Packers 14 Bucs 12: Game Balls & Lame Calls

Pack defense ruins "the GOAT's" comeback attempt.

The Matt LaFleur/Aaron Rodgers offense is a beautiful thing to watch when it is operating with rhythm and timing. The perfect mix of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon taking turns running and catching passes. The offensive line opening up the cutback lanes, the receivers reeling in the short throw and ripping off a nice run after the catch. It’s like a ballet or opera.  

But that timing and sync are also very fragile. Once the rhythm is broken, it’s very hard to recapture. Especially when one of the best defenses in the NFL is on the other side of the ball, determined to disrupt the dance. For the first 28 minutes of the Green Bay Packers game at Tampa Bay Sunday the symphony was sweet and totally on key.  The Packers were in control at 14-3 and on the verge of scoring again. 

Then it happened. Aaron Jones fumbled the ball into the end zone for a touchback. The music stopped. The Packers offense never really got tuned up properly again. Fourteen points would have to be enough. 

Fortunately for the green and gold, the Buccaneers didn’t have enough weapons to ruin the concert. A gritty, determined defense finally lived up to its preseason billing and dominated Tom Brady and his depleted receiving corps. Just barely. De’Vondre Campbell tipped away a two point conversion pass attempt, and the Packers got out of central Florida with an absolutely huge win, one that would surely seem to have ramifications come playoff time. 

 

GAME BALLS 

Romeo Doubs 

The 4th round draft pick was being asked to be a number one receiver in this game. It wasn’t too big for him. He led the team with eight catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. More impressively, he showed he could do it all. He converted third downs catching throws over the middle. He ran the sidelines and caught balls along the border. He showed acceleration around the edge. Normally Aaron Rodgers would not show such trust in one so young. On this day, he had no choice. Now that QB12 has seen that Doubs can do the job, expect number 87 to see the ball much more consistently. 

Allen Lazard 

Every time he touched the ball, it seemed to bail the Packers out of a precarious situation. He finished with four catches for 45 yards and a score. Two of his touches were especially critical. The first one was a 26 yard strike that flipped the field late in the 4th quarter. The second was his securing of Tampa’s onside kick at the end of the game. Prior to his TD grab in the second quarter, he latched on to a crucial seven yard quick hitter over the middle to convert on third and six. He’s not fast, but he’s strong and sure handed. I’m glad we have him. 

De’Vondre Campbell 

The Packers simply don’t win this game without him. He led the team with eight tackles. He nailed Leonard Fournette for a loss on a screen pass, he broke up a throw to Cole Beasley to stop a drive in the third quarter. He defended another pass on the Bucs final drive, and that led up to his batting away of Brady’s two point conversion attempt. He’s no one year wonder. He’s proving that his All Pro season in 2021 was not a fluke.  

Keisean Nixon 

Rich Bisaccia’s insistence on signing the former Raider for special teams purposes is proving to be a double bonus. Turns out not only is Nixon a special teams standout, but he can play some  pretty good defensive back as well. His performance was a godsend after Jaire Alexander left the game with a groin injury. He punched the ball out of Russell Gage’s hand causing a fumble recovered by Jarran Reed. He fielded a punt on the Bucs’ two yard line to put them in a deep hole. He had a beautiful pass defensed on Perriman in the end zone. He makes me feel a lot less nervous about the possibility of Jaire being out multiple weeks. 

Big honorable mentions go out to Rashan Gary who had a sack and a TFL, and several pressures. Rasul Douglas had several impressive stops, and did a great job of pushing Scotty Miller out of bounds to render one of his catches incomplete. Quay Walker caused a fumble and takeaway, Kenny Clark was credited with two sacks, although I think one of them should have gone to Preston Smith. Jarran Reed has his best game as a Packer. 

 

LAME CALLS 

Lack of Offensive Adjustments 

Obviously the Bucs made some changes on defense in the second half, mostly bringing more folks up to stop the run. It is frustrating to see Green Bay unable to adjust to that by getting the ball over the top. With the exception of the long pass to Lazard in the fourth quarter, the offense simply stopped after the Aaron Jones fumble. Rodgers got jittery and rattled, and the O-line was getting defeated. The unit simply could not take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to them by a great defensive performance.  

Coverage Lapses 

As good as the overall defensive effort was, it is still disturbing to see the number of broken coverages in the secondary. This was particularly a problem on Tampa Bay’s final drive, when Fournette was left wide open twice in the flat for considerable gains. If you’re going to play two minute defense, the back seven has got to improve their communication so that they can hold those passes to shorter yardage. The Bucs were able to move the ball down field way too fast. 

 

THREE AND OUT 

-- It’s a bit painful to watch Robert Tonyan run. When he catches those quick outs and turns downfield, it takes forever to get going. That knee surgery has robbed him of most of his speed, at least for now. Maybe he will gradually get more mobile as the season goes on. 

