Packers 25 Bengals 22 (OT): Game Balls and Lame Calls
They couldn't give it away so they just decided to win it.
By KenLass
I would have bet the house that Crosby was going to make that 51 yard kick at the end of regulation. I would have bet my family that Crosby was going to make the 35 yarder in overtime. I would have bet your family that a psyched-out Crosby was going to miss the 49 yard attempt to win it. Thank goodness my instincts were gloriously wrong on all three counts.
A clear recap of this wild game is not possible. Virtually every unit on the team played brilliantly at times, and beyond awful at others. This much can be said: A beleaguered defense played just well enough to keep from losing. A young, patchwork offensive line protected just well enough to give its quarterback a chance. Two pass catchers not named Davante Adams made a pair of huge plays on the final drive. And Green Bay’s all time leading scorer, on one of the worst games of his career, was able to focus and finally win the game.
It was ridiculously harder than it should have been, but that’s an arrogant way to look at it. The NFL is a fist fight, the Packers were reeling from injuries, and the Bengals are a rising team with a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Take the win and be at peace. Every game is going to be like this until this team gets healthy.
GAME BALLS
Davante Adams
Of course Davante Adams. 11 catches for 206 and a score. It still seems like Rodgers forces the ball to him too much. But how do you argue with stat lines like this? Can anyone else run through double team coverage like he did to grab a 59 yard bomb? You can hear his future contract cash register ringing, as he piles up performances like this.
Aaron Rodgers
You may debate this, because Rodgers was often inaccurate, sometimes made the wrong decision, failed multiple times in the red zone, and threw one interception. But he also rang up 344 yards and two scores, with a passer rating of 103.0. Most QB’s would celebrate a day like that. For Rodgers, it feels like a so-so performance.
Aaron Jones
That 57 yard run in the 4th quarter was nothing short of spectacular, despite Green Bay getting nothing out of it. It was the big play in a 103 yard day, averaging over seven yards per carry.
Defensive Line
For three and a half quarters, the D-line dominated, constantly pushing the pocket and making life miserable for Joe Burrow. Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry and Kingsley Keke have definitely taken it up a notch. Even TJ Slaton had a half sack. They wore down a bit late in the game as the Bengals got their running game going. But the positive trend in the D-line bodes very well for the future.
LAME CALLS
Two Minute Defense
Yes, Darnell Savage should have knocked down that long, scrambling pass from Burrow which ruptured into a 70 yard score by Ja’marr Chase at the end of the half. But the play was made possible by a weak, basically two man pass rush that allowed Burrow to scramble and buy time. Green Bay has a history of giving up points at the end of the half and you would love to see a more aggressive pass rush in these situations.
Those Quick Throws to Adams
I wince every time Rodgers throws that quick ball to Davante on the line of scrimmage. It often gives the corner a running start and a free shot. A good example came in the third quarter when Chidobe Awuzie laid a brutal low tackle on Tae after a quick throw. Thankfully, Adams got up and walked away from it, but I’d be okay if they got rid of this play.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
Mason Crosby: “Both of us on that (end of the field) coming away from our tunnel, we both hit balls on the left side of the uprights and it moved left. It was just kind of strange down there. So you live, you learn, and I’m just glad I got to hit that last one.”
Aaron Rodgers (on the missed field goal tries): “A lot of times, just like quarterbacking, there’s other factors that go into the whole operation, and I think we’ve got to clean up the operation a little bit, and make sure we’re giving him (Crosby) laces every time and making his job a little bit easier.”
Davante Adams: “All that matters is that last one. That’s the only one that I’ll remember. I don’t remember all the ones he missed. I just remember the one he made.”
Aaron Jones: “In college I played in a five overtime game, so this was right there with it. It felt exactly the same. It felt just as long.”
THREE AND OUT
• After the game, Aaron Rodgers revealed the real reason for Mason Crosby’s problems. He had bad “juju” because he (Rodgers) was standing in the middle of the field during the failed kicks. On the game winner Rodgers moved to the end of the field to change the juju. It worked and the quarterback says that’s where he will stand during field goal tries from now on.
• Did you notice that, even though he was having a terrible day, the Packers sent Crosby out by himself as the team captain to call the coin toss in overtime. Felt like a symbolic show of support that eventually paid off.
• The latest interesting name for a play in the Packers’ repertoire is “Yellow Wanda”. Rodgers called for Yellow Wanda in the second quarter. Unfortunately, it was botched and Rodgers just dumped the ball into the ground, after which he took Josiah Deguara to task. Guess we’ll have to wait til next week to find out what Yellow Wanda actually is.
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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.
Comments (134)
PackfanNY
October 11, 2021 at 07:41 am
I thought a key play in the game was Marcedes Lewis 20 yard reception on 3rd Down. Helped energize the team. The reaction on the sidelines for the Packers was epic. Every once in awhile you gotta let the Big Dog 🐶 Eat!
Gee
October 11, 2021 at 04:35 pm
So true and for me him just falling back and stopping the hit by DB was hilarious. The DB looked to be stopped in his tracks.
NitschkeFromTheGrave
October 11, 2021 at 07:50 am
All in my rear-view mirror now... Just bring on the hapless Bears. Because there is NO better taste than pounding the Bears into the dirt period. And doing it at Soldier field makes it even better. Then more shits and giggles listening to the Chicago Press whine and burn the house down the rest of the week. Why ?
Because no matter what they say...... "THE BEARS STILL SUCK."
MilkCan44
October 11, 2021 at 05:52 pm
Nitschke - you obviously haven't been watching the Bears defense the last 3 games. Pack defense should be able to hold then down with a rookie QB, but Bears won't allow more than 25.
PewAuKeeFan
October 11, 2021 at 07:51 am
Good list Ken!
I would say that Dillon has a slight edge over Jones this game, but if Jones is your pick for game ball, I am OK with that.
"Quick throws to Adams": Totally on board with that. Opposing teams have been studying the tape, and that throw has been on glaring display. If Adams does not take off, CBs can safely time their charge.
Johnblood27
October 11, 2021 at 09:39 am
I almost passed out ranting against that g-dam WR screen/quick throw play.
Tear that page out of the playbook, crumple it up, light it on fire, seal the ashes in a jar and shoot it into the sun!
dobber
October 11, 2021 at 10:37 am
I think two of those plays were blown up because a certain #19 whiffed on his block or couldn't hold a block.
Doofapotamus
October 11, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Lazard also whiffed on a block too. Very sad because he is one of our best blockers. Just wasn't a great blocking day at all
dobber
October 11, 2021 at 02:05 pm
Yeah...all it takes on those is a single defender with a free run on the receiver
PatrickGB
October 11, 2021 at 04:03 pm
At 6-5, 214 pounds one would think he could block. I know that he is a PS player but why has the team brought him up three times? I say cut him!
Guam
October 11, 2021 at 07:52 am
Game ball to a very banged up O-line that played well enough to win. How many NFL O-lines could have played that well against a good Bengals D-line after losing three starters and playing a rookie fourth round pick, a second year sixth round pick and a third year UDFA as replacements? Big props to the players and their coaches for a great game.
PeteK
October 11, 2021 at 09:02 am
The stat that was presented of having the least amount of starts by any line in this weeks' NFL tells the story. Great coaching and drafting of players where it all begins, the O line.
Minniman
October 11, 2021 at 02:38 pm
Great call Guam! In the final wash up of the season, the preparation and play of the O-line will be a big part of the narrative of the ‘21 Packers.
No Center, no left guard, no left tackle… no problem! (Well, mostly)
Under normal circumstances that would have been doom for the offense of a team - and a QB running for his life.
mrtundra
October 11, 2021 at 08:01 am
Game balls: Davantae; AJones; AJ Dillon; Our O Line; Our Defensive Front; Devondlre Campbell( extend him, please!); A Amos; Mason.
Lame calls; Savage missing the ball that Chase caught for a TD; 3 FG misses in a row for Mason; Mason missing the PAT, which could have won us the game, in regulation, had he made it.. Red Zone everything. STs on any Bengals' kick return. Lack of Tonyan involvement. DeGuara experiment about to come to a close???
LambeauPlain
October 11, 2021 at 09:16 am
I am wondering what is up with Deguara too. Has his ACL not recovered yet? I know he is basically a redshirt rookie with just a handful of NFL games...but he is having no impact. None.
Johnblood27
October 11, 2021 at 09:42 am
But wait a minute...
Didn't he block 2 vi-queens with one effort on a play.... almost a million years ago...
Time to show up or go home.
Gee
October 11, 2021 at 04:40 pm
Considering how long and what it took for Jace to be cut. DeGuara has another year at least.
CoachDino
October 11, 2021 at 05:18 pm
Looks good Mr T..
