Greetings, G-Force.
Two wins at Lambeau. One. Two. Protect home field. Head to LA to play for it all. Rise up!
As I write, I sip a Russian River Blind Pig. Hops. Fresh. Bursting. Oh, the glory. I listen to Xavier Rudd’s Spirit Bird album. It calms me.
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur played to win against the Lions. He wanted his team to be sharp. I applaud him. The team came away mostly unscathed. He kept Rodgers in rhythm. He got to see Love. LaFleur has to be pleased with the way things worked out regardless of the defeat.
Aaron Rodgers should undoubtedly be this years MVP.
Congrats, Davante.
Liked how Patrick Taylor hits the hole.
I’m not going to say that Jordan Love isn’t able to play QB in the NFL. But, I am going to say that he’s a long ways away from being ready to play QB in the NFL. I can live with the bad decisions at this stage, but the miss on the deep ball to ESB? That was brutal. He might’ve missed that throw by 5 yards. When you combine all of the factors, he’s nowhere near ready to be the starting QB.
This week - it’s the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round. Throughout the Favre years, the Packers owned SF in the playoffs. In the Rodgers era, the exact opposite is true. It’s time for the Packers to flip the pendulum.
I’m looking at match-ups, it’s my belief that the 49ers were the worst possible match-up for the Packers. Offensively, SF will commit to running the ball. Much like his Dad, Kyle Shanahan is ultra patient. He’s not intimidated by the scoreboard. He’s married to the run. Much like his Dad did in the Super Bowl on January 25, 1998 and much like he did in the 2019 NFCCG, I expect Kyle to run the ball at least 35 times. He will be calm as a play caller. 3rd and 6 might be a run down for him. 3rd and 8 might be the same.
The Packers are going to have to force Jimmy G into mistakes. Typically, Jimmy G gives a defense 2-3 opportunities to make a play. When the Packers get that opportunity, they must carpe diem.
For as oft-criticized as Jimmy G is, the guy is a competent QB who often makes big plays down the stretch. He’s a reliable WB with the game on the line. It’s mid-game where he makes his mistakes.
Defensively, the 49ers will be patient as well. They might show a lot of blitzes, but I don’t envision them allowing the Packers WR’s to make plays in man coverage. They’ll drop in coverage and rush 4. They’ll trust one of their dynamite front 4 pass rushers to make a play. They’ll test Rodgers’ willingness to throw the underneath crosser and the dump off to the RB or TE. They’ll make the Packers try to pick up 1st down yardage by breaking a tackle or getting yards after contact. I don’t envision SF giving the Packers anything over the top.
Patience. The ability to run the football. Turnovers. That’s the recipe. Those three items.
If Jaire is healthy, the Packers should have him shadow Deebo. When Deebo is out wide, Jaire is out wide. When Deebo is in the backfield, Jaire is 7 yards off the ball with all eyes on Deebo.
Because of Jimmy G and Shanahan’s ball magician work, it’s tough to trust your instincts. So much if their game plan is deception. They want you to flow one way and then they target the opposite side of the Field in the flat. The Packers must stay disciplined.
Amos should be coming on the blitz at least 7-10 times this weekend. In attack mode on the weak side. Amos has to be a difference maker.
The Packers must trust Stokes and Douglas to win on the outside against Jennings and Aiyuk.
Kittle will present a big problem. Kittle has been quiet recently. He won't be this weekend. Savage has struggled in coverage against TE’s this year. He will be in position to make a play. He must come through.
Have you ever tried to throw a ball in below zero temperatures? It’s extremely difficult. Only so much can be expected of Rodgers. The Packers will need to be the more physical team. They’ll need to wear down the SF front. Dillon and Jones must pound away. Then, it’s play action to Lazard in the flat. He will be the guy that SF will think they can stop. Lazard must deliver. If he can make a man miss, a big play might happen.
Look for the Packers to work extensively to have multiple rotations along the DL. They’ll want fresh legs from Gary, Preston, Za’Darius and Mercilus. Do not overlook the magnitude of Mercilus coming back. He was dynamite in the run game earlier this year.
It appears as though Bakhtiari and Turner will be the Tackles for the first time all year. I hope their conditioning is at 100%. They’ll need to protect Rodgers.
Deguara will be open on the underneath crossing route.
I’m expecting a big day from Aaron Jones. Potentially as a receiver on a wheel route.
Rodgers to Adams for a late TD.
The crowd rises. The defense gets the stop. The Packers are one step closer to lifting the Lombardi Trophy, once again.
Packers 24
49ers 20
Go Pack Go!
Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Sunday, January 9, 2022
My Take -> Week 18
Greetings, G-Force.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Titletown, U.S.A. After demolishing the ‘queens in front of the national audience, the Packers are the regular season champions of the NFC for the second year in a row. Because of it, make no mistake, this year it is Super Bowl or bust. Lambeau Field will be packed and rowdy. The crowd will do its part, the team must deliver.
As I write, I sip a Toppling Goliath Pompeii. 6.3%. Mango, pineapple, Mosaic Hop perfection. It’s become a staple in my diet. I listen to what’s been released from the upcoming Stress Dreams album by Greensky Bluegrass.
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur is the winningest regular season Head Coach in the history of the NFL over the course of his 1st three seasons. Many will say it’s because he’s had Aaron Rodgers. Those same people forget 2018. LaFleur has brought culture to the Locker Room. He’s brought design to the offense. He’s changed the mentality of this team.
Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s MVP. There should be no debate.
Davante Adams torched the queens defense.
AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones on the Field at the same time. I like the look!
Dillon has an uncanny knack for finding his way into the end zone.
Aaron Jones looked extremely quick darting through the hole. He couldn’t be stopped.
For the Packers to achieve all of their goals this year, Allen Lazard is going to have to continue to play at his current level.
Rashan Gary and Preston Smith are wrecking opposing offensive lines. If Za’Darius can come back and aid with an inside pass rush, look out!
On a day in which the 'queens needed to pound the ball in order to win, Dalvin Cook had 12 touches. He finished with 13 yards. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that the Packers could’ve limited Cook in that fashion. I don't know if this says more about Minnesota or the Packers.
Campbell and Barnes have solidified the interior of this defense.
Stoked for Stokes! The kid continues to impress.
Kenny Clark has been the quickest player off the ball all season. His ability to take in the double team is absolutely amazing.
David Moore doesn’t need to be Desmond Howard. He simply has to do exactly what he did against Minnesota.
This week - the Packers travel to Detroit to play the Lions.
Look for the Packers to get Davante his 22 yards to break the all-time Packers record for most yards in a season. They’ll get the ball in his hands early and often to top the record.
Look for Rodgers to play 2-3 series. He will have success and then he will come out.
Look for Bakhtiari and Myers to start. But, it’s my preference for Patrick to continue to start over Myers in the playoffs. He and Rodgers have great chemistry. Getting Bakhtiari back should provide a great boost to the already heightened energy of this team.
The Packers will want to get Jordan Love some action. They want to see what they have in him. So far, Love has not been impressive. It’ll be nice to see him again in regular season action and thankfully it’s a meaningless game.
Look for Patrick Taylor to get 15 carries. Taylor also finds the end zone.
Love connects with ESB, who will be trying to show up his younger brother. ESB grabs 5 balls and a TD.
It’s a victory march into the playoffs.
Packers 23
Lions 20
Go Pack Go!
Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Titletown, U.S.A. After demolishing the ‘queens in front of the national audience, the Packers are the regular season champions of the NFC for the second year in a row. Because of it, make no mistake, this year it is Super Bowl or bust. Lambeau Field will be packed and rowdy. The crowd will do its part, the team must deliver.
As I write, I sip a Toppling Goliath Pompeii. 6.3%. Mango, pineapple, Mosaic Hop perfection. It’s become a staple in my diet. I listen to what’s been released from the upcoming Stress Dreams album by Greensky Bluegrass.
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur is the winningest regular season Head Coach in the history of the NFL over the course of his 1st three seasons. Many will say it’s because he’s had Aaron Rodgers. Those same people forget 2018. LaFleur has brought culture to the Locker Room. He’s brought design to the offense. He’s changed the mentality of this team.
Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s MVP. There should be no debate.
Davante Adams torched the queens defense.
AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones on the Field at the same time. I like the look!
Dillon has an uncanny knack for finding his way into the end zone.
Aaron Jones looked extremely quick darting through the hole. He couldn’t be stopped.
For the Packers to achieve all of their goals this year, Allen Lazard is going to have to continue to play at his current level.
Rashan Gary and Preston Smith are wrecking opposing offensive lines. If Za’Darius can come back and aid with an inside pass rush, look out!
On a day in which the 'queens needed to pound the ball in order to win, Dalvin Cook had 12 touches. He finished with 13 yards. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that the Packers could’ve limited Cook in that fashion. I don't know if this says more about Minnesota or the Packers.
Campbell and Barnes have solidified the interior of this defense.
Stoked for Stokes! The kid continues to impress.
Kenny Clark has been the quickest player off the ball all season. His ability to take in the double team is absolutely amazing.
David Moore doesn’t need to be Desmond Howard. He simply has to do exactly what he did against Minnesota.
