Packers vs. Chiefs: Quick Takes from Green Bay’s 38-28 Win in Week 3

Quick takes from Green Bay's 38-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. 

The Green Bay Packers (3-0) are not to be trifled with at home in primetime. Five Aaron Rodgers touchdowns powered another impressive win under the Lambeau Field lights, as the Packers took care of the visiting Kansas City Chiefs by a 38-28 final on Monday night. 

 

It was over when…

…Alex Smith’s two-point attempt fell incomplete, which kept the Green Bay lead at 10 points with just under a minute and a half remaining. The Packers handled the ensuing onside kick to put the game on ice. 

 

Game Balls

  • Aaron Rodgers: You run out of superlatives to describe the way Rodgers plays the most difficult position in sports. He’s nothing short of an assassin, with more ways to kill you on a football field than any player maybe in the history of the game. He threw five touchdowns on Monday night, giving him 10 through three games to start the 2015 season. A Chiefs defense that hadn’t allowed a 300-yard passer in 22 games was thoroughly dissected by Rodgers, who used his arm, legs and brain to do pretty much anything he wanted on offense. Just appreciate every time you get to see No. 12 orchestrate a masterpiece like this one. He's Magic Johnson on a football field. 
  • Mike Daniels: Just pay the man. Get out the checkbook and start writing big numbers. Daniels was a man amongst boys at the line of scrimmage Monday night. His stat line finished with 1.5 sacks and one tackle for loss, but Daniels’ impact is rarely measured by the boxscore. The Chiefs couldn’t block him. The free-agent-to-be just keeps making himself money. 
  • Jeff Janis: The impact hasn’t come on offense, but Janis is making his presence known on special teams. He made two impressive tackles covering punts, further establishing himself as one of the Green Bay’s better special teamers. Janis will continue to be active on gamedays because he can get down the field and cover kicks. 

 

Stat of the Game 

138.5: Rodgers’ passer rating against the Chiefs. He has now finished two games above 135.0 this season, and 16 in his career. The Packers have never lost a game when Rodgers has a passer rating over 132.0 (now 21-0). 

 

Other Notes

-- Rodgers called having James Jones back a “blessing.” Somehow unfit to play for both the Raiders and Giants, Jones caught seven passes for 137 yards and a touchdown on Monday night. He now has 219 receiving yards and four scores through the first three games. Rodgers has such an intimate trust with Jones, which is evident whenever he has a free play. The two hooked up for a 27-yard score and a 52-yard catch-and-run after Rodgers drew the defense offside. Jones has saved a receiver group that continues to be devastated by injury. 

-- There’s not much to like about the Packers giving up 21 points over the last 16 minutes. But don’t let the final quarter ruin what was a dominating first 44 minutes. Green Bay held Alex Smith to just two completions in the first half. By the time Kansas City finally woke up, the Packers held a 31-7 lead. This game felt a little bit like last year’s win over the Falcons, when Green Bay got up big at home and Atlanta mounted a furious rally late against a relaxed defense. The Packers sacked Smith seven times on Monday night. 

-- Mike McCarthy made starting fast an emphasis for the 2015 club. Mission accomplished. The Packers are 3-0 for the first time since 2011. As you’ll remember, Green Bay won 15 games that season. The NFL doesn’t hand out shiny ribbons for starting 3-0, but three games and three wins beats the hell out of 1-2. 

-- Don Barclay is battling. It hasn’t always been pretty, but No. 67 isn’t getting embarrassed. He’s faced Cliff Avril and Justin Houston in back-to-back weeks and Aaron Rodgers is still in one piece. That sure feels like a win within a win. 

-- The Packers have a short week and a trip out west coming up in Week 4. Green Bay will travel to San Francisco to play the 1-2 49ers, who were blown out by the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.  

 

Zach Kruse contributes to Cheesehead TV. You can reach him on Twitter @zachkruse2 or by email at [email protected]. 

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Comments (67)

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4thand1's picture

September 28, 2015 at 11:58 pm

I can't even imagine how good this offense would be with Jordy. I hope they let Janis at least start stretching the field. Perfect game plan by Clements , short passing ball control.

