Cory's Corner: No Sense Of Urgency
Waiting three quarters to kick it in gear is a bad recipe with the playoffs right around the corner.
The Packers haven’t proven much this season.
They went to Minneapolis on Sunday and got smoked for three quarters before Green Bay finally put up a fight before losing 27-25.
The Packers are now 0-5 vs. Detroit, Minnesota and Philadelphia — the top teams in the NFC. If not for a Karl Brooks finger, the Packers would be winless in the NFC North.
“We’ve got to be more on our details,” said Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who had seven total tackles. “We’ve got to play cleaner. We’ve got to start faster.”
You could say that again. The Packers trailed the Vikings 20-3 with 9:44 left in the third quarter. And speaking of the third quarter, Jordan Love had a measly 64 yards passing after three quarters. He was clearly uncomfortable adjusting to the heavy pressure scheme being thrown at him by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
This game doesn’t really hurt the Packers because they already clinched a playoff spot. But it gives further evidence that Green Bay cannot find an answer against top teams. Sure, the Packers can blow the doors off the Titans, 49ers and Saints, but none of those teams are any good.
And come playoff time, the Packers are going to be facing tough teams. The defense has been playing with one hand tied behind its back for weeks now, but the questions remain with the offense. There wasn’t as much presnap motion, there wasn’t nearly as much play-action and the Packers didn’t lean on Josh Jacobs like they have in recent weeks.
Jacobs had 13 carries for 61 yards in the first half and he looked very strong. He only got four more carries the rest of the way for a total of 69 rushing yards. The whole point of getting Jacobs was because the Packers coveted a surefire bell cow back.
Games like the one in Minneapolis are when you need Jacobs the most. He will get four yards a carry, control the clock and eventually open up the deep passing game.
Love went back to chucking unnecessary deep balls and not trusting his legs to run for first downs.
Yes, the Packers are the youngest team in the NFL with an average age of 25.11. But they were also the youngest team in the NFL last year. That will happen when you drop your oldest players on your roster. The majority of this year’s team has experience winning a road playoff game at Dallas and being a legitimate contender for the NFC Championship Game.
That’s why the expectations for this season were for the Packers to be a Super Bowl contender. But if you cannot get a signature win, you don’t deserve to be a Super Bowl team.
The Packers proved yet again that they run the up-tempo and no-huddle offense very well. When their backs were to the wall in the fourth quarter, Love looked really good. His decision making was very good and he got the ball out quick.
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Packers go up-tempo all the time. Put the pressure on the defense to get set quicker without a chance to sub in different packages. Love was 10-for-14 in the fourth quarter and 8-for-10 out of the no-huddle in the fourth.
The Packers are a good team, but the sense of urgency cannot begin until the fourth quarter when the postseason starts. The presnap penalties at this point in the season are just getting old. These warts have been showing up for a few years now and as fate would have it, they always crop up right before the dance.
You cannot play an inconsistent game in late December and expect to beat an elite team fighting for a No. 1 seed.
Josh Jacobs doing what he does best.
TOUCHDOWN!#GBvsMIN pic.twitter.com/VrCRORcCBC
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 29, 2024
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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
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Comments (133)
Savage57
December 31, 2024 at 06:30 am
When a team consistently starts slow, that accrues to the HC and his staff. Mental readiness and physical execution in games against superior opponents is wanting.
I don't have the answers; if I did, I wouldn't be making $0.05 comments on a sports blog.
But the Packers being in over their heads and out of their depth against quality opponents is like the old maxim about pornography: I can't describe it, but I know it when I see it.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 07:24 am
You could say they start slow in big games but not overall this year. The Vikings also started slow on Sunday but they caught a break when Wyatt went out and the Packers inside rush all but dried up.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 08:33 am
Agree...Wyatt was a huge loss.
And the Ugly Purple had 3 earlier breaks when Williams, Walker and Alexander "The Occasional" were ruled out and another break Bullard gutted it out and played...but he was not obviously 100%. And yet another when Zayne Anderson went down concussed.
That's over half the D team....and all 6 critical to stopping the pass game.
Could they have helped prevent a TD or two? Apparently Cory doesn't with his most recent polished up narrative.
Throw in Watson and his difference making plays and those 7 would have definitely changed the game...and likely the final score.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 09:05 am
There is some truth in that, though I don’t think many here believe that Wilson has been a huge drop off from Walker. However I don’t agree with you on the scale of the impact other than Wyatt. Our IOL at C and RG (and one key play from LT) just didn’t stand up well enough to allow our O to get going.
Our D held the Vikings to an average score for them, despite our O stalling for 3 quarters and despite going to a soft approach after the Vikings first TD and were picked apart exactly as we had been against Detroit and the Dolphins.
We simply couldn’t come to terms with their D till far too late. In the end we were out coached particularly on O in terms of game plan and in game. We were against the Lions and in fact have been in all 5 divisional games. The Vikings are ridiculously healthy, but our personnel losses are an excuse not the root cause and this is far from the first game in which that cause has been seen. In others we’ve bern the healthier team.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 09:55 am
"We simply couldn’t come to terms with their D till far too late. "
I think we see in MIN what we want to see from the Packers. Yes, MN is running a base odd front, but we know that doesn't mean a whole lot anymore.
We want to see an attacking defense that puts offenses on their heels. It makes offenses adjust from what they would like to do to what they think they can get away with before they ever hit the field. They attack the LOS and take away the run on the way to the QB. Yes, their defense is lacking in coverage on the back end and they give up yards, but they've decided to take their chances on it in return for sacks and picks. The bottom line: for all the yards they give up through the air, they don't give up many points--and they've been winning.
I'm not a Vikings fan or a Vikings troll...just what this season has borne out. Flores will be gone after this year. We'll see who replaces him and if that person is smart enough to utilize his tools and able to cover up their aging defense with aggression.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 10:57 am
“but they've decided to take their chances on it in return for sacks and picks.” In that sense very similar to the Lions approach on D. Both have worked well for them despite apparent talent. Both match the temperament of not just their DC but their HC.
Hafley can be aggressive, but at the first slip, he tends to flip to defensive immediately and it seldom works or seems to best suit his players. Hafley could conceivably be having more success under either Campbell or O’Connell with their willingness to sanction both risk and aggression. It’s not escaping me that both prior DCs became increasingly defensive in posture under LaFleur as time went on.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 11:08 am
the DC works for the Head Coach. He reflects their core philosophy. I'm not arguing with the philosophy, it's born out by analytics. Stop splash plays. My issue is dressing it up by saying you want to play aggressive ball.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 12:42 pm
I just want to stuff the run. I even like saying it. "Stuff the Run". I'm going to write a Haiku.
