Packers - How Do We Stack Up Against NFC Teams

No need to worry about the AFC teams, they will decide who makes it to the Super Bowl on the own!  So, what do you say we take a look at the NFC teams!

1 - Seahawks
Last years Super Bowl Champs.  A great defense.  And an offense that has a hard running running back & a QB that must be contained!
First, the strength, the defense - a solid 4-3 defense.  The front four, LDE-Bennett, LDT-McDaniel, RDT-Williams, & RDE-Avril are good enough to pressure opposing QB's without the blitz!  The LB's, LOLB-Irvin, MLB-Wagner, & ROLB- Wright are very active - and the MLB-Wagner flies around the field making plays!  And of course, the secondary, LCB Sherman, RCB-Maxwell, SS-Chancellor, & FS-Thomas, I think are the strength!  Remember the NFL preseason, the officials were throng flags everywhere?  Well, the Seahawks I think were the reason!  Now it seems, we are back to holding, bumping, and mugging receivers again!  And that allows the Seattle D to shine!
The offense, lead by Wilson, is good enough to win, but not spectacular.  Wilson, as our Aaron Rogers, can prolong the play & runs for a lot of first downs, but keeps his eyes down field!  RB-Lynch is whacky, but a dangerous & physical runner!  The receivers, Baldwin & Kearse and very average, but catch the ball when needed.  And, TE-Wilson, is a good run blocker & average receiver.  The O-line, LT-Okung, LG-Carpenter, C-Unger, RG-Sweezy, & RT Britt are good enough to run & pass block to win games!  Overall, I think the team to beat.

2 - Packers - I will break down the Pack in a later Blog Post.  But, of course - they will win!

3 - Cowboys - Wow, the Cowboys are back!  I MUST say here, I WAS an ex-Cowboy fan!  YES, in my darker days, Ice Bowl, Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, etc.  But Jerry Jones & Jimmy Johnson made me discover the PACK!  AND THE REST IS HISTORY!
So, Romo is having a great season, why?  I think RB-Murray is the answer!  NFL rushing champ!  And WR-Bryant, is maturing - I guess?  I still feel he is one play away from a meltdown!  And WR-Williams is good enough to keep you honest.  And TE-Witten is still Romo's security blanket!  And of course the O-line, LTSmith, LG-Leary, C-Frederick, RG-Martin, & RT Free are opening the running lanes & protecting Romo!  A very dangerous offense!
The defense is the biggest surprise!  A lot of no-mames - LDE-Crawford, DT-Hayden, DT-Melton, RDE-Mincey, OLB-Carter, MLB-McClain, OLB-Durant, LCB-Carr, RCB-Scandrick, FS-Church, & SS-Wilcox.  The one thing they do is fly around the field!  They can be beat, but are reckless & fast!

4 - Panthers - A division winner at 7-8-1!  This is one thing the NFL must change!  I'd like to see instead of 4 divisions, two.  A division with only 4 teams to me is shallow!  That is another blog post!
The Panthers offense led by Cam Newton at QB is inconsistent, as is the QB.  Dangerous, but up & down!  RB's Williams & Stewart are good, but not spectacular.  WR's-Cotchery & Benjamin are the old & the new, the Ying & the Yang.  Rookie Benjamin is a load, big & strong.  Cotchery is a sneaky veteran.  TE-Olsen, I think is one of the best receiving TE's in the league.  And the O-line, LT-Bell, LG-Norwell, C-Kalil, RG-Turner, & RT-Remmers are average at best.
The defense, lead by MLB-Kuechly(NFL tackles leader). LDE-Johnson, LDT-Short, RDT-Lotulelei, & RDE-Horton.  Average line, but 4-3, could lead to cover 2.  Pass rush is not great!  And d-backs, LCB-Benwikere, RCB-Norman, SS-Harper, & FS-Boston.  A good group, but again, nothing special.  The Panthers D has played MUCH better since the Pack tore them apart!

5 - Cardinals - This team, to me, is a great example of perseverance!  Losing 2 QB's (Pack fans can relate) and still surviving the playoff run!  Great coaching job and a VERY good defense!  A 3-4 defense!  DE-Campbell, NT-Williams, & DT-Rucker.  Solid up front.  And SLB-Okafor, ILB-Foote, ILB-Minter, & WLB-Acho are very athletic and active!!  LCB-Peterson, RCB-Cromartie, SS-Jefferson, & FS-Mathieu are a VERY good defensive backfield that will hold up against mots teams!
As I said QB-Palmer out for the year, and Stanton will be back for the playoffs.  Will have some weapons at WR-Fitzgerald and ultimate pro!  WR-Floyd, can make big plays.  TE-Housler, not great but steady.  RB-Taylor is a good runner & receiver.  The O-line, LT-Weldheer, LG-Larsen, C-Sendein, RG-Fanalka, RT-Massle are average!

6 - Lions - We know this team!  Do not need to say much - just a few opinions:
1 - Suh is an embarrasment to the Lions & the NFL.  I know he has been behaving, but still an idiot that needs someone to return the favor!
2 - Stafford is a dangerous QB, but can be challenged!
3 - Calvin Johnson, the opposite of Suh, class act and still on the the top receivers in the league.
4 - Must score on the D when the Pack has a chance, the last game could have been a lot easier!
5 - Would be a Packer Home Game - ENOUGH SAID!

That was quick!  Let's see what the weekend brings!!!

This Packer Fan Just Received A Couple Christmas Gifts!!!!

OK, Packer Fans!

Remember my Christmas List!

1 - A Win Over Detroit! (It has been since 1991 since Detroit beat the Pack at Home!)

2 - A Bye for week one of playoffs

3 - Meet Seattle in the NFC Final and BEAT the Seahawks!

4 - Win Super Bowl over Denver!

5 - As a Packer Stockholder be able to buy a Super Bowl Ring like my buddy Phil!

Well, so far, 2 out of 5 are here!!!!

Now, a two week wait!!!

A first impression of the Lions - Packer game?

1 - A lot of drama!
Packers stall on first drive, 0 points!
Hyde runs back punt!  Packers 7-0!
Next drive Lacy fumbles, good drive 0 points!
Next drive Rogers getting hurt AND on same play throws TD pass!
After, Rogers leaves field, two minute drill, Lions score 14-7 Packer lead at half!!
Whew!!!  That is TOO much for my heart!

