Packer 2017 Season Ends On A Sour Note!

Wow!  Like I keep pointing out, maybe this is good!  Let me explain my thinking........

Aaron stays healthy, we finish 10-6 or 11-5, make the playoffs, lose before the Super Bowl.  A hard fought year, a playoff run, and we lose say 35-21 to, well maybe the Saints.  And, nothing changes, and we begin another year................

Or, we find out the Packers are a bad team without Aaron Rodgers - a below average team.  We still
rack up a bunch of injuries, and we still have Dom Capers & Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy still defends his players, instead of being truthful and saying......

Brett Hundley did not improve and let this team down.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx & Devon House quit against the Lions.

Dom Capers defense gives up MORE big plays!

Special teams muff a punt.

The Lions beat the Packers two times in a season, first time since 1991!

The Vikings win the division at 13 wins & 3 losses with a 3rd string QB!

Wow!  DO WE NEED A CHANGE IN DIRECTION!!!!!!

Or, are we satisfied with a cool stadium & Titletown, with a brewery & a tubing hill?

Time will tell!!!!!!!!!

By the way, look at todays Packer Drive Chart!!!

WOW!

1 - Interception

2 - Field Goal

3 - Fumble

4 - Punt

5  - Punt

6 - Punt

7 - End of Half!!!

3 points in the first half & 2 turnovers!

And the 2nd Half??

8 - Punt

9 - Punt

10 - Punt

11 - TD

12 - Interception

13 - Downs

11 points for the game!!

Back To Offense - Jordy Nelson & Davante Adams

As as review, here are my MUST players for 2018!

1 - Aaron Rodgers
2 - David Bakhtiari
3 - Mike Daniels
4 - Morgan Burnett
5 - Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx

Now, back to offense - Jordy & Davante!

Jordy Nelson

I'm sure you have heard the phrase, "Happy Wife, Happy Life"?  Well, I say
"Happy Aaron, Happy Jordy!"  So, if Aaron is on the team, Jordy is on the team!!
2016, Jordy led the NFL in TD's!  This year, 2017, Jordy was leading the NFL in
TD's, before Aaron was injured!!  To me, this is easy!  Bring back Jordy, maybe he
could be talked into renegotiate, so we can make this team better!!!

2017 Stats - 53 receptions for 482 years - 6 TD's

Davante Adams - 6'1" - 215 lbs - Age 25 - Year 4 - College - Fresno State

If this season taught us anything, Davante Adams is our BEST receiver RIGHT NOW! He

even made Brett Hundley look good at times!!!!  And, the news as of today, we have extended

Adams for 4 more years!  So, that makes Aaron happy!  That makes Packer fans happy!  And,

Adams was headed for a personal BEST season, before the cheap shot in the Panthers game!!!

So, Adams & Nelson is enough to keep the engine running for the Packer offense!

2017 Stats - 74 reception for 885 yards - 10 TD's

My Packer 53 man roster for 2018 so far:

1 - Aaron Rodgers
2 - David Bakhtiari
3 - Mike Daniels
4 - Morgan Burnett
5 - Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx
6 - Jordy Nelson
7 - Davante Adams

More to come!

Building The 2018 Packers - Burnett & Clinton-Dixx

Here is our 53 man roster list so far:

1 - Aaron Rodgers
2 - David Bahktiari
3 - Mike Daniels

Next, out two Safeties on defense - Morgan Burnett & Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx

Morgan Burnett - 6'1" - 209 lbs - 28 years old - College - Georgia Tech - Year 8

If Mike Daniels is our vocal leader, Morgan Burnett is our quiet leader!  Steady & Versatile!

Steady?  Never looks rattled!  Aways under control.  Interviews are well spoken & consistent!

Versatility?  As safety, controls the defensive calls.  Moves up to ILB & tackles!  And, rushing the

quarterback - 3rd all time Packer History as a safety - 1st-Leroy Butler, 2nd-Mark Murphy, and 

Morgan is third.

Burnett is a free agent this year & should be signed!

Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx - 6'1" - 208 lbs - 25 years old - Alabama - Year 4

2016 named to first Pro Bowl & 2nd team AP All Pro, people are noticing.  If Burnett is not on the 

field, has become a leader in the secondary!  Tied for 24th in the league this year with 3 interceptions.

33rd in the league in total tackles with 78 total tackles.

We have two steady & proven safeties among the BEST in the league! 

Our 53 man roster list:

1 - Aaron Rodgers

2 - David Bahktiari

3 - Maike Daniels

4 - Morgan Burnett

5 - Ha Ha Clinton Dixx

Next????

Building for 2018 - The Packers

A 53 man roster, begins with Aaron Rodgers.  How about two more?

David Bakhtiari & Mike Daniels?

First Bakhtiari.  A left tackle is the next best thing to a franchise QB!
6'4" - 310 lbs - 26 yrs old - College - Colorado

This is his 5th year & has been ..........

*  Very Dependable

*  Very Durable

*  Very Good!

*  And, Has VERY good hair!

It was a slap in the face he was not on the pro bowl, but that team is usually a popularity contest
when you win & the Packers did not win enough games this year!  But, if you would ask Aaron Rodgers, he would probably pick him to protect him!!!

Made the pro bowl in 2016.  Has started the most games at offensive line from 2013-2016!  First offensive tackle since Forrest Gregg, 1967 to receive AP All Pro Honors!

So, building a team - I'll stick with Bakhtiari!

Mike Daniels. Our leader on defense!
6'0" - 310 lbs - 28 years old - College - Iowa

Without question, the leader od our defense the past 2-3 years!  Always intense, always focused, & ALWAYS leading!!!

*  Solid in the Middle & the defensive line was our HIGH spot this year!

*  Very dependable

*  Very believable!

Was selected as a Pro Bowl back up in 2016.  Daniels has also been durable & consistent in his play! When you watch the game, listen to the videos, and see his FACE, you know he is the "leader of the pack"!  

