Confessions of a Polluted Mindset: A Packers Brain Drain

Random thoughts swimming around in the Packers' section of my brain.

McCarthy: We can complain all we want about playcalling and scheme (and I certainly have), but the weekly wasting of timeouts might be the biggest indictment of Mike McCarthy. Games have been lost because of this. Any coach worth his salt would have put a stop to this years ago,

Timeouts: Note that when asked about the two wasted timeouts, Rodgers in the middle of his explanations for why each one happened, threw in (among his other commentary, "...I think there was a late sub..." Sorta throwing his hands up and saying, "what can I do?" or "it is what it is."

Fackrell: Something I've noticed about Kyler Fackrell that has helped him be successful - he takes very good angles to the ball. Whether it's rushing the quarterback, playing in coverage or chasing down a running back, he doesn't waste steps. He has a keen sense for where he needs to aim to meet the ball carrier and it puts him in position to make plays, which he has been doing. 

Aaron Jones: It was obvious the Seahawks had done their homework and were determined to not let Aaron Jones beat them on the ground. (Ironic that a Rodgers-led team would be approached in that manner, but that's a different topic). I actually thought the Packers (MM and/or Rodgers) made a great adjustment late in the second quarter when they decided to use Jones as a receiver. Jones caught three passes for 60yds and a TD on that drive. Then the second half happened. 4 carries, two passes, no touches in the last 8 minutes of the game. Good coaching!

Delusion?: McCarthy was asked if similar to how he schemes to get the ball to Devante Adams, he has to scheme to get the ball to Aaron Jones. His answer: "You scheme to get the ball to all your playmakers. I think it's fairly evident the scheme is set to get the ball to our running backs."  Oh.

The New NFL: Did you watch the Monday Night Chiefs - Rams game? Forget the fact that it was the highest scoring Monday Night game in history. Did you note the pace the offenses played at? Did you notice the unrelenting determination to keep being aggressive with the playcalling, even when playing with a lead? Did you notice how there are always receiving targets for the QBs at all levels and not just all downfield? Have you seen any of this with the Packers? Like it or not, this is the new NFL. Adapt or die.

Sadness: I started having this awful feeling early in the season and it continued to grow but I couldn't bring myself to acknowledge it until Sunday night:

 

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__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

__________________________

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4 points
 

Comments (97)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
bodei1newbie1's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:14 am

he is right the bears don't suck anymore (maybe it will be that the packers suck from now on ) unless they get there act together

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Daren726's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:29 am

The vikings had two weeks to prepare for the bears with their bye week. Amen brother.

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PAPackerbacker's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:30 am

The Bears don't suck any more but the Packers could be in that category as well if they had a coach who can have the team ready to play 60 minutes of football. This Packer team is not as bad as their record indicates. The coaching staff is responsible for the bad record. So in my humble opinion it's not the team that sucks, it's the game management of the HC that sucks.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:39 am

I said this yesterday and got lambasted. Like it or not, The Bears are already better than us. They are better on offense and defense. The changing of the guard has taken place in the NFC North. For older people who've been around we know this happens as it's cyclical. People are fixated on all these new young coaches calling all these exotic plays. Mainly I am hearing about KC, Chi and LA Rams. They all have two things we don't. They either have a young elite or borderline soon to be elite qb. They also all have three tiny speedy playmaking receiver/rb's in Cohen, Cooks and Hill. The Packers have an aging/injured/disgruntled soon to be retired qb who just won the lottery and is part owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. I am not blaming the play calling like most. We simply are growing old at THE most important position in football. We either have to find another young Aaron Rodgers to compete with the Bears, Rams, and KC or we better start working on the other side of the ball and finding ways to stop them.

I would start TODAY on making our defense as strong as possible so when Rodgers is gone (I say in two more years) we maybe won't have to score a zillion points to stay even with Trubisky who will be by then an elite qb. We would in essence have to play "Bear ball" meaning running the ball, great defense special teams and a good but not elite qb. If we get one in the draft great but chances of us having a 3rd hall of famer qb in a row is very unlikely. Try to picture two to three years from now without Aaron Rodgers as your qb and nobody else to replace him (Hundley) and tell me how we win or compete with Chicago? I still say our best option is to get a defensive oriented head football coach then work on finding Rodger's replacement. Defense first!!

