Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Not Dead Yet

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Not Dead Yet - I was confronted with a lot of "Is it time for the Packers to start Jordan Love?" questions last week. Understandably so - Aaron Rodgers looked like a shell of himself against a horrendous defense in the Detroit Lions, the Packers; fifth straight loss. I pushed back every time - the season was not over yet and the playoffs were still in reach. When that goal becomes unattainable, then sure, let him play. But as long as the Packers still have a chance, Rodgers plays. Of course, it's not like I expected the type of turnaround we saw from Rodgers against the Cowboys. I knew it would take a major shift in attitude and play to make something like that happen, and I was doubtful this team had it in them. Surprise!!!

QB Sneaks - In the NFL, it's a quarterback sneak world, but the Packers are not living in it. All weekend I watched other teams get first downs on 3rd or 4th and one yard to go with simple QB sneaks. You have to think Rodgers has put the kibosh on that for whatever reason he has.

Round Randall - Does anyone else think Randall Cobb looks a little chubby when he's not in uniform? 

Risk Return - For as long as I can remember, convention NFL wisdom has been that you can't just throw a guy with no punt return experience out there on an NFL field. Seems Amari Rodgers (sorry dude) was the agent of change. The Packers FINALLY had enough and let Nixon have a go. It was "interesting" as we saw him field a punt over his head on the five-yard line, two things that could have brought awful results. In the end, though, he didn't fumble, which was good enough.

Oh Romeo - Sad that it took an injury to Romeo Doubs to force the Packers to just let Christian Watson play. They had little choice but to put all their chips on Watson and they sure hit the jackpot - three times!

Don't Tell Me the Odds - What are the odds the Packers outsmart themselves on offense and go away from what worked so well on Sunday vs. the Cowboys?

Sending Savage - Joe Barry finally dialed up some blitzes, sending Darnell Savage after the QB 4-5 times by my unofficial count. Although he didn't get to the quarterback, the added pressure against Prescott was helpful and he came within an inch or two of blocking a pass that ended up being a touchdown for Dallas.

Quick Draw - The already suspect Packers run defense put some baaaaaad stuff on tape against the Cowboys. They got absolutely ripped apart by draw plays. We're talking like 10+ yard gains multiple times and one got the Cowboys a first down on 2nd and 22. Yikes!

Full Stop - On the bright side, the defense did its job in crunch time. The last three times the Cowboys' offense got the ball (not counting the end of regulation 16-second possession), they were either forced to punt or turned over the ball on downs. That's huge.

Rodgers' Revival - This was a different Aaron Rodgers - one that knew this was the final line in the sand for the Packers' season. Not only was his play different, but his temperament was as well. Yes, this is a "Body Language Police" comment, but I don't care. I'm "on the job" and a firm believer that in a physical, emotional, and violent sport like football, a sullen, mopey quarterback is not what his teammates want to see - it's a poor example and doesn't instill any confidence. That's how I feel and I'm sticking to it.

 

 

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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

__________________________

7 points
 

Comments (93)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
T7Steve's picture

November 16, 2022 at 06:40 am

Just win one. GPG!

1 points
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NickPerry's picture

November 16, 2022 at 06:43 am

"Sad that it took an injury to Romeo Doubs to force the Packers to just let Christian Watson play. They had little choice but to put all their chips on Watson and they sure hit the jackpot - three times!"

In the weeks leading up to Dallas we all heard the Packers had a BUNCH of stuff just for Watson but he got injured. Sometimes I really wonder if it's true or it's just lip-service. But Al is 100% correct, the Packers had NO CHOICE but to throw the ball to Watson. Even after the drops they continued to go to him. Whatever the reason was I'm just glad it happened and couldn't be happier for the kid...You GO Christian!

The Savage blitzes are definitely a work in progress, but I loved the aggressiveness. Now, if we can just get the CBs to play UP on 3rd and 7 I'll be a happy camper. I'd rather get beat trying to defend the first down than just give em 10 EASY yards on 3rd and 7. Even Greg Olson said the Packers need to at least challenge the opposing WR and not just GIVE it to them.

Attitude... I've been super critical of Rodgers so I have to at least acknowledge when he showed some emotion other than looking like he just took a bite out of a shit sandwich. The block he made to spring Jones, being one of the first players in the endzone to congratulate Watson on his 2nd TD I think it was, to the emotion he showed on the pass to Lazard in OT, running downfield jumping up and down and fist pumping the whole way... Hell, I actually LIKED Rodgers last Sunday afternoon.

IF, the Packers can get to 6-6, then I think they have a realistic shot at the playoffs. But IMO the MUST beat the Titans at home on Thursday Night, and then Philly 10 days later. Thursday the MUST jump out to a big lead. The longer they let Derrick Henry to plow into the D-Line, the shorter their playoff hopes get.

12 points
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Rarescope's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:00 am

Meh Titans don’t scare me. I enjoy watching them but the Packers have been to this rodeo before and had steak for breakfast the next day.

