Odd missing a few weeks of this forum. I'm rested from a nice long vacation, but don't have the energy to catch up on all that I missed.
Great win against the Bears! Should have beaten the Falcons, the defense handed them that game. How much has the Dillon 3rd down run in the 4th Q been talked about? Just like they seemed to be doing all day, I felt that the refs gave him a terrible spot and the ball was over the first down line. MLF didn't challenge though, not sure why.
Observations after 2 weeks:
Anders: Legit kicker with a big leg. All those wringing their hands over him in preseason and practices, are hopefully done worrying. Yeah, he will still miss a FG or XP, but what kicker doesn't?
Love: Still too early to declare him as a SOLID QB, but liking what I see. Once again, I hope all those that hated the pick, are now starting to see a bit of the light at the end of the tunnel they dug themselves deep into.
Young WR's and TE's: I didn't expect Watson to miss the first 2 games, but it is what it is. The rest of the young receivers are showing signs of what the Packers and Love need.
OL: Bahk proved me right again. Should have gotten out from under this guy years ago. Sure, he is a solid LT, when he plays. However, he takes up a huge chunk of the cap and will probably be in street clothes more often than a uniform. Othewise, I would say up until the 4th Q on Sunday, I liked what I saw out of the OL. Loosing Jenkins did not help and we can only hope it is short term. Can the NFL ban artificial turf?
Rodgers Injury: Would never wish that on a player, especially one that held the keys to the Packers getting a 1st round pick. I think he comes back from it and plays next year. I doubt he has the same injury, had he stayed in GB, but shows you just how quickly an older, less mobile QB can go down with a season ending injury.
Defense: They looked like they had finally turned a corner against the Bears. The front 7 played really well, as did the secondary. I was less impressed against the Falcons. Alexander looked like a rookie CB and once again, afraid to make tackles. Gary on 3rd downs is coming in for one thing, a hard rush and a hopeful sack, the Falcons exploited him. I know that Barry doesn't make tackles or defend passes, but he sure the heck doesn't know how to put his players in a position to win. That 4th Q. was just sickening. How many times do we have to witness the defense give up a big lead, because Barry has them playing soft? Yeah, the offense didn't help in the 4th Q., but the Falcons defense smelled blood and was a big reason why the offense whiffed in the 4th Q.
Coaching: MLF and company have to do a better job at clock management and getting the plays in. Too many times Jordan was breaking the huddle with under 10 on the play clock. WTF didn't MLF call a timeout during that FG attempt that the delay of game turned into a punt? Barry....I can "Barrly" talk about that guy without getting upset. Doing so little, with so much talent.
Quay Walker: Had to mention Quay. This guy looks better every time he is out there. He hustles, he tackles and he can cover receivers. My pick so far as the Packer MVP, after 2 games.
