Packers 24 Jaguars 20: Game Balls & Lame Calls

Defense waits til final minutes to shine.

Za'darius and Preston Smith are paid a combined annual average of $29.5 million a year to rush the quarterback. Rashan Gary was the 12th player taken in the NFL draft for the purpose of rushing the quarterback. For the first 58 minutes of their game Sunday against Jacksonville, the Packers weren't getting much for their investments. But the trio was worth every penny in the final two minutes. With the Jags driving toward a game winning touchdown as the clock wound down, Za'darius, Preston and Rashan took turns terrorizing young quarterback Jake Luton, preserving what can only be described as an ugly 24-20 victory.

Until that time, the Jekyll and Hyde Packers were doing everything a 6-2 team needs to do to lose to a 1-7 team. Turnovers, penalties, special teams letdowns, and generally soft and lackadaisical play allowed one of the worst teams in the NFL to take a 20 to 17 lead in the 4th quarter. The inconsistent offense got the wake-up call first, as Aaron Rodgers marched the troops 75 yards in 7 plays, capping with a 6 yard scoring pass to Davante Adams, giving Green Bay a 24-20 lead. But the offense wasn't playing well enough to put this game away. Given the chance with 4 minutes to play, the offense went three and out deep in their own territory. And just to make things more interesting, J.K. Scott shanked the punt to put the Jags in business at their own 48. On this day, it would have to be the defense that saved the day. Gulp.

After the Jags moved the ball effortlessly to the Green Bay 36, the game was hanging by a precarious thread.   Now or never for the defense.   First down, Luton passes incomplete to running back James Robinson. Second down, Luton sacked by Gary. Third down, Luton sacked by Preston. Fourth down, Luton pressured by Za'darius into an incompletion. Game over.   Paydays earned.

We all know that, overall,  this was not good enough, but I'd rather be breathing a sigh of relief over a narrow escape, than lamenting an embarrassing loss to a terrible team.

 

GAME BALLS

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

He finally began to look as though he is more than a one trick pony.    Not only did he burn the Jags with the 78 yard scoring bomb, but he showed signs of being a possession guy as well, totaling 4 catches for 149 yards.   Most impressively, no drops.   Let's hope this is a real step forward, and not just another tease.

 

Darnell Savage

The second year safety played perhaps his best game.   He made a nice recovery on a deep ball in the second quarter to knock it out of the receiver's hands.   In the third quarter his quick penetration into the backfield caused James Robinson to be tackled for a loss.   He seemed to be around the action all day.   As with MVS, this is an encouraging sign.

 

Aaron Rodgers

Certainly not a highlight reel game for QB12, but he battled windy conditions to throw for 325 yards and two scores, with a quarterback rating of 108.1.   Lot of quarterbacks would love to have that line.   And he executed the go-ahead drive in the 4th quarter when the Packers had to have it.

 

Honorable Mentions

Josh Jackson and Ka'dar Hollman did not make any big plays, but they held their own replacing starting corners Jaire Alexander and Kevin King.   Nothing over their heads for a big play.    Raven Greene had a nice pass break up on 3rd down in the 4th quarter.   Dean Lowry batted down a 4th quarter pass that would have gone for a huge gain.

 

LAME CALLS

That Three Man Rush....Again

Trying to hold off the Jags from tieing the game in the third quarter, and looking at third and goal in the red zone, the Packers' defense shows blitz, then drops off into a three man rush.   Of course, the result is a touchdown pass, this time to Keelan Cole.   I think the Packers could drop all 11 players into coverage and still couldn't prevent red zone scores.   I'd much rather take my chances with a big pass rush, especially with a quarterback making his second NFL start.

 

Jones up the middle on 3rd and 1

A first down at just over two minutes to play would have put the game away.   With the Jags loading the box, Matt LaFleur decides to play big boy football and send Aaron Jones right up the gut.   This is not what the Packers do well.   The play was stuffed and we all had to sweat out the Jags' final possession.   Surely MLF can come up with a more creative way to get one yard in that situation.

 

TD Negating Holding Call on Turner

Maybe I''m looking at this play through my green and gold tinted glasses, but that looked like a weak call to me.   The touchdown pass to Davante was called back.

 

SHORT YARDAGE

•  One of the reasons Rodgers was able to throw that 78 yard bomb to MVS was a terrific blitz pick up by Aaron Jones.   Remember when pass protection was his weakness?