Second Half!
Flynn starts, 3 and out! OMG!!!
Rogers enters field, Lambeau goes nuts!!
Lions tie game 14-14!
Rogers comes back!  And the rest is history!!!

2 - Lacy gets 100 yards!!!

3 - Jordy & Randall are superb!

4 - Defense played well enough to win!!

It was not perfect, but I really see NO PERFECT TEAMS!

Enjoy the win Packer fans!!!
Packers playoff streak - 6 years in a row!
We have a BYE - Aaron can heal!
We have a HOME game for first playoff game!

Hang on Packer Fans!  More DRAMA to come!!!!

A Packer Christmas Poem

Twas the Night before the Lions game and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring not even Otis, the bulldog!

The Packer signs were hung by the Big Screen with care,

With hope that a Supper Bowl would soon be here!

The Packer Buddies were all snug in their homes with their wifes,

With hope that a playoff ticket & BYE week, was soon on the way!

And then on the lawn, there rose such a clatter,

It was the BIG BOY in green, dropping off a brats platter!

And a note on the TV, makes me feel real neat!

Don't worry Packer Buddies, the Lions are DEAD MEAT!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Go! Pack! Go!

Prediction………………..

Packers 27

Lions 13

Initial Reaction To The Lions & Packers Game For The Division Title

Without an intensive look at the stats & film study, here are my THREE key factors to the outcome of The division title game between the Lions & Pack this Sunday!

1 - Packers Offensive Line Against the Lions Defensive Line!

Detroit
DE - Ezekiel Ansah - 6'6" - 278 lbs.  - Year 2   -  44 Tackles  7.5 Sacks  3 Forced Fumbles
DT - Nick Fairley  -  6'4"  -  308 lbs  -  Year 4  -  14  Tackles  1.0 Sacks  1 Forced Fumble
DT - Ndamukong Suh  -  6'4"  -  305 lbs.  - Year 5  - 46 Tackles  8.5 Sacks  0 Forced Fumbles
DE - Json Jones  -  6'5"  -  275 lbs.  - Year 7  -  19 Tackles  4 Sacks  2 Forced Fumbles

Green Bay
LT  -  David Bakhtiari  -  6'4"  -  310 lbs  -  Year 2
LG  -  Josh Sitton  -  6'3"  -  318 lbs  -  Year 7
C  -  Corey Linsley  -  6'3"  -  301 lbs  -  Rookie
RG  -  TJ Lang  -  6'4"  -  318 lbs  -  Year 6
RT  -  Bryan Bulaga  -  6'5"  -  314 lbs  -  Year 5

If the Lions rush 4, the Pack must run & take their time on short passes.  A clean game - no turnovers!
The key numbers - Pack - 130 yards rushing  - 300 yards passing - AND NO TURNOVERS!  #rd down production is critical!  Covert 60-70% of 3rd downs!

2 - Packers Defense against Lions Offense!

Stop the big plays and put heat on Lions QB!  4-5 sacks & at least 2 turnovers!  The Lions will turn the
ball over, and this game will be one that will need the Pack to be all over the field!!!
Key Matchups:

Calvin Johnson on Packer corners Shields & Williams
The running & pass catching of Reggie Bush - Clay Matthews & Julius Peppers!
The Packer D-line push - Datone Jones - Mike Daniels - Letroy Guion - Get in the face of Stafford!

3 - Packer Home Field Advantage!!!!
2013 - Packers Win 22-9
2012 - Packers Win 27-20
2011 - Packers Win 45-41
2010 - Packers Win 28-26
2009 - Packers Win 26-0
2008 - Packers Win 31-21
2007 - Packers Win 34-13
2006 - Packers Win 17-9
2005 - Packers Win 16-13 (OT)
2004 - Packers Win 16-13
2003 - Packers Win 31-6
2002 - Packers Win 40-14
2001 - Packers Win 28-6
2000 - Packers Win 26-13
1999 - Packers Win 26-17
1998 - Packers Win 38-19
1997 - Packers Win 26-15
1996 - Packers Win 28-18
1995 - Packers Win 30-21
1994 - Packers Win 16-12
1993 - Packers Win 26-17 (Milwaukee)
1992 - Packers Win 38-10 (Milwaukee)
1991 - Lions 21-17  (LAST LION WIN AT PACKERS HOME FIELD)

Yes, it will be close, but the Pack is HOME!

GET LOUD PACKER FANS!!!!

My Packer Christmas List!

OK Santa(HE IS A PACKERS FAN, even if he wears red!), here is my Packer Christmas List!

1 - A Win Over Detroit! (It has been since 1991 since Detroit beat the Pack at Home!)

2 - A Bye for week one of playoffs

3 - Meet Seattle in the NFC Final and BEAT the Seahawks!

4 - Win Super Bowl over Denver!

5 - As a Packer Stockholder be able to buy a Super Bowl Ring like my buddy Phil!

There it is Santa - GET TO WORK!

Packers vs Lions, for ALL the Marbles

Hey we go!  Remember last year!  My heart is still beating!(And I have had open-heart surgery!!!)

We picked off the Bears and won the NFL North Division on the LAST game.

And 2014, same thing, just different team!  The Detroit Lions!

First let's look back!

September 21, 2014         Detroit 19 - Green Bay 7
Detroit scoring?
*  40  yard fumble return
*  Lacy tackled for safety
*  30 yard field goal
*  Reggie Bush 26 yard run
Packers scoring?
*  Rogers to Quarless 10 Yard Pass

Rogers - 162 yards passing
Lacy - 36 yards rushing
Packer Total Yards 76 rush - 162 pass for 238 yards - Detroit - 115 rush - 246 pass for 361 yards

The Lions EARNED that win!

So, if the Packers defense just plays the same way - we give up 9 points!
And I think at game 17 the Packers defense is better!

And, the Packers OFFENSE MUST PLAY BETTER!!!

I think the Packers Offense is playing better!!!

And we are at home!

And it is the Detroit Lions!

Packers vs Bucs - NFL Rewind!

If you have not seen it - NFL Rewind - you need to!!!  NFL Rewind does an entire NFL football game in 30 minutes!!!   All you see is the PLAYS!  If you are a football nut, LIKE ME, it is awesome!  If you missed the game, GREAT!

Rogers looked sharp in the first quarter, Lacy ran hard, & the defense was great!!!  Problem was the Rogers fumble, but really did not hurt the Pack!