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PackerBacker's picture

September 29, 2015 at 06:52 am

Problem is he had a shot on Offense and he drew a penalty. It's that stupid stuff that will keep him off the field.

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Bearmeat's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:55 am

Exactly. And not only did he have the penalty, but he ALMOST fumbled while being tackled. He was called down by contact - but it was close. ARod was NOT happy. I heard a few F-Bombs on my broadcast - and it was QB1 mouthing them. Barring further injury, Janis won't get another chance for a few more weeks.

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Otto's picture

September 28, 2015 at 11:58 pm

Meanwhile, the dumpster fire to the south has traded two of it's defensive players (Allen & Bostic) today. Too much talent on the defense, I guess.

3-0 is definitely better than 0-3.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 28, 2015 at 11:59 pm

I simply can't believe that Oakland and New York's WR core is so deep that James Jones couldn't make the cut. Hell, I'm going to send New York a fruit basket.

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Pack88's picture

September 29, 2015 at 10:00 am

James Jones asked to be released and I am glad the Giants honored that request!

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Evan's picture

September 29, 2015 at 10:26 am

"James Jones asked to be released"

Source?

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Oppy's picture

September 29, 2015 at 03:45 pm

I think you are mistaking reggie wayne for james jones perhaps

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Since'61's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:35 pm

The Giants told James Jones that he would probably not dress for every game since Jones does not play STs. Jones knowing that Jordy was injured asked for his release so that he could try to get back to the Pack. The Giants agreed. My source is the Giants GM on the Mike Francesca show in NYC. Thanks, Since '61

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Idiot Fan's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:05 am

That was maybe the best outside pass rushing duo in the NFL and DBakh and Barclay did yeoman's work against them. If we can make it through the rams game looking like this, our oline will be ready to dominate the rest of the season.

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Mojo's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:15 am

Dominant first half - followed by some sparring in the third quarter, and what seemed like endless garbage time in the fourth.

Rather the Pack play more straight up instead of blitz happy in the junk period. Just get off the field. Instead KC gets a bunch of cheap points and yards. Looks more like an exhibition game at that point.

Rodgers has just been spectacular so far this season. Hasn't gotten greedy with Jordy out - just takes what's given. Plus all the other intangibles.

ARod said early in his career to "shut-up and enjoy the ride". It's been a great trip so far.

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:22 am

Using your words. You do realize your complaining about "Garbage Time" right? Its about as meaningful as preseason and about as vanilla!

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TommyG's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:25 am

Dan, it was in this "garbage time" last post-season that Seattle rammed the ball down our throats and sent us packing. A successful two point conversion would've made that a one score game with plenty of time for the chiefs to score again. The actions of the defense in the fourth quarter last night were a prime example of what the Packers' D has been criticized for over and over again: lack of killer instinct and taking the foot off of the gas too early.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:40 am

Can't complain with what was a great performance by entire team, but have to agree 4th quarter was pretty hard to watch. I think SF will be different. Have to see a full game of dominance against teams other than Bears. Why not we are that good.

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William Reagan Jr.'s picture

October 03, 2015 at 05:00 am

Indeed! Defense needs to try and find one step after the happy medium. If they keep coming out full throttle they might end up fighting for air in the forth with an higher caliber offence then the Cheifs. Don't get me wrong I love it when they come out and smother both sides of the ball. Just find that perfect groove.

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JerseyAl's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:45 am

Very good points, Tommy. It's something that has become a pattern when the Packers have a comfortable lead against playoff-caliber teams. It might be nit picking, but worthy of discussion.

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WKUPackFan's picture

September 30, 2015 at 10:21 am

It's called running the clock out, and the Chiefs were obliging enough to help. Of course, I am questioning the Genius that is Jersey Al, who knows all and doesn't mind telling others how much smarter he is than they are.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2015 at 11:27 am

Exactly

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:16 am

Kudos to Joe Thomas. He missed Charles on a TD run but was active, got a QB hit, and played well, and allowed CM3 to move around. Banjo was solid in relief and on STs. Janis was great on STs. The illegal blocking downfield call was obvious despite Wayne and Max's inability to understand it. Penalty on Clinton Dix was BS.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:57 am

Did Palmer get hurt?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 29, 2015 at 04:34 am

No, I don't think so. They used Thomas as a dimebacker and in coverage, allowing CM3 to rush and/or move to the OLB spot. I advocated keeping Thomas on the 53 in the first place so that he could be the coverage LB, sort of like Chillar was in years past.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 29, 2015 at 06:51 am

I thought Thomas looked good. He was quick and hit hard. Though the hardest hit he had was on Datone Jones.

