Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Time to Flip the Switch
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Ok, ok, I get it. The Packers managed this game quite successfully, albeit not in an enthralling manner. I have to admit to getting really annoyed during the game at the third and short uber-conservative play calls. In my defense, I was unaware of the pre-game Rapoport tweet stating that the injury Love sustained in the Giants game was a separate shoulder, specifically an AC joint sprain. For his part, LaFleur wouldn't say this was a reason for his heavy run-centric game plan, but I don't think he would admit it if it was. Still, I do think a big part of the reason for his approach was they simply knew the Vikings' offense presented no threat with JJ McCarthy back there playing quarterback. And once they got a lead and forced the Vikings to try to throw more, it was all over.
That's not to say I was happy with what was going down. The main reason being I've been selfishly waiting impatiently for weeks now to see the Packers offense be what I think it can be. I've found that my expectations can be a heavy load for me to carry when the team is not meeting them, despite the Packers sporting a winning record the majority of NFL teams would gladly take. Coaches don't care about expectations or style points - the ONLY thing that matters is wins. I have to do a better job of not letting myself fall into the trap of not being satisfied if the Packers don't blow out an inferior opponent (Gotta clean that up). So under the circumstances, I will understand that this wasn't the game to see the Packers be more aggressive on offense. That game is coming up tomorrow, and it's time for LaFleur to flip the switch (unless Love's shoulder still needs to be protected a bit).
The Lions' offense is an entire different animal than the Vikings'. Amon-Ra St Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff can score points by the boatload. The Packers need to come out looking to score early and often. If you can make Detroit more one dimensional by getting out to a fast lead, then your defense will have the opportunity to pin their ears back and as we saw on Sunday, that's when they excel. The Packers will have to find the same energy and effort level that propelled them to the fast start in the Week One win over the Lions, things that have been missing in some disappointing losses since that game.
Other polluted thoughts:
It's hard to fathom that Luke Musgrave is now the third string tight end after John Fitspatrick and Josh Whyle. After the Giants game, LaFleur stated for sure they need to get more snaps for Musgrave. Well, against the Vikings he did get six more, but that was just a product of more offensive plays as Fitzpatrick and Whyle were still ahead of him. Fitzpatrick had nearly double the snaps. There was so much hype around Musgave as a rookie, but since the injury and the emergence of Tucker Kraft, there's just seems to be little gas in that tank.
Watching 250 lb.Micah Parsons bowl over and throw two 300+ pound lineman to the turf will never cease to amaze me. How would you compare it to the Reggie White hump move? Reggie was a much larger man but was executing that move against one player. Which is more impressive to you?
Emanuel Wilson is a STRONG back who took no prisoners against the Vikings. The Packers have worked with him to improve his pad level and it's made a big difference. When he has momentum on his side, it will take a village to bring him down. He has been nominated for Fedex Ground player of the week. You can vote for him here.
The Packers did an incredible job keeping Jahmyr Gibbs in check in their first meeting. They may not have Quay Walker this time around and I'm not sure how to feel about that. McDuffie is a more stout interior run defender, Walker is faster and more able to chase down running backs out on the edges. Because of the speed of Jahmyr Gibbs, I think I'd rather have Walker, but you could probably talk me out of it.
Evan WIlliams was balling this game. You'll find him wherever the ball is and he never stops pursuing. His motor is a Hemi.
Kamal Hadden had a nice game stepping in for Nixon,. but you can't call it a true test against a quarterback that can't complete easy throws. Thursday will be a different matter altogether for Hadden if Nixon can't go.
All Hail Daniel Whelan - Our Field Flipper King!
Go Pack Go!
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (42)
PackEyedOptimist
November 26, 2025 at 07:03 am
My fear is that they will start Nate Hobbs and mess up the defensive backfield chemistry.
I see this as a 50-50 game. Hopefully we pull out a win! Parsons may be needed as “The Closer” again!
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2025 at 12:47 pm
Starting Hobbs would be coaching malfeasance by Ansley. Hafley wouldn't allow it, would he?
Hobbs needs to remain a back up slot defender. He showed terrible instincts and play speed on the boundary.