Second quarter, Crosby missed field goal, and then makes one later.  Really could notice Aaron limping, but was "toughing it out!"  Defense played well again, except for the last drive by the Bucs, which resulted in a field goal.  The Packers seemed to be flying around, especially Matthews!  Peppers also had a nice, bull rush sack!!  Overall, good first have, could have used one more TD!

Third quarter, the Pack failure to score early was not good!  As McCarthy said in his press conference, should have let Rogers try more throws!  And defense again played well, but no points for offense!

Fourth quarter, nice finish, 10 points, defense was again aggressive & flying to the ball.  Cobb & Nelson looked great.  And the good news, offense did it against a cover 2 defense!  But, the Lions will be better!

Packers Win Sets Up Big Game With Lions!

Choose your headline!

Packers Win!  Defense Shines!

Victory Over Bucs Clinches Playoff Birth!!

Win Over Tampa Bay Sets Up Big Game With Detroit For Division Title!

Aaron Not Feeling Well, But Defense Looks Healthy in Win!

I could go on and on………

First, the positive -
     The Pack is in the Playoffs!
     A road win for the Pack!
     Defense is noteworthy!
     Rogers plays sick & hurt and still looks good!

Negative?
     Only one, several players are suffering from cold symptoms, and Rogers tweaked his calf!

So, like I always like to do, let's analyze the drive charts, Packers first: (Click to Enlarge)

10 Packer Drives

2 - TD's

3 - 2 FG made - 1 missed FG

1 - turnover - Rogers fumble

1 - turnover on downs at TB one yard line!!!

2 - Punts

1 - ends game - kneel downs

A nice day, but, needed to finish drives! Really only 9 drives, 6 scoring opportunities!  

One turnover is never acceptable! 

The Bucs…. (Click to Enlarge)

Another nice day for defense!

8 - Punts

1 - FG

1 - Turnover - interception

So, first look at game, a nice road win!  One more day to analyze the Tampa Bay game, and then on to the Lions!!!

What To Look For In The Packer vs Tampa Bay Game

Here we are - 2 games left!

Are the Packers able to finish?

Are the Packers a Super Bowl contender?

Will Aaron Rogers have a good game?

Will the Packers defense find an identity?

The question to question #1, a BIG FAT MAYBE!  It is an away game and the Pack does not play well in away games!  Win this one and they are 4-4, mediocre.  And if they make the playoffs, home field advantage is critical!  What we need Sunday, is a decisive win!

As to question #2, The NFL is not easy to figure in 2014.  So, the only team that concerns me is the Seattle Seahawks and their defense only!  So, YES, the Packers are a Super Bowl contender!

Will Aaron Rogers bounce back this week?  HE HAS TO!  If Aaron Rogers is a top QB in this league, he must do it Sunday!  And, do it against coaches that have played against him!!

Will the Pack defense discover who they are?  Better late than never!  Peppers & Matthews MUST make plays!  Recent draft choices Perry, D. Jones, & Neal MUST start to dominate!  And the young secondary MUST make plays!

So, here we are, 2 games to go, and a MUST win!  Yes, I said it a MUST win!  And it would be nice to see, let's say…………………..

Packers 34 and the Bucs 13

What Do We Know About The Tampa Bay Football Team?

First, the last time I was in Tampa Bay with my Packer Buddies, the Pack was on a roll!  The Bucs were NOT very good and………. WE LOST!

So, beware Packers!

Second, our version of the Packers of 2014 is VERY GOOD at home and VERY AVERAGE  on the road!!!!  7-0 at Home & 3-4 on the road!!!
Road Losses -
Seattle  Loss - 36-16  - A BAD loss!
Detroit  Loss - 19-7  - A BAD loss!
Chicago  Win  -  38 - 17 - A win against a bad team!
Miami  Win - 77 - 24 - A close win against an average team!
New Orleans  Loss  44 - 23 A loss against a BAD team!
Minnesota  Win - A close win against a BAD team!
Buffalo  Loss - A loss to a good team

So, what do you think?  I see a close win against a BAD team!

Third, Bucs Coaches Head Coach - Lovie Smith(love that name) and defensive coach Leslie Frazier!
They know the Packers & the Packers know them!!  So, A CLOSE game!

And fourth, as I see it, if the Packers are REALLY a playoff team……..  they need to win this game!!!

Comparison
Packers overall defense (yards) - 23rd & Bucs 25th
Packers defense points allowed - 18th (23.2) & Bucs 25th (26.2)
Packer Rush defense yards) - 6th & Bucs 30th
Packer Pass defense (yards) - 6th & Bucs 30th

Packer total offense (yards) - 6th & Bucs 30th
Packers points points scored - 2nd (31.1) & 27th (18.1) Bucs
Packers rush offense (yards) - 11th & Bucs 29th
Packers pass offense (yards) - 8th & Bucs 21st

Packers offense AGAIN, must win this game, the defenses a close!

Two Games To Go, What Have We Learned About the 2014 Packers?

Sometimes as a sports fan, you need to be honest with yourself!  You get blinded by a great win and tough loss!  Both, at first perspective, usually take our emotions to an extreme!

Big Packer win over the Patriots!

A opening season loss to the Seahawks!

A dominating win over the Eagles!

A disappointing loss early in the year to the Lions!

All the teams mentioned above, have looked good & bad!

Example:
Chiefs 41 Patriots 14 - a week four loss that had Patriot fans jumping in the Charles River!
Chargers 30 Seahawks 21 - have the Seahawks come back to reality?
Packers 53 Eagles 20 - We thought the Eagles were the offense of the future!
Panthers 24 Lions 7 - the Lions dominated the Packer offense!
And more, and more, and THIS IS THE NFL!

A few things remain constant in the NFL

1 - If you have a dominating defense, you are always dangerous!
(The Packers DO NOT have a dominating defense!

2 - If you have one of the top five QB's in the leagues, you are always in the game!
(The Packers have I think the BEST!)

So, get ready for a fun ride!  It will not be easy!  We will have more swings!  Hopefully,
the Pack will take this loss, learn from it & get on another roll!!!

Packers Defense Does The Job, Problem Is Offense Has Off Day Against Bills

Take a look at this - Click on the Aaron Rogers Interview!

Does it sound like Aaron was pissed?