-- Tom Brady’s complete lack of mobility is going to be a liability for the Bucs moving forward. Not only can he not get out of the pocket, but he’s getting a little gun shy. He allowed Kenny Clark to sack him with just a weak one armed swipe. He also tended to give up on some plays too quickly. That’s very un-Brady like. Maybe he will regain confidence when he gets his receivers back. 

-- Once again special teams didn’t do anything to hurt the Packers, although they messed up an opportunity to help them when Rudy Ford was called for a block in the back, negating a 20 yard punt return by Amari Rodgers. Amari did have a return of seven yards that stood. Hey, it’s a start.  

 

 

 

 

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

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9 points
 

Comments (91)

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

September 26, 2022 at 07:09 am

Very good. Thumbs up!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:13 am

It is like a band trying to play a song with a bad drummer. If the drummer is off, the song is going to be garbage.

5 points
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PeteK's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:38 am

Yes, nod to rhythm.

1 points
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Turophile's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:31 am

If the drummer is off, you got to take your keys from the bass player. If HE was relying on the drummer for his timing, you are stuffed.

It's only when you see a band where the drummer speeds up through a song (without meaning to) that you realise the importance of having a beat to anchor everything down.

Ever wonder why "What-makes-this-song-great" youtuber Rick Beato has 'beat' in his surname ? Now you know.

1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:21 am

While the broken coverages were a problem, I only really saw it happen on the final drive (and the first play). They need to work on staying strong near the end, but overall, I thought they did very well, especially with Nixon filling in the slot.

Also, Ford was thrown into the punter. That penalty never should have happened. I thought he did great as a gunner.

Add Barry’s defensive play-calling to the game balls. I thought this was by far his best game this season, and thought it was a great mix of effectiveness and unpredictability. Quay Walker also came up huge with that FF.

The lack of offensive adjustments is only part of the equation; it seems that the Packers have a hard time getting past adversity. In the playoff game it was the Lewis fumble. Here is was Jones’ fumble. Fortunately, though, the defense was able to pick up the slack and win us the game. That is what is different about this year, and why we will go further in the playoffs - it’s because we have a defense that can win games when the offense sputters out. Rodgers hasn’t had that since 2010 (super bowl year). I’m not saying he should try to make the defense do all the work, just that a more balanced team with a very good defense is what wins playoff games.

8 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:45 am

I agree with your point of view. With one small correction. It was not Ford who touches punter it was Tipa. He passed his defender and defender pushed him in the back. That is why he fall and touched punter. For me that was illegal block in the back, much more obvious than 2 called against Packers. But we all knows that NFL try to secure another SB win for Tom Brady. There was so many calls that announcers were trying to justify their calls, but that roughing the punter & PI call on Amos they suspected as wrong. First, they said it is obvious that Tipa was pushed to the punter and for second call they are talking about holding penalty, not PI, as Amos grab TE before the ball was in the air.

6 points
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GregC's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:24 am

Nice recap, agreed on all points. Tom Brady looked downright feeble at times, which is exactly how a 45-year-old QB ought to look in the NFL. But then, I've been thinking Brady was done for about five years now, and it still hasn't happened. He did have a pretty decent scramble, which I think was wiped out by a penalty.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:41 am

Didn't look too feeble on that last drive. Even if we were playing prevent the first 50 yds, he still moved the ball with quick 3 step throws on the other 50 yds.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 03:42 pm

Without pressure, he can still do it.

2 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:53 am

He was able to scramble that far because of the penalty, otherwise he would be sacked by Gary or Reed. On both of them was obvious holdings.

2 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:24 am

Game Balls... Well, Doubs was pretty damn good all day when thrown the ball. That fumble on his first catch scared me a bit...You HAVE to hang onto the ball young man. Other than that he showed me more than once he has the speed to actually pull AWAY from a defender.

Lazard... After his TD I believe it was there was a shot where the camera caught him puking and then quickly pulled away. The next shot of him was him sitting on the ground, cold towels wrapped around his neck. The next series he was out there again, making GREAT blocks and doing whatever is needed to help the Packers win.

The Defense... The whole damn defense was pretty friggen good, well right up until the last 2 minutes or so. Campbell was awesome and Walker is getting better every week. That kid is a STUD!

Lame Calls... The Officials... That running into the kicker was pure BULLSHIT (Sorry Al). So was the PI on Savage who barely had his hand on the receiver's back...PETTY! The block in the back on Ford was sorta petty too. I've seen much worse NOT called. There was another call on a Packers WR along the right sideline which negated a nice gain too. I forget who was flagged but again...PETTY!

The Offense for the last 32 minutes...WTF!! I thought I was watching a replay of last year's Playoff loss to the 49ers. In that game, Mercedes Lewis fumbled and anything that resembled an offense was gone. Yesterday it was exactly the same. Jones fumbled and the offense was nowhere to be found.

