Falcons 25 Packers 24: Game Balls & Lame Calls
They're called growing pains for a reason. They're painful.
By KenLass
The Green Bay Packers lost a game they should have won Sunday. That is going to happen more than once this year. They are the youngest team in the league and they will have to learn how to finish a game. If that sounds like an excuse, so be it. It also happens to be a fact.
Both offense and defense suffered a total collapse in the fourth quarter. I am inclined to give the offense a pass, considering they were without their four best players. Still, it was disappointing to see Jordan Love execute so poorly in the clutch, after looking like a star through the first three quarters. This was his first chance to engineer a last minute, game-winning drive, and he clearly was not ready. The unit didn’t get a single first down in the final frame, going three and out twice, and then four and out to end the game, looking inept in the process.
But I put more blame on the defense, which does not have the excuse of injuries or inexperience. Just one stop in the fourth quarter would have won the game. Just one stop. I can understand having trouble stopping the Falcons running game. That is their forte and Bijan Robinson is going to be elite. But the Packers’ defense also allowed Desmond Ridder to throw for 237 yards and a score, including some backbreaking third down conversions. Green Bay desperately needed the defense to close out this game, and having been given a twelve point advantage starting the fourth quarter, they should have done so. We all said we would be patient with this team. These are the games that will require such.
GAME BALLS
Jayden Reed
He had the look of an offensive force for this team. A faster version of Randall Cobb in his prime. I absolutely loved those eight and nine yard outs where Love throws the ball before Reed even comes out of his break. It was unstoppable and I wish they had run more of them, especially on the final series when the Pack had almost a full minute to edge their way down the field. Reed led the team with four catches for 37 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The longest gain was just ten yards, but Reed is the kind of weapon that allows you to nickel and dime an opponent to death.
Quay Walker
A whopping seventeen tackles, eight of which were solo. The most impressive play was destroying Robinson behind the line on a quick pass. The only smudge on his day was dropping a pick thrown right to him. The second year inside backer is off to an impressive start.
Honorable mention to rookie receiver Dontayvion Wicks who made a tremendous move on two defenders after catching a ball over the middle, and turned it into a 32 yard touchdown.
LAME CALLS
Run Defense
Nothing much seems to have changed when it comes to Joe Barry’s ability to stop the run. Yes, the Falcons have a very good run game, but Barry had all week to prepare for it, and yet his unit still allowed 211 yards on the ground, and could not come up with any critical stops on third or fourth and short.
End of Half Defense
Another old nemesis. The defense allowed the Falcons to close out the half with a 75 yard drive, taking eleven plays, and ending with a touchdown to close the score to 10-9.
Jaire Alexander
We praise him a lot, so we have to acknowledge when he struggles. And he struggled mightily in this game. Second year receiver Drake London owned him all day. The Packers had pinned Atlanta to a third and 15 at their own twelve yard line, when London beat Alexander for a 22 yard conversion. Jaire dropped a certain pick six thrown literally right into his hands. He missed the tackle on a quick throw to London at the line. He allowed London to shield him off for a three yard touchdown catch, and in the final quarter he gave up a critical 23 yard catch to London on the drive which led to the game winning field goal. Jaire will no doubt bounce back but this was the worst I’ve ever seen him play.
AJ Dillon
He may have the biggest thighs in football, but his feet are very fragile. It seems he goes down whenever there is any kind of contact with his legs below the knee. He has to pick up his feet with more energy and drive. His failure to convert a third and one in the final quarter was one of many daggers that led to Green Bay’s demise. With Aaron Jones out, the Packers desperately needed better than his 3.7 yards per carry, although his line didn’t help him out much.
THREE AND OUT
-- I know Keisean Nixon was pure magic on kickoff returns last year, but that was last year. Bringing kickoffs out of the end zone from nine yards deep is simply not a high percentage play. He did it twice, only making it back to the 16 and 22 yard lines. Just let it go, Key.
-- Two more concerning injuries in this game. Elgton Jenkins left with a knee and Lukas Van Ness with a shoulder. The injury gods have not been kind to this team so far. We especially need Watson, Jones and Bakhtiari back for New Orleans.
-- Jordan Love has to start getting a clue on the long balls. Accurate throws would have brought at least two more touchdowns, one on the cute flea flicker on the very first play, in which he underthrew an open Romeo Doubs (Doubs got the DPI call), and then badly overthrowing Dontayvion Wicks who had gotten behind his man in the final quarter.
There will be better days. I am still excited about the long term future.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (127)
Savage57
September 18, 2023 at 07:12 am
I can't argue with any of your citations.
Two veterans, Alexander and Dillon came up small when the circumstances asked them to be game changers.
Young teams need a foundation to rely upon. I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about how much better Jyree's mouth is at football than the rest of his body in a lot of games.
GP1
September 18, 2023 at 07:04 pm
A.J. Dillon is a soft runner despite his size.He waits for the impact and then tries to steamroll the opposition once they have made contact. In simple terms he does not run at people he runs away from them.
Aplinal
September 18, 2023 at 07:19 am
Yes, this is a young team that needs experience, BUT where were the veterans and Coaches to help them get through the game to a win? This wasn't a game that "got away" it was a game we gave away. And I know this is a bandwagon point, but how much longer can Joe Barry remain as DC when this inept game plan was put out there for all to see. The Falcons had one major positive going into the game. Their RBs. Where was the plan to limit there production and force Ridder to beat us. He threw two "gimme" balls which should have been picked off. THAT'S the game plan on Defense. Matt, this is YOUR team AND it's YOUR coaches. If you do nothing everything going forward is 100% on you. (Rant over)
EskyBrian
September 18, 2023 at 07:46 am
Joe Barry is YOUR boy Matt. 3 seasons in and we are still wondering why you like this guy. If he doesn’t right the ship Matt, you may go down with him.
Packerpasty
September 18, 2023 at 05:43 pm
truth...be stubborn if you want Matty but it could mean your job..
HawkPacker
September 18, 2023 at 08:09 am
LAF had the opportunity to change defensive coordinators last year but he did not do that. I figured he knew that Barry would do a better job this year and if he didn't, that falls on LAF.
PeteK
September 18, 2023 at 09:12 am
IMO, this is was more on the players: missing a slew of tackles, allowing a non scrambling QB to repeatedly make big plays with his feet, penetrating (which gives a good RB more running lanes) instead of holding their ground and clogging the lanes.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 12:33 pm
there were mistakes all around by players on both sides of the ball. We knew this would happen and I will be patient all year long.
Aplinal, you're the first to even briefly touch the coaching failure.
I'm not even talking defense, we are what we are, jb is what jb is. his defenses are his defenses.
I'm talking about the offense.
I put this one squarely and almost solely on mlf, our offensive guru?
He continues to show no ability to adjust or think about big picture. No feel for the flow of the game.
Final three drives yield what, 10 yards?
If any of them take 5 minutes or generate 3 points, we win.
matt, coaches know what you're going to do. surprise us all and come up with a series of counter moves in advance of kickoff.
