After a CPA exam yesterday, a late night in Madison celebrating Halloween last night, and the drive, tail gate and taking in the Packer game at Lambeau I'm zapped but I'm going to give this a shot.
Play makers- The Vikings aren't lacking of play makers. Percy Harvin and AP are two players that give them the potential for six every time they get a touch. As I go down the Packer's roster we can't match that. Jennings, DD, and Woodson do not deliver the same threat the Vikings play maker's offer. I can't recall being at a game when I pumped my fist when a player ran off the field to take a break like I did for AP tonight.
Penalties- We improved but we had brain farts when the Vikes didn't. Why Johnny Jolly head butted is beyond me, but it drained some momentum that we had going.
O-Line-This is getting old.
Defense- I think the defense played well. Capers was playing with a half-stack of chips because of poor special teams coverage. Matthews is really coming on strong. Hawk is being phased out....rightfully so.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Packers vs. Browns
There isn't a lot of analysis that can be done after today's game. Put pretty simply the Browns are bad...really bad. Joshua Cribbs is regarded by many as their best player. If he were on the Packer's roster he'd be a return guy and he wouldn't sniff the field on offense.
We will say this:
Jennings is turning into a diva and it's sad.
Hawk and Grant seemed to play better, but again the quality of opponent was questionable so it's pretty hard to call.
The Browns are bad, but it seemed like Flynn did an okay job in garbage time.
Penalties continue to be killer. The twelve men on the field was unacceptable. Atari Bigby also had a brain fart when he shouldered Jerome Harrison out of bounds after the whistle blew. Against the Browns a lot flies. When Derek Anderson is the opposing QB giving him another opportunity isn't a huge deal. When AP and Brett Favre are your opponent giving them more opportunities will kill you.
Check back for Packer Vikings preview.
We will say this:
Jennings is turning into a diva and it's sad.
Hawk and Grant seemed to play better, but again the quality of opponent was questionable so it's pretty hard to call.
The Browns are bad, but it seemed like Flynn did an okay job in garbage time.
Penalties continue to be killer. The twelve men on the field was unacceptable. Atari Bigby also had a brain fart when he shouldered Jerome Harrison out of bounds after the whistle blew. Against the Browns a lot flies. When Derek Anderson is the opposing QB giving him another opportunity isn't a huge deal. When AP and Brett Favre are your opponent giving them more opportunities will kill you.
Check back for Packer Vikings preview.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Big Show to the Big GB?
A reader sent us a text asking us to examine an interesting topic. Suppose the pocket from which Aaron Rodgers throws continues to collapse, penalties continue to pile up, the Packers miss the playoffs, and MM gets an AK (ass kicking) out of town.
Who replaces him?
Our reader was hopeful it would be Mike Holmgren. We like the Walrus as much as the next guy however several points block his entry firm returning to the sideline in Green Bay.
1.) Holmgren will want say in the draft....that's why he left GB in the first place.
Ripping control of the draft day war room out of TT's control is like ripping a loaded shot gun out of Charleton Heston's cold dead fingers. Our guess is TT spends his free time in the war room evaluated film by flash light...or maybe even candle light.
2.) Holmgren will demand a lot of money. TT has shown the characteristics of a value investor. It doesn't seem like he'd throw the Walrus $7-8 million/year when he won't pay a premium to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Good thought on Walrus, but if MM gets replaced (which could happen if pad level doesn't improve) it's likely it'll be a little known name in a continued trend for cheap labor.
Who replaces him?
Our reader was hopeful it would be Mike Holmgren. We like the Walrus as much as the next guy however several points block his entry firm returning to the sideline in Green Bay.
1.) Holmgren will want say in the draft....that's why he left GB in the first place.
Ripping control of the draft day war room out of TT's control is like ripping a loaded shot gun out of Charleton Heston's cold dead fingers. Our guess is TT spends his free time in the war room evaluated film by flash light...or maybe even candle light.
2.) Holmgren will demand a lot of money. TT has shown the characteristics of a value investor. It doesn't seem like he'd throw the Walrus $7-8 million/year when he won't pay a premium to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Good thought on Walrus, but if MM gets replaced (which could happen if pad level doesn't improve) it's likely it'll be a little known name in a continued trend for cheap labor.
