Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Packers Took Command (ers)
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
I'm writing this on a plane headed to Idaho (visiting some friends) and by the time you read this it will have been a full six days since the Packers - Commanders contest. So it's unlikely for me to write something you haven't heard yet, but I'm still going to do this. Also, I won't be able to do my "Three plays..." until the week after the Packers very rudely show a lack of gratitude and run over Jerry's cowpokes.
Watching last week’s Packers Transplants, Corey Behnke said something I found very interesting. This particular discussion was about Micah Parsons (surprise!) and how he affected the game against the Lions. Corey called Parsons “The Great Distractor.” Fast forward to the game against the Commanders and those words played out before our eyes on numerous occasions.
There was the play where Jayden Daniels bolted from the pocket to avoid getting sacked and as he’s running, he keeps looking back to see where Parsons is, who is in hot pursuit. He was so worried about Parsons behind him that he ran straight into Javon Bullard, who rightfully flattened him. Then there was the play where the Commanders legitimately triple-teamed Parsons as Daniels dropped back to pass. Parsons never got to Daniels but talk about being a distraction!
One of the most obvious results of the Packers swarming to the ball on defense is it has gotten them off the field in situations where last year teams were able to extend drives. I remember being so frustrated last season when in many third or fourth down situations, the Packers could have prevented a first down but the ball carrier was able fight through a Packer would-be tackler for the extra couple of yards needed for the first down. What we’ve seen so far this season is as soon as the first tackler makes contact, he has immediate help from other players, preventing the ball carrier from getting those extra couple of yards for a first down. This has been a key to the Packers’ defensive success through the first two games.
It’s been only two games, but I already see Jordan Love taking the next steps to become the quarterback we hope he can be. The first thing I’ll mention is something he did against the Commanders we rarely saw from Love, knowing when to throw the ball away and live to play the next down. I counted at least four occasions where Love realized discretion is the better part of valor and didn’t try to force something that wasn’t there. That shows growth.
The second thing that was noticeable in the Commanders game was how sure his passes on out routes were. He was stepping into the throws and zipping the ball to the sideline with confidence. The footwork was some of the best we’ve seen from Love.
As for the deep throws, his accuracy was better overall against Washington. You’re probably sick of hearing it, but I still have an issue with choosing the right situations to take those shots. I have no doubt that Love is being encouraged to take those shots by LaFleur, who loves “explosive plays.” He says it all the time and believes it – “you must have explosive plays to win games in the NFL.” I don’t necessarily agree on the “must” part, but yeah, it sure helps. However, the one caveat is, we always hear how they “left points on the field” and taking deep shots when you have drive extending opportunities will contribute to that.
Barryn Sorrell: - I mentioned Sorrell during the preseason as having "juice" in pursuing the quarterback. Of course, that was preseason and he wasn't going against top NFL talent in those games. So one could have reasonably assumed that he would come down to earth a bit when the real games started, but that hasn't happened at all. Here's a real interesting look at Sorrell's first NFL snaps against first stringers in a game that matters:
It's pretty clear the Packers had a new plan starting out this year which included looking absolutely horrendous in preseason to throw everyone off, especially the Lions who came in expecting to do to the Packers what they just did to the Bears. They fooled me as well. Even though I know better than to take preseason too seriously, their level of suckiness tricked me into thinking this was going to be another slow start for the Packers right out of the gate. Sheepishly, I must admit I had the Lions winning a close one 19-17 but couldn’t be happier about how things transpired. I hopped back on the Packers train for the Thursday night game and I’ve booked my ticket for the Super Bowl or Bust Express.
Go Pack Go
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (88)
TKWorldWide
September 17, 2025 at 06:41 am
The term I’ve been using to describe the Packer D is “swarming.” Arriving quickly in packs with bad intentions and sure tackling.
I am with you on third and 2 with a crosser wide open at 4 yards and an incompleat (british spelling intentional) deep heave. Hate to see that! But MAYBE some of those deep throws are what causes the stuff underneath to be open. I admit I’m looking for any silver lining here.
GPG!
(And remember to block Garrett!)
