Gut Reactions: Packers take care of business against Vikings

January 02, 2022 at 10:56 pm

The opponent beat the Packers the last two times they met.

So that level of opponent?

January 02, 2022 at 11:37 pm

They were basically without a QB and their best 2 pass rushers. This wasn't the same team that beat us.

January 03, 2022 at 12:11 am

And yet, everyones key to a Vikings victory was run, run, run Cook at the Packers defense.

January 03, 2022 at 01:37 am

I will be curious as to the DL snap counts. GB seemed to have 3 true defensive linemen out there a lot.

January 03, 2022 at 02:12 am

Yeah, I'd expect them to be in base a great deal.

January 03, 2022 at 07:16 am

Well, so did I, but the snap counts were otherwise. 2.3 DL isn't low, but GB had been in the 2.5 area in several of the last few games. 2.56, 2.37, 2.29, 2.65, 2.0 and 2.56 over the last few games.

However, I can't find a snap count breakdown by half. I think GB was in base quite a bit in the first half, but once they opened a decent lead late in the first half, I suspect they went to using two DL and two OLBs with some blitzing by DBs and ILBs.

That's just my eye test. I like data but I don't have it for each half.

13TimeChamps

January 03, 2022 at 10:34 am

And GB was without two Pro Bowlers on defense and two Pro Bowler OLinemen.

Bitternotsour

January 02, 2022 at 10:45 pm

nice. just nice.

knock the vikings out of the playoffs. seal zimmer's fate. priceless.

TheKanataThrilla

January 02, 2022 at 10:47 pm

Slow start, but when we start to hum.....we F'n hum.

Davante can still find ways to amaze you at times which is pretty surprising.

Lazard with a beauty TD.

Dillon in the cold is gonna be tough for opposing Defenses

Love the mix of our running backs and Taylor did good considering they were loading the box.

That catch by the Vikes Center was the most bizarre play I have seen in awhile.

Clinching #1 and eliminating the Vikings at the same time is one of the sweetest feelings in the world.

ImaPayne

January 02, 2022 at 10:53 pm

No the end of the Cincy game was the weirdest thing I have seen in football think. I still have no idea what drugs the cincy coach was taking.

January 02, 2022 at 11:07 pm

Many of these "aggressive calls" are actually total BS.

HCs are not using their heads any more. They are now slaves to the "expectations of analytics", and as such, if they "go for it", they're lauded even if it backfires.

I think even sane talking heads will not come out and say it, even if they think that the call was insane. They are probably afraid of being ostracized.

Minniman

January 03, 2022 at 03:04 am

I agree with you PewAuKeeFan.

I'm still scratching my head at John Harbaugh's 2-point conversion decision - that play, and subsequent loss, has put his team in a really precarious position for qualification for the finals.

It's OK to grind out a win..........That philosophy seems to be off trend at the moment.

January 03, 2022 at 10:12 am

In a recent game, NE was losing relatively late in the 4th quarter and Belicheck went for it on fourth down from his own four yard line. And they got the first. Of course, it didn't ultimately matter as they later in the drive either lost it on downs or on a turnover (don't remember which). But still - not punting from your own four? Wow.

Bitternotsour

January 02, 2022 at 10:48 pm

do the vikings get creative and hire MLF's brother Mike as Head Coach? Would be entertaining.

Buckywunder

January 02, 2022 at 11:15 pm

Not sure *anyone* is going to hire Mike LaFleur after his f-up today against the Bucs other than his brother.

They had Brady dead-to-rights and gave that game away…

January 02, 2022 at 11:39 pm

I hope they hire Mike McCarthy.

Minniman

January 03, 2022 at 03:10 am

I too have a feeling that Zimmer may well be shown the door this year.

Cousins is off contract at the end of next season - I wonder if Kellen Mond gets the start next week.

4thandinches

January 02, 2022 at 10:49 pm

ST looked solid and PR was a revelation! No one looked cold. Go Pack Go!

January 02, 2022 at 10:53 pm

Zimmer sure looked cold.

January 02, 2022 at 11:40 pm

It was nice to see a punt returner who didn't look scared to death and actually made some returns.

