Packers Vs. Bears: First Impressions

My immediate thoughts on the Packers - Bears game.

...

Gotta love how low Ty Montgomerery stays when he runs. Breaks a lot of tackles as a result of that low center of gravity.

A rare sight to see McCarthy call for a pass on 1st down on their own 1yd line. Normally run it straight ahead for 2 yards. I like the changeup there.

I didn't have a problem with the Packers going for it on fourth and two in the 2nd quarter, but why are all of the receivers downfield instead of just running quick 5-yard routes?

Packers with ZERO pressure on Barkley, who is getting real comfortable back there. Opposite is true for Rodgers - sacked and hit multiple times in first half.

I feel like the last few games, Mike McCarthy has made a concerted effort to get away from some of his play-calling tendencies. My question is, what took so long?

Datone Jones has a bit of "dirty" in him...

Just when we thought Davante Adams was on the right path... 

Julius Peppers isn't heard from a lot, but if someone is making a big play for the Packers' defense when they most need it, it's usually him.

I said a few weeks ago - every Ha-Ha INT is either a tipped ball or an overthrow. More evidence...

Rodgers must have gotten something special at halftime - suddenly was able to run much better.

That burst at the second level is why I had Christine Micheal as the second most talented RB in his draft year - IF he could get his head on straight. Took a few years...

On 3 separate occasions I saw a Bears receiver blow by Rollins as he was peeking into the backfield at the QB. 

Damarious Randall had a tough day tackling, especially in space. First too passive, then too aggressive. too many missed tackles.

Capers resorts to blitzing in 4th quarter, still no pressure - making it tougher on the secondary and Bears take full advantage. Two quick TDs. 

Quentin Rollins had a tough day covering anyone. Bears feasted on him in 4th quarter. Almost every throw on the two TD drives were to his man.

Rodgers in the 4th quarter reverted back to holding the ball looking for the big score instead of dink and dunk and run the clock.

Looks like Ringo is the better choice to run that "blitz from the sideline" scheme.

If I were the Bears, I would not have kicked the field goal. Or would have tried a fake.

These are the same players on defense who last week shut down Russel Wilson and the Seahawks.

Overall, I blame Rodgers' 4th quarter decisions as much as I do the defense for the Bears being able to tie the game.

in the end, though, having Aaron Rodgers as your QB is still, pretty, pretty, pretty good.

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

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

__________________________

0 points
 

Comments (145)

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

December 18, 2016 at 04:04 pm

Hey Desert Pack Fan, Still want to say Montgomery isn't a RB??? LMFAO!!!!!

Edit... And yes he can run inside, hell it seems he runs where ever he wants. Just saying....

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:45 pm

Lmao,I was thinking the same thing!
Edit:by the 3rd quarter lol!

0 points
0
0
Norm's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:34 pm

Guess they 'schemed' to get him 162 yards at 10 yards a pop.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:37 pm

And 2 TDs.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:35 pm

Beat me to it. How about cow's predictions?

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:24 pm

Well he isn't 225 lbs... even though McCarthy said it again in the post game press conference that he is a 225 lb man.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:21 pm

Yeah, cause it matters. :) Marshall Faulk and Emmitt Smith where just awful...

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:57 pm

Someone forgot to tell Monty he's not a running back!

0 points
0
0
Chad Lundberg's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:40 pm

This was a cold-ass road game against a motivated rival that has been playing some very good Football in recent weeks. I knew this game had the potential to be a close one.

What I'm disappointed in is the fact that the secondary just completely laid an egg in the 4th quarter, after having 4 (3 legitimate) turnovers in the previous 16 minutes. This was the same secondary that essentially shut down Russell Wilson and the red hot Seahawks last week. What the hell happened??? I still feel strongly that TT made a huge mistake by not reactivating Sam Shields.

That and the pass rush near non-existent. The Bears do have a good O-line to their credit, and the secondary wasn't doing them ANY favors, but this just shows how much we really do miss a healthy Matthews and especially Nick Perry.

The drive prior to our final drive, Rodgers reportedly had Randall Cobb and Montgomery wide open right in front of him on 3rd down, but got greedy (surprise) and held onto the ball for the long pass and wound up sacked. There were also 3 (4 imo) critical drops that would have blown up the lead into the high 30's. The Play-calling wasn't actually that bad, it was the players, especially Rodgers, refusing to execute.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:24 pm

Do we even know if Sam Shields is ready for contact? Cleared to run and other physical activity (which can aggravate concussion symptoms)? Even if he were cleared by doctors, Sam Shields doesn't belong back on the field...not for the Packers and, frankly, not for anyone.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 18, 2016 at 07:06 pm

I concur, Sam should walk away from the game. Hopefully he will recover from his latest concussion, and try to enjoy his life with good health!