0 points
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Razer's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:16 am

...The block he made to spring Jones...

He had me at that block as well. I stopped pacing, sat down and watched the game knowing that we had a chance

...Hell, I actually LIKED Rodgers last Sunday afternoon... He almost lost me in the final minute and a half of the game with the wasted time and blowup at LaFleur but you knew the flame was burning hot. Shouldn't have reduced the HC like that but then again stop wasting Aaron Rodgers.

6 points
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Since'61's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:14 am

Rodgers and LaFleur were seen on the sidelines shortly after the blowup laughing and discussing their play calls.

Rodgers and LaFleur also addressed the situation in their pressers and hugged each other shortly after the game.

In the end it was a non-event. Thanks, Since '61

8 points
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Rarescope's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:34 am

Thanks for shaing '61 - I often think that the interactions that fans and media start frothing at the mouth over are non-events to the actual participants. God bless Insider Inbox for helping me keep a balanced perspective.

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:17 am

The Fans are more thin-skinned.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:38 am

The euphoria of winning when it’s crucial papers over many cracks, temporarily. I wouldn’t read too much into that either.

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Rarescope's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:51 am

You do have a point there CW. I just could not care less about the he said he said gossip mill conjecture game. And until someone actually involved in the org comes out and says something that’s what I consider most of the discussion about internal relationships at the Packers. Just curious - do you read Insider Inbox on their official website? I believe it’s part of their job to tamp down the rumor mill but at the same time they do offer a perspective on these things that we all lack since they are actually in the building working with these guys 40 hours a week.

2 points
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T7Steve's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:36 am

Rarescope, I read II every day that I can. They've even answered a few of my questions. I find they're very fair about their answers but, won't publish questions too controversial or negative comments. Those guys are great, and you get great feel for the history.

Have to come to CHTV for you guys to answer my questions they choose not to. People need opinions, knowledge and ideas that aren't their own to get the whole picture.

In my personal circles I had the most football Knowledge of anyone I know. Here I don't hold a candle to 99% or more of you. Thanks.

1 points
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Rarescope's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:44 am

Nice T7Steve! I've always wondered how many (if any) of the posters here read that too. I start every day with pulling up Insider Inbox and reading it while I take the dogs out in the morning (although if I wake up early I'll check to see the newest article here before falling back asleep). I've gotten a half dozen or so questions answered too. Understandably they can't take on anything too controversial but I certainly do appreciate their wit and balanced perspective on things.

1 points
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T7Steve's picture

November 16, 2022 at 02:13 pm

I really like WYMM. CHTV has very good ones too (like today's three plays that make you go HMMMM) that demonstrate with game film. I like best that you can comment on the guys take on CHTV and they'll usually come right back with their answer or comment. Have learned so much as a newbe on here.

1 points
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Rarescope's picture

November 16, 2022 at 02:36 pm

Yeah I miss the comments thread on the Packers website - I was just getting started reading a lot of Packers stuff online and they pulled it because they didn't want to be responsible for moderating it anymore. I always suspected it was people complaining about Lori from Brookfield always getting her generic questions answered or complaining about the poems - glad they've stopped posting the latter for the most part this year. There were a few good ones but pretty lame for the most part.

But yeah, pre-pandemic most of what I knew about football was that the QB threw the ball, the receivers caught the ball and the running backs ran the ball and the defense tried to stop the other team from scoring and the team with the most points won. Learned a lot from sites like this and commenters here.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:39 am

I don’t give too much credence to the inbox. They aren’t able to cross lines. As to Rodgers, he said it after the game. He felt he was hitting everything and wanted to win in regulation. He fought LaFleurs calls all second half. I don’t think that’s either particularly hard to see or something I would reproach him for. We needed to win. Call and play to give us a chance not to just not look bad. Can’t argue with that or the force of its expression.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:54 am

It seems to me that Doubs has little to do with it. We’ve always seemed to want the ball thrown deep to Watson. Injuries have been a big factor, but also the issue was willingness to stick with it.

For me the difference was that in Detroit Rodgers just seemed to have decided he was going to go for it. It didn’t work. Last week, after 6 passing attempts for basically nothing in the first half, Rodgers seems to have essentially just done the same. There were 3 differences.

1) Rodgers was far more accurate
2) we kept running and were doing so effectively
3) Watson was available and caught the ball (Doubs was out after the first pass in Detroit).

The calls weren’t much different. To me Rodgers attitude was different from earlier in the season and he stuck with the threat over LaFleut’s caution. On the sack, it looked like he was also going to Toure in what could have been another big one. I just see the change as being a willingness to throw to talent even if raw rather than just timidly drown within 5 yards as in the first half and willingness to use the run to help him.

