The Day After Packers Are Embarrassed By Saints - Capers Must Go!

I am not going to overanalyze this!  The eye test makes it easy!  Dom Capers is finished.

It will not happen in season.  But my vote (Yes, I own ONE share of Packer stock) is it is time to move on!  And the reason?

Another game, Packer defense forces NO PUNTS!

Our All-pro outside linebacker, Matthews is looking VERY average!

Our D-line is, unable to stop an average running game. (Thanks for the last 3 years of drafting,
Ted)  (LAST IN THE NFL!)

A quality QB, finds the Packer secondary easy pickings.

And last, but not least, NO ONE on the defense scares anyone! (Sorry Mike Daniels!)

And by the way, why did we extend the contract of Ted Thompson?

This Packer fan is going to R-E-L-A-X and enjoy the by week!  No blog entries the week!

Remaining schedule?

November 9 - Home - Bears
November 16 - Home - Eagles
November 23 - Home - Vikings
November 30 - Home - Patriots
December 8 - Home - Falcons
December 14 - Away - Bills
December 21 - Away - Tampa Bay
December 28 - Home - Lions

Should be at least 5 wins & 3 loses

Packers and Saints History?

Will the past, dictate the game between the Packers and Saints in 2014?

Sept 30, 2012 Packers 28 Saints 27 (H)
Sept 8, 2011  Packers 42 Saints 34 (H)
Nov 24, 2008 Saints 51 Packets 29 (A)
Sept 17, 2006 Saints 34  Packers 27 (H)
Oct 9, 2005  Packers 52  Saints 3 (H)
Sept 15, 2002  Saints 35  Packers 20 (A)
Dec 16, 1995  Packers 34  Saints 23 (A)
Nov 14, 1993  Packers 19  Saints 17 (A)
Sept 17, 1989  Packers 35  Saints 34 (H)
Dec 27, 1987  Saints 33  Packers 24 (A)
Sept 14, 1986  Saints 24  Packers 10 (A)
Nov 17, 1985  Packers 38  Saints 14 (H)
Nov 4, 1984  Packers 23  Saints 13 (A)
Dec 13, 1981  Packers 35  Saints 7 (A)
Sept 9, 1979  Packers 28  Saints 19 (H)
Sept 10, 1978  Packers 28  Saints 17 (H)
Sept 18, 1977  Packers 24  Saints 20 (A)
Nov 7, 1976  Packers  32  Saints 27 (H)
Oct 12, 1975  Saints 20  Packers 19 (A)
Dec 12, 1973  Packers 30  Saints 10 (H)
Dec 17, 1972  Packers 30  Saints 20 (A)
Nov 28, 1971  Saints 29  Packers 21 (H)
Nov 17, 1968  Packers 29  Saints 7 (H)

Packers lead series 16 - 7.  So,  Packers Win!
Total Points Scored Packers 657  Saints 518.  So, Packers Win!
Packers Win last two games, so Packers Win!

So, score will be Packer  28.56  Saints  22.52…..  which rounds to Packers 28-22!

Packer vs Saints! A Shootout In The Making?

Brees vs Rogers!

Two exciting offenses!

Two defenses that can be beat!

Two coaches that have built great teams!

The Saints offense.
Drew Brees is a great leader!  But, Brees is now 35.  Is he able to battle Rogers head to head.  The Saints rank 2nd in total yards in the NFL at 437 yards per game!  Passing, 2nd with 314 yards and rushing, 13th at 123 yards per game!  Leading receiver is Graham with 376 yards & 3 TD's. Rushing, Khiry Robinson, 330 yards & 2 Td's.

The Saints defense.  Ranked 21st in total yards, 373 yards a game. In passing 28th rank at 270 yards a game!  The rush defense is 11th with 103 yards a game.  The Saints defense is 25th in sacks with 9 total.  24th in interceptions with 3.

Injury wise, the Saints are trying to nurse Graham back to full use, the shoulder injury has slowed him down!  And the running backs are banged up, Ingram, Robinson & Thomas are all nursing injuries!  On defense, NT Bunkley a concussion, LB's Humber & Knox have ankle issues, and cornerbacks Lewis & Robinson are nicked up!

At first glance - shootout!

Where Do The Packers Stand As A Team After Week 7 Of The NFL Season?

Statistics!  Numbers!  Rankings!  Averages?  Total Yards?  Total Points?  Turnovers? Penalties?

As a retired math teacher & computer lover, numbers are my best friend(Besides my wife, of course)

How to the Packers stack up after week 7 of the season?  Remember, some teams have already had their bye week & that makes some of the numbers questionable!