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 09:52 am
The Brits stopped using the spelling (in)compleat about 200 years ago as spelling standardized. It was always a less used form as the word is a borrowing from the Latin completus via old French complet and thus not a survival from earlier English usages. Just in case you run in to one and he or she looks bemused.
It’s largely preserved in consciousness by its use in the seminal fishing book title, The Compleat Angler from 1650s. If Walton’s spelling was a tad idiosyncratic, he was at least progressing towards modernity from earlier sources, such as the Treatyse of Fysshynge with an Angle.
Perhaps we should modernize it fully and republish it as the Complete Hooking or The Complete Hooker illustrated?
Bitternotsour
September 17, 2025 at 10:49 am
thank you - most entertaining. although i'd think it would be more listicle - top ten ways to hook, illustrated.
TKWorldWide
September 17, 2025 at 11:30 am
It all sounds compleatly reasonable to me. 😊
T7Steve
September 17, 2025 at 06:41 am
Have fun in Idaho, Al. Kind of hurt that you won't work during your vacation (on a selfish note).
"I already see Jordan Love taking the next steps to become the quarterback we hope he can be."
The best QB he can be is happening. He's game managing correctly and his playmakers are making plays and CATCHING the ball for him in the key spots they sometimes didn't in the past. Is he maybe making it easier for them? I don't know. I just hope it continues.
This game against Cleavland will be a true test for the offense because they're probably the best they've faced this season. If the front is healthy and stays healthy, it will be a perfect time to get calibrated together and prove the Browns can be run against.
TKWorldWide
September 17, 2025 at 03:42 pm
“Cleavland”; I say good job old chum!
Savage57
September 17, 2025 at 06:46 am
Here's hoping Matt doesn't feel the need to establish the run early, and uses a game plan similar to Detroit.
Cleveland is going to be in must-win mode, with Green Bay and Detroit intent on making them winless in 4 games. They've proven capable of clamping down a running game, and a series of three and outs to start the game plays into the juice of the crowd in a home game.
Mix it up, lots of PA, 12's, etc. But please, not run, run, pass, punt to start things off.
Cheezehead72
September 17, 2025 at 07:07 am
I agree with your wish. The beginning of the game is the worst time to try to run up the middle against this defense. As much as I hate pitching the ball I see that as a way to run at the beginning of the game. Also passes out to the flat to Jacobs or a TE would be good. I know it is technically and scored as a pass I look at as an extension of the run game.
T7Steve
September 17, 2025 at 07:09 am
I think Cleavland will see what happened to the first 2 Ds the Packers faced and will try to stop the run without safety help. That might loosen up their run D a little and make it harder to pass.
It will be a great test for MLF and the O to prove they belong in the upper echelons of the NFL or just pretenders. They need to keep improving week to week and this is the perfect test. A pissed elite D that aren't getting any help from their O.
Packers0808
September 17, 2025 at 07:06 am
Against Cleveland I look for some sweeps opposite side of Garret location. That I think will loosen up the running game.
Cheezehead72
September 17, 2025 at 07:09 am
Do you mean Garrett
Packers0808
September 17, 2025 at 11:00 am
Yes my mistake. Thank You!
TKWorldWide
September 17, 2025 at 03:45 pm
Not to be confused with “garrote”, which is far more deadly than Myles.
GregC
September 17, 2025 at 07:07 am
Gave up on the Sorrell video a couple minutes in, when they got obsessed with the reverse button. That's what often happens in these replay videos. I don't have all day! He looked good in the two or three plays they showed, though.
I wasn't worried about the first preseason game. I thought it was funny how people were singing Aaron Glenn's praises and wishing he was our coach instead of LaFleur. As if you can tell anything about a coach from watching a preseason game. I thought the next two preseason games were actually okay.
Yes, Jordan Love was great on the short to intermediate throws against Washington. He's going to miss some deep ones because those are hard, and he throws deep often, but if he throws the shorter ones the way he did against Washington, he's going to have a great season.