This week - the Packers travel to Detroit to play the Lions.
Look for the Packers to get Davante his 22 yards to break the all-time Packers record for most yards in a season. They’ll get the ball in his hands early and often to top the record.
Look for Rodgers to play 2-3 series. He will have success and then he will come out.
Look for Bakhtiari and Myers to start. But, it’s my preference for Patrick to continue to start over Myers in the playoffs. He and Rodgers have great chemistry. Getting Bakhtiari back should provide a great boost to the already heightened energy of this team.
The Packers will want to get Jordan Love some action. They want to see what they have in him. So far, Love has not been impressive. It’ll be nice to see him again in regular season action and thankfully it’s a meaningless game.
Look for Patrick Taylor to get 15 carries. Taylor also finds the end zone.
Love connects with ESB, who will be trying to show up his younger brother. ESB grabs 5 balls and a TD.
It’s a victory march into the playoffs.
Packers 23
Lions 20
Go Pack Go!
Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 2, 2022
My Take -> Week 17
Greetings, G-Force.
A win will always be a win. There’s no such thing as style points in the NFL. The tally in the win column looks the same. The Packers magic number for owning the #1 seed in the NFC is down to 2.
As I write, I sip a Russian River Pliny the Elder. Can you make a better tasting beer? I listen to the 5/3/72 Grateful Dead show from Paris. What an absolutely epic concert!
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur. His teams just find a way to win. Regardless of how bleak it looks. The “Just Win, baby” mentality is alive and well.
Aaron Rodgers is another step closer to becoming the NFL’s MVP, once again. He’s dialed in.
Just as my anxiety was reaching a crescendo, Rasul saved the day. Once again. Dub-V to the rescue!
Preston and Smith and Rashan Gary. Wow.
Great to see Allen Lazard fighting for the goal line to get 12 the record.
Davante and Rodgers. The greatest QB-WR combination in the storied history of the Green Bay Packers. Please keep this tandem together in Titletown, U.S.A. for the next 4 years! Lock them up!
Chandon Sullivan isn't overly flashy, but he's continued to make plays. He will be tough to take out of the lineup if/when Jaire returns.
STOKED FOR STOKES! He didn't finish the play on the interception, but he's consistently in position. And, he's only a rookie!
Sooner or later, it’s easy to envision the Packers not pulling out a last minute victory. They’re going to either have to have a Championship Drive on offense or a defensive stop in the middle of the 4th to all but seal the victory. It feels that each week, the Packers are in control in the middle of the 4th, only to let up and not seal the deal until the waning moments.
The Packers kryptonite appears to be both the special teams units and the run defense. If the opposition can consistently stay patient and stick with the run, it appears as though this defense will have its hands full. Against the pass, the defense has proven to have enough playmakers to find a way to get themselves off the Field whether it’s via a sack, an interception, a QB hurry or a pass break up.
Something tells me that Rodgers is going to sign a forever contract with the Packers this offseason. He's referred to Gutekunst as Brian recently. Previously, he wouldn't even refer to him by name. I'm guessing that Rodgers signs a long term deal. Fully guaranteed. He takes less next year to help them get under the cap. Davante also gets a long term deal. Cobb renegotiates and gets a team friendly 3 year deal as well.
This Sunday is a great day for watching football. In the early game, we root for Philly to beat Washington. In the afternoon, we root for Arizona to beat Dallas. And, in the evening, we root for the Packers to beat the 'queens. If all of this happens, Minnesota will be out of the playoffs and the Packers will own homefield advantage throughout.
Minnesota travels to Green Bay. Freezing temperatures. Sunday Night Football. In January. This is what it's all about!!
In order to beat the Packers right now, you have to destroy them on special teams and in the run game. You must display patience as an Offensive play caller. As much as any team in the NFL, the 'queens know this recipe. Zimmer will absolutely walk up to Kubiak and demand that he runs the ball north of 30 times this weekend.
Minnesota will also look to win special teams. They're planning on breaking open a Kickoff Return.
Dalvin Cook will be more than featured. He will be the heartbeat of the offense. If the Packers can't stop Cook, they'll be in for a long battle.
With Cousins unable to play, the Packers will be looking to load up the box. They can't let Cook get into the secondary.
Minnesota doesn't have the CB's to play with the Packers WR's. They've recently released Breeland. Dantzler will be out with a calf injury. Aaron Rodgers has to be thinking about another 3 TD game. If Rodgers comes through with another 3 TD, 0 interception game and the Packers lock up homefield throughout, he's all be guaranteed his 4th MVP.
