Cory's Corner: Survive And Advance

The only thing the Packers have to worry about is winning. Nothing else matters. 

I only have three words after Sunday’s 31-30 escape in Baltimore: Survive and advance. 

That expression gets tossed around every spring during March Madness. College basketball gets a little crazy and wild but at the end of the day, the only thing the teams, players and coaches really care about is surviving and advancing in the tournament. 

Likewise, the Packers shouldn’t really care about anything other than the ‘W.’ The Ravens are dealing with plenty of injuries and so are the Packers. At this time of the year, you don’t get a trophy for having the most players miss games. 

You get one for being the last team standing on Feb. 13 amid a confetti cloud at SoFi Stadium. 

“You find a way to get it done even when things aren't going 100 percent your way,” said Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who had five tackles and a sack on Sunday. 

Tyler Huntley was making his second career start at quarterback for Baltimore and played like Michael Vick. He ran for 73 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 215 yards and another two touchdowns. His quick first step made it tough for the Packers to set the edge and whenever Huntley got outside the tackle box, he became nearly unstoppable. 

But today is a day where everything becomes a little bit clearer. And the reason why is because the Cardinals and Buccaneers both lost. Somehow, Arizona lost to the lowly Lions and Tampa Bay just cannot figure out the Saints in the regular season. The Bucs are 0-4 vs. New Orleans in the regular season since Tom Brady came to town last year. 

I agree, things looked a little clunky. The defense, which has been a bright spot as of late, gave up four plays of 15 yards or more to a team that really has been struggling to find its identity.

Does that mean that the sky is falling? No way. It means that it’s a week-to-week league — especially in a season that has been driven by parity. As of Monday morning, there were 28 teams that were still alive for the playoffs. 

I was impressed with the play of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. While the Ravens were concerned with putting two or sometimes three defensive backs on Davante Adams, Valdes-Scantling caught five of seven targets for 98 yards and a touchdown. If the Packers can get consistent production from Valdes-Scantling, who was a fifth round pick in 2018, I don’t know a defense that will be able to stop this unit. 

The Packers have scored 35 points a game since Week 11 and are finding different ways to beat teams. Against the Rams, it was Randall Cobb. Against the Bears, it was Adams. And on Sunday, it was Valdes-Scantling. That’s the scariest part for opposing defenses. Eight different receivers caught a pass on Sunday and nine were targeted. 

It may not look pretty all the time. But at the end of the game, you only have to have more points than the other team. It doesn’t matter how the sausage gets made. What matters is that the Packers are winning games and are now a whisper away from home field advantage in the NFC playoffs. 

 

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__________________________

Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

__________________________

7 points
 

Comments (68)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Johnblood27's picture

December 21, 2021 at 06:45 am

Thats a lot of words to say "just win,baby!"

I sure hope that MLF is using this seasons challenges to learn and grow as a head football coach at the NFL level. The playoffs are going to be a test for him.

Early game planning and play calling. personnel packages tailored for game to game success, placing players in positions to succeed, realizing where your players' weaknesses exist and playing away from them, clock management, time out management, motivating your team instead of the crowd, exploiting opponents weaknesses-again and again, all gas no f'ng brake for 60 - thats SIXTY - minutes, loyalty and faith in your charges but not to the detriment of the operation.

I hope he did some self scouting over the bye week and that his growth continues, he is certainly not a fullly developed head football coach yet, although he has a very bright future. I really want to see him attain all he is capable of. Continued growth is a big part of that.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... Just Win Baby!

6 points
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Crankbait's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:51 am

He just cannot motivate his team to come out swinging. That's going to kill us again in the playoffs.

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NickPerry's picture

December 21, 2021 at 07:10 am

The Packers have been in every game this year except for that week one game when I'm not sure exactly WHO showed up there. They lost against KC with Jordan Love and then again 2 weeks later against the Vikings. Kirk Cousins played OUT OF HIS MIND that game and I'd bet any amount of money that matters, he wouldn't be able to duplicate that performance.

