Packers Snap Counts Vs. The Rams - Week 9
The Packers elevated Innis Gaines from the practice squad. They did not fill the roster spot opened by the trade of Rasul Douglas. The inactives were Quay Walker and Rudy Ford due to injury. Samori Toure, Caleb Jones and Brenton Cox were healthy scratches.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Myers | 72 | 100 | 5-22% |
| Tom | 72 | 100 | |
| Runyan | 65 | 90 | |
| Jenkins | 64 | 89 | 3-13% |
| Walker | 37 | 51 | 5-22% |
| Nijman | 35 | 49 | 3-13% |
| Rhyan | 15 | 21 | 5-22% |
| Newman | 5-22% |
The run blocking was reasonably good. The Packers gained 90 yards on 18 carries in the first half, with running backs gaining 61 yards on 16 carries (3.8 yards per carry). The team added 94 yards on 20 carries in the second half to finish with a 4.8 yards per carry average. The running backs gained 156 yards on 33 carries for the game, and finished with an average of 4.72 yards per carry. Emanual Wilson carried the ball 4 times for 43 yards with a long of 31 in the second half to help salt the victory away. The pass blocking was sometimes stellar but there were some hiccups. The Rams hit Love 5 times and sacked him 4 times. Some were coverage sacks. Aaron Donald split a Myers/Runyan double team to trip up Love who looked like he would run for a touchdown.
Nijman left with a back injury and was replaced by Rasheed Walker. I do think Nijman is a notch better than Walker beause he is a little more consistent. Who should play is a matter of philosophy as I don't think the difference is all that much. Nijman is unlikely to return but helps the team better evaluate Jordan Love whereas Walker is under contract for two more seasons after this one concludes. Runyan got benched after lining up offsides on a 4th and one at the Green Bay 41, which forced a punt. Runyan later did it again. Most feel that those were terrible calls. I couldn't tell from the angle of the shot on television. Runyan was closer to level with the center than seems normal to me, but I couldn't say whether he was in the neutral zone or not.
Sean Rhyan played 7 snaps at right guard (including snaps against Aaron Donald) and 8 snaps at left guard. On the several plays I watched closely, Rhyan did his job, and I didn't notice any issues on his other snaps. I would not mind seeing more of Rhyan. Again, this is a matter of philosophy, since Runyan is a free agent in 2024. Runyan might re-sign if he is cheap enough, but Rhyan is under contract for 2 more seasons. Runyan helps evaluate Love better because he can pass block, but does the team no favors with his terrible run blocking.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Jones | 41 | 57 | |
| Dillon | 29 | 40 | 2-9% |
| Wilson | 8 | 11 |
Jones gained 73 yards on 20 carries for a 3.7-yard average and added 4 receptions on 6 targets for 26 yards. He also fumbled. Dillon gained 40 yards on 9 carries for a 4.4-yard average and gained 3 yards on his only reception. He broke a tackle and had a lovely lead block on a running play for Aaron Jones. Wilson carried 4 times in his 8 snaps and gained 43 yards, a 10.8-yard average fueled by a 31-yard romp.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Musgrave | 60 | 83 | 5-22% |
| Kraft | 28 | 39 | 10-43% |
| Deguara | 13 | 18 | 16-70% |
| Sims | 5 | 7 | 5-22% |
Musgrave caught 3 of 4 targets for 51 yards including a 25-yard touchdown. Musgrave did a nice job of initially selling his blocking role and then releasing down the middle where Love hit him after faking screens to the left and to the right. Deguara caught his only target for a 7-yard gain. Kraft and Sims had no targets. The Packers do like their roles well-defined. As a note, Ben Skowronek, the Rams' big wide receiver, did his imitation of "The Deguara" when he went in motion with the intention of blocking Enagbare but whiffed, enabling Enagbare to make a tackle for loss. To be fair, Enagbare did take a quick step to elude Skowronek. Since it happens to other players besides Deguara, it might be premature to make this situation eponymous.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Love | 72 | 100 | |
| Clifford | DNP |
Love completed 8 of 13 passes for just 68 yards (5.23 yards/attempt) in the first half with no touchdowns or interceptions, good for a 75 passer rating. The Packers recovered a fumble on the Rams' 41 yard line. Love hit Deguara for 7 yards, Dillon carried once for 12 yards and Aaron Jones carried 5 times for 22 yards, capping it off with a 3-yard touchdown run off left tackle. The score was 7-3 at halftime. The Packers committed 7 penalties for 47 yards in the first half (just one penalty for 9 yards in the second half) and looked dysfunctional on offense. The Packers did have a nice 10-play, 45 yard drive in the first half even though it was hampered by an offsides penalty on Jayden Reed, a drop by Malik Heath, and a 7-yard sack by the Rams' nose tackle. Alas, Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal.