T7Steve
September 17, 2025 at 07:12 am
Have you noticed something that disturbs me? When Love throws the deep ball, it's either overthrown or the receiver has to stop and wait for it. Even when it's Kraft. He started getting some crossers in stride, so I hope he's getting his timing down.
GregC
September 17, 2025 at 07:17 am
He's thrown some good ones, like the one to Heath. Also one to Reed in the first game that went through Reed's hands. I wish he could hit on just one or two more of those per game, though.
dobber
September 17, 2025 at 07:59 am
I agree. He's thrown some really nice balls on those intermediate sideline and out routes (as Al noted), and in many of those cases, the WR is pretty open.
I wish they wouldn't run Wicks deep as much....he's just not fast enough and it leads to contested catches.
Guam
September 17, 2025 at 08:16 am
Wicks is their possession receiver and, like Adams, is a really good route runner. Short and intermediate passes are his bread and butter. Deep stuff not so much.
There was an article in our local Madison paper (Wisconsin State Journal) that strongly indicated Watson would be activated immediately after the fourth game of the season (the earliest point at which he can be activated). LaFleur was quoted as saying Watson was ready and had no other boxes to check to get activated. It may take Watson a couple of weeks of practice before he is ready to play, but his return appears imminent.
Imagine having Watson and Golden at WR. Speed to burn..........:)
dobber
September 17, 2025 at 08:34 am
I saw that, too. It was also paired with the caveat that he wasn't going to rush to the lineup and he would wait to play until he felt like he could be himself--that added year on his deal makes it less imperative for him to rush back.
When Watson is Watson, he brings a downfield pedigree that opposing DCs are going to respect. That's going to help this offense. Golden hasn't burned anyone deep, yet, and I think DCs aren't going to plan around him until that connection starts to bear fruit for the Packers.
T7Steve
September 17, 2025 at 08:39 am
Golden is fast but Watson is fast and tall. That height makes him a matchup nightmare for the average corner and safety. I think that's why Gute looks for and makes deals for these types of guys.
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 09:02 am
Watson is also much more physical at the line and in contact. For Golden to succeed deep he’s got to rely on pure speed to separate.
TKWorldWide
September 17, 2025 at 03:47 pm
Golden is also reportedly a very refined route runner.
Guam
September 17, 2025 at 09:04 am
While I expect the Packers will try to be smart about Watson's return, he said what young players always say - he is chomping at the bit to get back. I'm sure he wants to be an on-field part of this new Packer team and I suspect they will have a hard time holding him back if he feels healthy and the medical staff has cleared him.
Spock
September 17, 2025 at 11:40 am
Watson was also one of the best down field BLOCKERS last year for a lot of the Jacobs/ RBs runs. That will be nice to have in place with a fresh Watson at the end of the regular season/beginning of playoffs time!
T7Steve
September 17, 2025 at 12:18 pm
I was going to bring that up too. I don't think that little guy Golden should throw much of his weight around. Use him for the true speedster he is.
TKWorldWide
September 17, 2025 at 03:48 pm
Like Tyreek Hill.
(Or like Tyreek used to be.)
Leatherhead
September 17, 2025 at 03:54 pm
In the lead up to the season, there was talk about how Golden was our 'defacto' #1. Not just from the nitwits, but from knowledgeable sources. I would suggest that the door has opened up and he needs to show what he can do. He's played about 30 snaps each game, and been targeted twice. Reed is gone and Watson's not back yet, so it's Golden's Opportunity.
We're not going to bring Watson back early, and since we're going to be one of the best teams without him we're not going feel any pressure about it.
I think we'll run a little more and play a little more 2TE sets.. Mostly it's going to be Kraft, Doubs, and Wicks on the receiving end of the passes. And we'll see if Golden is ready.
Tundraboy
September 17, 2025 at 05:12 pm
Yes it is a Golden Opportunity, Speed with quickness, shiftiness and great hands is always something we can use.
dobber
September 17, 2025 at 08:09 am
"Sorrell--He looked good in the two or three plays they showed, though."
Some of these snaps were later in the game, but he's part of the regular DE rotation at this point when he's got so many experienced guys playing well ahead of him. That says something...like, "hope you find a nice contract in 2026, Kingsley."
