Bills 27 Packers 17: Game Balls & Lame Calls

Running game works, but it wasn't enough.

This time the Packers ran the ball.  They ran it, and ran it, and ran it some more.  That's what so many fans have been clamoring for.  There is only one problem with that.  In today's NFL, and especially against one of the best teams in the league, you can't run the ball all the way into the end zone.  Sooner or later, the defense will stop it.  The perfect example came late in the third quarter of Sunday night's game against Buffalo.  Green Bay ran the ball beautifully down the field, until finally the Bills defense stiffened up.  Facing a 4th and 1 at the Buffalo 26, the Packers ran it again.  This time, Aaron Jones was stoned for a two yard loss.

Green Bay desperately needed to mix the pass with their effective run game.  But every time Matt LaFleur called a throw, the offensive line was hopelessly overmatched by the pass rush.  Aaron Rodgers did not go over the 100 yard mark in passing yards until the fourth quarter, and even then, only when the Bills felt secure enough with a 17 point lead, to back off and play soft.  Playing with yet another O-line change caused by the scratching of Elgton Jenkins before the game, the front unit of Bakhtiari, Tom, Myers, Runyan and Nijman, could not hold up.

Which would have been okay if the defense could have held them in the game.  But they, too, were overmatched by a Buffalo offensive machine that has dominated several other opponents as well this season.   By halftime the defense had coughed up 24 points and had dug a 17 point hole to try to climb out of.  The Packers repeated the theme of playing only one half of good football.  They actually outscored the Bills 10-3 after the intermission.  But the Pack was never a threat to win this game.  

So we will have to be content with a few signs of encouragement.  That running game was impressive against an excellent defense.  A couple of rookie receivers made a few outstanding catches. The defense actually created a pair of turnovers.  Maybe we can focus on those, to help us forget the Packers are 3 and 5 and hopelessly out of the division race before the season is half over.

 

GAME BALLS

Aaron Jones

Possibly the best game of his Packers career.  I love the way he runs the ball.  Not a big back by any means, but he sees the hole well and explodes through it, and fights hard for every inch.  He wound up with 20 carries for 143 yards.  The Bills seemed to have no answer for that pitch sweep.  The former UTEP standout tacked on four catches as well.  For three quarters he carried the entire offense on his back.

Jaire Alexander

Three pass break-ups and a beautiful interception he pulled off his shoelaces.  I was surprised to see him open the game by following Gabe Davis instead of Stephon Diggs.  But no matter who Buffalo was throwing to, Jaire seemed to be around the ball.  I could do without all the trash talk and hot dogging, but that's part of who he is.  It's how he gets himself ready to play.  This was by far his best game of the season. And a very nice touch to present the football he intercepted to a young fan in the first row who was wearing a Packer hat.

Romeo Doubs

Just throw him the dang ball.  Give him a chance to make a play.  That's what Rodgers finally did from 20 yards out in the second quarter.  The rookie made a sensational, twisting adjustment on the ball and out fought the corner for the score.  Then he came back in the fourth quarter to make a difficult, contested catch for 26 yards along the boundary.  He finished with 4 catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.  He looked like a guy who could, some day, be a true number one receiver.

Honorable mentions to Rasul Douglas who had an outstanding, full extension interception, and to Samouri Toure who made a terrific adjustment on a route in the 4th quarter to get himelf open for a 36 yard touchdown reception.

 

LAME CALLS

Lack of Physicality

The Packers may play teams that are more talented than they are, but they should never be pushed around.  Yet that's what Buffalo was doing much of Sunday night.  As the second half began, Matt LaFleur told the NBC sideline reporter that he challenged the team in the locker room to be more physical.  A coach shouldn't have to do that.  Football is a tough game for tough players.  But Green Bay just couldn't stand their ground at critical times.  The most obvious example came in the 4th quarter with the Packers down by ten and desperately needing the ball back.  Buffalo had a third and one at midfield.  Everyone in the stadium knew Josh Allen was going to try to sneak it for the first down.  The TV announcers even called it.  This was a time when Green Bay's defensive front needed to rise up and punch the Bills in the face.  Yet, not only did Allen sneak for the first down, but he pushed the Packers defensive front backwards for five yards.  Throughout the game it was clear Buffalo was hitting harder and winning the trenches.  That has to stop if Green Bay is to turn this around.

Pass Protection

This problem is an extension of the previous point.  Aaron Rodgers has taken a lot of heat this season for being inaccurate, and rightfully so.  But I find it hard to fault him in this game.  There were pass rushers in his face all night long.  It's obvious Zach Tom was not comfortable at left guard.  He got smoked several times, as did Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan.  The protection got a little better in the final quarter and it helped that Rodgers, sensing the urgency, was throwing the ball on schedule.  Green Bay is in desperate need of a downfield passing game, and that means the O-line must block better.

Run Defense

I just can't figure out why this team can't improve it's defense against the run.  The Bills rushed for 153 yards, often blowing big holes in the Packers' defensive front.  They gave up a 30 yard run to Devin Singletary, a 20 yarder to Josh Allen, and a 17 yard rush from James Cook.  It certainly didn't help that Green Bay lost both of its inside linebackers during the game.  Quay Walker's shove of a practice team player on the sideline got him ejected.  That was immature and just plain stupid.  De'Vondre Campbell suffered a knee injury in the second quarter.  Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson were forced into action.  Still, the Packers' defensive line was supposed to be a strength this season.  The collecive unit of Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, and company have been a major disappointment against the run.

 

THREE AND OUT

-- The Packers got a tough break when Christian Watson was injured on his first touch on the team's first drive.  I don't mean to be insensitive to his injury, and I certainly hope he's okay.  But I wonder if he's going to be one of those players who never get to display their talent because they are always hurt.  He missed most of training camp recovering from knee surgery, missed games due to a hamstring problem, and now has a concussion.  I would love to foresee a future with Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure developing into one of the top receiving trios in the league, but I'm beginning to wonder if the rookie from North Dakota State is ever going to get the chance.

-- If you were like me, you never so much as cracked a smile when Keisean Nixon returned a kickoff 49 yards to midfield to open the second half.  We're just conditioned to know there will be a penalty to call it back.  Sure enough, holding set the Packers back inside their own ten yard line.

-- Are you also wondering, as I am, if there is any teeam in the NFL the Packers can beat right now?  We'll find out next week in Detroit. 

 

 

 

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__________________________

Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

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NFL Categories: 
11 points
 

Comments (123)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
edp1959's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:04 am

Running the ball doesn't work when your all world defense gives up 5 straight scoring drives. The Bills were happy letting the Packers take that much time off the clock.

13 points
14
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lkcsmith's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:18 am

"Running the ball doesn't work"

Well, you are not the only one who thinks that. Von Miller of the Bills was wondering too as he said to any interviewer after the game:

“I was like, hey, y’all got to pass the ball, right?”
Bills DE Von Miller on his shock when the Packers kept running the ball in the second half.

