Greetings, G-Force.
Let me come clean. Today, yes, today, is the first time this year that I write without a drop of alcohol in my system. No, I'm not an alcoholic. Nor am I a recovering boozer. But, when I write, it's my one-hour a week in which I block everything else out. The baby is in bed. The wife is out shopping. It's my music on the speaker system. Today, that's Lucky Dube's "Live in Uganda" album. Normally, I'd be having a beer, a glass of whiskey or a glass of vodka on the rocks. Well, I'd likely throw a marinated onion in my vodka. Not today. Today, it's water, a bowl of strawberries and a tortilla that's wrapped around macadamia butter. You'll have to pardon me. Here goes nothing.
4-2. Emphatically! In first place. By ourselves. Clearly, the earth is back on its axis. The seasons have changed. The weather becomes an issue. Finesse is replaced with physicality. And, the Green Bay Packers have both a running game and a dominant Defensive Line. I always enjoyed that fall game against an AFC opponent at Lambeau Field. Generally, since 1992, they turned into celebrations. Last Sunday, as the Packers hosted the Browns. The same applied. Here are some takeaways:
* How can you not love Mike McCarthy? Other than Andy Reid, who else is even in the running for Coach of the Year? Seriously. The evolution of this offense is brilliant. As I watched the game, I felt like a lil' kid playing "GO FISH." I wanted Rodgers under center. Got what I wanted. I wanted play-action early in the game. Got what I wanted. I wanted Boykin targeted 8 times. He was targeted 10 times and caught 8 balls. As fans, please realize what McCarthy has accomplished with the decimated roster that he's trotted out since 2010. Every year, it seems as though the Packers are punished with severe injuries. Every year, McCarthy produces a winner.
* The Packers mental mettle is being challenged right now. While other teams seem to be folding with each passing injury, McCarthy keeps the Packers plugging along. Victoriously. Plainly stated, McCarthy is a level-headed, players coach.
* Cheers to Dom Capers. I did not believe the Packers would have success without Clay Matthews this year. But, between Capers' designs and Kevin Greene's teachings, Andy Mulumba and Nate Palmer have been more than serviceable.
* In the Packers XLV run, Capers utilized a lot of the Big Beefy formation with Howard Green, BJ Raji and Ryan Pickett all on the field at the same time. Green's failures in 2011 didn't allow it to be effective. Largely, he played with 2 down lineman in 2012. I like this version of the Big Beefy package. The Jolly, Pickett, Raji combo has been robust. Well done, Dom.
* Aaron Rodgers is brilliant. In control of everything. Loved his trust in Boykin. His ball placement on his passes to Boykin were spot on. Vintage performance by the XLV MVP.
* EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE! This guy has changed our franchise. Literally. We are a threat to run the football. Consistently, we seem to be facing 2nd & 6. Defenses are absolutely cognitive that the 2013 Green Bay Packers can punch you in the mouth. Thanks to Eddie Lacy!
* Great game, Jarrett Boykin. Exciting to see him get up and grab it. Liked the run after the catch. The extension for the TD was thrilling. Now, we need more.
* May the Good Lord shine his light on J-Mike. Finley has been an absolute beast this year. He was becoming the player that we'd all wanted him to become. Now, that we know there's not permanent damage, I feel like it's OK to state that I really hope he can make a comeback this year.
* Big props to TJ Lang. Fun to see him finishing plays to the whistle. Exciting to see him pulling in the 1st Quarter.
* Each week - Datone Jones gets closer to the QB. The Packers need him to develop into a legitimate 3rd down pass rusher. His 1st sack is coming soon. I can taste it. He's showing signs of being slippery. I like his hustle. He's tenacious. Importantly, it looks like he expects results from himself.
* The Packers have to be impressed with the run play of Andy Mulumba. Over the last two weeks, he's fought off blocks to make multiple plays.
* Great to see Cleveland run right at Nate Palmer on the first play of scrimmage. Palmer was up to the task in fairly convincing fashion.
* Mike Daniels! Every week he makes a play. Every. Single. Week!
* Like BJ Raji's push. Have to believe that he has a sack coming soon.
* AJ Hawk looks like an All-Pro. He's a different man. He's quick. He has burst. He's tackling with a vengeance. Let's hope it continues.
* Jamari Lattimore will make a big play if he continues to see playing time. My prediction is that he'll pick off a pass and take it to the house. He's instinctive. He anticipates well. I wish he'd pursue harder on the blitz, but I think that will come with time.
* Sammy Swagga is an elite CB.
* Morgan Burnett continues to bring a presence to our secondary.
* Micah Hyde is pure. Organically created. Crafted by an artisan.
* Ras-House is a baller. Love his game. Great to see him get the interception.
* Johnny Jolly stuffing the run!
* T-Mon with the sack!
* Good to see Chris Banjo active. Looks like he's earning more playing time. He's jumped Jerron McMillan.
* MD Jennings puts himself in the right spot, but he has a hard time finishing plays.
* It was a highly questionable call, but how does Jerron McMillan not make the tackle with ease on the fake punt?
* Sublimely designed wheel route to Franklin. Wish Rodgers would have hit him. Would have been a supreme TD.
* Can we please sign Jordy to a 6-year contract? I want him in Green Bay for the rest of his career.
* It should be noted that Eddie Lacy had 5 catches.
* Jamari Lattimore's stat line: 12 tackles. 9 solo. 1 sack. 1 PD. 1 Tackle for Loss. 1 QB Hit. Dude can play.
* Thought Jake Stoneburner was active on special teams.
* In limited action, I felt Mike Neal applied nice pressure.
This week - it's the Viqueens from Minnesota. You know - the team that wears Purple. They play in a Dome. A Dome that's named after a shopping mall. Yeah, we play them. Once again, it's a mystery as to who will play QB for the 'queens. Ponder took the first team snaps, but only because Josh Freeman was experiencing concussion-like symptoms. I want to play Josh Freeman. While we've beaten him since 2009, I am still not over that loss at Tampa.
It's interesting that the 3 RB's that I consider to be the best in my lifetime have all played within the division: Barry Sanders, Walter Payton and AP. AP is a total stallion. An unbelievable force. A thrill to watch. Even when he's abusing you. He does it with absolute authority. Nothing but respect for that man.
On offense, the 'queens have some weapons. The artist formerly known as "Be Great" - Greg Jennings - can play. We know this first hand. Jerome Simpson is an underrated WR who can beat you deep. Cordarrelle Patterson is an athlete. Jarius Wright has talents. Kyle Rudolph is a rising star at TE. Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt are steady at Tackle. But, Minnesota does not have a QB. Their QB play has been pathetic, to put it lightly.
Defensively, Minnesota has great depth on the DL. We all know Jared Allen, Brian Robison, Everson Griffen, and Kevin Williams. But, Letroy Guion, Fred Evans and 1st round pick, Sharrif Floyd, are all powerful DT's who offer good push. At LB, Chad Greenway and Erin Henderson are above average. So, what's the problem? The secondary. Harrison Smith's injury took a below average unit and made it beyond poor. Neither Chris Cook nor Josh Robinson can be expected to cover Jordy Nelson. They can't.
If Rodgers gets protection - which is a big 'if' - I expect Rodgers to pass for over 350 yards. Minnesota cannot cover us. Not even with the depleted weapons at WR. Jamarca Sanford and Andrew Sendejo can be exposed deep down the field. And, with the 'queens having to respect the run, look for McCarthy to try a deep ball to Jordy.
McCarthy does a marvelous job setting up opponents. He shows the same formation multiple weeks in a row and runs the same play. Eventually, teams read the formation and he comes with an element of surprise. Often, this surprise happens against either Minnesota or Chicago. Expect McCarthy to show some new tricks.
In 2009, J-Mike was a main target in Minnesota. In 2010, AQ81 had a big TD at Lambeau against Minnesota. Look for Bostick to be a target over the next two weeks. Bostick has been saved for something. There's no better time to use him than now.
My prediction: Look for McCarthy to stack the left side of the line. 2 TE formation. AQ81 lined up tight against Bakhtiari. Boykin lined close to the line of scrimmage, but a step back. Bostick between Boykin and AQ81. Jordy split wide right. The Packers have effectively run a pitch out of this formation all year. If I know this, so do Defensive Coordinators. They'll be preparing to stop it. This time McCarthy fakes the pitch. Bostick gets a free release and is streaking down the seam. Make the play, Brandon!
I'll assume that Freeman plays as that's what they stated to the media. Even though I predict Ponder plays. But, for the sake of timing, it's Freeman. Freeman struggles all game. The Packers get pressure up the gut. Early. Often. Freeman overthrows the crossing route and MD Jennings grabs the pick.
AP gets his early in the game. But, the Packers offense is too much. The protection isn't great, but it's enough. And, Rodgers moves the ball effectively. Thus, AP is limited to 16 carries.
It's Rodgers on the back-shoulder to Nelson. It's Rodgers in the flat to AQ81. It's Rodgers on the comeback to Boykin. It's Rodgers on the screen to Lacy. Minnesota responds by dropping the safeties even further. McCarthy responds with EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE!
It's always terrific to grab victory in Minnesota. Especially on Sunday Night Football.
Packers 34. Viqueens 16.
Since we're at the mid-way point of the College Football season, here's a quick glimpse of my mock draft. As always, I'm behind on OL, I only draft someone if I've watched him play and I use the CBS DRAFT SCOUT web site for my round projections unless I want to move someone up. As a side note, I'm giving the Packers compensatory picks in the 5th & 6th rounds for Jennings and Walden. Here goes:
Round 1.) Eric Ebron, TE, UNC. Not much has changed for me since before the college football season. Ebron and Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo are my top two targets. Mack would be ideal for the 3-4, but it's questionable that he makes it out of the top-20. So, as of now, the guess is that he's not around when the Packers select. Ebron would be an ideal fit for the Packers offense. He's a gem who isn't afraid of running across the middle and making plays in traffic. Additionally, he can get deep down the field. He's an average blocker, but if Finley doesn't stick around, Ebron would fill-in. Two others that fit: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vandy and Kyle Van Roy, OLB, BYU.
Round 2.) Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State. Previously, I had him listed in my Mock Draft as a 3rd Round selection. While he's still projected as a 2nd or 3rd round pick, I wouldn't be disappointed if he were our 1st Round pick. He slaps wrists. Goes after the football. He's an intimidator. A brute tackler. He plays the ball in the air. He's become my favorite player to watch in college football. He reminds me of Brian Dawkins. The complete package. He'd start today. He'll be the mock until next years draft. Guaranteed. I don't care how much he rises. I'll take him in Round 1. Others to watch: Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU & Odell Beckham, Jr, WR, LSU. Both are ideal for the Packers system.
Round 3.) Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia. Give Murray the ball in a close game. And, he's going to put his team in position to win. Seems like a natural fit for the Packers offense. Can throw on the run. Has great instincts. Confident. Takes command of the huddle.
Round 4.) Rashad Greene, WR, FSU. An ideal slot WR in the NFL. Moves like Victor Cruz. If you miss him in the open field, he's taking it to the house. He's reliable. Plays with flair. Not ideal size, but he makes up for it with grit.
Round 5.) Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State. Every time I watch Hyde, I become more impressed. He does it all. Plays with hunger. At times, he's carried OSU.
Round 5.) Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State. He's a Ted Thompson "football player." A leader on defense. Great size. A student of the game. Great family lineage.
Round 6.) Michael Sam, OLB, Mizzou. Sam can get to the QB. Hand in the dirt pass rusher. Savvy. Knows the game. Understands the angle to the QB. Has been a game changer.
Round 6.) Gus Handler, C, Colorado. The Packers did well with a Colorado OL last year. Handler has NFL ability. Not the best size as he looks like he could add weight. But, he's fairly athletic and is a developmental prospect.
Round 7.) Beau Allen, DL, WI. I like that Allen has gained exposure to a 3-4. I like the way he plugs the hole. Is he a 1st year starter? No. Can he be groomed? I believe so.
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/buzzboy3
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
My Take -> Week 7
Greetings, G-Force.
3-2. A winning record for the first time in 2013. In riveting fashion. On the road. At the Defending Super Bowl Champions. Yes, we went into the Champs house and punched them in the mouth. With conviction. Truly sublime, yo.
Let your lips touch whiskey. Savor the sweetness. It must be onward and upward from here. With two winnable games, it should be.
Here's some vibes from the game:
* I love Mike McCarthy. Every team has injuries. I get it. But, man, the injuries suffered thus far have been unbelievably crazy. What other coach would consistently win that game? Bill Belichick? Sure. Mike Tomlin? I used to feel that way. Who else? Anyone? One thing we can say convincingly: Mike McCarthy rallies the troops. Time & time again. Regardless of who is injured, McCarthy wins. Consistently. What a leader!
* The Packers beat the Ravens without Clay, Brad Jones, Casey Hayward, Bryan Bulaga, James Starks and James Jones. Oh, and Randall Cobb, Nick Perry & Mike Neal all went down with injury. And, yes, McCarthy made the adjustments to pull off the victory on a day when Aaron Rodgers wasn't at his sharpest.
* David Bakhtiari and Don Barclay v Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs! Really? Suggs had zero sacks. Great job, Bakhtiari. Excellent play calling, Mike McCarthy.
* The running game was in rhythm. The play-action pass to Jordy for the 64-yard TD was absolute ballin'. Great design. Great timing. That's perfection, Mike McCarthy.
* Coming into the year, a lot of people were calling for Dom Capers' head. Where are those guys now? Capers has done an excellent job mixing blitzes. He's also changed the defensive fronts. He's playing with 3-down lineman more often. The results: The Packers are among the best in the league at stopping the run.
* The DL looks more physical than they've been since REGGIE left in 1998. God bless the soul of Reggie White! Man, he was a stud. And, you know he's shining from heaven as he stares down at this DL.
* AJ Hawk! Beastly, dude! His best game as a Packer. Undoubtedly.
