Saints 38 Packers 3: Game Balls and Lame Calls
Packers set new standard for coming out flat.
By KenLass
The Green Bay Packers put a team on the field Sunday that was shockingly unprepared to play a football game. How and why did this happen? There are several possibilities and they are probably all true.
It was too hot. Too much inexperience on the offensive line. A defense that had no grasp of its new system. A hangover from all the Aaron Rodgers drama of the offseason. Lack of playing time for the starters in the preseason.
But my guess is that this was a football team that bought into all this “last dance” malarkey, believing they were a super team that was going to walk into the Super Bowl on sheer talent and press clippings. They ran into an inspired opponent playing for a devastated fan base that was in desperate need of something to feel good about. This was more about effort level and energy than anything else. The team that went 13-3 the past two seasons didn’t suddenly turn into a terrible team. They did, however, turn into a supremely overconfident one. This embarrassment should take care of that problem.
No one really deserves a game ball, but I’ll hand out a few anyway, acknowledging the bar was extremely low for this week.
GAME BALLS
Corey Bojoquez
That’s right. The punter. In his Packer debut, the former Buffalo Bill played as advertised, averaging 44.0 yards per kick, including a 59 yarder, and pinning one inside the 20. His hang time minimized return yardage. You never want to use your punter too much, but it’s nice to know if the Packers have to, they have upgraded this position.
Krys Barnes
Playing on a defense that was completely in disarray most of the game, Barnes had a smattering of good fills and solid hits. He showed good mobility in stopping Alvin Kamara from rupturing a big play in the first quarter, holding him to three yards. He crushed Kamara for no gain on second and 14 in the second quarter, and made a nice tackle in the open field on a short pass to tight end Adam Trautman to hold the gain at six yards.
AJ Dillon
Though he only carried the ball four times, the second year running back averaged just under five yards per carry, showing power and desire, two qualities in very short supply on this day. Dillon was probably under-utilized, but Green Bay gave up on the ground game early.
LAME CALLS
The defensive game plan
Whatever the plan was to stop the Saints offense, it was clear the players did not understand it. New Orleans receivers were running wide open in the secondary all day long, leaving defensive backs to shrug and hold out their arms in frustration, indicating they were expecting some sort of help. The pass rush failed to scare quarterback Jameis Winston, who had no problem leaking out of the pocket and making plays on the run, both with his legs and arm. Saints coach Sean Payton comprehended early on that any play he wanted to call was there. He showed complete disrespect for the Packers defense when he brazenly went for it on fourth and seven from the 41 yard line, easily converting with a tight end screen pass, and then again on fourth and goal from the three, despite being ahead by 10, resulting in a TD pass to Juwan Johnson.
Three tough calls
The first one came with Green Bay down 10-0 in the second quarter. On third and 14, Rodgers overthrew Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had “fallen down”. On replay it looked like pass interference. The second came on the back-breaking, red zone interception in the second quarter. Away from the ball, Dominique Dafney was clearly held on the play. The pick should have been nullified, and Green Bay given a first and goal inside the five yard line. The Packers were down just 14 at the time. The third one was the roughing the passer call on Za’darius Smith in the third quarter that nullified a spectacular interception by Darnell Savage. Replays showed the hit was not late and was in accordance with the rules.
Those three calls did not cost Green Bay the game, but one wonders if the contest might have taken a different path if they had gone the Packers’ way.
Rodgers holding the ball
Shades of 2018. One of the keys to being the number one offense last year was Rodgers throwing the ball on schedule. Yes, receivers were not open, but throw the thing anyway and give them a chance to make a play. You might even get a pass interference call or two. Do you risk interceptions? Sure. But Rodgers threw two picks anyway.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
Aaron Rodgers (asked if the Packers came out too full of themselves) -- "Yeah, I feel like there was some of that. We probably thought we were going to go up and down the field on whoever they had out there.... felt like our energy was a little bit low. It was a little San Diego-ish from a couple years ago."
Aaron Jones -- “You know, it kind of caught me by surprise. I’m not used to losing like this. All the guys and myself included, we had a great feeling coming into this one. We felt like we worked hard in practice and did everything we needed to do leading up to it.”
Adrian Amos -- "We can't let one game beat us twice. We have to go out there and make the corrections....I still have the utmost confidence in our defense."
Matt LaFleur -- "Our guys are going to have to take a long, hard look in the mirror. It starts with myself. Obviosly didn't get these guys ready to play ball, and that's what happens when you play a good football team."
THREE AND OUT
• Contrary to perception, Rodgers, for the most part, did get enough protection from his offensive line to throw the ball on schedule, something he confirmed after the game. It was only when he held the pigskin that he got into trouble. The young offensive line had its struggles, but they were far from Green Bay’s worst problem.
• I understand why you would put Jordan Love into the game in the fourth quarter, but I was hoping LaFleur would leave the rest of the starters in the game. Sooner or later it would be nice to see what Love can do with our best players around him.
• Was I the only one who had an NFC championship game flashback when Kevin King, looking puzzled, watched Dionte Harris run past him for a 55 yard touchdown catch?
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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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Comments (124)
Bearmeat
September 13, 2021 at 06:13 am
I was at the game with my family. Two kids at 3 and 6 and surrounded by Saints fans. It was hot. We still had fun and I got to see Jordan Love’s NFL debut. Too bad about the sack/fumble right before the TD at the end, but he’s going to be a very good QB. A couple of rockets to Cobb and Amari deep.
That said, this is a BAD look for the whole team, but especially from 12. He was sulking and pointing fingers, then when he got pulled, was standing FORTY yards from the rest of the team except DBakh on the sideline. Not cool 12. Not cool.
