Packers 17 Bears 9: Game Balls & Lame Calls
Young Pack makes history with playoff berth.
By KenLass
Tony Romo picked the right word to describe these Green Bay Packers. They are dangerous. They make critical mistakes. They make bad decisions. They don’t always manage the clock very well. But it is becoming very obvious they are immensely talented and deep. They are improving exponentially every week on both sides of the ball. They have learned how to win.
And now they are heading to Dallas for a wild card playoff game, playing with nothing but house money, with nothing to lose and absolutely no pressure. They are, indeed, dangerous.
Dangerous enough to line up against one of the top rushing defenses in the league and run the ball down their throats to the tune of 124 yards. Dangerous enough to take over the ball at their own six yard line with 6:08 left in the game, protecting an eight point lead, and beautifully execute a twelve play drive to run out the clock. Dangerous enough to bottle up the dynamic Justin Fields for the entire game, sacking him five times, and holding him to 27 yards rushing, with no run longer than seven yards. Dangerous enough to put out an offense that threw for over 300 yards and never sent their punter out on to the field.
Dangerous enough to accomplish this without their top receiver, Christian Watson, who sat out his fifth straight game, not to mention Romeo Doubs, who left the contest in the first quarter. They are too young to understand the adversity, too young to be intimidated, these Packers. One of the youngest teams, in fact, ever to make the NFL playoffs.
They will head to Big D as heavy underdogs. Underestimate them at your own risk. They’ve already shown they are good enough to beat a top team on the road. Just ask the Detroit Lions what happened on Thanksgiving Day.
GAME BALLS
Jordan Love
Bart Starr couldn’t do it. Brett Favre couldn’t do it. Aaron Rodgers couldn’t do it. Now Jordan Love has done it. The first Green Bay quarterback to lead his team to the playoffs in his first year as a starter. And doing it in style. What a stat line. 27 of 32 passes for 316 yards and two scores, with a QB rating of 128.6. He moved the team with every single possession. But most impressive to me was his performance on the final drive. He was the epitome of clutch. Third and three on his own 13 yard line, he hits Jayden Reed for 15. Third and eight from his own 43, he bails out of the pocket and on the run finds Tucker Kraft for 15. Those were backbreaking conversions. Love played this game like an elite veteran. Only his third quarter fumble marred what was nearly a perfect game, and even then he had run to pick up what would have been a critical first down.
Aaron Jones
The Bears knew about his speed, his ability to set up his blocks, cut inside and explode through the hole. What the Bears may not have expected was the power Jones displayed. He ran angry, pushing tacklers backward for precious extra yards. The most important of his 111 rushing yards was the ten yard power run on the final drive, converting the first down that put the game away. For the first time this season, Jones went wire to wire as the workhorse back. He takes a beating but he is relentless. The Bears had no answer for his precision and brute force.
The Entire Receiving Unit
I find it impossible to single out just one pass catcher for a game ball. Jayden Reed ran wild across the middle for 112 yards on four catches. The Bears tried to play field position football, but Reed’s big run after the catches reversed the field. Dontayvion Wicks had six for 61 and two touchdowns, and the way he battled to get across the goal line on the second score showed a certain toughness we hadn’t seen before. Bo Melton with five for 62, showing again he has gained Love’s confidence. He just missed securing a spectacular catch in the end zone. And Tucker Kraft with three for 31, signaling to Luke Musgrave he’s not ready to surrender the number one tight end spot.
The Defensive Front
Here again, too many productive players to single anybody out. They shut down the run, allowing just 75 yards, and the pass rush was not just consistent and intense, but in perfect symmetry around the pocket, giving Justin Fields nowhere to escape, and no option but to succumb to sacks by Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Lukas Van Ness, Kenny Clark and Karl Brooks. A superior game plan brilliantly executed. Uh-oh....what does this mean for Joe Barry’s status?
Honorable mentions to the offensive line for allowing just one sack and paving the way for all those rushing yards, and to the defensive secondary, which allowed just two plays of more than 20 yards.
LAME CALLS
Clock Management
Clearly the Packers must come away with points at the end of the half. Love must have thought that Dontayvion Wicks could get out of bounds on his own after throwing him the ball with five seconds left. That was one of his few errors in judgement. Just throw the ball away or throw it into the end zone. A few plays earlier Kraft erred by turning upfield and not going out of bounds, costing several precious seconds.
Shallow Kickoffs
It’s concerning that Anders Carlson is having trouble kicking the ball into the end zone. His short kickoffs resulted in returns to the 31, 34, and 32. Maybe the cold weather has something to do with it, but Carlos Santos was having no trouble booming it far enough. The missed field goal on Green Bay’s first drive could have been costly as well. The snap was high but it looked like Whelan got the ball down and Carlson hooked it.
THREE AND OUT
-- Predictably, this game was very chippy with much late pushing and shoving. To their credit, the officials kept the flags in their pockets and didn’t affect the game by calling a bunch of personal fouls. Even the hit on the sliding Fields was not flagged. That was refreshing to see.
-- That the Packers survived two critical calls that didn’t go their way made their resolve even more impressive. The third down pass to DJ Moore really looked incomplete to me, but they got the end zone call on Bo Melton correct. He never had control until he was over the end line.
-- After the Packers game ended I was watching the end of the Rams/49ers game and pondering whom I would rather see Green Bay play, the Cowboys or the Lions. I’m kind of glad it turned out to be the Cowboys. Detroit would have been extra motivated to seek revenge after their Thanksgiving Day loss, whereas Dallas may come into this game supremely overconfident. Will Mike McCarthy be coaching for his job?
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
__________________________
Comments (150)
HawkPacker
January 08, 2024 at 07:26 am
'That the Packers survived two critical calls that didn’t go their way made their resolve even more impressive. The third down pass to DJ Moore really looked incomplete to me, but they got the end zone call on Bo Melton correct. He never had control until he was over the end line. ' I agree on Bo Melton, he did not have control and was shocked that LaFleur threw the red flag. Furthermore, Melton is acting like he caught it and we should throw the red flag.
It wasn't even close, at least to me it wasn't. I think LaFleur needs to relook at his process for challenging as he gets more of them wrong than right!
But enough about that. What a great game to watch. They are an exciting bunch and Love is just phenominal.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 07:32 am
LaFleur didn't challenge the Melton play. It was changed by the refs so they looked at it.
LaFleur challenged the Moore play and absolutely should have. I don't see how that was ruled a catch after review. Unless they had an angle that I didn't see. everything I saw the ball hit the ground.
I saw Al asked on twitter if LaFleur should have challenged the 4th and 1 that they ruled Fields getting the first down on. I said what was the point. The refs wouldn't have changed it anyways. The refs seem to not change any plays on challenge anymore. They go with what the call is on the field.
HawkPacker
January 08, 2024 at 07:56 am
Hmmmmm. I watched the game in a bar with friends with no sound and it appeared that he must have challenged. Good to know. Thanks RC.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 07:59 am
I think they overturned the call to TD because it was so close. Beings all TD plays are reviewed I think they figured it was best to change it that way to review it to get it right. Which i prefer that, then to force a team to use a challenge.
Cubbygold
January 08, 2024 at 09:04 am
I agree with the review of the red flag decisions. To me it feels very emotional.
Like in this game, when MLF threw the red flag, I'm over here on the couch going "Yes! he saw something there and that big play is going to come back". I'm a fan wanting that to be true because it might erase a big play. It feels a little bit like that's how MLF decides to throw his flags - "I want this to be reversed" rather than "my video team says we've got a good chance at overturning".
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 07:27 am
Game Balls:
The Entire Packers team-
It is really hard to give out a game ball to certain people when this was an entire team effort to make the playoffs. From the coaches to the players, this was a team effort. The score was closer then it should have been, but the Bears weren't a threat to win this game. This was a great team win!