I'm hopeful JDs slow start has to do with old and new injuries. The Packers really need some sort of TE option. Tonyan, less AR missing him on the wideopen (seam?) route has been a non factor. I'm neutral on Our TEs. IMO JD is a HB more than a vertical TE and Tonyan is avg at best as an inline/vertical TE. He doesn't standout out at either, though his hands are impressive. It's why the failure of Jace to develop really hurts, he had all the tools but seemed to lack the IQ, heart and desire to overcome some tough breaks. Loved the way the just said screw it, lets use M Lewis in the pass game.
Should AR get a game ball/thumbs up? sure if you view it through the prism of just any NFL QB. He has done fine, then include his working with all the oline injuries, so other than game 1 he's not the main problem. The issue is he counts for 20% of your cap space, has demanded special treatment due to his elite abilities and the play calling is not what it could be as he insists on passing so much. He is paid to be great to elite. Not avg to good.
PFF wise this year is his career lowest grade less 2017 where its about the same. He is ranked 21st out of 32 Qbs. 90% of his TD passes are 5 yards or less. He has one of the highest sacks rates due to QB fault in the league. He has made many poor RPO decisions, his time management is terrible, his accuracy is down, his release timing has been late, he's overlooked open recs for deeper routes etc. All QBs do these things but that's not what the future HOF, MVP winner, Highest Cap rate, Top paid Qbs are to do.
With YTD AR and not AR of old this team is going nowhere come playoff time, w/o AR ytd this team wouldn't be all that much different than if Love was playing and executing the MLF Scheme/Offense exactly the way MLF wants it.
IMO, IF AR plays more "team" football, adhering to MLFs scheme and play calls and just gets better like we know he can this team can still win a SB. I believe in ARs talent, I just wish he'd use it in the best way possible to produce wins and not just stats...
Philarod
October 11, 2021 at 07:59 pm
Yeah, he's horrible, Coach. As always, the team is carrying him, and everything PFF says is gospel.
CoachDino
October 11, 2021 at 08:31 pm
My Guy, I tried so hard not to come off sounding like that. AR is not horrible, that isn't my point or what PFF grades (other than week 1) imply. My position is just about how he has been average for a starting NFL QB. My larger point and hope is that he improves through cleaning up his game both physically and mentally. I'm confident he will improve his accuracy and timing as the season progresses he is still very talented. Mentally my hope is he starts adhering more to MLF scheme that he showed MVP QB play with last year. Less RPO's to pass or just play changes, hitting the open rec and not holding out for a deeper rec, better clock management so to not burn so many time outs, get rid of the ball sooner etc....
That's is what I've seen and the stats bare out. I only use PFF or any stats because I don't myself or expect others to value my opinion alone. PFF can be misleading and like any stats should be a tool that is used in conjunction with other evaluation methodologies.
Once again I never meant to imply or did I state AR is horrible. That would be ludicrous and IMO invalidate any further opinions. Heck just how he handles pre-snap reads, calls, formations is a huge plus (when he follows the keys he sees) then he makes some truly special throws. If I thought he was horrible I would never bother to make the points around if he gets his games back to great and the team is semi-healthy this team can win a Superbowl with him not w/o him.
To me it seems every analyst and many in the media are scared to call him out on his play to date (not all) and all we hear throughout the game is the AR hype which certainly gets in the way of the most accurate analysis these announcers could be doing.
Philarod
October 11, 2021 at 09:59 pm
I apologize for my overly sarcastic/snarky reply to you.
But yes, i just see it quite differently, and believe that a lot of fans have a resentment toward him that I don't really understand. Yeah, he can be a bit arrogant at times, but the guy plays his butt off, and in my opinion, has played as well...I'd say better...than any other NFL QB during his tenure. Yes, I know about Brady's championships and respect him greatly, but I think AR has been better in the regular season and postseason. Simple, basic stats bear that out -- and so does the infamous "eye test".
I just think that some fans take all his greatness for granted and just look to critique him. Nobody is above criticism, but in most cases, I don't find it justified,
But it's okay to disagree.
crayzpackfan
October 12, 2021 at 01:07 pm
Is it me or does AR’s mechanics seem to look shoddy like 2018-2019? He seems to be throwing off his back foot a lot and his throwing motion is all over the place. He just looks like a guy who didn’t put the work in but is good enough to have some success in spite of it. I also wish he was a little more patient willing to look more at his check downs instead of starring at 17 his entire route. Anyway.
Bure9620
October 11, 2021 at 09:32 pm
You make solid points, Rodgers has NOT been great this year. I realize people get really defensive of Rodgers but he simply has not been. He was absolutely atrocious against New Orleans by far the worst QB in the league that week. But lets throw that game away (though we shouldn't). He has played more off script than last year, more of this 5 wide crap which is NOT MLFs offense. His MVP season was due to terrific protection and playing within the offense from the pocket. He is holding the ball too long and his timing and footwork are not good.. He is not stepping into throws. Rodgers has missed a LOT of throws too this season, several against Pittsburgh and a few last week too. Rodgers best game imo was in SF. I am now closer to believing it is Love time next year.
greengold
October 12, 2021 at 10:51 am
Great stuff, Dino, and I agree. AR is better than he's shown. Should be better than he's shown in leading the entire offense. Instead, he's passing more, keying on Adams while missing on many other options who are open, while stalling an effective power running attack.
We've seen this pattern for years.
When or if he starts getting his other WRs/TEs more involved, they will only get better for the playoff run, where the Packers will need top level performances. Instead, this does look a bit like overt stat padding, and it is not helping the confidence of other receivers on this team moving forward.
I don't understand his unwillingness to give the premiere RBs we have (we really do have THREE of them!) the rock more often, other than what we've come to know for years. 22 carries split between both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is malpractice. FEED THEM!!!!
I'll add overtly high passing attempt volumes makes the passing game more difficult, and stops the clock that we want to keep spinning. I mean, if pass rushers are constantly pinning their ears back... Once again, we've seen this pattern for years, to the team's detriment.
Dedicated, high volume ground assaults are also far easier for an offense's OL. Given the youth we have up front covering for Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, a heavy dose of run blocking only helps, and the players we have in their place are good run blockers.
Run blocking is exacting your own will for an Offensive Lineman. It is releasing energy forward, which wears opposing defenses out. Pass blocking is the opposite. It is absorbing energy backwards, while trying to hold secure position and control against speed and force. This is not necessarily helping a very young group of players out vs. top flight NFL pass rushers with far more experience.
Our OL has done a great job in spite of having this added pressure of the high volume passing attack AR insists upon checking to.
We need more team wins, and fewer personal accolades for one or two players. Yeah, we're 4-1. Aaron Rodgers didn't show up ready to play vs. NO, and we ought to be 5-0. We all see it. We all know Rodgers and Adams can make great plays, but, there are more stars on this team, or stars in the making, if only he'd give them the opportunities.
AR is the one checking into the plays he wants to run when the ball is snapped, and the numbers have shown the same pattern we've seen over and over... for more than a decade. That has not proven to be a successful strategy in 10 years. Why keep doing that? I agree we are not seeing the style of play Matt LaFleur wants for his team.
The Green Bay Packers are currently built for a POWERFUL, BALANCED attack, as they were a year ago.
Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan had only 2 targets each v. CIN. Lazard only has 10 total targets through 5 games, with ZERO Targets v. DET. 3rd Round pick, Amari Rodgers has 1 Target in 5 games played. Adams has 61.
Truths.
Bure9620
October 11, 2021 at 08:05 am
Game ball had to go to Matt Lefleur does it not? We are 30-7 in the regular season under him. This is a beat up roster but they do have resolve. They were ready to play. Z, MVS, Jaire, Jenkins, Bahk, Meyers were all out, and none of the newly acquired players were able to play yet....
rstain99
October 11, 2021 at 08:14 am
There is something wrong with this offense wide receiver screens almost get guys killed St Brown missed his block, could have been bad situation. They put the stop sign on offense inside the 10 yard line. Adams can only do so much, game ball Campbell total stud best they've had since Nick Barnett. Hopefully Jaylon Smith can contribute, Preston Smith nice comeback from down year.
Soft Game (no balls) Kevin King time is up hoped you saved some money
croatpackfan
October 11, 2021 at 09:54 am
Kevin King played well while he was in. Bengals did next to nothing on his side. When Yiadom went in they scored 2 TD, 2 point conversion directly his responsibility...
dobber
October 11, 2021 at 10:38 am
You beat me to ESB...I should've read ahead before posting.
Agree!