6 points
7
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KenEllis's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:31 am

So running the ball down 27-10 in the 4th, which resulted in a 27-17 loss, means that running the ball worked?

Von was shocked GB was running because he knows it meant the Pack was waving the white flag as far as trying to win the game.

We ran the ball so much last night, even when down 17, because we have almost no receiving weapons, not because it was a road to victory.

5 points
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3
Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:45 am

This team runs the ball for one reason. To keep the pourous pass d off the field. The whole design for this team was based on the theme "if the other team doesnt have time to pass due to a ferocious pass rush, we dont need to draft stinkin shut down corners, we can get by with cast offs and late round picks. They come cheaper.
Its always been about the money.

-3 points
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Packers2020's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:27 am

The pass D is not the major problem. We could get a player better than Savage at Safety and Stokes has been just ok this season but the defensive line and LB play is the reason this defense can't stop teams. We are close to last in the league against the run. Again....

6 points
7
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CheesedDeadHead's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:01 am

It seems that the head coach was trying to close the point spread more than come back and win. I'm not saying he had a bet on the game, but that he's coaching to just not be embarrassed so he can call it a moral victory. Nothing in the offensive and defensive approaches is to win, but to keep their jobs as long as possible. I'm sure Barry thought dying by a thousand knife wounds was preferable to 40+ yard TD passes left and right, but the outcome was the same.

6 points
7
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HankScorpio's picture

October 31, 2022 at 02:14 pm

While the effect was the same, I think ML's motivation for a run-heavy approach was that he's smart enough to know that the Packers simply cannot pass the ball effectively. Between whatever is behind Aaron Rodgers' performance decline (thumb or head or both), the horrific interior OL and the crappy pass catchers, there are not many reasons to think they can succeed.

3 points
3
0
rstain99's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:22 am

59 you hit it right on the head the defense led by another clown sorry but it true this guy could not and won't make adjustments as game goes on. Think the sunglasses are making him blind to the whole game. JA as always was on his game just wish he and Walker had a little more maturity, the constant pounding of the chest and chirping is way over the top. Walker should have shown restraint, has been a pleasant surprise overall. Now for the tackling the two safeties could tackle a 60 year old woman, Time to part ways with these two afraid to put their bodies in there. The both have stone hands as well. 6-11 is a real possibility at this point MLF you might want to start looking for backup plan. Tough crowd but this is all self inflicted. Praise to Toure, Doubs and as always Aaron Jones the rest yikes!

2 points
3
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fordguy's picture

October 31, 2022 at 03:18 pm

JA is the only one on the field that actually plays like he's the better player against anyone he plays against versus the rest that act like they're trying to get by and not look stupid waiting to get beat and for the game to end.

1 points
2
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Caden819's picture

October 31, 2022 at 03:08 pm

That “all world defense” came out on the first possession and forced a punt. The lack luster offense then went and turned it over on downs, afterwards the bills marched down the field and scored. The anemic offense once again didn’t do anything after 5 plays and the defense was back on the field. After a quarter the offense finally got their shit together and put a nice scoring drive together. Followed up by a stunning 6 play drive which resulted in a punt. Giving the bills plenty of time to go down and kick a field goal. That awesome offense then came blazing out in the third quarter with a field goal. After that the next drive they come out and turn it over on downs for the 2nd time in the game. That “all world” defense picked off Josh Allen just for our stellar 4 time mvp to throw a pick of his own right after. Just for the “all world” defense to pick off Josh Allen a 2nd time. They held the Bills to 3 points and 2 turnovers in the 2nd half just for the “offensive guru” and the 4 time mvp to lay another egg. If you think the defense is the glaring hole in this team then you need to lay off your crack pipe

2 points
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Caden819's picture

October 31, 2022 at 03:08 pm

That “all world defense” came out on the first possession and forced a punt. The lack luster offense then went and turned it over on downs, afterwards the bills marched down the field and scored. The anemic offense once again didn’t do anything after 5 plays and the defense was back on the field. After a quarter the offense finally got their shit together and put a nice scoring drive together. Followed up by a stunning 6 play drive which resulted in a punt. Giving the bills plenty of time to go down and kick a field goal. That awesome offense then came blazing out in the third quarter with a field goal. After that the next drive they come out and turn it over on downs for the 2nd time in the game. That “all world” defense picked off Josh Allen just for our stellar 4 time mvp to throw a pick of his own right after. Just for the “all world” defense to pick off Josh Allen a 2nd time. They held the Bills to 3 points and 2 turnovers in the 2nd half just for the “offensive guru” and the 4 time mvp to lay another egg. If you think the defense is the glaring hole in this team then you need to lay off your crack pipe

0 points
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Oppy's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:03 pm

Packers defense held the Bills to 27 points in their house last night.
I'm not going to tell you 27 points is a low total, but here are the facts:

-The Bills are averaging 29 points per game in 2022
-The Bills are averaging 35.3 points per game at Home in 2022
-The Packers are allowing an average of 21.6 points per game in 2022
-The average points allowed by Defenses in 2022 is 21.9

The Packers offense is averaging 18.1 points per game in 2022.
The Packers offense is averaging 16.2 points per game on the road in 2022.
The Packers offense averages 21.3 at home in 2022.

You aren't going to win many games in the NFL when your offense scores less than the average NFL defense allows

Deflect all you want, the OFFENSE is the biggest issue for the 2022 Packers.

0 points
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KenEllis's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:12 am

From "ALL IN" and "Super Bowl Roster" heading into the 2022 season to oh well we're down 17 in the 4th quarter in another loss just means "we will have to be content with a few signs of encouragement?"

Nah, others can be CONTENT WITH A FEW SIGNS OF ENCOURAGEMENT, but I would rather focus on the fundamental issues plaguing this 3-5 football team and they include but are not limited to (1) a chronically underperforming defense, (2) no weapons on offense outside of #33 and raw rookies, (3) Gutey's inadequate drafting (see #s 1 and 2), and (4) Joe Barry's, and by extension MLF's, coaching.

You are what your record says you are and at 3-5, with 4 straight losses, being content with a few signs of encouragement is what losers do.

Winners, in contrast, start looking at how to stop the losing by attacking the problems.

11 points
13
2
Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:43 am

not going to happen because much of the problem seems to be MLF, Barry and Gutes...they aint going anywhere..

5 points
5
0
Caden819's picture

October 31, 2022 at 06:51 pm

That underperforming D wouldn’t be underperforming if they had a competent offense that stayed on the field for more than 6 played at a time

1 points
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Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:28 am

On your comment about being pushed around... I can't help but think about the 24 year old first round draft pick that can't make it on the field, let alone have an impact. He's lucky we had two first round picks and everyone focused on our second round WR... otherwise this bust would be getting a lot more scrutiny.

