A Look At The Packers and The Playoffs

Game 16 - What do we know?

The Packers are in the Playoffs.

Packers win, and they are 3rd Seed Division Champs.

Packers were 6 wins & 0 losses before BYE - Fast Start

Packers were 4 wins & 5 losses after BYE - an average football team.

Other numbers?

Aaron Rodgers -17th in yards with 3,530 yards - 9th in TD's - 30 - 15th in rating at 93.7

Eddie Lacy - 19th at 724 yards - 34th in TD's with 3

Randall Cobb - 36th in yards with 792 yards - 36th in TD's with 6

Ha Ha Clinton Dix top Packer tackler with 96 in 36th place - NO Packer linebackers in to 50!

Julius Peppers top Packer in sack with 9.5 in 11th place (Matthews not in top 50)

Damarious Randall to Packer in interceptions with 3 in 19th place

As you see not a lot of good numbers!  Record aside, a VERY average year for Packer players!

Playoff teams in the NFC - Panthers, Cardinals, Packers, Redskins, Vikings & Seahawks.  The Packers lost to Cardinals & Panthers, beat the Seahawks & Vikings, did not play the Redskins.  So, as far as years go?  I see a very below average list of play off teams - Cards & Panthers deserve to spots and the Pack, Vikings, Redskins & Seahawks - VERY AVERAGE!

Packers After 15 Weeks, What Do We Know?

Watching this team this year has been VERY difficult!  The Packer Buddies have been at 4 home games, Seattle, Chargers, Bears & Cowboys - that is 3 wins and 1 loss.  Beating the Seahawks was BIG, although the Seattle Seahawks are 9 wins & 6 losses this year.  We were lucky to beat the Chargers, rookie Damarious Randall seed the day & the Packer Defense gave up over 500 yards!  The Bears game, Favre number retirement, Bart Starr fought an amazing battle just to be there and we lose, with 1 first and goal at the 8 yard line at the end of the game!  And Aaron Rodgers, last years MVP fails to convert?  And, the Cowboy game?  A win, but we fooled around for 3 quarters until we put them away with a back up QB?

And the rest of the year has been the same - inconsistent, uninspired, and puzzling football!  BUT, we made the payoffs and in week 16 can win another division title!

So, I will look at three areas - 1 - Medical & personnel issues, 2 - Head Coach McCarthy, & 3 - Aaron Rodgers.

1 - Medical & Personnel Issues
The offensive line has missed games, has not finished games they started, and has not practiced
a lot!!!  Games missed Bulaga games 2, 3 & 12, Lindsley game 11 & 13, Lang game 12, and Bakhtiari game 15.  And they look hurt in games.  Let's face it, they are NOT great athletes and if they are not 100%, the athletic defensive ends & linebackers make them look silly - last game against Cardinals?  Enough said!

Wide Receivers?  WOW!  Nelson - gone for the year.  Second year man, Davonte Adams, missed games 4, 5, & 6.  And was banged up early and tried to play!  Rookie Montgomery was beginning to look like a play maker, got hurt game 7, done for the year!  Cobb has not missed, but hurt his shoulder game 1 and has been iffy ever since!  Tight end, 2nd year man Richard Rodgers is trying, but has NO ONE behind him!  3rd stringer Perillo is adequate at best.

And running back?  Lacy, looked heavy to start year, played hurt, missed game 9, missed curfew game 12 against Lions, Harris is cut because he was with him!  Offensive line inconsistent, running game inconsistent!

Defense, start the year with Leroy Guion suspended, missed games 1, 2 & 3 because of stupidity!  Daniels is playing tough, but it looks like his is the only real player.  Raji missed game 6, played well early, but seems to have hit the wall.  Matthews still playing inside most of the time, not his true position!  And here is a stat for you, amazing - NO TACKLES LAST 2 games!!  THAT IS CRAZY!
Burnett was hurt early missed games - 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6!  Hyde missed game 11, and our BEST corner Shields, missed last 2 games!

Injuries, suspensions, missing practice, late for curfews, and inconsistent play?  Sounds like who we are?  You decide!

2 - Head Coach Mike McCarthy
Give up play calling, more involved with Special Teams & Defense?  Back calling plays, defense looks about the same, and special teams is OK, but not crazy good!  Crosby is having a good year, but O doubt McCarthy helps him kicking the ball!  I think the experiment is still an experiment, and may not be used next year, just saying?  And play calling?  Receivers cannot get open by themselves, how about some rub routs, bunch patterns, pick plays, more screens, quick slants over the middle, drag patterns across the middle, or JUST SOMETHING DIFFERENT!

3 - Aaron Rodgers
WOW!  One thing, he is beginning to get BEAT UP!  Bad throws, bad numbers, and bad interviews!
Have you heard any lately? Is he a leader?  Does he sound like a leader.  And the quote, "the receivers must have my trust?"  We are beyond trust, they are not that good, so keep it simple!  McCarthy needs to help Rodgers develop QUICK patterns, that CONFUSE the defense.  Janis must play, and throw deep once in a while!  TED THOMPSON!  WE NEED A SPEED RECEIVER!

Final stat:

First 6 games - 6 wins & 0 losses
Last 9 games - 4 wins & 5 losses

What are we?  Sunday will tell us something!  And of course the play offs!

Vikings next and they are ready!  Are we?

Wow! Packers Are In Trouble! Cards Destroy Pack!

Just look at the Packer drives!