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:08 pm
That miss and a kill shot to Adams should have put Equan on the street this morning. THere are better options and Winfree is waiting his turn.
rstain99
October 11, 2021 at 08:15 am
There is something wrong with this offense wide receiver screens almost get guys killed St Brown missed his block, could have been bad situation. They put the stop sign on offense inside the 10 yard line. Adams can only do so much, game ball Campbell total stud best they've had since Nick Barnett. Hopefully Jaylon Smith can contribute, Preston Smith nice comeback from down year.
Soft Game (no balls) Kevin King time is up hoped you saved some money
Thegreatreynoldo
October 12, 2021 at 03:09 am
LaFleur's 30-7 overall record has nothing to do with whether he should get a game ball for this particular game.
I don't think the Cincy game was LaFleur's finest hour.
pacman
October 11, 2021 at 08:37 am
1. How about they set up the quick throw to Adams and Rodgers pump fakes it drawing in the CB and Adams takes off and runs right past him for an easy pickup. That will keep the CB from fully rushing in always as they won't know until the ball is in the air.
2. I never understood why even on hail mary's, teams only rush 2 or 3. It takes a 4-5 seconds to get everyone down field and in that time the 4 man rush would probably get to the qb, at least enough to make the long throw impossible.
3. I don't understand how our red zone D has been so bad considering that it is not that bad on the rest of the field.
4. It didn't seem like Adams was able to out run the D anymore so that was very nice to see. But it will still be good to get MVS back next week (right?). Looks like ESB just doesn't have the speed anymore.
Johnblood27
October 11, 2021 at 09:44 am
1-yes
2-yes
3-yes
4- ESB? what is that? is that a nickname for the ring around the hot tub?
croatpackfan
October 11, 2021 at 09:58 am
ESB looks like he has nothing anymore. No speed, no blocking, no quickness, no sure hands, ... nothing. If Winfree is available why not use him instead of ESB? At least you'll have free win.
dobber
October 11, 2021 at 10:39 am
More Malik Taylor, please
NickPerry
October 11, 2021 at 03:07 pm
LOL... I thought the same thing the moment I saw #19 on the field and especially after that whiffed block where Adams got smoked.
Personally I like Malik Taylor. I've supported St. Brown and thought we had a steal in the 6th round. That was over after last year and the dropped 2 PT conversion in the NFCCG. He's either dinged up or f***ing up, it's Taylor Time!!!
Thegravedigger
October 11, 2021 at 05:57 pm
for real. hes the guy that MADE THE TEAM. eq did not. so what the hell are we doing coach?? rodgers isnt throwing his way anyway. anybody who watches film will notice that if eq is in its either a run play, or hes just running an empty route. whats the point? and that missed "block" was pathetic too. so if he cant even get that right??? whats the point....
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:23 pm
Taylor is built for the WCO with a solid frame. Equan doesn't have the heart to produce--move on and never look back.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 12, 2021 at 03:18 am
Things so often seem strange to me. I write about the snap counts and think Newman and Tonyan getting kicked off of STs and Deguara getting a reduced role are the interesting things. And then 30% of the comments are about Malik Taylor's lack of playing time!
It isn't like I don't agree, mind. More Taylor is fine by me.
dobber
October 12, 2021 at 10:41 am
I don't think it's so much about Taylor's lack of PT as it is about why they're elevating ESB and giving him snaps.
Thegravedigger
October 16, 2021 at 08:26 pm
too me its not about malik taylor not playing, its about eq playing!
dobber
October 11, 2021 at 10:39 am
1. Or release a TE/RB in the seam or backside for the throw.
Thegravedigger
October 11, 2021 at 07:57 pm
yeah man. for about 3 seasons weve been waiting for aaron jones to play more wr. he did it against the cowboys in 2019, when davante was hurt. why not split him out more?? if u can get man on a lb with him... thats a win. i could see them doin it against the bears. they will try and cover him with roquan smith.... id take that. 2 back sets would be the best way to get your most talented players on the field.
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:21 pm
La Fleur has not even opened the first chapter of the playbook. The TEs are held back to chip and assist in the protection of your #one asset. Once the O line starts seeing the top dogs fill their spots the whole video show changes. Daguara will be brought along to protect his melon. Gutedkunst had the chance to fill in a real fullback, on the roster but chose to spin like a top the past three years. When Jenkins returns there will be an interesting game to play with a sixth lineman playing the power TE spot for the road grader role. It would be wise to trade for a CB as the deadline approaches. Some players may have been over-valued in previous assessments. If the backups perform well, reward them.
Philarod
October 11, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Per #4 - agree. And it did not hurt that AR threw a perfect pass.
I'd still like to see better scheming to get guys open. The receivers/targets did not seem to be getting open that easily yesterday. Maybe, the Bengals have a better D than i thought, but as opposed to a lot of the games last year, these are not the easiest throws to make...but Rodgers always make them look easier than they are.
The offense needs a little something right now -- but kudos, just the same, to the depleted O-line for doing battle.
Thegravedigger
October 11, 2021 at 07:59 pm
yeah what happened to the mesh crossing routes of last season??? i think part of it is they dont have the time for those plays to develop. we will see a big difference when elgton comes back and definitely when bakh returns. nijman is holding up OK, but rodgers is getting rid of it quick, and it shows in his uptick of incomplete passes.
greengold
October 11, 2021 at 08:47 am
That 2 man D front needs to tossed in the nearest trash can. It was also responsible for the easy Burrow 4th down conversion QB draw, AFTER they had just seen it run successfully on them, but nullified by penalty just minutes earlier! HOW did they leave that door WIDE OPEN, again???
In spite of that, nice defensive stops on numerous occasions to help keep the game close and give the Packers a chance, again and again. De'Vondre Campbell is an amazing player for our Packers! WOW! What a signing!!! In a sea of great FA signings by Gutekunst, this one is arguably right up there at the top.
To WIN this, WITHOUT Jaire???!!! Nice DC calls and prep, Joe Barry!!!
Also agree, Ken, on those quick throws to Davante at the LOS. Ds are keying on those. I'd like to see them move away from those for a while.
Otherwise, remarkable finish to a wild, whacky contest. Good to see Crosby snap outta the funk for the WINNER!
GPG
Since'61
October 11, 2021 at 08:33 pm
greengold - I can't believe the Packers use a 2 man D front at any point. It always fails. Capers would use it and gave away plenty of close games late by using it. It cannot generate pressure on the QB and it is totally ineffective against the run. I just don't get it. Thanks, Since '61
Leatherhead
October 12, 2021 at 03:00 pm
So when we rush Smith, Gary, Clark and Keke, how many D linemen in that front?
greengold
October 12, 2021 at 04:04 pm
Can't leave BOTH A gaps open on 4th and 1... WIDE OPEN!!! It was a BS alignment allowing Burrow to run an easy QB draw for another set of downs. Smith and Gary were split wide.
Leatherhead
October 12, 2021 at 06:14 pm
I agree, but I wanted to point out we play LOTS of 2 DL alinements.
On that specific play, we lined up bad. People used to say that getting people lined up correctly was no big deal, but it would have been nice if somebody had fixed that before the snap.
Put Lancaster and Slater in the A gaps. Put Lowry and Clark in the B gaps. It’ll make us more vulnerable to the pass, but it’ll stop that up the middle stuff.
RCPackerFan
October 11, 2021 at 08:41 am
Game Balls:
Rodgers/Adams/Jones - I will combine these because all 3 of these guys deserve it. Adams had 200+ yards receiving. Jones had 100+ rushing. Just an insane game. The one interception by Rodgers wasn't a bad throw really. Just an unfortunate play.
Clark - He is dominating the LOS right now. He has been a beast the last 3 games.
Lowry - If we get this version of Dean Lowry I apologize to Dean Lowry. Was he balling yesterday!
Campbell - They have all said it. How was this guy a FA in June? Man has he been a great pick up. I really like Barnes, but once Smith gets going on defense we may have one hell of a LB group. But Campbell has been impressive!
Cobb - He just makes plays when we need them. No offense to EQ and even Lazard, but they are not making these plays that Cobb has been. I really like Lazard too. And he has a great role in the offense as a bruising WR.
Lame Calls:
Lake of aggressiveness on offense late in the game- There was a series of 1st and goal. It was 2 runs and 1 pass. I'm sorry but you have to give Rodgers at least 2 shots into the endzone.
FG blocking - I am not saying Crosby missed the FG's because of the blocking. BUT, it is funny that all 3 of his misses went wide left. And if you look at the replays and shots there was pressure coming from the right side. Also on one of the misses they said he missed, but it looked like to me the Bengals player caught part of the ball with his fingers. This leak has been a problem all year, and it nearly cost us a game changing moment last week, and this week could have been a key factor for the misses.
Notes:
It is impressive to me that the Packers offense was able to put up the numbers it did without Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers. The OL depth and coaching has been so damn good so far.