I think, dobber, that you're not going to attack good offenses and put them on their heels. You saw the slugfest between Detroit and SF, and it should be a reminder that in the playoffs, you're going to have to score points to just have a chance. You're playing against good offenses, and you're not going to beat them 21-20. You need to plan on getting 30 and hope that's enough.
Defensively, you've got to stop a few possessions. Not necessarily by attacking, but you have to take advantage of the opportunities that present themself. If an offense puts themself in a hole with a penalty or dropped pass, then you need to use that to get them off the field. The Vikings scored on four of their first six possessions. They punted twice. If a team is getting 11 possessions, and they're scoring on 6 of them, that's about average for good offensive teams. But if you can lower that to 4 scores....get two more stops....then you've probably kept them under 30.
All Said and Done
It is fun to stuff the run
But points matter most.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 04:19 pm
You're an academic and you didn't get the structure right?
With all said and done. 5-7-5
NickPerry
December 31, 2024 at 06:35 am
"This game doesn’t really hurt the Packers because they already clinched a playoff spot. But it gives further evidence that Green Bay cannot find an answer against top teams."
UGH!!!! This is such BS Cory! They went from the 6th seed and a date with the Rams or Bucs to the 7th seed and a date with Philly. IMO Philly is the best team in the NFC. They have a #1 defense. They can get pressure (lots of it) on the QB rushing just 4 and playing 7 in coverage EVERYTIME. They have two HUGE defensive tackles in the middle that Meyers will get whipped by on every single play. The Packers WRs will not match up well vs the Eagles.
The Eagles are MUCH better now than they were in week one in Brazil. Vic Fangio is doing it yet again...A #1 defense everywhere he goes.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 07:30 am
The Eagles are 1st in yards allowed but 3rd in points and aren't in a division with 3 teams with double digit wins. The Vikings and Packers aren't far behind them. Take a look at who the Eagles played on their 10 game winning streak. It's not marshmallow soft but it's a soft schedule.
You might want to check how Fangio did as a DC in Miami last year. There's a reason he's in Philly now, that was NOT a #1 defense. In fact the Fangio style defenses have really struggled the last couple years, it's just easier to play D when you have a good, deep line like the Eagles. It's what we thought the Packers had at the beginning of the year but it turned out not to be so.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 09:17 am
You mean DL? I think a lot of us, you included, were uncertain about how well that would transition to the new scheme and, on top of that, changes in what the DL players were being asked to do. Our OL was the one a lot of people have had far more faith in than had been proved justified. 2/3 of a chain being weak sets the standard, not the quality of Tom and Jenkins.
The team, both coaches and GM seem to have a real self evaluation deficit. Could it be that the Murphy installed collegiate structure just serves to mutually reinforce our opinions of our talent levels? If not, is it that no one has the ability to impose reality? Certainly it seems the management had an over inflated opinion of our merits than performance in key areas has justified since.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 12:57 pm
I didn't think it would effect the Edge guys much, they all played with their hand in the ground in college(even Preston) and I thought it would free up the DL. But Wyatt got hurt, Brooks didn't take a step and has been more inconsistent than last year and Slaton is a liability vs the pass.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:03 am
"Take a look at who the Eagles played on their 10 game winning streak. "
We can look at SOS and SOV and see that the Packers hold up just fine against the rest of the NFC playoff field.--the Vikings are surprisingly piss-poor, and Wash (I refuse to use the team name) is even more weak sauce.
At this stage we can start parsing out quality wins v. weak schedules, but you don't win 13 or even 11 games by not being a good football team, and those 13+ wins mean you've earned the benefit of playing at home.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 12:59 pm
I'm just saying the difference between the numbers the Eagles D has but up and the Vikings and Packers but up is small enough to be easily explained but playing four divisional games against bad teams instead of two.
Cheezehead72
December 31, 2024 at 07:46 am
The Eagles are a good team but they can be beat. The Packers will have to play lights out. The point is they stink. Yes i had to go to the commercial. Watching the game last night the Lions are good. One thing they do very well is the unexpected. You never know what you will get. They also play 60 minutes. The Eagles on paper are better than the Lions due to the Lions injuries. They also have Hurts who can hurt you with his arm and legs. So I am not sure which team is better.
Looks like we will get another game of "Love Hurts"
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 08:40 am
Is the objective to win a playoff game before losing to the Eagles?
My view is they have to beat the Eagles sooner or later to achieve the Lombardi objective. So it's sooner.
The precious 6th seed is still available if the Comms lose and Packers find a way to beat the bares.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 09:22 am
If we don’t beat the Bears, we deserve our fate and it probably won’t matter where we or others are seeded. The Commanders losing doesn’t seem probable unless they mail it in, and why would they? However the Bears are in disarray and probably heading for major turmoil. They’ve gone backwards since we last played them. If we contrive to reverse that then we will only compound our status as pretenders to quality.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 09:37 am
And if the Jerry's Kids mail it in vs the Comms, MMcCarthy will likely have a new mailing address. He probably already does.
Dan Quinn, Jedi Master of Defense was the reason the Cowboys had the good record last year. MM again foiled by his lack of interest in defense. Mike Zimmer looks like he is coaching on fumes...or bourbon. He looks boozy on the sideline. Whatever is up with him, his players are down on his vision.
Quinn is going to have his team ready to go against his former boss.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:16 am
You touch on the biggest change for Wash this year and that's going from dead last in defense in 2023 to about 9th this year.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 10:51 am
that's just stupid - The Cowboys led the league in scoring last year, their defense was an afterthought. Their defense was OK, but they suffered crippling injuries this year.
you're welcome to make shit up, just try to make it credible.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 11:07 am
In 2023, by most measures, the Cowboys had a very good, regular-season defense, finishing 5th in yards, 5th in points, and so on...but they got pounded by Philly in their finale, and we know what the Packers did to them in the playoffs, but admittedly Dallas kept shooting themselves in the foot with turnovers and sacks. It was a feel-good thing.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 11:11 am
it's decidedly easier to play defense when your offense is lighting up the league is my point. but i yield in terms of their overall quality, despite their being shellacked by the Packers in the playoffs.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 11:45 am
I can't argue with you...aggregate stats do a lousy job of providing context.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:05 pm
There's a reason that Quinn got a HC gig. The Cowboys were 5th in total yards and 5th in points allowed. The Cowboys have shat the bed on the playoffs for 30 years. Because they did it again doesn't mean the defense was bad all year. And maybe turnovers had a bit to do with the score.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 01:37 pm
You can be so sour, when not bitter.
Anyone who knows about the NFL knows Quinn is an excellent Defensive coach. It has been his calling card to HC jobs...you know that bitter fact, right? A main reason the Cowboys were so prolific on O is their D got three and outs and put the O back on the field.
You are welcome to be sour n dour, very credible at it too!
bjkdad44
December 31, 2024 at 09:59 am
Unfortunately… all true!!!