You are not able to think clearly during the game so you better put the counters on the call sheet so tclements or rbisachia can force you to implement them,
jlove's most glaring weakness that I can see is an inability to connect on throws over 15 yards. Acknowledge that and get get your qb coach to correct it.
More importantly, don't go there when all we need are 4 to 6 yards per play.
sorry for the rant, I too am done.
Otherwise, fairly happy we didn't get embarrassed and almost stole one on the road.
GPG!
croatpackfan
September 18, 2023 at 07:22 am
Game balls: ZERO! Well, except Reed and Walker... and INT by Douglas!
Lame calls: MLF - no adjustment through the game, what opponent did constantly, preseason play calls and underestimate opponents!
Short time offense was on field, not using Wilson more, instead of Taylor and AJ.
Miscomunication between Jordan Love and Meyers. Etc...
Special lame call: FIRE BARRY TODAY. CALL ANY YOUNG COLLEGE DC AND OFFER HIM JOB. NOT LATER THAN BEFORE BYE WEEK!
We saw ineptitude of calling agressive defense, no matter how much Joe Barry is talking about. So, if we want to avoid injuries of our players on D, they have to play to their strength, not to imaginary preventive D. Also, most of the league plays on offense a lot of college concepts, so college D should be more familiar with ideas how to prevent O in what they sre doing. Joe Barry lives in the football past, so he has no answers to modern football schemes on offense.
Savage57
September 18, 2023 at 07:25 am
Jim Lionheart approves this message.
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 08:13 am
To bad he turned down the job when he was offered it. I would have loved him in GB!
LambeauPlain
September 18, 2023 at 09:33 am
Permission to use a Civil War Analogy.
Jim is Grant...he fights. Always on the attack and adjusts on the go. Plays defense to best fit his player strengths to exploit opponent weaknesses and weaken strengths.
Barry is McClellan. "I need more men (first rounders)." Plays defense to prevent the big offensive...so the opponents takes what is given and takes it again, and again, and again.
tobinrote
September 18, 2023 at 07:42 am
how Barry can keep his job is beyond me. how long did it take him to get out of his favorite package with only two D lineman out there? not real good for likelihood of stopping a strong run game. and Lass nails it on the Love absolute regression in the 4th quarter. yet all this might have been glossed over had the team been able to get a field goal instead of bungling that first quarter attempt by getting a delay of game. the ineptitude is beyond excuse.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Indoors, we should have kicked it anyway imo.
GPG!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:10 pm
Not a single Carlson kick has been impacted by the difference between 52 and 57 yards. If he'd make it from 52 he'd make it from 62. (Or farther) NO sense in not going for that FG if you're going to risk sticking with Carlson.
Coaching mistake.
packerbackerjim
September 18, 2023 at 07:46 am
Random thoughts: AJ should watch tape of John Brockington to see how it should be done. Not just AJ, but all Packer RBs need to run North-South, running parallel to the LOS is disastrous. Blame goes to MLF. STs have had a costly glitch each week. The D is the softest I’ve seen—inexcusable. LVN, injury notwithstanding, has earned more snaps. Hope Stokes return improves pass defense. I would be surprised if Jerry Gray didn’t assist the Falcon’s offensive game plan, almost as much as Joe Barry.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 08:40 am
A healthy Stokes, with his length, would have been a much better match up for London, as long as he played tight not soft. That is a good point.
LambeauPlain
September 18, 2023 at 09:42 am
"I would be surprised if Jerry Gray didn’t assist the Falcon’s offensive game plan"...you think?
Gray absolutely despised Barry Ball. His DBs lobbied him...he lobbied Barry...probably lobbies MLF who no doubt told him "take it up with Joe, I have the O to worry about."
After the season, MLF did some lobbying of his own, trying to keep Gray on the staff. Jerry said "nope, I have had enough."
It seems to me the Falcons decided to pass to set up the run...running sporadically to convince Barry they were not going to run much. And so lured Barry into playing his Barry Ball prevent pass D. Which Barry obliged and played it all the way to the loss. I think Joe Barry is "not a smart man."
I will bet that O game plan was was complements of Gray's exploitation knowledge of Barry Ball.
BAMABADGER
September 18, 2023 at 10:35 am
I have been saying the same about Dillion. The Spirit of Brockington needs to leave the Pearly Gates and take over AJD's body. Talk about instant beast mode. Dillion runs as soft as a MLF offensive game plan.
The D play is a refection of the D Coordinator's ineptness at making game time adjustments. GB would be best served to send Barry to join his Father-in-Law Ron Marinelli in retirement.
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 07:47 am
GAME BALLS
Jordan Love -
While he didn't put up monstrous numbers, he had 3 TD passes and 0 INT's. Though he got lucky with the 0 INT's when he threw one directly to Terrell. But considering he went into the game without his 2 most explosive weapons, and his LT. Then he lost he LG, to put up 24 points was good. He continues to impress me overall.
Jayden Reed -
Reed is just impressive. When we get Watson back Reed will become even more of a weapon. He is just learning the game. Once he figures things out and him and Love get on the same page, look out!
Tae Wicks -
Wicks gets a game ball for his TD catch. Great route, but his run after the catch ability showed up on that play.
Quay Walker -
The only flaw Walker had in the game was dropping the int. I think he jumped when he didn't have to. Had he kept his feet and caught the ball there was a good chance he was taking that one a long ways too. He has been very good!
LAME CALLS
Run Defense -
I don't know any worse thing in this game then the run defense. I get that Robinson is already one of the top 5 RB's in the league 2 games into his career. But this was ridiculous.
AJ Dillon -
The fact that he knocked Jenkins out of the game because he tripped is pretty bad. Dillon finished with 15 carriers for 55 yards. A RB with his size he should be able to pick up a 1 yard gain when needed. He just doesn't.
4th Quarter -
Packers were up 24-12.
They allowed a TD to make it 24-19.
The offense went 3 and out.
They allowed a FG to make it 24-22.
The offense went 3 and out.
They allowed a FG to make it 24-25.
The offense went 3 and out.
Packers lose.
The first drive the Packers gave up 8 plays for 75 yards.
The second drive they gave up 8 plays for 44 yards.
The third drive they gave up 12 plays for 66 yards.
The defense gave up 167 yards, 13 points in the 4th quarter. Also the ball possession they had the ball for 3:19 and the Falcons had it for 11:41. They were 3 of 7 on 3rd down and 2 of 2 on 4th down. Packers were 0 of 3 on 3rd down.
THREE AND OUT
-- On the FG attempt Whelan did an amazing job of getting the snap down. It was behind his head and he managed to get it and get it down. Carlson nailed it. It could have been a disaster but a great job by Whelan.
-- Two more concerning injuries in this game.
Jenkins injury sounds like a sprained MCL. What i saw this morning is he will have an MRI to determine the severity. But in most cases that's a 2-4 week injury. Depending on severity there is a chance he could be out until after the bye.
I saw yesterday that LVN's injury was elbow. And I haven't seen anymore about it.
-- This game is just so damn frustrating because we were in the driver seat to win. Up until the 4th quarter we looked great overall. Then we tanked in the 4th quarter and basically just let it slip away.
