After Further Review: Packers vs. Bills
By Ross Uglem
Ross will provide a few observations every Monday afternoon following a Packers game based on a few viewings of the condensed version of the game on NFL GamePass. While this might not be the All-22 camera deep dive that might be more "educational", it should provide a conversation point for the rest of the week.
Obviously credit goes to @Showtyme_33 for having the shot-out-of-a-cannon acceleration and finishing the run, but it's also good recognition by Rodgers. Buffalo plays both safeties deep, #Packers block it up 7 on 7 in the box and he bursts through a big hole. pic.twitter.com/vCw8qPmuYg
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) October 1, 2018
Every single athetlic trait that @Showtyme_33 posseses that isn't strictly 40 time is elite. He is THAT DUDE. Balance, acceleration, agility.... pic.twitter.com/CDx8Cln3LX
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) October 1, 2018
This isn't even real from @Showtyme_33. Special, special player. pic.twitter.com/KOM85M1ABM
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) October 1, 2018
Kenny Clark is so damn good. I think sacks are going to start coming in bunches from him. He's getting so close, he just needs to close. The defensive line didn't much Wilkerson much, though I fear his injury does ultimately affect their ceiling as a group.
Geronimo Allison just keeps impressing. There will come a point when I just have to admit I was wrong.
that's a lot of sauce from @813Geronimo pic.twitter.com/CAWl9RhZcD
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) October 1, 2018
MVS has a different gear, man.
I know you all love to rag on HaHa, but he's been pretty good. Yes, he's not the most effective tackler, but he's turning over the other team in bunches. If you don't get that one or two missed tackles in a game isn't less important than a game defining turnover (3 in 4 games!!) I can't really help you. Yes, he could be more physical, and it is frustrating, but he's a net postive.
Bryan Bulaga is so important to what they do. He basically completely covered up for Byron Bell. They need those two tackles to stay healthy and likely need to address the position in the offseason. Hopefully Cole Madison gets involved soon.
This was a non-negative showing by Kentrell Brice.
I love Josh Jackson.
Blake Martinez was particularly good yesterday. I have to check but I think Martinez is getting a lot of love from the graders over at PFF this season.
Good for Kyler Fackrell!
Fackrell is our king now. pic.twitter.com/qsp2bPUMPI
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) October 1, 2018
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Ross Uglem is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @RossUglem
Comments (53)
MITM
October 01, 2018 at 02:26 pm
Great observations and accompanying clips as usual Ross.
Im not trying to hijack this article in saying this but after seeing all the downvotes on a comment about Mccarthys coaching in a previous article on the Bills game I have to say this.
Mike Mccarthy isnt a good coach. It took so long for the general population outside of just football educated Packers fans to see this, but better late than never. If you think there is nothing wrong with Mccarthy and his offense, even after Rodgers finally opening his mouth about it - then watch a f***ing Rams game or something. As great as Rodgers is, it seems like the vast majority dont understand or cant imagine how much better he COULD be with a better coach, scheme, competent GM up until this offseason, and a defense that only ever needed to NOT be in the bottom quarter of NFL defenses for almost 10 years.
Rodgers is the most talented NFL QB of all time. Mccarthys playcalling and schemes and philosophies have cost Rodgers countless yards and tds to add to his resume. In turn costing him at least 1 more MVP by now. In turn costing the Packers at least 1 more ring by now. You mean to tell me if the Rams instead of Goff and Gurley and Cooks etc had Rodgers Jones Adams Graham Cobb Allison etc they wouldnt be even MORE successful offensively than they have been since last season? The Packers are fatally flawed by Mike Mccarthy who should have been fired after the Seahawks NFCCG collapse.
The jury is out on the usage of Aaron Jones still until at least the midway point of the season. Jones is special and its confirmed now if it wasnt already. We have no idea how good he actually could be yet and i shutter to consider the fact that theres a chance because of Mccarthy we wont know unless hes gone. Jones may very well be an elite NFL RB. I believe he is. Hes only been back 2 weeks so lets just wait and see if his touches increase the way they should. So you add him in with the best QB on the planet even on 1 leg, throw in the WR talents of Adams Cobb Allison and now MVS (who may be a future star if he ever gets a fair shot at being one based off his strengths as a WR) mix that up with a fairly healthy OL and Graham Lewis and Kendricks, what is the problem? Playcalling. Scheme. Mccarthy.
If this team stays healthy at the key spots needed to sustain success, and the defense finishes as even middle of the pack - and they dont at least reach the NFCCG then Mccarthy should be fired after the loss that ends the season. Not should be, HAS to be.