•  After his third quarter sack, Zadarious Smith sat on the ground and tried to get teammates to join him in some sort of celebration, but everybody walked off.   I really wanted to see what that was going to be.

•  I can't believe how high in the air Davante got to grab that 4th quarter touchdown pass.   And he did that with a sore ankle he had hurt several plays earlier.   What an effort.

•  The Packers are making David Bakhtiari the highest paid OL in NFL history.   I'll be really interested to see the structure of that deal.   Had to be creative to find the cap room for that deal.

•  Snapshot of the game:   Rodgers comically pathetic attempt at a Lambeau leap after his TD run in the second quarter.

 

THEY SAID IT

David Bakhtiari (on his new contract):   "The one thing that I think we had in common was we did want to reach an agreement, and I wanted to be here and they wanted me to be here so I think that goal was strong enough to bridge the gaps."

Aaron Rodgers:   "The wind seemed to be swirling all over the place but we made do with it.   We threw the ball for a lot of yards.   We definitely had some opportunities in the passing game where the wind affected some of the throws."

Marquez Valdes-Scantling: (on beating the cornerback for the bomb):   "I had run a go route on the previous play and I saw where I could get behind him.   He wasn't really respecting deep.   So I went back to the huddle and told Aaron that I could get by him."

Adrian Amos:   "We weren't always in the situations we wanted to be, but those are the kind of situations where the defense has to show up and make those stops."

 

 

 

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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.

__________________________

8 points
 

Comments (64)

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

November 16, 2020 at 06:39 am

It was good to hear that Bakhtiari was rewarded with that contract extension. He has earned it for his fine play over the years and now the team has him for four more years. MVS has really stepped up these last couple games which is a very good sign moving forward. I expected Lazard would be back, and what is his status for Colts game?

5 points
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packer132's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:19 am

If Lazard is not activated by Wednesday they need to put him on IR for the year.

1 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 17, 2020 at 02:09 pm

Unlikely.
He's only dealing with soreness from being out of shape and not being in football (hit taking) shape.
No setbacks on the recovery.
They will activate him today or tomorrow I feel pretty certain.

0 points
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BAMABADGER's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:05 am

Glad no one else played in the sand box after Z's sack. In reverence to Paul Horning, just do your job.

9 points
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Razer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:23 am

Thank you BamaBadger. Failing to do your job repeated may benefit from a little humility and a lot more effort.

1 points
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PeteK's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:37 am

I agree, in a close game , with plenty of time , and poor effort.

2 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:18 am

What would you know about having a job BAMA? I always love people who have accomplished nothing in life criticizing those who are at the pinnacle of their professional careers.

-12 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:48 am

You seem to know a lot about people's lives you've never met.

3 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

November 17, 2020 at 06:23 am

I know everything that I need to know about you 13. Comments of yours like this: "Seeya A.Jones, J. Wiilians, C.Linsely and K.King. Been nice knowin' ya. I hope it's worth it."; are very revealing.

The commenter I replied to was making a racist statement about Zadarius Smith. Again, your defense of that speaks volumes about you.

-2 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 17, 2020 at 09:10 am

There was nothing racist about his comment. He was referring to unnecessary showboating after making a play. Nor was my comment. I was questioning whether it was wise to potentially give up four starters to keep one. Where is the racial element there?

It's dangerous and irresponsible to make baseless assumptions about people you know nothing about. "Glass houses" my friend.

-2 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

November 17, 2020 at 09:35 am

Want to bet on the last time that commenter complained about "unnecessary showboating" by a white player? You people just love to use dog whistle language regarding African-Americans.

With regard to your comment, I was referring to your use of "ya", along with the flippant nature of your speculating regarding such wisdom. You are the one who assumed that I was referring to your possible racist proclivities. Must be your guilty mind at work.

Claiming that I am being dangerous and irresponsible constitutes a personal threat by you that will be reported.

-3 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 17, 2020 at 10:00 am

You really are something! Lol Only you could make some bizarre conclusion out of someone using the word 'ya'.

You referred to me as a Breitbart lover and racist in another thread because I questioned the consistency of MVS's play. You don't even know my ethnicity, you knuckle dragging moron. I made very similar comments about Janis when he was here. Now you're calling another poster on here racist. Who the hell appointed you the social justice warrior of this site?

