Packers 43 Vikings 34: Game Balls and Lame Calls

Unstoppable offense paves the way to impressive season opening victory.

Ah, so this is what the Matt LaFleur offense is supposed to look like. It's been a long time since I've seen the Packers offense execute this well throughout an entire game. I kept bracing myself for the usual second half offensive stall. No sir. Not this time. The Vikings were on their heels throughout as the Green and Gold, underrated and disrespected by the national talking suits, served notice they deserve to be in the early Super Bowl conversation. A lot of game balls to hand out after this one, starting at the top.

GAME BALLS

 

MATT LAFLEUR

From start to finish he called a brilliant game, using all of his weapons, mixing run and pass beautifully. I especially enjoyed the way he stayed aggressive in the 4th quarter instead of trying to sit on his leads.

 

AARON RODGERS

So great to see QB12 throwing on schedule, taking checkdowns, regaining his long ball accuracy. A minimum of holding the ball and having to throw it away. 364 passing yards and 4 touchdowns.....that was an MVP worthy performance. If he is playing with a chip on his shoulder, I hope he stays mad all year.

 

DAVANTE ADAMS

He figured to feast on the Vikings' young corners, and he did he ever. 14 catches for 156 yards and 2 scores. Is there anybody better at footwork on the boundary? Rodgers simply kept going to him until Minnesota did something to stop it. They never did. Wonder if the Lions will triple cover him next Sunday?

 

THE OFFENSIVE LINE

They kept Rodgers clean throughout the game. No sacks. Few pressures. This despite having to shuffle personnel the whole game. Elgton Jenkins had to bounce from right tackle to left guard after Lucas Patrick went down. Rick Wagner held up at right tackle despite limited training camp practice. Rookie Jon Runyan did not embarrass himself after being pressed into duty at right guard after the Lane Taylor injury. The Packers showed depth at this position, despite concern going in, and apparently depth is something they're going to need.

 

JAIRE ALEXANDER

He shouldn't have gotten burned by Adam Thielen for the long TD pass late in the game, but he made two huge plays that kept the momentum on the Packers sideline when it was in danger of shifting. The safety took the wind out of the Vikings after they were pumped up by their goal line stand. The interception killed Kirk Cousins first half confidence and made him nervous the rest of the half.

 

LAME CALLS

 

MIKE PETTINE'S ULTRA-SOFT PREVENT DEFENSE

Wouldn't it be great if you could just relax in the 4th quarter, knowing your defense was going to finish off the game? Not with Pettine. What is most frustrating is that, even though the secondary drops back into a different zip code, opposing receivers still seem to get behind them for big plays. Thank goodness the offense was able to keep pouring it on. There's no way the Vikings should have been able to put up 34 in this game.

 

THOSE LATE PLAYS

It's an old bugaboo that is still there. The Packers wasted five, count them, five timeouts. Whether it's because the calls were late, or because Rodgers took too long to scan the defense, this has got to stop. It's a good thing we didn't need those timeouts in a close game.

 

SHORT YARDAGE

---It looks like we're just going to have to take the good with the bad when it comes to Marques Valdes-Scantling. Two great catches down field, one for a touchdown, two terrible drops on wide open patterns when the ball was put right in his hands. This is how it's going to be with MVS. Love him or hate him, or both.

---Who needs tight ends? Green Bay's offense thrived despite the fact only one reception was made by a tight end.

---By the way, if I told you only one tight end was going to catch a pass, would you have guessed it would be rookie Josiah DeGuara?

---Another solid game by Alan Lazard, who did nothing to diminish his standing as the number two wideout. Also thought he looked good as a runner on the jet sweep.

---My favorite snapshot of the game was Rodgers giving a big hug to MVS after his long TD catch.   You could tell Aaron was really pulling for him and happy for him.

---Overall, I was amazed at how clean and relatively mistake free the game was. Plenty of tackles were missed, but not as many as I anticipated. League-wide, play was reasonably smooth. Could this mean the end of preseason games?