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:39 am

No way, QB is still great. A bit disappointed that he's throwing the coach under the bus, but I always dreamed of Rogers with a running game. In the middle of a small rebuilt, and even with that we're still close, witnessed by our play against Rams and Pats.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:54 am

You used the word "still" twice to describe the Packers and Aaron Rodgers. Nobody is using the word "still" in KC, LA or Chi that I will tell you. It's called preparing for the inevitable is all I am trying to say.

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:19 pm

Don't dash my Thanksgiving meal !

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Barazinho's picture

November 21, 2018 at 02:11 pm

Trubisky's ceiling is good, and only in a good system. I have not seen anything that tells me he will be a great passer, and his running ability has limited benefit. Mahomes, in contrast, has already shown that he will be elite.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 21, 2018 at 02:51 pm

I agree with you on Mahomes. He's incredible and yes, he's no doubt an elite qb as we speak. Trubisky is what I refer to as a borderline soon to be elite qb. Both these guys have a lot of Brett Favre qualities. Trubisky is getting better and better by the week and so is that defense. I would not be shocked if Chicago makes it to the NFC Championship game this year. That's how quickly they are improving and I see that trend continuing as long as Trubisky is their qb. Green Bay just seems to be puttering along. I see a team and a qb going the opposite direction at the moment. I just do. Hopefully they can turn it around. This game on MN soil could be McCarthy's last stand. I hope it turns out better than Custer's last stand.

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Lphill's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:35 am

I would like to hear a reporter at A McCarthy press conference have the balls to ask him if he thinks his job is on the line , I have not seen it yet has anyone else here heard the question asked?

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albert999's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:59 am

Absolutely and a bunch of other hard questions instead of softball after softball questions

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Daren726's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:00 am

They did it last week. If you watch the press conferences you will see it.

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Razer's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:31 am

I was hoping that when McCarthy said "you are what you emphasize" that a reporter might follow up with "How much emphasis is being put on the run game?"

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carusotrap's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:46 am

You're not wrong, but why bother? The writing is on the wall. Short of a Super Bowl, McCarthy is done. We know it. The local and national press knows it. The players know it. I even suspect McCarthy knows it. He's a Packer HoF lock for whom the game has evolved beyond his ability to adapt. I say let him play it out with some respect and look ahead to next season with a new coach, an all-time great QB, the 2018 and 19 draft classes, $40 million in cap space, and a GM willing to spend it.

And yes, TBSS.

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albert999's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:57 am

HC
HIRE Joe Lombardi. Saints quarterback coach

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Daren726's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:01 am

Why, just because he’s Lombardi’s grandson? Not enough of a reason in my opinion.

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Barazinho's picture

November 21, 2018 at 02:13 pm

Nope, hire Carmichael, the Saints' OC, and pair him with Pettine.

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fastmoving's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:01 am

man, thats your first post. you must be Joe Lombardi himself. just throwing your name in here, right?

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Lare's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:02 am

I think the one thing that is so mind boggling to me is- if the most glaring problems with the Packers are so easy for all of us to see, why don't/can't the Packers correct them?

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pacman's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:45 am

That's why Murphy should be fired too. Just a good 'ol boys network up in GB. That's probably why they brought Philbin back. He wasn't the guy who is going to challenge McCarthy.

The only reasoning that I can come up with is that McCarthy knows that he is stubborn but he thinks that is a good thing. Ex: when people were calling them to dump Adams during his second season downturn, but he stuck with him (as did AR) and he turned out to be right. Same for Crosby a few years ago. But this has been going on for YEARS!!!!

So it is the job of someone over him to give him a kick in the butt and say change or leave.

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Oppy's picture

November 21, 2018 at 03:10 pm

There's all this "he's not going to challenge MM" or "he doesn't threaten MM" stuff.

MM has hired more ex-NFL Head Coaches to work under him than I can count. That's not something a guy does if he's worried about being challenged or worried about having his position threatened.

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MarkinMadison's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:20 am

It's evident that the scheme is set to get the ball to running backs? I'm sorry I've been so stupid all of these years Mike. What is obvious to me is that we do not have the horses at WR/TE right now to put four or five receivers on the field. The other thing that is obvious is that someone needs to get in #12's head and figure out why he is having such a s#!t year when it comes to execution.

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Razer's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:56 am

Post draft, going into this season, I would have never thought we'd be in such a state by Thanksgiving. It is hard to come by much positive talk or unity in a season that was full of potential. Even our all world QB is is being framed as an ego maniac dissenter. So much promise with a loaded backfield that is now down to 2 after-thoughts. Even Jersey Al can't muster his usual optimism.

