Ryan Grant = 15 carries for 20 yards
Graham / Dunn = 36 carries for 174 yards
Intolerable! The offensive line stinks. The Pride of the Packers should be their offensive line!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Bears Fans
There are two Bears fans I talk football with. Both are good students of the game and have interesting opinions. First there is "Steve the Hotdog" guy. His family owns a classic Chicago style hotdog / Italian beef joint near my office. He's a huge sports fan and a bit of a NFL gambler.
After the Bears lost to Tampa Bay in overtime he cancelled himself off the waiting list for Bears tickets. He was a big Brian Griese fan when the Bears had him. He has been a critic of Rex Grossman even during their Super Bowl season in 2005. He didn't have much to say this week even when I asked him for his scouting report. I think he'd prefer to talk about the Cubs right now.
Then there is Jonathan the Chicago-sized Janitor. Jonathan played defensive tackle in high school and has the knees and weight problem for his effort. He has a good football mind and has a good eye for line play. He noted that Charles Tillman got some blame for a critcal late game penalty, but it was a team loss. Check the Bears' grades in the Chicago Sun-Times here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1177361,CST-SPT-grades22.article
Def. backs
D Charles Tillman's day said it all: a key forced fumble and 11 tackles but an inexcusable penalty that paved the way for defeat.
I didn't watch this game, but the Bears need to beat the Eagles this weekend to avoid a 1-3 start. The Eagles almost beat the Giants so the Bears could be on the ropes early. Will the Bucs be as pass happy against the Packers without Al Harris?
Update: For more information on the Tillman vs. Trueblood fight check here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1178693,bowen092208.article
It looks like the Packers can expect a "chippy" Tampa team.
After the Bears lost to Tampa Bay in overtime he cancelled himself off the waiting list for Bears tickets. He was a big Brian Griese fan when the Bears had him. He has been a critic of Rex Grossman even during their Super Bowl season in 2005. He didn't have much to say this week even when I asked him for his scouting report. I think he'd prefer to talk about the Cubs right now.
Then there is Jonathan the Chicago-sized Janitor. Jonathan played defensive tackle in high school and has the knees and weight problem for his effort. He has a good football mind and has a good eye for line play. He noted that Charles Tillman got some blame for a critcal late game penalty, but it was a team loss. Check the Bears' grades in the Chicago Sun-Times here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1177361,CST-SPT-grades22.article
Def. backs
D Charles Tillman's day said it all: a key forced fumble and 11 tackles but an inexcusable penalty that paved the way for defeat.
I didn't watch this game, but the Bears need to beat the Eagles this weekend to avoid a 1-3 start. The Eagles almost beat the Giants so the Bears could be on the ropes early. Will the Bucs be as pass happy against the Packers without Al Harris?
Update: For more information on the Tillman vs. Trueblood fight check here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1178693,bowen092208.article
It looks like the Packers can expect a "chippy" Tampa team.
Guest Column!
Feeling Conflicted Over the 2008 Packers? You Aren’t Alone!
by Kate of Southeast Wisconsin
August 2008
I love Brett Favre, and I still love the Packers. I just don't love the current Packer administration. I remember when Favre just started. My brother use to just swear at the TV when Brett threw a wild pass while trying to make something happen. That man has heart, heart for the game and for the people of Wisconsin. What’s not to love?
My favorite picture of Brett will always be at the SB when he was running with his helmet off after we scored. He looked like a kid having the time of his life. Last year someone gave me that picture for Christmas. It was the best present ever. I will cherish it always. I look at it and it takes me back to that very moment. I cried for him when his dad passed and will never forget that game. He came out on the field and did it for his dad. Who does that? Only Brett Favre.
It is easily to understand why he left. After a MVP kind of season how could he not be wanted by the GM and coaching staff? How could so many Packer fans so quickly turn against a once-in-a-lifetime iconic Packer? How many time have Favre and the Packers won the division? I don't understand what is wrong with these people.
I was never upset about the Packers’ loss to the Giants last January. If the Pack lost to anyone, I am glad it was the eventual champs. I wanted just as badly as anyone to return to the SB against the Pats. But it didn't happen, and I was not even depressed this time. I was so thankful we went as far as we did with that young team, and I was proud of Brett for leading so well and coming so very close. Who would have thought back then we would be here now watching “Brett the Jet” eight months later?