Let him resurrect his Packers opportunity as a back up slot. If he does not perform there, he can be cut after the season without too much financial or cap pain.
Banks is starting to show on the field. That's a good sign. His contract is more difficult to quit.
Savage57
November 26, 2025 at 07:12 am
I had similar feelings when Matt made the choice to keep it on the ground and if not successful, settle for three.
Where I differ was even in light of the late news Love had an AC joint issue in his left shoulder, does a two-count-and-out, three or four yard slant or stick route really create that much risk of injury?
Happy with the win, but staring to wonder if Matt realizes that not kicking the living shit out of an opponent when you have them down can turn them into revenants who reanimate and come hunting for you.
jlc1
November 26, 2025 at 07:19 am
I dunno. I think the Vikes left Lambeau feeling like they got the shit kicked out of them. When the other team keeps lapping you and they're only in first gear you're going to realize they knocked the snot out of you.
Savage57
November 26, 2025 at 07:30 am
Fair enough, but I would've liked to have seen Matt put a little stank on it, and have them leave Lambeau with a 31-6 beatdown.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2025 at 01:10 pm
Hafley did what you asked, however. That was a defensive beatdown. I enjoy watching good defense.
Coldworld
November 26, 2025 at 03:49 pm
I enjoyed that too, but it only really happened after the STs gave us a more than one score lead. Against the Lions or any team with a decent QB, it may have taken a bigger margin before we switched to “go get him” mode. I’m not sure that works for us tomorrow. We have to play to win from the outset, not to minimize risk on both sides of the ball.
Coldworld
November 26, 2025 at 08:27 am
I think they left more concerned with their impotence than what we did to them.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2025 at 01:08 pm
There were again (too) many ugly purple fans in Lambeau. They tried to make some noise in the 1st qtr. It became more of a murmur late 2nd qtr. They were stone cold quiet in the 2nd half. Leaving the stadium, the looks of purple faces certainly appeared like they just got the schlitz kicked out of them.
Holding your team to no yards in a half will do that to an Ugly Purple fan.
jlc1
November 26, 2025 at 07:27 am
The Lions game. Hutchinson is a dirty player. He went after Love in game 1. He got called for the dirty hit but clearly was hoping for an injury. Watching him in other games I have seen him come in high and late but not get called for it. He will also, when he has a QB who has released the ball, make a big deal of releasing one hand as if he is letting up on the hit but still drive hard with the other shoulder. He is going to do the same stuff Thursday if the Pack O line let's him near Love. Dirty player.
Savage57
November 26, 2025 at 07:33 am
Packers OL need to purposely dive at his calfs, see if they can roll up on him and get an ACL tear or maybe even another tibia fracture.
TheBigCat
November 26, 2025 at 08:46 am
If Hutchinson is, indeed, a dirty player, then Packers OL need to get in his head. When Suh played for the Lions, he, too, was a dirty player. Rumor had it the OL would tie his shoelaces together during the pile-up, so he would trip and fall when he stood. Then he would lose his **** and get a penalty.
TXCHEESE
November 26, 2025 at 09:50 am
uncalled for comment.
jlc1
November 26, 2025 at 11:23 am
In what way? Specific instances of dirty play were cited.
jlc1
November 26, 2025 at 11:24 am
Rather see the refs do their job than purposely hurt another player. Indeed his trying to hurt Love is what first drew my attention to him. So, no, don't hurt him, beat him.
Coldworld
November 26, 2025 at 03:53 pm
Run at him. Pound him that way and a brutally as possible, have Kinnard or Belton take him head on legitimately in a block or two but yes, we don’t need to go ending careers or seasons deliberately.
PeteK
November 26, 2025 at 08:52 am
Bring in that extra lineman and run right at him a few times and then call different plays off that.
Brewcity_BearsFan
November 26, 2025 at 09:00 am
Clay Matthews repeatedly went after the head and neck area of opposing QBs. Grabbing them in a manner to simulate breaking their neck.
I don't think Hutchinson is any more a dirty player than Matthews was.
jlc1
November 26, 2025 at 11:25 am
Neither gets a pass from me.