So we head into Minnesota, a team we could beat, but I doubt there are many among us who will take that bet. I don't want to be back here next Monday moaning about Rodgers hanging onto the ball too long, Jones forgotten in the flats or McCarthy taking timeouts to update his resume. I am certainly not ready to watch the rest of the season without a horse in the race. And, I don't look forward to Bears and Viking fans watching us take the medicine that they have swallowed for the last decade.

Go Packers

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JDK52's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:07 am

You really had high expectations after this offseason? I thought most of us were prepared for another down year as the team is obviously going through a number of huge transitions, and most of us expected things to take off in Gutekunst's second year.

Frustrating, yes, but hardly unexpected overall.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:05 am

Wrong Jersey Al - The Bears STILL suck. They will ALWAYS suck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avRHH9uAL4Q

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packergal's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:16 am

YES, the Bears still suck.
Unfortunately, this year they look good doing it. :-(

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Johnblood27's picture

November 21, 2018 at 04:56 pm

This post reminds me of so many days gone by...

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Roadrunner23's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:39 am

McCarty's teams have wasted timeouts throughout his tenure as head coach, it has been a frustrating and maddening trend that has cost the Packers chances to win games.

Also:
Any of us who are dreaming that the Packers have the talent (right now) to compete with the top teams in the NFC are kidding themselves, consider:

Wide Receiver: Davante Adams is excellent but with Two Rookies starting and talented as they may be, they are rookies and McCarthy's Offense is not rookie friendly. Allinson out for the season, Cobb may as well be.

Offensive Line: While Bell has competed he is not starting material and while Bulaga has toughed it out his best days are behind him and then there is Jason Spriggs...enough said.

Quarterback: Rodgers isn't Rodgers this year whether its the knee, shoulder or his distaste for McCarthy's play calling.

Running Back: Aaron Jones is a nice piece but is too small to hold up as a "bell cow" back and pass blocker, Williams is very average and we all know what happened to Montgomery.

Tight End: This group has under performed. Graham looks slow and is injured, Kendricks is not a great blocker as an H-back,
Lewis is at the end of the line and Tonyan isn't ready.

Defensive Line: Clark, Daniels (hurt) and Lowery are excellent, Wilkerson is done for the season and Montravious Adams has been a disappointment.

Inside Backers: It's a gimpy Blake Martinez and everybody else. Martinez is solid but not Pro Bowl material due to coverage limitations, Orin Burks is two years away (if then) the other guys are other teams castoffs.

Outside Backers: Kyler Fackrell (while having a nice year) is their best pass rusher?! Um, that is a problem! Mathews should have been kept at Inside Linebacker a few years ago, it probably would have extended his career. Perry got the money and quit playing and pre-season darling Gilbert has been average and is a situational pass rusher at best.

Safeties: Dix - Gone, Brice - Hurt and inconsistant, Jones - while active is more of an in the box, linebacker/safety hybrid, Raven Green, not ready, Campbell couldn't make it with the Browns. Williams has been OK but is at the end of the line.

Corners: Alexander is going to be the next great Corner in Title-town, Jackson has taken his lumps at corner and is most likely a Safety moving forward. Tony Brown has shown promise (as a special teams guy) Breeland is rusty as an old screen door hinge and Kevin King, while talented, just can't stay heathy.

Long Snapper: This kid is wildly inconsistent, J.K. Scott has had to be like a shortstop to field his snaps.

Punter: J.K. Scott is really talented but as a rookie has been very inconsistent

Mason Crosby: Single handedly cost the Packers the Lions game with a putrid display of kicking prowess. Crosby has also had several other critical misses this season.

Head Coach: McCarthy has kept this rag tag team in games surprisingly. But he has been stubborn and has failed to adapt and take advantage of the new NFL rules that favor the Offense. A change is needed and is most likely coming at seasons end.

A message to the Packers: Even though you are down, out and dysfunctional we Packer Fans still love you win or lose.

We love you more when you win though!

GO PACK!!

9 points
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Razer's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:50 am

Excellent overview Nostradanus - spot on. The two lines are troublesome because shoring them up is like investing in your foundation - not sexy. But, we do need a right side OLine rebuild and two more DLine studs.

Defense:
We need another impact OLB pass rusher to go with the better Dline push. AND, let's fix this G-damn safety thing once and for all. 10 years now with a solid Harrison Smith style of player

Offense:
You are right on about the RB's. We do need another solid grade A back and Williams is not the answer. More important, we need an offensive scheme that engages the back beyond blocking for Rodgers. As for TE, I couldn't tell you. I watch many NFL teams get great value from their TE's and then I watch the Packers trying to turn their TEs into deep threats. Like our RBs, I don't think McCarthy knows how to use a TE in his offense.