12 drives in the game and:
6 Punts
4 Turnovers -
       TWO returned for TD's!  One interception in end zone!  A fumble to begin 2nd half!
1 Turn over on Downs
1 TD - yes ONE TD!

YUK!

The week to week comments by McCarthy are:

"We need to clean things up"

We need to tackle better"

"We need to execute better"

"We need to get healthy"

Well, all the Clorox in the world will not clean up this mess.  And, after 15 weeks, and for some veterans, it's too late to teach you to tackle better!  Execution, it's December 28th guys!  Health?  Shut up and play!

Let's face it, the 2015 version of the Pack is not very good.  Yes, we clinched a playoff spot.  And next week we can clinch another Division Title!  But, C'mon Man!  Look at this NFL!

The Redskins have clinched their division at 8 wins & 7 losses!
The Texans are in first at 8 wins & 7 losses in their division!
The Jets just beat the Patriots!  The Falcons just gave the Panthers their first loss!
Kansas City is in the playoffs!  Pittsburgh lost to a banged up Ravens team!

Ugly football welcome to todays NFL!

So, the Pack, is still in it!  Can they look better?  Can Aaron Rodgers stay upright long
enough to complete passes?  Can Eddie Lacy & James Starks hold onto the ball and run
for 1st downs?  And, the big question, can our receivers get open?

On defense, will they play a complete game?

The season has been ugly!
Packers go into the bye week 6 and 0!  Open win over Bears, but Bears RB Forte runs for 141 yards and Cutler out gains Rodgers 225 to 189 yards! WIERD!  Packers BEAT Seahawks 27-17!  YEA BABY!!!  Packers BEAT Chiefs 38-28, Rodgers 5 TD passes!!  MVP MVP MVP!  Packers BEAT Rams 24-10, defense gives up 0 points in second half!  DEFENSE!!!  A close win against Chargers, thank you Damarious Randall!  So, we go into the bye week 6 wins & 0 losses!

But, after the BYE week,  DOUBLE YUK!!!!!

All I Want For Christmas is a Packer Super Bowl Win?

There it is!  I said it!  My 2015 wish list!

Of course, there is a LOT MORE to Christmas than football, but why not ask Santa for help!

The next two weeks will tell all Packer fans what to expect!  First, the things we need to be thankful for?

1 - The Packers are in first place!!!!!

2 - The Packers are in the playoffs for the 7th consecutive year! (Tied with Patriots on that!)

3 - 3 Packers make the Pro Bowl! - Aaron Rodgers, Josh Sitton, & Clay Matthews.

4 - AND, THE GREEN BAY PACKERS!!

Now, what to look for this week against the Cardinals?

1 - Pressure on QB?  Who will succeed?  Carson Palmer is not very mobile, must be pushed from the spot!  Rodgers can adjust, but Palmer is having a more consistent year - advantage Cards!

2 - Receivers - Cobb, Adams, Jones for the Pack against Floyd, Roberts and Fitzgerald
for the Cards?  BIG advantage CARDS!

3 - Running game - which Packer running game will show up?  Last week the Cards ran wild
against the crazy Eagles - only Santa knows this answer - EVEN match!

4 - Defense - Cardinals are 7th in yards Packers are 17th.  Total points - Cards are 6th and Packers are 5th.  Cornerback Shields may miss the game, Safety, Tyrann Mathieu is done for the year.  Just on the "smell" test - CARDS.

5 - Special Teams - Packers new long snapper?  Advantage Cards!

Again, I love the Pack, but I'm trying to be realistic!  The Cardinals have had a more consistent season!  Maybe the Packer will put in together for a late season push?  They beat the Cards this week, and Vikings next week, they are on a roll!

Until then, based on what has happened in 2015 -

Cardinals 31 - Packers 20

Sorry!

Time To R-E-L-A-X with Aaron Rodgers and Chris Paul!

Here we go!  Sit back & enjoy!

Trick Shots With Aaron Rodgers & Chris Paul!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfM0_ngx0zU

Bring on the Cardinals!

Packers & Raiders - Who Is Oakland?

OK, time to look at our opponents:

Oakland Offense:
WR-Michael Crabtree(7)
LT-Donald Penn(10)
LG-Gabe Jackson(2)
C-Rodney Hudson(5)
RG-J'Marcus Webb(5)
RT-Austin Howard(6)
TE-Lee Smith(5)
WR-Amari Cooper(R)
QB-Derek Carr(2)
RB-Latavius Murray(3)
FB-Maecel Reece(6)

OK, not a lot of household names!  QB, Carr, young and a gunslinger!  9th in yards - 4th in TD's(tied with Aaron), 10th in QB rating, & 24th in being sacked(Aaron is 10th)  So, he will wing it!!!

Running Back Murray, 12th in rushing with 878 yards & 5 TD's.  An adequate runner!

And veteran wide receiver Michael Crabtree & rookie receiver, Amari Cooper.  Crabtree, 29th in yards 779, 7 TD's & Cooper - 15th in yards 920 & 4 TD's.  Must cover these two!