They have time to make it right.
NickPerry
September 13, 2021 at 06:39 am
"That said, this is a BAD look for the whole team, but especially from 12. He was sulking and pointing fingers, then when he got pulled, was standing FORTY yards from the rest of the team except DBakh on the sideline."
This from the man who claims he's a great teammate, leader, and recruiter... Common 12, THIS shit show was on you as much or more as anyone else.
Horrible example of leadership!
jeremyjjbrown
September 13, 2021 at 06:51 am
Looks like the "People Who Make the Things Go" forgot about something too...
greengold
September 13, 2021 at 07:57 am
100%, Nick.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:27 am
Bingo!
EddieLeeIvory
September 13, 2021 at 09:43 am
They don't hand out football trophies in September.
But that was abysmal. Saints were smart picking that location & heat.
Was Rodgers trying to lower his trade value?
Alberta_Packer
September 13, 2021 at 09:59 am
Awesome that you, your family and other Packers fans showed-up for the game. Unfortunately, the team did not. Under consumer law - you should be entitled to a refund.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:27 am
Excellent commentary!
GregC
September 13, 2021 at 06:48 am
I don't remember the last time I had less enthusiasm for the Packers coming into a new season than I did this year. And it's not that I was expecting them to lose a lot of games. I just thought that the Aaron Rodgers mini-rebellion was a complete buzzkill. After watching this performance, I can't help but wonder if this affected the team as well. How does it play with the rank and file when the star QB skips the minicamps because he no longer likes the contract he signed? Or when he bad-mouths the front office for grievances that mostly predated the signing of that contract? Or when the grievances are mostly about cutting older players to make way for younger ones, which is standard practice in the NFL? Also, a professional sports team is not just the players, it is an organization, and Rodgers has now created a split within the organization. He said in his press conference that he is the only reason anyone wants to play in Green Bay. The whole thing has a really bad smell, and it may not be an easy thing for the team to overcome this year. We shall see.
GBPDAN1
September 13, 2021 at 07:19 am
Agreed. And, the Packers have been soft against teams with good O & D lineman.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:29 am
As usual...
badaxed
September 13, 2021 at 09:09 am
Limburger is a sweet fragrance compared to the smell that emanates from 12.
LambeauPlain
September 13, 2021 at 10:58 am
Summed it up perfectly for me, Greg. It is exactly how I feel.
A good leader needs to look over his shoulder once in awhile to see if he is his team is following him. And look into the mirror without kissing it.
Leadership is not an entitlement...it is earned. My guess Rodgers is coasting on his past and not working diligently to earn current leadership expectations. For over 10 months it has been all about HIM. He endlessly whines about this being his last year. His bad attitude may be spreading in the locker room.
His sour, skulking, isolated demeanor away from his teammates in the 4th quarter after being benched was reminiscent of an isolated Favre at the end of the 2007 NFCCG, albeit 100 degrees cooler. Not a good look. He should have been talking to teammates and apologizing for not being ready. Rally the team. Instead he ignored them.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 06:41 am
I expected that the team would implode, but thought that it would occur later in the season. Although it's early, that may be beginning already. We'll know much more in a week. Should the Lions wipe out the Packers and Rodgers have another sub-par performance, then you'll see the team crack wide open. I don't expect the Lions to win, BTW, but like others have noticed, this team seems off this year.
jeremyjjbrown
September 13, 2021 at 06:49 am
Drop the attitudes, burn the tape, get to work...
egbertsouse
September 13, 2021 at 07:15 am
I hate that “Burn the tape” crap. Play the tape over and over. Hold people on the tape accountable.Bench players who gave lame effort. Cutting a player or two wouldn’t hurt either. LaFleur needs to grow a pair. Kissing Rodger’s ass and whining about the Wave won’t cut it. Pretending the game never happened is why this stuff happens. What a soft organization, from top to bottom.
Turophile
September 13, 2021 at 08:11 am
Yep, play that tape in the film rooms. Play it again and again until the players are heartily sick of it - then play it some more. I know it's game 1, but the defense didn't seem to know their responsibilities (that's on the DC).
Offense looked exactly like they hadn't had any preseason game-time, which they hadn't. I just hope the combined shame of game 1, and the teaching opportunity it affords coaches to correct the many mistakes, allows the Packers to bounce back quickly. It will be a very long season if this nonsense goes on for several weeks.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:29 am
Agree wholeheartedly!
MEO73
September 13, 2021 at 06:51 am
The team was unprepared. As fans, however, we have to be prepared because our salad days of Favre to Rodgers is likley nearing the end. I'm sure Rodgers will pick up his play, but he looks like a guy who has moved on from football in his mind. And the heir apparant is likely to be a journeyman. Love looks like he did in college. Unless coaching can improve his decision making and execution (the latter is more coachable than the former) he is unlikely to be the franchise's future. We also seem to have hired a DC who is every bit as good as his resume would predict. Hopefully, we get the ship righted. This was an embarrassing game.
dobber
September 13, 2021 at 09:56 am
"I'm sure Rodgers will pick up his play, but he looks like a guy who has moved on from football in his mind. "
That doesn't seem consistent with the last 8 months.
CheesyTex
September 13, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Cannot help wondering whether or not this is just another part of his ploy to disparage GB.
To be consistent with the last 8 months, IMO Rodgers would do everything possible to be traded before the 2021 trade deadline -- he looks and acts like a guy who has moved on from the Packers, and like a guy who has lost the Locker Room.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 06:47 am
I don't if it's that Rodgers has moved on from the Packers or just figured that his god-like powers didn't require him to put in any work over the off-season, but he hasn't lost the locker room (yet). That's the problem, actually.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:17 am
Duplicate
Bearmeat
September 13, 2021 at 11:54 am
Where the heck have you gotten that info about Love? There is starting potential there, and good starting potential at that.