Pistolero
December 31, 2024 at 05:08 pm
We won a playoff game last year, that is not our goal this year. This year it is the Super Bowl.
If, as you say, Philly is the best team in the NFC then we would have to play them sooner or later anyway right? Might as well get it over with.
Unless your goal is only to extend the season an extra couple of weeks.
Boneman
December 31, 2024 at 07:13 am
If your "identity" is running the ball and physicality, it requires a very good defense and no mental mistakes. When it works all the old school football fans fall all over themselves shouting praise! When it doesn't work, it tends to look very bad. If you've watched this team this year it is very obvious the pass game has not been great. love has not taken the next expected step everyone predicted. Now he has $55 Million expectations smothering him. The receivers have not taken a step as they fight for their next contracts and other teams have figured out how best to disrupt them. These are real problems that need to be worked out.
Worst of all Matt Lefleur has not stepped up with his pass concepts or his leadership skills during games. Where is the schemes to get open receivers? Time and again the end zone replays behind Love show no receiver outlets anywhere in sight while the rush closes in. Sam Darnold or Jarred Goff have instant answers for when our rushers get near. Nearly every Jordan Love throw seems a difficult one. That is the coaches fault.
As a Leader MLF demonstrates emotional and irrational tendencies far too often, but especially when things are going poorly. Strong leaders are strong when adversity strikes showing confidence even when it might not be merited. Strong leaders are consistent in their approach and message. Tactics may change but strategy and culture do not. Irrational and emotional behavior by the head coach negatively affects the entire team. Inconsistent play calls and game situation decisions negatively affect the team. When things go well these things don't matter quite as much. When things go poorly, well, we've seen it all too often haven't we?
The good news is that these things can all be corrected with training and coaching. MLF has got many very good attributes that contribute to having good teams with good records. But if the Packers want to be a great team he needs a little honest self scouting and an improvement plan. Same with Love, same with the receivers. They're close but just need that next step.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 07:34 am
They have an extremely physical RB but the OL isn't all that physical, something they need to correct if the idea is to continue to be a run heavy team in future years.
Cheezehead72
December 31, 2024 at 07:53 am
This is why I have said the HC should not be the play caller. Hire a HC that will hire very good coordinators to call plays. There is just to much for the HC to do during the week and the game to be calling plays.
I believe MLF can be a very good maybe one of the best coordinators or he can be a very good HC if he is only doing one. I would say he is a better coordinator than a HC.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 09:49 am
I tend to agree with having the OC call the plays...unless it is Stenovich.
I listen to Hafley talk and he exudes urgency, energy, knowledge of his players and how they need to play in his Defense.
I listen to Steno talk and it is mostly droning generalities of vanilla bromide and I really don't know what he is trying to say. Maybe he is a better communicator in the locker room, meeting room, during practice and in games. Maybe.
I have had the same opinion of the Badgers Fickell. He doesn't communicate in public very well...and based on his two seasons and mass exodus of players...probably doesn't when the mic is off either.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:21 am
The Chryst-->Leonhard-->Fickell fiasco undermined the new coach, and his choice to try to run an offense they weren't (and still aren't) equipped to run didn't help him in the eyes of his players. He's also striking me as someone who just wasn't prepared to compete for players in this transfer portal/NIL era.
They've pretty much turned the roster over, but they're still going to need first and second-year guys to play a lot in important roles. Maybe he's figuring out the portal thing, but the Badgers have hemorrhaged players in the process--recruiting players off other rosters before they enter the portal is a real issue.
The new offense probably fits the personnel better, and they'll need to find pass-catchers who can block (not wimpy-ass WR like they fielded the last two years) with the incoming scheme. They could surprise some people next year...or they could be looking for a new coach in December.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:11 pm
Even with the Varsity collective they just don't have the money to compete for big name transfers. A QB transfer just got $4 million a year to transfer to Duke. The Badgers can't compete with that.
Given how many Freshman players transferred after not getting playing time(including every single DB recruited last year) it does seem like the coaching staff needs to do a much better job communicating the goals and expectations to the younger players.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:35 am
You can be a run-heavy team without running power-gap or beating the crap out of your opponents in the trenches--it's been true in the past and the Packers have taught us that this year.
Don't get me wrong: I love to watch a.good power run game, but in the NFL the passing game is king. The Vikings showed the Packers on Sunday that they can run if they want, but if you take away those chunk plays through the air and put pressure on your opponent to play from behind, you'd better be able to protect and block.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 11:06 am
If you can break tackles at the rate we have continuously then yes. However, that would seem statistically highly unlikely and it doesn’t address the issues with giving Love a stable pocket. Sacks may not be terrible, but his pockets have seldom held up adequately, particularly against good teams. We were shown the difference very clearly by both Lions and Vikings. We need a new paradigm and focus on IOL play as well as players. That probably means moving on from Stenavich.
Savage57
December 31, 2024 at 07:39 am
When things aren't going well, Matt puts his pouty-whiny bitch face on. You just know it sends a message to the team, and it's not a good one.
Matt needs a stoicism transfusion so his team sees a leader in the face of adversity, not a guy falling apart.
Packerpasty
December 31, 2024 at 08:02 am
a face like Campbell had last night...now that sends a message...if something didnt go right he looked pissed not like he was going to cry..
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:29 am
He shouldn't wear a hoodie.
He shouldn't wear a vest.
He cares too much about his hair.
He waves his arms too much.
He jumps around too much.
He's hiding behind his play call sheet too much.
He's too fat (MM).
He's not emotionally invested enough (MM).
I just don't care about this--and his teams have won a lot of football games. They've got a camera on him pretty much from the coin-flip until the final gun. They can portray him however they want and we can latch onto just about any of those looks.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 11:44 am
I could have picked some other examples, but I think this one will suffice:
''' Where is the schemes to get open receivers?'''
I don't know. We're 4th in Adjusted Net Yards/Attempt with 7.8. In raw yards/ attempt, we're 5th with 8.2 We're 3rd in yards/reception. We're 6th in the percentage of passes that go for TDs. All the time we're passing less than everybody except the Eagles and Ravens, and we're 8th in scoring.
So, in answer to the question, I have no idea what you're talking about. Obviously, receivers are getting open and we're completing passes downfield and for touchdowns. I don't think this is an accident, and is likely the result of a scheme. A very effective scheme, when you step back and look at it.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 11:48 am
I hate "next gen" or "advanced" stats which seem to be full of stats labeled "adjusted". it's just saying they're going to modify the numbers by some arbitrarily established standard and imply it means more than the numbers prior to the adjustment.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 12:11 pm
I share your skepticism, but Adjusted Yards/attempt isn't what I'd call a "next gen" or "advanced" stat.