In a game we were without 3 of our top offensive players, and losing another one in the game and we had a chance to win this game. Its so damn frustrating to come away with a loss.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:18 pm
RCP,
"The fact that he knocked Jenkins out of the game because he tripped is pretty bad."
Are you saying Jenkins got hurt because #28 tripped and fell on him?
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 01:42 pm
Yeah there are videos that I have seen. They show Dillon tripping/slipping and falling forward and hits Jenkins in the back of the leg. It was in the 2nd quarter. I think his leg hit him in the back of the knee
WinUSA
September 19, 2023 at 04:19 pm
You were right about Wehlen.. that was a remarkable “save”!
WinUSA
September 19, 2023 at 04:19 pm
So sp mistake Whelan.
Handsback
September 18, 2023 at 07:49 am
Ken is right and we all know it…there will be these games where they snatch defeat from victory. I think the 4th qtr was more about attitude verses any physical or schematics that the coaches employed. They thought the game was won and relaxed.
They will learn.
Just MHO
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 08:42 am
Not to disagree, but to add: I think exhaustion on D played a big part by the end. Look at the time of possession and the snaps. This would have been a great game to have an extra big body active to help the DL.
greengold
September 18, 2023 at 10:10 am
Exactly, but Jonathan Ford wasn’t called up. I don’t even understand why he’s not firmly on our 53.
Plus, they didn’t stick to the DL rotation we employed Week 1, which led to fatigue and subsequent breakdowns in containment. Especially late.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:22 pm
Or they thought the game was lost and stopped playing? Classic case of momentum shift. That Falcons drive started in the third quarter and we just couldn't stop them. Three possessions on O and couldn't do anything.
Mental toughness fixes that, this is what I've looked for since the draft. 100% mental focus on the current play until it's done, then 100% focus on the next play. 100% physical effort on every play.
I can't say this is what failed, but it didn't succeed.
Packers0808
September 18, 2023 at 07:52 am
My favorite play was the No Snap Butt Shuffle.
Razer
September 18, 2023 at 08:06 am
I felt so bad for Love. When the center looked at his QB coming up along side him it must have been strange. I hope they find time to chuckle about the miscue
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:25 pm
This was apparently an error on JL10, messing up his audibles maybe? That's better than another bad snap from Myers.
TKWorldWide
September 18, 2023 at 03:27 pm
Yes, he said that he used the wrong “live” word at the line.
Razer
September 18, 2023 at 07:57 am
Despite the loss I saw a lot of good. Our punter, Whelan is expert at snagging high and back shoulder snaps for field goals. He was picking those errant snaps and putting them down for Carlson like a 10 year pro. I also liked that Matt Lafleur was pissed at the end of game. He might be finding his teeth as a head coach and this team (coaches) are going to need it. And, Jordan Love can play. Once he takes off the training wheels this offense should be solid enough to play with the big boys. He needs a couple more bloody noses.
The bad - there are two or three that will hurt this team until they are fixed.
1. I know everybody was jacked about our D-line but in all honesty they will be pushed around by any decent O-line. The Falcons have an average line and they controlled the LOS when it mattered. Our D-line is like our linebackers of the last two decades - not talented enough. Either we don't know big man talent or drafting 4th to 7th rounders isn't yielding results.
2, Running backs not called Aaron Jones. Let's face it, AJ Dillon is a nice, nice guy who is taking up space on this roster. I'll even throw Patrick Taylor into this fire. We should have been able to run on the Falcons but without Jones - we don't have a backfield that poises a threat. We need another guy. Give Wilson Dillon's carries and lets see what we have.
3. The defense does not play with any cohesion or intelligence. Ridder should not be able to control a whole quarter of play and would not even be in the game against a well constructed defense. We have a loose association of guys trying to remember assignments that don't fit the situation. Just picture LB Campbell on Bijan Robinson.
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 08:09 am
"Whelan is expert at snagging high and back shoulder snaps for field goals. He was picking those errant snaps and putting them down for Carlson like a 10 year pro."
I also mentioned this. He did an amazing job! Definitely impressed with him. He just needs to get the corner punt down better.
"2, Running backs not called Aaron Jones. Let's face it, AJ Dillon is a nice, nice guy who is taking up space on this roster. I'll even throw Patrick Taylor into this fire. We should have been able to run on the Falcons but without Jones - we don't have a backfield that poises a threat. We need another guy. Give Wilson Dillon's carries and lets see what we have."
Dillon averaged 3.7 yards per carry. Taylor had 1 rush for 1 yard. Wilson had 3 carries for 5 yards. But the funny thing about that is he had a long of 7 yards. So one carry he had 7 yards, and his other 2 carries he lost 2 yards.
There is no explosiveness at RB outside of Jones. Wilson has some, but is a rookie free agent learning to play. We lose Jones and we have no explosive running ability.
There is a reason why the Packers inquired about Jonathan Taylor. they want to improve the RB position.
I wouldn't be surprised if they would try and go get Tyler Goodson when they are allowed to. Now that he is signed with the Colts PS, they would have to sign him to their 53. But he would bring some explosiveness to the offense. Something that they have lacked.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 08:52 am
Wilson’s first touch was a near lateral run that the defenders read and hit him before he had any chance to turn up field for a loss of I think 3 or 4. Take that off and he had 2 carries for 8 or 9 yards. That’s an average that should have got him more. Taylor had one carry in which he was met by I think 2 defenders at or just behind the line. Not enough to read anything from.
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 09:25 am
I believe they can only bring Taylor up 1 more time from the PS. I'm curious what will happen moving forward. They can't bring him up every week.
Wilson I would have liked to have seen with 3-4 more carries at least. The one carry he looked really good on. I would have liked to have seen a few more chances.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 10:06 am
I think they need to make some decisions on guys like Anderson, who has been inactive both weeks. Maybe they are acclimatizing him to replace another, such as Taylor on STs, while they have that option or maybe he’d just not sticking on the roster once he can be moved (after next week).
If so though, we can’t have Leavitt and Owens active only for STs and AJJ on the roster inactive not playing them and so someone needs to be cut there too. That could promote Taylor and someone else if needed, perhaps a G at this point, either Jordan or a PS steal from elsewhere.
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 11:31 am
Yeah i agree. I could definitely see them doing it with Anderson.
Tater
September 18, 2023 at 11:31 am
I think they can bring a player up more than 3 times if he passes through waivers.
"Each practice-squad player can be elevated for a maximum of three regular-season games in the same league year. After this, any subsequent elevation of the player will require the team to add him to their 53-man Active/Inactive List. The team must then waive or terminate his player contract before the player can be re-signed to the practice squad. If the player is re-signed to the practice squad this way, the player is again eligible to be elevated for the previously mentioned maximum of three games."
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2023/5/28/23740601/explaining-how-...
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 11:33 am
Interesting. I didn't know they could be elevated again after released from the roster. Packers could essentially elevate him 3 weeks. Sign him to the 53. Cut him resign him to the PS and elevate him again. That is really interesting.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 11:40 am
We did that with at least one player last year.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:32 pm
CW I agree with you. Just by my eye test, I saw MLF's announcement of "Wilson is the next man up" give up WAY too soon. #28 did have some nice runs. Hopefully they figure out what he's doing wrong and correct that.