Special recognition -
Love - He should have had 4 TD's. 1 was dropped by Doubs, and 1 was ruled incomplete, even though it was more of a catch then Moore's was.
Jones - This offense is just different when Jones plays.
Reed/Wicks/Melton - All 3 guys played huge. Making big plays and key plays all game long.
OL - Didn't the Bears make a big trade for Sweat? Because you never heard his name.
DL - They dominated the game.
Lame Calls:
Officiating -
The NFL has a real problem. They need to do something different with the officials because this is getting out of hand.
First how do they rule the first down a first down?
Second how in the hell was Moore's catch ruled a catch after it was challenged. Unless they had an angle that showed anything different, I saw no chance that ball should have been ruled a catch. And if that is ruled a catch how was Melton's not a catch? I just don't get it.
Third I thought it was great this morning seeing Baldy highlight Clark getting tackled and talking about wondering how stuff is going to be called in the playoffs. The play he highlighted Clark got tackled and Fields ran for a first down. I saw the play like and wondered why there was no flag thrown.
Officiating has been poor all year, and it feels like its getting worse each week.
Three and Out:
-- "Predictably, this game was very chippy with much late pushing and shoving." Pretty much tells you where the Bears are at. They talked so much shit in the offseason, and got their asses handed to them in week 1. They talked a bunch of shit before this game, and got their asses handed to them (the game wasn't as close as the score ended up being). Then after the game they still were talking crap.
-- "but they got the end zone call on Bo Melton correct. He never had control until he was over the end line." I disagree. Once he hit the ground his hand pinched the ball to his legs and it never moved. he had control of it before it hit the ground and after. And it didn't even touch the ground until he was out of bounds. He needs to make a cleaner catch, but that should have been a catch.
-- We are in the Playoffs!!! Who the hell would have thought that at the beginning of the year. How many thought that when we were 2-5. The Packers have their QB. They have a young group of WR's and TE's that are ascending. The OL has jelled. The defense has played better, and they are actually calling tighter coverages and blitzes. (still don't trust them). I don't care if we win or lose, making it to the playoffs is a huge win for the future of this team.
Bonus Out:
-- How the hell good does the future of this team look. We are the youngest team to make the playoffs. We have the cheapest and youngest group of WR's and TE's. Our OL has been really good. Love has become a stud. Our defense has a lot of young players really playing well. And we have 5 draft picks in the first 3 rounds this year. We are positioned to do very well for a while in the future!
DoubleJ
January 08, 2024 at 07:50 am
The officials also missed the Bears #97 throwing a punch after the play in one of the scrums. What was worse is that an official was almost right next to him.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 07:55 am
i thought I saw a couple of punches thrown in each of those scrums. Officials needed to take control of the game in those situations.
I am ok with them letting them play, but the obvious calls like Clark being tackled needs to be called.
DoubleJ
January 08, 2024 at 08:18 am
I don't mind with letting them play either and only calling the obvious calls (opposite of the 2020 NFCCG). However, the officials have to be ready for things getting chippy especially in divisional games. This game did get chippy and there should have been a couple flags for throwing punches.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 09:56 am
i prefer letting them play. But they need to make the calls that there is no doubt a penalty. And when you see guys throwing punches, they need to throw the flag.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 09:36 am
...The NFL has a real problem. They need to do something different with the officials because this is getting out of hand...
For a multi-billion dollar industry it is a disgrace. Even something as simple as forward progress or ball placement has turned into random acts of competence. I laugh when I see those AI ads were the odds of outcomes are being calculated in real-time with computer precision then I see the officials making shit up like guys around a campfire.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 09:44 am
Wasn't it fun watching the Ref spotting the ball from the 50 to the +49 back to the -49 yard line.
Its sad, but the refs play way to big of a part of the games.
Leatherhead
January 08, 2024 at 10:21 am
Getting boned by the refs is part of the game. Football is about overcoming, and you have to overcome the refs, too.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 10:27 am
Packers were good enough to not let the refs impact the game. I'm fine with letting them play, as long as they are consistent.
But there are so many issues in general with reffing. No they aren't going to be perfect. But it has gotten so bad.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 10:34 am
...Getting boned by the refs is part of the game...
"getting boned" I thought I was back in high school - too funny. But you are right that it is a part of the game. A team can usually dictate its own success and outright win a game. If you are relying on a ref's call then you gave up too many chances to seal the deal on your own.
fthisJack
January 09, 2024 at 07:23 am
Tell that to the Lions.
Starrbrite
January 08, 2024 at 10:33 am
“Like guys around a campfire”—ha—that’s good.
jvole
January 08, 2024 at 07:29 am
What a game! It is hard to not love this team. Blaming Love for the poor clock management, well, yeah ok but why is MLF even giving him the opportunity to make a bad decision? Equal blame for that lame mistake.
Otherwise the only other downside is that the D's performance might keep Barry around.
Coldworld
January 08, 2024 at 07:51 am
We got too cute. It cost us. The fact that it was largely only critical due to a prior mistake is irrelevant. Just take the field goal attempt.
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 09:50 am
With this kicker, no kick is a gimme, not even extra points. Don't even get me started on the short kickoffs. We got greedy on the last play of the half. And it cost us. Receivers need strength training in the off season as we lost 2 TDS on drops and strips. But one of our WRs made a great play stripping a DB of the ball in the end zone. It stands out when young players make a really smart play like that.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 01:53 pm
Did you see the Packers WRs dragging defenders with them, like Wicks on the TD. Not sure strength training is what they need. Sometimes the defender makes a good play.
fireball
January 08, 2024 at 07:39 am
Yeh, yeh, I know, " immensely talented and deep. " Maybe. I don't know.
jlc1
January 08, 2024 at 07:43 am
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-kbTbg00AJU
Sums it up
egbertsouse
January 08, 2024 at 07:47 am
Not to be a Debbie Downer but unless the Cowpies put up 60 against the Packers, Barry will be around another 2 years.
DoubleJ
January 08, 2024 at 07:51 am
Lets hope not.
Coldworld
January 08, 2024 at 07:54 am
Look at it this way. Nothing is changing while we are still playing. If we aren’t in February, it will provide a pretty clear test of perspective.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 09:22 am
I can't see how Matt is going to fire his guy after improved performance down the stretch and a winning season. Maybe the HC getting more involved is enough to "smarten up" the coordinator. Looks like ST will be his next task
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 09:54 am
Barry also cost us games this year which is unacceptable unless management doesn't want the team to get better. The defensive players deserve better coaching to be the best they can be. Matt doesn't have to fire the guy, his contract is up anyway and we can do better.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 10:38 am
I am not disagreeing with you on this BUT Joe Barry is Matt LaFleur's hire and Matt has defended the defense. I would be surprised if Matt made the call.
mnbadger
January 08, 2024 at 12:58 pm
The call was made on jb when he wasn't extended.
If he's is back next year, there will be a revolution including torches and pitchforks.
We can win some games with him, we'll NEVER win a championship.
I hope we're here to win championships, not games.
GPG!
Starrbrite
January 08, 2024 at 10:34 am
That is a scary thought.
rstain99
January 08, 2024 at 11:00 am
No question all of a sudden he decides to be aggressive seen a bunch of calls for his head all season well warranted he played soft coverage all season where did that get you. Buddy Ryan rolling over screaming at him play tough get physical. See if this can keep going,
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 03:25 pm
If the defense plays the way they did yesterday, I'm okay with that.
fthisJack
January 09, 2024 at 07:31 am
Barry did the same sheeite last year. Couldn't stop the run or pass for 3/4 of the season then wised up for the last couple. Same this year letting 2 HS QB run wild on him. What doesn't this guy learn from the way his defense plays when you play aggressive and put pressure on the QB every play!!??
