Studs and Duds vs Seahawks

[Sanguine camper]

I think its a case of over exuberance with Valentine. It was his first career interception. Can't imagine the glee he felt at that moment and wanted to compound that into an even bigger play which could've backfired.
John

 

[Thirteen Below]

I'm also getting comfortable with McManus. He's turning into a steady performer for us.

I'm totally, 100% sold on him, and have been since about Week 2 or 3 of his tenure.

I'm not sure how how many people realize just how good a job he's doing. Out of all kickers in the NFL who have attempted more than 6 field goals, his 93.3% (14/15) is 3rd - trailing only Folk at 95.5 (naturally he's at the top of the list), and "****er the Kicker" (Cameron ****er), who's on fire for the Chargers at 96.6. Except for Crosby's perfect season 5 years ago, no kicker in the history of our franchise has ever had a better year than he is having so far.

MacManus has just quietly and reliably run out onto the field and banged that ball through the uprights, week in and week out. And every week, his stats just keep inching up. 14 of 15 for FG and a perfect 23 on extra points. with Narveson, Joseph, or Carlson out there, we'd probably be 9-5 or 8-4. He's having a huge impact.

 

[OldSchool101]

I hope the coaches patted him on the butt, said "great coverage, nice interception, but next time, kneel down with the ball." Not a smart move on Valentine's part to almost get tackled in the EZ and still try to keep going, especially given the score of the game at the time. Unless you see a clear path to easily get past the 20 and beyond, take the turnover and the ball at the 20.

It’s true. That said he showcased some really good moves. I think it’s the same confidence that makes him good that makes him want to play proactively. As long as he keeps INT passes in the Paint I’ll gladly accept the risky return attempt. Just don’t make him a KR!

I saw this video breakdown of that play. Valentine played that so perfectly it almost brought a tear on replay. He did us proud that was a Mary Lou Retton 10.0 he stuck it! So much they stopped film to look him up they couldn’t believe how perfectly he played Lockett positionally, then broke off like he was Patrick Peterson Prime and turned WR. They were like “who is Carrington Valentine?”
Then he tried playing KR which brought him back down to Earth!

I’m telling you guys. These young guys are starting to rise. Edgerrin Cooper got better just since Week 4-5. He looks like a Probowl LB out there. THAT is what Young will get us. Inconsistent at first, then just marked jumps onto new plateaus. We are Vikings level and rising and I’m fully aware of that statement. We’re about to see our FlexTE1 back in the mix.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Walker is terrible in coverage. He doesn’t excel, or even approach ‘good’, at any linebacker roles. He’s just not an adequate NFL linebacker.

Yeah I admit I'm just repeating oft heard lines, that Walker is good in coverage. I don't watch that carefully. I still think he is good in coverage given his height, weight, wingspan and range - but overall he's been JAG - and a first round JAG at that.

Wilson, McDuffie, and Cooper all seem to be better, with Cooper showing Pro Bowl/All Pro potential. Cooper's presence makes me realize how long it's been since the Packers have had an impact guy at LB.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Not sure but as far back as the old AFL days it was down where you intercepted the ball initially. Backward progress was not treated the same as forward progress.

You have a good memory. I think it was like this in college ball - down at the point of interception - but maybe I'm thinking of recovered fumbles.

As for this whole safety discussion, a ball intercepted in the end zone is always a safety if the defender takes a knee, or is tackled as long as he doesn't leave the end zone and step back in (rare). Even more rare, if there is a penalty called on the D while the defender still has the ball in the EZ and is trying to run it out.

 

[mradtke66]

Yeah I admit I'm just repeating oft heard lines, that Walker is good in coverage. I don't watch that carefully. I still think he is good in coverage given his height, weight, wingspan and range

It's odd. He certainly get beat, but there have also been times when he's been able to run with TEs down the seam. It's the problem with many fans. Either a guy is great or he's terrible. AND we over-remember the bad plays and under remember the mundane ones.

I think Quay is better than a JAG, though he has his flaws.

Wilson, McDuffie, and Cooper all seem to be better,

Cooper has given us more impact plays, though I'm not sure I'd say better. He certainly has the tools to grow into something better than Quay is right now.

Wilson and McDuffie though...naw. Both players are decidedly limited. Wilson IS the definition of a JAG. 30 years old. On his 4th team. He's a solid player and I'm glad to have him, in a perfect world, he's our 5th and a special teamer. Him as our 4th or a situational player is still pretty darn good.

McDuffie...I love the guy, but he is physically limited. He's a smart player, knows what he needs to do, you see it on film, it's wonderful, and he hits great....but his body isn't as good as his brain. There are times where he's heading to the right hole and he just can't get there in time. Or the offense has too easy of a block because he's too slow. In a perfect world, he's our 4th and a special teamer. Him as our 3rd or a situational player is still pretty darn good.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I’m telling you guys. These young guys are starting to rise.

One place the Packer need more rise out of young guys is at CB. Besides Rasul Douglas, who was the last Packer CB to play better than expected? I used to blame Joe Whitt Jr. for the lack of CB development, but he's been long gone and out the door.

 

[formerlybis]

As for this whole safety discussion, a ball intercepted in the end zone is always a safety if the defender takes a knee, or is tackled as long as he doesn't leave the end zone and step back in (rare). Even more rare, if there is a penalty called on the D while the defender still has the ball in the EZ and is trying to run it out.

You mean touchback, not safety.