As Cory mentioned it's been someone different every week these last few weeks. First of all I really hope we get Cobby back for the Playoffs. If there's one due I TRUST in the gold-zone or on 3rd down it's Cobb. VS had a great game on Sunday and caught a lot of balls that 2 years ago he drops. Two weeks agon it wasn't just Adams but Lazard too.

When teams double and triple Adams the OTHER Packers WR's need to continue stepping up. Same goes for The Big Dog (I love that dude) and Dejuara who both have been making big plays when the Packers needed them most. It's great to see Rodgers beginning to use those guys more and more. Hopefully that continues the rest of the season and we don't see what we saw in the NFCCG last year when he was forcing the ball to Adams.

This team is at it's BEST, when 12 uses everybody. I hope that continues for the rest of the year...GO PACK GO!

5 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:06 am

To be fair Cousins did play great, but the Packers should have had 4-5 interceptions of Cousins. The final one likely cost them the game.

11 points
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Crankbait's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:53 am

Or defense sucked just as bad as it sucked with Chicago and with Baltimore.
We need to get our starters back and MLF needs to motivate these guys.

4 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:11 am

Right on the money RC, they dropped INT after INT in that game. Trust and believe giving Cousins any credit is tough for me . That's why I believe in almost any other game even without all the dropped picks, Cousins wouldn't duplicate that performance. Hell, I'm shocked if he beats a team with a winning record...

"Since entering the NFL in 2012, Kirk Cousins is 7-35 (.166) against teams that finished the season with a winning record."

That above sentence was from an article posted on the internet on 2/11/2021. THIS is exactly what I'm talking about. Cousins was VERY fortunate that week against the Packers. It's not happening again.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:38 am

The recipe for Cousins is simple. Attack him up the middle. He’s not very mobile. Blitz him straight on. We did not. We paid for it. He had far too much time and space and he’s decent when he has that. Hopefully that is a lesson Barry has now learned. If not, he can look at how the Bears played him last night. That much they did right.

6 points
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dobber's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:47 am

Bears defense played really well last night. Not only did they make Cousins look...well, like Cousins, but they contained Cook. If they had any kind of cohesion on offense, they would've beaten the Vikes last night, and a good team probably buries the Vikings by 2-3 touchdowns.

8 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:41 am

Got to attack Cousins up the middle. If you succeed it’s pretty much curtains for him. I hope Barry has that figured out for our second game against them. He may need to blitz.

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croatpackfan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 12:24 pm

you and TGR wrote that both do not remember Lowry batted the pass. He did, I checked. 2nd Ravens possesion, at 6:02 on the clock. Just to confirm what I saw.

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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 01:36 pm

The stat seems to have been credited to Keke, at least when I last looked. Regardless, Lowry was, with Keke, the least stout against the run: Abdullah from the PS rated considerably better! Keke at least registered two pressures, as did Lancaster. Lowry had none as far as I can see. For me he was therefore the worst performer along the DL.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 21, 2021 at 04:23 pm

And yet, Lowry played the most snaps, and the team as a whole got considerable pressure on the passer.
Is it possible that he’s helping in ways that don’t show up on the box score?
Is it possible that the coaches have a reason for playing him?

I give credit to that QB for being quick and slippery and eluding several sacks.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 22, 2021 at 04:28 am

Again, Lowry was officially credited with a batted pass. You are correct, Croat.

I just checked and officially Savage was not credited with a pass defensed even though the replay on the final Baltimore offensive play seems clear that Savage tipped the ball. I believe it hit a GB CB in the chest and was thrown behind Andrews - don't know what the criteria is for the stat, but it appears to be given for every interception as well no matter how bad the pass was.

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stockholder's picture

December 21, 2021 at 07:28 am

Survive and Advance. That has been working. But the worry isn't gone. How can you not worry about our special Teams? Just 1 play can change a game. And with so many promising hopes, in years past. Can the packers beat the pressure and relax. I'm all for drinking beer. But the champagne is what is on my mind.

