TheGiftedApe
TheGiftedApe
I hereby apologize for any grammatical mistakes, I am no english major, I hope you enjoy.
April 18th, 2013, The Official NFL schedule is released. The groans and sigh's from Packer-nation can be heard from Appleton to Wauwatosa, the 49ers again? On the road? opening day? Not again many packer's fans felt, however many packer fan's welcome the opportunity to make up for last years ill's immediately. But first, let's rewind for a second.
January 12th 2013, Candlestick Park San Francisco California, The Evening divisional playoff matchup to determine the powerhouse of the NFC, the score, 24 to 24 the time, 3rd quarter 7 minutes and 11 seconds, the 49er's driving from their own territory on a 2nd down and 4 to go. 49er's Quarterback Colin Kaepernick fakes the handoff to the Running back and runs to the edge, Fooling green bay linebackers Brad Jones and Erik Walden, and finding a seam to explode for 56-yards and a touchdown taking the lead in the game. While there was still over a quarter of football to play, and the packers would come back to score later in the game, as far as most packer fans remember, this was the end of the 2012 season.
Obviously with Aaron Rodgers leading the offense, and the 45 points scored by the 49ers in the last playoff matchup, the talk in the off-season was about the Packers defense. Which some sportswriters refered to as "Soft" or "finesse" whatever you want to call it, the packers couldn't stop the run, no matter who was carrying the ball or where they wanted to go. It was a problem in the regular season, and was the end of the packers post-season, this led to the Drafting of 1st round pick Datone Jones. Along with jones was a Message from the packers coaching staff of a renewed focus on defensive intensity and offensive physicality, shown by the second pick RB Eddie Lacy. On paper this seemed to packer fans that the Packer Staff was on top of things, addressing the most visibly urgent needs of the team in the draft.
Ok back to reality, and to Opening day the 2013 season, where else? Candlestick Park San Francisco CA, The Evening primetime NFL game. FOX Sports broadcasting salivating at the NFL's first weeks most intriguing matchup. Would Clay Matthews break Colin Kaepernick in half? Could the packers stop a nose bleed? Is the Read-Option Unstoppable? Well to be blunt, Kind-of, yes, and no. The game began with a 3 and out from the packer's offense, eerily resembling their pre-season production. The 49ers would respond with a 3 and out of their own and the packers would try unsuccessfully on the next drive to feature the rookie Eddie Lacy. With the ball again after seeing the QB Contain & stop the run gameplan from the green bay defense, Colin Kaepernick would orchestrate an almost 10 minute 83 yard drive for a touchdown on the games first score. With less than 3 minutes remaining in the first quarter, Aaron Rodgers and the packer's offense regained their form and quickly drove down the field to answer the score and tie the game going into the second quarter.
After a 49er's punt an Eddie lacy fumble, an inexplicable Clay Matthews Foul, the 49ers would score on an Anquan Boldin 10-yard touchdown to take the lead once again. After a few 3 and outs, Aaron Rodger's pass is dropped by Jermichael Finley and intercepted by 49er rookie Eric Reid. Reid returned the ball well into packer territory eventually tackled by Aaron Rodgers on the 4 to save a Pick Six, however the play would be called back to the SF 44 yard line as down by contact on the int and the Packers Defense impressively held to prevent the blow out and force a missed 48-yard field goal. With a 1:30 left in the first half Aaron Rodgers throws 2 completions on great catches by Jordy nelson and an *Almost drop rescinding touchdown catch by Jermichael finley somehow tying the score at 14 when it looked as if the packers would go into the half down 2 touchdowns.
The Opening of the Second half was very similar to the beginning of the game, The 49ers would matriculate down the field, highlighted by the arm of Colin Kaepernick and the hand's of Anquan Boldin for a Touchdown to take the lead 21-14. After a Packer 3 n Out, the GB defense would take the field with the unsettling feeling of a 2 score deficit to the defending NFc champions if they could not stop the 49er drive. However the Packer D once again holds stout and forces a much needed 49er 3 and out. With his Second chance of the quarter to answer the score Aaron rodgers would not hesitate, after a few decent hard nosed runs by Eddie Lacy Rodgers would throw a dart to Jordy nelson for a Touchdown and to once again even the score.