6 points
10
4
LeotisHarris's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:46 am

I don't think a tweaked hamstring and concussion make him a bust. Kid still has a bright future.

4 points
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1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:53 am

I think you might have misread my comment. I'm talking about Wyatt, not Watson. I agree, Watson is not a bust.

5 points
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Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:45 am

I agree...What did they see in Wyatt, whatever it was it doesn't show up in the NFL..shoulda coulda took an O lineman or WR...

0 points
2
2
jannes bjornson's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:59 am

They put a slug like Lowry in his spot. He needs to play free and create space with stunts. Barry is clueless. I'm surprised Montgomery doesn't say something about light fronts when the opponent is crushing them with the run.

2 points
3
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LeotisHarris's picture

October 31, 2022 at 03:43 pm

My bad, Cubby. Sorry.

Both of our picks from UGA had single digit scores on the Wonderlic. I understand the correlation to football success is suspect with that test, but it has to impact how those young men go about their day-to-day. I'd hope the Packers have resources available and supports in place to help those guys learn. Maybe Wyatt needs information presented differently for him to master it. We all have different strengths in how we learn.

1 points
1
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Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:50 am

I hate to be right sometimes but when I heard how Watson was oft hurt in college with Hammies and were talking div 1a, not the pounding teams of the bid ten or SEC, then saw he was a slender built guy, I thought, one good hit and this kid will miss a season.
This isnt more then just a bad pick, its another guy who isnt contributing to the team being on the bench all the time.
The Vikes get a Jefferson, a Dalvin Cook and were taking a Watt and a Watson, and 6, 7 rounders are making the team? One team is drafting play makers and the other guys who can suit up and maybe play.

1 points
3
2
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:11 am

You know how the draft works and why?

2 points
2
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jannes bjornson's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:19 pm

Your what hurts?

2 points
2
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dobber's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:20 pm

"I hate to be right sometimes but when I heard how Watson was oft hurt in college with Hammies"

He missed 3 games in four years,

5 points
5
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Rebecca's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:22 am

Yeah but Watson was a draft hero who will burn the opposing defenses with his speed size and athleticism! Put him at receiver if he is ever healthy. This bullshit they have him doing now is a total waste. This is becoming a joke. Those in charge just can get their personnel right.

3 points
3
0
Tundraboy's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:48 pm

Excellent point not mentioned enough. After that first play he is no longer used as a the deep threat he obviously is. No jet sweeps and runs, that's the ticket! MLF is some genius . Oh he's hurt so let's put him out there doing something he is not as experienced and at an NFL level.

0 points
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0
dobber's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:38 am

"Aaron Jones"

The guy might just be earning a return to the Packers in 2023. The cap situation is bleak, and he's got a much bigger cap hit coming, but it's hard to rationalize not extending him a year or two, moderating that hit, and bringing him back. RBs tend to lose their legs early, but for a guy who's been around for awhile, Jones doesn't have all that many miles on his tires. He's got a couple good years left.

"Jaire Alexander"

He should talk all he wants. Sure, as a #1 CB, he's going to get burned some--it's what happens in a league where you can't sneeze on a WR without drawing a flag, but he's a high-end player and one of the best in the league at his position. Someone needs to bring fire and be a vocal leader for this team--if anything, it appears that's what losing Za'Darius Smith has cost the Packers. An on-field leader. Give him a chance to be that vocal guy.

"Lack of Physicality"

This is exactly the kind of defensive unit that has always given the Packers fits...and we saw it again last night. Zach Tom just isn't strong enough yet to handle some of these guys, and it showed. Just like SF a couple years ago and TB two years back, the Packers struggle against big, physical, and aggressive fronts. This was a defense that plays red-hot all the time, even journeyman DTs like Jordan Phillips are running downfield and laying shots on runners. What was telling, though, was when Von Miller--all 245 pounds of him--picked up 315 pound Yosh Nijman, rode him down the line, and threw him in front of Jones on that 4th and 1 before that play could even get started. No, it wouldn't have mattered in that case if Dillon was running the ball or Jenkins was playing LG.

"The Packers got a tough break when Christian Watson was injured on his first touch on the team's first drive..... But I wonder if he's going to be one of those players who never get to display their talent because they are always hurt. "

I think we all shook our heads when we saw him go down. He took a helmet-to-helmet on that play as he was going down. Yes, he's hurt, and it's become a frustrating theme for his first season, but it's more bad luck in this case than anything else. It happens in every game every week and, with concussion protocols, those guys are done for the day.

14 points
14
0
RCPackerFan's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:45 am

"Yes, he's hurt, and it's become a frustrating theme for his first season, but it's more bad luck in this case than anything else."

Completely agree.

I have seen so much hate on twitter about Watson. He had knee surgery before the season. Since he has had a hamstring issue which maybe is related to the surgery. We don't know.
But this was a fluke play. It sucks for him.

What really sucks by him getting hurt is how they were talking about having a lot of stuff set up for him.

3 points
4
1
jannes bjornson's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:04 am

The defender should have been flagged for the head shot. There was another flagrant blow later in the game, but Walker gets the heave-ho.

3 points
4
1
CheesedDeadHead's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:14 am

My first reaction to Watson going down was that he was a snowflake and he could play samual Jackson's son in unbreakable 2 - the new generation. Then a second later my brain kicks in and I realize everything you and dobber said. The problem with the twitterverse, the metaverse, the dipshitverse and the moronverse is that they give bullhorns to the people who never have a brain kick in after the initial/emotional response.

4 points
4
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jannes bjornson's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:22 pm

Just ask Q

2 points
3
1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:27 am

Disagree on Jones, just because I don't think GB is competing for a Superbowl in the next 3 years. Guy has tons of talent, and his window to be an impact player on a championship team is now. Pack should ship him off to Buffalo or LAR.

-2 points
2
4
EnemyTerritory's picture

October 31, 2022 at 04:42 pm

Agreed. I love Jones. Plays his heart out and I was thrilled when he was extended. But the cap hit was pushed down the road. The road has become a massive cap sinkhole. Send him to an AFC contender and get some return. He’s not returning in 23.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:33 am

Great summation Dobber!

I think Watson going down helped by forcing us to give Doubs a real chance to be aggressive and, eventually, getting Toure out there to display the football smarts lacking in others.

That doesn’t mean I’m down on Watson now we’ve got him, for the long term. I will say that I think our usage/expectations for him this year is pure nonsense. He’s had what appear to be conditioning issues to me (not the concussion) but he’s got so many technical issues and so little experience running NFL routes that only Al Davis in his last years would have thought a game plan heavily using him makes sense at this point. Yet that’s apparent what we went in with.

I didn’t understand the pick when Rodgers had been brought back. I don’t understand what LaFleur is doing. Per reports, latterly Tauscher, Toure’s been lighting it up in the scout team for weeks. If so let him play. As the author says, give Doubs a chance to make difference making plays not just desperation deep balls with no coverage draws.