Love finished 20 or 26 for 228 yards (8.77 yards/attempt) with 1 touchdown, 0 INTs, and a 115.5 passer rating. He completed 12 of 13 passes for 160 yards in the second half with a touchdown and no interceptions. He was hampered by two fumbles on back to back drives which turned the ball over and gave the Rams good field position. While I never got the impression that Love was on fire in the second half, the offense looked fully functional. There were some inaccurate passes and others that should have been released sooner and thrown farther.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Doubs | 62 | 86 | |
| Watson | 56 | 78 | |
| Reed | 28 | 39 | 3-13% |
| Wicks | 23 | 32 | 1-4% |
| Heath | 7 | 10 | 2-9% |
Watson caught 1 of 2 passes for 37 yards. Watsoin was open deep but Love was both late with the pass and grossly under-threw it. The Packers need this connection to blossom. Doubs caught 3 of 3 for 36. Wicks caught 4 of 4 for 49 but also fumbled. Reed caught 3 of 3 for 19 and Heath had a drop. I like the talent but I tend to think they don't do many favors for the QB. Watson did put up some fight on his targets. Doubs and Reed double clutch catches a lot.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Slaton | 36 | 62 | 8-35% |
| Wyatt | 34 | 59 | 2-9% |
| Brooks | 23 | 40 | 6-26% |
| Wooden | 15 | 26 | 3-13% |
| Clark | 15 | 26 |
The front seven shut down the run. The Rams gained 68 yards on 26 carries (2.6-yard average) but their running backs gained just 51 yards on 22 carries, a 2.3-yard average. The Rams gained 58 of those 68 rushing yards in the first half, as 7 carries netted just 10 yards for the Rams in the second half. The Packers held the ball 15:15 minutes in the first half to 14:45 minutes for the Rams, but Rypien completed just 3 of 8 passes for 48 yards in the first half. There was some nice complementary play as the linebackers and DBs made some nice runs fills and limited gains. Indeed, Wyatt led the defensive linemen with 2 assisted tackles. Brooks, Slaton, Wooden and Clark each had 1 solo tackle. Brooks had 2 passes defensed. The Packers played just 2.12 true defensive linemen per play on average.
Clark left the game after 15 snaps with a shoulder injury. Clark is a good story, but he is due $17M in cash next season. If the Packers can get under the salary cap limit without touching his contract, they could gain $17M in cap space with a June designation. Something might have to give with his contract in 2024.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Campbell | 58 | 100 | 3-13% |
| McDuffie | 54 | 93 | 14-61% |
| Smith | 38 | 66 | |
| Gary | 36 | 62 | |
| Enagbare | 22 | 38 | 11-48% |
| Van Ness | 20 | 34 | 7-30% |
| Wilson | 4 | 7 | 17-74% |
| Welch | 13-57% |
McDuffie had 7 tackles (6 solo) including 2 tackles for loss. He is assignment sure in general. Campbell had 6 tackles (3 solo) and recovered a fumble. Wilson had a solo tackle. The ILBs were good at filling gaps and taking on blockers, while making the plays that were there for them. The Rams' tight ends and running backs did nothing in the passing game.