What boggles my mind is how Thompson and McCarthy could make such an obvious mistake. I believe if they felt this way by the end of last season, then they deliberately did not make Favre feel welcome to come back and play this year. And I believe they pushed for his answer knowing that he would have needed more time. They knew Brett well enough and took advantage of that. Their first mistake was thinking he would just say “screw it” if he changed his mind and stay retired. How could they forget how much Favre loves playing football?
I actually found myself torn during the Denver preseason game. Part of me sort of wanted Rodgers to play poorly just to spite Ted Thompson, local anti-Favre sports journalists, and spoiled and even hateful fans that are happy to be rid of one of the greatest Packers of all time. But I also want the Packers to play well. I’ve never been so conflicted about the Packers. I missed the drive and desire that I had in years like 2003 and 2007. I enjoyed watching Driver and some of the others including the rookies to see which ones had the most potential. But unconditional support wasn’t there, and I really miss that. But now I have two teams to follow and cheer for! It will be a big change this year, and one that may take some getting use to.
by Kate of Southeast Wisconsin
August 2008
I love Brett Favre, and I still love the Packers. I just don't love the current Packer administration. I remember when Favre just started. My brother use to just swear at the TV when Brett threw a wild pass while trying to make something happen. That man has heart, heart for the game and for the people of Wisconsin. What’s not to love?
My favorite picture of Brett will always be at the SB when he was running with his helmet off after we scored. He looked like a kid having the time of his life. Last year someone gave me that picture for Christmas. It was the best present ever. I will cherish it always. I look at it and it takes me back to that very moment. I cried for him when his dad passed and will never forget that game. He came out on the field and did it for his dad. Who does that? Only Brett Favre.
It is easily to understand why he left. After a MVP kind of season how could he not be wanted by the GM and coaching staff? How could so many Packer fans so quickly turn against a once-in-a-lifetime iconic Packer? How many time have Favre and the Packers won the division? I don't understand what is wrong with these people.
I was never upset about the Packers’ loss to the Giants last January. If the Pack lost to anyone, I am glad it was the eventual champs. I wanted just as badly as anyone to return to the SB against the Pats. But it didn't happen, and I was not even depressed this time. I was so thankful we went as far as we did with that young team, and I was proud of Brett for leading so well and coming so very close. Who would have thought back then we would be here now watching “Brett the Jet” eight months later?
What boggles my mind is how Thompson and McCarthy could make such an obvious mistake. I believe if they felt this way by the end of last season, then they deliberately did not make Favre feel welcome to come back and play this year. And I believe they pushed for his answer knowing that he would have needed more time. They knew Brett well enough and took advantage of that. Their first mistake was thinking he would just say “screw it” if he changed his mind and stay retired. How could they forget how much Favre loves playing football?
I actually found myself torn during the Denver preseason game. Part of me sort of wanted Rodgers to play poorly just to spite Ted Thompson, local anti-Favre sports journalists, and spoiled and even hateful fans that are happy to be rid of one of the greatest Packers of all time. But I also want the Packers to play well. I’ve never been so conflicted about the Packers. I missed the drive and desire that I had in years like 2003 and 2007. I enjoyed watching Driver and some of the others including the rookies to see which ones had the most potential. But unconditional support wasn’t there, and I really miss that. But now I have two teams to follow and cheer for! It will be a big change this year, and one that may take some getting use to.
Silver Linings and Looming Clouds
McCarthy did two things I like. He took a chance playing LB Brandon Chillar instead of Brady Poppinga. Jason Witten caught 7 for 67 yards, but didn't kill us. They took T.O. out of the game. And the Packers pressured Romo. With three sacks and two intentional grounding penalties.
It was a loss to be sure, but the Packers did some thing right. The second long pass to Miles Austin was the "dagger" and that's Tramon Williams. It was 3rd & 20. Tramon is going to play a lot now with Harris hurt. Brian Griese is without his #1 WR Joey Galloway so Williams will play against against reserve veteran WRs Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard, and Maurice Stovall. Clayton had 5 catches last week and Hilliard had 6, so they do get the ball. Last week Griese put the ball up 67 times against the Bears so Tramon will have his chances. I have a little more confidence in Williams than Bush or Blackmon, but not much at this point.
It was a loss to be sure, but the Packers did some thing right. The second long pass to Miles Austin was the "dagger" and that's Tramon Williams. It was 3rd & 20. Tramon is going to play a lot now with Harris hurt. Brian Griese is without his #1 WR Joey Galloway so Williams will play against against reserve veteran WRs Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard, and Maurice Stovall. Clayton had 5 catches last week and Hilliard had 6, so they do get the ball. Last week Griese put the ball up 67 times against the Bears so Tramon will have his chances. I have a little more confidence in Williams than Bush or Blackmon, but not much at this point.