He's not likely to be HOF #3 in a row. But let's cut the guy some friggin slack, until you see extended play eh?
dobber
September 13, 2021 at 12:19 pm
I agree: he's shown a willingness to make reads and go through his progressions. He showed it in the preseason, and he showed it in limited snaps last night. He's got a shot at being a capable NFL starter.
egbertsouse
September 13, 2021 at 07:19 am
Lame call: Blaming the refs when your team gets its collective ass handed to it. BS excuse.
Coldworld
September 13, 2021 at 08:05 am
Those were some pretty poor calls. The refs should be questioned, but not nearly as much as LaFleur, Barry and Rodgers.
Johnblood27
September 13, 2021 at 07:26 am
Read my posts from "The Summer of Rodgers".
I
TOLD
YOU
SO
Gutey should have traded Rodgers before the draft. PERIOD!
He is checked out.
Roadrunner23
September 13, 2021 at 07:38 am
Agree 👍
Guam
September 13, 2021 at 07:42 am
I hope that is not the case JB27, but that thought certainly crossed my mind Sunday.
Coldworld
September 13, 2021 at 08:09 am
I don’t think he has checked out. I think he looks like a man who has fallen into the trap of believing his own hype. I’d be just as worried by LaFleur and Barry after that game too.
dobber
September 13, 2021 at 09:59 am
I will be more worried if they lay an egg v. Detroit. LaFleur has always done a good job of rallying his team after a loss...humbling losses included. If this malaise continues, then there are real and tangible problems.
greengold
September 13, 2021 at 10:24 am
Was exactly my first thought too. He was buying too much of his own shit. Is he blind to the very real target he placed onto his own back with his antics this offseason? Stunningly stupid running of a talented O from the play caller.
I'll be worried about LaFleur if he can't reign in Rodgers to a real awakening. After getting paid again, and all the stuff??? LaFleur NEEDS TO COACH HIM. GUIDE HIM. We'll see if that's possible. Am I alone in thinking he did just that last season, bought in to what LaFleur wanted to run, right up until the NFCC, where AR reverted back to hero ball? We saw the absolute worst aspect of hero ball play yesterday. Takes the entire rest of the team out of the game, hurting your team's chances of success. I mean, did Allen Lazard play yesterday?
New Orleans understands the importance of rushing the rock. 33 dedicated rushing attempts to GB's 10... wow.
I'll be worried about Barry if the D doesn't make significant, consistent gains in their level of play by weeks 4-6.
Buckywunder
September 13, 2021 at 08:45 am
Yepper.
jlc1
September 13, 2021 at 01:51 pm
You only get to really Tell Us So around November. You may get to but you can't now.
Oppy
September 13, 2021 at 10:14 pm
Rodgers is as prideful, vain, and arrogant as they come.
He's going to bust his ass to prove to everyone that Week 1 was a fluke.
Will he play at a MVP level again? Well, if he commits to playing the way he did in 2020, he certainly could- 'that way' being running the offense instead of free-wheeling.
Regardless, I have zero doubts that Rodgers will be consumed with proving he's the best again.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:22 am
He may WANT to play light's-out, but he may not be able to because he spent the entire offseason NOT working on his craft. He's older now and won't be able to shake off 6 months of rust as easily as he has in the past. Fortunately, we have the Lions coming up and not the Buccaneers, so he may be able to get his head back in the game a little quicker.
But if he fails again, I want his ass benched. And if Mr Diva doesn't like it, he can take his ball and go home.
stockholder
September 13, 2021 at 07:31 am
Stuck on stupid. Gutey the draft Guru / Love /Trade Rodgers. Starting two rookies on the OL. ( That was Brilliant.) While everyone takes the best OL in college football.??? ( We believe we can replace All-pros with late draft picks. )- It's on Guteys wall. Taking a Cb when your DL hasn't been good for 10 years. Over-paying Free Agents. Avoiding ILB and expecting a cast-off to be better. Savage is Dix. Want more Ha Ha. Instead of going to a financial advisor. Buy more stock. Listening to Bradshaw talk about the packers. Drafting a position of need years later. So whats positive? Blind Faith. Better decisions ahead. The voice of the fan. Football is back.//// Waving the white flag. Putting Love in was an act of surrender. What should have happened. Run Dillion. Run Hill. Then run Jones. Football still is a game of power.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:34 am
Seems 8 people disagree... wonder why? They must be the ultimate packer backers... not!!!!
CHEESEHEADDALLAS
September 13, 2021 at 11:02 am
Thanks to our gm welcome back to the late sixties through the early 90 Fire th bum and dc along with im
jannesbjornson
September 13, 2021 at 09:32 pm
Like (i) said, three one picks in your D backfield and you play zone.
Oppy
September 13, 2021 at 10:18 pm
https://wisportsheroics.com/packers-pff-grades-week-1/
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:26 am
Wow: "Aaron Rodgers was the lowest graded player on the Packers with a PFF grade of 43.3. Yes, worse than Kevin King’s. "
If this happens again, we're in deep shit.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:28 am
You are truly an abysmal analyst.
Guam
September 13, 2021 at 07:40 am
Game Ball to the special teams who were the only unit that played acceptably - and they were they unit everyone was most concerned about in preseason. Bojorquez looked good, Crosby was old reliable and the long snapper made no errors. The coverage units were solid - not great, but gave up no big plays. The return units were meh.
