Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - 2019 Game 13, Green Bay - Washington

The weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

The Packers are 10-3, as are the Seahawks and the Saints. How would you rank those three? For me, it's Saints, Packers, Seahawks.

So the Packers are 10-3 but you're just not satisfied, are you? They haven't dominated bad teams like they should and they've had a couple of real clunkers. But so what? The Packers will very likely be going to the playoffs after a couple of miserable seasons that had chicken littles running wild. Let's enjoy the ride and let Gutey continue to build up the team for next season.

Speaking of playoffs:  (insert Jim Mora clip here) there's a neat playoff probability predictor over at the NY Times web site. (you don't have to subscribe, but you do need to create a login to access it). You can play around with different scenarios, but here's a few highlights.

As it stands right now...

The Packers are given a 94% chance of making the playoffs and 41% chance of earning a bye week. If they win out of course, they are in, earn a bye and will host a divisional playoff game,.
If they beat the Bears and Lions but lose to the Vikings, they have a 100% chance to make the playoffs with a 47% chance of earning a bye week and a 53% chance of hosting a wild card game.
If they lose to the Bears and the Vikings and beat the Lions, they still have a 93% chance of making the playoffs with a 2% chance of earning a bye week and a 34% chance of hosting a wild card game.

Up-tempo: Perhaps they are saving it for the playoffs, but I'm still waiting for the Packers to go up-tempo during games and not just saving it for desperation time. When we've seen Rodgers orchestrate a fast-moving offense, it can look impossible to stop.

Trap Game: All week I'd been saying that this game was the quintessential trap game. So many things to look ahead to, playing all three division rivals, a return to the playoffs, etc. I expected an ugly low-scoring game (I took the under) and the Packers delivered. In the end, they got past it and that's bigger than most of us are willing to give them credit for.

Long ball inaccuracy: This has to be the worst season I can recall as far as Rodgers' accuracy on deep balls. How many can you say have actually hit the receiver in full stride? Is it just an anomaly or are we seeing a lasting age-related change in Rodgers' arm?

MVS: What a shock this year has been. We likely all thought he was poised to make a big jump and become a dynamic threat in the Packers' offense.Instead he's fallen off the map. Reading through the lines of some of LaFleur's comments I think the biggest factor is actually his lack of blocking ability. Just this week LaFleur made sure to mention Lazard and Kumerow making big blocks downfield to help spring Aaron Jones on some big gains. The blocking talents of Allison, Lazard and Kumerow, along with heavier use of the tight ends has left MVS only one spot - at the end of the bench.

Dwayne Haskins: It's unclear if he'll ever be a very good quarterback, but no one can question his toughness after taking all those hits and playing the entire game on a very injured ankle. I'm not sure how smart that was for the Washington coaches to keep running him out there, but regardless, Haskins is no wuss.

JK Scott. All hail the return of the weapon, JK47. JK has got his groove back, landing four punts inside the 20.The importance of making teams drive 80-90 yards to score a TD should not be minimized.

BAM:: And to thing Mike McCarthy couldn't find a use for Marcedes Lewis:

 

 

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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

__________________________

5 points
 

Comments (52)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Bearmeat's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:33 am

Yep. They're going to the playoffs. And maybe I am a "Chicken Little." I've certainly been accused of it before. But it really bugs me to see the same damn issues week after week. Especially when I don't believe they are personnel-related. That doesn't mean I don't love the Packers or I'm not a "true fan."

Fact #1: Green Bay has looked like complete garbage since the 9ers game. Perhaps a little earlier.

Fact #2: Green Bay might not have the personnel that we'd expect of a 10-3 team, but they have the best personnel they've had since 2014, and it's not particularly close. But our QB is in (yet another) massive slump, and our defense keeps making the same damn mistakes in coverage.

Fact #3: If something doesn't change, and fast, we very well could lose this weekend, we will lose next week, and we will be embarrassed (again) on national TV in the playoffs.

