Game Review: Packers @ Falcons
Final Scoreline: 25-14
Predicted Scoreline: 49-24 (Kinda close..right?)
Cheesecake Awards: Mason Crosby, Aaron Rodgers, James Jones
Runner Ups: Desmond Bishop, Sam Shields, Charlie Peprah
Rotten Egg Awards: Jermichael Finley, TJ Lang, Jeff Triplette and his gaggle of headless officials
Runner Ups: AJ Hawk, Charles Woodson, Erik Walden
For one frustrating half of football, the Falcons did everything they needed to win: scored first, controlled the clock, ran the ball effectively, and forced an early turnover. Unfortunately, the Packers also played their worst half of the season: the defense lost terribly at the point of attack and took unnecessary risks in coverage, while the offense lurched and sputtered, forcing passes into coverage, dropping routine balls and committing costly penalties. Add in the injury loss of Rodgers’ blind side protector, Chad Clifton, prospects for a Packer victory appeared bleak mid second quarter. Despite an early recipe for disaster, it was a tale of two halves; the far superior Green Bay Packers won in championship fashion, scoring twenty five unanswered points and shutting out the whiney, cheap-shot Atlanta Falcons.
After the Atlanta Falcons scored on two lengthy drives, leaving the Packers with a fourteen point deficit, most of Packer nation forgot their dreams of a 16-0 season (it’s not too early, they are THAT good). And as the Sunday Night Football camera crew (they are THAT bad) panned the Green Bay sideline in search of a scowl, argument or tossed helmet, they found a calm, collected and talented team ready to flourish in the face of adversity. After the game Mike McCarthy summed it up: "To me, that is clearly the most important characteristic of our football team that we have accomplished so far. That’s what we talked about at halftime. We talked about adversity football. We’re building something special here.”
Suprisingly, it wasn’t a laser touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings or Jordy Nelson that initially turned the tide. Kicker Mason Crosby posted a career performance, earning his first Cheesecake Award, by nailing field goals from 30, 32, 35 and 56 yards (should have been 57 and a franchise record, but the ball was kicked inches shy of the 47). His booming field goal in the third quarter cut the Atlanta lead to five and had the distance from 65 yards out. “It felt good coming off my foot.” Mason Crosby said, “That’s one of those where you hit it, you turn and start celebrating pretty quick. Especially inside, if you feel good about it, it’s usually going to stay pretty true.” If Crosby had missed, the Falcons take the ball on the 50, up eight points and with a momentum boost (it takes cojones to and a lot of confidence in your defense and kicker to attempt a 50+ yarder, kudos to Mr. McCarthy).
At the end of the day, however, a solid comeback begins and ends with great defensive play. After surrendering 140 yards on the first two series alone, Green Bay’s much maligned defensive unit allowed just 251 total yards for the entire game and shut out the Falcons for almost three full quarters. For those concerned about passing yards surrendered (get over it already, its points and turnovers that matter and more directly result in victories). Matt Ryan posted just 156 yards on 32 attempts with one touchdown and two interceptions. This defense is demonstrating a track record of takeaways at pivotal moments and the secondary is getting stronger each week even without Nick Collins (Charlie Peprah and Sam Shields had great games). Just wait until Clay Matthews, Tramon Williams and Frank Zombo are back to full strength (finally Erik Walden can take a bench seat).
On offense, an early turnover (Ryan Grants first fumble in 339 carries) and injuries (Chad Clifton) limited the Packers scoring ability early. It didn't help that Atlanta's early success held Green Bay's high octane offense to just three first half possessions. Clifton's injury to an already shorthanded offensive line required some impressive position shuffling and solid performances from Marshall Newhouse and rookie Derek Sherrod. Neither made glaring errors or committed costly penalties. TJ Lang, however, struggled immensely against Atlanta's DT Corey Peters, garnering a Rotten Egg Award. Even Josh Sitton, easily Green Bay's best offensive lineman, whiffed on occasion. Rodgers definitely felt the pressure: "It was a tough game. I took a lot of shots, had to move around a little bit.”
Atlanta's defense shouldn't receive all the credit for the early Packer struggles. Finley, normally sure handed, let a perfectly thrown TD pass just before half ricochet off his chest and stalled a later drive with a drop on third down. Finley, with just the brick-hands performance alone, could have avoided his first Rotten Egg Award, if it weren't for his ridiculous penchant to celebrate every time he touches the ball. Seriously, Finley, you are an athletic specimen like no other, but if you drop a touchdown pass when your team desperately needs it, shut up and do your job (yes, Jermichael Finley reads this blog, he Googles himself endlessly).
Even with a few costly errors by his receivers (Driver's drop, Finley's ego, Nelson wrong route), Aaron Rodgers performed spectacularly (26 for 39, 396 yds, 2TD). Rodgers completed passes to twelve different receivers, beating his previous best of ten and tying Brett Favre’s franchise record set back on Dec. 22nd, 2003 in Oakland, the night after Favre’s father died. In fact only one eligible receiver on the game day roster avoided a Rodgers bullet: TE Ryan Taylor. Rodgers is absolutely incredible and will deserve a Cheesecake Award every week (he's kinda cute too).
