Packers Edge Lions With ANOTHER UGLY WIN! YEA BABY!

Wow!  Just Win Ugly Baby!

Packers 23 - Lions 20!

Remember my prediction????

How?

1 - Win turnover battle, Packers were LUCKY last week!
My prediction????  Close Packers 1 & Lions 1!

2 - Aarons (Rodgers & Jones) lead the way, with a little Davante for good Luck!
     Rodgers - 321 yards for 4,000 for season
     Jones - 16 yards for 1000 yards for season & 1 TD for 20 in season
     Adams - 96 yards for 1000 yards for season
My prediction?  Rodgers   YES 4002 Yards
My prediction?  Jones    YES 1084 Yards
My Prediction?  Adams  CLOSE  997 Yards!

3 - Sack Brothers, Smith & Smith get a few more - Z Smith with 13.5 & P Smith with 12 now!
My Prediction?  Smith Brothers 0 Sacks, BUT Z Smith  pass rush was BIG in Martinez interception!

4 - Special Teams be SPECIAL - new return man continue to shine - Tyler Irvin
My Prediction?  Newcomer, Tyler Irvin, no big returns, but SOLID!  
He LOOKS close to a BIG RETURN!!!

5 - New Coach Matt LaFleur - ATTACK the ENTIRE game
My Prediction?  The Packers had to keep attacking, they were behind the entire game!!!!

So,  just to remind my loyal Packer fans:

Last TWO years:
NO PLAYOFFS - NO NFC TITLE - NO FUN!!!!

THIS YEAR?????

PLAYOFFS!!!!!

NFC NORTH CHAMP!

FUN!!!! (if you like ugly wins!)

Packers Will Beat The Lions If..............

It is simple, "Just Win Baby!"

How?

1 - Win turnover battle, Packers were LUCKY last week!

2 - Aarons (Rodgers & Jones) lead the way, with a little Davante for good Luck!
     Rodgers - 321 yards for 4,000 for season
     Jones - 16 yards for 1000 yards for season & 1 TD for 20 in season
     Adams - 96 yards for 1000 yards for season

3 - Sack Brothers, Smith & Smith get a few more - Z Smith with 13.5 & P Smith with 12 now!

4 - Special Teams be SPECIAL - new return man continue to shine - Tyler Irvin

5 - New Coach Matt LaFleur - ATTACK the ENTIRE game

So, a Packer Win and, depending on the 49ers, Saints & Seahawks????

Go Pack Go!

Win Pack Win!

Beat the Lions!

Week 17 - Packers vs Lions - Finish This!

Hard to believe, the 2019 NFL season is coming to a close!  What difference a year makes!

The 2019 Packers are a completely different team!  Some of the obvious?

1 - Gone Mike McCarthy - New Head Coach Matt LaFleur

LEADERSHIP & RESULTS

2 - Gone Ted Thompsons 2 yers ago - New (2 years) Brian Gutekunst

LEADERSHIP & RESULTS

3 - Gone Clay Matthews & Nick Perry - New Players Za'Darius Smith & Preston Smith!

LEADERSHIP & RESULTS!

4 - Gone Jordy Nelson & Randall Cobb - Replace with Davante Adams & others (Lazard, Allison, ..)

LEADERSHIP & INCONSISTENT RESULTS!

5 - Gone Ha Ha - Replace with Amos

LEADERSHIP & NO DRAMA

The difference is many things, fresh start, new faces, team togetherness, many positive issues!

FINISH THIS!  

BEAT THE LIONS!

Packers Clinch NFC North and "Just Win Ugly Works Again!"

Here we are:

2019 NFC North Champions

Back in the NFL Playoffs

Beating the NFC North rivals the Vikings in their house.

The method of course, "Just Win Ugly"

How did we win ugly this time?

Packers offense - 3 turnovers!  - Packers defense hangs tough!

Packers offense settles for 3 first half field goals - Packer Running game rolls!