"people were singing Aaron Glenn's praises and wishing he was our coach instead of LaFleur."
The Jets have mostly played hard for him, but now that the games count they are undermanned and make dumb mistakes. They have a long way to go. To be honest, the fact that they played Pittsburgh so close in the opener makes me doubt the Steelers more than it encourages me about the Jets.
"he throws deep often, but if he throws the shorter ones the way he did against Washington, he's going to have a great season."
We were wondering what the Matt LaFleur offense would be once ARod left, and it turns out that it's basically the ARod offense with more snaps under center and a higher percentage of run plays. Love hasn't been hit a lot the last two years, and I think that helps in his confidence. His pocket awareness has always been pretty decent.
Boneman
September 17, 2025 at 07:13 am
I won't be surprised if the offense struggles in this one. Cleveland completely shut down the Baltimore run game (if you take out QB runs, which Love doesn't do). I do think the defense will get several TO's which ultimately give us some breathing room. Lots of FG's. Final GB 23 CL 6.
GregC
September 17, 2025 at 07:20 am
Lamar Jackson had two runs for a total of 13 yards. So, not much. The Browns defense did allow four touchdowns and two field goals, though, so it's not like they were a brick wall.
dobber
September 17, 2025 at 08:38 am
True, but three of the four TDs came on a fumble return for TD or drives of 36 yards (and 3 plays) or less. So Cleveland was pretty generous.
Leatherhead
September 17, 2025 at 10:34 am
Ravens are a good team. Cleveland....not so much.
If you call it WEfense, then the offense didn't help very much when it came to keeping points off the board.
Here's how I think it is: If you're good enough to win the Super Bowl, you're probably good enough to win in Cleveland. They aren't that good, they aren't going to the playoffs, and they'll probably be last in that division. On an extra 4 days rest, we should be able to execute, and if we protect the ball and execute, we'll score enough points on these guys to win.
GregC
September 17, 2025 at 11:11 am
I didn't count the fumble return for a TD. The Ravens offense scored four TDs.
dobber
September 17, 2025 at 02:17 pm
<<tips hat>>
packerbackerjim
September 17, 2025 at 07:26 am
I think the offense benefits when Love scrambles once early in the game to affect the opposing D going forward.
dobber
September 17, 2025 at 08:21 am
They held the Baltimore offense to about 250 yards but they still couldn't stay in that game. It got away from them in the second half. They played with--arguably outplayed--Cinci, though, in the opener, and frustrated their offense all day. That was at home...you know, where the Packers are going.
The Browns have some really good defensive ballplayers on every level, and it's going to be hard to be able to move the ball consistently against them unless the OL plays well, but the Browns make way too many mistakes and their offense plays like it expects the roof to fall in on them at any time. The RB Judkins looked good in his first showing. We'll see if they simplify, feed him the ball against the Packers, and try to shorten the game. That's what I would do. I think this will be low-scoring and not a runaway.
I think we'll see more pulling from the Packers' OL, maybe some designed rollouts and running away from Garrett on Sunday.
Guam
September 17, 2025 at 08:40 am
The Browns defense has a really unusual stat line - they are best in the league by a significant margin in yards allowed per game but only rank 26th in the league in points allowed per game (29). That only makes sense if their opponents have had lots of short fields. The Browns rank tied for last in the league in turnover differential at -4. Three picks, one fumble and they have caused zero turnovers by their opponents.
Wisma Packer
September 17, 2025 at 09:38 am
"The Browns defense has a really unusual stat line - they are best in the league by a significant margin in yards allowed per game but only rank 26th in the league in points allowed per game (29)"
There is another way to look at this, one that does not make the Browns defense so great anymore:
The reason why they are best in the league in yards allowed is because the opponents always get short fields - turnovers by offense - that the opponents do NOT NEED to go many yards to score. So the best in yards allowed per game is actually a bad statistic!
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 08:41 am
The strength of their D is up front and particularly inside the tackles . The backfield has been a more uncertain proposition, particularly at CB where Denzel Ward, Cameron Mitchell and Myles Harden have struggled.
