Packers 34, Saints 0: Game Balls / Lame Calls
In crushing New Orleans, was Green Bay at its best?
What if, back in September, someone had offered odds that the NFL’s first shutout of the season wouldn’t happen until week 16, and would be authored by the Green Bay Packers. Most people would have walked away, laughing. Instead, the Packers had a laugher against the New Orleans Saints, 34-0, sewing up a playoff spot in the bargain.
It was a feel-good, holiday themed night at snow-dusted Lambeau, and the Packers accomplished some important things: They took care of business — with no late drama — against an inferior, struggling franchise missing five top starters and playing a rookie, backup quarterback. They came away from the game mostly unscathed, with the only question mark being Christian Watson, who aggravated a problematic knee. And they kept their momentum going heading into a key game against the Vikings.
Yet as lopsided as the game was, it was hard to view it as Green Bay at its best, which is what will be required to bring the Lombardi trophy back to its ancestral home. Yes, the defense gave up nothing, with three sacks and two takeaways. And the offense put up 30 or more points for a fifth straight game with another balanced effort. But the Saints are a train wreck, and with the exception of the Lions, none of the teams Green Bay has defeated since week nine is likely to make the playoffs.
GAME BALLS
Keisean Nixon — Not just a return specialist anymore, Nixon is improving at cornerback with each week and is making an impact. It will be interesting to see what the team does when Jaire Alexander returns to the lineup. All Nixon did Monday night was have a sack on a blitz, a tackle for loss and a couple of well-defended plays in coverage. Oh, and a 38-yard kick return. 🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈
Edgerrin Cooper — Like Chris Collinsworth last week, Troy Aikman could not stop gushing about Cooper. He is without question the team’s best linebacker, flying around the field, creating havoc in the backfield and holding up in coverage. Cooper ended up with eight solo tackles, one for a loss. (Honorable mention to Eric Wilson, who played well as the Mic. I reiterate my belief that the defense is better when the injured Quay Walker is not starting.) 🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈
Jayden Reed — You never know from week to week which of the Packers’ receivers will have a big game. Monday night it was Reed, who had three receptions for 76 yards to go with a five-yard outside zone run. Reed has been quiet the past few games, but broke back out in this one, including a beautiful, late fourth-quarter reception on a deep out route and a perfect dime from Malik Willis. 🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈
Zayne Anderson — Pressed into starting service because of the injuries to Evan Williams and Javon Bullard, the undrafted Anderson who was plucked off Buffalo’s practice squad had an interception and three solo tackles in an impressive efffort. 🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈
UNSUNG HEROES
Sean Rhyan — Since solidifying his spot at right guard, the often overlooked Rhyan has steadily improved over the course of the year. His blocking opened up some important lanes for Jacobs early, he was fine in pass protection and he’s taking fewer penalties. It’s nice to see hm overcome his early career struggles.
The backup running back tandem — When Josh Jacobs was taken out early in the third quarter after another stellar first half, all Emmanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks did was to run for a combined 75 yards on 17 carries. This duo has been solid for weeks now, giving Jacobs important breathers while still putting up solid numbers.
LAME CALLS
Another week in which there is not that much to talk about after such a dominating win. But let’s face it, this was not a great game for Jordan Love.
His stats were average: 16 for 28 for 182 yards, with a passer rating of 88.7. He didn’t turn the ball over, and got so little pressure that he rarely had to use his legs. But he missed a wide-open Doubs on a deep crossing pattern early in the game, had a couple of throws tipped at the line and could easily have thrown another pick had Saints’ lineman Khalen Saunders not had the ball knocked out of his grasp by two teammates who were also reaching for the ball (and boy was he mad).
Again, Love played well, but not at the level of sharpness that will be necessary to beat the Vikings and make a deep playoff run.
FINAL WHISTLES
One of the satisfying things about this Packers team is its lack of reliance on a small cadre of big stars. It’s a collection of good and very good players, nearly all of whom contribute. It’s nicely on-brand for a team identified with being publicly owned, and should be a source of pride.
And what is encouraging now is watching the steady progress of the league’s youngest roster. Matt LaFleur is excellent at focusing on necessary cleanup and improvement, at all levels of the organization, including himself. And at least on this day, there was none of the bad clock and challenge-flag management of recent games.
But there is room to step it up, which will be essential if this team’s season is to continue deep into January and early February. Next week in Minneapolis will be the litmus test of where the Packers stand. GPG.
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Jonathan Krim grew up in New York but got hooked on the Packers — and on hating the Cowboys — watching the Ice Bowl as a young child. He blames bouts of unhappiness in his late teens on Dan Devine. A journalist for several decades who now lives in California, he enjoys trafficking in obscure cultural references, lame dad jokes and occasionally preposterous takes. Jonathan is a Packers shareholder, and insists on kraut with his brats. You can follow Jonathan on twitter at @Jkrim.