Coldworld
November 26, 2025 at 03:59 pm
I have no recollection of that rumor regarding Mathews. He had a pretty clean disciplinary record. Harbaugh got famously uptight for a late hit on Kaepernick out of bounds, but I think the league disagreed and it was as much Matthews responding that he was awesome not dirty that stoked that attention. Anyone else recall these allegations?
Razer
November 26, 2025 at 07:39 am
Lot different vibe after a solid win - especially against the Vikings. Defense played well and will need to channel that energy and more tomorrow. If the team is prepared we will be in this heavy weight bout. Survive the first quarter and initial excitement of the home team and their fans. Matt's message "do your job"!
Not much time to drill the new O-line configuration but I hope they take another step forward. If the interior of the line can gel we might see the real Packer offense.
My bottom line - if we stuff their run game we will win this game. Go Packers
PeteK
November 26, 2025 at 09:03 am
Hutchinson had no tkls in the first game; also Bullard must have been shadowing Gibbs bc he had 9 tkls. even though Gibbs touched the ball 19 times with only 50 yds. It might be Williams turn to negate Gibbs.
jannesbjornson
November 26, 2025 at 10:13 am
Gibbs and Amon-Ra St.Brown should be bracketed the entire game. LaPorta is out, Raymond banged up. Make the kitties earn every yard. Hopper should see more snaps. Get the Mojo Working.
Coldworld
November 26, 2025 at 07:49 am
With that game plan, if Love was that incapacitated (or more likely vulnerable to aggravation), we should have started Willis and adapted to use his mobility too.
So either it’s an excuse or inexcusable timidity. With the game against Detroit on Thursday this was particularly true. Willis is plenty good enough to win that last game and has proved it.
Apparently Van Ness wasn’t ready “he thought he could go.” I’m starting to have doubts about how they are handling injured player fitness evaluations. This is far from the first example.
As you suggest, AL, to win this game it’s very likely that we need to get out to a lead. That’s going to mean ambition and success in the scripted portion from the first snap.
If Love seriously can’t undertake that, as the narrative has it justified Sunday, then we need to think long and hard about whether he should play not just heal for the game in 9 days that also matters.
Lose 1 we likely survive, lose both and the situation looks far bleaker. I suspect that Love can be himself, but I do not buy the excuse in the first place. Yes, I’ve had that injury. More than once.
We also probably need to play more like we did in the second half on D, not try to just contain scoring against Goff. Beating the Lions means stopping the run certainly, but that won’t do it if you don’t also get him rattled early. Their OL remains vulnerable, the Giants re-illustrated that. We have to assert ourselves early.
I am not sure this leadership has it in it to go out daring to win not just to hope to hang in there.
stockholder
November 26, 2025 at 09:59 am
QBs- No one is incapacitated.
Thats just nonsense.
The handling of injured player fitness evaluations.
Is just more nonsense
Face it.
The leadership knows exactly what they're doing.
Confidence and Possession never go away.
Love shouldn't change that. (3rd Down bombs)
Defense must win this game.
So just stop trying to hang MLF.
Coldworld
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 am
Give ‘em enough rope …
If Love wasn’t incapacitated then that offensive plan last week was. Take your pick.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2025 at 01:26 pm
Yeah. The Offense's game plan would have worked better if LaFleur would have continued to run up tempo. When Love ran the offense up tempo early in the game, it looked great...and would have provided more quick shots down the field.
But LaFleur returned to draining the ticking clock between plays.
Then after Whelan and Anderson made their complementary plays, there was little reason to change the game plan on O...but to change the plan on D and "let it rip!".
So it worked...to the tune of 23-6. I will take that every week.
Packer_Fan
November 26, 2025 at 08:18 am
Three items. Parsons was out of this world when he bowled over those three lineman. Worth every penny. He is playing outstanding and with a lot of inspiration.
Second, we have a championship level defense. For this reason. They can stop a team late in the game. Example: Philly game where they gave the offense two chances in the last three minutes.
