Duds and studs bears week 1

[JK64]

Studs: Defense, coach Pettine, punter Scott
Duds: Arod, Oline, play calls, clock management, sacks

I blame the Oline mostly for the poor Offense. They sure couldn't block for the run or the pass. Aaron Rodgers did not play at all in the preseason and it looked like it. Rodgers doesn't even want to do joint practices with other teams. Then he comes out a lays an egg.

 

[PackerfaninCarolina]

There were a couple of instances where I wish Rodgers would've gotten the ball out quicker or at least thrown it away to avoid getting pummeled again by Chicago's front. But the vast majority of this post is absolutely spot on.

As @HardRightEdge has correctly pointed out in the past, expecting Rodgers to completely veer away from who he's been his entire career is just completely unrealistic. Sometimes, you're going to see an awful sack or awkward throw away. Other times, you're going to be rewarded with a game changing play.

I think perhaps what he doesn't always remember is that at his age, he's not going to be avoiding sacks and escaping willy nilly these days like he used to in his hay day. Now that doesn't mean he has to change his play completely, but yeah he should be willing to either pull the trigger a little more or step up a little quicker.

However, this is why some of us have been beating the drums at the front office to do more to both fix the offensive line as well as get a quick speed demon WR/RB hybrid guy like Parris Campbell to turn short passes into 20-50 yarders because Rodgers won't be escaping and making mediocre OLs look as good as he used to be able to.

 

[PackerfaninCarolina]

Please don't start with this. IMO it cheapens everything a person says when they throw this in there. The Bears had 10 penalties for 107 yards we had 10 for 71. I'm sure some Bears fans are saying the same thing about the refs wanting the Packers to win and they would probably be just as accurate.

On the Clark defensive holding call I was shaking my head a bit and again when we were called for offensive holding where the defender simply pushed our guy over backwards and tripped over him as he ran past (I think Rodgers was sacked so the penalty was declined) but after that it was pretty much even.

The challenged non call will never get called and they got the next one right a few plays later. Even with the two plays I mentioned that had me wondering I didn't see any calls missed or made that were out of line. There were too many to be sure but nothing that would indicate an agenda to me. All the holding calls to me indicates good defense by both sides.

Agreed, the refs weren't trying to help the Bears when it was they who backed em up into a 1st and 40. To me, Matt LaFleur needs to learn not to use his predecessor's methods of challenging plays and challenge close ones like the offensive PI play that he did. I can forgive him for that though since he's inexperienced and going to have get time on the job to learn some of that. But that's just not a play you should challenge.

 

[HardRightEdge]

I was happy, however, with LaFleur’s having the balls to stick with the run, whether he got a cloud of dust or 8 yds. That, to me, showed he will protect Aaron with scheme. Thinking we will see a lot more dedicated rushing from our RBs this year. Blocking must improve.

RBs carried the ball 18 times. Passes (30) + sacks (5) + QB runs (3) + a gadget play (MVS jet sweep) gets us to 57 plays. That doesn't include the attempted plays that resulted in penalties, mostly pass plays. RB carries came to about 32% of the plays that actually counted, only about 2 carries more than last season's very low rate.

It was less about sticking with the run than it was not abandoning it. It was enough to get off a couple of key play action completions.

Down and distance was a cause of not showing the run more. If you get 8 yards on first down, you can run it again, as we saw once. Otherwise, it was more like 2nd. and 8 or 11, which limits options, especially against a tough run defense.

Whether this team runs the ball more will depend primarily on the O-Line sharpening up. The run blocking was a ********, bad enough to say it can't help but get better. The other factor will be the defense. If they continue to limit points on the board you're bound to see more running in close games or with a lead.

 

[Jerellh528]

Savage looks like he was a great pick. He was all over the field

 

[PackersRGood]

I blame the Oline mostly for the poor Offense. They sure couldn't block for the run or the pass. Aaron Rodgers did not play at all in the preseason and it looked like it. Rodgers doesn't even want to do joint practices with other teams. Then he comes out a lays an egg.

Can't really say I blame him with his injury problems. He also knows a loss last night wouldn't have been the end of the world. He also didn't really lay an egg. He didn't play up to his standards, but he could have been much worse.

 

[PikeBadger]

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These are two instances, were Rodgers “could” have avoided a sack ... - granted on both occassions The pocket is collapsing rapidly, however, there was time to unload in both instances ...

I know Rodgers isn’t used to “**** and dunk”, but still ...

Rodgers is very intelligent, so in my oppinion adapting shouldn’t be that much of an issue ... - and if Rodgers and The first stringers have had more time on The field during The preseason, this might not have been an issue ...