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Roadrunner23's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:55 am

Indeed and well said!

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:15 am

Sure knew how to use Cook. I agreed with letting him go, big mistake.

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Handsback's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:17 am

Good wrap-up and only disagree with Martinez. I think he's getting better while the line in front is getting weaker with injuries.
I don't agree with Rodgers in they waste TOs because of substitution. He's waiting for the defense to show their hand and he changes the play accordingly. Teams are waiting longer and he's waiting as well. Then the TO happen. It seems that he's throwing the coaching staff under the bus right now, and while they are guilty of a lot....he's his worst enemy.
Next year Green Bay will have a real good set of receivers.....the rookies are good, but not at the level they will be with a year under their belt.

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ILPackerBacker's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:38 am

If Rodgers is throwing the coaches under the bus we need to crowd fund more buses.

6 points
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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:53 am

Paraphrase from Jaws, "we're gonna need a bigger bus." Thanks, Since '61

5 points
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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:19 am

Absolutely, the coach and QB are at fault. Even though there is some truth to more subbing because of injuries and rookies ,the waiting game is the main culprit.

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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:52 am

Nostradanus - I agree and have been posting the same since 2016 collapse in the NFCCG in Atlanta. We need better players. We have a HOF QB, who playing below his level this season, plus Adams, Bak and Linsley on offense.
On defense we have Clark, Daniels, Martinez, Alexander, King (when healthy), and maybe an emerging Fackrell.

Special Teams are a complete redo except for Scott, Crosby and maybe Trevor Davis.

At a minimum we need a new ST coach, a new QB coach, and a new OC.
Depending on how the next 6 games go probably a new HC as well.

Thanks, Since '61

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:24 am

Special team coverage has been very good, even though he has had to use practice team players because of injuries. I don't get the negativity of Zook,

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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:03 pm

The negativity for Cook is based on missed FGs, a blocked punt, a fumbled punt return, a KO return that should never happen ending in a fumble (Monty versus Rams), numerous penalties on kick and punt returns negating good returns and good field position leaving the offense with poor field position. That covers nearly everything that Special Teams do and how cost us at least 3 games.

Yes, the coverage has been good but that's about it.

BTW, STs have been a problem for years. Chuck Zook. Thanks, Since '61

3 points
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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:51 am

Can't blame fumbles, missed FG's( by veteran), and returns penalties are so prevalent in the NFL that I'm surprised when I don't see a flag.

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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:16 pm

So basically we're saying that the coach is not responsible for his players.
As for fumbles I think we can blame the coach for not making it clear that Monty is not to come out of the end zone under any circumstances.
As for the punt fumbled by Williams he did not have the ball secured with two hands when he was hit. Again a coaching point.

Crosby missed 5 FGs in Detroit because he had the wrong shoes on for the surface. You think out of about 23 coaches on the team someone would have figured that out after the 2nd miss. What are these watching or thinking about? Not to mention that there have been problems with snaps and holds. All coaching points.

As for penalties, why do you think some teams are more penalized than others. It is a matter of what is emphasized by the coaches. It is a matter of technique. Who is responsible for teaching techniques? That's right the coaches.

I understand that players make mistakes, especially younger players. But when it happens game after game and season after season the one consistent factor is this era of player turnover is the coaches. Plus when there are pervasive problems in a particular area, in this case Special Teams, it points to a coach or coaches who are not very thorough in preparing their players.

Ultimately execution comes down to the players on the field. However, when the players are consistently failing in their execution it's on the coaches to correct the problems and prepare their players to execute properly. Chuck Zook, yesterday!!! Thanks, Since '61

3 points
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Barazinho's picture

November 21, 2018 at 02:21 pm

The wrong shoes? This is the first I've heard of that as an excuse.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 21, 2018 at 03:02 pm

Exactly Since 61 and that's exactly why he hasn't fired Zook,it would be an admission that he should be canned as well.

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TheBigCheeze's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:51 pm

pete k......might I remind you that the coaches are responsible for EVERYTHING......,

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Roadrunner23's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:11 pm

Agree emphatically

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Pierre's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:43 am

How can you downplay Fackrell’s impressive play and potential..at all...when he has as many sacks as Mack! That guy is playing excellent at OLB for the Packers and deserves more credit at this point.