Littlejim51

January 03, 2022 at 05:21 am

Dave Moore never blinked. He is a veteran and experienced PR/KR and showed it
Gutey may just have found us the missing piece

January 03, 2022 at 07:09 am

You mean another missing piece.

ImaPayne

January 02, 2022 at 10:50 pm

Wow my thoughts are right in line with yours Aaron. A well played game on defense and offense and a well called game too.
At first I thought, hey we dropped three passes on the first drive and the Vikes come out and their first two were caught and I said, self, maybe the Pack are going to lay and egg and not take this serious.
Honestly, this was the worst played Vikes game I have ever seen. Especially on offense. I thought with Cook, Jefferson, and if this QB is half decent they can really make a game of it. NOT
The season was on the line but you wouldnt know it. The Pack dominated like they havent dominate all season in this game.

January 02, 2022 at 10:59 pm

"Honestly, this was the worst played Vikes game I have ever seen. "

...and I have a sneaking suspicion you've seen more Vikes games than anyone else who frequents this site.

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MarkinMadison

January 02, 2022 at 11:07 pm

Mooooo.

Gopack12

January 02, 2022 at 10:51 pm

Ian Rappaport reported today that the packers #1 priority is the extend Rodgers.. and all the through the SNF broadcasted they discussed how it feels like the packers and Rodgers have mended their relationship and will keep the band together.. that sounds a lot different than the comments I read on these blogs the past few weeks..Also in his brief appearance tonight we got to see one again how inaccurate Jordan love is.. if you are truly a packers fan you should want nothing other than Rodgers extension .. the longer the better

Irish_Cheesehead

January 02, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Love actually didn’t look that bad playing with the 4th stringers.

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Gopack12

January 02, 2022 at 11:00 pm

I’m convinced your a Vikings fan

barutanseijin

January 02, 2022 at 11:09 pm

Another “repeat what i say or you’re not a RealPackerFan” guy? Which one of you guys do we follow to be really real?

Swisch

January 02, 2022 at 11:03 pm

I'm not so sure that it was Love being inaccurate; he may have been throwing the ball cautiously to avoid interceptions when he saw his receivers were covered.
So, it seems I agree with Irish_Cheesehead in saying that Love looked just fine doing what he was supposed to do.
We'll see what happens next week with Love. I'm rooting for him big time, whether or not we keep Rodgers.

January 02, 2022 at 11:15 pm

The problem with Love playing next week is that he will not play with all the 1st stringers. I have a suspicion that ML may hold out more than Rodgers, for example I don't expect Adams and Aaron Jones to play.

Even with that, I would expect Love to comfortably get his first W. Hopefully I'm not going to be disappointed.

Coldworld

January 03, 2022 at 08:59 am

It will be interesting, any player not playing next week will have 2 weeks off with the bye. Im not sure that is ideal. I could see the team starting with its normal lineups and then phasing out fast. If Rodgers is resting his toe in practice again, Love should be more familiar. Perhaps work in back ups into practice too, giving a lighter load for the starters.

January 03, 2022 at 10:24 am

Based on what MLF has said, I think we'll see the starters on both sides of the ball for one, maybe two series, then the 2s will be brought in. What I don't ever want to see again is Yiadom lining up on defense. I think they should sit Rodgers entirely, but I don't see that happening.

Philarod

January 02, 2022 at 11:05 pm

Did you just say, "Love, Actually?".

(so-so movie reference.)

January 03, 2022 at 09:28 am

Im a little embarrassed for you even knowing that...

Philarod

January 03, 2022 at 10:26 am

I didn't say I liked it.

January 03, 2022 at 10:31 am

touche'

Minniman

January 03, 2022 at 03:17 am

It's hard to say, the Vike's had been beaten to a pulp by the time Love, Winfree et al came in.

I'll hold judgement till I see him play next week (hopefully).

I'll be looking to see him being more confident in running the offense.

January 03, 2022 at 07:14 am

Agree, Also on two of the outside throws the receivers were covered with a LB underneath on one. It would have been a tough throw even for Rodgers.

January 02, 2022 at 11:00 pm

I'm a huge Packers fan, and I want the Packers to make the move for the long term health of the team.

That's dumping Rodgers for compensation, and using the savings and picks to build for the next decade plus of winning football in Green bay.