Even WR James Jones earned his surprising offseason paycheck with five catches, 140yds and a 70yd TD score. James, after earning his first Cheesecake Award: “Its always nice to get involved. As a receiver you like catching the ball, but we’ve got so many weapons, so at the end of the day here we know it’s about winning. You want to have 150 yards every game, but if you get the chance, you just have to make the play.” Jones, with touchdowns in back to back games, is on the road to recovery in the eyes of Packer fans...he just better not get the dropsies again.
Normally, NFL officials should avoid the scrutiny of the press (yes, this blog counts as press), but Jeff Triplette took horrible officiating to a brand new level. First, when McCarthy was forced to waste a challenge on an obvious midfield, sideline Falcons drop, it was a shock he didn't end up calling it an Atlanta touchdown. Second, since when is it a penalty for the offense to huddle after a punt return? Third, is AJ Hawk the incredible hulk? Worst flop ever...even including Manu Ginobli's. Seriously, this is the same ref who threw his flag in Orlando Brown's eye, allowed teams to call timeouts when they have none and ensures games last at least four hours (he must be Anheuser-Busch's best friend). While Ed Hochuli has made some bad calls in his day, at least he sounds confident and has muscles.
In summary, the Falcons once again demonstrated that they think a football game is only fifteen minutes long. On the other hand, the Packers showed the fortitude of a champion; not many teams can fall behind 14 on the road to a team that thinks it's in the Superbowl and still find a way to win. Disappointed in the score or performance? A win is a win is a win.
Hey Roddy White, have the Packers earned your respect yet (he also reads this blog)?
Up Next: St Louis at home...
Notables & Quotables:
“Man this team has so much heart! We’ve faced some adversity early this season but we never let it phase us!” –Randall Cobb via Twitter
“It’s not easy but I feel like they wouldn’t put me in that position if they didn’t think I could do it and succeed and help us win. When I first came here, I said I’d do anything to help the team win, whatever that meant, and I meant it. Hopefully I can continue to do that.” –Marshall Newhouse on his expanded role due to injuries to Clifton and Bulaga
“I wouldn’t talk like this, but when people don’t respect you, I don’t take it lying down. Those people don’t respect us, so in turn I’m not going to give them any respect. Now that we abused them, for a second time in a row, at their home, there’s nothing really to do. If they want to play us again, tell them to come up to Lambeau. That’s it. That’s how were doing it.” –BJ Raji
“U think its pretty safe to say that Aaron Rodgers is the best in the game. I do!” –Josh Sitton via Twitter
“The guy went to the ground…I’m not that strong. I wish I was strong enough to do that.” –AJ Hawk on Falcon’s center Joe Hawley and his blatant flop.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Game Preview Week 5
Packers (4-0, 1st in NFC North) at Falcons (2-2, 3rd in NFC South)
If anything can be gleaned from the imploding Philadelphia Eagles so far this season, it should be that Championships cannot be bought, borrowed or bartered. In the NFL, the worlds most competitive professional sports league, championship caliber programs mature slowly and consistently like 30 year old whisky. This Sunday, the Green Bay Packers (think Michael Collins single malt) square off against the Atlanta Falcons, a franchise who traded grandma's top shelf brandy for Jack Daniels.
After posting a 2010 league best thirteen regular season wins and then losing horribly to the Packers at home in the playoffs, Atlanta's front office thought a Superbowl was just a deep threat away. In the 2011 draft, the Falcons mortgaged the future, dumping the 27th, 59th, and 124th picks, and trading their first and fourth round picks in 2012 (Ted Thompson just had a heart attack). In return, they received just one player: Alabama's WR, Julio Jones, and granted him a $16 million 100% guaranteed contract (followed by a stroke).
Jones has great size at 6-3, 220lbs and speed (4.35 40yd) but is he really worth five players? Last week he posted great numbers against Seattle (11 for 127yds) but four games in and the end zone still proves elusive. When the farm is sold, it better result in points!
Furthermore, if QB Matt Ryan has little time to throw, WRs become meaningless (why do franchises always forget about the fat kids?). Ryan (28 for 42, 291yds, 1TD vs Sea) was sacked 13 times in the first three games this year. As a result, he jumps nervously in the pocket, dumps off the football too early instead of stretching the field to speedy Jones or beastly Roddy White, and misses open targets far too often (tough to do when your TE is Tony Gonzalez).
Atlanta's offense throws back to the era before Manning and Brady, when the run set up the pass, not vice versa. Versus Seattle, they ran the ball 36 times and dominated time of possession 40 minutes to 20 (and yet still almost lost). Since 2008, the Falcons have the most drives of 10 plays or more that resulted in touchdowns (52) in the league. Atlanta wont score like the Packers, but will limit opponents scoring with clock management and ball control.