Entering the 4th quarter after a 49er Field Goal, a few 3 and outs and a surprise rushing attempt from Randall Cobb, Aaron Rodgers would author a "2011 MVP-esque" 8 play drive Highlighted by a SPECTACULAR Jordy Nelson toe tapping 37-yard catch and a 2 yard Eddie Lacy touchdown. With a 28-24 Lead, the passing game coming together, the Defense looking Stout against the run, Packer fans rejoiced in what was looking like another Packer victory. Anquan Boldin and the 49ers had other plans though. 5 Plays and 1 Anquan Boldin Man-Child Reception later the 49ers would score a touchdown and take the lead once again. However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel, a hope, almost 6 minutes remained in the game, and the packers went back to receive the kick. Unexplainably(not even a word) those hopes were dashed, and the light dimmed, when Packer WR Jeremy ross for some reason returned the ball deep out of the end zone only to be tackled at the 9 yard line pinning the packers back on their own end zone, the packers would 3 and out. After the 49ers once again highlighted by an Anquan Boldin catch would tick the clock down to 30 seconds, would give the packers 1 last chance, this time Jeremy Ross would touchback in the endzone. With 26 seconds left, Aaron Rodgers completes an Up and Out to Randall Cobb for 38 yards, getting the packers into "Fail Mary" territory, however destiny was not in the packers favor and the game ended on a impotent sack of Aaron Rodgers where the 49ers only rushed 3 players, Ending the game 34-28 49ers.
REACTION:
The Packers Entered the Season with high hopes, but with more questions than answers and a few holes to fill, from the offensive line woes, to the defensive line woes, The Running game on both sides of the ball was the focus. On paper it was easy to say plug in Eddie Lacy and things will change, However running the football isn't just about the running back, and it's success is largely based on the quality of the Offensive line's blocking. While the 49er's are easily one of the leagues best defenses 63 yard's in the run game on less than 20 attempts is less than impressive, let alone an "improvement". What can you expect when you have no 1st round picks, and no 2nd round pick's on the offensive line. Oh that's right we would have 2 1st round pick Tackle's if they weren't busts. While I love the "Draft and Develop" system Ted Thompson employ's sometimes you have to pick up pieces you can't seem to obtain if you want to be great, you can't always wait for your draft picks to catch up to the rest of the team. That being said, Rookie David Bahktiari and second year man Don Barclay were very solid in pass protection(for GB standards lately) OK with my O-Line rant out of the way, I'd like to focus on the defense which somehow in 1 off-season and 1 Johnny Jolly passed drug test, re-gained it's 2010 Run Stopping form, and physicality on the line which has been desperately needed. While the pressure on Kaepernick wasn't perfect, the contain worked flawlessly allowing the QB who in the previous game had set an NFL record for QB rushing yard's against the packers. However just containing a QB is only half the battle, you have to remember to cover the receivers, which GB seemed unable to do for more than 3 seconds. Tramon Williams and Sam shields GB's top corners were both torched by Anquan Boldin's Physicality over, and over, and over, and over again. However in the past 6 games(including playoffs) nobody can cover Anquan Boldin so we'll see if this was an aberration or a sign of the times next week. Hopefully a Healthy Morgan Burnett and Casey Hayward will change the coverage issues. The Fact that we held SF under 100 yards rushing when in the previous matchup we allowed their QB alone to rush for 181 yards, is a sign the defense is improving and I'm optimistic that the coverage can be sorted out by the time we face more pocket passing oriented QB's.
GRADES:
Offense
O-line: C+ it wasn't good but it was better? Jump on the Bahktiari bandwagon while its still hot.
RB's: C+ no change yet from last year, still running hard but no where to go.
QB: B+ Rodgers gonna rodge
WR's: A Cobb and nelson look like pro bowlers, Jones the odd man out but he will come around, Finley.... I just don't..gah...ahh..uhhh...ohhh...sigh..
Overall: B+ is as high as u can get without running the ball.
Defense
D-Line: A+ HO HO HO, Sing your praises because the JOLLY IS BACK
Linebackers: C+ One of the CLaymakers Best games ever will be Low-lighted by a stupid penalty, Hawk was good vs the run, brad Jones looks lost and inefficient as always. OLB's did a good job on the QB Contain they were told to do.