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

December 18, 2016 at 07:25 pm

Rodgers actually passed on the shorter check down a few times today, hell I don't think he threw it to Cobb the whole day.

0 points
0
0
Chad Lundberg's picture

December 19, 2016 at 12:04 am

He did not later in the game when he most needed to. Packers had one 3rd down conversion in the entire second half. He started getting greedy again, a very nasty habit.

0 points
0
0
TKWorldWide's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:26 pm

Fun little game.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:35 pm

Yup. Brought back memories of Rodgers to Cobb for the win (and the playoffs) back in 2013. Ah, good times....

0 points
0
0
Bedrock's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:28 pm

Got away from the run way too much in second half.

Nice to see Martinez back.

A win is a win.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:40 pm

I thought so too.

But here we go again. If we run and it doesn't work then out come the 'too conservative' chants from the peanut gallery.

Sometimes it's not the playcalling. It's just plain execution.

0 points
0
0
TKWorldWide's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:00 pm

Totally agree with the "if we run and it doesn't work" comment.

0 points
0
0
Nerd's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:13 pm

It's not conservatism. It's emotional tightness. And yes, we saw it again today.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:43 pm

I agree with the win comment.

Division rivalry game in extreme cold. No style points today.

I firmly believe the early deep balls to Jordy and Davante TD drops would have been completed in 30 F weather or warmer.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:47 pm

Yeah, felt bad for Davante because he's been money all year long. It's okay, he'll do it next week.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:48 pm

I believe he'll bounce back but those 2 drops were terrible.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:59 pm

At this point with that separated shoulder Clay Matthews is basically a cardboard cutout out there!

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:35 pm

Talk about hanging yourself. I am going to Not Comment on Adams this week. Just BAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:36 pm

Hope he plays better.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:31 pm

I think GB really missed CM3. Capers tried to make up for it by sending blitzers, they never got home, that put pressure on the cover guys and the DBs played like crap. Not a good combo. Bears WRs running free all over the place...

0 points
0
0
Nerd's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:08 pm

They lost Elliot too. Wasn't "the same players" as last week.

0 points
0
0
calabasa's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:33 pm

Love the Packers, always will, but this game is a microcosm of the big picture in GB- talent on the field, big lead, completely blow a lead, ass saved by Rodgers.

Yes, hopefully we win out and get into the playoffs. We eked this out against the 3-10 Bears. Who will the first round bring? Dallas, NYG, Seattle... I want the Super Bowl, but COME ON!

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:09 pm

The Bears amost always bring their A game for the Packers. Even when they suck these rivalry games are different. All records go out the window and they play for pride.

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:05 pm

no excuse blowing a 17 point lead in the 4th quarter. remember Seattle 2014> have these coaches not learned anything?

0 points
0
0
Nerd's picture

December 18, 2016 at 08:37 pm

Classic Mike McCarthy "lull." But I think the wind may have been a bigger factor than we realize. We dominated the 3rd with the wind at our backs, Bears, the 4th.

Btw I HATED that last deep throw to Jordy. We got lucky there. Classic low percentage Bert Favor play.

0 points
0
0
Norm's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:14 pm

I dunno, I kinda liked that last throw to Jordy, but that's just me. I think it even helped them win the game if I recall correctly?!? It was third down, less than a minute to play and no timeouts. Were you hoping for the RB toss play again?

0 points
0
0
Nerd's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:14 pm

We got lucky.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:24 pm

Sometimes it pays to be good...sometimes it pays to be lucky.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:38 pm

A lot of those deep throws have been neither. It worked this time to beat the Bears, that doesn't make it a winning strategy.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:26 pm

Clutch.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

December 19, 2016 at 05:36 am

Yeah we got lucky.. BUT that was one hell of a pass. The Bears were lucky Jordy dropped those other 2 and Adams dropped 2 SURE TD's. It's all in your perspective.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:24 pm

So define 'lucky'.

AR saw Jordy had a step on his guy and lofted a ball up to a trusted receiver who has a habit of winning one on one jump balls. It wasn't a guaranteed catch, but quite appropriate given the risk-reward scenario.

I saw nothing wrong with it nor would I had it been incomplete.

