Packers 10 Bears 3: Game Balls & Lame Calls

 

The Green Bay Packers kicked off the NFL's 100th season and the Matt LaFleur era with a hard-fought road win in Chicago.  It's always sweet when the Packers beat the Bears but after Chicago established themselves as division favorites, the Packers added a nice cherry on top, making an early statement that they plan to reclaim their spot atop the NFC North.

On to the night's best and worst.

Game Balls

The Defense

Welcome to the sideline, Mike Pettine!  A great job by the defense on the road in a very physical game.  Getting aggressive and after Trubisky on the sack to end the game was something we would have never seen much of in recent years.  Aggressive looks to be a theme of this year's defense and finally, the Packers have the horses to make it pay off.

Adrian Amos

This one needs no explanation.  A huge interception late in the fourth quarter that would have sealed the win had the offense been able to pick up 10 measly yards afterward.  

It was the Packers' only turnover of the night and just happened to be in his first game against his old team in front of fans who swore up and down that he was overpaid and doesn't get interceptions.

Ball don't lie.

Za'Darius Smith

If there's a human version of a monster on this Packers defense, Smith may be it.  Seven quarterback pressures, three hits on the quarterback and a sack on the night.  

Green Bay's defense was the clear star of this win and Smith was the ring leader in this game.  The best part is that there appear to be a handful of other guys who can step up and be that guy from week to week.

The Packers have a defense this season and Smith's arrival appears to be a much-needed catalyst.

Jimmy Graham

Graham wins the "first touchdown this season" pool.  He made a nice grab in traffic on a pass that Aaron Rodgers gave him a chance to use his height to go up and grab it.  Graham didn't have much of a preseason and hurt his thumb so to see him contributing in this way erases some doubt about whether he can still be an effective part of the offense.

JK Scott

The punter isn't typically one you want to see in the Game Balls column as it means he probably kicked a lot.  But when the Bears offense is as abysmal as it was, this aspect creating favorable field position is a huge plus.

Scott hit a 63-yard punt late that backed the Bears up and made the length of the field a lot longer.  He also landed five inside the 20.  Punting from near mid-field isn't easy and Scott looks to be coming into his own a bit in year two.

Lame Calls

Offensive Line

The Bears defensive front may be the best in football, sorry Aaron Donald and the Rams.  So the assignment for the Packers offensive line wasn't an easy one but each member of the line was penalized.  That, and giving up five sacks won't typically win you many games.  Fortunately, this was the Mitch Trubisky-led Bears and they had more of those sacks than they did points.

Lane Taylor looked especially rough and he's on watch now with rookie Elgton Jenkins playing well during preseason.

The Non-Offensive Pass Interference Challenge

Challenging the non-offensive pass interference in the fourth quarter when there were only two timeouts left was really bad, considering that it wasn't a close call.  Unless LaFleur just wanted to be the first NFL head coach to challenge a non-call, there wasn't much reason to waste a valuable asset in that spot.

The following challenge, however, was very necessary.

 

Others to mention:

  • Aaron Rodgers didn't look other-worldly and again, the Bears pass rush was all up in his grill in this game, but the quarterback doesn't look like he's missing a lot by not having played during the preseason
  • The defense closing on ball carriers before they get going was a sight for sore eyes
  • This rivalry is often riddled with penalties.  20 total for almost 180 yards is a lot of laundry on the field.  Packers need to clean it up moving forward or that type of slop will come back to bite them
  • Football is back! 

-------------------

Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

5 points
 

Comments (192)

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

September 06, 2019 at 06:45 am

Games balls...

Defense...PERIOD

Not to toot my own but I've said from the get-go this defense would be NASTY... This defense is NASTY! Enough said.

There sure were a lot of critics of Scott's after last season and of Gute for making the selection. How do you like your Crow?

Lame Calls

It's week one and NOBODY played in the preseason. What the hell did people expect? NO lame calls for me this week.

Edit... The Packers have 10 DAYS to hopefully get the offense more in sync...They'll need every day of it! Right now I'm happy as hell we have a few more days to get it better.

9 points
9
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:49 am

Nobody played in preseason .. I agree. Rodgers looked rusty at times: his touch was off on some passes under pressure. Game speed is just not the same as practice, however thorough.

I think that applied to the O line failings as much as to the skill players. Facing a very good, if not the best D line and LB group requires group cohesion. That was not at a level that we have come to expect and, of course, feeds into the run game as well.

Formation-wise, I like what LaFleur set out to do and the use of 2 TE sets in particular against that opponent. Hardly opening the playbook wide open, but appropriate.

It wasn’t just the D: ST were a lot more impressive than I feared, including Crosby’s kickoffs. If that continues, even aside of Scott, that is a major step forward.

I liked what Z Smith did a great deal, but my game ball goes to P. Smith for an even better performance. He held the edge, new when to stay and still got 1.5 sacks. He was the standout for me.

Have to give a mention to Kenny Clark: his move on his half sack was spectacular. More of those and he will take another step this year. Pay the man.

Injuries: I’m not aware of any significant ones. That’s got to be good news.

4 points
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Bearmeat's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:54 am

Agreed on all fronts.

The D kept Mitch in the pocket.
They "made him play quarterback." (ouch Tramon lol)
The Special Teams won the night (I'm shocked honestly)
The coverage was mostly on point.
Tackling was mostly solid.

If this game was 2 years ago, the Packers get shellacked. The last time we won a game scoring under 20 points if I remember correctly was 2010.

3 points
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Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:58 am

It does seem unfair to be hard on the offensive line if you're not going to be hard on Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense, plus Coach LaFleur.
The play calling seemed unimaginative, and it seemed Rodgers held the ball way too long. That's not fair to the linemen.
It seems Rodgers needs at least a little of the preseason not only for himself, but for the rest of the offense to gel around him.
It seems silly for Rodgers to sit out the preseason to avoid injury, but then to put himself in danger of injury in the very first game of the season again and again and again -- not only taking sacks in the backfield, but running recklessly downfield.
Finally, even if the defense takes away the run, can't we utilize our backs with a more creative mixture of short passes -- a la the West Coast Offense? Plus, let's spread the ball around to more receivers.
Great to win! -- but we were a stupid Trubisky pass away from being tied late, and asked way too much of our defense.
Plus, it's just not fair for our offense to put us fans through so much pain!

0 points
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dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:02 am

"Finally, even if the defense takes away the run, can't we utilize our backs with a more creative mixture of short passes -- a la the West Coast Offense?"

Several times last night where ARod looked to the flat or in the short zones and--correctly-- pulled that ball down because there was nothing there.

6 points
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Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:50 am

Okay, but can't we be more creative in the play calls as far as using the whole field, a variety of formations and motions, some misdirections, and getting more guys involved?
To the untrained eye, our new offense looked as bland as the old one.

1 points
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hobowilly's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:27 pm

nope, disagree. Bears D is rough. What i predicted of MLF coaching up AR to be rid of the ball (overall) sooner apparently isn't in play....we shall see. Perhaps I was wrong thinking that. AR still sees an awful lot though and even though he was rusty, I still trust him to win games for GB. Did you notice how many catches Lewis had? last year he had 3, last night 2. First game out of the shoot for GB against the division champs and on the road, I'll take an ugly win everytime any time we can get it!