Since'61
October 01, 2018 at 02:53 pm
By comparing the Packers offense with the Rams you are confirming one of the real issues with the Packers and it isn’t MM as you claim. Gurley is a better and faster RB than MM has ever had in his time as Packers HC. Cobb is faster than any of the Packers starting WRs.
Point is that you need better skill players than the Packers have. Specifically we need faster WRs.
The Packers have good players but they don’t have exceptional players except for Rodgers. You can’t blame MM for the team’s level of talent. In fairness you can’t even blame the GM (TT) because of the where the Packers draft, usually 24 or higher. To a degree they have been victims of their own success. In fact I would argue that 8 consecutive playoff appearances is an exceptional job by MM given the fact that after Rodgers his team has consisted of a few second tier players but mostly 3rd and 4th tier players if we are honest with ourselves.
Gute is starting to change some of that by churning the bottom of the roster but assuming the Packers make the playoffs this season, we’re going to be drafting later in the rounds again. Thanks, Since’61
Bure9620
October 02, 2018 at 04:06 am
Yes the execution has been piss poor. Allison had 3 drops against The Bills, Adams 1, Graham 1. Tons of drops against the skins, Cobb was awful. We have the 4th highest drop rate in the league! Yeah McCarthy isn't dynamic, but sometimes simple scheme with nuanced concepts and leverage plays is fine especially with a QB that can put it where ever he wants. Not lately though, Rodgers has been off, he missed 5 EASY throws against the Bills he usually makes in his sleep. If you gave Rodgers truth syrum he would say the same about his play. He wants McCarthy to scheme some stuff when he's playing like crap to help out!
jhlisic
October 01, 2018 at 03:29 pm
I've been critical of McCarthy in the past also, particularly regarding time management and personnel groups, and what seems like a lack of preparation (look at prime time road games, Packers have been destroyed in lots of them the last few seasons)
But the current issues with the offense is on field execution. And it's been this way for years.
They gained over 400 yards yesterday and could've quite easily been well over 500 if not for multiple drops and poor throws from Rodgers. The same can be said the prior week in Washington (there's footage on Twitter of Rodgers missing wide open guys in that game)
So just say they did execute these plays, and the result is over 500 yards of offense, and more TDs being scored, then we make the case the offensive scheme is fine and the play calling is all good.
I'm willing to give McCarthy a pass this season so far , although I hate these 3rd and long play calls.
Since'61
October 01, 2018 at 03:57 pm
I agree, your post Just proves that play calling is judged by the results of the play and/or the results of the game. The amateurs focus on play calls, the professionals focus on the execution. Thanks, Since ‘61
TheBigCheeze
October 01, 2018 at 04:17 pm
ultimately.....it is still the responsibility of the HC to make SURE that players execute properly..........
Since'61
October 01, 2018 at 05:26 pm
That is true. Given MMs W-L record as an HC he has done an excellent job of having his players execute even with less talented players at every position but QB, which goes to prove my point. Thanks, Since '61
Royalty Free GM
October 02, 2018 at 09:10 am
Since61: What is his record without Rodgers?
Goes to prove everybody else’s point.
He would be a sub .500 HC without a prodigy QB.
4zone
October 03, 2018 at 10:17 am
Without AR, we could afford to spend on much better talent at other positions and still be above .500 every year. It would just look a lot different.
dobber
October 01, 2018 at 06:29 pm
The buck stops with the HC. If execution isn't up to snuff, it's his job to find out where the lapses are and get those positional coaches and the coordinator to fix them. But the actual coaching of the players is primarily on position coaches, and then on coordinators.
croatpackfan
October 02, 2018 at 04:12 am
I agree with you, dobber, regarding the responsibility but person who is responsible can be asked for accountability only if he has all in his hands (like Belichick has). If you have not good material, your product, whatever you do can not be top product... Also, if you have excellent products, but those products deteriorate your product will not be top product...
Saying that, I believe I would not like Mike McCarthy in Belichick position at Packers. MM is teacher, evaluator maybe, but not scout, for sure. He admits that by himself.
Would somebody else make better product than Mike McCarthy, we cannot say for sure. But I doubt there is much better HC than Mike McCarthy in the NFL baring Balichick.
I would like to get from you the name you believe will be better than Mike McCarthy! And please do not give us the crap that you have not enough
knowledge to give us that information, because that argument remove any credibility of the talk about how good is Mike McCarthy!
Royalty Free GM
October 02, 2018 at 09:19 am
Croat:
A monkey with a dartboard would do a better, unpredictable job than MM. Let a monkey call (throw) every third play or so. That’s unpredictable!