0 points
0
0
Idiot Fan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:27 pm

Many times I might agree with you, but jordy totally beat his guy. AR had to take that shot.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 11:52 pm

Huh??? Jordy Nelson gets single coverage on Cre'Von LeBlanc, an undrafted rookie out of Florida Atlantic, makes a great move on him, blasts by and gets several yards of separation and is streaking down the deep middle with no one between him and the end zone... and you're saying that ARod SHOULDN'T throw the ball?? Dude!

Throw the ball. Every. Damn. Time.

It seems bizarre to me that anyone would think differently on this.

0 points
0
0
EdsLaces's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:34 pm

Ty is a monsterrrrr!!!!

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:42 pm

Great win,Randall and Rollins just don't have it, great pass rush last week, terrible today! Adams let the team down! Nelson had bad drops but made up for it,defense let down in second half, wide open over the middle all day, Rodgers MPV talk justified. Montgomery is a RB!

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:47 pm

The Seattle O line is awful. This Chicago O line is solid. That accounts for the lack of pressure.

What I don't understand is how we couldn't get open. The weak link in the Chicago defense is the secondary. Should have been able to pick them apartgiven the amount of time AR had.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:55 pm

"What I don't understand is how we couldn't get open. The weak link in the Chicago defense is the secondary."

Well, CHI did come into the game ranked 6th in the league in fewest passing yards allowed.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:02 pm

True. Chicago has played better at home this year than on the road. Still think this was a gutty win by the Pack.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:14 pm

Yeah. About the GB passing game, I understand of course that drops are a result of poor play, but both Nelson and Adams had a couple horrible drops (although one of Nelson's drops was actually pass interference). If they had converted even a couple of those into catches things would have looked quite a bit better.

0 points
0
0
Nerd's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:17 pm

Guys were open. Aaron only wants to throw deep. He held the ball for an average of 6+ seconds again today.

0 points
0
0
al bundy's picture

December 18, 2016 at 08:26 pm

Then what the hell did ted see in these guys to pick them so high? He. Ould have used the picks elsewhere and p layed udfa's. His d back picks lack speed, toughness, yackling and cover skills.

0 points
0
0
Lphill's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:35 pm

I like Montgomery running the ball but Michael has talent I would have expected him to get more carries today. If not for the drops today Pack wins by at least 10 or more, but turned into a typical Bears Packers game.

0 points
0
0
Denise Chanterelle's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:39 pm

It's reasonable to assume that playing in 12 degree weather had an impact overall on all the players. Perhaps that's why the D collapsed in the 4th quarter. Who knows.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:46 pm

I work outside all year so I know
that weather is tough to play in.

0 points
0
0
MITM's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:57 pm

Amen to that.

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:10 pm

the bears were playing in the same weather. how many times have the Packers blown a big lead in the 4th quarter? not going anywhere until Mike keeps the pedal to the medal until the game is over and Capers figures out how to play defense in the 4 th quarter.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:47 pm

Barkley was doing his best Cutler impression until late in the game. I bet Cutler gets cut, Barkley gets the job, and they draft a future QB prospect with their high draft picks in 2017.

0 points
0
0
Grandfathered's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:45 pm

I have a problem with the Packers going for it on 4th and 2 early in the 2nd qtr. Up 7 points, take the 3 points. Adams drops 2 TDs. This wouldn't work in the playoffs.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:49 pm

I agree completely.

I thought they should have kicked the FG early and have gone for the TD on 4th and goal.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:52 pm

Thank you!! Excellent point, one I was just about to make. The momentum of the game totally switched when they went for it on 4th and 2 and didn't convert, take the points.

Adams has been catching the ball well all year. Obviously that's 14 points he left out there and there's no excuse but I have a feeling he'll be HUGE next week with Rhodes on Nelson. He'll make up for it.

0 points
0
0
barutanseijin's picture

December 19, 2016 at 09:08 am

FGs were not a given. It was cold and windy and soldiers field is in bad shape.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:59 pm

Yeah. They left 11 points on the field.

Those 11 points were haunting them late in the game.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:23 pm

I'm just curious how you get 11 points.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:27 pm

2 dropped TD passes = 8 points
Deciding to go for 1st down on 4th down vs kicking the FG = 3 points.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:59 pm

I get 15 without extra points. A touchdown is 6 points.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:33 pm

They scored FGs on those 2 drives. So instead of 7 points they ended up with 3. 4 point difference.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 08:03 pm

Gotcha. I overlooked that. Makes sense now. Thanks.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 10:57 pm

No problem. Sometimes it's hard to explain what's going on in my brain. Lol

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:05 pm

2 dropped TD Passes= 8 points, doesn't 2 TD's = 12 points? Oh wait are you using Common Core Math?