How about McCarthy - Click on the Coach McCarthy Interview!

What do you think?  Does McCarthy sound pissed?

Well, as a fan, I'm pissed!

Some key points -
1 - Bills a 70 yard punt return for a TD!
2 - Bills block a Packer field goal!
3 - Bills safety on the Packers last drive!  On a crazy call, cannot advance a fumble,
under 2 minutes, on offense!
4 - Packers receivers with 6 drops - and Jordy drops TD pass Click to see it!
5 - Rogers missed Jordy wide open!
6 - Bills D-backs allowed to play hands on receivers all day (I know we should not
complain about the refs!)
7 - And I still do not like Jim Schwartz!

Next up Tampa Bay!

Packer vs. Bills, Opposites Attract!

The beauty of any sport is the match up of different styles of teams!  The "Chess Match"!  This game is that kind of game!  A very Good offense - Packers, vs. a very Good Defense - Bills!  And a very average defense - Packers, vs. a very average offense - Bills!

First, Packer Offense vs. Bills Defense!

This should be fun!  Keys…….
1 - Packer O-line controlling the Bills pass rush!  This is going to be I think the key!  Give Rogers time & he will do good things!  How many sacks for the Bills?  How may TD passes for Rogers!  Bills, 5th in yards per game - 311, 3rd in total points - 241 - 18.5 per game!  COME ON AARON ROGERS!!

2 - Packers defense was making progress, but the second half of the Falcon game was scary!!!  The Bills offense is 22nd, 327 yards a game, 21.6 points a game!  So, who will we see?  It would be great to see Matthews & Peppers make some BIG plays!  Clinton-Dix, a BIG interception!  And, at least 3-5 sacks!!!

3 - Who is the defensive coordinator for the Bills - Jim Shwartz, ex-head coach of the Lions!  So, a GREAT test for the Pack against a "Lion" like defense!!!

4 - A win on the road!  The Pack needs to show it can win a difficult game on the road!!!

5 - And last, a win continues the quest for NFC top seed, and a show down with the Lions!!!

Packers AJ Hawk - A Class Act!

I was going to continue to break down the Bills & Packer Game.

I was going to discuss the match up of the Packers "great" offense & strong Bills defense!

The average Packer defense & the average Bills offense.

But, after watching the recent interview of AJ Hawk this week, I NEED to spend time on
AJ Hawk!

Click here for the AJ Hawk interview.

Watching this video I felt the emotion.  In my very average athletic career I have experienced the emotion.  Playing in my first high school game.  Scoring my first high school TD.  Having a coach give me a bear hug for a BIG hit!  Watching my sons play the game.  Watching my sons score their first TD's!  Coaching high school football!

AJ Hawk is nearing the end of his career!  AJ Hawk has been a great leader!  AJ Hawk has a Super Bowl ring!  AJ Hawk is a LEADER on the field!  AJ Hawk has given the Packers QUALITY play on the defensive side of the ball!

AJ Hawk is a class act!

Whatever AJ Hawk does the rest of the year is fine with me!

You have earned my respect AJ HAWK!

Click here for AJ Hawk Statistics.

Analyzing The Packer Defense With Three Games To Play

OK, I'm a fan with a little football background - played high school football, was great on my fraternity college team, and coached some high school football for over 10 years!  Oh yea, was the midget football director for 5 years!  So, I'm an expert, RIGHT!

But, my love of football and math & computer background makes me want to analyze EVERYTHING!  So, let's take a shot at the Packer 2014 defense!

After reading this article - Hawk, "One of The Greatest Football Warriors," Rogers Says, I have added a new twist to my evaluation!  Here we go!

First Hawk - Hawk played 8 snaps against the Falcons!  Without question, AJ Hawk has been the leader of the Packer defense the past few years, especially after Woodson went to the Raiders!  The Packer defense needs a new leader to step up!

Here is the present starting line-up!

LDE - Datone Jones
NT - Letroy Guion
RDE - Mike Daniels
LOLB - Clay Matthews
LILB - AJ Hawk
RILB - Sam Barrington
ROLB - Julius Peppers
LCB - Tramon Williams
RCB - Sam Shields
SS - Morgan Burnett
FS - Micah Hyde

Who is the LEADER?  I say, this may be an issue!  I do not see one, we are in a transition! Mike Daniels is trying.  Clay Matthews should be, but he is trying a new position!  D. Jones, Hyde, Barrington are first year starters.  Peppers & Guion are new to the team. Williams, Burnett, & Shields are not leaders.  So, I see a team without a REAL leader!

Playing a lot of people is great, but are we playing TOO MANY?

Here are the snap counts:
Defense (67 total plays) 

Defensive line 
Mike Daniels: 34 
Datone Jones: 32 
Letroy Guion: 28 
Josh Boyd: 23 
Mike Pennel: 3 

Linebackers 
Clay Matthews: 67 
Julius Peppers: 58 
Mike Neal: 46 
Sam Barrington: 44 
Brad Jones: 23 
Nick Perry: 22 
A.J. Hawk: 8 

Cornerbacks 
Tramon Williams: 67 
Sam Shields: 45 
Casey Hayward: 39 
Davon House: 22 

Safeties 
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: 67 
Morgan Burnett: 66 
Micah Hyde: 42 
Sean Richardson: 1 

Wow!  7 linebackers played in the 67 total snap!  5 D-line. And 7 D-backs!  A lot of people equals confusion - the PACKERS in the second half used time outs on defense - NOT GOOD.  Many time the alignment looks like a "Chinese Fire Drill"!  Look at the snap counts!  The real problem looks like linebacker!  With my eyes, I see NO INSIDE LINEBACKER consistency!  And too many substitutions!

At defensive line, I still see no one even close to ALL PRO caliber!  We NEED a stud!

D-backs look good , but young at safety, Hyde & Clinton-Dix.  In a year or two, this could be a strength!

So, why is the defense struggling, I have TWO main concerns!

1 - NO REAL LEADERSHIP
This may develop, Daniels is coming, who else will step up?

2 - PLAYING TOO MANY PEOPLE!
Subbing is good, depth is great, BUT, players need to have time on the field to get into the game and players need to work together & TRUST the guy next to them!

Another Test Passed By The Packers - Barely

OK, time to analyze!  It is the day after the game and what have we asPacker Fans learned?