Somebody said he's leaning forward too much and not picking his feet up high enough. Maybe that's true? Seems strange to mess with basic mechanics like this in what had been a successful pro.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 18, 2023 at 10:26 am
Per NFLgsis, Wilson had a run of 7, another for 3 yards, and a third good for a 5 yard loss.
RCPackerFan
September 18, 2023 at 11:34 am
I knew the one run he lost 5 or so yards on.
Either way I think he needed a few more attempts.
PeteK
September 18, 2023 at 09:29 am
I agree RC, when a team runs the ball for 211 at a 4.7 clip a LB should not get too much credit for tackling a RB after 7 yds. I was watching the replay of the Detroit game and the Seattle D line was holding up their men and so allowing Lbs to make plays for small gains.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 12:47 pm
campbell vs Robinson, at that critical point in the game, is reason enough to fire BOTH jb and mlf
jb made the call and mlf allowed it to happen.
What in the f _ _ _?
I almost ran to the tv, trying to break through so I could help chuck robinson at the line and slow him down.
We didn't have the a-team annoucers by a long shot, more like f/g/hteam.
They were all over it.
When I saw it, I was hoping it wasn't robinson standing there, but too late, first down.
Youth my butt, this team needs coaching.
Rich Bisachia, please take the interim job. We need an adult at the helm.
GPG!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:35 pm
mnbadger,
Agreed on all that BUT
who do you put there instead of Campbell?
greengold
September 18, 2023 at 08:00 am
“Green Bay desperately needed the defense to close out this game…” WRONG.
We needed the OFFENSE to put this game out of reach. MLF failed, on multiple occasions.
We all knew Bijan Robinson was a special, dynamic talent. We all knew they were going to continue going to him all game, all 4 Quarters. All the more reason we needed our Offense to produce late in the game, keeping our D as fresh as possible to keep a talent like Robinson in check.
Game balls: Quay Walker for never quitting, playing all 4 Quarters with high effort.
Lame calls: MLF. He’s ultimately responsible for not having his team positioned optimally to win this game. He gave the game away.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 10:09 am
There is always some truth to that when our time of possession is so low, but it’s never one sided. That D needed to get us off the field more well before the 4th quarter offensive collapse.
greengold
September 18, 2023 at 10:14 am
Yeah, just judging by what I saw, and I did miss a bunch entertaining guests.
Will have to give it another look.
Tater
September 18, 2023 at 11:34 am
That’s complementary football. MLF specifically said we did not have that.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 12:50 pm
mlf is in his position specifically to prepare, manage and execute complimentary football.
'nuff said.
GPG!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:42 pm
GG,
agreed 100%. O could have won this. D came up with some big stops.
Both sides collapsed in the fourth quarter. I don't know why. Hopefully the team does.
JL10 wasn't blaming the D for losing the game, he took his own failings hard. That's perhaps the brightest spot of all this? He needs to not beat himself up, but study film and figure out what to change. Fortunately Tom Clements is a great person to help him with that.
With RB's promotion to assistant HC my initial reaction was to say have him fill in when JB obviously needs to be shown the door. I was hoping that would not be so soon in the season. Apparently Bisaccia is not a DC, I dunno ...
Packers2020
September 18, 2023 at 02:13 pm
greengold,
I agree with one side of your post. See the stats below. This shows the whole team fell apart in the 4th. Both defense and offense.
4th Quarter -
Packers were up 24-12.
They allowed a TD to make it 24-19.
The offense went 3 and out.
They allowed a FG to make it 24-22.
The offense went 3 and out.
They allowed a FG to make it 24-25.
The offense went 3 and out.
Packers lose.
And don't forget the two INT's that the defense dropped.
Packerpasty
September 18, 2023 at 02:52 pm
MLF has to grow a set...he's sorta wimpy, that other coach showed fire and took chances...maybe too many but most worked and it looks like his players love the guy.....not sure thats the case for MLF, mr. nice guy...
HarryHodag
September 18, 2023 at 08:08 am
Yes, another loss. I had predicted 8-8 this year and I think that will summarize it. Many solid points above. I chastised Pete Dougherty at J-S for jumping on Jordan Love. He made some mistakes but overall Love's game was ok. It wasn't Jordan Love that lost the game. Barry had no answer for B. Robinson who is a budding superstar. When a couple of stops would have won the game the gassed defense just folded like a bad poker hand. Maybe Jaire will stop talking trash and concentrate on improving.
I was having trouble putting together what the Packers draft should be next spring. They have much youth already at many positions. But I think they should clean house at running back and put that as a key draft position. Jones is a good back but is aging and can't stay healthy. Dillon has lost 'it', that unstoppable force he once was.
While the modern fan is pass-happy, I think you saw what a really great running back can do for a team. Right now the backfield is in need of a makeover.
Barry better get his head into the game because Derek Carr and New Orleans will be a tough test next Sunday. Ridder is improving but David Carr is a proven veteran. He could still be the Packers quarterback if the Packers had unloaded Rodgers years ago to the Raiders.
T7Steve
September 18, 2023 at 08:55 am
Jaire needs to keep his "tude". He got beat a couple times by an excellent receiver that had the ball thrown to him in the right place. It's going to happen. That's not why we lost the game.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 09:03 am
It’s one of many reasons why we lost. Starting with the probable loss of 3 points on the first drive. There was no single cause. However, the reversion of the D to Eagles form and the chillingly similarly form that took should be the elephant in the room.
T7Steve
September 18, 2023 at 10:16 am
Yes, I should have said "it wasn't the (only) reason we lost".
There's always as many reasons for losses as there are for wins.
Mabe it was the fake grass? Yes, I stick with that excuse. HA!
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 08:59 am
Don’t expect a new starting QB to bring any team back from behind in the last 2 minutes consistently. Especially one who has no effective RB, no veteran WRs and is without his deep threat to stretch the D.
Rodgers in his first year was superb except when he had to try and come from behind in the 4th. In those situations he threw more interceptions than TDs. It took until 2010 for to really turn that into a 50:50 proposition. Those positions give the D every advantage. It’s tough. Blaming Love for that requires a complete loss of contextual grasp.
LambeauPlain
September 18, 2023 at 09:56 am
Love got huge mouthful of what Rodgers went through in 2008. A bend and break defense, especially in the 4th quarter.
Bob Sanders D gave up multiple games that year in the 4th. Some on the last play of the game or with just minutes left. And you are correct, Rodgers could not carry the team when the D crumbled.
Expect Love will be getting force fed this diet as long as Barry Ball is on the menu.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 12:53 pm
tune to switch to a high protein menu!
GPG!
13TimeChamps
September 18, 2023 at 09:18 am
"Barry better get his head into the game because David Carr and New Orleans will be a tough test next Sunday."
I wish it would be David Carr we'd be facing next game. Unfortunately, it's his much more talented brother Derek Carr.
But I get your point. It should be a good test.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 11:38 am
It will be a very different test. This is a team led by Olave backed by WRs Shaheed, a deep threat, and Thomas at this point. Their lead back for now is our old friend Williams, who had 45 yards on 18 carries in week one (2.5 average).