There are costs for doing business. Sacks, holding penalties, incompletions, interceptions. So to really figure out how profitable the passing game is, you have to deduct the costs of doing business.
Take your passing yards. Deduct sack yards. Give yourself an extra 20 for TDs (because those are the most important completions). Deduct 45 for every pick. Divide by the number of attempts + the number of sacks.
For example, the Packers average 8.2 yards/attempt, with no adjustments. With the adjustments, the average is down to 7.8. Either way, we're either 5th or 4th in the league. We're good. We have a good passing attack. It just didn't show up against the Vikings until we were in a deep hole.
coolhand
December 31, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Well it seems we are good against teams that play a zone defense and gain yards. We go up against a team that plays man and we are lost, and no adjustments. Just like teams that carve us up when we play zone. We can't play man at all? Ever?
I saw Darnold make quick short passes to open receivers and we don't?
I saw Goff do the same last night, even Purdy as well.
Playing against a man D and blitzes and we are looking for slow developing plays 20 - 30 yards downfield?
I just don't see MLF making any adjustments during the game based on what the D is doing.
And Sunday was not an isolated incident. It has been his pattern for quite a while now.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 07:44 am
At the end of 1st quarter the score was 3-0 Packers. They did not get smoked for three quarters. If Reed catches that 4th and 2 throw like he should have it's a different ballgame IMO. Reed has a 72% catch rate this year but also 8 drops.
If teams are going to continue to play cover 2 man against the Packers LaFleur needs to run the passing game through Kraft and Jacobs and have some designed runs for Love dialed up. Fangio is definitely a zone heavy DC but even he'll adapt after seeing how the Packers WRs struggle against man. Easy passes to Kraft and Jacobs is one answer to that and nothing gets teams out of man quicker than a long QB run or two.
T7Steve
December 31, 2024 at 07:59 am
Didn't it irritate you that it seemed every pass, no matter how imperfect, stuck to the Vikings' receivers' hands? I was thinking, "Why can't our guys help out Love a little?" He was kind of under allot of pressure most of the time.
GregC
December 31, 2024 at 09:31 am
I noticed that too. The Vikings caught every damn ball. The Packers could not make any difficult catches. I sure wish that Vikings RB had dropped that last one.
T7Steve
December 31, 2024 at 10:11 am
The only ones close to drops were on 1st or 2nd downs. Same with the incompletions and throw aways. All the Packer drops and incompletions were on 3rd od 4th downs.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:20 pm
Like I said yesterday and above, when they're facing man the offense needs to go through Kraft. Among TEs he's 1st in yards per catch, tied for 3rd in TDs, 5th in YAC, 5th in catches of 20+ yards and only 19th in receptions. He also has a 73% catch rate. To be top 5 in receptions he'd need 30 more catches. That's borderline egregious underuse. Get defenses focused on stopping Jacobs and Kraft and things will open up for the WRs.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 08:35 am
Our O was dismal for 3 quarters. Our D started off well. I haven’t rewatched, but it seemed to me live that the D changed after the Vikings 31 yard TD by their number 3 WR. We went to deep shell like use of the DBs and left a huge area in front of them for the ILBs to cover. Reminiscent of the Dolphins and Lions games.
We essentially provided a sweet spot that the Vikings, like both those teams, milked all night. In the mean time our O did essentially nothing. The interception came on a rare longer developing play that did have tighter coverage due to being framed by the sideline and end zone.
Hafley has promise but he also seems to scare easily and to have a trait of turning into something newer to Barry when that happens. His version of Barry does at least stop big plays better but it probably allows more yards faster outside of those. There not a lot of point in McKinney watching a 10 yard pass complete 5 yards in front of him continually, for example.
Guam
December 31, 2024 at 09:24 am
I dunno CW. I find it hard to be too critical of Hafley when he was missing Alexander, Williams and Anderson from the secondary, Walker and Wyatt from the front seven and had Bullard coming back from injury and thrown into the fire by shifting positions in mid-game. Tough to play an aggressive defense under those circumstances. I think a shell zone was about all he could do with the personnel available and playing against one of the better offenses in the league. He still managed to hold the Vikings to their season scoring average (27.0 versus 26.4 season average).
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 09:38 am
The boundary corners were not the issue. Wilson and even Cooper struggled with coverage due to the depth they were asked to cover. Wilson had not been a significant downgrade on Walker this year and in fact probably boosted the run aspect on Sunday. McKinney and Bullard were so deep after the first TD that I’m not sure Anderson makes a significant difference. Bullard may have been bullied in coverage but he was stalwart in tackling too. I think the injuries, while not helpful, were also not game changing.
To be clear though, I don’t blame the D primarily. With no offensive help for most of the game, we held them to their average score and at home. I just wanted to highlight that the D’s struggles really began as a result of the reaction to being beaten on one TD.
I would posit that the D would have been better doing what had worked well not going to a soft coverage that Detroit and the Dolphins had shown to be flawed and which it looked like the Vikings immediately lept on and exploited continually.
Guam
December 31, 2024 at 01:34 pm
The boundary corners weren't the issue because of the soft zone with safety help over the top. Play man coverage and I suspect the boundary corners would quickly have become an issue (Nixon covering Jefferson or Addison????). Pick your poison. Hafley choose to keep everything in front of the defense.
We both agree the offense lost this game by sleeping through the second and third quarters.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 10:47 am
it appeared to me that Hafley took away the run, the sidelines and Jefferson and that the Vikings adjusted and took the middle of the field with lesser receivers. Short of terrorizing pass rush, there will always be some weakness that can be exploited. Hafley had a Belichick like philosophy and said we're taking away your strengths, figure us out.
O'Connell and co. figured it out. LaFleur failed in similar settings.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:32 pm
What I thought was most frustrating from the defense was the long down and distance conversions allowed was Barry like. Quite a bit of that was on Bullard but on the 3rd drive they converted from 2nd and 14 and 2nd and 12. I went through the game plays yesterday and the conversions from 2nd and 10 or more and 3rd and 8 or more wasn't pretty. I think the combo of Wyatt and Anderson going out really hurt them.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 12:29 pm
I hate to agree, but after re-watching the 1st half, we were tied or ahead for the first 18 minutes of the game. We had a 3-0 lead 12 minutes left in the first half. There was no smoking. The smoking began with 3 minutes gone in the second quarter
Minnesota exploited some confusion in our secondary to throw a TD pass to an uncovered receiver in the end zone. One of our rookie defenders got tricked or confused.
So then, we're down 7-3. There's no reason to believe that we'll never lead again. But what did we do with our possessions after that? Well, we had an 8 play drive that we turned over on downs, and then two three and outs. Minnesota scored FG-FG-TD and we were behind 20-3.