Rodgers may be very intelligent but he’s shown over the last 4 or 5 seasons that he is very, very to adapt. I think his stubbornness plays a big part in this problem. He is not Tom Brady for sure. More like Bret Favre in that regard. I’m thinking now he needs significantly more live game action in the preseason as did the O-Line. They are a month behind the defense right now.

 

[Quientus]

Rodgers may be very intelligent but he’s shown over the last 4 or 5 seasons that he is very, very to adapt. I think his stubbornness plays a big part in this problem. He is not Tom Brady for sure. More like Bret Favre in that regard. I’m thinking now he needs significantly more live game action in the preseason as did the O-Line. They are a month behind the defense right now.

Actually, Favre didnt practice much either, however, Favre seemed better at adapting (though while throwing ints), but he seemed to “trust” his receivers more ...

Rodgers post game presser was different from what we’ve Seen before though ... He seemed much more humble than I’ve seen in a very long time ... Perhaps this season Will show a different Rodgers ...

 

[Do7]

Actually, Favre didnt practice much either, however, Favre seemed better at adapting (though while throwing ints), but he seemed to “trust” his receivers more ...

Rodgers post game presser was different from what we’ve Seen before though ... He seemed much more humble than I’ve seen in a very long time ... Perhaps this season Will show a different Rodgers ...

You cant help yourself can you? Rodgers has never thrown any of his teammates under the bus at the presser. He's always been good at the presser holding himself accountable. You just haven't been paying attention.

 

[PackAttack12]

Actually, Favre didnt practice much either, however, Favre seemed better at adapting (though while throwing ints), but he seemed to “trust” his receivers more ...

Rodgers post game presser was different from what we’ve Seen before though ... He seemed much more humble than I’ve seen in a very long time ... Perhaps this season Will show a different Rodgers ...

Coming from someone who watches every single Rodgers post game presser, he's very rarely been any different than we was last night.

 

[rodell330]

The offense moved the ball when they went up tempo. They also got out of the damn huddle. With McCarthy we constantly saw wasted timeouts and Rodgers taking forever to run the play. We saw the same thing last night.

 

[Do7]

Coming from someone who watches every single Rodgers post game presser, he's very rarely been any different than we was last night.

Exactly. Rodgers always holds himself to the highest standard. What you saw yesterday was more or less the same. He gives praise where it deserves. He's the first to blame himself, and he NEVER throws his teammates under the bus, unlike a certain other Quarterback in Pittsburgh.

 

[gbgary]

studs...the D! tramon had a couple of dumb penalties and king dropped a sure int but both made plays too.

duds...everyone on O with the exception of bakhtiari...maybe...davis. graham caught that prayer of a td pass. adams did what he could.

 

[Quientus]

You cant help yourself can you? Rodgers has never thrown any of his teammates under the bus at the presser. He's always been good at the presser holding himself accountable. You just haven't been paying attention.

What post are you responding to ? Because it clearly isnt The above ... lol

Coming from someone who watches every single Rodgers post game presser, he's very rarely been any different than we was last night.

Really ??? Funny, because I do too ..., you Can argue as much as you like, however, That presser was somewhat different than previous ones ...

 

[OldSchool101]

Not sure what to make of this comment. You came to this conclusion how? Thanks a lot though, I guess.

Another Packer I'd like to add to the studs list, Trevor Davis. I think I noticed the entire state of Wisconsin skip a beat when Davante stumbled off the field, only to be replaced by Davis. Only for Trevor to immediately step up on an important drive and make the catch.

Agreed, on your point.. not only did he catch that ball.. he plays with some quickness n vigor. He spun around and added about 10 yards to that catch. He fought through a double tackle for an extra 5 yards where many receivers would lay down. Notice the 1/28 yards. Nicely done.

I would like to see a smidge less complacent on returns, but that entirely fixable.
He left one where he could’ve advanced the ball 5-10 yards conservatively, but that said.. this particular game was one of field position. Fumbling the ball deep in your own territory would be catastrophic, so I give him a pass on that one all things considering.

 

[PackAttack12]

Really ??? Funny, because I do too ..., you Can argue as much as you like, however, That presser was somewhat different than previous ones ...

Rodgers might have a presser or two per year that you could argue that he "possibly" took a swipe at someone. But 90+ percent of his pressers were quite similar to the one from last night, with the obvious exception to how complimentary he was of the defense.

And rightfully so. That was the best defensive performance I've seen from the Packers in years.

 

[sschind]

Agreed, on your point.. not only did he catch that ball.. he plays with some quickness n vigor. He spun around and added about 10 yards to that catch. He fought through a double tackle for an extra 5 yards where many receivers would lay down. Notice the 1/28 yards. Nicely done.