4 points
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porupack's picture

December 21, 2021 at 07:50 am

Cory. yes and no. Yes, each game you just find a way to win...so that is your survive and advance. On the other hand, winning while not addressing significant flaws is kind of ignoring the best ingredient for winning the next game: preparation, planning and practice.
So, yeah...we have seen some things corrected, and developed in season such as the run game that was lacking in some of those early games. Also, we're seeing some in game adjustments to quick, short, passing game to move the ball. Why the packers seem to start so slow still remains a mystery. The defense has been very much improved in season. So....yes, but still....some more tweaking because that offense just isn't consistently imposing their will, and they are very capable of doing so. Until then, its fair for fans/critics to call them out. The best way to win the next game is to prepare, plan, practice execution and resolve the chronic issues.

8 points
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mrtundra's picture

December 21, 2021 at 07:56 am

We have to play the Browns, the vikings and the Lions, yet. I worry most about the two division foes. Both play us tough and one sees us as their Super Bowl, everytime we play them. We need to take care of business in these final 3 games and not look back. We need to put a beating on Kark and Goff as both want to be spoilers, of some sort. Since they aren't going anywhere, play off wise, it's all they have going for them. Kark and Goff should be humbled just to set foot on the same field, as Aaron Rodgers. Don't overlook anybody and GO PACK, GO!!!

4 points
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Bitternotsour's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:02 am

The most important thing that happened this weekend was Brady's failure. That allows AR to truly set his sights on the MVP and I expect his performances will elevate with that goal now clearly attainable. #1 seed, here we come.

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jurp's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:08 am

I think that if Jonathon Taylor breaks the yardage rushing record (he's currently just under 1700 yards, IIRC), then he'll have a great shot at the MVP. Unless he has one absolutely incredible game this week, he won't break it until week 17 at the earliest, and probably not until the last game of the season.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 01:40 pm

Whether he gets the MVP or not (the award itself is of little interest to me), Taylor’s performances to date are of a nature rarely seen over a season. I can’t say that of any other player at any position. Adams and a few others have been superb, but not curve breaking like Taylor.

0 points
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Johnblood27's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:24 am

WTF?

Who cares about the MVP? It is simply more leverage for Rodgers to use to get out of town and grab grab grab more money.

I am a GBP fan, a football fan, not a fantasy football fan where statistics mean everything and winning and teamwork mean nothing.

5 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 22, 2021 at 05:58 am

Agreed 110% JB27.... GO PACK GO!

Besides, I sort of agree with what Pat MacAfee said on his show to Rodgers right after the whole vaccinated / immunized thing broke in the news...MacAfee straight out told Rodgers on the show he won't be winning another MVP.

I think to many of those voters aren't too fond of Rodgers in the first place. Even though the award SHOULD be judged by what a player does on the football field, I'd imagine enough of those voters would NEVER vote for him again.

0 points
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Johnblood27's picture

December 22, 2021 at 10:17 am

such is the flaw of our world... humans inhabit it!

0 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:57 am

With JB27 - I would be satisfied if A.R. just played MVP-like. That should get the team to the SB. The actual title is more meaningful to A.R.s trophy case and his agent.

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croatpackfan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:29 am

Do you know that MVP player in the season never ever won SB of that season? So, look at SB if you want to look something, not MVP titles.

EDIT: I have to correct myself, last was Patrick Mahomes. But that is very rare situation.

From Wikipedia:
MVP Super bowl curse
In recent years, if a player that won the MVP makes it to the Super Bowl the MVP often loses the Super Bowl in the year they won the MVP. That includes Brett Favre in Super Bowl XXXII 1997, Kurt Warner in Super Bowl XXXV 2001, Rich Gannon in Super Bowl XXXVII 2002, Shaun Alexander in Super Bowl XL 2005, Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLII 2007 and Super Bowl LII 2017, Peyton Manning in Super Bowl XLIV 2009 and Super Bowl XLVIII 2013, Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50 2015, and Matt Ryan Super Bowl LI 2016.

