The Lass Word: Beware The Ambush in the Meadowlands
What statement do you make after you have made your statement?
By KenLass
Trains of Thought:
Somehow, this football season feels different to me now. Up until the Packers defeated the Chiefs Sunday night, I was enjoying this campaign virtually free of expectations. The losses didn’t bother me. They were expected. I had written this entire year off as a complete reconstruction. Let’s find out who the good players are, let’s position the team with a high draft pick, let’s establish some sort of foundation for the future. We’re playing with house money. Nothing to lose. Just let it fly.
Suddenly it’s all changed. The youngest team in the NFL, the team that literally had to learn how to win, learned much faster than expected. Led by exponential improvement from the quarterback, everything has started to come together way ahead of schedule. Close losses became close wins. At first it was just against the bad teams, then the Packers outplayed two of the best teams in the league, one of them on the road. A four game losing streak and a lost season shockingly morphed into four out of five wins, including three in a row.
Until Sunday night I never seriously entertained the notion that Green Bay could make the playoffs. Even after the win on Thanksgiving Day over the Lions. A cool victory, I thought. But more than likely an aberration fueled by a revenge motive because of the whupping the Lions put on us in week four. But when you beat the defending Super Bowl champions, not just beat them but clearly outplay them, that’s not an aberration. That’s a trend. That’s a solid indication these young bucks are capable of making serious noise sooner than later. Could it be the future is now?
Sure feels like it. As things currently stand, the Packers are actually in the playoffs, occupying the seventh, and final, wild card spot. There are five games left to play. Not a single one of those opponents has a winning record. Not only does the Pack have a chance to make the post season, they actually should be favored to do so. Unthinkable a month ago.
The Packers learned how to rise from adversity. Now, can they handle success? Suddenly they have something to lose. Something to defend. Will it create more pressure on their youthful shoulders? Or are they so young that they don’t know what they don’t know? Will they continue to play loose and confident?
The Monday night game against the Giants will tell a lot. The Giants, in some ways, are where the Packers were a month ago. They got off to a 2-8 start, buried by injuries, including their star quarterback, and just overall mediocre play. Bur with nothing to lose and just playing for next year, the Giants have suddenly won two in a row and scrap heap quarterback Toomy De Vito is starting to show improvement. Young talent like receiver Jalen Hyatt is starting to come on. Sound familiar? It’s a national game in prime time on their home field. It’s their chance to make THEIR statement, just as the Kansas City game was for the Packers. Green Bay is a six point favorite, just as they were a seven point underdog against the Chiefs.
In short, this game has ambush written all over it. It’s a good test for Matt LaFleur’s coaching staff to see if they can get this team ready to play, physically and psychologically.
-- I’ve always acknowledged Patrick Mahomes as the best quarterback in the game, but I wouldn’t say that I was a fan of his in particular. He won me over with his classy post game comments after losing to Green Bay. Instead of whining about not getting the pass interference call on the final drive, Mahomes told the media “At the end of the game, they let the guys play. I’m about that. If I get the ball out there, then he scores a touchdown. That’s what I’m saying. You don’t want flags, man. I gotta make the throw. If I make the throw, then I wouldn’t be wanting a flag”.
As a Packer fan, I truly appreciate his refusal to taint Green Bay’s win. In fact, pretty much the entire Chiefs team handled the loss with dignity. Travis Kelce said “We can’t blame this thing on anyone but ourselves.” Well done, Chiefs.
-- The Packers may have finally found a street running back with something left in the tank. The team signed Kenyan Drake to its practice squad this week. James Robinson was released. Drake has bounced around several teams but has been reasonably productive everywhere he has gotten the opportunity. Even last year he averaged over four yards per carry with the Ravens, running for 482 yards and four scores. I’ve liked him ever since he came out of Alabama in 2016. I’m anxious to see him play.
-- Do you suppose there’s any chance Aaron Rodgers drops in on MetLife stadium Monday night to catch a glimpse of his former team in action?
-- I keep hearing the speculation as to who the Bears will draft to be their next quarterback. I don’t understand this. They would be nuts to move on from Justin Fields. He is, by far, the most talented signal caller they’ve had in decades. His skill set is unique. I know this upcoming draft is loaded with QB prospects, but the success rate of first round quarterbacks is less than fifty percent. The Bears have invested three years in Fields and I believe they will continue to build around him, as they should. When he plays against Green Bay, he scares me, and it’s been a long time since that was true of a Bears quarterback.