The idiocy behind the offensive plan this year is the assumption that a couple of 2s and 3s can get it done. In fact the lack of speed just forces playing multiple downs to inch up the field, stacks boxes, endures a ridiculous contested catch rate, puts more pressure on the OL and makes the running game harder. Look at the effect the passes to Watson had on the D and how suddenly Watkins and Lazard could find space.

I see people giving credit to LaFleur. Go back and look at his calls. Almost totally the same in the first half and largely in the second till late. This was Rodgers saying no more self defeating safe ball. Something I suspect he echoed when he chewed LaFleur out. This was a QB overcoming his Coach and a sign he’s willing to use raw talent because if it works it gets points as opposed to petering out after a lot of hard yards and downs.

Just think what we could do if we had speed at more than one position and willingness to use it. Still LaFleur fights using Toure even in the absence of Doubs. We wasted a lot of snaps on Amari again.

Rodgers seems to have grasped the obvious in Detroit and last game he actually had a piece in the field and used him. It’s a shame LaFleur is and was still calling futility. When your Head Coach is your biggest obstacle it’s time to make a charge. Had we had more guts, conviction and ambition then we may have seen more last weeks this year.

4 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:08 am

The Titans will be a tough team, but they will also be coming into this game with their starting center currently in concussion protocol and multiple defensive starters having not practiced, including DL Jeffery Simmons and OLB Bud Dupree (what I mean is that they may not play) Their starting center is also in concussion protocol.

Keep in mind that the cold weather could slow running down. That’s what happened in the 49ers playoff game, when the 49ers averaged 3.6 yards per carry with one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Having fore 3DL and 4DL sets for the game should help. I think we should elevate Heflin for this game.

Our game plan should not be about jumping out to a big lead, but sticking with the run and wearing out the Titans defense early. They are very tough, but 20+ carries of AJ Dillon will wear anyone out. If we can take up clock and keep them on the field early on by running it down their throats, that will open up the rest of the game if they are worn out. The Titans also have one of the worst passing defenses in the league.

I think we win a close, physical game at home, but I think we win, 20-18. Home field advantage will play a big role.

As far as the Eagles, I really like how we match up with them. They have been bad defending the run, which is what we excel at. In order to beat them, though, you need a good pass rush and defensive front, as the Commanders demonstrated. We should stick with 3-4 D-linemen on early downs to help against the run (Heflin should be elevated for this game too), and before the game, we should sign free agent pass-rusher Benson Mayowa, who had 13 sacks and 5 forced fumbles in his last 2 seasons playing edge rusher, to bolster our pass rush.

0 points
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Rarescope's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:05 am

I was getting sick of the let’s play Jordan love comments last week I was even getting them from my cousin who isn’t a packers fan (I think he was dropped on his head as a baby and/or can’t give up his teenage rebelliousness of always doing the exact opposite of what his dad wanted). Our oline played like crap last week and I bet the thumb is a bigger deal than they let on. Sheesh last year a toe this year a finger. We need to rework Arods contract to include bubble wrapping his extremities when he’s not playing football.

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:59 am

The O line wasn’t crap in Detroit. It had issues in the run game but the protection was definitely not the problem.

3 points
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Rarescope's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:50 am

Maybe it was the WR corp and QB I was thinking of. Either way, whoever it was, it stunk.

0 points
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stockholder's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:12 am

It wasn’t a surprise. It was Rodgers. QB sneaks= You have a QB with a repaired collar bone. Gutey drafted Dillion. But why Shouldn’t Love be sent in just for the QB sneak?
Randall Cobb - Beer body. I thought Nixon did pretty good. I think they got it Right! Romeo Dobbs needed a break. Watson got his. And the future looks brighter.
Odds- The OL is the KEY!
Savage is done as a FS. It’s just a matter of Time. When Clark gets a rest. Expect more Draws.
Full stop- Gutey can’t stop drafting Defense! (BPA)
It’s never been about Rodgers. It’s about winning. Either you support him. Or you’re in a Rebuild.

-1 points
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:25 am

Update on Kylin Hill. Our local Madison paper had a lengthy quote from LaFleur this morning that indicated Hill had a problem accepting his role on the team (he wanted more playing time) and wasn't putting the work in or being a supportive teammate. As a result, he was cut from the team. As Birddoguni suggested in a post yesterday, Hill had apparently become a cancer in the locker room.

9 points
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Razer's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:36 am

That is too bad. I was hoping that he would eventually replace Dillon. I liked his vision and burst. Got to wonder if the coaching on this team is a little too college. Mid season cut in the second season is a big fail by the player, coaches and scouting.

-5 points
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:07 am

Don't know if I would call cutting a 7th rounder in his second season a big fail, however I also liked his talent and thought he had starter potential if they didn't keep Jones. Too bad they couldn't get his head straightened out.

2 points
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Razer's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:33 am

I agree that 7th rounders are flyers or projects. My bigger concern is that we are thin on offensive talent and here we let two potential weapons go. Both picks may have been wasted from the start if enough digging and evaluation didn't happen at the draft level. Lot of wasted opportunity.