0 points
0
0
Joshua Snyder's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:29 pm

getting 2 tds with xp = 14
Getting 2 fgs instead=6

so....

14-6=8

8 + eschewed FG value of 3 pts = 11 pts.

Not common core math, just regular math.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 07:14 pm

Thank you!

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 19, 2016 at 07:10 am

Not exactly sure why i got a dislike for thanking a guy for breaking down and explaining where I got my math from...

0 points
0
0
zoellner25's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:29 pm

I wanted to choke out MM when he passed on the FG there. Almost cost them the game. You take points all the time in very cold weather. He got cocky and it backfired

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:08 pm

MM did the same dam thing in minn, they lost by 3

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:33 pm

When MM kicks FGs, he's too conservative. When he goes for it, he should've taken the points. Being a coach is hard...

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 18, 2016 at 07:43 pm

Yes, it is MM is results-based analysis.

0 points
0
0
Idiot Fan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:49 pm

D needs to be better if we're going to do anything meaningful this year. Pass rush has really fallen apart.

Still, that ending felt awesome.

0 points
0
0
Koostyroosty's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:49 pm

the defense sucked in the fourth quarter, but how big does Micah Hyde's play on the ball in the end zone end up ??

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 03:56 pm

What a roller coaster of a game.

This game shouldn't have been as close as it was. But give the Bears credit. They never gave up.
This maybe one of those wins that helps the Packers more in the end. Vs just blowing a team out. It's a gutty win.

Rodgers deserves a lot of MVP talk. He had 4 huge drops. Is playing on 2 bad legs. To make that 60 yard bomb... wow!

Ty Montgomery is a RB. He is so explosive and makes people miss. He is a perfect fit for our offense.

Just a great team win. Includes the defense for keeping the Bears out of the end zone on a first and goal from the 5.

0 points
0
0
Idiot Fan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:05 pm

Yeah, I was kind of in the "let them score" camp to ensure we had some time on O. I'm still kind of shocked they held them to a FG.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:28 pm

Yeah I wonder how many people thought that. I was more surprised the Bears didn't go for the TD on 4th down.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:07 pm

Same here, Da Bears had nothing to lose their season is basically kaput so why not go for the TD and the win?

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 19, 2016 at 07:11 am

Yeah, i'm really surprised they didn't go for it. Unless of course they want a higher draft pick and didn't want to win. :)
That being said players and coaches don't think that way.

0 points
0
0
Bearmeat's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:19 pm

They SHOULD have gone for it on 4th. Go for the win against your bitter rivals. What do you have to lose? This is exactly the reason why the John Fox's and Jeff Fischer's of the world will never win the big one. Waaaay too conservative.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 19, 2016 at 07:12 am

yeah, I don't know why they didn't go for it. I mean they had nothing to lose. except for the game.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:07 pm

Hey RC... .I thought of you a few times during the game as Montgomery was shredding the crap out of the Bears. He could have had 200 yards if McCarthy kept giving him the ball.

0 points
0
0
ray nichkee's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:22 pm

I thought he'd go 200+ the way it was going but then I remembered he's just a situational player good for 8 touches. McCarthy must have been affected by the cold and lost track of his snap count.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:33 pm

Hey Nick. I thought of you as well. I guess we know what he can do with the ball if he gets it 16 times.

Also we saw a flash of what Michael can do as well.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:34 pm

Montgomery, Michael, Lacy is a hell of a backfield.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 07:15 pm

Yes it is!

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:17 pm

get rid of fat Eddie. he looks like he's running in mud and he's hurt half the year. draft a RB and say adios to him. get a comp pick from someone dumb enough to give him a big contract.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:27 pm

"Ty Montgomery is a RB. He is so explosive and makes people miss. He is a perfect fit for our offense."

I've never been "anti-Monty" like some posters are, but I have to admit that he gave me a whole new level of confidence today. And I think even his biggest supporters had to be a little bit surprised by his play today. That was damn impressive. Now I'm feeling like I might actually need to curb my enthusiasm a bit. We're going too far in our optimism if we expect today's results every game.

As for being a "perfect fit," maybe you're right. I'd actually agree with that 'certain someone' on this board that Monty might be a little "light in the pants" to be a traditional running back. But if you set up your base offense to line up with a versatile multi-tool at RB, he might just be the guy. Great performance today.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:34 pm

Not surprised. Not at all. Just relieved they finally used him.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:37 pm

You were fully expecting 10.1 yards per carry? Really?

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:44 pm

Not for every game, of course not. But I am not surprised he did it.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:38 pm

Honestly this performance really didn't surprise me. He just got the carries and opportunity. Did I think he would go for 160 on 16 carries. No, but I thought he would have had 100+.