On defense:
DE-Denico Autry(2)
DT-Dan Williams(6)
NT-Justin Ellis(2)
DE-Mario Edwards(R)
OLB-Khahlil Mack(2)
MLB-Curtis Lofton(8)
OLB-Malcolm Smith(5)
CB-David Amerson(3)
CB-TJ Carrie(2)
S-Charles Woodson(18)
S-Nate Allen(6)

Only big name here is ex-Packer, Charles Woodson in his 18th season!  YES, I said 18!  That is a lot of years for a defensive back!!!!  Other 10 players is a mix of young and old!  The young one to watch is Khalil Mack, leading the league with 14 sacks!  With our injured line, Rodgers needs to watch where he is on the field!

So, as you see, not a lot of BIG names, but players that play loose in front of this crazy home town Raider fans!!!

I STRONGLY suggest, NO Lambeau Leaps into these guys!!!!!!

Packers Go West To Oakland

December Football!  Always interesting, stressful, and the cream will rise to the top!

Oakland Record - 6 wins & 7 losses
How did they get there?

Bengals 33 Raiders 13
Raiders 37 Ravens 33
Raiders 27 Browns 20
Bears 22 Raiders 20
Broncos 16 Raiders 10
Raiders 37 Chargers 29
Raiders 34 Jets 20
Steelers 38 Raiders 35
Vikings 30 Raiders 14
Lions 18 Raiders 13
Raiders 24 Titans 21
Chiefs 34 Raiders 20
Raiders 15 Broncos 12

A look at scores and the Raiders are a team to be taken seriously!  How about their last game?
A close, defensive battle over the Broncos!

A wild offensive loss to the Steelers 38-35!

A close loss to the Bears 22-20!

Vikings best them 30-14!

They are all over the place!

Teams Stats:
Team Offense - 20th in yards & 15th in points
Team Defense - 25th in yards & 23rd in points

Individuals
Quarterback - Davis Carr - 9th in yards, 4th(tied with Aaron) in TD passes - 28
Running Back - Latavious Murray - 6th in yards 878 & 5 TD's
Pass Receiving - Amari Cooper 15th in yards - 920 & 4 TD's
Sacks - Khalil Mack - 1st in Sacks 14!!!!
Interceptions - some guy names Charles Woodson 5!

So, first look?  Looks like a team that plays inconsistent & dangerous football!  A young QB that is not afraid to air it out!!!  A defense with a mix of young and old!  The NFL sack leader!  And a veteran that KNOWS the Packers - Charles Woodson!

A dangerous road trip and VERY important game!

Home From Green Bay With A Win!

The Packer Buddies have finished their regular season games, record 3 wins 1 loss!  Not a bad season!

September 20 - Seahawks  WIN!!

October 18 - Chargers  WIN!!

November 26 - Bears  loss!!

December 13 -Cowboys  WIN!

The Cowboy game followed the script of the season!  Ugly!  The weather, for our second trip in a row, was wet, BUT warmer!  AND, in fact, the WARMEST Packer home game in December EVER!
Yes, I said EVER!  The Packer Buddies experience another Packer historical event!

Jim, Terry, Phil, Bill

(notice Roger(a Cowboy fan) in 2nd row between Phil & Bill)

So, the Packer Buddies are there!  And, Zeke & Ken!!

Zeke Bratkowski                                 Ken Bowman

Zeke was a Packer quarterback, mainly a back-up under Lombardi

Ken, center on the Super Bowl I & II teams!! And the Ice Bowl!!!

The game followed a similar pattern as most of the games this year!  Close till the end!  Big interception in the end zone by Shields early in the first quarter!  Lacy, running like he wanted to prove something & Starks complementing him running and catching passes!  A 14-0 halftime lead!

Then, the Cowboys scored to make it 14-7.  And the Packers have a 3rd quarter offensive shut down! Conservative play calling and Rogers & receivers still searching for a rhythm! 

Fourth quarter!  Packers score two more TD's!  Defense shuts out the Cowboys in the fourth!  Some of the keys?  Shield went out in the 2nd quarter & rookie Damariuos Randall gets the job of covering Dez Bryant!  One on One!

#1 Key to the Game - Randall covering Bryant!

And Lacy ran for 124 yards on 24 attempts, thats 5.2 yards per carry!  And a TD!

#2 Key to the Game - Eddie Lacy!

And Jeff Janis was a BEAST on special teams!  Covering Punts & Kick Returns!  He was downfield in a flash!  I STILL think he needs more time at receiver!!

#3 Key to the Game - Jeff Janis on Special Teams!

And of course, the Packer Buddies found all their favorite eating places!

The Beer Belly in Milwaukee!

Strategically located near the airport!

The Kozy Corner in Mischicot!  Our pre-game meal!

Our VICTORY dinner at Titletown!!

Another great trip!  

Fun with the Packer Buddies!

And a Green Bay Packer Victory!!!

Next up, Oakland Raiders & a reunion with Charles Woodson!

Green Bay - Dallas 2015?

OK.  Let's take a rational look at this game!

Romo out, Rodgers in.  Advantage Packers!

Packers Offense against Cowboys Defense?  Stalemate!

Cowboys Offense vs Packer Defense?  Back up quarterback!  Advantage Packers!

Special Teams?  Stalemate, until somebody screws up?  Who will that be? DO NOT KNOW!

Injuries?  Romo trumps Packers offensive line.  Advantage Packers!

So, what is the old stand-by - TURNOVERS!

Here is my prediction -

Packers 24 - Cowboys 13

Latest Packer Roster:

Hear We Go Again - Packers On Top Of NFC North Division!

This does seem like a dream!  Packers win on a "Hail Mary"!  Vikings lose to Seahawks!  Although the Packers & Vikings are both 8 wins & 4 losses, Packers have the tie breaker - Head-to Head win!