I would like to see a smidge less complacent on returns, but that entirely fixable.
He left one where he could’ve advanced the ball 5-10 yards conservatively, but that said.. this particular game was one of field position. Fumbling the ball deep in your own territory would be catastrophic, so I give him a pass on that one all things considering.

Its easy to know when a returner should call for a FC and when he should attempt a return when you are watching from your living room (or the stands for that matter) The one punt where someone was screaming "you got time, you got time" and the return man pretty much got creamed, we may see it as him having time but we don't know what he sees. The first goal of returning punts is to catch the ball. Return yards are nice but if I ever see anyone criticizing Davis for not making a fair catch and fumbling I'll reach through the screen and slap him.

 

[PackerFanLV]

Studs: Bahk, Defense and Special teams, Trevor Davis, MVS
Duds: Oline, Arod
ARod was very rusty and wth was Lane Taylor doing all game. He looked terrible.

 

[Quientus]

Rodgers might have a presser or two per year that you could argue that he "possibly" took a swipe at someone. But 90+ percent of his pressers were quite similar to the one from last night, with the obvious exception to how complimentary he was of the defense.

And rightfully so. That was the best defensive performance I've seen from the Packers in years.

Where did I say anything about Rodgers taking a swipe at someone ??? Clearly it wasnt in my post you and Do7 quoted ... As usual both of you are replying to something that only happens in your Twos minds ... /boggle ...

Again, it was a different Rodgers in that presser than what we’ve seen previously, and that might just be a good thing ...

 

[greengold]

Coming from someone who watches every single Rodgers post game presser, he's very rarely been any different than we was last night.

Well, quite honestly, he seemed happier than I've seen him in a post game presser in years. Can you imagine having the total weight of the team taken off your shoulders like that? Thank you, Defense!!!!! Thank you, JK Scott!!!!! Thank you, Mason!!!!! (Loved that he connected on his FG).

He owned his miscues too, of which there were many. He knew it. He'll clean it up too, as will our OL... I'm sure of it. Takes time, and reps. By week 5, if we stay healthy, I believe this will start looking like a well oiled machine on O.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

Studs:
1. Preston Smith
2. JK Scott
3. Adrian Amos
4. Darnell Savage
5. Blake Martinez

Duds:
1. LaFleur's playcalling
2. MVS


Overall, may more studs than duds. Disappointing overall offensive performance, but it's the first week and it's against a strong defense.

Really? Playcalling already? How about that our quarterback was held out by the coach in 2 pre-season games and basically straight up refused to play in the other 2? Could not knowing what would happen with live rounds being thrown at Aaron possibly have had something to do with this? Trying not to **** off a 34 Million dollar QB (Horrible contract btw) had nothing to do with his play calling? Come on man, a little reality here.

 

[PackAttack12]

Where did I say anything about Rodgers taking a swipe at someone ??? Clearly it wasnt in my post you and Do7 quoted ... As usual both of you are replying to something that only happens in your Twos minds ... /boggle ...

Again, it was a different Rodgers in that presser than what we’ve seen previously, and that might just be a good thing ...

lol...so what is your definition of "different"?

 

[PackAttack12]

Well, quite honestly, he seemed happier than I've seen him in a post game presser in years. Can you imagine having the total weight of the team taken off your shoulders like that? Thank you, Defense!!!!! Thank you, JK Scott!!!!! Thank you, Mason!!!!! (Loved that he connected on his FG).

He owned his miscues too, of which there were many. He knew it. He'll clean it up too, as will our OL... I'm sure of it. Takes time, and reps. By week 5, if we stay healthy, I believe this will start looking like a well oiled machine on O.

Nothing better than finally having a defense and special teams to rely upon. I'd be happy too after having garbage to work with for as long as he has.

 

[greengold]

Nothing better than finally having a defense and special teams to rely upon. I'd be happy too after having garbage to work with for as long as he has.

Right dude? I'm thrilled for the guy, and this will only get better.

 

[swhitset]

I don’t think the 2nd & 5 call by LaFluer was bad. Even
Collinsworth stated that the Bears and everyone expected a running play. The ball would have been caught for a first down. Rodgers had yet another bad throw. At that point, I think that LaFluer trusted his D against Trubisky whether they had one timeout or none. It was a gamble but would have slammed the door shut. I had zero problem with it. We hired LaFluer to inject a fresh note into our offense.

I had no problem with the call... just in how Rodgers executed it. He threw an uncatchable dart at the receiver. In that instance if it wasn’t going to be a sure catch, I would have preferred that Rodgers just goes down with the ball at least keeping the clock running... forcing the Bears to burn a timeout.