NFL Team offenses:

Number 1 in total yards - Colts - Packers are 19th
Number 1 in points - Colts - Packers are 2nd
Number 1 in passing - Colts - Packers are 20th
Number 1 in rushing - Cowboys - Packers are 22nd

NFL Team defenses:

Number 1 in total yards given up - Lions - Packers are 19th
Number 1 in points given up - Ravens - Packers are 14th
Number 1 in passing yards given up - Patriots - Packers are 6th
Number 1 in rushing given up - Cards - Packers are 31st

So, the Colts offense is flying & the Cowboys have been rushing the ball very well!  As we know the Lions defense is tough! (Held us to 7 points!)  And the Ravens still have a pretty good "D"!

The Packers always seem to give up a lot of garbage yards & points!  And the Packers offense is scoring a bunch of points, second in the league!  But, are not racking up a lot of yards!

Ultimately, a team must pass the "eye ball" test!  What I have seen is the Packers offense & defense is improving!  I am still concerned with the rush yards given up.  That scares me!  The real issue with giving up rush yards is keeping Rogers off the field!!!!

Another good time to look at the numbers is after everyone is finished with their "BYE" weeks!  But as of now, the Packers are tied for first in their division & their record is 5 wins & 2 loses!  Those numbers are REAL important!!!

Packers over Panthers - A Quality Win!

The Packers team have taken another step!  And the step was forward!

I always love to look at team drives!  The Packers Offense!

Packer Offense
Drive 1 - 6 Plays - 70 yards - TD
Drive 2 - 9 Plays - 51 yards - TD
Drive 3 - 5 Plays - 47 yards - TD
First quarter was super efficient - 3 drives - 3 TD's!

2nd Quarter
Drive 4 - 6 Plays - 6 yards - Punt
Drive 5 - 9 Plays - 94 yards - TD
Drive 6 - 3 Plays - 3 yards - Punt
Second quarter 3 drives - 1 TD, not bad, but 2 three and outs!!!

Half

3rd Quarter
Drive 7 - 4 Plays - 58 yards - TD
Drive 8 - 4 Plays - 17 yards - Punt
Drive 9 - 5 Plays - 18 yards - FG
Third quarter, 3 drives a TD & FG, that is fine!

4rth Quarter
Drive 10 -3 Plays - 3 yards - Punt
Drive 11 - 3 Plays - 0 yards - Punt
Drive 12 - 3 Plays - -3 yards - End of Game
Fourth quarter, Mop up time.  Did not like it!  I understand, running clock & not wanting to get anyone hurt, but…………  Does not sit well with me!  At least run an offense that looks like you want a first down!  We had a lot of second teasers in, but just looked ugly!

Packers Defense against the Panther Offense?

Drive 1 - 3 plays - 3 yards - Punt
Drive 2 - 3 plays -  -7 yards - Punt
Drive 3 - 3 yards - 9 yards - Punt
End of first quarter!  Wow!  Now THAT is what I'm talking about!!!!!!

Drive 4 - 8 plays - 33 yards - Punt
Drive 5 - 3 plays - 5 yards - Punt
Drive 6 - 8 plays - 70 yards - FG
End of half.  I will take that quarter anytime!

Drive 7 - 6 Plays - 38 yards - Downs
Drive 8 - 5 plays 21 yards - Punt
Drive 9 - 6 plays - 37 yards - interception
End of 3rd quarter.  And yet ANOTHER great defensive quarter!

Drive 10 - 11 plays - 67 yards - TD
Drive 11 - 5 plays - 11 yards - Punt
Drive 12 - 7 plays - 44 yards - TD
End of game.  Prevent defense.  Packer offense - 3 drives - 2 3 & outs.  Coasted to the finish!

Good news Packers 38 - Panthers 17!

Missing My Packer Buddies!

A Packer Weekend missed!

Due to a prior commitment, I am not in Green Bay this weekend!

Missed the drive down to Baltimore!

Missed the Southwest Airlines Fight to Milwaukee!

Missed the Rental Car drive to Green Bay!
(And Phil talking about the good old days in Sturgeon Bay!)

Missed the dinner at the Hobo Diner!
(And Bill asking for the wine list!)

Missed the Game Day Breakfast at the Bayview Motel!
(And Terry looking for Cherry Jelly!)

Missed the walk to Lambeau Field!

Missed the entrance into the AWESOME Packer Atrium!

Missed finding the seats in the corner of the end zone!

Missed the National Anthem!  (And fly over!!!!)

Missed the Kickoff!

Wow!  I missed a Lot!

Packer Buddies at Home Opener against the Jets!

Bring home a win Packer Buddies!!!!!

Go Pack Go!!!!!!

Packers & Panthers Game Notes

Three days to go and what do we know for Sunday?

Injury Report for Thursday?

Packers - Did Not Practice - Datone Jones, Sam Shields & Tramon Williams
That is 3 starters on defense!