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

__________________________

15 points
 

Comments (88)

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

September 14, 2020 at 06:24 am

A. Rodgers was other worldly yesterday. I'm in awe of how he can fit the ball into such a tight window. It was nice that he stayed aggressive all game and was having fun! Loved most of the new plays except for that attempted "trick" play at the goal line (you have 3 downs to punch it in and decide to get too cute). Hope all the players are fast healers. After the slow red zone start it was fun to watch MLF's game plan just dominate. Rodgers went back to MVS after the drop (caveat it was on a "free play" when Minnesota D jumped off side, but it seemed to help MVS get some confidence back). Love this team and looking forward to seeing next week! The one problem with MLF's offense is, from what I've read, it is extremely wordy and with a QB who likes to take his time reading the defense it left less time for that and I hated to see the time outs to avoid DOG penalty. Other than that it was a joy to see Arod taking the short passes (which "surprise" opened up the long stuff later). This will be a fun offense to watch. Liked that the rookies got some playing time.

6 points
8
2
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:46 am

I thought we saw glimpses of the playbook until it became clear that there really was no need to do anything other than run and throw to receivers.

Was impressed with the blocking from Jace and Deguara’s off the ball play. I think we will come to like this TE group and that we will see them do more in other games.

I have to give credit to Barnes. After the first drive he settled in and smash some plays. Without Greene and Martin ( about whom I’m excited) I was not at all optimistic before Clark went down. In fact we did a decent job.

LaFleur deserves praise for not letting up. Pettine deserves a kick up the butt. Not only did we play incredibly soft coverage but we went totally vanilla and let Cousins not have to worry at all in the second half. This needs to stop.

As we saw last year, it doesn’t slow opponents because it doesn’t suit our players and we don’t do it well. It’s more likely to lead to injuries in my view since games can become frenetic when it is porous. Better teams will punish it. Shut down their offense till It’s mikes out of reach! LaFleur needs to make sure Pettine is under no illusion about that.

What are we doing carrying Burks? If he was injured I don’t know what to say. At some point enough is enough.

EQ is also a surprise. He doesn’t play special teams. His only route to active status maybe injury. Even then, would Taylor be the next man up?

I guess there is a good chance M Adams gets to show us his worth next week now. Depending on how that goes, there may be three players who need to think whether they want to play football. There are now PS candidates that might be better value on game day.

7 points
7
0
CheesyTex's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:02 am

Really good points, Coldworld.

Barnes did get off to a good start -- including one outstanding tackle that was a momentum changer.

With Clark injured and the ability to shuffle players up and down from the practice squad this year, there should be better options than going with Adams. Perhaps a true NT like Daylon Mack or a banger like De'Jon Harris at LB would fit the bill. From all reports to date, both players are strong against the run, and shouldn't Pettine be able to scheme around the shortcomings that have them on the practice squad?

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:21 am

I think both may have ended up there to learn the scheme and establish fitness. If game ready, I would not be surprised to see either or both active next week.

I would not be shocked if Burks is a free agent by then. I don’t say it will happen, but his non appearance in favor of Barnes and Barnes’ subsequent play may be the final nail?

I’d be very worried if I was EQ too. There are PS squanders who have achieved more, will be learning our system and/or have real ST value.

4 points
4
0
dobber's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:05 am

The snap counts are telling...

They bring Barnes off the PS and start him over Burks who only plays a couple defensive snaps.

3 points
4
1
SterlingSharpe's picture

September 14, 2020 at 06:49 am

LOVE beating the Vikings, especially in their stadium.
Rodgers was a wizard out there.

MVS.... imagine if he had average hands. Imagine if he had good hands. Imagine if he had great hands.

Meanwhile, Randall Cobb was a non-factor in Houston as they lost.
And Fat Mike & the Cowboys lost in his debut.
The Bears got a lucky W in Detroit cuz the Lions rookie dropped an easy pass for a game-winning touchdown on the 2nd last play. Lions continue to be snakebitten, as they were against us last year 2 times.
Speaking of the Lions, next up!

2 points
5
3
jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:02 am

MVS's hands are fine. It's his concentration that is the issue. That can still be fixed. He could have had 150+ and 2 TDs and that is encouraging.

6 points
8
2
Lare's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:41 am

Interestingly, it seems that MVS has the most trouble catching perfectly thrown passes. His concentration then is what he's going do after the catch. On poorly thrown passes he concentrates more on catching the ball.

6 points
7
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:49 am

Reminds me of James Jones early on. Exasperating but growing pains not a physical limitation.

5 points
6
1
13TimeChamps's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:05 am

James Jones had that issue for one year. He would make an amazing catch, then drop one that hit him right in the hands. This is MVS's 3rd year and he's still doing it. At what point is it not considered growing pains anymore?

