to have to trust their eyes and their secondary. If they see run, they’ll have to hit the hole with intention. If it’s play action, the secondary must win.

Defensively, the Browns are equally as physical up front. They’ll attack Rodgers with vicious desires. They hit to cause pain. The front 7 covers up holes on the Browns back end. If the Packers makeshift OL can somehow win another battle, there will be big plays found down the Field.

Rodgers is determined. He’s a man on a mission. He finds Davante for his record TD pass. It’s also a Franchise record for TD passes from a QB to a WR between Rodgers and Adams. Don’t think that they don’t want that record on the same play.

Once again, the Packers price to be the more physical team in a fight against AFC NORTH muscle. It’s a Christmas celebration.

The defense causes two second half turnovers. Again, LaFleur’s team finds a way to win a close one late.

And, so this is Christmas…

Merry Christmas, all.

Packers 27
Browns 23

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 19, 2021

My Take -> Week 15

Greetings, G-Force.

The sheer dominance over the Bears continues. The ownership threshold is stronger than ever. Yes, THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

As I write, I listen to Neil Diamond singing Christmas music. Reminds me of my youth. Cherished memories. I sip a Left Hand Peanut Butter Nitro Milk Stout. Desert in a glass!

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur’s posture showed a hint of nervousness that I’m unaccustomed to seeing from him on the sidelines. But, he stayed true to his aggressive nature. I was shocked when he went for it on 4th and goal when they were down by 10. I thought it was wise to ensure a one-score game by taking an easy FG. The decision worked and he looked like a wizard after it.

If Aaron Rodgers plays like he did over the last three quarters, the Packers will be extremely tough to beat. He was composed. He was seeing the Field. He was accurate.

Lock up Davante Adams please. Let’s keep 12 and 17 together for 5 more years. Whatever it takes.

Loved seeing Aaron Jones getting into the end zone again. I wonder how healthy he is right now. Seemed odd that he was so underutilized.

AJ Dillon continues to pound forward for extra yards.

If I have learned anything about Brian Gutekunst over his time as GM of the Green Bay Packers, it’s that he admits mistakes. One of those mistakes was drafting Amari Rodgers. Because of it, I would be surprised if he’s in the roster next year. He brings almost zero value to this team.

Happy to see Lazard hanging onto the football.

Big Dog Lewis keeps making plays.

If this defense keeps forcing turnovers, anything is possible.

The Bears Still Suck!

Rasul! Dub-V! He keeps making plays. The pick 6 was thrilling!

Preston and Gary have become quite the pass rushing tandem.

Sullivan with the pick! Loved to see the Packers forcing Fields into so many mistakes. Making him look jittery.

Stoked for Stokes! The rookie can play.

45 points! I felt it coming. Purely dominant in the 2nd half.

Campbell and Barnes have become a great ILB tandem. They compliment each other very well. They’re smart. They’re dependable. They have become staples in this defense. They keep things together. They’ve brought a physical mindset to the Field.

Soon, the Packers will need Savage to make a play. He’s come so close. He just doesn’t finish it.

Another season sweep of the Bears. Gotta love it!

This week - it’s the Ravens. In Baltimore. The Packers better buckle up their chin straps. They’re going to be in for a physical battle. This Baltimore team punishes people.

In my mind, the playoffs start this weekend. This team has surprised me this year. I thought they’d likely finish in the range of 10-7. Now, they own the 1-seed with 4 games to play. If they win the next 4 games; all of which they’ll likely be favored to win, the road to the Super Bowl will go through Lambeau Field.

I don’t see Lamar Jackson playing. My guess is that Tyler Huntley will be the starting QB. Huntley has been decent in limited action, but I wouldn’t think the Ravens can keep up with the Packers offensively. They’ll try to pound the football with Freeman and Murray. Then, they’ll go play action to Andrews. Andrews is a top 5 TE in the NFL. He will cause problems. The Ravens will also look to get the ball to Brown over the top and to Duvernay in space.

Defensively, the Ravens are really beat up. They’ll likely be without Campbell and the secondary has been decimated with injury. They won’t be able to run with the Packers. It’ll be interesting to see how LaFleur attacks the Ravens. He will have to establish a run game to slow down the Ravens pass rush. But, Bowser, Queen and Bynes can punish as LB’s.