That was the ball game, right there. From about 12 minutes remaining in the first half, and then a 5 minute drive to open the second half. 17 minutes out of the game where we didn't score squat and the Vikings put up 20 uninterrupted points on us.
A three and out isn't as bad as a turnover, but that's about all you can say. Most TD drives are going to involve getting a first down. We're a better offense than that.
If defenses want to play Cover Two, and man up against Watson, Doubs, and Reed, then I'm fine with the math on that, as it leaves 6 run defenders against our 5 OL, Kraft, and Jacobs.
EricTorkelson
December 31, 2024 at 02:05 pm
Problem is Love has trouble escaping closing pockets, Remember ( Willis ) and Love is not very quick teams are not afraid of him running. There wont be a spy
EricTorkelson
December 31, 2024 at 07:45 am
Cory : You say Jacobs looked very strong at the beginning of the game and he did... he also had an extremely costly fumble on the first drive when the ( Packers need to keep Darnold ) off the field.
You also want Love to trust his Legs more. Has anyone noticed that Love is not much off an athlete! His clumsiness and escape ability
to avoid rushers pales when you compare him to what Willis did or does.
But yes he does chuck the unnecessary homerun balls like he did when they needed five yards right before halftime ( and keep Darnold off the field )
For sure the Packers could have mixed in some up tempo in the game rather then there slow lining up running the play clock to zero ... I have mentioned in other posts if your running the play clock to zero the DL of opposing teams can tee-off on passing downs because they wont hesitate. That needs to be fixed and to me that's on Love.
Amen to your last comment. IMHO
T7Steve
December 31, 2024 at 07:54 am
"Jacobs had 13 carries for 61 yards in the first half and he looked very strong. He only got four more carries the rest of the way for a total of 69 rushing yards."
After he got pushed into the end zone for the TD that was called back, we didn't see him anymore. Was he dinged on this play, or did they just want to limit the snaps to save his legs? I hope it was the latter and the other backs weren't an issue, but I was worried during the game.
I'm not as worried about the D as everyone above seems to be. If the O can get started and get some long successful scoring drives to help them out a little, they stack up with any D that's still around. Remember the Vikings great D gave up 25 to the Packers "bad O" and the Packers only gave up 27 to a "prolific" O.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 08:39 am
The thing is though that Wilson came in and actually did very well in moderate use later. When will we realize that the drop off behind Jacobs isn’t that huge? We can run and have run effectively when Jacobs is out. The game plan need not change if he has to miss a few plays, yet ours seems to.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 08:50 am
If I were to tell you the Packers were going against the Rams, Bucs, or Eagles in Round 1 of the playoffs without Williams, Alexander "The Occasional", Walker, Wyatt, Watson, Zayne Anderson and a hobbled Bullard...what odds would you give me?
Every one of those players are instrumental stopping the pass and with Watson, getting game changing chunk plays with it.
That's what happened on the road against one of the best teams on Sunday.
Guam
December 31, 2024 at 09:14 am
Well said LP. The Packer defense (particularly the secondary) was injury riddled Sunday and Hafley had to play more conservative zone than I suspect he would like to. Tough to play defense against one of the best offenses in the league when you are missing three starters and several key reserves.
The other difference maker on Sunday was the mental side of the game. The Packers made too many mental mistakes (offsides, 12 men in the huddle, illegal formations, and dropping passes because they tried to run before securing the ball) while the Vikings played a relatively clean game. Tough to beat a good team when you make more mistakes than they do.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:11 am
All I'll say is that they knew they wouldn't have most of those guys that were listed by Friday. They were likely scheming for the weakness on the back end all week.
Why are we suddenly making Zayne Anderson out to be Troy Polamalu? He doesn't have the hair...
"Tough to beat a good team when you make more mistakes than they do."
This is the take-home.
Guam
December 31, 2024 at 01:44 pm
Yes and the scheme was a soft zone because they didn't want Stokes and Nixon matched up one v. one on Jefferson and Addison. Hafley chose to double the outside WRs and kept a soft middle in front of his deep defenders. The Vikings exploited that soft middle, but given the personnel available I don't see that Hafley had much choice.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 11:51 am
OK, LP. I agree with all of this. Every one of these players is useful on defense, especially against the pass.
But I have to point out....we didn't have most of these guys last year, and we didn't have McKinney or Cooper either. Yet, we held the league's best offense to nothing until we were up 27-0, and then held the NFC's best team to 24 on their home field. And then fired the DC, changed the scheme, and brought in a bunch of talent.
STUFF THE RUN.. STUFF THE RUN. You heard a lot of that. And against Minnesota we stuffed the run. We should be happy. As regards the Rams, Bucs, or Eagles, as long as we stuff the run, we should be happier than pigs in mud. We got what we wanted; do we want what we have?
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 05:18 pm
The Packers have won every game where Jacobs gets 20 or more touches.
8-0. We're 4-4 when he gets less than 20 touches. He didn't have 13 carries, he had 9 carries and 4 receptions for 13 touches, for 78 yards. Now, that's still 6 yards every time he touches the ball. The 9 carries, and the 13 touches, are both season lows for Jacobs. In a game that we lost by 2 points.
Here's the story on our defense. It's not that good against better offenses. We've played 5 games against above average offenses (like you see in the playoffs), and we've lost every one. Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Detroit have all hit the 30 mark. We're 6th in scoring defense, and 6th in run defense, but we've had very little success against any offense that isn't in the bottom half of the league. We beat SF, and they're 13th in offense. The other 10 victories are against teams that are poor offense.
If you ever wanted to make an argument that the stats are skewed because they're playing weak teams, this would be your opportunity. Most of the teams we've played this year have been weak offensive teams, and the ones that aren't weak have pounded us. How much has the defense really improved? We're going to find out in about 10 days.
mrtundra
December 31, 2024 at 08:01 am
Here's what I see: We are one lucky block away, on a FG attempt, from being 0-5 in the NFC North. Despite that, we have lost to only three teams, this season. They are the Eagles, the vikings and the Lions, three of the top teams in the NFC. How does this sit going into the playoffs? I think we need to clean Bears clock, convincingly, on Sunday, to get into the right mindset needed, to beat anyone, in the playoffs. Otherwise the Packers will soon be out of the playoffs watching them from the comfort of their homes. I really feel that the lions and vikings are not going to fare well in the playoffs, either.
Packerpasty
December 31, 2024 at 08:06 am
I just have this feeling that the Lions are going to greatly disappoint their fan base in the playoffs..their secondary looked shaky last night even with the int's, which were more on niners QB than great defensive play...
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 09:26 am
Their secondary is questionable. They attempt to counter that by being aggressive and going for the ball. That’s one reason why our last performance against them was so disappointing because we failed to really challenge their weakest points.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:42 am
I would say they counter their lack of playmakers on defense by being extremely efficient and productive on the offensive side of the ball, and by putting pressure on their opponents to try to match that from the opening kickoff.