DB's: D+ McMillian looked as if unable to cover spilled milk with a newspaper, while Tramon Williams had one of his worst games and Overall the "No-Press" stand-offish play of the defensive backs was horrible for the game-plan and allowed Kaepernick to complete easy passes when he needed them.
Overall: C+
Special Teams
F Masthay Looked Great in both phases he now plays, Can he kick a field goal?
Kick coverage was bad, and sometimes horrible once again under Shawn Slocum. The first time of Jeremy Ross taking it out of the endzone return is somewhat understandable, the 4th quarter game finishing bonehead completely moronic return out of the endzone to the 9 yard line is inexcusable and worthy of cutting both Ross and Slocum, I don't care if Slocum Babysit's McCarthy's kid's at some point he has to be held accountable for what has transpired on Special teams over the years.
CONCLUSION:
Some controversial call's were made by Mike McCarthy and NFL Officials alike but you're supposed to leave it out of their hands so that is no excuse. Young Offensive Lineman looked as if this new Set of O-Lineman might actually be able to develop into a full fledged Professional NFL Offensive line with some cohesion and experience together, Despite their draft ranks it appears Bahktiari and Barclay could actually be an improvement over often injured and flagged Bulaga and Newhouse. Eddie Lacy runs with great passion and pad level but not much vision, however his 2 good runs in the 4th quarter showed promise for the rest of the season, and if can match his physicality with some veteran moxi and patience he could easily develop into a stud with some O-Line help. While the Offense held up their end of the Deal, the Defense made a drastically huge improvement in the Running game. Jolly Provided size but most importantly toughness and an unwillingness to relinquish yards to the other team. Datone Jones was quiet but had one great flash play tackling Kaepernick and preventing a roll out. However the Coverage was terrible, there was no press coverage at the line, and short yard gains were too easily given up making Colin Kaepernick and Anquan Boldin's day too easy, If your going to run Contain you have to Cover and it was well too obvious that the packers desperately missed the skills of Casey Hayward and Morgan Burnett, Hopefully those 2 getting healthy will fix said problems. With what seems to be a mid-season form Packer passing game, a much improved defensive line, and a possible running game, the Season is fresh, and full of good possibilities even with the 0-1 record.
April 18th, 2013, The Official NFL schedule is released. The groans and sigh's from Packer-nation can be heard from Appleton to Wauwatosa, the 49ers again? On the road? opening day? Not again many packer's fans felt, however many packer fan's welcome the opportunity to make up for last years ill's immediately. But first, let's rewind for a second.
January 12th 2013, Candlestick Park San Francisco California, The Evening divisional playoff matchup to determine the powerhouse of the NFC, the score, 24 to 24 the time, 3rd quarter 7 minutes and 11 seconds, the 49er's driving from their own territory on a 2nd down and 4 to go. 49er's Quarterback Colin Kaepernick fakes the handoff to the Running back and runs to the edge, Fooling green bay linebackers Brad Jones and Erik Walden, and finding a seam to explode for 56-yards and a touchdown taking the lead in the game. While there was still over a quarter of football to play, and the packers would come back to score later in the game, as far as most packer fans remember, this was the end of the 2012 season.
Obviously with Aaron Rodgers leading the offense, and the 45 points scored by the 49ers in the last playoff matchup, the talk in the off-season was about the Packers defense. Which some sportswriters refered to as "Soft" or "finesse" whatever you want to call it, the packers couldn't stop the run, no matter who was carrying the ball or where they wanted to go. It was a problem in the regular season, and was the end of the packers post-season, this led to the Drafting of 1st round pick Datone Jones. Along with jones was a Message from the packers coaching staff of a renewed focus on defensive intensity and offensive physicality, shown by the second pick RB Eddie Lacy. On paper this seemed to packer fans that the Packer Staff was on top of things, addressing the most visibly urgent needs of the team in the draft.