Yes, it's very irresponsible to label people you don't know with hateful terms. And, yes, it would be very dangerous to do that in person. Try it sometime.

No need to respond, as I'm done with this conversation.

0 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

November 17, 2020 at 10:44 am

"ya" is not a word.

Once again you have outed yourself as what you are by using the phrase "social justice warrior". By the way, what is wrong with advocating for justice for all?

-2 points
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DonaldD80's picture

November 16, 2020 at 12:11 pm

I don't agree with this at all. Z has been one of the only ones on D playing with intensity. I didn't see this as playing in the sandbox, I saw this as him trying to get the other guys motivated. Nobody on that D has energy. Jags were 1-7 and out there jumping around after good plays and making guys on their team excited to play well. Packers were being zombies and sleeping through plays good or bad. Z was trying to get them hype. It wasn't a showboat hot dog move in my opinion.

3 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:08 am

For the first time in years I missed watching the entire game. I was in the woods getting deer stands ready. I was listening to the game via radio. While they do a great job and I love listening to those guys, not being able to see about 2/3's of the game makes it hard to get a real feel to what happened. So for me the game balls and lame calls is based on the final 22 minutes of the game.

Game Balls:

MVS - My hope for him was to take what he did last week and build on that. I think he did that well! While he showed he has that homerun speed on the big play, what I really liked was he had a few key 3rd down plays. He definitely took another step. If he can continue this, and we get Lazard back soon, our offense with Adams, MVS and Lazard could make it potent!

I have to post this comment from MVS "I had run a go route on the previous play and I saw where I could get behind him. He wasn't really respecting deep. So I went back to the huddle and told Aaron that I could get by him."
This just shows his confidence growing! This could be him taking a HUGE leap and if that does happen our offense will be MUCH better for it!

Adams - When I came in to watch the game he was already hurt. I didn't see what happened. But I loved that on the final TD drive he absolutely showed up!

Smith Bros/Gary - While I don't know what how they looked earlier in the game, when the game was on the line they were getting after the QB. I thought Gary looked good on a few rushes.

Lame Calls:

3rd and 1 - I did not like this play call. I just told my dad on the previous play I hope they don't just go run, run, run and have to punt. That 3rd down play, I was ok with running the ball, but our OL is not a bull dozing OL. Our OL is better at the zone stretch plays. When we have to line up and get a yard I don't always trust we will get that yard, especially without some sort of deception. This is why I didn't like going with with 1 WR. I would have liked to have seen us spread them out. Maybe Rodgers can look over the field and find a mismatch to take advantage of or maybe get the defense thinking pass when its going to be a run.

4th and 26 - While I didn't catch this live, I saw GB call a timeout while on defense. I didn't think anything of it at the time. But I saw on twitter last night Nagler showed a before and after the timeout. Before they lined up to rush 3 guys. After they had 4 guys rush. I don't know if it was LaFleur that forced Pettine to rush 4, or if it was a thing that they wanted to see how they were going to line up first and then call a timeout. I'm not sure. But the fact that they called a timeout to have an extra guy rush makes me really question Pettine. If LaFleur called a timeout and forced Pettine to rush another guy, that is a very bad look for Pettine IMO.

Short Yardage -

I plan to rewatch the game sometime this week. That way I can get a better feel for the game and see what happened.

A few things that I noticed when starting to watch the game in the middle of the 3rd quarter.

I noticed that Greg Jennings talked about how the Packers defense needs to change up there looks more. Apparently they had been running zone all day? I get running more zone because they have some young CB's playing. But I agreed with Jennings that you have to be able to mix up looks.

I really don't know what Rodgers was doing on his interception play. I don't know if he didn't see the CB or what.

Kenny Clark made a terrific play on the screen pass. He shut that down right away.

Can anyone tell me what happened to Ervin? I just heard he got hurt and didn't see anything more on it.

The game seemed to have a lot of weird crap happen. The final score looks bad, especially for the defense. But breaking down that of the 20 points the Jags scored. 3 points came from an actual normal drive. 7 from a punt return. 10 from turnovers which gave them the ball in good field position. Against a better team, maybe the Packers aren't able to overcome those things. But they were able to on this day. And at the end of the day all that matters is the W/L record.