Panthers - Kevin Benjamin, Bene' Benwikere, Chase Blackburn, Charles Johnson, Darin Reaves, Amini Silatolu, Fozzy Whittaker, & DeAngelo Williams
On offense, Silatolu-LG, Benjamin-WR, & Williams-RB are starters.  On defense, Johnson-DE & Blackburn-LB.

Looks like this favors the Pack.  We will see game day!

QB's - Newton vs. Rogers?  Newton seems to be at 100%  - Rogers is looking great.  My prediction, whichever QB wins the turnover battle, will help win the game!  The BIG concern is Newton running the option!  Last week 107 yards!  So, what would I do?  Inside linebackers, you have the dive back, and Peppers & Matthews HIT Newton EVERY time he FAKES or KEEPS!!!  Advantage - PACK!

RB's - Panthers have been hurting!  Williams has been hurt & still is.  Stewart has missed games, and may be better.  The backups for the Panthers, Reaves & Whittaker are banged up!  For the Packers, ll are healthy!  Lacy is looks like he is thinking too much!  Starks finished the game last Sunday looked good!  Harris, HERE I GO AGAIN, we need to use him!!!!  Advantage - PACK!

WR's - Panthers, Cotchery is a relaible, but not flashy starter.  Benjamin, as I mentioned before is a BIG, STRONG target and having a great rookie season!  He is suffering from a minor concussion.  Avant, another vet, is the 3rd receiver.  For the Packers, Nelson is have an All-pro year!  Cobb, is scoring TD's and have a good season.  And the Packs rookie Adams, is starting to show everyone he belongs!!  Advantage - PACK!

O-lines & D-lines - Last week, the Panthers O-line protected Newton & the Panthers scored 37 points against a very good Bengals team!  The Panthers running game is not good, except for Newton!  The Packers are scoring points also!  And their running game is just as bad!  Will the Packers finally figure our how to run the ball, and open up the Packers offense even more?

The D-lines of both teams are not memorable.  The Panthers have no big names & the Packers have no big names!  Advantage - EVEN!

LB's - Panthers best is Luke Kuechly is the REAL DEAL!  Peppers & Matthews are starting to make things happen!  Matthews needs a good game not only for the team, BUT for himself!  I feel the "swagger" is starting to fail!  Advantage - EVEN

D-backs - Panthers again no big names!  Packers - missing Shield & Williams - uh-oh!   I do feel, Hayward & House could start for other teams, but that leaves the Pack thin!  Hyde can also jump to corner.  And Clinton-Dix is playing well for a rookie!  In fact, I think Burnett is playing better for the Pack!  Advantage - EVEN (Because of Packer injuries!)

So, it comes down to Rogers vs Newton!  Game is in Green Bay, so…………….

Packers win 31-24

"Nice game Cam, better luck next time!"

A Closer Look At The Panther Games

At first glance, the Panthers look unpredictable!  A closer look, reveals more!

Game 1 - Win - Panthers 20 Bucs 14
Offense - Cam Newton did not play, so winning with a back-up QB is already impressive! Running game Williams had 14 carries for 72 yards.  Rookie wide receiver Benjamin had 6 catches for 92 yards & a TD!  He is a big, strong, athletic receiver!  Needs to be watched closely!  Tight end Olsen 8 catches for 83 yards and a TD.  Olsen is another "go to" guy for the Panthers!
Defense - The Panthers jumped out to a 17-0 lead, and the Bucs scored 14 points in the fourth quarter.  The D held the Bucs to 264 yards(most in the 4th) and created 3 turnovers!!!

Game 2 - Panthers 24 Lions 7
This game scares me the most!
Offense - The Panthers running game was limited, Williams was out, Stewart fined just 37 years on 15 carries!  So, the Lions stuffed the run!  Newtons first game back he threw for 281 yards and a TD. The score was just 6-0 at half Panthers!  Lions went ahead, 7-6, but Panthers scored last 17 points!
Defense - Held the Lions to 7 points!  Bush had 36 yards rushing.  Held Calvin Johnson to 83 yards & NO touchdowns.  Big stat, Lions had 3 turnovers & Panthers 0!

Game 3 - Steelers 37 Panthers 19
Offense - Newton threw for 250 yards & 1 TD.  Stewart had only 31 yards rushing!  Low scoring 1st Half, Steelers 9-3!  Panthers could not keep up with the Steelers in the second half!
Defense - This is BIG!  The Steelers running backs went crazy!  Bell ran for 147 yards & Blount 118 yards!  WOW!  Take note PACKERS!  Watch this game film closely!

Game 4 - Ravens 38 Panthers 10
Two weeks in a row the Panthers give up a lot of points!
Offense - Newton throws for 197 yards & 1 TD.  Back-up Anderson finishes game!  Williams runs for 34 yards, so offense struggles again!
Defense - Give up 454 yards!  Flacco throws for 327 & 3 TD's!  Ravens rush for 126 yards.  Another game to watch!