-2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:27 am

Gutedkunst is always behind a player in his drafts. The fourth round should go to RB, LB and TEs. Walker will be his saving grace this year. Watson was worth the #22. They will have to cross their fingers and hope the O line can stay Healthy for the home stretch.

0 points
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barutanseijin's picture

November 16, 2022 at 05:27 pm

The thing is, they proved not to be weapons. Hill wasn’t going to be worth playing if he wasn’t going to go with the program .

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:38 am

Razer, he has talent. Had he come out after his junior year, he likely wouldve been a 3rd round pick. But then he turned into a knucklehead and ended up quitting the team his senior year. This wasnt about scouting. It was never about whether he could play or not. They took a 7th round flier hoping he would grow up and he didnt.

3 points
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T7Steve's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:49 am

Do you think it's part of the culture? I want a player that wants to play and push the guys in front of him. He didn't seem a problem last year. These guys have been the best on their teams all their lives and things came easy. When he was coming back from his knee, he was shown to be competing with the others to see who could be back first. Did he just assume he'd get his place above the PS guys? Hopefully he's re-signed to the PS and uses this as incentive, or his career is finished.

How could vets let a young 2nd year guy be left to be a cancer in the locker room?

-2 points
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:03 am

All good points T7Steve - especially the vets not mentoring him. However if he truly has become a cancer, they won't re-sign him to the PS. They want him out of the locker room.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:09 am

I often wonder in those situations. Good leaders can deal with most of that by one in one discussion. Perhaps that was done and failed. Ultimately players can be just so far out of reality that they talk themselves out if a team, but strength of leadership minimizes that. I suppose I doubt the capability of LaFkeur to deal with that short of removal.

The most frustrating thing is that Hill should have seen that he was in pole position if Jones isn’t signed to an extension. He just had to bide his time and, if this season does get away from us, he’d likely have got more chances to impress. Perhaps Hill isn’t very smart, but that doesn’t seem a hard message to impress upon a frustrated young player.

Perhaps Hill was a mouth piece for or galvanizing others’ frustrations, who knows, but I have doubts about this being handled optimally given the situation and talent.

1 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:38 am

If you're not a good teammate, you're not a good teammate. Period.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:46 am

Good teammates have moments. Good humans get their heads in their behinds at times. Most can and do get brought out if it by coaches and peers and back to the light. Of course it depends on the nature of what he did, but I don’t agree with you that it’s set in stone. That doesn’t mean there aren’t those who are just poison, but they usually are obvious early. Perhaps he was one. Odd that they hadn’t just moved on already though if he’d had such issues.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:34 am

Taylor beat him out.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:53 am

Agreed!

Wonder the motivation required to come back strong from such a devastating injury only to have to sit. Hurry up but now sit. Has to be hard. I had high hopes for Hill. Does seem hard to believe the coaches couldn't address whatever the issue was with Hill. If they tried and Hill was not modifying behavior than glad he was cut. Goodson will move up a notch now. I think he has potential.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:00 am

I agree with you on Goodson, if he can learn to block.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:30 am

He's been given the heave-ho. So long, been good to know ya...

0 points
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Mr_Bill_H's picture

November 16, 2022 at 02:10 pm

As an ex-Packer, The Vikings, Bears and Lions won't be able to resist him. Wait the Packers just signed an ex-Viking returner, LOL

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:36 am

This is why he was a 7th round pick.

0 points
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Starrbrite's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:17 pm

Thanks Guam—we knew it was something other than talent.

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:53 am

As always, nice review, Al!

Looking a little bit what others in NFC is doing and I have to reconsider my opinion on several teams Packers faced this season. I'll start with Washingot upset vs Eagles. Maybe they are not that bad as we thought they are. Giants are almost sure thing than they are above average team. Jets also makes some noise. Look those Vikings. Only one loss. Team with lot of luck lately. That is 5 losses of the season. Only, really low loss was at Lions. 6 in total. Packers won over Tampa, Bears, Patriots and now Dallas.

So, Packers losses came vs teams with 0.500 or above record (7-1; 7-2; 6-3×2; 5-5) and the worst game vs 3-6 team. They won vs Bears (3-7), Tampa (5-5), Patriots (5-4) & Dallas (6-3).

Considering their level of playing through those games (exlucuding the last one), their record is quite realistic.

Playing on the level of the last game, they are, surely in position to win over Titans. I see game at Philly as deciding game for the season. 9-8 will not be enogh for play offs. Washingon is already 1,5 game in front of them and SF are starting to make some noise with late addition of McCafrey (5-4).

Hope is not yet lost, as the chance that with Philly game, Packers need to win every other game on the rest of the schedule. Can they? I believe they can if they keep or improve their level of playing they show vs Dallas.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:09 am

Not Dead Yet - No we're not but we have little to none margin for error. The Packers looked good against Dallas but I don't know if they are good enough to replicate the 8-0 "run the table" run of 2016. But at least we have some hope now.