0 points
3
3
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:27 am

MVS had a lot to learn. Really just big and fast and physically dominant in college. Never asked to do more than run deep.

I seem to recall Jones having that issue for more than one year, but, in any case, people learn at different speeds. The point is, MVS seems to be finally becoming a receiver. If he becomes even average at routes and concentration his upside is exciting.

As one not on the Lazard bandwagon particularly, and not seeing him having a comparable upside, I was very impressed with his play yesterday with and without being targeted. I think I may be proved wrong, just as I think you may be too.

3 points
4
1
13TimeChamps's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:54 am

Fair points, and we'll see how things pan out.

For me, I'll take Lazard's dependability all day long over MVS's seemingly endless 'upside' waiting to happen. His drops today could have cost us the game.

Like you say, we may both be proven wrong. Personally, I hope they both have long, successful careers with GB, with multiple Pro Bowls between them.

1 points
3
2
holmesmd's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:01 am

The same thing was said about Adams his first 3 years. Apparently you all forgot how many balls he dropped back then? Now the guy is a top 3 WR in the NFL. Be positive and patient. MVS has size and speed that cannot be taught. The stuff leading to the drops CAN be fixed. If #12 and the coaches are sticking with MVS, we as fans should as well.

8 points
9
1
JerseyAl's picture

September 14, 2020 at 12:45 pm

This ^

2 points
2
0
PatrickGB's picture

September 14, 2020 at 02:09 pm

Yah, I remember the “Dropvante” moniker.

-1 points
0
1
jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:19 pm

That argument is stale and borderline lunacy. Adams was bagged in round two for a reason. His rookie year he made big plays as the number three guy, especially against New England in one of the more memorable games at Lambeau, period. He was fighting through a bad ankle most of year two. He was the guy behind Nelson and Cobb in the pecking order, but any semi-sober fan could see his get-off and footwork were reminiscent of Rice.
No comparison with MVS. Brick hand s and mental lapses were the line on MVS coming out of college. He showed Sunday, but could not maintain the consistent Focus a Pro must display. Lazard has the hands. He makes his catches.

0 points
1
1
13TimeChamps's picture

September 15, 2020 at 07:41 pm

"That argument is stale and borderline lunacy. Adams was bagged in round two for a reason."

Thank you!

0 points
0
0
PeteK's picture

September 14, 2020 at 02:40 pm

Lazard is by far the #2 receiver. I think MVS will improve, but if yesterday was a closer game those drops would have been disastrous. When going for a championship you can't have crucial drops like that. I'll be holding my breath when a pass goes his way next week.

1 points
1
0
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

September 14, 2020 at 01:33 pm

Both James Jones and Jordy had issues with drops early on in their career. MVS didn't get much chance to develop last year b/c of his ankle injury. Still a young WR and can still improve. Yesterday should build his confidence.

3 points
3
0
4thand1's picture

September 14, 2020 at 05:19 pm

JJ dropped a sure TD in the super bowl. Wasn't his 1st or 2nd year. Jordy had 2 horrible drops too.

1 points
2
1
NoNonsense's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:51 am

I know it was a smaller sample size because of less opportunities but MVS dropped as many balls as Davante Adams did in that game. I dont think the wide open drop on the crosser will happen again this season because I'm sure he will be more careful to look the ball into his hands in that situation. The long ball drop was also a bit overthrown but it hit him in the hands and he just has to come up with that catch. I'm still on the MVS train, he will be better I just know it.

Rough game by Savage and I wouldnt be shocked he ends up in the concussion protocol after his tackle of Mattison late in the game. He got up wobbly and woosy after that hit.

The Dline needs reinforcements like most predicted, with Clark out it is as obvious as anything. Gute can not afford to sit on his hands about this, bring up Mack and Previllon or go get some Snacks. Cut Montravius or put him on IR until hes fully healthy.

Some nice plays by UDFA Kris Barnes, he made some great stops with 2 TFL.

Oh and yeah AJ Dillon is averaging 7 ypc after game 1. That is sure to drop if they start using him at the goal line or in short yardage but he gonna break some big ones too on 3rd or 4th and 1s. Would have liked to see him get a goal line carry or two but because Jones has been so good at scoring in that area, I can only say it in hindsight when they didnt score. Dillon had a 41" vertical and over 10 ft broad jump, give him the ball in the I formation and just let him dive into the endzone.