Rodgers...(He gets a sorta Lame Call and a half of a game ball)... Rodgers was surgical in the first half, throwing to the open man, and getting the ball out quickly, he was money. But that 2nd half was horrible. That sack he took when he had Doubs right in front of him was frustrating, to say the least. Whether it's MLF or Rodgers, these two have got to get this disappearing offense under control. The minute some adversity happens, they go into hiding.

16 points
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PeteK's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:45 am

I just don't understand why our offense doesn't go to a quick 3 step throw offense more often?

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:40 am

Lack of speed off the line is a killer with the first 10 yards packed

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cpabandit's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:21 am

Nothing ever goes on with the coaches strategy in the locker room during halftime. I feel they just play rock, paper scissors with each other. It just shows that MLF is not as good as AR makes him look. The run game was stopped by Bucs DLine. Time to make short passes to move the ball. No changes were made.

2 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:57 am

Or AR makes MLF looks at least average if not bad. I doubt we will ever know the truth.

At this moment I say that responsibility lays on both of them, 50:50!

2 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 26, 2022 at 02:36 pm

First half was wonderful on O. Motion, play action and quick passes off of it, making AJ/AJD an integral part of the pass game, winning on the run plays.

Then the goal line fumble...

0 points
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murf7777's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:05 am

Great write up Nick, I would add Barry to the list for using Quay to bring pressure up the middle where Brady is vulnerable.

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NickPerry's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:02 pm

Absolutely Murf...Do you know what else I forgot? David Bakhtiari... As long as he's good to go in practice this week I could see him playing next week for the entire game. Whether that happens or not, David Bakhtiari deserves game balls galore!

1 points
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Slim11's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:22 pm

Under McCarthy, we called it the “prevent offense.” This definitely must improve.

0 points
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jlc1's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:28 am

It is amazing to say it but ST were a lot better than you say. Check out starting field position for TB after punts. They never had anything better than just ok and sometimes were pinned inside the 20 and even the 5. Crosby sailed a kick to the corner that greatly limited the return. ST were the most consistent unit on the field for GB. And Rodgers' return was nullified by a BS penalty.

11 points
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Guam's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:51 am

Agreed. Special teams are light years better under Bisaccia.

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 03:54 pm

Discipline. They look like they know their roles and stick to them. Mistakes happen , but the system then functions to allow others to minimize them. Last year, players didn’t even seem sure of what they were supposed to do.

Ford, Leavitt and Nixon are well worth their spots. That Nixon is showing value on D is a huge bonus. I think Ford might bring some value if needed too, based on last year.

2 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:01 am

Yes, absolutely. The special teams were very good. If you compare them to prior years' they should have gotten a game ball.

3 points
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rstain99's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:28 am

Defense was pretty good couple of boo boos over all good, ST didn't hear about them all day which makes for pretty good play. Wish Amari Rodgers wasn't so quick to fair catch everything, try making a return. Offense was offensive in second half no slants and underneath routes. TB has good run defense so you must be patient. Win is a winbring on the Pats and backup QB

2 points
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HarryHodag's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:47 am

A really satisfying game for a person who enjoys watching good defense. Barry still has some fixes to do, but this defense could be good. This reminded me of the games in the 60's and 70's where teams really tore into each other with abandon.

If the Packers play the Bucs again and they have their full receiving corps it could be different. But by then the Packers receivers might be in full swing too. Which leads me to my final point:

Devante who? What was supposed to be the end of the Packers offense stacks up like this: Adams has 17 catches in three games for just under 200 yards and a touchdown. Oh, yea, and the Raiders are 0-3.
I'll be interested to see what the national sports media dopes say about that.

6 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:03 am

Harry, what a lot of people are forgetting is that we had two starting WR's missing as well along with our stud CB for most of the game. I read in our local paper where Fred Goodall of the Associated Press made it sound like GB was lucky to win without all of TB's stars missing. Well he can kiss my arse on that!

4 points
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marpag1's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:52 am

No one will want to hear it, of course, but I pretty much agree the dude who said that the Packers were fortunate to win. (_And no, I'm not gonna kiss your arse, no matter how much you want me to. LOL._)

I get it that the Packers had a bunch of people out too. But if I try to envision the "what ifs," and if I put Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Julio Jones out there on the field then Tampa wins this game, even if Jaire doesn't get hurt and teams are more or less full strength.

A win is a win, and even an ugly win is a hell of a lot better than a loss, but if this game is played full strength, I'm not very confident. But talk to me again come playoff time because everything might be different by then.

3 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 26, 2022 at 01:50 pm

Try it, you might like it~-;))

1 points
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murf7777's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:09 am

Harry, the media won’t say anything, except during the first game when they couldn’t say enough about how Adams has more receiving yards than all of GB’s WR’s. Now that they are wrong they won’t admit it! We did the right thing sending Adams down the line and making our D stronger. Our O will get better as the rookies get more acclimated to Rodgers and our Oline continues to strengthen.