Bruising running back Michael Turner (5-10, 247lbs) allows this strategy to succeed with his impressive combination of size and speed. Turner still is running hard for 29, but his 4.8 yards per carry is deceptive. Without long runs of 53 and 61 yards, Turner would be averaging just 2.9 yards per carry, much less than his career average of 4.5. With the loss of hard-nosed guard Harvey Dahl (St Louis in free agency) and injuries to center Todd McClure, Atlanta's front five is lacking the toughness of years past.
On defense, the Falcons added free agent DE Ray Edwards to line up with hot headed John Abraham (he's the douchebag that did the championship belt on a sack in the playoff game at Atlanta) and yet have created only five sacks in four games against sub-par offensive lines. Compare this to the performance of Atlanta's secondary versus Tavaris Jackson, who put up 319 yards and three touchdowns (honestly, how is he still in the league), and Aaron Rodgers looks to have another career day.
While Atlanta will be looking to protect their home field dome, Aaron Rodgers will be strapping on his favorite shoes and his already stellar receiving corps will look blinding on turf. Watch out for WR Jordy Nelson, who loves breaking down field on fake grass. If you think Randall Cobb looks fast already, just wait until he gets to sprint on rubber. Rodgers should pass for 300 yards or more, 3 TDs and take half as many hits as last week. Atlanta's offense will be playing from behind all day...sure, take 10 minutes to score, Rodgers will already be up 14.
Watch out, however, Atlanta, at 2-2 and at home, has a lot more at stake than the 4-0 Packers. The Falcons have to win this season if only to justify their win now Julio Jones attitude. Couple that with the Packers crushing playoff victory in Atlanta last season and emotions will be running high...
If there is one thing the media loves about professional sports, dramatic story lines supported by manufactured rivalries. The last time the Packers headed to Atlanta Aaron Rodgers lit them up, Tramon Williams embarassed Matt Ryan and most importantly, the Packers moved on to the NFC Championship (the Bears still suck). After the game, Rodgers felt slighted when Falcons players declared they still had the better team:
"I just think that some of the general comments that I heard that that game was kind of a fluke, maybe," Rodgers said in a teleconference Wednesday. "I would just say that I think you need to respect your opponents. We definitely respect the Falcons. ... I just felt like that maybe the respect level, just as far as those comments were concerned, maybe (wasn't) there at times."
The hatred between these two teams draws deeper than Aaron Rodgers and his constant quest for vengeance. BJ Raji accused the Falcons offensive line of cheap shots:
"One, that's how they're coached and two, lack of ability. Most OL, the better OL, don't have time for that -- they do (their) job between the whistles and when it is over with they go back to the huddle. These guys, on the other hand, take it to a whole different level. They just want to get you fired up and get you to retaliate and draw a cheap penalty, but it's tough to ignore it, but you have a chance to get them back and have to take advantage of it."
Emotion packed rematches on national tv captivate viewers, sell tickets, and generate ad revenue. However, emotion alone will not win football games. Just ask the Chicago Bears. Atlanta, Matt Ryan, and John Abraham are whining wanna-bes. The Packers, more talented and with superior coaching, will return to Atlanta and show how a championship franchise is built...
Packers win, 49-24.
Just for fun: Clay Matthews sacks Matt Ryan three times.
If anything can be gleaned from the imploding Philadelphia Eagles so far this season, it should be that Championships cannot be bought, borrowed or bartered. In the NFL, the worlds most competitive professional sports league, championship caliber programs mature slowly and consistently like 30 year old whisky. This Sunday, the Green Bay Packers (think Michael Collins single malt) square off against the Atlanta Falcons, a franchise who traded grandma's top shelf brandy for Jack Daniels.
After posting a 2010 league best thirteen regular season wins and then losing horribly to the Packers at home in the playoffs, Atlanta's front office thought a Superbowl was just a deep threat away. In the 2011 draft, the Falcons mortgaged the future, dumping the 27th, 59th, and 124th picks, and trading their first and fourth round picks in 2012 (Ted Thompson just had a heart attack). In return, they received just one player: Alabama's WR, Julio Jones, and granted him a $16 million 100% guaranteed contract (followed by a stroke).
Jones has great size at 6-3, 220lbs and speed (4.35 40yd) but is he really worth five players? Last week he posted great numbers against Seattle (11 for 127yds) but four games in and the end zone still proves elusive. When the farm is sold, it better result in points!
Furthermore, if QB Matt Ryan has little time to throw, WRs become meaningless (why do franchises always forget about the fat kids?). Ryan (28 for 42, 291yds, 1TD vs Sea) was sacked 13 times in the first three games this year. As a result, he jumps nervously in the pocket, dumps off the football too early instead of stretching the field to speedy Jones or beastly Roddy White, and misses open targets far too often (tough to do when your TE is Tony Gonzalez).
Atlanta's offense throws back to the era before Manning and Brady, when the run set up the pass, not vice versa. Versus Seattle, they ran the ball 36 times and dominated time of possession 40 minutes to 20 (and yet still almost lost). Since 2008, the Falcons have the most drives of 10 plays or more that resulted in touchdowns (52) in the league. Atlanta wont score like the Packers, but will limit opponents scoring with clock management and ball control.