Fuck Rodgers.
Go PACK go (not Go Pack 12)

Gopack12

January 02, 2022 at 11:03 pm

Sorry to disappoint you but thankfully that’s not happening…

January 02, 2022 at 11:05 pm

We'll see.

January 02, 2022 at 11:06 pm

..and I hate to break this to you, but extending Rodgers = slow death to the Packers ability to compete.

The money is not there and we'll have to shed young, talented players to stay under the cap if Rodgers is extended.

stockholder

January 03, 2022 at 07:43 am

Your thinking; is why the packers never won until wolf became the GM.

dobber

January 03, 2022 at 08:00 am

There was no salary cap until 1994...Wolf started in 1991 with the Packers and has repeatedly said that managing the cap was a reason why he stepped down, and why he wouldn't return to the GM seat.

dobber

January 03, 2022 at 08:47 am

Really? Never?

January 03, 2022 at 09:30 am

'holder, take a breath... you are comparing dinosaurs with aliens with sasquatch as the measuring stick.

January 02, 2022 at 11:43 pm

Is it that time of the month already?

January 03, 2022 at 04:40 pm

Rodgers stays, the FANs Go. A fair exchange.

edp1959

January 02, 2022 at 11:28 pm

That can’t be true we have been guaranteed that Rodgers would not be back in Green Bay by the “experts” on here.

January 03, 2022 at 01:51 am

AR's cap savings for 2022 if traded is about the same as if he were extended. In fact, GB can get a little more in savings by extending him.

2023 and beyond looks dicey if AR wants something close to what Prescott and Mahomes are scheduled to get.

MarkinMadison

January 03, 2022 at 07:54 am

Thanks for weighing in - I can read the charts but I don't know how much can be done with extensions. That last bit is the important one. If Rodgers wants Davante to stay with him then he is going to have to pass on top dollar I would think.

January 03, 2022 at 10:27 am

I'd rather we re-sign Adams and trade Rodgers. But then, I'm not the GM...

Gee

January 03, 2022 at 01:07 pm

If Rodgers leaves, I don't Adams staying. Just my opinion, saw an interesting new trade partner The Dolphins. Never considered them, but with cap space and assets, they may just do it. Especially if Waston case goes south. One thing you can never underestimated, is impatience of a billionaire owner and Stephan Ross, it seems is very very impatience.

Gee

January 03, 2022 at 01:07 pm

January 03, 2022 at 02:36 pm

Adams has publicly stated he wants to be the highest paid WR in the league.

I have been a strong Adams supporter, even early on in his career when so many Packers fans claimed he was a bust. I sung the praises of his catch radius after watching him in person at his first training camp. I couldn't stop talking about his other-worldly release off the line of scrimmage when most fans were talking about his lack of touchdowns. While people were claiming he had no ball skills I reminded them he was playing through injury. It's all here in my posts from over the years.

He's arguably the best WR in the league, but at that declared price tag, I don't think he's worth it. I don't think any single WR is worth it.

Deandre Hopkins average contract of roughly 27 million is the mark to beat. You can afford 2 high quality WR#1 type players for that kind of money. You can spend 27 million and add key players (notice the s) to a defense.

I wish Davante the very best in his future endeavors. He is a great WR and has been an amazing Packer. If he desires to be paid more than Hopkins to become the highest paid WR in the league, I wish him well in pursuing that goal, and I pray Green Bay does NOT make that happen.

flackcatcher

January 03, 2022 at 01:46 pm

A lot depends on next year's Cap Number. There have been informal discussions between the NFL/NFLPA, but seriously, who knows. The Packers could extend for another year, but at what price? That is the real question. Beyond that, how does Gute keep Rodgers/Adams without gutting the team to get under the Cap. (Not going to think about it) GPG

January 03, 2022 at 03:46 pm

Teams were informed by the league that the 2022 cap will be set at the maximum agreed upon of $208.2 M.

January 03, 2022 at 05:52 pm

People disliking facts again?

I wish I could say I was shocked.

blacke00

January 03, 2022 at 07:07 am

What the hell do expect? Love doesn't practice with the ones. It's cold...he's not loose and he supposed to be God's gift?
Give me a break! Your expectation are way to high and totally impractical.
I'm not surprised if Ian Rapport story is true. Why wouldn't they?