I just think he fits the offense perfectly. They are more flexible with him on the field. They can run, throw or whatever they want with him on field.

The most surprising part of his game is ability run through tackles. His power is impressive for a former WR.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:06 pm

I'm not arguing with you RC, but even if you say "100-plus" ... on 16 carries that's still a minimum of 6.3 per carry. No one does that. And I'm not sure I'd want to use Monty too much more than 16 carries per game. Maybe if Michael can get the playbook down the two of them can carry the freight. Or if they bring Lacy back next year. Could be scary.

I agree about his surprising power, but I actually think that is more a function of his being able to find the little cracks and push through the seems in the defense than it is about power and brute force. He looks like one of those guys who "squirms" and just seems to pop out from the pile. But either way, he's getting the job done.

I always liked Monty as a runner, but yeah... I was surprised today. A lot.

I'm just saying I think we should maintain some reasonable expectations.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 08:53 pm

Nobody expects 10 YPC and 2TDs every week. But I think he should be a probowl back if they use him correctly and he avoids any unfortunate injuries.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 19, 2016 at 07:29 am

Yeah, Honestly it didn't surprise me. He has averaged 5.2 yards per carry going into the game.
I agree though, i think about 16 carries a game is pretty good. I said going into the game I would like him to get around 20 touches. He ended up with 18.

Next year if our 3 RB's are Lacy, Michael and Montgomery... That is a dangerous group.

Yeah, His vision and ability to find the small gap and burst through it. Truly impressive. The last RB that the Packers had that could do that was Green. Montgomery is the biggest home run threat they have had since Green too...

Oh yeah, i get that. He won't average 10+ yards every game. I don't expect him to. I am just saying that, this type of performance doesn't surprise me at all.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 19, 2016 at 08:14 am

Teams aren't scheming to take him away, yet. The Packers don't have much of a track record running the football this season with Lacy on the shelf, so teams are playing to take away the short/intermediate passing routes and stop the run with the minimum.

That will change shortly as Montgomery continues to be productive and forces defenses to respect his big-play ability. As marpag says: 6+ ypc? No one does that over the course of the season. But if he can be 4.5 ypc over the long haul, that will open up the offense as defenses have to commit to play the run. The Packer ground game doesn't need to be a juggernaut, but it needs to be a legitimate threat to eat up yardage on the ground.

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:21 pm

"light in the pants"? are you kiddding. the guy is hard to tackle and his stiff arms are awesome. he has some serious leg drive and runs with a low center of gravity.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:33 pm

"Rodgers deserves a lot of MVP talk."

I don't think so. He can't replay the beginning of season when he came in totally under-prepared with an out of shape arm and was complaining in public about having to do the preseason. The MVP is a full season award. If Rodgers wants another he better be valuable for more than the second half a season.

He has all of the talent you could ever hope for and he deserves credit for his successes but also his failures.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:40 pm

It is a full season award, but who has been better the last 8 or so games?

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:49 pm

Nobody, but several players have had better seasons including Prescott, Elliot, and Brady.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:58 pm

If you're going to include players who had suspensions this year, I'd take LeVeon Bell ahead of Brady.

0 points
0
0
Norm's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:02 pm

Serious question: Did Cobb play at all today? Don't recall anything being thrown his way. A non-factor even if he did, curious if he's healthy.

0 points
0
0
JerseyAl's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:30 pm

He played. How much I don't know. I know on one of the third downs they didn't convert in the 4th quarter where Rodgers held the ball and got sacked. he was open for a quick dig route in the middle but Rodgers didn't throw it.

0 points
0
0
Mojo's picture

December 18, 2016 at 11:48 pm

Saw the same thing and was rebuked for being too negative. In that situation there was no reason for Arod to hold the ball. He had an easy first down on the crosser at a time when they needed to keep the ball away from Chicago.

I understand he'll hit a few long plays by looking downfield, but you can do that on first or second down too. The more important thing on third down is to keep the chains moving, especially at that point in the game.

At times I think Arod is his own worst enemy. Great talent, but I don't know how many times over his career I've yelled for him to throw the damn ball. Takes too many unnecessary hits and sacks. I don't think he will ever change though.

Sounds funny after he threw a bomb to win the game, but in that situation the gamble was well worth it. The short-game wouldn't have worked with the time left and no TO's.

