Gut Reactions: Week 14 vs Dallas

Aaron's gut reactions to the Packers win over the Cowboys. 

  • Nice to get a bit of Thunder and Lightning with Lacy and Starks today.
  • Eddie Lacy got a game ball after the game. Well earned.  
  • McCarthy's team has gone from a bad screen team to one that runs all sorts of different, creative screens every game as part of their base offense. 
  • Rodgers looked really sloppy on some his throws to the sideline today, especially the comeback. Lots of arm throws without stepping into it. 
  • That sack of Cassel might be the easiest one Matthews has in his entire career. 
  • The defense was absolutely embarrased on the Cowboys lone touchdown drive. Completely dominated. 
  • On that drive, Ha Ha at least made a play when he got up after being knocked to the ground. He ran down McFadden from roughly 30 yards away. Hell of a hustle play. 
  • Damn shame Shields had to go out. Was enjoying his battle with Dez. 
  • Randle and Rollins played quite well. Again. 
  • McCarthy's playcalling made a world of difference. Yes, they were banging their head a bit in the 3rd quarter, but they always seem to have those lulls with Mike. The offense as a whole was so much more fluid than with Clements calling the plays.
  • The use of Kuhn as an actual fullback was a nice development.
  • I don't know what Jeff Janis will do in the league as a receiver. But he has a long career ahead of him if he continues to be the special teams demon he was today.
  • It's hard not to look at the job JC Tretter is doing, and watch how well the Packers run the ball when he's doing it, and not wonder if the Packers are tempted to make the switch from Linsley. Tretter has been very impressive. 
  • James Jones needs to run through contact. Too often defensive backs get their hands on him and he shuts it down. Have to fight through that stuff. 
  • Randall Cobb is a sparkplug. Wish McCarthy would feed him more. 
  • The Packers defensive front was absolutely manhandled for most of the game. Absolutely no pressure when they rushed four and the blitz didn't fare much better (other than that play where, you know, they didn't block Clay Matthews.)
  • Big one in Oakland next week. Bakhtiari better enjoy this W before he watches the tape of Khalil Mack's five sack performance today. 
  • Go Pack Go. 

 

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Comments (134)

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Idiot Fan's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:18 pm

The future's so bright (at CB), I gotta wear shades...

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Amanofthenorth's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:36 pm

Aikman stressed this twice: you cAn build a tough defense around two cover corners. Imagine!

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Wenis's picture

December 14, 2015 at 12:20 am

It's how we do it at the youth football level.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:16 am

Randall has been a lot better then I or most fans would have predicted. He really has played well.. Just look at yesterday with him covering Dez Bryant. Bryant is one of the best WR's in the league and he basically shut him down.

Rollins ceiling is so high. Keep in mind that this is his 2nd year of playing CB. There will be some bumps in the road with him, but he is going to be great as well.

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MarkinMadison's picture

December 14, 2015 at 07:02 am

First play after Shields went out was a statement play. You absolutely knew the Cowboys would try to take advantage of the match-up. And it seemed like the entire backfield converged on Bryant, but he was DR's man and DR was in position. Even if Bryant had completed that play DR showed that he was ready. Very impressive.

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Lphill's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:20 pm

Would have liked to see a few deeper passes , but overall I'm not complaining , solid win would have been more points if not for the holding penalties .

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Marco's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:35 pm

I don't get how a professional sports team of seasoned adults starts a game with 3 holding penalties. I think this comes down to the coaching and how they practice for these things. The holding is embarrassing.

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:40 pm

NFL almost outlawed practice and especially practicing in pads. Makes a HUGE difference.

Kinda hard to practice blocking when you can't practice in pads, don't you think?

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murph27's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:53 am

And you can put that on the players. That was all part of the last NFLPA contract negotiations.

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 14, 2015 at 11:14 am

Haven't you ever heard of an employee looking to get more pay for less work? LOL

It is what it is. Coaches hate that rule and you can be sure they will get it changed when they can.

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Flow49's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:00 pm

One of those holding calls on Sitton was pretty bad. Aikman and buck both didn't say much about that one. Regardless those mistakes need to stop

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zoellner25's picture

December 14, 2015 at 08:36 am

yes, that second one on Sitton was BS

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Mojo's picture

December 14, 2015 at 12:17 am

As Lphill mentioned I'd like to see a few deeper passes too. But I'd like to see more of them over the middle instead of the sidelines three yards out of bounds. It seems we toss two or three sideline patterns a game that have no chance.

What happened to the deep ball over the middle. What happened to the double-moves Jordy did so well. Hard to believe no one on this roster can't get behind the secondary from time-to-time. I can't recall the last bomb over the middle attempted much less completed.

As for the Sitton hold, I'm so sick of a d-lineman going nowhere then falling down and getting a call. Sure he may have had a piece of the uni, but they do on nearly every play. In fact they're instructed to grab. The NFL needs to differentiate when a d-lineman went down because of a hold or because he was being dominated. Sitton had the guy stymied and then he flopped. There should be a penalty on the D for flopping like in the NBA.

