***Official*** Green Bay Packers Offseason Thread, v. 2014 (1 Viewer)

[sho nuff]

How was Lattimore yesterday?

He and Devon House left the game for a bit due to cramping. The D played better than weeks 1&2 but, again could not get off the field on 3rd down in the 4th qtr.

Better than..correct, but still not good. Had no answer for Johnson or Bush.

Boykin looked horrible with all the drops. I was hoping they would play Adams more, but I read today that they benched him for a while because he ran a wrong route in the first quarter. I don't remember that play.

Id call the defense good in that game. Anytime you hold the Lions to 10 points offensively...get 2 takeaways...a team with the offense the Packers should be should win.

And I will take giving up just 82 yards to Calvin any day of the week. Giving up that run to Bush was bad...but other than that...the run D was better than expected too.

 

[Phenomena]

How was Lattimore yesterday?

He and Devon House left the game for a bit due to cramping. The D played better than weeks 1&2 but, again could not get off the field on 3rd down in the 4th qtr.

Better than..correct, but still not good. Had no answer for Johnson or Bush.

Boykin looked horrible with all the drops. I was hoping they would play Adams more, but I read today that they benched him for a while because he ran a wrong route in the first quarter. I don't remember that play.

Id call the defense good in that game. Anytime you hold the Lions to 10 points offensively...get 2 takeaways...a team with the offense the Packers should be should win.

And I will take giving up just 82 yards to Calvin any day of the week. Giving up that run to Bush was bad...but other than that...the run D was better than expected too.

They actually had 3 takeaways. Defense held Stafford to 61 Passer rating. Calvin had 82 yards. Held Joique to 30 yards.

Cannot believe all that and they still lost by 12.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Offensive line can be average but you need weapons who can get open. Take away Jennings, Jones & Finley and you are going to take a hit. Just the way it is.

They need more from their TEs and if they cant produce, they need one who can.

 

[hauser42]

I hate that the entire offense is run out of the shotgun...it's killing the run game.

Yes and you are not a head coach at the NFL level.

McCarthy is getting to cute and his ego has gotten this team in trouble to start the season.

 

[FGITLOTR]

Speaking of their o-line, how much longer is their starting center expected to be out?

 

[Sabertooth]

"If Tretter returns at the earliest possible date, he’d be eligible to play against the Bears when the Packers return from their bye on November 9."

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/03/packers-place-j-c-tretter-on-injured-reserve-return/

 

[FGITLOTR]

Geez, I thought it was sooner. That's a long stretch, but better later than never

 

[meatwad1]

I think we will win this week. 2 -2 after having 3 tough road games would not be bad. If we lose, its not over, but they had better hope for the best. As it is almost every year, the team that gets hot at the end will most likely win it.

 

[sho nuff]

Nice to kick the crap out of the Bears...

Offense clicking well (at least the passing).

Concerned about both the run blocking and Lacy dancing around. (don't see the team too concerned about Lacy as Starks and Harris were planted firmly on the sidelines).

A game with no punts for either team...pretty crazy. And the first time in a long time Rodgers made it through a game without being sacked. (took a mean hit on that crazy good pass for a TD that ended up being called back).

Defensively...Hawk looked very good. Takes a lot of heat here...but would guess his detractors should be quiet on yesterday. Not sure what it was with all the DBs slipping...I know that field is crap, but its not as if the Packers have never played there before. Hyde looked lost most of the day...his best play was blocking the camera at the GL at the end of the first half.

Tramon is outplaying Shields (and he is the one who will likely be gone next year). What has happened to Hayward? House just average it seems too.

Can't totally judge them all too harshly on jump balls to those big guys...but the tackling was terrible all around.

They just have zero beef in the middle and most teams will shove it down their throat up front.

 

[Grateful Parrot]

Nice to kick the crap out of the Bears...

Offense clicking well (at least the passing).

Concerned about both the run blocking and Lacy dancing around. (don't see the team too concerned about Lacy as Starks and Harris were planted firmly on the sidelines).

A game with no punts for either team...pretty crazy. And the first time in a long time Rodgers made it through a game without being sacked. (took a mean hit on that crazy good pass for a TD that ended up being called back).

Defensively...Hawk looked very good. Takes a lot of heat here...but would guess his detractors should be quiet on yesterday. Not sure what it was with all the DBs slipping...I know that field is crap, but its not as if the Packers have never played there before. Hyde looked lost most of the day...his best play was blocking the camera at the GL at the end of the first half.