9 points
9
0
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2020 at 07:34 pm

This was posted by Cam Mellor on Jan 21st (twitter):
AJ Dillon for his career -- against stacked boxes:

636 attempts
3,197 yards
2,154 yards after contact
33 touchdowns
139 first downs
133 missed tackles forced
2 fumbles lost

That's over 5 YPC vs. 8 or more defenders in the box.
I'd be surprised if Dillon sees 30 stacked boxes in a full season while playing in Green Bay.

2 points
3
1
canadapacker's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:14 am

Not so sharp sterling - I was pulling for MM and Dallas. I think that while he overstayed his tenure in GB - maybe some of that was TT. So calling him Ft Mike is not warranted. I believe that he is a good fit with Dak as long as Gerry can get him signed. Kind of wonder about Dallas's defense and that has been a MM problem.
We really are fortunate that we are playing the Lions at GB next week. Although it was one of those last minute heroic games last year along with some ? calls on their D. But as long as our receivers keep getting open and catching the ball we should have a good offensive game. AP had 91 yards against the Bears - and we had better shut down Amendola and Hockensen.

That Tyler Ervin is deadly on those toss sweeps - if that doesnt keep a team honest what does.

5 points
6
1
Sureshot's picture

September 14, 2020 at 07:01 am

Agree with all of this

I would add one special gameball for Deguara just for the play where he strikes out 2 players on one block.
I litterally jumped of my couch screaming on this one

15 points
15
0
PeteK's picture

September 14, 2020 at 02:45 pm

They were like bowling pins! There was also an earlier play where he bulldozed right through the defense, and if Jones had followed him he would have been in the end zone.

2 points
3
1
Lphill's picture

September 14, 2020 at 07:27 am

Lame call , using Jones at the goal line in the first quarter , they left 6 points there.

Lame call , Pettine playing the linebackers deep on their goal line defense.

Game ball to Rodgers , without him nobody shines on offense.

4 points
5
1
Cubbygold's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:16 am

I think they had second and goal at the one. Ran once, passed twice. Would have been nice to see williams or dillon get that carry. Would have also been nice for MLF to just say "I trust my o-line can get us one yard on three carries" and just ran it right up the middle.

2 points
3
1
GBFaninCA's picture

September 14, 2020 at 12:10 pm

Jones was amazing at the goal line last year, how do you think he racked up so many Touchdowns? I sucked we didn't get in, but I would prefer he get those touches there.

-2 points
1
3
jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:28 pm

Missed blocks, no push.

1 points
1
0
Harold Drake's picture

September 14, 2020 at 07:32 am

Very good points. I particularly endorse your suspicion that there will be an end to pre-season games or they will be limited to only one or two even though the NFL owners are a greedy bunch and anxious to keep the revenues from those silly contests.

2 points
3
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:33 am

Watching other games and the Vikings, I think the case for the opposite conclusion is actually stronger. We didn’t look rusty at first chance, but we were flattered I think by how easy it was on O and by Pettine effectively obscuring the issue with so much soft D.

-2 points
0
2
PeteK's picture

September 14, 2020 at 02:48 pm

Agree, at least two pre season games.

-3 points
0
3
mnbadger's picture

September 14, 2020 at 07:36 am

I hope ARod holds that chip on his shoulder for the next FOUR years! That was vintage AR. He's unstoppable when he throws like that and gets it out quickly. I never would have guessed we'd put up 43 and it could have been at least ten more. Great start, let's keep the G-Train rolling next week vs the lions. GPG

6 points
7
1
Guam's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:02 am

An absolute master class in quarterbacking by Rodgers - this looked more like Rodgers in 2014 or earlier rather than the more recent version. Lots of fun to watch!

Despite MVS's drops, he will have the attention of every D-Coordinator going forward. He took the roof off the Vikings defense with his long touchdown and the long drop. Even if he didn't secure the drop, every DC will know that should have been a touchdown because MVS got behind the defender. MVS may open up the middle of the field for Adams and Lazard.

4th quarter defense - Ugh! Ken Lass is spot on for calling out Pettine's soft as butter prevent defense. The defense will need to be better to have a shot at equaling last year's record. BTW Pettine apparently did NOT call the blitz where Alexander sacked Cousins for a safety. Alexander was free lancing on an expected running play and was too committed not to blitz when he say Cousins fake the handoff to Cook. At least according to our local paper......... Yikes!