Against the Ravens, as an illustration, PFF graded CBs Ward at 38.2 and Mitchell at 38.2. Harden graded to a 52.7. That’s a bit more telling than the short field narrative alone. If Love has time, he should be able to exploit that secondary. That brings us squarely to Garrett, who has 3.5 of their 6 sacks thus far (we have 8), and who we have playing RT.
When they are on offense, expect to see a lot of Judkins and for him to attack the middle heavily as well as be their check down outlet if Sampson is not on the field. Sampson is not much of a run threat but is their third most targeted in the passing game. Otherwise their O runs through TE Fanin and WR Jeudy primarily and pretty equally between the two. I expect Judkins to attack our interior DL in a way Detroit should have with Montgomery but inexplicably did not. Particularly so with Flacco. It is likely to be a much sterner test than we had as yet as a result.
The key to this game is our OL versus Garrett primarily and our DL versus Judkins and whether that can reduce the impact of our rush I suspect.
stockholder
September 17, 2025 at 09:55 am
Madden's offense was built around
AL Davis's vertical passing concepts
designed to stretch the defense deep.
Daryl Lomonaco was known as the mad bomber.
While we question the 3rd and long throws.
If Love wants to be a great QB.
He must show he can connect long.
stockholder
September 17, 2025 at 07:18 am
The Sorrel video has me thinking
that Gary is not living up to his salary.
His pass rush moves should not
be running into a teammate.
We're paying him to rush a QB.
Yet he's praised more for his run
defense lately.
The new talent shows he must up his game.
GregC
September 17, 2025 at 07:23 am
Slow start for Gary: 2.5 sacks in two games.
stockholder
September 17, 2025 at 07:31 am
Should have doubled.
Pressure?
JerseyAl
September 17, 2025 at 08:24 am
I've said before that Gary doesn't have that "bend" and change of direction ability that truly elite pass rushers have. He's usually too upright and it takes several steps for him to change direction, both of which makes him easier to be blocked. This doesn't mean he's not really good, but this is what prevents him putting up elite sack numbers.
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 09:00 am
Gary’s problem has been that the entire room was similar to him. Power type straight line rushers. Now we have Parsons who has elite speed combined with the similarly absent bend and agility to turn the corner. In addition to reaching himself, he adds the ability to flush the QB towards Gary and others. Gute’s pick of Oliver suggests the penny had finally dropped that the homogeneity of the DE room was a fatal flaw.
Wyatt coming up the middle (currently 2 sacks, second only to Gary) is a big factor too. If he can continue to succeed up route one as well, the chances of QBs sitting comfortably in the pocket facing him, Parsons and Gary/Van Ness etc are vastly reduced from prior years. Just ask Goff and recall how different he was in his next game (158 QB rating) without that.
packer132
September 17, 2025 at 08:47 am
Packers with a great start at 2-0 and should take care of Cleveland and your first post is negative. Big surprise. Maybe the team should fine Gary and get some of their money back. Jenkings has a yearly base of $11 million and his PFF grade is only 69. I believe he needs to step up. I didn't realize that part of the players salary was coming out of your pocket. SMH
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 08:50 am
Gary has 2.5 sacks (1 more than Parsons), 2 TFL (Parsons 1 TFL) and has been excellent in the run game. If you compare by snaps, Parsons is getting a sack every 51 snaps, Gary is getting a sack every 36. I will take that as value for money even if I don’t expect Gary to continue the pace to 21.5 sacks over the regular season.
jannesbjornson
September 17, 2025 at 11:19 am
No doubt, Gary's over-paid. See if he can carry his weight through the season. Sorrell's take off should put Enagbare on the trade block. Hopefully, Parsons stays healthy and will continue to draw the most attention from the OCs. Flacco should be worried.
