porky88
  • porky88
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
9 years ago
When the Green Bay Packers broke training camp in August of 2014, they envisioned a team with a balanced offense that kept opponents on their heels complimented by an athletic defense that flowed to the football.

It took five games, but the vision is turning into a reality.

On a rainy night in front of a sold out crowd at Lambeau Field, the Packers crushed the rival Vikings 42-10.

The offense had an efficient night, gaining 320 yards and scoring 42 points despite quarterback Aaron Rodgers completing just 12 passes.

Rodgers made his passes count, no doubt. With about five minutes remaining in the first quarter, he completed a 66-yard touchdown strike to receiver Jordy Nelson. Nevertheless, for the first time all season, the offense wasn’t reliant on the pass to move the ball.

Running back Eddie Lacy finally had the breakout performance the Packers had been waiting for. Lacy ran roughshod over Minnesota’s defense, ending the game with 132 total yards (102 rushing) and two touchdowns.

The defense also continues its progress.

In case you needed another reminder, Green Bay entered this game allowing 176 rushing yards per game. That was last in the NFL. The Packers played as if they took this stat personally, as they swarmed Minnesota’s running backs every time they touched the ball. The Vikings finished with 111 rushing yards, a vast majority of it coming in garbage time.

Five games into the season and defensive lineman Mike Daniels has been Green Bay’s top defender. Last night, I counted sevens plays in which Daniels disrupted with penetration against the run or pressure on the quarterback. Minnesota frequently used an extra blocker on him, leaving Letroy Guion, Nick Perry, and Datone Jones -- prior to his ankle injury -- in one-on-one situations. Daniels’ energy set the tone for the rest of the defensive line, which played its best game in well over a year.

Three weeks ago, the underwhelming Packers stared at the schedule knowing they had a three-game stretch against each of their divisional rivals. Over that stretch, they needed to correct flaws in the pass protection, running game, and defense. Winning each game over that stretch was obviously the most ideal scenario, but also unlikely because of their level of play. Winning two of three seem more plausible.

Three weeks later, not only have the Packers finish 2-1 in this stretch, but they've also made significant progress on each of their flaws.

With six days until their next game, Green Bay’s trajectory is pointing up.

Turning Point

After forcing the Packers to punt the ball on three consecutive possessions, Minnesota was a touchdown drive away from cutting Green Bay’s lead to seven. The Packers defense never let up, though, and linebacker Julius Peppers made the play of day, intercepting Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder and returning the ball 49 yards for a score. Defensive lineman Luther Robinson deserves an assist on the play for disrupting Ponder’s throw.

Unsung Hero

It’s such a trivial detail, but good field position can be a huge asset. Alternatively, bad field position can hinder your offense. The latter occurred Thursday night to Minnesota, in large part because of punter Tim Masthay. At least three of Masthay’s first-half punts directly contributed to Minnesota starting inside their own 20. The coverage unit also did an admirable job covering kicks and punts.

Stud of the Game

The spotlight went to Lacy, but Thursday night belonged to the defense. Safety Morgan Burnett played stellar, finishing with a team-leading 12 tackles. The biggest came on Minnesota’s second drive. On third-and-3, Ponder hit wide receiver Jarius Wright on a crossing pattern, but Burnett stopped him a yard short of the first down. He also caused a second-quarter fumble, ending any chance the Vikings had at finishing the half with points.

Looking Ahead

Next on the schedule is the Miami Dolphins, who are coming off their bye week. The Dolphins don’t have a great outside threat, unless you consider receiver Mike Wallace great. Additionally, quarterback Ryan Tannehill is somewhat erratic. The way they keep the game close is winning the battle upfront. They need to pressure Rodgers on offense, while giving Tannehill time to throw. They spent many resources on revamping their offensive line this off-season. In fact, they replaced four of their five starters from last year’s line. A fifth, center Mike Pouncey, hasn't played this season with a hip injury. The Dolphins expect him back against Green Bay, though.

The unit played well in wins against Oakland and New England, but putrid in losses to Buffalo and Kansas City. Defensive line play was the difference. The Raiders and Patriots don’t offer much upfront, while the Bills and Chiefs feature underrated front sevens.

Green Bay’s front seven fits the latter, making this a favorable matchup for the Pack.

Please visit Row12.com  for weekly articles done by myself on college and fantasy football. We also have a great staff of writers that covers every major sport.
buckeyepackfan
9 years ago
Another fine report Porky.

Glad you pointed out Masthay's contribution.

I think I read he set a record with the # of punts downed inside the 20 for a game.(5?)

Even the best teams will struggle if they have to go 85 - 90 yds every drive.

We all know The Vikings aren't on that list, [grin1]


Keep up the excellent work!!!!
I was addicted to The Hokey Pokey, but I turned myself around!
Zero2Cool
9 years ago
Eddie Lacy wasn't a stud this game, he just finally did his job! The boy needs to run more north/south than east/west. I can see the Packers going 1 - 2 through the next three games. That's a bad trajectory lol

Good read. ESPN should hire you. You're more interesting to read than most of the jokers they have on staff. PackersHome is lucky to have you doing this every week and I hope all appreciate it. I sure do!
UserPostedImage
Gilligan
9 years ago

...Good read. ESPN should hire you. You're more interesting to read than most of the jokers they have on staff. PackersHome is lucky to have you doing this every week and I hope all appreciate it. I sure do!

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 



Agreed.

I really enjoy your take, porky.
Keep it up.