The Defense to me feels like it keeps improving each week. It has some gaffes each game, but to me it feels like the defense is getting better. IF we could get Alexander and Za'Daius back, our defense could be really good by the end of the year. I'm also intrigued in seeing what Jaylon Smith brings to the defense. They have to clean up the red zone defense. That has been a problem so far. And key moments they need to clean it up. But I feel like the defense is trending the right way.
Did you notice that they started getting Hill involved on offense. I believe the 2nd snap of the game he was in there. I really like the combo of him and Jones together. Something to watch moving forward.
PackerGravy
October 11, 2021 at 10:43 am
You and I are in lock step man, I had the same feeling on the misses to the left and protection on the right.
It’s got to be getting in Crosby’s head!
Alberta_Packer
October 11, 2021 at 11:17 am
I'm being fastidious but "yes" Lowry did ball - but mainly in the first half. I didn't see or hear much of him in the 2nd half. And just when I thought he had fully-earned (finally) his game day cheque.
NickPerry
October 11, 2021 at 08:43 am
Game Balls....
Allen Stenavich... OMG...The man is coaching his ass off. His O-Line today was a 3rd string LT many of us wanted cut after the 1st preseason game, myself included. A 2nd string LG. A 2nd or 3rd string Center depending how you look at it. A rookie playing RG, and Billy Tunner. Now I don't know about you, but the job these guys are doing is incredible AND you gotta give Gute props for building such a deep line.
Deandre Campbell... I was holding my breath until I saw #59 come back on the field after he was out for a minute with a shoulder. I CAN'T WAIT to see Campbell and Jaylin Smith on the field together patrolling the middle. I PROMISE you with Campbell and Smith on the field Joe Burrow doesn't get the 1st down on 4th and 2. Gute, DO NOT let Campbell walk and hopefully you can keep Smith too. I like where the D is heading.
Stokes... Hey I really like this kid and he's getting better. He'll have growing pains but what I've seen as he learns from mistakes quickly. One thing is sure, he's a hell of a lot better tackler than most of the Packers DB's.
Lame Calls.... It worked today (Davantevision) for Rodgers for the most part, but I made a point of it to rewind plays where Rodgers threw it away or forced it to Adams. On every single one of them, the short quick pass to Lazard, a RB, or others who were wide open was there and Rodgers ignored them. That crap drives me nuts.
Mo Drayton, ST Coach...Yor return units suck, your KO coverage units are worse. I HOLD my breath on every KO because EVERY returner seems to make something because there's alleys my 61 year old ass could run through. Man, we have to get that fixed.
greengold
October 11, 2021 at 08:52 am
Yeah, Nick, great calls all the way through. Stokes did have some disappointing missed tackles tho. Regardless, he's learning. We're seeing positive growth. That was one of his rougher days in the NFL thus far, going against that Burrows-Chase connection.
The best CBs in the business learn from their mistakes, and have short memories to progress forward.
GB needs a TOP Special Teams Coach. This is awful, to be in this position still, how many years later...?
Packerpasty
October 11, 2021 at 09:09 am
I also just don't understand the special teams situation...do the Packers just not value having good special teams? Watch teams that have really good special teams and see how their return guys head straight up the field. Ours usually dance around plus they have very poor blocking in front of them...I usually just hope that they get down and don't fumble.
greengold
October 11, 2021 at 09:48 am
Yeah, idk.
LaFleur wanted the best in the business from the very beginning, and Packers brass F'd that up by not forking over the dough. They've been paying for it ever since.
In this instance, LaFleur needs to be careful about sticking with Mo Drayton, a coach he loves, but a coach who is not delivering the goods.
If Burks and Summers are such great ST players, why do they always suck? I think these two players should hit the road as well. Neither can get off a block to save their lives.
NickPerry
October 11, 2021 at 03:16 pm
"LaFleur wanted the best in the business from the very beginning, and Packers brass F'd that up by not forking over the dough. They've been paying for it ever since."
SIGH...Rizzo... I honestly believe this year no matter what, the Packers will hire a quality ST Coordinator.
Thegravedigger
October 11, 2021 at 08:04 pm
good point. i never see burks or summers actually making a fucking play on ST. but yet we consider them "CORE" STers. they have been trying different players every week, their new TE made a tackle on the kickoff team. they might have to ask amos and some starters to be on the kickoff team because returners are taking it out from 5 yards deep. they watch the film, i dont blame them. maybe bring ines gaines up? they need to find some real CORE guys. not backup LBS that arent fast enough to be gunners on a return. they havent had a gunner since bushy and jeff janis.
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:35 pm
rotten to the core
croatpackfan
October 11, 2021 at 10:08 am
"The best CBs in the business learn from their mistakes, and have short memories to progress forward."
Can you explain me one thing. If you have short memory, and forget what happened, from what you will learn than? I believe you have to remember every one of your mistakes to be able to learn from them and do not make them again. You have to put back your mistakes, not to have short memory!
Ferrari-Driver
October 11, 2021 at 11:48 am
" If you have short memory, and forget what happened, from what you will learn than? I believe you have to remember every one of your mistakes to be able to learn from them and do not make them again."
You did make me chuckle with that bit of common sense.
LambeauPlain
October 11, 2021 at 09:37 am
Adam Stenavich and Luke Butkus continue to play Jedi Masters to their young Padawan lineman.
Curious why you wanted Nijman cut after the first preseason game when he played well except for the sack on Love that even Matt said was partially Jordan's fault because he had too deep a drop in the pocket. Preseason overall Nijman played great and has continued into the regular season.
Stokes is getting his nose skinned a bit, but the kid is so tough, physically and mentally. He looked like the "The Flash" tackling Chase in the right flat. He's going be a good one.
Some here were questioning the impact on STs in winning and losing important games. So far this year....including the Packers, more games have been decided on the last play of the game than any other year 5 weeks in...and most of those included an ST field goal attempt. Bojo also showed he is human. Drayton, so far, is not showing me much. Poor coverage lane discipline game after game and nothing changes.
Biggest surprises after Mason missing 4 kicks? The good play of both lines. Gritty, tough and determined.
Johnblood27
October 11, 2021 at 09:50 am
ADAM Stenavich...
https://www.packers.com/team/coaches-roster/adam-stenavich
Learn it...
Live it...
Love it...
dobber
October 11, 2021 at 10:42 am
" I CAN'T WAIT to see Campbell and Jaylin Smith on the field together patrolling the middle."
I like that possibility when it comes to dealing with the mobile, running QBs on the upcoming schedule.
jont
October 11, 2021 at 08:45 am
I don't like to rag on the refs because I think the bad or missed calls even out, but they missed another obvious tripping call in the 1st quarter.
Much worse in my view was that the two announcers and Blandino said nothing about it, not a single word, even though the director showed the replay twice.
Howie Long called it out during halftime.
Are the networks afraid of or instructed by the NFL on criticizing the refs?
Frankly, I'd be happy to see an end to the retired ref employment program and get Blandino, Steratore, and Perrera off the broadcasts. They add so little.
PeteK
October 11, 2021 at 09:10 am
I don't mind the retired refs, better than staring at the TV of on field refs looking at a screen. They also fully explain the calls.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
October 11, 2021 at 08:57 am
I believe this was the first time in Packer history we had a 300 yard passer, 200 yard receiver and a 100 yard rusher. So glad we didn’t waste the effort.
TheBigCheeze
October 11, 2021 at 09:16 am
That catch by Cobb was a first down.... the refs screwed that one up....
croatpackfan
October 11, 2021 at 10:11 am
No, it was not. Yellow line on the screen was put one yard behind markers. The call was right!
LambeauPlain
October 11, 2021 at 12:01 pm
That was a time when the TV ref (Blandino?) added value. He quickly stated "this will not be overturned...the yellow on screen line is one yard short."
Philarod
October 11, 2021 at 12:10 pm
I'll also get downvoted, but I still think so as well. The camera work was not very good on the replays, and it, of course, depends on where the ball was when he was marked down by contact. I think that a definitive view - and the right call - would have resulted in a first down there.
Thankfully, it didn't matter.
PeteK
October 11, 2021 at 09:17 am
Crazy game, getting too old for these emotional roller coaster games, but what a great feeling when we pull out a win!! I was in disbelief when the broadcast went to the Giant game before the winning kick, just another aspect to this insane but great win. Great respect for lines on both sides of the ball especially the much maligned D front.
Swisch
October 11, 2021 at 09:41 am
Just two field goals for the offense in the second half. No touchdowns.
I'd be glad for the insights and opinions of other fans as to reasons for this stretch of low scoring (before the two missed field goals by Crosby at the end).