And lastly, this team will be in the hunt. Regardless of how well they play. But Lafleur better get the offense going. Short yardage plays are too predictable. Love needs to throw in rhythm and that means plays that support that. Watch Detroit. Goff throws in rhythm. The plays and protection match well
That's all.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2025 at 01:38 pm
Solid observations. Would like to see more up temp. I think it gives the OL a split second advantage and keeps the D from subbing and having to make hasty D calls.
This could be a championship D and the DTs need to make more of a difference. Wyatt finally looked like a pass rusher but remains lousy at run D. Wooden has stalled. But the two rookies are finally looking like they know their jobs now....Stackhouse is stout vs the run, Brinson is showing some good rush.
Parsons is looking to be the deal of the offseason, maybe the deal of the decade. It is, and will be a huge feather in Gutey's Packer Cap.
Reggie supercharged the Packers Defense and made it so enjoyable to watch. Most games you would see him completely demolishing an OL with a hump move, a rip, spin, or bull rush and putting his enemy on skates to the QB.
Parsons is like that...he makes the defense fun to watch. Different than Reggie, but just as supercharged. Many NFL players are labeled with having non stop motors, being relentless, catlike quickness from snap to whistle...but Parsons is better than any of them.
Where he and Reggie are twins is with their incredible strength. Parsons could probably squat an ox...Reggie could throw one. Another similarity...their team first mentality and incredible work ethic. Natural leaders.
From the Jungle Room
November 26, 2025 at 08:41 am
As always, some great pollution coming from Al! I have to wonder if the decision to go run heavy was multi tiered by MLF and staff. First, you have JLove that you need to protect, still trying to gain some consistency with the run game from the OL but this week added a new wrinkle.....enter Belton alternating at RG with Morgan....until he fully replaced in the 2H....a major move that has developed some very loud chatter in Packerland lately. This move is big on a number of levels and could be a major upgrade for the Packer struggling OL moving forward. Morgan was never a RG and that's been apparent for weeks. Much like Jenkins earlier this year, the shuffling of quality players into ill fitting positions and forcing them to "learn" has not been the success the Packers office and staff had hoped for. So hopefully Sunday was the last OL line deck that MLF will shuffle....and hopefully this ends the move Morgan across the line discussion.....he's a LT ,,,,,that's it.....
Belton coming in to last Sunday had played only a few snaps overall....at Tackle....he had never played at the Guard position....ever. For AB, the best way to let him show MLF and staff what he can do is to run the ball in various schemes and throw in some passing reps as well. With a game where there was little to no threat from the opponent, why not conserve your players, your plays and take a closer look at what could be a major strategic move on the OL that could pay off bigtime over the next few weeks......
13TimeChamps
November 26, 2025 at 10:22 am
I rarely, if ever, come on here and suggest what the Packers should do schematically, pretty much staying in my lane as a fan. That's what the coaching staff is there for. If I know more than them then this team is in serious trouble.
That being said, one area I'll put my 2 cents in. I just don't understand the rotating of Oline men, specifically at RG. They've been doing it since at least last year. I've always been led to believe that consistency on the Oline is paramount. Knowing instinctively what the player on your left and right is doing. Rotating players in and out throughout the game seems to defeat that.
It's hard to understand that they still don't know who their RG is as we are about to play in game #12. I hope they've finally figured that out and stick with it going forward.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2025 at 02:07 pm
You and I and MANY here have been advocating for choosing the best 5 and coach them as a synergistic unit, know the strengths and weaknesses of the lineman next to you. Knowing his job and yours.
The musical chairs, especially at RG, was installed by Stenovich in 2023. First with Runyan and Rhyan, then Rhyan and Morgan, this year Morgan vs Rhyan with Morgan getting the nod. And he's not G material. He's quick with nimble feet and enough strength to redirect charging DE's. He's not a mauler. Belton is!
Again, many here have bee calling for Belton to move to G in training camp. Stenovich and Butkus, obviously with LaFleurs approval wanted to make Morgan into a G and Belton into the swing tackle. Hopefully, finally they made the decision in late November that should have been made in the early summer.
