Packers Vs. Commanders - 3 Plays That Make You Go Hmmm
Jersey Al picks out three thought-provoking plays from the Packers' last game.
By JerseyAl
After re-watching the Packers game, here are three plays that made me go hmmm, for various reasons.
The obvious take here would have been to highlight some of the drops we saw throughout the game, from the offense to the defense and extending to special teams (muffed punt). But this series isn't about picking the obvious and easy way, so I'm going to focus on a few things I saw on the defensive side of the ball.
Free Quay Walker:
In my Polluted Mindset of a a week or two ago, I mentioned how ineffective Walker has been when allowed to rush the passer. The main reason I cited was that it was always an inside rush, where Walker has already proven not quite ready enough yet to work his way through the big guys on the OL. That's an area where he will improve with more experience and time in the weight room, but to this point, he's been a sideline to sideline linebacker asked to play inside. I wondered why in the world the Packers didn't work up some schemes for him where he can come full speed off the edge - you know, taking advantage of his best asset - speed. Well, lo and behold, Joe Barry does read CheeseheadTV, because he keeps trying things we suggest. Here Walker gets a free run at Heinecke and hurries his throw, although the QB does a nice job getting it off and completing a pass. Regardless, Walker was credited with one QB hit and two hurries on six pass rushes. Those are much better results than with what they got in previous games.
On the Edge
This is tongue-in-cheek (and a bit mean), but I'm wondering if Gary didn't suffer his concussion earlier in the game than what everyone thinks. His head sure appeared to be in the clouds as he was making some terrible decisions in the run game. His inattention to holding his edge and keeping an eye on the ball carrier was primarily responsible for three big run plays (60 yds in total) the Commanders executed on the two touchdown drives that changed the game around (the 2nd quarter drive the pulled them to 14-10 and the 3rd quarter drive where they took the lead at 17-14 and never looked back). On this play, he's in perfect position to just take a simple step outside and force the running back to cut into traffic, but he tries to play cat and mouse and ends up chasing the mouse downfield after giving him plenty of open field in which to run.
Who Did it?
I was kind of surprised by the reaction to this play on twitter, and how different it was than my reaction. I watch this play and think Stokes makes a bad decision. With Amos so clearly playing the outside zone, there is little reason for Stokes to also go that way. Yet, some people were saying the blame falls on Quay Walker (didn't drop deep enough) or Darnell Savage (no responsibility to his right). I don't know - I see a total brain fart by Stokes. What do you think? Vote in the poll below.
Which Packer Player was most responsible for the TD to Antonio Gibson?
By JerseyAl
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (28)
croatpackfan
October 25, 2022 at 03:18 pm
Thank you Al. I noticed, also, that from time to time Gary thinks he is so fast he can catch the rabbit running for his life. He can't. I believe Engbare did better job in setting the edge.
I was not so down on Quay, as I think that many players plays out of the position where they may be most efficant. I like the idea to move Savage to starr and Douglas as FS. As it looks like Stokes are overthinking what to do (unlike last year) I would prefere Ford & Amos at S and rotation of Douglas and Stokes outside.
It will be interesting what you are thinking of that idea.
Also, what is your opinion on OL at Washington. While I was glad they move Jenkins back to LG, somewhat strange was to see Nijman playing RT and Tom LT, based on preparing Nijman for LT starter and never played Tom on that position. In preseason, as I can recollect Tom was playing on every position on OL except LT.
Thank you!
Rarescope
October 25, 2022 at 04:45 pm
While it wasn't what I expected I was literally jumping for joy when I saw the OL shuffle. I don't care if they put Amari Rodgers out there, just please try something different! *to any Packers staff reading this that's a joke - please don't put Amari Rodgers out there on the OL.
jannesbjornson
October 25, 2022 at 07:17 pm
misfire.
Since'61
October 25, 2022 at 03:38 pm
Al totally agree that Stokes blew the coverage. I don’t understand why the Packers have these assignment and communication problems in every game. It’s been going on for years going back well into the MM/TT era.
It just doesn’t make sense to happen so often.
As for Gary, when I saw the play that chose I thought the same exact thing, specifically where is this guy’s head at. Maybe he did have the concussion earlier than was realized.
Good job as always Al. Thanks, Since ‘61
canadapacker
October 25, 2022 at 04:07 pm
1000% and you wouldnt want to hear what I was saying to the TV when I saw not only Gary miss contain - but also his LOAF - My favorite Urlacher quote - counting the loafs .
It could easily be said that Stokes cost us the game - between his turning the wrong way on this play to the illegal contact that costs us a defensive TD - 14 points if done properly.
I dont know what some of these coaches are teaching defensive backs. Pulling a guy down or otherwise illegally contacting a player in the endzone is going to be called PI each and every time and the ball is placed at the 1. Dumb - dumb dumb. Better just focusing on the player and knocking him and the ball out during the tackle because the rules of maintaining the ball all the way to the ground is such a hard thing to do in the endzone.
Rarescope
October 25, 2022 at 04:54 pm
Our defense wasn't lights out last year but I don't remember them being this bad - which is so strange. At least in the WR room it kinda makes sense, lots of new guys - but most of this group on D was here last year.
jannesbjornson
October 25, 2022 at 07:31 pm
I saw the Defense hold WFT to field goals at critical moments. The cheap call on Stokes cost the D a rumble with the fumble for six points. Terrible holding call on Clark ,or they get off the field. The defense played well, overall. It does not help the cause with Barry going light in his fronts--get creative. Q Walker should start his blast to the QB closer to the LOS and Olivadottii has to inspire him on the inside game, blitzing the A gaps. Big Bad Bill walks his guys right up into the QB's eyeballs( Zimmer was exemplary in this regard) and play a game of cat & mouse.
jannesbjornson
October 25, 2022 at 07:19 pm
Were they in man and he was thinking quarters, which would make more sense? The safeties are not performing up to snuff, in any event. Amos rolls outside with the TE, why is this the coverage ? Should flood the red zone and set the picket line. THe Gary going all CMII was discouraging. The safety still has to come up and plug the spot. I would like to see more of Ford on the field.