3 points
7
4
RCPackerFan's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:04 am

"Yep. They're going to the playoffs. And maybe I am a "Chicken Little." I've certainly been accused of it before."

You say chicken little...
I say tinfoil hat wearer...

Tomato.. Tomato..

4 points
5
1
Bearmeat's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:05 am

lol. Fair. Sparkle-pony. ;)

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:42 am

lol

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 12, 2019 at 04:58 am

LMAO!!!

0 points
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murf7777's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:15 am

Fact, a lot of very good teams win ugly at times throughout the year, IE: SF beats Wash 9-0. In the end, What matters is wins and whether you can get hot late in year. Also, probably a fact, if they play D like they did last week they beat the Bears. Just because the O wasn’t dynamic doesn’t mean they were lousy. Fact, they make just a couple more plays on O and everybody would be praising them as one of the top 2 teams to beat....oh wait, that is how they are currently rated.

Their O can play average if their D plays Top 5 the remainder of the year and they will be a team tough to beat. Also, might some of their O still in the back of the play book? Some fast pace, a couple of gadget plays, etc...

3 points
4
1
Bearmeat's picture

December 11, 2019 at 10:14 pm

Where have you seen a top 5 defense? I haven't seen one since September, and in retrospect, really only against the Bears and Flacco led Broncos - two of the worst offenses in the league.

They're not a top 5 defense by any stretch. Top 10, if they execute as a whole to their talent level? I can see it. I'm skeptical, but can see it. Top 5. Nah.

0 points
0
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dobber's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:27 am

"...and we will be embarrassed (again) on national TV in the playoffs."

Playoff football is all about matchups and timing. Sure, every game lines up that way, but even more so in a one-and-done tournament. I think there are a lot of teams that are playoff hopefuls that the Packers can beat at Lambeau. Far fewer that they have a good shot of beating on the road. Get there and let the chips fall...

5 points
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wildbill's picture

December 11, 2019 at 09:27 am

Matchups, timing, and I would add health to that formula

1 points
2
1
NickPerry's picture

December 11, 2019 at 05:54 am

"The Packers will very likely be going to the playoffs after a couple of miserable seasons that had chicken littles running wild. Let's enjoy the ride and let Gutey continue to build up the team for next season."

THIS by Al sums up the 2019 season for me and makes me really wonder exactly WHY people are so hellbent on bashing the Packers so much this season. I can understand a bit of negativity on a Sunday when emotions are still high and we come on here to post our comments on "Gut Reactions" or "The Good Bad & Ugly", but not on a constant basis all through the week, not after the last few seasons. THIS team, the 2019 Packers are 10-3 and going to the Playoffs...

As much as I'd like to win THIS year, I think the Packers are still a year away. With that said anything can happen so I'm hoping for the best, but if the Packers don't win THIS year, I'll still stand up and clap my hands at the job Gutey did with this roster this year and what this team has accomplished with a rookie HC and VERY young coaching staff. I think the best is yet to come.

EDIT...The Bears STILL Suck!!

19 points
19
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:11 am

I do think the Packers will have a better chance to go next year because I think Gutey will go out and make some big moves for the offense like he did for the defense.
I see him adding to the WR and TE positions to better fit what LaFleur wants to do. I can see him adding another RB that can be a weapon out of the backfield.

That all being said. This is this year. Why look forward to next year. Does this team have some flaws. Yes. But guess what. So did the 2010 super bowl winning team. That team barely made the playoffs and went on a run.

Sometimes all it takes is some momentum and for a team to get hot. This team has that ability.
The offense could find themselves quickly. They showed in the 4 game stretch without Adams that they can put up points and can fire on all cylinders. They have some defensive players to really make a difference. They finally found a real punt returner too...

I have learned that anything can happen any year. So instead of non stop bitching and whining how about we just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

6 points
6.5
0.5
jannes bjornson's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:19 pm

Live in the now... Get the water hot. Defend your turf. Dominate the Bears.