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Comments (120)
egbertsouse
December 24, 2024 at 06:53 am
Good outing against the JV team but they need to tighten things up for next week when they play the varsity at their house. Oh yeah, Jordan Love needs to quit missing those easy layups.
bjkdad44
December 24, 2024 at 08:12 am
100% agree!
HarryHodag
December 24, 2024 at 06:54 am
Yes, never find anything so satisfying that you can't find something lousy to complain about.
The Packers kicked the Saints ass. The only thing that matters is the final score and what a score it is.
The Packers, despite playing in the league's toughest division. have already won two more games than last year and could end up with 12 or 13 wins. How awful(snicker).
And last, but not least, complain about Jordan Love. All the guy has done is help propel the offense to one of the league's best. This after enduring three years behind the guy who looks like the shell of himself with the Jets. Love's numbers will likely never be as good as Rodgers or Favre's because MLF does something Mike McCarthy talked about but never did: run the ball with reckless abandon.
It makes good print/radio/TV/podcast to snark at the Packers. As a fan since 1961, this is really good.
rstain99
December 24, 2024 at 07:21 am
This is my complaint
Again just can't believe the lack of testicular fortitude of one #23 three things are sure
Death
Taxes
Come football season you will never get a full 14,16, 17 game season out of the most overrated DB in NFL. Ton of money for that production think he is still trying to find his jock from the couple of games he has showed up. When Gute made trade last fall with Buffalo he should have sent JA there, Rashul had way more heart thn this guy. Move on in 25'
bjkdad44
December 24, 2024 at 08:14 am
Wondering why two downvotes???
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 08:38 am
Because it's dumb to question an injured players manhood?
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:01 am
Because I don’t want Alexander out there when he can’t cut or jump properly and has a higher risk of reinjury. The last 2 weeks it’s the team holding him out due to mobility limitations. Good, that’s what a PCL does when it’s not fully healed and, for a corner, that’s the essence of what he does. We learned from the last time and that’s progress. Get him right. In the meantime, Valentine and Stokes have held up pretty well, against some good QBs and WRs as well as last night.
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 08:37 am
This is dumb. Alexander is a competitor and would love to be playing. You can tell by the way his teammates talk about him.
I bet you thought Bahktiari was loafing around after he was injured as well. 🙄
WestCoastPackerBacker
December 24, 2024 at 12:10 pm
When will people get over being injured is not weak, it's not the player's fault. It's the nature of football. Alexander is a true competitor and he's suffered injuries playing a very violent sport. How is that his fault? He can absolutely shut down an opponent's best wideout and GB doesn't have anyone else of his calibre in the CB room.
There may be a reason to move on at some point, though his salary cap and the lack of good CBs in next year's draft would indicate it's a better idea to keep him.
But why, why, why hate on good players who get hurt? It's not their frigging fault.
Bitternotsour
December 24, 2024 at 12:56 pm
because these trolls are colossal dicks, mostly. they're here exclusively to try to elicit responses to patently stupid points. it's a weird phenomenon.
cdoemel
December 24, 2024 at 03:23 pm
Players don’t make that decision moron. How many times have you heard Lafleur say, “we’ll watch the tape and make that decision”. SMDH
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 03:36 pm
Depends on the nature of the injury...but in this case, JA practiced in full this week and 2 of 3 days last week.
It sure has the feel of coach's decision.
pacman
December 24, 2024 at 08:13 am
Looking down at who you beat and are better than is a recipe for losing. Save the congratulation for after the season. There was much to be happy about but QB play wasn't it.
Last week (most of the year) he under-threw Watson. Today he over-threw many open guys when he wasn't under much pressure. Those were bad misses. I think he made 1. Yes, he didn't turn it over and that is a great improvement over the first half. But when the playoffs come and the good teams start loading the box and bring the safeties down and slow Jacobs down, Love will need to make good throws to spread the field.
And how many passes were batted down or tipped? That was not good either.
So let's get this fixed before the playoffs.
GPG!
MTmind
December 24, 2024 at 10:35 am
Dang, I don’t think the writer was being snarky. I guess it’s just a matter of perspective. It is always great to get a win and especially one as dominant as the Packers played for last night, but it isn’t very satisfying when it’s against a team with as many injuries that NO is dealing with. Imagine the Packers playing without Love, Jacobs, Watson, Doubs, and Kraft. I think they still would have been more competitive than the Saints were, but that is a testament to our team’s depth. There were some mistakes made that need to be cleared up before meeting with much more competitive teams. The writer was simply pointing them out. That’s his job and that’s why most people read these articles, to get a sense of what other people saw and point out areas that need improvement. I would have added some praise for McManus. While Carlson missed something like his fifth extra point of his already shorter season (along with a missed field goal) for the Jets, McManus nailed his two field goals and all his extra points. I’m so happy we finally have a solid and dependable kicker!
PackEyedOptimist
December 24, 2024 at 06:58 am
Not really a game ball, but I want to point out that Willis once again looked like he should be a starter in the NFL. He has a terrific knack for hitting players in stride.