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:45 pm

And he dropped a perfect shot from Rodgers on the sideline.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 05:57 pm

The Bears have really good and fast LBs. It’s not just the linemen. That’s part of what set them apart over MN last year. Very hard to play that game against them. I think LaFleur was right to approach it the way he did.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:48 pm

The Bears were squatting in the short zones while the D line crashed the gaps. If your line can hold them off, the Bears are vulnerable on the deep passes.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:36 am

Swisch - On the play calling consider the game situation. You are playing on the road against the best defense in the league and you’re in a tight game.

You don’t want to lose control of the game with plays that can cause mistakes especially since it was obvious that the offensive line was struggling. You want to try to win the field position game which the Packers did with their punter and their excellent defensive play.

From what I saw on 4 of the sacks the Bears were on Rodgers before he had a chance to even set his feet. Maybe on one sack he held the ball too long, but again in this type of game a sack is better than a pick.

As for Rodgers running recklessly, his runs achieved first downs except for the play called back for holding. Then his run in the 4th quarter prior to Crosby’s FG he nearly made the first down but just as critically his run made for a much easier FG for Crosby. That proved to be a critical play and score as the game turned out.

Even in this pass happy era of the NFL there are going to be games like last evening’s game when the offense is not clicking. When those games happens you want a defense that can step up like the Packers did last night.

For now take the W and move on to the next game. Thanks, Since ‘61

9 points
9
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Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:39 am

Thanks sincerely, Since '61, for the good response.
I'm very open to being mistaken in my observations and impressions.
In way of response to you, one could say that the Packers have had the entire preseason to craft creative plays against the Bears with plenty of practice to get them right.
Also, on one of those runs, Rodgers almost gave up a fumble being stripped of the ball from behind, while seemingly almost getting his neck crunched.
Perhaps it was indeed more a matter of Rodgers not having enough time against a ferocious defense; but I'm not even sure I saw many play-action passes.
I may have had a mistaken impression of LaFleur as an offensive mastermind, but I expected all sorts of motions and mixtures and misdirections and meanderings.
Again, though, I may have missed a lot; perhaps there was a lot more going on with the offense than I realize.
To the untrained eye, though, it all looked so blandly straightforward and painfully predictable. Run. Pass. Pass. Run. Like the Bears knew what was coming most of the time.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

September 06, 2019 at 12:02 pm

Swisch - the game plan was probably somewhat bland but offenses need to build as the season goes on and the OL gets in sync with more practice and live game plays.

The Bears have a good defense and part of that is because they make excellent reads on the play and move aggressively to the ball carrier. Having said that I’m concerned about our Guards especially Taylor. On a few replays he was either unable to get to his assignment or he was completely blown away by a Bears defender. Turner was pushed back into Rodgers on another play.

The run Rodgers fumbled on was called back due to a holding call but he made the first down and recovered the fumble if the play had stood.

Make no mistake this was a tough physical game. Over the last few seasons our defense would have lost that game. Fortunately Gute signed the Smiths, Amos and drafted Savage all of whom made an impact in the game along with Clark, King, Alexander, Martinez and Twill.

Enjoy the bye and bring on the Vikings. Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
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Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 12:44 pm

To finish on a positive note, Since '61, to me as a lifetime fan this was the best performance by a Packers defense since '72.
Ray Nitschke would be proud, especially against the Bears!

1 points
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hobowilly's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:39 pm

swischer! "To the untrained eye, though, it all looked so blandly straightforward and painfully predictable. Run. Pass. Pass. Run." Sir, none of us are experts needless to say but IMHO, having Gutey, MLF and his staff here is quite an improvement over the non-creativity and complacency of the former lead group by MM. You say painfully predictable....let's re-examine that claim when we meet da bears again (@ home in the middle of December). As AR himself has said, it'll take a while for us to get in sinc. For now, let's thoroughly enjoy this great beginning and prepare well for the Queen game. Let's just see how MLF game plans and attacks their D. Let's give this new O some time to find their rhythm. Bless you!

1 points
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Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:51 pm

I agree, hobowilly, to give the offense time to work things through.
It was a great win to start the season, something to keep in perspective and truly appreciate.
Thanks for the good note, and God bless you, too!

0 points
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cpabandit's picture

September 06, 2019 at 03:55 pm

My lame call I have not read from anyone is when the opposing QB throws an easy pass into your gut, you have to make the pick, not drop it. I am certain I saw it twice last night.

1 points
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cpabandit's picture

September 06, 2019 at 04:07 pm

One more lame call.... there must be something wrong with my TV. It seems my TV shows that AR snaps the ball a split second AFTER the clock ticks to zero. Yet my TV seems to have worked well for the one or two times he snapped the ball with a few seconds on the clock. Hmmm, puzzling.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:00 pm

There were no passes straight into the gut. Those CBs all got themselves into a position to make a play. Keep doing that and more will come. Corners get rust too.

0 points
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Ahgreen30's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:10 am

The Packers have the WORST offensive line in the history of the NFL and that includes the crap O-lines of the 80's! The entire O-line should have been forced to walk home to GB in full uniform from Chicago and should be mad to practice 2X/day ALL this next week! Simply HORRID and utterly embarrassing!

-41 points
2
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NickPerry's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:19 am

I don't know what you were expecting and YES, they do need to clean it up. BUT that was a top defense in the NFL last season playing an offense who didn't play all summer. New offense, a new scheme, BUT they scored when the absolutely had to. Give it a rest.

BTW... You DO understand there are NO 2X/days right?

14 points
14
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SmallmouthBass's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:49 am

I think he's just trolling, or a basic moron. Pay him no mind

4 points
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3
ThxJackVainisi's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:52 am

Ahgreen30,
What's the point of writing such a foolish post?

5 points
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MikeDV34's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:40 am

Maybe to get people to reply?

8 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:50 am

To extract ridicule? Certainly should do for that comment.

1 points
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Rebecca's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:16 pm

To goad fans into responding. Ignoring shitposts is the highroad.

0 points
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SpudRapids's picture

September 06, 2019 at 01:29 pm

Does this guy have udders?

1 points
1
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dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:43 am

He certainly uttered something...

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:01 pm

Is this a record for the most negatives? I don’t recall seeing that many before.

0 points
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Since'61's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:56 pm

It was just about the worst post I’ve seen here except for some personal attacks. So I guess it deserves the most downvotes. Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 09, 2019 at 04:11 pm

Ok. Which 2 people liked this?

0 points
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ReaganRulz's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:13 am

Just a great win against a division rival on their home turf. Makes a Friday so much sweeter!!

9 points
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EdsLaces's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:14 am

As I eat crow I feel Kevin King needs to get a game ball. Dude played pretty well considering the only time I ever see him on the field is when I play madden.

12 points
12
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NickPerry's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:43 am

Kevin King DID play well Ed. The only Bears WR who put up any kind of numbers was Robinson who was going against Tony Brown most of the night it seemed.

AND he seemed uninjured at the end of the game.

11 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:51 am

In fairness, Brown covered well. Eventually a good receiver is going to win some.