Hawk on the move ???
With a cap number of over $10 million dollars next year and dwindling production AJ Hawk's future should certainly be questioned. The New England Patriots figure to be an interested party. With Teddy Brushchi's retirement, the trade of Mike Vrabel, the signing of 65 year old Junior Seau, and the healthy scratch Adalius Thomas this past Sunday it appears as if the Pats have a lot of moving and shaking taking place at line backer position. In addition Hawk draws parallels to Vrabel. Before signing with the Patriots Vrabel was a reserve with the Pittsburgh and his talent was largely undetected. It was after signing with the Patriots in 2001 that Vrabel's career took off.
The Hoody has a known affinity for guys that show attention to detail, eat sleep and drink football, and play with consistency. During his time as a Packer Hawk did what was asked of him and nothing more. He didn't give up big plays but he never made plays either leading to widespread fan disappointment.
The Hoody has a known affinity for guys that show attention to detail, eat sleep and drink football, and play with consistency. During his time as a Packer Hawk did what was asked of him and nothing more. He didn't give up big plays but he never made plays either leading to widespread fan disappointment.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Lions Review
A win is a win, but the Lions are terrible and they got to Rodgers 4 times. As I see it today marked a point in time where a couple of Packer players are at cross-roads.
Chad Clifton-In his time with the Packers Chad Clifton toughed out a lot of injuries and played through a lot of pain. When I think of Clifton I think smart tough player. What I saw today was neither....it was like his head wasn't in the game. Playing through the pain might be at the point where it's unbearable. Watching Clifton grimace as he walked off the field today was sad. His contract is up after this year and he looks to be spent at this point.
AJ Hawk-When asked about the impact Hawk has had Ted Thompson has said it's unfair for fans to expect Super Man. Is anyone else sick of the Packer's organization sticking up for Hawk by saying, "He's doing what we ask of him." He's the 5th pick in the draft. The 5th pick in the draft needs to do more than what's being asked of him. The 5th pick in the draft needs to make some plays. Hawk's cap number in excess of $10 million. We have a feeling that is going to be reworked as Hawk's role is reduced in the defense.
MM-When MM came to GB he was touted as being Pittsburgh Macho and said he wanted to establish an identity as a team that had a physical running presence. After three seasons this hasn't turned out. In addition the Packers are a heavily penalized team. We can stomach the Woodson Harris roughness penalties but the illegal formations, false starts, and lining up off sides are on the coach.
What is MM's signature at this point other than a Sharpie Marker sticking out of the back of his hat? Holmgren instilled discipline, the West Coast offense, and made a couple trips to the Super Bowl. Sherman brought a solid running game to GB using U-71. What has MM done to define himself? The rest of the season will be telling.
Chad Clifton-In his time with the Packers Chad Clifton toughed out a lot of injuries and played through a lot of pain. When I think of Clifton I think smart tough player. What I saw today was neither....it was like his head wasn't in the game. Playing through the pain might be at the point where it's unbearable. Watching Clifton grimace as he walked off the field today was sad. His contract is up after this year and he looks to be spent at this point.
AJ Hawk-When asked about the impact Hawk has had Ted Thompson has said it's unfair for fans to expect Super Man. Is anyone else sick of the Packer's organization sticking up for Hawk by saying, "He's doing what we ask of him." He's the 5th pick in the draft. The 5th pick in the draft needs to do more than what's being asked of him. The 5th pick in the draft needs to make some plays. Hawk's cap number in excess of $10 million. We have a feeling that is going to be reworked as Hawk's role is reduced in the defense.
MM-When MM came to GB he was touted as being Pittsburgh Macho and said he wanted to establish an identity as a team that had a physical running presence. After three seasons this hasn't turned out. In addition the Packers are a heavily penalized team. We can stomach the Woodson Harris roughness penalties but the illegal formations, false starts, and lining up off sides are on the coach.
What is MM's signature at this point other than a Sharpie Marker sticking out of the back of his hat? Holmgren instilled discipline, the West Coast offense, and made a couple trips to the Super Bowl. Sherman brought a solid running game to GB using U-71. What has MM done to define himself? The rest of the season will be telling.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Packer Vikings Week Wednesday Report
Greetings followers. I got sick of the Vikings hoopla so I'm back in Wisconsin taking care of personal business for a couple days but I'll be back Monday.