However we do versus the Saints won’t, or shouldn’t, change the lesson pounded home yesterday. On paper, this should be a much better matchup for our front 7, where disruption should be key, not run stopping (if they run on us at will, we are truly screwed). It will be the first consistent test of our deep coverage capabilities. Expect them to test our safeties and challenge Douglas for speed.
HarryHodag
September 18, 2023 at 02:22 pm
My bad. You have good eyes. Thanks, it's been fixed.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:45 pm
S and interior O line is no longer a priority for next draft?
HarryHodag
September 18, 2023 at 02:23 pm
I don't know the round, but 1-2 backs would be nice. You can get o-line and safety in the first four picks.
CheeseEdWest2
September 18, 2023 at 06:38 pm
It seems like 28 has been treated like a sacred cow, someone you can't say a bad word about even though he's never produced to the level of his PR. Before the season several common taters said that our backfield was the best in the league--but 28 has never played at that level. Does he need better coaching? Sees like by now he'd be fully coached up.
So, I agree, it's time for some fresh horses in the backfield. I would not see resigning 28. And then, just as Wilson was getting his sea legs and making yards, they took him back out. It's like they decided ahead of time who the best backs are, about when the programs were being printed up, instead of believing what is happening on the field. Yikes. Hope we see 33 back soon.
Rebecca
September 18, 2023 at 08:20 am
?. A 4th year running back should know how to run. Dillon peaked in the Titans game years ago. I thought he had more. Evidently not. He’s got stone feet and heavy legs. He should be a short yardage bull. Not even. It would be nice if we had a punter who could get a punt to stick. It would be nice if the coaches would manage the game and the players. I get the feeling, game after game, that the Packers are disorganized. LaFleur looked like he was going to cry towards the end of the game as he was out coached, letting a winnable game slip away.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 12:57 pm
Rebecca, mlf isn't going to cry, what you're seeing is total confusion.
He's baffled by the fact that other teams have changed things on him.
It's as if he's looking up for his mommy and daddy and whining "it's not fair".
Dan Campbell wins this game, with this team, ahead by 12 in the 4th quarter by at least 5 points.
GPG!
ricky
September 18, 2023 at 08:31 am
The Packers have had major problems closing out games for years. It was a regular complaint while Rodgers was here, and it now carries over to the new QB. The offense needed to give the defense a breather, and didn't. The defense needed to get a stop, but they didn't. This is an old story. Only the cast has changed.
Starrbrite
September 18, 2023 at 08:32 am
An excellent summary and exactly how I witnessed the game.
Not completing one pass on the final drive was gut wrenching. For heaven’s sake, throw a check down or an rpo—give the team a chance to move the chains.
Go Packers!!!
Since'61
September 18, 2023 at 08:41 am
Game Balls: Reed, Wicks and Walker
Lame Calls: MLF and Barry. AJ Dillon, Jaire Alexander
Reed is going to evolve into a very good player. He has deceptive speed. Wicks looks good as well. Walker was all over the field but he missed his interception opportunity at a key moment the game.
Our DL was outplayed and beaten physically again, especially in the second half. Where is the plan to stop the run game which we all knew was coming? Yes giving up 5 yards per carry is better than giving up 7 yards per pass except when the defense can't stop any of the run plays and they don't need to pass to win the game. It may be a pass happy league when even in this era of the NFL if you can't stop the run you will probably lose the game because your team won't have the ball to score with. Our DL lost the LOS. End of story.
Dillon just has not been effective this season. I realize that we played without Bak and then without Jenkins but we need Dilon to pick up one or two yards on 3rd down plays.
Alexander is a great CB but he was poor against the Falcons. His dropped pick (possibly a pick 6) hurt the team. He has dropped picks throughout his career.
Jordan Love has looked OK but not great. He is 29/52 in 2 games which is a 55.7% completion ratio. I realize he is still evolving but in this era of the NFL under a 60% completion rate is probably not good enough to win most games unless the run game is a good as the Falcons. I expect/hope that Love's completion rate will improve but he has missed some easy throws so far this season. We'll see how he improves over the course of the season.
Saints next at Lambeau. Thanks, Since '61
greengold
September 18, 2023 at 08:46 am
Rock solid, Since’61. Again. Well said.
Packers0808
September 18, 2023 at 09:43 am
Remember how many "easy" throws Rodgers missed last season as a seasoned pro?
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 10:25 am
Put Starr or Marino or whomever on the offense we have had this year and you can bet that their completion rate would be low. This is not like the offense Rodgers had to start in 2008 and we all know it.
Then also subtract you best RB for a game and have your only WRs with experience limited or out in game one and one missing the second and tell me that you honestly expected a better completion rate.
True we could have Love just dump off passes close to the line like Fields did in week one. But ask yourself if that worked for them or would for us. It barely worked for Ridder despite their run game.
Love has not thrown an interception in 2 games, quite obviously goes through progressions and is working with players who had never caught a pass let alone a TD 2 Sundays ago, other than 1 for Touré.
What completion Percentage did you expect? Love has done surprisingly well in difficult circumstances if injury and experience. Great no, but again, did you expect him to be 2 games in?
At this point Love has done nothing to throw away a game. He has put us in a position to win twice. That he isn’t yet carrying the team solo is a ridiculous criticism. We are rebuilding on O at QB and every position except RB and OL and both of which may in fact be less fixtures than we thought, at least they have been thus far.
The offense was always going to have growing pains, and it is going through them, including in 2 minute drills. It took Rodgers until his 3rd year starting to be a player we believed could win those more often than not. It’s going to take Love at least as long even if he proves a similar talent, particularly as the experience around him is a fraction of that Rodgers has, and they had talent too.
Packers0808
September 18, 2023 at 10:55 am
Ummm what you ranting and mumbling about? I was saying if you read what I wrote saying that Love was doing really well in "comparison" too Rodgers last year who refused to early on work with new rookies. Geez1
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 11:44 am
I was actually intending to respond to a comment by ‘61, but somehow mis positioned it.
Packers0808
September 18, 2023 at 12:50 pm
That isn't surprising from you wrote, I thought it a bit odd. No problem, have a good day. Know we are both avid Packer fans!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:52 pm
CW, a fair evaluation. JL10 has done well. Hopefully his targets CTFB.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:49 pm
Packers 0808,
last year is a small sample size, weighted by injury.
Let it go.
Since'61
September 18, 2023 at 03:41 pm
Packers0808 - Remember that Rodgers played through 3 different injuries last season, the most important being his injured thumb.
Also remember that I advocated for Love to play while Rodgers was injured but the head coach stuck with Rodgers for whatever reason when its possible that Love may have played well enough to win 1 or 2 of those games which would have put the Packers in the playoffs.
Most importantly Rodgers is history now. Love is the starting QB. What matters is how he plays and how he evolves into the position. Thanks, Since '61
13TimeChamps
September 18, 2023 at 11:05 am
"Jordan Love has looked OK but not great. He is 29/52 in 2 games which is a 55.7% completion ratio."