Tramon is outplaying Shields (and he is the one who will likely be gone next year). What has happened to Hayward? House just average it seems too.

Can't totally judge them all too harshly on jump balls to those big guys...but the tackling was terrible all around.

They just have zero beef in the middle and most teams will shove it down their throat up front.

Yeah, this is the thing that concerns me. It looks we'll be run on often. I'm also glad to see they gave Adams a good shot to start at #3. I have no idea who the starting TE will be in the future. But am also glad that the offense seemed to be in a little more sync this time around, could be because they didn't double on Jordy most of the day, but definitely looked better.

 

[Mr.Pack]

The run Defense was horrible, but they also played a ton of Nickle, which does open the middle up as you lose a DL or LB, so maybe not quite so bad.

 

[sho nuff]

R. Rodgers looked good on those 2 early catches...then didn't do anything after (didn't really have to I guess as it just opened up so much for Cobb and Nelson.

 

[Phenomena]

#32 in run defense now. Ugh.

The Packers are going to win a bunch of games yet this year but they're going to get bounced early in the playoffs if something drastic doesn't change in the run defense. Losing Raji really hurt. He wasn't phenomenal but he was still a big presence in the middle.

If the Packers want any chance of winning the Super Bowl with Rodgers in town, they're going to need to focus more effort on the run defense. If they are willing to spend $10M in free agency on a guy like Peppers, cut him with little dead money hit this offseason and sign Suh in free agency (whom will likely not cost more than $11M per year.. Geno Atkins signed an $11M/year contract last year). I know that'll never happen, but they are never going to get an elite presence in the middle of the defensive line drafting in the 20s. Those monster-size athetlic guys are long-gone by then. Right now there are just no run-stoppers on the line. Datone is a hybrid, good at chasing down running QBs and getting some sacks, but he gets pushed around in the run game. Same with Daniels.

 

[Gene Sackman]

What you guys think of Teddy?

 

[The Kerminator]

What you guys think of Teddy?

I think Thompson is a very good GM.

 

[hauser42]

So does McCarthy come out this week and try and run the ball from the start of the game out of a non shotgun formation? Last week it was great to see sets that did not call for Rodgers handing off to Lacy out of the shotgun. It seems to take McCarthy about 4 -6 weeks each year to get his head out of clouds and run a a decent offense. With Rodgers under center the defense has so much more to worry about, will he hand off to RB, is it play action, or is Rodgers just dropping back? In the gun they can see so much easier what is going on and even play action is less effective.

McCathry needs to use more roll outs with and with out playaction, and occasional screen pass would help. These 3 things would help with pressure that Rodgers faces when it comes to a pass rush. Keeping the defense on its toes will also give Lacy more room to run.

 

[Warhogs]

I just wish Green Bay would have Lacy sit down and watch some tape of someone like Frank Gore yesterday. I don't see SF games much but it was really drastic watching how Gore picks his spot and goes vs. Lacy getting strung out as much as he does.

 

[hauser42]

I just wish Green Bay would have Lacy sit down and watch some tape of someone like Frank Gore yesterday. I don't see SF games much but it was really drastic watching how Gore picks his spot and goes vs. Lacy getting strung out as much as he does.

I think if they run less out of the shot gun this will help some. He does seem to try to run down the line too much instead of cutting it up and taking what the defense will give him. Healthy line that is playing together longer will make more holes for him to run threw, I for one have no issue with Lindsey at center right now.

 

[Portis Homer]

I just wish Green Bay would have Lacy sit down and watch some tape of someone like Frank Gore yesterday. I don't see SF games much but it was really drastic watching how Gore picks his spot and goes vs. Lacy getting strung out as much as he does.

I think if they run less out of the shot gun this will help some. He does seem to try to run down the line too much instead of cutting it up and taking what the defense will give him. Healthy line that is playing together longer will make more holes for him to run threw, I for one have no issue with Lindsey at center right now.

Agree on Lindsey, he has been grading out well based on the PFF grades. Although we're still in extreme trouble if we have any injuries at tackle with Barclay out, it is nice to have a very solid back-up option inside once Tretter returns.

 

[sho nuff]

Quiet in here so far.

Just over halfway through the season and where are we???

Oline...when healthy, they seem to be playing quite well. It seems to revolve around staying healthy though as they are super thin here right now. Linsley working out quite well at C.

Defense...will see how long the Matthews at MLB lasts (and could that save Capers jo?)...but could it be the thing that helps this defense the most?

Health of Burnett seems to be big too. Allows Ha Ha to play around more and Hyde to be a slot corner. Tramon and Shields playing well and the play of the other OLBs gives them the flexibility with Matthews.