And let Aaron call rest of the plays.
Let’s see which system performs better...
DD
October 02, 2018 at 09:22 am
Execution correct. But playcalling, schemes, and use of skilled players help execution. MM new playbook, NOT, and game plan and use of skilled players is real bad, and has been since 2010. So execution is always key, but too many years of NOT executing, WHY? Fan since 1958.
Michael Hughes
October 02, 2018 at 12:43 am
Its the result of drafting exclusively defence for years. Same reason as the O Line is being held together by what is left of bulagas knee
DD
October 02, 2018 at 09:17 am
You're right on o line, but they have done okay, except against skins. Our problem since 2010 is MM offensive game plan, lack of schemes, and terrible use of skilled players. The only thing that scares defenses is Rodgers if he's on, otherwise no defense fears our vanilla plays. Rodgers must be spot on or our offense is not utilized properly by MM. Example: Tight end Lewis? When in the hell are you loyal fans going to realize it's MM unwillingness to adapt and change?
DD
October 02, 2018 at 09:10 am
Agree on your points about MM. Watch the Rams, Chiefs, Bears....even seasoned Reid had adapted and changed. Not MM though. Also, why in the hell is Kendricks still playing over Lewis. What the hell did we get Lewis for? Our offensive playbook has not changed one ounce! Same plays, schemes, routes! Rodgers is right, no flow, schemes and playcalling are terrible. I realize Rodgers had missed some easy throws, but we seem very slow on the offensive side compared to other team film. I think its MM game plan or lack there of. MM is in his last season thank god.
mamasboy
October 02, 2018 at 04:04 pm
In another scheme on another team, Aaron Jones would be considered a star in the league by now. They're wasting his talent!
marpag1
October 01, 2018 at 03:06 pm
I'm totally on board with the idea of getting Aaron Jones more touches - quite a bit more, really - but I think I'll hold off before nominating him as the next Kareem Hunt. We'll see.
I don't give too much credit to Jones for the first video posted here. That was a great play, but it was blocked up flawlessly and no defender was within 2 yards or laid a hand on Jones until he was 20 yards downfield. The other videos are much better examples of his skill, IMO.
That said, yeah, give him the damn ball.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 01, 2018 at 08:10 pm
Kendricks was the up back on that run. Lot of folks down on Kendricks, and rightfully so, but it is over the top. I thought I saw Kendricks throw some mean blocks against Buffalo. There is a reason why we don't see Marcedes since he's in-line and not an H-Back. Not sure whether Tonyan can block.
Community Guy
October 01, 2018 at 03:12 pm
everywhere, there is a lot of analysis and journalism focusing on the Packers offense. maybe let the defense have its media moment? it was a shutout.. and, the Packers didn't even face a field goal attempt!
i think folks feel awkward mentioning Fackrell after he was pretty much universally derided and even dismissed. how about that secondary forcing coverage sacks?? how about the blitz packages that worked?
here is a theory i am working on: Pettine should be pretty strong scheming v. the AFC teams on the schedule.
here is another theory: the defense will be back to facing real offenses this week when the Packers go to Detroit.
defense: i am still watching you.
sonomaca
October 01, 2018 at 03:54 pm
Detroit doesn’t look good on paper, but they’re a always tough out. Loss wouldn’t be a total shock.
Samson
October 01, 2018 at 03:59 pm
No doubt the "D" deserves credit. However, I'm in agreement with you. -- The Lions & Stafford are a few notches above the Bills. -- The "D" needs to maintain their level of play & prove that the quality of the opposition has little impact on their bottom line.
My guess: (on the road at Detroit) --- AR & the offense will have to be dominant or Stafford & Co. may expose GB's "D" and all it's known flaws. ---Thanks, Since '60.
Oppy
October 01, 2018 at 05:02 pm
I guess that begs the question, what do you think an "average" defense gives up in passing yards, rushing yards, scoring to the Detroit offense?
Once we've determined what we honestly believe an average Defense is likely to give up to a specific team before we've played them, we can start to assess, honestly, how our defense actually performed against them after we've played them.
splitpea1
October 01, 2018 at 08:53 pm
As we all know, the defense has had a tendency to struggle against competent veteran QBs. I'll be more of a believer if they can reverse this trend starting right here. The offense can help out by hanging on to the ball and keeping it on the ground--Detroit's run defense is the worst in the league, allowing 5.3 yards per carry. Our backs should be able to dice them up if they're given the opportunity.