Bruising running back Michael Turner (5-10, 247lbs) allows this strategy to succeed with his impressive combination of size and speed. Turner still is running hard for 29, but his 4.8 yards per carry is deceptive. Without long runs of 53 and 61 yards, Turner would be averaging just 2.9 yards per carry, much less than his career average of 4.5. With the loss of hard-nosed guard Harvey Dahl (St Louis in free agency) and injuries to center Todd McClure, Atlanta's front five is lacking the toughness of years past.
On defense, the Falcons added free agent DE Ray Edwards to line up with hot headed John Abraham (he's the douchebag that did the championship belt on a sack in the playoff game at Atlanta) and yet have created only five sacks in four games against sub-par offensive lines. Compare this to the performance of Atlanta's secondary versus Tavaris Jackson, who put up 319 yards and three touchdowns (honestly, how is he still in the league), and Aaron Rodgers looks to have another career day.
While Atlanta will be looking to protect their home field dome, Aaron Rodgers will be strapping on his favorite shoes and his already stellar receiving corps will look blinding on turf. Watch out for WR Jordy Nelson, who loves breaking down field on fake grass. If you think Randall Cobb looks fast already, just wait until he gets to sprint on rubber. Rodgers should pass for 300 yards or more, 3 TDs and take half as many hits as last week. Atlanta's offense will be playing from behind all day...sure, take 10 minutes to score, Rodgers will already be up 14.
Watch out, however, Atlanta, at 2-2 and at home, has a lot more at stake than the 4-0 Packers. The Falcons have to win this season if only to justify their win now Julio Jones attitude. Couple that with the Packers crushing playoff victory in Atlanta last season and emotions will be running high...
If there is one thing the media loves about professional sports, dramatic story lines supported by manufactured rivalries. The last time the Packers headed to Atlanta Aaron Rodgers lit them up, Tramon Williams embarassed Matt Ryan and most importantly, the Packers moved on to the NFC Championship (the Bears still suck). After the game, Rodgers felt slighted when Falcons players declared they still had the better team:
"I just think that some of the general comments that I heard that that game was kind of a fluke, maybe," Rodgers said in a teleconference Wednesday. "I would just say that I think you need to respect your opponents. We definitely respect the Falcons. ... I just felt like that maybe the respect level, just as far as those comments were concerned, maybe (wasn't) there at times."
The hatred between these two teams draws deeper than Aaron Rodgers and his constant quest for vengeance. BJ Raji accused the Falcons offensive line of cheap shots:
"One, that's how they're coached and two, lack of ability. Most OL, the better OL, don't have time for that -- they do (their) job between the whistles and when it is over with they go back to the huddle. These guys, on the other hand, take it to a whole different level. They just want to get you fired up and get you to retaliate and draw a cheap penalty, but it's tough to ignore it, but you have a chance to get them back and have to take advantage of it."
Emotion packed rematches on national tv captivate viewers, sell tickets, and generate ad revenue. However, emotion alone will not win football games. Just ask the Chicago Bears. Atlanta, Matt Ryan, and John Abraham are whining wanna-bes. The Packers, more talented and with superior coaching, will return to Atlanta and show how a championship franchise is built...
Packers win, 49-24.
Just for fun: Clay Matthews sacks Matt Ryan three times.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Game Review: Broncos @ Packers
Final Scoreline: Packers 49, Broncos 23
Predicted Scoreline: Packers 35, Broncos 13
Cheesecake Awards: Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers, and Aaron Rodgers
Rotten Egg Awards: The Entire Defense...minus CB Charles Woodson (lame, I know, but I make the rules)
Until last Sunday, no player in NFL had ever thrown for 4 TD, rushed for 2 TD and eclipsed the 400yd mark in passing. Aaron Rodgers (29 for 38, 408 yds, 4TD, 2 rushing TD, 1INT) did just that in the Packers routing of the Denver Broncos. It truly was a great weekend for Wisconsin sports fans, with blow out victories by the Badgers versus Nebraska (welcome to the Big Ten!), Brewers (playoffs baby!) and Packers.
Cheesecake Award: Aaron Rodgers....
On draft day 2005, Aaron Rodgers, originally predicted the no 1 pick, fell 24 spots to the Packers mainly due to a perceived lack of athleticism and mobility in the pocket:
"What I have noticed is that by holding the ball at shoulder level, he loses a little quickness and escape ability when things break down in the pocket. He's also not at his best when flushed and forced to throw on the move. " -Oakland Tribune
"Buyer beware: Rodgers is 2 inches shorter than Utah's Alex Smith, the other QB the 49ers are considering, and does not have great mobility." -Mel Kiper, ESPN
What?!? The guy throws laser beams, ran a 4.7 forty yard dash and posted a 35 inch vertical at the 2005 combine; pretty athletic for a pocket passer out of Cal.
And yet, the storyline suits Rodgers, who plays with the cliched "chip" on his shoulder (just listen to his media sound bites, the dude feels disrespected). Despite solid high school statistics, Rodgers earned little division 1 interest and received only a walk on offer from lowly Illinois (seriously, who would want to play football in that state?). Rodgers settled for Butte Community College, threw 28 TDs to just 4 INTs as a freshman, and was recruited to Cal University by Jeff Tedford where he threw 43 TDs and unathletically rushed for 8 more in just two years of eligibility. On draft day, he fell to the Packers and patiently sat behind Green Bay legend, Brett Favre....the rest is history.
