Packers 27 Chiefs 19: Game Balls & Lame Calls
Packers announce their arrival by surviving wild finish.
By KenLass
It will be truly a shame if the incredible effort and accomplishment of the Green Bay Packers in their 27-19 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs becomes obscured by the chatter over the end of game officiating. That Carrington Valentine should have been called for pass interference on the final drive seems quite obvious. But so was the legality of Jonathan Owens hit on Patrick Mahomes while Mahomes was clearly still in the field of play, yet the Packers were penalized for a late hit. There will be precious little discussion about that officiating mistake.
And as for the final Hail Mary, no official is going to call DPI on that play. It’s like the buzzer-beater shot in basketball. The refs will almost never call a foul, even if there’s blatant contact. Officials don’t want to decide the game on the final play. I can recall Tucker Kraft being held up on a critical third down pass earlier in the quarter and not getting a call. The Chiefs did get a debatable DPI call on their previous possession against Corey Ballentine. Was the game well officiated? Surely not. But the calls roughly evened out. The Packers’ best game of the season is not tainted in my mind by these late judgement calls.
Ladies and gentlemen, this game was an announcement. The Green Bay Packers are going to have to be dealt with. Thanks to a mediocre NFC, their 6-6 record currently puts them in the final playoff spot. Not a single team with a winning record remains on their schedule. This feisty young collection of achievers suddenly has everything meaningful to play for. They are hungry, eager to write their own story. I have no idea how these final five games will play out. But I feel sure it’s going to be very exciting to find out.
GAME BALLS
Jordan Love
There’s not a single aspect of his game that is not getting better each week. Particularly impressive is his decision making. He is maturing in front of our eyes. Taking check downs, throwing the ball away instead of taking a sack (except on that last drive), reading the defense, finding the open man, throwing on schedule. He is dripping with confidence and it looks good on him. His receivers bailed him out a few times with some spectacular catches, but this prime time performance takes him up several notches amongst the rankings of NFL quarterbacks. His final line was 267 yards passing, three touchdowns, no interceptions and 118.6 rating. Most importantly, he outplayed the great Patrick Mahomes. Jordan’s ceiling is getting higher each week.
Christian Watson
His most productive game of the season. 7 catches for 71 yards and two scores. His elevation in the back of the end zone to pluck the TD pass over the outstretched arms of defensive back Joshua Williams was an elite play. It was heart breaking to see him clutching his hamstring after picking up a critical first down on the Packers’ final drive. But he seemed to be walking around on the field without a limp after the game was over, so there is hope the injury is not long term.
Keisean Nixon
He made the defensive play of the game. He anticipated the pass pattern of Skyy Moore perfectly and ran the route for him. He made a beautiful over the shoulder catch to end a crucial Chiefs drive. It was the kind of soul-crushing turnover the defense has been able to manufacture during this streak of four wins in their last five games. Nixon had another pass break-up, and a 35 yard kickoff return.
There are a truckload of honorable mentions. The offensive line for paving the way to 129 critical rushing yards, including 73 by AJ Dillon, who ran hard and tough all night. Kicker Anders Carlson, who nailed a clutch 48 yard field goal on Green Bay’s final possession to extend the lead to eight points. Daniel Whelan rescued an awkward snap with a good hold on the play. Quay Walker, whose thirteen tackles led the defense. Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft and Dontayvion Wicks, who all had special moments in the passing game. Steady pressure on Mahomes by the four-man defensive front. Another total team win.
LAME CALLS
Officiating
It’s understandable to miss close calls and bang-bang plays, but this crew got some very obvious things wrong, including the aforementioned penalty on Jonathan Owens, and the no-call on Valentine. I’m really not sure they got the reversal correct on the Rashee Rice fumble, returned for a score by Ballentine. It was ruled a fumble on the field and I don’t know how you could see the exact time the ball came loose on the replays to overturn it. This was a rough night for the men and women in stripes.
Run Defense
It was disheartening to see Pacheco push tacklers backwards for several yards after contact. He ran for 110 yards, much of it with Packer defenders hanging on for dear life. It actually was a bit of a break for Green Bay when the Chiefs abandoned the run for much of the final quarter. There just has to be an answer to this soft run defense.
THREE AND OUT
-- When Jordan Love lined up for a quarterback sneak on third and one, and was pushed over the line-to-gain by Wicks and Dillon, NBC announcer Mike Tirico named the play “The Love Shove”. I think this should absolutely stick. I like it so much better than the “Tush Push” or the lame “Brotherly Shove”.
-- I counted just one dropped pass by Green Bay receivers in this game. That came from Malik Heath in the fourth quarter. He atoned shortly after with a catch and run of thirteen vital yards.
-- The only upset of the night bigger than the Packers beating the Chiefs was Simone Biles getting more on-camera appearances than Taylor Swift. Biles had two, including a touching scene before the game when she gave a good luck smooch to husband Jonathan Owens. I only saw one take of Swift, not counting the TV commercials of her upcoming TV special. Well done, NBC.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (162)
Cheezehead72
December 04, 2023 at 07:10 am
I also like the Love shove and it works only for the Packers
T7Steve
December 04, 2023 at 09:13 am
How 'bout "The Love Connection".
Doofapotamus
December 04, 2023 at 03:33 pm
Saw someone else comment not too long ago "Dairy Carry" and "Cheese Squeeze" I loved both as they are original and don't borrow the word "shove" from the Eagles.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:00 pm
Of the two, I prefer the cheese squeeze and actually like it :)
RCPackerFan
December 04, 2023 at 07:37 am
Game Balls:
Love -
He is just tearing it up. The light bulb has gone off and he has been incredible. Every game he gets better and better. The last month or so he has really taken off.
Watson -
2 TD's, and a number of huge catches. The only thing that sucks with him is getting hurt at the very end. Hopefully its nothing major and he just tweaked it. Hopefully it was more of a cramp then a pull.
Dillon -
He didn't put up monstrous numbers. He had 18 carries for 73 yards and 1 catch for 14 yards. But it was how he ran on each of those carries. He had at least 5 first downs. And a number of big carries that put them in short yardage.
Nixon -
That interception changed the game. No matter what else he did in the game, he gets a game ball for that play alone.
Carlson -
He absolutely drilled every kick. It was clutch hitting that FG to go up by 8 at the end.
Lame Calls:
Officiating -
I know all the talk all week will be about the non DPI on Vallentine. Yes that was a missed call. But if they want to bitch about that, they need to also admit that they got a free 17 yards on the crap Ballentine DPI call earlier in the game. And how they benefited from the 15 yards Owens legal hit. Mahommes was inbounds and got hit hard. Yes he got hit hard, but he was inbounds. If Owens doesn't hit him, Mahommes likely runs up the sidelines for however many yards. That took the ball from the 40 of KC and put it on GB 45. And then with 24 seconds left he hits MVS. MVS's forward momentum clearly was stopped and he went backwards. For whatever reason the ref on the side stopped the clock and ruled him out of bounds. That stopped the clock at 19 seconds. That would have likely cost them 10+ seconds. That late in the game, having 24 seconds compared to 14 is a huge difference.