The talking point needs to be the focus!  Even though the Vikings were without their top runner, the Vikings did have their top receivers!  The Smith Brothers, especially "Z" was on fire!
The Packer Offense looked close again!  Rodgers is still a little off!  Maybe the playoff run will be enough to keep in locked in!

My Team Drive Analysis:

Packers 14 Drives
1 - through out this drive the last one with kneel downs to run out the clock
5 - Punts
5 - scores - 3 FG's & 2 TD's
3 - Turnovers (Unacceptable)

Viking 13 Drives
8 - Punts
2 - on Downs
2 - 2 Scores - 1 FG & 1 TD
1 - Turnover

The "Eye Ball Test"!  Things this seem better & this team just wins!

How far will this Rookie Coach take this team??  Hold on Baby!

But, BEAT THE LIONS FIRST!!!!

Packers vs Vikings - Game #2 - "Just Win Ugly!"

My 2019 Packer Season Slogan - "Just Win Ugly", I'm starting to like it!

After the Bears lateral play ended on the Packer 2 yard line with time running out, I just smiled!  Was the smile a smile of an insane Packer Fan?  Was the smile seeing Packer Fans giving the traditional "High Fives" after a big play?  Was the smile realizing I would now buy Turtles at the local Culvers? Or, was the smile just frozen on my face after sitting in the 10 degree Packer cold after 4 hours???

Packer Buddies - Terry, Jim, Bill, & Phil!

Jim & Bill tubing!! (Meanwhile, Terry & Phil in car staying warm!)

Aaron, getting ready for a Packer TD!!!

And Lambeau!  This is a SPECIAL PLACE!!!

Anyway you look at it - A SMILE!!!!!

Packers are 11 wins & 3 losses!

Packers are in first place in the NFC North!

Packers are as of today the #2 seed in the NFC!

The Packers are in the Playoffs after 2 seasons of watching!!

The Packers are BACK!

"Just Win Ugly!"

So, next up, the Vikings!

What must happen?  And Monday Night Football!!!

Packers Offense - CONSISTENCY!

This is what we are looking for, a running game, setting up the play action passing game!  An attacking, aggressive play calling!  Spreading the ball around, a commitment to all wide receivers!  Lazard & Kumerow show what can happen when persistent players, who were NOT drafted, become new folk heroes - like a Donald Driver!  A running game that breaks a big run!  And, the tight ends helping move the chains!!

Packers Defense - Smith Brothers pressure!  Lowry & Clark defend the middle!  And, those young d-backs show their talent - Alexander, Savage, King & Amos!  Turnovers, interceptions & forced fumble create a short field for the offense!!!  And, the offense takes advantage!

Special Teams - Did we find a returner??  Bears game shows that!!!!  Tyler Irvin #32!  Keep an eye on him!!!

So, let the Super Bowl run begin!!

Headlines for Tuesday!!

Packers clinch the NFC North 

with a win over the Vikings!

Packers Win Game #200 Over Bears And Packer Buddies Are There for the Fun!

Following the 2019 Packer Season Motto, "Just Win Ugly", the Packers win Ugly!

And, the Packer Buddies were there to see it!

Comments on the NFL Meetings

Today I will take a time out discussing my Packers and make a few comments about the NFL meetings & some of the issues surrounding the NFL future.

Issue #1 - NFL Officiating

Wow!  This is BIG!  And, as a long time football fan (old-timer!), I am VERY concerned about the officiating & rules enforcement.  Here is a list of my concerns:

a.  Instant Replay
We are in a new world of technology!  The can of worms is open & probably will never be closed!  ALL SPORTS are using instant replay & ALL SPORTS are having issues!  So, what do we do?  I see two choices - 1-  DO NOT USE IT!  (I know, this is an old timer talking!)  2 - Use it ONLY sparingly!  Here is an idea - coaches can use it ONLY 3 times a game - they get to choose.  And, they can use it at any time for any reason - pass interference, holding, offsides, or to checkout the cheerleaders!  3 - Fix what we have now!  Good luck with this one!