2 points
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PeteK's picture

September 26, 2022 at 07:57 am

---Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo? In the end zone.
---A bit worried about this O line, especially the right side. Jenkins seemed to be late on a few down blks which blew up many running plays. Protection was also weak at times against a 5 man D line. We made Logan Hall ( 1sk, 3 qb hts) look like an all pro.
--- I love the way Jones keeps his balance and legs moving after the initial hit.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:43 am

We let them pack boxes. When that happens it’s an invitation to rush snd to stop anything short. We can’t be that one dimensional. We need to accept that we need the speed and agility on the field and a willingness to throw to it.

2 points
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murf7777's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:12 am

Rodgers tends to not let his WR’s go up for a 60/40 ball. The WR knows where the ball is going while the defender, most of the time is trailing. He did with that Lazard catch, but didn’t again. For all his greatness, this is a very important weakness. I don’t get it! What happened to the back shoulder fade.

3 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

September 26, 2022 at 12:47 pm

"What happened to the back shoulder fade."

It's on a farm somewhere in Kansas.

2 points
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Oppy's picture

September 27, 2022 at 09:17 am

This comment wins the internets.

0 points
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dblbogey's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:10 am

Jenkins is definitely not 100% yet. I'd love for our OL to be Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan and Zach Tom. Newmeyer is a weak link, Tom has looked so impressive, and Jenkins is so dominant inside.

0 points
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10ve 💚's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:51 am

"I'd love for our OL to be Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan and Zach Tom"

I would like a small change to: Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan and Nijman

4 points
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murf7777's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:17 am

That all depends on whether Nijman can play RT. Some players struggle to switch sides. I certainly wouldn’t move Bak to the right side. Nijman has gotten better but he is far from the level of Bak right now and he showed that in last years play off game and giving up a sack in the game yesterday. IMO, he’s an average LT right now with the potential to be very good.

-1 points
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10ve 💚's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:18 am

In last year's playoff game, Matt chickened out and did not start Nijman at LT. Nijman had been playing very well in the regular season, but for some baffling reason Matt brought in Turner instead.

2 points
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murf7777's picture

September 26, 2022 at 04:10 pm

That’s right, my mistake!

0 points
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gpt999's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:54 am

I think Yosh could handle RT. You could put Jenkins back at tackle or maybe even center? I would be curious to see Myers stats from this game? GB looked like they couldn't get much push up the middle but I guess Vita Vea would be a load to move... Anyway, I think Yosh has played well enough to be a starter somewhere on that O Line.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 01:39 pm

I see both Bakh and Nijman assigned one pressure. Nijman wasn’t playing in the Championship game last year. I wish he had been.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 05:52 pm

Then I go and look at PFF and they laud Bakh while penalizing Runyon and then don’t Nijman on alternate drives while favoring Newman and Jenkins on the right side. That’s despite that being the source of the sack and most pressures.

Even on a cursory rewatch they have me scratching my head. They were down on Nixon too. I think they go to different games than I watch these days. PFF is on the sauce. It’s a shame, they were never infallible but now I can’t even take them as indicative confidently. Sadly a lot of the media still do and are.

One thing they did note. Doubs average depth of target was 3 yards, that’s pathetic calling from LaFleur anyway you look at it.

2 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 26, 2022 at 02:38 pm

Agree Pew.

0 points
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dblbogey's picture

September 28, 2022 at 03:18 pm

As long as Newmeyer isn't among them, I'm good.

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:20 am

Game Balls:

Doubs - He was targeted 8 times and had 8 catches. He was really good. I hope this is a game that he can take and build a ton of confidence in. I hope this was a game that Rodgers now has more confidence in throwing it to him, and LaFleur has more confidence in scheming plays up for him.

Campbell - I felt like Campbell played the closest to his All Pro level from a year ago. He made the final play which ended the game.

Walker - While he didn't put up eye popping numbers his presence was felt. His Forced fumble was a game changer.

Nixon - He played well on defense. Played great on special teams. Forcing the fumble was huge, and catching the ball at the 1 on the Punt was awesome.

Ford - I don't care if he ever plays a snap on defense. His ability as a gunner is crazy good. We have not had a guy like him since Jeff Janis/Jarret Bush. He has forced a number of fair catches.

Lame Calls:

Prevent Style defense - I don't get why they play one way all game and do great. Final drive they play preventative style of defense. I get that they don't want to allow a big play for a TD. But why not play a little more aggressive at CB at least. Don't let WR's have 10 yards to run. Its easy pitch and catch stuff for Brady.

2nd half offense - I think they had 2 first downs the entire 2nd half? That was the final drive. Now I get that Tampa made adjustments. I get they have a great defense. But, they have to find a way to get first downs. The offense just felt stagnant a bit. They need to start finding some plays that can get them out of a funk and build some momentum.

Refs - Overall they were fine. But there were 2 calls against GB that killed them. One was on a hold on Lazard. He barely touched a guy. I don't know if there was someone else and they messed up the number but it definitely wasn't on Lazard. The other is on the running into the kicker. If anything it should have been a guy throwing him into the punter. And what it should have been is holding and a safety. That play cost the Packers about 30-40 yards of field position.