Collinsworth -
I was fine with him all game for the most part. But the end of the game all you heard about was the how the Chiefs got screwed. So thanks to him thats all we will be hearing about all freaking week.
Oh and how when GB was up by 8 points, he was going on about how I thought they could win this game. Sure. Easy to say that when the team is winning.
Three and out:
- Love Shove was great. I am sure Tirico had that planned, but stuff like that makes him great!
- Reed had a down game. He is still dynamic, but if he doesn't stop his route in the 4th quarter, that is probably a TD. He had no one in front of him and Love led him for it. It was a miscommunication and rookie mistake. One I know they will fix.
- Seeing the Jets lose and getting a higher 2nd round pick is kind of the cherry on top. Currently the Packers have the 20th pick in the draft. And they will have the Jets 2nd round pick which is currently 37. According to Tankathan the Packers will have 7 picks in the first 4 rounds. Obviously the draft is a ways away. If GB makes the playoffs this year, that will be quite the impressive feat! And then also to have 7 draft picks in the first 4 rounds. That sets this team up great for the next 4+ years.
PackEyedOptimist
December 04, 2023 at 08:02 am
Yep, RC, it's time to start thinking about the draft!
:-D
"Rounding off" we currently have picks around 20 in the first, 40 and 50 in the second, 80 and 90 in the third, and 110 and 125 (compensatory) in the fourth.
20-40-50-80-90-110-125 are all solid opportunities to add talent to this already young and talented team!
I'm currently thinking the best-case-scenario would be OL, DT, S, RB, OL, ILB, and then I'm out of "needs"...which is amazing.
,
p.s. Hmm...a fair trade: 90 + 110 for 75. Picks 20, 40, 50, 75, 80 would be sweet!
RCPackerFan
December 04, 2023 at 08:24 am
I really didn't want the post to be about draft talk after this game. This was to be more about how exciting this is in this moment. We have a young team that is emerging. We have our young QB, WR's and TE's that are having the light go off. We have our young defensive players also who are performing well. We are the youngest team in the league, Have the cheapest WR group in the league and most of our money is tied up in players that aren't playing currently. Yet we just beat 2 playoff teams. And beating them both while the whole country is watching!
Just thinking about this moment we have young emerging talent and we have the ability to really add to that talent with the amount of high draft picks we will have.
Obviously we won't know until the end of the season where they will officially be picking. But having 7 picks in the first 4 rounds could be huge for our immediate and long term future. They can really build this roster.
I would agree with you on the positions of needs as of right now.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:06 pm
Whittling down the needs is exactly the strategy I saw shortly after last draft, seeing the cap situation and concluding 2025 is when the window opens. Using regular season games to evaluate depth to better determine draft needs is a luxury most teams don't have, hopefully MLF uses that to the hilt without costing a game ...
Cheezehead72
December 04, 2023 at 08:36 am
So do you actually think that people listen to Collinsworth? That is not why they will be talking about it all week. They will be talking about it all week because it should have been called and because they can and have to fill time. I doubt many analyst or TV sports show personalities listen to what Collinsworth says. I know I do not.
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 08:45 am
He was barking those things out, and it created attention for those who were actually watching. For those who only see the highlights and read recaps--that barking puts it on the radar and allows it to grow.
RCPackerFan
December 04, 2023 at 08:47 am
You said it much better then me Dobber. Yes exactly!
Bitternotsour
December 04, 2023 at 10:41 am
to which we can all reply "scoreboard, bitches"
RCPackerFan
December 04, 2023 at 08:47 am
Fans do for sure. Probably the more casual fans. But It imprints it in their brains and they go on and on about what is said.
Remember a however many weeks ago when I think it was John Parry came on and said something incorrect about something that happened in a GB game. That is all I saw on twitter for a few days. The problem is it just adds fuel to the fire.
You don't, and I don't and some others done listen to what he says and goes with it. But many people unfortunately do.
DoubleJ
December 04, 2023 at 09:00 am
"Officiating -
I know all the talk all week will be about the non DPI on Vallentine. Yes that was a missed call. But if they want to bitch about that, they need to also admit that they got a free 17 yards on the crap Ballentine DPI call earlier in the game. And how they benefited from the 15 yards Owens legal hit. Mahommes was inbounds and got hit hard. Yes he got hit hard, but he was inbounds. If Owens doesn't hit him, Mahommes likely runs up the sidelines for however many yards. That took the ball from the 40 of KC and put it on GB 45. And then with 24 seconds left he hits MVS. MVS's forward momentum clearly was stopped and he went backwards. For whatever reason the ref on the side stopped the clock and ruled him out of bounds. That stopped the clock at 19 seconds. That would have likely cost them 10+ seconds. That late in the game, having 24 seconds compared to 14 is a huge difference. "
Don't forget that after the fumble they didn't do a 10 second run off, just reset the clock to 50 seconds, even though the clock would have been running without the offensive foul. Then the clock didn't start at the whistle either which it should have.
RCPackerFan
December 04, 2023 at 09:15 am
Excellent point. I forgot about that one. You are correct.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:11 pm
You mention a game clock situation. I saw the play clock running while the game clock was not. I can't be certain if these are two separate events but either way if done correctly KC wouldn't have had their last play.
jannesbjornson
December 04, 2023 at 09:13 am
If Kraft isn't held on the out and up, he goes for a TD. We do not know how Vegas was working these refs, but somebody is making money...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 04, 2023 at 10:51 am
RC, You just got my RPM's revving with the reminder the Packers have 7 picks in the first 4 rounds. Salivating at what Gutey can accomplish with those selections to elevate the Packers to the Super Bowl. To put into perspective...Wicks was a 5th round pick.
With those 7 picks I see possibly 2 OL, a defensive run stuffer, a dynamic RB, a Safety, CB, and an ILB. Possibly the most intriguing thought is with all the young WR'S will Gutey select another, or just leave well enough alone? My sentiment is unless there is a super star caliber WR that inexplicably fell on draft night I mainly want to see talented big bodies selected for the trenches.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:13 pm
Agreed! The days of speculating about the opportunity to draft Marvin Harrison Jr are gone :)
Don't abandon the current WR room forever, but skipping at least a year to round out the roster is a good priority.
Tekraut17
December 04, 2023 at 10:59 am
And I believe we should be getting 3 compensatory pics for Lazard, Reed and Lowry which can be valuable to package for moving up if needed!