Therefore, if we are going to make a Super Bowl run in 2018, we NEED Mike Daniels!

We now have 3 - Aaron Rodgers, David Bakhtiari, & Mike Daniels!

Contracts?? (Click on the contract to enlarge)

Next?????

Packers and Hundley and McCarthy Get Shut Out Again!

16-0!

Handley Stats
17 of 40 passes for 130 yards & 2 interceptions & 0 TD's (Positive? There were at least 4-5 drops!)

That is VERY bad and will not pass the eye ball test, smell test, or any other test!!!!

Positive

D-line played well & looks like Clark & Lowry are making strides!

Inside linebackers - Ryan & Martinez, very average.

Outside back-ups (remember Matthews & Perry did not play) very average.

D-backs, against an average QB, not to bad, but shaky!  Safeties Burnett & Clinton Dixx, above average - corners, revolving door, injuries, NOT what I would be comfortable with against a GOOD quarterback!

Offensive Line, Bakhtiari should be All Pro & held up well most of the year.  Did lose Spriggs on first drive & Bulaga was out most of the year - but an above average line.

Rookie running backs, not a bad year, but will not scare anyone!

Wide Receivers, of course, Adams out from last weeks cheap shot, Jordy did not make it into 2nd half, Cobb average as usual - rookie Clark, the 6'6" undrafted rookie out of Marshall showed some promise in his first game playing!

So, one more game to see who should stay & who should go!  What do you think???

More to come!!!

Bring on the Lions!

Packers Begin Last Two Games As a Trial For The 2018 Season?

OK, Packer fans, like I have said, this is something new for us!  We are usually getting into the playoff push!!!  NOT this year!  I now look at it as a tryout for next years 53 man roster build!

So, we start with the obvious - Aaron Rodgers!

We have safely tucked away our largest investment - both in $$$$$ and talent!  First, contract:

So, 2012 is the date - Aaron will be 36.  I say, extend to age 40!  Add 4 more years!

I would make Aaron the first $30,000,000 man!  Let's face it, he IS our team right now!!!  Now, if Aaron would agree to less, fine!  I would sit at the negotiation table and say, Aaron, you basically have the control!  Every penny we save from your contract will be put into putting talent into the other 52 men on this team, so, what do you want?  $$$$$$ or a Super Bowl Ring?

I would even say, any roster addition we will run past you!  We have the final say, BUT, we want your input!  Again, this team is only as good as YOU!!!!  So, if we sign Aaron to age 40, we guarantee at least a CHANCE at the playoffs and a Super Bowl!

Unlike most of the NFL teams, we have our QB - NOW what about the other 52 players????

EXTEND Aaron Rodgers to 2024!!!!

Packer Fans Are In 21A Strange Place - No Playoff Football

Let Review A Little Packer Recent History

2008 Season 6 wins & 10 losses - No Playoffs

2009 Season 11 wins & 5 losses - Loss Wildcard Playoffs to Cardinals in OT 51-45

2010 Season 10 wins & 6 losses - Super Bowl Champs!

2011 Season 15 wins & 1 loss - Loss Divisional Playoff to Giants 37-20

2012 Season 11 wins & 5 losses - Loss Divisional Playoff to 49ers 45-31

2013 Season 8 wins & 7 losses 1 tie - Loss Wildcard Playoff to 49ers 23-20

2014 Season 12 wins & 4 losses - Loss Conference Playoff to Seahawks in OT to Seahawks 28-22

2015 Season 10 wins & 6 losses - Loss Divisional Playoff to Cardinals in OT 26-20

2016 Season 10 wins & 6 losses - Loss Conference Playoff to Falcons 44-21

That is 8 years in a row in the playoffs, only team better - Patriots!

Packer Fans - WE A VERY SPOILED!

In that 8 year span - 1 Super Bowl - 3 playoff losses in overtime!

News of the day - Aaron Rodgers to IR, finished for the season.  GOOD MOVE!

What to watch for:

Grade the young guys!
OLB - Biegel
CB - Hawkins & Goodson
S - Josh Jones
WR - Allison

and of course - our young QB - Brett Hundley

Needs for Ted Thompson - PLEASE LISTEN TEDDY!!!!

A PASS RUSH - by draft or free agent - we MUST get help for our front 7!!
A shut down corner
An inside linebacker that is CRAZY!
A tight end (what a mess here!! - we have two on the team! - very, very average!)
An offensive linemen
And, lock up Aaron Rodgers!  He is 34, lock him up to age 40!

So, Packer Fans - R-E-L-A-X!  At least till next year!!!

Packers Week 15 Against Panthers - Better Luck Next Year!

The stage was set.  Aaron Rodgers is back, win the next 3, get a little help & who knows?

Problem is, Aaron's 3 interceptions.  First game back & a little rusty!

Some numbers:

Packers 11 drives
4 - scores - 3 TD's and 1 FG
2 - Punts
1 - Downs
3 - Interceptions
1 - Onside Kick

Panthers 11 drives
5 - scores - 4 TD's & 1 FG
4 - Punts
2 - 1 End of Half & 1 End of Game

Turnovers were the difference!

Total Yards
Packers - 120 rushing & 290 passing = 410 Total Yards
Panthers - 151 rushing & 242 passing = 393 Total Yards

As the case usually in the NFL, you lose the turnover battle 3-0, you LOSE the game!

Now, we play for pride!

As We Look At Every Week, Who Is Healthy In Week 15?

What do the Packers look like this week?

What has been a concern the past two years - Cornerback!

Devon House, probably will not play, that leaves Randall, Hawkins, and Goodson, Pipkins, Brown.
That is a LOT of walk ons & un-drafted free agents!  And, a heavy burden on our safeties  - Burnett, Clinton-Dixx, Jones, Whitehead & Evans.  So, expect the Panthers will score!

Perry i needed!  Pass rush is critical and with Newton's scrambling - well you know!!!