1 points
2
1
dobber's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:22 am

My glass is both half-empty and half-full. I like to think that this season is a harbinger of better things coming for this team. Before the season started, I was all about 2020. I didn't think they'd perform so well in 2019--I thought 10-6 would be a great year, and 9-7 would be more in line with what to expect from a transitioning team if the personnel were lining up. I'm pleased with 10-3. I'm looking forward to what is likely a playoff berth and a chance to play in the second season. It's more than I anticipated going into 2019.

Now...half empty because so many of the things that have lined up for this team and allowed it to be 10-3 are so ripe for regression in 2020. We can't expect this team to be this healthy next season. It's ridiculous how few starter games have been lost to injury compared to past seasons. There's a lot of luck there, but it's hard to expect that luck will hold. The cap isn't very loose for this coming off-season, and there are hard decisions coming up with regard to signing important pieces. Reinforcements are not likely to come en masse via FA...they're going to need recent draftees to step up and, perhaps, hit the jackpot on quick contributors in the upcoming 2020 draft. They've won close games. Others complain that they haven't blown out enough teams, but winning close games is a sign of a good, resilient team. There's a tip of the cap to coaching there, even though we've been on the coaches for not putting together top 10 units.

In the end, it's easy to keep looking ahead and say this team has a really bright future, but they have a really bright 2019, and I don't think management has done enough to capitalize on it.

6 points
6
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 11, 2019 at 08:27 pm

Spot on.

0 points
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Cubbygold's picture

December 11, 2019 at 08:21 am

Something I think worth keeping in mind as well is the unique period of football we're in. Last year 7 of the 12 teams that went to the playoffs did so with QBs on rookie contracts.

Players like Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson have cap hits of roughly $3M this year, compared to Rodgers $26M. Lets see, Houston can spend that extra $23M on DeAndre Hopkins ($14M) and Whitney Mercilus ($7M). Baltimore can spend that extra to have players like Earl Thomas ($7M), Marcus Peters ($6M) and Mark Ingram ($3M).

Either we're in a new era where the rules make young mobile QBs as effective as the Rodgers, Brees and Brady's of the world. Or, we've just witnessed a unique set of rookie classes.

This year, it looks like only 5 of the 12 will make the playoffs. Watson, Jackson and Mahomes are going to get paid big. Dak, Wentz and Goff already did. The last two years have been very unique, and have worked against a team like GB. That may not be the case next year.

2 points
2
0
Leatherhead's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:10 pm

We could have drafted Lamar Jackson. He was only the best offensive player in the draft.

Since FA, only a few QBs not named Brady have won the Super Bowl after they hit 33, and it’s almost always involved a dominant defense. I hope we address this in the off-season.

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:09 am

I was on a site that suggested that AR's long-ball accuracy in 2019 is still better than the NFL average, but is down in 2019 when compared to 2009 to 2016. See link and play with the filter by year by sliding it sideways. Looks like AR is completing 41% of passes that are 30 yards downfield in 2019 compared 48% in 2014, 50% in 2013, 35% in 2012, and 56% in 2011. AR has been around 33% to 38% in 2016, 17, and 18. However, I do think he has been off, particularly when one includes the in-stride qualifier. Way too many times I've seen MVS have to slow down or watch AR throw it so MVS had to run sideways to catch the pass instead of North/South. More receivers seem to have to make adjustments as well.

I was screaming to sign Marcedes in after he got released in 2018. Then he had a dud season with no receptions and not so great blocking and I felt stupid. Glad LaFleur got him on track this year.

I am trying to remember if GB has ever really gone up-tempo even when they've been behind. Not like in the prior years, IIRC.

http://airyards.com/qb.html

8 points
8
0
murf7777's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:57 am

I think it has a lot to do with few receivers with more than 1 & 2/3 rd years playing with him and limited practice time. Trying to gauge Graham’s stumbling, bumbling speed would be very difficult for any QB.