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:15 pm
Movin' on up
Yes, that's what I want to see Gutey doing next draft. Get the best in class for a few positions ...
Starrbrite
December 04, 2023 at 11:00 am
RC—and absolutely brilliant summation — Gracias!!
Packers2020
December 04, 2023 at 02:38 pm
RC,
Did you also see the hands to the face by the Chiefs that was not called on the same play that Valentine PI against MVS. So even if it should have been off setting penalties regardless.
HawkPacker
December 04, 2023 at 04:11 pm
A couple of things RC:
In watching the Carlson 48 yarder replay, it appears to me that this would have been good from at least 58 yards!
Collinsworth- I like the guy but was unhappy that he kind of disrespected Love by referring to him throwing up 'that lollipop throw'. He made it sound like Love is somewhat lucky. He was definitely pro KC and pro Mahomes for sure!
The Love Shove that Mike Tirico has referred to is old news. I have read that on this website at least a few times and it fits. I think the posters on CH TV deserve the credit!
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:16 pm
Cheese squeeze
CoachJV
December 04, 2023 at 07:46 am
I've always believed in LaF and JL10... but Barry is still highly suspect in my book. It seems the players are succeeding in spite of him being the DC, rather than because of it.
Other than that, I think we played an incredibly complete game. I think we are dangerous. I think we are becoming scary good at the right time of the season. I think we can win out if we stay focused...
What's-her-name tried to get Love to "call his shot" about the playoffs in the final interview, but I loved it that he said to just stay focused on the next game. His head is in the right place.
GPG!
21Savage
December 04, 2023 at 08:17 am
The defense has played great if you only look at the scoreboard, which I guess is the only thing that matters in football. Not making the Chiefs punt a single time until 11 minutes left in the 4th quarter doesn't inspire a ton of confidence. Rushing 3 on the 3rd & 18 play is something you can't do to a QB like Mahomes. If he has 5 seconds in a clean pocket, he's getting that first down. There was the one long catch and run to Kelce where no one covered him at all, which was mind-boggling. The run defense is still very bad. Everyone is averaging 140 yards per game on them.
But it's hard to complain too much when you are holding teams to <25 ppg.
Swisch
December 04, 2023 at 10:30 am
Now is the time to politely show Barry the door before his ineptitude costs us a game in heartbreaking, gut-wrenching fashion.
How crushing it would have been to lose last night due to Barry's three-man rush at the end! Plus, that three-man rush earlier in the game on third-and-18 was huge in shifting momentum back to the Chiefs.
Before Barry causes a devastating loss, it's time to let him go.
RCPackerFan
December 04, 2023 at 08:37 am
"Barry is still highly suspect in my book. It seems the players are succeeding in spite of him being the DC, rather than because of it."
I agree.
I asked the question after the Lions game. Did the players just win the game or was it because of the play calling. Because it just felt like the players blew the shit up.
This game felt the same way to me. More about the players then the play calls.
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 08:57 am
The biggest difference is being ahead early in the last two games. That covers a multitude of issues on our D.
RCPackerFan
December 04, 2023 at 09:16 am
100% true.
jannesbjornson
December 04, 2023 at 09:20 am
Holding them to the two FGs in the first half gave the D a commendation medal.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:21 pm
Yes but
can't count on that. Against anybody. Keeping them out of the red zone is better. Being able to get first downs at will against us will matter, and has cost games.
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 08:57 am
"I've always believed in LaF and JL10... but Barry is still highly suspect in my book. It seems the players are succeeding in spite of him being the DC, rather than because of it."
With the guys who have been in-and-out of the lineup, they're winning plays on guts and effort, and on the back of Rashan Gary. I think that's still a pretty important takeaway. There were plenty of 3 and 2 DL downs last night that were head-scratchers, and a few 3rd and medium where the DBs were playing medium-plus-5-yards depth. But as you said, this defense is playing harder and faster than earlier in the year, and they've just put down two top-ten offenses in back to back weeks.
"Other than that, I think we played an incredibly complete game. I think we are dangerous."
Two really good games against two really good football teams two weeks in a row. Nobody wants to play a hot football team, and this one is warming up. Think back to those two SB wins by the Giants with Eli at QB...prime examples of better than average teams getting hot at the right time. To paraphrase what my dad used to say, "nobody wants to play the Lions or Chiefs, but why would you want to play the team that just beat up the Lions and Chiefs?"
"What's-her-name tried to get Love to "call his shot" about the playoffs in the final interview,"
Two weeks ago, before the Lions game, I thought this team would go 2-5 or maybe 3-4 down the stretch. There were some good signs after the Chargers game, but that Chargers team is toast, too. Now, 3-2 looks pretty likely, 4-1 seems within reach, and they even could reasonably run the table.
It's a much nicer place to be than where we were after the Steelers game.
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 11:10 am
Without a doubt, but now comes a different test, beating teams that we are supposed to beat. Hope a young team does not take Archie Bell and the Drells advice. Certainly getting back veterans like Jones and Alexander will help.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:18 pm
CoachJV,
JB's defense works when you have a lead. One trick ponies don't win Superbowls.
Houndog
December 04, 2023 at 07:48 am
Thank you NBC, and please, you can show me Simone Biles a thousand times for every one of Taylor Swift.
Owens is a lucky guy, and in my pre-game assessment I thought he should have been assigned to shadow Kelce all night. I'm not sure of Owens' speed, but he hits hard, tackles well, and Kelce wasn't 100%. Too many times he (or their other TE) was left wide open, how in hell does that happen?
So much for my daily 'Barry Bash', but someone has to do it, and I'm here and it's now!
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 09:03 am
There was one play where I think it was Ballentine coming up to tackle Kelce, and he hit and slid right off like Wile E. Coyote.
Offensive coordinators put in a lot of time trying to scheme their playmakers into favorable matchups and open looks, but for the first 3 quarters last night, it seemed way too easy.
mnbadger
December 04, 2023 at 12:04 pm
barry Bash?
Thank you, and stay diligent!
GPG!
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:25 pm
Owens does tackle well, and with a PASSION. Him on Kelce and Quay as spy on Mahomes was an idea I had, I don't think they ever tried that.
Since'61
December 04, 2023 at 07:59 am
Game Balls: Love, Dillon, Watson, Nixon, Gary. The game is slowing down for Love. His decision making and his accuracy are improving. He is getting better every game now. He has been the difference maker against the Chiefs and the Lions.
Lame Calls: Packers run defense and officiating. Especially the officiating on the Chiefs final drive. Mahomes was still in bounds when Owns hit him and the officials missed the DPI call on Valentine covering MVS.
With 5 games left in the season the Packers control their own destiny and they have the better QB in each game. It will be a great story if they can reach the playoffs after the way they started this season. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
Houndog
December 04, 2023 at 08:13 am
'61,
The thing nobody's mentioned, and we Packer fans are familiar with, is there's no guarantee MVS would have caught that ball!