There are only 3 Inside Linebackers on the team & Ryan is hurting!  Expect Burnett playing at ILB. and Matthews to move around!

How about some good news?  Take a look at the Panthers Injury Report!

Is....... that....... longer than the Packers??  YES!!  Holy Cow!!!!

What does my gut tell me, to win, Aaron Rodgers needs to come out swinging!  Gut says Packers need to be in the 30's to win!!!!

Packers Defense Needs to....................

1 - Contain QB, Newton - NO HUGE scrambles!

2 - Packers number of sacks - 5!

3 - Packers win turnover battle by 2!

4 - Hold the Panthers to 27 points!

The Packers Offense needs to ..............................

1 - Run the football - Williams over 100 yards!

2 - Jordy, NEEDS to score 2 TD's!!!!!!

3 - Protect Aaron - Duh!

4 - Score 31 points!!

Final Score:

Packers 31 - Panthers 27

The Packers Are Still Alive! - Next Up The Panthers!

Packers are still alive!

Aaron Rodgers MAY play!

Brett Hundley COULD be  good back up QB!

Clay Matthews MAY have found the fountain of youth!

First, the Brown game!  Another overtime win!

Down 14 points, against a winless team, the Pack could have packed it in!  THEY DID NOT!

Packer Drives: 5 Punts / 4 TD's / 1 End of Half

1 - TD
2 - Punt
3 - Punt
4 - Punt
5 - End of Half
6 - Downs
7 - TD
8 - Punt
9 - TD
10 - TD

Brown Drives: 4 Punts / 2 Interceptions / 3 TD's / 1 End of Half

1 - TD
2 - Punt
3 - TD
4 - Interception
5 - Punt
6 - TD
7 - Punt
8 - Punt
9 - End of Half
10 - Interception

The Packers had a slow 1st half - 5 drives & 3 punts with one TD.  The Browns had a slow second half - 3 Punts & 1 interception & 1 TD & 1 End of Half.  Pretty even!  Overtime & a Browns turnover & a Packer TD!  This is a good thing!

But, remember, the Browns are winless!  So, we SHOULD have won this game!  But, with a backup QB, nothing is easy.  The Eagles have joined the group, and the Vikings have be playing well with a backup QB.  So, welcome the the NFL in 2017!

So, Tuesday, we find out about Aaron!  Let us enjoy the win & hold our breath!

As I do every week first the Injury Report:

The biggest issue, besides one more week of NO Aaron, is like last year - defensive backs. specifically the cornerback position!  Our safeties, Clinton-Dxx, Burnett, & Jones should be fine.  Hold onto your season at corner!

Another player to season ending IR - Kevin King, our rookie CB.  He was showing signs, but the constant battle with the bad shoulder and finally surgery is required!

So, what issues will the Browns present?  As we mentioned earlier, a pretty good defense!

A VERY young defense - Rookies - Garrett, Peppers, years 2 - 5 - Coley, Third Year - Nassib, Shelton, Kirksey, Shobert, Burgess, Taylor, & Kindred, the elder statesman, McCourty - year 9.  So, as you see, very young!  And, as the teams stats show, having a descent year.  

Some comparisons, Packers, 29 sacks & Browns 24 sacks.  Let us hope the Packers continue on a hot sacking streak!  Interceptions, Packers 9 & Browns 6.  A young battle of QB's, look for more interceptions!!!  The next stat is scary - FIRST in the league in points per game, the Browns - 14.7 per game, where as, the Packers are 13th - 21.5 points per game.  This will be interesting to watch!!

The offenses, how about a rookie QB for the Browns - DeShone Kizer vs our young gun, Brett Hundley!  

Kisser - 181 completions out of 345 attempts for 2,038 yards & 6 TD's with 15 interceptions

Hundley - 126 completions out of 206 attempts for 1269 yards & 5 TD's with 8 interceptions.

This is a battle of inconsistent QB's!!!  In my eyes, this is the BIGGEST game for Hundley & he MUST win this battle!!!  Come on Hundley!!!!

VS

Cleveland Browns - This May Be The Story The Packers 2017 Season!

Here we go!  A game to define the Packer 2017 Season - Why is that!

Win this game & Aaron Rodger MAY finish the season!

Win this game & the Packers may win 10 games!

Win this game & Brett Hundley will end his 2017 on a positive note!

Win this game & Mike McCarthy will prove he is right.

Win this game & Ted Thompson will be back - Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Win this game - because WE SHOULD WIN THIS GAME!


Let's look at the Cleveland season!

Game & Score!
1 - Steelers 21-18
2 - Ravens 24-10
3 - Colts 31-28
4 - Bengals 31-7
5 - Jets 17-14
6 - Texans 33-17
7 - Titans 1-9
8 - Vikings 33-16
9 - Lions 38-24
10 - Jaguars 19-7
11 - Bengals 30-16
12 - Chargers 19-10

That is 0 wins & 12 losses!

Ranking - Offense is 24th, and Packers are 25th!
Ranking - Defense is 10th, and Packers are 24th!

That last stat concerns me!

So, let the analyzing BEGIN!!

Packers leads all time series 12 wins to 7 losses.

Go Pack Go!

Packer Buddies Bring Home Another Win! Packers Over Bucs!

It was NOT pretty!

It was NOT easy!

It was NOT a Packer offensive gem!

It was NOT a game for the Packer Hall of Fame!

It was NOT typical Packer December Football! (In fact, a record high for a December game!)

BUT, it was a win!  A win that allowed us to dream of playoffs.

A WIN, to help us dream of getting Aaron BACK on the field!

A WIN that stopped a 3 game home losing streak!