January 03, 2022 at 04:46 pm

If Rodgers is resting his toe during the week, who in the hell do you think runs the first group?

Spiker

January 03, 2022 at 11:49 am

You judge Love on 1 game and a few appearances?, what did you say when the ego diva was a 1st time starter?

Packers0808

January 02, 2022 at 10:54 pm

looks like they may have their pun t returner!

bassrock

January 03, 2022 at 09:57 am

I was thinking the same thing. Finally someone that fields the ball and actually goes up field with it.

Swisch

January 02, 2022 at 10:55 pm

What does one say after a game when it seems just about everything went well?
I guess one thing would be to savor a sweet victory to cap off an excellent season.
We can think about the playoffs later.

Crankbait

January 03, 2022 at 10:26 am

Yes, playoffs a whole different animal. Love the beat down last night, but MLF still clueless with first quarter game planning. Love the vibe of the entire team but I hope we get our starters back or we're just going to be beating our heads against the wall with the Buccaneers.

January 03, 2022 at 10:28 am

I wonder if MLF scripts the first 15 plays like many other coaches. If he does, he needs to stop because it's definitely NOT working.

13TimeChamps

January 03, 2022 at 10:50 am

It took a last second TD for Tampa to beat the Jets. The Jets! They also lost twice to a not great Saints team, actually getting shut out the last time. They don't seem as dominant this year. And now they're dealing with the AB circus/drama. I think they're ripe for a playoff loss...hopefully to GB!

Ya_tittle

January 03, 2022 at 04:58 pm

I think they lose in the first round.

splitpea1

January 02, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Maybe if the Packers offer Goodell a generous amount of free stock, he'll let us forfeit to the Lions.

The Vikings might have just as well forfeited this game. Really the most interesting part of the broadcast was the highlight of Rodgers heaving a deep ball into that tiny net on Family Night. Incredible. Crosby seems to have gotten himself straightened out, so that's good too.

I do worry about the long layoff time between quality opponents/the bye and the first playoff game. A little rust could set in. So I hope we're ready with fire in the belly on both sides of the ball--right out of the gate!

calabasa

January 02, 2022 at 10:56 pm

Love to see us eliminate the Queens from the playoffs! Also, love to see a guy who knows what he’s doing returning punts. Hell yes GPG!

Straya

January 02, 2022 at 11:23 pm

Can we please call time on using Viqueens / Queens in place of Vikings as an insult?

First, there's no linguistic connection between the word Viking and the word King. A female Viking is in fact a Viking.

Second, even if that held up, come on - it's 2022. The concept that twisting an opponent's name to make it feminine somehow lessens them is ridiculously immature and frankly offensive.

Just call them perennial losers instead.

GPG

calabasa

January 03, 2022 at 12:29 am

Well stated. Agreed!

egbertsouse

January 03, 2022 at 07:56 am

Agreed. I call them the Vikinks. Not only is the pronunciation very Minnesotan (As in, “we love da Vikinks up here in Daloot, Minnysoda, you betcha.) but those horn helmets are very kinky in the proper setting.

January 03, 2022 at 09:34 am

hate the accent, love the horny hat possibilities...

January 03, 2022 at 10:38 am

It's been proven time and time again that real Vikings never wore horns on their helmets - in fact, the Norwegian TV show "Norsemen" (in English, BTW) has a hilarious commentary on this ("I thought I'd make a fashion statement..." "Well, that looks more than a little impractical...") I looked for the clip but can't find it, unfortunately. Not a surprise that that loser franchise can't even get its logo correct.

When I was a kid, I wondered why the Vikings had wings on their helmets like the Eagles.

TarynsEyes

January 02, 2022 at 10:58 pm

I hoped the Vikings would be able to bring something to give the Packers some film on what they need to work on, The drop in play without Cousins was easily noticeable. Perhaps the Lions would, but it would appear GB will sit or half-game key starters. Not sure taking half a game or more off and then the bye is good. Flashbacks to 2012 against the Giants as the top seed resting starters. OUCH!!!