I agree with the sentiment that they could meet a hot and aggressive team and falter early. It's hard to be perfect nearly every week...especially as the quality of opponent trends upward.
They could also win the whole thing.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 08:47 am
If you recall that Chicago game, they came in with a plan they had openly telegraphed that caught LaFleur completely blindsided. He never really adjusted then either, despite the level of opponent.
In each of the two games against the Vikings and Lions we have lost the tactical battle heavily. We forget that we also did versus the much less effective Bears. What does that say about our coaching and true tactical ability? I think it says more about how opponents actually see LaFleur than anything.
We are looking like a team who can scheme some nice plays but that struggles to deal with the unexpected and to adjust offensively and it seems the NFL has figured that out. Certainly our division has in 5 of 5 games over 3 teams. That’s a recipe for not putting together whole games very often against competent opponents.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 11:54 am
Beat the Bears badly.
In the words of the Prophets, "Nothing Else Matters".
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 12:02 pm
Would love to see this, but just Beat the Bears. No new injuries. Be ready for Philly.
fireball
December 31, 2024 at 08:10 am
It could be argued that Matt LaFleur has not been able to get beyond one or two games into the playoffs because he's not had a team capable of going farther. Matt LaFleur, then, it could be argued, is actually an excellent head coach because he's been able to to lead deficient Packer teams into the playoffs again and again.
Speaking of Jordan Love, is it possible that the Packers made a terrible decision this past summer when they decided to give Love a new four year contract worth 55 million dollars a year? $160.3 million guaranteed? All based on half a season of effort the year before? A great decision, by the way ( it could be argued ), by Love and his agent to hold out, not play or practice, unless they got a new contract.
And meanwhile the Packers ( it could be argued ) have this potentially excellent ( great? ) second string quarterback sitting on the bench being paid 1.17 million dollars a year. A great decision, by the way, by the Packers this past summer.
So now what?
Lry
December 31, 2024 at 08:22 am
Platoon Love and Willis as needed throughout the game. Love poses no threat to run which makes the Packers one dimentional
13TimeChamps
December 31, 2024 at 09:49 am
Name me ONE team that has had success "platooning" their QBs throughout games. You would never allow either QB to get into a rhythm and would stunt QB1's growth. There's a reason teams don't do it.
Maybe have a play or two where Willis and Love are on the field together might work initially, but today's defenses would eventually sniff that out and put a stop to it pretty quickly. Trick plays generally have a pretty short shelf life in the NFL.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:45 am
What's the old saying: if you have two QBs, you have none?
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 02:02 pm
As a lad I recall the Steelers experimenting on and off with Bradshaw and Terry Hanratty. One went to Canton with SB rings on several fingers.
EricTorkelson
December 31, 2024 at 11:30 am
13Times ... Taysom Hill ( X Packer ) was used by the Saints in Red Zone and 3rd-4th short running situations. It worked well for the Saints and Drew Brees had no problem with the strategy. Willis could be used in the same way the read option can be an effective way to stress a defense.... Unless MLF feels it may hurt someone's feelings or make the front office look bad if Willis can perform better than Love. Not sure
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Yes, it's some tremendous conspiracy that the backup QB is not playing more...just like it's a conspiracy that the backup QB no longer holds on kick placements for just about anyone in the league.
13TimeChamps
December 31, 2024 at 12:17 pm
First off, Taysom Hill isn't a QB. He's basically a hybrid TE/RB who occasionally lines up at the QB position. He's a gadget player...a slightly better version of Tim Tebow, who was also converted to TE, and they tried using him in the same way. Unsuccessfully I might add.
Brees and Hill never "platooned" at QB throughout games, which is what the OP was suggesting we should do, and which I responded to.
I already acknowledged that bringing in Willis for an occasional play here and there might not be a bad idea, but I also stated I believe defenses would adjust fairly quickly. I don't ever see it being a successful staple of our offense. If they think Willis is the better QB, then make him QB1, but not going back and forth between him and Love throughout the game, which would be asinine. But it's not happening anyway, so basically a moot point.
Feelings being hurt was your take on the situation, not mine.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 08:51 am
I think that it is pretty hard to sustain that argument over the team rosters we have had and the reasons we failed each time prior to Love and I don’t really see Love as the reason we didn’t progress further last year.
Houndog
December 31, 2024 at 09:55 am
Fireball,
I've been thinking the same thing(s).
Love has too many times this year looked like the 'deer in the headlights', 'can't hit a pig in the ass with a scoop shovel' quarterback he looked like at the beginning of last year. After injuring his knee he's almost abandoned the run whereas Willis is far less predictable, he's not afraid to run the ball and he's good at it. Some (like me) might even suggest he's a more accurate passer.
But hey, Love is Gutey's boy, so he's bulletproof!
Unfortunately, if I'm right, we're stuck with another 'A-Rod' type contract that will tie up big money for years, another Gutey trademark!
MLF is also at fault, his play calling is questionable and predictable, and his mimicking McCarthy's inability to get his players up for Big Games is undeniable.
I ask you, "Who would trade for Love and his salary today"?
Let the thumbs down begin!
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 10:53 am
"Unfortunately, if I'm right, we're stuck with another 'A-Rod' type contract that will tie up big money for years, another Gutey trademark!"
Good grief, people.
Look up the information.
Love's cap hit (stop being lazy and looking only at AAVs) is only about $20M, and never--WRT current contracts--moves into the top 10 at QB until his final contract year in 2028. He'll never see that money. As far as QBs go, his cap hits are pretty affordable.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 02:14 pm
Why are you injecting logic into all this angst, post purple loss, Dobber?
fireball
December 31, 2024 at 12:58 pm
I'm thinking the same thing, Hounddog, that we're probably stuck with Love as the starting quarterback because he's getting paid 55 million dollars a year. The only way we see Malik again is if Love is hurt again. But there has to be some staff people thinking hard about Malik, wondering whether or not he has the real goods. . . and how do we find out except by trying him out on a more prolong basis. And how long is " prolong "?
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 01:09 pm
"we're probably stuck with Love as the starting quarterback because he's getting paid 55 million dollars a year. "
**Yawn**
Cap hit---
2024: $20.8M
2025: $29.8M
2026: $36.2M
--------At this stage on this current deal he can be released or dealt without a Jun 1 designation with cap savings
2027: $42.5M
2028: $74.2M
CanPackFan
December 31, 2024 at 04:03 pm
I agree that LaFleur is predictable. You had to bet that the Vikes knew they were going to a steady dose of Jacobs in the first half, and then, more or less shut him down. And, if we ignore the fumble, he wasn't exactly tearing the defense apart. And then, when we got down, they knew what they were going to get from Love/LaFleur. That passing offense should have run thru Jacobs and Kraft first before the long balls that Love enjoys. LaFleur is a great teaching coach. But he sucks at in game decision making under pressure!
ricky
December 31, 2024 at 08:28 am
During the game, in the third quarter, there was a shot of Jacobs getting his left biceps heavily taped. He never went back on the field. I don't think they abandoned Jacobs, I think they were being careful that he didn't cause himself a more serious injury, and knew they were going to have to rely on passing to get them back into the game. Also, it's not as if the backup RB's are terrible. At worst, they are slightly above average. And they have regularly produced when given the chance this season.