A look at the team possession chart, first the Bucs:

Drives for Bucs
1 - TD
2 - Punt - 3 & out
3 - Punt - 3 & out
4 - Punt - 3 & out
5 - Fumble - Packer return for defensive TD!!!
6 - FG - at end of 1st half
7 - Punt
8 - FG
9 - TD
10 - Punt

First, never give the opposition a TD on the first drive!  But, the NEXT 3 drives were 3 & outs!  VERY NICE!!!!!  Next drive, a fumble & a Pack defensive TD!!!!  VERY NICE!!!  A FG to end the first half, NOT GOOD!  But, 10 points the first half, NOT BAD!

Second half, a punt, next FG, next TD, and last punt!  Again, 10 points in the half NOT BAD!

In overtime, Pack wins the toss, drive for TD, NO chance for Bucs!  SWEET!!!!

Drives for the Packers:
1 - FG, answered the TD on the Bucs first drive, BUT Hundley missed a wide open TD!!!
2 - Punt
3 - Interception - a badly under thrown deep pass to Jordy!
4 - TD
5 - End of half (17 points, with a defensive TD, GOOD!)
6 - Punt - 3 & out
7 - Punt - 3 & out
8 - Punt - 3 & out (Are you counting, that is 3 - 3 & outs in a row!!)  NOT GOOD!!!
9 - FG
10 - End of game!
OVER Time 11 - TD!!!! Great runs by Hundley (running the option), Williams & Aaron Jones!)

Handley was terrible!  By my un-professional eyes - NOT a pro QB, BUT, he could improve?

Running game - Williams & Jones look like NFL running backs, but again, time will tell!

Offensive line, seemed to be working out the new addition at right tackle Spriggs!

Defense - 7 sacks, ARE YOU READING THIS - SEVEN SACKS!!!!  But, was that a fluke?

Matthews, 2.5 sacks, a fluke, again, time will tell!

Lowry, a fumble recovery for a TD!!!  A DEFENSIVE TD!!!  Yipppeeeeee!

The defensive backs held up, but gave up a bunch of running yards, BUT, only 20 points!

The EYE test - we are NOT a playoff team!

Getting to Aaron in two weeks, we are a playoff team!

With Aaron, we are dangerous, BUT a Super Bowl quality team?

WE HAVE 4 weeks to show that!!!

Remember 2010 season, we were a wild card, won all our road play off games!

And, WON THE SUPER BOWL!!!!

Packers and Lambeau Field - Three Game Losing Streak!!

Packers Fans!  The Packers have a THREE game losing streak at home in Lambeau Field!!!!

This is NOT good!  Of course, NO Aaron!  So, the Tampa Bay Bucs are coming to town!  And, they have their QB back - Winston.  Let's look at Tampa Bay.

Games this year: (Record 4-7)
1- BYE - hurricane!
2- Tampa Bay 29  - Chicago 7
3- Minnesota 34 - Tampa Bay 17
4- Tampa Bay 25 - NY Giants 23
5- New England 19 - Tampa Bay 14
6- Arizona 38 - Tampa Bay 33
7- Buffalo 30 - Tampa Bay 27
8- Carolina 17 -Tampa Bay 3
9- New Orleans 30 - Tampa Bay 10
10-Tampa Bay 15 - NY Jets 10
11 - Tampa Bay 30 -Miami 20
12 - Atlanta 34 - Tampa Bay 20

Tampa Bay is having the same kind of season that Green Bay has been having!  As we said, their QB
has been hurt and is playing this week! So, first, as every week with the Packers -

THE INJURY REPORT!!!

As every week looks for the Pack, WHO will play and will that player finish?  Matthews & Burnett are critical.  Looks like Lucas Patrick is the back up center & Spriggs is starting at right tackle, therefore, watch the right side!

Let's start with the defense, what to watch:

1 - pass rush. BOY is this an issue!!!!!  Packers are 23rd in the league with 22 sacks, the leader Jacksonville with 41 for the year.  Tampa Bay has is LAST with 15 - NOW THAT IS GOOD NEWS!!

2 - Points per game by the defense - Packers at 18th 23.7 per game & Tampa Bay at 21st 23.8!

This is close!!!

3 - Turnovers, last week Packers were plus 3, and lost!  That is NOT GOOD!

How about the offenses?

1 - Hundley - Hundley - Hundley!!  A 73.3 rating - 5 TD's - 7 interceptions  MUST be better!!!

2 - Winston - rating rating 87.3.  10 TD's 6 interceptions.  Not great, but is the leader of this offense!

3 - Keep an eye on Williams at RB and will Jones be back?  If these two keep playing well, I see Montgomery headed back to wide receiver next year (And Cobb, renegotiating or playing somewhere else!

So, the Packer Buddies will be there, so I guarantee a victory!!!

Final Score - Packers 27 - Bucs 20!

Go Pack Go!

Packers Make Some Strides in Pittsburgh!

Final Score - Steelers 31 - Packers 28

Surprised me!

Surprised Vegas!

And if they were honest, it surprised the Packers!

Handley, made some progress at QB.

Williams, took another step at RB.

Without Matthews at OLB & Clark at DT, the Pack D was adequate.

But, we lost.  Bottom line, a loss is a loss & you do not get STYLE points in the NFL!

McCarthy, did OK, but for a veteran coach made some interesting moves.  My least favorite, trying
a 58 yard field goal & giving up precious field position!  Packers up 21-14, Steelers get ball on there own 47, drive for a TD!  Score now 21-21.  I have mentioned this before, McCarthy has some strange traits - at times toooooo conservative & other time tooooooooo aggressive!

So, we are at 5 wins & 6 losses.  My take do are best to win at home next week against the Bucs & the following week away against the Browns!  That puts us at 7 wins & 6 losses.  Keep pushing!  If we lose next week, ware are 5 & 7, better luck next year!  Play a lot of young guys!  Alison, Janis, & Davis at wide receiver!  Our young d-backs - let them play!  Spriggs & Fackrell, can they cut it!  And, give Callahan a few series in every game.  Time to experiment!!!

Walk to Heinz Field, about 20 minutes from downtown, 

Wyndham Hotel

Walk to Heinz, and the rivers are awesome!