QB sneaks - require faith in the OL plus why risk Rodgers?

Round Randall - bulking up to be our Fullback???

Risk Return - At the point we had reached with Amari Rodgers almost anyone would have been a better option.

OH Romeo - Hopefully we get Doubs and Watson on the field sooner rather than later.

Odds - it's depends on the OL and it would be good if we can solidify our run defense for the first time since 2010.

Savage - I like the idea of being aggressive but Savage didn't impress me as the right guy for the job. When our LBs are healthy again I would prefer to see Walker as our inside blitzer.

Quick Draw - Where's Walker or whoever is supposed to be playing to stop the draw?

Full Stop - It was good to see the Packers defense make stops when we needed them the most. That's why Amari Rodgers had to go. You can't have a great defensive stand and then give it back to the opponent because our return man can't secure the football.

Rodgers Revival - If he gets the time he can still make perfect throws. I don't see any arm problems for Rodgers. He does need to keep his head on straight. Let's hope that he is right on TNF.

I hate the idea that the Packers are coming off an emotional high from the Dallas victory on a short week. This where our coaches need to prevent a letdown before yet another important game. Chuck TNF!!! It's unnecessary. Thanks, Since '61

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:25 am

The best defense against the Titans is to score early and often. That’s not to say we shouldn’t go to heavy boxes and adjust on D, it’s just that realistically Henry under 100 yards is a win. To get there we need to not rely on Watson alone and continued conservative calls. We also can’t build our O around Cobb.

In the absence of Doubs. We need more Toure along side Watson. Both should start at Y and X respectively and call plays where both can help stretch around Lazard/Cobb/Watson. Stretch their D vertically and keep running it to set up the pass and blunt the rush. We win by not just keeping time if possession but by scoring too.

Run and a more aggressive use of youth and speed and routes for the catchers. If Watson is blanketed, Toure poses a good enough athletic threat to exploit that for chunk gains and that further opens the middle. Thus is a must win game and tepid, timid offense won’t get us there. Go for it, stick with it and win.

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:58 am

Let down? Roll with the Mo. Keep these guys on high rev and give them a Game Plan they get excited about.
As I have stated Savage needs to sit. He is better in the slot than FS, but the guy is supposed to have 4.3 speed. He still hesitates on his line to the QB. Amos really has to step up his game on the back stretch. Alexander is now the leader of the defense.

3 points
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PackerGravy's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:10 am

Love is not the answer and the Packers know it.

There is no reason to run QB sneaks when you have a 245 pound RB

Randall bulking up for a December run

The Nixon punt return was…exciting

The Packers hopefully have found their offensive identity

Getting Barnes back in the middle should shore up the “draw play” defense

The Defense gained a little confidence me thinks

Rodgers finally is showing a little bit of fire, he must’ve been in an IOWASKA trance the first half of the season, glad he’s coming out of it.

The playoffs are still not out of reach y’all

-4 points
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Razer's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:23 am

...Love is not the answer and the Packers know it....

Totally agree. It is why we handed out all that money to Rodgers and didn't face the reality of the Love pick. Rodgers's draft capital was at its highest point at the end of last season and instead we painted ourselves into a cap corner and starved ourselves of talent. I wouldn't have trouble with the decision if we were better at drafting since the cheap labor is coming out of college.

Since Rodgers is our horse - ride him hard and put him away wet. He still has game and as evidenced in his scrambling and blocking - he will give you the effort. Coaching needs to step up.

-1 points
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PackerGravy's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:32 am

Spot on
May be able to trade Love for a mid rounder in the offseason
Cut bait and draft another, that’s just how it works

-4 points
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6
wildbill's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:32 pm

Love=Kizer 2.0

-4 points
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JerseyAl's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:09 am

"Love is not the answer and the Packers know it." I hear this all the time and I totally disagree with this theory. I profess to know nothing of what Love is or isn't, but regardless of what the Packers actually think of him, they wanted another Super Bowl in the worst way. Bringing Rodgers back gave them the ABSOLUTE best chance at that. That's the reason they brought him back - had nothing to do with whether they like/dislike Love.

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:47 am

It’s amazing isn’t it? It’s up there with the screams that this or that rookie is a bust as the signal to turn off and ignore. It usually stems from the Rodgers is forever dreamers and the ones who thought this extension was logical as a result.

So sure were we of Rodgers going into his breakout year in 2008 that we brought in Brohm to compete. We did not know despite actually having more and better looks. We don’t know now. Love was and is not the reason for what’s going on or what has gone in since 2020.

If we win out, we won’t see him. If we don’t we will and absolutely should. What we discover might just be one of the more interesting as well as valuable elements of the remainder of the season if we are eliminated.

6 points
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stockholder's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:20 am

It doesn't matter. There are plenty of Loves in every draft.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:11 pm

or Jalen Hurts, types a round later. Veteran backups on the cheap, etc.