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PackersPlanet's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:24 pm

Mike Clements asked Rodgers after the game why the plays where getting off quicker, he said "because the plays were being called right the 1st time, no reason to check out"

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Oppy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:45 pm

Whoa... Rodgers said that??

Unlike Rodgers to throw his boy under the bus, and make no mistake about it, Clements is his boy.

For those of you who continually talk about MM being a lousy play caller.... keep this one in mind, I guess.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:02 pm

No way that was said. Not publicly by Rodgers.

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Oppy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:40 pm

Well, he certainly didn't say it as the above poster quoted, but here's Mike Clemens original tweet

https://twitter.com/MikeClemensNFL/status/676212307656097792

Also, Rodgers does talk about the play calls being simplified (less checks in the given calls) as well as having a lot of calls being the right one for the situation so he didn't have to check out to begin with, in his post game presser, although it is not as blunt.

Rodgers also makes a point to stymie any press talk of MM's taking the play calling duties from clements as being a reason for success, he shuts it down immediately and says it was execution.. and he's alittle bristley when he says it.. So Rodgers seemed to be sending some mixed messages.... http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Rodgers_on_playcalling_Its_ab...

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JerseyAl's picture

December 14, 2015 at 08:05 am

yeah, what Rodgers means is MM did a good job of anticipating the D Dallas would be in, resulting in less need to check out of plays. But I don't agree plays were getting off quicker. I continually saw the play clock approaching 0 as the ball was snapped. The difference was what McCarthy talks about all the time, rhythm. And running the ball is a BIG part of that.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 14, 2015 at 08:20 am

Plays may not have gotten off quicker, but they were lined up a lot faster. Rodgers likes to take time to look over the defense, so typically he always lets the clock run down.
But look at how fast they were lining up especially in the first half. They were lining up a lot faster.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 14, 2015 at 11:10 am

I noticed that as well.

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murph27's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:56 am

The press worked real hard to get Rodgers to throw Clements under the bus and he wasn't taking the bait. He even took a joking potshot at MM and his Pittsburgh dialect.

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Ima fubar's picture

December 14, 2015 at 09:37 pm

Ya and in case no one but me noticed, the plays were not the same ones Clements called. Almost all his pass plays were those 25 yard down the field hook plays.
Mac went to the short over the middle quick hit passes I thought they should have been doing all together. Our guys dont have blazing speed but those quick hitters are hard to cover and take pressure off the o line and Rogers. That my friends was the difference.

The running. Please. It was the freeking cowboys.

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Bohj's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:24 pm

- That was big boy ballin. Taking what you want in the running game against a top ten D.
- What!? One injury and it's a concussion? That's the most amazing stat for this team all year.
- Welcome to December Eddie.
- Thank god I don't have to see another Lacy speculation article
- Props to MM for sticking to the run today. Bout time.
- Defense is the most consistent thing on this team. Who knew?
- Huh. Looks like some of our young guys are getting better. Just thought their talent would remain mediocre.
- Janis is a special team ace.
- Keep it Rollin. Get hot.
- Beating Raiders and then AZ could be exactly the type of confidence boost this team needs before January.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:32 pm

2 tough road games coming up here. Go 2-0 and this team can win it all. 1-1 and we're right back to where we were before today. 0-2... man I hope not.

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HarlanHuckleby's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:34 pm

Our young guys aren't getting better. No one improves mid- season. Cow said so.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:02 pm

Yeah, how could playing in real games make you better?

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ray nichkee's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:36 pm

I heard Matt cassell got better. So did cows predictions. Now what?

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:00 pm

Pick a young guy cowdouche. the Packers are one of the youngest teams in the league.

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SpudRapids's picture

December 14, 2015 at 05:15 pm

Football is a young man's game and if you think any different you are delusional.

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Bohj's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:36 pm

I guess it depends on where you demarcate your cutoff line for youth. Every player on the team is younger than me. But I guess I would consider youth to mean guys still on their rookie contracts.
- Damarious Randall shut out dez. That's a big one.
- Janus made some very key special teams tackles.
- Eddie Lacy ran for 124.
- Some great help over the top from HaHa.
- Rollins made some mistakes on run support, but his coverage was pretty money.
- Jake Ryan filled the hole more than a few times.
- Tretter graded the shit out of the middle today and made some amazing second level blocks as well.

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SpudRapids's picture

December 14, 2015 at 05:16 pm

Try Jake Ryan

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Lucas Mertens's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:43 pm

There are two ROOKIE CB getting better every day!

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Ima fubar's picture

December 14, 2015 at 09:40 pm

Keep in mind Eddie has fresh legs since he took most of the season off and others had to carry him.
I think MM, was a genius, finally figured out what a lot of great coaches already new, using two different styled backs keeps defenses off balance.

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keeley2's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:30 pm

I'm wondering about the game planning vs. play calling. Did Clements get away from the run that quickly? Or did Aaron check out of those plays? Would love to understand that dynamic.

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:36 pm

From what someone else said. Rodgers said the calls were made correctly the first time today, didn't need to audible. Sounds like McCarthy made all the difference to me?!