3 points
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Bearmeat's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:15 am

"Can anyone tell me what happened to Ervin? I just heard he got hurt and didn't see anything more on it."

Myles Jack launched himself at Swerve when he was already tied up by another Jag and going to the ground. DBakh just about killed Jack and it almost started a huge fight. And deservedly so. It was a stupid play by Jack.

And now Swerve is hurt.

4 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:25 am

Thanks Bearmeat!

I am going to watch the game and will see that.

I remember hearing about Bakhtiari going after a player, but didn't hear what really happened.

What was swerve hurt with? concussion? Something physical?

2 points
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Bearmeat's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:28 am

Looked like Ribs? Dunno. It wasn't announced. He was holding his midsection walking off the field. But that could be random or just about anything...

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:52 am

Ok, I wasn't sure what had happened. I just heard he was out.

2 points
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dobber's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:12 am

"For the first time in years I missed watching the entire game. I was in the woods getting deer stands ready"

You're one up on me, RC. Due to the 'rona and the selling of most of the family farm this summer, this will be the first year I don't hunt since I was 13.

0 points
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Swisch's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:57 am

It's always sad for me to hear of a family farm being sold, especially if it's not voluntary and instead due to problems with the economy.
I'd like to see our government going out of its way to preserve family farms, and promote new family farms -- plus encouraging small family businesses of all kinds.
Anyway, Dobber, I just wanted to express my best to you, along with a prayer for you and your family, if it's been a tough year.
This is a such a difficult time for average Americans, during which I hope we will persevere and support each other.

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 16, 2020 at 11:29 am

Sorry to hear that Dobber!

Hopefully you will get to go again in the near future!

2 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:10 am

That was a frustrating game, you could see the lack of focus and energy from Green Bay however; good teams find a way to win and the Packers did.
*Davante Adams came through BIG after a killer fumble, dropped passes and a bad ankle.
*Rodgers led the team beautifully to a comeback when it was most needed.
*The Defense, after an uninspiring performance and bad tackling effort, came through in the clutch to shut down the pesky Jags.

Sloppy, ugly win but it's the NFL, i'll take it ugly!

7 & 2 and in control of First Place in the NFC North, YES!!!

5 points
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LayingTheLawe's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:25 pm

I thought the D dominated the entire game. They gave up a special teams TD and a 13 yard drive after a pick. Then two field goals for rest of the game. On a day the offense had no running the D still held so much the packers won time of possession. They gave up 260 total yards. That's pretty dominating as they should on a bad offense.

The offense struggled with turnovers, drops, no running game, and penalties but the defense shut the Jags down.

2 points
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Bearmeat's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:21 am

I said this in the gut reactions piece, but I like my own comment, so I'm going to say it again: ;)

This was a frustrating game to watch, but to pull any win out when you don't have your best stuff in the NFL both shows and builds character.

1. As Ken said, we had a crap pass rush for 58 minutes. It came alive when it mattered most.

2. The Jags WRs aren't bad. Even though it was a windy day and a backup QB, that's not a bad effort by the secondary.

3. I thought our only chance at containing their run game was to get ahead to a big lead. We did not do that, and Robinson wasn't the star of the game. It wasn't great but didn't kill us.

4. MVS played like a legit 2 today. A well-rounded game for the first time for him.

5. The Jags doubled Adams, crashed the box, and dared another WR or TE to beat them regularly. MVS did. That's huge for the O.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:24 am

It is nice to see MVS developing. I am increasingly concerned that EQ seems lost. We actually missed Shepherd, as a rout runner and a blocker yesterday!

3 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 17, 2020 at 02:05 pm

EQ was in the same draft but has played only 17 games to MVS' 41. His health is more of a concern.
He's still a guy who has played just one full season.
I would say that MVS development hasn't been a straight line, but he had 2 good early games and the last 2 were great.

I suspect that once EQ hits the 20-25 game mark, he'll start to be as productive as MVS.

Rodgers is playing it a bit safe right now and only going to guys he trusts. I hope EQ reaches that status soon.

0 points
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frankthefork's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:25 am

Any ugly win is still a win...but hasn't changed the outlook for the Packers. GB could be 8-8 or 13-3. It's like a box of chocolates with this team. The team play yesterday will not beat the colts, bears 2x, panthers, nor the eagles; so 9-7 and a wild card will be coal in the stocking. I expect better play all around and think 13-3 is doable, but that ain't going happen so 11-5 would be great..anything less and it's disappointing at best for moi.