Coldworld
October 01, 2018 at 09:25 pm
I felt at the start of the season that this defense would take the first Alf of the season to gel under Pettine and also allow the rookies to settle.
Sunday was a step forward, but it isn’t there yet. It will be up and down till it gets there, but the signs are that we have better talent on the field and coordinating
Royalty Free GM
October 01, 2018 at 05:10 pm
This was a good job from the defense, no doubt.
But before I give more credit to this defense, (or Fackrell) they need to perform good more often!
and change games in critical situations!
Rodgers demands more from offense even after win. I like that attitude.
Our defense lacks true leadership person, somebody who would demand more than just one good game once in a while. And would lead by example, week after week. They should demand more from themselves.
But other personnel effects to results too. I have no doubt that with Ridley we would be talking about 16-0 possibility right now. We would be 4-0.
Oppy
October 01, 2018 at 05:20 pm
On defense:
Mike Daniels likes to play leader, and everyone in the locker room lets him have his fun
HaHa Clinton-Dix is looked at as a leader (for whatever reason) by the guys
Tramon Williams and Blake Martinez, through their play and command of the defense, ARE the leaders
Royalty Free GM
October 01, 2018 at 05:32 pm
The problem with listing so many leaders just shows we don’t have THE leader in the defense.
Oppy
October 01, 2018 at 06:03 pm
Mike Daniels was a joke, I don't think anyone looks at him as a leader, except for himself.
HaHa seems to be the personality that holds the guys together, despite what us on the outside think, that's based on beat reporters assessment and the way the other defensive players seem to talk about him. Tramon holds the wise old veteran respect.
But out on the field, I think Martinez is the guy.
Royalty Free GM
October 02, 2018 at 09:25 am
Oppy: Tramon has given so many TDs already. Not a good choice.
HaHa last hit was something! Bring that mentality more often and this defense soars.
Martinez is a good quiet leader? But he is almost the most consistent player in D?
Oppy
October 02, 2018 at 11:18 am
Quiet leader?
He is in charge of calling out the defense on every play, and is constantly adjusting the DL and LB's pre-snap. You see DB's calling out to him looking for adjustments, too.
He's THE communicator on the field. He's trusted by all. And, he's in on the majority of plays making tackles.
If you think leadership is only about running your mouth with bravado on the field, I think you're mistaken. Maybe you would like Mike Daniels as your leader.
4thand1
October 01, 2018 at 03:20 pm
After further review, the Packers are a top 10 defense, ty Buffalo.
Handsback
October 01, 2018 at 03:29 pm
I get Rodger's frustration, but a few years ago he was also slow in starting the season and had to "run the table" in order to make the playoffs. Nobody on this board...and I mean nobody knows what the game plan was this past weekend and if it was Rodgers taking the play from a run to pass or vice versa. I suspect that Philbin's plan hasn't been fully implemented and won't be in overdrive until Nov-Dec time frame.
The pieces are there for the offense, and some for the defense. Let's see how those new plans work when they have to visit Atlanta, and the Vikes.
Since'61
October 01, 2018 at 04:00 pm
Actually the Packers play Atlanta at home this season. Thanks, Since ‘61
sonomaca
October 01, 2018 at 03:40 pm
Good article, as usual. Would prefer they keep Jones fresh and healthy for a possible playoff run. Max 12 touches, for now.
NFL play calling has advanced in recent years, with McVay leading the way. When Cooper Kupp looks like Jerry Rice, you know there’s an offensive genius at work. We don’t have those play calling chops in GB.
Samson
October 01, 2018 at 04:02 pm
Creative is never used in the same sentence with Mike McCarthy. --- Thanks, Since '60.
Turophile
October 01, 2018 at 04:05 pm
No maxes, no minimums, let's just see a good game plan each week, whose construction depends on the specific opposition. Creativity is king.
dobber
October 01, 2018 at 04:27 pm
"NFL play calling has advanced in recent years,"
The NFL has gone to the college game for ideas. I think for ages the NFL viewed its product as being superior to the more gimmicky nature of college offenses, but some coaches have embraced it perhaps as a response to the CBA and limited practice time. Not an expert, but that's my observation.
Doug Niemczynski
October 01, 2018 at 04:18 pm
Packers need to get an early lead. It gets LOUD in that Detroit stadium. Maybe this week Rogers can get a full week of practice?
dobber
October 01, 2018 at 06:32 pm
There may be almost as many Packers fans at Ford Field as Lions fans.
zoellner25
October 01, 2018 at 04:32 pm
Love most of this except the part about HHCD. He's a below average NFL safety. That's indisputable.