Through 3 quarters Love was actually 14/19 (74%). The six incomplete throws in the 4th quarter is what brought his % down. So, for 3 quarters he was very accurate, and 1 quarter he was just the opposite. Not sure what exactly that tells us, but at some point, missing 2 pro bowl linemen, plus Jones and Watson was going to take it's toll on his performance.
I think he has shown, given time, he has the potential to be a very accurate NFL QB. Look at Josh Allen's first couple of years. We all knew there was going to be a pretty big learning curve for Love and this offense this year.
One very encouraging sign is the fact we have not had even one turnover so far this year. We have to give Love some credit for that.
Packers1985
September 18, 2023 at 11:20 am
We cant be comparing Love to Josh Allen. If am not wrong he didnt get to sit behind for three years like love did and started in his very first season and took the bills to post season the very next year and by year three made a pro bowl Appearance and was in the MVP race. Since'61 has a point too most of the Qb's these days were almost NFL ready taking up the Qb1 position by year 2 . So anything under 60% completion percentage is little under whelming given the defense we faced so far.
Agreed Love looked good so far and we are missing few key pieces yesterday but we have to remember one thing we faced two teams that are mid range defenses and also the Oline held up really well and gave some decent time for love to make plays. He seems to be esply off on the deep balls and we will get to evaluate him better against good defenses. Like others mentioned above it'll be a fun for sure seeing how he is going to turn out.
Go Pack Go
13TimeChamps
September 18, 2023 at 11:50 am
It's fair to point out that Allen started as a true rookie as opposed to Love sitting for 3 years before becoming QB1. Maybe that wasn't the greatest analogy on my part.
That being said, I highly doubt Allen's WRs/TE group was anywhere near as young and inexperienced as Love's. That factors into accuracy issues.
My only real point was maybe 2 games as QB1 is a tad early to be concerned with his completion percentage. If he's still below 60% at the end of the year, then we might have a problem. In the meantime, let's give him and his very young pass catchers time to grow together.
Packers1985
September 18, 2023 at 11:56 am
I totally agree on giving Love atleast an yr for grading his performance. I am rooting for him to have a good season.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 01:58 pm
JL10's completion % looks scary good if you look at selected portions of games. Slow start, on fire, and then cooling off. If the team can stay hot, they might be ok even with coming out cold? Obviously it would be better to start strong.
Since'61
September 18, 2023 at 03:49 pm
13Times - I think what Love''s performance against Atlanta tells us is that while the OL was playing well Love played well. In the 4th quarter the OL minus Bak and Jenkins could not hold the Atlanta DL and Love's performance suffered as a result.
QB play is often the result of effective OL play. The Packers OL was not effective during the 4th quarter against the Falcons. Thanks, Since '61
LeotisHarris
September 18, 2023 at 08:42 am
Great title, Ken. Conjured up memories of my old man providing gentle guidance to my whining teenage azz: "It's a job and it takes work. That's why it's called WORK! if it was fun they'd call it fun."
The more I watch Coach LaFleur, the more I understand this guy and his coordinators are building a plane on the fly with no guidance. Screwed up time management. No in-game adjustments. Poor decisions. They look the part and go through the motions, but the illusion of competence is fleeting. How many of you knew the Falcons would go the length of the field at the end of the first half?
We have a talented young team lead by a good young quarterback. Something needs to change.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 02:00 pm
Leotis,
in game adjustments are what I've worried about since January. Talented players cannot overcome that.
EricTorkelson
September 19, 2023 at 06:54 am
Coach LaFleur
No Guidance
No-in game adjustments
Poor Decisions
competence fleeting
Hey.... LH looks whos calling the kettle BLACK
Peace Brother
PackBacker
September 18, 2023 at 08:55 am
As the old saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Putting Joe Barry's porous "run-stopping" defense on the field week after week is completely insane.
rob44rml
September 18, 2023 at 09:00 am
C'mon everybody....The ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM ! the Packers have been and never will be a SuperBowl contender UNTIL THEY HIRE A REAL DC..look back, all the failures to advance to that stage were lost due to a POOR DEFENSE !!- Capers, Pettine and now Barry..same/same...same predictable, losing game plans.....stop hiring your buddies and get a real DC !!
What's really also showing is LaFleur's play calling....looking ALOT like Mike McCarthy; get ahead and PLAY NOT TO LOSE, not PLAY TO WIN...got a preview of it: 4th down, playoff game vs Tampa Bay at Lambeau, LaFleur elects to NOT GIVE AR the chance to win it; leaves it up to the defense to get the ball back-HA, not a chance there; game over !!!!..now WITHOUT AR & DAVANTE those 13 wins a season will no longer be attainable.
They SHOULD HAVE beaten TB yesterday; had the 4th qrtr lead and blew it...and...I'm tired of hearing "IT'S ON ME" ...yeah it is, fix it coach or MOVE ON !! Neither you or McCarthy will ever be Hall of Fame coaches...
Sorry for the critical commentary, but these are issues that won't go away, even with an improving offense....
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 02:03 pm
Vic Fangio and Brian Flores both available this past off season. At least one other big name, too. A missed opportunity ...
TKWorldWide
September 19, 2023 at 07:28 am
It would have been miraculous to beat TB this past Sunday…
T7Steve
September 18, 2023 at 09:08 am
Per TGR's snap counts the Falcons had the ball for 82 plays the Packers 47. Just 5 more plays and we'd have won the game. If we'd gotten a first down and rested the D a little, they'd have made a stop.
Overall, I'm as happy as I could be with a team that gets pushed around on the LOS. Hard to believe we could still have won, when you lose the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball. No excuses for youth there (at least on offense).
LambeauPlain
September 18, 2023 at 10:05 am
I was very surprised how the DL was manhandled by the Falcons. But on retrospection, the manhandling was largely due to the porous run D...just no answers by Barry in the 4th. I can imagine the D players don't like being called soft. Barry makes them marshmallows. That has to greatly irritate guys like Clark, Slaton, Walker, Preston, Douglas and Gary.
The OL manhandling started with Bahktiari again unavailable. Same old there. Then Jenks goes down. The left side of Walker, Newman, and Myers. Yikes.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 02:05 pm
What could coaching have done to have our D line not be manhandled?
CoachJV
September 18, 2023 at 09:08 am
Dillon reminds me of Ryan Grant... has impressive skills, but can be shoe-string tackled easily. If his feet felt a breeze, Grant would go down.
Montana
September 18, 2023 at 09:25 am
Plenty of blame to go around in this loss on offense, defense, and coaching. Someone mentioned above the completion percentage of Love at 55%, yes he's inexperienced but that percentage needs to improve. We were up 24-12 starting in the 4th quarter and couldn't stop the Falcons offense. Conversely, our offense couldn't get a first down in an entire quarter, Love went 0-6 in the final period and we couldn't run the ball either. Our run game was largely ineffective with Dillon the whole game. I know Wilson is a rookie but the coaches gave him but one carry. Still with all the miscues on offense in the 4th quarter, the defense should be able to hold a lead for a quarter. Our run D continues to haunt us. Barry's move from the field to the elevated box seems like a bandaid covering a deeper flaw. I have more optimism for our offense improving than our run D.....
jhtobias
September 18, 2023 at 09:32 am
Why anyone would be mad at Joe Barry is inconceivable to me . Please let me explain again for the 20th time
Did Joe Berry hire himself ? Did Joe Berry keep himself as the D coordinator for a third year ? Don't give me the excuse we can't draft d lineman this is all game planning soft zones to protect against what ?