NFLfan
November 26, 2025 at 08:44 am
Love will be a target and he's already hurt. It is straight-up dangerous to play behind a weak O-line. It's akin to having weak core muscles. I'll be interested in who's been assigned to deal with Hutchinson. And, if he's the dirty player, some think he is-how will they protect Jordan? He could be taken out in this game.
I'm certain Matt has a plan for Willis.
jannesbjornson
November 26, 2025 at 10:21 am
You Double Hutchinson. If O lines could still cut-block, he would have his head on a swivel. Mano-a-mano time, see who wants to Win.
Coldworld
November 26, 2025 at 11:11 am
Now you have to watch for the LB Mohammed too. It’s not a one man show at this point, even though Mohammed has been quiet lately.
GregC
November 26, 2025 at 09:12 am
It was a really nice win, even if it played out in a slightly odd way. Good signs for the offense were improved OL play and Christian Watson often being the primary target when a first down was needed. His comeback has far exceeded expectations.
PeteK
November 26, 2025 at 09:20 am
Lions are meowing on pass D as they are 15 in the league, also 11th against the run. Gents had 6 big passing plays of over 20 yds against Lions, so I'm sure they are/ should dbl Watson, if so other WRs should get chances.
RCPackerFan
November 26, 2025 at 09:39 am
Once GB got to 17, LaFleur knew it was over. I thought LaFleur was being extremely smart. They have a game in 4 days, they have a QB playing with a separated shoulder, against a team who sends all kinds of pressure packages. Also the Vikings couldn't stop the run.
An underrated part of the game. Packers played 66 snaps on offense while the defense just played 44. The Lions played 68 snaps on offense but played 82 defensive snaps. It will be interesting to see what happens and what kind of impact that makes in this game.
Luke Musgrave -
I think part of the reason why Musgrave didn't have as many snaps in this game was because they went to a run heavy offense. They used an extra OL for 21 of their 66 snaps.
Goff -
I remember stating a year ago that the Lions would go as far as Goff took them. And it turns out it was very far. The biggest thing with Goff is if you pressure him early and often he starts seeing ghosts out there. His timing and rhythm are off and he really struggles. If GB can get early pressure on Goff, and stop the run, that is the recipe for beating the Lions. That is what they did in the first game and its what they need to do in this one.
HarryHodag
November 26, 2025 at 10:18 am
I can't call this game. The Packers have looked very good at times this year and no so good at other times. But I do know the Lions are ready for revenge. Jersey Al will likely get annoyed again, but look for the Packers to stay conservative and run the ball as much as they can, at least that will be the game plan. They have to minimize that potent offense and the way to do that is by having Detroit on the sidelines.
Starting with this game the Packers will make or break their season over the next few weeks. There are no gimmes including Denver and Baltimore.
GregC
November 26, 2025 at 10:44 am
I agree that the Packers offense will still be run-oriented, although not as much as it was against the Vikings. They didn't have an impressive YPC in that game, but they were consistently getting those 3 or 4-yard carries. If they can get that going again, they'll have a good base to work from.
Alberta_Packer
November 26, 2025 at 11:47 am
I'm not feeling overly optimistic about this game.
First of all - Love is still physically compromised - which will reduce the playbook for him. Secondly - I'm expecting that the Lions D-line will be much more stout against the run than the Giants. Also the Lions DC knows exactly what's coming from LaFleur. So once again, I expect that their DC will have a better game plan than our HC. Of course if LaFleur really wants to try and establish hegemony - he would surprise-start Willis.
Thus I'm expecting just more of the same from what we've seen all season. A lull-ish offense that requires a persistent defense in order to win the day.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2025 at 02:41 pm
I have a good feeling about the D vs the lions O.
Don't have a strong feeling about the O vs the lions D...but I should because the lion have given up a lot of points in several games. Packers should be able to get points early to again unleash the pass rush against Goff. If LaFleur plays run the ball and drain the clock, I am concerned it won't be a solid lead and a real nail biter in the 2nd half with Gibbs and St. Brown taking off.
STs just need to build on the Vikings game.
Edge Packers, but not a big edge. 27-21 Pack.