I also don’t believe the Vikings will move on from Kirk Cousins. He executes that offense beautifully. I predict he will be re-signed during the off season. Frankly, I would love to see both the Bears and the Vikings start over with new quarterbacks under center. But I don’t believe either will do so
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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 (23)
Ritzy
December 07, 2023 at 03:36 pm
If the Packers are in need of some motivation, just recall last season's loss in London to the Giants when the Pack came in with a 3-1 mark. The Packers took a early lead before collapsing in the second half plus Rodgers broke his thumb and wasn't the same for the rest of the season. The Packers should be out for revenge.
Coldworld
December 07, 2023 at 04:44 pm
Right. We were surely ambushed and bushwhacked on that day. One would think it ingrained in the coaches minds as well as many of the players.
10ve 💚
December 07, 2023 at 03:42 pm
"I keep hearing the speculation as to who the Bears will draft to be their next quarterback. I don’t understand this. They would be nuts to move on from Justin Fields. He is, by far, the most talented signal caller they’ve had in decades."
OK Ken, we understand your embedded code. Every Packer fan hopes that the Bears will continue with Justin Fields 😁😁😁
Duneslick
December 07, 2023 at 04:02 pm
Justin fields cant read defenses and is inaccurate. His running will only get you so far. You just need to make him pass and beat you with your arm. After 3 seasons he hasnt changed
White92
December 07, 2023 at 05:59 pm
Chicago is completely incapable of developing quarterbacks. It doesn't matter how talented they are. Fields is on his second head coach and offensive coordinator in 3 years. Little wonder he's struggling
HawkPacker
December 08, 2023 at 10:54 am
I really don't know if Fields is good or not. But if the Bears think he is good and they want to stay with him and they are correct as to his talent, they have two very high draft picks in the first round.
I do not know if this draft is a deep draft or not and although I have read that the draft is full of good OT's but not sure on any other positions. Let's say it is a deep draft. If the Bears could trade one or both of these high picks, look at the high draft capital that they could acquire.
They could really turn things around in a hurry if that happens.
Much of this is like us Packers. How good is our QB? I tend to think that Love is our answer at this so important position and that makes developing our team easier and faster than if we had to get one of the top QB's in the draft. Same goes for da Bears!
SinceLombardi
December 07, 2023 at 04:00 pm
There can be no losing to Tommy DeVito. Period. It doesn’t have to be lopsided, perfect or even pretty.
Just win baby!
HawkPacker
December 08, 2023 at 10:55 am
And look good doing it. To me that is so important to see our team trend upwards.
splitpea1
December 07, 2023 at 04:05 pm
"It's a good test for MLF's coaching staff to see if they can get this team ready to play, physically and psychologically." Why, expecting a letdown? This team is too young to be reading their press clippings or anything like that. They should be plenty motivated and just have to execute the way they have been doing to earn another win.
Just to put the Giants' "hot streak" into perspective, they beat the Commanders despite giving up 9 sacks and being on the short side of the first down total 28-13. And then they managed to eke by the offensively challenged Patriots 10-7. So unless we make a lot of mistakes or turn the ball over, this is a team we should be able to handle. It might help to defend those crossing routes which we never got around to in the last meeting in London.
Vikings: For the most part, drafting and developing QBs isn't in their DNA. But I wouldn't continue to pay an aging player like Cousins; maybe he continues to keep them a respectable team or a little better within the division, but beyond that? Ah, who knows? The Vikings are a strange and rather unfulfilling organization.
HawkPacker
December 08, 2023 at 10:57 am
Hey split. Thanks for the hot streak information. I do feel much better now.
RE: Vikings? I agree that they should get a QB in the draft. There appears to be quite a bit of them based on what I have read. Everyone talks about the first two QB's but aren't there 3 or 4 more that are pretty good as well?
pantz_bURp
December 07, 2023 at 04:18 pm
I am not even thinking of playoffs for this team yet. Just enjoying the maturation process (the team and me).
What a unique season to be able to watch the Pack and then keep an eye out for how Buffalo and the Jets do in regards to our draft picks from them.
What a FUN game to be able to watch against the Chiefs! That was some energy...
Pantz in a Trantz
TXCHEESE
December 07, 2023 at 04:32 pm
I get the feeling these young Packers are smelling blood in the water, with an opportunity to get to the playoffs. I certainly don't think, they will be in any way, over confident in the coming games. Will they make mistakes? Probably, but they are uber athletic and their talents is really starting to shine.
Hopefully, they play well Monday, get the win and get some of the injured back for a playoff run.
exbody
December 07, 2023 at 05:14 pm
All good points....yes the Packers have played excellent football on both sides and ST too.