-1 points
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PackerGravy's picture

November 16, 2022 at 01:31 pm

We will have to agree to disagree Al, if the Packers pay up Fuck for love in the off-season I’ll be shocked 

-3 points
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JerseyAl's picture

November 16, 2022 at 01:38 pm

Odds are certainly against it based on the horrendous cap situation and if Rodgers wants to keep playing. My point is, neither you nor I you have any idea what they really think of him. My guess is it's not what you think, but it's only a guess, just like yours.

4 points
4
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2022 at 02:09 pm

Thank you for the voice of reason Jersey Al. The Packers FO admitted they didn't know what they had with Aaron Rodgers until the Dallas game in his third season when he relieved Favre and led a big comeback and proved he could play in the NFL. I can't imagine the Packers have a solid fix on Love at this point since he has played so little.

I didn't like the Love pick when it was made, but I have no idea whether he will be a good NFL QB or not. And I suspect the FO doesn't have a significantly better idea than we do. There simply isn't enough game film to really know at this point.

2 points
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Eric Zenk's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:05 am

Packers fans who WANT TO BE GMs, but are not show their true colors based on speculative opinions with comments like this: "Love is not the answer and the Packers know it."

How do you 'PackerGravy' know this? Do you work as a reporter for ESPN, Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel or the Green-Bay Press Gazette? All three news outlets spend hours and days speaking with multiple sources who actually know what they are talking about based on player, coach and GM interactions. I subscribe to all three and I have never seen a story line attributed to your byline: 'PackerGravy',

I get it that YOU and so many other fans hate the Love pick but as reporters from all three news agencies have said in the past, a GM or coach CANNOT objectively evaluate a player at any position in the NFL, especially if that player has not played in any meaningful games b/c it typically takes players from the college level 2-3 years to develop, and adjust to the pro-game (if at all). And this assumes theses players actually play in the 34-51 games during that time frame. Love's performance in one full game against the Chiefs and mop up duty against the Saints in 2021 doesn't count as an accurate metric.

Why you might ask? Because the game plan for both games was Rodgers centric meaning MLF tailored plays specifically for Rodgers or more accurately Rodgers told MLF what plays they were running each series as he has admitted during post-game interviews.

Why do you think so many fans are asking to see Love play if the Packers fall out of playoff contention which seems like the most realistic scenario at this time. It's b/c if as you say, "Love is not the answer and the Packers know it," the Packers will have a much larger sample size to accurately access if Love sucks or has potential.

If he isn't the guy then the Packers can use their high draft pick in the first round of the 2023 draft to pick a QB who might be the guy, and that would also signal the end of QB12's partnership with the Packers b/c Rodgers won't sit on the bench while a rookie QB plays in his place if he (Rodgers) is healthy and returns in 2023.

So before you and all the other GM wannabees make bold and speculative statements not based on any factual data, let's wait until we see the kid play in at least a season's worth of games before the Packers dump Love and bash Gutekunst for his draft failures, which is REALLY where you and so many other fans seem to end up during this topic of discussion.

And that end is to bash Gutekunst for his failures to get Rodgers the talent he needs so let's fire Gutekunst. There, I saved you time and effort by airing your grievance for you.

-1 points
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wildbill's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:38 pm

I, and maybe others, did not “hate” picking Love. What I hated was trading up to get him, in the first round, and then with a straight face saying he “dropped into our laps”, lol..,really!?
If he had been a third or fourth round selection personally I would have been all for it. I fully support Love as a person as he had no control of his draft status and is just trying to live his NFL dream. That being said he is Kizer 2.0 and I have nothing against Kizer as a person either. Just the facts ma’am…

-5 points
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2022 at 02:15 pm

And what facts do you have that he is Kizer 2.0? Kizer played a lot for Cleveland before he came to the Packers and then played some with the Packers. Love has played far less than Kizer. How do you know what the Packers have in Love?

5 points
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PackerGravy's picture

November 16, 2022 at 01:30 pm

Yep we will see

0 points
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HawkPacker's picture

November 16, 2022 at 04:57 pm

Well written epzenk.

1 points
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Razer's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:12 am

While I am not from Missouri, this team still needs to show me. Winning in the manner that they did against Dallas shows me that they have heart - which many of us doubted. Do they have the grit, discipline and coaching to play consistent ball against the better teams - well - that is the overarching question of the LaFleur tenure. I have seen LaFleur get outcoached too many times against the better coaches. Given that the Titans are a tough in the trenches, grit team, this will be the acid test for the season.

I did like that Savage was moved out of the safety position. He was an awful safety and we waited too long to make that change. Thank you Rudy Ford. Still a lot of confusion on defense and that is troublesome. I hope that we play more 4 D-linemen for a change especially with Henry coming to town. Grit time boys.

On offense we need the O-line to play their best game all else will take care of itself.

All-in boys.