8 points
9
1
Cubbygold's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:13 am

Lets hope MVS puts up a few more highlight reel plays like that next week. The more d-coordinators are paying attention to him running deep, the more effective MLF's run/short game becomes. Keep em off balance and always guessing.

5 points
5
0
dobber's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:07 am

Agreed...MVS doesn't have to be perfect, just effective.

4 points
5
1
jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:06 am

"Wouldn't it be great if you could just relax in the 4th quarter"

If Pettine keeps thinking the game is 3 quarters long he's going to find out the season is 8 games long. I was initially happy MLF kept him around but now I'm sick of his Capers impressions.

2 points
6
4
Fubared's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:26 am

My only comparison is I always wondered, did Capers design his D around players who werent that good? Maybe Capers was doing a great job with crapola players that the packers were happy to pay little money for.
I too see the same plan with Petunia and maybe thats why they kept him because he knew capers scheme and told them he would stick to it.
Without the smiths you got nothing. ALexander can hang with a tight end is pretty piss poor

-2 points
2
4
Leatherhead's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:33 am

How many games have we lost where we had a halftime lead with Pettine?

Answer = 0

2 points
6
4
murf7777's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:56 am

Great stat too many worry about the yards giving up in the prevent D. What’s important is W-L. It was always a two score lead.

0 points
3
3
dobber's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:11 am

Packers-Rams 2018
Packers-Seattle 2018
Packers-Arizona 2018

So, 3.

4 points
6
2
Leatherhead's picture

September 15, 2020 at 10:42 am

I can always count on Dobber to do the homework. Thank you. I should have been more specific and asked how many times we’ve lost after a halftime lead under LaFleur/Pettine.

Point is, the soft defense hasn’t cost us a single game.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

September 15, 2020 at 10:51 am

2018 was a lost season in so many ways.

-1 points
0
1
jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:47 am

Giving up 24 points in the 4th Quarter is not acceptable.

1 points
3
2
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:15 am

Actually it is from a team perspective given that we weren’t really under threat even then.

That said, this game was very one sided. It will eventually cost us, I agree. Most importantly it’s ineffective. Rather than eat time, we are so bad at it it actually seems counterproductive.

Finally, it is unnecessary. That is where LaFleur as head coach comes in. Pettine needs to be told to keep at it until games are in the 4th and wildly out of reach. It’s easily fixable by the team if they have concerns. As a fan, I hope that the team does after yesterday. I am not sure that they will see it that way though.

-1 points
1
2
Bure9620's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:33 am

Aaron Rodgers gets the game ball. He for the most part played within the framework of the offense and made some vintage Rodgers throws. The dime to MVS and the End zone sideline throw to Adams were ridiculous.....Davante Adams is honorable mention...also the MLF game plan was a very solid one, he stretched their defense horizontally and vertically...I am also officially a Josiah Deguara fan, kid is smooth and can block.

Lame call is Mike Pettine.....we were playing drop zone in the 4th Quarter, I get why, but we are not built to play cover 4 drop zone, and Pettine is not equipped to call/coach it........The Vikings began to move the ball at will against it.....The Kenny Clark injury is very concerning...if you think the run defense is porous now....losing Kenny Clark will make it much more so

7 points
8
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:53 am

Absolutely agree on Pettine and on the unsuitability of our players as a whole ( and particularly with absences in the middle today.

LaFleur needs to make clear to Pettine that this won’t fly. As a head coach that’s his call. It’s in Pettine’s interest as well as the team’s!

3 points
3
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:33 pm

If he wanted his own guy, then he should have hired him last year.

-1 points
0
1
mrtundra's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:13 am

How about giving Jaire Alexander a game ball for Defensive player of the game? Sack & Safety on Cousins and an INT. Nice play call by Pettine!

0 points
2
2
croatpackfan's picture

September 15, 2020 at 04:11 am

Did you notice that D lost Kenny Clark and Lancaster, Adams were inactive. Packers D was on Lowry and Keke only. Maybe this was the reason why Pettine was playing soft, time to run out, not to push anything else...

-1 points
0
1
croatpackfan's picture

September 15, 2020 at 04:12 am

Sorry, double post!

0 points
0
0
Fubared's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:22 am

1. Did not see a lot of rust, pretty impressed really.
2. Hope we didnt have long term injuries? Seems the O line is going down fast.
3. Kenny Clark looks like a fat slob because he is a fat slob.
4. MVS doesnt have a hands problem he has a mental concentration problem or needs his eyes checked.
Two huge passes should have been caught and the pack would have put 54 points on the board. Cant have that going forward. Has to be fixed or will bite them in the ass down the road.
Good game pack

-13 points
1
14
jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:48 am

" Kenny Clark looks like a fat slob because he is a fat slob."