0 points
0
0
Icebowler's picture

December 19, 2016 at 12:04 am

Maybe Cobb and Rodgers had a "dust up" while making that fire commercial together.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:12 pm

I thought that MM should have taken the FG on 4th and 2 in the 2Q. I'm thinking cold weather and our QB with limited mobility take the FG and the 2 score lead. It appears to me that when the Packers went up 27-10 they thought that the game was over, at least that is how they played. Fortunately Rodgers and Jordy were able to make the game winning play. Monty and Michael made a nice tandem today. The Bears were not ready to deal with either of them. Randall and Rollins did not play well today. The defense played well for 3 quarters and then did one of their late game disappearing acts. Given that the Lions and the Vikings both lost I'll take the win regardless of how we get there. We have everything in front of us now. The Packers control their own destiny now. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
Handsback's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:15 pm

Didn't see the game, Lions and Giants were on...however saw the last 2 minutes and thought the Bears should have gone for the TD and probably would have made a short pass in the middle. They have only won 3 games, why not go for it!

On the Packer's last drive the inside screen to Monty was set-up great but Urlacher slipped through and made the tackle. Wait it wasn't Urlacher but JAG who made Lang and Taylor look like the Keystone Cops. Rodgers and Nelson made it right, but it was not an easy game. Green Bay had to match them for 60 minutes and still almost lost it.

Next week it's the Vikings. Tough three games in a row.

0 points
0
0
Idiot Fan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:24 pm

That was an incredible play by that guy, who I know they're high on. If he hadn't made that tackle, there was room to run.

Playing division foes who relish the chance to knock out your playoff hopes in three consecutive weeks is indeed a tough end to the season.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:39 pm

Vikings folded in a winnable game with the Colts at home today. Just didn't come to play (kinda like the Packers did against the Colts a couple weeks ago). They'll come to play against the Packers next week, but their playoff chances are all essentially done.

So much for that hot start, eh?

Where are the Vikings trolls now? Probably trolling their own boards...

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:02 pm

Yep, Vikes looked good early on and man do I enjoy watching them going down the tubes Viking trolls can get stuffed.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:17 pm

Yea I was thinking the same thing Dobber. I guess their brilliant GM Dick Speilman couldn't fix their O Line issues as the season progressed, Skol!

0 points
0
0
Mojo's picture

December 19, 2016 at 12:08 am

There's no team I dislike more than the Vikings, but I don't know why everyone's saying they're done.

There D is significantly better than ours, although our offense gets the edge. However, our D on any given day, has a history of making pedestrian offenses look like the 2000 Rams.

If they beat us next week (as slight dogs I'm assuming) then they'll be playing as a favorite against the Bears. The Lions could easily lose in Dallas, especially since the Cowboys haven't even clinched their division yet. Then if GB knocks of Detroit (entirely possible), Minny wins on the head- to-head tie breaker.

A few permutations, but nothing totally out there.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 19, 2016 at 05:26 am

By losing yesterday, the Vikings were eliminated from winning the division because the best they can do is tie the Lions (who beat them twice), and their very lousy record in conference makes it very unlikely that they win a wild card unless three or four teams in front of them completely collapse and lose out. They just don't hold the cards in the tiebreakers.

Stick a fork in 'em.

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:24 pm

I've seen this all year. AR scrambling in the pocket and not one receiver getting separation or coming back to the ball. It happened more than once again this game. Now the Perry loss looks huge no outside rush.

0 points
0
0
lambeauleap's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:11 pm

Yet there were times this year including today that receivers got open that Rodgers refused to pull the trigger or that he didn't see were open. He sometimes has to bite the bullet and throw them open or give them the opportunity to go up and get it. He used to do this. He hasn't done that much this year. Plus he seems to be struggling more with reading defenses. Like that one early sack when it was obvious he didn't know the corner blitz was coming. I think he then goes into more of a second guess frame of mind where he reacts a step too slow.

Plus MM has to find better play designs to help our receivers who aren't fast, tall, or strong. They aren't going to blow by coverage or beat you with their strength so MM has to be more creative in finding ways to get them open. He has done that a few times with success not sure why he doesn't capitalize on that stuff more instead of reverting back to what doesn't work.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:01 pm

"Plus MM has to find better play designs to help our receivers who aren't fast, tall, or strong. They aren't going to blow by coverage or beat you with their strength so MM has to be more creative in finding ways to get them open."

Never going to happen. He's just to stubborn.

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:26 pm

or throw the ball away instead of taking the sack.....he NEVER does that!

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:24 pm

McCarthy did a good job with the timeouts but I otherwise feel that the Packers won in spite of him and Capers. At least he finally used Ty enough, they could have been doing that for weeks.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:32 pm

I said that this game will be the toughest one... Next 2 will be much easier...
I'm glad Packers win. Now, Packers will run the table...