The defense looked lost and had no energy. I was concerned about the Joe Barry hire based on his resume and this didn't help those concerns.
The much vaunted offense had nothing. No rushing game, no passing game, no energy and no in-game adjustments to fix problems (my one concern about MLF is his poor in-game adjustment ability - otherwise a great coach.
I hope this is a hangover from no preseason play for the regulars, but we will know the answer to that next week as a good team will rally quickly in the face of this embarrassing loss. If this crap continues next week, the reasons are much deeper and may cripple the season (bad DC hire, bad leadership from AR, split locker room from the offseason antics of AR, etc. etc.).
Roadrunner23
September 13, 2021 at 07:44 am
Joe Barry - 💩
Packers DLine - 💩
Kevin King - 💩
Mr Man Bun - 💩
Punter - 👏
Refs - 💩
Flush the turd 💩🚽 reset
Go beat the snot out of the Lions 🦁
That is all
ND
greengold
September 13, 2021 at 07:55 am
AJ Dillon, “probably underutilized,” is the only Packer worthy of a game ball: FOUR GODDAM RUSHES for 19 yds. He was ready. Hand it to him all day. Help your OL starting 2 rookies with heavy run blocking sets to wear out the opposing front 7, while saving your own defense by producing long, sustained drives. Be happy with the explosive pass plays that result in play action.
A TOTAL OF TEN RUSHES between Dillon, Jones & Cobb. For the entire game.
ONE player makes the run/pass checks at the line… if anybody says, “RELAX,” my head’s gonna explode. There was SO MUCH there that clearly angered the football gods…
MarkinMadison
September 13, 2021 at 07:56 am
Horrible game. Worst game I can remember.
(1) These guy are pros. Things will get fixed. The NFC North is pathetic. They have time for young players to grow before the playoffs.
(2) No matter what happens this year Rodgers gets traded next year. To the extent they do NOT get a king's ransom for him, it will have more to do with whatever language they put in Rodgers' contract than how he performs this year, because someone is always willing to overpay for a star.
(3) I'm o.k. with them playing Love without some of the stars - they played him with the guys he probably works with more in practice, and he seemed to move the ball just fine.
(4) Apparently not playing your starters in pre-season only works if no one else plays their starters in pre-season either. Not shocking. Reality check delivered. On to Detroit.
(5) If they get blown out by the Lions I'll change my tune and start panicking. Not really. But I will start spending a lot more time thinking about which players will be gone by next June. The answer is a lot of them. The answer is probably not much different no matter how this year turns out.
(6) Every year we think some 6th round pick is going to save the DL. Every year it doesn't happen. Ditto on ILB, but change "6th round pick" to "aging veteran and UDFA."
Coldworld
September 13, 2021 at 08:17 am
At least the backups got open and made some catches. Nice to see Amari get blooded and, ironically, Cobb actually get targeted. Would have been nicer to see Dillon involved earlier and more.
Alberta_Packer
September 13, 2021 at 10:07 am
Great irony - Cobb's first reception this year is from Love. An omen for this year?
murf7777
September 13, 2021 at 08:28 am
The Chargers and 49’ers in 2019 rank right up there with the worst recent games. Relax, it’s one game and the first one of the year. Better to have this type of game now and against a tough opponent. Most every good team get their ass handed to them on occasion. Over confident is my theory and this game just humbled them into the position they will need their minds to be. I’m confident the ship will be righted.
flackcatcher
September 13, 2021 at 12:36 pm
In both games the offense tanked, but the defense was good until the late third quarter when they ran out of gas.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:41 am
Worst game I can remember was in 1980, when the Bears destroyed the Packers in Chicago 61 to 7. Same sense of frustration, though.
THESZOTMAN1
September 13, 2021 at 08:01 am
Sorry, Ken: No "Game Balls" this week --- just "Lame Calls."
The Szotman
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:42 am
Game Balls should've gone to Saints' players and to Sean Payton. :(
RCPackerFan
September 13, 2021 at 08:08 am
Game Balls:
Packer fans who went to the game.
Lame Calls:
Green Bay Packers
This was just a pathetic game. Both offense and defensively. But especially for 12. For what happened this offseason, he has to be the best player in the league. He was far from it.
I got the feeling that this team felt it was just going to walk through the Saints. Clearly they didn't. Maybe this will be a good early wake up call.
fthisJack
September 13, 2021 at 08:31 am
I'm glad we got a new DC to solidify the D. I'm glad Hollywood Rodgers made Gutey trade for Cobb...definitely a game changer. I'm glad we got a new MLB DeVontae whats his name to shore up the middle. I'm glad we still have KK allowing long TD's. I'm glad we have those great run stopping DT's in Lowry and Lancaster. Glad the new image Hollywood Rodgers is back after holding the team hostage. I'm glad they didn't run the ball more and put it on the shoulders of a guy that doesn't want to play for the Packers. Glad Cobb showed it wasn't a mistake for making Gutey trade for him. Glad they didn't show their SB hand to the league.
I'll be glad when they trade Hollywood Rodgers and his pal Adams to free up some much needed cap space and rebuild this festering mess. And get a top notch DC that we haven't had since FrItzy.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:39 am
Needs multiple repeating!!!
Booner
September 13, 2021 at 08:31 am
Why did Gute resign King? We have an absolute idiot's running the show!
CheesyTex
September 13, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Rather ironic to see an extraneous apostrophe with the word idiots.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:43 am
+1 for "extraneous"
blacke00
September 13, 2021 at 08:37 am
Many years ago I remember that the Packer had a blowout loss to the lions....40-0. I forget the year that was real stinker.