The contest against the Vikings is a winable one but MM and Capers need to be very pragmatic. Although welcome, big plays can't be relied on. I took the liberty to briefly analyze time of possession the prevrious 7 meetings between these two team.
Date Packers Vikings Result
11/9/08 23:55 36:05 L
9/30/07 30:58 29:02 W
11/12/06 33:39 26:21 W
10/23/05 29:57 30:03 L
12/24/04 34:13 25:47 W
11/2/03 30:18 29:42 W
The proof is in the pudding. Whoever eats the clock will win this game. What I've noticed about the Packers offense this year is a lack of efficient plays. If Ryan Grant could just average 4 yards a run and if we ran the ball 35 times Monday it would be a huge help in winning this thing. I'm also a firm believer in Jermichael Finley being a huge part of the game plan. After we get the run going and get the Vikings buying into the play action Jermichael Finley can eat mismatches up.
On defense we need timely blitz calls. Not gimmicks. We need to force AP and Chester Taylor East and West. AP is a freak and he'll get his yards but giving up big plays in the dome is killer. Contain, Contain, Contain.
The contest against the Vikings is a winable one but MM and Capers need to be very pragmatic. Although welcome, big plays can't be relied on. I took the liberty to briefly analyze time of possession the prevrious 7 meetings between these two team.
Date Packers Vikings Result
11/9/08 23:55 36:05 L
9/30/07 30:58 29:02 W
11/12/06 33:39 26:21 W
10/23/05 29:57 30:03 L
12/24/04 34:13 25:47 W
11/2/03 30:18 29:42 W
The proof is in the pudding. Whoever eats the clock will win this game. What I've noticed about the Packers offense this year is a lack of efficient plays. If Ryan Grant could just average 4 yards a run and if we ran the ball 35 times Monday it would be a huge help in winning this thing. I'm also a firm believer in Jermichael Finley being a huge part of the game plan. After we get the run going and get the Vikings buying into the play action Jermichael Finley can eat mismatches up.
On defense we need timely blitz calls. Not gimmicks. We need to force AP and Chester Taylor East and West. AP is a freak and he'll get his yards but giving up big plays in the dome is killer. Contain, Contain, Contain.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Packers Rams Recap
As it turned out the Packers o-line did a better job protecting Aaron Rodgers today giving up 2 sacks to Leonard Little. It was 36-17 victory but we aren't satisfied. The Packers struggled to run the ball all day with Ryan Grant averaging a mere 3.8 yards a carry. In addition the Packers had good opportunity in the red zone three times in the 1st quarter and couldn't punch the ball in the end zone. At times it appeared as if Aaron Rodgers held onto the ball too long. There were other intances when he looked for the deep read far too much. It seemed like the Packers had trouble developing a mid-range passing game. Although he showed promise in the preseason Jermichael Finley continues to be invisible in the regular season.
On the defensive side of the ball Charles Woodson continues to make play after play week in and week out. There might not be a more intelligent player on this roster.
AJ Hawk looked foolish more than once. It's getting to the point where you need to ask yourself what type of resources you push towards this guy. He plays like a mid-round pick exhibiting little flash or aggression. Johnny Jolly continues to make plays and show rare athleticism for his bulky frame. He's up for an extension, but you need to question putting money in his pocket. How many players of his pedigree have gotten paid and improved? Think Joe Johnson or Hunt. The drug issues make me really question giving him an extension.
The bottom line is the Packers beat a bad team today and at times didn't look much better than the Rams. The true test comes next week.
On the defensive side of the ball Charles Woodson continues to make play after play week in and week out. There might not be a more intelligent player on this roster.
AJ Hawk looked foolish more than once. It's getting to the point where you need to ask yourself what type of resources you push towards this guy. He plays like a mid-round pick exhibiting little flash or aggression. Johnny Jolly continues to make plays and show rare athleticism for his bulky frame. He's up for an extension, but you need to question putting money in his pocket. How many players of his pedigree have gotten paid and improved? Think Joe Johnson or Hunt. The drug issues make me really question giving him an extension.
The bottom line is the Packers beat a bad team today and at times didn't look much better than the Rams. The true test comes next week.
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