8 points
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1
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:04 am

Yeah, the back shoulder catches are just great plays by the offense. The one was a perfect catch and throw, can't fault the guy there. (not that the op was)

4 points
4
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dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:21 am

I was completely shocked by the Bears' unwillingness to throw the ball downfield. I'm not saying that those plays were there...even the Tramon push-out was pretty well covered, but in today's NFL, you've got to take those shots--whether it gets you a big gainer or a penalty or it just loosens up the defense. I was waiting for a DPI late that would turn that game around for the Bears...it didn't happen (whew!). Super conservative game plan by Nagy.

4 points
4
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:05 pm

That was a perfect play by Tramon, knowing exactly where he was and how to prevent the completion.

The other one that stands out is what he did at the back of the zone while Amos intercepted it. Excellent plays.

0 points
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lucky953's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:01 am

Lucky enough to be at the game and close to the bench. It looked like they were carefully managing Kevin's snaps. We were wondering at times: why is Kev standing on the sideline with his helmet on while Tony Brown is playing on the perimeter? Also saw him on the bike a couple of times. Continuing the regime change, this staff seems very mindful of managing injury (e.g 20's balky hamstring), and is going to rotate CBs, whereas in previous years they just rode their best 11 until they fell apart.

4 points
4
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Since'61's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:06 pm

Since this was the first extended playing time for most of the starters I think the plan was to rotate players in to keep fresh legs on the field. Which helps to prevent cramping and injuries. They brought Gary into the game in the 4th quarter to provide fresh legs for the pass rush. It makes sense especially early in the season. Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:39 am

The entire defense deserves a gameball. Clark, Lowry, Smith, Smith, Martinez, the secondary......you go to a defending division winner and hold them to 3 points? Seriously?

I mean, we shut out Buffalo last year, but this is different.

Offensively.....we need to run better, and more (22 rushes for 47 yards)and we need to get the ball out of Rodgers hand faster (5 sacks). Those sacks stop drives.

No injuries. Great. Let's see if we can make it 2-0 in the division next week.

I also applaud the coaching staff for not giving our special teams a chance to lose the game. Lots of fair catches, very few penalties, no long desperate field goal attempts, no fake plays that worked against us. A good night of work from Scott.

2 points
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4thand10's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:53 am

Pettine and the players shut down Naggys misdirection RPOs early. Naggy tried alot...moving Patterson around, putting him in the backfield etc... misdirection to try to get Cohen open...none of it worked very well because of the Packs D.

2 points
2
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DaKing5's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:42 am

Winning ugly will be a theme in the early part of this season. The defense will have to carry this team until the offense finds its rhythm. “We’ve got a defense!” AR. Love it!!

11 points
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Rak43's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:24 am

Impossible to give Za'Darius a game ball without giving Preston one as well. Both were very disruptive and played great games. Looking forward to seeing these guys progress.

19 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:07 am

I just watched that interception by Amos again... How great was it there was actually Safety HELP on that play? There have been WAAAAY too many times the last 8 years or so we never had a Safety to bee seen in those situations.

Amos was EXACTLY where he was supposed to be, just as advertised...How refreshing!

18 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:52 am

But he doesn’t make game changing plays ....

6 points
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Rak43's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:16 am

At least that's what salty Bear fans love to say. Making tackles on third downs short of the sticks is often no different than intercepting a pass 40-50 yards downfield. Imho, Amos makes plenty of game changing plays throughout the season, they just don't always show up as individual stats.

11 points
11
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Tundraboy's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:31 am

And Real Special Teams play. J Williams stood out as well. Knows how to wrap up and tackle.

3 points
3
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Rebecca's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:24 pm

Yes! Shoutout to Jamal. On one of the later Scott punts that went stratospheric, J. Williams laid an absolutely perfect tackle on the Bears’ receiver. No gain. All pain.

2 points
2
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jasonperone's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:42 am

Game Balls are about top impact players. Looking at the box score, Z was world’s more impactful than Preston. Both did play well, yes, but Za’Darius was on another level

2 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:55 am

They picked amos as defensive player of the game, obviously just so they could talk about his INT in Chicago's stadium. Z Smith was definitely the defensive player of the game though, even that last sack by P Smith was because of Z smith

2 points
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Rak43's picture

September 06, 2019 at 05:32 pm

I completely disagree. Preston had 1.5 sacks and ended the game on a walk off sack. He was also listed as having a total of 4 pressures. Z had a sack and 6 pressures as well. I don't see how Z played on another level compared to Preston. They played at a pretty even level to me. Preston was also responsible for the hit on Trubiscuit on the play Amos intercepted the ball as well.

3 points
5
2
Charvid's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:09 am

Preston had that play where he dropped into coverage on a 3rd down play to cover TE who came across field. It resulted in Trubisky having no where to go and getting sacked. That doesn’t show up in stat line but was a big time play.

6 points
6
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Charvid's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:09 am

Preston had that play where he dropped into coverage on a 3rd down play to cover TE who came across field. It resulted in Trubisky having no where to go and getting sacked. That doesn’t show up in stat line but was a big time play.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:08 pm

Preston has a less glamorous role. For all Z was a wrecker last night, what a Preston did was even more impressive for me, if less spectacular a lot of the time.

1 points
2
1
lucky953's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:03 am

Shout out to Raven Greene who balled out. 5 solo tackles!

5 points
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lucky953's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:04 am

Shout out to Raven Greene who balled out. 5 solo tackles!

0 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:27 am

I’m going to award a game ball to MVS for some clutch receptions. I was a little surprised to see Kumerow didn’t see action. Saving him for the Vikes!

2 points
3
1
dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:23 am

Allison was invisible, too. That surprised me...I figured they'd try to target Skrine when he lined up in the slot.

3 points
4
1
Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:39 am

Lame call would be the Collinsworth love-fest for the bearlies and his announcing in general. Overall the network focus on the Bears can only be attributed to their home field, right? Almost everyone on network TV can suck it.

13 points
14
1
SmallmouthBass's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:25 am

Makes this win all the more sweet. Don't forget Collinsworth is a PFF rep, and their numbers love the bears. Nothing against PFF and their work, it just gives that bias I assume. Probably why they didn't bring up Rashan Gary either. They hated him too.

0 points
1
1
Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:05 am

Respectfully disagree, Doug.
I think Collinsworth is fair -- and one of the best announcers nowadays, and in all my days going back to the early 1970s.

1 points
4
3
jannes bjornson's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:41 am

Our cable feed was in Spanish for some reason. Definitely preferable to
Al and Collingsworth.

0 points
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GVPacker's picture

September 06, 2019 at 01:21 pm

Yea agreed and constantly blathering about Matt Nagy is the second coming of Bill Walsh! Mitch T isn't that good and the Packers D made Nagy look downright silly. And all of this happened in front of the hometown fans,. It was so satisfying hearing the chorus of boo's come down from the fans during the second half....PRICELESS!!!!

2 points
2
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IamGute's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:48 am

Our guys out-coached their guys. That was nice to see. Love seeing Rodgers congratulate Pettine in the sidelines and the coaches big smile after.

13 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:32 am

And that is why he needs to be on the sideline. Coaching and motivating his players.

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:16 am

It was great to see Pettine being congratulated like that at the end of the game. It couldn't have happened before with our previous DC perched in his booth.

1 points
1
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Lare's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:57 am

Pushing Capers like that would have knocked his toupe off. Don't have to worry about that with Pettine.