 Boats shuttling people from shore to shore!

Heinz Field!

Bill(Packer Buddy, Me, & Son-Jared(A Steeler Fan!)

Gametime!

Another Look At: We Ain't The Only Ones

Again, it is important, as you look at your team, to look at other NFL teams.  My, data:

The point of all this "crazy data?  As a Packer fan, we are still ahead of the curve!  Now there are some trends when you look at the results, and they are:

1 - Some NFL teams catch "lightning in a bottle"!  Example, John Grudens's 2002, Tampa Bay team! The Bucs were in 1 Super Bowl & they won it!  Gruden retires, and the Bucs are an up & down team!

2 - Our buddies the Cowboys!  8 appearance, and 5 wins.  BUT, the last time in the big game was 1995 season!  And, my reason, Coach Jimmy Johnson!  When he left, the Cowboys were never the same!  And, Jerry Jones, well you know, still, Jerry Jones!

3 - Hopeless teams?  The sad Cleveland Brown fans!  Ironically, before the Super Bowl Era, the Browns were an NFL powerhouse!  Now, coaching changes, QB nightmares, and this team for for the dogs!  In fact, the even have a "Dog Pound!"

4 - Salary Cap Era - this can drive teams crazy!  Bad decisions, and you are in trouble for 4-5 years!  Today's General Managers must navigate the salary cap, free agency & player talent!  This is where it gets interesting and meh favorite comparison is the Packers & Patriots!  Two very successful teams the past 10-15 years!  Let's compare!

Patriots & Packer QB's - Brady vs Favre/Rodgers  - GOOD ONES!

Team Building - Pack - draft & develop AND Patriots - draft & free agency

Ownership  - Packer Shareholders - Patriots Kraft

Coaching - Packers - McCarthy & Patriots - Belichick

Team Chemistry - Packers - tight lipped & class & Patriots - win at all cost & cheat if needed

So, there you have it.  This is, at least in my eyes, a look at today's NFL - more to come!

Packer Fans - "We Ain't the Only Ones!"

Another blog entry looking at the NFL!

First he teams.  Let us look at Super Bowls.  First, I have 3 categories:

1 - Super Bowl Winners & Appearances (19 teams)
     Patriots - 9 appearances - 5 wins & 4 losses
     Steelers - 8 appearances - 6 wins & 2 losses
     Cowboys - 8 appearances - 5 wins & 3 losses
     Broncos - 8 appearances - 3 wins & 5 losses
     49ers - 6 appearances - 5 wins & 1 loss
     Packers - 5 appearances - 4 wins & 1 loss
     Giants - 5 appearances - 4 wins & 1 loss
     Raiders - 5 appearances - 3 wins & 2 losses
     Redskins - 5 appearances - 3 wins & 2 losses
     Dolphins - 5 appearances - 2 wins & 3 losses
     Colts - 4 appearances - 2 wins & 2 losses
     Rams - 3 appearances - 1 win & 2 losses
     Seahawks - 3 appearances - 1 win & 2 losses
     Ravens - 2 appearances - 2 wins & 0 losses
     Bears - 2 appearances - 1 win & 1 loss
     Chiefs - 2 appearances - 1 win & 1 loss
     Saints - 1 appearances - 1 win & 0 losses
     Jets - 1 appearances - 1 win & 0 losses
     Bucs - 1 appearances - 1 win & 0 losses

   
2 - Never Won a Super Bowl, but in a Super Bowl (9 teams)
     Bills - 4 appearances - 0 wins & 4 losses
     Vikings - 4 appearances - 0 wins & 4 losses
     Falcons - 2 appearances - 0 wins & 2 losses
     Panthers - 2 appearances - 0 wins & 2 losses
     Bengals - 2 appearances - 0 wins & 2 losses
     Eagles - 2 appearances - 0 wins & 2 losses
     Cardinals - 1 appearances - 0 wins & 1 loss
     Titans - 1 appearances - 0 wins & 1 loss
     Chargers - 1 appearances - 0 wins & 1 loss

3 - Never in A Super Bowl (4 teams)
    Lions
    Jaguars
    Texans
    Browns

That is the past 51 years, if you go back to the beginning, the NFL leaders in championships are
starting in 1920.

Rank - Team - Championships
1 - Packers - 13
2 - Bears - 9
3 - Giants - 8
4 - Browns - 8
5 - Steelers - 6
6- Redskins - 5
7 - Cowboys - 5
8 - 49ers - 5
9 - Lions - 4
10 - Baltimore/Indianapolis - 4

So, old school, way back, Pack is king! But, we live in a world of "what have you done for me lately?"  And, looking at coaches & general managers, and owners, WHO is doing it?

You NEED to be careful.  Change for the sake of change does not always work!  Coaches - QB's - etc.  So, change carefully, maybe one position at a time!

The Packers are unique!  No owner, shareholders.  This is a different situation!  In our case, change is slow!  Good news, you do NOT have one crazy owner just hiring and firing because he had a bad day!  But, slowwwwwww change!

Top on the Packer shareholder list - Ted Thompson, our general manager.  Let see what fresh blood can do to help this team for the next 4-5 years!  Until that, you will see the same old Packers.

Aaron running around, winning 31-28 games.

Injuries every week.

And, Packer fans getting close to a Super Bowl, but not enough to finish!

Bye Bye Ted!  You are old enough to retire - enjoy the beaches of Green Bay!

2017 Packers vs Steelers?

Two teams with a common theme!

Blue Collar Teams?

Steelers still have an image of hard-nosed defense & explosive offense, Packers?

Blue Collar Coaches?

Mike vs Mike.  Both coaches are respected & have had success & trials?  Will it be Mike or Mike?

Blue Collar Fans?

How about those nicknames - Packers vs. Steelers.  What nickname wins?

Blue Collar owners?

Rooney Family vs Packer Stockholders.  Who is more blue collar?

Blue Collar Towns?

Green Bay vs Pittsburgh?