All criticisms of NFL "experts" aside, Aaron Rodgers shredded the Broncos through the air, completing 76% of his passes and posting a 134.5 rating. He completed passes to eight different receivers and clumsily scrambled for two additional touchdowns. WR Greg Jennings lead the pack with seven catches, 103 yards and 1 TD and WR Jordy Nelson demonstrated why Packer's GM Ted Thompson tossed him a generous contract extension with 5 catches, 91 yards and 1 TD.
The rest of the offense looked solid...RB James Starks showed less hesitation than last week, rushing 13 times for 63 yards...WR James Jones scored on an incredible Rodgers throw (although later, Rodgers' INT was solely Jones fault)...and WR Donald Driver came back from a scary second quarter injury to score a TD in the second half.
With mild hesitation due to the rough and tumble nature of the NFL....Aaron Rodgers is hands down the best QB of the last 10 years, if not in the history of the NFL. He has the intelligence of Peyton Manning, the arm strength of Brett Favre, the flippantly laser speed release of Terry Bradshaw, the leadership of Bart Starr, the athleticism of John Elway and the rhythm and control of Joe Montana. To put it into perspective, through four games, Rodgers is on pace for 5300 yards, 48 TDs and just 12 INTs (sounds like Dan Marino's sophomore season that has been compared to Wilt Chamberlin's 50 points per game NBA season). Let's hope Rodgers has the durability of Fran Tarkenton and Brett Favre.
The Rotten Egg Award: The Entire Defense, minus Charles Woodson
Once again, the Packers defense surrendered far too many yards to a sub-par quarterback and failed to exert any pass rush whatsoever against a weak offensive line (just one sack). Even worse, the league leading Green Bay rush defense decided not to show up; 119 yards on 23 carries is horrendous! Packer fans: don't be fooled by 4-0, this is not a championship caliber defense...yet.
Stud outside linebacker, Clay Matthews, needs help; he consistently sees double teams and running back chips and yet the Packers fail to produce significant quarterback pressure without blitzing corners or safeties. Furthermore, Erik Walden looks undersized, slow and weak in pass rush. Because opposing wide receivers have time for double and triple moves, it's a good thing the Packer's defense can afford to give up 30 points in a game.
More important than yards, Green Bay's defense won the turnover battle; Bronco's QB, Kyle Orton (22 for 32, 273 yds, 3TD) chucked three interceptions and LB Desmond Bishop forced a key fumble. CB Charles Woodson posted his 50th career interception with a first quarter pick six. His 11 interceptions for touchdowns puts him 2nd on the all time list. CB Sam Shields recovered nicely, showing insane speed with an interception on what looked like an easy Denver touchdown (even though he looked lost on a few tackle attempts). Lastly, S Morgan Burnett continued to flash his ball hawk skills and incredible range in the secondary.
The Skinny....
The Green Bay Packers pounded a weaker Denver Broncos team, as expected, and Aaron Rodgers performed brilliantly, finding the end zone six times. The Packers defense surrendered far too many yards and big plays, yet forced turnovers at key moments. This team is legitimately great and unrivaled in the NFL!
If Dallas Cowboys QB, Tony Romo, wouldn't have thrown three interceptions for TDs against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay would be the only remaining undefeated team. Thanksgiving 2011 is looking like an important date....
Up Next: @ Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Scoreline: Packers 35, Broncos 13
Cheesecake Awards: Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers, and Aaron Rodgers
Rotten Egg Awards: The Entire Defense...minus CB Charles Woodson (lame, I know, but I make the rules)
Until last Sunday, no player in NFL had ever thrown for 4 TD, rushed for 2 TD and eclipsed the 400yd mark in passing. Aaron Rodgers (29 for 38, 408 yds, 4TD, 2 rushing TD, 1INT) did just that in the Packers routing of the Denver Broncos. It truly was a great weekend for Wisconsin sports fans, with blow out victories by the Badgers versus Nebraska (welcome to the Big Ten!), Brewers (playoffs baby!) and Packers.
Cheesecake Award: Aaron Rodgers....
On draft day 2005, Aaron Rodgers, originally predicted the no 1 pick, fell 24 spots to the Packers mainly due to a perceived lack of athleticism and mobility in the pocket:
"What I have noticed is that by holding the ball at shoulder level, he loses a little quickness and escape ability when things break down in the pocket. He's also not at his best when flushed and forced to throw on the move. " -Oakland Tribune
"Buyer beware: Rodgers is 2 inches shorter than Utah's Alex Smith, the other QB the 49ers are considering, and does not have great mobility." -Mel Kiper, ESPN
What?!? The guy throws laser beams, ran a 4.7 forty yard dash and posted a 35 inch vertical at the 2005 combine; pretty athletic for a pocket passer out of Cal.