Game 5 - Panthers 31 Bears 24
Offense - Newton throws for 255 yards and 2 TD's.  Did not have Williams & Stewart at running back, but still won the game.  Spread the ball around to receivers Olsen, Cotchery, Avant, & Benjamin.  Not a bad receiving crew!  Avant & Cotchery are proven Vets!  Olsen, one of the best receiving TE's in the league & Benjamin, could be one of the best rookie WR's!
Defense - created 4 turnovers!  Of course, Cutler threw 2 interceptions!  Gave up a total of 347 yards, wide receiver Marshall had NO TD's & Jeffrey one.

Game 6 - TIE!  Panthers 37 Bengals 37
Offense - BIG STAT HERE - Newton rushes for 107 yards!  Looks at each game!

Newton rushing yards
Game 1 - Did not play
Game 2 - Newton - 4 carries 19 yards
Game 3 - Newton - 2 carries 7 yards
Game 4 - Newton - 2 carries 7 yards
Game 5 - Newton - 6 carries 9 yards
Game 6 - Newton - 17 carries 107 yards 1 TD

So, Newton, must be healthy!  And he also threw for 284 & 2 TD's!  Top 2 running backs, Willaims & Stewart still out!
Defense - Bengals had 513 yards total offense!!!!  Dalton threw for 323 and the Bengals running game had 193 yards on the ground!!!

So, looks like the Packers should score!  Key to the game?  CONTAIN CAM NEWTON!  If he runs tackle hime & make him pay for it!!!

Time For Packer Fans To Focus On The Panthers!

Carolina Panthers!  In my first research of our next opponent, all I did was check the Panther's schedule to see some crazy results!  Look below and see what you think!

Game 1 - Panthers 20 - Bucs 14
Not much in this game.  Bucs are bad, first game of the year, and to early to see a trend!

Game 2 - Panthers 24 - Lions 7
This tells me a lot!!!  The Panthers are dangerous!  Remember how bad we looked against the Lions!

Game 3 - Steelers 37 - Panthers 19
OK, now I am beginning to see a trend!  The Panthers are going to be difficult to figure out!

Game 4 - Ravens 38 - Panthers 10
Two bad games in a row!  A lot of points given up & not many points scored!

Game 5 - Panthers 31 - Bears 24
They can beat the Bears & so did the Pack!

Games 6 - Panthers 37 - Bengals 37 A TIE!
The Bengals defense is good!  The Panthers scored 37!  Uh Oh!

So, my first look at the Panthers, I see a dangerous and inconsistent team!  Who will show up this weekend against the Pack?

One More Time - A Great Win In Miami!

One more blog entry concerning the Miami Game!  I really do believe it is VERY true, and agree with Coach McCarthy - ANY WIN IN THE NFL IS A GOOD WIN!

So, what can we learn from the Miami Win?

1 - Aaron Rogers is fun to watch!  As a Packer fan we have watched for 6 years as Rogers has matured into one of the best in the game!  AND, he has a Super Bowl Ring!  And we had 16 years of Brett Favre, and another Super Bowl Ring!!  That is about 22 years of a QB that is enjoyable to watch!  Many NFL fans would love to have 5 years!  Aaron had to great drives to end the game!  One lead to a Field Goal & the other a TD with 6 SECONDS LEFT!!!

2 - On offense, Davante Adams is gaining Roder's Trust!  ANd making plays!  Nelson & Cobb are play makers!  Andrew Quarless is becoming a go to TE!  We have Lacy & Starks at running back!(I would still love to Harris in some capacity!)  And the O-line is performing when needed, but still needs work against GOOD D-lines!

3 - The defense is coming on!  The BEST thing is turnovers, we have some playmakers!   Hayward interception!  Shields interception!  Hitting the opposition QB!  AND , tacking!  Ha Ha Clinton-Dix can tackle!  Peppers & Matthews are flying around!  The D-line needs to stay healthy & keep improving!

4 - Special Teams!  WE NEED MORE!  A kick return by the opponents out the the 50 is NO good!  A blocked punt!  NO WAY!  We need the special teams to make plays FOR us not HURT us!

5 - So far this year, we have started a game with the offense fumbling the FIRST play of the game!  We have in another game fumbled on the SECOND play of the game!  And against Miami, on the second drive - a BLOCKED PUNT!  THIS MUST STOP!  NOW!!!!

So, great win, we still need work, but tied for first in division!  Bring on the Panthers!

Packers Catch The Dolphins At The Wire - 27-24!

A close one!  A win!

In the NFL the ONLY statistic of any value is wins and loses!  The Pack have 4 wins & 2 loses, still tied for 1st Place in the NFC North division.

I always love to analyze the drives of the Packers.  So, here they are…………..