LayingTheLawe

January 02, 2022 at 11:20 pm

I would agree to play the starters at least some normally. But this season the NFL is all about attrition and a lot of these guys are hurt.

Rodgers hasn't practiced in a long time, so he definitely needs the rest.

Since'61

January 02, 2022 at 10:59 pm

THE PACKERS TOTALLY dominated tonight. We won both sides of the LOS. OL with anther solid game and Rodgers was brilliant again.
We left 7 points on the field and still won by 27 points and had 38+ minutes of TOP.

Excellent performance by the Packers and it looks like we finally found a punt return guy in David Moore. Nice pickup by Gute.

We rest our guys next week and the bye week. 2nd and 3rd team can play the Lions next week.

#1 seed. Great job by MLF and staff. Rodgers will probably get his 4th MVP. Get some rest and GPG! Thanks, Since '61

bjkdad44

January 02, 2022 at 11:03 pm

Right on Since… but… beware of too much off time for the starters… Pack starts slow already!

January 02, 2022 at 11:11 pm

Speaking of starting slow, Rodgers threw 4 bad- as in not good- passes in the first two drives. Two ugly passes to Jones (one that almost got him killed), an ugly pass to EQ (that almost got him killed) and a ugly pass to Adams (I mean, I think it was to Adams) in the endzone that was nearly an INT had Adams not wrestled the ball away from the DB.

Rodgers had some beauties in the first half (those two drop in passes to Adams were spectacular) but there was quite of bit of erratic throwing from 12 in the first half as well. Mostly on the short stuff, where Rodgers historically struggles.

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January 03, 2022 at 12:15 am

Lots of thumbs down, but you can't deny the facts, can you people?

What's so hard about looking at a performance as it is?

edp1959

January 03, 2022 at 06:34 am

Facts, you don't know facts, you are just a hater period. Better start building your cry closet.

ROCK ON REAL PACKERS FANS!!!

January 03, 2022 at 09:36 am

quiet down barney...

January 03, 2022 at 07:07 am

No question AR led his receivers into big hits a couple of times.

I don't have too much problem with the pass into the end zone to Adams. The CB and Adams were hand-fighting and the CB had Adams' right arm pinned to his side so Adams couldn't raise that arm. So Adams just reached around with his left hand to knock the pass down the way a CB would on a PD. Tossing that pass to Adams shows AR's trust in Adams to either catch the contested pass or play defense. And I want AR to trust his receivers.

Coldworld

January 03, 2022 at 09:10 am

It was the kind of weather where it takes a bit to adjust to the feel of the ball for all players, and arguably the optimal types of throw. I think it just took time for that to happen.

Even with Thielen absent and a back up QB, stopping Cook that effectively is an achievement. Cook is genuinely talented, but just couldn’t get anything on a night made for running hard. Great job by the front 7 on the run.

Demon

January 03, 2022 at 09:09 am

I agree with you oppy. I just don't know why Rodgers can't complete every pass. I don't think we are getting our money's worth here. What's this B.S of ONLY having a QB rating of 112? I don't care if the temp was at 0 or below, I see no good reason for this substandard play from our QB.

I find it laughable that you can complain about the play of our QB on a night when the Packers secured the best record in football, a first round bye in the playoffs while playing the Vikings (who historically play the Packers tough) in an extreme cold weather game.

Once again I will ask the question, why do you watch the games? Your obvious hatred of AR has soured you so badly that I don't believe that games are enjoyable for you at all.

That man is the likely league MVP. Yet you come on here and criticize what you call 4 bad passes in the first half. You do realize that had Jordan love started the game it would likely have resulted in a loss, right?

January 03, 2022 at 02:53 pm

Rodgers will likely win the MVP, but he really hasn't had an MVP season.

Every time a talking head talks about why Rodgers deserves an MVP this season, they immediately talk about how he's doing it behind a patchwork OL. Every. Time... True, he's playing behind a Patchwork OL, but it's a patchwork OL that is playing out of their mind and for the great majority of the season, the OL play hasn't affect the QB because the protection has been good.

I don't expect perfect play, but I find it laughable when people talk about Rodgers' unbelievable flawless performance. He had two really amazing throws last night, a lot of good throws, and he had a number of poor throws, too.