Obviously you've lost your mind.

5 points
7
2
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2020 at 07:40 pm

Kenny Clark looks like a fat slob?

Dude, you officially have zero idea what you're talking about.

He's one of the most athletically built NT's of the last decade. He looks small for the position because he's lean and densely muscled, where most NT's pack on extra bad weight to help anchor.

You are way out in left field.

-1 points
1
2
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:30 am

“By the way, if I told you only one tight end was going to catch a pass, would you have guessed it would be rookie Josiah DeGuara?”

Not a surprise. They drafted this kid to play at a key position in LaFleur’s system. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of DeGuara as the season progresses.

7 points
7
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:37 pm

He will be the starter at some point. A playmaker his entire career for the Bearcats.

0 points
1
1
SterlingSharpe's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:32 am

Packers deserved 2 losses last year vs the Lions. But got 2 W's.

Time to play a full 4 quarters.

Packers 48
Lions 24

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:17 am

I hear that the lions may be drafting in corners. We will see, but they have injury woes.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:53 am

Game Balls:

Gutekunst -
We saw his mark on this team! Everyone was just bashing him all offseason for taking Love, and not getting Rodgers any weapons, and they are trying to lose for the future. We have heard it all.
I don't know if we can go as far to say that the Jordan Love pick made Rodgers better, but Rodgers looked like Aaron Rodgers. Not the guy from the last 2 years. Almost everyone of his throws were on the mark. If the Love pick helped make Rodgers get back to his normal self, then there is no better pick then Love.
The other picks really flashed too. Dillon had 2 very nice runs. You can see he is getting eased into it, but man could he be an exciting player to have at the end of the year. Deguara already made the block of the year! Taking out 2 guys with 1 block. You can see he is going to be a huge part of the offense. Have to think Kamal Martin would have been a starter had he not gotten hurt. But in his place UDFA Krys Barnes surprisingly started. And even more surprising he played really well. He made one hell of a play to tackle Cook on a scream. Another draft pick Jon Runyan came in and looked good as far as I could tell.
Ricky Wagner came in and looked just fine at RT.

Rodgers -
Lets just say that if we get this version of Rodgers all year, I will use my Lucius Fox voice and say "good Luck" to defenses. He was on a mission. I can only think of a couple of passes that were off the mark and weren't catchable. He had 3 true drops, 1 for sure would have been a TD, 1 that would have been a huge gain, and another with MVS that if he catches it, he likely gains 20+ yards. Another play Rodgers hits Adams on the sideline and they ruled it not a catch. Its one that Adams needs to not bobble. If those 4 passes are caught, His numbers are 36-44 for probably 460+/- (I would say around 100 more yards), 5TD's. His numbers were already really good, but if those are caught damn, his numbers look even better.

Lame Calls:

Injuries -
This seems to be a theme every year. Losing 2 OL was definitely not a good thing. And also to lose Clark, was not a good thing at all.
it will be interesting to see if they bring someone else in. Velhdeer or Snacks?

Short Yardage:
I really like some of the new rules they have in place. Bringing up 2 players from the PS. Shorter IR. Suiting 48 players. I really like those rules they have. I hope they keep going forward with some of them.

2 points
3
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:58 am

I think we will see Draylon Mack on the active roster next week. At this point he may be inexperienced but he is an legitimate NT.

3 points
3
0
RCPackerFan's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:02 am

The one reason why I do wonder about Snacks is because he said the Packers have reached out to him. Well I wonder if maybe they told him, that if they have an injury they will want to bring him in. If they can keep Mack on the PS and add Snacks, that might be the best overall situation?

But yeah, I could see them going strictly with Mack as well. Which honestly would probably have the best chance for it to happen.

0 points
1
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:24 am

Snacks is a possibility where a post week one signing is a lot more attractive. His body hasn’t held up well lately.

I think it depends on the severity of Clark’s injury and if Adams can hit the field and what he does or doesn’t do if he does. If Clarke is down for a while an Adams fails to impact I could see both Snacks and Mack.

3 points
3
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:09 am

Was surprised Velhdeer wasn't immediately offered a contract by GB in the offseason. Was even more surprised he wasn't picked up by another team. So yeah, I think bringing him back now makes a ton of sense, but apparently 32 other GMs didn't see what I thought I was seeing in the playoffs last year.