Getting back to the culprit there is one and only one person to blame for this debacle they call a defense and that is Matt Lafluer. Brian Gute has no say in coaching hires that is 150 percent on Lafluer . why does lafluer still have the head coaching position when he has absolutely no clue about hiring d cord
Game ball goes to Joe Barry because he cashes a nice check every week doing a terrible job .. He is actually smarter than anyone else on this staff kudos mr. Barry
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 01:05 pm
jht, I love your game ball pick. I said once last year that jb must giggle on the way home from work every day.
Pinching himself as you or I would do if we were the CEO of a fortune 50 company.
We'd get a huge check plus great golden parachute no matter how poorly we execute.
Like winning the lottery.
He married wisely and has cashed in ever since. Why a guy like this still has a job and all the young, creative, hungry talent is left on the street is nearly criminal.
GPG!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 02:08 pm
jh what an interesting take. Missed opportunity to get a great defensive mastermind this past off season, but this organization includes MM and possibly some others, nothing is as simple as MLF gets total say.
PeteK
September 18, 2023 at 09:50 am
Aron Jones is a quick RB who can find the small creases to run through, however, to expect Dillon to do the same is not fair. He's a Brockington (3.8 ypc) type of power back that needs better blocking. Losing two pro bowlers on the left side and having poor blocking TEs will greatly hamper any RB.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 02:10 pm
While it's true that #28 needs run blocking, he actually did better when Newman played instead of Jenkins and of course that was without Bakh. Meaning that these two back in will not fix it.
JohnnyLogan
September 18, 2023 at 09:50 am
This game has to remind us of the infamous Seattle playoff loss, albeit a less important game. Everything that could go wrong did. After that game, McCarthy was crucified, and rightfully so. So, too, LaFleur has to be called out. He's as soft, if not softer than McCarthy ever was. I said this all last year, and this game only adds to it; LaFleur is a "cheerleader' who is on the verge of tears after losses that, deep down, he knows are on him. He's awful at making adjustments. Awful at hiring. Awful at playcalling (Doubs, your best receiver, is practically shut out for most of the game?), he likes saying, "It's on me," but doesn't mean it. He's lucky enough to look like a kid, but unfortunately, he also coaches like one. His hires have been mind-bogglingly awful, and nothing those nothings do over multiple years of incompetence can make him see them for what they are. His early record of 13-win seasons was built around two Hall of Famers, Rodgers and Davante. And even with them, in crunch time, he proved his incompetence. Without them, he's just a guy with a clipboard. There might be hope if he could even take one step toward showing some balls by firing Barry. At least then, he could concentrate on offense. After all, he's a glorified OC. Until he does that, this team is destined to suffer the fate of all those Dom Capers teams, talented team but lousy coaching. It's so damn frustrating to have to go through that nightmare again.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 01:07 pm
perfectly stated, thank you.
GPG!
LambeauPlain
September 18, 2023 at 10:13 am
"He may have the biggest thighs in football, but his feet are very fragile." That's a bingo! Still the handoffs standing still, pitchouts running lateral. SMH
I was intrigued with JT wearing Green and Gold. Now I say, with a mostly straight face: "let it be written, let it be done."
Barry Ball was designed to play with a lead. It now looks adroitly planned to lose it.
TKWorldWide
September 19, 2023 at 07:36 am
I too am interested in JT, but I heard that Indy wanted Watson as part of the deal. I wouldn’t do that. Would you?
fireball
September 18, 2023 at 10:15 am
Wow, Packers of old: offense unable to get any points in the first quarter and fade in the fourth. And the defense! But the head coach called it perfectly: " They shredded us, consistently, " LaFleur said. They sure did, constantly. Like some others have described: the defense was porous, like a slice of Swiss cheese. Missed tackling. . . or better yet, like great ol' head coach, Lombardi, of yesteryear once yelled at his defensive team coming off the field, " Grab! Grab! Grab! Nobody tackling! "
And the alleged great outside linebacker, Rashan Gary, again, as is his habit, failed to protect the perimeter because he's almost always more interested in getting to the quarterback.
Love was okay. . . for a newbie, that is. But he was okay. I'm hopin' he gets better. He should. He better. Maybe?
Like I said yesterday morning right here on this site: Without Aaron Jones, the Packers ain't got much of a chance at winning. They're doomed. And AJ Dillon, obviously, sadly, can't save them. . . and maybe not even his job come next season
So where do we stand? Well, on shaky ground because we got a shaky team.
And David Bakhtiari- what can I say? I loved this guy until his knee went out near the end of 2020, and he made a fortune while suffering it. But he mostly did not play in 2021 and 2022, And already in this third year of 2023 he's not played in fifty per cent of the games. Trade him, Gute, please, if you can.
On to the next game.
stockholder
September 18, 2023 at 10:22 am
Nothing will change until you fire everyone.
First it was Capers, MM, Pettine, and now Barry.
Gute called the shots to continue the 3-4-4.
Drafted accordingly and signed the Smiths.
But there still isn't that outside containment
against a speedy back and QB.
So keep up the praise and follow him to Hell.
Because until you get faster LBs.
everyone else is just a DE. that can't tackle.
Coldworld
September 18, 2023 at 10:39 am
No Gute didn’t call those shots, appoint LaFleur or any coach you reference. You just choose to ignore that fact to fuel your misplaced obsession.
stockholder
September 18, 2023 at 07:07 pm
I'm agreeing with you to fire everyone.
You totally missed who Gute drafted!
(It was for the 3-4-4. )
Something that goes back to TT and 2010.
And Gute was the Chief Head of scouting. prior!
He had every chance to change it.
And who did he back? Lowrey.
That there tells you he doesn't have a clue.
And who he put a DE.
jannesbjornson
September 18, 2023 at 02:37 pm
The guy is on the clock. His sixth year and the team fails in predictable ways. The Edge contain has lacked discipline since LaFleur came onboard. The personnel should have been four Bigs with their hands in the ground to stay lower than the offensive blockers. If Walker was the Rover with !the 1:1 on Bijan? He is a speedy guy, so is Gary and Van Ness. Campbell looks to be filling space and not much else. I get it, big money, for poor results. Attitude comes from those with the higher pay grades.. The ILBs a e afraid to shoot the gaps, divert the runners and plug the hole. Swarming to the ball only works if you have guy willing to strike the runner. Even Engabare was shooting upfield in lieu of staying square in the elephant. Best to trade for Budda Baker while the Cardinals begin to tank..
Jgilmor08
September 18, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Maybe I’m wrong but I think there’s a certain former badgers DC and interim HC available, who I might add was also the initial coordinator desired before Joe Barry was hired for the opening.
