Official Week 17 Green Bay vs Minnesota Pre-game

[Pokerbrat2000]

Someone raised this question on another board. Play the starters for a while and then pull them. It's better to be healthy than to satisfy our ego by needing to beat the Vikings.

What do you think?

Only if the game is totally out of reach, for either team. I think that philosophy might change next week against the Bears, if we are locked into a definite playoff seed and a win/loss doesn't change it.

Let's hope that today, the Packers cruise to a 35-0 halftime lead and by the middle of the 3rd Q are safely up 49-0 and THEN you pull all the starters.

This is a HUGE game playoff wise. Of course I am only guessing, but I would rather jump over the Vikings and get the 5th seed. This keeps us out of Detroit until possibly the NFCCG and also most likely sets up a first round game at Atlanta or Tampa Bay, I prefer that over going to LA. Also, the #2 and #3 seed lose in Week 1 and the Pack wins, we host a 2nd round game.

Sounds like Christian Watson is a "No Go" for the game today.

 

[rmontro]

It was a win win for both teams. I believe Jacobs could last longer in his playing days but we will see.

That's a big reason why we chose Jacobs. And Jacobs, being younger, has managed to stay healthier too.

 

[milani]

While I don't disagree with the points made by such as Amish Mafia and Chemist, I don't like the matchups with half our secondary out against this passing attack. Just a bad feeling about this one. Hope I'm wrong.

I would agree. We could get creamed. This is not the Saints or even the 9ers. So you say we have to put up points. Not easy against the Vikings D. O'Connell will throw in some runs and then the play action with at least 4 targets down field. We cannot cover them all. And Darnold knows how to check down if the rush gets heavy.

 

[milani]

Only if the game is totally out of reach, for either team. I think that philosophy might change next week against the Bears, if we are locked into a definite playoff seed and a win/loss doesn't change it.

Let's hope that today, the Packers cruise to a 35-0 halftime lead and by the middle of the 3rd Q are safely up 49-0 and THEN you pull all the starters.

This is a HUGE game playoff wise. Of course I am only guessing, but I would rather jump over the Vikings and get the 5th seed. This keeps us out of Detroit until possibly the NFCCG and also most likely sets up a first round game at Atlanta or Tampa Bay, I prefer that over going to LA. Also, the #2 and #3 seed lose in Week 1 and the Pack wins, we host a 2nd round game.

Sounds like Christian Watson is a "No Go" for the game today.

Love optimism!

 

[OldSchool101]

I have the feeling today will be different. The Vikings have one player out and we have four for sure. If they were as banged up I would feel better. Even missing Watson can be crucial against the best opponents.

So this is MY response to that. It’s not directly at you it’s directed at all of us fans.. me in particular. Even I have doubts on occasion.

MN is a dominant team. Could even be the best team they’ve had in Decades. Likely competing at#1 seed. They are going in 99% healthy. They play at US Bank.

I don’t want to make (myself) or hear (from anyone) 1 excuse going forward IF we beat MN (God Willing) with all these injuries and do it on the Road against a 13 Win team.

I want to K A and take names!!

 

[PackerDNA]

I would agree. We could get creamed. This is not the Saints or even the 9ers. So you say we have to put up points. Not easy against the Vikings D. O'Connell will throw in some runs and then the play action with at least 4 targets down field. We cannot cover them all. And Darnold knows how to check down if the rush gets heavy.

We need a good start this time. Defense is going to give up yards and points, just make the big plays when they count the most. Offense has to be sharp and mistake free. Have a good plan and execute. Be physical play hard. Can we win this of course! But we're going to need our best effort here

 

[milani]

I didn't see this posted anywhere so here goes.

At the surface the Vikings seem like they are a very good team. I just can't figure out if they are for real. They sure find ways to win.

I get frustrated with Jefferson. He is extremely hard to guard. He always seems to come down with the ball.

My question really lies in the defense. How good are they? I guess my questions will be answered on Sunday. GOPACKGO!

We have a good defense but it is not as good as that of the Vikings. Plus the fact that it is up against a powerful offense today. Darnold is playing at a higher level than any point in his career. In prior years I would say that if we are facing him that is the weak link. I thought Cousins was more dangerous until this season. If Darnold were to have a bad game we have a chance. Dak Prescott had a bad game for 3 quarters in the playoff against us and the game was over at that point. Maybe it can happen.

 

[OOMPA Tailgate]

I preach it every week passes to the TE on either side is...vital...Passes to Jones is vital to defend

 

[OOMPA Tailgate]

It hasn’t been mentioned in this thread, but does anyone think Aaron Jones will be running with a chip on his shoulder? I think the Pack did the right thing by letting him go, but he certainly has extra motivation for this game.

yeppers for sure

 

[PackerDNA]

The narrative about Sam Darnold needs to be put to rest. He's a damn good NFL quarterback. He's always had talent. He's always been in bad places and bad situations. He now has experience, it's around with talent and coaching. Everybody jumps on if he throws a bad pass or has a bad game oh there it is. Everybody does. But he is for real. Hope he has a one of them bad games today, but he's got my respect and I'm happy for him

 

[gopkrs]

Someone raised this question on another board. Play the starters for a while and then pull them. It's better to be healthy than to satisfy our ego by needing to beat the Vikings.