Ok back to reality, and to Opening day the 2013 season, where else? Candlestick Park San Francisco CA, The Evening primetime NFL game. FOX Sports broadcasting salivating at the NFL's first weeks most intriguing matchup. Would Clay Matthews break Colin Kaepernick in half? Could the packers stop a nose bleed? Is the Read-Option Unstoppable? Well to be blunt, Kind-of, yes, and no. The game began with a 3 and out from the packer's offense, eerily resembling their pre-season production. The 49ers would respond with a 3 and out of their own and the packers would try unsuccessfully on the next drive to feature the rookie Eddie Lacy. With the ball again after seeing the QB Contain & stop the run gameplan from the green bay defense, Colin Kaepernick would orchestrate an almost 10 minute 83 yard drive for a touchdown on the games first score. With less than 3 minutes remaining in the first quarter, Aaron Rodgers and the packer's offense regained their form and quickly drove down the field to answer the score and tie the game going into the second quarter.
After a 49er's punt an Eddie lacy fumble, an inexplicable Clay Matthews Foul, the 49ers would score on an Anquan Boldin 10-yard touchdown to take the lead once again. After a few 3 and outs, Aaron Rodger's pass is dropped by Jermichael Finley and intercepted by 49er rookie Eric Reid. Reid returned the ball well into packer territory eventually tackled by Aaron Rodgers on the 4 to save a Pick Six, however the play would be called back to the SF 44 yard line as down by contact on the int and the Packers Defense impressively held to prevent the blow out and force a missed 48-yard field goal. With a 1:30 left in the first half Aaron Rodgers throws 2 completions on great catches by Jordy nelson and an *Almost drop rescinding touchdown catch by Jermichael finley somehow tying the score at 14 when it looked as if the packers would go into the half down 2 touchdowns.
The Opening of the Second half was very similar to the beginning of the game, The 49ers would matriculate down the field, highlighted by the arm of Colin Kaepernick and the hand's of Anquan Boldin for a Touchdown to take the lead 21-14. After a Packer 3 n Out, the GB defense would take the field with the unsettling feeling of a 2 score deficit to the defending NFc champions if they could not stop the 49er drive. However the Packer D once again holds stout and forces a much needed 49er 3 and out. With his Second chance of the quarter to answer the score Aaron rodgers would not hesitate, after a few decent hard nosed runs by Eddie Lacy Rodgers would throw a dart to Jordy nelson for a Touchdown and to once again even the score.
Entering the 4th quarter after a 49er Field Goal, a few 3 and outs and a surprise rushing attempt from Randall Cobb, Aaron Rodgers would author a "2011 MVP-esque" 8 play drive Highlighted by a SPECTACULAR Jordy Nelson toe tapping 37-yard catch and a 2 yard Eddie Lacy touchdown. With a 28-24 Lead, the passing game coming together, the Defense looking Stout against the run, Packer fans rejoiced in what was looking like another Packer victory. Anquan Boldin and the 49ers had other plans though. 5 Plays and 1 Anquan Boldin Man-Child Reception later the 49ers would score a touchdown and take the lead once again. However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel, a hope, almost 6 minutes remained in the game, and the packers went back to receive the kick. Unexplainably(not even a word) those hopes were dashed, and the light dimmed, when Packer WR Jeremy ross for some reason returned the ball deep out of the end zone only to be tackled at the 9 yard line pinning the packers back on their own end zone, the packers would 3 and out. After the 49ers once again highlighted by an Anquan Boldin catch would tick the clock down to 30 seconds, would give the packers 1 last chance, this time Jeremy Ross would touchback in the endzone. With 26 seconds left, Aaron Rodgers completes an Up and Out to Randall Cobb for 38 yards, getting the packers into "Fail Mary" territory, however destiny was not in the packers favor and the game ended on a impotent sack of Aaron Rodgers where the 49ers only rushed 3 players, Ending the game 34-28 49ers.