* Please, Jordy. Please. Please sign an extension. Now! Stay in Green Bay forever.
* Eddie Lacy! Eddie Lacy! Eddie Lacy! I'd like to start a petition for Lambeau to rock an "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Chant. Can we make this happen? It should!
* Rodgers is due for a BIG game. Like a 4-TD game. Regardless of the weapons. He's that good. It'll happen soon.
* I'm forever a T-Mon fan. I'm a loyal man. But, his tackling was pathetic. Didn't seem to be trying. Didn't have a problem with the defensive holding penalty because he thought he had 6 points the other way. But, bro, you have to give effort on the tackle. He could be benched soon.
* Blessings to Randall Cobb.
* A speedy recovery to Mike Neal, James Jones, and Nick Perry.
* Andy Mulumba & Nate Palmer played significant snaps. And, Dom had the troops coming after the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
* Micah Hyde's sack was vintage! Overload the right side of the right side. Hyde comes untouched. Great design, Dom Capers.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* Morgan Burnett. It's great to have him back. A true difference maker. He was rock solid on the goal line stand. His presence is great to have on the field.
* Jerron McMillan should be our 4th Safety. Unacceptable, Jerron. You can't let the WR get behind you on 4th & 21. No way.
* Great play, J-Mike! You were the set-up man. Next time, be the closer and stay inbounds! Finley has had a solid year. Sign the extension, J-Mike. And be fair.
* Andy Mulumba is a fighter. He hasn't mastered leverage. But, he plays with tenacity on every play.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* Josh Sitton is adjusting well to the left side of the line. When the Packers run left, good things are happening.
* Nick Perry! Huge play! We need him back.
* While Perry is away, look for Datone Jones to line up on the outside. He might not stand up, but he'll shift outside the tackle on occasion.
* On 3rd & 1, can we hand it off to Eddie Lacy?
* In the red zone, can we hand it off to Eddie Lacy?
* With Eddie Lacy, the Packers have a running game. Without him, we might still have a running game if Starks can stay healthy.
* Instead of watching MNF, I watched Eddie Lacy drive a dagger into the hearts of Ravens fans. And the Ravens defense. And John Harbaugh.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* AQ81, I enjoy your blocking skills. Great toughness.
* Welcome to the field, Myles White. You, too, Jake Stoneburner.
* What were you thinking, John Kuhn? On the punt and when you tried to hurdle Webb to get the 1st down. Run him over!
* I wonder if Kuhn was trying too hard. He didn't play for two weeks. He wanted to make an impact. I get it. But, stick to the basics, John.
* The complexity of Lacy's last run is grand. We haven't seen a successful conversion on a similar occasion in a long time. Let me paint the picture: Suggs gets leverage on Bakhtiari and pushes him backwards. Seemingly gaining containment to the outside. It's a run between the guard and the tackle. The LB plugs the hole. Sitton gets no push. Arguably, Sitton was guilty of holding. It's not called. Lacy quickly notices that there's nothing there. He bounces it outside. He grabs a 1st down as he has the speed to get around Suggs and get to the edge. He slides to kill the click. He grabs the win. On the road. Against the champs. He sets up victory formation.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* The play-action pass is back in Mike McCarthy's arsenal. Thank you, Eddie Lacy.
* What a win! We were more physical than Baltimore. In Baltimore. That's not supposed to happen. It happened.
* AJ Hawks deserves a second mention.
* I was pleased with Jamari Lattimore's game. But, I wished he'd finish with more might when he rushes the QB.
* Good special teams pay, Chris Banjo.
* Way to finish the half, Nick Perry.
* Good playing, Davon House.
* Good to have you back, Mason Crosby.
* Run straight ahead Micah Hyde. Grab yardage. Be more lie Mike Pryor. Less like Devon Hester. Yes, I wrote that. But, Micah, be who you are. Wherever you are.
* Well done, BJ Raji. He's playing the run well. Now, go get the QB, BJ!
* Mike Daniels makes a play ever week.
* The blocked punt by Ryan Taylor was awesome!
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* Tough day for Jarrett Boykin. Better days are ahead. I promise. He will be in rhythm. He won't drop the all.
* The Ryan Pickett/Johnny Jolly/CJ Wilson rotation looked good.
* Sammy Swagga is an elite CB.
* This Packers team needs to be more concerned about the yardage marker and less concerned about grabbing the big play. Get the first down and push reset on the down marker. Too many times we are being stopped on third and short when a first down could have been picked up earlier. Find he check down, Aaron. Or pick it up with your feet. But, either way, move the chains. I don't want to take away the innovation, but this version of the Packers is different than others and it should force everyone to adjust. Including Rodgers.
* On 1st down inside the red zone, I'm giving the ball to Eddie Lacy. 100% of the time.
* Packers fans should be excited for Chris Harper. Before the NFL Draft, I listed him as 1 of 11 WR's that would fit with the Packers. He was projected as a 4th Round pick. Seattle grabbed him in the 4th Round. In April, I wrote, "Great size. Football player. Put him on the field and you'll get consistent production. Don't love his speed. But, he's a feisty competitor who'll play solid ball for the next 7-10 years." Today, I stand by that thought. And, I'm happy he's in Green Bay.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
This week - it's the Cleveland Browns. With Brandon Weeden as their starting QB. At Lambeau Field. Show no mercy, Dom Capers and Mike McCarthy.
The Browns have limited weapons. I like Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. In fact, Cameron will pose problems for the Packers. Travis Benjamin has speed, but little of anything else. Greg Little has promise, but he's raw. Davone Bess is a possession receiver with limitations. Willis McGahee & Chris Ogbonnaya don't scare me.
The Browns do have some positives on the OL. Joe Thomas is as good as it gets at LT. Alex Mack is a first-class Center.
Defensively, Cleveland has some definite strengths. Jabaal Sheard can get to the QB. Barkevious Mingo can play. Phil Taylor can be tough to move. Paul Krueger was a key cog in the Baltimore title run last year. D'Qwell Jackson tackles everything he hits. Joe Haden is a top 10 CB in the NFL, possibly a top 5 CB. TJ Ward would start on nearly every team in the NFL at Safety. Yes, the Browns defense has some solid pieces in place. But, they also have deficiencies.
Buster Skrine meet Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers will be coming after Skrine early. And often.
Cleveland will likely match Joe Haden on Jordy Nelson. Everywhere Nelson goes, Haden will probably follow. Look for Jarrett Boykin to get his chance to shine. I think he will. Going after Skrine, it wouldn't surprise me if Rodgers targets Boykin at least 8 times on Sunday.
With J-Mike moving to the slot, Rodgers will look at him on short down and outs underneath the Nelson go-route. Nelson then becomes a blocker and J-Mike is expected to continue to punch out yards after the catch.
Early in the game, I hope the Packers open it up. With the recent run success, it's reasonable for the Cleveland defense to prepare for a heavy dose of Eddie Lacy. If I'm McCarthy, I come with a variety of play action passes. It's possible that Rodgers could be facing 8-men in the box. If so, the Packers must try to take advantage of 1 on 1 coverage on the outside.
Look for Cleveland to try and eat clock. They'll run a fairly basic offense. They'll try to attack the right side of our defense. Running behind Joe Thomas and going after Mulumba, the Browns look to punch out yardage. It's not happening.
Early on, Cleveland converts a couple of 3rd downs as Capers rushes only 3. With the Packers playing zone defense, Josh Gordon finds a gap on a crossing route and picks up good yardage. Jordan Cameron frustrates the Packers offense. Cleveland notches and early 3 points.
While Cleveland's defense is fairly stout against the run, Eddie Lacy finds some daylight behind Josh Sitton and David Bakhtiari. The Packers efficiently move the ball as Rodgers hits AQ81 in the flat. It's Rodgers to Boykin for a TD and a Lambeau Leap into the South End Zone!
Late in the 2nd Quarter, Weeden makes his mistake. He puts too much air under his deep ball to Josh Gordon and Morgan Burnett makes the play. The tide rolls fully into the Packers favor.
It's Eddie Lacy pounding away. And then, there's more Eddie Lacy. Followed by a play-action pass to J-Mike over the middle.
If fully healthy, the Packers would win this one 41-13. But, we aren't. So, it'll be closer than we'd like.
Packers 23
Browns 16
Rise and shine, G-Force. Let's do this convincingly. The team needs the fans. Elevate. Be loud. Be proud. Spark goodness. If the team comes out flat, don't get down. Be the spark plug. Change the energy. But, stay positive as we battle thru obstacles with new faces in the lineup. At times, the timing may be off. But, stay in lock-step. Let's survive until Cobb, Matthews, and Perry come back. But, the team needs the fans to be difference makers. Get after it, G-Force. With a vengeance. And leave hoarse. As fans, you can make it difficult for Weeden. And, when things become challenging for Weeden, he fails. Make it tough for him.
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/buzzboy3
3-2. A winning record for the first time in 2013. In riveting fashion. On the road. At the Defending Super Bowl Champions. Yes, we went into the Champs house and punched them in the mouth. With conviction. Truly sublime, yo.
Let your lips touch whiskey. Savor the sweetness. It must be onward and upward from here. With two winnable games, it should be.
Here's some vibes from the game:
* I love Mike McCarthy. Every team has injuries. I get it. But, man, the injuries suffered thus far have been unbelievably crazy. What other coach would consistently win that game? Bill Belichick? Sure. Mike Tomlin? I used to feel that way. Who else? Anyone? One thing we can say convincingly: Mike McCarthy rallies the troops. Time & time again. Regardless of who is injured, McCarthy wins. Consistently. What a leader!
* The Packers beat the Ravens without Clay, Brad Jones, Casey Hayward, Bryan Bulaga, James Starks and James Jones. Oh, and Randall Cobb, Nick Perry & Mike Neal all went down with injury. And, yes, McCarthy made the adjustments to pull off the victory on a day when Aaron Rodgers wasn't at his sharpest.
* David Bakhtiari and Don Barclay v Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs! Really? Suggs had zero sacks. Great job, Bakhtiari. Excellent play calling, Mike McCarthy.
* The running game was in rhythm. The play-action pass to Jordy for the 64-yard TD was absolute ballin'. Great design. Great timing. That's perfection, Mike McCarthy.
* Coming into the year, a lot of people were calling for Dom Capers' head. Where are those guys now? Capers has done an excellent job mixing blitzes. He's also changed the defensive fronts. He's playing with 3-down lineman more often. The results: The Packers are among the best in the league at stopping the run.
* The DL looks more physical than they've been since REGGIE left in 1998. God bless the soul of Reggie White! Man, he was a stud. And, you know he's shining from heaven as he stares down at this DL.
* AJ Hawk! Beastly, dude! His best game as a Packer. Undoubtedly.
* Please, Jordy. Please. Please sign an extension. Now! Stay in Green Bay forever.
* Eddie Lacy! Eddie Lacy! Eddie Lacy! I'd like to start a petition for Lambeau to rock an "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Chant. Can we make this happen? It should!
* Rodgers is due for a BIG game. Like a 4-TD game. Regardless of the weapons. He's that good. It'll happen soon.
* I'm forever a T-Mon fan. I'm a loyal man. But, his tackling was pathetic. Didn't seem to be trying. Didn't have a problem with the defensive holding penalty because he thought he had 6 points the other way. But, bro, you have to give effort on the tackle. He could be benched soon.
* Blessings to Randall Cobb.
* A speedy recovery to Mike Neal, James Jones, and Nick Perry.
* Andy Mulumba & Nate Palmer played significant snaps. And, Dom had the troops coming after the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
* Micah Hyde's sack was vintage! Overload the right side of the right side. Hyde comes untouched. Great design, Dom Capers.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* Morgan Burnett. It's great to have him back. A true difference maker. He was rock solid on the goal line stand. His presence is great to have on the field.
* Jerron McMillan should be our 4th Safety. Unacceptable, Jerron. You can't let the WR get behind you on 4th & 21. No way.
* Great play, J-Mike! You were the set-up man. Next time, be the closer and stay inbounds! Finley has had a solid year. Sign the extension, J-Mike. And be fair.
* Andy Mulumba is a fighter. He hasn't mastered leverage. But, he plays with tenacity on every play.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* Josh Sitton is adjusting well to the left side of the line. When the Packers run left, good things are happening.
* Nick Perry! Huge play! We need him back.
* While Perry is away, look for Datone Jones to line up on the outside. He might not stand up, but he'll shift outside the tackle on occasion.
* On 3rd & 1, can we hand it off to Eddie Lacy?
* In the red zone, can we hand it off to Eddie Lacy?
* With Eddie Lacy, the Packers have a running game. Without him, we might still have a running game if Starks can stay healthy.
* Instead of watching MNF, I watched Eddie Lacy drive a dagger into the hearts of Ravens fans. And the Ravens defense. And John Harbaugh.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* AQ81, I enjoy your blocking skills. Great toughness.
* Welcome to the field, Myles White. You, too, Jake Stoneburner.
* What were you thinking, John Kuhn? On the punt and when you tried to hurdle Webb to get the 1st down. Run him over!
* I wonder if Kuhn was trying too hard. He didn't play for two weeks. He wanted to make an impact. I get it. But, stick to the basics, John.
* The complexity of Lacy's last run is grand. We haven't seen a successful conversion on a similar occasion in a long time. Let me paint the picture: Suggs gets leverage on Bakhtiari and pushes him backwards. Seemingly gaining containment to the outside. It's a run between the guard and the tackle. The LB plugs the hole. Sitton gets no push. Arguably, Sitton was guilty of holding. It's not called. Lacy quickly notices that there's nothing there. He bounces it outside. He grabs a 1st down as he has the speed to get around Suggs and get to the edge. He slides to kill the click. He grabs the win. On the road. Against the champs. He sets up victory formation.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* The play-action pass is back in Mike McCarthy's arsenal. Thank you, Eddie Lacy.