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Marco's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:45 pm

I'd like to know the source of those remarks. I don't see Rodgers saying that. It's a jab at Clemens and I don't think he'd do that. He's a classy pro and wouldn't throw Clemens under the bus like that.

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:39 pm

Yeah, that doesn't seem like Rodgers. I listened to his PC after and didn't hear that. Clearly a jab at Clements, and in his PC Rodgers just referred to better execution and the usual non-descript answers.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:31 pm

Best game this team has played on the offensive side of the ball since Kansas City. The offense "looked" like GBs offense under MM/AR in a way that it hasn't since last year. I feel bad for Clements but this is a big boy league and it was clear he wasn't cutting it.

The defense was atrocious on 4 plays today and fantastic the other 50. You have to wonder if this offense keeps scoring between 25-30 if this team can indeed make some real noise in the 2nd season.

Exciting.

PS: Always nice to beat the Cowboys. Not enough shots of Jerrah looking embarrassed tonight. :)

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Marco's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:40 pm

Still no downfield passing game. Everything is short and 'hope' the receiver can break a tackle or make someone miss. I find this distressing. I miss the explosive plays we 'used to' see.

I saw a comment from an opposing DB talking about preparing for the Packer receivers and he said something like: "We can go man on them because the Packer receivers are slow, and when they do get open, they drop the passes!" Hard to argue. Add to that, A.R. is not connecting like he used to. I have a hard time seeing this team do more than 1 and done in the playoffs against good teams.

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Horse's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:48 pm

The offense misses Ty Montgomery. His physicality makes a big difference.

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zoellner25's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:49 pm

It was wet and sloppy today

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Bearmeat's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:54 pm

Ben? Imma? Cow? Is that you?

So this team doesn't have physically superior WRs. So what. The 2014 Pats had a slot guy and a bag of balls at WR. The 2013 Seahawks were even worse at WR.

You mean there's a place on the roster that isn't as good as a similar place on another teams' roster? When ALL of the guys playing are the best at this game in the world physically?

Shocking.

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TKWorldWide's picture

December 14, 2015 at 05:14 am

Well put.

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Since'61's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:37 pm

Maybe you didn't notice but it was raining pretty heavy today at Lambeau field. Makes the ball tough to throw deep and it slows receivers down which means the QB gets sacked waiting for the receivers to get downfield. This was good football today and the Packers game plan was great for the wet weather. Better than the arena football that most of the league has become. Go Pack! Thanks, Since '61

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Tundraboy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:19 pm

You said it.

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Oppy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:55 pm

I will take short and intermediate passing for 63% completion rate, 2 TDs, and 230 yards rushing, nearly 38 minutes TOP, 28 points, and most importantly, a decisive WIN.

This offense needs to get back into a rhythm, and just chuckin' it deep hasn't been cutting it. I've been PRAYING that the Packers would start running the ball and utilizing the high percentage passing game to start rebuilding confidence, sustain drives, control the clock, and get into scoring position. Generally speaking, this team only runs the ball and/or runs short routes to try to set up big plays... and then they just keep on looking deep, and the offense stalls.

Let these guys build that confidence with the little stuff, let them win a game or two. The big stuff will come with time.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:18 pm

Me too.

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D Ernesto's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:22 pm

Amen

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FrozenTundra's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:06 pm

Clements had the same setup when he was at Buffalo. They made him OC and play caller. He failed really bad. So bad that after a year and a half that was it. It took a little over a half year here. It's over his head.

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Razer's picture

December 14, 2015 at 08:43 am

Always found the guy arrogant and surly in interviews so there will be no love-loss with the press. The results were not there so the decision was easy particular when the team actually showed up and played a solid game.

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HarlanHuckleby's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:31 pm

Is Cobb simply a better at YAC than at catching the ball, or is this just short-term memory on my part? It seems he did great on screens thrown right to him today, but missed some challenging ( but make able for an NFL guy) catches.

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Oppy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:57 pm

I think Cobb's shoulder is still painful and inflamed, and it affects his ability to extend or raise and it's showing up in the form of drops.

I'm betting he's getting surgery within one week of the Packers season ending... Just a hunch on my part.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:12 pm

Replied to your last Post to me at "Comparisons To Packers Super Bowl XLV Come Up Short". LVT

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:33 pm

McCarthy calling plays. Lacy running like a Farm Animal and a pretty damn good D. Smelling like a Packers team getting ready to make a December run into the playoffs! Go Pack Go! Go McCarthy Go!

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ray nichkee's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:36 pm

Play calling was last on my list but it seems there was some improvement. Eddy lacy. Running game. Starks too. I'm loving it. I hope it lasts.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:11 pm

I loved the use of the 2 RBs this game. Absolutely loved it. Starks probably should've gotten a couple of more carries, but that would be nitpicking.

Also, I noticed more Rodgers under the center for run plays. They're taking the right steps. I think Play Action from formations like that will pay off big sooner than later.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:38 pm

Great win. This is was a big step forward for the offense. Was it perfect? No. But this was a great effort against a very good defense. Getting the rushing going and sticking with it will be huge down the stretch.