He's usually good for dropping about 50%.
Minniman
December 04, 2023 at 11:44 am
Kind of makes one glad that Gute stood his ground on paying MVS $10M/4Yr .... or Allen Lazard $10M/4YR...... or returning Robert Tonyan or Randall Cobb.
There was a huge gamble there that's paying off big time now - and reigning the cap back in.
MLF and Jason Vrable also deserves some credit too, this new young skilled position group is really starting to hit their strides and make those contested catches.
As an aside - the parallel's to KC and the late Rodgers era Packers are uncanny. A great QB and limited weapons.
Since'61
December 04, 2023 at 11:50 am
Houndog I agree that there was a high probability that MVS would have dropped the ball. I also know that if the roles were reversed on that play we would be furious with the officials for not making that call. Thanks, Since '61
croatpackfan
December 04, 2023 at 08:14 am
Since, I rewatched that alleged DPI call. MVS was already in front of the throw and suddenly almost stopped. He was also touched the ball (not CV) with his hand behond him. Valentine just bumped into him as he did not expect MVS to stop. So, ball was uncatchable, so there is no DPI. After all there is no inteference if throw is uncatchable.
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 09:19 am
I think the contact preceded that, but it’s not actually as clear cut. A defender simply can’t take out a receiver to get to the ball, but a DB is entitled to pursue the ball short of that.
In this case, Valentine is clearly watching and tracking the ball in advance. He is looking at the ball, that is critical. Both players are adjusting motion to meet the trajectory. At no point does Valentine grab and pull MVS back, the contact is arguably because both are heading for the same spot.
A DB does not have to give up the catch, he’s entitled to go to the ball, as long as he doesn’t just take the receiver out. Valentine does not do that, but is trying to reach around him for the ball. That is not necessarily PI even without a prior touch of the ball by the receiver (which means DPI is moot):
“A defender cannot come over a receiver’s back to try to play a pass. Be careful not to penalize a defender who actually gets around the side of the receiver to bat down or perhaps even intercept a pass. From the wrong vantage point, it can look like early contact from behind and the official can improperly penalize a good defensive play.” Referee.com.
If that’s how they read it, it’s consistent with what I saw live and, if that’s correct, a proper non call.
Swisch
December 04, 2023 at 10:35 am
Interesting thoughts, Coldworld.
What helped Valentine's cause, I think, was him batting the ball away with his left hand.
croatpackfan
December 05, 2023 at 03:23 am
Swisch, no, the ball was batted down by MVS with his hand behind his back!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 04, 2023 at 10:55 am
CW,
Always appreciate your research & analysis! Good call! 👍
Starrbrite
December 04, 2023 at 11:05 am
Excactly!!!
MainePackFan
December 04, 2023 at 01:54 pm
I'm giving a game ball to Tom Clements as well. Jordan's fundamentals and decision making is a direct reflection of Clements coaching. All Jordan needed was the reps to slow the game down so those fundamentals became secondary. Kudos to Clements!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:28 pm
Look for the facemask by KC on the same play as the non-called DPI against MVS. Would have been offsetting, right?
tobinrote
December 04, 2023 at 08:11 am
the problem with the refs in this league is not no-calls but just too many calls for illegal contact and not even letting D backs defend in a reasonable matter. Refs have now so destroyed the rhythm of the game, not only with too many flags, witness that appalling Seattle Dallas game last week, but with endless conferences with them all huddled about. and the superslowmo replays are just not the way football is played which is played in real time, which means that a lot of what anybody playing on the playground would call catches catches that are now overturned, and fumbles fumbles that are now said to be down by contact. Jim taylor had to hold on to the ball when he hit the ground.
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 09:05 am
I find myself wondering why any kid would watch a college or NFL game and say, "yeah! I wanna be a cornerback!"
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 11:17 am
Or RB, Pacheco's leg looked like it was going to snap.
PackEyedOptimist
December 04, 2023 at 08:12 am
I wonder what's going to happen next year at DB with this roster?
I have to believe Jaire and Valentine are going to be our starting corners--what will happen to Stokes? I'd keep Nixon as the starter in the slot...or does Jaire move there?
I'm hoping that they try Ballentine at safety; I think he could be a very good one, and Savage, Owens, A Johnson, and Ford aren't bad.
I'd still like to draft another safety, but the DB room doesn't look too shabby now.
21Savage
December 04, 2023 at 08:24 am
Stokes is still on a cost-controlled rookie contract next season, so he is 100% going to make the roster. He has too much talent when he's on the field to cut him loose. If he has another injury-plagued season and misses 8+ games again, I don't see him coming back for 2025 though.
I think it's more likely that they let Savage walk in free agency, move Nixon to safety, and some combination of Jaire/Valentine/Stokes/Ballentine is the CB room.
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 09:33 am
When Stokes was allowed to play tight he was very good. Then Barry went to playing off, way off and everyone struggled except Douglas. As we are playing now, the last 2 weeks, Stokes would be much better suited. It’s not just players but how they are used.
That said, I wouldn’t expect Stokes to come in and start. He’s been out a long time. I’d expect them to ease him back in as they did Gary
Bitternotsour
December 04, 2023 at 10:47 am
Selling off Rasul meant abandoning a lot of off coverage. This is very good for Stokes.
Unlike many others here, I didn't hate the 3rd and 18 three man rush. Sometimes you have to hand it to a QB for making a play. The secondary had everyone blanketed and it took Mahomes busting out and getting guys to collapse to him to make that play happen. It was a really great individual effort.
Minniman
December 04, 2023 at 11:53 am
"it took Mahomes busting out and getting guys to collapse to him to make that play happen."
Great call! That's exactly what happened.
Pocket awareness and evasion is the next realm of play elevation for Love. As painful as it is (as an opposing team fan) to watch, Mahomes' evasiveness in and around the pocket is like watching a 2010's Rodgers again.
Houndog
December 04, 2023 at 08:41 am
Optimist,
I've been saying for a couple years that our DB room is better than they've been playing, to me it's a scheme thing. You can't have guys playing 10 -12 yds deep and expect good results.
Let's hope we get a new DC, and then see if Charles Woodson is interested in coaching the DBs. Who could possibly be better?
Maybe bring back Cobb to work in the receivers room, teach these young guys how to break off their routes and adjust when Love is under pressure.
In those two positions the Packers lack coaching, not talent.
Racingdad
December 04, 2023 at 09:46 am
I would add Mike wahle to coach OL he would be fire for them. Also I agree with earlier posts about trying Ballantine at safety maybe Nixon too. Than draft a nickel like the kid Mikey S from mich. or their are several other nickels in draft think mukuba, kid from usc, Tyler smith from G or even sabastion Castro from Iowa Point is a true nickel than moving Nixon to safety might just be the ticket Anyway still hope for new DC with new ideas for next season
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:33 pm
I love these suggestions for position coaches!