* What a win! We were more physical than Baltimore. In Baltimore. That's not supposed to happen. It happened.
* AJ Hawks deserves a second mention.
* I was pleased with Jamari Lattimore's game. But, I wished he'd finish with more might when he rushes the QB.
* Good special teams pay, Chris Banjo.
* Way to finish the half, Nick Perry.
* Good playing, Davon House.
* Good to have you back, Mason Crosby.
* Run straight ahead Micah Hyde. Grab yardage. Be more lie Mike Pryor. Less like Devon Hester. Yes, I wrote that. But, Micah, be who you are. Wherever you are.
* Well done, BJ Raji. He's playing the run well. Now, go get the QB, BJ!
* Mike Daniels makes a play ever week.
* The blocked punt by Ryan Taylor was awesome!
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
* Tough day for Jarrett Boykin. Better days are ahead. I promise. He will be in rhythm. He won't drop the all.
* The Ryan Pickett/Johnny Jolly/CJ Wilson rotation looked good.
* Sammy Swagga is an elite CB.
* This Packers team needs to be more concerned about the yardage marker and less concerned about grabbing the big play. Get the first down and push reset on the down marker. Too many times we are being stopped on third and short when a first down could have been picked up earlier. Find he check down, Aaron. Or pick it up with your feet. But, either way, move the chains. I don't want to take away the innovation, but this version of the Packers is different than others and it should force everyone to adjust. Including Rodgers.
* On 1st down inside the red zone, I'm giving the ball to Eddie Lacy. 100% of the time.
* Packers fans should be excited for Chris Harper. Before the NFL Draft, I listed him as 1 of 11 WR's that would fit with the Packers. He was projected as a 4th Round pick. Seattle grabbed him in the 4th Round. In April, I wrote, "Great size. Football player. Put him on the field and you'll get consistent production. Don't love his speed. But, he's a feisty competitor who'll play solid ball for the next 7-10 years." Today, I stand by that thought. And, I'm happy he's in Green Bay.
* "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" "EDDIE!" Make it happen, Lambeau!
This week - it's the Cleveland Browns. With Brandon Weeden as their starting QB. At Lambeau Field. Show no mercy, Dom Capers and Mike McCarthy.
The Browns have limited weapons. I like Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. In fact, Cameron will pose problems for the Packers. Travis Benjamin has speed, but little of anything else. Greg Little has promise, but he's raw. Davone Bess is a possession receiver with limitations. Willis McGahee & Chris Ogbonnaya don't scare me.
The Browns do have some positives on the OL. Joe Thomas is as good as it gets at LT. Alex Mack is a first-class Center.
Defensively, Cleveland has some definite strengths. Jabaal Sheard can get to the QB. Barkevious Mingo can play. Phil Taylor can be tough to move. Paul Krueger was a key cog in the Baltimore title run last year. D'Qwell Jackson tackles everything he hits. Joe Haden is a top 10 CB in the NFL, possibly a top 5 CB. TJ Ward would start on nearly every team in the NFL at Safety. Yes, the Browns defense has some solid pieces in place. But, they also have deficiencies.
Buster Skrine meet Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers will be coming after Skrine early. And often.
Cleveland will likely match Joe Haden on Jordy Nelson. Everywhere Nelson goes, Haden will probably follow. Look for Jarrett Boykin to get his chance to shine. I think he will. Going after Skrine, it wouldn't surprise me if Rodgers targets Boykin at least 8 times on Sunday.
With J-Mike moving to the slot, Rodgers will look at him on short down and outs underneath the Nelson go-route. Nelson then becomes a blocker and J-Mike is expected to continue to punch out yards after the catch.
Early in the game, I hope the Packers open it up. With the recent run success, it's reasonable for the Cleveland defense to prepare for a heavy dose of Eddie Lacy. If I'm McCarthy, I come with a variety of play action passes. It's possible that Rodgers could be facing 8-men in the box. If so, the Packers must try to take advantage of 1 on 1 coverage on the outside.
Look for Cleveland to try and eat clock. They'll run a fairly basic offense. They'll try to attack the right side of our defense. Running behind Joe Thomas and going after Mulumba, the Browns look to punch out yardage. It's not happening.
Early on, Cleveland converts a couple of 3rd downs as Capers rushes only 3. With the Packers playing zone defense, Josh Gordon finds a gap on a crossing route and picks up good yardage. Jordan Cameron frustrates the Packers offense. Cleveland notches and early 3 points.
While Cleveland's defense is fairly stout against the run, Eddie Lacy finds some daylight behind Josh Sitton and David Bakhtiari. The Packers efficiently move the ball as Rodgers hits AQ81 in the flat. It's Rodgers to Boykin for a TD and a Lambeau Leap into the South End Zone!
Late in the 2nd Quarter, Weeden makes his mistake. He puts too much air under his deep ball to Josh Gordon and Morgan Burnett makes the play. The tide rolls fully into the Packers favor.
It's Eddie Lacy pounding away. And then, there's more Eddie Lacy. Followed by a play-action pass to J-Mike over the middle.
If fully healthy, the Packers would win this one 41-13. But, we aren't. So, it'll be closer than we'd like.
Packers 23
Browns 16
Rise and shine, G-Force. Let's do this convincingly. The team needs the fans. Elevate. Be loud. Be proud. Spark goodness. If the team comes out flat, don't get down. Be the spark plug. Change the energy. But, stay positive as we battle thru obstacles with new faces in the lineup. At times, the timing may be off. But, stay in lock-step. Let's survive until Cobb, Matthews, and Perry come back. But, the team needs the fans to be difference makers. Get after it, G-Force. With a vengeance. And leave hoarse. As fans, you can make it difficult for Weeden. And, when things become challenging for Weeden, he fails. Make it tough for him.
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/buzzboy3
Saturday, October 12, 2013
My Take -> Week 6
Greetings, G-Force.
Back on track. And tied for the Division lead in the loss column. The schedule has us in a position to make a run, if we can get thru the Defending Champions on the road. Sure, the Lions were undermanned as they played without Calvin Johnson & Nate Burleson, but you aren't going to get any sympathy from an organization that has been littered with injuries since the start of the XLV Season. Under Mike McCarthy direction, the Packers have admirably applied the "Next Man Up" philosophy and - for the most part - the player who was next in line has played better than expected.
Any time you win in the Division, it's crucial. Though it wasn't pretty, it looks the same in the box score and ultimately, it was a solid grind it out victory over a tough-minded Lions team. Here's some vibes from the game:
* Mike McCarthy wins inside the Division. The appearance isn't always delightful to the eye, but the end result is normally the same: VICTORY FORMATION. I respect McCarthy. I like how he's trying to let the offense evolve. Clearly, he's still figuring it out. But, it's coming together. It's a full-on blend of a heavy running attack on 1st down. Mixed in with short passes and additional runs on 2nd down. Then, on 3rd Down, the ball is put in Rodgers hands - almost exclusively. It's an offense based out of shotgun formations. In my mind, McCarthy is clearly setting up opponents in the future. Look for more play action passes out of the same formations.
* I like the pitch play to the outside. It's worked wonders. I expect this play to evolve into a play action pass to the weak side of the field. It'd generate one-on-one coverage and an open TE in the flat. It'd be a first down.
* While McCarthy's new offense isn't as flamboyant as ones in the past, it's effective for this version of the Packers. It eats the clock and it forces Rodgers to execute on 3rd and 6 or less. I like my chances in that situation. It's more ball control than we're used to seeing out of the Green & Gold.
* The other place McCarthy's new offense demands efficiency is inside the Red Zone. And, this is his biggest area of opportunity. Inside the 10, McCarthy has abandoned the run game. He needs to give the ball to Lacy who has a nose for the end zone. Let Lacy pound away. McCarthy is getting too fancy. Rodgers appears frustrated with the play-calling. Further, Rodgers seems as though he is losing confidence in the OL inside the Red Zone. Once the 1st read is covered, it looks like Rodgers looks down at the pass rush and not down the field for open receivers. Could be wrong, but that's what I perceive.
* Dear Aaron Rodgers, Stay cool. Stay calm. Stay collected. You are our driver. We all know this. Your frustrations speak volumes. Keep us united. Especially in the Red Zone. Big things are soon to happen for this offense.
* I like Eddie Lacy. A lot. But, he leaves a lot of yards on the field. Find the yardage maker, Eddie. Move the sticks. Be less concerned about looking for the 25 yard carry and more concerned about picking up the 1st down. Prior to the 3rd & 1 in which Rodgers' pass to Cobb was knocked down by DeAndre Levy at the line of scrimmage (what was McCarthy thinking on that play call?), I thought Lacy could have picked up a first down on both of the prior carries, but he misread the rushing lanes.
* How epic was McCarthy's insertion of Cobb as a RB? Changed the game. Brought the Packers a victory. Loved the play call. Running Cobb to the weak side. Big adjustment from McCarthy. The more Cobb touches the ball, the better this offense will be.
* Jordy Nelson is an acrobat! In full exclamation.
* James Jones is underrated.
* Note to Johnathan Franklin: if you don't hang onto the football in this league, you don't last long. Priority #1 is ball possession.
* Great game, Josh Sitton. You, too, EDS.
* Thought TJ Lang played well with the exception of when he whiffed on Levy on the screen.
* Keep working, David Bakhtiari.
* J-Mike is running harder after the catch than he has throughout his NFL Career.
* Ryan Taylor should be released. He brings zero value. Great play call by McCarthy. Great design. Taylor was wide open. Ball hits him in the hands. Should have been a TD. No excuses.
* Get healthy, Clay Matthews. We need you.
* Great game, Mike Neal. Be ready for more action. Neal was an absolute stud against Detroit. Against the run and putting pressure on the QB.
* The Packers will miss Brad Jones. Hope he's back soon. Man, he's been somewhat beastly this year.
* I didn't want to see Robert Francois in action due to a Brad Jones injury, but I was excited to see him. Sad that he's done for the year. The special teams units will sorely miss him.
* Time to elevate Jamari Lattimore and Sam Barrington.
* Big play, Morgan Burnett! Thought that was a TD. Good instincts, young man.
* Play bump and run, Ras-Davon. No reason House is laying off receivers by 5-7 yards. That's not his game. He has to out-physical WR's at the line of scrimmage.
* Good game, AJ Hawk. He's having his best year as a Packer. He still struggles in pass coverage, but it was fun to see him shifting DL into the right spot prior to the play and nearly every time, his adjustment was spot on.
* Ryan Pickett is immovable.
* Mike Daniels keeps pushing OL backwards.
* Make the tackle, MD Jennings!
* Game ball to you, Mason Crosby.
* The last couple of years, the Packers have made plays on special teams, it didn't look as though Micah Hyde could continue that trend based on his one return. I'm not willing to give up that piece of our team. We need to improve in the return game.
* Much has been made of Nick Perry's move to the right side. I feel like his comfort there is important. Not only is he playing a new position at OLB, but he also is pushing off with a different side of his body. When I first saw him play for USC, he was on the right side. He was abusing Jonathan Martin. Martin was eventually a 2nd round pick by the Dolphins. Perry looked powerful. He looked quick. He looked natural. We didn't see a lot of that in his limited action on the left side. But, in just a few snaps, he notched 2 sacks and a forced fumble rushing from the right side. He'll get his chance to punch out more pressure on the QB. Play with confidence, Nick.
* Quick shout out to Sir Charles! Tied the NFL Record for most defensive returns for a TD. He also picked off a pass. And, thus, he was awarded the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Stallion!
This week - it's the Ravens. In Baltimore. It should be noted that the Ravens are a much better team at home than they are on the road. The Ravens have a stout OL, a couple of talented RB's, a beastly pass rush, and the most overrated QB in the NFL.
I'm not a Joe Flacco fan. I give him credit for winning the Super Bowl. He engineered a great playoff run. He was deserving of the Super Bowl MVP. But, man, as a week-to-week QB, I'm glad he's not in Green Bay.
Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce are legit. Both are the type of RB's that traditionally give the Packers problems. They're tough. Physical. Great vision. And, both are utilized well on the screen. If I were the Offensive Coordinator for Baltimore, I'd call between 7-10 screens this week. Rice and Pierce will make hay on the Packers thru the screen and dump offs.
The Ravens OL is big and gifted. Eugene Moore looks to start at RT. He's a solid addition and will immediately improve the Ravens OL. Nick Perry will have his work cut out for him as he tries to beat Michael Oher in an attempt to get to Flacco.
Torrey Smith can get deep. But, he's not a great short-to-intermediate route runner. Jacoby Jones is talented, but he might not play. Marlon Brown and Tandon Doss don't scare me. Ed Dickson and Dallas Clark are decent possession receivers.
Defensively, the Ravens scare me. Dumervil and Suggs are intimidating. They could have their way with Bakhtiari and Barclay. Canty, Ngata and Arthur Jones are all legit. Ngata is elite. Canty is long and problematic. Ladarius Webb, Jimmy Smith and Corey Graham are solid CB's who match up well with our 3-headed WR combo of Nelson, Jones and Cobb. Matt Elam has playmaking skills at Safety.
The Ravens defense matches up well with the Packers offense. Freakishly well. In order for the Packers to win, they'll have to do two things: run the football and utilize the middle of the field. Lately, McCarthy has been stuck on moving the football to the outside. He's gotten away from the middle of the field. This week - the Packers must attack the middle of the field. Force James Ihedigbo, Daryl Smith and Josh Bynes to make plays. Force them to cover J-Mike and AQ81. Get Finley and Quarless down the field. Use the dump off to Lacy. Get Kuhn involved underneath. Take what you can get. And run it right at Canty. Yes, run Lacy at Canty. On repeat.
Defensively, the Packers must play to stop the run. If so, Flacco will make a mistake. It'll be up to our DB's to capitalize on those mistakes. I'm confident that they will. I'm calling it again this week - look for T-Mon to grab a game changing pick!