Gary had 3 tackles (1 solo) and 2 QB hits (with another nullified because Gary was offsides). Van Ness had 2 solo tackles including a tackle for loss and also had a QB hit. Preston Smith had 1 solo tackle and a pass defensed. Enagbare had the tackle for loss that I described above and helped set up the fumble. The Packers only hit the QB 4 times with 1 sack, but the pressure was reasonable.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Owens | 58 | 100 | 8-35% |
| Valentine | 58 | 100 | 3-13% |
| Johnson | 58 | 100 | 3-13% |
| Alexander | 58 | 100 | 1-4% |
| Nixon | 48 | 83 | 6-26% |
| Leavitt | 2 | 3 | 15-65% |
| Gaines | 1 | 2 | 12-52% |
| Ballentine | 14-61% | ||
| Anderson | 7-30% | ||
| Rochell | 5-22% |
The DBs played very well. Brett Rypien might not be very good, but Cooper Kupp and Pacua are good, and the backs never let these guys get wide open so Rypien could get some easy completions and settle down. Alexander had 7 solo tackles to lead the Packers and broke up 2 passes. He covered and also came up and limited gains. Owens also had 7 tackles (3 solo), plus a sack and a forced fumble. He also had a solo tackle on STs. Nixon had 5 solo tackles and Valentine had 3 nice pass break-ups to go with 2 solo tackles. Anthony Johnson had 1 solo tackle, 2 passes defensed including his first NFL interception. Zayne Anderson exists and also had a solo tackle on STs while Ballentine added an assisted tackle.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Carlson missed from 48 and hit on two short field goals. Whelan averaged 43.5 gross but just 34.25 net. 3 of his punts were returned.
WR: 2.44
TE: 1.47
RB: 1.08
DL: 2.12
ILB: 2.00
OLB: 2.00
DB: 4.88
Photo courtesy of Wm. Glasheen of USA Today
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Comments (55)
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2023 at 06:16 am
Rasul Douglas played 42 snaps (60%) and had 2 solo tackles and a passed defensed.
Kenny Clark can still rush the passer. He too often makes a play early and then disappears. I am open to limiting him to 35 snaps per game when he gets back from injury. He has 4 sacks and 8 QB hits in 8 games, which are good numbers. He just hasn't been worth $17M bucks for several years now.
4 offsides penalties (3 on offense). I didn't see 3 receivers in the same area. Progress. A couple of drops.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 06:50 am
The 2 offsides penalties on offense were a joke.
There was one true drop that I recall. The one to Heath.
Overall on offense there was a lot of progress made. The biggest thing that hurt them was the 2 first down conversions taken away on 4th down to keep drives going. And they also had 2 turnovers. That was 4 drive ending plays. And they had the missed FG at the end of half. Overall I was feeling a lot better about where the offense is after this weekend. Hopefully a confidence builder!
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 07:40 am
"Overall on offense there was a lot of progress made."
Sloppy ball handling aside, they had a good day. Not a GREAT day, but a good one. I think where we agree is that they need to stack success. Until they can get back to putting good offensive performances together, there's optimism but not much more.
Pittsburgh is in the bottom of most offensive and defensive categories, but is somehow 5-3. They have a dynamic rusher who can get after the QB...they profile a lot like Vegas in that regard (Vegas has Crosby, Pitt has Watt). This should be an opportunity to hit another team that statistically isn't very good, but whose record belies that.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 09:12 am
This was a step in the right direction kind of day. Not perfect. but a step in the right direction.
Steelers will be tough. But not impossible. Just depends if the Packers can build from this win.
Coach Cleve Steamer
November 06, 2023 at 09:10 am
Rasul Douglas had 2 tackles for Buffalo, but I didn’t know he defended a pass for Green Bay or Buffalo. Nor did I see where he played 42 snaps (60).
Thegreatreynoldo
November 07, 2023 at 12:26 am
CHTV subscribes to get official NFL stats with snap counts. I thought readers would be interested so after I did the article on the Packers I opened the nflgsis stats for Buffalo.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 06, 2023 at 06:22 am
TGR,
This was exceptional! Very appreciated it as much time must have been spent on it!