3 notable differences I saw with McCarthy calling plays.
-The commitment to the run game
-Plays were getting in faster and the offense seemed to be more in rhythm and there seemed to be less communications.
-The use of Cobb. He was a focal point of the offense.

Defense played great minus 1 drive and 1 other run.
Great time to start playing the best football of the season.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:17 pm

There was commitment to the run because it was much more consistent.

I agree with the other points.

The team looked totally different. Whatever seemed to fix the previous issues I just hope it continues and gets even better.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:32 am

I agree that they stuck with the run because it was more consistent. However in the past games they have ran the ball well and they have went away from it.
One other big difference is they ran more from the I formation, which is better to run in.

The offense had a different feel to it. Same players, same coaches, the only difference is McCarthy was calling plays. They were getting plays in faster and there was a lot less miscommunication's. Players all seemed to be on the same page for the first time in a long time.

There is still work to be done, the is far from a finished product, but this is a great start.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 14, 2015 at 09:45 am

Yep. The i-Formation and single back with Rodgers under center.

Those big plays are going to come off of Play Action soon.

I wonder if we'll see the Full House featuring Lacy/Starks with Kuhn and Rip lead blocking.

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zoellner25's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:48 pm

Seems like MM made all the difference today. Loved they actually ran the ball in adverse weather. Tretter is simply better than Linsley this year, tape doesn't lie. Needed to take more deep shots off play action at mid-field. Cowboys showed they still have a very good Oline, just no QB who can throw a wet ball. Defense was pretty good except a few stinkers.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 13, 2015 at 11:37 pm

From what I've seen on tv tretter is 3 blocks downfield but Linsley is better at pass protection. Both are better than cows guys.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:36 am

The biggest difference with Tretter is that he is so much quicker then Linsley. He can pull and get to the 2nd level so much quicker.

Right now I wouldn't rush getting Linsley back. Make sure he is fully healthy and go from there.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 14, 2015 at 07:32 am

Yes. Nice problem to have.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 14, 2015 at 09:59 am

Damn sure is

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MissKathy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 08:51 pm

At least one player on Defense must read your gut reactions, Aaron, or at the very least, be in a mind meld with you. Among the "great team win" tweets there was this from Mike "I always tell it like it is. Signed, Big Diesel" Daniels: "Gotta be better".
With that attitude, I have no worries. To solve a problem you have to recognize there is one first.
Rodgers got banged up early & often. There were throws he made that would have been money at another time. Don't know if it was the thumb gash bothering him or the slick ball....but damned if he didn't run a couple of times like he wanted this win in the worst way today.
All in all, the team is playing December ball, imo. Not the greatest - I'd grade them out at B - but the upswing is visible & palpable. As long as they continue to work things out, should be, not an easy road but a successful one going into the next game. (One at a time, right?)

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PackerAaron's picture

December 13, 2015 at 11:54 pm

"but damned if he didn't run a couple of times like he wanted this win in the worst way today."

Very much agree here. Meant to mention that big third down run. He absolutely ran like a man determined to win the down several times.

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phillythedane's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:12 pm

So who is this Sean Lee guy everyone's been talking about? That dude got completely owned.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:40 pm

I think sean Lee had 1 1/2 good plays but I'll take that.

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NickPerry's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:17 pm

I've been saying it for weeks now, give lacy the ball at least 15 times and he'll get those yards. 5 times Lacy has carried 15 times or more this year, each time he's gained 85 yards or more with 3 games over 100. Just give him the ball!!

Loved McCarthy giving Lacy the ball after he ran it to the one in the 4th quarter. He let him finish what he started. (Did anyone see Cobb helping Eddie to the one yard line on that run?) PRICELESS!!

Loved the Eddie, Eddie, Eddie chants from the Lambeau crowd and MM calling the plays again. Except for the lull in the 3rd quarter the offense played pretty well the whole game and REALLY well the 4th quarter. When Monty is ready to go either next week or the week after, this offense just might have enough to do it, especially if the defense plays like they have.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:29 pm

Yep. This team will not be a laser light show like the 2009, 2011, 2014 version. But it can be solid in all three phases. When you are solid all around and you've got an elite QB, you've got a good chance.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:21 pm

That's what I'm thinking from here on out. Why not.

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NickPerry's picture

December 14, 2015 at 05:21 am

Totally agree Bearmeat. Janis is fast enough to get downfield and cover even Masthays punts. If there's a REALLY good punter available in say the 6th round of the draft, Thompson needs to draft him. Ginger used to punt the ball inside the 20 without a problem. Now he can't seem to come close.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:53 pm

What I loved most was the whole dam team rallying around Eddie. Stick yer rumors!
GOPACKGO!

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:51 pm

A lot of times this season, you can't really say Lacy was effective enough to warrant getting that many carries. But like most teams that have a bell cow RB if they are able to feed him the ball, it tends to wear the D down.

Lacy still needs to drop weight for next season IMO. Much rather have a 235-240 Lacy than the one I'm seeing over 250.