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 09:08 am
Packers rolled the dice coming out of camp with just 5 CBs, and with Savage/Ford as their starting safeties and nothing but Owens and STs/Rooks behind them. Right now, they seem to be getting away with it, and they've found guys who have developed.
I think Gute would like us to think he knew what he was doing, but I'd say he's gotten pretty lucky...and it will lead to relatively inexpensive players in 2024 when they're shaking off the last parts of their cap issues.
Bitternotsour
December 04, 2023 at 10:50 am
That lucky view has to be through the lens of a team hamstrung by cap issues. Yes, he may have gotten lucky, but he also had some really bad luck with injuries. I'm delighted he got a third round pick for Rasul, and the rookies are balling out. Lucky, maybe. But you can't buy beyond what you can afford.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 04, 2023 at 10:58 am
Well said Bitter!
Bitternotsour
December 04, 2023 at 02:29 pm
"Well said Bitter" - says no one, ever...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 04, 2023 at 03:08 pm
Well there....a first & glad it was me who said it! :)
Minniman
December 04, 2023 at 12:02 pm
He had to have had better than an inkling of the growth potential of the rookies to part ways with Rasul Douglas.
Having watched through the time of allowing Hayward and Hyde have fantastic careers elsewhere, I'm happy that Gute is recovering something from these situations.
I'd say that Stokes is the next candidate for trading - not that I specifically think he's bad or want him to leave, but if his lack of availability is making him a 5th wheel in an already performing young group, then don't make the abovementioned mistake again.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:35 pm
He DIDN'T get a third round pick for Rasul Douglas! He lost a pick AND a player to move up about 40 spots.
mnbadger
December 04, 2023 at 12:11 pm
I agree with your assessment that Gute is getting lucky.
I don't know what else he could have done though? No available FA money and so many draft needs.
I can't imagine that he'd be disappointed in our position today.
So far, the season has been nearly a total success.
GPG!
T7Steve
December 04, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Getting lucky counts. It's almost always a crap shoot. I'd say good and lucky. Who else would have picked up or found Douglas or Campbell on somebody's practice squad? I don't even remember knowing who they were when we got them. How about Sims?
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 02:35 pm
I don’t really understand the luck thing. Owens is what he was last year, a good guy in run support and a weak link in coverage. Ford had been the Ford of last year, up and down when healthy but impactful at times. Johnson is a guy who can cover if maybe not tackle, but that’s presumably why they picked him to develop.
Savage has been much better this year. PFF rated him our best defensive player on Sunday. Now that might surprise us more than them. If so is that luck? That’s the only potentially lucky piece I see there. Savage has, when healthy, made our safety play competent with sporadic or situational help from the depth.
croatpackfan
December 04, 2023 at 04:25 pm
dobber, remmember "Luck is the residue of the design!"
Tekraut17
December 04, 2023 at 11:09 am
The way DB's get injured I would think we'll be needing everyone we have plus a couple new draftees...AND a run stuffing SAFETY!!!
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 11:36 am
Good question: I would not sign Savage, but would sign Owens, Ford, and Nixon (all were signed for a combined 6.5 mill) ,and then draft a safety high.
Minniman
December 04, 2023 at 12:05 pm
Early reports are that It's not a deep draft for Safeties - so they would likely be getting a " development project".
It is reportedly a deep draft for T, so it wouldn't be horrible to stack the OL back up and run with the guys that they have as DB's - and bring in a development project SAF.
Bitternotsour
December 04, 2023 at 02:34 pm
Every team has weaknesses. Not every team has coaches that adjust to or scheme around the weakness.
mnbadger
December 04, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Last year was a "bad" safety draft too if i remember correctly.
Maybe college isn't the place to look for a safety?
Find another 2nd contract veteran in FA'cy I guess, similar to A. Amos.
GPG!
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 04:05 pm
Winfield or Baker
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:38 pm
I don't know how much Savage would cost, but he has played well this season.
T7Steve
December 04, 2023 at 08:28 am
I guess we can't blame Berry for the defense unless he told the guys to play soft. How many missed tackles were there? Like TGR said in his snap counts, there should be a stat for how many yards after the 3rd contact. Have to give it to that kid though. About 5'-5" and 110 lbs and he must have got 75 yards after contact.
Tekraut17
December 04, 2023 at 11:11 am
I'm coming around to Barry's bend but only allow FG's approach BUT when our DB's are playing way off and the ball is on the 2-3 yard line I'M LOSING IT!! KC's last TD was way too easy.
croatpackfan
December 04, 2023 at 04:28 pm
As was Packers 1st and 2nd TD!
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 11:43 am
Yes, crazy horse, but tackling him low would have decreased his yardage. Gute should be checking out another Rutgers RB, Monangai. He is the only viable offensive weapon they have with an avg O line and still gained over 1000. He's a junior and will probably declare.
HarryHodag
December 04, 2023 at 08:40 am
Game balls: nary a mention anywhere of the offensive line. John Runyan and Sean Rhyan nearly shut out Chris Jones, a real beast to contain. The Chiefs front seven are tough hombres and the Packers offense proved they could be handled.
A.J. Dillon: without him the ground game would have been less productive. Patrick Taylor is not A.J. Dillon.
Kickers: both kickers did their jobs under tough conditions.
The defensive line bent but didn't break and they really put the heat on Mahomes. They gave up a lot of yards on the ground but it wasn't fatal.
Lame calls: the officiating. Both teams were hurt by a crew that looked like the Keystone Cops.
jurp
December 04, 2023 at 08:58 am
I thought that I had time-travelled and was watching those replacement refs from a decade ago at the end of the game. They were terrible.
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 09:10 am
The studio ref's comment was something like: this was a really well-officiated game for the first 58 minutes...
Minniman
December 04, 2023 at 12:10 pm
"nary a mention anywhere of the offensive line. "
MLF praised them again in his post match team talk. That's 2 decent defensive lines is a row that they've shut down.
Speaking of unheralded kudos - I was glad to see Love punish Spags whenever he called a blitz. He dismantled him - poetic justice.
mnbadger
December 04, 2023 at 12:16 pm
You have to wonder if Andy Reid knows the name of the Green Bay Packers' QB1 now!
GPG!
Minniman
December 04, 2023 at 11:09 pm
lol - It's now a love hate relationship!
LeotisHarris
December 04, 2023 at 08:41 am
Game ball for a great team win on the big stage. I was prepared for a beatdown on Thanksgiving, didn't think we'd win last night. There's a football *team* in Green Bay! So happy for and proud of these young men.