I would agree about Kenny Clark and the $17,000,000.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 06:52 am
I saw that Runyan got pulled and didn't know if it was for injury of his offsides. You'd think the coaches, after the first time, would have been able to get him to line up in the right spot.
I didn't see Jenkins getting pulled and didn't hear the announcers mention it. Did he get dinged or was there another reason, TGR? Don't remember him missing any snaps previously.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2023 at 07:13 am
I read in the comments that Jenkins got dinged up. haven't confirmed it.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 08:04 am
I don't think the Packers did anything on those 4th and inches plays that we don't see anywhere else, unless the league has decided to make this a point of emphasis to try to make the push play harder. That said, I don't think I saw it called anywhere else on Sunday.
I have a severe liking problem with the push play.
NickPerry
November 06, 2023 at 06:57 am
As usual this is great TGR...
Kenny Clark...I love me some Kenny Clark but for $17 million I'd sure like to see more. Then again, when you AVERAGE just 2.2 down linemen on defense per play it's hard to tell. I'd LOVE to see Kenny Clark play on a true 4-3 defense. He could play inside or on the end but IMO he'd be much better.
Valentine...I really like this kid. Hell, I might even like him more than Stokes. I think the Packers found a gem in Valentine.
Rhyan...Just WHY take him out? TGR mentioned a possible cheap extension for Runyan. I'd keep playing Rhyan, see what you have, and go into the draft knowing you need at least two, probably 3 O-Linemen. If the Packers were to resign Runyan it would have to be on the cheap side. Really cheap side..
Can someone tell me WHY it's so difficult for this team to line up on offense without being offsides? I mean holy shit, the ball is right THERE! Look at it, make sure you AND your helmet are BEHIND it, and then do it again on the next play!
I really like Karl Brooks. He was a force in the Mac Conference. Hopefully he can be a force in the NFC Conference.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 06:59 am
"Can someone tell me WHY it's so difficult for this team to line up on offense without being offsides? I mean holy shit, the ball is right THERE! Look at it, make sure you AND your helmet are BEHIND it, and then do it again on the next play!"
Go look at the still frames of it. They are on Twitter. Please tell me after seeing it, where you see they are offsides?
NickPerry
November 07, 2023 at 07:16 am
You do understand the Refs are calling everything now right? Some think it's because of the "Tush Push" the Eagles run and are doing it for player safety.
Offsides... EVERY PART of the O-Linemen MUST be BEHIND the entire football. If the helmet is even a smidgen past the the football...The WHOLE football, it's offsides. THAT'S the rule. It's as petty as hell but that's the NFL now.
To be fair, the officials never enforced it like they are this year. Times are changing. The coaching staff needs to change WITH the rules.
So I'll listen to the Refs calling the game instead of Twitter. That's what MATTERS!
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2023 at 07:17 am
I wasn't advocating for re-signing Runyan - you'd always be looking for an upgrade. Sometimes you can get an OG for $2M to $3M, though. He can pass block at an NFL level, and play LG and RG. Not sure if he can backup OC, just that he took some snaps there. It really was just an option GB might have next March.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 07:43 am
I agree: Runyan can play--and he'll be playing for someone in 2024--but he'll always be leaving you looking for more. I don't think you invest a multi-year deal in that kind of guy. Year-to-year is a different matter.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 08:12 am
" I'd LOVE to see Kenny Clark play on a true 4-3 defense. "
The Packers play a lot of even-front looks. All of the OLBs who play any number of snaps are used to playing with their hand on the ground. Shoulder injuries are hard for DL to play through. This might also make Jonathan Ford a game-day elevation. I'd like to see what he can do, although he's pretty much an NT only.
"Valentine...I really like this kid. Hell, I might even like him more than Stokes. I think the Packers found a gem in Valentine."
He can play, but he's also gotten picked on some by Cousins and other QBs. He can play and as a rookie, the game doesn't look too big for him. Coming out there were several scouting reports who said that he was rising but needed a lot of refinement.