Only ten players have won the Super Bowl and MVP in the same season: Bart Starr in Super Bowl I 1966, Terry Bradshaw in Super Bowl XIII 1978, Mark Moseley in Super Bowl XVII 1982, Lawrence Taylor in Super Bowl XXI 1986, Joe Montana in Super Bowl XXIV1989, Emmitt Smith in Super Bowl XXVIII 1993, Steve Young in Super Bowl XXIX 1994, Brett Favre in Super Bowl XXXI 1996, Terrell Davis in Super Bowl XXXIII 1998, and Kurt Warner in Super Bowl XXXIV 1999. In these ten cases, all but four regular season MVP winners were also the Super Bowl MVP for their respective games - with Moseley, Taylor, Favre, and Davis not completing the duplicate MVP year.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

December 21, 2021 at 01:19 pm

The most important things that happened this week were that the Packers won and the Cards lost. Third is that the Bucs lost. 4th is that the Browns have one less day to prepare to play the Packers in Green Bay. 5th is that Brady was shut out at home by the Saints.

MLF and Barry should study what the Saints defense did to shut down Brady, bottle it and open the bottle when we play the Bucs in the playoffs, hopefully in Green Bay. GPG!
Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 21, 2021 at 04:50 pm

DeMario Davis, Four man fronts, Lattimore and Jenkins, P.J Williams etc DBs that are not afraid to hit.

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:02 am

Just get the win. It doesn't always have to be pretty. At the end of the day the only stat that matters is the win loss. Does anyone remember what happened in the 49ers game earlier this year? I'm assuming not a lot of people really do.

We can take a few things from the win though.

MVS did make some big time key plays in the game. It seems like on defense King replaced Black. The TE's are starting to make a bigger impact in the passing game. They had big catches from Lewis and Davis. Crosby probably had his best game of kicking the ball in a while. everything was straight through.

We have a short week. Lets keep the train rolling down the tracks!

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 21, 2021 at 09:29 am

King is at his pay grade; Dime corner.

-2 points
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PeteK's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:20 am

You're right, nickel is giving him too much credit. LOL

0 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:09 am

You still may be overly generous. Barry's big adjustment was putting King on Andrews - with predictable results (King may be still running after him). I propose that King's optimal pay grade - is on another team.

-1 points
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Lphill's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:07 am

When the Packers special teams take the field its a good time for a bathroom break if you have a weak heart.

1 points
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jurp's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:09 am

Or a beer break. You'll probably need the beer when you get back to the couch and see what fresh hell special teams got us into.

4 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:02 am

Packers signed ILB/special teamer Peter Kalambayi to their practice squad on Monday and had tryout four players on Monday: Cary Angeline, TE, Alize Mack, TE, Mathew Sexton, WR (4.3 40) and Kyle Sloter, QB (who played WR, too). Maybe this is to show they are trying to improve ST.

-1 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:14 am

Gutekunst still on the job. Perhaps some final tuning before the last big push.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:25 am

Lets hope Gutekunst will find another gem in the rough...

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:43 am

Sexton is a return specialist … I think we could use one Gutey!

4 points
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pacman's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:08 am

How many examples do MLF/AR need show to how to run the offense? Don't focus on Adams too much, hit the open guy. That's what happened when we won when Adams was out and when Ravens doubled Adams. Drawing 2 defenders is still earning your salary even if it is not as much fun.

Defense has been playing so well that maybe they forgot how to adjust? So maybe this is a good wake up call. There is no replacing Clark in the middle but how many times did they point out how Gary didn't contain? And for heaven's sake, how could they not double Andrews in 2nd half.

We should be able to coast to the #1 seed but it's scary how everyone on this site knows what to do but the coaches don't. :)

GPG!

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:32 am

Not worried. We’re going to beat the Browns and Purples. We’ll have the #1 seed locked up when we play Detroit and we’ll probably see some Jordan Love. The Packer Victory Formula of protecting the ball and eating the clock will get it done.

For all you people agonizing over special teams, Chicago had a blocked FG and a fumbled punt last night. Look around the league. If your special teams don’t turn it over, or give up a TD, you’re ahead of the curve.

1 points
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EnemyTerritory's picture

December 21, 2021 at 09:05 am

Browns and Purples still leaves the Kitties who as bad as they may be seem to win time of lead too many years although eventually being put down…

1 points
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Johnblood27's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:27 am

yeah... what he said... whatever that was...

1 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 09:04 am

The past month the offense has been bailing out the other two phases of the game. "Just win baby" is a mantra used to cover up deficiencies, and this team, despite the winning, has serious concerns come the playoffs.