Lame Call to the lack of fundamentals in tackling. Even when we had 3-5 guys swarming to the ball it looked like they were arriving for a group hug, and then getting pushed forward. Jesus Tapdancing Christ, fundamentals!
Lame call for the pervasive gambling content, and the broadcast production of the game. I understand the whys of all this, but viewers miss so much of what's happening on the field with the disjointed crowd shots, close-ups of coaches, etc. Drives me nuts.
Razer
December 04, 2023 at 09:05 am
...Lame call for the pervasive gambling content, and the broadcast production of the game. I understand the whys of all this, but viewers miss so much of what's happening on the field with the disjointed crowd shots, close-ups of coaches, etc...
Totally with you on this. The NFL has a tremendous product that broadcasts well and extends beyond the playing field. The pigs at the trough approach to advertising and embracing of gambling diminishes the presentation. Despite loving my Packers I have a hard time enduring the broadcast for the actual games.
mrtundra
December 04, 2023 at 08:50 am
Game Balls: Love, Watson, Dillon, Nixon, Doubs, Heath, Wicks, Sims, Kraft, Van Ness, Gary, Clark, Preston.. Nixon gets two game balls for his INT-- a heads up play, for sure and for his keeping his cool when Pacheco took a swing at him. Pacheco gets a gameball for getting booted, with 40 seconds left, for losing his cool. Way to help your team, there, pal! Still, I think he'd look pretty good in Green and Gold. Also, the pass from Love and the catch by Doubs should be on every highlight reel throughout the country! GO PACK, GO!!! BTW, add Anders Carlson to the Game Ball recipient list. He was solid!
Lame Calls: TV personalities all picked KC to win. Officials were bad, again. They will take heat from NFL officials for not throwing a flag, for something, in that Hail Mary play. I think the Packers will be watched more closely, on plays like that, and will get flagged for pushing off, because the League wants it that way-- even though that crap always happens in a Hail Mary. I hope Watson just had a cramp or charlie horse and did not injure his hammy. He played well. Give him an extra game ball, too!
Also, At the risk of sounding like a star struck minnesotan, Packer fan and actor Tony Shaloub was at the game, last night. Didn't hear anyone mention that as all the hype went to Taylor and her snubbing of the vikings fans, and Simone supporting her man and his team, THE GREEN BAY PACKERS!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:44 pm
That highlight should become on of the all-time greats!
Razer
December 04, 2023 at 08:56 am
When I saw all the analyst and talking heads ALL pick the Chiefs I had to smile. All too often, discounting an opponent sets up the the perfect storm. The boys played hard all night long and deserved the win. And while the officiating did impact this game our team beat the Chiefs and the officials. Moaning that you didn't get the call is crying. The Chiefs simply didn't play well enough to win and got beat - with or without the calls. Suck it up.
My only worry in that game was the end of the half drive by the Packers. I couldn't figure out why Taylor was staying in bounds to keep the clock running. I get that we don't want to leave a ton of time for Mahommes BUT isn't getting to the end zone for a score of prime importance? 21-6 at the half would have been Thanksgiving all over again.
jannesbjornson
December 04, 2023 at 09:41 am
There are many players on this squad who are not fundamentally sound when it come to game awareness.
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 09:53 am
It looked very much like they wanted that clock down throughout that drive. Taylor seemed to be very consciously trying not to go out. I have to believe that was instructions.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 04, 2023 at 11:03 am
Razer,
Great point!
Not sure why (maybe just the way Packers had been playing), but all week I had this feeling the Packers would win, and Love would play great. Then I counted and ALL 9 of the TV analysts picked the Chiefs to win & that cemented it for me the Packers would win the game. :)
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:49 pm
Y'all calling the W for that game had me thinking you were crazy. I'm very glad to be wrong!
This could turn into an amazing season ...
Tekraut17
December 04, 2023 at 11:17 am
I totally agree with you on the drive before half. We needed to keep the foot on the pedal and Taylor needed to get his rear out of bounds TWICE!! Even a field goal there is a big deal! It didn't look like anyone even told him to after the first one so I'm assuming they were happy running out the clock but when you have the opponent on the ropes KNOCK THEM OUT!!
jannesbjornson
December 04, 2023 at 05:46 pm
Play to Win...
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 08:58 pm
Right. For all the talk of "learning how to win," coaches seem to try to avoid it.
gunarsvalters
December 04, 2023 at 09:00 am
The name "Love Shove" is the name that the Packers came up with for the play. Tirico didn't invent it.
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 09:12 am
I hate the push play.
The league will come up with some way to weaken it in the next year or two.
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 12:02 pm
As soon as a player gets mangled up in the pile, add the other gang plays to that. Aiding the runner was a penalty years ago for a reason.
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 02:40 pm
I really don’t see much wrong with it in isolation. It’s not a flying wedge concept. I was a rugby player, so perhaps that’s why, I’ve been involved in many similar plays.
That said, I really don’t think football needs it. It’s just another tilt in favor of the O, but that’s my only real issue with it.
Ferrari-Driver
December 04, 2023 at 09:10 am
This is almost unbelievable but I will put our head coach Matt LaFleur in the game ball category. I thought he did perhaps his best job of play calling. He kept that touted Chiefs defense off balance and made them look almost ordinary.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 09:02 pm
Not only his play calling, but he drew up an effective scheme to beat KC! I hope he does that for the Giants
cpwalsh
December 04, 2023 at 09:35 am
I believe that Aron Nagler should be credited with coining the “Love Shove” several weeks ago!!
Packers0808
December 04, 2023 at 09:41 am
Taylor being overlooked some, not game ball, but he had one hell of a nice gain that helped greatly!
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 11:31 am
Taylor and Dillon’s pass pro work was critical to key moments in both this game and in Detroit. Our OL needs that help
Packerpasty
December 04, 2023 at 09:47 am
Lame calls, Chris Collingsworth....on and on and on about the missed PI...and on and on about Kelce getting a hand to the back on the Hail Mary at the end..no official ever calls PI on a Hail Mary with that scrum going on...Kelce didnt get up looking for a flag and Mahomes said they cant call PI on a big scrum like that...they weren't whining but the announcers sure were.....too bad...actually didint Kelce look slow and hurt or something in the later parts of the game?? Tay Tay got him washed out..
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 09:54 am
Go back to that Packers-Lions game a few years ago where they won on the last-second hail mary to Rich-Rod as time expired...he labors down the field something fierce on that, but afterward, they said that they plan a guy or two to come into the scrum late because those hail mary's with all that air under them usually fall short and those guys then have an advantage coming into the front of the pile.
Packerpasty
December 04, 2023 at 10:02 am
could be the case, cuz Kelce was just jogging down and then positioned to the front of the scrum...scary moment to say the least with ball in the air..