Now, 4 games left and the Packers control their own destiny!  So, what must happen?

Win Baby!

And, a few other things!

1 - Running Game!  We need to find one!  Lacy!  Eddie Lacy!  He seems like a great person!  He interviews well and says all the right things!  He has that infectious smile!  And, he has had two AWESOME seasons!  But, missed curfew in Detroit!  C'mon Man!  Overweight?  C'Mon Man!
Like what Starks has given us, and like what Crockett showed us!  By the way, BYE BYE Harris!

2 - Get healthy & stay healthy!  Whoa!  ALL the offensive line has been hurt this year!  Last year they we solid!  This is another NFL investigation - what is up with injuries & is it trending upward?  Are they TOO BIG?  Is the game action too chopped up, play-stop-play-stop-play-stop?   Wide receivers, Montgomery get healthy - Abbrederis, Cobb, Jones, & Janis!  Need consistent play!

3 - Defense - keep getting better!  And of course stay healthy!  And, stay angry!  Capers defensive system has MANY substitutions and needs time to get coordinated!

4 - I have been saying this all year!  Aaron Rodgers, BE Aaron Rodgers.  Last years MVP.

R-E-L-A-X

Watch a few Favre games & Brady games!  Mixed it up, play loose when the teams needs that, and played "pissed off" when they need it!  But most of all BE AARON RODGERS!

The Cowboys are next!  They must play Monday Night!  We played last Thursday, that's 4 days more rest!!  And NO Romo!  It is a home game!  You are in fist place!

Finish the Season Strong!

It's Two AM in The Morning AND The Packers Win!

I must admit, could not sleep!  Went to bed at 10 AM EST.  Awakened at 1:30 AM EST.  Went downstairs and guess what?  I missed it!  So, turned on the NFL Network & saw it!

Crazy game!  Crazy ending!  Crazy Packer Team!

At 8-4, it still does not feel right! This team is one of the most frustrating teams Packer Fans have lived with in the past 20 years!

A lot of promise!  A lot of injuries!  And, a team still searching for an identity!

Could this be the start of something?

Only time will tell!

Packer - Lion Game Two Analysis

I decided to do an analysis of each series from the Packers perspective!  So, Packers have the ball, I will look at the drive!  And, when the Packers Defense is on the field, I will discuss the "D"!

Here we go:


Series #1 - Packers Offense
Ran the ball well, one pass, and cannot make a third and one!  Punt!  Receivers look like they cannot get open!  No separation!  Punt only 31 yards!!  Indoors, no win & no rain & no cold - PATHETIC!

Series #1 - Packer Defense
First run - not good!  12 yards!  Calvin Johnson big catch - no pressure!  Still no pressure!  Should have had interception, tipped!  Field Goal - Detroit 3 - Green Bay 0

Series #2 - Packer Offense
Screen Pass to Starks looks good, but facemark against Packers!  Com'On Man!   Long ball to Janis - no good!  3rd & long - short by a yard!  Punt!!!  A better Punt!

Series #2 - Packer Defense
3rd & 8, Packers defense got beat on a crossing pattern over the middle.  No pressure!  Than, lot of time & QB scrambles up the middle for 1st!  Ball over the 50!  Abdullah big run up the middle!  BAD defense - Packers are all over the place on D!  Trouble in the "Motor City"!  3rd & 2 on the 4 yard line!  Easy TD to Tight End - missed assignment!  BAD defense!  Detroit 10 - Green Bay 0!

I may go to bed at half!

Series #3 - Packers Offense  1:50 to go in its Half!
Interception!  Something is rotten in Green Bay & it is not the cheese!

Series #3 - Packers Defense
TD to Calvin Johnson on first down!  Detroit 17 - Packers 0!!  Uh - Oh!
So far, Detroit scores on every series & Packer - 2 Punts & interception!

Series #4 - Packers Offense
Intentional Grounding & then they catch a break on interference against Richard Rodgers!  Offense still looks awful!  Completion to Rodgers - TE.  After 1st Quarter 17-0!!  Whoa!  Is this our low point?  Beginning of second quarter!

My analysis is loosing focus!!

Richard Rodgers looking good over the middle!  GET OPEN!  Need a TD on this drive!  Brings up a third down!  Sacked!  Field Goal attempt?  Detroit 17 - Packers 0  Missed Field Goal!

Time for Bed!  Packers are done!

Packers - Lions Round 2

First, let's look at the last game in Green Bay:

Score Lions 18 - Packers 16
Packers need to get to 30 for this one!

Rodgers 35 for 61 - 333 yards & 2 TD's
Throw the ball 61 times!  NO!  I'd say 30-35 times for same yardage & 3 TD!  NO Interceptions!

Lacy did not play & Starks 42 yards. Are you kidding me!  Packers need 150 between Lacy
& Starks!

Sacks for Pack 0!  NO NO NO!  Need at least 3-4 sacks!!!!

Packers 12 possessions - 7 Punts!  No way!

But, as I have mentioned all week, this game against the Lions will be Won or Loss by............

Aaron Rodgers!!!

Welcome to Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood!!!

Packers Game #2 Vs Lions

The Green Bay Packers have had interesting ride during the 2015 NFL season.  They wanted to come out of the chutes fast!  They did!  They wanted to show the Seattle Seahawks they were for real! They did!  And, they wanted to win their division, get into the playoffs, and win Super Bowl 50!  The last three goals are looking more and more like a fading sunset.