Drive#1  - Q-1  - 9 Plays - 80 yards - Result - TD
Drive#2  - Q-1  - 6 Plays - 5 yards - Result - Blocked Punt
Drive#3  - Q-1  - 9 Plays - 31 yards - Result - Punt

First quarter it is ALWAYS nice when the 1st drive is a TD!  But, as in many of the Pack games this year, an early turnover with a blocked punt, NOT GOOD.  The Packers cannot give the opposition a free gift in the first quarter!

Drive#4  - Q-2  - 6 Plays - 11 yards - Result - FG
Drive#5  - Q-2  - 6 Plays - 11 yards - Result - Punt
Drive#6  - Q-2  - 6 Plays - 20 yards - Result - Punt
Drive#7  - Q-2  - 1 Plays - -1 yards - Result - Kneel Down - End of Half

The second quarter, the Packer defense was playing great football.  The offense COULD have put the Dolphins in a BIG hole, BUT they left them in the game!!  No points for Packer Offense!

Drive#8  - Q-3  - 13 Plays - 80 yards - Result - TD

Good news, ONE drive in the 3rd quarter for the Pack, one TD!  BAD news, that means the Dolphins had a long drive also!!!  Each team had one TD!!!

Drive#9  - Q-4  - 3 Plays - 1 yards - Result - Punt
Drive#1  - Q-4  -11 Plays - 68 yards - Result - FG
Drive#1  - Q-4  - 11 Plays - 60 yards - Result - TD  Game Winner!

THE BEST NEWS!  Last Packer drive, Rogers engineers a good ahead, game winning drive!!  BAD NEWS, Dolphins outscored us 14-10, in the last period!

So, what do we stop?
Blocked Punts!
Drives that will put away the opponent when the defense is rocking!

But, a win is a win!!!

Packers vs. Dolphins - What Do We Expect?

OK, it is that time to try to figure out what will happen Sunday, 1 PM in Miami!  Here we go……

1 - Turnovers
There will be turnovers!  There is ALWAYS a chance of rain in Miami!  Protect the football!
Need or playmakers - Peppers & Matthews to have 5-6 BIG plays!  Sack & fumble!  Interception for a TD!  Our young DB's to continue to become playmakers - Hyde, Clinton-Dix or Hayward!
Rogers has been VERY efficient!  I still think the PASS must set up the RUN!  Score early and no interceptions or fumbles!!!!

I predict……… The Pack wins the turnover battle!

2 - Big Plays
Miami will try to run!  Tannehill will try to hit Wallace!  So, NO plays over 30 yards!  Make the Dolphins earn their yards!  On the other side, Nelson, finds a way to get open.  Cobb makes people miss for a big play.  Lacy breaks through the line and punishes some D-backs!

I predict the Pack wins the BIG PLAY BATTLE!

3 - Win the battle of the line of scrimmage!
Key of the game - Miami O-line vs. Pack D-line?  Mike Daniels set the tone!  Use some 4-3 defense & let Peppers create chaos.  MOVE Matthews around & blitz from all over the place!!!!

Pack O-line vs. Miami D-line.  Need to use Kuhn!  Help the Pack O-line!  Pass first, run second.  Will DuJuan Harris have a chance this week?  Would like to see Rogers roll out a few times, so the Miami D-line does not have an "aiming point"!

Final Score?  Packers 31 - Dolphins 17

Packers First Quarter of Season is Over - What Did We Learn?

Five games down & three to go till the bye week!  So. the season is now at a point we are able to analyze the first part of the season!  What have we learned?

Quarterbacks - Rogers looks like he is rounding into form.  He does not play much in the pre-season, and I guess that is good.  Looks like he is moving well, and throwing even better!  Stats so far:

Rogers Statistics 2014
ATT-155  COMP-98 Comp Pct - 68.7%  Total Yds 1,155  12 TD's  
Interceptions-1     Sacks-12  QB Rating 114.8

So far, only Phillip Rivers is the only QB with a higher QB rating.  Rogers is looking good.  The only thing I would like to see is take fewer sacks & throw the ball away.  So, Aaron, keep being Aaron!

Running Backs - Lacy, Starks, & Harris.  As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, I feel McCarthy is NOT using his backs wisely!  In fact, one game, Starks had NO CARRIES!  And Harris has been absent from the offense!!  Lacy is starting to run people over!  I feel good about the running backs & a lot depends on the O-line!

Running Back Stats
Lacy  ATT-66  Yards-266  Yds/Att 4.0  TD's - 3
Starks  ATT-27  Yards-121  Yds/Att  4.4  TD's - 0
Harris  ATT-4   Yards-9  Yds/ATT  2.3  TD's - 0
And Kuhn is just being Kuhn, WHO CARES ABOUT STATS!