One area Rodgers has ALWAYS struggled with and could use improvement is his short area passing game. He's the worst screen pass throw in the league amongst starting QBs. Over the last 5 seasons, he's also started to really struggle with leading his targets across the middle of the field- he throws behind the WR on a regular basis, forcing them to break stride, contort their torso and try to secure the catch behind their bodies.

Thank god the Packers drafted Love and forced Rodgers to start working on his game again, because his mechanics had devolved greatly by 2019 and he was making poor throws on a regular basis. At least now he actually takes coaching because his drive to prove the Packers are 'making a mistake' has been engaged.

By the way, Demon, when you say things like " You do realize that had Jordan love started the game it would likely have resulted in a loss, right?", you lose all credibility with me. I'm talking about observable actions that occurred in a game, while you're talking about wild speculation. That seems like it makes you the hater.

Demon

January 03, 2022 at 05:39 pm

You do understand that I give exactly 2 shits whether I have any credibility with you, right?

You are another one of the clowns that were so butt hurt when the Packers didn't trade 12 for the boat load of draft picks that you were expecting.

The bottom line is the Packers are 13 and 3 with a very banged up team. AR is one of the biggest reasons for that record.

January 03, 2022 at 06:11 pm

I don't expect you to understand this, but I value long term health of the Packers over short-term. I also value integrity over just about all else.

Rodgers is not the future. It's that simple. The longer the Packers hold on to Rodgers, the longer we get to watch a team slowly dissolve.

I know you don't get it. If the Packers extend Rodgers, you'll figure it out pretty quickly.. although you won't ever admit it out loud.

January 03, 2022 at 10:39 am

A lot of Americans are very adept at denying facts.

Since'61

January 02, 2022 at 11:20 pm

bjkdad44 - good point, too much time off is always a risk but it is less of a risk than an injury to a key player(s) in a meaningless game. Next week's game is nothing more than a glorified exhibition game and if we play our starters even if the first half they are going to play to not get hurt.

Maybe if our guys have fresh legs after the bye week we'll get off to a faster start. Who knows?
But I'm confident that MLF has or will have a plan to handle next week and then get the Packers prepared for the playoffs. Stay safe. GPG! Thanks, Since '61

January 03, 2022 at 05:03 pm

Hard to replace the Offensive line. Half of those big boys are the second team. Blow Detroit off the field and then ease Love into the same Game plan.

January 02, 2022 at 11:01 pm

"No one will give the defense any kudos after this perormance against a back up quarterback and you know what? They shouldn't."

I don't agree... I don't agree at all.

This was supposed to be a Dalvin Cook show. The Packers' D stopped him cold. Mannion did have a few good passes to begin the Vikings first drive, but their ground game did not get going. The Packers' D gets the credit for that.

LayingTheLawe

January 02, 2022 at 11:10 pm

True. I mean you knew they were going to run, but that sure hasn't meant the Packers could stop it before. But they sure did today.

SteelyPhil

January 02, 2022 at 11:04 pm

How the COTY could go to anyone other than MLF after doing what no coach in NFL history has done - 3 back-to-back 13-win seasons - is beyond me. 12 more quarters to go!

MWendlandt

January 02, 2022 at 11:29 pm

Only possible competition IMO is Vrabel since Tennessee is somehow the 1 seed in the AFC despite being without Henry, Julio, and AJ Brown for most of the year. It has to be between him and MLF.

January 03, 2022 at 10:42 am

Tough call for the coastal media - Hillbilly or Cheese-eater?

It'll be neither - Belicheck in a cakewalk, which will, of course, suck mightily.

DrMixerGED

January 02, 2022 at 11:04 pm

They played a pretty good all around game. Davante is just a monster. Love pounding A.J. Dillon. That guy will not be denied. Will Lafleur sit Rodgers next week or give him a shot to pad his stats?

Roadrunner23

January 02, 2022 at 11:04 pm

‘Twas a beautiful thing watching AJ & AJ punishing the Vikings Defense tonight.