I think it's time for a change of attitude from everyone.
wildbill
September 13, 2021 at 09:30 am
It was 1970, and the Lions beat us 20-0 in our last game
Crazedcamel
September 13, 2021 at 10:15 am
Greg Landry’s 76 yard quarterback sneak
Ferrari-Driver
September 13, 2021 at 10:18 am
The Packers struggled with Bengtson as the head coach in those years.
I had to look up the results, but while the Packers lost to the Lions 20 to 0 on the last game, they improved the score by 100 percent from the first game they played in 1970 which was also against the Lions where they were defeated by the score of 40 to 0.
Thanks for the bit of nostalgia.
Swisch
September 13, 2021 at 08:47 am
As long as Aaron Rodgers is the co-head coach, it's not going to work for the Packers.
Would Matt LaFleur have played the starters in the preseason if Rodgers didn't make it known authoritatively that the preseason was unnecessary? Would Matt LaFleur have gone for it on fourth down yesterday twice in our own territory? Would Matt LaFleur want as many long passes as were thrown by his quarterback? Would Matt LaFleur have utilized rookie wide receiver Amari Rodgers more in the offense?
We may never know who is really making the decisions out there for the Packers, and what would have happened if Matt LaFleur was fully in charge.
Our head coach is in a difficult and delicate position in apparently having to appease the harsh gaze and sulky reactions of our quarterback, who seems to think himself a mastermind of coaching.
Actually, our QB may be more or less delusional. If Rodgers thought this team was adequately prepared and emotionally ready to go to start the regular season, he may not be the venerable sage he claims to be.
He also may be setting a desultory tone of self-centeredness and dissension that is dragging the whole team downward.
LambeauPlain
September 13, 2021 at 11:15 am
Good attitudes are infectious...so are bad attitudes.
You can manage behavior, but not attitude. It seems Rodgers is dragging a bad attitude around the team while he singlehanded consumes just under a third of the entire salary cap. Instead of being a grateful, happy warrior...he seems an entitled malcontent. That attitude can truly damage team unity. I call it the "Jeff George Disease"...a talented QB that just poisoned any team's locker room he played for.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:49 am
The phrase "a cancer in the organization" is very true, whether it applies to a business or team. And malcontents in higher level positions wreak much more havoc than those in lower level positions. Looks like we may be seeing that with the Packers, unfortunately.
MLF may be lucky to make it through the season without completely losing the locker room, and the Packers may be lucky to make it to Sept 2022 without completely gutting the roster in order to get back some control.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
September 13, 2021 at 08:48 am
Game ball: The Bucks and Brewers for giving the Packers the beautiful freshness of victory in Wisconsin air. Lame call: That foul fart of game that was able to seep out despite so many having their heads firmly placed where it shouldn’t have been possible.
SwedeBayPacker
September 13, 2021 at 08:56 am
Everyone and their mothers knew Joe Barry was the absolute worst hire imaginable, everyone except the GB front office. But they powered on with their shoddy emergency plan B, and lo and behold, here we are. Last Dance my ass.
croatpackfan
September 13, 2021 at 11:00 am
Hire of OC and DC is the responsibility of the HC. He choses his team.
GM builds roster. Not coaching staff.
That is how it should be!
HarryHodag
September 13, 2021 at 09:02 am
Something to chew on: all four NFC North teams lost yesterday. All four NFC West teams won.
Sobering thought: the same team that looked like Lindy infante's Packers have to face: the 49'ers,Cardinals, Rams and Seattle from the NFC West, along with the Steelers(a team with real balls), Chiefs(balls and great talent), plus the Ravens(always tough), the Browns(greatly improved) and two slowly improving teams in the Bengals and Washington teams.
The usual suspects from the NFC North, Bears, Vikings and Lions(twice).
At this point, unless there's a massive turnaround, can you see more than 5 wins(possibly less?).
If your defense is tough you can stay in games. You can toss that idea out the window.
As they say: from the penthouse to the outhouse.
greengold
September 13, 2021 at 09:49 am
Hi Harry!
I don't think yesterday was truly representative of what this Packers team is today. If anything, I look at it as a gut punch level wake up call that knocks you clean out. Time for some on this team to wake up. I think they will.
I think we all agree Matt LaFleur's game plan did not include only 10 dedicated rushing attempts... Rodgers reverting straight back to the 2020 NFC Championship game, abandoning the run to continually throw, inviting full on pass rush nearly every play - WITH 2 ROOKIE OL, locking in solely to Davante 2nd half... clearly checking out of run plays, completely wiped out our defense on a very hot Florida afternoon. Hell, they were totally gassed because of our offensive ineffectiveness in the first half. That was just stupid football by the team leader.
Maybe, just maybe, Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers have a serious come to Jesus moment after film review. He is playing pass happy again, sitting on sidelines away from his teammates, and clearly not doing what LaFleur wants him to do, in my eyes. Saw same, very same stuff under Mike McCarthy a number of times... and there is one common denominator.
Running the rock requires dedication, acceptance of 1 yard runs and a pile of dust, and understanding that this is a team game, not just a stage for one player. Help your OL out by committing to a heavy dose of run blocking to wear out opponent's front 7. Help your D out by sticking to the game plan, and putting together long, sustained drives. Help your own play action by literally calling more runs to keep your opposing D off guard.