Cowboys 27 - Packers 16
Pretty much what I expected - and in is at least comforting that I know this team. Except for Aaron Rodgers who has exceeded expectations to this point. Rodgers wasn't great, but that was a tough third game and few are pointing blame in his direction.
Cowboys rushed for 217 yards on 35 carries for 6.2 per carry. On the ground the Packers were better than against the Giants netting 84 yards in 21 carries for a 4.0 average. Against Dallas last year, the Packers netted 124 yards on 19 carries for 5.8 ypc Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD.
There were no breakaways this year. Grant got stripped on his second carry after a nice gain. Fans came to their feet and the D held Dallas to 3 yards. So there was some fighting spirit at least both on and off the field. Rodgers put the ball up 39 times without a pick and came up with 21 receptions for 290 yards. And he lived to tell the tale getting sacked 5 times. He's going to have to work on getting rid of the ball, and hopefully he'll do that before he gets crunched. There were two untouched rushers at Rodgers I think.
Dallas pulled away after the Packers failed to covert Donald Driver's 50 yard catch & run. The Packers had advanced to the Dallas 8 yard line. Grant runs for 2 and Rodgers is sacked for -1 and -7 yards. The FG brought the score to Dallas 13 Packers 9, but then it was time for Marion Barber and some guy named Miles Austin to finish off the fighting Packer defense.
I made a point about writing about the Packers' DL in my last post. I think Cullen Jenkins played better than expected in his tough assignment vs. Flozell Adams. McGinn singles him out as the best lineman in his grades. He correctly notes that Dallas guard Leonard Davis had Ryan Pickett on the ground alot and that this was the first that has ever happened to Pickett in a Packer uniform. Now Leonard was a second round pick of the Cardinals in 2001. I guess he
Listen to Wayne and Larry describe the seal block Jason Whitten put on Mike Montgomery to spring Felix Jones. There is an example of a guy who needs to start making an impact. Aaron Rouse is another. And now with Al Harris injured we will see Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, and Patrick Lee. Anybody here wanna play football like Charles Woodson? Right off the STATS news wire:
Mar. 4 3:03 PM PT4:03 PM MT5:03 PM CT6:03 PM ET-The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with free agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis on a seven-year contract worth nearly $50 million, a story posted on the team's official Web site reported Sunday. The team had not yet announced the deal.
Analysis: Davis, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Texas, spent his first six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He played guard for the first four seasons and switched to left tackle in 2004. He started 91 games for the Cardinals, including all 16 last season, but never became the overpowering Pro Bowl-level player the team envisioned.
I guess some big money free agents do work out. Given the troubles we had at guard last year that persist into this year, such a signing should be judiciously considered. Perhaps though given the uncertainty at QB and the unpredictable fall-out it was sensible to keep that power dry? You only get to "take a shot" at a big-$ FA every few years. But it sure is hard to read about "An old-fashioned whuppin'" as McGinn correctly labelled it while we sort out the Barbies and Sittons.
In free agency, you never know when a game changing player is a good fit and wants to be a Packer. If there is not the cap space when it is REALLY needed, it can be devastating to a franchise. But let's take not that a dominating guard and a couple of really good RBs played a major role in this loss.
Finally, the Packers kick return units did nothing while the coverage units were effective. I was hoping for a lift from the return unit. So while it was a hard fought game, you could give the Cowboys the edge on offense, defense, and a draw on special teams. Yet it was still competitive, and that was by no means assured going into this game. This loss will be more palatable if the Packers can win in Tampa after their 'whuppin'". Those drunks on that pirate ships are annoying when the Packers a losing ; )
Cowboys rushed for 217 yards on 35 carries for 6.2 per carry. On the ground the Packers were better than against the Giants netting 84 yards in 21 carries for a 4.0 average. Against Dallas last year, the Packers netted 124 yards on 19 carries for 5.8 ypc Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD.
There were no breakaways this year. Grant got stripped on his second carry after a nice gain. Fans came to their feet and the D held Dallas to 3 yards. So there was some fighting spirit at least both on and off the field. Rodgers put the ball up 39 times without a pick and came up with 21 receptions for 290 yards. And he lived to tell the tale getting sacked 5 times. He's going to have to work on getting rid of the ball, and hopefully he'll do that before he gets crunched. There were two untouched rushers at Rodgers I think.