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:53 am

That's it in a nut shell. I have to admit that we are a rebuilding team now ,brought about a bit earlier because of injuries. However, I like some of our young players and we still played some excellent teams down to the wire.

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TKWorldWide's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:23 am

Not so sure it’s fair or accurate to question 33’s durability merely based on his size.

1 points
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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:55 am

Not anymore, but not the type of back that can carry it more than 20x

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:08 pm

I'm good with 15 to 20 and a half dozen receptions.

1 points
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Kb999's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:53 am

The fact is the Bears keep getting better every week. We can't get out of our own way.

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stockholder's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:28 am

Cobb hasn't had a 100 yard game since when? Allison is not a 100 yard game Wr. Finley was better than Graham. I understand were drafting defense, But really what do the packers see in these guys. The OL is like a bunch of statues. I'm expecting a pigeon to land on one soon. I still don't like the OL spacing. Can't we just move on from guys that just won't make the offense explosive. Jones is doing great. How could A-Rod not look for him more than Adams? The emergence of Jones and Adams tells you that this team must get the newer threats. And I don't believe Arron Rodgers is going to be Arron Rodgers until they do. St Brown and MVS must be given more reps. Hire two Wrs coaches. Tudors. Don't bury them. If you want new threats. You give them special treatment.

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:28 am

Rookie receivers have been getting reps, it just takes time to gel. It took a bit more than one season for Jennings ,Nelson , Jones ,and Finley to finally work as a unit with Rogers.

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stockholder's picture

November 21, 2018 at 10:39 am

How many will they get with Cobb coming back in. When looking at the targets of each. No, not enough! A-Rod has been throwing them uncatchable balls lately. And when Allison comes back? Do we throw to Davis again? They need Targets, Reps for better route running etc. The catch to Ronyan wasn't planned. Can't just keep people around for the Hail Mary.

1 points
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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:57 am

Allison probably not coming back off IR, and if we lose Sun ,Cobb should take a back seat to rookies bc he not getting resigned.

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ILPackerBacker's picture

November 21, 2018 at 08:35 am

Many posters here should put a little more editing work and time into their posts then submit them as stories. Repeatedly posters are more informed and better analysts than the writers here.

The bears still suck. No QB just the stat inflation of the new game. MACK demonstrates how star driven the league is. MACK in GB instead totally changes the records and the bears are favorites for the first overall pick.

BILL HUBER of all people brought up MM's job in the Friday press conference and actually followed up to get an answer. The most sign of life in the packer press corp in history.

While roaches like the guy at espn now can not wait to jump on teddie (NOW HIS DRAFTS WERE BAD), just months after spoon feeding the crap about his draft guru status.

Was there a SINGLE question on why Tonyan disappeared after a great adjustment and movement on the TD?

On why not a single short yardage run was called to slow down the seattle DL that was dominating our OL?

How MM could have done a WEEK OF WORK on the self scout to ignore it again?

The never ending game in game failure to get players and calls on to the field?

Did a single reporter follow up on the blatant lie of getting the running backs the ball?

Is a single reporter AWARE of how packer RBs rank in the NFL on receptions, targets or running by situation?

Of course not. We need a journalist in the worst way

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:39 am

Take a deep breath, please. Jones did have some runs later in the game, he was stuffed. Tonyan's catch was a great throw by Rogers after a scramble. It might happen, but lets not make him out to be the next great TE.

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Pierre's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:47 am

No, but at least throw to Tonyan more than once and give him chances to make plays. You won’t know until you do but from what Tonyan showed on pre-season he appears to have skills to be a decent TE threat down field.

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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 10:01 am

I hope your right, better him than a plodding, one handed Graham. He's the biggest surprise for me. I thought that is was great pick up because of his scoring ability.

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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:02 am

Al - if the MNF game is the future of the NFL I don't want any part of it. It was nothing but the NBA outside on turf.

If those are the two best teams that this league has to offer this league is done and can be replaced with Madden football. There were defensive plays but both teams were aggressive as you noted because they realized that the defense could not stop them.

Ina few seasons it will be 100 points by side and 2000 yards of offense. We complain here, and correctly so, about the lack of rushing attempts by MM with Jones but did anyone notice that Gurley from the Rams only had 12 carries and King from the Chiefs only 14. Not much different from MM by either team with carries for their best rusher. Thanks, Since '61

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JDK52's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:14 am

This has to be the most astute observation I've seen regarding rushing attempts. EVERYONE was lauding the MNF game for it's incredible offense, but as you pointed out, that was through the air.