I actually thought Palmer looked good as well. Perhaps we found guys that can play in the Nickel and in the Diime at ILB which will allow Clay to move around.

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Icebowler's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:21 am

Next up: 49ers revenge!

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TommyG's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:36 am

Please, oh football gods, let us do to Kap as the Cardinals did! Seriously, we need to kick their butts.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2015 at 11:29 am

You said it. Now that would be something to enjoy.

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Clay Zombo's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:51 am

James Jones has been awesome, he was a great pickup. He arguably should have about 7 TDs but 4 is still pretty good through 3 games.

Was really happy to see them use a lot of the young guys on offense and defense like Harris, Rollins, Randall, Janis, Monty and Joe Thomas. Even saw Jake Ryan out there once or twice. Also nice to see Banjo active and playing on D.

Finally got to see a reverse and reverse playaction with Cobb, now I want to see them run that more often only with Janis or Monty. Love seeing the bubble screen to Cobb without the playaction to the RB. The ball has to get there before the WRs block so quick pass, no run fake.

Alonzo Harris first carry goes for 16 and then they dont run him again until late in the game. With Lacy gimpy he should've had a few more carries.

Next week is the 3rd week in a row GB plays a team it hasnt beat in a while in the 49ers, hope they keep the monentum going and get the revenge hat trick.

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Otto's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:38 am

This season does seem to have PAYBACK as its theme. (I can hear the narrator's voice for NFL Films saying it) They have 5 teams on their schedule this season that they can extract some measure of revenge for past losses. (Not that the Packers see it that way)
Seattle
SF
KC
Denver
Arizona

I would have included the '01 Rams, but I hold Favre solely responsible for that loss.

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Glenn Waechter's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:06 am

Ha! The 01' Favre note made me chuckle. It might be healthy to let that one go...... Go Pack Go!

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MarkinMadison's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:20 am

Yeah I'd let that Rams game go. First off, that team was putting up so many points against everyone that it was ridiculous. Second, Favre should have been benched. Put some blame on the coaching staff for failing to control him. History would have been different if they had tried.

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Otto's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:29 pm

Excellent point.

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marpag1's picture

September 29, 2015 at 02:37 am

Yes, Jeff Janis is proving to be a very good NFL special teams player. Unfortunately, he is also proving that he will never be an NFL receiver. Zero catches on the season despite playing with ARod and a banged up receiving corp that has missed time. The one catch he might have had tonight was called back due to penalty... after Janis had fumbled. I don't think he'd get a game ball from me.

One thing I noticed is that the Packers had excellent downfield blocking from WRs and TEs (except for Montgomery who had two penalties, I think. But even those two penatlies are a bit understandable given the bang-bang nature of the quick pass.)

Bakh needs to get his head straight. Hali is a good rusher, but Bakhtiari is better than he's playing. Right now he doesn't know up from down.

I'm realllllllllly hoping that GB just totally humiliates SF next week. I will like that better than I liked beating Seattle.

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MarkinMadison's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:22 am

Bakh was gimping bad at the half. I was happy he was able to play through it. This is not the week to measure him.

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marpag1's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:22 am

Yeah, but it's not like he looked great against Chicago or Seattle, either. I hope he's just working through a funk, otherwise he's clearly regressed IMO.

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Evan's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:39 am

I disagree. I think this is pretty much how he's always been in his young career. Very much up and down, even from play to play. Overall, fine, if nothing special. And the Packers can more than get by with that.

Again, Avril/Bennett/Hali/Houston are a murderer's row of pass rushers. I'm not concerned.

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dobber's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:06 pm

It's no longer a surprise to anyone that the way to beat Bakhtiari is to bull rush him right back to the QB, and KC did that several times. They were clearly attacking him that way last night. He seems to be able to handle speed, but lacks the ability to anchor against the power rush.