Dallas pulled away after the Packers failed to covert Donald Driver's 50 yard catch & run. The Packers had advanced to the Dallas 8 yard line. Grant runs for 2 and Rodgers is sacked for -1 and -7 yards. The FG brought the score to Dallas 13 Packers 9, but then it was time for Marion Barber and some guy named Miles Austin to finish off the fighting Packer defense.
I made a point about writing about the Packers' DL in my last post. I think Cullen Jenkins played better than expected in his tough assignment vs. Flozell Adams. McGinn singles him out as the best lineman in his grades. He correctly notes that Dallas guard Leonard Davis had Ryan Pickett on the ground alot and that this was the first that has ever happened to Pickett in a Packer uniform. Now Leonard was a second round pick of the Cardinals in 2001. I guess he
Listen to Wayne and Larry describe the seal block Jason Whitten put on Mike Montgomery to spring Felix Jones. There is an example of a guy who needs to start making an impact. Aaron Rouse is another. And now with Al Harris injured we will see Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, and Patrick Lee. Anybody here wanna play football like Charles Woodson? Right off the STATS news wire:
Mar. 4 3:03 PM PT4:03 PM MT5:03 PM CT6:03 PM ET-The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with free agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis on a seven-year contract worth nearly $50 million, a story posted on the team's official Web site reported Sunday. The team had not yet announced the deal.
Analysis: Davis, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Texas, spent his first six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He played guard for the first four seasons and switched to left tackle in 2004. He started 91 games for the Cardinals, including all 16 last season, but never became the overpowering Pro Bowl-level player the team envisioned.
I guess some big money free agents do work out. Given the troubles we had at guard last year that persist into this year, such a signing should be judiciously considered. Perhaps though given the uncertainty at QB and the unpredictable fall-out it was sensible to keep that power dry? You only get to "take a shot" at a big-$ FA every few years. But it sure is hard to read about "An old-fashioned whuppin'" as McGinn correctly labelled it while we sort out the Barbies and Sittons.
In free agency, you never know when a game changing player is a good fit and wants to be a Packer. If there is not the cap space when it is REALLY needed, it can be devastating to a franchise. But let's take not that a dominating guard and a couple of really good RBs played a major role in this loss.
Finally, the Packers kick return units did nothing while the coverage units were effective. I was hoping for a lift from the return unit. So while it was a hard fought game, you could give the Cowboys the edge on offense, defense, and a draw on special teams. Yet it was still competitive, and that was by no means assured going into this game. This loss will be more palatable if the Packers can win in Tampa after their 'whuppin'". Those drunks on that pirate ships are annoying when the Packers a losing ; )
Friday, September 19, 2008
2003 vs. 2008 Packers-Cowboys
We are two days from the Cowboys vs. Packers at Lambeau. This will be the 2008 Packers first big test against an elite NFL team. Same guys as last year just a year older save Favre. Last year Aaron Rodgers led a minor comeback in a game where the swarming Cowboy defense knocked Brett Favre out of the game. This was also the game Rodgers broke his foot running out of a collapsing pocket.
Aaron Rodgers deserves high praise for his play and poise this season. Yet I don't think he will be able to cover up the mismatches on the line of scrimage. The Cowboys will control the line on both sides of the ball. One hopes that the Badboys of Dallas won't win a decisive physical victory over this zone blocking offense and the speedy flowing defense of the Packers.
At least this game won't be played in -1 degree conditions, so the Packers speed and finesse should count for something. People can say what they want about the 2003 Packers and Mike Sherman. The Cowboys and the Packers seemed to be on a collision course that year, but the Packers lost to the Eagles and the Cowboys lost to the Panthers.
If the two had met, that Packer offensive line and Ahman Green would have given the 3rd ranked against the run Cowboy defense something chew on. The 2003 Cowboy offense was lead by Quincy Carter, Terry Glenn, and Troy Hambrick. Last year Dallas was 9th ranked in run defense, yet no one has any illusions that the Packers are going to run on the Cowboys consistently. It took me a while to find a link to the Cowboys 2003 depth chart, but recall their stout defense:
http://www.dallascowboysfanclub.com/depth_chart_2003.htm
The best we can seemingly hope for this Sunday is another cut-back breakout run like Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD last year. Grant's next longest run was for 7 yards. Take away the 62 yarder and we are left with 32 yards on 13 carries - pretty much like the Giants playoff game.