Final Thoughts:

Watson/Watkins - We heard a number of times during the game that the Bucs were without their top 3 WR's. But the Packers were without 2 of their top 3 guys. Watkins hurts because he was starting to build a rapport with Rodgers and his blocking really does help the run game out. Watson's speed was sorely missed. His sideline motion really helps the running game also by getting the defensive eyes moving a bit.

Special Teams - Has anyone else stopped puckering up their buttholes every time special teams comes onto the field like I have? Its pretty incredible how good the special teams have been to this point in comparison to last year.

Florida - I don't care how they won, but winning in Florida has not been something we have been doing a lot lately. Getting a win down their no matter how we won the game is definitely a huge win!

Lets enjoy some Victory Monday! Go Pack Go!

6 points
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zoellner25's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:21 am

I think I'd have to give Joe Barry a lame call for his defensive series on the final drive. Campbell saved them on the 2-pointer. But Tampa marched down the field like our defense wasn't even there.

1 points
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Johnf's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:56 am

your right it looked like Mike McCarthy was back coachlng

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:30 am

Doubs is our number one. Watson may eventually surpass him, but at this point Doubs is our most versatile weapon. The running game isn’t going to carry us when the opponent just stack the box and the 1 to 10 yard depth every time. Yet we had little to burst through and seldom tried in the air. Our deep shots should not be to Lazard and Cobb. It’s a leadership fighting reality. Accept Doubs, Watson, Toure now. Lazard will benefit and Cobb will support. The alternative is impotence.

5 points
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Guam's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:34 am

I would like to see more of Toure and less of Winfree. I think we have seen the ceiling for Winfree and Toure is unexplored territory.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:45 am

If Winfree was a true starter I’d get it, but speed is a crucial differentiation at their level and upside can only be realized by playing.

3 points
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10ve 💚's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:22 am

I very much doubt that Watson will surpass Doubs.

Matt has compared Doubs to Adams, (while saying he was not comparing 😊). But there is more to it. In addition to the sure hands, Doubs seems to be faster than Adams. I have high hopes that Doubs will be a combination of Adams and Nelson. Doubs certainly has deep threat potential, something that Adams never had.

-1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 26, 2022 at 02:46 pm

This year, as many of us expected, Doubs would be more productive than Watson this year. Romeo arrived with a boatload of snaps, receptions, and scores in college.

Longer term, I will be very surprised if Christian does not become the more feared, productive WR. But if Romeo surprises me...Great!

But wow, Doubs was quite the 4th round gift. He was my WR choice after Watson...I cannot believe Gute got both!

5 points
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Guam's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:32 am

Game ball for an outstanding defensive struggle that was incredibly fun to watch. I guess this qualifies me for "seriously old fart" status, but I get so tired of watching teams run up and down the field scoring at will with a final score of 42-40. To me, a 14-12 game has so much more tension and is so much more fun to watch than a 42-40 game because the only question in the high scoring game is which team will have the ball last. Yawn......

I loved this 14-12 game!

8 points
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mrtundra's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:42 am

Game Balls: 12 to 87....seems like old times! Keisean Nixon played really well as a DB and on STs. Campbell saved us from OT, with his getting up to deflect the pass on the 2 point conversion. Lazard made some enormous plays and made them when we needed them. Our first half Offense lit it up on the first three drives. Our Defense showed up, all game long. O'Donnell is a keeper! ST's had their best game, yet. Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark impacted the game and got in Brady's head, a little, I think. Dean Lowry and Jarren Reed played well.

Lame calls; Bogus, IMO, call on Ford on the return. Lazard holding penalty was also bogus. Our second half Offense was almost non existent. Probably because the Buc's Defense showed up, in the second half. Jake Hanson at Center in the 4th Quarter had me wincing, a bit. Just waiting for the Bucs to blow past him to get Rodgers. Zach Tom there, may have been easier for me to stomach. At any rate, Hansen played well, there. Turnovers suck.

2 points
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T7Steve's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:42 am

I dread that this is the 3rd week in a row we're talking about another team making adjustments that the O couldn't overcome.

It seems the D is making the correct adjustments after the first drive or in the case of this game towards the end of the first drive. I thought they did well when the Bucs were doing the hurry up offence. I was worried that would take a toll in the heat but, it didn't affect them till it was too late. Our O countered with some hurry up but didn't stick with it as long as I'd like.

I think the O-line will start to jell now that the shuffling is starting to settle down. When the pitch count with Bakh is done I'd still like to see a way for the best 5 to be on the field, even if that means EJ has to take the right guard spot or RJR has to switch over to there. Get this figured out so they have it down. Haven't heard how Meyers is doing but, that injury might have started the offense's undoing. If there's any way to keep Hansen off the field, I'd look for your ideas.