This O could be a lot better with another Head Coach. Great to see the run early and often but then not do good to see it later so much with a need to put up points. At least LaFleur seemed to finally appreciate it. It’s a shame he can’t balance when it’s a hindrance tactically, but par for the course. As was the use of Watkins: Watkins at present is dead weight. Just sit him. Rodgers should not be getting snaps before Toure. Jenkins was a big loss that I can’t blame LaFleur for.

0 points
2
2
CheesedDeadHead's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:34 pm

"I don’t understand what LaFleur is doing. Per reports, latterly Tauscher, Toure’s been lighting it up in the scout team for weeks."

The Packers don't video the scout team practices so MLF doesn't have any film to review.

0 points
0
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Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:47 am

and I thought that the Packers finally had a big tough aggressive defensive front line....I guess not so much..

4 points
4
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gpt999's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Hey dobber, I agree about Watson. He seems injury plagued at this eraly point of his career. Its too bad. He looks like a real talent. But we'll never know if he doesn't play due to injury(s)?

GB's DLine - outside of Clark - looks bad against the run and gets pushed around. Lowry looked like a player last year but has become his old self this year. Cut him, trade him. Give Wyatt those reps. How much worse could it be and save some cap space at the same time?

2 points
2
0
Tundraboy's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:51 pm

Sack of cookies for you! Excellent!

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:38 am

I agree with your game balls. I will add a few extras

Game Balls:

Toure - I know he only ended up with 1 catch for 37 yards and a TD. But he made a hell of a play on that!

Enagbare - He has really stepped up these last few games. He has been applying pressure and had a great play for a tackle for a loss. he has been flashing a lot these last few games.

Lame Calls:

Quay Walker - He got thrown out of the game for pushing someone on the sideline. Just can't do that. He is a valuable player to the defense. He can't lose his head like that.

Packers run game - This may seem weird to call this a lame call when the Packers run 30 times for 197 yards. Jones had 20 carries for 143. My lame call is why have they not ran Jones more the past 3 games. The last 3 losses Jones had 8 carries, 9 carries, 13 carries. Jones needs the ball!

Injuries - Injuries are killing this team. Lazard out before the game, Jenkins tried a workout before the game and couldn't go. Watson gets hurt on the first drive. Campbell goes out of the game.
The WR position finished the game with Watkins, Doubs, Toure and Rodgers. that is it. Compare that to preseason when it was Lazard, Cobb, Watkins, Watson, Doubs, Rodgers, Toure.

Refs- They threat OPI on Tonyan when he was getting mauled. Ridiculous! This is the 2nd week we have had a TD come off the board due to bad officiating. They extended a drive on a crap hands to the face penalty. Yet they didn't see on one of Rodgers sacks that Yosh nearly had his head taken off when the guy punched him in the face. There was another horrible missed holding call on Gary.

Three and Out:

Tale of 2 halves - The first half wasn't very good overall. But they came out in the 2nd half and really played well. I have seen some viewing it differently that the Bills weren't into it. I don't care. The Packers played a lot better. They were down to 4 WR's.

Deguara - When he was on the field the offense was better. He brings a lot to the team.

Offensive Formula - I feel like they finally found some identity on offense. They ran the ball very well against the best run defense in the league. Perhaps the stat is misleading because they have an explosive offense. Regardless, the Packers running the ball, sticking with it, and using play action after that started to really work in the 2nd half. They seemed to use a lot more extra TE looks.

Bonus thought - I feel like if they added a WR to this offense it could really give the team a boost. I feel like this would create a lot of energy for the team. Something that could really rejuvenate them. The offense needs a weapon. Watson if he could stay healthy could be that guy. I feel like he is a difference maker. But he has missed more time then he has played. They need someone more reliable as a difference maker. They will get Cobb back sometime. Lazard will be back sometime. Watkins really hasn't shown a lot and they have rookies.
It will be interesting to see if Gutey makes a move or not.

5 points
7
2
dobber's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:45 am

Agree on Enagbare. He's leapfrogged the other reserve OLBs and is earning some time. Hopefully he can set an edge.

7 points
7
0
RCPackerFan's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:17 am

He has had impactful plays each of the last 3 games. Starting to come one nicely.

0 points
0
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Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:47 am

I agree for the most part. I don’t however share your view in the run game entirely, despite thinking that you are right about play action reviving things. The problem is that, ironically, we stuck with it too long, perhaps because it made us look better. It was great to see but became a tactical blunder. It was very good to see it early and often in the first half though.

Also on a WR. I think it would just see LaFkeur remove the young talent and as such a step in the wrong direction both now and for The future. Doubs and Toure with Cobb and Lazard are likely our best performers currently in this roster this year. Losing the current version of Watkins for a better WR would make a lot of sense, but do you really think that’s what LaFleur does?

Watson at this point is a gadget. The sooner we accept that if health doesn’t intervene the better for us and him. He should not be a large part of our game plan. None of this is new, but it’s true and becoming harder to defend each time play forced things.

2 points
2
0
RCPackerFan's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:03 am

I would be perfectly fine trading for a WR and having him taking Watkins snaps. He really hasn't offered anything.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:27 pm

Did they look better last night? Well, yes, but better is all relative. Sadly, they don't get a chance to see if that transfers to the Detroit game before the trade window closes. I just don't see the point in throwing good draft capital after rental players for this roster.

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:12 am

I'm also in favor of getting our young guys at wide receiver out on the field more -- and I'll add Amari Rodgers over Randall Cobb. Give Amari a real opportunity.
To me, Lazard is the only veteran at wide receiver who should be in there regularly, and then it should be mostly Doubs, Toure, Amari, and maybe Winfree. (I'm not sure what do about Watson, but if healthy he can at least be utilized selectively).
I'm not against bringing in an outside wide receiver, but it has to be the right guy at the right price, not a panic move for appearances.
***
It seems almost all of the passes against the Bills were either short or long, in other words little to no medium passing game.
Against the Bills, were the Packers motioning receivers, using bunch formations, and employing a variety of crossing patterns (and fake crossing patterns) to scheme guys open? It didn't seem so.
I get that Rodgers has been under a lot of pressure at times, and that his wide receivers are young and inexperienced in running routes -- but still I'm wondering if a big problem is a lack of creativity in helping guys to get open.
Instead of making things complicated for our young wide receivers, maybe we could be making things more complicated for opposing defenses.
Our wide receivers should be able to handle basic routes, which may work better if they are crossing each other on the field and keeping the coverage guessing.

0 points
1
1
NickPerry's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:39 am

Sigh...

Game Balls...Jones, Jones, and Aaron Jones. My God, can you imagine this team NEXT season if they trade or cut Jones because of the contract he has? UGH!!