And yet, the storyline suits Rodgers, who plays with the cliched "chip" on his shoulder (just listen to his media sound bites, the dude feels disrespected). Despite solid high school statistics, Rodgers earned little division 1 interest and received only a walk on offer from lowly Illinois (seriously, who would want to play football in that state?). Rodgers settled for Butte Community College, threw 28 TDs to just 4 INTs as a freshman, and was recruited to Cal University by Jeff Tedford where he threw 43 TDs and unathletically rushed for 8 more in just two years of eligibility. On draft day, he fell to the Packers and patiently sat behind Green Bay legend, Brett Favre....the rest is history.
All criticisms of NFL "experts" aside, Aaron Rodgers shredded the Broncos through the air, completing 76% of his passes and posting a 134.5 rating. He completed passes to eight different receivers and clumsily scrambled for two additional touchdowns. WR Greg Jennings lead the pack with seven catches, 103 yards and 1 TD and WR Jordy Nelson demonstrated why Packer's GM Ted Thompson tossed him a generous contract extension with 5 catches, 91 yards and 1 TD.
The rest of the offense looked solid...RB James Starks showed less hesitation than last week, rushing 13 times for 63 yards...WR James Jones scored on an incredible Rodgers throw (although later, Rodgers' INT was solely Jones fault)...and WR Donald Driver came back from a scary second quarter injury to score a TD in the second half.
With mild hesitation due to the rough and tumble nature of the NFL....Aaron Rodgers is hands down the best QB of the last 10 years, if not in the history of the NFL. He has the intelligence of Peyton Manning, the arm strength of Brett Favre, the flippantly laser speed release of Terry Bradshaw, the leadership of Bart Starr, the athleticism of John Elway and the rhythm and control of Joe Montana. To put it into perspective, through four games, Rodgers is on pace for 5300 yards, 48 TDs and just 12 INTs (sounds like Dan Marino's sophomore season that has been compared to Wilt Chamberlin's 50 points per game NBA season). Let's hope Rodgers has the durability of Fran Tarkenton and Brett Favre.
The Rotten Egg Award: The Entire Defense, minus Charles Woodson
Once again, the Packers defense surrendered far too many yards to a sub-par quarterback and failed to exert any pass rush whatsoever against a weak offensive line (just one sack). Even worse, the league leading Green Bay rush defense decided not to show up; 119 yards on 23 carries is horrendous! Packer fans: don't be fooled by 4-0, this is not a championship caliber defense...yet.
Stud outside linebacker, Clay Matthews, needs help; he consistently sees double teams and running back chips and yet the Packers fail to produce significant quarterback pressure without blitzing corners or safeties. Furthermore, Erik Walden looks undersized, slow and weak in pass rush. Because opposing wide receivers have time for double and triple moves, it's a good thing the Packer's defense can afford to give up 30 points in a game.
More important than yards, Green Bay's defense won the turnover battle; Bronco's QB, Kyle Orton (22 for 32, 273 yds, 3TD) chucked three interceptions and LB Desmond Bishop forced a key fumble. CB Charles Woodson posted his 50th career interception with a first quarter pick six. His 11 interceptions for touchdowns puts him 2nd on the all time list. CB Sam Shields recovered nicely, showing insane speed with an interception on what looked like an easy Denver touchdown (even though he looked lost on a few tackle attempts). Lastly, S Morgan Burnett continued to flash his ball hawk skills and incredible range in the secondary.
The Skinny....
The Green Bay Packers pounded a weaker Denver Broncos team, as expected, and Aaron Rodgers performed brilliantly, finding the end zone six times. The Packers defense surrendered far too many yards and big plays, yet forced turnovers at key moments. This team is legitimately great and unrivaled in the NFL!
If Dallas Cowboys QB, Tony Romo, wouldn't have thrown three interceptions for TDs against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay would be the only remaining undefeated team. Thanksgiving 2011 is looking like an important date....
Up Next: @ Atlanta Falcons
Friday, September 30, 2011
Game Preview: Denver Broncos
Game Preview: Broncos (1-2, 3rd in AFC West) at Packers (3-0, 1st in NFC North)
This Sunday, the Packers square off against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field at 3:15pm. Because the Brewers open their playoff run against the Diamondbacks at 1pm, expect this football game to be over before anyone in the Milwaukee area even starts watching. If Green Bay backup QB Matt Flynn is behind center when you flip channels from the Brewers victory, it's not because Aaron Rodgers is injured...
So far this season, Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (63 for 110, 672 yds, 5TD, 3 INT) has struggled against his own shadow, let alone opposing defenses. While his numbers aren't terribly shabby, they don't tell the whole story. Orton, content to dink and dunk down the field, has forgotten how to stretch defenses with talented WRs Brandon Lloyd and Eric Decker (injuries to RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Eddie Royal, WR Demaryius Thomas, and TE Julius Thomas haven't helped).