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:50 pm

Stafford's busted hand really helps them.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:57 pm

Finally playing good teams on the road helps, too.

After watching that one (while doing the Packers on gamefeed) the conclusions I have are...
1. ...Detroit plays everyone tough. It's a grinder team, but they're going to take their lumps against Dallas next week. Week 17 will be a battle.
2. ...the Giants might have 10 wins, but I have no idea how they got there. No...I do: OBJ. Without him, they're a 4 win team.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:48 pm

I live in NY and I'am surrounded by Giant fans. I watched most of their games and I can't figure out how they won 10 games so far! They've swept the current # 1 seed Dallas, but the Packers beat them at Lambeau and they lost to the Vikings on the road. They also had a tuff time beating the Browns. And the Steelers made them look pathetic. Do the Giants with their anemic offense who have defeated the Boy's twice make the Cowboys look like Paper Tigers?

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:29 pm

i wouldn't count the vikings out. remember how bad Bradford made them look after only being on the team for 2 weeks. i could see him eating the Packer secondary up over the middle all day.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

December 19, 2016 at 05:26 am

Like they eated Colts secondary! We lost to Colts 31-26 and Vikings lost to them 34-06! Surely, we do not have much of a chance against Vikings...

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 19, 2016 at 05:30 am

Well, there's no transitivity in football, but you're spot on: the Vikes are playing lousy football on the offensive side of the ball...so bad that their defense is struggling to keep games competitive (they almost lost to Jax last week, too).

That doesn't mean that dink-and-dunk Sam Bradford won't look great against the Packers, but with that OL, the Vikes can't run the ball (even if AP plays) and the Packers should be able to pressure him pretty well next week.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

December 19, 2016 at 08:23 am

Gotta think the Vikings defense is demoralized by their horrid offense and will become more listless as the season comes to an end. The Colts gave them an Ass Kicking in their backyard yesterday, SKOL!

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 04:33 pm

No such thing as style points on the road in December. Bears did the same thing on the road last week against the Lions...plenty of questions, but no shame in this one.

1-0 this week...bring on the Vikes!

Control of your playoff destiny? Feels pretty good.

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:32 pm

i don't feel that good knowing MM and Capers are calling the shots especially after another 4th quarter melt down.

0 points
0
0
Rossonero's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:10 pm

I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy this....a vintage strike to Nelson in the dying seconds to set up a game winning FG....season sweep of our arch rival....both of our rivals lose today. What more can you ask for?

I was upset we let the Bears creep back into the game too, but at least we got the win. Division games are tough old games. Two opponents who are very familiar with each other....many times, you just gotta throw records out the window. To be fair, Chicago is better than their record says they are.

Health-wise, as far as I know, Jayrone Elliott and Lane Taylor were the only ones to get hurt and hopefully neither one is hurt badly. I've been dying to see a running game and holy crap do we now have one! Monty is the real deal and C-Mike has plenty of juice -- don't know why he only got 1-2 touches??!!

Randall and Rollins' erratic play is further evidence that we must spend more high draft picks on CBs in the draft. I know the draft is a long way off, but more of a long-term thought. Those two are just so damn inconsistent, it's maddening.

As happy as I am, I'm still sick of this team not putting other teams away. We put Seattle away, but Russell Wilson threw FIVE picks. That won't happen again. We need to put teams away or else our season will be over quickly. Great win, bring on the Vikings!! Keep believing!!

0 points
0
0
pacman's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:12 pm

Close games are often decided by mistakes and Barkley made them, AR didn't - sort of. This game would not have been close if AR picks up the first downs and didn't hold the ball so long. He's got 2 injured legs and risks further injury by getting chased and sacked. Seems like just stupidity.

This D won't take us to the SB. What was the problem today?

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:34 pm

no...it wouldn't have been close if Nelson and Adams would have caught perfect TD passes.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

December 19, 2016 at 05:36 am

Maybe the problems are with the young players head. Maybe they thought it is already finished game... I'm glad they got the lesson that it is not finished until clock is not expired on the win, so that Seattle game never comes back haunting us...

0 points
0
0
WKUPackFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:12 pm

When you're at the game it's very easy to forget all the negatives and just enjoy the action. And the crowd, which seemed to be at least half Packers fans. High fiving and hugging people you don't even know!

Man it was cold. Got even colder when the wind picked up in the 4th quarter. But it was worth it. It was the first Packers game for my daughter and her friend's Dad. Wow, what a game.