It's so easy to point of the flaws when things don't work, much harder to actually fix them.

3 points
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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:26 am

Part of the issue is with the pass defense rules. When a QB sees a 1 on 1 that he believes his WR can win he chucks it down the field hoping for at least a penalty if not a reception with a long gain. It's part of what Rodgers is doing even on 3rd and short. I've posted before all the way back to 2016 that Rodgers needs to stop playing for penalties, whether it's off sides, 12 men on the field or a hold/PI on the defense. It can work a few times a season but it can't be a way of approaching your offense. Thanks, Since '61

3 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 23, 2018 at 02:35 am

I agree on that 100% Since '61. It looks like Aaron only care how to fool opponent, normal flow of the game is too boring for him...

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fastmoving's picture

November 21, 2018 at 01:15 pm

the MNF game was a really good one. just rewatched it. even MM enjoyed it.

some may like a dirty 6:3 D-battle more and sometimes Im ok with it too. but in general I rather watch a back and forth game, with incredible offence and even good D.

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JerseyAl's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:30 am

You have a valid point. Gurley did not see the ball when the RAMS should have been trying to run out the clock and Hunt wasn't used when the Chiefs were trying to come back at the end.

3 points
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dobber's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:41 am

I'll point out again that neither Chicago nor Minnesota even tried a PAT in their Sunday night game. Both elected to try all 2pt conversions (3 of 4 converted).

Further indications that we're headed for a Rollerball league?

2 points
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PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:44 am

If Packers won the Ram game their great coach would have had some explaining to do. Sometimes you just have to be lucky.

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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:21 am

Thanks Al. Agree on Gurley. McVay nearly cost the game for the Rams by not running Gurley and forcing KC to use their timeouts during the last 2 minutes. Fortunately for him and the Rams poor execution by Mahomes and the Rams defense bailed him out. Thanks, Since '61

3 points
3
0
flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:32 am

As you point out '61, run game, what run game? The NFL has written the rules and forced the refs to tilt the field over to the passing game. Might as well make John Houseman commissioner giving the direction the owners are taking the game.

0 points
0
0
Johnblood27's picture

November 21, 2018 at 05:14 pm

The NFL has completely obliterated the game we came to know and love for the love of FANTASY FOOTBALL stats and gambling dollars.

Fan entertainment has little to do with what you are witnessing, it is all about FANTASY leagues and interest in statistics over the actual sport of football and winning and losing.

This NFL just makes me sick. I am a over 50 year fan and I absolutely love(d) football, I grew up literally with a football in my hands all day every day and I slept with one as well.

I watch some college ball now, and I cannot help myself in following the GBP, but I am slowly weaning myself off of the NFL as a league and the "new" football in general.

I just cant stand how watching a game leaves me angry and upset with the officials and the style of play that the NFL is dictating.

3 points
3
0
TKWorldWide's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:03 pm

I’d like to see a modest adjustment back to a more level playing field. I don’t want to see 6-3 or 10-7, but how about 31-28? 28-24? A close game in which BOTH sides of the ball matter.

2 points
2
0
TheBigCheeze's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:07 pm

johnblood....."I just cant stand how watching a game leaves me angry and upset with the officials and the style of play that the NFL is dictating."-------my sentiments exactly.....it's just not fun anymore.......

3 points
3
0
Chuck Farley's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:04 am

Just trying to comtemplate what excuses the brain trust of the packers org will be coming up to keep MM right where he is.
1. Oh our star was injured for the first four games and we just got out of sync.
2. Cant blame him we had injuries.
3. The sun didnt come up on a couple of sundays
4. Our taro cards said save Mike.
5. Were too lazy to try and replace him and have no idea who would cowtow to what we want to do without question like he does

-4 points
0
4
flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:50 am

I went back and watch the last 8 (minus seahawks) games on video and all 22. Mostly I was watching for player replacement and lineup and playing time. Sometimes one can get a feel for how the coaching staff sees their team in how they use their players during a game. It was, in a word 'strange'. like watching two completely different orgazations going in different directions at once. The defense was in synch, each player knew their assignment and carried it out. The units played as a whole. knowing their technique and who had what responability. Despite some hiccups, and before the mass of injuries this defense corrected their mstakes quickly and adjusted to what the other teams offense had to offer.

3 points
3
0
flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:53 am

I stopped at this point because I want to be careful on how I phased the offensive side of the ball. As we all know, that is where the root of the packers problems are this season.