3 points
3
0
Leatherhead's picture

December 11, 2019 at 01:40 pm

Lewis has caught 12 passes in12 games. His stock in trade is that he gets his guy blocked.

I’ve always thought Rodgers was the best best bomber I’d ever seen, but nothing lasts forever. His arm still looks strong but his timing is off.

MVS. In order to increase the likelihood that we could line up a decent player opposite Adams, we brought MVS, ESB, Moore, Allison, Kumerow, Lazard....

We only need one; anything else is gravy. I think Lazard has done really well. I think MSV, Kumerow, and ESB next year is a good group of backups. We’re fine.

1 points
2
1
Razer's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:18 am

What is unfortunate about this team is that they haven't put anywhere near a complete game together. Yes, we'll probably make the playoffs and exit at the sight of the first good team we face and that will be the cup half full that many want us to drink. And maybe we will reach the same heights next year and have something to cheer about. There is just so much potential and playing much less than that potential will never sit well with me.

While I agree it was time for Mike McCarthy to go, I don't think the under performance issue has really been addressed. When McCarthy took over this team he had a young, willing QB who learned and followed coaching. McCarthy got stale and we brought in new ideas. Maybe we are finding out that the QB isn't interested in following a new coach/new ideas. Sure looks like "an old dog - new tricks" scenario, It is probably the reason that most QB/team divorces are messy. Hope I am wrong because, as I said, there is so much potential here.

1 points
2
1
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:36 am

I've picked GB to go 9-4 so far this year (I picked GB to beat KC because Mahommes was out, otherwise I'd have taken KC). Every time I picked them to lose it was because I didn't think GB could score a reasonable amount of points. The offense is outperforming my expectations, which were admittedly low. GB has been good in the red zone. The defense is about where I thought it would be. I had bad feelings about the ST units.

0 points
2
2
RCPackerFan's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:58 am

"The Packers are 10-3, as are the Seahawks and the Saints. How would you rank those three?"
I would have had the Saints way ahead of GB and Seattle but after giving up 48 points to the 49ers? 49ers have an ok offense but 48 points? And in that game the Saints lost Davenport. That being said they did score 46 points against one of the best defenses in the league. So who really knows...

"So the Packers are 10-3 but you're just not satisfied, are you?"
I assume you're talking about the loud minority that have to complain about literally everything that GB does? The last 2 years have quite honestly sucked! Who the hell wouldn't be happy about being 10-3 and currently are sitting with the 2nd seed? I'm pumped. I'm excited. I'm ready to see how this thing finishes out. Just because they didn't blow out the Redskins doesn't mean crap. The 49ers beat them 9-0. The Vikings beat them 19-9. Those are 2 playoff caliber teams...
Instead of nitpicking this team to death, can we just live in the moment and enjoy each victory they have? This team may not be perfect. But guess what, no team is! Every team has flaws and every team can be beat. So lets just enjoy a winning season after 2 lackluster seasons.

Speaking of playoffs:
So essentially as of right now they have about a 90% chance of making the playoffs if they win 1-2 of their remaining 3 games? Sounds good, but it starts sunday!

Up-tempo:
I really feel like the offense is holding some things back. And lets be honest. Why would they show those things against the Giants and Redskins? Why not hold them for the Bears and Vikings?
Up tempo is something that I can see this offense doing. Whether they will or not I can see them using it as a change of pace to put a lot of pressure on defenses.

Trap Game:
Honestly I think the Redskins was a trap game. Following they had 3 division games which will decide their fate. Looking at their record and seeing what is ahead of them would have been easy to do.
In 2-3 weeks if the Packers keep winning is anyone going to look back at the Redskins game and say, man that was an ugly win. No. No one will be talking about it.

Long ball inaccuracy:
I will say that I am slightly concerned about this. He used to be money on these throws. That being said how much of it is the guys he is playing with and how much is him? For example are these guys slowing down on their routes? Its not like he is throwing to Jordy down after down. That deep throw to Jones, was on Jones for breaking inside when he was supposed to stay outside. The Jimmy Graham miss was a bad miss.