Wide Receivers - Nelson & Cobb.  A great start for both receivers.  Boykin hurt, Adams looking good as a rookie!  Janis finally catches a pass.  And Dorsey is now on the 53 man roster.  So, Nelson is having an ALL PRO SEASON.  Cobb is coming on!  Boykin may be in trouble, Adams is coming!  And I still think Janis & Dorsey may be good ones!

Receiver Stats
Nelson - REC-34  Yards-525   Yds/Rec 15.4  TD's - 4
Cobb  - REC-24   Yards-273  Yds/Rec  11.6  TD's - 6
Adams - REC-10  Yards-90  Yds/Rec  9.0  TD's - 1

Tight Ends
No real threat here, just average players.  Quarless, Bostick, & Rogers.  Taylor is gone, cut this week.  Thanks for doing the little things the past few years, special teams, subbing in the offense, and being a team player!  I still think Rogers & Bostick may be helpful by the end of the year!

Tight Ends Stats
Quarless - REC-10  Yards-96  Yds/Rec  9.6  TD's - 1
Rogers - REC-2  Yards-52  Yds/Rec  260o  TD's - 0
Bostick - NOTHING!

Defense

Defensive Line
At defensive tackle - Boyd, Duion, Pennel, and Robinson?  Wow!  Hang on baby!  At defensive end - Jones & Daniels and at times Peppers, Neal, & Perry.  More promise here!  When the Pack goes 4-3, and Peppers is at DE, I like it!  Still think this defensive line is WAY bellow average!

Linebackers
Interior - Hawk, Jones, Latimore and Barrington & Bradford are average.  I love Hawks leadership and I think Latimore is the other answer inside.  Latimore seems to have more speed & and gets to the ball!
Outside - Matthews, Peppers, Neal, Perry, & Elliot.  This is an above average group - Matthews & Peppers seem to becoming one of the NFL's great 1-2 punches!  THEY NEED TO MAKE PLAYS!

Cornerbacks
Williams & Shields are above average starters. House, Hayward, & Bush are GREAT at coming in for the nickel & dime packages!  The Packers cornerbacks I think could be one of the top groups in the league!!!

Safeties
Burnett, Hyde, & Clinton-Dix are making big strides!  The tackling & ball hawking have improved tremendously!!!  And Richardson is a great sub!  If they continue to improve, the Pack defensive backs could be one of the best groups in the league!!!!

So, how do we rate in the NFC North - #1, unless we play in Detroit!  NFC - Seahawks still #1, next, the Pack and 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, Cardinals, and then the rest of the teams!

After the next 3 weeks the Packers will have a chance to become a better team!  How will they do?

Packers vs. Dolphins

Week 6!  Tied for first place in our division.  Playing against a head coach who coached for the Packers!  Traveling South to Miami.

The Packers have worked hard after a 1-2 start to get back in the hunt!  NOW, this team can continue to add momentum, or sputter again into a catch up situation?  What will it be?

First, let's take a look at the Dolphins, Coach Philbin discusses where the Dolphins are after a 2-2 start to the year.  Take a look at his interview.

It looks like they are in the same situation as the Pack, some good - some bad.

So, what does the game in Miami, against an old Packer coach, and a team in need of a win mean?

Miami
High 86, 50% chance of rain!  Typical Miami weather this time of year!

Coach Philbin
He knows McCarthy.  He know Rogers.  He know AJ Hawk!  Of all games, this is the game that McCarthy must coach!!  BE CREATIVE!  Try some new plays.  Work in Harris in the game plan! Run some NEW running plays!  A reverse - a screen pass, have some fun!!!

Miami Football Team
The Miami Dolphins like to run the football.  The Packers defense can be run on!  This will be a test!
Lamar Miller - 277 yards - 5.7 per carry - 2 TD's
Knowshon Moreno - 138 yards - 5.5 per carry - 1 TD

Good running backs!  A REAL test for our defense!
Miami Offense

Passing
Mike Wallace - 246 yards - 12.3 per catch - 20 receptions - 3 TD's
Brian Hartline - 161 yards - 10.1 per catch - 16 receptions - 1 TD
Charles Clay - 111 yards - 7.9 per catch - 14 receptions - 0 TD

Wallace is the big play guy.  Hartline is the possession guy & the tight end Clay is a good target! Have enough weapons to be dangerous!

Quarterback
Tannehill is a young & inconsistent QB!  What will we see?  So far, here are the first 4 weeks point totals for the Miami Offense:
Week 1 - Miami 33 - Patriots 20
Week 2 - Buffalo 29 - Dolphins 10
Week 3 - Kansas City 34 - Dolphins 15
Week 4 - Dolphins 38 - Raiders 14
Week 5 - BYE

OK, points scored 33 - 10 -15 - 38  What will we see?  I'll take the 10-15 team!