‘Twas also nice watching Cook get swarmed. By the end of the first half he wanted no part of this game

‘Twas a very workman type game by the Defense, the Vikings biggest catch & run was by an Offensive Lineman

‘Twas a precision game by the reigning MVP and upcoming MVP

‘Twas a beautiful sight clinching the #1 Seed in the NFC in 10 degree weather at Lambeau!

Congratulations Packers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since'61

January 02, 2022 at 11:11 pm

Nice job nostradanus! Thanks, Since '61

Grimm

January 03, 2022 at 08:54 am

I would guess that to be the longest catch and run by a Center in a long time, maybe ever.
That was just one for the highlights! I dont care if it was an opponent, It was just fun to watch.

January 03, 2022 at 10:44 am

We were so far ahead, I wanted him to score. That is possibly something that has never happened in the Modern Era, at least, and would've made an interesting stat.

January 03, 2022 at 09:40 am

'Twas a splendid post, kudos to you Sir!

Go Pack Go!

ImaPayne

January 02, 2022 at 11:05 pm

Congrats Packers on a great season and cudos to that patch work O line. You talk about saving a season, these guys more then stepped up.
The irony for me is I kept thinking wow the Vikes come in here and win and then beat the lowly Bears, they can be a very scary team in the playoffs that no one wants to meet. The only thing that could screw that up is ya right, Cousins getting covid, ya that will happen.

January 02, 2022 at 11:17 pm

The Vikings: Perennial. Bed. Shitters.

January 03, 2022 at 09:46 am

That's why they make brown sheets at My Pillow...

The classless outhouse of a franchise from the twink cities, that is truly representative of the land of 10,000 trailer parks, showed their true colors with the lame ass reinsertion of Mannion after monn came on to end the game, then using time outs and a pass-happy attack for no good purpose whatsoever.

The pack had used the run to salt the game away and to mercifully run some clock to allow the frozen barneys to whimper away from lambeau under their silly helga-haired horny hats, but instead the classless losers just reinforced their insecure psyche versus their superior in every way opponents from Green Bay by attempting to score some meaningless points.

Shame on that pathetic franchise.

January 03, 2022 at 10:46 am

Eh, I think it was just Zimmer trying a last-ditch effort to save his job. Or, as some Vikings fans think, to get fired (without cause, unlike Meyer) so that he can enjoy a lucrative post-football life.

January 03, 2022 at 01:22 pm

I like my take much better.

January 03, 2022 at 05:12 pm

The P-queens would have been annihilated whether Cousin Kirk was on the field or not. The Pack came ready to Play. Get the Water Hot and Win the Big Game.

Starrbrite

January 02, 2022 at 11:09 pm

Knocking out that plastic banana organization from the playoffs was was like opening another Christmas gift left under the tree.
I know we were playing to stop the run, but I’m somewhat worried about our pass rush. We were basically playing against Spurgeon Wynn at QB and had no turnovers.
Not really complaining folks—grateful to be in this position.
Merry New Year!!!

January 03, 2022 at 07:27 am

We were mainly concerned with stopping Cook and Jefferson and let Mannion throw incomplete passes. I don't remember one blitz>

January 02, 2022 at 11:19 pm

Did JK Scott chortle today?

Seeing Bojo have trouble with the punting must have warmed cockles of JK's heart.

MWendlandt

January 02, 2022 at 11:32 pm

Bojo had an off night after being away for the entire week. It happens. Remember, he led the league in punting while playing in Buffalo for 8 games last year. He'll be fine.

January 03, 2022 at 12:18 am

Bojo had the longest punt of 2020.

He also had the shortest punt of 2020.

He has a hell of a leg, but he seems to be prone to the occasional shanked punt. He's had three or so this year.

I don't know if it's a problem or not, but it's worth keeping an eye on.

January 03, 2022 at 09:48 am

I got your cockles...

chortle at that ...

A New Era

January 02, 2022 at 11:22 pm

What a day! A gift from Arizona before the kickoff and then a kick ass performance by the Packers to secure the #1 seed. None of these excruciating nail biters!

The connection between Rodgers and Adams is a beauty to behold. Such timing! Together they put together several plays that seemed almost inhuman.

Crosby seems to have regained his mojo, despite a near bobble by Bojo on that first FG.

Jones can be spectacular but Dillon is a punishing beast. How nice to have the both!