1 - Another Win! - Winning close games is VERY important!  Since the NFL has only 16 games ANY win is a GOOD win!  Right now, the Packers are leading their division over Detroit by one game!  Right now, The Packers are #2 Seed!  The Pack has the same record as the Cards & CONTROL their own destiny!  After week 14, THIS IS GOOD!

2 - The Packers turned a blowout into a close game - THIS IS NOT GOOD!

3 - The play of Aaron Rogers is still exceptional!  And his cast of players - O-line, & Nelson, Cobb, Adams, Quarless, Lacy & Starks are making choices easy for Rogers - all these players seem to be available.  THIS IS GOOD!!!

4 - The Defense?  ?   ?   ?  The passed few weeks progress was obvious!  What was obvious in the first half proved to be short lived!  The second half, ALL that trust & positive vibes just vanished!  The Falcons seemed to move down the field with eases!  THIS IS NOT GOOD!

So, where are we after week 14 of the NFL season?  The Packers look like a playoff team!  THIS IS GOOD!  Do the Packers look like a Super Bowl Team?  Honestly, not yet.  I would still put a good defensive team ahead of the Pack - Seattle, maybe the Cardinals.  The 49ers seam to be on a downward spiral.  The Eagles & Cowboys look like our Packers - at times GREAT, at times NOT SO GREAT!

My top five right now - Seahawks, Packers, Cardinals, Eagles & Cowboys.

One more look at the Falcons game coming.

Falcons vs Packers! If Packers Are For Real, They Win

Sometime in sports, the BETTER team wins.  Most of the time in sports, the BETTER team wins!  At their home field, the BETTER team wins.  In football, MOST of the times, the BETTER QB wins!  When a football game means a lot, the BETTER team wins!

Tonight, on Monday night football, on a National Stage, the BETTER team will win!

The Green Bay Packers!

Monday Night Football Against the Falcons!

Monday Night Football - Remember Howard Cosell & Dandy Don?  I do.  Growing up with Monday Night Football was a treat!  For many years, the NFL was a Sunday thing, and throw in an occasional Saturday, and Thanksgiving with the Lions and then the Cowboys!  BUT FOOTBALL ON MONDAY NIGHT!!! - REVOLUTIONARY!!!!!

Time to focus on the Falcons!

Packers Offense Total Yards 7th - Falcons 9th
Packers Total Points 2nd - Falcons 12th
Packers Passing Yards 8th - Falcons 6th
Packers Rush Yards 19th - Falcons 25th
Packers Defense Total Points 15th - Falcons 22nd
Packers Sacks 14th with 28 - Falcons 31st with 14
Packers Interceptions 4th with 15 - Falcons 8th with 14

Individuals
Packers Top Rusher - Lacy with 10th with 770 - Falcons Jackson 18th with 602
Packers Top Receiver - Nelson 7th with 1119 yards - Falcons Jones 3rd with 1169 yards
Packer Top Passer - Rogers 7th in yards with 3325 - Falcons Ryan 5th with 3427 yards
Packer TD passes - Rogers 3rd 32 TD's & 3 interceptions -
                                Falcons Ryan 11th 21 TD's with 10 interceptions

So far, I like what I see!  Rogers & Ryan - I like Rogers (OF COURSE!)
Rushing I'll take Lacy over Jackson.
Pass Receiving close one, but give me Nelson over Jones.
Receivers Packers - Nelson, Cobb, & Adams - Falcons - Jones, White, & Hester a great
                                  battle, but again I like the Pack (I know - biased!)
Of course a Packer Home Game - cold night & Falcons a southern dome team!  PACKERS!!

So far, I like the Packers!

Packer Buddies Return With Big Win Over Patriots!

Packers 26 - Patriots 21!

Packers 26 - Patriots 21!

Packers 26 - Patriots 21!

My favorite picture from the weekend?

My 21st Packer game and my all time favorite!  Why?

Of course……

Packers 26 - Patriots 21!

First the weekend!  Started as usual, drive from Lancaster, PA to Baltimore, MD.  Saturday, catch a Southwest Air flight from Baltimore, MD to Milwaukee, WI.  Rent a car and drive to our hotel, Foxhills Resort, about 45 minutes from Green Bay.  

And that night, dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant along the Lake Michigan Coast!  

Sunday was a late game - 3:30 CST.  So, sleep in & do breakfast at the Cozy Corner in Mishicot, WI.

Great people & great food!

Go back, watch the pre-game show for the early games and we are ready!  Leave for Lambeau Field around 12:30 PM!  

Game Review on my next post!!!

Packer Buddies Head To Green Bay!

This is a Packer Buddy Weekend!  Here we go!  Our usual itinerary:

1 - Drive from Lancaster, PA to Baltimore & BWI Airport

Last year at the Packer - Ravens game in Baltimore!

2 - Fly from Baltimore to Milwaukee, WI

3 - Rent car & drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay!
          On the way if needed EAT - One our favorites the Hobo Restaurant!

4 - Check into our Hotel
          One of our favorite - Fox Resort

5 - Game Day - Breakfast or lunch at Bay Motel!

6 - Walk to game from a spot halfway between Lambeau Field & Bay Motel
          On S. Military Avenue

7  - Game Time - Today will be Packers vs. Patriots!!

8 - Find a place to eat  maybe the Prime Quarter & some ice cream at Culvers!

9 - Morning Breakfast - maybe back at the Bay Motel & Martha's Club?

10 - Back to Milwaukee & flight to Baltimore & home to Lancaster, PA!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful to be a Packer Fan!

Thankful to be able to travel to Lambeau Field every year with my Packer Buddies!!

Thankful for over Twenty Years of AWESOME quarterbacks!  Favre & Rogers!

Thankful for Turkey!

GO PACK GO!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Brady vs. Rogers AND Belichick vs. McCarthy!

OK, on Sunday, November 30, 2014, the Packer Buddies will travel to Green Bay to see, I think, a game to remember!  Yes, The New England Patriots will be playing the Green Bay Packers!  As, we begin breaking down the game, let us begin with………..


Brady vs. Rogers AND Belichick vs. McCarthy!