Don't let Torrey Smith beat you deep. The Packers must give help on the deep ball with Smith. 8 in the box. With help over the top on Smith. Get after Flacco with a variety of blitzes. Flacco will be throwing off his back foot. Opportunities will be present.
Corey Graham is an excellent slot CB. He'll do well against Cobb. It'll be up to McCarthy to get creative in an attempt to get Cobb the ball.
Early on, look for the Packers to come out trying to punch the Ravens DL in the mouth. Running right at the Ravens DL. The Packers move the football with moderate success and Crosby is true as the Packers stall near the Red Zone.
The Ravens move the football in annoying fashion. On a 2nd and 12, they hit the Packers in the teeth with a screen to Pierce. It's Flacco to Smith in the back corner of the end zone.
But, the Packers respond. It's Finley over the middle of the field. And, then, the Packers take advantage of the overly aggressive CB play on the outside. Using a double move, James Jones gets behind Jimmy Smith. For a big play.
Watch for it, Graham, Smith and Webb are grabbers. Let's hope we get the calls. Because pass interference and defensive holding calls could come in abundance.
It's a back and forth game. The Packers cling to a 3-point lead late. And they come with pressure up the middle. Jamari Lattimore gets home for a big sack! Side note on why I'm excited to see Lattimore: he's a natural pass rusher. Like Jones, he used to play OLB. This should translate into enhanced pressure from the inside. I like Lattimore's game. I expect positive things out of him.
Once again, it's Rodgers in victory formation for a BIG road win.
Packers 23. Ravens 20.
Are you Feelin' It? I'm Feelin' It!
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/buzzboy3
Back on track. And tied for the Division lead in the loss column. The schedule has us in a position to make a run, if we can get thru the Defending Champions on the road. Sure, the Lions were undermanned as they played without Calvin Johnson & Nate Burleson, but you aren't going to get any sympathy from an organization that has been littered with injuries since the start of the XLV Season. Under Mike McCarthy direction, the Packers have admirably applied the "Next Man Up" philosophy and - for the most part - the player who was next in line has played better than expected.
Any time you win in the Division, it's crucial. Though it wasn't pretty, it looks the same in the box score and ultimately, it was a solid grind it out victory over a tough-minded Lions team. Here's some vibes from the game:
* Mike McCarthy wins inside the Division. The appearance isn't always delightful to the eye, but the end result is normally the same: VICTORY FORMATION. I respect McCarthy. I like how he's trying to let the offense evolve. Clearly, he's still figuring it out. But, it's coming together. It's a full-on blend of a heavy running attack on 1st down. Mixed in with short passes and additional runs on 2nd down. Then, on 3rd Down, the ball is put in Rodgers hands - almost exclusively. It's an offense based out of shotgun formations. In my mind, McCarthy is clearly setting up opponents in the future. Look for more play action passes out of the same formations.
* I like the pitch play to the outside. It's worked wonders. I expect this play to evolve into a play action pass to the weak side of the field. It'd generate one-on-one coverage and an open TE in the flat. It'd be a first down.
* While McCarthy's new offense isn't as flamboyant as ones in the past, it's effective for this version of the Packers. It eats the clock and it forces Rodgers to execute on 3rd and 6 or less. I like my chances in that situation. It's more ball control than we're used to seeing out of the Green & Gold.
* The other place McCarthy's new offense demands efficiency is inside the Red Zone. And, this is his biggest area of opportunity. Inside the 10, McCarthy has abandoned the run game. He needs to give the ball to Lacy who has a nose for the end zone. Let Lacy pound away. McCarthy is getting too fancy. Rodgers appears frustrated with the play-calling. Further, Rodgers seems as though he is losing confidence in the OL inside the Red Zone. Once the 1st read is covered, it looks like Rodgers looks down at the pass rush and not down the field for open receivers. Could be wrong, but that's what I perceive.
* Dear Aaron Rodgers, Stay cool. Stay calm. Stay collected. You are our driver. We all know this. Your frustrations speak volumes. Keep us united. Especially in the Red Zone. Big things are soon to happen for this offense.
* I like Eddie Lacy. A lot. But, he leaves a lot of yards on the field. Find the yardage maker, Eddie. Move the sticks. Be less concerned about looking for the 25 yard carry and more concerned about picking up the 1st down. Prior to the 3rd & 1 in which Rodgers' pass to Cobb was knocked down by DeAndre Levy at the line of scrimmage (what was McCarthy thinking on that play call?), I thought Lacy could have picked up a first down on both of the prior carries, but he misread the rushing lanes.
* How epic was McCarthy's insertion of Cobb as a RB? Changed the game. Brought the Packers a victory. Loved the play call. Running Cobb to the weak side. Big adjustment from McCarthy. The more Cobb touches the ball, the better this offense will be.
* Jordy Nelson is an acrobat! In full exclamation.
* James Jones is underrated.
* Note to Johnathan Franklin: if you don't hang onto the football in this league, you don't last long. Priority #1 is ball possession.
* Great game, Josh Sitton. You, too, EDS.
* Thought TJ Lang played well with the exception of when he whiffed on Levy on the screen.
* Keep working, David Bakhtiari.
* J-Mike is running harder after the catch than he has throughout his NFL Career.
* Ryan Taylor should be released. He brings zero value. Great play call by McCarthy. Great design. Taylor was wide open. Ball hits him in the hands. Should have been a TD. No excuses.
* Get healthy, Clay Matthews. We need you.
* Great game, Mike Neal. Be ready for more action. Neal was an absolute stud against Detroit. Against the run and putting pressure on the QB.
* The Packers will miss Brad Jones. Hope he's back soon. Man, he's been somewhat beastly this year.
* I didn't want to see Robert Francois in action due to a Brad Jones injury, but I was excited to see him. Sad that he's done for the year. The special teams units will sorely miss him.
* Time to elevate Jamari Lattimore and Sam Barrington.
* Big play, Morgan Burnett! Thought that was a TD. Good instincts, young man.
* Play bump and run, Ras-Davon. No reason House is laying off receivers by 5-7 yards. That's not his game. He has to out-physical WR's at the line of scrimmage.
* Good game, AJ Hawk. He's having his best year as a Packer. He still struggles in pass coverage, but it was fun to see him shifting DL into the right spot prior to the play and nearly every time, his adjustment was spot on.
* Ryan Pickett is immovable.
* Mike Daniels keeps pushing OL backwards.
* Make the tackle, MD Jennings!
* Game ball to you, Mason Crosby.
* The last couple of years, the Packers have made plays on special teams, it didn't look as though Micah Hyde could continue that trend based on his one return. I'm not willing to give up that piece of our team. We need to improve in the return game.
* Much has been made of Nick Perry's move to the right side. I feel like his comfort there is important. Not only is he playing a new position at OLB, but he also is pushing off with a different side of his body. When I first saw him play for USC, he was on the right side. He was abusing Jonathan Martin. Martin was eventually a 2nd round pick by the Dolphins. Perry looked powerful. He looked quick. He looked natural. We didn't see a lot of that in his limited action on the left side. But, in just a few snaps, he notched 2 sacks and a forced fumble rushing from the right side. He'll get his chance to punch out more pressure on the QB. Play with confidence, Nick.
* Quick shout out to Sir Charles! Tied the NFL Record for most defensive returns for a TD. He also picked off a pass. And, thus, he was awarded the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Stallion!
This week - it's the Ravens. In Baltimore. It should be noted that the Ravens are a much better team at home than they are on the road. The Ravens have a stout OL, a couple of talented RB's, a beastly pass rush, and the most overrated QB in the NFL.
I'm not a Joe Flacco fan. I give him credit for winning the Super Bowl. He engineered a great playoff run. He was deserving of the Super Bowl MVP. But, man, as a week-to-week QB, I'm glad he's not in Green Bay.
Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce are legit. Both are the type of RB's that traditionally give the Packers problems. They're tough. Physical. Great vision. And, both are utilized well on the screen. If I were the Offensive Coordinator for Baltimore, I'd call between 7-10 screens this week. Rice and Pierce will make hay on the Packers thru the screen and dump offs.
The Ravens OL is big and gifted. Eugene Moore looks to start at RT. He's a solid addition and will immediately improve the Ravens OL. Nick Perry will have his work cut out for him as he tries to beat Michael Oher in an attempt to get to Flacco.
Torrey Smith can get deep. But, he's not a great short-to-intermediate route runner. Jacoby Jones is talented, but he might not play. Marlon Brown and Tandon Doss don't scare me. Ed Dickson and Dallas Clark are decent possession receivers.
Defensively, the Ravens scare me. Dumervil and Suggs are intimidating. They could have their way with Bakhtiari and Barclay. Canty, Ngata and Arthur Jones are all legit. Ngata is elite. Canty is long and problematic. Ladarius Webb, Jimmy Smith and Corey Graham are solid CB's who match up well with our 3-headed WR combo of Nelson, Jones and Cobb. Matt Elam has playmaking skills at Safety.
The Ravens defense matches up well with the Packers offense. Freakishly well. In order for the Packers to win, they'll have to do two things: run the football and utilize the middle of the field. Lately, McCarthy has been stuck on moving the football to the outside. He's gotten away from the middle of the field. This week - the Packers must attack the middle of the field. Force James Ihedigbo, Daryl Smith and Josh Bynes to make plays. Force them to cover J-Mike and AQ81. Get Finley and Quarless down the field. Use the dump off to Lacy. Get Kuhn involved underneath. Take what you can get. And run it right at Canty. Yes, run Lacy at Canty. On repeat.
Defensively, the Packers must play to stop the run. If so, Flacco will make a mistake. It'll be up to our DB's to capitalize on those mistakes. I'm confident that they will. I'm calling it again this week - look for T-Mon to grab a game changing pick!
Don't let Torrey Smith beat you deep. The Packers must give help on the deep ball with Smith. 8 in the box. With help over the top on Smith. Get after Flacco with a variety of blitzes. Flacco will be throwing off his back foot. Opportunities will be present.
Corey Graham is an excellent slot CB. He'll do well against Cobb. It'll be up to McCarthy to get creative in an attempt to get Cobb the ball.
Early on, look for the Packers to come out trying to punch the Ravens DL in the mouth. Running right at the Ravens DL. The Packers move the football with moderate success and Crosby is true as the Packers stall near the Red Zone.
The Ravens move the football in annoying fashion. On a 2nd and 12, they hit the Packers in the teeth with a screen to Pierce. It's Flacco to Smith in the back corner of the end zone.
But, the Packers respond. It's Finley over the middle of the field. And, then, the Packers take advantage of the overly aggressive CB play on the outside. Using a double move, James Jones gets behind Jimmy Smith. For a big play.
Watch for it, Graham, Smith and Webb are grabbers. Let's hope we get the calls. Because pass interference and defensive holding calls could come in abundance.
It's a back and forth game. The Packers cling to a 3-point lead late. And they come with pressure up the middle. Jamari Lattimore gets home for a big sack! Side note on why I'm excited to see Lattimore: he's a natural pass rusher. Like Jones, he used to play OLB. This should translate into enhanced pressure from the inside. I like Lattimore's game. I expect positive things out of him.
Once again, it's Rodgers in victory formation for a BIG road win.
Packers 23. Ravens 20.
Are you Feelin' It? I'm Feelin' It!
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/buzzboy3
Saturday, October 5, 2013
My Take -> Week 5
Greetings, G-Force.
The bye week brought good vibes to Titletown, U.S.A. For the most part, we found health. We also watched the Bears, Falcons, Giants and Cowboys lose. Suddenly, a Packers win over the Lions at Lambeau coupled with a Saints win in Chicago and, once again, everything will be right in the world of the NFC North. That's roots livin'.
At halftime of the Bengals game, I said to my wife, "This is a make a believer out of me 2nd half." We didn't win. But, we entertained, offered hope and played well. Here's some takeaways from the loss to the Bengals:
* Throw away all of the garbage that Aaron Rodgers isn't clutch. I don't buy any of it. Rodgers is elite. Regardless of the situation, I want the ball in the hands of the XLV MVP. I was absolutely positive the Packers would pull off the victory until his 4th down pass fell incomplete. I wish he'd have seen Cobb on 2nd down prior to getting two passes batted down at the line. Cobb was open for an easy first down. Oh well. Onward and upward, Aaron. It was the worst game of Rodgers' career, but I won't dwell on that.
* Jordy Nelson is spectacular. After he signs another extension, I'm getting his autograph. His photo belongs on my Packers Wall of Fame.
* Hated the fumble, but Franklin showed legitimate elusiveness, patience, power and vision. You know, the things that generally make an elite back. Oh, and I also admired his confidence.
* Clay Matthews! Best defender in the NFL? Richard Sherman? Maybe. JJ Watt? Maybe. I'll take Clay.
* There was a nice Datone Jones sighting. The blocked XP had the potential to be a big play in the game.
* I'm hard on MD Jennings. I don't like his aggressiveness, but I liked the sack and the fumble return. Well done.
* Brad Jones! He hasn't mastered pad level, but man he's smart. Tackles high and loses leverage, but he's normally in the right place. I like his athleticism.
* Thought AJ Hawk also played well.
* Didn't like Starks going down. He was in the groove. Felt like he'd turned a corner.
* No reason that Cobb doesn't touch the ball 10 times per game.
* Catch the ball, AQ81! You, too, Jerron McMillan.
* Play on, Sammy Swagga. Dude is making $$$ right now. Looking like a Pro Bowler.
* Really like T-Mon's effort and aggressiveness. He looks healthy for the first time since the injury vs NO in Week 1 of the 2011 season. He has a big play coming.
* Mike Daniels is rock solid.
* Ryan Pickett plays ball.
* The defensive front is much stronger with Jolly on the field.
* Davon House has done well on the blitz. Didn't finish the play, but found his way to the QB.
* Micah Hyde is off to a rough start. Didn't see that coming. Stay confident, young man.
* Need more out of Mike Neal & Nick Perry. Immediately.