1 points
1
0
TheBigCheeze's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:14 pm

flack.....don't forget special teams......they've been awful.....

0 points
1
1
PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 10:05 am

Did you look at some of the names of the Packers playing defense ? I think Zook was putting a jersey on.

2 points
2
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flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:53 am

I did, which shows how good the defensive backfield coaches have done this year. This secondary has talent, but by and large this group is very, very raw. What speaks volumes is the way this group plays, and the way they have adapted to the different roles they are ask to play. Nick Perry is a perfect example, as is CM3. Perry is playing more an elephant role, which he has done well. Protect the edge, crush the pocket giving lanes for the DL and ILBs to go though. Teams up till his injury did not run to his side. This group has brought in, which is a credit to the whole defensive coaching staff. (Zook, Oh Yeah. Crazy enough to it, that's for sure)

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:04 pm

Where's Waldo (Perry)? Waste of money and draft pick for a player who's good ,but a LG bag of chips.

-1 points
0
1
Pierre's picture

November 21, 2018 at 09:58 am

Rodgers needs to step up his game playing more effective at QB, or the Packers will just keep moving backwards the next few years. They will be just a middle of the pack NFL team fighting to get a winning record each year with all the same excuses. It is the play of the QB in the NFL that determines success no matter the other weaknesses of a given team. If Rodgers is able to improve his play at QB, the Packers can win going forward; if he is not able to play better...and I mean a lot better...the Packers really need to start looking to move on to their next QB to lead this team. Presently the GB games as painful to watch from an offensive perspective. Just terrible QB play in getting the ball to the receivers.

2 points
3
1
PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 10:13 am

It would seem that way, but injuries and young receivers will do that to a QB. I can remember even the great Favre struggling one season with a new group of receivers. However, his decisions to look deep and not throw to an open Jones in the flat later in the game was very frustrating.

0 points
0
0
PatrickGB's picture

November 21, 2018 at 10:35 am

How about we return to the “West Coast Offense”? You know, the scheme where the short quick pass moves the chains. Get to the line quick, throw a pass or run the ball before the defense has a chance to sub. And perhaps scheme to get WRs open for the short pass and then when they crowd the line, only THEN, throw the long bomb. Remember that offense?

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:05 pm

I agree, but again, that takes timing and experience. Patience my friend.

1 points
1
0
flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 10:39 am

Now on to the offense. If there is a word to describe this unit, it would be 'dysfunctional'. While there are some gaps personal wise, the overall talent was more than enough to make this unit effective. Even when this unit was healthy, the breakdowns (timeouts) signaled that their was something far deeper eating away at the offense. The first lions game was a perfect symbol of everything wrong with the offensive side of the ball. An ugly a half of pro football as one will ever see. On the all 22, it is worse, far worse than what was shown on broadcast TV. what the all 22 showed was a starting QB completely out of control, not running the offense, and worse, checking out of call plays looking for the deep shot, time and again. The total and complete breakdown between the starting QB and HC was on full, and ugly display. Now after halftime, the Packers offense came back full bore, but the damage had been done. After the lions, the same pattern repeats. QB freelances, Packer offense digs a hole, Packer QB reverts to game plan, offense revives sometimes too late. Why is this happening. Injury, youth, new players, pick one. My gut tells me that Rodgers does not like McCarthy or the direction that this offense goes. Which is ironic, because this offense has been built for Rodgers and his talents. As we found out last year, and early pre season, any other QB will have a hard time in this system. I wish I had an answer for this, I don't. I only know that as a fan that this problem goes far deeper than just firing Mike McCarthy. Firing McCarthy may be unavoidable, but it may not even fix the short term problems, much less the long term problem this team faces with its current starting QB. If this continues for the rest of the season, then the Packers may be facing a worse case situation both Cap and personal wise. This team is not there yet, there is time. But it all depends on one man at this point. And for a team game, that is a very bad place to be.

3 points
4
1
flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:01 am

My apology for turning this into a mini post. I had intended to break this up into a third part, but I would only be repeating what I, and many of us have written here on CHTV before. Too put it plainly, there is something wrong with Aaron Rodgers which goes beyond his physical injuries. On a stage that visual, one can not hide it. To be clear, I do not, repeat DO NOT think he has 'mental issues'. Lets take that off the table. I do think like many here, his last season injuries (collarbone) have not completely heal and are effecting parts of his passing game. Not being Aaron Rodgers has effected his outlook, and he is taking it out on others. I hate to say this, but Aaron Rodgers needs to grow up.