The D is once again a worry. Giving up big plays, QBs running wild. Letting a TE amass over 100 yards and 2 TDs... in less than a half. Giving up two 4th quarter TDs that looked so easy it seemed like no one on the D knew what he was doing. But most egregious, the D doesn't seem able to get off the field. Seven-minute drives by the opposition, while Rodgers sits and watches, are killers.

Add that to the historically bad special teams play and LaFleur had better start to kick some ass. Allowing Drayton to keep his job is failing as a head coach. He should have been replaced weeks ago. Scrambling to bring in practice squad players from other teams isn't the answer.

Of course, LaFleur realizes he has problems, better than we do, it's how he deals with them in the next few weeks, leading up to the playoffs, that will make the difference. Let's not simply rely on the offense as we have for too many years. "Just win" is going to be hard in the playoffs unless these problems are addressed.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 21, 2021 at 09:55 am

You worry too much.

The offense is hitting 30. The defense is getting stops. And if you think special teams are historically bad then you should brush up on your history. This is a very good team, one of the very best we’ve had since the merger. It’s built to win with offense, led by their HOF QB, and if the offense doesn’t underachieve we’re going to win the trophy.

3 points
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Guam's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:39 am

I understand your point LH, but MLF's lack of action on Drayton and the special teams is a bit mystifying. Another commenter (murf?) made the excellent point that the injury ravaged Baltimore Ravens (even more injuries than the Packers) have the best special teams in the league. Many of the guys on the Ravens special teams didn't start the year with the Ravens. They are street free agents or pick ups from other team's practice squads. And yet they are at the top of the league in special teams. John Harbaugh is a former special team's coach and makes it a priority to have great special teams.

I think that point puts paid to the idea that the Packers have lessor talent than on special teams and that is why they are so bad. Special teams is not so much about talent, but about willingness and good coaching. And yet the Packer special teams are poor week in and week out.

While the current team may win the Super Bowl, they would improve their chances by making changes to the special teams and making that change sooner than later.

Edit: BTW, I gave you a thumbs up for your comment. Perspective is useful and the Pack are 11-3.

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 21, 2021 at 12:45 pm

Thanks, Guam.

Ok, so the Ravens have great special teams and they might not make the playoffs, and the Packers have weak special teams and we’re the #1 seed. Maybe the Ravens would do better if they had fewer special teams demons and more backups who could play a position?

There doesn’t seem to be much room between perfect and poor in the minds of many people. Ask yourself this: Last week, we made every kick, did not turn the ball over, did not allow a score, covered an onside kick, covered a squib, and did not fall for any trick plays. That’s a helluva lot better than the 2014 Championship game, and better than quite a few other teams this weekend.

As you noted, perspective is useful. I’m not happy when we have a penalty, but penalties happen on special teams, offense, defense. The Bottom Line is we are not losing games because of poor special teams.

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 02:01 pm

I have to go with Guam. I’m not too worried on D, I think we got our defensive game plan wrong against Huntley, who frankly impressed me more than I though he would from looking at his prior outing. Watching Fields last night, my thought was would Huntley actually be better … just seems more aware and able to excel out of the box even with his admittedly more limited arm talent and he seems quick as well as fast.

I go with Guam because of the disarray on Special teams after 14 games. Whomever we line up, it’s the same result. The LS switch was botched, after 13 games we are trying out returners we had in camp, coverage remains undisciplined ….

To win in this league, one can’t tolerate a black hole phase. Drayton admitted after about 6 weeks that he had to figure out how to adjust basic kick coverage schemes to match what others do. I was stunned to read that. Sat on it, 8 gamers later it seems like he hasn’t actually. This is an absence of basic competence. No HC can tolerate that and expect to be successful and doing so illustrates the lack of killer instinct that all really successful coaches have had.

Would Belicheck tolerate Drayton? What would Lombardi have done? Would Wolf have let his head coach keep Drayton with a Super Bowl contending squad? No, because the NFL is tough enough to win out in without one arm behind one’s back. There are NFL veteran ST coaches out there. Pay one for 2 1/2 months. Just average would be a huge step. Don’t be an ostrich LaFleur. Keeping Drayton may let not just you but everyone down unnecessarily. They deserve better than that.