Coaches

Bill Belichick
Age  - 62
Cleveland Browns head coach - 4 years
Regular Season Record - 36-44 (0.450)
Post Season Record (1-1) (0.500)
New England Patriots head coach - 15 years
Regular Season Record - 207-107-0  (0.659)
Post Season Record - 19-9 (0.679)
Total Regular Season Record 243-151 (0.649)
Total Post Season Record - 20-10 (0.667)
AFC Championships - 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, & 2011
Super Bowl wins - 3 - 2001, 2003, & 2004

Mike McCarthy
Age  - 51
Green Bay Packer head coach - 9 years
Regular Season Record - 90-48-1  (0.651)
Post Season Record - 6-5 (0.545)
NFC Championships - 2010
Super Bowl wins - 3 - 2010

So, McCarthy is 10 years younger and trying to prove he belongs with the BEST NFL coaches!
Being considered one of the best is:
a - Produce winning football teams - CHECK
b - Make it to the playoffs - CHECK
c - Winning a Super Bowl - CHECK
d - Winning multiple Super Bowls - NOT YET!

Therefore, for Sunday I give the edge to Belichick, in experience.

Next, Rogers vs Brady

Brady
Age - 37
Years in NFL - 15
Total Yards - 52,147
TD Passes - 385
QB Rating - 96.0
MVP's - 2
Super Bowls - 3 (2001, 2003, & 2004)

Rogers
Age - 30
Years in NFL - 10
Total Yards - 27,154
TD Passes - 218
QB Rating - 106.4
MVP's - 1
Super Bowls - 1 (2010)

Just like the coaches, the Patriots have the edge in QB experience!  And just like the coaches, Rogers has a chance to make a statement!

The good news - The teams will each rely on 52 others players & coaches!

Packer & Patriots By The Numbers!

OK. BIG Game!  Let's look at the numbers!

Total Offense
Packers - 9th in yards & Patriots - 7th
Packers - 2nd in points 354 & Patriots 1st with 357 points

Passing Offense - Packers - 8th in yards & Patriots 6th
Rushing Offense - Packers 18th in yards & Patriots 15th

Total Defense
Packers - 23rd in yards & Patriots 14th
Packers - 16th in points allowed & Patriots 12th

Passing Defense - Packers 13th & Patriots 17th
Rushing Defense - Packers 30th & Patriots 14th

QB Comparison
Rogers - 7th in yards & Brady - 6th in yards
Rogers - 1st in QB Rating & Brady - 6th
Rogers - TD passes 2nd with 30th & Brady 4th with 26 TD's
Rogers interceptions 3 & Brady 6

Rushing Comparison
Lacy 12th with 672 & Patriots by committee - Ridley, Vereen, Gray & Blount

Pass Receiving
Packers - Nelson 5th in yards with 1066 & Patriots Gronkowski 812 yards
Packers - Cobb 10 TD's & Gronkowski 9 TD's

Looks like a great match up!  NEXT, more on Rogers vs. Brady!

What Does The Packer Win Over The Vikings Tell Us?

What Does The Packer Win Over The Vikings Tell Us?

The Packers are 8-3 - THAT IS GOOD

The Packers are in first place in their division - THAT IS GOOD

The Packers have the second best record in the NFC - THAT IS GOOD

The Packers won this Sunday over the Vikings - THAT IS GOOD

Eddie Lacy had 125 yards rushing - THAT IS GOOD

Rogers had no turnovers & 2 TD passes, to someone bedsides Nelson & Cobb - THAT IS GOOD

The Packers ran out the clock at the end of the game running the football - THAT IS GOOD

So, Packer fans, R-E-L-A-X!  And enjoy the first place Packers!  THAT IS GOOD

Next up, the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick & Tom Brady!  THAT IS FUN!!!!!!

Packers - Vikings Rivalry

True rivals - what does the Packer - Viking Series look like?

Overall - Packers  56 wins &  Vikings 49 wins - 2 ties

1960's - Packers 11 wins  & Vikings 7 wins

1970's - Packers  4 wins  & Vikings  15wins & 1 tie

1980's - Packers 14 wins  & Vikings  5 wins

1990's - Packers 8 wins  & Vikings 12 wins

2000's - Packers  12 wins  & Vikings  wins 9

2010's - Packers  8 wins  & Vikings 1 win & 1 tie

So, Packers have the momentum!

Keys to victory

Packers run for 140 yards  - say, Lacy around 100 & Starks 40?

Protect Rogers!  Give up 2 Sacks at the most - NO Packer turnovers!

Rush the Rookie QB Bridgewater!  3-4 sacks, 3-4 knock downs & 2 interceptions?

Continue to see a fast start for offense!

Defense continue aggressive play & attack!  Keep moving Matthews around!

Final Score Packers 31 - Vikings 14

Go Pack Go!

What Can We Learn From The First Packer - Vikings Game This Year!

What Can We Learn From The First Packer - Vikings Game This Year!

Score at Lambeau - Packers 42 - Vikings 10
The Packers need to focus and "keep the hammer down!"  No let up & keep to the trend of getting on top early!  Start FAST!

Stats
Packer Rushing  Lacy - 105 yards & Starks 46 yards!  Total for the team - 156 yards rushing
Viking rushing Asiata - 72 yards & McKinnon 24 yards!  Total for team - 111 yards rusing
Packers must do the same, win the rushing battle!!!!

QB's
Rogers - 12 for 17 and 176 yards & 3 TD's & 0 interceptions!
Ponder - 22 for 44 and 222 yards & 0 TD;s & 2 interceptions!
No more Ponder for Vikings, the rookie Bridgewater is at the helm!  More athletic, but hopefully the PAck can add to their interception totals!  The Vikings will put heat in Rogers - they are tied for 3rd with 30 Sacks on the year!  So, keep an eye on the battle on the line of scrimmage!  And the rushing game should slow up the rush!  So, screen plays & play action passes should help!

Receivers
Packers - Cobb 3 for 34 yards & 1 TD  Lacy 3 for 27 yards  Nelson 1 for 66 & a TD
Vikings - Thielen 4 for 57 yards  Ford 3 for 31 yards  Wright 3 for 27 yards  McKinnon 3 for 27 yards.
The Pack did not need to throw that much!  Rogers had 12 completion & 3 TD's - VERY EFFICIENT!  Will the Viking receivers had 0 TD's!  More of the same in needed!

Drives
Packers had 13 drives - 5 TD's, 6 Punts, 1 Interception, 1 for the end of game!
Vikings had 14 drives - 1 TD & 1 FG (ALL IN 4th QUARTER) 7 Punts, 2 Interceptions!