Brandon Lloyd. longing for a repeat of his 2010 deep threat success, has grown frustrated in recent weeks, complaining to the media about a lack of balls thrown his way: “I think we’ve kind of gotten in game management mode, as opposed to an aggressive, take-control mode. I think that’s what has limited us.” In the background of whiney players, fan grumblings for 3rd stringer Tim Tebow to ride in on a Gator and save the day grow louder each day.
However, Broncos fans (perhaps still blinded by Elway), forget it takes more than just a QB to win in the NFL and Tebow throws the football like a wingless chicken (he's about as tough to tackle as one though). Back when Johnny Elway tossed the pigskin, Denver could keep a QB upright and had some guy named Terrell Davis running the football. Today, the Broncos are ranked 23rd in points scored, 27th in total yards, 22nd in pass yards and an abysmal 28th in rushing yards.
On defense, the Broncos don't appear much better. So far through three contests, Denver's opponents posted a combined 106.8 passer rating. With CB Champ Bailey (he's nearly 100 years old) nursing a sore hamstring and the Broncos weak pass rush, that number should edge higher. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (74 for 103, 917yds, 8TD, 1INT) will throw for over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns.
As terrible as the Broncos seem, no one expected Patriots QB Tom Brady to surrender four interceptions versus Buffalo last week; a football's odd shape can lead to unforeseen bounces. On top of that, the Packers will be playing this week without RB Ryan Grant (kidney) and OL Bryan Bulaga (knee). T Marshall Newhouse will be asked to step up, potentially against Broncos number one draft pick, LB Von Miller. Furthermore, with the Packers secondary giving up big yards so far this season, Orton just may find his groove.
Summary...
The Packers are far too talented and focused to lose to Denver at home. Furthermore, the Packers strengths play too well to Denver's weaknesses:
1) Green Bay has been stout against the run, while Denver's Willis McGahee averages a sad 2.9 yards per carry.
2) Aaron Rodgers shredded New Orleans, Carolina and Chicago through the air, while Jason Campbell, Andy Dalton, and Matt Hasselbeck posted a 106.8 passer rating against Denver.
3) Clay Matthews, even playing injured, demands double teams...freeing up monster gaps for blitzing LBs and DBs, while Kyle Orton, sacked 8 times so far, attempts most his passes with defenders in his face.
At the end of the day, Denver's only hope for victory lies in at least three unanswered Packer turnovers, several key injuries and a complete implosion by Green Bay.
Prediction: Any given Sunday? Not this time. Packers 35, Broncos 13
Just for fun: James Jones scores two touchdowns on a 100yd day. Packer nation once again falls in love with his potential...
This Sunday, the Packers square off against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field at 3:15pm. Because the Brewers open their playoff run against the Diamondbacks at 1pm, expect this football game to be over before anyone in the Milwaukee area even starts watching. If Green Bay backup QB Matt Flynn is behind center when you flip channels from the Brewers victory, it's not because Aaron Rodgers is injured...
So far this season, Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (63 for 110, 672 yds, 5TD, 3 INT) has struggled against his own shadow, let alone opposing defenses. While his numbers aren't terribly shabby, they don't tell the whole story. Orton, content to dink and dunk down the field, has forgotten how to stretch defenses with talented WRs Brandon Lloyd and Eric Decker (injuries to RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Eddie Royal, WR Demaryius Thomas, and TE Julius Thomas haven't helped).
Brandon Lloyd. longing for a repeat of his 2010 deep threat success, has grown frustrated in recent weeks, complaining to the media about a lack of balls thrown his way: “I think we’ve kind of gotten in game management mode, as opposed to an aggressive, take-control mode. I think that’s what has limited us.” In the background of whiney players, fan grumblings for 3rd stringer Tim Tebow to ride in on a Gator and save the day grow louder each day.
However, Broncos fans (perhaps still blinded by Elway), forget it takes more than just a QB to win in the NFL and Tebow throws the football like a wingless chicken (he's about as tough to tackle as one though). Back when Johnny Elway tossed the pigskin, Denver could keep a QB upright and had some guy named Terrell Davis running the football. Today, the Broncos are ranked 23rd in points scored, 27th in total yards, 22nd in pass yards and an abysmal 28th in rushing yards.
On defense, the Broncos don't appear much better. So far through three contests, Denver's opponents posted a combined 106.8 passer rating. With CB Champ Bailey (he's nearly 100 years old) nursing a sore hamstring and the Broncos weak pass rush, that number should edge higher. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (74 for 103, 917yds, 8TD, 1INT) will throw for over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns.
As terrible as the Broncos seem, no one expected Patriots QB Tom Brady to surrender four interceptions versus Buffalo last week; a football's odd shape can lead to unforeseen bounces. On top of that, the Packers will be playing this week without RB Ryan Grant (kidney) and OL Bryan Bulaga (knee). T Marshall Newhouse will be asked to step up, potentially against Broncos number one draft pick, LB Von Miller. Furthermore, with the Packers secondary giving up big yards so far this season, Orton just may find his groove.
Summary...
The Packers are far too talented and focused to lose to Denver at home. Furthermore, the Packers strengths play too well to Denver's weaknesses:
1) Green Bay has been stout against the run, while Denver's Willis McGahee averages a sad 2.9 yards per carry.