BuckyBadger
September 17, 2025 at 07:52 am
Something I saw this morning for all the MLF starts slow critics on my handicapping site. The writer is a huge stats nerd and but likes to show relevant stats for the week:
"Matt LaFleur dominates the early part of the season. He's 17-6 ATS (against the spread) in September, including 8-1 ATS in true road games. No head coach is better at covering early than LaFleur. The Packers are 17-3 ATS within their first 3 games of the season since 2019, best of any team in the NFL."
I know many will say we want to win not just cover and I understand that. Covering does show that the coach has the team performing better than expected which is basically all you can ask of a coach.
dobber
September 17, 2025 at 08:29 am
"I know many will say we want to win not just cover and I understand that. Covering does show that the coach has the team performing better than expected which is basically all you can ask of a coach."
I agree: most of us just want to see them win. Winning ugly is a win. Winning big is a win.
All covering does is show that some betting line in Vegas was crossed. If it's a 4-6 point spread, it's the difference between a red zone drive ending in a TD rather than a FG which might have nothing to do with quality of the game but rather just game flow. I don't put much on the spread because it's an artificial construct that has to do with expectations and percentages but doesn't have much to do with the actual game itself...unless you believe all those late calls to the ref are coming from betting services.
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 09:18 am
Surely coverage is simply a threshold of expectations. If LaFleur beats it early, then presumably he underperforms it late, suggesting other teams adjust better than he does perhaps?
Other than his first year and Love’s first year as a starter, I’d say the team has performed at or below reasonable expectations for the rosters in the other four seasons. To be fair, part of that was Defense and STs, but we are taking head coaching here, not OC.
Still waiting for LaFleur to break out and have his statement season of over achievement. This roster has shown what it is capable of with reinforcements potentially to come on offense. Perhaps this is the year LaFleur proves himself one way or the other and removed the need to fish in such waters as coverage.
BuckyBadger
September 17, 2025 at 09:24 am
2 years ago in Love's first year as the starter MLF the team has a season of over achievement. No one had them making the playoffs and winning a game. They started rough which would be expected with a 1st time starter but no one had them finishing like they did. That was an amazing job at coaching.
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 10:14 am
“ Other than his [LaFleur’s] first year and Love’s first year as a starter”. That’s 2 of 6 above par and thus four at or below and you only cite one of 6. You are harsh, but it’s fair I suppose.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 18, 2025 at 02:45 am
"If LaFleur beats it early, then presumably he underperforms it late, suggesting other teams adjust better than he does perhaps? "
OR, the bettors for some reason underestimate LaFleur early and adjust their expectations as the seasons wears on.
BuckyBadger
September 17, 2025 at 09:23 am
Only so much can be asked of a coach. Lots of people here where saying MLF starts slow and doesn't have the team ready early in the season and it this proves that is just a narrative that people made up. The spread has plenty to do with the game itself because its expectations and percentages are based on how the team performs.
I am not saying it is the be all end all but it shows that MFL has his team ready to play and they outperform expectations which is far better than the alternative.
Guam
September 17, 2025 at 08:07 am
Off topic, but the Packers' schedule just got slightly easier. The Bengals announced QB Joe Burrow will miss the next three months due to toe surgery which will make the Cincinnati game easier. The Bengal passing attack can be lethal with Burrow at the controls.
Total agreement with Al on the explosive plays issue. I would much rather see a short completion for the first down than a shot play. I do recognize that the occasional shot play forces the safeties to play deeper and loosens up the underneath routes but why on third down when a failed play requires you to give up the ball? Take your shot play on first down and the short completion on third down and keep the damn ball. Maybe I watched too much Lombardi ball in my youth, but time of possession is important too.
PS: Vikings games may have just got a little easier too. Aaron Jones to IR due to a hamstring injury. Uncertain return date.
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 09:24 am
We don’t play them till late November, but maybe.
NFLfan
September 17, 2025 at 08:22 am
I was also in Idaho last week -speaking of swarming; the natives said the Idaho governor is dealing with his own type of swarm; he calls them the 'COWs'-Californians, Oregonians & Washingtonians-lol.
JerseyAl
September 17, 2025 at 08:29 am
Pretty much everyone who lives in my friends' neighborhood are "refugees" from those three states. Especially from the major cities, LA, SF, Portland & Seattle.