Coldworld
October 01, 2018 at 09:30 pm
I find it easily disputable and I don’t count myself a defender of HCD. It depends on which season one looks at, but he is not a scrub. I remain hopeful that the new scheme will bring him back on track, if we can get the two safeties playing on the same page.
Oppy
October 01, 2018 at 05:24 pm
To have the defense execute in all phases and put a complete game on tape "how it should look" is exactly what this young D needed at this point in the season, regardless of the opponent. It may have been even a little bit ahead of schedule, to be honest.
Excellent building block for this team. I'm sure there will be bumps and bruises in the coming weeks, but now they know what it looks like, what it feels like, and that they can do it.
MarkinMadison
October 01, 2018 at 05:38 pm
I believe I heard this morning that Josh Allen was holding the ball for an average of 7 seconds per pass (Joe & Ebo Show 1670 Madison). That is just way too long in the NFL. You are not going to see this kind of a performance from the defense again because you will not see a QB hold the ball like that again this season. This game is probably a mirage of a defensive performance. Throw it out of your minds.
Rodgers calling out McCarthy? MM shouldn't plan on coaching in GB next year. Now we know who all that talk about his contract, clout in the locker room, and commitment of the organization to him was directed at.
dobber
October 01, 2018 at 06:33 pm
7 seconds on average? That can't be right.
EdsLaces
October 01, 2018 at 07:47 pm
Exactly...or we woulda had 37 sacks ..
gr7070
October 01, 2018 at 06:42 pm
Best writer on CheeseheadTV.
stockholder
October 01, 2018 at 06:57 pm
Regular season: 123–71–2 (.633)
Postseason: 10–8 (.556)
Career: 133–79–2 (.626)
Whats wrong with this? The game has changed since Lambeau and Lombardi. We just came off a sweet victory and the comments condemn MM. Your dots are not connecting. I'm disappointed in the slander, character assasination , and the flat out assumptions. He's a coach. And he's fighting for every win. You guys are giving up because the grass looks greener on the other side. Well it isn't. The connection of wrong game plan and A-Rod comments is Bull shit. Let's stop playing games here. The direction of the packers is still pointing Up! A-Rod is paid to execute. Not be a political figure. He missed badly Sunday. The game plan saved his ass. He wants to go deep. Well then Gute needed to get veterans that could make A-Rod happy. Everyone can make an honest mistake. And I fear the biggest one was signing A-Rod to an extension. The Defense saved A-Rod. The short game saved A-Rod. It's to bad A-Rod thinks his coach doesn't have his best interest in mind. Take away the runs. A -Rod would have been trapped, and the view would have turned to ugly, Sunday. A-Rod now wants to be the mad Bomber. Somehow I don't think anyone would be happy with that. I have no doubt that MM is doing whats best to get this team to the playoffs. The goal should not be to get MM fired!
NitschkeFan
October 01, 2018 at 07:31 pm
The truth is that many fan bases who follow their specific team game after game, have many similar complaints about their coaches. If you closely follow different games on any given weekend I think that many coaches make calls or clock management moves that I would classify as mistakes.
Read the live "game thread" the writers at Football Outsiders write. It is full of live, play-by-play criticism of various coaches and plays by writers who follow different teams.
Is MM's playbook flawed? I personally think so. But he has plenty of company.
stockholder
October 01, 2018 at 08:30 pm
Yes many. MMs playbook= Missed chances. Not Flawed. The writers want MM on the Hot seat. A-Rod supplied the gas for the fire!
croatpackfan
October 02, 2018 at 04:21 am
The most ridiculous note from Aaron Rodgers press conference s about game planing.
AARON RODGERS SITS WITH OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, HEAD COACH AND POSITION TRAINERS AND THEY MAKING THE GAME PLAN TOGETHER!
How I know that? Aaron Rodgers said that to us 4 or 5 years ago!
Has Aaron Rodgers mirror in his house? If not, I would suggest him to buy one!
croatpackfan
October 02, 2018 at 04:16 am
Ross "After Further Review:" is one of the best articles for me here. I always waiting that article, to confirm what I saw, or to learn how to watch Packers game better, because when I saw things differently than you in "After Further Review:", in your article I will found what I should see and why I was wrong.
Thank you for this piece of art!
jlc1
October 02, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Jones is indeed a stud. During the offseason I remember reading that the Pack's three-headed RB averaged more yards per touch than Le'Veon Bell. So all three add up to a stud as well. Yes, touches include bombs to Monty that count in this but that would be part of the plan I think. I will probably get killed for this but that yards per touch stat argues that MM is actually doing the right thing here.