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marpag1's picture

September 29, 2015 at 03:04 am

I agree with Zach's comments about the 21 points scored at the end not being the end of the world, etc..... sort of. Yes, it always felt like we had the game in hand, but the numbers are just truly ugly. (See below). Defensively, we gotta do a better job of closing it out than that.

FIRST HALF
First downs: KC – 7, GB – 20
Total plays: KC – 20, GB – 42
Total yards: KC – 94, GB – 304
Yards per play – KC – 4.7, GB – 7.2
Time of Possession – KC – 8:49, GB – 21:03

SECOND HALF
First downs: KC – 16, GB – 6
Total plays: KC – 45, GB – 26
Total yards: KC – 232, GB – 144
Yards per play – KC – 5.2, GB – 5.5
Time of Possession – KC – 17:33, GB – 12:27

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EdsLaces's picture

September 29, 2015 at 06:56 am

Elliott and Daniels had themselves a game. Also liked the plays 37 was making . HaHa flies to the ball and so does Randall...I love it. Seems like this defense is playing with a little more aggression this year I'm impressed.

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Glenn Waechter's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:10 am

Can somebody please teach Ha Ha how to tackle???? He's gonna hurt himself or someone else if he can't get his head up and wrap up!

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cuervo's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:10 am

Another game where we completely dominate another team for 3/4 of the game, and then allow them to "make it a game". 21 points in 16 minutes is disturbing...plain and simple. That said, the defense does look much improved this year...now if they could keep it up for an entire game....anyone remember Seattle last year?

Mike Daniels finally dominated a game, if he plays like that the rest of the year, I give him the 10 mio/year he wants. If he plays like he has been prior, I offer 5 mio and let him walk.

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Evan's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:15 am

"...anyone remember Seattle last year?"

No, what happened?

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MarkinMadison's picture

September 29, 2015 at 07:55 am

I think the reality of the current market is that he is worth $10M a year. TT wouldn't even dare offer $5M. That would be flipping his agent the bird. Negotiations would stop immediately.

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PackerBacker's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:56 am

What are you talking about? Daniels has consistently improved to the point that he is now dominating people. 5 mil is an embarrassment.

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4thand1's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:51 pm

I don't include KC's last TD. They were stopped. WTF, Usually you see the ref ask for a measurement if he thinks its short. MNF wants their ratings so make the game close. That play wasn't even close.

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cuervo's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:22 am

Daniels played like a 10mio/year guy last night. that's the first time in his career. If he continues to play like that, I'd pay him, but until last night he's played like a 5 mio/year guy. At that point, who cares if negotiations stop. One game does not make a player....I hope he keeps it up.

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C's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:25 am

So, PFF gave Aaron Rodgers a -.8 for his performance last night. Anybody care to discuss the validity of grading NFL play off of broadcast tape? Can't even fathom a response...

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HankScorpio's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:49 am

Rodgers put up 300 yards passing on the KC defense for the first time in a long time. Sure, KC was missing some guys. So were the Packers (Nelson, Bulaga, Adams for all but one series, a gimpy Lacy). 5 TDs, 0 picks, 38 points. And he gets a negative rating?

I get that analytics on the performance of individual football players is something that has been lacking. But surely a system that produces a result like that is not making anything better.

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Idiot Fan's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:50 am

That's got to be a mistake. I know he often gets dinged in QBR for taking sacks, but he only had one last night. Plus 5 TDs, 0 INTs, 66% completion, and 9.5 YPA. Even aside from the intangible amazingness he showed last night, those are some good numbers. Although I just checked, and he only got a 78 QBR too. What the crap? I guess he should have had one INT, but still.

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murphy's picture

September 29, 2015 at 09:26 am

It's not a mistake, it's just an illustration of the limitations of their model:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/29/why-aaron-rodgers-earne...

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Otto's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:41 pm

This is the stupidest thing ever written. We are all dumber for you having shared it.

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PaulRosik's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:05 pm

The fact that 3 of his TD passes get a 0 rating because he "led the receivers away from the end zone making the receiver have to make a run into the end zone". made me laugh hard. Yes of course that's what he did, that's what the whole play design was supposed to do.

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4thand1's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:55 pm

PPF= piss poor farce.