Coldworld
January 08, 2024 at 07:48 am
Is it Carlson or Bissacia? Carlson has shown an ability to kick it straight out. To me this is more likely the other side of the tactic to try and tilt starting position from having Nixon frequently bring it out.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 07:58 am
Is it Carlson or is the snapping process?
On the miss it was another bad snap. Whelan had to reach around his body again to get the ball and come back to get it down. And then Carlson pulled it left. Well if the snap is off and whelan has to adjust to get it, and he puts it down in an off spot that can throw the kick off.
I'd love someone to ask LaFleur or Bisaccia about it.
Untylu1968
January 08, 2024 at 09:40 am
Timing is critical in the kicking game! A bad snap creates a fraction of a second adjustment that can result in a miss. It happens. But it's getting old and needs to stop, now that we're in the dance!
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 10:02 am
absolutely. I know on 2 of his last misses they had bad snaps.
I wouldn't doubt if they brought in another LS next year.
crayzpackfan
January 08, 2024 at 07:59 am
Is Christian Watson really our "top receiver?" I see the media saying this about him yet he had nothing to even do with this run to make the playoffs. How does this work?
Rarescope
January 08, 2024 at 08:14 am
I thought the same thing. I grew up in ND so it’s cool to see NDSU players on the Packers, but we don’t seem to miss him. Good problem to have.
Starrbrite
January 08, 2024 at 10:39 am
I’m a former NoDaker too —Several NDSU Bison players playing yesterday—Wentz; Easton Stick; and more. Watson needs to get on the field.
DoubleJ
January 08, 2024 at 08:21 am
When he is healthy, I think Watson is the #1. He has the most overall ability of any of the receivers. We have seen what he does for the offense when he is on the field. On any given play he is able to take the ball 90 yards to the house.
Since'75
January 08, 2024 at 02:29 pm
Well...lets see it then, if he's able.
mrtundra
January 08, 2024 at 08:44 am
Right now, this minute, Jayden Reed is our #1 WR. Followed closely by Dontayvion Wicks.
DanL
January 08, 2024 at 09:58 am
Also, Peek in the rear view mirror and Bo Melton is coming on strong too.
LeotisHarris
January 08, 2024 at 05:49 pm
"... Bo Melton is coming on strong.."
The road has got me hypnotized
And I'm speedin' into a new sunrise
Starrbrite
January 08, 2024 at 10:39 am
Yes—agree.
Untylu1968
January 08, 2024 at 10:50 am
The whole fixation on who the "#1" receiver is or that Kraft has taken over the #1 TE spot from Musgrave is getting a little stale!
When and if Watson becomes healthy, he's going to add another dimension to this awesome group of young receivers . Same with Musgrave! He's different from Kraft, and that's OK. They'll compliment each other and be a dynamic duo that's been missing for many years.
Devante was our last true #1, and he was awesome, but give me 5 #2s, and this offense will be special..
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 03:29 pm
Yes, I don't understand the need to label the WRs and TEs and number one or number two or three. When GB had a stable of strong WRs: Jennings, Driver, Jordy, James Jones, there wasn't constant talk about who was #1. Same when Cobb was added in to that mix after Driver retired. We didn't start focusing on the #1 until Adams was the only clearly talented WR on the team. Now it's all the rage, to claim who is #1. You can say who is leading in stats, but so what? That changes game to game.
This team is like Rodgers' early years when he had a wealth of receiving options, before Ted and Brian let the cupboard go bare with only Adams as a threat.
Any of these guys can go over 100 any given game, which is how it was with Cobb, Jones, Jordy and Adams.
rstain99
January 08, 2024 at 11:03 am
he is soft and really what has he done for 2 years needs to get in line, Wicks, Reed, Doubs, Melton. Heath. No 6? There is a surplus, took much hanging around with JA, Savage the softies. Are you hurt or are you injured?
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 03:43 pm
What has Watson done in 2 years? Scored 9 total TDs as a rookie last year, more than any other rookie in the league. In the healthy stretch against LAC, DET and KC, he scored 4 TDs and came in just under 100 yd against KC. That's what he's done for 2 years. He's clearly a threat every time he's on the field.
You gotta love it when fans watch a player play a really violent game at top speed, get injured and then cry "soft" about a player that has taken so many hits and still hung on to the ball.
It certainly appears that Watson is doing everything he can to get his hamstring issues figured out, but the human body is not a machine with replaceable parts. Go back and watch Watson't great game against Chiefs and it is clear how he got injured.
Guys get injured in the NFL. Eventually every player gets injured in the NFL. You might as well call every player who ever missed a game soft if that is your basis for Watson, Jaire and Savage being soft. Jaire and Savage sure didn't look soft yesterday. They each had some great hits.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 02:01 pm
Go back and watch the 4 TDs against the Chargers, Lions and Chiefs. He's the deep threat, the red zone threat, the contested ball threat. And he had just under 100 yards against the Lions. He's their top drafted receiver, and if he is fully healthy he is absolutely their top receiver. He accounted for 9 total TDs as a rookie. Yes, he is the top receiver. He is just injured and working to get back on the field.
Bitternotsour
January 08, 2024 at 04:37 pm
entitled town...
Guam
January 08, 2024 at 08:04 am
I have wondered for some time if it was just the defensive scheme or if the Packer defensive players just weren't very good too. The Kansas City and Detroit games as well as the last two games have reassured me that it isn't the players. Given an aggressive blitz/press man scheme, the Packer players executed it brilliantly yesterday.
To me that is the greatest indictment of Barry yet. He has the personnel to play an aggressive, winning scheme and yet mostly prefers his passive bend and then break soft zone. Barry has been misusing the players Gute provided him and that has to be demoralizing to those players. This mismatch between players and scheme strongly reaffirms the need to fire Barry and find a DC that can utilize the strengths of the players on this roster.
If Lafleur has any brains, this game did not save Barry, it sealed his termination.
RCPackerFan
January 08, 2024 at 08:08 am
completely agree.
I remember a few weeks ago LaFleur said he was going to be putting more time in on defense. So has the more aggressive approach due to LaFleur or Barry? I think its more on LaFleur.
Guam
January 08, 2024 at 08:09 am
You may well be right RC. Certainly something changed in the last two weeks.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 09:51 am
Despite our high draft investment on defense, I don't see much beyond average for talent on this defense. If we had more pure football players, I think that we could play effective zone coverages. It doesn't help that our defensive staff is having trouble teaching these guys how to play as a unit. That is on the DC and his people. As much as guys like Ballintine and Valentine, these guys are serviceable and will struggle against good offenses. Joe Barry is like the last 3 DCs before him trying to make something out of an average group. The thing that Barry has missed is to try something different because what you have been doing doesn't work.
Bitternotsour
January 08, 2024 at 10:05 am
Scoreboard. Those "average talent" defensive players held the bears to 9 points. Sacked the shit out of their quarterback, and somehow, in spite of everything wound up top ten in scoring defense. I guess you can judge results, or trust your lying eyes.
You can't win a super bowl if you aren't in the playoffs. There are no bad teams in the wildcard slots.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 10:49 am
The Bears offense is not very good, nor was a Kirk Cousinless Vikings offense. The boys played a solid game against these guys - kudos to them and the coaching staff. Against a good O-line, our amazing talent doesn't stop the run well, cover the middle of the field well or get off the field on 3 downs. Stats mean little to me - how you perform against top teams tells me how good the team really is. The Dallas game will be the barometer.
Bitternotsour
January 08, 2024 at 01:19 pm
Getting to the playoffs was the barometer. Youngest team in the league, playoff bound. The season is a success and there's plenty to build on.
You can keep moving the goal posts, but this team is in the playoffs, and this quarterback is the man. As for top teams, they beat top teams. Go sell crazy somewhere else, there's already too much of it here.