"TGR mentioned a possible cheap extension for Runyan."
As a guess, I think they came into this game wanting to emphasize cleaner play and wanting to get Rhyan some snaps. I don't think--if Rhyan really was that far behind Runyan--that they would've had that quick hook. I think there's more to that story.
Also, I think it's unlikely that they would manage Runyan's snaps just to try to make him a cheaper resign. That's pretty crappy...and he has enough film that his market value is likely set.
jannesbjornson
November 06, 2023 at 11:38 am
Runyan is not a guy to re-sign. Get Better. Let Rhyan have an Honest competition. Play your best players. Play to Win. Brooks would also thrive in a 4-2/4-3 defense.
He understands the Game. D-lineman must rush with the Hands Up to make the QB alter his release point.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 06:58 am
After watching this game I came away wanting to see more playing time from some players.
First I want to see more playing time from Wilson. He has the speed to make big plays. I'd like to see him put in the 2 back sets a little bit. Put him with Jones and see what he can do. Or use him with Dillon.
Next, I want to see Rhyan get more playing time. I thought he played really well when he went in for Runyan. He didn't get pushed around, whereas the very next play that Runyan went in he got pushed back 2 yards. I want to see more of Rhyan.
At WR, I am at the point I am done with Toure and Heath. Neither have done a thing this season. Bring up Melton or DuBose from the PS and see what they can do. Heath I don't believe has caught a pass in the NFL yet. Toure hasn't done anything. Lets see another young guy get some time.
I want to see Van Ness get more snaps. It feels like he is starting to come on a bit. I'd like to see him get more time.
Johnson. All i know is our defense is much better when we have a 36 on the field. His first real playing time of the year and he comes away with an interception. He also made some very physical tackles. Lets let him play!
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2023 at 07:25 am
In the game thread/watch party thread dobber said he saw no bad snaps from Rhyan. I watched him intently when Aaron Donald was lined up opposite him on a couple of snaps and Rhyan did fine. Did not wipe the floor up with Donald but few do. So, I agreed but my attention moved around and I ended up surprised Rhyan played 21 snaps.
Agree on the other players. I am moving into eval mode rather than trying to win in 2023. That's just my philosophy - try to win with Rhyan, Valentine (actually need to see Stokes as the time to make his 5th year option decision is creeping up (May of 2024). Can Kraft not run a route?
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 07:31 am
I completely agree about this season being an evaluating season. Don't get me wrong we could somehow some way make a playoff run (weirder things have happened). But we need to evaluate who can and who can't play. Jenkins is locked in at LG. Myers is our C (for now). Runyan is blah to me. He imo has never really improved. And maybe has regressed some. I am fine bringing him back cheap but i would definitely look for an upgrade. What i watched of Rhyan I thought he looked good. I'd like to see him get a shot.
Valentine played great! I love his energy! We do need to see about Stokes. Hopefully he can come back and play.
I want to see Kraft involved in the passing game. He is a guy that can break tackles. I want to see him used a bit more in the passing game.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 07:46 am
I swear I saw another tight end make a catch in the right flats in the second half. Thought it was a good play but, if they had no stats I must have been mistaken.
If a game is out of hand (one way or the other) I'd like to see some Caleb Jones too. Can't help but think his size would have to improve the run blocking.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 07:59 am
Jones' wingspan makes him a hard guy for pass-rushers to get around, although in preseason I thought his feet were slow. I think it's possible we'll see some snaps for him before this year is up.
Coldworld
November 06, 2023 at 08:18 am
Nijman is better than Walker at this point. Rhyan was better than Runyon yesterday. Certainly he was far better than Newman. I doubt that happened in the last couple of weeks. Really, I have zero confidence on the personnel choices on the OL. Then again , that’s been an issue for longer than this season. It is time to see Jones. Despite Myers being better yesterday, I still don’t believe he is a viable answer.
What we are seeing is that Runyon/Myers is a case of 1+1 making a bad 3. Their mutual weakness magnifies that of the other. We saw that on a key sack again.