What do you think?

For me, even if it doesn't affect the seeding; I want regulars to play at least a half in every game. And if they don't play well...more.

 

[milani]

yeppers for sure

I think Jones wants to beat Detroit more and get to the SB. He was denied plenty of times in GB. If his team lays an egg in the playoffs it is sour grapes compared to running it up against the Packers.

 

[tahoebum]

The narrative about Sam Darnold needs to be put to rest. He's a damn good NFL quarterback. He's always had talent. He's always been in bad places and bad situations. He now has experience, it's around with talent and coaching. Everybody jumps on if he throws a bad pass or has a bad game oh there it is. Everybody does. But he is for real. Hope he has a one of them bad games today, but he's got my respect and I'm happy for him

Agreed. He was ranked #27 for starting QB’s at the start of this season and he’s now clearly a top 10 QB in the league behind an average at best offensive line and he is only 27 years old. He’s gritty and has a big arm with great accuracy. Someone will pay him $40M+ per year next year and he deserves it. It would be better for the Pack if the Vikings move on from him next year.

 

[gopkrs]

He has now, including this season, missed half the games over the last four seasons. Got a feeling it's pretty much over for him here..

I'm still hoping he's a go for the playoffs. Dude is a very good player. I don't hold injuries against anyone. But there does come a time when availability becomes a real issue. Just not if you owe him money anyway. But you can't pretend he's there, so the position has to be fortified. Which would not be a bad thing anyway. It's gonna be a good game today. Looking forward to Nixon, McKinney and Cooper making plays.

 

[PikeBadger]

He has now, including this season, missed half the games over the last four seasons. Got a feeling it's pretty much over for him here..

That would be fine with me. Time to move on. He's too unreliable and too many personal fouls when he is in uniform. I don't trust him.

 

[gopkrs]

Agreed. He was ranked #27 for starting QB’s at the start of this season and he’s now clearly a top 10 QB in the league and only 27 years old. He’s gritty and has a big arm with great accuracy. Someone will pay him $40M+ per year next year and he deserves it.

Still would like to see him under a bunch of pressure today

 

[milani]

I'm still hoping he's a go for the playoffs. Dude is a very good player. I don't hold injuries against anyone. But there does come a time when availability becomes a real issue. Just not if you owe him money anyway. But you can't pretend he's there, so the position has to be fortified. Which would not be a bad thing anyway. It's gonna be a good game today. Looking forward to Nixon, McKinney and Cooper making plays.

Guys will get a chance to play today. Even Bo Melton. Same with the secondary. The backups are at least healthy. Let them play. If they make mistakes it could help them grow for next season. And in the postseason one of them just might make a crucial play. Think how it has for Malik Willis having to sit when he would love to be out there.

 

[PackerDNA]

Curious to see how Hafley plans for this game. You've got to be aggressive. If you just want to lay back and try to cover everything you going to get killed. They're going to make their points their yards their plays. Limit them and make your own. More man to man, no playing 15 yards off the ball on third and five.

 

[PackerDNA]

Zane Anderson. He's shown a lot in limited time and will need to be big today

 

[chemist]

Horrible idea, IMHO. Play to win, it affects seeding. We want #5 if at all possible, so GB should be striving to "reset" the NFC North pecking order.

It also has to do with confidence building.
The packers need to prove to themselves they can beat one of the top teams.

 

[OOMPA Tailgate]

What if.....

GB didn't lose all those games by 3 pts?

 

[milani]

Curious to see how Hafley plans for this game. You've got to be aggressive. If you just want to lay back and try to cover everything you going to get killed. They're going to make their points their yards their plays. Limit them and make your own. More man to man, no playing 15 yards off the ball on third and five.

Vikings eat up man coverage unless you have 3 shutdown corners out there. And Darnold will take off and run in man. The key is the pass rush. No, we do not need to be 15 yards off the ball.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

What if.....

GB didn't lose all those games by 3 pts?

Then they would be 13-2.

However, if you get to ask that "what if" question, what if they would have lost all of their 3 point or less wins?

They would be 8-7

 

[Firethorn1001]

I'm not convinced this is a huge game for playoff implications for us. Yes, 5th seed is out there, but if we beat the Vikings and the Lions beat the 49ers then Lions clinch #1 seed. Are they really going to go all out next week against the Vikings? I have my doubts.

Not to mention if you desire to not play the Rams in rd 1, fairly decent chance the Rams are the #4 seed. If they clinch today they are most likely going to sit players too. Atl/TB win out they are the 3 seed I believe.

So at the end of the day really #6 seed seems the most likely.

It will be a fun game, but I'm not gnashing my teeth over concerns about seeding. This is way more important for the Vikings for seeding than us.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Here's the full list of inactives:
Green Bay Packers

• 7 LB Quay Walker
• 9 WR Christian Watson
• 23 CB Jaire Alexander
• 33 S Evan Williams
• 40 S Omar Brown
• 73 T Andre Dillard

Minnesota Vikings

• 19 QB Brett Rypien
• 23 CB Fabian Moreau
• 50 DL Levi Drake Rodriguez
• 69 C Dan Feeney
• 78 T Walter Rouse