0 points
1
1
RCPackerFan's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:06 am

Which maybe there is something about him that we don't know. I am not sure.
I just know that he is a proven veteran that would be great as a backup. Especially if Taylor is out long term. On the field he makes a lot of sense to bring in, and bring in soon!

-2 points
0
2
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:30 am

I really think that yesterday probably ends any likelihood of Veldheer being signed. Our injuries were at guard not tackle and Wagner held up pretty well after Jenkins had before he moved back. Turner is likely back next week. Runyan was not a liability. If we sign anyone probably would be a Guard if Taylor is indeed out for a long time and then maybe to the PS.

1 points
1
0
Guam's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:15 am

I believe if he was offered a contract during the offseason and he made the 53, his contract would then be guaranteed for the year. If he is signed after the first game (i.e. now), his contract is not guaranteed for the season. Gives the Packers a lot more financial flexibility signing him now. Not sure they will, but if it is going to happen it will be this week.

1 points
2
1
Kevin Mammoser's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:06 am

Did we forget about Tyler Ervin's INCREDIBLE speed on those sweeps?!

9 points
9
0
Cubbygold's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:07 am

Two things I noticed yesterday that I hope continue throughout the season...

1 - the big plays on offense were set up by the small plays early in the game. This is what great teams do to drive defenses crazy, get them on their heels and unable to attack.

2 - Rodgers wasn't waiting until 0:01 to snap the ball every play

3 points
3
0
Dzehren's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:11 am

Great to see MVS & Lizard connecting with QB 1

4 points
4
0
murf7777's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:51 am

I thought the TE’s were going to get more catches. One of you smart posters corrected me stating WR’s would have their day against the rookie CB’s. Oh, how right your were. I stand corrected. Impressed with MLF game plan with multiple movements and game adjustments.

3 points
4
1
dobber's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:15 am

...I think we see more play for the TEs against Detroit who isn't nearly as formidable at LB and S as the Vikings. If Okudah doesn't play, it's all fair game.

1 points
2
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:32 am

Except they are really hurting at cb I think. Otherwise I agree with your logic.

1 points
1
0
cheesehead1's picture

September 14, 2020 at 10:15 am

Rodgers was the best I’ve seen him in ages. It’s feast or famine with MVS. Very inconsistent hands similar to J. Finley. Hope he can keep working hard in practice and concentrate. This D still worries me. Good offenses are likely to light them up.

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2020 at 11:36 am

I really hope Greene can get healthy and stay there. If Barnes starts this weekend at ILB 2 and Redmond has to play Hybrid and Burks doesn’t feature I really think it’s time to move on from Burks. Just do not get that.

0 points
1
1
RedRight49's picture

September 14, 2020 at 01:08 pm

A Gold Gilded Game Ball to Number 12 - he looked terrific, very accurate and took what the defense gave him to take.

Rodgers made some throws that were almost surreal for a QB playing with limited practices and in a revamped offensive system.

Adams was great, Jenkins great and Alexander played with game changing ability.

Ervin demonstrated he can become a real weapon in this offense.

If there is a hybrid - game ball - lame ball I would hand it to ( not pass it to ) MVS, man he has some real talent but, those drops.

Lame - was the run stuffing game and the too soft D allowing too many points in just a matter of minutes.

A bit lame was the inability to blast the ball into the end zone in short yardage - expected to see a jumbo type package ( maybe injuries depleted same) and
AJ Dillon road grading a couple of yards with Viking defenders.

To me the announcing was a bit lame - seldom called out the yards gained on a run or a pass completion.

Overall a terrific start to a season unlike any other.

4 points
4
0
PatrickGB's picture

September 14, 2020 at 02:19 pm

Red, Your last point on the announcing was spot on. But sadly that’s the trend from the TV box announcers today.

0 points
1
1
RedRight49's picture

September 15, 2020 at 10:26 am

Thanks! And you are right, the announcers seem at times to be trending away from the pure basics of the game, seldom mentioning the yards gained on runs or completed passes, who made a key block and more. And saw very few booth replays of nice runs and close-ups of the blocking for the rbs or the blocking for the WRs.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

September 15, 2020 at 10:53 am

My impression was that Wayne and Larry weren't in MN covering the game. Their comments seemed to point that way.