My simple answer is - Aaron Rodgers!

Aaron Rodgers was the NFL MVP in 2014!  Many of the experts say Aaron Rodgers is the BEST quarterback in the NFL!  Maybe one of the top all time ever!  Well, guess what, hold that thought!

Let's look at the Aaron Rodgers body of work for 2015:

1 - Packers have 4 losses, Aaron Rodgers could have won 3 of them at the end of the game!

2 - Aaron Rodgers lost his best receiver - Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb & Davonte Adams have been nicked up.  Rookie Ty Montgomery has missed the past 4 games.  Jared Abbrederis has been hurt. At tight end, Andrew Quarless has missed most of the year and 2nd year player Richard Rodgers has not stepped up his play!  All good quarterbacks need good receivers, and guess what, Rodgers in NO different!

3 - Aaron Rodgers accuracy has NOT been good!

4 - Aaron Rodgers offensive line have ALL been nicked up!

5 - Aaron Rodgers is dating Olivia Munn.  Maybe his eyes are looking at something else?

Seriously looking at the football stuff - receivers & offensive line need to be there for Aaron Rodgers!  But, wouldn't it be nice for the OLD Aaron Rodgers to show up!  

Maybe this Thursday, against the Detroit Lions!

Packer's Thanksgiving Day Game - Memories, Honors, & Let Down

The stage was set!  The storybook ending was there for the taking!

Lambeau Field on a cold and raining Thanksgiving Day.  People at home had that family visit and fill of Thanksgiving Day meal!  The evening would be spent watching the Packer Game!
Brett Favre would be there!

And, the number 4 jersey retired!

And, the old field general Bart Starr would defy all odds, and fighting poor health, would honor Brett!

Ans, the Packer Buddies would be there!

The Packers would be playing the old rivalry Chicago Bears!  Everything was set!

And, the Packers 2015 forgot to read the script!  It said Packers BEAT the Bears!  It was perfect, 1st & Goal from the 8 yard line, Less than a minute to play!  The BEST quarterback in football, Aaron Rodgers!

Everything was set up for a storybook ending.  But in the NFL, the other team does not always agree. Tonight the Bears win 17-13.  But, the season still has 5 games and the playoffs to go.  How will this story end?  Stay tuned!  A good story has a few twists & turns.  And the ending has not be written!

Go Pack Go!

Packer - Vikings, What Was Different?

What was different this week?  First, a look at possessions:

Packers - 12 Possessions (11 real possessions)
1 - End of Game  (this one really does not count!)
7 Scores - 5 Field Goals - 2 TD's (Need more TD's, but 7 of 11 scores is GOOD!)
4 - Punts (2 - 3 and outs - better than previous weeks)

Viking - 12 Possessions )11 real possessions)
1 - End of 1st half (this one really does not count!)
2 - Scores - 2 TD's (This is good for the defense!)
1 - Turnover - Fumble
6 - Punts
2 - on downs

This is a winning possession chart!!

Other positive signs:

Packers - No turnovers!
Packers - 6 Sacks - Vikings 2 Sacks (This is after 3 games the Packers had 0 Sacks!!)
Packers - Crosby - 5 for 5 on field goals!  42, 47, 40, 42, 52 yards - a VERY good day!
Packers - Lacy - 100 yards rushing!  THIS IS BIG!
Packers - Defense - Vikings had 0 points in 4th Quarter!!!!
Packers - WIN THE GAME, back in first place, have a win over Vikings in the bag!

Next up, the Chicago Bears!!

In Case You Did Not Hear: Packers Wins! Packers Wins! Packers Wins!

Packers Wins!

Packers Wins!

Packers Wins!

Packers Wins!

And, Adrian Peterson was held to 45 yards

And, Rodgers had 212 yards & 2 TD's!

So, next up?  Bears in Green Bay, Thanksgiving Night!

And, Favre #4 retired!

And, Bart Starr may be there!!

And, 

THE PACKER BUDDIES 

WILL BE THERE!!!!!

Packers vs. Vikings, Where Is This Rivalry Going?

Sunday's game will be a game with MANY twists & turns!  Time to answer some questions!

1 - Which team will be division leaders?

Right now it is the Vikings!  All Time Series Packers 58 wins, Vikings 48 wins & 2 ties.
Last Packer loss was December 2012!

NFC Division Champs
2014 - Packers
2013 - Packers
2012 - Packers
2011 - Packers
2010 - Bears
2009 - Vikings
2008 - Vikings
2007 - Packers
2006 - Bears
2005 - Bears
2004 - Packers
2003 - Packers
2002 - Packers
2001 - Bears
2000 - Vikings

Last 15 years - Packers - 8 & Bears - 4 & Vikings - 3 & Lions 0!

2 - Will the Packers win another game this year? YES!  Chances this weekend slim!  Why?
The Vikings are a good defense and the Packers Offense is not even close.  Receivers cannot
get separation, the running game is no where, the offensive line is banged up & Rodgers  is in
a place we have never seen!  Defense, actually playing well, but we have Adrian Peterson this
week - NOT GOOD!

3 - Like many sports, time moves on and team are either on the rise, or not!  This game will
help decide one of two things, will the Vikings keep rising, or will the Packers keep falling?

So, I have narrowed the games down to two key points:

Can the Packers stop Adrian Peterson?