PackerBackerAZ
January 08, 2024 at 02:16 pm
Beating bad offensive teams isn't much of a barometer.Beating the playoff caliber offenses is a far better indicator. I too believe that most of the Packers defensive players are average at best. Hope they prove me wrong at Jerry World because the Packers have an offense that can hang with any of the playoff teams.
Go Pack Go
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 03:58 pm
Okay, GB was top 10 in scoring defense. How do you do that if you have only average players? Yeah, they played some bad QBs, but they beat the Lions and Chiefs in back-to-back games. They played against 3 of the top 10 scoring teams in the league and won 3 games (Lions, Rams, Saints), losing only to the Lions in one of their worst games of the season.
Lions scored 22 the second game
Saints scored 17
Rams scored 3
They beat the following playoff teams
Lions
Rams
Chiefs
Cowboys are a way better offense than anything they've seen, but their poorest performances have in general been against worse teams. They've elevated their game against better teams.
barutanseijin
January 08, 2024 at 02:37 pm
They dominated the Lions, too. They are a good offense.
Bitternotsour
January 08, 2024 at 04:40 pm
The last time the Packers played the Cowboys they were huge underdogs. How did that one go?
Guam
January 08, 2024 at 10:29 am
I think Alexander, Stokes and Valentine are press man corners who are playing out of system in a zone. Average talent or misused talent? I lean to misused because Barry is forcing his system on the players rather than playing to their strengths. A new DC may find more talent than has been shown.
HawkPacker
January 08, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Maybe Savage as well!
PeteK
January 08, 2024 at 11:30 am
I wonder what the locker room attitude is with this DC? The D does come up big in some important end of season games. However, whoever is there could benefit from one or two good safeties.
Bitternotsour
January 08, 2024 at 12:22 pm
It has been 12 years since Nick Collins went down. 12 years and we still haven't found that guy at safety. Getting another Nick Collins would be grand.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 02:19 pm
Not much beyond average?
Devondre Campbell has been an all-pro
Jaire Alexander has been an all-pro
Kenny Clark is a two-time pro bowler
The 2023 Packer defense is top 10 in hurries per QB drop back and #11 in total pressures per dropback (hurries, hits, sacks) The top 10 is mathematically above average.
I'd say that's not bad for the youngest team in the league.
They have two rookies with 4 sacks each and Brooks added a FF and LVN had 10 QB hits. Rookies playing well bodes well for the future. And Wyatt has 5.5 sacks on the interior of the line.
They absolutely have talent on the defense. They need to upgrade the safety room and continue to develop LVN and see how Stokes heals up. But they do have talent to work with.
bjkdad44
January 08, 2024 at 09:19 pm
So if Barry promises to play like yesterday… then rehire him for two years more?
T7Steve
January 08, 2024 at 08:09 am
I love it when the punt team plays like this!
Dalas has been vulnerable against the run. We just ran on the #1 run D in the NFL.
Let's go in there and treat them like the 49ers did when they went to San Fran. The Cowboys' O will be a better test for this ascending D. Hopefully J.A. is up to his "cups".
tobinrote
January 08, 2024 at 08:13 am
i put the first half clock management fiasco on MLF. there was absolutely no need to run that final play, though perhaps given how unreliable field goals are with Carlson he felt they needed to get five yards closer. Carlson was just about the only downer in what was a fine performance on both sides of the ball. Special teams seem yet to be a problem.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 08:58 am
...there was absolutely no need to run that final play...
I agree and I also see the point about getting Carlson an easier kick. Tucker not getting out of bounds started the bad decision making and the sideline throw finished it. We saw this in various earlier games (Patrick Taylor staying in bounds). Maybe with experience Love will establish the rules in the huddle and this kind of stuff won't happen.
Cubbygold
January 08, 2024 at 08:58 am
I love getting that coachable moment and not having it come back to bite us. Have to imagine it'll be a looooong time before Love lets that happen again.
GregC
January 08, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Nowadays, teams try to run as much time off the clock as possible before kicking a field goal in that situation. They don't want to get burned by a big play that allows the other team to get into field goal range at the end of the half. It was pretty low-risk. All Love had to do was throw the ball away when Wicks was covered. Love screwed up. Possibly the corner baited him into making that throw. It was one of the few blemishes on a brilliant performance by Love. You could say that LaFleur should not have trusted Love in that situation, but one of the reasons this offense has taken off is that LaFleur is now able to trust Love's decision-making and has loosened the reins.
Since'75
January 08, 2024 at 08:16 am
"Bart Starr couldn’t do it. Brett Favre couldn’t do it. Aaron Rodgers couldn’t do it. Now Jordan Love has done it. The first Green Bay quarterback to lead his team to the playoffs in his first year as a starter."
Because....it's decided by one person, the QB.
The dumbing down....continues.
PeteK
January 08, 2024 at 11:37 am
I believe most know that it’s a team effort, but a young leader with a humble ,confident attitude will draw comparisons.
EskyBrian
January 08, 2024 at 08:22 am
great article Ken! what a game too!
Pistolero
January 08, 2024 at 07:01 pm
Logged in to say the same thing. Really well-written. Keep it up!
zoellner25
January 08, 2024 at 08:26 am
I firmly believe Bisaccia is coaching Carlson to kick it short to the goal line to force a team to act rather than just a touchback. He's got the leg. It makes no sense to me, but I think that needs to be asked
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 08:52 am
...I firmly believe Bisaccia is coaching Carlson to kick it short...
This is my suspicion as well. Given the poor coverage this needs to stop. If Carlson can't kick it through the end zone, that is a problem. If our ST coach can't see that short kicks and poor coverage are not working then they need to smarten up. Like Joe Barry playing soft coverage, Matt Lafleur needs to step in and stop stupid shit from happening.
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 10:11 am
I am not dishing sh#t on you guys but thinking Carlson is kicking short on purpose, when we don't have a good kick coverage team, is batsh#t crazy. Carlson does not have a strong leg, is inaccurate, and we wasted a draft pick on him. I hope he kicks well for the rest of the season, but GB needs to bring in serious competition for him this summer. UFDA Harold Mevis-Missouri. Kicks the ball thru the end zone, doesn't miss extra points and holds the SEC record with a 63 yard FG. GB needs to be all over this before the draft.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 12:05 pm
You might be right but I just don't see why a outdoor, cold weather team purposely drafts a kicker who doesn't have a strong leg. The slam against Crosby was that he couldn't consistently kick the ball deep SO you draft a guy who is a younger Crosby. Doesn't make sense.
Lare
January 08, 2024 at 01:29 pm
One kick I saw was to the 10 yard line.
Since'75
January 08, 2024 at 08:29 am
Last season, Packer fans were crowning Watson and Doubs as future receivers #1 and #2.
That is the danger of crowning players before the dust settles.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
But so far, i see Reed and Wicks as the future potential #1 and 2 receivers.
Preston Smith had 3 sacks in the last 8 games.
Rashan Gary had a 1/2 sack in the last 6 games
Thank God we've had some minimum wage guys show up
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 10:16 am
I will bet that Gary has got more attention from the other team's Oline than Smith has too. I am glad Smith has played better as the year went on, but he will be gone next year because of being too expensive and not enough production. We will draft his replacement in Darius Robinson-Missouri.
PeteK
January 08, 2024 at 11:42 am
I think he and AJ will be back for one more season. Van Ness is the replacement. Runyon & Savage will leave. Cap relief from Rogers and a few others with cap hits will give us cap room, but draft picks will bring in future stars, I hope.
Tundraboy
January 08, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Agreed!
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 08, 2024 at 02:29 pm
Not enough production?
Smith has played great defense this year, both in pass rushing and run defense. These details are from Packerswire on 12/9/23
"On a defense that is on the verge of cracking the top 10 in pressure rate, Smith’s 31 pressures are the third-most on the team, just 10 behind Gary and Clark. He’s also recorded two five-pressure performances in the last three weeks. Smith’s six sacks rank second on the team, as does his 8.2 percent run-stop rate, according to PFF, while he has the lowest missed tackle percentage on the defense.?