Nijman looks to be heading out of the door, but that seems to me to be purely as a result if his treatment. It need not be. At worst he’s a genuine swing T. With these coaches, and I don’t think they survive, I doubt he stays, but that’s something the FO needs to think hard about.
I wouldn’t resign Runyon unless on a back up deal I don’t think he takes or if we really think it’s the coaches dragging players down. The regression factor can’t be ignored but can it be meaningfully quantified?
We got lucky with Stafford. Let’s not let it blind us. Another terrible first half offensively, especially scripted plays. Defensively, we could focus on the run and the QB was so I scary he let his DBs stay aggressive. That’s Barry, when teams are bad we play in a way that suits but go soft when they start to show life, which didn’t happen yesterday. Stafford changes that game entirely.
Some individual progress, but the needle moved not one iota in terms of our root problems.
Guam
November 06, 2023 at 08:36 am
The offensive line decisions are a head scratcher for me and a real indictment of Steno/Butkus. It was obvious by the third game that Walker was struggling at left tackle, yet it wasn't until the seventh game that Steno/Butkus finally decided to play the guy who had been serviceable starting LT in 13 games last season (Nijman).
Rhyan was certainly good enough in his snaps a guard yesterday that you have to wonder about RG and are Steno/Butkus at it again?
And then there is the Myers saga with Tom as a viable replacement.
Why so long to make changes on a clearly struggling team?
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 09:31 am
---Nijman is at his full development and is a bit better than Walker who is still developing.
---Why would you move a good/young RT, Tom, to C ?
--- One free agent signing and a high draft for next year, or we could get lucky and have some improvement.
Guam
November 06, 2023 at 10:42 am
We can agree to disagree about Tom, but why sit a proven LT when the developing player is clearly struggling? I am fine if Walker replaces Nijman at some point in the future when he is ready, but Steno/Butkus were hurting the team by playing Walker for 7 games.
jannesbjornson
November 06, 2023 at 11:57 am
LT is priority # one in the Draft of 2024. Veteran Center to compete and draft a guard with a two pick. DT with the other two pick. Johnson can play the safety spot. He should have been on the field earlier with his natural instincts for the position. Owens wants a job. Walker is a future backup.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 07, 2023 at 12:39 am
FWIW, PFF graded Rasheed Walker higher (76,9) than Nijman (74.5). The game before Walker got a 53 and Nijman got a 55.7.
I do not think there is a big difference between these players. So, I'd play the younger guy who is going to be on the team for 2 more seasons over the guy who has been in GB since 2019 and won't return in 2024.
I think not facing a good pass rushing Edge player helps Walker more than Nijman. I see the argument for playing Nijman (helping evaluate Love) and do think Nijman at least slows down good pass rushers whereas Walker is prone to the whiff.
jannesbjornson
November 06, 2023 at 11:50 am
Stokes can hit the free agent market. Not worth a 5th extension. Kraft most likely is being held back by the same coaching staff which fielded Newman and Hanson. Dbl. TE sets can pressure the LBs and SS to cover and open the run game. The seam routes have been open all season if executed correctly. Get the ball out faster.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 07:48 am
Let's not make too much more out of this game defensively than what it was: the Packers attacked downhill a team with a QB who wasn't going to threaten them over the top. It was a rare example where Barry's game plan matched what the opponent was going to try to do--not that it would take a huge amount of guesswork to figure out that the Rams, without a starting caliber QB, were going to try to run the ball against a Packers team that struggles against the run. The Packers made more plays behind the opponents LOS than they probably had all season to this point.
Johnson looked good. It was a good opportunity to break in a young guy with his first really extensive game time--against a team that was going to probably play very vanilla. There wasn't a huge amount of diagnosing going on. Baby steps.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 09:14 am
"Let's not make too much more out of this game defensively than what it was:"
Defensively no. But you can take individual performances and be happy. And that is how i look at it. Individuals made plays when they could. Its all you can ask for.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 06, 2023 at 03:40 pm
RC,
As I always do when I read your comments I feel like a bobble head because I always agree and find myself nodding my head. You along with a few other posters save me so much time because you usually hit the nail on the head with similar ways of thinking that I do allowing me to not post. :)
The_Justicar
November 06, 2023 at 10:02 pm
Done with Heath?