0 points
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Sureshot's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:01 am

Nice to see you did not overreact...

Of course this game was ugly but projecting the final record just on one poor outing is incredibly pessimistic.

We are 7-2, enjoy the ride.

7 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:39 am

I do not like Greg Jennings.much for reasons you all already know.

But he was right about a lot of things. Digging deep and getting a win on a day where you come out flat is good thing. If they come out that way against the Colts I don't think they can win again.

3 points
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Bure9620's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:16 am

That game is indoors, we are built like an indoor team....I expect them to play better offensively....

5 points
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:40 am

Several of the Packer's stars had poor games - Rodgers threw an uncharacteristic interception, D. Adams fumbled, and Preston Smith could not hold an edge. I will take a win when the Packers have more turnovers than the other guys, tackle poorly (again), and generally play lethargic football.

The lethargy is the most concerning part as this was a carbon copy of the effort the Packers put forth against the Vikings. MLF was reportedly upset after the game about the Packers effort and he should be. Now what is he going to do about it? More of this type of effort and the Packers are going to lose several games and go nowhere in the playoffs.

4 points
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PeteK's picture

November 16, 2020 at 07:53 am

Jags run the ball successfully a few times up the middle on third and short with a backup center and a no name O line , but we can't . This is a serious problem a bit last season and twice this season at home against inferior defenses. Until they can impose their will on an inferior opponent , this O line is just the middle of the Pack. I'll certainly take the win , but this is frustrating as I thought it would be a team strength.

3 points
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stockholder's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:13 am

I Said MVS turned the corner. Who cares if he's not a #2. Stretching the field only helps everyone. I'm glad Bahk is still a Packer. Just don't go along with over paying players. This maybe BGs biggest mistake as a GM. MVS goes back to the huddle and Rodgers throws the Bomb? Who's calling the plays? I thought this might be the reason Rodgers gets traded. Now it will be Cap hell. Got BGs draft all figured out. Trading Rodgers will bring us Micah Parsons. Bg then can trade a 1 and 3 to get Carlos Basham. And his #2 for Jaylon Twyman. Of Course Pettine will get canned first. If he doesn't, a CB will be the pick. Boy is St Brown getting a cold shoulder. Short yardage mistakes. Thinking this OL can get you a yard.

-6 points
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9
Since'61's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:17 am

Game Balls: Rodgers, MVS, Adams, Savage and Amos.

Lame Calls: Overall uninspired play. Ervin injury. Special Teams.

Ugly win but I’ll take it. If the season ended today the Packers would be the NFC #1 seed by virtue of their victory over the Saints. On to Indy. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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fansince1959's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:18 am

MLF needs to come up w/better options on that 3rd and 1 w/ 2minutes left

2 points
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jurp's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:03 am

During that series I thought I'd time-warped back to 2017.

0 points
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marpag1's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:57 am

Marcedes Lewis got completely obliterated on that play. Call any running play you like, but they will all get stuffed if you can't block any better than that.

4 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:22 am

Was a real shakey performance by Pack all around except for last 3 minutes or so. A nail biter when it shouldn't have been!

1 points
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murf7777's picture

November 16, 2020 at 08:49 am

Savage may have had good plays during the game, but on the play you state he was beaten badly and was lucky to hit the receiver at the moment the ball gets there. A fraction of second sooner and it would’ve been flagged. He wasn’t looking back so he didn’t know when the ball was arriving he just sprinted and ran into the WR at the right time. He did put his hand up at the right time thou which was probably from looking at the receivers eyes.

-1 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:35 pm

That's actually not true and you couldn't see it until they showed other angles on the replay.

What really happened was that a CB had the initial coverage on the receiver and that CB--I can't recall who it was--made a bad read that he should abandon his coverage and pick up an uncovered guy who had just slid out into the flat (I didn't actually see that player on those angles, but for some reason the CB in question suddenly started moving forward instead of staying with his guy).

Savage was clearly the Free Safety on that play, whose job was to make the read and either offer double covereage help or to go to the ball if it was already in the air.