And, can the Vikings stop Rodgers?

Packers vs Vikings - Wow Things Have Changed!

OK, I just woke up from a dream and it was scary!

I went to bed, Packers were 6 - 0, and visions of Super Bowl trophies dancing in my head!  The Alarm went off, I went down stairs, put on the coffee, and placed my morning bagel in the toaster.  Took the dogs outside, picked up the paper(and the poop) sat down in my favorite chair and sipped my coffee!  I open the sports page(I always read that first) and , and, and, the Lions BEAT the Packers!

I was still sleeping!  It was a nightmare.  The Pack was 6 - 0.  And now they are 6 and 3?  In second place!  Please wake me up!

Sorry, NOT a dream!  Reality!  And now my first look at the Packers entering week 11 of the NFL season!  First, the offense!

Last game, the Packers had 14 Drives.
First - 9 Punts!  Yes, 9 of 14 punts!!!  I do not need to say anything!

Second, 5 - 3 and outs!  That is 3 plays and Punt!  I do not need to say anything!

Third, after 3 quarters Packers have 3 points!  One Field Goal!  I do not need to say anything!

So, my sixth sense is buzzing!  Is Aaron Rodgers the same man?  Is the offensive line slowing down?  Was Jordy that important?  Is Eddie Lacy eating too many hot dogs? Is McCarthy at that 10 year point of the beginning of the end?  Is Ted Thompson missing something? There is something NOT right!  Beyond the x's & o's, how could a great offense look so average?

We have had a great 6 year run of playoff football!  Unless something changes, this team does NOT look like a playoff team!!

Prove me wrong Packers!  

Rodgers!  

Cobb!

Lacy!  

Anyone!

How Packers Beat The Lions - Game #9

The next game is the most important game!  This, is the most important game!  Why? And How?

Two loses in a row, CANNOT have 3!

Aaron Rodgers, stop worrying about interceptions!
Watch a couple Starr videos & BE A LEADER!
Watch a couple Favre videos, wing it!

Clay Matthews - do something different - cut your hair & knock out a front tooth on a tackle!

Offensive line - watch the old Lombardi Green Bay sweep & knock someone on their ass!

Julius Peppers - keep yelling at people!

Randall Cobb - go long!

Mike Daniels - Stay mad & play mad!

Lacy & Starks - run to daylight!  One of you please run for 100 yards!

Rookie - Jake Ryan - time to shine - HIT somebody!

And Rookie - Aaron Ripkowski - time to shine HIT somebody!

Dom Capers(Defensive Coordinator) - stop all the tricks, substitutions, play defense!  Straight up!

Edgar Bennett(Offensive Coordinator) - let Rodgers call his own plays!

Mike McCarthy - stop blaming bad technique & penalties!  Play Football!

OK, simple!  We have 11 young man, playing against 11 young men!  Each play beats his man!

Packers win 35 -13

Vince is Watching!

Would The Real Green Bay Packers Please Stand Up?

OK, Packer fans, what do we have?  There are two choices:

1 - A playoff team. with the BEST quarterback in football, a diversified offense that can run, or pass.  A young defense that is going to get better each & every game the rest of the season?

Or,

2 - A pretender.  A team that has been to the playoff the past 6 years, but is in decline?  A quarterback that is too worried to throw an interception, then to make courageous plays.  A young running back the is overweight.  An offensive line that is over-rated, and wide receivers that cannot get separation. A defense that continue to give up BIG chunks of yards and not playing as a team?

Answer is,..........  a little of each answer!

Look at the Drive Chart for the Packers offense

16 Drives (that is tooooo many)
4 - scores
2 - end of half & end of game
2 - turnovers - 1 fumble - Lacy & 1 interception - Rodgers missed open receiver for TD
8 - PUNTS - tooooo many!  And, 6 - 3 & outs - WAY to many!!!

Not a good offense!

And the Packer defense, look at the Panther Drives

15 Drives -
7 - scores (4 TD's & 3 FG's) &
1 - missed FG
1 - interception
6 - Punts - 6, 3 & outs! (That is good for the Packers)

Half way through the season, we have a 6 win - 2 loss team, tied for first in division.

Half way through the season we have an inconsistent team, that MUST be MORE consistent!

Packers Vs. Panthers 2015

Seasons change, last year the Pack started fast & put a whooping on the Panthers.  Players change, both the Packers & Panthers have a lot of new faces.  Injuries are part of the NFL, and the Packers lead the way for the "NFL Band-Aid Award"!  So, all you fans out there, be honest, how to you feel about tomorrows game?

For me, watching the 2015 version of the Packers, and UNEASY feeling.  This team, as mentioned earlier, has not been healthy & is still not healthy.  This team, has shown signs of greatness, but, not enough to make me sleep well at night!  Aaron Rodgers, has not been Aaron Rodgers.  Is it love?  Has Olivia cast a spell on number 12?  We have not been able to stretch the opposing defense - we miss Jordy!  The running game is VERY inconsistent!

On defense, we still have Clay Matthews in the inside linebacker spot.  A defensive line that has had its good days, and some bad ones!! Sacks have been a positive, but, teams still run on us!  Peppers & Matthews have been steady, but Neal, Perry, Mulumba, Elliot have been inconsistent & banged up!  The defensive backs, again, injured, found at places, and given up a bunch of yards!!!!