Zero2Cool needs to put you on the payroll. 👍


I am chosen by many but taken by no one.
Fan Shout
dfosterf (13h) : Maybe
Mucky Tundra (13h) : Yes
Zero2Cool (14h) : No.
Mucky Tundra (17h) : End of a Degu-era
dhazer (17h) : Steelers sign Patterson because of new kickoff rule interesting
Zero2Cool (20h) : Former #Packers TE Josiah Deguara is signing a 1-year deal with the Jaguars, per source.
Zero2Cool (21h) : They do not do it for "content sake".
dfosterf (28-Mar) : For the record, I enjoy Beast and Mucky drafts
Zero2Cool (27-Mar) : Haha
Mucky Tundra (27-Mar) : No time for talking! Back to work beast!
beast (27-Mar) : You saw only 4,201 of my mocks? 🥺 I think that means you missed more than half of them 😢
dfosterf (27-Mar) : Does anyone know what Lambeau field improvements got put on hold? My guess would be for the 2025 draft
Zero2Cool (27-Mar) : It's like listen, you made 4,201 mocks, no shit.
Zero2Cool (27-Mar) : Cuz during the draft "I had them mocked there!" as if it's amazing.
Zero2Cool (27-Mar) : They're fun to do once in awhile. It's people who think they are "content" that annoy me.
dfosterf (27-Mar) : Against tbd
dfosterf (27-Mar) : Answer to your question is yes, it's a Thursday, will be the Chiefs aga
dfosterf (27-Mar) : Luckily for all concerned, I don't post them. I did one, but that was like 25 mocks ago
Zero2Cool (27-Mar) : NFL 2024 gonna start Sept 5th isn't it???
Zero2Cool (27-Mar) : Ugh... kids these days!
dfosterf (27-Mar) : I'm gonna go do some more mock draft hell instead 🤪
Zero2Cool (27-Mar) : Did we do one of those prediction threads yet for 2024 season?
dfosterf (27-Mar) : In my city, they are playing the nimby game, in order to keep some railroad tracks vs. 2 professional sports teams and a concert venue.
dfosterf (27-Mar) : And/Or a city council, of which I haven't seen a good one in a very long time
dfosterf (27-Mar) : That sounds like a Mayor, not a city.
buckeyepackfan (26-Mar) : Packers halt scheduled 80mil upgrade of stadium until lease agreement talks are restarted
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : City of Green Bay puts Packers' Lambeau Field lease talks on hold
buckeyepackfan (26-Mar) : Packers 1 of 3 teams to vote no on new kickoff rule.
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : Packers sign another Kicker
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Lengthy explanation at PFF if you click the link
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Kickoff rules officially changed.ngthy explan
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : lol
Cheesey (26-Mar) : 2009? No thanks! One open heart surgery is enough!
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Good for you!
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : Yes. That's the one.
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Is that "Lady Dugan" per chance?
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Crystal?
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Please refresh my memory
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : Alan posts. Crystal back in my life. It's 2009 all over again! Lol
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : BAH GAWD! THAT'S CHEESEYS MUSIC!
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : Gutekunst said early stages of Jordan Love contract being discussed.
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : Shouldn't be penalized cuz official screwed up
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : Yeah, challenge until you are incorrect twice.
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : Fining them is the goal, per the people who made the rule anyway.
dfosterf (25-Mar) : Still waiting on the kickoff rule changes. Did hear yesterday that the touchback proposal will now be the 30 yard line, not the 35
dfosterf (25-Mar) : Probably speed of game issues with your proposal
dfosterf (25-Mar) : Hopefully the refs don't get in the habit of throwing flags on this
beast (25-Mar) : I think when it comes to Challenges should get two strikes, so unlimited challenges as long as they keep winning them, but 2 wrong then done
dfosterf (25-Mar) : Still subject to the fines etc
dfosterf (25-Mar) : Yes, I should have been more specific. Also, they are now saying it would be a 15 yard penalty. That makes more sense .
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2023 Packers Schedule
Sunday, Sep 10 @ 3:25 PM
Bears
Sunday, Sep 17 @ 12:00 PM
Falcons
Sunday, Sep 24 @ 12:00 PM
SAINTS
Thursday, Sep 28 @ 7:15 PM
LIONS
Monday, Oct 9 @ 7:15 PM
Raiders
Sunday, Oct 22 @ 3:25 PM
Broncos
Sunday, Oct 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Nov 5 @ 12:00 PM
RAMS
Sunday, Nov 12 @ 12:00 PM
Steelers
Sunday, Nov 19 @ 12:00 PM
CHARGERS
Thursday, Nov 23 @ 11:30 AM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 3 @ 7:20 PM
CHIEFS
Monday, Dec 11 @ 7:15 PM
Giants
Sunday, Dec 17 @ 12:00 PM
BUCCANEERS
Sunday, Dec 24 @ 12:00 PM
Panthers
Sunday, Dec 31 @ 7:20 PM
Vikings
Sunday, Jan 7 @ 3:25 PM
BEARS
Sunday, Jan 14 @ 3:30 PM
Cowboys
Saturday, Jan 20 @ 7:15 PM
49ers
Recent Topics
now / Around The NFL / Martha Careful

13h / Green Bay Packers Talk / buckeyepackfan

28-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / dfosterf

28-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

27-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

27-Mar / Random Babble / Zero2Cool

27-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

26-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

26-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

26-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

25-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

25-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

24-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

24-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

22-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2024 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.