MITM
October 11, 2021 at 10:08 am
conservative, boring, Mccarthy like playcalling.
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:40 pm
touche'
greengold
October 11, 2021 at 10:41 am
Half of Aaron Rodgers' pass attempts went to Davante Adams in the 2nd half and overtime. There were a surprising number of run plays to provide balance, but, CIN has one of the best Run Ds in the NFL. Running to close out games against that is always going to be tough, but I would have liked to see more rushing attempts for both Jones and Dillon. I think that latter part is the reason for our inability to move the ball more. Add to that, a number of missed opportunities to other receivers who were open on a handful of plays, despite some relative balance there.
Jones was averaging over 14 yds per carry on the 5 attempts he got in the 2nd half. Dillon had 4.2 ypc on his 6 rushing attempts in the 2nd half. That is good success v. a defense like that. If they had fed them the rock more, we may have scored more TDs, and the FG thing might not have been an issue.
We lack that determination from AR to feed those great RBs behind him. Only 22 carries between the two of them for the entire game, plus OT. RUN THE ROCK!
Packers1985
October 11, 2021 at 11:08 am
Agreed to some of your points on running the ball. But those majority of yards have been inflated because of couple of plays. Except for the first drive and 3-4 big chunk yards we didn't get much in the run game.
Swisch
October 11, 2021 at 12:24 pm
I'm glad for the feedback given, and any more that may be offered.
I wonder if -- in a sense that is not necessarily a criticism -- Aaron Rodgers is temperamentally incapable of consistently running a ball control offense that steadily moves the chains and gradually wears out opposing defenses.
For example, he may not have the patience to take the short throws over and over again. If the running game isn't working, sometimes it can be replaced just as well by a creative array of short throws to various pass catchers (which, I think, is basically the West Coast offense) -- however, Rodgers may not be built that way.
Another possibility with Rodgers is that he may not be all that good at checking down to his second and third options for receivers.
***
In defense of Rodgers, we all have our limitations as to what we can do and can't do. As great as Rodgers is as a quarterback, there may be parts of the craft that don't suit him mentally and physically.
One could say that Rodgers is so spectacularly talented that we should play to his strengths and minimize his weaknesses -- not frustrating him by asking him to do too much that goes against his natural inclinations.
It could be said that in terms of talent and performance, we should look at Rodgers as a glass that is almost entirely full, instead of as a glass that is only a little empty.
***
For most of the career of Rodgers -- before his antics of this offseason -- I've been overwhelmingly positive about him. Even now, I still give him a lot of credit and sincerely root for him.
He has won a Super Bowl in a league where it's rare for quarterbacks to win more than one. He has taken us to NFC Championship games in four other seasons.
With Rodgers, the Packers have continued as a model team of consistently stellar seasons in reaching the playoffs -- and this despite usually having defenses that, to me, are subpar.
In many ways, it's been a great ride with Aaron Rodgers as the field leader of the Packers.
***
I won't repeat all the reasons I was shaken in my confidence of Rodgers this offseason (nor the concerns I've had with him in the past).
I will say that his deficiencies may have cost the Packers in big games over the years -- while, again, granting the perspective that he has done great things to get us to these big games.
I'll ask if it may be better for all concerned that Rodgers move on after this season -- whatever happens at the end -- to find a better fit for his style of quarterbacking.
Going forward, I will continue to look for signs of Rodgers possibly being sensitive and stubborn and disruptive and resistant to the point of being detrimental -- along with the possibility of these things not happening, or not being true to any major extent.
***
It may not be fair to ask Rodgers to do too much that goes against the grain of who he is as a person and a player.
However, even if Rodgers is doing the best he can with the Matt LaFleur system of offense, it may be fair for the Packers to eventually move on to a quarterback who is more comfortable and competent with small ball.
Perhaps the best-case scenario is that Rodgers continues to bend in implementing more of the short game (especially in certain situations), as well as spreading around his passes to more receivers; while at the same time, LaFleur continues to allow him a fair amount of freedom to freelance and take deep shots.
That's what I'm hoping and praying for -- to the good of all concerned (including the fans) -- all the way to a Super Bowl victory
***
P.S. Ideally, Rodgers would put his arm around Gute in the aftermath of triumph and (honestly) say that for the most part our GM treats the Packers players very well -- that he got carried away with his criticism of the front office.
We can all be more considerate and appreciative and kind to the people around us. We can all get carried away in our criticisms, while downplaying our own deficiencies.
We can all strive for more reconciliation and healing with each other.
Philarod
October 11, 2021 at 02:43 pm
"Thumbs-up" for a lot of good points.
In an interview I either saw or read after yesterday's game, he did credit (not Gute by name) but the FO (forget how he said it) for various player acquisitions this offseason.
I think it's been greatly exaggerated how Rodgers is supposedly detrimental to team chemistry. He can be hard on players in the moment, but he also takes on blame and is very complimentary of teammates -- OLIne, receivers, backs, even the D and Crosby.
He's ultra-intelligent, ridiculously talented and skilled, and with that comes a certain stubbornness and ego, but I have never, ever, seen him not give his all....and has he ever been even reported late for a single practice?! I also don't think he was the least bit unreasonable in any of his demands. QBs with half of his accomplishments and skills have demanded more.
...
As for him freelancing, well, he played for roughly a decade under MM. When or how well did MM scheme guys open.? How often did Rodgers have to almost literally throw guys open? When did he ever have a reliable TE for easier first downs. a little bit of Finley 9who was erratic, if talented) and a few weeks of Jared Cook, until maybe Tonyan.
Some of his best throws were the back-shoulder fades for guys who weren't otherwise getting open, sometimes after buying them a lot of time to do so.
Even now, his best receiver (Davante, of course) is hardly a burner. I love Davante for his competitiveness and polish, but what if AR had the explosive talents (i can name many more talented receivers than Adams in today's game who would be unstoppable with AR) to throw to. Looking back, I think Jennings may have been even more talented than Adams or Nelson...anyway, Rodgers has consistently not only elevated the offense, but carried this whole team on his shoulders for years. They simply haven't been very good most years...and he consistently brought 7-9/8-8 type teams to 11-5 or 12-4 records.
I truly doubt that any QB could have done as well here...not Brees, or Wilson, or Brady or Peyton.
And yeah, sometimes he does turn down the quick 5-yarder for a deeper shot, but again, year after year, this team mostly thrived because of this ability to extend plays and make those impossible throws. And even then, in big games, we would lose due to D, special teams, coaching and "coin flips". I mean, Rodgers outplayed Brady in last year's NFCC, and with lesser pieces around him. Give him TB's D, Gronk, Evans, Godwin, AB, etc, and put Brady here, and TB wins by at least two TDs.
He's been that great, and is still quite good.
Swisch
October 11, 2021 at 05:07 pm
Thanks for adding significantly to the discussion, Philarod, and a thumbs up from me.
We seem to have some disagreement about Aaron Rodgers, but also much agreement as to the greatness of his contributions to the Packers through the years.
Overall, I want to be fair in trying to give our unique quarterback ample credit for his achievements, while yet questioning him about areas of possible improvement.
The challenge of taking different perspectives into consideration can make for some long comments, but I also work hard to word things in a way that is easily readable.
I want the best for both Rodgers and the fans, as well as all others connected to the Packers.
***
I think you wrote recently that you're from Pennsylvania, which may explain your pen name (nom de plume) of Philarod.
It intrigues me that this name translates to love of Aaron Rodgers -- with "philo" meaning love, as in Philadelphia literally meaning the city of brotherly love; and "arod" as a nickname for our QB. (Philosophy means love of "sophia," or wisdom).
I don't know if that's the way you meant it, but I bring it up because I love to decipher the meaning of words and names.
***
As another aside, I used to live in Bucks County from kindergarten to 5th grade (c. 1967 to 1973), and was a member for two seasons of the youth football Warminster Bulldogs. I rooted heartily for the Eagles in those days, but even then primarily for the Packers with passion (including the surprisingly good 1972 division winners with Brockington and Lane -- plus the last of the Lombardi holdovers in Dave Robinson, Gale Gillingham, Ken Bowman, and even a little left in the tank from Ray Nitschke.)
Good memories in general from PA.
Philarod
October 11, 2021 at 08:44 pm
While I like to fly under the radar (no, I'm not famous), I'm a dual Eagles/Packers fan. I've always liked/admired The Pack (and yes, I remember John Brockington...#42 from Ohio State?), but my current fandom is due to ARod. Bucks County is very nice; I'm on the Jersey side of the bridge, and I believe Dave Robinson was from the next town over, and of course, the great Herb Adderley was from Philly.
...