MVS:
I was in the boat that thought MVS was just going to jump up and have a huge year. Especially when he had 4 catches for over 40 yards. But there just is some sort of disconnect between him and Rodgers. They just don't seem to be on the same page. How many deep passes have they missed? I think part of it is MVS has become a body catcher of late. He isn't trusting his hands enough. Perhaps all they need is a big play to happen with him. Maybe a jet sweep or a short slant where he can get the ball running full speed.
Lazard has absolutely over taken MVS. But if it were me I would much rather see MVS getting some of Allison's snaps. Allison has really dropped. Allison hasn't done enough to warrant that much more playing time then MVS.

Dwayne Haskins:
While he is no doubt tough and he will earn respect of his teammates, you really have to question the coaches for allowing him to keep playing. It will be interesting to see who their new coach will be.

JK Scott:
This is one of the best turn arounds in the year. Scott was dominating early in the year. Then he had a bit of a lull in a few games and now he is kicking well again. That will be needed coming up now and in the playoffs!

BAM::
I just hope LaFleur keeps finding more ways to get Lewis involved. Quite honestly I want to see all 4 of the TE's getting more snaps. The WR's outside of Adams and Lazard have not been great. So why not go 2 WR, 2 TE and Jones more often? Or go Adams, Jones and 3 TE's? Look at how the Ravens and 49ers use their TE's. GB could easily do that! Tonyan can be a deep threat at TE. Time to start using them more!

6 points
7
1
murf7777's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:52 am

Good analysis RC. Here’s some more data to chew on in support of the packers and the reality of the NFL.

How NO - Seattle - GB have played against losing record teams and other data.

Based on this I would say SF is the team to beat while NO-Pack- Seattle are all equal.

New Orleans
Cowboys 12-10
Tampa 31-24
Jaguars 13-6
Panthers 31-24
All one score games

Lost to Atlanta 26-9. And beat soundly by the rams.

49ers

Redskins 9-0
AZ 28-25
Chargers 27-24

They pounded many teams. But have lost 2 out of last 5 albeit very close games.

Seattle
Beat by the Rams last week soundly 28-12

Cinci. 21-20
Cleveland 32-28
Atlanta 27-20

They also had games where they scored the following points. 12-17-16-17.

Packers
Eagles. 27-34
Lions 23-22
Chargers 26-11

They also beat four losing record teams by more then one score. Denver Panthers Oakland and the redskins if u throw out the last prevent D they allowed in the last seconds of the game.

I attest fans don’t pay enough attention to how other teams play. They get critical of their own team. I don’t think any casual fan takes enough time to analyze other teams thus unfairly compared to competition criticize their own team.

I bet on teams and have the nfl ticket and watch a lot of games and the reality as you state RC is that all teams have flaws. And I suspect those others teams are just as fearful of Arod and the Packers as we are be them.

2 points
2
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 11, 2019 at 08:27 am

Nice write up.

Something else to consider when doing research (though it would take a lot more research), what were the records of teams when they played them.

For example: when the Packers played the Lions. Packers were 4-1, Lions were 2-1-1. The Lions had a winning record when the Packers played them.
When the Packers played the Raiders the Packers were 5-1, Raiders were 3-2. Another team that had a winning record when the Packers played them.
When the Packers played the Panthers the Packers were 7-2. Panthers were 5-3. When the Packers played the Panthers they were a winning record team.

In this league sometimes its more about when you play a team vs who you are playing. In this case when the Packers played these teams they were playing winning teams.
There is a lot of parity in this league. Any team can beat anyone on any given Sunday.

4 points
4
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 11, 2019 at 08:56 pm

A minority opinion was expressed loudly in March of 2018 when ALP suggested cutting CM3, Cobb and Nelson to save $30M because GB needed to rebuild. He was drummed off this site. He was right. And $20M more in the hands of a GM who can use it well (notwithstanding the Graham signing) for offensive weapons in FA in 2020 would change the complexion of the 2020 team.