* Excited to go Morgan Burnett back. Even without the dreads.
* David Bakhtiari will have better games in the future. I'm not worried.
* Noteworthy: Sir Charles had a sack vs the Redskins. Sir Charles has 18 for his career, just 2 short of becoming the first player with 50 interceptions and 20 sacks. Stallion!
* Also, I can't say I'm rooting for Greg Jennings to play well, but his performance will impact the compensatory pick that the Packers receive next year. Thus, his 2 TD's last week should be noted.
This week - the Lions come to Lambeau. The Lions struggles in the state of Wisconsin are well documented. This Lions team appears to be different. Megatron is a stud. Reggie Bush looks like the USC version of Reggie Bush. Matthew Stafford has played well. Ryan Broyles can cause headaches. With Fauria, Pettigrew and Scheffler; they have 3 solid TE options. Suh, Fairley, Ziggy Ansah and Willie Young make up a physical, active front 4. Tulloch & Levy find the football, but both can be exposed. Glover Quin is off to a great start. And Delmas is healthy and playing at a high level.
This is a crucial game for both teams. The road to the NFC North crown goes thru Green Bay. Forget what the records presently say, in order to win the Division, you have to beat the Packers. Since McCarthy became the Head Coach in 2006, the Packers have mad the playoffs in 4 of 6 years. His recipe: win in the Division. Including the playoffs, the Packers have won 13 of the last 14 games against Divisional foes. Nothing changes this weekend.
Sure, Detroit is playing with heightened confidence. They're a poor 4th Quarter away from being 4-0 with wins against the Bears and Viqueens. They've moved the ball well offensively. They've put pressure on the QB. They've forced turnovers. They have every reason to believe in themselves. But, they're coming to Green Bay. To the mystical Lambeau Field. And, they aren't leaving with victory.
Early on, Detroit quiets the Lambeau faithful with a well conceived 80-yard TD drive. Stafford hits Johnson for a TD over Sammy Swagga.
The Packers respond by pounding the football at the heart of the Lions defense. Lacy and Franklin both get touches and positive yardage. Rodgers finds J-Mike down the seam for the equalizer! After the TD, J-Mike makes certain that Delmas sees the celebration.
Reggie Bush was an ideal addition for the Lions. Detroit likes to spread the field and then run Bush on quick hitters. Brad Jones & AJ Hawk better be aggressive as they attack the hole. And, why wouldn't they? After all, last year, the Packers bruised the interior of the Lions OL with a variety of blitzes. They also abused Riley Reiff. If Clay is full speed ahead, he's going to notch at least 2 sacks. Nick Perry & Mike Neal should find success against Jason Fox. On the inside, the Packers DL rotation should be able to punish Sims, Raiola and Warford. The Packers will win the line of scrimmage and generate 4 sacks. 2 by Matthews. 1 by Perry. 1 by Brad Jones. Book it: Stafford will move the ball, but he will get rattled.
On the other side of the ball, Detroit's DL will cause problems for the Packers OL even though - for the most part - the Packers have done well against Suh. But, McCarthy runs quick hitters. Finding Nelson & Jones who pile up big yardage after the catch. Rashean Mathis was a solid addition, but he's not the same player he once was. Chris Houston is a fighter, but he can be had on the back shoulder. Darius Slay is a nice young talent with a bright future. But, today? He can't stop the Rodgers & Nelson combination. It'll be a long, frustrating day for Slay. Nelson grabs two TD's.
Detroit has some success moving the ball. Johnson & Bush will make plays. Broyles and the TE's annoy the Packers with nickel & dime yardage. Kris Durham also sees targets. But, as they move towards the red zone, they have to settle for FG's. Often.
T-Mon grabs a pick. Burnett finds his groove midway thru the 2nd Quarter. There's a lot to prove. It's a statement game. The Packers reign.
Packers 34. Lions 26.
It's back to the roots. No matter where you go, the Packers are the Lions of the NFC North Kingdom. Elevate, Lambeau!
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac
Talkins-Mac.blogspot.com
The bye week brought good vibes to Titletown, U.S.A. For the most part, we found health. We also watched the Bears, Falcons, Giants and Cowboys lose. Suddenly, a Packers win over the Lions at Lambeau coupled with a Saints win in Chicago and, once again, everything will be right in the world of the NFC North. That's roots livin'.
At halftime of the Bengals game, I said to my wife, "This is a make a believer out of me 2nd half." We didn't win. But, we entertained, offered hope and played well. Here's some takeaways from the loss to the Bengals:
* Throw away all of the garbage that Aaron Rodgers isn't clutch. I don't buy any of it. Rodgers is elite. Regardless of the situation, I want the ball in the hands of the XLV MVP. I was absolutely positive the Packers would pull off the victory until his 4th down pass fell incomplete. I wish he'd have seen Cobb on 2nd down prior to getting two passes batted down at the line. Cobb was open for an easy first down. Oh well. Onward and upward, Aaron. It was the worst game of Rodgers' career, but I won't dwell on that.
* Jordy Nelson is spectacular. After he signs another extension, I'm getting his autograph. His photo belongs on my Packers Wall of Fame.
* Hated the fumble, but Franklin showed legitimate elusiveness, patience, power and vision. You know, the things that generally make an elite back. Oh, and I also admired his confidence.
* Clay Matthews! Best defender in the NFL? Richard Sherman? Maybe. JJ Watt? Maybe. I'll take Clay.
* There was a nice Datone Jones sighting. The blocked XP had the potential to be a big play in the game.
* I'm hard on MD Jennings. I don't like his aggressiveness, but I liked the sack and the fumble return. Well done.
* Brad Jones! He hasn't mastered pad level, but man he's smart. Tackles high and loses leverage, but he's normally in the right place. I like his athleticism.
* Thought AJ Hawk also played well.
* Didn't like Starks going down. He was in the groove. Felt like he'd turned a corner.
* No reason that Cobb doesn't touch the ball 10 times per game.
* Catch the ball, AQ81! You, too, Jerron McMillan.
* Play on, Sammy Swagga. Dude is making $$$ right now. Looking like a Pro Bowler.
* Really like T-Mon's effort and aggressiveness. He looks healthy for the first time since the injury vs NO in Week 1 of the 2011 season. He has a big play coming.
* Mike Daniels is rock solid.
* Ryan Pickett plays ball.
* The defensive front is much stronger with Jolly on the field.
* Davon House has done well on the blitz. Didn't finish the play, but found his way to the QB.
* Micah Hyde is off to a rough start. Didn't see that coming. Stay confident, young man.
* Need more out of Mike Neal & Nick Perry. Immediately.
* Excited to go Morgan Burnett back. Even without the dreads.
* David Bakhtiari will have better games in the future. I'm not worried.
* Noteworthy: Sir Charles had a sack vs the Redskins. Sir Charles has 18 for his career, just 2 short of becoming the first player with 50 interceptions and 20 sacks. Stallion!
* Also, I can't say I'm rooting for Greg Jennings to play well, but his performance will impact the compensatory pick that the Packers receive next year. Thus, his 2 TD's last week should be noted.
This week - the Lions come to Lambeau. The Lions struggles in the state of Wisconsin are well documented. This Lions team appears to be different. Megatron is a stud. Reggie Bush looks like the USC version of Reggie Bush. Matthew Stafford has played well. Ryan Broyles can cause headaches. With Fauria, Pettigrew and Scheffler; they have 3 solid TE options. Suh, Fairley, Ziggy Ansah and Willie Young make up a physical, active front 4. Tulloch & Levy find the football, but both can be exposed. Glover Quin is off to a great start. And Delmas is healthy and playing at a high level.
This is a crucial game for both teams. The road to the NFC North crown goes thru Green Bay. Forget what the records presently say, in order to win the Division, you have to beat the Packers. Since McCarthy became the Head Coach in 2006, the Packers have mad the playoffs in 4 of 6 years. His recipe: win in the Division. Including the playoffs, the Packers have won 13 of the last 14 games against Divisional foes. Nothing changes this weekend.
Sure, Detroit is playing with heightened confidence. They're a poor 4th Quarter away from being 4-0 with wins against the Bears and Viqueens. They've moved the ball well offensively. They've put pressure on the QB. They've forced turnovers. They have every reason to believe in themselves. But, they're coming to Green Bay. To the mystical Lambeau Field. And, they aren't leaving with victory.
Early on, Detroit quiets the Lambeau faithful with a well conceived 80-yard TD drive. Stafford hits Johnson for a TD over Sammy Swagga.
The Packers respond by pounding the football at the heart of the Lions defense. Lacy and Franklin both get touches and positive yardage. Rodgers finds J-Mike down the seam for the equalizer! After the TD, J-Mike makes certain that Delmas sees the celebration.
Reggie Bush was an ideal addition for the Lions. Detroit likes to spread the field and then run Bush on quick hitters. Brad Jones & AJ Hawk better be aggressive as they attack the hole. And, why wouldn't they? After all, last year, the Packers bruised the interior of the Lions OL with a variety of blitzes. They also abused Riley Reiff. If Clay is full speed ahead, he's going to notch at least 2 sacks. Nick Perry & Mike Neal should find success against Jason Fox. On the inside, the Packers DL rotation should be able to punish Sims, Raiola and Warford. The Packers will win the line of scrimmage and generate 4 sacks. 2 by Matthews. 1 by Perry. 1 by Brad Jones. Book it: Stafford will move the ball, but he will get rattled.
On the other side of the ball, Detroit's DL will cause problems for the Packers OL even though - for the most part - the Packers have done well against Suh. But, McCarthy runs quick hitters. Finding Nelson & Jones who pile up big yardage after the catch. Rashean Mathis was a solid addition, but he's not the same player he once was. Chris Houston is a fighter, but he can be had on the back shoulder. Darius Slay is a nice young talent with a bright future. But, today? He can't stop the Rodgers & Nelson combination. It'll be a long, frustrating day for Slay. Nelson grabs two TD's.
Detroit has some success moving the ball. Johnson & Bush will make plays. Broyles and the TE's annoy the Packers with nickel & dime yardage. Kris Durham also sees targets. But, as they move towards the red zone, they have to settle for FG's. Often.
T-Mon grabs a pick. Burnett finds his groove midway thru the 2nd Quarter. There's a lot to prove. It's a statement game. The Packers reign.
Packers 34. Lions 26.
It's back to the roots. No matter where you go, the Packers are the Lions of the NFC North Kingdom. Elevate, Lambeau!
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac
Talkins-Mac.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 22, 2013
My Take -> Week 3
Greetings, G-Force.
Oh, how it feels! A home opener. Against the defending NFC East Champs. A convincing victory! On TV, it appeared to be a festive environment. With home field advantage fully in tact. Well done, G-Force. Well done! Here's some kind vibes from the victory:
* A day that includes a 400 yard passer, a 100 yard rusher and two 200 yard receivers will be remembered. Especially when it happens on the home opener. It was a BIG win. Huge ups to Aaron Rodgers, James Starks, James Jones, and Randall Cobb.
* Lost in the shuffle: Jordy Nelson had 2 TD grabs. Jordy looks like the 2011 version of Jordy Nelson.
* After two weeks, Aaron Rodgers is fully in the MVP discussion.
* James Starks went XLV playoff run on us. And I liked it.
* Randall Cobb is quickly becoming the best slot receiver in the NFL.
* David Bakhtiari is a winner.
* Don Barclay recovered well. After a rough 1st possession, he looked like a 10-year veteran.
* EDS also responded well after a rough 1st Quarter.
* If Josh Sitton & TJ Lang play like that on a weekly basis, the Packers will be tough to beat.
* Yes, the OL made a great impact after a tough 1st Quarter.
* Clay Matthews > over every other defender in the NFL.
* Really liking the start to the season for T-Mon.
* Nick Perry swatting passes is a good thing.
* Ryan Pickett with his hands in the air on pass attempts in a positive vibe.
* I credit Johnny Jolly for the enhanced PD coming from our pass rush. Cheers, Johnny!
* When BJ Raji, Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly are on the DL, the opposition won't run on us.
* Ah, Mike Neal. YES! Looks legit. Stay after it, young man!
* Chris Banjo. I like it. Sure, he missed one tackle. But, he manned CF. And, for the most part, I thought he wrapped up well.
* J-Mike is getting jiggy wit' it! Rumbling thru tacklers. Getting into the end zone for the 2nd week in a row. I like his rhythm. Play on, J-Mike. Play on.
* AQ81 is a needed addition to our offense.
* Dude! James Starks just popped 100 on us! Word up!
* Loved seeing James Jones stepping thru tackles.
* Brad Jones is a star when he plays against mediocre to slightly above mediocre talent.
* That was the best I've seen AJ Hawk play since 2010.
* Ras-House can play in this league. Man-to-man defender. Had he nutted up against Boldin, the Packers would be 2-0.
* I like Sammy Swagga's tenacity.
* Tim Masthay is a gangsta.
* Liked seeing Andy Mulumba getting playing time.
* Mike Daniels is a beast. Arguably our second best pass rusher. Behind CM3.
* I can only imagine that the CM3, Datone Jones, Mike Neal, Nick Perry pass rusher becomes a beastly 3rd down formation.
* Ras-House has looked like a decent gunner on special teams as well.
Things the Packers need to improve on:
* Jerron McMillan. Want to be a fan. He's dreaded. He dropped the gloves, but his tackling was still poor.
* MD Jennings. Way too passive. Show aggression, MD!
This week - it's Cincinnati. At the end of the year, this will be a game that will be remembered. Consider this: in my mind, after 2 weeks, 6 of the top 7 teams in the NFL are SF, SEA, Chicago, Green Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta. Well, one of those team won't make the playoffs. Barring significant injuries, 5 of the 6 will. But, since one of the playoff teams come from the NFC East, one of these elite teams will miss the playoffs. Therefore, the Packers playoff destiny might be dependent on their ability to win the Division. Chicago beat Cincinnati. It's up to Green Bay to hold serve.