-1 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:11 am

I am a bit disappointed not to see much positive about Aaron Rodgers' play in this game. The first half he was simply outstanding and I don't know of another QB that could dissect the defense like he did. I think we need to be much more positive about our QB. He, without a doubt, deserves a game ball.

Some will argue about what happened in the second half. The fumble into the end zone by Jones woke them up and they made all of the proper adjustments. It certainly reminded me of the playoff loss to them after the Big Dog fumbled in the playoffs.

Also, give a game ball to the ST's. The did an excellent job.

2 points
3
1
splitpea1's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:33 am

I agree, although maybe the Rodgers ball should be sawed in half first....whatever. He did a hell of a lot better than the previous two QBs that played the Bucs defense and he provided all the points we needed to win; if they all came in the first half, so be it. Give the Bucs credit for making those second half adjustments, but they were one half too late.

1 points
2
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coolhand's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:23 am

This would have been me if the Packers had lost this game in OT

https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/09/25/bills-assistant-coach-ken-do...

-1 points
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Lphill's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:33 am

road win on a hot day against a tough defense no complaints, take notice how important inside linebackers and special teams are after all these years, kudos to Walker and Campbell and special teams, when was the last time the Packers downed a punt on the 1 yard line?

4 points
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Starrbrite's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:35 am

Game Ball: The teams for Sweet Revenge vs Brady and the Bucs.
Lame calls: Two pathetic calls by the officiating- 1) running into the kicker; 2) the phantom holding call on Lazard. Those calls kept the Bucs in the game.

1 points
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wildbill's picture

September 26, 2022 at 10:50 am

Haven’t rewatched the game yet but where the heck was our motion/ misdirection on offense? And is it just me that saw Gary with an arm around his neck on just about every Buc pass play?

7 points
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Starrbrite's picture

September 26, 2022 at 01:18 pm

Yep—unbelievable they weren’t called for holding on every play. Is ever a wonder Brady is never sacked—the refs won’t allow it.

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:07 am

K. Clark is certainly owed a game ball. So is O'Donnell for consistently keeping the Bucs offense penned in their own end--we may have finally found a keeper here.

3 points
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T7Steve's picture

September 26, 2022 at 01:42 pm

I'd comment on ST play but, I'd just turn our luck around. I still think It's better to get touchdowns and not have to punt, but it sure a luxury being able to flip field position.

1 points
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Packerpasty's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:20 am

"Lack of offensive adjustments"....lets face it, MLF is a rather average coach who has a Hall of Fame QB and a few other really players who bail him out...this is just another game where he either didn't or couldn't make any significant adjustments when things went bad...without Rodgers Im not so sure he wouldn't be on a very short leash already...

2 points
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10ve 💚's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:24 am

In other awesome news, the Broncos beat the Niners!

0 points
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Starrbrite's picture

September 26, 2022 at 01:20 pm

I hate the frikin Broncos, but it does help our cause.

0 points
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gpt999's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:40 am

Good teams have to win ugly sometimes, in any sport. It just shows their meddle, their character.

But the two uncomfortable things I consistently see in the MLF era are (1) AR12's tendency to go downhill after some in-game adversity, and (2) the poor/non-existent lack of better of adjusted offensive play calling in the second half of games.

For Rodgers, he disappeared after the Jones fumble in the end zone in the second quarter. You could see it in his face and in his body motions for the rest of the game. An MVP has got be mentally tougher than that. No one is perfect and without error. To expect perfection of ones self and ones teammates is not realistic.

The offensive play calling is again inconsistent. Did u really think a Todd Bowles team was not going to make defensive adjustments in the 2nd half? After the first second half series, MLF should have been making adjustments. He always seems slow to make necessary, in-game changes. He may be a great coach in building a team, but he appears very weak in the area of making effective, in-game changes. Remember the old warfare saying, "NO PLAN SURVIVES CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY"!

Thank god for the D in this game! The only sign of "Passive Joe" was on that last TB drive when they played that ridiculous soft zone, prevent defense. But that was only for one series. Barry seems to be learning from his past errors. Now only if MLF could do the same...?

It sure feels different not talking about ST errors? What a pleasant change...

Yes, it was an ugly albeit important win for GB on many different levels. GO PACK GO!

2 points
4
2
Booner's picture

September 26, 2022 at 01:43 pm

I do not think our coaching staff can make adjustments very well either on offense or defense? Tampa came out and shut us down in the second half! We were damn lucky to get out of there with a win!

0 points
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2
Since'61's picture

September 26, 2022 at 02:31 pm

Game Balls: Doubs, Lazard, Campbell, Gary, Nixon, Lowry, O’Donnell his 48 average yards per punt were huge in a defensive ball game. Barry for an excellent defensive game plan.
Aaron Rodgers, because he stuck with the game plan even though MLF had no adjustments after Tampa’s D figured out how to stop the MLF offense.