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Since'61's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:28 pm

Great win for the Packers today. Except for one drive our defense was excellent. OL had a dominant performance especially in the run game. A. Rodgers was sharp and efficient. Welcome back MM to play calling. Need to take this show on the road now. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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alaskan tundra's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:32 pm

Yep great win
And oh yeah....cow sucks hind tit.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:43 pm

There is only one tit cow sucks and it doesn't connect to mammary glands.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:39 pm

Beat Dallas, avoided losing three at home. I'm content. Great to see Lacy and Starks run over and through Cowboys. Except for the Dallas td drive and the typical MM lull when Cobb was the backfield, it was a great win. We're on our way to Oakland and beyond. Go Pack Go

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:44 am

'the typical MM lull when Cobb was the backfield,'

My only real complaint about McCarthy was during that one drive in the 3rd quarter, (I believe opening drive of the 3rd Quarter), he didn't use Lacy or Starks on that entire drive.

I love when they use Cobb in the backfield, and Montgomery when he is healthy. But IMO, games like yesterday when they are running all over the other team with Lacy and Starks, they should stick with them. Sure use Cobb in the backfield for a few plays, but not the entire drive.

Also, I loved that play call and play design when they put Cobb in the backfield with Starks. They faked the hand off to Cobb, Starks ran the other way to the flat and Rodgers hit Starks in stride which ended in a TD.
The creativity of the play was great. I would love to see more of that misdirection type of stuff put into the offense.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 14, 2015 at 07:37 am

Yes sir. That drive almost sucked out the momentum. Great point on Cobb Starks play. That was fun to watch.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:51 pm

Cow, Rodgers qb rating 99.5, lets call it a 100. Rainy day. Cassell 41. Your predictions are like your comments, full of shit.
you suck.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 09:55 pm

Whah! Whah!, no catch again Dez.

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porupack's picture

December 14, 2015 at 03:01 am

That alone is worth watching a cowboy's game. Loved it.
Too bad we let Hardy get a mention. That would have been the other shutdown I was hoping for.

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Lphill's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:00 pm

So Cow you said Cassel would out play Rodgers in every category , so what then went wrong? Oh he did lead Rodgers in interceptions and passes batted down so I guess you were right, kinda .

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cinpackback's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:02 pm

Sooooo nice to beat the Cowboys, again, in our house.

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Oppy's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:02 pm

One thing that concerned me today was watching Rollins, at least three or four times, throwing his shoulder at the ball carrier's lower legs as he ran out of the backfield, instead of making any attempt to wrap up.

It looked like old Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix footage.

Rollins, gotta clean that up, kid. It cost the packers a pretty big run one of those times, and you continued to do it. TACKLE, NOT HIT.

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D Ernesto's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm

Ya its the new method of trying to not get hurt tackling. And your right it don't work and it's causing leg injuries to.

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:55 pm

Better than trying to tackle RB high like too many players do. Freakin HATE when LB and DB's try to tackle high. But yeah, that should get cleaned up as he plays more football.

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MissKathy's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:56 am

My hubby noticed that too, and was screaming at him as if he could hear.

Hope that's a big mention in the tape meetings. Kid's gotta clean that up real fast.

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Bryce Hansen's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:10 pm

I gotta eat crow on this year's rookie class. I know nothing. They're good.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:12 pm

We've all eaten some crow this year. Try some Sweet Baby Rays.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:10 pm

The good- Lacy, Starks, o-line, play calling, Cobb.
the bad- one defensive series.
the ugly-Cassell, Cowboys. DEZ!!!!!!!!!

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porupack's picture

December 14, 2015 at 03:10 am

Agreed on your list!
Let's see Janis in that Good column.
Janis totally pumped the entire unit up. Cowboys PR'er was pretty good til tonight...and he gets dropped for more than 1 negative return. After 2 instantaneous Janis hits, and another minimal return, he started calling fair catch. That's an impressive piece of work!!

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John Galt III's picture

December 14, 2015 at 05:36 pm

Yeah, the punt returner basically said, "No mas."

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Bohj's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:11 pm

I feel like big Mike used this game to toughen these guys up again.

- Used one of the few precious padded practices this week.
- Started the first drive with four straight runs.
- Committed to the run the whole game.

I know weather had some play there. But honestly, these guys road grated today. There was absolutely nothing fancy. It was old fashioned football. Win a game with toughness. That's what these guys needed more than anything. To remember that they are football players. Even Rodgers runs, though wreckless, were fearless.

This was Lombardi era football. And even though Dallas isn't even close to a great team, this is a great way to win. I hope it continues. Someone here said it already: we don't just need an aerial razzle dazzle assault.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:21 pm

It's not too outrageous to expect 30+ next week when Ty gets back - is it?

Too soon?

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:38 pm

They will spread it around. Rodgers hit many different receivers today.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:46 am

If and when they get Montgomery back, he will help the team out immensely. I don't expect him to have a monster game his first game back, but I think as he works himself back, he will provide an extra element to the offense that we haven't seen since he got hurt.