Sometimes the organizations set up can be really beneficial. Not having an owner making knee jerk reactions. Other times it’s actually a detriment. Joe Barry has had so many opportunities to right the ship only to not come up in the clutch. I don’t doubt he’s got a great football mind but he’s never shown to be a coordinator. Usually a head coach makes this decision faster but with no ownership in place MLF doesn’t have to worry about his job being affected.
Last year it took until the bye week for Joe Barry to make any adjustments. Fortunately the bye week is earlier this season. This defense should be a lot more dominant than it is. I believe Jim Leonard would be able to utilize it to the best of its abilities.
LeotisHarris
September 18, 2023 at 05:01 pm
I'm all for a savior, but Jimmy ain't it. He's busy down in Illinois, fighting to get the the buffet before Bielema takes all the deep dish pizza. Plus, what does it say about the man's character when he sidled up next to Bret The Human Grimace after the Badgers chose Fickell. Illinois is 1-2. They gave up 28 points to Toledo, 34 to Kansas, and 30 to Penn State. Maybe if Jimmy talked louder to Bret?
Sometimes the grass ain't greener on either side of the fence.
Green Bay Shareholder
September 18, 2023 at 12:17 pm
When was the last time the Packers weren't the youngest team in the league or close to it and when was the last time they weren't decimated by injuries ? 2010 or 2011 maybe - as Mike McCarthy says - we'll figure that out.
NDP
September 18, 2023 at 12:34 pm
This loss hurts, especially with a twelve-point lead in the fourth quarter. I understand that defenses will be leaky, but what occurred in the fourth quarter resembled raging flood waters.
The big plays that the defense allowed were game-changers and backbreakers. The offense seemed to experience a reversal of fortune in the fourth quarter since it couldn't string enough plays together to get into (at minimum) field goal range.
I no longer know what to say about Joe Barry's inconsistency as a defensive coordinator. He seems to have ideas and schemes that work for some games and falters with his approach in others.
How long will defensive performances like yesterday's fourth-quarter debacle be tolerated? I hope A.J. Dillon has a great game next Sunday.
I hope Aaron Jones and Christian Watson can play next Sunday. I hope everyone injured improves and that the defensive scheme when we play the Saints is nothing like the one utilized in the fourth quarter of yesterday's game.
I know the Packers will learn a lot from this loss. As for myself, I'm a Green Bay fan, and I live in Chicago. It could always be worse. Go Pack Go!
Jgilmor08
September 18, 2023 at 01:07 pm
Here are some of the oddest personnel choices that the packers were in.
2nd and 5: Atlanta was in 11 personnel. That means one back one tight end. The Packers were in dime.
3rd and 15: Green Bay brings a very stale pressure with zero stunts or movement. They dropped 6 into coverage and Atalanta only ran three routes. 3 v 6 should work any day of the week.
1st and 10: Atlanta is in 21 personnel which is a fullback running back and tight end. Green Bay counters with nickel. Surprise they run the ball for 15 yards.
4th and 1: 21 personnel using a tight bunch formation. Again it’s Fourth and 1. The linebacker is out leveraged before the snap and the closest player to the lead receiver in the bunch formation is 4.5 yards off. Again it’s FORTH DOWN AND 1.
1 and 10: 22 personnel. Two backs and two tight ends. Definitely a run grouping. Green Bay counters with nickel personnel.
This is just from reviewing the highlights. I wonder why those plays were highlights? This is basic high school football rules. Almost every snap for whatever reason Quay Walker was to the weak side of the offensive formation with D Campbell head up on the Center. Regardless if the tight end with in line or a full back was on the field. So if you can imagine the tight end being down and a fullback motioning to the tight end side both linebackers before the ball is even snapped are out leveraged. Leaving the likes of Rudy ford to tackle the ball carrier after shedding the fullback or lineman. It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone the team can’t stop the run. What should be surprising is with the game on the line ATL running the ball with one minute left before halftime and the games end. Very telling how amateurish the defensive play calling was.
Here are some stats that support this info: 7 of 9 falcons drives lasted 8 plays or longer. 4 double digits. ATL ran 78 plays to GBs 47. Of the 78 plays ATL ran there was Nickel personnel on the field for GB 40 times. An additional 12 plays were ran using only one linebacker on the field (or dime). So roughly 52 plays in a pass covering defense. The Falcons ran the ball 45 times. Obviously this isn’t the case but theoretically that means the Packers on average played coverage about as often as ATL ran the ball.
JohnnyLogan
September 18, 2023 at 01:55 pm
Someone get this post to MLF. I’ll pay the text charge.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 18, 2023 at 02:20 pm
jgilmore08,
thank you for this.
So you're saying we should extend Joe Barry's contract another 5 years? ;)
jannesbjornson
September 18, 2023 at 02:57 pm
It is all on the Film. Thanks for the review and post-game analysis. It seems better than "we'll get that fixed."
Jgilmor08
September 18, 2023 at 03:35 pm
What’s incredibly weird about it all is that was basically from middle of second quarter onward. But when you look at the groupings from the first quarter when they played their best defensively they had three and sometimes four down linemen for these run heavy packages. They played well with pressures, tackling the ball carrier for less than 7 yards every carry and the interception. So just as Desmond Ridder shows he is unable to beat the Packers with his arm Barry decides not to dare them to do that.
When personnel was matched the Packers played well. Think Chicago and being commited to stopping the runnning game. Parts of this game. However the play calling was just bad in response to the flow of the game. Getting away from the game plan. However give credit to ATL. They never got out of their system and kept running the ball despite the time of game and being down.
LambeauPlain
September 18, 2023 at 06:35 pm
Great observations. I stated earlier I believed Assoc. HC/D Jerry Gray would mentor the Falcons O staff on Barry's tendencies. Your analysis supports that. Gray knows (and despises) Barry Ball.
The Packers D started well. Very encouraging. 3 DTs/two edge, some occasional blitzing. Stunts and movement up front.
Then the Falcons O goaded Barry into playing his off ball, prevent the big play, straight up Nickel and Dime by passing more than expected. So Barry obliged. More coverage...less attacking up front.
But the Falcons then reverted to their strength...running the ball with a vengeance. But Barry continued to play coverage D the rest of the game, as the Falcons piled up the first downs and what...70 plays?
Barry is a coach that seems not know how to "compliment" his players strengths. He does not adjust to his opponent in battle. Stubborn or just not a good coordinator?
I was more hopeful after last week. But yesterday was the Barry Ball we are used to.
mnbadger
September 18, 2023 at 01:10 pm
NDP, you live in a great city and support the greatest of teams.
Let me ask "what could be better?"
GPG!
NDP
September 18, 2023 at 03:53 pm
You are right, mnbadger. It doesn't get any better than being a fan of the Green Bay Packers! Today's sports talk show hosts in Chicago are frustrated with the Bears and their quarterback, Justin Fields. I'm already looking forward to Sunday.
TXCHEESE
September 18, 2023 at 02:43 pm
That game felt so much like the season ending loss to the Lions last year. AHHG!
Seems like AJD trips over his own two feet at least a couple times a game. Do they not run the ropes (or tires) anymore to get the knees up. Pick those knees up and punish someone with them! 250 pounds and can't get a single yard!