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 11:27 am
The reality is that Hail Mary throws aren’t pinpoint, so you want to have players at different depths. Ideally a guy at the back to catch or push back in to play, others in the mid depths and one backing in under the ball. That was Richard Rodgers, who was running under the throw and used his momentum to leap, backing into the scrum and out reaching them. He was completely uncovered.
The chiefs didn’t really set that up well, but Kelce was coming laterally and under the eventual trajectory with his motion carrying him past it. I don’t think he had much chance regardless as a result.
Packers0808
December 04, 2023 at 10:05 am
I said same thing about Kelce toward end of game, I thought at one point he looked like he was limping.
Starrbrite
December 04, 2023 at 11:09 am
Dittos—-Pasty—excellent!
packerbackerjim
December 04, 2023 at 09:56 am
This morning I tried to find a comp for this GBP team and came up with the second year of the Jimmy Johnson-coached Cowboys. Young, handling the steep learning curve, and began to yield results.
Game: the usual suspects but LVN had a few very nice moments and I’d like to see him get more snaps, particularly in 3- and 4 and long.
Lame: Barry deploying zone and not having more pass rushers when down, distance and time dictate one should. Maybe next year.
Swisch
December 04, 2023 at 10:14 am
Thumbs up, pbj.
I'd axe Barry today (respectfully), so that he wouldn't get another game to jeopardize a victory.
I keep thinking of the recent NFC Championship Game in which the Packers lost to the Brady-led Bucs due in large part to ineptitude by our defensive coordinator (Pettine?).
I don't want a similar scenario to be looming as a future heartbreak to derail this up-and-coming version of the Packers as they gain steam and get momentum.
Tekraut17
December 04, 2023 at 11:22 am
Do you also remember the NFC Championship game against SF where our D held them to 3 points until the "Special Teams" crapped the bed? Same guy...
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 11:37 am
It’s not supposed to be a competition to be the one that blows it in the post season. It’s supposed to be one not to.
Swisch
December 04, 2023 at 10:06 am
Even if a pass interference penalty is called against Valentine or later Owens, the Chiefs still have to put it in the endzone.
Even if the Chiefs put it in the endzone, they still have to make a 2-point conversion to tie.
Even if the Chiefs tie, they still have to beat the Packers in overtime.
That seems like a lot of ifs, especially if we wonder what would have happened if the refs had not called a stupid penalty on Owens for a stupendous hit on Mahomes (isn't that reviewable?), and if the refs had not stopped the clock at 19 seconds on the pass caught by MVS when he couldn't get out of bounds moving forward.
***
Yes, we truly want the officiating to improve.
No, the Packers' excellent game to beat the defending Super Bowl champions is not in the least tainted.
Yes, we can celebrate this victory with unhindered exuberance.
Starrbrite
December 04, 2023 at 11:10 am
Exactly right Swisch.
Leatherhead
December 04, 2023 at 10:14 am
Lots of comments about officiating. I'll just say, after watching the NFL for over 50 years, this is the first season that I would describe the officiating as "suspiciously bad". All across the league. Every weekend.
Lots of comments about the defense, but not one mention of "Points", which is what decides games. Run defense, soft zone, blah blah blah. We just held the Chiefs to 19. Their final 3 possessions resulted in 0 points. That's the 7th opponent, in 12 games, who couldn't make it past 20. Only one team has scored more than 25 points.
Packers are currently 9th in scoring defense. Given the nature of their remaining opponents, and the fact the we're only 3 points out of 7th place, I think people should start accepting that we have a Top 10 scoring defense, despite losing quite a few people to injury during the season. Only SF and Dallas have clearly better defenses in the NFC.
T7Steve
December 04, 2023 at 10:47 am
"Only SF and Dallas have clearly better defenses in the NFC."
And Dallas is getting iffy.
Wonder how this Packer D would rank if they made a few more tackles?
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 11:57 am
That is the weakness that allows RBs to have big games against us. We need another DT like Slaton to hold the line and let our Lbs stay clean to make plays. Our LBs also need to play lower in order to make better tackles. The Chiefs backup Cochrane is a good example. D line holds up blockers and allowed a backup to have 7 tkls, 2 for losses.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 09:19 pm
#99 J Ford.
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 12:18 pm
I can’t really get there. The D has held up pretty well in terms of points recently when we’ve played from ahead. However, that fact seems to have changed opponents approach from our weaknesses enough to hold on.
However, we’ve won the turnovers, led by Gary. We’ve held onto leads, but in doing so we gave up 110 yards at 6.1 yards per carry and a TD yesterday. If you look at the last 4games this is a consistent theme despite the wins. We are giving up 146 yards per game in that time. A little over 136 for the season, the 4th worst in the league. We are also tied for 6th highest yards per carry allowed over the season and it has been rising recently.
The Giants will be interesting because they not only can run, but have to: they are the worst passing O in the league. We likely can’t get the away from the run even if we get ahead. Now we have, under Barry, been better versus the run if a team can’t pass effectively.
Right now I see the difference as the rush (Gary primarily) and turnovers going out way, coupled with more aggressive coverage in the secondary against a team we’ve taken out of their game plan and specifically the run.
Leatherhead
December 04, 2023 at 12:40 pm
""" The D has held up pretty well in terms of points """
And that's what it's all about.
The Bears are the best team in the league at run defense, on a yards/carry basis. How's that working out for them?
Coldworld
December 04, 2023 at 02:46 pm
It’s only a partial picture. That was my point. Im the context of defense, points allowed or yards given up are only part of the story. Partial pictures can be fatally misleading.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 09:32 pm
So you're saying this would be a good game to call up #99 J Ford.
dobber
December 04, 2023 at 01:41 pm
"The Giants will be interesting because they not only can run, but have to: they are the worst passing O in the league. "
Possible that Tyrod Taylor is back this week. He's not a star, but he's experienced and is a dual threat. It would change the complexion of the Giants' offense. Otherwise, there's no way to categorize them aside from being a bad football team. With that in mind, they "physicaled" the Packers off the field last year and they have won their last 2 (against WAS and NE, though).
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 04:15 pm
I live an hr away, so will be there rooting for the Pack.
Lphill
December 04, 2023 at 10:28 am
grabbing, grabbing, grabbing everybody grabbing out there , a wise man once said, you need to tackle low.
T7Steve
December 04, 2023 at 10:52 am
Tackling and blocking started going downhill when they made it illegal to lead with your face. The kids playing now, have probably never learned properly or played nutcracker in practice.
Safety has its drawbacks.
jannesbjornson
December 04, 2023 at 05:58 pm
The old ways are gone along with the blocking techniques the Fans allude to when they set the wayback machine.
Not even a cross-body block is legal. The players do not want a brain/neck injury, or a CTE diagnosis later in Life. I like the wide-open offenses.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 09:34 pm
They're trying to take away a "hip drop" tackle too.