Why am I a fan of ARod? I guess we sometimes take to certain players, even without an obvious connection. I have no connection to Cal (I went to U of Penn), let alone Butte. Sometime during the Falcons playoffs game of their SB run, I had a revelation that Rodgers was playing the highest level of QB I had ever seen. Nothing has really dissuaded me since. I even wrote about it...the article may be floating around the web. While everyone was debating Manning v Brady, I knew the best QB play was at Lambeau.
I firmly believe that Rodgers is the best all-around QB I've ever seen (effectively, the whole SB Era, even though I recognize it's hard to make a case when a contemporary has won 7 SBs to his one). Still, I stand by it, and think that one of the greatest things I've seen in sports over the last 10-12 years, was A-Rod dragging a fairly mediocre roster, with average coaching to contender status year after year after year,
No, he's not perfect, but I fully believe everything that I post -- unless it's done in irreverence or sarcasm. Hopefully this could be a SB run this year. I felt the heartbreak of those ultra-tough playoff losses as if it were the Eagles. And don't tell anyone...I have many diehard Birds fans as friends, as I am otherwise...but I've been rooting for The Pack in their matchups.
Swisch
October 12, 2021 at 11:01 am
I'm glad to read your take on Aaron Rodgers, which is very interesting, and contributes much to the ongoing discussion at CHTV. I look forward to reading more of your comments in the future, Philarod.
I remember that Falcons game during the regular season as being a great game won by the Falcons at the very end. I think Trevor Davis had a touchdown catch from Rodgers. It's too bad the playoff matchup later that season was a real clunker for the Packers.
***
My memory wanes as I approach 60, but I do seem to remember rooting very hard for the Eagles in the early 1970s with players such as quarterback Pete Liske and safety Bill Bradley. I have a memory of Liske falling backward and then throwing a touchdown pass while still sitting on the field.
Also about that time, as a Cub Scout I went to a Penn game in which a running back from Cornell named Ed Marinaro (later an actor) set an impressive collegiate record for most rushing yards by any player up until that time.
All the best to you, Philarod.
Philarod
October 13, 2021 at 08:01 am
Thanks, Swisch, I remember the name Pete Liske (yeah, no superstar) and yes, Ed Marinaro was a Heisman candidate from Cornell - runner-up to a QB from Auburn, You and I are roughly the same age,
Per the Falcons game, I meant the game in Atlanta during GB's successful SB run with AR. First they beat the Birds in Philly, then won in Atlanta, then in Chicago before beating the Steelers.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 12, 2021 at 04:20 am
This is an interesting take. Pettine's defense was predicated on allowing the short, easy throws and making teams take many plays to score. This assumed that the offense would make a mistake (holding, dropped pass, missed block) or that his defense would make a nice play or two (INT or TFL) to prevent scores.
Now you're advocating for a style of play that takes 15 plays to get a score. 2020 was a nice mix of taking what's given within the structure of the offense and getting chunk plays (which GB led the league in, IIRC). This combination is lethal.
I agree that AR is not throwing and/or getting enough easy pass completions.
Swisch
October 12, 2021 at 11:41 am
To be able to play small ball while still being able to convert the deep strikes does indeed seem lethal. It seems the Packers are already adept at it, and can become excellent if they refine that combination of short and long.
The key seems to be whether Rodgers is able and willing to discern when to do which, especially in the most challenging moments of the biggest games.
I rooting for him to hone his craft of quarterback even further in terms of situational strategy (which also includes utilizing second and third options on any given play).
That kind of challenge to progress in pursuit of a second Super Bowl title with the Packers may be something that can capture the enthusiasm of Rodgers.
Working under LaFleur and Hackett, but with significant input of his own, Rodgers could take this offense to scary new heights in taking on the best NFL defenses.
Thegravedigger
October 11, 2021 at 06:05 pm
on your point about rodgers not being good at going through his progressions.... i think he just doesnt have time right now. with bakh, jenkins, and meyers out, he is just predetermining his throws. he said on the pat macafee show that its a percentage game. he runs the clock all the way down to zero, and then finds the man who is single covered, and hits that guy. it might not be perfect, but thats how he does it, especially with his all pro left side being inured. i hope he spreads it out a bit more, but he doesnt trust the O line to give him time. with him admitting it is a percentage game, he is also calculating his trust in that player into those percentages. "will allen lazard catch this contested ball"? that last part is just speculation, but after watching him for so many years its at the very least educated guessing.
greengold
October 12, 2021 at 03:59 pm
That's been a pet peeve of mine. He needs to let his WRs make the plays, and not decide if they can or can't. Give them a chance. They are professionals.
With the young OL, and a great set of RBs, all the more reason to check to more run plays as well. He's trying to do too much. Hurts the rest of the team. That CIN game should not have been close. They came into the game having faced the #31 ranked strength of schedule...
When your RBs are getting better than 5 ypc, FEED THEM THE ROCK!
croatpackfan
October 12, 2021 at 03:38 am
I believe only stupid person may say that Aaron Rodgers is not highly intelligent and not posses huge talent, maybe the best ever seen in NFL. Unfortunately, those 2 attributes very often produce some flaws in the person character. It is not rare, it is almost rule. Some of the people recognize that flaws by the time and correct them by themselves, some just can't help themselves and continues with the flaws in them.
From my perspective, Aaron Rodgers are still young (almost 39), and he have time to understand some problems he has. By my opinion, there is one huge problem he has. His arrogance. We saw that arrogance in full during the AR - Packers dispute, quarrel, whatever you like to call. Aaron Rodgers need to develop humbleness and to keep with his arrogance in check by humbleness. That is the only way how he can be coachable. From his press conferences and press conferences of his coaches (MLF, NH & LG) you can see that he is involved in game planning and we can see that he is pleased how his ideas (maybe not all of them) are accepted and respected. What I was able to see (and I might be wrong as I have only limited sources of facts!), all of those 3 coaches are humble in their own way. That helps, of course to calm down AR arrogance.
I was wondering why Packers keeps ESB. He is and was showing next to nothing on the fields. He is not helping team, but he hurts team. We saw from the past that Gutekunst have no problem with releasing players he assess as not good for the team (do not mention King or Lowry, I have another view on their play than many) so it become mind boggling that he still keeps ESB. Than, during the game and several gaffes from ESB I remember how Aaron Rodgers where positively talking about ESB all the time after he was drafted. And I wonder is this situation another concession to Aaron Rodgers.
So, while he still play on high level, as I stated before, we can see first notices of decline. It is hard to predict how fast this will progress, but decline started.
Regarding AR success from the past, we all have to give credit to FO for, at least, large part of enabling that success. Aaron Rodgers almost through whole his career has top 5 OL to protect him (as Tom Brady had and has!). That was not to be diminish or downplayed. That part is crucial in QB play. That enabled AR to develop to top QB and enable him to use his intelligence and all the talent he has. Both of his huge injuries happened while he was out of his pocket. Also, concussion he had early in his career was product of play out of pocket.
Vic Ketchman (I read his blog) wrote his opinion that Packers had to trade Aaron Rodgers for huge ransom before this season, to short the rebuilding time every franchise has to pass from time to time. I understand that argument and I was ready for that. Also, I have no objections for the decision Packers (and AR) did. Last dance! Why not. We can watch another year of that incredible talent and his excellent plays. Ransom for him will be slightly less, but his successor will have one more year to learn behind him.
If you are looking for loyalty in Aaron Rodgers do not expect that, as Favre did not show it. It is not the characteristic of the arrogant person. And do not be fooled with self blaming Aaron shows from time to time for obvious mistakes he did. He is intelligent enough to know how to manipulate and hide his arrogance.
All together, lets enjoy last dance as much as we can. Do not expect SB title, just hope for it. Because God's path are unknown. Who would say that the winner of the SB in 2010 season will be Packers!
Swisch
October 12, 2021 at 11:56 am
A key to a good life seems to be able to maintain a healthy balance between confidence and humility.
The challenge is of such a magnitude that it drives some of us to our knees in prayer for outside help.
Qoojo
October 11, 2021 at 10:05 am
As far as grading Rodgers, Rodgers gets the Rodgers' rate when it comes to grading QBs.
I did not like the overwhelmingly conservative mode after the turnover in OT, given how careful Rodgers is with the ball.
Philarod
October 11, 2021 at 12:20 pm
I'd probably give him a B for yesterday. A slow start, and played very well - for the most part - thereafter.
The Bengals' D was pretty strong, and the Packers O is not firing on all cylinders yet. It still puts a lot of stress for Aaron to be close to perfect (what else is new?) for them to have a chance to win, and for Adams to be fearless, and AJ to make a big play or two.