Minority opinions aren't necessarily bad.

2 points
2
0
flackcatcher's picture

December 11, 2019 at 10:48 pm

(I'm soooo tempted to climb back up my Mark Murphy hobby horse..... :-) You know there were two groups TGR. One that knew would the Packers would lose CM3, Cobb, and Nelson and the other who wanted to keep the three, but knew because of age and Cap, the clock was already ticking. I thought the discussions were more like a wake than anything else. A few zealots did go after ALP, but they did get slammed for it. For the rest, it was hard to accept that the time for rebuilding had come. Because of the delay in choosing a new GM, the Packers started their overhaul a year late (in my reckoning) which effected both their free agency and draft status. Short term it seems to have worked out. Long term, well that's unknown...

1 points
1
0
egbertsouse's picture

December 11, 2019 at 07:23 am

This team is same old Green Bay Packers we know and love, inconsistent offense and soft defense. If AR plays lights-out in the playoffs, they can make a run. If not, it’s one and done.

0 points
5
5
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

December 11, 2019 at 10:07 am

With the way this D gets after the QB and the way it tightens down in the red zone, I don't think "soft" is the right description. Flawed, yes. Inconsistent, yes. But not soft.

4 points
5
1
PeteK's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:03 am

The Packer offense of the last decade was not inconsistent. We're used to seeing Rogers completing passes all over the field and even on 3rd and long. That's why its so upsetting watching this sputtering offense.

1 points
1
0
Handsback's picture

December 11, 2019 at 08:58 am

This team only goes as far as the defense will carry it. We can speculate all day about the Aarons or wide-outs, but when you look at the Packers if their defense keeps the other team in check...they will find a way to score. On paper the defense looks very average. Yet this team , which still needs to learn how to work together, has the ability to be a force and dictate what the opposing offense can do. We have only seen glimpses of it, but when they realize their potential...look out!

2 points
3
1
fthisJack's picture

December 11, 2019 at 09:25 am

one thing i will say about this defense is that they are very good in the Red Zone. they are bend but don't break and if the offense starts rolling it could be a nice ride.

1 points
1
0
Leatherhead's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:16 pm

Wait just a dog gone minute..... The DEFENSE has to carry us? Not the highest paid offense in the league?

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 11, 2019 at 09:49 am

As much as I enjoy the articles written by the contributors here at CHTV, please stop telling me to " Just Enjoy The Ride."

If we all just sat back and did as asked and sometimes seemingly commanded to do so, why would we need or want your articles to read. It seems you guys want to write about the things that are right/wrong about the Packers and we the readers cannot retort in any manner but just sit back silently and enjoy the ride.

Please stop, we are all enjoying the Packers ride. The issue is like an amusement park ride, some of us vomit from it more easily with the quick and often dips and spins but we are still enjoying the ride. If we didn't we wouldn't keep buying a ticket to go again and again and again.

6 points
7
1
PeteK's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:06 am

Just put my lunch back in the frig.

1 points
1
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:28 am

Sorry for your weak stomach, but it's same for many who insist we ' Just enjoy the ride '....Their weak stomachs for truth/reality compels them and require you to favor the kiddie rides at the amusement park for fear of the adult,need to accept reality rides, that likely make you what to vom.....um....barf.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

December 11, 2019 at 01:17 pm

The true realism is that in spite of our weaknesses we are 10-3 and in full control of our destiny. The reactions of some are so negative that one would believe our record was reversed. In this season of great parity; nobody has looked unbeatable. As great as Seattle looked versus Niners, they looked like a different team against the Rams.

1 points
1
0
Leatherhead's picture

December 11, 2019 at 06:21 pm

You should relax. You’ll live longer. ( in Schwarzenegger voice).

1 points
1
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 11, 2019 at 10:36 am

I am very pleased with the record and playoff standings.