2 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:50 am

"the quarterback doesn't look like he's missing a lot by not having played during the preseason"

That's not what I saw at all. He looked really rusty.

16 points
16
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dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:24 am

He looked like 2018 ARod. He needs to look more like 'run-the-table' or 2014 ARod.

3 points
5
2
Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:10 pm

I don’t need to play in preseason = Fallacy

-1 points
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1
alinger84's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:50 am

Game Ball:

60 minutes of football without a notable injury or did I miss something?

15 points
15
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Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:12 am

hopefully adams is ok. He was kind of quiet after that play he sat out limping

2 points
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dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:26 am

He finished, though, so I would guess he's probably OK.

2 points
2
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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:04 am

And a game ball for the 10 days we have to get ready for the Queens. A mini-bye after a no-major-injury game is gravy. I think it’s pretty key as a big win next week could form this team’s identity.

8 points
8.5
0.5
MikeDV34's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:42 am

Please stop calling them the Queens. It’s not only stupid and uncreative, but derogatory. And, yes, before you reply, I am one of those SJWs.

-19 points
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22
Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:55 am

Sorry Mike. Don’t mean to offend on a glorious Friday. Also not familiar with SJW, but apparently I’ll need to come up with another derogatory name for the much-loathed team from Minnesota. Please help...

2 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:15 am

Just to be safe, please always refer to them as "the NFL Football Team, Vikings, from Minneapolis, Minnesota of the United States of America"

1 points
3
2
Rebecca's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:29 pm

SJW = social justice warrior

0 points
0
0
Rak43's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:17 am

OK then, MR. SJW here to make the world right by wiping out jealousy, anger, envy, distrust, inequality and all the worlds other problems by programming people to be polite and orderly robots. Let's completely get rid of emotional expression as it no longer has a place in this politically correct world. A spade is no longer a spade as it just sounds politically incorrect and carries negative connotations, maybe you'd prefer a digging or mining utensil ? lol. In reality you need to get off of your high horse with your holier than thou art attitude and take the SJW'ing to a political blog.
Btw, I probably hate the Queens worse than da Bares! Minnesota Bi-Queens suck!

8 points
12
4
Johnblood27's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:41 am

Thanks for writing my post RAK! Didn't you mean Duh bares though?

Please SJW guy, please come and tell me to my face how I should think and what I should say.

Be gone troll!

Victory Friday is sweet, much too good for any of this political crapola!

Go Pack Go!

0 points
4
4
Rak43's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:06 am

Indeed! Good catch I must be slipping in my old age.

1 points
2
1
Rebecca's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:37 pm

Lol keep your panties on!

1 points
2
1
mrtundra's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:46 am

Are we hurting the Queens feelings? Too bad! They will always be the Queens, to me. They have so much to make up for with Packer fans in western Wisconsin that I cannot bring myself to be nice to them or their fans. Sorry, that's just the way it is!

4 points
5.5
1.5
x24's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:03 am

I'm with you Mike, calling Minnesota the "queens" is lazy first impulse comedy and it's not funny. It's the same as when one of your troll friends refers to the Pack as the "fudge packers". It's not funny, just dumb

Put a bit more effort into the craft

-3 points
2
5
Jared's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:20 am

Yes, don’t give them that much credit, us a lower case “q”!!!

3 points
3
0
Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:42 am

All the best to you Mike, but all of the continually changing rules of political correctness are not only a headache, but used by some as a weapon.
We need places like CHTV as a refuge from constant accusations against people who truly mean no harm, and sincerely wish everyone well.
Please consider yourself welcome here, otherwise.

5 points
5
0
albert999's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:22 am

Pick another sport Mikey
Maybe badmitten

0 points
0
0
Demon's picture

September 06, 2019 at 03:03 pm

For me they always have been and forever shall be the QUEENS. To hell with being politically correct.

1 points
1
0
Rebecca's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:35 pm

Thanks for your intelligent comment. Besides, there were women Vikings who could wield an axe or sword as well as any couch coach these days.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:12 pm

I prefer Viqueens myself because it is both creative and derogatory. Since this was your first post here at CHTV perhaps your next post will be more creative. Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
1
0
SmallmouthBass's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:06 am

I think one unsung hero on defense this game has to be Tramon Williams. I thought he made numerous plays which kept us in it early such as pushing Allen Robinson outta bounds, even with some dumb mistakes (like the 15 yard penalty he was given on that tackle), he was super solid out there and did not play like he was 36 years old. Proud of him!

The Second unsung hero of the game in my opinion has to be Jamal Williams. I've been critical of him very often but he was the better running back Thursday. Pass protection was solid, catching passes, and was such a physical runner being able to push the momentum forward through contact and giving us those key positive yards. His role was critical with AJones getting hurt and going to the sideline more than I'd like.

Defense: Jaire was an animal in man coverage. Savage is going to be electric this season. KClark just blew up plays with that gorgeous, textbook, swim move he showed all game. He's a stud.

A win is a win, GO pack GO!

8 points
8
0
MarkinMadison's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:34 am

Tramon is playing really smart, so I don't think his penalties are dumb. I need to re-watch but my fear is that these are penalties that he has to commit because age has caught up to him. King needs to stay healthy or someone else needs to develop some more. Tramon is like glue right now - he's holding things together but he also moves slower as time goes on.

2 points
2
0
ThxJackVainisi's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:55 am

Mark,
By all means re-watch. Tramon's penalty was indeed dumb. While he made contact with the receiver in-bounds, he spun him around and to the ground while both were at least 3-yards out of bounds. Other than that play I agree he played great.

3 points
3
0
Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:16 am

I'm not so sure that Tramon's play was dumb; it seemed to be understandable continuation by two great athletes after a lot of momentum toward the sidelines.
Now the hit on Rodgers just before that play, after Rodgers had thrown the ball, seemed to be a penalty.
If the defender had just bumped Rodgers, okay, but it seemed literally over the top -- eerily similar to the play in which Rodgers was injured against the Vikings a couple of seasons ago.

1 points
1
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:03 am

Rodgers to the ref on the replay 'you gotta be kidding me'. The two were equally blatant to me.

4 points
4
0
SmallmouthBass's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:09 am

See, that's where you are wrong in my opinion. He clearly isn't slow if you watched his coverage. Yeah he got hit with double moves all game and gave up separation in the slot, but he caught back up a good amount of times making tackles and creating pass break ups. He's holding things together (duh), but there are corners developing really well so I don't understand your doubt? It's one game

0 points
0
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:17 am

Savage was making plays left and right early on. I'm sure many other plays were made where he wasn't getting his name called, but I was impressed that he was ready to make an impact from the first snap. The stage isn't too big for him.

4 points
4
0
rstain99's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:10 am

Darnell Savage was terrific as well as rest of defense this reminds me of Leroy Butler and group Game Ball to Defense, I said to my son when was last time I mentioned defense being good? Reggie White played.

Lame call, 2nd and 5 1:45 to go and rather than run the ball force another timeout they throw pass , incomplete stops the clock run on 3rd down. Matt you will learn.

Baby Steps, for sure but Bears defense is good AR was rusty.

4 points
4
0
MarkinMadison's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:35 am

I think there is a lot of room for improvement with the secondary. And that is a wonderful thing.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:56 am

The pass was an attempt to surprise since the Bears lined up committed to stop the run. Bad throw or good chance of first down. I have no problems. I also think it may well have been a change of call by Rodgers based on D. Defeated by rust not concept.