REACTION:
The Packers Entered the Season with high hopes, but with more questions than answers and a few holes to fill, from the offensive line woes, to the defensive line woes, The Running game on both sides of the ball was the focus. On paper it was easy to say plug in Eddie Lacy and things will change, However running the football isn't just about the running back, and it's success is largely based on the quality of the Offensive line's blocking. While the 49er's are easily one of the leagues best defenses 63 yard's in the run game on less than 20 attempts is less than impressive, let alone an "improvement". What can you expect when you have no 1st round picks, and no 2nd round pick's on the offensive line. Oh that's right we would have 2 1st round pick Tackle's if they weren't busts. While I love the "Draft and Develop" system Ted Thompson employ's sometimes you have to pick up pieces you can't seem to obtain if you want to be great, you can't always wait for your draft picks to catch up to the rest of the team. That being said, Rookie David Bahktiari and second year man Don Barclay were very solid in pass protection(for GB standards lately) OK with my O-Line rant out of the way, I'd like to focus on the defense which somehow in 1 off-season and 1 Johnny Jolly passed drug test, re-gained it's 2010 Run Stopping form, and physicality on the line which has been desperately needed. While the pressure on Kaepernick wasn't perfect, the contain worked flawlessly allowing the QB who in the previous game had set an NFL record for QB rushing yard's against the packers. However just containing a QB is only half the battle, you have to remember to cover the receivers, which GB seemed unable to do for more than 3 seconds. Tramon Williams and Sam shields GB's top corners were both torched by Anquan Boldin's Physicality over, and over, and over, and over again. However in the past 6 games(including playoffs) nobody can cover Anquan Boldin so we'll see if this was an aberration or a sign of the times next week. Hopefully a Healthy Morgan Burnett and Casey Hayward will change the coverage issues. The Fact that we held SF under 100 yards rushing when in the previous matchup we allowed their QB alone to rush for 181 yards, is a sign the defense is improving and I'm optimistic that the coverage can be sorted out by the time we face more pocket passing oriented QB's.
GRADES:
Offense
O-line: C+ it wasn't good but it was better? Jump on the Bahktiari bandwagon while its still hot.
RB's: C+ no change yet from last year, still running hard but no where to go.
QB: B+ Rodgers gonna rodge
WR's: A Cobb and nelson look like pro bowlers, Jones the odd man out but he will come around, Finley.... I just don't..gah...ahh..uhhh...ohhh...sigh..
Overall: B+ is as high as u can get without running the ball.
Defense
D-Line: A+ HO HO HO, Sing your praises because the JOLLY IS BACK
Linebackers: C+ One of the CLaymakers Best games ever will be Low-lighted by a stupid penalty, Hawk was good vs the run, brad Jones looks lost and inefficient as always. OLB's did a good job on the QB Contain they were told to do.
DB's: D+ McMillian looked as if unable to cover spilled milk with a newspaper, while Tramon Williams had one of his worst games and Overall the "No-Press" stand-offish play of the defensive backs was horrible for the game-plan and allowed Kaepernick to complete easy passes when he needed them.
Overall: C+
Special Teams
F Masthay Looked Great in both phases he now plays, Can he kick a field goal?
Kick coverage was bad, and sometimes horrible once again under Shawn Slocum. The first time of Jeremy Ross taking it out of the endzone return is somewhat understandable, the 4th quarter game finishing bonehead completely moronic return out of the endzone to the 9 yard line is inexcusable and worthy of cutting both Ross and Slocum, I don't care if Slocum Babysit's McCarthy's kid's at some point he has to be held accountable for what has transpired on Special teams over the years.
CONCLUSION:
Some controversial call's were made by Mike McCarthy and NFL Officials alike but you're supposed to leave it out of their hands so that is no excuse. Young Offensive Lineman looked as if this new Set of O-Lineman might actually be able to develop into a full fledged Professional NFL Offensive line with some cohesion and experience together, Despite their draft ranks it appears Bahktiari and Barclay could actually be an improvement over often injured and flagged Bulaga and Newhouse. Eddie Lacy runs with great passion and pad level but not much vision, however his 2 good runs in the 4th quarter showed promise for the rest of the season, and if can match his physicality with some veteran moxi and patience he could easily develop into a stud with some O-Line help. While the Offense held up their end of the Deal, the Defense made a drastically huge improvement in the Running game. Jolly Provided size but most importantly toughness and an unwillingness to relinquish yards to the other team. Datone Jones was quiet but had one great flash play tackling Kaepernick and preventing a roll out. However the Coverage was terrible, there was no press coverage at the line, and short yard gains were too easily given up making Colin Kaepernick and Anquan Boldin's day too easy, If your going to run Contain you have to Cover and it was well too obvious that the packers desperately missed the skills of Casey Hayward and Morgan Burnett, Hopefully those 2 getting healthy will fix said problems. With what seems to be a mid-season form Packer passing game, a much improved defensive line, and a possible running game, the Season is fresh, and full of good possibilities even with the 0-1 record.
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