In many ways, Cincinnati matches up well with Green Bay. Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Domata Pena and Michael Johnson make up a serious front 4 for the Bengals. They'll attack the Packers OL with absolute intent. Ray Maualuga, James Harrison and Vontaze Burfict are mean. They're aggressive. In short, the front 7 of the Bengals defense is far more physical than the Packers offensive front. Further, it could be argued that AJ Green runs the best routes in NFL. Mohamed Sanu is an underrated 2nd WR. Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham are as dangerous as any 2-TE set in the NFL. Oh, and the BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Giovani Bernard combination is a solid one-two punch. If Andy Dalton can find consistency, he has the weapons to lead a Championship team. In all, the Bengals are a tough match-up and a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the weak AFC.
But, when push comes to shove, the Bengals will have to cover Cobb, Jones, Nelson and J-Mike. And, with the injuries to Dre Kirkpatric, Pacman Jones, Brandon Ghee, and Jeromy Miles, the Bengals secondary will have limitations. Though it appears Jones will play, he won't be in full force. It'll be up to McCarthy to hit the Bengals revamped secondary with short routes. Force Cincinnati to tackle us. I don't think they can succeed.
I fully anticipate a shoot-out. The Packers will struggle to cover Green and Eifert. Both will come through with punishing blows on 3rd down. Although the Packers run defense is improved, it'll be tough to contain Green-Ellis and Bernard.
Early on, the Bengals look sharp. Andy Dalton finds Eifert over the middle. Dalton hits Green on a comeback route. Again, he finds Green on a 15 yard slant. Cincinnati goes out to an early 7-0 lead.
Rodgers responds. Quickly. Connecting on short routes to Jones, J-Mike and Cobb. The Packers move the ball efficiently. A dump off to Starks leads to a 1st down. Finally, it's Rodgers to Nelson for the TD!
Throughout, the Packers struggle to get the run game going. But, the Packers take advantage of a beat-up Cincinnati secondary and find success over the middle of the field. Reggie Nelson is legit, but he's a gambler. With Jones injured, Nelson leans his way to provide support. The middle of the field opens up. Rodgers finds Finley. Consistently. I like Leon Hall, but he can't stick with Jordy for 60 minutes. Terence Newman is a man. He's a grizzly veteran, but he's not able to fight with James Jones for 4 Quarters. The Bengals have no one that matches up with Randall Cobb. Cobb grabs 9 balls.
The Packers have difficulty getting the defense off the field. Dalton is in rhythm. Bernard punishes the defense. We see more of Eifert. Green as well. It's a shootout.
But, Rodgers isn't to be denied. Trailing late, he finds Jordy on a deep ball to put the Packers in position for the win. It's Rodgers to Cobb for the win!
Packers 34. Bengals 31.
There's a big difference between 2-1 and 1-2. We need this one! Let's do this!
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
Oh, how it feels! A home opener. Against the defending NFC East Champs. A convincing victory! On TV, it appeared to be a festive environment. With home field advantage fully in tact. Well done, G-Force. Well done! Here's some kind vibes from the victory:
* A day that includes a 400 yard passer, a 100 yard rusher and two 200 yard receivers will be remembered. Especially when it happens on the home opener. It was a BIG win. Huge ups to Aaron Rodgers, James Starks, James Jones, and Randall Cobb.
* Lost in the shuffle: Jordy Nelson had 2 TD grabs. Jordy looks like the 2011 version of Jordy Nelson.
* After two weeks, Aaron Rodgers is fully in the MVP discussion.
* James Starks went XLV playoff run on us. And I liked it.
* Randall Cobb is quickly becoming the best slot receiver in the NFL.
* David Bakhtiari is a winner.
* Don Barclay recovered well. After a rough 1st possession, he looked like a 10-year veteran.
* EDS also responded well after a rough 1st Quarter.
* If Josh Sitton & TJ Lang play like that on a weekly basis, the Packers will be tough to beat.
* Yes, the OL made a great impact after a tough 1st Quarter.
* Clay Matthews > over every other defender in the NFL.
* Really liking the start to the season for T-Mon.
* Nick Perry swatting passes is a good thing.
* Ryan Pickett with his hands in the air on pass attempts in a positive vibe.
* I credit Johnny Jolly for the enhanced PD coming from our pass rush. Cheers, Johnny!
* When BJ Raji, Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly are on the DL, the opposition won't run on us.
* Ah, Mike Neal. YES! Looks legit. Stay after it, young man!
* Chris Banjo. I like it. Sure, he missed one tackle. But, he manned CF. And, for the most part, I thought he wrapped up well.
* J-Mike is getting jiggy wit' it! Rumbling thru tacklers. Getting into the end zone for the 2nd week in a row. I like his rhythm. Play on, J-Mike. Play on.
* AQ81 is a needed addition to our offense.
* Dude! James Starks just popped 100 on us! Word up!
* Loved seeing James Jones stepping thru tackles.
* Brad Jones is a star when he plays against mediocre to slightly above mediocre talent.
* That was the best I've seen AJ Hawk play since 2010.
* Ras-House can play in this league. Man-to-man defender. Had he nutted up against Boldin, the Packers would be 2-0.
* I like Sammy Swagga's tenacity.
* Tim Masthay is a gangsta.
* Liked seeing Andy Mulumba getting playing time.
* Mike Daniels is a beast. Arguably our second best pass rusher. Behind CM3.
* I can only imagine that the CM3, Datone Jones, Mike Neal, Nick Perry pass rusher becomes a beastly 3rd down formation.
* Ras-House has looked like a decent gunner on special teams as well.
Things the Packers need to improve on:
* Jerron McMillan. Want to be a fan. He's dreaded. He dropped the gloves, but his tackling was still poor.
* MD Jennings. Way too passive. Show aggression, MD!
This week - it's Cincinnati. At the end of the year, this will be a game that will be remembered. Consider this: in my mind, after 2 weeks, 6 of the top 7 teams in the NFL are SF, SEA, Chicago, Green Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta. Well, one of those team won't make the playoffs. Barring significant injuries, 5 of the 6 will. But, since one of the playoff teams come from the NFC East, one of these elite teams will miss the playoffs. Therefore, the Packers playoff destiny might be dependent on their ability to win the Division. Chicago beat Cincinnati. It's up to Green Bay to hold serve.
In many ways, Cincinnati matches up well with Green Bay. Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Domata Pena and Michael Johnson make up a serious front 4 for the Bengals. They'll attack the Packers OL with absolute intent. Ray Maualuga, James Harrison and Vontaze Burfict are mean. They're aggressive. In short, the front 7 of the Bengals defense is far more physical than the Packers offensive front. Further, it could be argued that AJ Green runs the best routes in NFL. Mohamed Sanu is an underrated 2nd WR. Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham are as dangerous as any 2-TE set in the NFL. Oh, and the BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Giovani Bernard combination is a solid one-two punch. If Andy Dalton can find consistency, he has the weapons to lead a Championship team. In all, the Bengals are a tough match-up and a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the weak AFC.
But, when push comes to shove, the Bengals will have to cover Cobb, Jones, Nelson and J-Mike. And, with the injuries to Dre Kirkpatric, Pacman Jones, Brandon Ghee, and Jeromy Miles, the Bengals secondary will have limitations. Though it appears Jones will play, he won't be in full force. It'll be up to McCarthy to hit the Bengals revamped secondary with short routes. Force Cincinnati to tackle us. I don't think they can succeed.
I fully anticipate a shoot-out. The Packers will struggle to cover Green and Eifert. Both will come through with punishing blows on 3rd down. Although the Packers run defense is improved, it'll be tough to contain Green-Ellis and Bernard.
Early on, the Bengals look sharp. Andy Dalton finds Eifert over the middle. Dalton hits Green on a comeback route. Again, he finds Green on a 15 yard slant. Cincinnati goes out to an early 7-0 lead.
Rodgers responds. Quickly. Connecting on short routes to Jones, J-Mike and Cobb. The Packers move the ball efficiently. A dump off to Starks leads to a 1st down. Finally, it's Rodgers to Nelson for the TD!
Throughout, the Packers struggle to get the run game going. But, the Packers take advantage of a beat-up Cincinnati secondary and find success over the middle of the field. Reggie Nelson is legit, but he's a gambler. With Jones injured, Nelson leans his way to provide support. The middle of the field opens up. Rodgers finds Finley. Consistently. I like Leon Hall, but he can't stick with Jordy for 60 minutes. Terence Newman is a man. He's a grizzly veteran, but he's not able to fight with James Jones for 4 Quarters. The Bengals have no one that matches up with Randall Cobb. Cobb grabs 9 balls.
The Packers have difficulty getting the defense off the field. Dalton is in rhythm. Bernard punishes the defense. We see more of Eifert. Green as well. It's a shootout.
But, Rodgers isn't to be denied. Trailing late, he finds Jordy on a deep ball to put the Packers in position for the win. It's Rodgers to Cobb for the win!
Packers 34. Bengals 31.
There's a big difference between 2-1 and 1-2. We need this one! Let's do this!
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 14, 2013
My Take -> Week 2
Greetings, G-Force.
The 2013 Green Bay Packers season got off to an entertaining start. Although the result wasn't what we anticipated, the game was 60 minutes of action-packed football. From the looks of it, the Packers are going to be a team that is full of both excitement and frustration. They also look like a team that is destined to finish 9-7. 10-6, at best.
I'm not being negative by suggesting such a record. The reality is that the 2013 Green Bay Packers team does not possess the depth that we're used to under a Ted Thompson team. Post the game, I read a number of people suggesting that if Hayward and Burnett had played, the Packers would have won. Injuries are a part of the game. Remember that SF played without Crabtree and Manningham. And, in 2013, the Packers have severe deficiencies at Safety and at Center.
You'll never hear me say that I don't want Ted Thompson as GM of the Packers. I won't ever say that I don't want Mike McCarthy as the Head Coach of the Packers. After all, I'm a loyal man. And they provided me with one of the greatest memories of my life in the 2010 Season. With that said, I feel Thompson wrongly assessed the Packers talent at Safety and at Center. The positions needed to be addressed during the offseason. It didn't happen. In Week 1, the middle of the Packers defense was destroyed.
All offseason, it seemed as though Mike McCarthy was talking about becoming a better running team and showing that they were a physical defense. EDS has not shown me that he's an effective run-blocking Center. Often, he gets blown up or flat out misses. And, I can't get over the acceptance of the penalty prior to the Matthews personal foul penalty. It should have been 4th down. Twice, the Packers stuffed the 49ers in short yardage situations. He should have had confidence that the Packers had either held SF to a FG or he should have lined his defense up for in an attempt to get a stop on 4th down. Instead, he gave Kaepernick another shot. He got burned. Some will blame the poor officiating for giving SF another down. I blame McCarthy. It shouldn't have gotten to that point.
Here are some short thoughts about from the game:
* Aaron Rodgers looking sharp. I've watched the game three times. I can only fault him for two plays. On the second offensive possession, I wish he would have completed the pass to an open Lacy on 3rd down. And, when the Packers were trailing 31-28, on 3rd down, he had an open Lacy on the check down and he missed him. Lacy would have had an easy 1st down. Rodgers didn't see him.
* Jordy Nelson looking like the 2011 version.
* Randall Cobb is an absolute superstar.
* If I were to start a defense, my 1st selection might be Clay Matthews. Love his quote: "I'm an awesome player, not a dirty player." Yes, Clay, you are.
* Ryan Pickett was beastly.
* Welcome back, Johnny Jolly. Love his attitude. Brings a spark.
* Really excited to see what comes of the 3rd down pass rush with Datone Jones & Mike Neal lined up inside and Clay/Nick Perry on the outside. If Jones is who we hope he is, the Packers will get pressure on the QB.
* T-Mon jumping routes! Liked his game. Seemed active. Happy with his performance. Thought he played aggressive.
* Didn't like J-Mike's drop. It was a big play as it turned into an INT. But, I thought he was passionate. In a positive fashion. I like the short down-and-out play. Hope to see more of that. I also expect to see him getting down the seam a little more this week.
* Tim Masthay. Put him at Safety! A punishing tackler.
* Eddie Lacy! Adding a spark. Of course the fumble was a buzz kill, but I liked how he rebounded.
* BJ Raji played with intensity.
* Outside of the last play of the game, I thought Barclay held up well.
* For his first start, I thought Bakhtiari played really well. Especially against that defensive front.
* Thought Nick Perry played well. Did a nice job containing Kaepernick.
* Outside of Hunter's run on the game winning drive, I liked the run defense.
* I wouldn't mind seeing a little bit of Robert Francois at ILB.
Things that must improve:
* Josh Sitton, EDS, TJ Lang all must play better. Little to no push in the run game. Often beat off the snap. Unacceptable. On the last play of the game, I'm not sure what Lang was doing.
* This defense must force turnovers.
* With a 28-24 lead, the Packers were in position to win. The defense needed a stop. Instead, it was 80 yards over 5 plays. Our safeties were absolutely exposed on the Boldin pass play and on the Hunter run play.
* Welcome to the NFL, Micah Hyde. Better days are in front of you.
* Dom Capers didn't adjust. I've seen enough of the zone defense. And, when a QB is locking in on a WR, you have to get a DB to jam him at the line of scrimmage. Knock him off his route. Disrupt the timing. Too vanilla in the secondary. Capers didn't want Kaepernick to beat him with his legs. Instead, he threw for over 400 yards. Without his #1 and #3 WR's.
* In Capers' defense, he was playing with 2 safeties that aren't cut out for a game against SF. After the game, Anquan Boldin said "that was a man's game." MD Jennings and Jerron McMillan were not men. I wish we would have seen Chris Banjo. Banjo tackled everything he touched in the pre-season. McMillan consistently whiffed. Jennings is too passive to play Safety in the NFL. If the Safety play doesn't change, I don't see why Offensive Coordinators won't consistently attack the center of our defense.