9 points
10
1
Rak43's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:24 am

The play in question was open but Rodgers just made a bad throw low and behind the receiver. If he puts that ball on the money the game is over and Packers just need to take a knee. The call wasn't bad the execution was, you can knock any play that LaFluer calls if the execution is bad.

10 points
10
0
dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:31 am

Agreed.

It was the kind of call MM never seemed to make.

9 points
9
0
rstain99's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:54 am

one of those that previous years bites you in the butt, run ball force team to use timeouts, kind of football 101. Learn as they go.

2 points
2
0
SmallmouthBass's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:11 am

Let's hold off on comparing him to an all time great... It's been one game. He could go out against the Viqueens and get confused and burned a few times then everyone will complain. Slow ya roll, rstain99

1 points
1
0
Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:17 am

Oh, almost forgot. Can someone tell me how a nose tackle gets called for a defensive holding call on the first play of the game?

4 points
4
0
dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:31 am

That call is there about 20 times per game if the ref wants to make it.

They usually never do.

3 points
3
0
Tundraboy's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:35 pm

Exactly.

0 points
0
0
jlc1's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:25 am

Good game for the D for sure. Gotta disagree on Game Ball for Tramon. Yes he pushed a man out of bounds but he got 3 penalties including one on a punt. The PI and the roughness penalty come down to one thing - he was a step behind his man and could only take desperate measures. Being behind his man is going to be the theme of his season I fear.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:57 am

Punt is a new rule. Old habits die hard. I thought he played well overall.

0 points
0
0
lucky953's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:18 am

The punt penalty was on Tony Brown (28), not Tramon. Correction announced on the field after the play.

2 points
2
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:28 am

What a great feeling to know that every guy on the D belongs there and the coach knows how to use them. Toughness with the front seven and speed on the back end. Pettine has to be given so much credit for seamlessly taking a bunch of guys who've never played together and melding them into a D that looks like it's played together for years. And to think... Savage and Jaire and King and the Smiths and of course Clark - all so young. Add Amos who was everywhere and a solid Blake... Wow! I've been critical here of Gute for drafting Gary, but given what he's done building this D I'll keep my mouth shut from now on.

3 points
3
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:20 am

Yeah, all those guys playing in their first real game together... to go on the road and hold last year's division champs to 3 points is an accomplishment that many will dismiss as the Bears being bad. That was an excellent performance, and Pettine deserves most of the credit for that win.

4 points
4
0
dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:34 am

Not a bad Bears team...not at all. Huge win on the road.

Defense playing good, disciplined coverage. Tackling was very good. Kept Trubisky in the pocket and forced him to play to his weakness--decision-making. A lot of reasons to like what we saw last night on that side of the ball.

3 points
3
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:40 am

For sure. When Trubisky got that easy first down by running up a wide open middle I thought "ugh, that's going to happen all night". Nope, they locked that down and forced him to make plays.

I think too that this defense will have another gear when playing with a lead. Last night was 60 minutes of 'we can't make a mistake'. When Rodgers gets a 10+ point lead for em, then I think we'll see even more creativity leading to sacks and turnovers.

3 points
3
0
stockholder's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:51 am

The Non-Offensive Pass Interference Challenge! I liked it. The defense needed to re-group and catch their wind. LeFleur did the right thing. He gave Pettine time to adjust his defense too. It worked to our advantage.

3 points
5
2
ollie418's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:48 am

Terrible call. Cost a timeout. Horrible

-2 points
1
3
stockholder's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:57 am

No. I disagree. He needed time. This was the first game of the season. The players needed that time for every reason you can think of.

1 points
3
2
Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:00 am

I wondered the same thing. If you are going to call a TO anyway...

That’s the problem wit this rule. When is PI going to be called PI? It technically was ( though I agree with the call), so what is the line?

0 points
0
0
ShooterMcGee's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:31 am

I was surprised the Bears didnt throw a red flag on the interception. It looked like there was some contact on the play by the cornerback guarding him, maybe it was Tramon. Although I dont think it was PI at that point what do the Bears have to lose. Was anyone else surprised?

0 points
1
1
Johnblood27's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:49 am

I saw the contact on the interception too.

I saw it as the defenders having superior position on the receiver and the receiver forcing the contact trying to gain position to make a play on the ball.

No way that was DPI, just great anticipation of the route and better positioning by the defenders.

I would have gone ballistic if that was called.

2 points
2
0
hobowilly's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:56 pm

JB, need i bring up the failed mary play against the Hawks where the Packers took one on the chin for the whole NFL?! That sir was the most miserable call (mind you by rented officials) of the century thus far. The Saints non call was done by "real officials", go figure. Both were wrong!

0 points
0
0
SpudRapids's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:35 am

Yes but not winning that challenge may have led to the refs calling the OPI in subsequent plays

3 points
3
0
jhalwas611.com's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:58 am

And the exteded time out gave fresh legs to the defense.

3 points
3
0
ollie418's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:51 am

Lame Call: While the D played awesome and Pettine was excellent. Late in the game 3rd and 8 or so there was the dreaded, almost never works, 3 man rush which resulted in a Bear first down. STOP rushing 3 men, PLEASE!

8 points
8
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:22 am

I saw that and went 'WTF Pettine?!'

It never works. Fortunately the bears last possession he didn't go back to that, and obviously the result was a ton of pressure on Trubisky forcing a throw away and a sack. I think Pettine is smart enough to rarely do that, and must have had something specific in mind. In years past they would have ran the 3 man rush over and over and over until the Seahawks win the NFC Championship.

6 points
7
1
hobowilly's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:58 pm

chubbs, did you have to bring up McCarthy's lameness again. Gutey, MLF in, MM out. Glory be to God and the Green Bay Packers!

1 points
1
0
ThxJackVainisi's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:19 am

One bad call in a brilliant game on D, but still I agree it was a bad call. For the first time in a long time the Packers can send 4 after the QB and get pressure. OK not to blitz and keep 7 in coverage but send 4!

4 points
4
0
ThxJackVainisi's picture

September 08, 2019 at 02:23 pm

Re-watched the game and just to be fair, with 4:45 left in the first quarter, the Bears had 3rd and 5 at the Packers 21 yard line. Pettine had 7 at the LOS but sent just three – Za’Darius, Clark and Amos. Za’Darius quickly pushed the RT into the QB who completed a panic pass to the RB on the sideline for half a yard gain. By the way, Amos was almost on the QB too.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

September 06, 2019 at 07:52 am

"Aaron Rodgers didn't look other-worldly and again, the Bears pass rush was all up in his grill in this game, but the quarterback doesn't look like he's missing a lot by not having played during the preseason..."

Yes, I agree. Aaron looked just like he looked whole last season. Misjudgments, holding too long the ball, wasting the TO immediately they came from the bench to play (that was unnecessary wasted TO!), throwing the ball to low or completely out of target... Name any of his miscues from the last season and you'll find in his performance last night!

He proved that O did not need any snap in the preseason!

