Ryan Grant 33 carries for +90 yards for less than 3 yards per carry, but the Packers ran against a good defense and got a win against a 3rd string QB. Brandon Jackson was inactive and not missed. Interesting they went with Wynn rather than Herron or Morrisey. Rodgers when to more receivers again like he did last week and it really helped with time of possession. Packers with 20 first downs - 11 by air, 7 by ground, 2 by penalty, and I guess one by some other means, lol. Seeing the FB catch a TD is a good sign.
The Falcons knocked off the Bears, a team with a strong physical defense. Bears, Vikings, & Packers now tied at 3-3. That's one to dial up on nfl.com to see the highlights and make some comparisons. The Falcons are definitely a better team this year.
Standouts: Charles Woodson with his 4th Pick and 1st sack of the season. The Official Packer Radio Network player of the game: the much maligned DL! And credit the OL for some good enough pass blocking against a good defense. Rodgers played a smart game and connected long to Jennings. That was certainly a huge play. Definately a "team win" and a great "gut check game".
The Packers continue to have Holmgren's number winning 27-17 on the road. It is interesting to see the incestuous competition between the Holmgren Seahawks and the TT Packers.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
NH Packer Backer on Week 5 Falcons Game
Looks to me like a couple of things are missing: team discipline and spirit! Those two things can lead to inability to make third downs and stop opponent from making third downs. They don't fill in for lack of talent and play-calling from Mars - or even further out in space, but do account for penalties in crucial situation after crucial situation! Only offensive play calling that is more inept is the "scheme" used by the Badgers!
Ted Thompson's failure to address the problems he outlined as being those he needed to address are showing up now and will continue under this regime which is beginning to look like it has neither a clue nor an answer.
I agree on the let the chips fall where they may at this point. My concern is that injuries will be used as an excuse instead of assessing that there are really some not very good players on this team. The offense's lack of ability to run, be consistent, and avoid breakdowns will highlight the defense's weaknesses (including but by no means limited to injuries).
--
Sincerely,
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Ted Thompson's failure to address the problems he outlined as being those he needed to address are showing up now and will continue under this regime which is beginning to look like it has neither a clue nor an answer.
I agree on the let the chips fall where they may at this point. My concern is that injuries will be used as an excuse instead of assessing that there are really some not very good players on this team. The offense's lack of ability to run, be consistent, and avoid breakdowns will highlight the defense's weaknesses (including but by no means limited to injuries).
--
Sincerely,
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Final Sunday Word
I was talking to one of the most accomplished people I get to interact with at work last week. We were talking about the economy. She reminded me that to get through tough times, it sometimes helps to try to focus on what you've got and be glad about that. You could also say, "it could always be worse". Today we saw a gutsy performance by Aaron Rodgers and a lot of guys get the ball. Great catches by Driver, Jennings, and Martin kept the game close. This probably isn't the Packers year, but at least we still have some guys who are worth watching.
Wait... Wait... Don't Lie To Me!
Still sticking in my craw: Who in the Packer "football department" talked about the 2-3 year Super Bowl window this summer? Now Bill Michaels is singing the tune I sang (off tune of course) all summer. The Packers are weak in the trenches. Toss in some injuries and you can hear the fizzle.
These people talking about replacing Nick Barnett at MLB are grasping at straws. The Packers little choice but to live and die with their key players - Barnett is one of them. He's probably nicked up like Tauscher and Clifton. Lack of depth on at OT hurts. MLB is different. You just don't "exeriment" there in the middle of the season. The result will only be worse.
These people talking about replacing Nick Barnett at MLB are grasping at straws. The Packers little choice but to live and die with their key players - Barnett is one of them. He's probably nicked up like Tauscher and Clifton. Lack of depth on at OT hurts. MLB is different. You just don't "exeriment" there in the middle of the season. The result will only be worse.
Falcons 27 Packers 24
It's a loss, but the Packers played better in the second half. There were a few bright spots. Aaron Rodgers playing hurt and in pain led a legit comeback effort. Nick Collins finally seems to be coming into his own. Rodgers went to other receivers besides Jennings and Martin. Grant finished with 18 carries for 84 yards for a respectable 4.6 yard average. Greg Bedard from the Journal Sentinel wrote at half time:
"More Brandon Jackson, please. Less running behind Mark Tauscher, please."
Tauscher must be dinged up pretty bad. Tramon Williams' TD saving interception shows he is one of the young that might be able to play. The defense is bad, but I'm noticing Tramon and Nick Collins. It's up front that we are really hurting. The penalties are a sign of deeper problems on both lines.
There is still some heart in this team and Aaron Rodgers can now be said to be part of that. That could win some games this season as this sort out takes place. I never bought into that foolishness about a Super Bowl window of 2-3 years. Those guys inside the organization who were spreading that nonsense in the off season were are suspect.
This team needs beef on both lines. My lower expectations make it easier for me to accept these losses and look for the foundations of a better team. But can the front office build with such myopic vision.
"More Brandon Jackson, please. Less running behind Mark Tauscher, please."
Tauscher must be dinged up pretty bad. Tramon Williams' TD saving interception shows he is one of the young that might be able to play. The defense is bad, but I'm noticing Tramon and Nick Collins. It's up front that we are really hurting. The penalties are a sign of deeper problems on both lines.
There is still some heart in this team and Aaron Rodgers can now be said to be part of that. That could win some games this season as this sort out takes place. I never bought into that foolishness about a Super Bowl window of 2-3 years. Those guys inside the organization who were spreading that nonsense in the off season were are suspect.
This team needs beef on both lines. My lower expectations make it easier for me to accept these losses and look for the foundations of a better team. But can the front office build with such myopic vision.
Something going in 3Q
Pinned at their 1 yard line, the offense has moved the ball to the Atlanta 40. This team has big problems, but hasn't lost it's quick strike capabilities. One has to think there is a chance a rookie QB like Ryan could be pressured into a pick if they can get the margin to a FG. Clifton's out... let's not get Rodgers K.O.ed.
Half Time: Atlanta Aerial Attack
Gloom descends on the Chicago / Wisconsin area with the onset of fall 2008 with the Cubs, Brewers, Badgers, and Packers stinking it up. But hey, it's great to see the Brewers win a playoff game yesterday.
Packer defense has to pick it up. Score one for the big fat guys. Two years ago who would have guessed 400 pounder Grady Jackson would still be playing at a high level? Not resigned until July, he still don't get no respect. And he takes it out on us by sacking Rodgers the first play of the game. Remember how he always had something extra vs. the Saints? Can you imagine having Pickett and Grady Jackson?
The Packers have to get some pressure on the Falcon QB. Packers have zero sacks. The rookie Ryan is 13 of 18 for 154 yards. And they have to stop the run which they weren't able to do in the first half.
Nine carries for 33 yards on the ground by Grant / Jackson. So the Packers will have to turn things around in multiple aspects of the game to come back. Attacking the Falcon secondary holds some promise.
Packer defense has to pick it up. Score one for the big fat guys. Two years ago who would have guessed 400 pounder Grady Jackson would still be playing at a high level? Not resigned until July, he still don't get no respect. And he takes it out on us by sacking Rodgers the first play of the game. Remember how he always had something extra vs. the Saints? Can you imagine having Pickett and Grady Jackson?
The Packers have to get some pressure on the Falcon QB. Packers have zero sacks. The rookie Ryan is 13 of 18 for 154 yards. And they have to stop the run which they weren't able to do in the first half.
Nine carries for 33 yards on the ground by Grant / Jackson. So the Packers will have to turn things around in multiple aspects of the game to come back. Attacking the Falcon secondary holds some promise.
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