Coldworld
October 25, 2022 at 08:25 pm
We are normally in quarters in those types of positions this year.
stockholder
October 25, 2022 at 03:47 pm
I always thought a SS plays inside.
jannesbjornson
October 25, 2022 at 07:21 pm
As Clouseau would say,"now we're getting somewhere."
splitpea1
October 25, 2022 at 03:49 pm
Play 2: First of all, great tackle by Amos (we're going to miss him big time if he leaves). But Gary almost does the same thing a couple of plays later on a long Brian Robinson run, choosing to engage with the center instead of getting outside--and the same thing happens, with Amos helping to haul down the ball carrier from behind.
Plenty of mental lapses for this defense, including Jaire not pushing a receiver out of bounds late in the game when time was precious. Barry gets his share of blame for this team's defensive woes, but the players have to do their part on the field as well.
Lphill
October 25, 2022 at 03:50 pm
when was the last time the Packers had a good secondary coach?
jannesbjornson
October 25, 2022 at 07:34 pm
He's running the Viking's defense, not ours.
PeteK
October 25, 2022 at 04:17 pm
--- A precursor to Stokes poor play this season was the training camp reports of him being beat on a regular basis. He is also the only starting DB without a PD.
--- Gary was very good on all run plays to his side all of last season.
--- penalties, missed assignments from DBs and O line, dropped passes, and missed tkls. It's like I'm watching a completely different team from last season.Two perceived strengths (O line & DBs) have become weaknesses. Incredibly puzzling.
Coldworld
October 25, 2022 at 05:56 pm
Gary can hold an edge. I think he’s the one true pure rush guy often, but behind that doesn’t always work
freddisch
October 25, 2022 at 04:34 pm
Crushing down when he should be setting the edge, is a big negative in Gary’s game. IMO he has shown this tendency in multiple games, not just past game
Nate-1980
October 25, 2022 at 04:35 pm
So I’m supposed to assume that our gm didn’t, and hasn’t made wrong picks in the draft that is effecting our team?? We have multiple first rounders that are doing nothing to help us win, call me a liar.. We’ve been drafting for this supposed great defense that gets embarrassed by back ups..Yes coaching is an issue, execution is as well, and all of that falls on our head coach, there’s blame everywhere.. AR sucks right now, but he’s throwing to the worst wr corps in the league, how’d he go from mvp to this ?? 7 years ago in 2015 we lost Jordy Nelson and our offense was garbage, I guess AR was washed then tight ? Its not just coaching, it’s that the players that aren’t good enough on offense except for maybe Lazard at wr.. What else is there? Sammy Watkins that can’t survive a season or Cobb that hasn’t done shite for years?? I saw this coming, we don’t have weapons to compete, if you want to blame the coach for not making a Saturn into a hot rod, that works I guess..I’ve heard it’s “players”, “ not plays”, so which is it ?? If we don’t make moves to strengthen our offense, the season is over already..I don’t give AR a free pass in any of this, but what would you do if you had an o line that’s been a turnstile and receivers that are the worst in the league.. Yeah AR got paid and takes up cap space, but good teams make moves when there’s an obvious weakness.. Our’s doesn’t..
jurp
October 25, 2022 at 04:59 pm
" Yeah AR got paid and takes up cap space, but good teams make moves when there’s an obvious weakness.. Our’s doesn’t.."
You just answered your own question.
Oppy
October 25, 2022 at 07:04 pm
Aaron Rodgers is a bum with zero leadership skills, but probably the longest and most well-trained pointing finger in the league.
pantz_bURp
October 25, 2022 at 05:49 pm
This game with the Bills coming up is going to be very, very interesting. On the field as well as on the sideline.
Hey bar keep, pass the nutz down here please...
Rarescope
October 26, 2022 at 09:36 am
Ah Pantz_Burp buddy boy, I see you finally escaped from the mexican cartel! In case you missed it we somehow went through a timewarp and got stuck with the 1980's Packers. But hey, at least there's football on now!
Coldworld
October 25, 2022 at 05:58 pm
I can think of 3 plays that didn’t make me go hmmm, but I had to give it some thought.
T7Steve
October 26, 2022 at 12:35 pm
By the way, I heard they were thinking Douds, but don't you think Toure would be a nice try to return punts? He's at least better than Amari isn't he and they wouldn't have to risk Douds?
Packers0808
October 25, 2022 at 06:12 pm
Wouldn't it be something if the Packers just happened to beat the Bills. Crazy league it seems especially this year. Giants and Jets come to mind anyone?
T7Steve
October 26, 2022 at 08:04 am
Watch the refs will make it close. I think the NFL is getting some pull from gamming this year. A couple calls you can defend but, it's happening every game, every week with every team.
MooPack
October 25, 2022 at 07:28 pm
Maybe there has been more pre-game ayahuasca tea drinking spread amongst the team. Hmmm.
UGDR
October 26, 2022 at 01:10 pm
I think you are on to something, Al! That being a new nickname for Stokes; "Brain Fart"