They still need to stop the run better and this week will be a huge test (as well as stopping the RBs from catching the ball).

 

[Phenomena]

Quiet in here so far.

Just over halfway through the season and where are we???

Oline...when healthy, they seem to be playing quite well. It seems to revolve around staying healthy though as they are super thin here right now. Linsley working out quite well at C.

Defense...will see how long the Matthews at MLB lasts (and could that save Capers jo?)...but could it be the thing that helps this defense the most?

Health of Burnett seems to be big too. Allows Ha Ha to play around more and Hyde to be a slot corner. Tramon and Shields playing well and the play of the other OLBs gives them the flexibility with Matthews.

They still need to stop the run better and this week will be a huge test (as well as stopping the RBs from catching the ball).

According to PFF Clay was near a 50/50 split between inside and outside. That's great ... the defense has to guess where he'll be on any given play.

I'm taking a chance and playing the GB DEF against PHI this week (5th rated offense) because:

A) It's at home (+24 margin of victory this year)

B) No faith in Sanchez

C) Defense has been on fire lately (I'll let the saints game slide since they were both away and without their top two corners in Shields and Williams)

D) Eagles have relied on turnovers to win and Rodgers is one of the best in the game at not turning it over

 

[meatwad1]

I predict we finish 7 -1 over the last 8. We are already at 1 - 0. If we lose next week, I will change my mind, but I do not think we will lose.

 

[Sabertooth]

Better hope we don't run into any good offenses in the playoffs. The defense is a joke. They only rise to the occasion when the other offense shoots themselves in the foot. Manning, Brady, Wilson, Romo, or Luck will eat them alive. Typical one and done in the playoffs, if we make it.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Quiet in here so far.

Just over halfway through the season and where are we???

Oline...when healthy, they seem to be playing quite well. It seems to revolve around staying healthy though as they are super thin here right now. Linsley working out quite well at C.

Defense...will see how long the Matthews at MLB lasts (and could that save Capers jo?)...but could it be the thing that helps this defense the most?

Health of Burnett seems to be big too. Allows Ha Ha to play around more and Hyde to be a slot corner. Tramon and Shields playing well and the play of the other OLBs gives them the flexibility with Matthews.

They still need to stop the run better and this week will be a huge test (as well as stopping the RBs from catching the ball).

According to PFF Clay was near a 50/50 split between inside and outside. That's great ... the defense has to guess where he'll be on any given play.

I'm taking a chance and playing the GB DEF against PHI this week (5th rated offense) because:

A) It's at home (+24 margin of victory this year)

B) No faith in Sanchez

C) Defense has been on fire lately (I'll let the saints game slide since they were both away and without their top two corners in Shields and Williams)

D) Eagles have relied on turnovers to win and Rodgers is one of the best in the game at not turning it over

The Eagles do not rely on turnovers to win. In 6 of their 9 games they've only had 1 defensive takeaway. They've lost the turnover battle 5 times this year.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik8D5c7zaDE

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Kinda disappointed how shook people were before this game. At home, it made sense for GB to be favored.

The crowd was great in this game. Even when NE scored on some quick drives, they weren't quieted at all.

I was surprised (yet very pleased) that NE did not go for it on 4th and 1 at midfield on the 2nd possession.

Great interior pressure from the DL, which Brady is unusually poor at handling. There were also some big 3rd downs where GB couldn't get any pressure, can't win them all, I suppose.

Barrington is getting a lot of praise, but there was a run up the gut where he thought the play was over and was strolling away as the RB rumbled past him for more yards.

The long 3rd and goal play where Rodgers threw it away after 13 seconds or whatever vs. 8 guys in coverage... not that it's important, but in the Favre era that would be a guaranteed moronic INT.

Great win. Can't overlook sucky opponents to close out the season.

 

[The Kerminator]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

McCarthy and TT as well. Clean house

 

[TDorBust]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

McCarthy and TT as well. Clean house

Sadly I feel some people think this way. While the Packers have fallen short on occasion I think overall you really cant ask for much more. They have been winning the division, getting to the playoffs, and been at the top of the NFL multiple times over the last 10 years. Plus they are tied with patriots for the longest active play-off appearance streak which is highly likely to continue for many years with Rodgers at the helm.

#1 thing they need to do is keep improving on Defence, which I think is trending towards above average which is more than enough for Rodgers to run the table with the offence.

 

[sho nuff]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

Or McCarthy?