So, watch the film of game 1 & STAY FOCUSED!

Checkout Packer Website - NO LET DOWN!

Packers At The Vikings AND The Game Is OUTSIDE!

No Dome.  No snow bringing down the roof!  The Vikings are where they should be OUTSIDE!

OK football fans, all is well for the Packers at Vikings football game!  Although, just for the next 2 years!  What will be the focus?

The Vikings are suffering from today's world!  First, NO Adrian Peterson!  And he Packers have at times allowed the Viking running back to run wild!  And, it looks like Peterson is finished for the year after child abuse charges for hitting his child with a tree branch!

Also, Vikings are starting a rookie QB - Terry Bridgewater - 1479 yards - 4 TD's - 6 Interceptions

The Vikings playmakers?
Running Backs
Matt Asiata - 484 yards - 6 TD's
Jerick McKinnon - 279 yards - 0 TD's

Receivers
Greg Jenning - 38 rec - 463 yards - 2 TD's
Cordarrelle Patterson - 28 rec - 232 yards - 1 TD
Jarius Wright - 26 rec - 315 yards - 0 TD's

On the defensive side:
Leading in Tackles
Robert Blanton - 68, Anthony Barr - 62

Interceptions
Harrison Smith 4

Sacks
Everson Griffen - 9

The Vikings Team Totals
Total Offense - 30 out of 32 teams
Total Defense - 12 out of 32 teams (THIS IS PRETTY GOOD!)  Pack is 25th!

So, do not take them lightly!  The defense seems to be stingy!  The offense is young & has some play makers.  After two BIG scoring weeks, we need to look out for a let down!

Total History
Packers 56 Wins
Vikings 49 Wins

What Does A Blowout Win Over The Eagles Tell Us?

Packer 53 - Eagles 20!

I will say it again louder!

Packer 53 - Eagles 20!

As a fan, this is just what I wished for!  A win over a good football team!!

This is what I saw……..

1 - Packer at Lambeau Field!
Sept 14 - Packers 31 - Jets 24
Oct 2 - Packers 42 - Vikings 10
Oct 19 - Packers 38 - Panthers 17
Nov 9 - Packers 55 - Bears 14
Nov 16 - Packers 53 - Eagles 20

That is 5 wins & 0 losses!  Average score - Packers  43.8 - Opponents 17.0.
Packers winning by over 26 points!  Packers are playing GREAT at home!!!

2 - Offense - Rogers is on a roll!
Packers had 10 total offensive drives - 4 TD's & 2 FG's & 1 missed FG,
1 Punt, 1 Punt blocked, and End of game kneel down!

So, the two bad things to clean up - Blocked Punt & missed FG!
Good news, Rogers has the offense flying high!

3 - Defense - Making BIG plays!
Of the Eagles 13 offensive drives - 2 interceptions & 2 fumbles!  THAT IS GOOD!
Of the 4 turnovers - 2 returned for TD's!
4 - Eagle Punts!  Make the opponents PUNT! and…. one punt returned for TD!!!
2 - held Eagles to FG's - that is good!
2 - Eagles scored, that is not good, but against this offense, OK!

4 - Special Teams!  TD!
It is always great to score at least one TD on Special Teams!
The blocked punt is a concern - should make that Punt Team focus the rest of the year!
1 missed FG

So, a great win, and overall a GREAT TEAM WIN!!!

A Packer Buddy Preparing For the Game!

It is Saturday Night, and one of our Packer Buddies, Bill is having his pre-game ice  cream!  A Turtle from Culver's!!!

BRING HOME A WIN BILL!!!!

Will Packers Become A Contender On Sunday

There are many ways to get to the Super Bowl.  And, as proven the past 10 years, it is not always predictable!  Evidence for this ………….

2013 - Seahawks  - Regular Season Record 13-3
     Defense & a running game!  Old school approach!  Was NFC #1 Seed.  A short QB can win
the Super Bowl!

2012 - Ravens  - Regular Season Record 10-6
     Defense!  A hot & cold QB finished the year hot!  Won, division, but needed to go through
the wild card game!

2011 - Giants  - Regular Season Record 9-7
     Wild Card team, qualifying in last game!  QB, got hot at the end of the year!  Good defense!

2010 - Packers  - Regular Season Record 10-6
     Wild card team, all 6 of there loses were by four points or less!  Entered play offs as the
sixth seed!

2009 - Saints  - Regular Season Record 13-3
     Won the south division.  Top seed in NFC, but lost last 3 regular season games!

2008 - Steelers  - Regular Season Record 12-4
     Won AFC North.  Great defense - #1 yards allowed & points!

2007 - Giants  - Regular Season Record 10-6
     Wild Card route!  Beat an undefeated Patriots (18-0) to win Super Bowl!

2006 - Colts  - Regular Season Record 12-4
     Won AFC South.  Was the 4th season for the Colts of 12 wins in regular season!

2005 - Steelers  - Regular Season Record 11-5
     Got to super bowl as a wild card team.  Was second in AFC North.

2004 - Patriots  - Regular Season Record 14-2
    Won AFC East and was second seed entering playoffs.

So, as the past ten years show, there are MANY ways to win a Super Bowl!  Four of the last
ten, were wild card teams!  Two were the top seeds.  Some had great defenses, and here is a list of QB's:

2013 - Russel Wilson
2012 - Joe Flacco
2011 - Eli Manning'
2010 - Aaron Rogers
2009 - Drew Brees
2008 - Ben Roethlisberger
2007 - Eli Manning
2006 - Peyton Manning
2005 - Ben Roethlisberger
2004 - Tom Brady

Two of the QB's have 2 wins & E. Manning & Roethlisberger are above average QB's.  Four, Rogers, P. Manning, Brady, & Brees are probably hall of famers!  Flacco & Wilson are QB's that will be around for a long time!

So, looks like you need an above average QB right now, a good defense, and stay healthy!

For the Eagles - QB?  Sanchez no!  Foles, maybe.  Defense, maybe?
For the Packers - QB?  Rogers YES!  Defense, this week will tell a lot!

What Must Packers Do To Beat The Eagles?

This game, against the Eagles, will be another measurement for this Packer team!  Every week of an NFL season will test a team.  So, let the exam begin!

