First, the feel.
The atmosphere was, as usual, incredible! Over 78,000 people, awesome weather, and Lambeau Field looking like the football version of "Field of Dreams!"
The eye ball test? Once the game started, it felt like the same old Packers! As Aaron goes, so do the Packers! Defense, no pass rush and lacking a dominate figure on the field. That did change! With Aaron out we are a below average team, maybe 4 wins & 12 losses. In the second half, I felt a change. And, the change came form the defensive backs. The NEW defensive backs - King, Alexander & Jackson. Clinton-Dixx, sadly looked like the same old Clinton-Dixx. But, new safety, Brice played well in his first start!! Defensive line played well, pushed the pocket, but looked slow. Linebackers were average, but lacking big play abilities.
The numbers? Look at the Drive Chart:
Bears
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Packers
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Comparisons:
Packers 1st half - Punt-Punt-Punt-Punt-Fumble-Interception-End of Half
Bears 1st Half - TD-FG-Punt-Downs-Punt (And, the Bears had a defensive TD!)
That half of football may have been the worst I have seen in recent years!
Packers 2nd Half - FG-TD-TD-TD-End of Game
Bears 2nd Half - FG-Punt-Punt-FG-Fumble
Second half, one of the BEST I have seen in recent years!
So, what was the difference? Of course, number one, Aaron Rodgers! Will any one rise to support this man. A lack of a running game does not help. Williams & Montgomery are average at best. Aaron Jones will come back in week three from suspension, he is a possible game changer! WE NEED THAT! The offensive line looked adequate. At right tackle Bulaga was little rusty - he MUST improve!
Defense? What I noticed from my seat, the 3 young corners can run with people! And they have the height to cover the taller receivers. Hopefully, the more they play, the more confident and better they will get! That will allow our linebackers and line to be creative & get more PRESSURE on the QB!!
Also, from my seat, we allowed the Bear QB to move around the pocket. And, the Bear running backs were cutting back and getting yardage. The man responsible for contain, was NOT there! This needs to improve! Sadly, our outside linebackers, Perry & Matthews were invisible! Would not be surprised if our first back up, Gilbert, becomes out top outside linebacker! Inside, beyond Martinez, we are in trouble! Burks, our draft choice did not dress. Newcomers, Toomer & Morrison have been here less than 2 weeks. So, hope is, this defense will only GET BETTER!!!!
So, as of game one, we have a win! In the NFL, a win is the MOST important thing! 16 other teams are 0-1! Also, being an optimist, we WILL get better! Aaron will be healthy(PLEASE), Jones will come back at running back & the tight ends will have an impact! On defense, young d-backs will continue to improve! Burks at inside LB will come back from injury to fly around the field! And, most important, the Packer defense will PRESSURE the QB!!
And of course, most important the Packer Buddies, Jim & Phil were there! And, a pre-game "Turtle" at Culvers was the KEY to victory! Our Packer Buddies, Bill & Terry had previous commitments, and were not able to attend! AND WERE MISSED!
GO PACK GO!
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