However, they are the youngest team in the league so will overconfidence set in?
Will the Packers let the foot of the gas because the NYG are 4-8 ?
I don't believe that this is the case here. Remember after the Lions game, MLF stayed that this performance by the team was and should be "the standard".
From what the players said after that game, it appears they too share that same mindset.
I think we will see a motivated and determined effort Monday night vs the NYG.
The Packers are the more talented team and the better team.
PACKERS 26 NYG 17
exbody
December 07, 2023 at 05:17 pm
All good points....yes the Packers have played excellent football on both sides and ST too.
However, they are the youngest team in the league so will overconfidence set in?
Will the Packers let the foot of the gas because the NYG are 4-8 ?
I don't believe that this is the case here. Remember after the Lions game, MLF stateded that this performance by the team was and should be "the standard".
From what the players said after that game, it appears they too share that same mindset.
I think we will see a motivated and determined effort Monday night vs the NYG.
The Packers are the more talented team and the better team.
PACKERS 26 NYG 17
LambeauPlain
December 07, 2023 at 07:01 pm
Packers are playing very confident on Offense...beating good teams by setting the tone early in the games with first downs and scores.
That can only help the Defense and maybe, just maybe encourage them play pressure D with the front 7.
Giants always find a way to be a thorn:
*Last season.
*Knocking the 15-1 Packers out of the 2011 Divisional playoffs.
*And the 2007 NFCCG during Favre's last Packer game in frozen Lambeau.
All shockers.
I read their young QB is in a mini groove.
Beware.
DragonSilk
December 07, 2023 at 07:46 pm
The Packers are in great shape! Of our 6 losses 3 are against AFC teams, 1 is against Detroit who we have now split with. Another is against the Vikings who we still have a chance to split with. The other is against the Falcons that are in position to win their weak division. The remaining 5 games are all against weak NFC teams.
Qoojo
December 07, 2023 at 08:37 pm
I wouldn't call it an ambush. Inconsistency is a trait of youth. They have looked great the past couple of games in large part because they limited their mental mistakes. This is another data point on whether it was luck or the young guys figured something out.
Additionally, this game is different because they are expected to win and not huge underdogs. Can they handle the pressure?
HawkPacker
December 08, 2023 at 11:00 am
Not only the coaches, but I really think that Love will get the offense fired up. He seems to be a pretty good leader to me.
ricky
December 07, 2023 at 09:22 pm
This upcoming game makes me more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. As you noted, this has a "trap game" feel about it. A younger team, perhaps starting to believe, but also getting the feeling that they are a "team of destiny". Love needs to be instrumental in this, as he seems to really grasp the idea of playing one game at a time. Focus, guys. Focus.
Tundraboy
December 07, 2023 at 11:13 pm
Next on the list of payback recipients regardless of record. At least my list. Same with Tampa. And on Monday night! GPG
Ferrari-Driver
December 07, 2023 at 11:43 pm
"Beware The Ambush in the Meadowlands"
Ken, you can fully expect an ambush in the Meadowlands and it will be the Packers ambushing the Giants on their home field.
Spock
December 08, 2023 at 07:01 am
I'm liking the "this is the standard" words from MLF. He, like Mike M., seems to have a pretty good handle on keeping the team in the "one game at a time" mindset. I will say he's improved in that area as in some previous years (especially after byes and mini byes) his teams were sometimes coming out 'flat'. I haven't seen that this year. All MLF needs to do is remind the team that they've lost half their games, and this game would put them back into the hole they were in after the 4-game losing streak. That should be motivation enough for these youngsters who almost all came from winning programs in college. These kids have pride and want to be good. I love this team! GPG!
Minniman
December 08, 2023 at 12:47 pm
Stick to the plan Ken, that's my advice - and it's clearly working for the Packers.
The statement sounds like hyperbole, but when you unpack it (pun intended), it's simplistically beautiful.
The season is, and always will be, all about evaluation and development of not only the players, but the scheme. The results are the product of the process not the other way around.
We are finally seeing what a MLF offense looks like and early indications are that it's far more diverse than previous years.
I'm really enjoying seeing the Packers now successfully attack teams in varied ways and overloading the defense.
While the headline win against KC was great, the total dismantling of Spags' blitzing was fantastic - "oh, you want to blitz me spags - and try and intimidate me? Ok, thanks, I'll just take the blitzers vacated zone for the completion"! and that was only enabled by scheme and execution.