1 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

December 21, 2021 at 04:04 pm

Those are very persuasive points, Coldworld. Do you know who's out there for veteran coaches? Not being a wiseass, I don't know.

I see occasional references to bringing Nolan Cromwell back. It's interesting that when Holmgren put him in charge of special teams, he only had one season of NFL coaching experience. He served as a special teams assistant coach with the Rams. I don't recall early struggles with Packers special teams in 1992 and we all know how special teams fared at the end of his tenure in 1996-97. He went on to coach receivers with the Packers, Seahawks, and Rams.

-1 points
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Guam's picture

December 21, 2021 at 03:08 pm

I agree that I would rather have a good offense and/or defense over good special teams, but that does not mean special teams are unimportant. Running into the receiver (penalty) and barely covering a squib kick are not good ST plays. Better than the farce of last week, but not good. More importantly the Packer special teams consistently grade out at the bottom of the league over the course of the season. It just feels like a change at ST coach could elevate the Packers to better than bottom of the league. Why not do that? I don't think it could get too much worse......

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 21, 2021 at 05:00 pm

Three phases of Football. Lock it down or some of the Fans will be crying in their premium label beers mid-January. We don't want no stinkin' repeat of the Debacle by the volcano '14.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 22, 2021 at 07:08 am

"Maybe the Ravens would do better if they had fewer special teams demons and more backups who could play a position?"

That's a pretty good argument. I don't know much about STs. I'd suggest the specialists are largely the responsibility of the GM: the kicker, punter, LS, holder, KR, PR, and gunners. [That's not to say that the ST coaches can't and shouldn't coach these guys up, but I suspect that some guys just have a knack and/or the body type to be good at it.]

Looking at Baltimore's snap counts, their starting CB, Seymour, played 56% of the snaps on STs. LB Board (32% of D snaps) and Levine (31% of snaps) played 84% and 76% of ST snaps. These three players had all four of Baltimore's ST tackles.

To be fair, Seymour was released by Pittsburgh in August and was on the street until Baltimore signed him on Nov. 27th. PFF grade is 39, but he has 4.39 speed. Board played for Balt. for 4 years now and played 25% of D snaps in 2020 and 36% this year, so he is a regular rotational player who has a 51 PFF grade - he probably can play on defense if necessary. SS Anthony Levine has been a safety for Balt. since 2012, but rarely plays. He is an STs only guy. This game vs. GB was the first time he played any defensive snaps this year. Cut by Jax, 2nd year TE Josh Oliver plays 10 snaps per game and a lot of STs (56%). TE Eric Tomlinson (6 yrs in the NFL, 5 teams) plays 200 snaps per year on offense (1 rec for 7 yds in 261 snaps for Balt., which he only got because Nick Boyle missed the first 11 games) played 44% of STs.

Of GB's ST players, only Tyler Davis played a significant number of offensive snaps (31% of offensive snaps) and also played a lot of STs (84%). Of course, he usually doesn't get that many offensive snaps and just plays mostly STs. He looked good on offense though. The other ST guys are Burks (4%/80%), Yiadom, Black, Jean-Charles, McDuffie, and Summers. There is no evidence that any of these guys can play a defensive position in the NFL (hopes for a Jean-Charles and McDuffie still).

My conclusion is 4 of Balt's 5 core ST guys can't play a position. Looks to me like GB's 5 core ST guys can't play a position, 6 if one thinks Black doesn't belong on the field on defense.

LS: Balt. dumped 11 year vet Morgan Cox (signed a qualified contract with TN for $987K and is the LS for them) in favor of Nick Moore, a 2019 UDFA who was on their PS all of 2020. He played one game in 2020 and when he signed a futures contract, Balt. immediately dumped Cox (Jan. 25th, 2021). They found someone younger and/or better (Moore is $330K cheaper). Sounds like they had a plan.

Punter: Sam Koch - 16 yr. Vet. 45 ave/2021. 45.3/career.

Kicker: Justin Tucker. All pro, nuff said.