But, at the same time I can be displeased that the passing game looks like crap with Rodgers passing on the open guy to take fumbles and overthrowing guys deep on 3rd and ~5 several times a game. I know they get away with it now, but I doubt they will get away with it in the playoffs. And, Rodgers makes too much money to be doing that stuff.

3 points
4
1
PeteK's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:14 am

I don't see it to that extreme. The last game really made it clear to me that receivers are just not getting open. As the telecast showed, Rogers had time but receivers didn't have the talent to get open.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 11, 2019 at 08:00 pm

On the Rodgers fumble ay Adams was open early and Rodgers held the football.

1 points
1
0
splitpea1's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:07 am

Keeping Haskins in there was probably not a Redskins' coaches decision, but mandated by their idiot owner. He drafted Haskins to sell tickets and give some appeal to their crumbling fan base.

If Keenum had been inserted once it was clear Haskins was hobbling back there, the Redskins would have had a far better chance of winning the game.

1 points
1
0
splitpea1's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:16 am

Also, not interested in 11-5; a worthy playoff team should at least be able to win against the Bears at home and the Lions. And I would hate the thought of going on the road and having to play the crappy NFC East champion possibly, who by the way, shouldn't be allowed in the playoffs if they can't manage to post a winning record. The NFL ought to scrap the division champion thing when it comes playoff time; just seed the teams in order of their record--no .500 or sub-.500 teams need apply.

-1 points
0
1
PeteK's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:25 am

The following two facts that many championship teams have in common: big advantage in turnover differential and being unpredictable on offense. For example, we can win with with or without Jones or Adams leading the way, shootouts, and defense dominated games. This keeps my hopes up high.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:37 am

I believe this is the Packers year. They made it by teams that they were expected to lose too. Arron Rodgers is as good as He wants to be. Forget the lack of arm. Forget the stats. He has his favorites. And he will target them, knowing he needs them in the bigger game. He'll move the ball. Sure we want a big blow-out. After all, do unto others as they do to you. But as he ages, it's about him. I believe when he trusts a WR, he'll keep passing to them to shake the rust off. Every WR may have a fan club. But Rodgers has seen to many come and go now. Expect Allison to be targeted more. {The rest: is just give him TIME!} I also believe that the defense has not been this good since 2010. Martinez is among the top Tacklers in the NFL. And while he has looked soft at times. It's up to him to pick up the slack. The ILB position is make or break now. Guys want to stay in GB. The bigger the game they have, "The more money they will make." The packers have earned their way into the elite. The key isn't Need, It's Want!

2 points
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Swisch's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:48 am

It seems fans are truly glad for the wins, and appreciate the play of Aaron Rodgers to a good extent -- but it's hard to enjoy the ride when the offense, and particularly Rodgers, have for the most part been so clunky and bumpy this season.
Rodgers allows the play clock to run down over and over and over and over and over again -- yet it doesn't seem that all of his machinations at the line of scrimmage generally turn out to make much of a difference in producing better plays.
Then there's Rodgers holding the ball in the backfield, and holding it, and holding it, and holding it, and holding it -- yet it doesn't seem that all of that extra time holding the ball turns out to make much of a difference in completing passes and moving the chains.
The result has been a lot of ugliness on offense, and it seems many fans are sincerely frustrated in wondering if Rodgers is stubbornly refusing to fully implement the offense of his new head coach by overlooking open receivers on short routes -- especially on third-and-short -- and heaving low percentage passes deep that usually fall incomplete.
We saw glimpses in the Cowboys game, and perhaps on other occasions, of Rodgers running a diverse and dynamic offense with creative craftsmanship and awesome results. Yet, for some mind-boggling reason, this hasn't continued; and so the ride has indeed been ugly and unpleasant, even when we arrive at the destination of victory.
While allowing for time to develop a new offense, and for young receivers to grow, the burning question is whether Aaron Rodgers is on board with a new way of doing things, or is acting the diva in holding out and playing hero ball, to the detriment of his teammates and the exasperation of us fans.
I don't know the answer -- but that's the matter that has to be addressed and resolved if the Packers are going to make progress this season and into the future.
Everything else is minor in comparison to this huge elephant in the room.
I'm rooting for Rodgers with all my heart. I hope he is not a moody diva who is stubbornly and slyly undermining the team. I think just about all of us want to fully embrace Rodgers again if he shows some earnest willingness to implement a varied short game, and a real leadership in encouraging his young teammates.
At a crossroads in the history of the Packers, Rodgers has to have the humility to stand tall in making personal sacrifices for the good of the team. If he does so, there will be plenty of times when we still need him to be spectacular, including the deep strikes.
Most of all, his stepping up in leadership would give the Packers, and us fans, the best chance for team glory!!!
Please tell me if I'm missing something -- but let's get to the true and urgent heart of the matter for the future success or failure of the Packers. Please.