5 points
7
2
Kubyskins12's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:33 am

I have to agree on some of those points their Croat. Rodgers Was playing the way I wanted to see him play in the second quarter he was getting the ball out quick and playing in rhythm with the offense and taking some shots down the field but then in the second half he started reverting back to bad habits and holding the ball again and taking unnecessary sacks. just throw the ball and Let your guys make a plays. Just check it down to the running back or hit tight end real quick in the middle of the field. if he just dumped it to the running back instead of taking those sacks when we are on the 40 we probably could’ve had a couple field goals instead of punting. He also needs to work on the short quick throws to outside. He he needs to just take a split-second longer and make sure he throws that ball accurate so his guy can catch the ball where he can start running immediately he’s throwing these balls to low or back behind them and allows the defense to get there before the Receiver even has a chance. So hopefully he gets back to playing like he did in the second quarter and getting the ball out quick and playing more in rhythm because playing that schoolyard, off schedule, running around holding the ball crap is not gonna work. Hopefully it gets better as the season goes on I know the Bears had a lot to do with Rogers holding the ball and getting good pressure so it’s not all Rogers. the offense of line was pretty terrible as well. I just would like to see him get rid of the ball little quicker as the season goes on.

-2 points
1
3
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:25 am

It was pretty clear that Rodgers was playing within LaFleur's system early in the game, trying to get things going the way the coach designed. The second quarter they opened things up a bit, when they had -17 yards total. With the lead, they went back to more gadget/run plays that weren't effective, especially with how the o-line played.

I think 95% of last night's offensive performance was the difficulties getting 11 guys on the same page in a new system, and an o-line struggling against the best front 7 in football.

4 points
4
0
Stickfish's picture

September 06, 2019 at 05:00 pm

Somewhere Mike McCarthy was sitting back in his Lazy Boy last night with an adult beverage and a smile, not at any particular misfortune but in the continued ineptness of our offense and the shifting of accountability for the woes. Rodgers again looks like the game has sped up for him, holding on to the ball on a wholesale blitz by one of the better defenses even though his protection managed to provide some time to throw it. His passes again were off target when not rushed. Taking way too much time at the line, etc.

Not saying it wasn’t time for a change at the head, MM lost me when he didn’t go for the win in Arizona in the playoff after the Cardinals were absolutely reeling. That being said, the common Denominator in the struggles of the offense is sadly #12 and without him stepping up and taking ownership it is hard to imagine 2019 looking very different.

Yes it was only 1 game, but it sure had appearances of many other past failures.

Cheers.

-1 points
1
2
4zone's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:24 am

1 down, 18 to go. . .

3 points
3
0
RCPackerFan's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:28 am

Game Balls:

Gutekunst - It was fitting that the 3 defensive FA's essentially sealed the game the final 2 drives. Amos with the interception and the Smiths causing pressure and getting the final sack at the end.

Defense - This is not GB's normal defense. This is a fast, flying around defense. They get after the CB and make it difficult for WR's to get open.
After the game seeing Rodgers glowingly say "We have a Defense"... That says it all!!!

JK Scott - Scott may have taken the biggest 2nd year jump of anyone. He was a weapon and game changer for them last night. He changed the field position a few times. But that last Punt. Damn!!!!

LaFleur - I don't care who you are, but when your the first HC to win your first matchup against the Bears since Lombardi. That says a lot!!! He had some rookie HC mistakes, but overall he had the team ready. The offense struggled, but that will come. Not many rookie HC's win their first game, let alone a first game on the road at the division rivals place for probably one of the biggest build ups a game can have. LaFleur did that!

Lame Calls:

Offensive struggles - I get that it was against the Bears and they had one of the best defenses last year. But man did they look bad especially early. Rodgers was off target early. They were definitely rusty!

Notes:
When is the last time we can say our game was won by the defense? When is the last time we held a team to 3 points? 2015?

I truly believe our offense will catch up. It will take a little while for LaFleur to know what players are good at, and how to best utilize them. They may have just faced the best defense they will play all year. There will be other tough matchups, but this could be the toughest one we face. This offense will improve!

This defense though! Like Rodgers said, we have one now!
And there are still a lot of guys that can improve the defense. Burks coming back could make it better. Gary didn't play a lot last night so if he gets more action he could help out. King didn't play the whole game, but he made an impact when he did play. Jackson could make a difference. Savage played well but as he learns more he could make a huge difference! Keke is a guy that might have an impact later this year.

5 points
5
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:31 am

What I loved was Scott's consistency. There were a few times where the momentum seemed to be shifting, but that pressure didn't phase him. Compare that to the Bears kicker hitting the FG and then immediately kicking it out of bounds the next play...those things matter. Pinning Trubisky deep multiple times kept them from getting rhythm

2 points
2
0
dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:40 am

"When is the last time we held a team to 3 points? 2015?"

They shut out Buffalo last year. Admittedly, 3 does not equal 0... ;)

3 points
3
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:49 am

Gute definitely gets a game ball.

LaFleur definitely should get one was well for beating the Bears in his first game. That's huge around here.

3 points
3
0
CJ Bauckham's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:47 am

Lol. No one remembers the Bills game last year. 22-0. Granted, it was the Bills...

*Edit.. missed your comment dobber

2 points
2
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:30 am

So does Jenkins get the start next week? Taylor was beat pretty good several times and I think it was why Bakh ended up with several holding calls. Or does he get a pass because of how good the Bears front is?

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:41 am

I think they'll give Taylor another week or two unless he's utterly pathetic.

0 points
1
1
Lare's picture

September 06, 2019 at 12:18 pm

Taylor struggled last year and carried that over to last night. I think hey need to get Jenkins in at LG and leave him there.

0 points
1
1
Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:31 pm

Neither guard looked great, but Pagano really targeted them. They need a stable line. Line play is as much about playing as a group than individual excellence. Let’s not mess with it at this point.

0 points
0
0
flackcatcher's picture

September 06, 2019 at 03:17 pm

You guys and the new shiny object. (sigh.....) Did any of you watch the O line as a whole. Despite the timing problems, which we all know is nothing more than a lack of work as a unit. This line shut down the Bears front 7 in pass protection. On average it look like Rodgers was getting a good 5 seconds in the pocket before he started to move, not bad against the best D in pro football. And some of you are crazy enough to put a rookie with no snaps and only a handful of front line snaps in preseason to start the season vs the Bears. I guess that's why they call you FANS. (welcome to packer town. shakes head walk away...)

-2 points
1
3
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:45 pm

Sorry, I don't agree with a word you wrote.

1 points
2
1
Since'61's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:33 pm

The Bears had 5 sacks and shut down our run game. Where did our OL shut down the Bears front 7? We are going to need better play from our guards especially Taylor.

Also I think you’ll find that Rodgers rarely had up to 5 seconds to pass.

Now I would not have started Jenkins in the road against the Bears but if Taylor doesn’t play better after a few more games we should give Jenkins a shot. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
2
0
greengold's picture

September 07, 2019 at 10:07 am

Hey Sincey!

I had same feeling until watching the game again last night. You are right that the OL, every single one of them, blew assignments left and right, giving our RBs nowhere to run. They struggled in pass protection oftentimes.

However, they also made some great plays in Q2, Q3 and Q4. My biggest takeaway was the solid play of the Bears Front 7 in this discussion. They are a top flight unit and the talent and strength they exhibited showed zero drop off from last season, with every member of that front 7 returning.