The other issue I have is the flow of the game!  There is NO FLOW to the game with instant replay!!!

And, the use of the GIANT screen in stadiums for the fans.  If I were in charge, the replay would not be used with controversial plays!  It stirs up the fans & makes the officials look bad!

b.  What is pass interference?  To me this is easy, if the ball is in the air, no touching either the offense or defensive player!  NO TOUCHING!!!!  SIMPLE!

c.  BAD officials are dismissed!  Maybe this is happening, but, it needs to happen!

Issue #2 - Salary Cap

It is going up again!  From somewhere just under 200 million a year to over 200 million per year.  Have you been to a game?  Cheapest ticket over $100.  (using internet ticket buying 300-400  a ticket!) Beer $$$.  Parking$$$  Water$$$$  We need a fan union!  My prediction, eventually, the NFL will need to be concerned about fans & the cost of a game!  Players and Owners are making PLENTY of money.

Issue #3 - Collective Bargaining

Another contract.  My issues, player health concerns.  BOTH current players & retired players!  It is a dangerous game, take care of the health of all players.

Owners money & players money.  What is fair?  Just like a business, the owner deserves more money than the workers, BUT, how much is a fair share?  Not only is this an NFL issue, but, an issue for every business.

Issue #4 - Scheduling

Wow!  Where do I begin?  Regular "old" NFL Schedule - Sunday Games - two times - early & late games, usually 1 & 4 pm EST.  To today, Regular old games schedule, plus, Monday Night football, and Thursday night football. and playing games in London, Mexico, etc?  WOW!  And, the NFL is concerned about injuries?  HA HA!  All these different days of play?  $$$  $$$!  If you were a young man (or woman) that played high school football, and were asked to play another football game 4 days later (normal high school Friday nights & then Tuesday?  HA HA!  Not $$$ $$$!

Issue #5 - This is my special concern - I'm sure the NFL does not care! - Celebrations!

WOW!  Make ONE play, and you strut around like a PEACOCK?  Make one play, and you need a SPECIAL CELEBRATION?  There is less in two minutes in the game, you make a play, you strut around, the clock is running!!!!  WOW!  It is OK to be excited, emotional, football is an emotional game!  BUT, WE HAVE CROSSED THE LINE!

Again, I am an old timer! I know we need to change, BUT, change for the sake of change?  What are we teaching our kids?  Commercials for Thursday Night Football focus on two opposing fans trash talking each other, funny, but not good.

I still love this game, but THIS game is beginning to lose me!

NFL?  

NOT FOR LONG?  

TIME WILL TELL!

Week 15 - Packers vs Bears, Game #200 in the Rivalry!

Here we go!

Game #200 in the rivalry that began in 1921!  The series record: 98-95-6, Packers leading the series!  What will Game #200 look like?

Week 15 in the 2019 Season - Packers playing for the NFC North Title against last years NFC North Champions the Bears!

Week 15 in the 2019 Season - Packers trying to hold off the Minnesota Vikings who are one game being the Packers!

Week 15 in the 2019 Season - Packers are now the 2nd seed in the NFC and are playing for a BYE week during the playoffs!  First seed at this time are the 49ers.

Last Home game in the 2019 Season!  This could be the last home game at Lambeau this year, unless the Packers get a playoff game at home!

And, the most important things of ALL these important thing!

THE PACKER BUDDIES WILL BE THERE!!!!!!!!!

So, here we go!  Another great trip for the Packer Buddies!  And, another BIG games of MANY BIG games for the Packer Buddies!!!

Packers Over Redskins, Another Ugly Win!

He we are again!  HAPPY! KIND OF!  A Packer win on the ugly side!