Lame calls: MLF for having no answer, literally zero, for the adjustments Tampa made to stop the Packers offense. Terrible job by the entire offensive coaching staff. Officials for the running into the punter penalty which cost the Packers at least an FG after the best return I’ve seen by Amari Rodgers.

I just don’t understand why our coaching staff doesn’t adjust after our opponents adjust to what the Packers are doing. They should go into every game assuming that our opponent will adjust and have at least some answers ready when those adjustments are implemented. It’s a total lack of planning and preparation which there is no excuse for at the professional level. Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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2
13TimeChamps's picture

September 26, 2022 at 03:29 pm

"I just don’t understand why our coaching staff doesn’t adjust after our opponents adjust to what the Packers are doing. They should go into every game assuming that our opponent will adjust and have at least some answers ready when those adjustments are implemented. It’s a total lack of planning and preparation which there is no excuse for at the professional level."

What do you think the reason is for that? I'm just as befuddled as you are. MLF is now in his 4th season. This has been happening since season 1. Einstein's theory applies here I'm afraid.

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 05:59 pm

LaFleur is dead weight. We live or die by what Rodgers does anyway. We don’t have a HC in reality. That’s why this team repeats itself in line with our QBs traits. Sadly, for all his talent, that wasn’t what Rodgers needed to get him a Super Bowl.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:48 pm

13Times, I think that it is probably a combination of factors.

First, MLF believes that he can make the correct play calls that will keep the opponent off balance. In other words MLFs adjustments are in the fact that he can run a variety of plays from the same formation.
Next the OL is not running on all cylinders yet. Even at RG Newman remains a weak point. Myers has been inconsistent so far this season.
Third, I think MLF depends too heavily on Rodgers to carry the team through their weaknesses and/or mistakes.

Other factors include the injury to Watson and the ongoing failures to get plays in on time. Rodgers takes heat for calling time outs but he doesn’t have a choice when he doesn’t have a play or the team doesn’t have enough time to lineup in the correct formation. No excuses. This situation is easily resolved by letting Rodgers call the plays in the first place.

There are probably other reasons but who knows what is really going on along the sidelines and during the game planning. I do know that this should not be happening at the professional level week after week. Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
1
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 26, 2022 at 02:54 pm

What exactly did Boles do after the half to shut down the effective and efficient Packer O? I noticed the overload with 3 big DEs on the Packers left...but what else changed? More stunting into the teeth of the zone run? Crowding the front 7 in the box?

I am noticing when the O stumbles, Rodgers begins to run the play clock down to the wire resulting in a TO, penalty or providing the D with the snap count with 1 second on the play clock. He was not doing that in the first half when he played better QB.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 06:04 pm

More man, stacking the box regardless, daring us to pass more than ten yards, more weighted boxes and multiple rushes. 2020 repeated but without the O on their part. They let Rodgers traits take over and bet on them. He obliged almost perfectly with no seeming influence from LaFleur, and perhaps actual enablement through his calls exacerbated it.

1 points
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clarity007's picture

September 26, 2022 at 03:12 pm

Who was the responsible blocker on 90 and who had pass coverage responsibilities for 7?

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 26, 2022 at 03:26 pm

"Historically, Doubs’ 14 receptions, 137 yards and touchdown line over his first three games as a professional is very rare. How rare? So rare that only two players in NFL history, Steve Largent and Marques Colston, have recorded as many receptions, yards and touchdowns as Doubs in their first three games after being drafted in the fourth round or later in the draft."

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/9/26/23373525/green-bay-packers-...

**There was no mention of Amari Rodgers in this article.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 04:03 pm

The frustrating thing is the only thing stopping him getting more is the reluctance to accept the difference in ability. Now let Toure show what he can do too.

2 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 26, 2022 at 05:10 pm

They probably feel Toure is too green to be a big contributor right now. I hope we see him before Watkins gets back.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 26, 2022 at 06:08 pm

I’d have been happy to just have him run a go route or two. Preseason showed that he’s capable of more. For all the point of Winfree, getting a guy we know can track a ball and adjust out there as a complimentary alternative target to Doubs would potentially have blown the stalemate. We are just to darn cautious without a roster that actually allows us another course.

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:26 pm

If Watson is going to be in and out I'd be ok with signing Fuller. Running and the short stuff is going to get harder without hitting the occasional deep shot. Maybe Fuller and Watkins could rotate on and off IR!

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 27, 2022 at 09:33 am

It’s just my guess, but I think Watson is a legacy of going from unable to do anything to a lot of snaps. Training these days is more about game prep than conditioning. I think Watson just got over played in terms of snaps too fast.

I’m not a huge fan of Fuller for the same reason as Watkins. On paper he helps us, but does that mean he does in practice for long enough. I’d try Toure first anyway, though not as an X, for the simple reason that you don’t know what you have till you try a cb player in a real game and he won’t get better sitting. If Watson is back, I’d still blood Toure. It’s not like he can’t run what we asked Winfree to do.