Love’s numbers suffered because of something he did WELL: he threw away a bunch of passes. I’d be curious to see what his QBR would be if you didn’t count those plays, because I feel like he had more in this game than I ever remember having seen by a Green Bay QB. They were SMART.
I completely didn’t understand why they put Watson back in, or why Love kept playing with such a big lead.
porupack
December 24, 2024 at 07:09 am
yes....good call, PEO: Willis came in confidently without missing a beat. That is a fully inflated game ball that he deserves.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:14 am
He looked in a different class to Rattler. It would not shock me if we got some good offers for him this off season. In a supposedly poor QB draft, Willis looks a great bet for a still cheap potential starter for a team in rebuild, not least because he looks to have the mental makeup to survive in this league as a passing QB, albeit one who can run as well if needed.
Bitternotsour
December 24, 2024 at 01:06 pm
he has a rifle for an arm, and he has amazing wheels. with the right creative HC he will provide some significant sizzle. MLF has unlocked him and provided the league with a template. he has a better sense of timing in the pocket by a long shot than the #1 pick in last years draft.
I don't hate the idea of putting in packages for him in the playoffs. That kid is dynamic and exciting.
NickPerry
December 24, 2024 at 07:11 am
"Love’s numbers suffered because of something he did WELL: he threw away a bunch of passes."
THIS is an excellent point...Love did throw away several passes when it wasn't there. He didn't force it, didn't take a sack, he just did what was best for the team and lived to pay another down...Gotta love that!
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 07:40 am
If I had to guess, he threw away about 5 last night.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:06 am
It was something he wasn’t doing earlier in the season. It’s no coincidence that he’s not giving the ball away nearly as much now.
I saw him knocked by a pundit for throwing one at the feet of an “open” WR. Yes, because he got rid of the ball with pressure right in his face in the direction of a WR rather than floating one up on a prayer. The right decision where earlier he was trying too hard to make every play.
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 11:06 am
Early on, under duress he flipped a ball to Jacobs that went for positive yardage and my thought at the time was, "earlier this year that turned into a pick 6."
Heyjoe414
December 25, 2024 at 08:25 am
Thanks Nick for pointing out that Love is getting rid of the ball rather than try to perform a miracle. He had two nasty pic 6s this year due to a lack of discipline/awareness. Throwing the ball away takes some maturity, knowing the initial read and check downs are too risky, and living to fight on the next play.
I know I'm quick to point out when he has struggled with this, so I'm glad you pointed out that he seems to have fixed that problem.
The game is still going a little too fast for him. He did miss a couple of sure TD passes on Sunday. He can certainly correct that as well.
murf7777
December 24, 2024 at 08:05 am
Yes, Love is starting to mature right before our eyes. I’ve noticed that more the last couple of games. A very good trend.
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 11:07 am
Here's hoping that the process runs much quicker in future seasons.
WestCoastPackerBacker
December 24, 2024 at 12:13 pm
The process was clearly slowed down by his injuries this season. Can't really judge him for that.
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 03:40 pm
I would love for Willis to show so well that other teams are clamoring to give the Packers high picks in return for him...his contract keeps him in GB until the end of 2025 if the Packers keep him. Whatever the case, he'll likely get a reasonable chance to compete somewhere when his contract in GB is up...and the compensatory pick will probably be OK.
He could force the Packers to make a hard decision.
But let's not idolize him too much. There's limited film on him in GB and he only played about 10 snaps last night.
Heyjoe414
December 25, 2024 at 08:29 am
Good point. Ron Wolf was good at finding backup QBs who were really starting material, and capitalized on that.
While it's true Willis' body of work is scant, what he has done when given the chance is nearly perfect. He's not just handing the ball off. He has a nice touch for throwing and more important, doesn't make mistakes. He is a find for sure. Nice work by Gluten. My guess is that the Packers will keep him on the roster for 2025 and look to trade him during the season, or after.
Leatherhead
December 25, 2024 at 08:59 am
No, I'd love to keep Willis as long as we could. He already was a big factor in two wins this year. If we had lost those game, we'd be looking at 9-6 right now and the playoffs wouldn't be a certainty.
I don't know how good he is, but I think he's plenty good enough to be a real good backup QB for us for a while. Some Day 2 pick wouldn't be a sure thing, and right now, at the most important position on the team, Willis is a sure thing.
porupack
December 24, 2024 at 07:07 am
Love has shown he can rise up when needed. I'm pretty sure the game plan was for him to bring a 3 legged camping chair out there, and kind of take it easy between huddles... just toss a few every now and then to keep the defense honest (opposite of this oft used phrase). They were probably sharing fishing stories in the huddle. My only complaint is that I couldn't get into the huddle too.