Miami Defense
Points allowed you have seen - 20 - 29 - 34 - 14

Ranking - 7th in yards allowed - 322 yards - Packers are 22nd, 317 yards per game!

Dolphins play a 4-3 defense & have some good players, but no big names.  Of course, my favorite is Jared Odrick!  He is from my HOMETOWN!  Lebanon, PA!!  The rest of the D-line have some very good players.  Brent Grimes, is a very good corner!  And I like him, because is is from the same college, of John Kuhn - Shippensburg!!!  Another PA connection!

And at 2-2, the Dolphins need a win, just like the Packers!  WHO WANTS IT MORE!!!!

Packers Needed An Easy Win, And Got One!!! Packers 42 - Vikings 10

Thursday Night Football!  The eyes of the football world are on one game!  Remember, the first NFL game of the year - Seattle 36 - Green Bay 16.  Green Bay did not impress anyone that night!  Four weeks later?  Green Bay 42 - Minnesota 10.  Better, but works still need to be done!

My analysis….

Defense
The new faces seem to be finding a place.  The style of Packer Defense seems to be taking shape.  What do I see?

1 - A "speed" play making defense.  Not, a "smash mouth" defense.  Playmakers?  Matthews, Peppers, Hyde, Clinton-Dix, Hayward, Latimore, ….  The D-line still concerns me.  Daniels is still trying to be a leader & play "tough guy"!  Depth is a concern, and just quality & size.  The D-line is definitely more athletic, but NEEDS to use it's athleticism.  At time may be pushed around, so needs to be a "gap", slashing style.  Linebackers are flying around.  Like Latimore over Jones at inside linebacker.  Still like AJ Hawks leadership & getting people in the correct place!  Outside, Peppers & Matthews are starting to show what can happen with a "double" whammy!  The backfield is young, but ball hawking!  Clinton-Dix, Hyde, Hayward, Shields, Willams, House are all flying around!  I just hope they communicate & TACKLE!!!

2 - Offense
Stats are deceiving!  Only ONE stat is real important!  Packers 42 - Vikings 10!  THE SCORE BABY!
Thursday nigh was very efficient!  First, they came out running!  Lacy was a force!  And yes, McCarthy remembered he had Starks on the team!!!!  But, THEY NEED TO USE HARRIS!  Here is where I think McCarthy needs to watch Saints & Eagle film!  But Lacy & Harris in at the same time!  Split Harris & run quick screens!  He is a threat!!!  Cobb & Nelson seem to be in for a great season & a REAL 1-2 punch!  Adams is starting to look like an NFL receiver (his first NFL touchdown!)  And was excited to see Janis get his first catch!!!! I HAVE A FEELING ABOUT JANIS!!)  Quarless looked good.  Still need Rogers(the TE) & Bostick to step up!  And of course, we have Aaron Rogers!

3 - Special Teams
Nice punting by Masthay had some nice punts inside the 20!  Crosby did not have a FG try, but kept the kickoff deep, except against the wind.  The coverage seemed to bottled up the Viking's return guys!  The Packer return guys did not bust any big plays, but provided adequate field position!

So,  where do we go from here?

1 - Both O-line & D-line must get better, stay healthy & develop an "ATTITUDE"!
2 - Defense must use their quickness & unleash the playmakers!  An attacking, slashing, & wild defense, relying on speed & confusion!  BUT, TACKLE!
3 - McCarthy must get more creative on offense!  Running plays all look alike!  No reverses!  And use ALL the team - WR, TE, & RB!
4 - And the key, the word of the season……………………

R-E-L-A-X!!!

Enjoy the BEST Football Team, Fans, Field, and City in the NFL!!!!

Lacy Knocking Off Helmet!!!!!

Packer's Game 5 Minutes Away!

Here we go.  Thursday Night Football!  Tonight I will be writing as the game goes on!  First, keys to the game!

1 - It is raining - NOT good for the Pack!

2 - Running Game - Packers MUST stop the run on defense & on offense how about Lacy over 100 yards!

3 - Special Teams - Win the battle!  Nothing stupid - NO turnovers!

4 - Rogers must still pass for at least three TD's!

5 - Sack Ponders 3-4 times & pressure him!!!

First Quarter Report

Drive 1 - Packers
Pass - Inc
Run - Lacy 5
Pass - Lacy 2
Punt
NOT GOOD!

Drive 1 - Vikings
Run Asiata 3
Pass - Min - Holding
Run - Asiata - 1
Pass - Inc
Punt

Drive 2 - Packers
Run - Lacy 18
Run - Lacy 29 WOW!
Run - Lacy 6
Pass - Cobb 8 TD
xpt - Good - Packers 7 - Vikings 0

Running Game looked awesome!  WOW!
Looks like Rogers checked off & threw TD pass!