* Jeremy Ross. Yikes!
This week - it's the Redskins. At Lambeau. In the home opener. The Packers have scheduled a festive Half time show. Alumni appearances from the 1965, 1966 and 1967 teams. The last of the NFL teams to win 3-straight titles. EPIC! Be sure to see that show. It'll be a great introduction. True football legends.
A Mike McCarthy/Aaron Rodgers team has never started 0-2. It's not happening in 2013. I say this with complete conviction. The Green Bay Packers are beating the Washington Redskins on Sunday.
I expect Rodgers to have a field day against the Redskins secondary. I'm also assuming that the Tackles hold up against Kerrigan and Orakpo. If so, the 'skins secondary cannot cover our WR's. De'Angelo Hall and Josh Wilson can't run with Jones & Jordy. Washington has no one that can handle Cobb in the slot. Further, London Fletcher and Perry Riley cannot cover J-Mike down the middle of the field. With that said, I have absolute admiration for London Fletcher's game. If Kerrigan & Orakpo are blocked, Rodgers will throw for a minimum of 300 yards.
Much like against SF, I don't expect the Packers pass rush to go all out against Washington. They'll try to contain RGIII. Keep him in the pocket. Not let him escape. Alfred Morris is legit. Look for the Packers to utilize their abundance of Defensive Linemen to keep Morris under wraps. On the outside, I like the way the Packers match up with Hankerson, Garcon, and Josh Morgan. Though he's often underutilized, Fred Davis is legit. Davis could present issues for Brad Jones and AJ Hawk.
On offense, look for the Packers to utilize the play-action early. They'll attack the middle of the field. J-Mike down the seam. Cobb on crossing routes. AQ81 gets involved. Rodgers is in complete command. It's Rodgers to Jones for an early TD.
The Lambeau Faithful elevates. The defense gets off the field. With pressure in his face, RGIII throws off his back foot as he's afraid to step into a pass as he's still gaining confidence in his knee.
This drive - it's Lacy. Pounding at the middle of the 'skins defense. Then, McCarthy calls the screen to Lacy who barrels for 1st down yardage.
The Packers jump out to an early lead. Washington plays catch-up for the entire game. They can't catch Rodgers.
Packers 31. Redskins 23.
Lambeau, be loud. Garcon says it's louder in DC than it is at Lambeau. Show him the TRUTH! Take command. It's the home opener, baby! And it's a September celebration. You feelin' it? I'm feelin' it. We're back to even.
Here's a quick 2014 Mock Draft. I'm hunting for WR/S/TE/OLB. Hasn't been a ton that has jumped out at me yet. Other than Khalil Mack, of course. At some point, the Packers will draft a TE. Other than Ebron, I haven't found anyone that I'd stake my name on yet. And, as always, if I haven't watched him, I don't pick him. Here goes:
Round 1: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo. The most enticing guy that I've watched in college football this year. I taped his Ohio State game and his Baylor game. I want him. I also really like Eric Ebron, TE, UNC.
Round 2: Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State. Don't love his weight. But, he has the body to add weight. And the dude plays football. Catches everything in his range. Not afraid of contact. Big time prospect.
Round 3: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia. At times, he's inconsistent. If you pressure him in the face, he'll miss his target. But, he can throw on the run and if he has time, watch out. A great developmental QB. Has smarts as well.
Round 4: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State. At first glance, he looks the part, but my only time watching him was against a porous USC team. So, I need another sample. Nonetheless, he gets up for the ball and has an NFL frame. From what I saw, Bucannon finds the football.
Round 5: Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State. Love his size, his knowledge and his energy. Total leader.
Round 5 (Conditional for Jennings): Kenny Ladler, S, Vanderbilt. The Safety position must improve. Ladler has range. Plays the ball. Solid tackler as well.
Round 6: Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt. Yes, I like the secondary at Vanderbilt. Hal is physical for his size. Can run on the outside. Could also play the slot. Plays the ball well in the air. An absolute fighter. A little undersized.
Round 6 (Conditional for Walden): Beau Allen, DL, WI. I'm really excited to watch him play Arizona Sate. Allen is tough to move. He's also surprisingly agile for his size. I believe he has a future in the NFL.
Round 7: Alex Neutz, WR, Buffalo. I watch Buffalo to see Mack, but Neutz has caught my eye. I'd take him in a heartbeat. As of now, CBS doesn't have him listed as a 7th Round prospect. I'd go as high as Round 5 for him. I believe in his game.
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/buzzboy3
The 2013 Green Bay Packers season got off to an entertaining start. Although the result wasn't what we anticipated, the game was 60 minutes of action-packed football. From the looks of it, the Packers are going to be a team that is full of both excitement and frustration. They also look like a team that is destined to finish 9-7. 10-6, at best.
I'm not being negative by suggesting such a record. The reality is that the 2013 Green Bay Packers team does not possess the depth that we're used to under a Ted Thompson team. Post the game, I read a number of people suggesting that if Hayward and Burnett had played, the Packers would have won. Injuries are a part of the game. Remember that SF played without Crabtree and Manningham. And, in 2013, the Packers have severe deficiencies at Safety and at Center.
You'll never hear me say that I don't want Ted Thompson as GM of the Packers. I won't ever say that I don't want Mike McCarthy as the Head Coach of the Packers. After all, I'm a loyal man. And they provided me with one of the greatest memories of my life in the 2010 Season. With that said, I feel Thompson wrongly assessed the Packers talent at Safety and at Center. The positions needed to be addressed during the offseason. It didn't happen. In Week 1, the middle of the Packers defense was destroyed.
All offseason, it seemed as though Mike McCarthy was talking about becoming a better running team and showing that they were a physical defense. EDS has not shown me that he's an effective run-blocking Center. Often, he gets blown up or flat out misses. And, I can't get over the acceptance of the penalty prior to the Matthews personal foul penalty. It should have been 4th down. Twice, the Packers stuffed the 49ers in short yardage situations. He should have had confidence that the Packers had either held SF to a FG or he should have lined his defense up for in an attempt to get a stop on 4th down. Instead, he gave Kaepernick another shot. He got burned. Some will blame the poor officiating for giving SF another down. I blame McCarthy. It shouldn't have gotten to that point.
Here are some short thoughts about from the game:
* Aaron Rodgers looking sharp. I've watched the game three times. I can only fault him for two plays. On the second offensive possession, I wish he would have completed the pass to an open Lacy on 3rd down. And, when the Packers were trailing 31-28, on 3rd down, he had an open Lacy on the check down and he missed him. Lacy would have had an easy 1st down. Rodgers didn't see him.
* Jordy Nelson looking like the 2011 version.
* Randall Cobb is an absolute superstar.
* If I were to start a defense, my 1st selection might be Clay Matthews. Love his quote: "I'm an awesome player, not a dirty player." Yes, Clay, you are.
* Ryan Pickett was beastly.
* Welcome back, Johnny Jolly. Love his attitude. Brings a spark.
* Really excited to see what comes of the 3rd down pass rush with Datone Jones & Mike Neal lined up inside and Clay/Nick Perry on the outside. If Jones is who we hope he is, the Packers will get pressure on the QB.
* T-Mon jumping routes! Liked his game. Seemed active. Happy with his performance. Thought he played aggressive.
* Didn't like J-Mike's drop. It was a big play as it turned into an INT. But, I thought he was passionate. In a positive fashion. I like the short down-and-out play. Hope to see more of that. I also expect to see him getting down the seam a little more this week.
* Tim Masthay. Put him at Safety! A punishing tackler.
* Eddie Lacy! Adding a spark. Of course the fumble was a buzz kill, but I liked how he rebounded.
* BJ Raji played with intensity.
* Outside of the last play of the game, I thought Barclay held up well.
* For his first start, I thought Bakhtiari played really well. Especially against that defensive front.
* Thought Nick Perry played well. Did a nice job containing Kaepernick.
* Outside of Hunter's run on the game winning drive, I liked the run defense.
* I wouldn't mind seeing a little bit of Robert Francois at ILB.
Things that must improve:
* Josh Sitton, EDS, TJ Lang all must play better. Little to no push in the run game. Often beat off the snap. Unacceptable. On the last play of the game, I'm not sure what Lang was doing.
* This defense must force turnovers.
* With a 28-24 lead, the Packers were in position to win. The defense needed a stop. Instead, it was 80 yards over 5 plays. Our safeties were absolutely exposed on the Boldin pass play and on the Hunter run play.
* Welcome to the NFL, Micah Hyde. Better days are in front of you.
* Dom Capers didn't adjust. I've seen enough of the zone defense. And, when a QB is locking in on a WR, you have to get a DB to jam him at the line of scrimmage. Knock him off his route. Disrupt the timing. Too vanilla in the secondary. Capers didn't want Kaepernick to beat him with his legs. Instead, he threw for over 400 yards. Without his #1 and #3 WR's.
* In Capers' defense, he was playing with 2 safeties that aren't cut out for a game against SF. After the game, Anquan Boldin said "that was a man's game." MD Jennings and Jerron McMillan were not men. I wish we would have seen Chris Banjo. Banjo tackled everything he touched in the pre-season. McMillan consistently whiffed. Jennings is too passive to play Safety in the NFL. If the Safety play doesn't change, I don't see why Offensive Coordinators won't consistently attack the center of our defense.
* Jeremy Ross. Yikes!
This week - it's the Redskins. At Lambeau. In the home opener. The Packers have scheduled a festive Half time show. Alumni appearances from the 1965, 1966 and 1967 teams. The last of the NFL teams to win 3-straight titles. EPIC! Be sure to see that show. It'll be a great introduction. True football legends.
A Mike McCarthy/Aaron Rodgers team has never started 0-2. It's not happening in 2013. I say this with complete conviction. The Green Bay Packers are beating the Washington Redskins on Sunday.
I expect Rodgers to have a field day against the Redskins secondary. I'm also assuming that the Tackles hold up against Kerrigan and Orakpo. If so, the 'skins secondary cannot cover our WR's. De'Angelo Hall and Josh Wilson can't run with Jones & Jordy. Washington has no one that can handle Cobb in the slot. Further, London Fletcher and Perry Riley cannot cover J-Mike down the middle of the field. With that said, I have absolute admiration for London Fletcher's game. If Kerrigan & Orakpo are blocked, Rodgers will throw for a minimum of 300 yards.
Much like against SF, I don't expect the Packers pass rush to go all out against Washington. They'll try to contain RGIII. Keep him in the pocket. Not let him escape. Alfred Morris is legit. Look for the Packers to utilize their abundance of Defensive Linemen to keep Morris under wraps. On the outside, I like the way the Packers match up with Hankerson, Garcon, and Josh Morgan. Though he's often underutilized, Fred Davis is legit. Davis could present issues for Brad Jones and AJ Hawk.
On offense, look for the Packers to utilize the play-action early. They'll attack the middle of the field. J-Mike down the seam. Cobb on crossing routes. AQ81 gets involved. Rodgers is in complete command. It's Rodgers to Jones for an early TD.
The Lambeau Faithful elevates. The defense gets off the field. With pressure in his face, RGIII throws off his back foot as he's afraid to step into a pass as he's still gaining confidence in his knee.
This drive - it's Lacy. Pounding at the middle of the 'skins defense. Then, McCarthy calls the screen to Lacy who barrels for 1st down yardage.
The Packers jump out to an early lead. Washington plays catch-up for the entire game. They can't catch Rodgers.
Packers 31. Redskins 23.
Lambeau, be loud. Garcon says it's louder in DC than it is at Lambeau. Show him the TRUTH! Take command. It's the home opener, baby! And it's a September celebration. You feelin' it? I'm feelin' it. We're back to even.
Here's a quick 2014 Mock Draft. I'm hunting for WR/S/TE/OLB. Hasn't been a ton that has jumped out at me yet. Other than Khalil Mack, of course. At some point, the Packers will draft a TE. Other than Ebron, I haven't found anyone that I'd stake my name on yet. And, as always, if I haven't watched him, I don't pick him. Here goes:
Round 1: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo. The most enticing guy that I've watched in college football this year. I taped his Ohio State game and his Baylor game. I want him. I also really like Eric Ebron, TE, UNC.
Round 2: Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State. Don't love his weight. But, he has the body to add weight. And the dude plays football. Catches everything in his range. Not afraid of contact. Big time prospect.
Round 3: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia. At times, he's inconsistent. If you pressure him in the face, he'll miss his target. But, he can throw on the run and if he has time, watch out. A great developmental QB. Has smarts as well.
Round 4: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State. At first glance, he looks the part, but my only time watching him was against a porous USC team. So, I need another sample. Nonetheless, he gets up for the ball and has an NFL frame. From what I saw, Bucannon finds the football.
Round 5: Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State. Love his size, his knowledge and his energy. Total leader.
Round 5 (Conditional for Jennings): Kenny Ladler, S, Vanderbilt. The Safety position must improve. Ladler has range. Plays the ball. Solid tackler as well.
Round 6: Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt. Yes, I like the secondary at Vanderbilt. Hal is physical for his size. Can run on the outside. Could also play the slot. Plays the ball well in the air. An absolute fighter. A little undersized.
Round 6 (Conditional for Walden): Beau Allen, DL, WI. I'm really excited to watch him play Arizona Sate. Allen is tough to move. He's also surprisingly agile for his size. I believe he has a future in the NFL.
Round 7: Alex Neutz, WR, Buffalo. I watch Buffalo to see Mack, but Neutz has caught my eye. I'd take him in a heartbeat. As of now, CBS doesn't have him listed as a 7th Round prospect. I'd go as high as Round 5 for him. I believe in his game.
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/buzzboy3
Saturday, September 7, 2013
My Take -> Week 1
Greetings, G-Force.