Instead, we got the predictable hero ball garbage, killing the rest of the team.
flackcatcher
September 13, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Lafleur does not get a pass here gg. His insistence on getting rid of Pettine so late in the hiring cycle, and hiring Barry to run a defensive scheme that does not fit this roster is stupid by any measure. Whatever was going on, on the run up to this game, they clearly were not ready to play. There is no excuse, none at all. This sits on Lafleur, and don't think for a second that Gutekunst is happy with Lafleur at all after this beatdown. I suspect Gute is about to have his 'own come to Jesus' moment with Lafleur very, very soon.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:42 am
I predict 8-9
croatpackfan
September 13, 2021 at 11:03 am
Aaaah, those optimists...
murf7777
September 13, 2021 at 11:58 am
Or realist….
murf7777
September 13, 2021 at 11:56 am
For gosh sakes, the sky isn’t falling because of one bad loss against a tough opponent, especially the first week with a new DC installing a new Defense. Now, if we lay an egg at home against Detroit Monday night we can start considering some of your thoughts.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:50 am
Well, at least our draft position will improve.
TXCHEESE
September 13, 2021 at 09:03 am
I know is sounds high-schoolish, but I wish Lafleur could have marched the entire team to the buses right after the game and made there @sses fly all the way back to GB in their stink and dirty uniforms. Damn that was pitiful. Hopefully this is the last pre-season they wrap the starters in bubble wrap.
HarryHodag
September 13, 2021 at 09:14 am
Our coach made us go back on the field and do up-downs until we almost all passed out. Then at the Monday practice he made us run until we almost passed out. Gets your attention.
Dr.Rodgers
September 13, 2021 at 10:54 am
Since when do buses fly?
TXCHEESE
September 13, 2021 at 01:02 pm
Uhm, I THINK they have to ride a bus to airport?
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:52 am
Well, there IS a plane called an Airbus...
13TimeChamps
September 13, 2021 at 09:16 am
AJ Dillon....
I just don't get it. Is there something going on in practice that we're not aware of? You draft him in the 2nd round, give him meaningful playing time in ONE game all year, and he plays lights out, then back to the bench. Then this year, with Jamaal gone, everyone expects him to be unleashed. He gets 4 rushes, averaging almost 5 per. Then stop using him. WTF??
Joe Barry....
So much for "he's never had this much talent to work with before".
Aaron Rodgers....
I'm having a hard time convincing myself that it was a coincidence he has his worst game of his career, after letting mgt. know he doesn't want to be here.
greengold
September 13, 2021 at 09:31 am
I agree with all of this, 13TimeChamps!!! Right on.
My feelings are the front office decided to take this direction, under immense adversity. I'm not going to get too high or too low. Rather, going to sit back and see what they do. This year could be a total flame out, or an epic tale for all of us to remember fondly. Yesterday was one game completely on the wrong end of the spectrum. Might be the gut punch they needed. We'll just have to see.
Wishing you and all my Packer friends here my very best.
GPG
13TimeChamps
September 13, 2021 at 04:35 pm
Thanks GG. Should be an interesting ride. In all my years in the workforce, I can't think of one instance where having a disgruntled employee ended well.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:44 am
Bingo... cubed!
Difer
September 13, 2021 at 09:12 am
Rodgers looked (and played) like a grumpy old hippy. No question his MVP award last year went to his head. I believe he can still be a productive QB on the right team, but his continued presence on the Packers is toxic. And without Rodgers performing at an MVP level, the Packers are a mediocre team. Mediocre front office, coaching staff and lineup. The Packers are who they are. Respectfully, the Packers should trade Rodgers NOW for whatever they can get and move on with Love. The result will be preferable to the shit show we saw yesterday. And most important to MM and the front office, loyal Packer fans will continue to sell out Lambeau whoever the quarterback is.
LambeauPlain
September 13, 2021 at 11:20 am
'Grumpy old hippy".
I nearly spit out my coffee.
badaxed
September 13, 2021 at 09:24 am
The defense stinks. the offense stinks. the coaching (12) stinks. 12 created this shitstorm (deviousness) this offseason. Get rid of the problem (12).
TarynsEyes
September 13, 2021 at 09:44 am
So everyone is throwing in the towel already. Even I won't do that at this point. How NEGATIVE!!!
13TimeChamps
September 13, 2021 at 09:49 am
LOL...good one!
PatrickGB
September 13, 2021 at 10:08 am
That’s funny Tayrn. Good observation! The team wins-we love them, the team loses- we hate them. Calm down my fellow fans. It’s a long season.
Spock
September 13, 2021 at 10:12 am
Lol, Taryn, that did make me "Laugh out loud". A thumbs up for that one (I know you don't care about that)!
murf7777
September 13, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Good one Taryn…
jannesbjornson
September 13, 2021 at 09:45 pm
Supposedly, they are the truly loyal Fans...thick and thin and all that or just thin-skinned after one pre-season tilt.
dobber
September 13, 2021 at 10:02 am
I didn't see much of a game plan v. the Saints. It's almost as if they decided they were going to protect the offensive and defensive play books for someone further down the line. Nothing fancy or creative on either side of the ball--yes, I know they were getting it taken to them, but there was nothing that even indicated that they were TRYING to do anything aside from what they ran in preseason on either side of the ball.
A New Era
September 13, 2021 at 10:08 am
Last year the Bucs lost to the Saints 38-3 and then won the Super Bowl. I think we found the blueprint!!
dobber
September 13, 2021 at 10:29 am
Boom!