Lame Calls... I have been a huge supporter of Brian Gutekunst but while I've watched this season unfold, I don't think I can EVER forgive him for the GROSS negligence he paid to the WR position. Now I will ALWAYS believe Mark Murphy SHOVED Aaron Rodgers down his throat, and was told to make it work. This team had Aaron Rodgers in his prime and Gute REFUSED to add to the position in the early rounds of each draft.

Gutes first draft was 2018 where he drafted Jamon Moore (UGH!), MVS, and ESB. NONE of them are on the team, and MVS wouldn't have made much of a difference to the 2022 Packers either. In 2021 he drafts Amari Rodgers who I'll admit I thought was a good pick. Fast forward 26 games into his NFL career and he still is clueless. How much falls on the coaching staff is anyones guess. BUT you can't neglect the position the way Gute has in TODAY'S NFL.

Many will be clamoring for a WR to be added before the trade deadline. ONE receiver isn't going to help this team, and the way it's going, the Packers could be drafting in the top 5 of each round. KEEP your draft choices!!

10 points
12
2
PeteK's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:22 am

Without a good RT it will not matter who's at WR, as Jenkins and Nijman are getting destroyed.

5 points
5
0
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:09 am

Nijman did not get destroyed. He did get beaten by Von Miller. That’s going to happen especially when you have that type of call in that situation where it’s an all out charge. Pad level error. Let him settle on the right. He’s not the problem. The real problem last night was the pocket arriving in Rodgers’ lap all first half.

2 points
3
1
RCPackerFan's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:59 am

One of the times he got beat on, Miller basically punched Yosh in the face. Should have been a defensive penalty because it clearly shook Yosh which then created a sack.

2 points
3
1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:44 am

Idk - in 2018 Rodgers was looking more likely to be aging into retirement than resurging into a two-time MVP. The team moved Adams into their #1 slot, spent big on Jimmy Graham, acquired Lewis, had Cobb, MVS, ESB, Allison, Tonyan, Lazard and thought that Montgomery and Jones could be dual threat RB/receivers. We know how all this played out, but at the time fans were excited about the group and there was a lot of angst about which #7 WR was going to have to be let go after the preseason.

In hindsight, if you knew Rodgers was going to click again and that Adams was going to willingly walk away from the team and that most of these WRs were nothing better than a WR 3/4... then sure, a first rounder on a WR made sense. But thats a lot of ifs.

10 points
10
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:12 am

Nice Chubby!

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

October 31, 2022 at 02:19 pm

Perv ! hahahaha

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:55 am

I actually think MVS would have helped us a lot. He wouldn’t have won it for us, but he’d have stretched the field and allowed Doubs in particular some less contested deep opportunities.

As I’ve said before, this was a roster built for post Rodgers. Run and develop with the receivers. That is and was a horrid fit for Rodgers, but it was what we had when we signed him. LaFleurs execrable handling of what we have only magnified that. But Murphy knew this. He must have known what the roster was and why. Yet we did it and any cap to strengthen vanished. There no escaping that.

If I have a beef with Gute it’s taking Watson and Wyatt this year after the return of Rodgers. I like the potential of both and I’d not quibble with the Wyatt pick position in a normal year, but this is not that. I wanted 2 WRs early who had the best chance to contribute, failing that I wanted a TE/OL/DL or LB who could help now, but more I would have traded back to load up on WRs and let them battle it out regardless of draft position and play the best now. It’s not like we had must keep talent.

We picked 2 developmental players. Wyatt was a pick for next year with a year in the weight room and some more moves to add to his talent. He’s doing about what I expected currently. However Watson was a 2 pick investment in the least ready WR in the first two days. I’d argue longer. His closest comparative in terms of athlete and background went just before Toure!

Why? Don’t get me wrong, if Watson can unleash his potential he has the raw talent to be more than just good. But I don’t see that till 2024/25 IF it materializes. Boom bust athlete. Exactly not who I would have picked and we traded up for him. One thing that is not accurate but increasingly claimed is that he had consistent hamstring issues. He had a single hamstring injury of note that kept him out of 3 playoff games in 2021.

I’m starting to wonder if Watson was not Gute’s choice given LaFleur’s crazy reliance in hm even after missing camp. Watson is a spectacular athlete who has conditioning issue to learn and never ran NFL routes. He really never caught over the shoulder. They got him crossing the deep middle in space and just let him use his physical dominance for the most part, when it wasn’t a dump and run. He’s got very little technique as a catcher and had suspect hands as a result. He doesn’t position right and he also has concentration issues. He’s a major project as a true WR. He had a near 13% drop rate despite simple catch type targets mostly on a truly basic route tree. Yet we incorporated him from day one.

Watson has a lot of good things about how he plays and performs, but he is beyond raw. Picking him was crazy this year and I will stick to that while saying he may yet be the best receiver in this draft looking back in a decade.

4 points
5
1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:11 am

Mmm... nothing like drafting developmental prospects for immediate need holes while mortgaging the future to win a championship this year. These guys in GB are nailing it.

3 points
3
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

November 01, 2022 at 09:34 am

Well said CW echoing my thoughts. A lot of offseason moves that left me constantly scratching my head.

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

November 01, 2022 at 09:34 am

Well said CW echoing my thoughts. A lot of offseason moves that left me constantly scratching my head.

0 points
0
0
T7Steve's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:56 am

Game balls: Packer fans that made it to the game.

Lame calls: The TV cameras showing the Packer players relaxed and laughing on the sideline while down 17 points. Even saw Aaron Jones doing that and I always liked him. It's as if these guys (including the others listed above for game balls) only care about their individual stats and winning or losing doesn't matter.

Three and out: Agree that seeing the O-line pushed backwards a yard on fourth and one is a depressing sight, especially when the other teams' O-line makes one yard look easy to get in any circumstance. Didn't these guys get MLF's toughness memo?

Starting to sound depressed like I accused Coldworld of being last week. Is being spoilers all we have left this year? If that?

5 points
8
3
Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:51 am

soft like the coach thats what they are..

-1 points
1
2
Guam's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:03 am

Lame Calls:
The refs didn't cost the Packers this game, but they sure made it hard on them. The OPI on Tonyan was garbage and took a TD off the board. There were a couple of other questionable calls on the Packers and some missed calls on the Bills. The Bills are good enough they don't need that kind of help.

Christian Watson. First a knee, then a hammy and now a concussion. Not an auspicious start to a career. I hope this guy is not fragile and injury prone. It is too early to label him, but it is getting to be a concern.

The O-line has roughly the same personnel as the last couple of years, but are getting blown up by good defensive lines on a regular basis. Did Stenovich make that much of a difference?

Sammy Watkins has been invisible.

The Front Office: Buffalo has a D-line that goes about seven deep and they are GOOD. In more than a decade of TT and four years of Gute the Packers can't find three good guys to man our D-line. And our #1 draft choice is barely good enough to get on the field. What is wrong with this picture.........