Packers 20 - Redskins 15

Start as I usually dom analyzing team drives:

Packer Drives - 11 Drives
2 - End of Half & End of Game
4 - Scores - 2 TD's & 2 FG's
4 - Punts
1 - Fumble

Redskins Drives - 10 Drives
3 - Scores - 2 TD's & 1 FG
6 - Punts
1 - Interception

Packers jump out fast, first quarter, 3 drives 2 TD's!  Second quarter driving for another score - and Rodgers fumble on a sack!  So, could have been 21-6 at half.  Redskins, with one good drive - 95 yards for TD.

Second half score - Redskins 9 - Packers 6.  A typical NFL ending.  Packers leading 20 - 9, let the Redskins drive 75 yards, with 1:17 left in game for a score!  Packers defense plays VERY well except for 2 drives!

Packers again follow a similar path for the win.  Offense & defense play well enough to win!  Still some growing pains!  Remember, new head coach, 2nd year defensive coordinator.  Second year general manager.  New players, old player gone, do not forget (Jordy, Randall, Clay, .....)

This team is in transition!  Overall, a GREAT improvement from the last 2 years!!!

GO PACK GO!!!!!!

Packer vs Redskins, Back at Lambeau

12 games in, first place in the NFC North and a game up on the Vikings.  What is up with the Washington Redskins!

Head coach was fired.  Rookie quarterback now starting.  What is happening?

Redskins are on the move, on a 2 game winning streak.

Week 12 - Redskins 19 - Lions 16
Week 13 - Redskins 29 - Panthers 21

Last week 248 yards rushing!  Peterson & Guice!

So, stop the run & make the the rookie QB beat you!

Washington Redskins - 6 sacks!  Protect Aaron Rodgers.

So, my two takes - stop Redkins run & protect Aaron!

As mentioned in an earlier blog entry, this Packer team is still trying to figure out who they are.  The McCarthy era ended, the LaFleur era is started.  The Smith boys are leading the defense.  A new offense is being digested by our big time quarterback!  It is not a perfect team, but at 9 wins & 3 losses, a team that is making strides!

A side note, the Packers are still trying to figure out the special team return game.  Watch newcomer, Tyler Ervin was picked up to handle the return game - keep a close eye on that!

Home game, Packer fans - GET LOUD!

Packers Win Over Giants, Just What We Needed!

Week 13:

Packers Win & Vikings Loss!  A Great Week!

One thing I always analyze are the team Drives:

Packers - 9 Drives

5 - scoring drives - 4 TD's & 1 FG!
3 - Punts
1 - End of Game

Giant Drives - 9 Drives

3 - scoring drives - 1 TD & 2 FG's
3 - Turnovers!! (THIS IS GREAT!)
1 - Punt
1 - Downs
1 - End of Half

A look at the drives and easy to see why we won.  Rogers was efficient, 4 TD passes is what we like, on the negative side, running game sputtered!  Defense, no sacks, but good pressure & 3 interceptions ia another great thing!!!!

So, at the end of a trip to they west coast & a trip to the east coast, the Packers are 3/4 of the way through the season & find themselves in first place in the NFC North & at this time, 3rd seed in the NFC.

A quick look at the the 6 top teams & who they play:

Packers 9 & 3 - play Redskins, Bears, Vikings, & Lions
Seahawks 10 & 2 - play Rams, Panthers, Cards, & 49ers
Saints 10 & 2 - play 49ers, Colts, Titans, & Panthers
49ers 10 & 2 - play Saints, Falcons, Rams, & Seahawks
Vikings 8 & 4 - play Lions, Chargers, Packers, & Bears
Cowboys 6 & 6 - play Bears, Rams, Eagles, & Redskins

Just a little reminder for you fans (me included) that at times get frustrated!  Last two seasons:

2018 - Season - 7 wins & 9 losses - NO PLAYOFFS
2017 - Season - 6 wins, 9 losses & 1 tie - NO PLAYOFFS

Next up - Washington Redskins!

Go Pack Go!