5 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:30 am

Not Dead Yet -
Definitely not dead yet. Hopefully the Cowboys game was the turning point for this team.

QB Sneaks -
You clearly have been watching Corey talking a lot.

Round Randall -
I didn't think so.

Risk Return -
Why did they not find another returner in the offseason? Rodgers clearly was not a returner. I do feel like Rodgers could have contributed on offense. He just wasn't a good returner. I have a feeling he will latch on with someone. May even be productive. As for returners they just picked up Westbrook. I'm sure they will see where he is at today and see if they want to elevate him from the PS. They could also use Cobb.

Oh Romeo -
I can't wait to see Doubs and Watson together. 2 guys that can get open. Clearly 2 guys that are play makers.

Don't Tell Me the Odds -
I think the better question is how long do they go away from what worked if it isn't working for them. In the Dallas game they stuck with the run game. If they have some negative plays how long until they stop playing.

Sending Savage -
I loved seeing Barry being more aggressive. I am assuming this is because Gary is no longer playing, that he feels he has to dial up some pressures.

Quick Draw -
It seems the 2nd and 3rd in long situations, the Packers don't expect a draw to be ran. And get gashed ever time.

Full Stop -
Defense came up big in some key situations. Ford had the momentum changing play with the interception in the end zone. It could have been 14-0 or 10-0. Instead he intercepts it. a few plays later they tie it up 7-7. Huge difference in the game.

Rodgers' Revival -
This was vintage Rodgers. There was a point in the game the only 2 incompletions were the 2 drops by Watson. The other deep throw to Watson is a learning moment for Watson. He has to be watching for the ball every play. That could have been another long TD pass, had he been looking for the ball better.
We finally saw some excitement on offense. Finally saw some excitement around this team.

2 points
3
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JerseyAl's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:37 am

haha. I've railed on no QB sneaks for a few years now. Corey has recently jumped on the bandwagon with great fervor. But it's true - pretty much every NFL team does it except the Packers.

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:08 am

Fair enough lol.

Yeah I agree. I don't get why they don't do it.

Look if Rodgers is willing to throw his right shoulder into a defensive player for a block, then he should be willing to run a QB sneak.

3 points
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stockholder's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:10 pm

Jonathan Franklin? If the OL gets plastered. Not smart.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 09:58 am

I think I’d start small Al. Try running Dillon on the one yard line from under center. Hell, even Deguara. Just ditch the shotgun runs. They assume the D is convinced we will pass. They are a trick play that no longer tricks and just undermines Dillon’s biggest advantage.

One point on QB sneaks is that they rely on the center of the line. We haven’t used them much in a long time, but this year we’ve had significant issues winning in the middle in those push type situations. It wasn’t a strong point last year either, but this year it’s been worse.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:35 am

IIRC, Rodgers took a concussion on a QB sneak and that was the end of them. I think there are other ways of getting one yard, and I'd rather not get the yard than have Rodgers put on concussion protocol.

2 points
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wildbill's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:42 pm

2nd and long is a down/distance that draws and screens are ran very often. They should not be a surprise

1 points
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HarryHodag's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:31 am

The Titans are a tough, well coached squad that plays the 'short' game, running and playing defense. This won't be easy for a team working on a four day turnaround.

The playoffs are still a long shot but stranger things have happened.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:07 am

Sometimes the confidence that comes with unexpected victory can be a boost in a short week too.

2 points
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Eric Zenk's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:13 am

Packers are the healthier team, and don't have to travel so that about evens things out. Packers need to play a 4 or 5 down lineman defensive technique, gang tackle and force their QB, whoever plays, (not sure about the starter as he's nursing an ankle injury), to beat them. They did this in 2020 with a VERY BAD run defense at that time so it can be done. How bad do they want it. Put your big boy pants on, strap up your chin straps, and get ready for slobber knocker type of game.

-1 points
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wildbill's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:44 pm

Physical teams, in which the Titans are, always give us trouble as we seem to play on our heels. I love the Titans play style as it can be very effective unless they get a couple scores down

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 03:20 pm

And there is the key: we have to come out and be aggressive on O to win this game. That’s our best defense. Run hard, that will be tough, but we have to set up the pass to be effective.

0 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:35 am

I saw a bunch of QB sneaks during Sundays' games, and in most cases a RB aided the QB by pushing him from behind. Worked against the Bills as Allen tried to recover his fumble, but in all other cases it helped. Didn't aiding a runner in that manner used to be a penalty? If so, when did that change?

3 points
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JerseyAl's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:39 am

Pushing is allowed. Pulling or lifting up/propelling are not allowed.

3 points
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coolhand's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:06 am

I think the league should end this pushing to help the runner. This isn't rugby.

1 points
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JerseyAl's picture

November 16, 2022 at 01:33 pm

agree!

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 06:51 pm

Why? I don’t see an issue with it. What am I missing?