I would hate to be an opposing DC game planning against the Packers.

Hopefully we'll get an extended look at Jordan Love in Motown.

Our defense was never seriously tested by a lumbering back up QB who threw mostly check downs, but it was nice to see them smother a weaker team. They turned Cook into a non factor. Clark and Gary continue to play at a high level.

Take away a late first half burp and the freak play by the Minnesota center and this was close to being a shutout!

It will be three weeks before the Packers play any meaningful football. Pray for rest and not rust!!

GO PACK GO!!!

Ferrari-Driver

January 03, 2022 at 09:47 am

Hats off for the offensive line. Who would expect an NFL offensive line to function as well as this one has with four of the five preferred starters not playing and the lone starter playing the right guard position is a rookie and arguably the least proficient among the other four preferred starters - Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, and Turner.

I almost forgot to include Adam Stenavich, the offensive line coach in that hats off. He has done a remarkable job.

January 03, 2022 at 02:17 am

Yes, this is fair. One should note that MN had 3 or its preferred DL starters out: Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen and Michael Pierce ($9M this year). Their three backup DEs were all out as well. OLB Nick Vigil isn't very good but he was out with Covid. So, MN had no pass rush and were not good against the run, initially on the edges but GB wore them down in the middle as well.

So yeah, Gute was better at finding depth than Spielberg, or the coaches did a better job than the Minny's coaches.

January 03, 2022 at 07:35 am

I was thinking, is this a tongue in check comment and I missed that movie. Then my slow brain remembered Spielman is the GM. LOL

January 03, 2022 at 09:51 am

you beat me to it...

I was gonna make some comment about Gute not making very good movies...

January 04, 2022 at 02:24 am

My brother loves puns. I am one of the most literal-minded persons you'll ever meet. It can get ugly when he tries out some puns on me.

Crankbait

January 03, 2022 at 10:32 am

I saw no run blocking from middle of the line again..... run game was ineffective until the Vikings basically threw in the white flag in the second half.

MarkinMadison

January 02, 2022 at 11:37 pm

The return game was a huge step forward tonight. Amazing what a difference one guy can make.

The Vikings were playing some seriously uninspired football.

The Packers took care of business.

The Packers are the one seed. They have a great record against winning teams. They have a great record against other playoff teams. There is no reason not to believe. They just need to execute. And if they can get healthier, that would be even better. Haters, you're out of luck. Moooo to you.

Bohj

January 03, 2022 at 12:06 am

Maybe we play five starters next week.
- Bakh
- Jmoney
- Za
- Cobby
- Myer

Ferrari-Driver

January 03, 2022 at 12:11 am

I think a number of the current starters will be held out of next week's game against the Lions since we have secured the number one seed and by for the playoffs.

However, I sure do hope to see the guys you list available to help out during the playoffs in a couple of weeks.

Crankbait

January 03, 2022 at 06:47 am

Tackling was exceptional last night. Loved it.

January 03, 2022 at 07:38 am

King demolished a receiver, I had to hit rewind to make sure it was # 20.

GregC

January 03, 2022 at 07:17 am

It seemed like the Vikings' game plan was to NOT hand the ball off to Dalvin Cook. Weird. It was still a great win for the Packers, though.

iamiz

January 03, 2022 at 09:29 am

I really, really hope they start Aaron Rodgers. 2 weeks off is too long. Gotta stay sharp and engaged. Play him for a half, maybe a quarter.

stockholder

January 03, 2022 at 11:01 am

I agree. A back up, is nothing but a back-up. They need to trade Love. And give his money to Campbell.

January 03, 2022 at 01:30 pm

Okay, Stockholder, let's say we extend AR and trade Love, then the unthinkable happens and AR is hurt in, say, week 3 of this upcoming season; in fact, AR will miss 5 games. You're telling me that you're comfortable with Benkert starting those five games? If so, please enlighten all of us as to WHY you think Benkert is so much better than Love that he's your preferred backup to AR. Please include examples of Benkert's stellar play that have convinced you of this.

Love is on a rookie contract. The time to trade him is after 2022, not before, and only after GB has picked up his year 5 option. And even then, you trade him only after GB has a player who has proven to be a better QB than Love.