PR: Devin Duvernay. 25 Ret, 14.4 average leads NFL.
KR: Devin Duvernay. 27.5/24.6 ave 2 yrs, 43 returns. 26 average career.

Gunners: IDK. WR Tylan Wallace? 63% (249 ST snaps, 32 snaps on offense), no returns, so a gunner? 193 pounds.

Baltimore's specialists are good: K, P, KR, PR, IDK gunner.

Baltimore's top 16 guys played a lot of ST snaps. Only Calais Campbell and Duvernay played a lot of snaps on O or defense. 10 of those 16 returned in 2021 from the 2020 team. Of their 7 new main guys, two are journeymen but long-term ST guys, 3 were on the 2020 squad all year but did not play enough ST snaps to qualify for the top 16, and two are rookies.

GB is more spread out. In 2020, they had 22 significant ST guys (89 snaps). Redmond, Ramsey, Sullivan, Lowry, Jamaal Williams, Keke and Barnes all played a lot on Offense and Defense in 2020. 8 of those 22 guys returned for 2021 (I think Redmond and Ramsey would have but for injuries). GB has Vernon Scott (184 ST snaps on 2020), Sullivan (135 down to 31 snaps), and Keke (93 down to 51 and counting) available to play STs in 2021 but have elected to do largely without them. [Hollman, Scott, Jackson, Bradley, Lovett, Greene, Williams, Martin, Sternberger are due to the GM's personnel decisions. The new players are Yiadom, Jean-Charles, T. Davis, McDuffie, Deguara, Bojorquez, Slaton, ESB, and Amari Rodgers.]

Deduce what you will.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 22, 2021 at 07:24 am

Edit: Bowser, Calais Campbell, Duvernay, Board, Stephens play snaps on offense or defense. Averett and SS Clark play 90+ on defense and play 21% of STs, not quite enough to make the 89 snap cutoff. They played 86 and 83 snaps on STs, so it is close.

The rest of their ST guys don't seem to play much other than STs. I define playing on O or D as 25% of snaps.

GB has Lancaster, Lowry, Black, and Barnes who crack 25% of O or D snaps (4 players). In 2020, it was more (8): Lancaster, Lowry, Redmond, Jackson, Jamaal, Sullivan, Keke and Barnes.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 08:58 am

duplicate post

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Packer_Fan's picture

December 21, 2021 at 09:28 am

I think that survive is the right word. I am projecting this omicron virus variant is going to disrupt the whole league in the coming weeks. It hasn't hit the Packers too bad yet, but it just may will and certainly other teams. And no one knows how bad it will be, if there will be games cancelled or how much rescheduling will be done. I just hope the post season will not be cancelled.

5 points
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PeteK's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:26 am

The teams that are vigilant and take this variant seriously by wearing masks and avoiding crowds outside team facility will win the covid battle.

1 points
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Curt's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:04 am

Next two games will likely be lose and done games for the opponents - which makes them clearly more difficult. If GB wins both, we get to see Jordan Love at QB since first round bye will be sewn up.

If GB loses both at home (not a likely outcome, but possible when opponents pull out all the stops and GB will just be trying to not have any injuries), we still get Love on 1/9 since no chance at 1 rd bye unless somehow the other first round bye teams also lose at least one more each....

If GB splits at home then AR will play at Detroit in first half before turning over to Love for second half with 3 td lead....

4 points
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jurp's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:13 am

If we beat the Browns and Vikines, the first round bye is sewn up only if the Cowboys lose at least one of their next two games; they have the tie-breaker over us. Best chance for a Dallas loss is Arizona in week 17, although they do play them at home.

2 points
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Johnblood27's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:33 am

no matter what happens GBP have home field.

Either GBP win out or some combination gives them all games at Lambeau...

OR

Dallas gets 1 seed by tiebreaker, BUT GBP own Jerryworld and that is our home field!!!

Bring it on!!!

3 points
5
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Since'61's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:37 am

The big issue for MLF is keeping the team motivated to play for the #1 seed with 3 games left to play. Players tend to let down after reaching the playoffs and winning their division.

I’d like to get Bak, Alexander and Myers back with at least two games left to get them ready for playoff level football.