Undrafted rookie with 5 targets on the season who dropped a bad pass at his feet yesterday- - he’s done…figure 8 nfl games with I think like 25 total career snaps is plenty of time to decide his future.
KKB
November 06, 2023 at 07:44 am
Small sample size - but I was very pleased with Rhyan at G, and would like to see more.
Same with Johnson at safety.
Valentine had moments earlier this year, both good and bad. But he played very well yesterday.
VanNess looked like he had cement shoes on.
Love played better, but still lacks accuracy on anything over 15 yards.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 07:49 am
"VanNess looked like he had cement shoes on."
The Rams were going to run the ball...a lot. First job was to contain and hold the edge.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 07:55 am
It's looking like the WR/TE distribution is moving toward where we thought it would be. In a game where the whole playbook was available throughout, and the game was in question most of the time, it tells us a little more about what the Packers really want to do.
I liked that we saw a couple two-back sets. They need to do more with that, and Jones' ability as a pass-catcher still puts their better playmakers on the field. If they're willing to put Wilson in a little more, they could run a lot of two-back looks. Jones and Dillon both played with some fire trying to extend plays. Wilson flashed when the game was locked away.
"Whelan averaged 43.5 gross but just 34.25 net. 3 of his punts were returned. "
He was either out-kicking his coverage by a lot, or the Rams' outside blockers did an outstanding job holding up the Packers' gunners. On those returns, the ball was caught and there were no defenders anywhere close by.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 09:35 am
I would love to see Dillon as a lead blocker much more often, he crushed the defender on one play.
jannesbjornson
November 06, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Yes, use him as a Fullback...
NFLfan
November 06, 2023 at 07:58 am
TGR-
Great analysis:
This is a bit off-topic, please forgive--
From the Bill's Syracuse.Com:
"At first, Gutekunst wasn’t keen to give up Douglas to the Bills - a locker room leader and one of the best defensive players on the roster. So Beane checked in a few times over the next few days but didn’t feel like the Packers were going to budge.
The Bills GM, eager to add to his cornerback room, kept working towards a potential deal. With about an hour to go before the 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, Gutekunst agreed to terms"
I was wrong about Gutekunst's motives-just wanted to admit that.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 08:01 am
This matches the narrative I'd heard that this was something that developed over several days. Thanks fan.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2023 at 09:03 am
I advocated for trading (insert name) at the trading deadline. First it was Bakh but he only lasted one game. Then Nijman who wasn't being used anyway. Then Douglas. I just thought GB would get a bit more for him.
Thanks for the source.
jannesbjornson
November 06, 2023 at 12:05 pm
No need to toss in the 5th rounder.
Guam
November 06, 2023 at 08:18 am
I thought Valentine played very well and the Packers didn't miss Douglas, at least for this game. And both the rookie seventh round safeties (Johnson and Owens) played well. Given three rookies out of four starters in the secondary, I doubt the Packers will fare as well against more experienced QBs, but there is potential in the young guys.
And yes, I would like to see more from Kenny Clark and have thought that for some time now.
I have not been a fan of Myers for awhile, but thought he played a good game yesterday and that included winning a few matchups against Aaron Donald. Rhyan was a pleasant surprise and I would like to see more.
I am going to disagree a little bit with TGR about Nijman. While Nijman is nothing more than a serviceable left tackle, he is significantly more consistent than Walker. Walker seems to have slow feet at times and gets off balance (feet can't keep up with his upper body) and then winds up on his butt. LT's have to stay on their feet and keep their bodies interposed between the rusher and the QB. Walker struggles too much with that for me to regard him as a left tackle, at least for now.
Lastly. Toure seems to have fallen out of favor and Wicks is currying more favor every game. Loved that Wicks, Reed and Musgrave had NO DROPS between them!