-1 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

November 16, 2022 at 08:42 am

So you’re saying there’s a chance. I was pleasantly surprised how the OL performed against a fairly good Dallas D, having looked so poorly against Detroit. That is the $64M question that determines whether the season is lost or not. Fingers crossed, cohesion along the OL appears real.

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

November 16, 2022 at 11:29 am

QB sneaks: Maybe the coaching staff doesn't believe the offensive line is up to the task, I don''t know. You've seen how they struggle in short yardage sometimes. I can't imagine Rodgers is afraid of burrowing in there; he actually went out there and made sort of a half block in last Sunday's game.

The Odds: Dillon's big breakout game came in 2020 against the Titans. Jones had a nice day, too. This year's version of the Titans has a much improved run defense and a very strong pass rush, so the Packers may need to adjust accordingly. The Titans only had 19 sacks in all of 2020, but this year they already have 29.

1 points
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PhantomII's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:14 pm

Maybe having both collar bones broken...The block probably not wise either...

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:04 pm

Wonder why Ballantine isn't given the chance as a returner. have read where he has a lot of speed and history of being a returner!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 03:23 pm

Nixon is fast too. I think he’s earned the right to be next up. Neither are experienced punt returners.

0 points
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mnbadger's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:48 pm

Rodgers' Revival - thank you Al for summarizing this situation so well. When I do it, I get too emotional. And I have no credibility.
When you do it, just the facts with the full credibility of a polluted mindset!
Kylin Hill - in a team sport, if all aren't pulling together, in the same direction, they have to go. Period. I applaud the gm for cutting his draft pick. Many talented football players are no longer playing due to poor or negative attitude.
GPG!

3 points
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ricky's picture

November 16, 2022 at 12:59 pm

The comment on Rodgers' body language and on field tantrums is so right. He's supposed to be the veteran leader, not the head cry baby. The turnaround in attitude was a breath of fresh air. Now, as to the lack of QB sneaks, let's remember, Rodgers is almost 39, has been a starter for 15 years. And his throwing hand is hurt. So, throwing his body into a mass of clawing, clashing, very large men is probably not something he should be doing on a regular basis. That he chose to run for a first down was more than enough for me.

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 16, 2022 at 01:02 pm

They cut 2 young and talented players today. One for the sin of wanting to play more and the other for failing at a position he wasnt drafted to play that we knew he sucked at over a year ago. Wtf are we doing?

1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

November 16, 2022 at 01:40 pm

I agree. Hill would have gotten more playing time next year, because Jones likely won’t be here then. I still wanted to see more of Amari in the passing game.

0 points
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2022 at 02:22 pm

I agree that Hill was young and talented. We are going to agree to disagree on Amari Rodgers. Amari had ample opportunity to prove his worth as a receiver this season (given all the injuries) and rarely got on the field and was invisible when he did play. I would rather see another player take his spot on the 53.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2022 at 03:30 pm

Agreed. If I thought Rodgers was capable of learning how to find space and get open I’d have felt differently. That’s an instinct he just seems to completely lack that is essential for a slot. Outside, his height is a problem and so is his lack of catch radius away from his body. I just don’t see the raw material there to become a regular down receiver.

1 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 16, 2022 at 07:12 pm

Amari got railroaded from day 1. Had a clear path to 1st team reps and playing time right away and then 12 demanded they trade for Cobb. Hes been fighting for scraps ever since. Hes perfectly suited for Lafleur's offense, that manufactures touches for guys in creative ways, but he doesnt fit the Rodgers spread offense so he had to go. Makes me want to puke. Is Amari some great player theyre letting get away? No. But he had some unique talents that they failed to utilize. And its all hands on deck at the receiver position right now. Doesnt make any sense to me.

1 points
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Starrbrite's picture

November 16, 2022 at 02:58 pm

“Round Randall”—funny Al—good one.
Our run defense—good grief. The entire universe could predict the draw play(s)….Everyone that is, except Barry.
We’ve beaten the Titans at their own game previously; let’s do it again. We all witnessed the formula for success against Dallas. The recipe is set..it looks much like what Washington did at Philly—keep the chains moving.

1 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

November 16, 2022 at 04:14 pm

Remember the Titans? Get the popcorn ready, have a few Leinies on ice, test out the Lazy Boy with an extra pillow.....

The D will need to help each other out tackling DH. I still smile when the Packer D held B. Sanders to negative yards! That was a beautiful thang! I don't expect the same since two different RBs, but I think (hope)...the run D will be ready.

Snot bubbles....go, go,gooo

1 points
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Starrbrite's picture

November 16, 2022 at 04:19 pm

Snot bubbles—perfect!!

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

November 16, 2022 at 10:22 pm

This columm never disappoints, unlike a certain team of late. Hope we keep getting better just like this. Thanks!

Speaking of this week I'm really hoping it doesn't take injury to give Toure some solid opportunities and I'm excited by the mere fact that we won't see Rodger's on returns, right? Still feels like that's a dream.

1 points
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