We should focus on running more and passing less to protect Rodgers for the remainder of the regular season.

Barry needs to work on preventing the big plays on defense. Alexander’s return should help there.

STs need to work on discipline and they need a player or 2 who actually want to play on STs. Our STs look like a bunch of guys who either don’t want to be on the STs or are afraid to get hurt. That’s on coaching. KOs and punt coverage stay in your lane, stay focused, get off your block, make the tackle. Returns, secure the ball first, then straight up the field behind the “wall”. Blockers, form the wall, block the guy coming at you straight up. Avoid blocks in the back.

I know this is all easier said than done, but this is what coaches and practice are for. It is not as hard as the Packers are making it look. STs need a leader, someone who makes the play. Get it done. Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
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Guam's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:45 am

Local Wisconsin newspaper indicated that both Bahk and Alexander are practicing this week and should be back before the playoffs (baring any setbacks). Myers and Turner are unknown at this time and are not practicing.

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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 11:47 am

At this point. I’m not sure how much of an upgrade Myers is. If he’s not back, I don’t think it should be too serious. Turner isn’t on IR as far as I know, so I’m assuming sometime in the next couple of weeks he will be back on the practice field.

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Since'61's picture

December 21, 2021 at 01:12 pm

Guam, Bak and Alexander are the priorities. Turner will probably return soon, since he has not been moved to IR.
Myers is the only question mark but I’m confident that Patrick can get the job done if Myers doesn’t get back. GPG!
Thanks, Since ‘61

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Guam's picture

December 21, 2021 at 03:12 pm

Agreed on the priorities. Would also be nice to have a Z. Smith sighting although he falls into the "unknown" category as well.

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PeteK's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:44 am

I understand that it's a bit frustrating watching our team under perform, but look at the rest of the league. Good teams are vastly underperforming and losing games. This is a unified team that is finding ways to win every week even with a slew of injuries and some distractions. We can see it on the field and sidelines, no temper tantrums, arguments, or bad attitudes. This has the makings of a very special team.Great job by coaches and players!

3 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

December 21, 2021 at 10:46 am

In reality, the path to the Super Bowl is a demolition derby. At this juncture of the season we are seeing a fraction of once whole teams - now held together by tape, stitches, braces and special elixirs. The Team with most of their key parts still operational - as well as superior replacement parts - will be the winner.

6 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 21, 2021 at 12:19 pm

I like that analogy. Now throw in Covid and it’s like some of the cars in the derby have water vapor in their gas tanks. Winning week after week is incredibly hard. The phrase used most is “consistency”. Ups and downs will happen but the team must do what they do best week after week no matter what the challenge is.

2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

December 21, 2021 at 12:07 pm

Wasn't surprised that Huntley played better than he did or should have been allowed, but the most unsurprising thing is the Packers Special Teams, which I cannot help but call the teams Brutus, and I'll wait for the backstabbing in the playoff game unless MLF can root out the reason for the coming murder of an SB opportunity.

3 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 21, 2021 at 12:26 pm

What’s amazing is that despite the screw ups on ST we have still won. It has yet to really cost us. It looks terrible. Yet we still have won. Bad special teams play makes thing’s harder, yet as long as we win, I can live with it.

1 points
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Johnblood27's picture

December 21, 2021 at 12:49 pm

the wins will come right up until they don't.

the problem is with a one-and-done playoff format that scenario is unacceptable for such an ancillary part of a football team to be the cause of a downfall.

GET IT FIXED!

Devote the time and resources it takes, it isn't like overhauling an offense or defense. Just DO IT!

MLF, this is on you now, Drayton has been exposed, everyone knows his shortcomings, the resolve to do whatever it takes to make special teams better is squarely on MLF's plate. This is his 2021 crucible, this is his NFL Head Football Coach learning moment. Do your JOB!

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 21, 2021 at 02:07 pm

I’d argue it cost us against the Vikings. Other than that, it has cost us a chance to rest starters perhaps, but we were fortunate that we were just better than our opponents by enough to squeak through. In the playoffs that differential will not always be there and STs could easily turn the result based on even an average performance level that we have seen from them this year.

2 points
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