Battle of Blue Collar????????

Found a great article on the CNN website from 2011, right before Super Bowl XLV
Enjoy a great read! - http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/04/super.bowl.blue.collar.roots/index.html

Another Packer, I Just Do Not Understand........... Injuries!

From week to week, this Packer Fan, just does not get it.  Look at our week 12 injury report:

First, sheer numbers - Packers 12 players & Steelers 5 players.  The last few years, this has been an issue!  In my personal look at the Packers roster, first Ted Thompson should retire.  This may help the injury issue all by itself.  Otherwise the strength program, the trainers, team doctors(ask Martellus, just kidding), and nutrition should be looked at please! From year to year, week to week, something is not right in Green Bay!

So, for the Steelers game, we may be down - our backup right tackle(Bulaga already out!) Lucas Patrick, our multi-million dollar OLB, Clay Matthews.  Our up & coming nose tackle Kenny Clark.  Our starting running back, Ty Montgomery, and his back-up Aaron Jones (reported to be smoking the whacky tobaccky & speeding in October), and add to it our top draft pick Kevin King, still dizzy from his concussion protocol!  

Don't worry, Brett Hundly is improving, opps, was improving till last weeks disaster!  So, on the road, against the first place Steelers, with 1 great wide receiver, a very good running back, and a defense that makes the QB very nervous!  I feel an Uh Oh!  

And I will be there!!!  My son, a Steelers fan, and a Packer Buddy Bill.  What will we see Sunday night, the late game, a National TV Game!  Another Uh Oh!

How Would You Analyze Our Leader - Mike McCarthy?

How Would You Analyze Our Leader - Mike McCarthy?

Actually never having met the man, how would I analyze Mike McCarthy?

1 - Hard Worker
He has that "Blue Collar" Pittsburgh, PA hard working, no-nonsense background!  Will put in what ever hours it takes to get the job done!

2 - Stubborn
Just the look on his face, when certain questions are asked, says, "My way or the highway!"  Always goes back to his common answer - "Next man up"  & "We will correct our problems" & "No comment on injuries" & "Needs to work on his technique" & "It's My fault"

3 - Not an emotional leader
When the cameras are in the locker room, his after the game comments, are............. BORING!
Football is an emotional game, McCarthy is not emotional.  It is OK to be calm in the middle of a storm, BUT, there comes a time!

4 - Sometimes - VERY conservative other times A GAMBLER
I find this part very interesting.  He will curl up in a fetal position and try to melt the clock.  You have seen this at the end of games - run-run-pass-punt.  And at times, 4th & 1 - from the Packer 47 yard line - go for it!

5 - Loyal
You have see this lately!  Brett Hundley is our man!  Never a bad word about Martellus Bennett!  As a player, this is good.  As a fan, you know inside he is lying!  His coaches, especially Dom Capers, usually always last the season, and not much change in the off season!

6 - Successful
Cannot argue with his record, it is one of the best in the NFL.  My question is, what would his record be without Brett Favre & Aaron Rodgers!

My overall opinion, we could do much worse!  But, point #6, still bugs the heck out of me!

WITHOUT FARVE & RODGERS 

HOW GOOD IS 

COACH MCCARTHY???????

Packer Fans - We Have Been Spoiled, This Season Is Good For Us Too!

Yes, spoiled fans!  Not many in the NFL!

1 - We have, Brett Farve handing off to Aaron Rodgers!

2 - We have a run of playoff teams:

2016 - 10 wins - 6 losses - lost conference game to Cardinals - 45-21
2015 - 10 wins - 6 losses - lost divisional game to Cardinals in OT - 26-20
2014 - 12 wins - 4 losses - loss conference game to Seahawks in OT - 28-22
2013 - 8 wins - 7 losses - 1 tie - lost wild card game to 49ers 23-20
2012 - 11 wins - 5 losses - loss divisional game to 49ers - 45-31
2011 - 15 wins - 1 loss - great season, disappointing ending loss to Giants 37-20
2010 - 10 wins - 6 losses - Super Bowl Champs - 31-25 over the Steelers
2009 - 11 wins -5losses -  lost wild card game to Cardinals 51-45
2008 - last losing season 6-10

So, last losing season, 10 years ago!

But, notice the trend, last two years - 10 win season & miracles by Aaron to safe games!
And, defense, NOT VERY GOOD!!!

3 - Listen to interviews from coaches, same old stuff!
   Need to correct mistakes
   Cannot win games if you lost the turnover battle
   We will get better
   Next man up for injuries
 
So, we are VERY fortunate to be Packer Fans!  BUT, with an Aaron Rodgers............
well you know!

This Packer Fan Is Tired!!

This Packer Fan Is Tired!!

Tired of the injuries!

Tired of the interviews!

Tired of the excuses!

Tired of losing! (Even though we have made playoffs the last 7 years!)

Even when we were winning th last few years, I still think we were fooled.

Liked I have said, Mr. Rodgers has covered up a BUNCH & the proof is the past few weeks & other
years that Aaron missed games!

Today, against the very average Ravens team, the defense played well enough to win, but the offense
did not?  What happened?

Hundley, did you see the interceptions?  Unacceptable!

My drive chart?
1 - Interception
2 - Interception
3 - Fumble
4 - Punt
5 - Punt
6 - Downs
7 - Punt
8 - Downs
9 - Punt
10 - Fumble
11 - Downs
12 - Interception
13 - Punt

Ar you kidding me!  13 Drives - 5 turnovers!  5 Punts!  3 on Downs
This may be the worst offensive game in years!  And, if I was coaching, it would be

"Callahan Time"!

Defense, Clark goes out with ankle injury, Matthews goes out groin injury. Burnett was already out,
King was already out, cannot stay healthy!  Did hold Ravens to 6 points in first half, but did not finish!  And Ravens offense is pathetic.

Really look at our team!  Start at QB!