Rebelgb
December 24, 2024 at 01:53 pm
Best post award!! Love it! (No pun intended)
Packerpasty
December 24, 2024 at 06:39 pm
poor game plan then....two games left now is not the time to screw around...Love did not look sharp last night that cant be denied...over throws under throws and just plain not reading through his progressions where there were wide open WR's ....two games left and playoffs...hope he looks much sharper or the Pack will have lost four games to the top two teams in the division..
porupack
December 24, 2024 at 07:13 am
An unsung hero mention also goes to McManus. His boots weren't really needed, so he gets a nerf football, but how relaxed are we now on 46 yard feel goal attempts? After several years of Special team woes, it seems we have a reliable piece that can win a game at 00:03 on the clock.
Nobuttkiss
December 24, 2024 at 07:52 am
.......never ever ever ever! give praise and gush about your kicker..... kiss of death 🫣
When they are kicking good, it is better to completely ignore them and disregard them. 😉
barutanseijin
December 24, 2024 at 07:39 am
Cooper gets to the ball quickly and makes the play. It’ll be great to see him blow up some Vikings plays.
Malik Willis wow! The guy throws a nice ball. He looks better than some starters around the league.
I say this all the time, but Nixon plays every down hard, likes to tackle. You need guys like that.
Let’s not forget Jacob’s stiff arm. Now that’s football!
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 07:42 am
As much as I complained about Nixon's contract last spring--and the fact that they wouldn't give him that money just to return kicks--he's starting to look like a multi-year bargain.
jannesbjornson
December 24, 2024 at 08:55 am
He's their slot guy when Jaire shows up.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:10 am
He’s the best slot guy on the team and it’s becoming clear why Hafley wanted him there in his D. Bullard’s injury moving him back there has made us better and him better as well.
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 11:09 am
His ability to be an effective perimeter corner to go with his slot work makes him a steal at his price.
coolhand
December 24, 2024 at 11:28 am
I think Nixon is very underrated as a defender. The more I watch him, the more I see a guy who hustles, likes to hit AND is a sure tackler.
Rebelgb
December 24, 2024 at 01:55 pm
Agreed. As stated above the guy plays HARD every down. Not a lot of players in the NFL play that way anymore.....
Packers0808
December 24, 2024 at 07:41 am
After watching that game and yet we have a complainer writer. You missed bitching about Whelans one bad punt. Boy the way Malik shows up every time he is in there, there will be teams after him. With one more year on his rookie deal I sure hope we hang on to him. Will be tempting to trade him I am sure because beyond next year more than likely he will be able to choose his landing spot! What is the thinking out there with the great Christmas present Packers got early?
Nobuttkiss
December 24, 2024 at 08:01 am
I'm afraid that the Packers are going to lose the stronger, more talented and mobile of the two quarterbacks they have, next season.
Not that our starter is a dog by any means but the back up is just better.
Heyjoe414
December 25, 2024 at 08:35 am
I don't think Willis is better than Love, not even close really. But Willis looks like a starter. The Packers will probably trade him in the off season or during the next season to keep him from FA.
Now could he be better than Love as a starter? I don't think so, not even close really. But he has starter qualities.
murf7777
December 24, 2024 at 08:08 am
Or maybe because Love didn’t have huge numbers because he was smart and threw the ball away when nothing was there. Certainly given he didn’t need to take any chances with their big lead.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:19 am
Let’s be honest, by then we could have put our emergency QB out there (whoever that is) and been 20 plus point winners. I’m a little surprised we kept Love out that long.
Heyjoe414
December 25, 2024 at 08:32 am
Willis represents one of Gluten's best moves as GM, along with nabbing McManus. I think Willis will be traded during the 2025 season, before he can hit FA. In limited action, he sure looks like a starter. Would love to see the Packers trade him back to the Titans for a 2nd round pick.
Nobuttkiss
December 24, 2024 at 07:46 am
This game was won in the trenches and by Jacobs pretty much single handedly on offense . Most of his yardage was gained on his own as there weren't really any gaping holes carved out by our O line for most of the night.
He is taking a beating.
D line actually put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, on a consistent basis finally. 👍🏻
Didn't have to worry about our secondary too much because of the rookie quarterback, but we were agressive and tackling was excellent !
I am concerned about Love against playoff teams though , he is just not seeing the field like he did last year and he is often times hesitant to throw. Accuracy is erratic.
we are going to need a very competent passing game in the playoffs.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:24 am
The Saints rush is not bad at all. I agree that they got far more penetration than the ideal. Love wasn’t kept clean in the pocket particularly well. He avoided and extended to counter that and was not afraid to throw away, which made our protection look better stat wise. Love has got wiser as the season had progressed. Our ability to hold up a stable pocket will have to improve against more competitive opposition if we want to play full games on offense.
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 04:10 pm
At the risk of starting another thread war the OL isn't improving in leaps and bounds like it did last year but things are looking somewhat. Jenkins has been playing better lately and might a little healthier than he was a month ago. They've really been doing a good on double teams the last few weeks, especially against Seattle, but struggled when the Seahawks went to a Tite front in base. They need to have a plan for running outside or look for some quick intermediate throws if Minnesota goes to base looks to stop the run.
cdoemel
December 24, 2024 at 11:10 am
You’re right, Love isn’t seeing the field the way he did last year. He’s seeing it much clearer and better. Much more mature decisions this year versus last.
greengold
December 24, 2024 at 07:48 am
Semantics. Prefacing GAME BALLS with “But, the Saints are a train wreck,” has its own schwerve to it.