7 points
10
3
Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:52 am

just don't forget how terrible Bullalo was for many years...took a lot of losing to build that team.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:04 am

They had a ton of cap to add to those high picks and they have hit in a QB who, as long as he stays mobile and healthy is really good and he’s cheap. Totally contrasting circumstances.

Our greatest sin is not being able to let go of a Great QB despite obvious cap and roster time bombs going off. Our window closed and I think they talked themselves into denial. We should have been ugly and rebuilding instead of just subsiding under the weight of ludicrous contradictions and poor coaching.

2 points
4
2
Packers1985's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:59 am

"The O-line has roughly the same personnel as the last couple of years, but are getting blown up by good defensive lines on a regular basis. Did Stenovich make that much of a difference?"

I think it's becoz last yr we had veteran presence like Billy Turner who had a solid year at RT and lucas patrick who has been good as a back up did good when called upon in case of injuries. Coming to this year we mostly lack experience and the only experienced one's are returning from ACL injuries.

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

October 31, 2022 at 02:33 pm

I agree that O line play is biggest disappointment. Solid veterans beat inexperienced rookies, but thought Meyers and especially Newman would improve as they are on their second year.

0 points
0
0
egbertsouse's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:04 am

Big lame call: Rashan Gary. Can’t set an edge. Turns off the motor when he can’t get a sack. How many times do we have to watch replays of him trotting at half speed in pursuit. One-trick pony,

Darnell Savage: Trade him and sign HHCD. At least he would get an accidental pick occasionally.

Dean Lowry- Time for an upgrade. What more can I say.

4 points
6
2
Kevin Carpenter's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:33 am

I don't know what game you're watching him play but he routinely sprints QB's down and chances running plays headed to the left down from behind. I agree he has trouble setting the edge and crashing in the running game but don't knock him as a player.

8 points
9
1
Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:15 pm

You are describing Gary at Michigan and the reason I prayed Gutt the genius would not draft him. Analyst had him a second round AT BEST and probably and early third.
His pre draft knock "goes missing in games and lacks serious upper body strength to match up against big o linemen".
Ya how many pressures did he have last night, sacks and how much terror did he wreck in that back field.

-4 points
0
4
Philarod's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:27 am

Game: Jones and Dillon, run-blocking, Jaire, and...? I thought AR (not Amari) played well.

Lame: Run D, pass protection, refs (especially, the hideous OPI on Tonyan).

Nobody asked me but: Our WRs who are out -- Lazard and Cobb, and even Watkins -- are 3s and 4s for a good offense. A coming-back-from-injury Tonyan, DeGuara and Big Dog are all #2 or 3 TEs for a good team. Injuries have made the Oline second-rate. Maybe, one of the rookie wideouts will be good...soon...don't know. Toure makes one simple, nice adjustment and he's praised to the skies as is Doubs for his catch. Nice play, but these plays are made countless times each game all over the NFL.

5 points
6
1
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:50 am

Doubs’ catch isn’t made very often in the NFL or anywhere. Toure is praised because he read the field adjusted, found a wide open spot and made a TD.

That’s the kind of ability teams crave, us described as veteran and very few can actually claim a real ability to do so. Cobb was one who made his career that way. For a rookie, that’s pretty darn special. Incredibly rare. If you think that is simple then you don’t know football. For a rookie who has hardly seen the field, in his second target that’s something worth celebrating. It also should deeply embarrass LaFleur. Toure needs chances.

5 points
5
0
CheesedDeadHead's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:55 am

No time to be embarrassed. He's busy checking and rechecking the game film. Paralysis by analysis rules supreme.

0 points
1
1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:12 am

Which will then be followed by not giving the guy any reps in the next game and stating 'that's on me' in the post-game presser

0 points
1
1
Philarod's picture

October 31, 2022 at 04:14 pm

Even if you ripped me a little, I "liked" your post. My point wasn't to knock Doubs or Toure, and I hope that they'll both (along with Watson) progress quickly, as we need reliable targets immediately -- and a true weapon or two going forward.

Toure showed very good awareness there, and Doubs made a nice catch: I just think that we've been evaluating our mostly underwhelming offensive supporting cast on a steep curve over the years.

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:13 pm

What's with our head Coaches, MM, and now MLF. Let's see what happens in the next few weeks now that running Jones more and finding more ways to utilize Doubs and Toure works and might actually be a good idea every game.

0 points
0
0
Roadrunner23's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:28 am

The Packers are broken, and Matt LaFleur and his staff have no clue how to fix it.

12 points
12
0
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:59 am

Am I the only one who thought MLF might cry if that halftime reporter pressed him a bit more about what was wrong? He seemed on the verge of tears explaining that his halftime adjustment was telling his players they needed to try harder. I don't know, I was a huge fan of his but I agree, he just doesn't seem to be able to lead his team into being better

2 points
3
1
Kevin Carpenter's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:30 am

Can we give lame balls to officials and players on the other team? Everyone was jawing with Alexander trying to egg him into a penalty, especially Diggs. After all of that talk, Diggs didn't catch a pass on the left side of the field but he couldn't stop talking about how it's a "team" game but "[he] got the dub." In fact, they couldn't have run him farther away from Alexander. He shut down the entire left side. Also, I'd like to throw the refs in there. They have seemed to be against us for much of the season and after watching them call horrendous OPI on that touchdown to Tonyan followed by a ridiculous "holding" by Stokes on the ensuing drive, it really makes you go hmmmmm.

1 points
3
2
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:03 am

Jaire Alexander before the game told Diggs that 'he couldn't mess with me and he's a little boy'. First, if you're going to talk trash, do better. Second, if you're going to talk trash, you've got to be able to handle it coming back from the other team.

1 points
2
1
Kevin Carpenter's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:21 am

He did "do better." He broke up 4 passes and picked off a pass. It's not his fault Barry can't figure out that he needs to shadow the opposing #1. He can't play the entire defensive backfield and he completely shut down anyone who he came across. The bills threw it to the left side of the field 3 times last night. All of Diggs' work came NOWHERE near Alexander. Diggs didn't mess with him at all in the passing game. Just the fact that the bills kept him as far away from him as possible, means he won the matchup. Sorry he can't play the other 4 secondary spots.

3 points
4
1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:52 am

My comment was to talk better trash, not play better.

-2 points
0
2
Packers2020's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:29 am

Agreed.

I like Rasul Douglas but he does not have the speed to stick with Diggs. He got beat two or three times when he was on him. Barry just doesn't get it but again he is a zone guy not a man to man guy.

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:36 pm

That cover was a fine, safe strategy, but the Safety on top of Douglas has to do his job and glue to Diggs. I like Douglas outside vs Stokes who needs to sit more. Ford in limited reps put the hit on people in the slot. We would hope Savage is moved out, but nothing will happen to Gutedkunst's guys. Not All-In....

0 points
0
0
packerbackerjim's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:37 am

Game: Dillon’s blocking on the TD was terrific. Kept with his man, giving AR time to locate Toure.