Doug_In_Sandpoint
January 08, 2024 at 08:30 am
Just don’t understand that mark on the fourth down. Maybe I don’t know what part of the flag is the 10 yard mark. The ball was 2” behind the metal, but about even with the black part that sticks out from the flag. Any ideas?
Not a great moment for the refs, but I really appreciated them keeping their flags in their pockets. I saw a huge hold on Clark go uncalled, but I’m OK with that if they are letting them play. They could call holding on every play if they wanted. They may have gotten offsides wrong (LT moved first), but the first holding call on the Bears center shouldn’t have been called.
Cubbygold
January 08, 2024 at 08:57 am
I thought they stopped them too, but i'm sure it was just the camera angle messing with our view
HarryHodag
January 08, 2024 at 08:35 am
This is one of the most joyous victories the Packers have had in recent memory. No team plays a perfect game, but the offense was wonderful and the defense all but shut down a dangerous quarterback.. Who thought week 1 this would happen? YAHOO!
The only lame call is Carlson the kicker. If you go back and look at his misses over the season it is clear they need to bring in another kicker to push him or replace him. Even an extra point is an adventure and it shouldn't be.
The story lines coming up are massive and it should be an entertaining weekend.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
January 08, 2024 at 08:50 am
Still don’t mind the decision to give Anders the kicking job. I think he’ll end up being very good for us for many years. Meanwhile I’ve seen Crosby missing FGs and extra points the last few weeks. Banged another one off the upright yesterday.
murf7777
January 08, 2024 at 09:22 am
I’ll take Crosby for the playoffs all day long. He’s proven to be able to handle the pressure situations that the playoffs will provide. Anders has shown he is questionable. IF Anders can kick it through the end zone I’d give him the kick off duties. Long term, yes give Anders the opportunity to earn it.
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 10:24 am
Crosby is like 100 years old and has probably kicked 100,000 balls in his life. It's too bad his last kick will be remembered as a Doink-Miss. He was sure a stud for us for alot of years and Carlson can't be compared to Mason at this point. Part of the reason GB didn't resign Crosby, including too much $$, was his inability to kick the ball to the end zone the last couple of years. We need competition for Carson this summer, but not at the expense of a draft pick.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 08:44 am
2023-24 may be the biggest surprise year as a Packers fan. Aside from our 2010 Super Bowl run, this year was full of unknowns, crazy defeats, unexpected performance and promise. It was fun to watch this group grow and succeed together. Jaire Alexander tried to pull us back to Rodgers type drama but the team overcame that misstep. Congrats to these guys and the coaches.
That was a good football game to watch. I was hoping we would put them away earlier and more definitively but they played hard as well. I think this game finalized some decisions for each team. For the Bears, I can see them drafting the top QB with their first pick. Fields can't make enough throws to lead a team to the big prize. Hopefully, they don't share my assessment. I think their coaching staff is safe.
As much as fans hope for the end of Joe Barry, I don't think they fire him. Our late season success will ensure at least one more season of 4th and 26 Barry ball. I also hope that we draft a stud RB this off season. Aaron Jones demonstrates what a dynamic, quick burst RB brings to Love and this offense. The Packers have been negligent with RB resources over the years and Jones is not getting any younger.
Got to say that Matt Lafleur is shedding the Howdy Doody image on the sidelines. His old bewildered looks have given away to the ocassional "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore" stomps.
I don't know how we will fare in Dallas. I hope we start fast and play well. Solid trench play will set the tone for the Packers and give us a chance to trade blows with a talented Cowboys squad.
Go Packers
Cubbygold
January 08, 2024 at 08:56 am
Agree on MLF. I think he's had to battle through the 'who is this young guy' image, then had to battle with this 'I'm the head coach but does Aaron run the offense' confusion, to now being able to run his style of offense with his guys.
I don't think it hurts that he's now surrounded by guys a lot younger than him, allowing him to feel like he's got a bit more experience and wisdom to share.
I'd still like to get a tough as nails DC to pair with the more analytical MLF this offseason. If you're going to play cold weather football, your team should be unquestionably tough and aggressive. Would love to see that personality more consistently from this defense.
Tundraboy
January 08, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Nice observations. I agree.
murf7777
January 08, 2024 at 09:28 am
Good thoughts Razer. I agree I’m hoping they don’t take a QB. Unless, they stop Dallas & SF offenses I don’t see Joe Barry staying. Mlf has grown into being a very, very good coach. He doesn’t do everything perfectly, but nobody does. He’s better than most.
Cubbygold
January 08, 2024 at 08:52 am
Game ball to clutch play making. Packers average starting field position was their own 19.5 yard line, with their best starting position at their own 28. And they never punted! If the bears could have forced a few three and outs and worked that field position, we might be talking about a different outcome. Instead, drive after drive this offense went out and converted clutch plays to drive down the field.
Incredible.
mrtundra
January 08, 2024 at 08:54 am
I've been saying it since Training Camp, that this team will surprise a lot of people and they did just that! No one expected us to make a playoff appearance, with this young team! We beat last season's record of 8-9, when we had Rodgers, as our QB. We won the last game of the season, this season, to get us into the playoffs! Anything else we do, this post season, is just gravy! What a bright future we have in this team, the Green Bay Packers! GO PACK, GO!!!
Swisch
January 08, 2024 at 09:04 am
Game ball to Matt LaFleur for not playing it too conservatively on the magnificent last drive, which was not only more than six minutes in length, but also consumed three Bears timeouts and the two-minute warning.
Once the Packers advanced from the peril our own 2-yard-line to about midfield, LaFleur could have played it safe with all running plays, as he did against the Panthers.
Instead, he mixed in a short pass to Jones, as well as the wonderful pass play to Kraft that sealed the game to run out the clock --thereby not allowing our defense the opportunity to break our hearts once again.
Kudos to LaFleur for the adaptability of daring.
***
Lame call to Joe Barry for not adapting all that much and continuing to be exasperatingly overcautious, at least when it comes to not blitzing.
The Bears seemed to move the ball on all of their possessions due to Barry's timidity, giving the Bears QB easy throws and runs.
We were lucky that a near interception by Valentine near the goal line wasn't actually a touchdown catch by the Bears.
Fortunately, the Packers defenders were highly energized and effective, so as to overcome the ineptitude of their defensive coordinator.
However, if the Packers don't produce that masterful drive to end the game, and perhaps even have to punt from our own end zone, the Bears get the football back with plenty of time to tie the game -- in the same way the usually hapless Panthers did just a couple of weeks ago.
***
P.S. Before fans come at me with a hail of downvotes and some stupid insults as was the case yesterday, please explain how it is that Barry -- after debacles against the Giants, Bucs, and Panthers so very recently -- supposedly made a stunning transformation from defensive dunce to defensive mastermind.
What did he actually do yesterday against the Bears that was so remarkably different?
Is it time to celebrate Barry with a new contract to reward him for his display of expertise?
I may be wrong with my observations and opinions, but nastiness is not persuasiveness.
Cubbygold
January 08, 2024 at 09:14 am
Last drive was beautiful. Jordan checking it down to an open Kraft instead of chucking it deep on a prayer was so refreshing.
For years it seemed like giving GB the ball with 4 minutes to go was guaranteed to end in a quick punt. Yesterday they closed that game out like a champ.
Guam
January 08, 2024 at 09:59 am
No down votes from me today or yesterday Swisch, but I do think Barry called one of his best games yesterday. As TGR pointed out in Snap Counts, Barry played more three DL and more press man coverage against the Bears than he has all season. I have no idea why Barry suddenly figured out how to be aggressive (unless as RC suggested MLF has gotten more involved in the defense), but he has been more aggressive the last two games.