The Saints, what was left of them, flew in, got dressed, warmed up and played. We all knew GB should have easily rolled NO.
The Packers took care of business. Good.
Rebelgb
December 24, 2024 at 01:57 pm
Great take. Greengold your takes usually are.
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 03:43 pm
Agreed. Should not get too picky about the Packers handily beating a team they were supposed to beat handily.
Leatherhead
December 25, 2024 at 09:24 am
You have to play whoever lines up against you. You have no control over that.
You put the best, most-prepared product on the field that you can and fight like hell.
I know a lot of people are too young to remember when the Bears, led by a 3rd string QB, pounded us 61-7. Play against whoever shows up, play your best, and hope for the best.
The Saints became the first team in the league to get shut out this season. I also think it was the first time the Saints have been shut out in a long time. That should tell you all you really need to know about the offense they put on the field.
Grand Mooster J
December 24, 2024 at 07:53 am
Sir, Unless I cannot read properly, you seem to suggest the Pack beat Detroit this year. Not in the games I watched. Ciao, GMJ!
Ya_tittle
December 24, 2024 at 02:59 pm
They would have without the horrible calls in last game (missed roughing the passer, bogus PI call on the Jacobs TD.)
Matt
December 24, 2024 at 07:55 am
Packers are not perfect but neither are the other 31 teams. Saints are another small example of making expectations too high and too early (but the best examples are one and done teams which seemed to be unbeatable). Regular season goal is to get into playoffs, If that is checked, do it as healthy, as sharp as you can be. The rest is 50% talent and 50% lottery of how the day goes for you. Any given Sunday they say and last week doesn't matter at all.
So please enjoy the moment of huge win opening the Christmas time. Let the coaches find and solve problems, and we can peacefully live this nice moment of the year.
murf7777
December 24, 2024 at 08:02 am
“Yet as lopsided as the game was, it was hard to view it as Green Bay at its best, which is what will be required to bring the Lombardi trophy back to its ancestral home.”
I have to ask, what would’ve made it show the Packers at its best? Can you do any better than 34-0. I don’t care how bad New Orleans might be right now or they have key injuries, this is the NFL and any given day a team can cause another trouble. This was looked at as a trap game, but Mlf coached team had none of that and royally kicked their ass.
Also, this was the First shut out of the year for the NFL….I’m sure other great teams played really bad teams this year and guess what they didn’t shut them out. It’s the Packers who made them look like a train wreck.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:29 am
The Saints had no offense on the ground or in the air. The Packers D played well, but the Saints were as toothless as any team I’ve seen since the game where one team had a WR starting at QB that got the emergency QB rule changed.
We can only beat who lined up opposite us, but we can beat ourselves if we don’t keep perspective on the standard of opposition we beat last night. We won fairly efficiently. Let’s hope it didn’t cost us Watson. Sunday will be a very different level of test and one much closer to those ahead that really matter.
WestCoastPackerBacker
December 24, 2024 at 12:18 pm
Were the Saints toothless overall, like against any defense? Or were they toothless against GB's pass rush, run defense and good secondary play? In past years, QBs like Rattler would have the game of their life against GBs defense. And that didn't happen here. The Saints had some positive plays, proving they know how to play football, too, even if they're not starters. But GB's defense did exactly what it needed to do.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 01:07 pm
That version of the Saints was toothless.
murf7777
December 24, 2024 at 04:32 pm
Westcoast......Some folks will find fault in anything! Oh, and how soon they forget....lol
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 04:14 pm
IDK, the Rams looked pretty inept last year minus Stafford. They actually had less yards against a worse D.
canadapacker
December 24, 2024 at 08:19 am
We did not play our best but we played well. I also think that Love was overthinking it on some plays - holding the ball too long - there were a couple of checkdowns where longer guys were open. Check downs are good when the other team starts to fall back into coverage or as a form of delayed screen - but the chunk plays are in the longer routes. I thought that Lafleur actually got creative and is showing other teams that we are not going to just try and tush push on 3rd or 4th and short. Been wishing that for the past 3 games. We have a great Oline but they are not bulldozers and when the other teams stack the box we have been getting stopped - so that outside run can work especially if we get our tight ends involved. Otherwise - nice way to watch the game without having to hold our breath.
cdoemel
December 24, 2024 at 11:14 am
Nothing wrong with taking the time your o-line gives you.
TXCHEESE
December 24, 2024 at 08:38 am
The only "lame call" I have is on MLF and/or Love. With 2 minutes and some change on the clock, why are they throwing long balls (2 incompletions), instead of working the clock, and getting maybe a field goal or TD before halftime and deny NO the ball. That was an opportunity to deflate them totally before the 2nd half even started.
