Zero2Cool
12 years ago
Alright, I've been out of the state for the past week. Michigan sucks and so does working 14 hour shifts of managing a large scale project you know nothing about.

So, I spent a little time trying to catch up on a week or so worth of posts, great fun.

About the Packers and Giants game. I think the first Giants game was the last time I seen the Packers play like they really wanted to win the game, other than the final game of the regular season of course. It seemed like the team was going through the motions, no urgency at all. I had hope, until the end of the half when Ahmad Bradshaw ran anywhere he wanted and then the Hail Mary touchdown. Prior to that drive, I had mouthed off "Packers are going to come out in the 2nd half, take a 17 - 13 lead and never trail again". As I said, the touchdown destroyed that confidence. I can't recall thinking the Packers would come back after that.

The loss stung, but as I had said prior to the closure of the season, the Giants are the team I fear the most for the Packers. I doubt I was alone so the loss wasn't a total shocker. The Packers being 2 - 4 in their own home in the Playoffs the last six tries boggles my mind. I actually attended the game the Packers last won in Lambeau Field in the playoffs. Yes, I am saying you all need to pitch in and buy me ticket(s) for the upcoming games in the playoffs.



2012 Off Season
Packers have to address the defensive line priority one. I'm no longer enamored with a high octane offense, it's just too fragile to rely on. Give me a stout stingy defense over a high octane offense. The offensive line needs some fixing too, but I don't believe it's as dire as some mistakenly cry about. Daryn Colledge's loss was huge, but c'mon people, it's not the end of the world.

I also believe the Packers were trying too hard during the Giants game for several reasons... the loss of Michael Philbin and to prove those wrong who felt the Packers shouldn't have rested players. I think this because when the latter was mentioned, the players responded very quickly and sternly it was not a problem. They came off defensive. And from Aaron Rodgers comments saying he couldn't wait to remind the world who should be talked about as the NFC favorite ... I just believe they went out and were emotionally drained from all things mentioned and lost their focus.


DL, OL and OLB I think are the biggest three areas of need in that order.

Speaking of the DL...

You look at it now, even though they’re saying that stuff, before the season and throughout the whole offseason, everybody had that attitude that they could just replace me, that I was just another player. ‘We can just let him walk,’ Certain players spoke out publicly about guys they hoped they’d bring back, but back then you didn’t hear anybody say too much about me. So I don’t pay it too much attention.

Cullen Jenkins wrote:



It's obvious to anyone who watched the Packers secondary that the lack of communication was huge and the loss of Nick Collins was the biggest loss to the defense this season. Even with that said, a complimentary rush opposite of Clay Matthews III was debilitating. Cullen Jenkins had a good first quarter of the season and tailed off to zero sacks in the last three (approx) quarters of the season, but hell I'd rather him be cut and then signed by the Packers.


Drops
It seemed to me as the season grew on, the Packers dropped more and more catchable passes, culminating with the Divisonal game. I think Jermichael Finley's drops were coming from trying too hard in his contract year and nothing to do with talent.


15 - 1
The Packers are the first team to lose by a margin of as many as 17 points in the divisional round and I believe the third team to fail to reach the Super Bowl after going 15 - 1.


Tackling
As I mentioned in the other thread, I don't see tackling improving until a new defensive coordinator is in Green Bay. I say this because Mike McCarthy admitted it was a problem all year and yet was not fixed. I see no reason why it'll be fixed by the same coordinator in the upcoming off season.


Players
Charles Woodson has stated clearly he's not ready to move to Safety because he still feels he's playing at a top CB level. I don't see this happening at all unless Nick Collins does not come back.

I remember games where Charles Woodson played Safety and he sucked big time. Plus, his tackling has gone to shit lately. He's always going for the strip instead of the damn tackle! It's common sense that if you are the first person to the ball carrier you WRAP UP and the second person goes for the ball while attempting to bring the ball carrier down!

Woodson is still my favorite defender and one of my all time favorites, but he needs to stick to Cornerback and his blitzes.



Matt Flynn - he's gone and Packers won't get anything extra, get over it.

Pat Lee - gone.

Donald Driver - I think it's 70/30 he's gone. Recently has said he understands that it might be difficult to play til 40 and is accepting that.

Chad Clifton - 2 first rounders on Tackles plus Marshall Newhouse played well. Gotta see what the kids can do and bid adieu to Mr. Clifton and the money saved would be a plus.

Scott Wells - must be resigned.

Ryan Grant - I think he'll be back at a bargain.

Jarett Bush - has no business playing in the secondary. Proof? Watch the Hail Mary play against the Giants.

Jermichael Finley - he'll be resigned and he should be. He's a helluva talent and his drops were downright bullshit. When he gets his contract, he'll be more natural an not trying so hard and will dominate in 2012.

Howard Green - has a good role with the Packers and should be resigned.

Tramon Williams - will be better after he heals up fully. Shoulder injuries for a CB are like kryponite.