It was a very talented group our OL held off to make the plays that put us over the top. Add to that Rodgers was WAY off on many of his throws - mostly because he was so insanely pressured, but also because he just was off on throws. Have to consider he had some anxiety facing the crew that broke his leg last season, which is entirely reasonable.

Rodgers also made some truly great throws too, and you could see he was trying to throw to only where his receiver could get it. Had a back shoulder to Mercedes Lewis that was a great placement, but Lewis was just a tad late getting turned towards sidelines.

For as badly as Taylor played, he also made some incredible plays. Same with Bulaga, same with Turner, same with Linsley, same with Bakhtiari.

They all looked atrocious, and they all looked stellar, in spots. That's how difficult a match up it was, and they came in ice cold, with no conditioning that only game reps for a full 4 Quarters brings.

This group will be OK if they progress from here, knowing they made enough great plays to pull out a W in a hostile environment. I firmly believe every one of them will be better prepared next Sunday, and will continue to get better.

1 points
1
0
jhalwas611.com's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:55 am

Glad to see the recognition for Scott and his contributions. The defensive play calling especially late in the game, rushing Fackrel from the middle keeping pressure in the middle of the pocket was good to see. The willingness to go to more 2 tight end sets and not being stubborn, as in the past, was refreshing to see from a coaching staff!.

2 points
2
0
mrtundra's picture

September 06, 2019 at 08:57 am

I was thinking Jenkins would have seen some playing time, last night. Maybe in week two, if Taylor or Linsley gets beat like they did last night.

0 points
1
1
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:01 am

Hoping someone who knows a lot more about football than I do can help explain why the run game was so terrible yesterday. Just bad o-line play? Was Jones targeted at all in the pass game?

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:33 pm

Chicago is very very hard to run on. Excellent front and fast instinctive LBs. Probably answers both questions tbh.

1 points
1
0
Bure9620's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:01 am

I am not as concerned about the offense as others, It's game 1 against an elite defense on the road. This offense will look different in a few weeks, little concerned about the running game, our Guards got owned, Hopefully Jenkins plays sooner than later.

3 points
3
0
dobber's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:04 am

I was surprised when the inactives came out to see no active backup OTs.

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:51 pm

I am very surprised Light is inactive. I expected Lazard or Goodson to be inactive. Who is the backup LT? Posted by Thegreatreynoldo on Sep 5, 2019 | 6:01 PM

It was the first comment to the article listing the active players.

1 points
1
0
Rudedawg67's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:15 am

Exactly what I expected out of the offense not playing in the preseason. They probably should’ve played some since it is a new offense and an important game to start the year against a top notch defense. The two scoring drives showed flashes of how good they can be once the rust wears off. Thank you defense. Knew they would be really really good but they were great. Hard to tell against a Bears offense but if they are that good all year this team will win at least 12 games.

2 points
2
0
Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:25 am

Maybe the best play by Aaron Rodgers was his enthusiastic congratulation of our defensive coach near the end of the game.
I really like it! Although Rodgers must have been frustrated about him and the offense struggling mightily, it seems he was able to truly appreciate a great defensive effort winning the day.
Great leadership!

3 points
3
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:07 am

For sure. The guy gets a lot of heat for his attitude and ego. That was being a great teammate and showing he cares more about winning than his stat lines. Great to see his enthusiasm in the post-game interview about the defense and just genuinely being proud of that side of the team. He could have easily taken the route of 'we got lucky tonight, I'm pissed I played so poorly' but he didn't.

4 points
4
0
Tundraboy's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:14 pm

Rodgers is a human being. He was no doubt elated to see the D take the pressure off his shoulders in a big game just once for a change. It's been awhile.

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:17 pm

Ditto

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:18 pm

Deleted

0 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:35 am

Have to watch the replay closely but the weak link last night was the guard play. Too much push up the middle. Bears have All-pros on the D-line but still needed the guards to hold up better. No running room for Jones and Rodgers didn't have time to get the ball to Adams which is the heart of this offense. Rodgers, Adams and Jones are all potential All-Pros but not if the guards collapse regularly. I think Jenkins will be in soon. Don't know how Turner played but he may be the one Gute pick-up that is questionable at least for now.

0 points
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MITM's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:33 am

Turner was not good and his jersey being untucked all game drove me nuts. Lane Taylor was even worse and Elgton Jenkins is the better player.

2 points
3
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:53 pm

Taylor was bad, and Turner was not good. Dislike all you want.

1 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:37 am

Game balls
*King - played well, finally healthy
*Smiths - as good as advertised
*Amos - poetic justice
*MVS - Big catches
*Graham - nice box out TD
*Scott - kid is a weapon at Punter
*Clark - Dude will get paid and he deserves it

Lame calls
*Where was the roughing the passer penalty on Rogers he never gets those calls
*Packers offensive line was offensive tonight the Bears manhandled them
*Packers offense - Out of sync most of the night the outside zone running game was not working either they do have some work to do but heck it’s only the first game

Overall this was a great win in a hostile environment in the NFL’s marquee game of the 100th season!

I AM PUMPED!
GO PACK!!

3 points
3
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Tundraboy's picture

September 06, 2019 at 09:20 pm

"Overall this was a great win in a hostile environment in the NFL’s marquee game of the 100th season!

I AM PUMPED!
GO PACK!!'

In a nutshell. Yes!!!!

0 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:19 am

Packers do well in Chicago.
Packers have done great in Arlington, home of the Cowboys for the past 12 seasons. Packers are undefeated there including playoff wins, a Super Bowl, and winning a game with Matt Flynn starting.

That's our next road game & I will be there.

In the meantime: the damn VIKINGS are next, just like last year in week 2. Remember when the refs stole the W from us on Matthews pressure..... after that, Kirk Cousins became 1984 Dan Marino on us, and that was with Kevin King & Jaire healthy.

These guys with Thielen & Diggs & Rudolph & Dalvin Cook present a much more difficult test. Cousins can sling it.
And their defense is good too.

Packers 20
Viqueens 16

1 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:54 am

Nice to have 10 days to review how poorly things went in Chicago and come out with a better gameplan and execute. I'm curious to see the difference in Chicago's defense vs. the Vikings.

A 2-0 start, against division opponents, would be amazing.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:37 pm

But their O line is not close to as good as the Bears and nor are their ILBs.

0 points
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Ryan3468's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:20 am

The Bears sold a lot of Cubs merchandise in last nights loss. Also Patrick Mahomes laughed the whole time Mitch had the ball.

0 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:46 am

People keep worrying about the offense, as I've already posted once, I think it's really just the interior line. They were awful. Find a way to improve there and the offense will roll. I too think Taylor gets one more week, maybe only a half if he continues getting flattened. Turner also looked bad for a supposedly big tough guy. Don't know who replaces him but I don't think either will be starting by game six. The interior line was the main reason for the bad O, not Rodgers or Aaron Jones or the receivers and I think LaFleur is smart enough too see it and correct. He won't let the problem ride like McCarthy did with too many of the holes we had. Also really impressed with LaFleur's calm, serious and intelligent attitude. Didn't get giddy over the victory, very professional. Liking him more and more.

1 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:56 am

It's disappointing that both guards looked so bad. Turner didn't even look like he wanted to be out there. Great to have Jenkins as depth, but this line doesn't appear to be as stacked as many hoped.