LambeauPlain
September 13, 2021 at 11:24 am
Way to go! You kept digging at the pile of manure and finally found the pony!
murf7777
September 13, 2021 at 12:04 pm
That seems more like a goodacidtrip:)
Spock
September 13, 2021 at 10:15 am
I said before the game I would not panic/read much into a first game, and I won't. Disappointed that the team came out beyond "flat" and they seemed to be shocked that the other guys didn't just lay down in front of them. I believe this team WILL be way better next week. I think Ken Lass' comment about "believing their own press clippings" is pretty spot on. 16 more games to go and, hey, at least we have a good punter :). I used to get emotionally high/low after wins/losses by the Pack, but these days life has tempered my enthusiasm for the game as it is only a game. Being disabled with back (degenerative disks) and left leg issues (no knee cap, eight surgeries) I just had an MRI on the problem right shoulder I've had for decades. The results of my MRI on my shoulder: two ligaments torn off and retracted 2 inches, biceps tendon completely torn off the bone and retracted beyond the "field of view" of the MRI, another ligament or tendon that holds the ball of the shoulder into the socket torn off and on the wrong side of the socket, torn labrum. Verdict: not repairable, AKA "live with it". Frankly hearing THAT news was EASIER than watching this debacle of a game, lol. My injuries aren't going away but the good news is that next week we could/should see a better game. However that game goes I'll still be a Packers fan when it's done. Life goes on and we just need to take it one day at a time. GPG!
Edit: sorry to go into own physical issues to make this point, I'm sure many out there have plenty of worse things happening to them or their loved ones. Just trying to put the game into perspective. :)
Curt
September 13, 2021 at 10:10 am
Hard to be anything but negative after that mess.
Since'61
September 13, 2021 at 10:11 am
Game Balls: N/A
Lame Calls: Coaching Staff, Aaron Rodgers, entire offense and the entire defense. Everyone on the team except for Mason Crosby and the new punter Bojorquez.
I won't give Crosby and Bojorquez a game because they did their jobs but were not exceptional. Nothing from this game deserves a game ball.
Moving on. Thanks, Since '61
Fabio
September 13, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Hello since '61
I haven't written a long time
I deliberately decided to let the pre-season run to stop participating in the anti / pro Rodgers saga because I thought it distracted too much from the team's problems.
Well, after a few months I notice that unfortunately I was right.
We always think that everything can always and only depend on one player to decide everything at least we can blame only one person for everything that happens. Sure, there are episodes that affect a lot (see Bostic or King last season), but the problem is getting more and more complex.
I think the real big problem is that the overall evaluation of the team as a whole is fundamentally wrong and too many players are overrated.
We have been dazzled by two seasons 13-3, but we never analyze how those numbers arrived. The first season we had already had proof on at least three occasions of what could have happened to us and promptly in the NFCC final it happened. Last year, we had some victories clearly conditioned by serious absences of the opposing teams, but above all we thought we had an attack that was impossible to stop when in reality it was (and is) clear how it can be stopped (see the two games against Tampa, but not only).
I have never believed that AR is infallible, but I have always believed that when he does not play at his level, this team has less than a 1% chance of winning a TOP match. In all this time, he himself has built (unfortunately also on the basis of facts) the conviction of being the savior of the team and I believe that this has been and is his big problem. But it is also the fault of those who have never given the team a worthy D so that they can refute this thought in him.
I am confident and I hope that we will rise again, but I believe that everyone has to start looking differently at the value of our players (by the way GARY the stallion was playing ??) to have more real expectations than our desire.
As with all things I believe that the numbers (in the short term) alone are not enough to define the skill of the players, but that very often they must be analyzed specifically .....
My biggest fear was that the D was not up to par this season too and the start unfortunately seems to agree with me.
I hope everything changes soon
Greetings from Italy
Since'61
September 13, 2021 at 09:08 pm
Hello Fabio, it's good to hear from you again. You are correct the Packers have numerous issues starting with team management, coaches and players. Since Ron Wolf left as the Packers GM in 2001 it seems that the Packers have been content to have an HOF Qb win games without a solid supporting cast.
TT initially did a good job during his first 4-5 seasons as Packers GM resulting in the 2010 SB victory. They had a very good defense that season but since then a combination of injuries, poor drafts, and losing players to FA the defense has continually been on the decline. Rodgers has covered up team weaknesses on both offense and defense for years until the playoffs when the good teams expose the team weaknesses on offense and defense.
When Rodgers does not play well the team is not good enough to pick him up and pull out a win. This game against New Orleans was a failure at every level of the organization. Starting with management decisions to keep players like King, Lowry and Lancaster. Why? Could we have chucked the three of them and retained Linsley while Myers has a season or two to transition into the starting role at Center? Next, at the coaching level, I have to question why the team was totally unprepared to play on both sides of the ball? What have MLF and Barry been doing?
Finally the players. They were flat from the opening kickoff and ended several layers below flat by the end. It was not a professional level of football. The OL was not effective in either run or pass blocking. Rodgers was indecisive and never got into any rhythm. The receivers could not get open and the RBs didn't have support from the OL.
With the exception of Jaire Alexander the defense failed at every level. The Saints offense did whatever they wanted. Losing, even losing badly is one thing. It happens evens to the best teams. But lack of effort by the entire team in the first game of the season is unacceptable. And it is further evidence of the Packers organization lack of a sense of urgency which flows down from the top, through the coaches down to the players. I've posted about the packers lack of a sense of urgency for years going back to the MM/TT era when MM was going through the motions and TT was steadily slipping away. Murphy was off building Packerland while the team was flailing around.
The hopeful/positive side is that the NFL is a week to week league. Teams go from great to bad and bad to great from one game to another. Hopefully this will happen with the Packers after this latest debacle. If they don't show up against the Lions this could turnout to be a long season. Let's see how MLF responds this week and if he has his team ready for the Lions. Italy is glorious. Stay well. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
September 13, 2021 at 09:50 pm
Truth.