So, confident - NO!  Uneasy stomach - YES!  Last week I totally missed the score!  And, like Coach McCarthy, I was embarrassed!  Away games are difficult, Carolina did play Monday night.  So, I'm sorry to say, I see another loss, score?

Panthers 27 Packers 17

I hope I'm wrong!

Come on Pack!

Packers and Panthers 2015

The NFL is reaching the half way point of the season!  And, one of the concepts in ANY sport is to peak at the end of the season.  Every year, a team develops a new personality.  Do the Packers have that personality entering game #8 on their schedule?

My short answer is NO!  Not yet!

The offense is not there.  Lacy, not running well. Starks is a great back up, but a back up.  The receivers, a lot of nagging injuries!  We really do not know what we have!  Cobb, shoulder, Adams, ankle, Montgomery, ankle, and we have Jones, Abbrederis & Janis.  First, need to get healthy, then, stay healthy!  Tight end, whoa!  Rodgers, not making the big plays, Quarrels hurt.  Offensive line, no big running days & no big passing games, so, No Comment!

The defense.  The line, definitely not dominate!  Jones, Daniels, Guion, Raji, Pennel, NOT a formidable crew.  Linebackers, Matthews out of position, Peppers a year older, Perry & Neal, playing like Perry & Neal, Palmer inside, and Elliot outside, NOT a formidable crew.  Defensive backs, more aches & pains!  Burnett finally back last week, then Shield goes down at corner.  Rookies Randall & Rollins are rookies. Hyde & Hayward, nothing special.  NOT a formidable crew!

Special Teams are playing well, but not a lot of big plays!  NEED one big play a game!

So, stay healthy, and the team can develop a personality this year!  First!  Aaron Rogers MUST have a few good games in a row!  So, the highest paid player & BEST player on the team....................

Aaron Rodgers MUST start to roll!  Why not this week!!!

Let's Take A Look At Packers vs Panthers 2015!

OK, time to move on!

Let's Take A Look At Packers vs Panthers 2015!

To do this, let's go back to last year!

Final Score - Packers 38 - Panthers 17
Date October 19th 2014

Stats:
Rodgers - 19 for 22 and 255 yards & 3 TD passes & 0 interceptions
Newton - 17 for 31 and 205 yards & 1 TD pass & 1 interception

Rushing Yards
Packers - Lacy - 63, Starks - 36, Rodgers - 21 the Packer Total - 122 yards
Panthers - Stewart - 55, Newton - 41, the Panthers Total - 108 yards

Sacks
Packers - 3 sacks
Panthers - 2 sacks

Key stat - Packers get out early, score 21 points in 1st Quarter!
Halftime Score - Packers - 28 - Panthers 3!!

Quick Start!  Pack had a lot of quick starts last year!  NOT so much this year!

Time for the Pack to get their MOJO back!  A little Swagger!  A QUICK start!
And FAST finish!  Play with an edge, with something to prove!!!

Maybe I need to give the Pre-Game speech, it would go something like this........

Last week, WAS not the 2015 Green Bay Packers!  We need to show people
that the Packers ARE one of the top teams in the NFL!  Aaron, you were the
MVP last year, play like it!!!  Offensive line. McCarthy said you we one of his
BEST, play like it!  Defense, last week we were number 1 in the league at points
per game, play like it! And, by the way, STOP GIVING UP SO MANY YARDS!

It is time, to play each week with an edge!  THIS is football!  This game is PHYSICAL! PLAY LIKE IT!  This game is EMOTIONAL!  Show it! Play EVERY play!  Make every TACKLE!  Show this
league the Packers are still a team to be RECKONED with!  Play like it!

Need One More Day On The Broncos Game

Need one more day to vent!  I always, very faithfully, view all the Packer Videos on the Packer website!  The video was the weekly Mike Spofford, The Small Plays.

First, I am a 62 year old, retired educator.  Coached some high school football & track & field.  And, while watching the video, here is my concern.

The Packers, the last 5-10 years have had some HUGE offensive days!  But, the plays Spofford displayed from the Broncos game made me think!  Uh Oh, here we go!

The plays showed a lot of tight man-to-man coverage in the secondary.  Most, were man, with a deep safety over the top.  I wonder why I saw no crossing patterns.  Some "pick" plays?  Some bunch receiver plays?  And, maybe, we need to use some speed?  Janis, or is Jordy ready yet(TOO BAD).

And, still, no running game?

What has happened in 2015?  Jordy out for year.  Adams missing a bunch of games.  Lacy hurt & overweight.  Cobb frustrated, double teamed, and he started the year with a bad shoulder.  Bulaga missed a few games, Lang had a bad knee.  Quarless out for the past 6 weeks.

Other teams have injuries!  Come on Packers!  Suck it up!

Play with some E-M-O-T-I-O-N!

Packers Embarrassed In Denver

Good old BUTT kicking!

Sunday Night Football, only game on TV, the countries football fans sit down to see two undefeated teams battle it out!  Two of the games BEST quarterbacks.  And what do we see?

Peyton Manning  21 for 29 and 340 yards

Aaron Rodgers  14 for 22 and 77 yards (YES, 77 yards!!!)