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Bugeater's picture

December 14, 2015 at 08:43 am

Maybe - but I sure wouldn't mind another 200 on the ground either!

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D Ernesto's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:31 pm

Congrats. Pack played a good all-round game. Yes it was not a Romo led team lets understand that but still a solid performance all around. Couple observations. Would like to see more Eliot and pennel. Those guys are making things happen when they are on the field. Is Perry hurt again or is his lack of play just non existent? Lot of big runs to his side today. I for one noticed it wasn't the play calling as much as the change in plays. Most passes were short quick hitters rather than those, lets all go 25 and see what we get. Change was for the good and helped move the ball and the run. Good job.

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 13, 2015 at 11:01 pm

Pennel got blown up on one of those big runs. Playing better, but still a ways to go. Elliot hasn't done anything before today for about 2 months.

Both need to continue to learn and grow, but they are coming along. I like how they are playing for the most part, but there are reasons they aren't getting more playing time. Still too inconsistent and probably missing some assignments.

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jmac34's picture

December 14, 2015 at 02:23 am

Perry was inactive for this game. Not sure why but I would assume injury

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NickPerry's picture

December 14, 2015 at 05:25 am

It was, he was out because of injury.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:34 pm

R. Rodgers and Tretter cleared the hole on the long Starks TD run.

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4thand1's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:36 pm

The Raiders will torch the Packers by 3 scores.
yours truly, cow.
p.s. I suck.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:51 pm

This team is where I've been saying they were. At the least they are 10 & 2. This team will make a run in the Playoffs to the NFC Championship Game. Health is an issue. I've picked the last 7 GB games correctly. They played Great today. Next week could be a tough game. Oakland played Denver Tough & won today. I'm still afraid of facing either Carolina or Minnesota in the playoffs. As good as we played in the slop today, I think we are much better in Nicer Weather. JMO. McCarthy is a Great coach & has this team playing as well as could be expected today, Romo or not. Washington won today, that IMO is good for us. I'm not to thrilled about playing New York either. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think GB has beaten a Manning since the middle of the 2007 season. We are Definitely a team to beat, as I've been posting. Even if we hit a bump Down the road, We are in my opinion 1 of 3 teams to beat., & I like what I'm seeing.LVT

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Idiot Fan's picture

December 13, 2015 at 10:54 pm

Did it seem to anyone else that on the drive where we got stopped on fourth and goal, on the second down play, where rodgers did PA and did a weird roll-out and got tackled pretty hard that Adams was supposed to roll out from the slot, but his defender just grabbed him and wouldn't let him go anywhere? Buck and Aikman were wondering if it was supposed to be a qb run because there was nobody to throw to, but I think adams got totally held in place.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 13, 2015 at 11:44 pm

4thand1, we own this lacy train. We were the only ones on board. I think I will rename it the lacy bus, in honor of the great big Jerome bettis. Those who wish to hop on must pay a fee. #12 was back too. And some other stuff. Yep.

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brewers_rule's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:48 am

I was actually wondering about Bettis during all this 'Fat Eddie' BS this season. Bettis was one of the biggest RB's in terms of weight from what I could find in a quick Google search (along with Eddie George and Jamal Lewis) and was pretty darn good after he got out of St Louis. I don't understand why they're making such hay out of his weight because it just seems to me motivation is a bigger part of it. All 3 of the guys I mentioned either played in, or won, Super Bowls as well as rushing titles yet Eddie gets crap for his weight they never did, I think, purely because he hasn't won any of that yet. If and when he does, it'll be a non-issue.

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4thand1's picture

December 14, 2015 at 04:05 pm

Right on ray, and I bet on the Pack too. 10 bucks for a positive Eddie comment. We are owed a few hundred already. lol

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Mojo's picture

December 13, 2015 at 11:57 pm

Nice win. Dallas had only a couple of big drives, one ending on the INT.

Going to have to watch the tape to get an idea as to what happened on the two long McFadden runs. Heard that Pennell was washed out on one run and just about every one on the seven yarder by Turbin.
Way too easy and looked like the GB D from recent seasons. Wonder if Ryan was where he was supposed to be.

Secondary looked solid today, but we'll see how serious the Shields injury is. He's having a quietly good year.

Has Adams fallen off the face of the Earth? He's got to get it together. And not much from RR either. This team so needs a receiver, any receiver, to take their game to another level.

The Dallas punter got GB pinned back all day. Good distance and great hang-time. Can't underestimate how he singlehandedly ruined GB's starting position.

Packers are running the screens as well as anyone. Left, middle, right it doesn't matter. It might be their biggest weapon the past month.

Said when Linsley was injured the first time it was the one spot on the oline they could afford an injury. Tretter is a good football player. Linsley is the power guy - Tretter the finesse. Considering where they were just two years ago - the center position is the least of their worries.

Lacy was the Lacy of old. Still he's better when he starts the run between the tackles than trying to go around them. Once he breaks the LOS then go outside if need be. Starks cuts back much better even with his long stride. Still a great one-two punch today.

Think the Seahawks will beat Arizona in the last week. They're playing better than anyone in either conference right now. So if GB can bring it home the next three weeks they can still get the bye.