For Dom...D playing better. Moving Matthews around is huge. Hawk playing well...but playing less now and letting others rotate and get in coverage. Thought that hurt them against Minny, but was done well against NE. Its nice when he has the guys healthy to do this.

For McCarthy...the use of Cobb and 2 WRs in the backfield to get people away from Browner and Revis was very well done. Didn't panic when the Pats were just taking away a lot of what they do. Again, helps him having everyone healthy and that Rodgers guy at QB too.

 

[sho nuff]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

McCarthy and TT as well. Clean house

Sadly I feel some people think this way. While the Packers have fallen short on occasion I think overall you really cant ask for much more. They have been winning the division, getting to the playoffs, and been at the top of the NFL multiple times over the last 10 years. Plus they are tied with patriots for the longest active play-off appearance streak which is highly likely to continue for many years with Rodgers at the helm.

#1 thing they need to do is keep improving on Defence, which I think is trending towards above average which is more than enough for Rodgers to run the table with the offence.

If they don't win it all...or advance to the NFC Championship game..there will still be calls to get rid of them

The nature of spoiled fans who have to think its easy or something.

 

[Sabertooth]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

I am

 

[Monty Burns]

ATL

@BUFF

@TB

DET

pretty favorable schedule....

 

[The Kerminator]

ATL

@BUFF

@TB

DET

pretty favorable schedule....

Detroit IIRC also has a favorable schedule. Should come down to Dec. 28th game against Detroit. Packers have a one game lead but if Detroit wins that game they would win the head-to-head tiebreaker.

 

[sho nuff]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

I am

Why?

 

[Sabertooth]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

I am

Why?

Because he's going to bag it up. Just watch. They did play a good game and have been hot but I just don't have any confidence in him. Brady missed a lot of throws that were there. Last time they played a QB who was on the money was Brees, that's the defense I suspect will rear it's ugly head in the playoffs. Of course in the NFC that might be enough as every team is skidding.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Are we still firing Dom in here?

I am

Why?

Because he's going to bag it up. Just watch. They did play a good game and have been hot but I just don't have any confidence in him. Brady missed a lot of throws that were there. Last time they played a QB who was on the money was Brees, that's the defense I suspect will rear it's ugly head in the playoffs. Of course in the NFC that might be enough as every team is skidding.

I think we've all been disappointed with the defense at times over the past few seasons, but you're setting a pretty high bar when your measuring stick for success is stopping a HOF quarterback when he's on his game. The real benefit we have as fans of course is that we can fire someone on a message board, but we don't have to find the replacement. I'm sure Thompson and McCarthy are constantly monitoring options for the next DC (he's likely already in Green Bay) and are prepared to make a move if/when it would suit the team.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Shields missed the Saints game though, no? It was also much easier for Brady once Shields went out on Sunday.

 

[sho nuff]

The defense against Brees did suck...no doubt about that.

That was also prior to moving Matthews inside some (which would help stop the run and set them up better to defend Brees).

It was also in NO...if they get homefield advantage...they do play quite different so far this year at home.

QBs being off...sometimes that happens because of the defense. They played 2 top offenses in the past few weeks in New England and Philly and played well against both of them.

Lets see how Shields is and responds to protocol. Thankfully, they have some depth there with House, Hayward, and Hyde can move around too.

I think depth is what has helped the D so far this year. Capers is able to do more because they have had pretty good health and that (plus drafting Ha-Ha) has given them depth.

Depth to move Clay and Hyde around and do different things with guys like that.

 

[strykerpks]

Favre in the house tonight according to the twitters

 

[Sabertooth]

We'll see. But you know they are going to have to play Seattle in the playoffs. I have no confidence in their defense stopping them.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Favre in the house tonight according to the twitters

I've seen pretty strong sources saying he'll be in Green Bay today for a Rawhide fundraiser (Bart Starr's charity). He's often spoken about his admiration for Starr, but of course Bart won't be there, still recovering from his stroke. The claims that he'll be at the game are a bit muddier and conflicted. Would be great to be there if he showed up. Tickets for this one have been readily available around here for weeks.

 

[Sabertooth]

The defense against Brees did suck...no doubt about that.

That was also prior to moving Matthews inside some (which would help stop the run and set them up better to defend Brees).

It was also in NO...if they get homefield advantage...they do play quite different so far this year at home.

QBs being off...sometimes that happens because of the defense. They played 2 top offenses in the past few weeks in New England and Philly and played well against both of them.

Lets see how Shields is and responds to protocol. Thankfully, they have some depth there with House, Hayward, and Hyde can move around too.