2) Aaron Rodgers shredded New Orleans, Carolina and Chicago through the air, while Jason Campbell, Andy Dalton, and Matt Hasselbeck posted a 106.8 passer rating against Denver.
3) Clay Matthews, even playing injured, demands double teams...freeing up monster gaps for blitzing LBs and DBs, while Kyle Orton, sacked 8 times so far, attempts most his passes with defenders in his face.
At the end of the day, Denver's only hope for victory lies in at least three unanswered Packer turnovers, several key injuries and a complete implosion by Green Bay.
Prediction: Any given Sunday? Not this time. Packers 35, Broncos 13
Just for fun: James Jones scores two touchdowns on a 100yd day. Packer nation once again falls in love with his potential...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Packer's Injury Report
While things aren't quite as bad as 2010, the injuries are mounting in Green Bay. Here's the update for todays practice:
Bryan Bulaga (knee) Did Not Participate...things don't look good here, as the Packers tried out former Packer and OL Tony Moll today instead of a replacement for S Nick Collins. I would expect Bulaga not to play this weekend and perhaps next. Good thing replacement Marshall Newhouse looked serviceable last weekend, unlike the preseason where he barely made the team.
Ryan Grant (kidney) Did Not Participate. The news out of GB is that the team doctors have given Grant opposing viewpoints and that he has until Friday to prove to the docs that he can play. He was seen walking around the facility today and was quoted: "I feel fine. I have been walking around. I finished the game and everything. We really don’t know any details right now. Like I said I feel fine. It wasn’t really anything major to it — just precautionary I guess. We’ll get some more information from the doctors on some tests later on this week." Typically tests later in the week is a bad sign. If I was a betting man, and I am, my money would be on Starks to start with Alex Green to see some time. Why take a risk with Grant against the lowly Broncos at home.
Charles Woodson (toe) Did Not Participate. Same toe that bothers him every week and has for years. This guy could skip practice all year and play blindfolded and he would still be light years ahead of the average corner in the NFL. He will play.
Clay Matthews (quad) Did Not Participate. This guy needs yoga to go with his pure protein shakes (steroids?, seriously, his brother is half his size) and endless weightlifting. He constantly has muscle strains and pulls and yet plays at a high level. He hasn't shown up on the stat sheets as he did in 2010 because he is constantly double teamed or chipped by a back. He will play as well.
Brad Jones (back) Did Not Participate. Not sure. News is somewhat limited, but he will be missed on special teams...not so much on defense though.
Pat Lee (undisclosed) Did Not Participate. ??? Do we care if Tramon plays and Jarrett Bush plays like he has the last few weeks?
Frank Zombo (scapula) Out. I can't wait for him to come back and replace Erik Walden.
Nick Collins (neck) Out (McCarthy indicated that Collins would be placed on IR soon). He will be missed. Hopefully he is able to continue his hall of fame career next year.
Tramon Williams (shoulder) Limited Participation. Just playing it safe until he is 100%. He will play.
Bryan Bulaga (knee) Did Not Participate...things don't look good here, as the Packers tried out former Packer and OL Tony Moll today instead of a replacement for S Nick Collins. I would expect Bulaga not to play this weekend and perhaps next. Good thing replacement Marshall Newhouse looked serviceable last weekend, unlike the preseason where he barely made the team.
Ryan Grant (kidney) Did Not Participate. The news out of GB is that the team doctors have given Grant opposing viewpoints and that he has until Friday to prove to the docs that he can play. He was seen walking around the facility today and was quoted: "I feel fine. I have been walking around. I finished the game and everything. We really don’t know any details right now. Like I said I feel fine. It wasn’t really anything major to it — just precautionary I guess. We’ll get some more information from the doctors on some tests later on this week." Typically tests later in the week is a bad sign. If I was a betting man, and I am, my money would be on Starks to start with Alex Green to see some time. Why take a risk with Grant against the lowly Broncos at home.
Charles Woodson (toe) Did Not Participate. Same toe that bothers him every week and has for years. This guy could skip practice all year and play blindfolded and he would still be light years ahead of the average corner in the NFL. He will play.
Clay Matthews (quad) Did Not Participate. This guy needs yoga to go with his pure protein shakes (steroids?, seriously, his brother is half his size) and endless weightlifting. He constantly has muscle strains and pulls and yet plays at a high level. He hasn't shown up on the stat sheets as he did in 2010 because he is constantly double teamed or chipped by a back. He will play as well.
Brad Jones (back) Did Not Participate. Not sure. News is somewhat limited, but he will be missed on special teams...not so much on defense though.
Pat Lee (undisclosed) Did Not Participate. ??? Do we care if Tramon plays and Jarrett Bush plays like he has the last few weeks?
Frank Zombo (scapula) Out. I can't wait for him to come back and replace Erik Walden.
Nick Collins (neck) Out (McCarthy indicated that Collins would be placed on IR soon). He will be missed. Hopefully he is able to continue his hall of fame career next year.
Tramon Williams (shoulder) Limited Participation. Just playing it safe until he is 100%. He will play.
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