NFLfan
September 17, 2025 at 08:33 am
Yes. It qualifies as a Republican Diaspora.
Bitternotsour
September 17, 2025 at 09:24 am
People move, they retire to places with lower costs of living. LA, Seattle, and SF aren't losing population, Portland may have but we have a housing shortage, so it probably is a benefit? I'd argue that population loss is directly attributed to jobs, but that's just my take from (you know) the west coast...
People move around, some of us want to live in places that have museums, culture, great food (and pro sports teams). Generally speaking, you don't go to Idaho to see your favorite band or have a great meal. Tomorrow I'll see the band Chaparelle for free at the PNC Live studio for a 5-song set at 2:00 in the afternoon, I'm guessing that opportunity doesn't afford itself to Idahoans. Which is only to say, to each, their own.
Bitternotsour
September 17, 2025 at 09:40 am
for reference, this is the urban hell-hole that is Portland...
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/08/28/travel/things-to-do-portl...
Doug_In_Sandpoint
September 17, 2025 at 01:46 pm
Bitter...you are entirely correct that we Idahoans cant watch a 5-song set at 2 in the afternoon. We have jobs. :)
Bitternotsour
September 17, 2025 at 04:24 pm
as i said, there is the issue of jobs. for some of us fortunate ones, it's no longer an issue...
Thegreatreynoldo
September 18, 2025 at 03:00 am
Chaparelle is playing in Madison at the High Noon Saloon on October 17th. We poor Wisconsinites do have to pay to see them, but it is only $26. The cost of living differential makes that easy to afford.
Some bands still do bypass Wisconsin, though.
Bitternotsour
September 18, 2025 at 11:44 am
They're playing a pay for show too, it's just we have the promotional venue that lots of bands play free shows at - 60 seats, great acoustics, and a great way to spend a half-hour as a retiree. I've seen amazing acts, Guster, Fastball, Japanese Breakfast, Hozier, Portugal the man, Ed Sheeren - lots of great up and comers too. Anyway, the Portland "hell-hole" portrayed in right wing media is a myth. The flood of people to Idaho too, is a myth. People move.
When I was a youngster there was a diaspora out of Wisconsin when the rust belt rusted. A lot of us headed west. Once we threw away our winter jackets we never considered returning...
And yet, we will always have the Packers, our community owned team, our birthright.
TKWorldWide
September 22, 2025 at 11:27 pm
Dave Chaparelle is hilarious!
Ray-66
September 17, 2025 at 10:39 am
Strange how you mention that. I recently read a book by C. J. Box called Blue Heaven. Throughout the whole book they discuss exactly what you just said.
egbertsouse
September 17, 2025 at 08:31 am
I seem to remember a 4th and 3 at the Commanders 30 yd line. The Packers went for it and called a low percentage 30 yard chuck to the end zone which felt incomplete. First, kick the friggin field goal and take the 3 points. Your defense is good, you don’t need to score 45 to win. Just take the friggin points! Second, if you go for it, don’t chuck it to the end zone, just get the 3 yards and move the chains. Love is inaccurate on many long throws, don’t play to your QB’s weakest area. Just get the 3 friggin yards!
Like Jersey Al, this drives me crazy.
RCPackerFan
September 17, 2025 at 11:39 am
Take the shot on 3rd down. get the first down on 4th down.
LeotisHarris
September 17, 2025 at 08:37 am
Steer clear of Sandpoint, Al. It's a hellhole.
It was good to see Barryn Sorrell found where Montravious Adams and so many others stashed the unused juice in Green Bay.
Savage57
September 17, 2025 at 10:01 am
Why is that?
Sandpoint shows up from time to time on those "Best Places to Live" lists.
LeotisHarris
September 17, 2025 at 10:24 am
One word. Doug.
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 10:28 am
Dug a glory hole in Sandpoint?
Doug_In_Sandpoint
September 17, 2025 at 01:49 pm
Et Tu Leotis? You're killing me. And I used to feel nothing but love for you.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
September 17, 2025 at 01:50 pm
No haircuts for you.