As much as I am glad Aaron Rodger seems to be a worth successor to Brett Favre and as much as I love this phenomenal corp of wide receivers the Packers have, I hate to see the Packers stuffed. Dallas has stuck to it's big line philosophy since the days of the Ice Bowl. The Packers are now an catch and run shredding machine on offense and a young, fast, and smart defense. Rodgers may have returned Bart Starr's legendary QB sneak to the Packers playbook, but that was never the essence of traditional Packer football or it's more modern decedent, Mike Sherman's Power-Gap Offense.
Both Mike Sherman and now Ted Thompson left the line of scrimage to the Dallas. Donnell Washington, Steve Warren, and Kenny Peterson are analogous to Justin Harrell and Johnny Jolly. I'm cheering for Jolly, Colin Cole, and Cullen Jenkins to match up. I'm hoping for smart and deadly blitzing. Aaron Kampman deserves some help. But so far the Justin Harrell gambit has no help and we are again left short on beef against the Cowboys.
One lens to view the 2003 Packers and Cowboys is the Pro Bowl sections from each team. The Packers selected were Javon Walker, Marco Rivera, Ahman Green, and William Henderson. The Cowboys sent Larry Allen, Jason Witten, LaRoi Glover, and Roy Williams. After getting a face full of popcorn from T.O. last year, there is little reason to expect improvement save some miracle from a injured Ryan Grant and the iffy Packer O-line. I don't think they will get the chance. McCarthy will try to substitute short passes for runs. As is commonly said these days, "good luck with that".
Aaron Rodgers deserves high praise for his play and poise this season. Yet I don't think he will be able to cover up the mismatches on the line of scrimage. The Cowboys will control the line on both sides of the ball. One hopes that the Badboys of Dallas won't win a decisive physical victory over this zone blocking offense and the speedy flowing defense of the Packers.
At least this game won't be played in -1 degree conditions, so the Packers speed and finesse should count for something. People can say what they want about the 2003 Packers and Mike Sherman. The Cowboys and the Packers seemed to be on a collision course that year, but the Packers lost to the Eagles and the Cowboys lost to the Panthers.
If the two had met, that Packer offensive line and Ahman Green would have given the 3rd ranked against the run Cowboy defense something chew on. The 2003 Cowboy offense was lead by Quincy Carter, Terry Glenn, and Troy Hambrick. Last year Dallas was 9th ranked in run defense, yet no one has any illusions that the Packers are going to run on the Cowboys consistently. It took me a while to find a link to the Cowboys 2003 depth chart, but recall their stout defense:
http://www.dallascowboysfanclub.com/depth_chart_2003.htm
The best we can seemingly hope for this Sunday is another cut-back breakout run like Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD last year. Grant's next longest run was for 7 yards. Take away the 62 yarder and we are left with 32 yards on 13 carries - pretty much like the Giants playoff game.
As much as I am glad Aaron Rodger seems to be a worth successor to Brett Favre and as much as I love this phenomenal corp of wide receivers the Packers have, I hate to see the Packers stuffed. Dallas has stuck to it's big line philosophy since the days of the Ice Bowl. The Packers are now an catch and run shredding machine on offense and a young, fast, and smart defense. Rodgers may have returned Bart Starr's legendary QB sneak to the Packers playbook, but that was never the essence of traditional Packer football or it's more modern decedent, Mike Sherman's Power-Gap Offense.
Both Mike Sherman and now Ted Thompson left the line of scrimage to the Dallas. Donnell Washington, Steve Warren, and Kenny Peterson are analogous to Justin Harrell and Johnny Jolly. I'm cheering for Jolly, Colin Cole, and Cullen Jenkins to match up. I'm hoping for smart and deadly blitzing. Aaron Kampman deserves some help. But so far the Justin Harrell gambit has no help and we are again left short on beef against the Cowboys.
One lens to view the 2003 Packers and Cowboys is the Pro Bowl sections from each team. The Packers selected were Javon Walker, Marco Rivera, Ahman Green, and William Henderson. The Cowboys sent Larry Allen, Jason Witten, LaRoi Glover, and Roy Williams. After getting a face full of popcorn from T.O. last year, there is little reason to expect improvement save some miracle from a injured Ryan Grant and the iffy Packer O-line. I don't think they will get the chance. McCarthy will try to substitute short passes for runs. As is commonly said these days, "good luck with that".
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