I am still firmly in the "fire Barry" camp despite the last two games because it has taken him two years and fifteen games this year to figure out how to best use his personnel. That is asinine and grounds for termination on its face. I want a DC who understands his personnel and uses them with competence on a consistent basis. That is not Barry and his unreasonable marriage to the bend and then break soft zone he seems to love.
I can praise Barry for the last two games and still want him fired.
Swisch
January 08, 2024 at 10:31 am
Thanks, Guam, for a good reply.
It's much appreciated.
My impression is that Barry has made some good adjustments, but is still far from being aggressive.
It seemed the pass rush of the Packers was much better yesterday when Barry brought more than four rushers, but that he didn't do this nearly often enough.
In general, the defense couldn't seem to get the Bears offense off of the field, and so allowed way too much time of possession.
I attribute the better play of the defense mostly to the players, with some credit to Barry.
***
In the Panthers game, the Barry defense was okay through the first three-and-a-half quarters, at least as far as giving up a reasonable 16 points.
Then, yikes!
Fortunately, in the Bears game, for more than the last six minutes of the fourth quarter, our offense kept the defense off the field.
Otherwise, I shudder to think what may have happened.
Instead of Valentine scrambling to break up a pass that if thrown a little higher could have been a touchdown for the Bears earlier in the game . . . .
***
In any case, thanks again, Guam, for your reasonable disagreement.
I miss a lot during these games as far as what the Packers are doing, and am glad for other points of view that may correct my observations.
After last night, though, I'm a little shell-shocked from the shrill whistle of explosives of negativity bombarding me in the comments -- although most were duds as far as going beyond the stat sheet to actual explanation.
Guam
January 08, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Barry played 3 DL about fifty percent of the time and generally rushed five when three DL were in there. That is a pretty high blitz rate for any team and crazy high for Barry. Would I have liked to see more - yes, but much better than usual.
HawkPacker
January 08, 2024 at 12:31 pm
Swish, I like your post. However, as much as I don't care for Barry, he certainly does not deserve a lame call today. The last few games he has been fine, just like last year. I do not know why he can't call a more consistent defensive game each and every week as some weeks he really sucks the big one. But not this week.
I am still all for replacing him and since this is much like his finish last season, I think it is a toss up if he will be replaced!
Leatherhead
January 08, 2024 at 09:11 am
Good morning from a wet South Texas. What an enjoyable win, and now the Packers are the youngest team to ever make the playoffs. How does that happen?
1) https://wisportsheroics.com/green-bay-packers-preston-smith-joe-barry/ This is going to be a difficult thing for quite a few people to swallow. And for the record, the Packers finished 10th in scoring defense this year, despite the fact we didn't have some of our better players on the field.
2) As TGR mentioned in his snap counts, the offensive line has really solidified in the second half of the season. People were getting hysterical and making apocalyptic judgements about Myers, Walker, Runyan, Butkus and Stenovich, but calmer heads prevailed (as they usually do at 1265) and the Packers worked through it instead of changing the entire offensive line around so that we could move one guy to his best position and "See what Caleb can do" (no snaps in two seasons, that's what he can do). The platooning with Nijman seems to have really helped Walker. We should definitely make improving the O-line talent a priority in this draft. We'll be losing Runyan and Nijman and our best backup will be...................Newman!!!!
3) Touchdown passes. The improved protection has turned on the TD machine and the Packers finished the year with more TD passes than anybody except Dallas and SF. Love and the young bunch has gotten it done in the air. Actually, the rookies we brought in contributed more, as a group, than the holdovers from last year(Watson, Doubs, Toure). I think the competition for starting spots next summer is going to be brutal.
Cubbygold
January 08, 2024 at 09:18 am
What makes #3 even more incredible is that the team will someday play with a healthy Musgrave and Kraft (and hopefully Aaron Jones returns), and MLF will love getting all three on the field at the same time. Going to be a ton of competition for snaps, receptions and TDs.
Leatherhead
January 08, 2024 at 09:36 am
I think this could be the best passing offense in the league next year. As long as they protect Love and give him time.
Bitternotsour
January 08, 2024 at 09:41 am
I admit that the last two weeks have given me some pause on my abject dislike of MLF. This offense is beginning to look like SF (and LAR at their best). I'm beginning to think that LaFleur had to shake off the PTSD from having to coach a guy who thought he was smarter than him, and having to baby that same ego. It's not out of the question that Rodgers significantly sabotaged the offense and undermined LaFleur in the process. Yesterday I finally got a sense of that "all gas, no brakes" was actually thing.
Top ten scoring defense. That's crazy. Also too, welcome back Jaire. He looked ready this week, no longer carrying an arm beside him, but using it.
Swisch
January 08, 2024 at 10:49 am
There's the stat sheet, which can be good, but there's also the eye test.
I'll also add the gut check, in the sense of the gut-wrenching agony caused to fans by Barry's blunders.
Just in the last month or so, we've been tormented by DeVito, Mayfield, and Stroud.
Mayfield and Stroud combined for a total of 9 points against each other yesterday.
When the Packers faced Stroud, he led the Panther to two touchdowns in the last half of the fourth quarter, and then remember what almost happened in the last 19 seconds . . . .
That could well have happened again yesterday if the offense didn't do an amazing job of running out the clock for the final six minutes of the game.
Our defense had shown little ability to stop the Bears from moving the chains during the game, although it had some timely sacks. With Barry's lack of blitzes, the Bears could've have been poised to tie the game.
How much gut-wrenching can we as fans be expected to endure.
Covering for Barry by pointing to the stat sheet to twist the events on the field only makes the debacles of this defense this season more difficult to stomach.
The fans, and the players, deserve way better at defensive coordinator.
Leatherhead
January 08, 2024 at 11:51 am
Please tell me you didn't say this:
""Our defense had shown little ability to stop the Bears from moving the chains during the game""
75 yards rushing, 150 yards passing. (approximately). 41 plays, 10 for loss, including 5 sacks, and 5 incompletions. No TDs. Two FGs. 13 first downs.
What does stopping a team look like to you? That looks like a pound-down to me.
HawkPacker
January 08, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Yes LH, our defense was just fine yesterday. We just need them to perform more consistently throughout the season and that is what many, including myself, do not like about Barry.
I know you think he is great but he is pretty hard to figure out on how he calls a game week in and week out!
Swisch
January 08, 2024 at 01:52 pm
How did the Bears keep the ball for more than 28 minutes -- even though the Packers had the ball for the last six minutes of the game -- if their offense was so feeble?
What good fans don't seem to realize about Barry -- at least since yesterday -- is that he coaches the defense just good enough to lose.
How so many can seem to forget the ever-so-recent trio of debacles against the Giants/Bucs/Panthers is shocking to me?
Yesterday, we came so very close to the Packers punting out of their own end zone and the Bears tying the game to break our hearts.
I'm not good with that.
***
So, Barry is a good defensive coordinator statistically, perhaps, but don't fans realize how often he is maddening to behold with his cautious play?
I'm stunned at so many saying Barry was good yesterday.
His defensive players were amped up and effective; the offense covered for the defense by playing spectacularly; but it was basically the same old Barry allowing the mediocre Bears to keep it close.
I don't dismiss statistics, which can be of great use; but they can also be deceiving to the point of being worse than damned lies.
Perhaps I'm wrong, and my best to everyone here at CheeseheadTV -- but what I see from the Barry defense, even last night, and what I feel in my gut, is what I'm going by.
It's cringeworthy to watch, and nauseating to experience.
LeotisHarris
January 08, 2024 at 02:45 pm
Hey, Swisch, I offer this in all sincerity and if I'm way off base, my apologies. In my experience, when everyone around me is wrong and the world won't shape up, more often than not I'm the problem.