Aaron Rodgers
Brett Hundley
Joe Callahan

Like most teams QB is an issue!  There are maybe 4-5 good ones in the league, we have the BEST, beyond that nothing!  Grade with Aaron A+, without F!

Running backs - wow!  Another blunder.  We convert a wide receiver and draft 3 rookies!  We have injuries to our first two, Williams our third stringer looked OK, Mayes our 4th stringer, fumbles early!  Grade NOW - D+

Wide Receivers?  Without a QB, does not matter very much.  Nelson, getting older, Adams may have been coming into his own, & Cobb, a NON factor!  Again, with Aaron B, without Aaron D+

Tight Ends - Blamethis one on Teddy!  Bennett was a disaster, cannot even talk about this one!  Kendrick's, older & adequate.  Rodgers a third stringer!  Grade D-

Offensive line - starters Bakhtiari(good) - Taylor(good) - Lindsley (good) Evans(OK-but old) -
Bulaga (OUT for year) our first sub McCray has filled in well!  Spriggs & Murphy, our two draft choice from couple years back, injured entire year!  Grade B-

Defensive Line - Daniels, our leader & over achiever!  Clark, coming on, gets hurt today.  Lowry average and then a couple throw ins - Dial & Adams. Grade C-

Linebackers Inside - wow!  No fear here!  Ryan, Thomas, & Martinez.  First just 3. Second, not vey good - again - Thanks Teddy!  Grade D-

Linebackers Outside - Matthews - close to the end. Perry, above average pass rusher, not very good in coverage!  Brooks, an older pickup, nothing special.  Fackrell, nothing special.  Biegel, our draft choice, hurt the entire year, now playing - DO NOT know!  Grade D+

Defensive backs - Wow! Wow!  And, another WOW!  This crew is in constant change!  Many that the Pack have let go have performed well - Hayward, Hyde, etc.  Injured and beaten - constant state of change! House, Randall, Clinton-Dixx, & Jones.  Young guys playing, our leader, Burnett injured again & not playing.  Our top draft pick out again, King!  Injured Reserve - Brice, was coming on & is a hitter!  Waters & Rollins, injured, have shown flashes, but inconsistent!  Grade C-!

An average team, with a Hall of Fame injured QB.  Welcome to life as a Packer Fan!

Packers - Ravens, Another Chance To Show We Are Not A One Man Show!

I'm sure the other 52 Packer players are saying, we can do it! But, in their minds, it would be nice to to have AR back!  Well guess what, another week of 2 - PROVE IT BABY!!!

Baltimore?

1 - A physical defense!!!

2 - A QB, that is VERY inconsistent & well paid!

3 - A team fighting for a wild card! Like the Pack!

4 - An opportunity for:

   a - Packers, Hundley, to make another step, that he could be an NFL starter!

   b - Packer running backs, our third stringer - Williams and another new guy, our fourth
stringer,  Mayes.  Are they better than our 1 & 2 running backs???

   c - Remember Jordy Nelson?

   d - Defense, here we go!  Can they help win a game?

   e - Sacks - Sacks - Sacks

   f - and. who will our d-backs be this week???

With all the reading I do, and my "expert" opinion, I just do not see a lot of talent on the defensive
side of the ball?  As I has said, Ted simply must go.  And, next in line, our DC, Dom.  Sometimes you just need a change?

We have 7 more games - what will we see this week?

Stop The Presses, Packers Win! Packers Win!

We GOT one!  First win without Rodgers this year!!!!!

I know Brett Hundley does not have many starts, but is in his third year!

Los Angeles Rams 2nd Year QB, Jared Goff has his team in first in his division - 7 wins - 2 losses!
Carson Wentz, Eagles 2nd year QB, has his team in first place - 8 wins - 1 loss!
Third string QB, Case Keenum, has the Vikings in first place at 7 wins & 2 losses!

So, it CAN be done!  That means OTHER players MUST pick it up!  AND, coaches!!!

Here is what I always look at first, the drive charts:

Packers Drives
Drive #1 - FG
Drive #2 - Punt
Drive #3 - TD
Drive #4 - Punt
Drive #5 - Punt
Drive #6 - FG
Drive #7 - Punt
Drive #8 - FG
Drive #9 - TD
Drive #10 - Missed FG
Drive # 11- End of Game

So, throw out the last drive, End of Game, that is 10 drives - 6 scoring, 1 missed FG - NOT BAD
Of the scoring drives - missed FG, BAD - come on new long snapper!!  Home town boy! (Mine)
4 Punts, not bad, 2 three and out - NOT GOOD!
No turnovers - always good!

Bears Drives
Drive #1 - Punt
Drive #2 - FG
Drive #3 - Punt
Drive #4 - Fumble
Drive #5 - Punt
Drive #6 - FG
Drive #7 - Punt
Drive #8 - Punt
Drive #9 - TD
Drive #10 - FG
Drive #11- Downs

So, 4 scoring drives out of 11, not bad, but ONLY 1 TD - Good for Packer defense!
5 Punts & 1 turnover  - GREAT for our defense!  BUT,it IS the BErs & a rookie QB!!!

So, as of now in the NFC there are 4 teams at 5 wins 4 losses - Packers, Lions, Cowboys & Falcons
And, 2 teams at 6 wins 3 losses - Seahawks & Panthers!

Some big days - Davonte Adams - 5 receptions - 90 yards - 1 TD
Nick Perry - 3 sacks - 6 tackles
Handley - 18 - 25 & 212 yards & 1 TD AND no turnovers!

Next up Ravens!

Half Way Through The NFL Season, Where Do The Packers Stand?

OK, we are at the midpoint of the season, where is our team?