The Packers come out looking to punch Minnesota in the mouth. We see a lot of Dillon and Jones. Jones darts through the heart of the Minnesota defense. Dillon pounds away. It opens up play action. A deep crossing route to MVS finds pay dirt.
We know this: Minnesota won't quit today. They'll fight to the finish. They grab an early lead. Annoyingly so. But, the Packers fight back. Even in the cold, this Rodgers + LaFleur combination is too much firepower.
Like nearly every Minnesota game this year, it'll be close and come down to a one-score game. Mannion can't come through in the clutch.
Packers 27 'queens 23
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac. talkins-mac.blogspot.com
A win will always be a win. There’s no such thing as style points in the NFL. The tally in the win column looks the same. The Packers magic number for owning the #1 seed in the NFC is down to 2.
As I write, I sip a Russian River Pliny the Elder. Can you make a better tasting beer? I listen to the 5/3/72 Grateful Dead show from Paris. What an absolutely epic concert!
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur. His teams just find a way to win. Regardless of how bleak it looks. The “Just Win, baby” mentality is alive and well.
Aaron Rodgers is another step closer to becoming the NFL’s MVP, once again. He’s dialed in.
Just as my anxiety was reaching a crescendo, Rasul saved the day. Once again. Dub-V to the rescue!
Preston and Smith and Rashan Gary. Wow.
Great to see Allen Lazard fighting for the goal line to get 12 the record.
Davante and Rodgers. The greatest QB-WR combination in the storied history of the Green Bay Packers. Please keep this tandem together in Titletown, U.S.A. for the next 4 years! Lock them up!
Chandon Sullivan isn't overly flashy, but he's continued to make plays. He will be tough to take out of the lineup if/when Jaire returns.
STOKED FOR STOKES! He didn't finish the play on the interception, but he's consistently in position. And, he's only a rookie!
Sooner or later, it’s easy to envision the Packers not pulling out a last minute victory. They’re going to either have to have a Championship Drive on offense or a defensive stop in the middle of the 4th to all but seal the victory. It feels that each week, the Packers are in control in the middle of the 4th, only to let up and not seal the deal until the waning moments.
The Packers kryptonite appears to be both the special teams units and the run defense. If the opposition can consistently stay patient and stick with the run, it appears as though this defense will have its hands full. Against the pass, the defense has proven to have enough playmakers to find a way to get themselves off the Field whether it’s via a sack, an interception, a QB hurry or a pass break up.
Something tells me that Rodgers is going to sign a forever contract with the Packers this offseason. He's referred to Gutekunst as Brian recently. Previously, he wouldn't even refer to him by name. I'm guessing that Rodgers signs a long term deal. Fully guaranteed. He takes less next year to help them get under the cap. Davante also gets a long term deal. Cobb renegotiates and gets a team friendly 3 year deal as well.
This Sunday is a great day for watching football. In the early game, we root for Philly to beat Washington. In the afternoon, we root for Arizona to beat Dallas. And, in the evening, we root for the Packers to beat the 'queens. If all of this happens, Minnesota will be out of the playoffs and the Packers will own homefield advantage throughout.
Minnesota travels to Green Bay. Freezing temperatures. Sunday Night Football. In January. This is what it's all about!!
In order to beat the Packers right now, you have to destroy them on special teams and in the run game. You must display patience as an Offensive play caller. As much as any team in the NFL, the 'queens know this recipe. Zimmer will absolutely walk up to Kubiak and demand that he runs the ball north of 30 times this weekend.
Minnesota will also look to win special teams. They're planning on breaking open a Kickoff Return.
Dalvin Cook will be more than featured. He will be the heartbeat of the offense. If the Packers can't stop Cook, they'll be in for a long battle.
With Cousins unable to play, the Packers will be looking to load up the box. They can't let Cook get into the secondary.
Minnesota doesn't have the CB's to play with the Packers WR's. They've recently released Breeland. Dantzler will be out with a calf injury. Aaron Rodgers has to be thinking about another 3 TD game. If Rodgers comes through with another 3 TD, 0 interception game and the Packers lock up homefield throughout, he's all be guaranteed his 4th MVP.
The Packers come out looking to punch Minnesota in the mouth. We see a lot of Dillon and Jones. Jones darts through the heart of the Minnesota defense. Dillon pounds away. It opens up play action. A deep crossing route to MVS finds pay dirt.
We know this: Minnesota won't quit today. They'll fight to the finish. They grab an early lead. Annoyingly so. But, the Packers fight back. Even in the cold, this Rodgers + LaFleur combination is too much firepower.
Like nearly every Minnesota game this year, it'll be close and come down to a one-score game. Mannion can't come through in the clutch.
Packers 27 'queens 23
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac. talkins-mac.blogspot.com
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