The red zone offense hasn't been quite there -- but the semi-fade to Adams was nice. it just seems that there aren't nearly as many easy throws this year. We're used to Rodgers making the tough throws, but something's not quite there as of now. (Rodgers did miss a TD throw to DA -- a relatively easy throw for him.)
Thankfully, ignoring a play or two, the defense competed hard and played well yesterday. Hopefully, Alexander and Z Smith will both be back soon, and I wonder what J smith might bring. Could this be a good to very good D by year's end?
Thegreatreynoldo
October 12, 2021 at 04:07 am
AR was decked on that throw to Adams and his arm was hit preventing any follow through. It would have been an incredible play had AR been able to get that ball to Adams.
I, too, would give AR a B, really a B+. 103 passer ratings actually don't happen regularly.
Philarod
October 12, 2021 at 05:02 am
I didn't realize the amount of pressure on the would-be Adams TD. AR blamed himself for missing him. (What some fans don't get is that Rodgers is also extremely hard on himself. He excoriates himself for not - not on this particular play - dropping 60-yard bombs into a thimble.)
TGR, I really enjoy your analysis.
croatpackfan
October 12, 2021 at 02:51 pm
Well, if he was playing very good (for B+) he would never come to situation to have to throw those balls to Davante and Cobb. Packers would win with confident point difference...
LambeauPlain
October 11, 2021 at 10:06 am
Coaching in the NFL is such a difference maker. Exhibit one: Pettine vs Barry.
Pettine stressed pass D over run D...Red Zone and Goal line D. The result? Opponents roamed freely, piling up first downs between the twenties but his Ds would stiffen in the RZ and make scoring difficult.
Barry's D, so far, is showing increasingly effective Run D and getting stops between the twenties...but if opponents get to the RZ...it's 6 points. I think the Packer RZ D has given up 17 of 17 RZ TDs so far. That has to be an extreme priority for Coach Matt and Barry to get fixed. Very concerning trend.
I am liking the D's physicality, especially in the front 7. Getting Barnes back was boost. Good game! And what can you say about Campbell....what a warrior. He is leading by example the way Z did in 2019. Kenny is playing at his pro bowl level. Who is that Lowery guy? Keep on it, Keke!
greengold
October 11, 2021 at 11:19 am
That was a powerful offense yesterday in CIN, who rank #3 in Red Zone Scoring behind only NO and SF.
CIN scores a TD on 80% of their Red Zone drives.
The Packers rank 27th in Red Zone Scoring Offense. The Packers rank 32nd in Red Zone Scoring Defense. DEAD LAST in the NFL. Note, the Packers have also played the top three RZ Scoring offenses in their 5 games, with a new DC. This should turn around once the Barry system gets more attuned with the players, and the new personnel.
Hopefully, Jaire's shoulder will heal over this next 3 week span, avoiding any need for surgery. It would be great to get him back, fully healthy for a real run.
FYI, CHI is #3 in Red Zone Defense, allowing a TD on only 35% of opponent opportunities. Their O ranks #17 in Red Zone Scoring, getting a TD on 61 % of their attempts. GB successful on just 55% of their TD attempts in the Red Zone.
CIN was ranked #11 in Red Zone Scoring Defense. Packers gotta get their shit together.
Anybody remember the GOLD ZONE? Packers???
Todd
October 11, 2021 at 10:10 am
"Take the win and be at peace." Love that line, Ken. So true.
PackerGravy
October 11, 2021 at 10:36 am
Game Balls: Coach Steno and the backups to the backups Offensive Line
Game Balls: ILB Campbell, wow what a signing by Gute. If J. Smith works out like this we will have quite a group of ILB!
Lame Calls: Special teams, the coverage on Kickoffs is horrendous! The reason Crosby was missing to the left is because of the protection problem on the right hand side, it has gotten into his head!
Lame Calls: At 250 Dillon runs very soft up the middle. His nickname is no longer quadzilla it’s puddin’
ND
Point-Packer
October 11, 2021 at 10:53 am
Lame Calls: Why the eff does Green Bay's special teams unit always suck? I got it during the Mashed Potato Mike era, cause the fat ball coach always hired his buddies to coach the unit. MFL - what is the deal?
Alberta_Packer
October 11, 2021 at 11:01 am
Tradition
greengold
October 11, 2021 at 12:15 pm
In January of 2019 Matt LaFleur wanted to hire Darren Rizzi as his ST Coordinator - one of the best in the business. The Packers Front Office balked at paying Rizzi what he wanted - and he left immediately, without a contract. Now, Rizzi's with the New Orleans Saints, who currently rank #5 overall in the NFL in Special Teams play.
The Green Bay Packers rank #22 overall in the NFL. DEAD LAST in KO Return yds Allowed. NO is #3 overall.
You get what you pay for. That's on Mark Murphy.
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:45 pm
Low-Balled.
Alberta_Packer
October 11, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Lame Call - Rodgers insinuating that Crosby's kicking woes was due to the holder (Bojorquez). Just Rodgers excusing one of his frat boys. If you strike the ball properly - laces or not - it will travel well.
As for Adams - certainly a game ball performance. However every WR has a finite no. of catches in them and Rodgers is using them up at an accelerated rate - compounded by the multiple hits he takes on the line of scrimmage tosses. If Adams was a high performance sports car - the odometer reading is getting relatively high.
LambeauPlain
October 11, 2021 at 12:25 pm
If Bojo was not placing the ball properly, isn't that a coaching issue? If the pressure continues to leak from the right on kicks, isn't that a coaching issue? If Crosby kicks drift to the left on 4 attempt in a row, is he trying to shade away from the pressure from the right and isn't that a coaching issue?
I am not impressed with STs. Same as they ever were. Even Bojo lost his Superman Cape Sunday with his 30 yard shag that led to a TD. Coverage is pathetic. Meanwhile other teams are shutting down the Packer returns. How come they can coach coverage but Drayton can't?
croatpackfan
October 12, 2021 at 03:44 am
Oh, you must be perfect on your job or in private. I'm glad I was able to find perfect person in every sight. You are really, really rare one...
PatrickGB
October 11, 2021 at 04:17 pm
The coach pretty much said the same. There WAS a problem with the field goal kicking operation. He refused to say what it was yet did not put it on Mason. So my suspects are snapper and holder. I have long felt that our snapper is suspect. And a new holder does not help.
LambeauPlain
October 11, 2021 at 06:05 pm
"Problems with the field goal kicking operation" is a coaching issue.
At least on the last kick of the game, the operation was effective.
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:48 pm
One hold was clearly messed up. Crosby hooked the other and as he stated, there was some bad breath blowing right- to- left on the whiffs by himself and McPherson on the left upright. In any event, (i) would blame the fans.
Leatherhead
October 11, 2021 at 11:27 am
A few comments on offense, and the NFC.
😎 Three teams in the NFC………Tampa, Dallas, and Arizona, are averaging over 30 ppg. A fourth, the Rams, is averaging over 28. We’re averaging 24, but if you view the 3 points we scored the first week as an aberration, then we’re averaging nearly 30.
😎 The combined record of those four teams is 17-3. Add in the Packers and it’s 21-4. And this group probably includes the best teams in the NFC, who’ll be playoffs bound.
😎 To me, this is pretty compelling evidence that offense wins. And our offense isn’t running on all cylinders….Bakhtiari, Jenkins, MVS….Myers….that’s almost 40% of our offensive starters. IMO, this is the primary problem with the offense. 40 pass attempts and 22 rushes? Seriously? That’s our formula now? And this was on a day when we were averaging over SIX yards per attempt?
😎 And that leads me to my final point: Our passing attack has devolved into Adams first, Cobb second, and everybody else last, and this is leaving other people underutilized, especially Tonyan and Lazard. If you rewatch and focus on them, it certainly looks like they’re getting open….and they’re being ignored.
Look, I don’t care who Rodgers throws it to as long as we’re scoring points, but we didn’t do a very good job of scoring yesterday. I think we would be a better offensive team if we spread it around a little more.
😎 Other problems : We would rather pass than run.
PeteK
October 11, 2021 at 04:51 pm
As Thegeatreynaldo's snap count article stated avg rushing yds were inflated by a few big runs . Defenses are covering Tonyan on those roll outs that used to be good gainers, but with Lazard I agree , I saw him open a few times underneath for solid gains.
Leatherhead
October 11, 2021 at 05:41 pm
Extremes always skew the average. Most runs in the NFL are 3 yards or less but enough longer runs occur to boost the average up to 4.5 or whatever.
We ran 22 times for 133 yards. If we’d run 33 times, we’d have had well over 200. Guys like Jones and Dillon don’t become easier to tackle as the game wears on. Run more, pass less.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 12, 2021 at 04:38 am
I think GB only ran the ball 8 times in the first half. Unfortunately, when there was an "unsuccessful" run on 1st and 10, at least in the first half 2nd and 8-10 yards resulted in an incomplete pass too often, leading to third and longs.