4 wins & 4 losses

25th in the league in total defense

23rd in the league in total offense

2 games behind the Vikings in our division

1 game out of the wild card race

missing starters for the year - QB-Rodgers, OT-Bulaga

injured reserve(remember, 2 may come back & play)
  Kentrell Brice - S
  Kyle Murphy - OT
  Taybor Pepper - LS
  Aaron Rodgers - QB
  Quinten Rollins - CB
  Jacob Schum - P
  David Talley - LB
  Herb Waters - CB

current injury report
  Ahmad B
just cut our starting tight end - Martellus Bennett (great pick up Ted)

leading rusher - Aaron Jones - 358 yds - 3 TD's - 21st in the league

leading receiver - Devante Adams - 404 yds - 5 TD's - 45th in the league

I could go on, WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I see an average or  below average team.  I see a QB that is struggling.  I see a defense that will not scare anyone.  I see a team struggling for leadership.

I am trying to be realistic!  This is NOT a very good team!

The Bears game is the key to the season!  What direction are we headed?  Stay tuned!

The Packers Are On Vacation, And So Am I!

Well, game 3 without Aaron!

I am with my golf buddies, one a week vacation golfing in Pinehurst, NC!  Just finished Pinehurst #5, and ready to talk Packers!

Did the Packers pass the "smell test?"

No, from the first drive missed field goal, till the end of first half. trouble was brewing!  The first drive was very creative, McCarthy finally show some confidence in Hundley!  But, as usual, the defense was NOT good.

A look at the Detroit drives:
Drive # - Result
1 - TD
2 - missed FG
3 - TD
4 - FG
5 - fumble
6 - FG
7 - TD
8 - FG

LOK AT THAT!  In 8 drives the Packers defense DID NOT force a Punt!  NOT ONCE!

3 TD's - 3 FG's - 1 missed FG - 1 fumble

THAT IS TERRIBLE!

Packers offense:
Drive # - Result
1 - missed FG
2 - Punt
3 - Punt
4 - FG
5 - Downs
6 - Punt
7 - TD
8 - Downs
9 - TD

3 points the first half!  4 drives - 1 FG
third quarter - NO POINTS
fourth quarter down 20-3, we score 2 TD's - too little - too late!

Final score Detroit 30 - Packers 17!

So, what did we learn in Hundley's third game?

1 - He can lead the team & score.  But, McCarthy must be creative & coach.  Rodgers has had so many scrambles & "Hail Mary's" that have covered up an offense that has no running game.  We do have some promising rookies, but no game changers.

Tight end Bennett has been a bust and is now hurt!  The offensive line was finally back to all the starters, and Bulaga, our right tackle, goes down for the season with an ACL! Cobb has never been the same the last 3 years & Adams is only as good as the QB!

2 - The defense NEEDS help!  NO Pass rush, No inside linebackers.  An aging all-pro at outside linebacker.  A secondary that is hurt AGAIN, and basically NOT very good!

So, what do I see.  A team that is on the verge of a downward spiral.  4 wins & 4 losses.  What must happen?  A win!  And the Bears are next, a game we MUST win!  But, the Bears are a team moving a new direction!  Rookie QB, with a chance to prove himself!  The Packers, a 3rd year QB trying to prove he can lead an NFL team!

A Packer defense with NO real meaning?  A defensive coordinator that has been a head coach & has been a defensive coordinator for a LONG time!  A time for change?

A General Manager that has not had a good 3-4 years! Ted should be on the away out!

Our remaining schedule:
Game 9 - Bears
Game 10 - Ravens
Game 11 - Steelers
Game 12 - Bucs
Game 13 - Browns
Game 14 - Panthers
Game 15 - Vikings
Game 16 - Lions

Right now, realistically, what do you see?

I see - 4 wins & 4 losses

Packers? McCarthy? Ted?  Capers?  PROVE ME WRONG!

Packer Bye Week Is History, Will McCarthy & Hundley Do It?

No excuses, no "It's My Fault", no ..............................

Other teams lose QB's, example Vikings, they lost Bridgewater, they lost Braddford, and they are still dangerous and in first place in the division!

The Eagles Went is in his second year and has his team in first.

The Rams are tied for first with second year Jared Goff!

So, Hundley, in his third year?  NO excuses!

McCarthy, STOP being conservative!  And, how about a little creativity!!!!

Ted Thompson?  WOW!  WE MUST MOVE ON!!  Is Dom Capers that bad or do we have BAD players????  Watching the Steelers last night hold the Lions to 15 points with over 400 yards passing, there are players out there that will play defense!

Like I have said in a previous blog entry, we are finding out what kind of team we are the next few weeks without Aaron Rodgers - so far -  0 wins & 2 losses!

Packers Without Rodgers

0 - 2

Week 8

The First Game After The Rodgers Injury? Uh Oh!

Well, what did we learn?

1 - McCarthy takes the blame!  (This may be a common theme!)

The first half, not bad.  Second half, what a disaster!  Look at the Second have drives!

Packers:

Second Half Drive #1 - 5 plays & Punt (The ONLY drive of the 3rd quarter!)
Second Half Drive #2 - 10 plays & Field Goal
Second Half Drive #3 - 3 plays & Punt
Second Half Drive #4 - 3 plays & interception

3 points in second half!

Saints:

Second Half Drive #1 - 7 plays & TD
Second Half Drive #2 - 10 plays & Field Goal
Second Half Drive #3 - 9 plays & Field Goal
Second Half Drive #4 - 8 plays & TD
Second Half Drive #5 - 7 plays & End of game

20 points in second half

2 - Brett Hundley Stats?

Saints Game - 12 for 25 for 87 yards & 0 TD's
Vikings Game - 18 for 33 for 157 yards & 1 TD & 3 interceptions

3 - Packer Defense - see #2 & Saints drives

4 - Aaron Jones may be our running back

5 - Can the Packers get healthy after a BYE week?

6 - Did we miss Morgan Burnett & is he our BEST defensive player?

7 - Nelson, Adams, Cobb, Bennett, Kendricks - can we get the ball to our receivers?

8 - When will we win our next game?  Lions - Bears - Ravens - Steelers - Bucs - Browns
                                                                        Panthers - Vikings - Lions????