Lame: No run D—poor tackling , bad angles, lack of aggression.

4 points
4
0
Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:10 pm

LeFleur would question you. "Now what do you consider poor tackling" ?

0 points
0
0
packerbackerjim's picture

October 31, 2022 at 03:04 pm

Exhibit A: Savage
B: Amos

0 points
0
0
PeteK's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:38 am

--Ironically, even without Lazard, Campbell, and Walker if we played like this the past 3 wks, our record would be 6-2.
-- So many missed tackles because of grabbing and not hitting low. As if it wasn't official already, Lowry and especially Savage will be gone next year. Savage is regressing, big disappointment.
--Deguara's blocking was a sight for sore eyes.

8 points
9
1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:04 am

Savage regressing is most depressing because I can already feel our next first round draft pick being spent to address that hole in the roster.

1 points
2
1
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:52 am

Since Amos may be gone, maybe our first 2.

2 points
2
0
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:06 am

Talk about a fun and exciting draft weekend!

1 points
1
0
gpt999's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:06 pm

Savage is Jerry Grays' "scared cow" this year. I have lost all respect in his ability to make decisive changes in the defensive backfield ala Kevin King. WAKE UP Jerry!

1 points
1
0
HarryHodag's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:38 am

I wonder how many seats are going to be unfilled when the Packers play the Lions at Lambeau on Jan. 8? While watching the first half I shuddered when I realized how much this looked like the Packers of the 70's and 80's.

One writer this morning(name withheld) said the Packers have vastly over-estimated their talent and I'm beginning to agree. We've seen three teams from New York/New Jersey come in and have their lines dominate both sides of the ball. Josh Allen is what Aaron Rodgers used to be.

Drafting/personnel moves are starting to catch up with this team. So are the ridiculous contracts that have and will bind the team from making needed improvements in the off season.

Again I reference Ted Thompson. As much as I disagreed with him at times he never let the payroll get out of hand, albeit at times giving Mike McCarthy far less than he needed. What we have now is the opposite: the team has let the payroll get out of hand with limited ability to be able to fix the mess.

This next off season could be one for the history books.

8 points
8
0
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:08 am

For sure. Lots of holes to be filled. Years of ineffective drafting in the bottom of each round has finally caught up to them. Might need several years of top of the round picks being made by a more talented GM to right the ship.

0 points
2
2
tobinrote's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:38 am

savage should be cut to send a message. how many times last night did you see him go sailing by missing a tackle, totally whiffing. every time i see watson, i keep thinking pickens was still on the board. no, he did not have watson's mesurables, but he just makes plays. oh well, we will be reminded what it has meant to be a Bear fan since the 80s and what it was like to be a Packer fan in the 50s, 70s, and 80s.

2 points
3
1
Cubbygold's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:09 am

He made Allen look like Barry Sanders with that juke, dude should be embarrassed

2 points
2
0
Dragon5's picture

October 31, 2022 at 08:51 am

MLF tepid, pubescent response coming out of half was all we needed to see regarding the state of this team.

#votenoconfidence

8 points
9
1
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:54 am

Long ago cast, continually justified.

1 points
1
0
Booner's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:06 am

Time for Murphy to earn his keep! Do something Howdy! Rome is burning!

2 points
3
1
Coldworld's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:57 am

Best way would be to flee and let us replace the guy who oversaw the late teens, singlehandedly chose LaFleur and brought Rodgers back at huge future cost with a roster that negated his value.

Murphy is the source of the problem. Don’t look to him to demolish the house that he built.

4 points
4
0
Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:09 pm

Now that ther is puny. Murph spend money? Ha A GM who wants to spend money, Ha

-1 points
0
1
gpt999's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Never going to happen. The hapless Murphy has university "tenure" until July 2025. The only thing he wants is to protect his "illusion of a successful legacy". His role as President is a perfect example of the Peter Principle in full force.

I can't believe that the other directors and shareholders keep buying his illusion of competence! Accordingly, he might have a successful career as a magician after July 2025?

0 points
1
1
jurp's picture

October 31, 2022 at 04:58 pm

No guarantee that he won't be extended, either.

Shareholders: 'Hey Murphy! This team's just not good."
Murphy: "Look! There's a sledding hill!"
Executive Board: "Ooooooh. Good job, Mark. Here's some more money for you!"

0 points
0
0
jurp's picture

October 31, 2022 at 04:58 pm

No guarantee that he won't be extended, either.

Shareholders: 'Hey Murphy! This team's just not good."
Murphy: "Look! There's a sledding hill!"
Executive Board: "Ooooooh. Good job, Mark. Here's some more money for you!"

0 points
0
0
Curt's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:12 am

Lets face it, the Packers used to be good enough to overcome a couple bad calls and dropped ints.

But the NFL has had enough of Rodgers speaking out against the Covid stuff - he no longer gets any calls.

Douglass griped about playing in London - they now call at least two weak penalties on him every week --- the hands to the face call to keep one drive going was made from 40 yards away and his hands after initial jam (which wasn't near the head) weren't above his chest ... and the call was made after the play was over. No way he committed the penalty nor was there anyway the guy who called it had any business doing so from his position / angle.

Moving forward at snap on one Buff touchdown, clearly not set, obvious holding on Gary on a second TD would have both at least made them have to score from farther out.

Nobody said anything about the long pass before halftime that gave Buf a FG, but in the replay from the other side (didn't show until second half) you could clearly see the ball bobbled and hit the ground as he went to the ground. No more of a FB move than the incompletion called when catch and punch out was called incomplete pass early in the game .

Bottom line, GB used to overcome bang bang calls / or at least have them even out during a game. Now they need them all to go their way to be competitive - any happening.

-6 points
2
8
Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:54 am

Alright!!! Finally, a conspiracy theory!! Coolio!!

1 points
1
0
joeblowinski's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:20 am

"-- Are you also wondering, as I am, if there is any teeam in the NFL the Packers can beat right now?  We'll find out next week in Detroit. "

Uh-oh. I watched the Miami-Lions game yesterday and the Lions played great. Really. They didn't lose, they got beat and looked like they are going to be a problem next week on both sides of the ball, much less Miami on Christmas.

6 points
6
0
Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:40 am

much less Philly at Philly...ugh..

1 points
1
0
jlc1's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:45 am

Next week is a game between two of the 5, no 4, no 3, worst teams in the NFL. We know Campbell has the Lions playing with real heart. MLF and his staff have GB playing with themselves. Lions by at least 6.

4 points
4
0
Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 12:05 pm

Ya they have a passing and running game but their pass defense is as pourous as ours. Hopefully, LeFleur the genius will look at the film and say, wow the Lions achiles heel is pass defense, lets pass pass pass on them and win a game.

0 points
0
0
jurp's picture

October 31, 2022 at 04:59 pm

"their pass defense is as pourous as ours"

Jones and Dillon will probably get 20 rushes each, then.