Thanks as always for the detailed analysis TGR. Second favorite column behind "Confessions of a Polluted Mindset" on CHTV and a must read every week!
Coldworld
November 06, 2023 at 08:31 am
Valentine, like Stokes, needs to play tight coverage. That’s something Barry did yesterday. The problem starts when the opponent shows it can make plays and his response is to go softer. That never happened yesterday.
Not sure what Toure did wrong. He’s done well on limited opportunities. That said, I think it’s right to have Wicks out there more, my questions are more on Heath being active.
Heath I’m frustrated by, he’s a guy who just needs to do what he did in preseason but has done the opposite of in season. Perhaps he needs more time or some work to make him see things more astutely? Sometimes it takes a player time to settle. He needs to start showing the confidence of the summer.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 09:41 am
I agree Heath has some ability, not giving up on him yet. Must be doing some good in practice to gain playing time. They are bringing him and Wilson along slowly. The season is murky , but I'm enjoying ( most of the time) watching all the the young players at numerous positions developing. If we hit on some of them it could bode well for the future. Nine more games for improvement, a tough stretch is coming up.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 10:40 am
There's been no easy stretches this season. If the team can stop killing themselves, we could get a stretch of upsets though, PeteK.
jannesbjornson
November 06, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Wicks is working his way up to a starting spot, but he has to keep his focus on securing the ball and protecting it.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2023 at 09:11 am
Thanks for the kind words.
We don't disagree too much. Nijman is better than Walker, but I don't think it is night and day. When Walker moves his feet he is fine (or maybe I have been watching too much "On my block" by Mike Wahle. More likely I think Walker is better than you do, and we are close on Nijman.
I meant to credit Andy Herman for "The Deguara" thing. I amused myself writing it, at any rate.
LeotisHarris
November 06, 2023 at 08:30 am
Thanks, TGR. I don't comment on this column often, but always read and appreciate your work.
I've been highly critical of our OL, and still have major concerns. That said, it was a quiet day for Aaron Donald. Crosby took over the game against the Raiders and our OL looked slow and lost. Yesterday, not so much against a great player. Progress? Who knows.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2023 at 09:18 am
I am glad to hear it. After all, one should never poke a comedian who is worth his or her salt. Many a politician can hold their own in a debate only to take a beating when skewered in a comedy skit.
zoellner25
November 06, 2023 at 08:48 am
Cannot understand snaps by Deguara. He is literally terrible at blocking and that's his only job. Won't be in NFL next year
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 09:28 am
I think he's serviceable out of the backfield and had some nice pickups and a couple blocks down field that helped spring some runs. That said, I'd still rather see Jones and Dillon more or even Dillon and Wilson, because there's so much more they can do and have to be accounted for that opens other things up.
Minniman
November 06, 2023 at 01:04 pm
There's interesting contrasts between the Packers and the Rypien led Rams.
Packers - New QB + New WR's + Vet RB's
Rams - New QB + Vet WR's + Vet RB's
Packers rushed 32 times vs Rams 22
Rypien passed 28 times - for 13 completions vs Love passing 26 times for 20 completions.
Frankly - the weather, while not putrid (by Wisconsin standards), made this more suited to being a ground game than an air game..... and this was where the Packers had superiority (as the Rams run blocking and RB caliber were both exposed).
The other interesting philosophical evaluation was the value of the 2021\22 SB win cost - do the Rams still see the price being paid now [and into the foreseeable future] as value?
Thegreatreynoldo
November 07, 2023 at 12:57 am
A friend mentioned the "terrible" price LAR is paying for the SB win. To me, I'd pay the price. GB is titletown, not average-town. My friend disagreed. So naturally I, a bean-counter, called my friend a bean-counter.
NFLfan
November 06, 2023 at 09:50 pm
Packer fans are desperate for a win and have lowered their standards too much.
I say let the whole thing fall apart. It's the only thing that will break through the denial and complacency.
LaFleur won a pitiful game and looked like he won the SB-he has to go.