Packer Wins - Jets - Bears - Vikings - Dolphins - Panthers - Bears
Packer Loses - Seahawks - Lions - Saints

Eagle Wins - Jaguars - Colts - Redskins - Rams - Giants - Texans - Panthers
Eagle Loses - 49ers - Cardinals

Both the Packers & Eagles have lost to good football teams!  The most impressive Packer win? Probably the Dolphins.  Most impressive Eagle win - Colts.  So, looks like both teams have something to prove!

The Eagles are using their back-up QB!  The Packers have Rogers - BIG advantage Packers!

Eagle defense?  Total Yards Given Up?  Total 21st - Pass 22nd- Run - 19th
Packer defense?  Total Yards Given Up?  Total 23rd - Pass 9th - Run - 30th

Looks like a defensive toss up!
Can the Packers stop the Eagles running backs - McCoy & Sproles?
Can the Eagles contain the Packers top receivers - Nelson & Cobb?
Which Matthews brother do you want? Clay or Casey?

I'll take Clay - advantage Packers!

Offensive

Sanchez or Rogers?
Maclin & Cooper or Cobb & Nelson?
Celek & Ertz or Quarless & Rogers?
McCoy & Sproles or Lacy & Stark?

The BIG difference MUST be Rogers!

And its is a HOME GAME for the Packers!

And the Packers owe them one!

And the Packers win 31 - 21!

The Eagles Are Back in 2014!

Here we go again!  Eagles are in town two years in a row!!  That is rare for a non-division opponent!

Remember last year?  My Packer Buddies & I were there!  And I even brought my Pastor from Lancaster, PA, who is a crazy Eagle fan!  And even though I would like to forget last year's game, here are some facts:

1 - The Packers started the day with their second string QB, Seneca Wallace!  If that is not bad enough, Wallace went down early in the game and in comes our 3rd stringer!!!  Scott Tolzien!!!

2 - We make the Eagles punt &  drive the ball down the field & MISS a field goal.

3 - Eagles get a lucky bounce of one of our d-backs!  Bounces into DeSean Jackson's hands - BINGO 55 yard TD!!

4 - Packers drive ball to the Eagles 3 yard line, Tolzien throws interception, Eagles return it 76 yards and Eagles miss a field goal!

5 - Packers, with 3rd string QB drive down field, BUT miss another field goal, this one from 42 yards!

Are you getting the picture!!  Eagles eventually win 27-13.  But, Pack was driving late and Nelson makes a great catch for a first down, but officials call it incomplete!!

And I think, the worst part of the game, with over 9 minutes on the clock, the Eagles go on a drive and run out the clock!!!

That was last year!  Even with a 3rd swing QB, the Pack could have won!  And, remember, Matthews was playing with that club, protecting his thumb!  And we had other injuries!

So this year, healthy Rogers & Matthews, Lambeau Field crowd, and the Eagles with back-up QB Mark Sanchez!!!!!

Go Pack Go!

Veteran's Day - Lambeau Style!

When find yourself worried about a football game - R-E-L-A-X.  Think about what your veterans have done for you!  Our freedom, as they say is not free!  When you have a chance, thank a veteran for their service!

Veterans,

Thank YOU!

For your service!!!!

Packers Cage The Bears!!!

OK, let's look at & comment on my pre-game comments:

OFFENSE
1 - Aaron Rogers - Mobility  One of the main reason that Rogers is special is his ability to extend the play!  Will that hamstring hold up?
Yes, Hamstring looked good, and Aaron had adequate mobility in the pocket!

2 - Packer running game - Sitton & Lang are banged up at guard.   Will they play?  If so, can Lacy go over 100 yards?  If they cannot play, can Lacy go over 100 yards?
Yes, Sitton & Lang played!  Tough guys!!  Lacy did not get 100 yards - this still concerns me!

3 - Jordy Nelson - are teams taking away Jordy Nelson?  Need 100 yards & a TD!
Jordy stats - 6 receptions - 152 yards - 2 TD's - Well done!

4 - Will a Packer Tight End step up and make some big plays?
Quarless - 2 receptions - 10 yards & TD
Rogers - 2 receptions - 6 yards
Bostick - 1 receptions - 1 yards & TD
Starting to add something to the offense!

5 - Will DuJuan Harris ever get a chance on offense?
Harris played in the second half as a "mop up" running back!  I still LOVE his shiftiness!!

For the Pack Defense………

1 - Stop the run?  Hold a team under 100 yards??
Bears team - 55 yards rushing - YES!!!!

2 - Will the D-backs be healthy?  Need 2 interceptions!
Yes, they were healthy!   And YES, 2 interceptions!!!

3 - Inside Linebackers - do we have any?
Yes, Clay Matthews!!!!

4 - Outside Linebackers - Peppers is playing well - can Matthews make some big plays?
Looks like a move of Matthews to the inside could be exciting!  And YES, Peppers had
a great game & an even better Pre-game speech!!!

5 - Defensive Line - see #1
Yes, BETTER!

And do not forget special teams!

1 - Will any team Punt?  Need the Pack D to force more Punts!
YES!  Bears punted 4 times!

2 - No big returns by Bears.
NO, Kick off Return for a TD!  Opps Packer kick team!

3 - Two big returns by Pack
Packer punt returns yards 107 - Bears - 13!

Nice game!!!

What To Look For When Packers Play The Bears?

This Packer Fan will be looking at several things when the Pack plays the Bears……..

1 - Aaron Rogers - Mobility  One of the main reason that Rogers is special is his ability to extend the play!  Will that hamstring hold up?

2 - Packer running game - Sitton & Land are banged up at guard.   Will they play?  If so, can Lacy go over 100 yards?  If they cannot play, can Lacy go over 100 yards?

3 - Jordy Nelson - are teams taking away Jordy Nelson?  Need 100 yards & a TD!

4 - Will a Packer Tight End step up and make some big plays?

5 - Will DuJuan Harris ever get a chance on offense?

For the Pack Defense………

1 - Stop the run?  Hold a team under 100 yards??

2 - Will the D-backs be healthy?  Need 2 interceptions!

3 - Inside Linebackers - do we have any?

4 - Outside Linebackers - Peppers is playing well - can Matthews make some big plays?

5 - Defensive Line - see #1

And do not forget special teams!

1 - Will any team Punt?  Need the Pack D to force more Punts!

2 - No big returns by Bears.

3 - Two big returns by Pack

What will happen Sunday Night?