LeotisHarris
September 17, 2025 at 02:21 pm
Hey! Now, that's taking it a bit too far.
RCPackerFan
September 17, 2025 at 09:36 am
When Sorrell got onto the field I was watching to see what he could do. He has an IT factor to him. He has the juice. He has the ability to get through blockers. Some guys just have a knack for it. Sorrell definitely has that. I am excited to see more from Sorrell in the near future.
It will be interesting to see what they do at DE now though. Sorrell sat out week 1 which could have been injury or could have been a healthy scratch. Cox got hurt and Sorrell got his first opportunity. Now that Sorrell has flashed, what will they do on game days when Cox is healthy. Something else to consider if everyone is healthy, do they look to trade someone away? I don't think they will but they do have Mosby on the PS, and Oliver eventually off PUP. Don't be surprised if that were to happen.
Coldworld
September 17, 2025 at 10:30 am
Watch Sorrell’s hand usage. He’s not the fastest, strongest or most flexible (though he’s not bad), but his hand technique is elite.
As to Cox, they put him on IR pretty fast without using the spot immediately, which makes me think he will be out a while. If he comes back and everyone else is healthy then that’s a good problem to have. Personally, for cap reasons and those of less picks next year (he’s an RFA next year and Enagbare is a true FA), I suspect the decision will be whether to activate him or keep him on IR if he recovers.
RCPackerFan
September 17, 2025 at 11:37 am
I completely agree about Sorrell. His hand usage is great. He just has that natural ability.
i don't know how long Cox will be out. If he is able to come back after 4 weeks that would put him back at week 7. Week 10 is the trade deadline. If they get Cox back then. Oliver could be going by then as well. (though i'm not really counting on him). I could see a team looking for a player if a team calls them with a decent offer. I would assume Enagbare would be the one they would look to trade.
I don't think they will make a trade, but I do wonder if it would happen. I could see Gutey looking to the future and trying to gain more pics after losing their first round pick this next year.
T7Steve
September 17, 2025 at 12:44 pm
That's what I was thinking about Willis when it was announced the Packers were trying out a QB today. Hate to see him go but with all the #1 QBs getting hurt early they might be desperate enough to cough up a high pick or picks.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
September 17, 2025 at 12:43 pm
Al. Let me know if you are getting up to northern Idaho. If you're in Sandpoint I'll take you out on the lake and/or I'll buy you a beer. I'm always available as a free fly fishing guide as well.
T7Steve
September 17, 2025 at 12:48 pm
Up there the big flys use YOU for fishing unless the bigger mosquitoes take you away from them.
BAMABADGER
September 17, 2025 at 01:41 pm
Sorrell replay reverse replay reserve made me dizzy. He has a great motor. What concerned me in the videos is the lack of inside tackle pass rush, especially late in the game when "Skins" had to pass, pass, pass.
TheBigCat
September 17, 2025 at 04:06 pm
There are bona fide political refugees in Idaho: just take a taxi from the airport (not Uber, etc) and chances are very good the driver will be an Afghan who served in the Afghan military (special forces, interpreter for US military) who HAD to leave the country or the Taliban would hunt them down and kill them and their families.
TheBigCat
September 17, 2025 at 04:33 pm
Al: I failed to mention in my previous comment that there is a Packer bar in Boise, located in the iconic "North End Hyde Park" area, called Harry's. You have to get there early to get a seat. And regardless who the Packers are playing, the crowd always sings a rousing rendition of "The Bears Still Suck." And as my grandson would say "It's big fun."
Tundraboy
September 17, 2025 at 05:06 pm
"I remember being so frustrated last season when in many third or fourth down situations, the Packers could have prevented a first down but the ball carrier was able fight through a Packer would-be tackler for the extra couple of yards needed for the first down.".
I don't want to sound too harsh as I do love my Packers, very deeply, but it seems like it's been about a decade or more that I can say that about being frustrated with them in that area, in that department with great pain.
Please no one , do not judge me too harshly but that's precisely why I've been on the Cooper bandwagon since last year I love seeing people scared of us again.
GPG