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porupack's picture

December 14, 2015 at 03:19 am

I'd still like to see Lacy just accelerate straight into the hole sometimes. I think there were a couple runs that could have been big, but the windows closed b/c of too many times he takes stutter steps.
Nitpicking...I know. Congrats to Eddie. Ran with passion.

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jh9's picture

December 14, 2015 at 07:39 am

Regarding Adams, I was thinking the same thing. I believe this week the Packers need to work getting Adams back into the game. He needs a confidence boost. I think the coaches and AR ought to work with him this week to help him.

As far as the screen game, you're right. It is the biggest weapon and I think MM knows it. After watching this game, I can see how the screen game can open up everything for the Packers, offensively. If the screens are working outside, that spreads the defense and makes running lanes open for Lacy and Starks up the middle. If the Safeties cheat and play too close to the LOS to stop the run, AR should be able to get a WR open for a deep shot. AR just missed Cobb on one play, but it was there. Without Jordy, I see the screen game now as an essential adjustment.

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brewers_rule's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:40 am

I disagree regarding Adams. I think he needs this multi-week period to kind of get his head right and find the fire to excel again without much pressure on him. Keep Abby in there for him for now. Maybe spell him, Janis, and Montgomery in for Jones in the next week or two until he starts regaining his edge again. Can't afford any lapses or mistakes in the next 2 weeks if we want the offense humming again for a playoff run. If Adams gets right about playoff time to regain his spot, we'll have several weapons at that point to roll in/out & choose from which'd be all the better. He seemed to excel last season when he was the 3rd option anyway so maybe that's what he needs?

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

December 13, 2015 at 11:58 pm

I mentioned on the live blog that I thought Bakhtiari was playing really well. I'm hoping someone who gets to re watch the game can tell me if I was right or not. He will need to play lights out next week when he faces Mack.

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Turophile's picture

December 14, 2015 at 03:44 am

I watched that late run by Eddie Lacy, the one where he got over the line but was deemed a yard short of a TD when his knee came down.

As he made that run (blowing through tacklers), I was thinking how fast he looked, like he'd found an extra gear, a real 'WOW' moment - real size plus frightening speed = pain for the Cowboys and anyone else he might meet. Very impressive commitment to fly like that, and to finish the run fighting hard for the extra yardage.

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brewers_rule's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:34 am

I think one of the things I enjoy about Lacy is those big, trucking plays. If he could just run with that motor each game, he'd be the REAL Beast Mode and Lynch would be a minor headline.

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TommyG's picture

December 14, 2015 at 04:52 am

-what a fun game to watch! The defense really came to play.
-and what about that offense???? Wow. What a difference the person calling the plays can make.
-what was that difference? Why is it when MM calls the plays guys can break tackles, get some separation, run block, and break off 30 yard runs.
-same looking formations, routes, and plays so what changed?
-run right, run left, pass... That's pretty much what we had but our guys executed yesterday.
-loved loved loved our rushing attack. I'd forgotten just how cool it is to have a strong running game. That TOP stat is the story of the game. Total ownership of the field.
-I think there is something here that we can take on the road with success. To be able to throw and run like that in a downpour speaks highly of how good this team can be when it is motivated.
- GO PACK GO!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 14, 2015 at 04:56 am

OL had a pretty good day. Bulaga was up and down. He was pretty bad in pass pro but made some nice run blocks. RR is taking some baby steps blocking: he threw at least two nice run blocks, but also looked partly responsible for 2 bad runs from the HB position. Tretter can get to the 2nd level and do damage. He sealed off a LB on Starks' long gain on the draw. Cobb looked rejuvenated along with Lacy.

DL was rather quiet, especially pass rushing. DBs were pretty good. Ha Ha over-ran the long gain, but also hustled and played well. CM3 over-pursued on the other long gain. On Turbin's 7 yard burst up the middle for a TD, Dallas double teamed Daniels, then OG Zack Martin peeled off the double and blocked CM3. Dallas also doubled Raji, and Ryan was behind and outside of Raji. Video link below.

http://news.yahoo.com/video/cowboys-robert-turbin-middle-7-232500111.html

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brewers_rule's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:32 am

I think some of the blocking issues could be solved once Quarles returns & steals someo R-Rod's snaps there too. He's an underrated guy Aaron trusts so blocking and sneaky pass catching by him could give us a boost.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 14, 2015 at 04:25 pm

That was just one play and one scoring drive. Thankfully that was it. Teams will score I guess but I said during that play I could drive my riding lawnmower through that hole untouched to pay dirt. I'm glad it didn't continue.

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jh9's picture

December 14, 2015 at 05:25 am

I saw what I was hoping to see in the Dallas game:
I saw the offense looking better.
Although he didn’t complete any deep passes, I saw AR play the short game with the occasional, critical first-down run and he didn’t look frustrated as he played.
I saw Cobb play much better.
I saw Lacy play much, much better.
Without Jordy, this offense has to play a different kind of game and in the Dallas game I saw the outlines of a winning formula.
I have to give Mike McCarthy credit. As long as he stays aggressive, I will never bitch about his play-calling again.
This is the defense we’ve been waiting for since 2010. As long as they hold the opposition to under 20 points, we have an excellent chance to win every game we play.