"Sooner or later, it all gets real." Thank you, John Bell. This week - it gets real. Thankfully. That was the most pathetic display of preseason football that I can recall from our beloved Green Bay Packers. Frankly, it was almost unbearable. But, now, it's real. And, as long as #12 is feeling confident, I'm feeling confident. Before I get into my Week 1 thoughts, here's a quick look at some of the big decisions that Mike McCarthy & Ted Thompson made in compiling the Final 53:
* I'd argue that outside of the conversations regarding #4, the last week included some of the most difficult conversations that McCarthy & Thompson have had to encounter. Both have to be disappointed. Just last year, Thompson traded up to get Terrell Manning. Manning never panned out. In 2011, Thompson made 11 selections. Today, only 4 of those players are on the Roster. One is Derek Sherrod who hasn't played in more than a year. Another is Ryan Taylor. Taylor has yet to make an impact. In 2012, Thompson made 8 selections. Today, only 5 remain. And two of those (Hayward & Worthy) won't be available for the Week 1 contest vs the 49ers. One of the recent cuts was BJ Coleman. Mike McCarthy prides himself on his ability to develop a QB. This must have been a punishing training camp for his ego. He invested 3 years in Graham Harrell. Harrell never progressed. BJ Coleman had all of the tools. He had a big arm, an ability to move, and great size. But, Coleman never developed. I believe that Coleman showed better footwork in the East-West Shrine Game than he did in the Week 4 preseason game at KC. Disappointing.
* Vince Young wasn't ready. I wanted it to come together for him. He was an absolute stiff at KC. Unbearable. Clearly, the Packers are desperate with the signing of Seneca Wallace. There's no way to beautify it.
* Couldn't be more excited for Chris Banjo! Dude came to play. He tackled everything in sight. Wouldn't shock me if he sees time in the regular season. I'll reiterate what I wrote last week - he's impressed me more than MD Jennings.
* Props to Sam Barrington! He reminds me a little bit of a young Desmond Bishop. Punishing in his attack. He plays with a mean intent. He's raw, but he has shown promise.
* Jeremy Ross is a survivor. He's going to get his shot at redemption this week.
* Micah Hyde looks like he has a little Sir Charles in him. Yes, I said that.
* Brandon Bostick has become the new project at TE. Wonder how long it is until he's utilized in a double TE package and sent down the seam.
* Well done, Lane Taylor. I thought he was deserving of a roster spot. If not in Green Bay, somewhere. Good developmental prospect.
* Cheers to Nate Palmer & Andy Mulumba. If you follow my twitter handle, you know that I was thrilled to have Mulumba in camp. Glad he's been given a chance to prove his worth.
* Johnny Jolly. What a stud!
* I wonder if Datone Jones is healthy. He's getting stuffed in his tracks.
* Good to see T-Mon get his hands on the ball!
* Brad Jones & Morgan Burnett better be healthy.
This week - it's the 49ers. In rematch form. For roughly 25 years, the Packers had the 49ers number. The rivalry was fully one-sided. However, in Week 1 last year, it seemed to flip the other way around. The 49ers dominated the Packers in the opener. At Lambeau. In the playoffs, it appeared as though the Packers had matched the 49ers intensity until Jeremy Ross' fumble. With that said, in both games, it was clear that the 49ers were the more physical team. They were a better coached team. They matched up better against the Packers than the Packers did against the 49ers. On paper, the same could be said about this year.
If you recall the playoff game last year, the Packers came out with a chip on their shoulder. There was a lot of talking and pushing after the play. The Packers had the right mindset - prior to Ross' fumble. Post the fumble, everything change.
I believe that this week is personal for McCarthy. The Packers are going to come out looking to punch the 49ers in the mouth. McCarthy will bring out his East Coast mentality in the locker room. He'll light a fire in the hearts of the team. The Packers will be mentally and physically ready.
While the Packers have had their share of injury issues, the 49ers are dealing with some troubles of their own. They'll be without Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree. On the outside, the Packers match-up well. Quinton Patton - a man that I wanted the Packers to draft - might be the #2 WR for SF. Patton is talented. And he brings swagger. He'll challenge the Packers DB's with solid routes, good hands and an ability to run after the catch.
I envision SF running a lot of play action short routes to Boldin. They'll get Kaepernick to the edge. They'll look for Vernon Davis on the edge of the defense. They'll attempt to pound at the heart of the Packers defense. All of this will happen before they try the Packers deep or run the read-option.
Defensively, the 49ers are the same that they've been the last couple of years. They're fast. They're physical. They'll seek contact. In the rotation, I imagine they'll only have two new faces: 1st round pick, Eric Reid, and Nnamdi Asomugha as the 3rd CB. They're unified. They'll be ready.
Early on, look for the 49ers to play power football. In response, the Packers will line up with a mix of Pickett, CJ Wilson, Raji, and Jolly. Jolly's attitude rubs off on the Packers in a positive way. He brings a toughness to the locker room. The Packers DL does a decent job matching the strength of the 49ers offensive front. And on the first 3rd down, Hyde comes on a blitz and disrupts Colin Kaepernick. In fact, if I were Dom Capers, I'd have Hyde shadow Kaepernick all game.
The Packers try to establish the run early in the game. Eddie Lacy finds little room to run. Then, on a roll-out, Rodgers hits J-Mike in the flat for a big gain. And the Packers offense is in business. The drive is capped as Rodgers hits Jones for a TD.
Last year - in Week 1 - the Claymaker got the best of Joe Staley. But, in the playoffs, Staley won the battle. Look for Clay to play with heightened passion. His intensity yields goodness.
Look for Harbaugh to attack Nick Perry. He'll try to get Perry in space. Harbaugh - ever the strategist - gets Perry to drop into zone coverage. He consistently aims for power football right at Perry. Harbaugh will view Perry as a weak link in the 3-4.
While the 49ers will utilize the read-option, it won't be used as much as it was in the playoff contest. After all, Kaepernick has a cannon of an arm and generally, he has good ball placement. The Milwaukee native has the tools. But, Hyde confuses him as he comes on a variety of blitzes.
God bless David Bakhtiari! Aldon Smith will be the toughest match-up that he'll face all year. Let's hope he can slow Bakhtiari down. I fancy that Quarless will be lined up next to Bakhtiari on a number of occasions. Quarless will chip Smith prior to his route. Look for Quarless to make an impact on this game. Especially on Rodgers roll-outs.
The 49ers drop into deep coverages. Testing Rodgers' patience. Staying calm, Rodgers finds Cobb on 3rd down. Consistently, Rodgers does not throw to the marker. Instead - receivers are forced to get yardage after the catch in order to move the sticks.
I expect the Packers to put up 24 points. So, it's up to the defense. Have to hold the 49ers to 5 scores, at most. While I believe that SF will move the ball, I'm not convinced that they'll punch it into the end zone. Crabtree was their finisher.
With the Packers leading late and facing a 3rd & 2, they give to Lacy. Lacy meets contact. Falls forward. Moves the stick. And keeps the clock ticking. Ticking towards victory.
I'm an optimist. And a realist.
Packers 24. 49ers 23.
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
"Sooner or later, it all gets real." Thank you, John Bell. This week - it gets real. Thankfully. That was the most pathetic display of preseason football that I can recall from our beloved Green Bay Packers. Frankly, it was almost unbearable. But, now, it's real. And, as long as #12 is feeling confident, I'm feeling confident. Before I get into my Week 1 thoughts, here's a quick look at some of the big decisions that Mike McCarthy & Ted Thompson made in compiling the Final 53:
* I'd argue that outside of the conversations regarding #4, the last week included some of the most difficult conversations that McCarthy & Thompson have had to encounter. Both have to be disappointed. Just last year, Thompson traded up to get Terrell Manning. Manning never panned out. In 2011, Thompson made 11 selections. Today, only 4 of those players are on the Roster. One is Derek Sherrod who hasn't played in more than a year. Another is Ryan Taylor. Taylor has yet to make an impact. In 2012, Thompson made 8 selections. Today, only 5 remain. And two of those (Hayward & Worthy) won't be available for the Week 1 contest vs the 49ers. One of the recent cuts was BJ Coleman. Mike McCarthy prides himself on his ability to develop a QB. This must have been a punishing training camp for his ego. He invested 3 years in Graham Harrell. Harrell never progressed. BJ Coleman had all of the tools. He had a big arm, an ability to move, and great size. But, Coleman never developed. I believe that Coleman showed better footwork in the East-West Shrine Game than he did in the Week 4 preseason game at KC. Disappointing.
* Vince Young wasn't ready. I wanted it to come together for him. He was an absolute stiff at KC. Unbearable. Clearly, the Packers are desperate with the signing of Seneca Wallace. There's no way to beautify it.
* Couldn't be more excited for Chris Banjo! Dude came to play. He tackled everything in sight. Wouldn't shock me if he sees time in the regular season. I'll reiterate what I wrote last week - he's impressed me more than MD Jennings.
* Props to Sam Barrington! He reminds me a little bit of a young Desmond Bishop. Punishing in his attack. He plays with a mean intent. He's raw, but he has shown promise.
* Jeremy Ross is a survivor. He's going to get his shot at redemption this week.
* Micah Hyde looks like he has a little Sir Charles in him. Yes, I said that.
* Brandon Bostick has become the new project at TE. Wonder how long it is until he's utilized in a double TE package and sent down the seam.
* Well done, Lane Taylor. I thought he was deserving of a roster spot. If not in Green Bay, somewhere. Good developmental prospect.
* Cheers to Nate Palmer & Andy Mulumba. If you follow my twitter handle, you know that I was thrilled to have Mulumba in camp. Glad he's been given a chance to prove his worth.
* Johnny Jolly. What a stud!
* I wonder if Datone Jones is healthy. He's getting stuffed in his tracks.
* Good to see T-Mon get his hands on the ball!
* Brad Jones & Morgan Burnett better be healthy.
This week - it's the 49ers. In rematch form. For roughly 25 years, the Packers had the 49ers number. The rivalry was fully one-sided. However, in Week 1 last year, it seemed to flip the other way around. The 49ers dominated the Packers in the opener. At Lambeau. In the playoffs, it appeared as though the Packers had matched the 49ers intensity until Jeremy Ross' fumble. With that said, in both games, it was clear that the 49ers were the more physical team. They were a better coached team. They matched up better against the Packers than the Packers did against the 49ers. On paper, the same could be said about this year.
If you recall the playoff game last year, the Packers came out with a chip on their shoulder. There was a lot of talking and pushing after the play. The Packers had the right mindset - prior to Ross' fumble. Post the fumble, everything change.
I believe that this week is personal for McCarthy. The Packers are going to come out looking to punch the 49ers in the mouth. McCarthy will bring out his East Coast mentality in the locker room. He'll light a fire in the hearts of the team. The Packers will be mentally and physically ready.
While the Packers have had their share of injury issues, the 49ers are dealing with some troubles of their own. They'll be without Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree. On the outside, the Packers match-up well. Quinton Patton - a man that I wanted the Packers to draft - might be the #2 WR for SF. Patton is talented. And he brings swagger. He'll challenge the Packers DB's with solid routes, good hands and an ability to run after the catch.
I envision SF running a lot of play action short routes to Boldin. They'll get Kaepernick to the edge. They'll look for Vernon Davis on the edge of the defense. They'll attempt to pound at the heart of the Packers defense. All of this will happen before they try the Packers deep or run the read-option.
Defensively, the 49ers are the same that they've been the last couple of years. They're fast. They're physical. They'll seek contact. In the rotation, I imagine they'll only have two new faces: 1st round pick, Eric Reid, and Nnamdi Asomugha as the 3rd CB. They're unified. They'll be ready.
Early on, look for the 49ers to play power football. In response, the Packers will line up with a mix of Pickett, CJ Wilson, Raji, and Jolly. Jolly's attitude rubs off on the Packers in a positive way. He brings a toughness to the locker room. The Packers DL does a decent job matching the strength of the 49ers offensive front. And on the first 3rd down, Hyde comes on a blitz and disrupts Colin Kaepernick. In fact, if I were Dom Capers, I'd have Hyde shadow Kaepernick all game.
The Packers try to establish the run early in the game. Eddie Lacy finds little room to run. Then, on a roll-out, Rodgers hits J-Mike in the flat for a big gain. And the Packers offense is in business. The drive is capped as Rodgers hits Jones for a TD.
Last year - in Week 1 - the Claymaker got the best of Joe Staley. But, in the playoffs, Staley won the battle. Look for Clay to play with heightened passion. His intensity yields goodness.
Look for Harbaugh to attack Nick Perry. He'll try to get Perry in space. Harbaugh - ever the strategist - gets Perry to drop into zone coverage. He consistently aims for power football right at Perry. Harbaugh will view Perry as a weak link in the 3-4.
While the 49ers will utilize the read-option, it won't be used as much as it was in the playoff contest. After all, Kaepernick has a cannon of an arm and generally, he has good ball placement. The Milwaukee native has the tools. But, Hyde confuses him as he comes on a variety of blitzes.
God bless David Bakhtiari! Aldon Smith will be the toughest match-up that he'll face all year. Let's hope he can slow Bakhtiari down. I fancy that Quarless will be lined up next to Bakhtiari on a number of occasions. Quarless will chip Smith prior to his route. Look for Quarless to make an impact on this game. Especially on Rodgers roll-outs.
The 49ers drop into deep coverages. Testing Rodgers' patience. Staying calm, Rodgers finds Cobb on 3rd down. Consistently, Rodgers does not throw to the marker. Instead - receivers are forced to get yardage after the catch in order to move the sticks.
I expect the Packers to put up 24 points. So, it's up to the defense. Have to hold the 49ers to 5 scores, at most. While I believe that SF will move the ball, I'm not convinced that they'll punch it into the end zone. Crabtree was their finisher.
With the Packers leading late and facing a 3rd & 2, they give to Lacy. Lacy meets contact. Falls forward. Moves the stick. And keeps the clock ticking. Ticking towards victory.
I'm an optimist. And a realist.
Packers 24. 49ers 23.
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
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