The guy made plays in preseason whenever given the opportunity. There will be errors, just as Doubs had, but it gives more options. Who knows, he may just show that he can help. Right now it’s not like anyone else in the depth seems capable of making a few plays and doing something to create yards. If it doesn’t work, then look at other options.

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 27, 2022 at 12:45 am

The good news is that Packers already promote Winfree 2 times. Now, they need to sign him on the roster if they wanted his services further the season goes, I think. Maybe that will be chance for Toure, I'm all for it. It would be nice to have all 3 draft picks WR contributing in their first year.

We all knows how little is the chances that 3 players from one position taken in the draft can contribute in positive way in their rookie season.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 27, 2022 at 09:34 am

This year they can do so a third time before that.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 28, 2022 at 07:34 am

Thanks Coldworld.

0 points
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wildbill's picture

September 26, 2022 at 08:40 pm

Had to laugh at the Amari statement

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 26, 2022 at 09:42 pm

That was just for a certain someone who struggles to admit draft status isn't the best way to judge usefulness and can't admit they were wrong.

1 points
2
1
JohnnyLogan's picture

September 26, 2022 at 11:35 pm

All the words written about this being a run-first offense, that Jones and Dillon will have to carry the team, that we have the best running duo in the league... not only was it read by our opponent, but worse, LaFleur bought into the hype.

Sure Jones and Dillon need to get the ball, but not repeatedly with a handoff against a stacked box trying to ram through a hole that won't be there. Myers and Newman were overmatched most of the game. You can't run behind them. Myers is okay, but have to mention, we passed up a Pro-bowler by taking Myers one pick ahead of Creed Humprey. And this isn't just Monday morning quarterbacking. Creed was rated so far ahead of Myers it isn't funny. Gute definitely outsmarted himself with this one.

Back to Jones and Dillon. Both are great pass catchers. Throw it to them when the box is stacked. Or throw to your new #1 receiver, Romeo Doubs. It's three games and there's no question whom Rodgers trusts the most. The kid has a ton of talent. Doubs had eight catches in eight targets. Nine actually as he caught a ten-yard pass to open the 3rd quarter that was negated by that phony Lazard penalty. But from 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter to the end of the game, Doubs wasn't targeted even once. You suddenly decide to make your best pass catcher a decoy. This brings us to the biggest issue the Packers may have at the moment, LaFleur.

LaFleur, as he often does, went into his scared offensive game mode. A quarter and a half left in the game and he shut the offense down. It became stale, boring, safe, unexciting. How so?... Rodgers leads the league in passes behind the line of scrimmage. The best passer in history, who has had decent blocking, and LaFleur is afraid to let him sling it.

The coach has to grow some balls. Once Watson comes back, I believe he and Doubs will be dynamic together, even as rookies. But LaFleur has to not be afraid and he and Rodgers need to keep going back to them even if they make mistakes. You're not winning the Super Bowl with Lazard as your #1. That simple.

1 points
2
1
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 27, 2022 at 02:53 am

I agree with a lot of this.

TB, a 3-4 team, played 2.60 true defensive linemen per play, on average. That is a very high number. GB played 2.20 for context.

Levonte Davis and Devin White played every snap at ILB. Their LBs played 3.82 per play on average. I guess they pulled an OLB sometimes when they had Gholston, Vea and Logan Hall on the field together but made sure to have both OLBs on the field when Nunez-Roches was subbing on the DL.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 27, 2022 at 09:49 am

In the second half Tampa increasingly played to what we started doing, which was perfect for their needs. Not only the box, but the entire ten yards is stacked pretty much constantly. They played 3 big guys heavily. They knew Rodgers wasn’t going to try to throw deep. They daw what LaFleur was calling. We kept running into that and throwing to guys within 8 yards. Doubs yards per target was a dismal 3 yards from the line by the end and he was ignored later on.

They essentially dared us to throw mid range or deeper and we didn’t enough to capitalize and, when we did, with players that were no threat to break one. It’s exactly the tactic they used when MVS was out before and we had no speed or aggression. This time we did, Doubs, but didn’t use it.

I’m fascinated that we don’t think LaFleur adjusted. He did. He just regressed into an ultra conservative “safe” mode and they knew it. It may have been partially Rodgers, but look at the routes and calls. Those make it clear that LaFleur was leading the charge. LaFleur isn’t aggressive under pressure. Over his career he’s actually the exact opposite in his calling when our backs are against the wall. I think Bowles knows that well from past meetings. I think it’s another example of him exacerbating Rodgers’ tendencies not balancing them.

2 points
2
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 27, 2022 at 11:09 am

It took MM about 7 years to get predictable and make life easier for Opponents D prep.

ML is barely into year 4 and he is showing ability to be creative and keep Ds on their back foot...then suddenly go into a crouch and hunker down if the original game plan gets countered. This "rope a dope" fall back is becoming a tendency.

Bowles gave the Pats a useful Prospectus for Sunday.

1 points
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