The REAL reason Savage initially seemed to be beaten badly was entirely the fault of the CB who mistakenly passed off that coverage to Savage with a 5 yard deficit already in place.

He did show his remarkable speed to 'recover' but it wasn't a recovery of his own mistake but a recovery of the CB's mistake.

But, I actually do think it should have been flagged because he never looked back. He just got lucky that he arrived at the exact moment of the ball and the ref couldn't really see if he was looking.

2 points
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0
murf7777's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:05 am

Regarding the Bak signing, if his cap hit isn’t too high next year then it will work. The following year, we have contracts to cut as the Smith bro’s, Turner and Amos all will be in the 4th year and that is the year when a lot of cap savings are available. I suspect P. smith, Turner and possibly Amos being let go, depending on player development and drafting. With that in mind, for next year, I believe there will still be room for one FA signing, whether that be their own (king, Jones or Lindsay) or from another team. Of course they will have to manage for the big Alexander signing forthcoming.

0 points
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dobber's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:16 am

The early report is that this deal increases his current roster hit slightly, but his 2021 hit goes down to about $12M. After that, it picks up fast, but they're relying on a pickup in the cap after the TV contracts come through.

It also appears that a significant amount of his deal is in roster bonuses, which can be manipulated to generate some relief, too...or, he can be cut and those roster bonuses are just lost.

2 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:40 pm

I believe the cap hit goes down significantly because Bak is getting an 8 or 10 million dollar signing bonus, and the up front money from those--and I think there is a limit of like 10% of the total value of the contract--doesn't count against the cap either.

Roster bonuses are never that significant, at least not in comparison to the signing bonus, as the roster bonuses won't even total the amount of the initial signing bonus.

I haven't heard how much is guaranteed, which can also free up money on the back end if something unfortunate happens and we need to cut him.

PS--I'm also way more informed about basketball and baseball contract structures and league rules, so I'm not absolutely positive they all work the same in the NFL.

1 points
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dobber's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:58 pm

It's not quite the same in the NFL. Remember that the cap hit is an aggregation of annual salary, guaranteed money, signing bonus, and accrued annual bonuses. Incentives are then added in based on whether they are likely to be earned or not likely to be earned. Dead cap numbers come from guaranteed money and signing bonus.

Whatever the signing bonus is, it's paid up front but divided over the years of the contract--so if it's $20M over 4 years, the annual cap hit for the player starts at $5M/year based on signing bonus before any other bits are added in. Whatever the annual cash salary value of the contract happens to be is added next for a given year. Workout, roster and other bonuses are added as they are activated.

In this case, Bakh's 2021 hit goes down likely because the cash salary he's getting paid in 2021 is low. If you look at ARod's contract as an example, he was affordable from 2018-2020 because his annual cash value on his deal was under $2M each of those years. He also had some large roster bonuses ($8-12M per year in there, too). Over the last couple years of his deal, his cash value shoots way up and so does his cap hit.

0 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 17, 2020 at 01:57 pm

Sincere thanks for the tutorial!
I was more focused on NBA today (and indeed, Giannis' hit this year is not what it will be next year for some of the same structural reasons).
They did just announce the Bak bonus and it's 30 million amortized over 5 years according to Packerswire.
So it does save us big time next year, and I hope that means we keep Jones and King (with Williams and Linsley being the cap casualties now).

0 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:14 am

While it was ugly to watch, I'm not overly concerned with the performance yesterday. Most teams experience at least on "let down" game over a 16 game schedule.

Next week we will get a good gauge on where the 2020 Packers team stands. On the road against the 6-3 Colts who just put a thumping on the Titans on the road. If we can't, at minimum, split the two games between the Colts and Titans, and split the two Bears games, it's hard to see Packers advancing much in the playoffs. Going 1-3 in those 4 games would tell us a lot about this team. Just like going 3-1 will. Let's hope for the latter, as it would gives us great confidence and momentum going into the playoffs.

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:21 am

I agree that all teams can come out flat once in a while, but this was the second time in three games. That really is a concern.

We failed the test against the Vikings, we failed the test here against a team with a lesser runner and a QB ripe for knocking off his feet and his game. Against a better team the result would be different even without the impact of ST and turnover mistakes.