0 points
1
1
CheesyTex's picture

September 14, 2020 at 06:53 pm

Red.

LMAO. "...would hand it to (not pass it to) MVS...

3 points
3
0
RedRight49's picture

September 15, 2020 at 10:33 am

Very glad you enjoyed the subtle comment - he has some real talent but man, those pass drops gotta get corrected!

1 points
1
0
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2020 at 07:44 pm

Biggest factor in the improvement on offense yesterday was the QB ran the offense as it's drawn up and called by the HC/OC.

We haven't seen that consistently for years.

-3 points
1
4
edp1959's picture

September 14, 2020 at 08:22 pm

Were you on the sideline and in the huddle? Tell us how the game plan is available to you and how you know what plays were called. Your hatred for Rodgers shows in every ridiculous comment you make.

3 points
4
1
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2020 at 09:38 pm

There's little I can do to help you understand.

Last year, the QB was running about 50% of plays from the old playbook. The QB was holding the ball too long, passing by open targets underneath looking for a deep shot to his "favorite" target. The QB was wasting time at the LOS changing the plays and routes and protections down to the last moment on the playclock instead of getting out of the huddle and getting the play off quickly. The HC let him have it on the sideline more than once. The HC and the QB coach both talked about the tempo at the LOS not being what it's supposed to be. The QB told reporters there was nothing wrong with the amount of time being spent at the LOS, no concerns... then the QB coach told the media the same day it certainly isn't what they're looking for. Pretty easy to see QB1 wasn't taking the coaching.

Perhaps you should read up on the coaching tree LeFleur's offense comes from. Maybe you should look into how his system has been run previously. Maybe you could look at how similar the playcalls in yesterday's game looked in comparison to the game or two that Adams was sidelined last year and Rodgers had no choice but to run the plays the Coach was calling in.

It doesn't take an "inside ear" to understand what this offense is designed to be. It's obvious if you: 1) Have an understanding of LeFleur's history, 2) Listen to what he and his coaching staff tell you the system is supposed to be, 3) Look at the personnel acquired and kept on the 53 man roster.

I think Rodgers is an incredibly talented QB that has let his ego hurt the Packers organization over the last 4 years. He blocked out all outside criticism of his mechanics and refused to work on bad habits that had crept into his play. He believed he knew better than his coaches and decided to do things his way. It was a breath of fresh air to see he re-assessed his mechanics this off-season, and to see him run the offense as it's intended yesterday. Just because you don't understand doesn't mean my statements are ridiculous.

-1 points
3
4
edp1959's picture

September 15, 2020 at 04:55 am

Bla, Bla, Bla...the fact is you can't prove Rodgers isn't changing all of the plays at the line or even what percentage that is happening. When I see a comment like that from you or anyone else I have to laugh, unless you are on that field it's just plain ignorant to make.

0 points
1
1
fordguy's picture

September 15, 2020 at 03:14 pm

So, Rodgers played within the system and that's because of Lefleur? Did you pay attention to the fact that they had to go to the arm band because the plays are so long? And last but not least how many times did they take a timeout because of the time clock? 5, yup 5 times but I suppose that's on Rogers too?

0 points
1
1
Oppy's picture

September 15, 2020 at 04:54 pm

Well, Fordguy, Rodgers has been taking timeouts at the LOS because he wastes so much time fiddling since McCarthy "handed him the keys" to the offense in 2011- long before the arm band. Crazy how many plays Rodgers was at the LOS with 20 seconds left on the play clock, too.

You do realize there's at least three teams in the NFL running basically the same system.

Figure it out. It's the QB who has a time management problem. It's because he feels the need to tamper with every single facet of the plays.

2 points
2
0
13TimeChamps's picture

September 15, 2020 at 08:25 pm

Crappy CarGuy....actually his name is Rodgers. I know he's only been on the team for 16 years, but still....

-1 points
0
1
MTmind's picture

September 15, 2020 at 09:46 am

MVS - nobody seems to recall (now or prior to the season when they were screaming about no WR being taken in the draft) how many drops Adams committed until it all clicked for him. Same thing is happening for MVS, along with the glowing commentary from Aaron about his his ability and high ceiling.

The Defense (with the exception of going into a Prevent formation) is playing aggressively. This can lead to both big turnovers and lost yardage, but also big plays by the opposing Offense once in awhile.

Why draft a RB built like a bowling ball if they aren’t going to use him at the goal line?

2 points
2
0