Drive 2 - Vikings
Pass - Inc
Run Asiata 7
Run Asiata - 4 First Down
Pass - Inc
Pass - Ford  7
Time Out - Min
Pass - Wright - 2
Punt

Drive 3 - Packers
Run - Starks 2
Pass - Quarless 11
Run - Starks 3
Pass - Nelson TD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WoW!
xpt - Good - Packers 14 - Vikings 0


Almost a run back - Lucky Min - Holding!!!

Drive 3 - Vikings
Pass - Inc
Run - 3
Pass - SACK!!!!!!!
Punt

Drive 4 - Packers
Pass - Inc
Run - Lacy 1
Pass - SACK
Punt

Drive 4 - Vikings

Run - Asiata 3

Pass - Ellison TE 12

Run - Asiata 4

Pass - Inc

Run - Asiata 3

Punt

Hyde good play smothering rolling punt at 50!

Second Quarter Report

Drive 5 - Packers
Pass - Starks 0
Run - Starks 5
Penalty - Min offside 5
Time Out - Pack - Poor game management!!!  McCarthy fault!!
Needed ONE Yard!  DID NOT GET!!
Punt
Bad punt - went into end zone!

Drive 5 - Vikings
Pass - Inc
Pass - Wright 7
Pass - Inc

Drive 6 - Packers
Pass - Inc
Pass - Lacy 2
Pass - Inc
Punt - Good Punt - GOOD coverage!!

Drive 6 - Vikings
Run - McKinnon 4
Run - Flag - GB hands to face - Min 1st down
Pass - SACK - Daniels!
Pass - Pass - McKinnon 6
Pass - Ford TE 12 1st Down
Run - FLAG - GB offside
Pass - Interception Peppers TD!!!!!  Pass was tipped!!
xpt - Good - Packers 21 - Vikings 0

Rookie tipped pass!  Just signed off the practice squad!!!!
Peppers nice run for TD!!!!

Drive 7 - Vikings
After the interception!!!
Run - Asiata 2
Pass - Latimore interception!!!!!!  YAHOOO!!!

(Nice to have the 3rd string QB!!)

Drive 7 - Packers
Run - Lacy 0 (TOO MUCH DANCING!!!!!)

Pass - Quarless 10 (Rogers nice job getting ball out quick on blitz!)

Pass - Adams (TD - first Lambeau Leap!!!!!!)

xpt - Good Packers 28 - Vikings 0

Drive 8 - Vikings

Run - Asiata 3

Pass - QB scramble 7

Pass - QB scramble 1

Pass - Ford TE 12

Pass - Patterson 1

Run - Asiata Fumble - 12 yards then fumble

PACK BALL!!!

Drive 8 - Packers (2 minute drill)

Pass - Rogers sacked - needs to throw it away!!!

Pass - Starks 2

Pass - Flag - Min offside 5 yards

Pass - Inc

Punt - 3 missed tackles!!!!!  Need to tackle!!  Flag - Min Personal Foul

Drive 9 - Vikings (2 minute drill) 56 seconds

GB Timeout - interesting???????

Had 10 guys on field

Run - Asiata 8

Pass - Inc

Run - Asiata - 3

Vikings Time Out?

Pass - Sacked!!!!

Third Quarter Report

Drive 10 - Vikings
Run - Asiata 5
Pass - Inc
Pass - Sack
Punt

Drive 10 - Packers
Pass - Kuhn 3
Pass - Cobb 14
Run - Lacy 9
Run - Lacy 10
Run - Kuuuuuuuuuhn 3
Pass - Flag - Holding Packers
Pass - Flag - Vikings Interference
Run - Lacy 11 TD!!!!!  Good run, cut back right when bottled up!!!!
xpt - GOOD!!!!!   Packers 35 - 0!!!!

Drive 11 - Vikings
Run - McKinnon 5
Pass - Patterson 8
Run - McKinnon 3
Pass - Inc
Pass - Inc
Punt  Almost a dumb move touching the ball!!!!  Flag - Min


Drive 11 - Packers
Run - Lacy 4
??? - Flag GB jumped
Run - Lacy 1
Pass - Lacy 15 Nice run after catch!!!
Run - Starks 3
Run - Starks 14
Run - Lacy 2
Run - Lacy 9 TD Great effort!!
xpt - Good - 42 - 0 Pack Yahoooooooo!!  Nice!!!

Drive 12 - Vikings
Pass - Jennings 13
Run - Asiata 10
Run - Flag GB jumped offside 5
Pass - Flag Min - holding -10
Pass - Wright 18
Pass - McKinnon 7
Pass - Inc
??? - Flag - Min - delay of game
Pass - Theilin 13


Fourth Quarter Report
Garbage Time!!  If you need the results of drives in 4th quarter - look at the packer web site at:

Game Day Packers vs. Vikings