I think depth is what has helped the D so far this year. Capers is able to do more because they have had pretty good health and that (plus drafting Ha-Ha) has given them depth.

Depth to move Clay and Hyde around and do different things with guys like that.

I worry a lot about this defense. A lot.

 

[Go Pack]

Surprised we could not get more of a pass rush tonight. Can not play defense like that in the playoffs where Rodgers won't be able to put up 40 every week.

 

[sho nuff]

The defense against Brees did suck...no doubt about that.

That was also prior to moving Matthews inside some (which would help stop the run and set them up better to defend Brees).

It was also in NO...if they get homefield advantage...they do play quite different so far this year at home.

QBs being off...sometimes that happens because of the defense. They played 2 top offenses in the past few weeks in New England and Philly and played well against both of them.

Lets see how Shields is and responds to protocol. Thankfully, they have some depth there with House, Hayward, and Hyde can move around too.

I think depth is what has helped the D so far this year. Capers is able to do more because they have had pretty good health and that (plus drafting Ha-Ha) has given them depth.

Depth to move Clay and Hyde around and do different things with guys like that.

I worry a lot about this defense. A lot.

One bad game recently.

I withold my judgement.

Thankfully, Seattle (and most other teams) don't have a guy like Jones to beat us like that.

 

[Sabertooth]

Seattle has plenty of weapons to beat this defense like a drum. It's not one bad game either. They put up a clunker vs. New Orleans as well. It seems that the only good QB they've stopped is Brady. This is a defense that can be beaten up on by a good QB. They played well against Brady but the offense had to convert that 3rd and 4 otherwise Brady would have probably stolen that victory.

The offense covers up a lot of defensive mistakes. They would really struggle against Manning and DT. Dom has been riding McCarthy and Rodgers' coat tails for several seasons. He's not good.

 

[sho nuff]

Seattle has plenty of weapons to beat this defense like a drum. It's not one bad game either. They put up a clunker vs. New Orleans as well. It seems that the only good QB they've stopped is Brady. This is a defense that can be beaten up on by a good QB. They played well against Brady but the offense had to convert that 3rd and 4 otherwise Brady would have probably stolen that victory.

The offense covers up a lot of defensive mistakes. They would really struggle against Manning and DT. Dom has been riding McCarthy and Rodgers' coat tails for several seasons. He's not good.

Yes...with at least one CB out and Matthews at OLB they put up a clunker at NO.

Since then it has been a different story.

The offense had to convert the 3rd and 3 because the offense also settled for FGs earlier (and dropped a sure sealing TD too) Not blaming the offense...but the defense played very well that game.

Im not saying all is well, nothing to worry about.

But after shutting down the Eagles and Pats...Im not going to jump off of a bridge because of a bad half of football.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I'm slightly unhappy at the apparent backsliding on defense, but I will withhold criticism. I try to remain mindful that Shield's participation was in doubt most of he week, that Julio is pretty damn good, and that teams with nothing to lose at this time of year are difficult to handle. Some folks are unhappy that Capers did not show the adjustment he might want to use when a Calvin Johnson-like receiver is shredding the D. I'm sort of happy that he did not give film to the Lions because instead of a Calvin Johnson-like player, the Packers are about to face the real thing in three weeks.

 

[sho nuff]

I'm slightly unhappy at the apparent backsliding on defense, but I will withhold criticism. I try to remain mindful that Shield's participation was in doubt most of he week, that Julio is pretty damn good, and that teams with nothing to lose at this time of year are difficult to handle. Some folks are unhappy that Capers did not show the adjustment he might want to use when a Calvin Johnson-like receiver is shredding the D. I'm sort of happy that he did not give film to the Lions because instead of a Calvin Johnson-like player, the Packers are about to face the real thing in three weeks.

Yeah...wondering how rusty Shields really was without practicing. Was he one of those guys that sandbagged his baseline test so he could later pass the concussion protocol and still feeling effects of it? Cause he didn't look his normal self last night.

Other thing...we can bash the secondary...but the lack of pass rush this week was big in that too. Huge difference between that game and the New England game where we put Brady under more pressure.

Its a bend but don't break defense that is trying to keep everything in front of them and failed for several big plays last night for sure.

 

[SWC]

brohans i said to my wife at the start of the second half that the packers were not playing hard to me they just looked like they were going through the motions i did not like to see that but i think honestly that they sort of took a haff of football off on d and almost got burned as a result that and also that julio down by the schoolyard jones is pretty darned good at football take that to the bank bromerican womans