You've posted in the past about your struggles with depression. I'm familiar with clinical depression. I also know it can swing the other way into a manic state in many people who suffer from it; bipolar disorder. Take a deep breath, Review your post history from the last 24 hours. Check yourself, and be well.
Swisch
January 08, 2024 at 05:36 pm
It's good perspective from you, Leotis; and I appreciate your concern, as well.
In Kay Redfield Jamison's book, "An Unquiet Mind," she has an appendix with a fascinating list of prominent artists in history who seem to have been bipolar.
My takeaway is that people with mental illness can offer uniquely creative insights to the benefit of society; but that our thoughts can also get wild and out of control.
(By the way, the two-part NFL Network biography of Vince Lombardi briefly offers up the possibility that he was bipolar.)
***
Then there's these lines from a poem by Kipling, at least in paraphrase:
"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, yet make allowance for their doubting, too."
So much of my life I've been persevering against overwhelming doubts by others, while at the same time trying to take their views into consideration as possible correctives to errant thinking on my part.
It's quite a difficult balance.
***
I've long been diagnosed with the disorders of OCD and ADHD, and a couple of summers ago at the Mayo Clinic had added the debility of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME).
I've never been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but it seems quite possible that I have it in the form of rapid cycling, and also perhaps at times having both depression and mania simultaneously (as in last night and today).
As I'm guessing many others may know someone struggling with mental illness, this is an opportunity for me to offer my compassion and encouragement to everyone involved amidst the pain and confusion.
With the grace of God, I'm trying to live by further lines from the Kipling poem:
"If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone;
and so hold on when there is nothing in you except the will which says to them, 'Hold on!'"
My sincere best to everyone here at CheeseheadTV.
13TimeChamps
January 08, 2024 at 12:58 pm
"Our defense had shown little ability to stop the Bears from moving the chains during the game"
Moving the chains is the same as getting 1st downs. That's what moving the chains results in...1st downs. Chicago got a measly 13 in the game. Go check the box scores of every game played yesterday and see how many teams were held to 13 or fewer 1st downs.
How can you show "little ability to stop the Bears from moving the chains during the game", but only give up 13 1st downs and held them to 3/11 on 3rd downs? Your logic makes absolutely no sense.
Packer_Fan
January 08, 2024 at 09:21 am
So, I have been thinking... I expected about 6 wins this season. But I also thought that 9 wins were possible because of the teams they were playing. The Packers played a lot of losing teams.
Well, the Packers lost to the bad teams and beat some good teams. I expected Love would struggle, the running game would help out and Lafleur would force Barry to be more aggressive and win a game or two. Other than Love struggling in the first part of the year and Barry being more aggressive in the last two games, I was pretty much wrong except for the 9 win season.
What happened is that Love developed into a very good QB, Lafleur helped Love develop, the rookies WR'S had some excellent skills which the coaches learned how to use and the results are the playoffs.
I hope Barry remains aggressive because Love and the offense can take the Packers a long way. GO PACK GO
Bitternotsour
January 08, 2024 at 09:46 am
Can we all agree that the team needs to do everything in its power to get Tom Clements to commit to at least one more season. The guy turns 71 in June, and I want him well compensated, happy and committed.
Razer
January 08, 2024 at 10:23 am
I think that Clements was rehired from the Cardinals to work with Rodgers, which he did and did well. Clements wanted to stay and continue coaching Jordan Love and his influence shows. By all means keep the tutor and keep the Love train moving forward.
GaryC
January 08, 2024 at 10:00 am
(Jordan Love) “Only his third quarter fumble marred what was nearly a perfect game, and even then he had run to pick up what would have been a critical first down.”
And how he responded after that was absolutely superb and says everything about the guy. He didn’t get down or start doubting himself. Very, very impressive.
SinceLombardi
January 08, 2024 at 10:02 am
Technically Bart Starr’s first complete season was 1960 and they went to the championship
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 10:04 am
Let's not confuse a couple of low scoring games as a reason to retain Barry. Bottom line is we will be better without him. We have plenty of talent to be a top 10 or better defense with better coaching. That's what we would have with the Panthers DC or Rivera coaching our D. Throw money at them if either is available and the sky is the limit when you add in our offense. We will have a scary strong team.
I would give alot of credit to the fact that the OFFENSE was on the field longer with sustained drives vs the defense was on the field less and stayed fresher because of the time of possession. I will credit the defensive players before I pat Barry on the back . When this run is done, Barry needs to hit the road and i will make a guess no one else picks him up as a DC.
Swisch
January 08, 2024 at 11:05 am
Thumbs up, gp1.
The Bears offense had a surprisingly high time of possession -- especially considering that the Packers offense ran out the last six minutes -- due to the Bears moving the sticks with relative ease most of the game.
Our defense did produce some timely sacks, and seemed highly motivated for this game.
It seems Barry did make some good adjustments, but still mostly held back our defense by not blitzing nearly enough.
The players on defense were impressive in overcoming the coaching.
Also, as you stated, the offense was so superb that it turned out to be our best defense of all.
Leatherhead
January 08, 2024 at 12:02 pm
"Bottom line is we will be better without him""
Are you sure? How can you be so sure? We finished the regular season 10th in scoring defense (13th, 17th, 10th for his tenure) There's only about a dozen people in the league who are doing better right now. The players seem to like him, according to Preston Smith.
You can give SOME credit to the Packers plan, which is to win the game with offense by staying on the field and scoring points. The actual time of possession was in favor of the Bears prior to the final drive. That final drive to eat the clock was memorable. A real showcase moment.
Swisch
January 08, 2024 at 02:01 pm
When we didn't have such a memorable drive against the Panthers, they scored 14 points in the last 8 minutes.
Then, with only 19 seconds to go and no timeouts, at their own 25-yard-line, they moved the ball with two passes into field goal position for the tie, and just ran out of time by a second.
Memorable drives by the offense are wonderful, but are not going to happen every game.
I'm still waiting for a memorable moment by the defense under Barry to win a game for the Packers.
Yesterday against the Bears, Barry was much more lucky than plucky.
barutanseijin
January 08, 2024 at 04:32 pm
You decided what you would see and lo and behold, you saw it.
J-Rome
January 08, 2024 at 10:19 am
I made a lame call myself by watching NFL Countdown on ESPN. When they were previewing the game, all they did was talk about Justin Fields and how he was like Lamar Jackson. Watching the game, I saw the Bears were "playing around" Fields. They were running the clock, trying to run the ball, and throwing short timing routes. The Packers put the ball in Love's hands and he made the plays to win the game. Thats what you do with a franchise QB. What does that say about Fields and his future? The Packers future is looking pretty good right now.
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 10:37 am
Alexanders great play was a big factor in us winning. He might not be Darrel Revis, but he can take the other teams best WR out of the game when he is healthy and aggressive like he was yesterday. Barry has nothing to do with Alexanders talent. The defense played a great game in spite of Barry. Give them credit and also the offense for very few 3 and outs. No punts, that is just nuts. Barry is a weak link that needs to be replaced so we can reach our potential. GO PACK-BEAT DALLAS.
NFLfan
January 08, 2024 at 10:39 am
Packers need to develop or draft a more durable deep threat receiver-Watson is essentially available 25%.
Same issue with A Jones-he's available 30-40%. It won't get better.
Starrbrite
January 08, 2024 at 10:54 am
I mentioned the same thing regarding Jones—he was running angry; like he felt it was on his back to to secure the win. He may give the Cowboys fits and and he’s had some great success previously against them.
As for the officiating, it was refreshing for me to see them not over call the game —let ‘em play.
I am afraid of the officials wearing cowboy’s jersey’s this week. They showed their bias in the Dallas win over Detroit—and it seems they’re on mission to see Dallas is in the spotlight.