Was thrilled when they showed Jacobs the bench early. Need that man well and rested for the rest of the year.
Didn't get to see Malik. Game was out of hand, and this old man needs his beauty rest.
barutanseijin
December 24, 2024 at 10:07 am
34-0.
Who cares? Maybe they decided to let ‘er rip, for whatever reason, limbering up Love’s arm, getting some looks on film for the Vikings to misinterpret… Who knows? And again, the final score was 34-0.
Packerpasty
December 24, 2024 at 06:42 pm
Loves arm was limber but it wasn't that accurate last night...that has to improve the next three weeks..
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 03:45 pm
" With 2 minutes and some change on the clock, why are they throwing long balls (2 incompletions),"
This seems to be their M.O. at the end of the first half every week.
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 11:53 pm
30% of the time it works all the time.
Heyjoe414
December 25, 2024 at 08:39 am
LOL about the night games. Thank god that's over. This old man is in la la land right after halftime. Fortunately the Packers had the games against the Saints and Hags wrapped up before halftime.
Since'61
December 24, 2024 at 08:58 am
I would add Josh Jacobs for a Game Ball. I realize that he did not play the entire game but for the the time that he was in the game he tore up the Saints. he had 17 touches (13 runs, 4 receptions) for 107 total yards from scrimmage. He was a major factor in the Packers offense building a 24-0 lead at halftime. The goal now should be to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 09:42 am
Wilson had 50+ yards at 4.7 a carry. We can afford to protect Jacobs and still have a tough yards running game and even add some outside the tackles runs like we saw last night. With Brooks too, we have quite a formidable running game and freakish depth.
While we are in a dome next week, that trio is also seemingly perfect for late season outdoor games. It’s been a very long time since we’ve been able to claim that. If we can keep that group and depth largely intact, I think it will go along way to making it hard for opponents to go through Lambeau again in future.
cdoemel
December 24, 2024 at 11:16 am
Add in Marshawn Lloyd!
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 11:41 am
Different type of back but certainly not forgotten, just not counted on as yet.
Since'61
December 24, 2024 at 02:39 pm
I think that as the Packers go through their final 2 regular season games they should rotate all RBs throughout the game and keep them all sharp for the playoffs. I would not sit Jacobs Unless we have puled away from our opponent with a big lead like we did against the Saints. Thanks, Since '61
coolhand
December 24, 2024 at 11:36 am
I also think about the effect Jacobs is having on the rest of the team. He runs so hard it is rubbing off on the other backs as well. Have you seen how hard Wilson and Brooks are running now? Powering forward and trying to run over defenders.
I love the effort!
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 09:07 am
Packers have outscored opponents 132-40 over their last four victories. This defense is starting to hum at the right time. Now have 10 turnover more than last year's defense with two games to go.
murf7777
December 24, 2024 at 04:35 pm
OVer the last 7 including giving up 31 to Detroit they are holding teams to 14-15 points per.
pantz_bURp
December 24, 2024 at 09:21 am
Unsung heroes:
Me like my bretheren and sisteren that chanted:
"The Bears Still Suck"
Now, I am not for kicking a sleeping bear usually but at least the Packer fans weren't chanting "The Saints Suck". At least not audible from the TV set with rabbit ears.
That is two games now where the Packer fans in attendance made me smile; at Lumen Field and last night. Thank you for my smile and rich memories.
I love this team and hope we can keep almost all of them that are really, really good at what they do and buy into the TEAM mentality.
Dear Santa, please find a way for the Pack to keep #2 on the roster for multiple years. I like that dudes style and loads of athleticism.
Oh, and Santa...is it true that da Bears were planning on relocating to Gary, Indiana years ago? Rumor has it, cuz they wanted a G on their helmet too.
Catch yaz under the mistle toe,
Pantz
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 09:36 am
I hate to tell you this bud but I think your better half might have snuck out and got one of those digital box doohickeys while you weren't looking. Those rabbit ears aren't good for much anymore. Maybe gift them to some crackheads for Xmas?
Bitternotsour
December 24, 2024 at 10:08 am
perhaps minor, but I use the modern equivalent of rabbit ears for about 70 channels broadcast free of charge across the air in Portland OR. I still stream, but I watched the game yesterday on ABC on my free antenna.
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 11:36 am
I bet the equivalent of rabbit ears sticks out of one of those digital box doohickeys.
Bitternotsour
December 24, 2024 at 05:31 pm
this one looks like a freestanding quotation mark.
LeotisHarris
December 24, 2024 at 07:11 pm
Hey, man, layoff the high tech IT chatter. Stick to sports!
pantz_bURp
December 24, 2024 at 03:13 pm
Come here LLC, you just earned yourself a holiday hug! 😄
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 04:16 pm
Only if you've got some Boone's Farm to go with it!🤪
pantz_bURp
December 24, 2024 at 04:58 pm
No Boone's Farm, but have half a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20.