Brett Favre said they should put them all in dresses.
Bitternotsour
December 05, 2023 at 10:12 pm
Brett Favre stole millions from poor people
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 04, 2023 at 11:08 am
Saw a horrendous lack of effort on Nixon to make a tackle giving up a big play. Simply lowered his shoulder and receiver bounced off. Sure the interception was awesome but let's take a closer look when discussing game balls.
PeteK
December 04, 2023 at 12:12 pm
Saw the same play. That is the problem with tackling in todays NFL especially with our team, defenders trying to make the highlight reel instead of aiming for midsection and wrapping up which is safer for both.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 09:44 pm
I think you're talking about one play that I saw. I'm not sure if that was so much lack of effort as poor judgment, thinking it would work. Who was the receiver?
Handsback
December 04, 2023 at 10:59 am
This team is the most fun to watch since Arod broke out in his second year. They have come together much faster than I imagined even after starting 2-1. Love has answered what kind of QB he is and the young receiver core is deep and talented. They still need help on the Oline, RB, and depth at LB and secondary but Gutsey has a few draft picks to play with and should fix a lot of these issues.
Don't care if Green Bay makes the playoffs or not because next year this team will be the monsters of the Frozen Tundra.
Could care less about the officializing...its marginal every game and I think its one of the NFL's worst mistake in not having fulltime refs. This is the NFL, why have part-time officials calling penalties?
JMHO
Tingham
December 04, 2023 at 11:02 am
I find it funny that the usual negative posters who are constantly reminding us that we are all homers and that they see the team in a level we cant comprehend aren't here today.
It must be miserable to be a supposed fan but when the team is playing great they have to stew in their own misery.
Go Pack Go.
Untylu1968
December 04, 2023 at 11:14 am
It doesn't seem all that long ago that it was time to
#1 bench Love and give our rookie backup a shot.
#2 Rashan Gary was a bust and didn't deserve an extension.
#3 Watson was a waste of a pick and needs to go.
#4 Our rookie kicker doesn't even belong on an NFL roster.
Oh yeah, and FIRE EVERYONE!!
Did I miss anything??
Tekraut17
December 04, 2023 at 11:26 am
You forgot to mention #5 We need an owner as our President and GM are terrible #6 MLF is terrible and won all those games because of AR
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 10:00 pm
The same over reactions are now saying the GB Superbowl window is now open, they're the best team in the league ...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 04, 2023 at 11:17 am
Ting...you get the CCTV game ball for the best post of the day. Yes, where are all those negative Packer fans 🙄? Will they EVER acknowledge they were wrong & their football insight is questionable at best... 🤔 of course not!
Starrbrite
December 04, 2023 at 11:02 am
BITE ME Collingsworth(less)!!!
Ferrari-Driver
December 04, 2023 at 11:38 am
It sure was a great game and I loved the humorous moment where the one of the Chiefs players ran into a Packer and his helmet got stuck on his face mask. The two of them got a chuckle as well and left it hanging on his face mask until a referee got it off. This sure is an exciting time to be a Packers fan.
CanPackFan
December 04, 2023 at 11:40 am
I think all the lame/game balls have been said.
I hope the soft D we saw was more a reaction to Mahommes than something we'll see every week ftom here on. With Mahommes' scrambling ability, I can see why we didn't play a lot of man coverage. On the other hand, the tackling... Let's hope Barry doesn't go "soft Barry" on us for here on?
Hope Watson isn't out long? He's getting it now. His aggression now to catch contested balls is inspiring. But he's just injured so much. Too bad. He is a great talent!
cheesehead1
December 04, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Impressive performance. Love continues to show improvement and it’s great to see Dillon looking like his old self. We were lucky no PI on the pass to MVS but KC benefited on the Mahomes hit. Also, nice to see Carlson coming thru. Another injury to Watson which is very concerning. He’s definitely a difference maker, just have to find some way to keep him healthy. GPG !
THESZOTMAN1
December 04, 2023 at 12:56 pm
I agree on the Lame Calls comments posted above about officiating.
But here's the bottom line: The NFL is a $10 billion+++ a year enterprise. The QB is the goose that lays that Golden Egg. Therefore, officials are told up front: Job 1 is..........Protect the QB! Doesn't matter if Mahomes was a ballcarrier or inbounds. We were gonna get that flag. Lucky it didn't help KC's final drive much.
Speaking of Mahomes --- his whining and stupid faces are hard to watch. Just play ball, kid.
The Szotman
Packerpasty
December 05, 2023 at 07:02 pm
Well I have to say, MaHomes nor Kelce whined about anything other than their own poor play, Mahomes even said no one is ever going to get called on a Hail Mary and he would rather the ref's just let people play, Kelce didnt bitch at all except to say they arent playing well..
jhtobias
December 04, 2023 at 02:46 pm
Shout out to Rasheed walker and Josh Meyers ever since walker got benched he has stepped up bigtime and im not sure anyother packer gets more flack then josh meyers but he been abobe average the ladt 4 games
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 10:12 pm
"Adobe average," even autocorrect won't let you say it, lol.
barutanseijin
December 04, 2023 at 02:53 pm
Game balls: Lafleur called a good game & was able to maintain the team’s energy and intensity over the mini-bye, something he’s had trouble doing in the past.
Lame call: People bitching about the defense, Joe Barry & defensive strategy. KC came into the game averaging more than 23ppg & put up only 19.
The Packer defense used the football equivalent of the rope-a-dope: the Chiefs chewed up clock on long drives and still got outscored by the Packers. What does it matter if Pacheco got 100+ yards if it didn’t help them? The net result was to limit Mahomes’ opportunities. And against a team with no time outs and in need of a touchdown, it makes sense to have more guys back than up front rushing the qb.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 10:17 pm
True. At the end of the game and with a lead, JB's defense is strategically a great idea.
Starrbrite
December 04, 2023 at 03:26 pm
…and a game ball for Carlson.
Go Packers!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 10:18 pm
He was perfect, and has cost us 0 games.
That was NOT on my bingo card!
DragonSilk
December 04, 2023 at 07:20 pm
Speaking of playoffs:
The Packers are in great shape! Of our 6 losses 3 are against AFC teams, 1 is against Detroit who we have now split with. Another is against the Vikings who we still have a chance to split with. The other is against the Falcons that are in position to win their weak division. The remaining 5 games are all against weak NFC teams. It all in the teams' hands now. We should get a high seed in the wild card round. There is still a slim chance of catching the Lions who are slipping a bit. They would have lost yesterday if the Saints had a backup QB that could hit a receiver 10 yards away from him.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 05, 2023 at 10:26 pm
The #5 slot would be good. If GB wins out, I think that's pretty likely. Detroit has 9 wins, they lose 4 more? The fat lady has not sung, but it's all but impossible to win the division.