2 points
2
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:39 pm

Pagano went after the middle. The middle needs to play as a unit. No preseason and no stability in practice. Let them settle.

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Swisch's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:13 am

Sincere question: After having a month to prepare for the Bears, what did LaFleur do with our offense that was so much more creative than years past?
Also, if you're line is a little shaky, isn't that all the more reason to get the ball out quickly with an imaginative mixture of passing and running plays all over the field?
I'm still hopeful for LaFleur, but it seems the offense last night was an embarrassment of ineptitude that begins at his door.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

September 06, 2019 at 03:35 pm

First games are pretty basic with the lack of real hitting and unit play in preseason. Aaron Nagler is dead one in this Gut Reaction to this one. That said, most folks overlooked that both coaches went mano vs mano out of the box. We fans saw an old fashion Black and Blue division game last night. Neither team tried to fool the other, both ran plays based on their strengths. This was a good well played football game on both sides of the ball. If this game was played two weeks later, the score might have been a bit higher, with the offensives having more time together. But the outcome probably would be the same.

1 points
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Brandip's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:55 am

I am really interested in the adjustments made by LaFleur vs the Vikings next week. He is a new coach with limited experience. That does not excuse the poor condition the offense was in for the season opener, and the poor choices he made in this game. I really need to see him step up in that leadership role.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:41 pm

There is a reason new head coaches typically struggle in year one, even Lombardi. Ask yourself the same questions at midseason. It is going to take time to gel.

0 points
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Bizarro's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:58 am

Great to see a healthy Kevin King getting meaningful snaps. For any of you who have dogged him because of his injuries, I HIGHLY encourage you watch his 2 minute 20 some seconds (?) interview in the postgame locker room (Packers.com). How can you not love his personality? Very entertaining interview and a guy i am rooting for.

0 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 10:59 am

No comments on this yet... as bad as the O-line played early on, and in the run game, Mack was well handled. Is that a big credit to Bulaga? I didn't notice a ton of help being given to the tackles but could have missed it

3 points
3
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:44 pm

If you watch, credit Pagano. His overload rushes were aimed more at G & C. Smart given our tackles were healthy and our interior line had never started a game together and did not even consistently practice together in that lineup. That’s always going to be a struggle as they have to play in tandem with players on two sides.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:36 am

First and foremost so glad the Pack won. Many positives as everyone stating above.

My biggest complaint is Graham. Yes, he caught the TD and everyone is giving him kudos. However, he gave up huge pressure and sack at very end of the first quarter on 3rd down when Pack was backed up on the goal line. Didnt even move! Most apathetic attempt to block I have ever seen. Put Tonyan in!

1 points
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JakeDickerson's picture

September 06, 2019 at 12:27 pm

The defense in general should get a game ball. They were great

1 points
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J_brooks's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:25 pm

Sorry if this has been mentioned, but:

Game Ball - Aaron Rodgers for taking the 5yrd delay of game penalty and preserving our final TO for the challenge that overturned the Bears’ ruled completion.

4 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 06, 2019 at 01:40 pm

I think the delay of game was intentional in order to try and give Scott more room to work with. The Bears declined the penalty for the opposite reason.

Great not to use a timeout, but I don't think that was a last second decision he made. If the coaching staff is doing their job, they were communicating that to 12 ahead of time.

-1 points
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J_brooks's picture

September 06, 2019 at 11:25 pm

I think you are thinking of a different moment Cubbygold. This was a 2nd and 7, it became a 2nd and 12 (Bears accepted the penalty) and Rodgers hit Tonyan on the next play for a first down just before Rodgers crosses the line of scrimmage.

Watching Rodgers’ on that 2nd and 7, he whipped around like he was going to take the TO, as we have got used to seeing from him in those situations, but he did not take it. Great awareness and levelheadedness in the moment even considering he was most certainly aware of the one TO remaining situation.

0 points
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RWood832's picture

September 06, 2019 at 03:34 pm

I absolutely agree with this comment J_brooks!! At the time I was practically screaming at Aaron to take the penalty rather than burn the last timeout. Great call on both yours and his part.

1 points
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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

September 06, 2019 at 01:47 pm

This was my 1st time this year to see the GB team. No question the Defense looked Great!! Game Ball to the Defense, even to Tramon, who I'm not a fan of, & can't figure out why he's still playing. He still owes me from the Seattle game a few years back. I hope they are for real. That will change a number of things when it comes to Betting the Close Lines. I was pretty sure GB would cover the 1st half, but wasn't sure at all about the end. Anyway, that's the Best Defensive showing I've seen going back, maybe to Reggie White.

As far as the offense goes, I'm not sure AR was that Rusty. I'm sure I'll get some Hits on this, but I don't think AR has any Receivers!! From what I saw, I think GB could still use Jordy Nelson, & James Jones on this team. Maybe they should give those guy's a call. AR is going to need Receivers down the road, when things get tough. Maybe I fell asleep, but I didn't see any standouts. Yeah, Graham caught a TD, but he should get open, & he doesn't seem to be able to. Adams is not going to take us where we want to go. The Receivers I saw, are nothing more than average. AR can't do it alone. He needs weapons', & I didn't see any. I think Bak & Bulaga played well, not sure about the interior. It was a Big Win for GB. They needed this win. Let's hope they can build on it.
LVT

-2 points
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Demon's picture

September 06, 2019 at 03:34 pm

From what I saw, I think GB could still use Jordy Nelson, & James Jones on this team. Maybe they should give those guy's a call

You're kidding right? This is not even beating a dead horse. This is digging up the dead horse, sending it to dr Frankenstein to be revived, killing it then beating it again.

0 points
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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:50 pm

Demon, Yes it was a joke!! NO I WASN'T KIDDING. I didn't see anything any better out there. If you think there are game changers in that receiving core, you're living in a Fairytale World. Just out of curiosity, Who are they??
LVT

1 points
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stockholder's picture

September 06, 2019 at 03:43 pm

Wrs: I believe their good enough. This is a wait and see. But the speed is my concern with them. The guys who made the plays had it. Davis and MVs are making a jump.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 06, 2019 at 06:52 pm

That’s a tough D. TEs played a lot of snaps as well.

0 points
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Cabeza del queso's picture

September 06, 2019 at 02:36 pm

I saw a couple things that I believe if ironed out the offense will thrive. I know some of the merits of zone blocking are advantageous. My feeling is that when you have a DL that is knocking you off the ball; you have to attack them first.
I realize pass blocking is different, but what ever happened to "earholing" some guy on a trap play? That will slow them down a bit. What ever happened to draw plays? What about a tight end screen?
Last year other teams were calling our plays. Last night Chicago was reading/diagnosing our plays almost immediately.
Just another thought... I feel that Aaron is so good at throwing and retreating to avoid solid hits, that now he seems to throw everything with his weight on his heels.
Offense take a hint from the defense. Play football, not basketball or soccer, or whatever. Get in there and mix it up a little bit. You'll be fine.

0 points
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JHitTheB's picture

September 06, 2019 at 05:17 pm

It's kinda hard to get the ball out quickly and get into a rhythm when the pocket is collapsed as soon as you say hike.

On the plays the OL provided protection, GB moved the ball. Go figure.

1 points
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