This team is still in the process of finding itself. They have not played their best game yet. I’m looking forward to these next two away games against Oakland and Arizona. I believe the Packers are right on the cusp of playing their best ball and these next two games will give them the perfect opportunity to solidify their team identity and finally play four solid quarters of football--both offensively and defensively. The anticipation of seeing them finally put everything together is exciting. I can’t wait to see what happens in these next two games.

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paxbak's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:42 am

Watching this game i was not that excited or nervous. I kind of didn't care win or lose. I see a team destined to lose to Carolina or the Cardinals on the road - badly
- Cant get third and short or third and long
- Rodgers has clearly lost his accuracy for the most part confidence issue? Good at the check downs!! Lots of them
- Can't make offensive plays more than 10 yards down the field unless it is a hail mary :) (loved that!!)
- Defense does not have enough of a pass rush to bother Cam or Palmer - D looked really good against Cassel and probably will look good again against Bridgewater
- Running game was good today, but when it gets shut down against a really good D, where do we go?

I've read the script too many times to be fooled. Last year was the chance we squandered. ITs amazing how one WR can make such a difference to an offense,

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TKWorldWide's picture

December 14, 2015 at 08:06 am

Looks like Cow has found a roommate.

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brewers_rule's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:28 am

I can see not getting excited about this but you're poo-pooing too much here. The main reason we lost in Carolina was HHCD who's been playing some of the best football of anyone since that awful game, which we were still in right up until the end despite that. Our depth in the secondary can shut down the Panthers EASILY if they play right the 2nd time around. The Panthers have only played one team besides us that's playoff-bound & good: Seattle. And they only won that by 3pts too.

Further, that depth could shut down the Cardinals depth at WR too (did you notice how close the deprived Vikings defense was & the 'Niners who almost beat them?). The Cardinals themselves have barely beaten some good teams (Seahawks, Bengals, Vikes) and lost to some they never should have (Rams, Steelers). They've only dominated really bad teams this season for the most part so they're not unbeatable.

The big question if we get to that point in the playoffs is can the offense get back to itself and this was another babystep toward that. Considering how the season's gone, that should be progress to give you hope, not more dismay. I'm someone that's constantly annoyed with the Packer regime for never recognizing problems like this when they first arise but such is the team we have to cheer for, I guess.

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paxbak's picture

December 14, 2015 at 04:44 pm

We shall see in the next two games. I just don't see our defense as good enough to make up for the lack of offense. To win, you have to be able to get 3rd and 10 and 3rd and 1. I know anything can happen, I wrote off the 2010 team after about the 8th player went on the IR, but we had an ascending Rodgers. Maybe it's the defenses turn to Ascend. I have to admit, there is a little more hope than I had at .00 with one play left in the Detroit game.

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TKWorldWide's picture

December 14, 2015 at 07:25 pm

Moo.

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sheppercheeser's picture

December 14, 2015 at 06:49 am

- Bench Adams in favor of Abby- DaVante has had his chance. Abby has earned the opportunity.
- Bahktiari should practice with mittens on! His penalties are drive killers!
- I thought MM should have shared the rock a little more with Starks. Some of those repeated handoffs seemed to gas the asthmatic Lacy.
- I thought the extended use of Kuhn was huge i.e. screen passes and should be implemented more often.

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Handsback's picture

December 14, 2015 at 08:07 am

Before you criticize the Packer’s D-line too much remember that Dallas’s offensive line is the same this year as it was last year and they had 2-pro bowlers on that line. The fact they haven’t always played up to their ability leaves some questions about the Cowboys, but they can dominate any defense when properly motivated. You really need to take that into consideration when discussing the Packer’s lack of D-Line production.

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Razer's picture

December 14, 2015 at 09:02 am

Glad for the win and excited for the team. Maybe they will keep building on these efforts. We will see. You can tell just how thirsty we Packer fans have become over these last months. We should have beat the Cowboys and it should have been this decisive. Romo would have made us work hard for this win. I am cautiously optimistic.

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brewers_rule's picture

December 14, 2015 at 10:16 am

My hope is that we can finally get the offensive kinks worked out in this Oakland game and then really get firing against Arizona. If we stick with the run and just put Janis in for a few shots per game, coupled with activating Montgomery/Quarles, I think we could win out & maybe have a stone throw's shot at a bye if Arizona goofs up against either Philly or Seattle. Big thing is we have to do this one game at a time and not look ahead at ALL. Looking past the Raiders could really get us in trouble.

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WinUSA's picture

December 15, 2015 at 09:47 am

Okay...gotta admit....when TT drafted Randall and Rollins....I didn't think it was a very sexy draft selection....when I saw them sandwich Dez...my woman looked ant me and said: "stay away animal".

Just saying! :9)

GO PACK!!!!!!~!

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 15, 2015 at 11:01 am

Pity, mine said come here you animal. :)

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