Come on, I dare you. 😄
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 09:39 am
Hopefully last night settled any questions about this year's defense being better than last year's but just in case:
Packers D rankings after 15 weeks:
Rushing yards conceded - 7th
Passing yards conceded - 8th
Total yards conceded - 8th
Points per game conceded - 6th
Sacks - 6th
Turnovers forced - tied for 3rd
Shutouts - 1st
Packers are now 7th in scoring offense, in part thanks to being #1 in points off turnovers, and 6th in scoring defense. I won't hold my breath for a couple of mea culpas though, some men you just can't reach so you get what we had here this week.
MooPack
December 24, 2024 at 10:05 am
Yeah, careful, there's still some pro-Barry supporters here that will throw out some obscure stats to prop up their softball hero and/or blame the offense for his defensive woes.
See, we got one already.
LLCHESTY
December 24, 2024 at 11:34 am
I'm just having fun riling up a couple people that can't admit when they're wrong. They were defeated when they tried to say turnovers don't matter, they just didn't realize how silly it was in the moment. Paraphrasing Cool Hand Luke was just a bonus!
Leatherhead
December 24, 2024 at 10:14 pm
Yes, one game. So, if Minnesota lights us up for 30, or we go into the playoffs and the Rams hit us for 30, I'll be waiting for you to admit you're wrong.
Takeaways matter, but not nearly as much as you seem to think.
LLCHESTY
December 25, 2024 at 12:09 am
Why would I admit I'm wrong when you can't seem to? Minnesota could score 30 on them and it's still a better defense than last year. Turnovers were worth 3.32 points a couple of years ago when a study was done, I doubt it's changed much. That's in a true points obviously and doesn't include a momentum shift.
Heyjoe414
December 25, 2024 at 08:43 am
I love that forced-turnovers stat. They are pursuing the ball carrier and taking shots at punching the ball loose. McKinney is playing at an All Pro level with his 7 pics (I think it';s 7). One of the best ways to win a game, force turnovers.
NFLfan
December 24, 2024 at 10:46 am
I bet there are 10-15 teams jockeying for Malik's services right about now.
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 03:47 pm
I think there are a handful watching very closely, but nothing happens with him until the draft or shortly after, I'll bet.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 11:10 pm
I don’t know. If I were a GM that needed a reboot at QB this off season, this draft class doesn’t inspire great optimism. If I see Willis as an option, I’d want to lock him up before the draft and use that to build around him.
LLCHESTY
December 25, 2024 at 12:28 am
I wouldn't take anything less than a 2nd for him and I doubt anyone offers that. He's heap and valuable and next year is a run for the ring before a bunch of contracts come due.
Oppy
December 24, 2024 at 10:35 pm
10-15 teams?
Okay, if you say so.
RCPackerFan
December 24, 2024 at 10:50 am
GAME BALLS
I agree with all these game balls.
I am going to give one to these guys for something different.
Mark Murphy —
He has put the pieces in place to run the operation to get us where we are. Also everything else he has built around Lambeau. He catches a lot of grief from fans, but he has done a tremendous job. He was the one that picked out Gutey as the GM. And he was the one that picked LaFleur as the HC.
Brian Gutekunst —
He has absolutely built a hell of a roster. Just the moves he has made this year were absolutely fantastic. Bringing in McKinney and Jacobs. Drafting Cooper and others. The kicking situation and finally finding the right guy. I saw a stat last night that of the 53 players currently on the roster, Gutey has brought in 51 of them. He has made moves like trading Preston Smith away and that has given guys like Cox playing time and he has played well.
Matt LaFleur —
He has this team dialed in. The saints are a shell of themselves. But they absolutely dominating this game, and still could have put up more points on them. But this team just absolutely took care of business. This was the first shut out of the season in the league. The players could have very easily overlooked this game with Christmas, and with the Vikings coming up. They could have very easily overlooked this game. They didn't. They took care of business.
UNSUNG HEROES
Jeff Hafley —
The secondary was missing 3 starters. They were missing Quay. So they were missing 4 starters and you wouldn't know it. The job he has done deserves a ton of credit. Now they need some pieces added next year to get exactly what he wants. But the job he has done has been a tremendous job.
Adam Stenavich —
LaFleur gives him credit all the time. We don't really give him much credit because we know Matt calls the plays and the offense is his baby. But Stenavich deserves credit for keeping this thing rolling. He might be one of the most overlooked OC's in the league honestly.
LAME CALLS
Not many to choose from.
I will go with injuries. The Watson was not good. Hopefully he will be ok. Williams from Saturday doesn't sound good either.
FINAL WHISTLES
Winning big and beating the crap out of a bad team right before Christmas is just a good way to go into Christmas. I hope everyone has a good Christmas!
Lets enjoy the win!
coolhand
December 24, 2024 at 11:44 am
The knee injury to Watson looked like it happened after he was already down out of bounds and a defender fell on his leg. A freak thing and nothing that could be done about it. I hope it's not serious but time will tell. The Packers are very careful with injuries and keep players out mostly to not make things worse. It would be great if he plays Sunday at the queens, but if not I think Melton can fill in nicely.