0 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:42 pm

I think it's the doldrums of the season for all teams.
We do pretty much know by this point which teams will be at or near the top.
They all begin playing not to get hurt and to be ready for the playoffs at a certain point.
Which is why I think it got chippy a few times when the Jags decided they were playing for real. Quite a few moments where Packers' players were upset about a hit or piling on.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:16 am

Is it the players or the Coaches/scheme on D?

To me it seems more and more that the players can harass the passer when they aren’t doing what Pettine is asking them to try and counter the run. I believe it’s the coaching scheme and personnel usage that are neutering the rush and failing to combat ypc in the run game even when the run is the opponents preferred option.

That’s why I’ve come to the conclusion that Pettine is a spent force who has become a millstone holding our D back. If correct, waiting till the end of the season is probably, and unusually, the wrong move.

1 points
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Guam's picture

November 16, 2020 at 11:13 am

The Packers play the run better with 3 DL, but the minute they move to 2 DL they seem to have an awful time holding the edges and get gashed up the middle occasionally too. Their pass rush is better with 3DL. None of the above should be surprising, so I am puzzled why Pettine insists playing so much dime with 2 DL and 1 ILB.

I agree with you CW, Pettine is more the problem than the talent.

2 points
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UGDR's picture

November 16, 2020 at 09:16 am

Petty sure they handed off to Jones, not Williams with just over 2 min to play trying to ice it, but it didn't matter who got the ball when Patrick and Lindsley got dominated into he backfield anyway.

Game Balls: Agreed with you on all your "Game Balls" and have to give one to the wind for helping our inexperienced corners. Kenny Clark took on 2 lineman nearly every play and won nearly every play, it's a shame he has no help on the DL.

Lame Calls: Late in the game Packers are marching in Jax territory, it's 3rd and 3 and they take a deep shot, next play 4th and 3.... deep shot. Unacceptable. If it's 4 down territory why are you doing 2 deeps shots rather than getting 3 yards? This gave me flashbacks of Mashed Potato Mike calling plays from his oversized Applebees menu. Is that Rodgers or MLF? Either way, not cool.

Honorable mention Lame Call: Packers being soft. The Packers play in the trenches on both sides of the ball was embarrassing. Bak, Jenks, and Clark were the only linemen who held their own. Turner's penalties hurt. Lindsley and Patrick were consistently pushed 2 yards into the backfield all day. Lancaster and Lowery play like blocking dummies. Jacksonville controlled the LOS all day until the Packer pass rush woke up on the last drive.

Listening to Bart Winkler this morning he makes a great point about not wanting a home playoff game and I tend to agree. With as soft as this team plays at times I would much rather see them out of the elements, on turf, out running opposing defenses rather than trying to win anything that resembles smash mouth. 2020 Packers seem way too soft for that.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

November 16, 2020 at 05:22 pm

Starr was known for throwing a bomb on 3 and 1 because the defense does not expect it. I tend to agree with Winkler especially on offense.

1 points
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Qoojo's picture

November 16, 2020 at 10:00 am

I would give a game ball more to the wind than to Savage on the one play where the CB and Safety blew the coverage. I flashback to the 80s when I see a DB with his back to the QB flailing and trying to catch up to WRs, and that's not a good thing.

2 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:48 pm

Not at all. It was ALL on the CB.
He misread another back or TE coming into his area and passed off the coverage to Savage, complete with a 5 yard deficit (who was the CB on that play?).
Savage did have the make up speed to get there.
If he was flailing it was because he was the FS and stood his ground. It was not intended to be a double team and his responsibility was clearly to make the read and go to the zone where the play was happening. He was left in a position to fail by the CB's mistake and he managed to cover up that mistake quite well (even if he deserved the flag).

He should never have been involved in that coverage. If the CB stays on his man, then Savage could have flowed to where he needed to be (and I didn't even see a player on the screen that the CB was running off to cover).

1 points
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cheesehead1's picture

November 16, 2020 at 10:14 am

D as a whole seems soft and run D has not improved much. Hope J. Alexander returns soon and that we don’t re-sign K. King. He’s a good player but you have to be available. Don’t know if it’s bad luck or he’s just injury prone but I read awhile back that he had injury issues at UW as well. Anyway, 7-2 is impressive. GPG.