But another slow start? No adjustments? Love playing with hesitation? We also saw that last week. This team had been building momentum. But once again, the game plan, as noted, lacked the signature "illusion of complexity" that might make a defense more hesitant. And Kraft only getting three balls thrown his way? It's gut check time for everyone, including the head coach and offensive coordinator.
NFLfan
December 31, 2024 at 10:08 am
@ Ricky-MLF did not realize Minnie would play man, so he didn't have an immediate answer, the WR's were off their marks/routes and this affected Jordan Love's reads/accuracy.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 11:54 am
If what I read from online sources is correct, the Vikings have the 10th highest rate of playing man defense, so I'd be shocked if that wasn't what the Packers prepared for.
statmuse.com/nfl/ask/which-nfl-teams-play-most-zone-coverage-the-most-this-year
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Yet according to LaFleur he was blindsided. Poor scouting? That seems a push in a multi million dollar professional organization. Poor preparation in terms of game and general contingency seems the more likely answer. Either way, it’s unforgivable.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 01:04 pm
I'm now finding other sources that seem to contradict the one I cited, so I may be wrong (don't tell my wife)....
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:46 pm
That might be over the last few games. I read last week that their use of man has been creeping up lately. When I read that I thought maybe Flores learned from last year when the smoke and mirrors lasted as long as it could but teams eventually figured it out and they struggled down the stretch.
I like what Hafley has done but there's no doubt Flores is doing more with less. I mean Van Ginkel a double digit sack guy. I remember when he was on the Badgers I thought of he could get to 240-245 he might be able to stick around the NFL for a few years as a backup/situational pass rusher, but I never thought he'd be a starter much less have double digit sack seasons.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 02:06 pm
And had Matt not stubbornly stuck with Barry Ball for "continuity" in 2023, Flores may have been in an office at 1265.
I like Hafley, though. Brian will likely get another HC coaching gig next season.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 03:48 pm
💯 I was all for a Flores for Barry swap in 2023. I like Hafley but Flores has done a masterful job given the talent he has to work with and I hope he leaves Minnesota soon.
CanPackFan
December 31, 2024 at 04:06 pm
Pure and simple- MLF has to adapt quicker. What are his people upstairs doing anyway?
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 05:01 pm
We're 11-5. What would our record be if MLF adapted more quickly?
pantz_bURp
December 31, 2024 at 08:33 am
I got it!
Now is not the time to share the difficiences of our beloved Pack. Most astute fans are already aware. What we need is to show our support for God's team.
We should hand out lil packets of ketchup to all attendees this upcoming tilt with da Bears. Let's not be afraid to show our empathy and sensitive side.
Here is where it gets interesting. Let's lean into the chaos of the unknown. The packets will have an image on one side of Coach LaF and the other side, one Jordan Love.
This last bit of info will really tie the story together with a bow. The caption will read: "I LOVE you, from my HEAD COACH to-ma-toes".
*Speaking of a bow. Rodgers reminds me of that somewhat intoxicated, sweaty Santa that is getting SO sick and tired of playing Santa at the local Dept Store, that he can't wait to put that big-boned kid off his lap...but still goes through the motions. Even the kid knows that AINT the real Santa but is disappointed that Santa isn't even willing to get into character anymore.
**A lil off topic but I feel a need to bring this up. I was all for saying bye to Jaire until I looked at his picture again. We need to keep him around on the team for next season too, even if still injured. You see, we already lost Randall Cobb a couple season ago and we cannot, and hopefully will not lose another member of the Dreamy Eyes team.
Pantz
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:49 pm
Whoa Pantz, way to let your sensitive side show. I don't usually do the thumbs up or down thing but I have you a 👍to get you back to even. Screw them meanies!!
Don't forget to chill the Thunderbird, you're staying up late tonight! Hell, maybe even think about splurging for Boone's Farm.
pantz_bURp
December 31, 2024 at 01:58 pm
Come here you lil wasskily wabbit. ;)
Those meanies are probably my old girlfriends that are still sore they didn't make the cut. 😁
Happy NY LLC and I got the Chelada on ice!
Tick, tick, tick, tock,,
Pantz
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 03:43 pm
I've been dealing with a sore throat for a couple days so I'm going with some sipping whiskey tonight. I got a 20oz 7up in case it starts to go down too quickly. 😲
BELIEVER
December 31, 2024 at 08:34 am
The Vikings outplayed the Packers. They have a great offensive line, great wide receivers and Aaron Jones. Their defense is good. I personally can’t stand the Vikings and hate that frigging horn. The Vikings are the best team in the NFC. I HATE THE VIKINGS!
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 08:45 am
It's true. The Vikings might win the regular season. Then, the crushing weight of their 7 decades of playoff failure will come spiraling down (again). History, being a bitch.
pantz_bURp
December 31, 2024 at 08:48 am
Don't Hate the Hate Believer. Believe-you-me, let the Hate come through the front door, invite it in...acknowledge what you are feeling (without judgement to it or your feelings). Like a popcorn fart in the wind...it will soon want to leave the living room of your mind.
Hope that adds some comfort.
Peace Pantz
*Or, maybe the Vikings were a little more hornier than the Pack last game? But, that doesn't make a whole lot of sense with our youthful roster? Some games ask the questions, other games provide the answers.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 11:13 am
Great OL? I’d argue with that. Good enough against our pass rush. Better than our OL overall, but not Lions or Colts standard by some distance.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:54 pm
Where are people getting the Vikings have a great OL? The Lions have a great OL the Vikings do not. Once again Love has been sacked 16 times this year, Darnold 46 times. That seems good to you. Just because the Packers didn't play great upfront doesn't mean the Vikings are good.
Alberta_Packer
December 31, 2024 at 02:07 pm
In football (and life) - 'good enough' is all you need.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 09:05 am
The Packers are 11-5. Reading Cory and some comments here you'd think they were bares.
I am going to enjoy the rest of the season knowing we have a competitive team, and when healthy, a very good team.
I have my concerns about Matt's coaching too. He is very slow to make needed personnel decisions, is only laser focused on the O, and delegates way too much to his Coordinators for the other 2/3rd of the team. That is who he is for good or ill.