Nick Collins - gosh I hate doing this, but I read something encouraging about Nick Collins returning...something about that his neck will be back to how it was (strength wise) pre-injury. I don't know how much faith to put into it, especially since I can't even find it again, but who knows. I guess we'll know for sure sometime in March.


I think Scott Wells is the top free agent priority signing for the Packers.
UserPostedImage
Nonstopdrivel
12 years ago

I'm no longer enamored with a high octane offense, it's just too fragile to rely on. Give me a stout stingy defense over a high octane offense.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 


I couldn't have said it any better myself. I think it was fragile not only physically -- as in, able to be pushed around by a determined defense -- but also psychologically. This offense is excellent at getting out in front quickly, and that is fun to watch, but it almost always seems to wither and become completely ineffective when it's down by more than a single point.

Excellent post overall.
UserPostedImage
Laser Gunns
12 years ago
Fantastic post "0"

About Collins, he really was the worst player we could lose in the backfield. He does a lot more from his position than people realize. in terms of identifying routes and positioning the corners pre-play, his experience was not replaceable by Burnett or Peprah.

Not to mention, Collins is probably the most athletic player we have, he has great range and anticipation, and is built big enough to take on RBs and bigger WRs.

Adding to the struggles in the secondary, our DL was very poor at rushing the passer (I know they are "cloggers" ) but when they are single-blocked they were consistently losing. When Pickett was healthy the run D seems a lot tougher up front, but Pickett has and never will be a good pass rusher. We need a big guy (like Jenkins) who has those rush skills that we can put inside with Raji in the nickle.

Also Walden should have been benched a long time ago

MintBaconDrivel
Dec, 11, 2012 - FOREVER!
TengoJuego
12 years ago
I think Driver will play out that extension he got. I think it was a 2 year thing? 2012 being the second and final year, right? I'd be surprised if he retired.

Matt Flynn is going to go to a team in need of a QB, and will probably start straight away. He'll probably be overpaid, but whatever, that's the nature of the league right now. Good for him. Graham Harrell will probably be our #2.

The tackling bit had me confused. Is it just not enough of a focus in the Dom Capers scheme of things? And can't be? Cause I don't know if I like the idea of a new D-Coordinator. Not that you're saying so, but who knows. Maybe Dom gets a HC offer and takes it.
Zero2Cool
12 years ago

The tackling bit had me confused. Is it just not enough of a focus in the Dom Capers scheme of things? And can't be? Cause I don't know if I like the idea of a new D-Coordinator. Not that you're saying so, but who knows. Maybe Dom gets a HC offer and takes it.

Originally Posted by: TengoJuego 



I'm not expecting or wanting a new defensive coordinator per se. I just don't recall seeing a good tackling defense since Jim Bates was here and well if the Packers knew of the tackling woes and still couldn't fix them during the season, why should one entrust they can fix them over the off season? Know what I mean?

In a perfect world, Packers continue creating ~2 turn overs a game and AND... AND become fundamentally sound tacklers. Remember the Chiefs game? I bet if the Packers defense could have made more tackles that final drive of the Chiefs, the Packers could win that game. Towards the end, the Packers offense showed some urgency... kind of like against the Giants in the regular season.
UserPostedImage
Wade
  • Wade
  • Veteran Member
12 years ago
Maybe Oakland and other teams will hire a bunch of our defensive coaches.

Then we can turn around and hire San Francisco's.

[grin1]


And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
Packers_Finland
12 years ago
Marshall Newhouse did NOT play well. That's an illusion that needs to be made clear to anyone. He was the worst starting tackle in the league last year according to PFF grades. I mean, whenever you complain about too much pressure getting to Rodgers, how do you think the pressure gets there? Newhouse was an absolute revolving door at left tackle. He's not an option, even at backup. I hope the Packers' decision makers noticed the same thing.

But I agree with Clifton being gone. Sherrod and Bulaga should be able to take it from here.
This is a placeholder
nerdmann
12 years ago
Newhouse is a good backup. He's not a pro bowler, but he can play.

Driver is probably gone. They've got Gurley on the PS, and he deserves a shot. They'll probably also draft a guy at the position. Remember that Borel dude is also on the PS. But Gurley is the one with Plaxico-esque size and who routinely blocked punts in practice. Driver ends up in Chicago.

Scott Wells is probably back, but he's 30, so they're going to be replacing him soon. Ted Thompson drafts a C this year in rounds 2-4.
Ted Thompson also drafts a developmental QB in the late rounds.

Agreed: DL AND OLB are are positions of biggest "need." I'd also like to see them nab another CB. Then again, maybe a light goes on with Davon House in the offseason. Defense gets priority in this draft.

Cliffy's gone, Finley stays. Collins returns, if he's willing to sign a waiver.