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egbertsouse's picture

September 29, 2015 at 09:09 am

AR was great. Singlehandedly won the game. Offense is superb.

Defense? Outstanding for one half. I'm not a fan of the prevent but geez, Capers, when you're 3 TD's ahead don't let them have 3 quick scores. Dial back the blitz's a bit. Every time he blitzed Smith threw it to the vacated spot.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2015 at 11:44 am

Totally agree about the blitzing. Too much at times.

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:34 pm

Its because Dom thinks he is a superior mind when in fact he is the worst d coordinator in football. As I posted he let our four pass rushers rush for 17 straight plays without a break. He is the reason this team will be in trouble down the road. Our pass defense is not that good and will be exposed by other teams who saw that game film.

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johngalt's picture

September 29, 2015 at 03:35 pm

Kind of douche bag are't you?

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johngalt's picture

September 29, 2015 at 09:01 pm

Fuba-Read a few more of your posts- aaaaaaand that's a confirmative.

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Since'61's picture

September 29, 2015 at 09:14 am

I realize the Packers defense has let up many times, late in the game with a lead, in the past. But last night there were a few factors that contributed to what looked like a letdown. The Packers were giving their young DBs playing time, they also gave playing time to young LBs Joe Thomas and Ryan. While frustrating to watch that is valuable experience for our younger players. Another point to keep in mind is that KC is a good team that is well coached and they were still trying to win the game. Most importantly KC received a ridiculously generous spot on their 4th and 17 pass play. Had the ball been spotted accurately the Packers take over and the game probably ends 38-22. Even the announcers commented that the game was like an exhibition game in the 4th quarter. It was garbage time, our young defenders got some real NFL experience, that's all it was. Before garbage time it was a solid team performance led by absolutely brilliant play by our QB. Next! Thanks, Since '61

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:37 pm

I saw Ryan on one play and if that is his speed on display, put a fork in him, I know why he ain't playing and it has nothing to do with youth. I thought he was so so at best at Michigan and I was right.
Expect little from him and you won't be disappointed.
IS Perry even on this team? Datone J? Both are totally worthless.

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Since'61's picture

September 29, 2015 at 08:39 pm

Not sure which game you were watching. Nick Perry had a good game. He was credited with 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit. Not bad for a rotational player. Datone Jones also played well on his DL rotation until he was injured. If the Packers win the rest of their games like they did last evening I would sign up for that right now. Thanks, Since '61

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johngalt's picture

September 29, 2015 at 09:51 am

I would've liked to see Montgomery attempt to return some of those kicks. Thought he had a few good chances in the second half. Can't be so quick to kneel-show us what ya got

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William Reagan Jr.'s picture

October 03, 2015 at 05:20 am

Yes I agree he could've showed us what he's made, but he does know he's putting the ball in the hands of who could be the greatest

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William Reagan Jr.'s picture

October 03, 2015 at 05:22 am

QB of all times

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2015 at 10:52 am

Was nice to see the reverse call. About time.

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 29, 2015 at 12:31 pm

My take. Teams are never out of it when it comes to the packers. The reason, once they discover the pourous pass defense they come raging back but all too late.
Dom Capers let our four pass rushers stay in the game for 17 straight plays, not spelling any of them with fresh legs. Had he done that, the Chiefs would not have scored the last TD.
What does Jarone Eliot have to do to stay on the field? This playing favorites is for crap.
Our D was gassed and Dom just let them play on. A total Fn moron.
Funny I distinctly remember telling wife when it was like 28 7 that it ain't over yet. KC can score two quick TD's and be right back in it. Right again.

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dobber's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:12 pm

"The reason, once they discover the pourous pass defense they come raging back but all too late."

If this were true, then why would anyone ever attack the Packers with the run in the first place?

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4thand1's picture

September 29, 2015 at 01:59 pm

It was never 28-7. Do they even broadcast games up there in the north woods of MN? Go buy a newspaper, head to your out door shithouse, and stay there till football season is over.

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Archie's picture

September 30, 2015 at 05:23 pm

Well, officially count me as a believer in this team (read AROD & Friends). Super performance in first half.

1 - Don't let MM pick your QB; and,
2 - Keep MM away from teh playcalling.

The Packers truly look like a WCO. It's Joe Montana time all over again!

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