4 points
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PeteK's picture

December 11, 2019 at 01:41 pm

He's standing tall in the pocket waiting for receivers to get open and then not forcing the ball trying to be a foolish hero which leads to INTs = loses.

1 points
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Swisch's picture

December 11, 2019 at 09:08 pm

Fumbles from sacks are just as much turnovers as interceptions, and Rodgers has had two big fumbles of late: at the very beginning of the 49ers game inside our 5-yard-line; and at the end of the half against the Redskins when I think we had just converted a big fourth down and were already in range of a field goal.
Also, failing to convert on third downs, especially with short yardage to go, is a soft turnover in that it turns the ball over to the other team -- although, granted, after a punt. We still lose possession of the ball, though -- just like with an interception -- and there are only so many possessions in a game.
Whether Rodgers is waiting for receivers to get open, or ignoring receivers who are open, is a matter of considerable debate. I don't know the answer -- but from what I can tell, there is real reason for suspecting that Rodgers is not attempting short passes that are reasonably available.
I'm a big fan of Aaron Rodgers for his entire career, and so I'm going to be honest about him as best I can. I don't know of another quarterback in the league who uses the play clock as narrowly as he does, or who holds the ball nearly as long. I don't know of a quarterback who could be suspected nearly as much of being moody and difficult and stubborn and sly.
Perhaps these characterizations are totally inaccurate; but I think Aaron Rodgers could clearly put these suspicions to rest by what he says, how he says it, and most of all how he conducts the offense.
Let's see him make a commitment to all of the boring dinks and dunks that win tough games with artisanal flair and careful precision. Let's see him encouraging young teammates on the field and putting them into positions to excel.
I sincerely believe that such a commitment could result in two or three more Super Bowl wins for the Packers; and in Rodgers being fully embraced by us fans for an earnest willingness to check down from his preferences to connect on more modest gains that are ultimately more productive to victory.
It is his willingness to sacrifice himself for the team that will make or break the Packers.

1 points
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Lphill's picture

December 11, 2019 at 11:49 am

Packers have the 2 Nd best winning percentage in December , only the Steelers are ahead of them .

0 points
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dobber's picture

December 11, 2019 at 12:04 pm

Under MM...we don't know how they'll be under LaF until the end of the month.

2 points
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Tundraboy's picture

December 12, 2019 at 01:04 am

All I care is that he comes out looking for Bear this week. All game long! That will go a long way towards telling us what type of season this will turn out to be.

2 points
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Lphill's picture

December 11, 2019 at 12:19 pm

Yes Dobber I agree but let’s give the benefit of the doubt to Rodgers.

1 points
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jww061356's picture

December 12, 2019 at 07:50 am

I am enjoying the ride; frankly they are ahead of where I though they would be. First year with this staff and a bunch of new players? I saw them as 9-7, maybe 10-6 this year. If they get a major player in the middle of the defense(one that can stop the runs in the middle and cover TEs) and a killer WO in the draft, another healthy year will put them in position to make a move.

1 points
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