GB needs to run more. It is not as clear cut when Patrick is the starting center and Newman the starting RG. Patrick never was a good run blocker, and he was bad again versus Cincy.
Still, GB needs to find a way to run more.
croatpackfan
October 12, 2021 at 03:48 am
If you had not those short runs it is not likely that you'll hit long run. Every short run play makes possible long runs later in the game. Because you have to find soft spot for the long run. So, no, it is not inflating statistic, it is consequence of those short tries.
Leatherhead
October 12, 2021 at 02:57 pm
That’s how I see it. That long run wouldn’t be possible without all the short ones.
greengold
October 12, 2021 at 04:35 pm
Running the football successfully is always accepting there will be those for no gain or one yard and a pile of dust. Those are like incomplete passes. Gotta stay on it. Eventually, the OL is able to exact their will on opposing DL, wearing them out, springing those big gains.
Would love to see more rushing attempts by the Packers, with Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and Kylin Hill able to bust regular, big gains. Dillon faced more stacked boxes than any other RB in his draft class while at BC. He was very successful. 1685 yds and a 5.3 ypc average. Hill had 1350 yds and a 5.6 ypc average as a Junior... his last full season as a RB at Miss. St.
Clock keeps spinnin'. Opposing defensive front 7 gets worn out. Opens up EVERYTHING in the passing game.
This pass happy stuff is foolhardy. BALANCED ATTACK. That is what kept Tom Brady upright, successful and uninjured to this day... Lombardi Trophies are the ultimate prize, not passing stats or MVPs.
Run the rock!
GPG
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:52 pm
Finally Coming around to that 1979 rule change, old school. The most points win. Let's do it!
Since'61
October 11, 2021 at 11:34 am
Game Balls: Rodgers, Adams, Jones, Dillon, OL coaches, Campbell, Stokes, Clark and Lowry
Lame Calls: 2 man rush on 4th and 2!!! WTF???
Terrible red zone play calling on offense in the 2nd half and OT. Special teams KO coverage. Still a nightmare. ESB still on the team? Where is Malik Taylor?
Crazy win is always better than a crazy loss. GPG!
Thanks, Since ‘61
LayingTheLawe
October 11, 2021 at 11:38 am
Rodgers was 11 out of 16 for 206 yards throwing it to Adams. and 16 for 23 for 138 yards to everyone else. At some point you do have to set up plays expecting someone else to open because all the attention tilting to the other side of the field. But so far it is working so our complaint about the team can' be that our number 1 receiver is too good.
Dillon continues to look good and finally starting to get up towards that 10 carries or so and a few targets that wed like to see. At this point it is the RBs that are the number 2 target as 16 attempts went to Adams and 9 went to Jones and Dillon.
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 08:55 pm
La Fleur is setting up the pick-your-poison guy to stop for the defenders. 12 more Games on the agenda. Wide open road, plenty of fuel, save the Nitro. Dillon should be at 15 carries/game minimum.
Packers0808
October 11, 2021 at 11:52 am
like A Rodgers said how the hell was Campbell still on the street. Guy is all over the place in Packer games. How he was not chosen after that game for a Game Ball?
cockblock
October 11, 2021 at 12:06 pm
It's more of a question than a comment. Why the Fuck are special teams constantly falling on this team? Who is the gunner, the tackle monster on each unit? Have a nice day.
Leatherhead
October 11, 2021 at 12:33 pm
How many games have we lost under LaFleur where poor special teams play was a primary or contributing factor?
How many games have been won with critical special teams play, including yesterday and against SF?
LambeauPlain
October 11, 2021 at 12:37 pm
4-1 and (hopefully) Jenks & Myers are back on the front line. A week for Jaylon Smith to get ready to contribute mentally as he should be in good football shape physically. Maybe Douglas can help on STs.
Hopefully King can go. He was good in coverage then got hurt (again!). Part of the reason King was not mentioned was Burrows didn't go his way as Stokes was on Chase most of the game.
Bare week and we didn't add to the wounded list yesterday, except for King of Glass.
croatpackfan
October 12, 2021 at 09:38 am
First few throws were to Kevin King side. No effect. After that Burrows went to other side from Kevin King.
Handsback
October 11, 2021 at 01:36 pm
I saw very little of Sunday's game. That's your disclaimer. The minimum that I watched, is still an issue with the Packers....where are their safeties?
First play: Right before half the Bengals get a long passing TD. What I saw was streaking Savage going across the field and almost break it up.
Second play: Third or even maybe 4th down and about 5 to go and an obvious pass play. Amos, maybe 2-3 yards away, sees the receiver making the cut and waits until the pass is thrown before going after the receiver. He drops him at that point but damage is done, FIRST down Bengals!
I don't know if Savage blew the assignment and almost made up for it or saw an open receiver and went to cover him. Either way...this is the NFL, you have to make that play.
Why let a receiver catch a ball in front of you, if you can at least challenge the catch?
Like I said, only saw limited part of the game, but if the Packer safeties can't do a better job of making plays....it will be a very short post-season.
jlc1
October 11, 2021 at 03:17 pm
savage almost salvaged that play at the end of the half. He missed by fractions of an inch and never should have had to be there because there was no pass rush. That play was on the defense called not on his (almost) spectacular recovery. Add in an interception by Amos and I think we can grade the safeties as at least decent and maybe even good.
jannesbjornson
October 11, 2021 at 09:20 pm
Why was the free safety in front of the WR instead of being the deepest player on the field again at the end of the second quarter and again with a mis-call on the defensive front alignment. LaFleur has to take charge of this team during critical moments of games.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 12, 2021 at 04:45 am
Savage had the coverage against Chase. Not sure if King was out at that time, but I can't think of anyone better to match with Chase than Savage. Chase ran 78 yards before catching the ball and Burrows had 7.4 seconds to throw it.
DBs don't often cover good WRs for 8 seconds.
greengold
October 12, 2021 at 09:50 am
Yup. Our pass rush needed to get home.I think some of those issues will change real soon once Jaylon Smith becomes more involved in our D. 6-2 245. 10 Hurries, 24 QB Pressures, 9 Sacks, 20 TFL over the past 4 seasons. Those numbers completely blow away those of Campbell, and are in a different realm entirely from Krys Barnes... Jaylon Smith is also very good in coverage, as is Campbell, both with more than 20 PDs in that span. Both also hustle players, with 6 FFs each in relatively same span.
That kind of added pressure on opposing QBs as a blitzer will help our secondary immensely. Smith might be the missing piece.
Minniman
October 11, 2021 at 03:08 pm
One small observation from the game - from the 2 minute warning of the 4th onwards, Rodgers (and the Packers) seemed to be able to advance the ball down the middle half of the field far more efficiently that Burrow and his more highly fancied receiver group. Perhaps the Bengals defense were respecting the deep threat far more than they should have?
Interesting that both kickers had issues with the same end at an outdoor venue. Maybe there was more of a high swirling wind coming off of the river (that the field backs on to) and blowing diagonally across the field that the kickers factored in. Having rarely played there, even Crosby wouldn’t know about such nuances and influences (not unlike like ‘amen corner’ at Augusta National where the wind apparently swirls - for any fellow golf tragics here).
Roadrunner23
October 11, 2021 at 03:47 pm
Game Balls: Rodgers- Davante- Jones - Campbell - Clark - Backup Offensive Line
The stars came through again as did the backups at Offensive Line, keep er movin' boys!
Lame Calls: Savage - Special Teams - Deguara - EQ
Savage as the deep safety should have never gambled on the TD before the half, if you gamble and miss as the deep safety its a TD and it was! Don't do that Darnell! Special Teams coverage is again an abomination, when the hell are they going to get that fixed?!
I gave Crosby a pass as the protection from the right has been pathetic, it has got to be in his head. Drathon get this shit fixed!
Deguara has been a major disappointment (when is Dafney coming back?) I understand he's coming off a torn ACL but then don't put him in if he's not ready! EQ does nothing, he doesn't block, doesn't get open, doesn't catch and is bad on special teams. Bring up someone that can play and get EQ gone already!
Glad the Packers won this game but boy it was uglier than the selection of dates at closing time in the tavern!
Go git dem Bears!
ND
EddieLeeIvory
October 12, 2021 at 06:38 am
Good recap.
Yes Rodgers took Josiah Deguara to task.
I can't recall a player who some of us have overrated & overhyped more than Deguara. And this was a guy none of you wanted us to draft or even had heard of prior to that surprising reach of a pick.
Some hypers speak as if he's Kelce, Kittle, Mark Andrews.