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Ferrari-Driver's picture

November 16, 2020 at 10:45 am

I used to prefer the cold weather games when I still lived in Wisconsin because I felt it gave us a significant advantage. We seem to have lost that advantage and I just don't know why. I feel that if Lombardi were getting that team ready to play the Jags in that cold, windy day, they would have chewed the uniforms off the opponent. Lombardi may not fair as well in today's environment with the mulit-millionaire players and seemingly independence, but I do miss the toughness his teams displayed.

4 points
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Fubared's picture

November 16, 2020 at 12:50 pm

Have to admit when the pack went to man coverage they actually looked pretty good. I know we dont have the speed to cover one on one like other teams that know how to draft and or acquire talent via free agency, but at least were not spending big bucks on these guys.
The pass rush is pathetic. Until the last minute I didnt know Gary was playing. They said he has had three sacks in three years now, lets not pay him much if we plan to keep him.
The defense cant stop the run for one big reason. Were too dam slow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Delvin Cook was two yards into past the line before we even put a hand on him and yesterday ditto. Team lacks speed and I agree with the analyst, the Packers if they go get to the playoffs are one and done because the good teams all can run the ball and will do so often against us.

-2 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:50 pm

This is Gary's 2nd year, not his third.
He also didn't even play enough snaps last year to count for 4 full games.
He's fine.
If you had been paying attention, you'd have seen that he was the ONLY player making a good pass rush on every play.

2 points
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LayingTheLawe's picture

November 16, 2020 at 01:43 pm

Dropped passes, no running, two turnovers and a penalty that called back a td. Offense had a bad day at the office.

The defense gave up 13 points and 260 yards total against a bad offense (plus a punt return). And this was with the inside linebackers still getting back into shape and the top 2 corners out. This is what they are supposed to do to a bad offense but still good to see them actually do it.

0 points
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LayingTheLawe's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:12 pm

I don't see the "soft" D stuff applying to this game. The D gave up 260 yard and 13 points. And the touchdown drive was a 13 yard drive after a pick. The jags had two drives of 43 yards as longest of the day and on of those ended in a punt. I am sure on Jags sites if they exist are talking about how bad their offense did and that they were dominated.

1 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 02:52 pm

And 7 of the points they gave up was on a 13 yard drive after the turnover.
The D was very good.
They really only gave up one TD.
The other was on Rodgers.

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SpikeHyzer's picture

November 16, 2020 at 03:13 pm

The D was great. The only good drive the Jags had was their first. 7 points on special teams, and 7 points came from the Rodgers pick and the short field (a 13 yard drive?). The other FG was just an artifact of the windy conditions and field position battle.

Savage didn't lose the WR. A CB had him and suddenly and inexplicably thought he saw someone else coming into his zone and passed him off to Savage (replete with a 5 yard deficit!). Savage was the FS and was supposed to fill where he saw fit and was caught by surprise by the mistake by the CB.
I thought it was amazing that with that initial deficit and the shock of the bad read by the CB that he was able to make up that ground and make a play on the ball (even if he absolutely deserved the flag for not looking back to make that play on the ball).

I'm not hearing any of the usual MVS hatred. No drops (both missed targets on Rodgers). Huge YPC. TD. 3rd down conversions. He's finally getting his head together and concentrating and it's wonderful to see. I just hope none of it goes to his head and he continues to be hungry and (more importantly) focused. When he's focused he's hard to stop. Using the ref was brilliant!

MVS was ranked 174th in fantasy points in the NFL and that was good for 53rd among WRs, prior to the game.
He will easily move in to the top 100 among all players and the top 30 among WRs by taking his 50 total points up to 75 in only one game.

We can now say we have a legit deep threat and a pair of #2s.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 17, 2020 at 06:48 am

Oh, so many whining...

Win is a win. No matter how. I believe Packers will have open way to the 1st place at NFC. Look to the others, to the Packers opponents on this path. Everybody has a lot of injuries. Bears have to play with his 3rd QB (Nick Foles is injured, Trubitsky is injured, their OL sucks), Saints have to play with Winston (Drew Brees broke 3 ribs and damage the lungs). So, sometimes it is luck to be injured in the beginning of the season and become healthy when others have to deal with missing pieces. You never know.

I believe there is more on coaches than on players if players underestimate opponent (Vikings, Jags) or come to play with no energy. What is with Matt LaFleur's "mantra": "We are playing every game as it is first game of the season!" He need to make the players accept it and live it. Not just saying that!

1 points
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