Fabio
September 14, 2021 at 12:29 am
As usual it is a pleasure to confront you since '61 !!
What I find absurd is that these types of performances have already occurred on many other occasions ...... but it seems that MLF is a new Guru of the sport!?!?
However, I am also convinced that this sport goes from week to week .... so Go Pack Go ..... but we hope that there are no other situations of this type otherwise it could be a symptom of a bigger problem!
Until next time!!
Greetings from Italy
Alberta_Packer
September 13, 2021 at 10:37 am
The Packers seems to have some sort of arcane and counter-productive belief system that seniority and salary should always take priority over productivity and potential. If not, what other explanation could there be to start King over Stokes - or- Lancaster over Heflin? Stokes, in his limited snaps, showed much better than King. On the other side, even Paulson Adebo, a rookie 3rd rounder, looked better than King. Meanwhile Heflin was an inactive - despite being the better player than Lancaster in the pre-season. Really, new thinking could produce better results.
bjkdad44
September 13, 2021 at 10:48 am
Agree 100%
Packerfansupreme
September 13, 2021 at 10:46 am
Game ball: packers fans for sitting through that game
Lame calls Matt Lafleur. Get your team ready. God damn
Aaron Rodgers. You cant complain and put out this performance
Joe Barry. Not the answer
Front office: Cant put together a competent defense
Kevin King...I cant even dude
Dr.Rodgers
September 13, 2021 at 11:00 am
Sunday afternoon with their heads in the butthole of Florida. What a beautiful mystery this team has become.
Roadrunner23
September 13, 2021 at 11:02 am
Pucker up boys, it’s going to be a long hard season 🤨
frankthefork
September 13, 2021 at 11:08 am
Relax. It was an awful game plan for GBP O & D; but did they really want to beat NOLA after Ida...I think not.
Playing football is a team effort, and this was not a good team, nor prepared for the regular season.
I expect a 38-10 win over the Lions and eventually a NFC north Title, but really, this team looks no better than a10-7 team right now. Time will tell, but fans should get use to losses in the future this year and certainly next year because of it's cap issues and AR 12's overinflated ego.. Ugly yes, but it's one game outside the division.
Starrbrite
September 13, 2021 at 11:09 am
I flew from South Dakota for the game—expecting a win of course. Without question, the game ball is awarded to Packer fans, who ALWAYS prove why they are the most loyal fans in football.
The stadium was not 3/4 full, but at least 1/2 of attending fans were wearing green and gold. Thumbs up to Packer fans (everywhere) and thumbs down to a pathetic performance by an unprepared, underperforming football team.
LambeauPlain
September 13, 2021 at 11:31 am
Jim Leonard could have been Joe Barry.
TJ Watt could have been Kevin King.
Truly is a game of inches.
It is early, but the Barry D looks to be Pettine lite. Last year the D produced inflated results in NFL rankings because the Packer O kept Pettine's D off the field. Last year the Packer D played the fewest snaps of any team in the NFL.
The twice failed DC, Joe Barry, is showing the past is often prologue.
Packers0808
September 13, 2021 at 11:33 am
The Rodgers Jesus Christ copycat hair do and beard ended being a no prayer for the new Man Bun grand stander!
flackcatcher
September 13, 2021 at 01:36 pm
The better prepared team won this game. More often the not it's about execution. The Packers were not ready either mentally or physically. That is all on Lafleur. It has always baffled me why Lafleur so disliked Pettine. So much, he pushed Pettine out so late in the hiring cycle. I don't blame Barry, I blame Lafleur for hiring a DC whose scheme does not fit the players on this defense. Yes he wanted the Badger's DC, but that wasn't going to happen when Bucky is in their own Championship year. I understand that Lafleur had to step lightly on quarterback's 1 ego. But that's all over now. They were not ready, and embarrassed themselves. Especially Rodgers and Lafleur. If this game wasn't the red flashing light for those two, then I don't know what will wake them up. Get it fixed, put both ego's away. Play the previous defensive scheme till the players understand the new one and then transition over during the season. And above all, get Rodgers to understand that running the offensive scheme will get him to victory. That's the two things the Lafleur has to do for this team to win to the Superbowl. It's all doable, tough since the season started, but doable.
jurp
September 14, 2021 at 07:58 am
I agree that it's often about execution, and I think the Saints executed the Packers quite efficiently.
flackcatcher
September 14, 2021 at 12:13 pm
LOL. Yes, they did...
Philarod
September 13, 2021 at 03:27 pm
Not much to say.
It was a simply dreadful game, but just Game One.
Every edition of every team is a new journey, and yes, this journey started out in horrific fashion.
But after back-to-back 13-3 seasons with runs to the NFC Championship game, and with arguably the best QB in the NFL (no, NOT based on yesterday), I think we'll be okay.
Barazinho
September 13, 2021 at 05:09 pm
Speaking of tough calls, it looked like the LT was holding Rashan Gary on NO's third touchown - the arm was across the neck, right as the ball left Jameis' hand. If called, it might have ended up forcing a field goal.
Packfangirl
September 13, 2021 at 10:49 pm
I have to give a thumbs up to Elgton Jenkins for making a tackle on at least one of the interceptions...
That was a hard game to watch...but I did. Even my hubby didn't hassle me (jokingly!) that the packers were going to lose, because well, they were losing so bad....
I really hope to see a different team on the field next week..
Some bad calls seemed to happen at the worst possible times..but that is football and all teams have to deal with them. and that's not why we lost..Could those calls have made a difference? we will never know...
Here's hoping next week's game helps us all forget about this one! Go Pack Go!