RCPackerFan
December 24, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Listening to LaFleurs presser it sounded like nothing serious.
I would like them to find a way to get Melton invovled for at least a few plays a game. He has serious speed.
Coldworld
December 24, 2024 at 01:10 pm
He did have a 10+ yard carry last night.
coolhand
December 24, 2024 at 12:25 pm
The only lame call I saw in this game was the RTP penalty on Cox.
NFLfan
December 24, 2024 at 01:10 pm
I think the Vikings game on th 29th will provide a more accurate barometer of the Packer's strengths/weaknesses.
Bitternotsour
December 24, 2024 at 01:32 pm
Even then it won't matter. nothing matters between now and week 19 save team health. winning or losing in Minnesota won't do anything other than potentially salve the psyches of our fragile fans. The season begins in week 20.
Ya_tittle
December 24, 2024 at 03:03 pm
With a win we could move up to the five seed.
dobber
December 24, 2024 at 03:49 pm
I think it's important to not be the 7 seed.
Bitternotsour
December 24, 2024 at 04:41 pm
not more important than being healthy. if you're a wild card you have to win the same number of games to win the super bowl, regardless of your seed. i guess if you wind up with a 6 vs 7 seed for the nfc championship seeding might matter to the green bay economy.
Oppy
December 24, 2024 at 10:41 pm
Some people think having to play the Eagles in the Wildcard is different than having to play the Rams. It seems like you are not one of those people.
LLCHESTY
December 25, 2024 at 12:21 am
Even if the teams were equal LA would be the easier place to play, there'd be more tickets available to Packer fans. On the field the Rams lines are not nearly as strong as the Eagles.
Bitternotsour
December 25, 2024 at 08:47 am
an interesting point regarding tickets. and yes, you're correct, I don't believe the opponent matters. if you can't beat the eagles at their place, it doesn't matter if it's week 20 or week 21.
win and keep playing. take care of your own business.
Heyjoe414
December 25, 2024 at 10:04 am
Bitter makes a good point about team health - and that the real season begins with the playoffs. They will need S Williams and JA back for those games.
Even so, beating the queens on the 29th is a very big deal. The games lost, 4, were at the hands of the Lions (twice), queens, and Eagles. And as uneven as those games were, the Packers had a chance to win. But close doesn't count. There are no moral victories, as the saying goes.
Beating the queens in their house two weeks before the playoffs is important psychologically for the team. And the game is important to the queens as well. Everyone knows what is at stake and each time will bring it.
A loss won't be the end of the world of course. We know the Packers are going on the road in the playoffs where they have historically done well. The best Christmas present this team can give itself and its fans is a victory in MN this Sunday.
Starrbrite
December 24, 2024 at 01:49 pm
Forgive for this but I felt Love’s game was average and perhaps should have been picked off; am I being nit picky?
I’m very excited to see what the pass rush will do bs the Vikings.
I compare Jacobs to Paul Hornung. He’s not super fast but can make people miss. Most importantly, he has a nose for the endzone. A more recent comparison is Maurice Jones-Drew.
Pound the Vikings…
Go Packers!!!
Rebelgb
December 24, 2024 at 02:05 pm
No your right. Im a Love fan and have been since he was drafted. I am also realistic and not a fan boy so I will be honest about my judgement. Love was not good last night. Yes he deserved credit for the throw aways, and he is great at feeling pressure. However, his accuracy is not looking good. The troubling thing is this was his issue in college. Lets face it he made a lot of BIG plays last year to wide open receivers. He needs to do better.
Minnesota will absolutely shut down our run game, at their home. Its what they do. We will need a short and mid length passing game to move the chains against MN. That is something we have not done well at all the last few weeks.
Fingers crossed Love will show up with his best game this weekend.
Starrbrite
December 24, 2024 at 06:40 pm
Absolutely agree
Packerpasty
December 24, 2024 at 06:44 pm
absolutely agree..his accuracy HAS to improve..
BAMABADGER
December 24, 2024 at 04:41 pm
1) The Saints are a very bad team, but shutting out any NFL team is nothing sneeze at.
2) Offense is running the ball extremely well the past weeks.
3) I don't know if it is Love or MLF play calls, but IMHO we are force feeding to many deep passes. Teams like the Vikes and Lions with a stout pass rush and frequent blitzing, quicker pass plays with our quality group of WRs/TEs please.
4) More under center play action going forward into the playoffs
5) Run, run, run and roll Love outside more against teams like Minni and Detroit.
GPG!! Marry Christmas to All Packer fans!
Rebelgb
December 26, 2024 at 10:37 am
Love has struggled throwing the ball on the run this year. Especially rolling to his left. He is good at feeling pressure in the pocket and stepping up; I wouldnt plan too many roll outs. He will get plenty of those when faced with pressure.