1 points
1
0
Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:40 am

The O line is terrible, but the real disappointment is this defense..I really thought they would be aggressive and dominant in many of these games...not even close...I don't think the coaching staff helps this team much...

3 points
3
0
Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:05 am

I'm with you on that. Especially in the end when the Collingworth was pointing out he doesnt think the packers practiced the 2 minute drill because of all the confusion wasting clock time. I agree. I dont know what the f they are practicing but I think its along the lines that we have a 50 mil qb, lets save his ass by running a lot and short passing game.

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

October 31, 2022 at 09:41 am

well, the Pack is almost through the part of the schedule where I was sure they would win 5/6 games....now on to the meat grinder...

5 points
5
0
CheesedDeadHead's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:11 am

FIRE JOE BARRY!!!!!

Ok, my heart says he has to go now, but my head says we could get a top 10 draft pick with Barry running the D for the rest of the year. I have never seen a defense that has so much talent play so bad. I wonder if they told the players to just let the guy with the ball run by you and to just walk backwards into the endzone when the other team blocks you would they get better results with their attempts to hold the line and tackle players. They should have his pink slip printed out to give to him just as the final second ticks off in the Week 18 game vs. the Lions.

5 points
5
0
vin0770's picture

October 31, 2022 at 03:46 pm

So this what it looks like with what supposed D talent when you give the same look every snap…beyond vanilla 😢

1 points
1
0
jlc1's picture

October 31, 2022 at 10:41 am

Geez how exactly is this offense supposed to work according to those who post here? Weeks of saying run the ball more, saying can you believe they passed on 4th and short? Well they run the ball this week, run on 4th and short and we hear about not passing enough.
It is hard to play from behind all the time. The D is not getting the job done. Everybody comes in and carves them up with whatever game plan they worked out and that Barry couldn't anticipate. Next week the Lions put up at least 25 against these sad sacks and that will, once again put the offense in a terrible spot. The only way this D will help win a game is by creating lots of turnovers. Don't hold your breath.

3 points
3
0
gpt999's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:22 am

Its hard to ague with many of these observations. But right now, singling out most of the players is not highly useful as it is a team / unit game. If one player is especially bad - like Savage or Lowry on defense - the defense looks bad. On most teams that would be an easy fix, but on GB, well... Jerry Gray always finds excuses to have at least 1 weak link in the defensive backfield. Last 2 years it was Kevin King. Now its Darnell Savage. He can't cover, he can't tackle.

This team surely has a good running game even with a mediocre OL. Even the start to an identity? But by giving up so many yards and scoring plays on defense in the first half, this team cannot win. The offense shows signs of improvement. But the defense is still run by coaches who have no idea of putting their players in a position to be successful.

Joe Barry is an AWFUL coach. He should be fired. But, GB coaching / upper management ego will not allow it. Can they AT LEAST bring in a competent "defensive consultant" to "help" Barry? How about Fangio or grumpy old Mike Zimmer? Again, probably a GB ego issue. When a HC has to call out his defense to play tougher (not that MLF is by any stretch), the DC should be long gone!

Stop finding excuses for poor coaching and poor player execution. Cut the cancer(s) out and move on. This offense seems to have a heartbeat. Fix the defense! GPG.

3 points
3
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Fubared's picture

October 31, 2022 at 11:24 am

1. The run game was excellant but that doesnt win football games. At 7;57 in the 4th quarter down 17 and Rodgers is audibuling for runs? Told my wife, this should not be about Rodgers wanting to avoid being sacked, this game is about trying to win and its time to start passing like it or not. They finally did too little too late I'm afraid.
2. This was the worse O line performance I've seen this year by any team and I watch a lot of games with the Sunday Ticket. I hope that Jenkins isnt another Beluga who came back but was never the same, always in and out the lineup and not up to playing to par?
3. Even though we had a mish mash of receivers, they should have practiced enough to know the plays and the routes. No reason for them to be un pre pared. I see Watkins contributed nothing. That was a nice find for Gutt. Not!
4. This pass D is awful, to the point that if this team could have made the playoffs it would have been one and done again. Gutt doesnt get it that this is where you spend the money, cover corners and safeties who can run and tackle. The vikes cleaned house the year before last and brought in all new pass d other then Smith. They took their lumps last year but now, no one runs open on them and anyone who catches a pass is immediately tackled, no missed tackles plus they are pressing and getting interceptions.
They shut down Ariz all day in the red zone. One GM knows talent and how to get it the other is happy with guys who are cheap.
5. The packers did play with heart. No giving up last night. I have to believe they saw a talented team and had to realize they just aren't as good as what they are playing against.

-1 points
1
2
Since'61's picture

October 31, 2022 at 01:03 pm

Game Balls: Jones, P. Smith, and Alexander

Lame Calls: MLF waiting until halftime to motivate the team.
OL poor on pass protection, officiating was miserable again.
Illegal use of hands on Douglas when he barely touched the receiver. Worst was OPI on Tonyan. They should have called illegal contact on the DB which is what caused Tonyan to throw him aside. Also the ball was not even in the air.
Cost us four points at a critical point in the game.

Terrible ticky tack calls. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
2
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Roadrunner23's picture

October 31, 2022 at 01:06 pm

The GOOD NEWS?!

We won’t have to play the Bills again for many years!!! 🎃

0 points
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skyler's picture

October 31, 2022 at 02:02 pm

Don't expect the Lions to roll over in Detriot. The Packers will have a competitive game in Detroit. If the Packers lose this game, I am predicting a 6 win season at best. They will lose to Dallas and Philly and will have seven losses, they will not make the playoffs with seven losses. I am a realist.

0 points
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barutanseijin's picture

October 31, 2022 at 04:09 pm

If they lose to the Lions, where are the other three wins coming from?

0 points
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jurp's picture

October 31, 2022 at 05:02 pm

Presumably, the other Lions game and the Bears for two of them.

0 points
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Bitternotsour's picture

October 31, 2022 at 07:37 pm

it's time.

0 points
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skyler's picture

November 01, 2022 at 01:28 pm

Very impressed with the Bears trading Smith. Roquan Smith wanted to be traded and if they did keep him, would have to pay him a boatload. They learn their lesson from Mack. Reminds me of the Josh Sitton mistake of getting nothing for him... Packers need to start learning from their mistakes. Joe Barry is a mistake, time to move on.... It was at best a questionable move to hire him. He had a good body of work, Not sure what they saw in him. He clearly has little to no creativity or a powerful leadership persona. He is a role-based coach at most. The only way to get better is to pivot and move on (Would of, Could of, Should of) will not work. Again, the Green Bay Packers organization waits way too long to may changes. Wolf saw trends in Ray Rhodes first season he did not like and fired him after one season. Changes are super hard in Green Bay these days and the Board of Directors is back to their old way of poor leadership we witnessed in the 70's and 80's

0 points
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