0 points
0
0
lambeauleap's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:45 pm

This is so true. I find even when "we" are losing it's more fun to yell, curse, and condemn with fans around you too. Plus it makes it seem more like a game for me then when it's on TV. It really brings it back to Earth that this is just a kid's game played by highly paid adults. Kind of puts it into perspective. When I'm at the game it's just in the moment.

I think I heard there were close to 20K no shows. The TV showed tons of Packers fans which is awesome! Glad you enjoyed the game.

0 points
0
0
WKUPackFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:31 pm

Thanks! We were

0 points
0
0
WKUPackFan's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:41 pm

We were in the end zone behind the Packers offense for the final drive. From that vantage point I could clearly see Jordy breaking open and AR drop it right in there. The Pack fans went nuts!! I felt like a kid at that point.

There were quite a few empty seats, especially on the sidelines. A Chicago native who hosted us said it was the deadest Bears crowd he had ever witnessed. Apparently there is a lot of apathy there currently. It was pretty cool to see a lot of Walter Payton jerseys. Hard to hate Sweetness.

0 points
0
0
bears suck forever's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:24 pm

Blow a 17 pt. lead?? No superbowl this year.

The bears still suck tho, now please print my jersey.

0 points
0
0
lambeauleap's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:40 pm

I thought the team overall took a step backwards this week despite the win.

The offense looked way too much like the sputtering offense of their 4 game losing streak. The first drive they were sharp and then they kinda fell apart. The only real saving grace was the running game. Ty Montgomery looked like a veteran RB today. I think he can officially change his number for the next year. Impressive guy. Even Christine had that great run for a TD.

Nelson and Adams had some key drops that should have been hauled in. Inexcusable to be quite honest. But I think you can kinda tell Rodgers didn't practice with them all week. They were missing their chem with each other. Although Nelson/Rodgers had the game winning hook up when it mattered most so for all the belly aching when push came to shove they got it done.

Special teams just has too many penalties, no returns, and poor kicks as a unit overall. Nothing really changed in that area today. That Crosby FG was way too close for comfort. Not sure what the heck happened but I had read from some Packer reporters that he was inconsistent kicking during pre game. Could be why MM elected to go for it in the first half instead of try the FG.

The defense was just....abysmal. Thank goodness for Ha Ha's 2 INTs and Peppers strip sack or we may be discussing a loss! No pass rush and poor tackling was really the story of the day today.

We won. Barely. But in the NFL it doesn't matter. A win is a win and more importantly the Lions and Vikings lost. The Packers control their own destiny which is what you want. We don't have to rely on other teams to win or lose. If we win out we're in. They looked really poor at times today but found a way to win. And at the end of the day that's all that really matters.

Go Pack Go.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

December 18, 2016 at 05:47 pm

According to PFF (whatever that's worth) Montgomery had 156 of his 162 rushing yards after contact. That's insane.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 18, 2016 at 06:45 pm

...but not really a surprise given how the line has struggled to open running lanes this season.

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

December 18, 2016 at 08:59 pm

it looked to me like Randall was the guy that got beat like a drum in the 4th quarter. playing 10 yards off the line of scrimmage. they finally switched and put Gunter on Jeffery to stop him.
don't know how this team is going anywhere with the way they play with the lead.MM and Capers are atrocious.

0 points
0
0
Farts_After_Wins's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:00 pm

*poot*

0 points
0
0
Oppy's picture

December 18, 2016 at 09:32 pm

Plenty of things to be concerned about- drops by Adams and Nelson, Rodgers not getting the ball out on time, a 4th and 2 play call where only one WR is operating under 15 yards from the LoS and a RB in protection seemingly isn't allowed to slip out to give Rodgers a target, a defense that apparently needs turnovers to stop drives.

All that said.. It was a tough divisional road win in sub zero weather, and the Packers got the win while DET took a loss. Postseason play, or lack thereof, is now entirely at the discretion of the Packers. Can't ask for more than that heading into week 16.

Side notes, all-time record vs. the Bears being tied up for the first time in over 80 years is a nice touch, and I know McCarthy and this administration appreciates the history there.

Finally, I stand by Davante Adams. If his short history in the NFL means anything, he's going to be a beast down the stretch and into the playoffs, Like he was the last two years. Rough outing, and he tweeted right after the game, "Shitty game by Davante Adams, but the win is all that matters." Dust yourself off, Davante. You'll be needed.

0 points
0
0
Dzehren's picture

December 18, 2016 at 10:14 pm

little GB & gigantic Chicago have played 194 games since 1921. now for first time since Oct 1933, the Packers have drawn even at 94-94-6

0 points
0
0