This is a statement game for the Packers. On the road. I think they’ll be up for the task. I think they’ll be the more physical football team. I believe that as long as the special teams units don’t end up being too much of a hindrance, the Packers will win handily.

The defense gets two more turnovers.

Slaton steps in for Clark and helps to eat up the run.

The 2021 Packers show the NFL Works that they’re a much more physical team than most initially thought.

Rodgers plays at an MVP level. Adams grabs 7 balls. A screen to Jones goes for big yardage to the weak side of the Field.

Lazard gets deep on a double move.

The Packers clinch the NFC NORTH.

Packers 27
Ravens 16

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 11, 2021

My Take -> Week 14

Greetings, G-Force.

Lambeau Field sounds magical. The fans base appears rowdy. The environment feels magical. These are the days that we will remember.

As I write, I listen to an array of John Lennon’s music on shuffle. It’s a great time of year to have his music in your ears. I sip a Weldwerks Juicy Bits. Pungent. Hoppy. Juicy.

Here are my quick vibes over the last week:

Matt LaFleur continues to impress. His team was ready for the Rams. While they were overmatched in name on the line of scrimmage, they were ready to punch the vaunted Rams DL in the mouth. Repeatedly.

Aaron Rodgers won’t be the MVP, but he’s played like one over the last two games.

Sad to lose Cobb. He played so well. Felt like a 2013 version of Cobb. Your turn, ESB. It appears as though ESB will get a significant increase in snaps. He will be integrated into the slot role. We will see him in motion. He will be out in position to change games.

AJ Dillon. Amazing. Can’t believe how well he’s catching the ball. His vision + power combination has been punishing for the opposition. The robot between Nijman and Dillon is the stuff of Legend.

Davante Adams. If Adams and Rodgers play together in GB for 5 more years, Adams will be in the HOF.

MVS continues to grow on me. He will never be a top shelf player who makes unbelievable plays. But, he’s fast and he’s a threat down the Field.

It consistently stuns me to see how aggressive LaFleur is on 4th down.

Billy Turner has been terrific.

This is a team that knows their roles. They shut their mouth. They play their role. And they have bought into LaFleur’s message.

Rasul Douglas! Dub-V! A tremendous performance! Big ups to Gutekunst for his addition.

Kenny Clark is a Green Bay Packer HOF’er.

Stoked for Stokes! Kid continues to shine!

Rashan Gary!! He keeps getting better and better every week.

Last year, we saw Preston Smith running backwards and retreating into coverage. This year? Not at all. He’s being put in position to win and he’s winning.

Wild Man 70 continues to be the most inconsistent player on the team.

Runyan can play!!

Adrian Amos is having a really great year.

Barnes and Lowry are playing well off of each other in the run game.

If this team can start forcing turnovers like they did against the Rams, look out!

This week - it’s the hated Bears. At Lambeau Field. Under the Lights. In Prime Time. Expect dominance.

The Bears might have found their QB. He’s going to be put on display this weekend. They’ll want to showcase him. He will be put in position to be successful. Offensively, the Bears are healthy. They’re going to be animated to make an impression.

Defensively, the Bears will be without Hicks and Mack. Look for LaFleur to be in all-out attack mode.

Aaron Rodgers knows what’s at stake. He knows that he will be under the magnifying glass after his “I still own you” remarks. The Bears will be hungry to pressure him. They’ll take a cheap shot at some point.

The Packers offense is due for a break out game. Sure, they put up 36 points against the Rams, but most came off of turnovers or after the 4th down stop by the defense which game the Packers the ball on their own side of the Field.

Soon, we will see an explosion. A 45-point game. Sheer dominance. It’ll be a day when Lazard catches the ball. It’ll be a day in which MVS gets over the top. A day in which the Packers benefit from a pass interference call. A day in which Rodgers is in the Zone. Why not this week? It could happen. I’m going to refrain from calling out a 45-17 victory this week, but it wouldn’t stun me.

It’s December football at Lambeau Field. This team will be ready.

Packers 31
Bears 20

THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com