Go Packers!!!
TacoTuesday
January 08, 2024 at 11:02 am
Arthur Smith and Ryan Nielsen are available now.
Which one would you hire for our new DC?
Would you hire both?
LeotisHarris
January 08, 2024 at 03:00 pm
So, the chinless son of a billionaire or a former Arena League player? Nah, hard pass on less than mediocre white men failing upward again.
Rebelgb
January 09, 2024 at 08:48 am
What does the "white men" have to do with anything?
Tingham
January 08, 2024 at 11:21 am
How odd that the constant naysayers aren't posting today. I guess they are really busy with "work".
TheKanataThrilla
January 08, 2024 at 11:36 am
There are many Game Balls to be given out, but I wanted to make one mention in particular to Bo Melton. I am just so happy for the guy. I grew up during the "Bo knows..." era and I can definitely say our "Bo knows how to seize the opportunity".
Wearing the Packers number 80 jersey to me is tough as all I think about is Donald Driver. That jersey to me represents greatness and tenacity. Bo may not (yet) be great, but he has certainly been showing some tenacity and him dragging defenders for a first down was one of my highlights from last night's game.
His brother Max plays DB and will be in the draft. He has his brother's speed which you can't teach. Who knows we could find ourselves with 2 Meltons on the roster?
WD
January 08, 2024 at 11:43 am
It was a great win and a great season leading to the playoffs. One possible tiny concern is the kicker. Coaching has rightly been very patient. That short field goal he missed could have cost us the game. Go ahead and give me the thumbs down, but I suspect I am not the only one that gets a little nervous on extra points.
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 02:32 pm
WD i am not sure what they saw in this kicker that warranted interest let alone spending a draft pick on him. I argued with someone else on here about Carlsons short kickoffs and how they affect field position and possible injuries. If the kickoff is even 2 to 5 yards into the end zone, most returners will leave it go. Resulting in a good warm up sprint down the field, no one getting hurt, and a long field to go. Carlsons missed extra points and field goals are 2 more strikes. This summer bring in some competition. I like Harold Mevis-Missouri-UFDA.
Big leg produces touchbacks and the longest FG in SEC history, 63 yards. And he makes all his extra points.
barutanseijin
January 08, 2024 at 04:43 pm
I’m more worried about the long snapper. He’s very inconsistent. They haven’t had a decent one since Brett Goode. Hunter Bradley turned out to be a waste of a draft pick.
canadapacker
January 08, 2024 at 11:59 am
I am ecstatically happy over this win. And to still own Da Bears. I am happy that Barry put two games together where we held those teams down and although in the Vikes game we let them move the ball - we didnt let Fields kill us with his running ability. Now on to see MM and Dak - we do have a chance. Win or lose - going forward - we sure do have a bunch of tight ends and receivers - so our draft needs to focus on the D. I was a little disappointed in Walker - he seemed slow and he did do a couple of loafs. He is probably better suited as an OLB - but that is what we need plus some help on the back end. I also have some doubts about Watson's inability to overcome his injury and maybe we need to look at our training practices as we had a lot of hamstring injuries. And speaking about that is there a fitness jump from year 1 to 2 with kickers. Carlson's leg needs improvement on Kickoffs and just wondering if that happens with kickers and can the workouts be tailored to strengthen the kicking. Also it seems to me that even on made field goals - he is lining up and just getting it in the right hand side of the field goal pole - and although I have not looked at it - are all his misses to that side?
THESZOTMAN1
January 08, 2024 at 12:24 pm
As mentioned above, I also give game ball to O-Line.
Last summer I said that we needed 7 or 8 guys who wanted to knock the snot out of someone.
After a rocky start, with Tom taking RT, and with Rashid settling in at LT (occasionally spelled by Yosh) , and with Rhyan splitting time with Runyan at RG, and despite Bakhtiari's absence, low and behold..........
We have 7 or 8 guys who want to knock the snot out of someone.
These guys will take us as far as we're gonna get.
From old (VERY old) O-lineman.
The Szotman
CheeseEdWest2
January 08, 2024 at 02:36 pm
Yes. We should draft at least one OL in early rounds, a tackle, and a center/guard a little later. Keep building the unit, well enough to cut loose the bottom of the OL roster and give us true depth.
golfpacker1
January 08, 2024 at 02:24 pm
Rivera got fired as well.
Since'75
January 08, 2024 at 02:44 pm
I read somewhere up above.....Rashan Gary has got more attention, explaining his lack of production...hmmm
Sounds like his college excuse of non production.
Didn't we hear about all that after the draft, now we're 5 years into Gary's career and he's the 5th highest paid edge rusher, and he's still...only slightly better than average.
Gary had 6 sacks in 2 games.
Otherwise, he had 3 sacks in the other 14 games. C'MON, MAN.
Who is impressed by that?
24 million a year average?
Seriously?
*************
I've been rooting for Gary because i like his hustle.
But at some point, pointing out he has a lot of "pressures" gets old.
If you are one of the highest paid edge rushers, by definition, you are supposed to be a game changer.
In what year...do we stop labeling Gary as "elite" ....based on potential?
In what year, do we start admitting, Gary doesn't play up to the hype?
Mister Chievous
January 08, 2024 at 07:29 pm
the lions would be "extra motivated". only someone who never played the game would say something stupid like that. so the lions would play harder than normal in a playoff game, as if they are saving an extra gear they have? absurd. it's the playoffs . everyone is going 100%
Rebelgb
January 09, 2024 at 08:59 am
Great article.
Packer fans are so fickle, but all sports fans are. Its funny to me how many people want to suddenly keep or are at least ok with keeping JB. Everyone forgets last year when our defense suddenly played like a top 10 defense for a while towards the end of the year. Then Detroit happened and the fans were all about firing JB. This year he has been pretty terrible most the year, allowing a very mediocre Baker Mayfield and a so far horrible Bryce Young to set personal records and tear them apart.
Now once again JB decides to coach a few games and everyone is ok with keeping him. Well that is until Dallas racks up 400+ yards Sunday.
Personally, I think our last few games have been successful for one of 3 reasons:
1- Lafluer took some control of the defensive scheming during the week.
2- The players have taken over some control of the defense (given to them by MLF).
3- JB is on the way out (retirement due to contract), and is calling shit against his normal defensive philosophies.
This team has taken on a new YOUNG identity. Its time to find a younger and more aggressive DC and I believe the Pack will do just that in the off season.
Rebelgb
January 09, 2024 at 09:05 am
If your the Bears the Packers helped make your decision regarding Justin Fields for you yesterday. Hell I think they iron proofed the decision. Time to draft a QB again Chicago.
Here is an honest assessment:
Jordon Love 1st year starter: Using cadence to get defense to show its hand pre-snap / moving TE's and RB's to strong side, weak side or to protection depending on defense / Calling audibles to match what defense is showing / when feeling pressure moving within the pocket instead of bailing, and delivering clear strikes even with defenders around him / seeing open guys 15, 20 and 30 yards downfield / Team mates seem in love with the guy.
Fields 2nd year starter: NONE OF THAT
Rebelgb
January 09, 2024 at 09:11 am
In fact, im sure giving credit to his ability to sit for 3 years; I have seen Jordon Love operate this offense the last 6 weeks in a way I do not ever remember seeing a 1st year rookie (I know Jordon isnt really a rookie) operate one. Not even guys like Joe Burrow or Justing Herbert. Not to say Love is better than those guys, just saying Love is operating this offense at an unprecedented level for a 1st year starter.
golfpacker1
January 09, 2024 at 11:26 am
Maybe this is some good news, The Panthers head coaching wish list did not include their DC Evero? They must not even be considering him. I would think he would be at the top of our list though. Is he under contract with them? Also Wink Martindale-Giants DC is available now too. Was the Falcons head coach a DC before that? He got fired too.