5 points
5
0
Curt's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:49 am

AR played in the past like a guy with something to prove to all those folks who snubbed him and allowed to fall all the way to GB in the draft.

He seems now to believe (as 4 did late in his career) that everything revolves around him. AR holds the ball and runs around waiting for someone to get open - takes sacks or throws the ball away. Lots of punts.

4 just slung it up there and hoped the receivers would make a play - result ends up similar, just lots of turnovers instead of punts.

Neither approach allows for the coaches game plan to be executed and thus the coach gets fired. For some of the strange on field decisions MM has made, that maybe warranted in this case, but I'd rather have wins than stats.

If AR would play within the stubborn system MM has set up, I believe GB would have wins against Det and Was at least with Min a win vs a tie. 7-3 would look a lot better than 4-5-1 (at Sea, NE, and LAR result not likely to change --- although opportunities were there).

1 points
1
0
flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:29 pm

Rodgers is playing angry. He has never done that before, and yeah calling his play Farve like is not an understatement. His challenge for the remaining games is to play within himself. If he can, then this team despite it s injuries has a decent shot. The question is, will he discipline himself to give his team a chance to win.

1 points
1
0
flackcatcher's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:11 am

In case your wondering, the reason I did not include special teams is with a rebuilding team, that unit is usually average to bad. With the constant churn of the bottom third of the roster getting a unit in sync is difficult at best. And with the mass injuries to units that are critical to ST like CB, drop off is well..... happens.

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:13 pm

I agree fully. I'm not a total McCarthy blamer , but Rogers has a longer contract and sadly we might need someone to shrink Mr Rogers swollen head. That could be tricky.

2 points
2
0
TheBigCheeze's picture

November 21, 2018 at 07:03 pm

you make some good points.....but I think you meant "personnel".....

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 22, 2018 at 12:06 am

Thanks Al, pretty much sums everything up for me.
I almost feel relieved, barring any more further embarrassments I'm going to look at the rest of the season as an opportunity to see what we have. Hopefully they put some players on the field. Either way injuries will take care of that and I'll get to watch some of our hopefully promising players. Wouldn't mind though, seeing a great full 4 quarter victory against anyone.

-1 points
0
1
Curt's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:32 am

Only rarely does wasting a time out to save five yards make a difference.

Is that only my perception or a truth?

Wasting a time out of 3rd and 15 to run a draw play or swing pass seems like lunacy to me.

4 points
4
0
Skip greenBayless's picture

November 21, 2018 at 11:59 am

Very good observation on Fackrell Jersey Al. I didn't think about it until you said it. Yeah, he really does seem to take the perfect angles to the qb. He almost got a 4th sack. That angle to me and how quick he got to Wilson was mind blowing. Good stuff. I love your weekly "polluted mindset" pieces.

2 points
2
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

November 21, 2018 at 12:00 pm

I can't even watch the games anymore. Too depressing. Just gonna sit back and enjoy the holidays

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 21, 2018 at 03:41 pm

Come on. You'll be peeking in.

1 points
1
0
PatrickGB's picture

November 21, 2018 at 01:34 pm

Fackrell was known for some of what he has shown while he was in college. Capers (and maybe Moss) tried to make him into something else. Pettine knows how to get the best out of his players.
Aaron Rodgers needs to R-E-L-A-X

2 points
2
0
CAG123's picture

November 21, 2018 at 04:09 pm

Quick question: Is running the table really worth it? Just to make the playoffs and lose on the road y’all act this teams road woes are just going to disappear. Just think the Saints rebuilt their roster off three straight 7-9 seasons and now they have the pieces in place for life after Brees is it really beneficial to this team in the long run to make the playoffs and have two picks in the bottom half of the first round? We can woulda shoulda all day and say how close they could be to 8-2 but the reality is they’re 4-5-1 and 0-5 on the road. Anything less than a SB appearance is a waste of time in my book.

0 points
0
0
Pierre's picture

November 21, 2018 at 06:49 pm

The Saints are playing great because Brees has been playing the QB position excellent at his age. The Packers have a losing record because Rodgers is playing the QB position poor at his age. It’s all about the QB and Brees is just a lot better QB at this point than Rodgers who cannot consistently sustain offensive drives and score TDs hence the vast difference. The Saints never let up on offense as they look to blow out their opponents. Rodgers usually has his team behind the opponent due to inability to score TDs.

1 points
1
0