Grant ends up in Detroit for a year or two.
“Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don't do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.”
Zero2Cool
12 years ago
I don't recall complaining about pressure on Aaron Rodgers. Every offensive snap I count, 1 ... 2 ... 3 and if the ball is not out, I put it on Rodgers if he's sacked or pressured. Stating the obvious here, it's not that clear cut EVERY time, but that's the rule for me. A lot of the pressures I seen came from him holding the ball for more than 3 seconds. I even mentioned that I don't think the pass protection portion of the offensive line is as bad as some whine about.
UserPostedImage
rabidgopher04
12 years ago
It's nice to identify the areas where the Packers need to improve, but Ted Thompson always drafts best player available, not by need. I say this so that none of you will be surprised when Ted Thompson drafts a WR, 2 QBs, a TE, a Punter, a RB, and a Guard.
Amazing Bacon Delivery  Service! Never be without good bacon again.
Fan Shout
packerfanoutwest (3m) : 49ers are underdogs at Packers, ending streak of 36 straight games as favorites
Zero2Cool (7h) : 49ers might be down their QB, DL, TE and LT?
packerfanoutwest (21h) : Jaire Alexander says he has a torn PCL
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : Even with the context it's ... what?
Mucky Tundra (20-Nov) : Matt LaFleur without context: “I don’t wanna pat you on the butt and you poop in my hand.”
beast (20-Nov) : We brought in a former Packers OL coach to help evaluate OL as a scout
beast (20-Nov) : Jets have been pretty good at picking DL
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : He landed good players thanks to high draft slot. He isn't good.
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : He can shove his knowledge up his ass. He knows nothing.
beast (20-Nov) : More knowledge, just like bring in the Jets head coach
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : What? Why? Huh?
beast (19-Nov) : I wonder if the Packers might to try to bring Douglas in through Milt Hendrickson/Ravens connections
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : The Jets fired Joe Douglas, per sources
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : Jets are a mess......
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Pretty sure Jets fired their scouting staff and just pluck former Packers.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Jets sign Anders Carlson to their 53.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : When you cycle the weeks, the total over remains for season. But you get your W/L for that selected week. Confusing.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the total and percentage are the same as the previous weeks
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the total and percentage are the same as the previous weeks
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the totals are accurate..nrvrtmind
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : I don't follow what you are saying. The totals are not the same as last week.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : ok so then wht are the totals the same as last week?
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : NFL Pick'em is auto updated when NFL Scores tab is clicked
Martha Careful (19-Nov) : The offense was OK. Let's not forget the Bear defense is very very good.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : Who updates the leaderboard on NFLPickem?
beast (19-Nov) : Has the Packers offense been worse since the former Jets coach joined the Packers?
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Offense gets his ass in gear, this could be good.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Backup QB helped with three wins. Special Teams contributed to three wins.
bboystyle (18-Nov) : Lions played outside thats why. They scored 16 and 17 in the only 2 outside games this year
Zero2Cool (18-Nov) : The rest of the NFL is catching up to Packers ... kicking is an issue throughout league
packerfanoutwest (18-Nov) : Packers DL Kenny Clark: We knew 'we were going to block' Bears' game-winning field goal attempt
Zero2Cool (18-Nov) : Lions seem to be throttling everyone, but only (only) got 24 lol maybe the rain is why
Zero2Cool (18-Nov) : Packers vs Lions game doesn't seem so bad.
beast (18-Nov) : Dennis Green "They are what we thought they were, and we let them off the hook!"
Martha Careful (17-Nov) : comment of the day Z2Cool "Bears better than we want to admit. Packers worse than we think. It's facts."
Mucky Tundra (17-Nov) : my worst case scenario: Bears fix their oline and get a coach like Johnson from the Lions and his scheme
Zero2Cool (17-Nov) : Bears get OL fixed amd we might have a problem
buckeyepackfan (17-Nov) : Pretty sure they already have scouting reports on guys who aren't even starting for their college team. The future is now for me.
buckeyepackfan (17-Nov) : I tend to let Gute and Co. Worry about the future.
beast (17-Nov) : That's great news and Packers need to keep upgrading their OL, DL and DBs this off-season, so missing one guy doesn't kill them
beast (17-Nov) : That's great news and Packers need to keep upgrading their OL, DL and DBs this off-season, so missing one guy doesn't kill them
buckeyepackfan (17-Nov) : Jaire and Evans Williams are both ACTIVE! Good news.
Martha Careful (17-Nov) : The badgers really need to change the whole offensive scheme. No draws no screens plus the quarterback is marginal
Cheesey (17-Nov) : If the Badgers had a decent QB, they would have won. The guy can't hit a wide open receiver
Martha Careful (17-Nov) : chop block
Martha Careful (17-Nov) : there was a very questionable job Block call that upon viewing replay was very borderline
beast (17-Nov) : How so? (I didn't watch)
Zero2Cool (17-Nov) : Badgers got hosed vs Oregon
packerfanoutwest (16-Nov) : damn,he hasn't played since week 2
Mucky Tundra (15-Nov) : poor guy can't catch a break
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 12:00 PM
Vikings
Saturday, Jan 4 @ 11:00 PM
BEARS
Recent Topics
9h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

23h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

21-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

21-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

21-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

21-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

20-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

20-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

20-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

20-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

20-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

19-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / dfosterf

19-Nov / Featured Content / Zero2Cool

19-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

19-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

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