The playoffs await. If it is the Eagles or the Rams in the first round...if the Pack has a healthy squad...I like our chance.
Meanwhile, the bares are playing their game of the season Sunday in Lambeau. Their winter vacation awaits.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 11:02 am
They're 16 games in, and this is who the Packers are at this point in 2024.
From my perspective--where I was viewing 2025 as the year--the Packers are on track...but they could still arrive a year early.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 11:13 am
You have to be in the tournament to dance. Mission accomplished. Maybe they do, maybe they don't, I refuse to consider the year a failure, or the team a disappointment.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm
It's an entertainment industry.
I'm engaged and entertained, as is everyone else commenting here.
I'll be more entertained if they win a title, but not winning a title will not kill my interest or make me UNentertained.
LLCHESTY
December 31, 2024 at 01:56 pm
I think them going on a run and making the playoffs last year then destroying the Cowboys raised expectations. But I agree 2025 is when they should gear up to make a run.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 09:48 am
I did some checking. In 1994, the Salary Cap took effect, making it nearly impossible to keep teams together for years.
Since then, here is a list of all the NFC teams who have won more games than the Packers:
And here is the list of all the NFC teams who've won more Super Bowls than the Packers
So yeah, let's fire the Head Coach, several assistants, all the players who aren't "good enough".
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 09:55 am
There you go again, LH...being all optimistic and stuff....during these days of mourning.
NFLfan
December 31, 2024 at 10:03 am
I would call it denial
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 11:27 am
I'd call it a fact.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 01:55 pm
More sackcloth and ashes for you, eh?
Just take a shower before noon Sunday.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 10:39 am
There are some fans on the site whose world view is solely focused on shortcomings. If they're wrong in the team assessment will they be happy? I recall with delight the number of people eating shit when Jared Bush won the Super Bowl for the Packers.
I swear, this team can get hot and win it all, and there will be people here who are disappointed that they were wrong in their doom predictions. In past days I would call them McGinn-ists.
NFLfan
December 31, 2024 at 09:56 am
The Packers ruled the North without challenge for years. They could run over divisional teams with one hand tied behind their backs and no Defense. There is currently a stubborn resistance to facing the new reality and doing what it will take to remedy the situation.
None of GB is on the level of the what the Vikes and Lions have.It starts at the top. The GM cannot keep whiffing on D Draft selections thereby shorting key offensive needs, GB WR's are level 2 & 3 & GB needs a premier WR#1. Players like LVN, Gary, Clark Walker need to improve (massively). A weak Pass Rush on this level is unacceptable.The star CB has to be available or traded, the CB room needs starting caliber CB's (not Nixon/Valentine), the HC, MLF, needs a real OC to call an entire, consistent game with immediate adjustments. The OL needs an infusion.
Green Bay looks like a folksy, lower tier team in comparison to the 2 of the best teams in the league. Unfortunately, they are in our division and don't seem to be going anywhere.
LeotisHarris
December 31, 2024 at 10:48 am
"These warts have been showing up for a few years now and as fate would have it, they always crop up right before the dance."
What? Total disregard for HIPPA compliance at CHTV? Someone should report something to someone and someone should be held accountable. A stern facial expression is most definitely in order.
Bitternotsour
December 31, 2024 at 11:03 am
some guys prefer butch men. NFLfan clearly has a thing for the Dan Campbell types, stern daddies. i wonder if they figured it out yet, or it will be a truck stop sort of reckoning.
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 11:23 am
I thought Campbell laughable at first. However, there’s nothing less wise than allowing an impression, good or bad, to blind one to actual achievements.
There is no contesting what Campbell has done for the Lions (not to take credit from the GM too). It’s far from wise to laugh at the superficial when the results belie the image. I rather suspect that injuries will bite them at some point soon, but this year they outplayed their talent consistently.
Last year was not a freakish outcome and they continue to get more from the summit their roster than seems justified. That’s the mark of a well led team when it is sustained. We likely see next year how much of that is due to his coordinations, but he picked them and supported them.
LambeauPlain
December 31, 2024 at 02:11 pm
He's been a very good HC and the odds on fav for COTY. Painful to type...needles in my fingers. He clearly has the team buying what he is selling. Even the backups are shoving all their chips to the center.
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 11:41 am
It's the chin. He has a thing for chins.
Lphill
December 31, 2024 at 10:51 am
the reality is ,Stafford or Mayfield will slice and dice the Packers secondary, we can thank the wonderful Gutey for not drafting a corner early or trading for veteran help. oh well maybe next year
Coldworld
December 31, 2024 at 11:25 am
You are aware that the corners really have not been the ones diced? Not even to the extent we’ve actually been diced at all. Our D is not the problem over this season if you actually look at it. Scoring consistently and doing so sufficiently against good defenses has been.
EricTorkelson
December 31, 2024 at 11:44 am
After reviewing the game, other than one or two plays were Vikings receivers got loose the secondary didn't play that badly ( linebackers did ) .. S Darnold is hot and really threading the needle, will see what the lions do against him....
Lphill
December 31, 2024 at 11:46 am
whos covering Mike Evans or Cooper Kupp ?
dobber
December 31, 2024 at 12:06 pm
You can say this about every team...
Who was covering DK Metcalf?
Who was covering Stefon Diggs?
Who was covering Jaylen Waddle?
Who was covering Deebo?
EricTorkelson
December 31, 2024 at 01:49 pm
Darnold wont be throwing the ball to them
Leatherhead
December 31, 2024 at 11:33 am
Yes, but we're stuffing the run, and that's what is most important. We held the Vikings to only 69 yards on 26 carries. That's 2.65 yards/carry for Minnesota. That's called stuffing the run.
Last season and offseason, people wanted a defense that stuffed the run. So we switched to a 4-3, got a new DC and some new players, and now we can stuff the run. So are we happy? You don't seem real happy? Why? Y'all got what you wanted.
Of course, there is the possibility that suppressing the pass is more important than stuffing the run. But that's crazy talk.
GregC
December 31, 2024 at 11:44 am
I was hoping for the Packers to win the division this season, and I thought they had a real shot at it. Early season home losses to the Vikings and Lions pretty much ended that hope. On the other hand, being 11-5, with a chance to go 12-5 with a home win over the Bears, is right about where I would've picked the Packers to finish. The real problem is that the Vikings got really good really fast, and the Lions got even better than they were last year. When the Packers were winning division titles they never faced a division rival that was as good as the Vikings and Lions are this year.
I'm still holding out hope that the Packers can get some players back healthy and make a run in the playoffs. It's a whole new season after next week.
Booner
December 31, 2024 at 04:31 pm
The Pack are just not good enough to beat the elite teams! Same old mistakes game after game! Maybe the new President will make some changes to coach and GM!