I'm not that concerned about poor 1st half rushing averages. That's part of how the running game works, by wearing down the opposing defense so that running becomes much easier in the 2nd half.

Originally Posted by: DoddPower 

So what does that say about our 4th quarter first down average? The plays generated 2,3,-1 and -4 for an average of 0. So much for wearing them down. Point is MN was looking for the run on first down (who wouldn't be?) at that stage of the game and shutting it down.

The third quarter was an aberration. They just came off of the half time break so they couldn't say they were tired when GB got 9, 11, 9, 7, 8 and the 1 yard TD. They didn't do anything like that any other time in the game.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

Absolutely not.

Of their 30 first downs they ran the ball 23 times (Including Rodgers kneel) That is 77% (I rounded so sue me.) Just a few more passes on first down would probably make the running game more effect. A few 4-6 yard passes and running on 2nd would most likely be more effective.

In the first half- before MN was either gassed or simply quit GB runs only generated a 3.4 average. That is adequate but barely. Half of the runs were either losses or only a yard or two. That is not effective. Do you think that they could consistently get first downs against a SF or Seattle team if they were looking at 2nd and 14 or 15? I am sure they can do it some of the time but not on a consistent basis.

For the record I don't mind it at all that they ran the ball 42 times. (Of course 6 of them were Rodgers so they really don't count.) They should have a little more balance on first down is all I am saying. It would make the run even more effective that it was.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

GB averaged 3.4 per run on first down in the first half. It jumped to 4.8 in the second half most of that coming on the first series of the 3rd quarter.
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Originally Posted by: wpr 

When I first saw the play I was sure it was a 2-3 yard loss. If he was a no gain he really had to bust his chops to get back to the line.

Interesting how much Hawk's play has improved after they sat his butt for the whole game back in 2011.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

Interesting how Hawk has had more impact plays , SINCE DOM WAS FORCED TO DESIGN SCHEMES TO FREE HIM UP INSTEAD OF THE 2 ROOKIE OLBR'S.

He smartley realized that the best way for Mulumba and Palmer to be effective was to not put a whole lot on their plate, just be assignment sure, which they have done very well.

I'm sure the Hawk "haters" will have plenty to complain about when CM3 and Perry get back and Dom can get back to freeing up the OLBr's to make the impact plays, which of course is how The 3-4 defense has always been designed.

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan 

Most of their running INefficiency came on the 1st drive in the first quarter. The whole rest of the game they did pretty well on 1st down runs until they were just taking down the clock on the last drive and by that point who cares.

Originally Posted by: steveishere 

So what does that say about our 4th quarter first down average? The plays generated 2,3,-1 and -4 for an average of 0.

Originally Posted by: wpr