Denver Rushing Yards  160 yards & 3 TD's

Packers Rushing Yards  90 yards & 1 TD

Denver 4 Sacks (And a bunch of hits on Rodgers)

Packer 0 Sacks (And Peyton looked like he was 28 years old again)

Denver leading receiver D. Thomas 8 receptions & 168 yards

Packers leading receiver 6 receptions & 27 yards (And D. Adams 1 for 8 & J. Jones 1 for 2)

Denver - 9 drives - 3 TD's - 2 Field Goals - 3 Punts - 1 Interception

Packers - 8 drives 5 punts - 1 safety - 1 TD - 1 Field Goal

And that's just a few stats!  This my last look at the Packer - Denver Game!

Time to Move On!  Panthers! (Another BIG test!!!)

Packers vs Broncos, What Will Happen?

Here we go.  Both teams coming off a Bye week.  Both teams have defenses playing well.  Both teams have a quarterback.  And BOTH teams are undefeated!  Here are my keys:

1 - Quarterbacks - for Denver, Manning is near the end of a great career.  It looks like his "fastball" has lost some zip, but he prepares. maybe better than anyone ever.  He like to say "Omaha"! He leads the league in interceptions!  His QB rating is around 30th!  Lower than rookie Winston, lower than his brother Eli, lower than Kirk Cousins of the Redskins!  He is NOT playing very well!

Aaron Rodgers, not having an Aaron year, but NOT hurting the team.  2nd overall QB rating in the league.  Only 2 interceptions.  Has had wide receiver issues.  Of course, missing Jordy.  Davante Adams has been hurt.  Rookie Montgomery was coming on, now hurt!  Quarrels, at tight end, has missed a bunch of games.  And, the running game is not great!  So, Aaron needs to BEAT Peyton!

2 - Running Games - both teams have not been great!  Denver, ranked 31st out of 32!  Broncos are averaging 85 yards a game.  Packers, ranked in the leagues at 127 yards a game, but the main man, Lacy has been hurt, has not looked good, and like many have noticed, looks overweight!  So, time for Lacy to show the league and the fans, I'm back!  Lacy runs for 100 yards & 2 TD's!

3 - Defenses?  The Broncos are for real!  1st in the league in yards per game - 281 yards!  Points per game - 2nd (to the Packers, who are 1st!) 4th in interceptions (Pack is 6th) Sacks, Broncos 1st, with 26 sacks (Pack is 3rd with 23).  Packers defense has given up 11 TD's & the Broncos 12.  So, the Broncos has the edge, BUT NOT a huge edge.  The Broncos have some big names - Demarcus Ware, Von Miller, at linebackers, Aqib Talib at safety are play makers, the MUST be neutralized!  The Packers MUST win the Sack & turnover battle!

4 - Special Teams - Wouldn't it be nice to have the Packers to have a TD return!  I do not care, punt return or kick return!  Come on Hyde to Abbrederis!  Make the field goals, cover punts & kicks! WIN the special teams battle!

Final Score

Packers 24 & Broncos 13!!!!!!

Packers Picture Day 2015

Time for all the coaches & players to pose for the Team picture!

Great Posture!

Someone farted?

Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!

Davante!  Sit up!

Better hair, Matthews of Bakhtiari?

Pitch Perfect Time?

Looking Good!

Tough Practice!

Enough said!

Packers Team Pictures 2015

Packer Retired Jerseys

Before Brett Favre has #4 retired, let's have a look at the other retired jersey #'s!

#3 - Tony Canadeo - HB - 1941-44, 1946-52  Retired 1952
The "Grey Ghost of Gonzaga"!  Great nickname!  Like many players in this era, played many positions - defensive back, passer, runner, kick returner,  & punter. 1943, the teams leading rusher & passer!  And, served in WWII in 1944 & 45, playing only 3 games in 1944 & missing all of 1945!  Came back in 1946 as a running back and was the first Packer to rush for 1,000 yards! His career stats:

#14 - Don Hutson - WR/DB - 1935-45  Retired 1951
Was credited with inventing certain patterns and is mentioned as one of the top receivers of all time!  Had a career 99 TD receiving TD's and this was an NFL record till 1989, broken by Steve Largent!  Hutson held 18 NFL records when he retired! Was on three NFL title teams - 1936, 1939, & 1944.  In 1970, NFL named hime to the all 50 players team in NFL history.  And, the indoor practice facility, the Hutson Center, has his name on it!  Don Hutson Stats:

#15 - Bart Starr - QB - 1956-71 Retired 1973
Drafted in the 17th round in 1956!  Yes, they had 17 rounds in the draft back in 1956! And, how about 6 division crowns, 5 NFL championships & 2 Super Bowls!!  Only lost 1 post season game, his first, was 9-0 afterward!  Was Super Bowl I & II MVP.  Also, was the Packers head coach from 1975-83.  Starr career stats:

#66 - Ray Nitsche - LB - 1958-72  Retired 1983
A third round draft pick in 1958 from Illinois, where he played full back & linebacker.  As the middle linebacker, was the leader of the defense during the Lombardi years! His athleticism was obvious with his 25 career interceptions!  In 1970 was names to the NFL all time top 50 list!  The Packers on started keeping defensive stats in 1975.

#92 - Reggie White - DE - 1993-98  Retired 2005
The Minister of Defense!  What a pick up for the Packers from the Eagles!  With the Packers for 6 years,   Named to 13 straight Pro Bowls!  Sacked 75 different NFL quarterbacks!  Finished with 198 sacks in 15 years in the NFL, currently second all time!  Helped get the Packers win in Super Bowl XXXI, recording 3 sacks, a record at that time!

And next, you know,

 #4 - Brett Favre!!!!