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Saints play the game of the century on Sunday Night pulling out all the stops to try & win this game. I expect the Saints to win the toss, then defer & try to pull an onsides kick to open the game.

 

It won't be pretty. It won't be funny. There will be heart-stopping moments! WTF moments! and "Damnit Slowcum!!!" moments

 

Somehow....someWAY.....our boys in Green & Gold find a way to get it done & win this game.

 

We head into the bye week @ a svelte 6-2. Enjoy the off week boys!

 
Originally Posted by FreeSafety:
 

Originally Posted by Hungry5:

MM: Richard Rodgers probably had his best game of the season

Rodgers was a blocking machine on Sunday. He did a great job sealing the edge on several plays.

 

Yes he was, though he gave up a sack. Speed rush to the outside and he couldn't get back fast enough. Still, I'd say he had a positive grade for the game. Not sure if the experts agree.

 

 

Originally Posted by Satori:

I'm not sure if Peppers has the change-of-direction to hang with Jimmy except in a very short area. Coughlin used JPP to harrass Finley and keep him from getting a free release

 

Last time around, GB pulled their slow ILBs off the field because Brees just painted a target on their backs. Unfortunately, McMillian and Jennings didn't fare much better.

Maybe Sean Richardson can offer something at ILB this weekend

We keep hearing comments about Richardson getting some time at ILB from the fan base, which I think would be beneficial.  Has the coaching staff mentioned anything about it?

Originally Posted by Boris:

Back on topic...

 

Saints play the game of the century on Sunday Night pulling out all the stops to try & win this game. I expect the Saints to win the toss, then defer

 

After watching the Packer Offense on their opening drives the last 3 weeks I don't think any team will defer if they win the toss. You may as well just start the game behind 7-0 if you do.  And no on side kick either. No idot will give Aaron a short field.

Uh oh. Better start stacking success, boys.

 

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/10/22/...s-nfc-best-team-nfl/

From a micro standpoint, it makes sense to have the Cowboys atop the power rankings. They’ve won six straight by imposing their run-oriented approach on some very good opponents. From a macro standpoint, however, Dallas is not the NFC’s best team; Green Bay is.

 

The Packers are deeper than the Cowboys (and the rest of the NFC) and can beat opponents in more ways. This will become more apparent as the season progresses...

 

...Where the Packers separate themselves from Dallas and every other team is on defense...Which brings us to Green Bay’s top selling point: the potential for schematic diversity. Expect coordinator Dom Capers to employ Matthews in more fashions moving forward. Expect that for everyone, in fact. Granted, the loss of B.J. Raji hurt the Packers’ front because he was the stabilizer in alternating between 3-4 and 4-3 concepts, and for keeping the run defense afloat when Capers went to his beloved 2-4-5 nickel package. The run defense has been suspect with Raji out, though Letroy Guion, who started slowly, has flashed more each week as Capers continues to use a wide array of fronts.

 

Capers can afford to be creative because he has what every schemer covets: a secondary rich in man-to-man defenders. Corners Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, Davon House and Casey Hayward are all upper-tier man-to-man artists who, aside from Shields (an elite boundary corner), can play inside and outside. Capers has had good man corners before, but he had to account for weaknesses at safety. The arrival of first-round rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, an explosive downhill attacker, has changed that.

 

The Packers, winners of four straight, are just finding their rhythm. A primetime road victory in the Superdome is hard to come by, even against a struggling Saints team. But regardless of what happens Sunday, this team is the best equipped in the NFC to sustain success for the rest of this season and through the playoffs. 

Last edited by ilcuqui

 

McCarthy: Not concerned about Starks, Jones injuries

 

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media after practice on Wednesday. Here are some highlights:

 

Practice and injury report

Did not practice: RB James Starks (ankle), DE Datone Jones (ankle), S Morgan Burnett (calf), CB Sam Shields (knee).

 

On Burnett, Jones and Starks:

All three were moving pretty good. We'll see how all three come out. I don't have high concerns. All three of them are working through those injuries.

 

On keeping Shields out through the bye week:

I don't keep players out for games. If a player can play, he plays. Sam is going through a medical situation.

 

On Sunday night's opponent, the New Orleans Saints:

You look at the Saints. They're 2-4. Four losses on the road. When you watch the video, it's not a 2-4 football team. (Coach) Sean Payton has done a great job with his program. His personality, they play the right way. It's a high-tempo offense. Defensively, a lot of pressure packages, work to do from our standpoint. It's one of the loudest environments you'll play in that dome. Big challenge for us. It's probably our best Wednesday practice from our energy standpoint.

 

On covering Saints tight end Jimmy Graham:

He's a tough matchup. How you play him, that's what the game is for. They use him down the boundary and corner routes as well. He's definitely someone you have to be smart with.

 

On Saints quarterback Drew Brees:

They've had some injuries. Trust me, we're not counting on Drew Brees coming in and not playing at the level we've grown accustomed to. We're getting ready for a dynamic offense.

 

On Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb:

Randall is back. He had a great offseason. You could see that right away. He's getting more opportunities. He needs to touch the football. That's a focus of mine each week. It doesn't matter how you get it to him.

 

On the jet sweep and backfield packages with Cobb:

Really, what we did do and didn't do at the beginning of the season, it wasn't a factor of how the games went. Things we're doing every week are things we've worked on since April.

 

On determining whether a game is going to be a shootout vs. a defensive struggle:

I think you go into every game shooting all your bullets. I think you definitely, as you put your plan together, you recognize the play style of a team. It's on turf. It'll be a fast environment.

 

On his New Orleans connections:

I had great memories working in New Orleans. I like the people down there. Blue-collar mindset. It was five good years. That was a huge opportunity for me personally. Jim Haslett gave me the opportunity to be an offensive coordinator, install your offense for the first time.

 

On the Packers' NASCAR defense:

All four of those guys (linebackers Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, Mike Neal and Nick Perry) are definitely hitting their targets how we're playing them. I'd like to get (linebacker) Nick Perry a few more reps. It's about utilizing them. We're not all about that one package. It's important to have that rotation.

Those on the "inside" of what's going on with Brees claim he's pressing a lot. And the reason he's pressing is lack of tallant. From Bad Bob's assessment of the Aint's:

 

The supply of weapons finally has dwindled. Premier TE Jimmy Graham (6-6 Â―, 265 pounds) played 30 uneventful snaps Sunday in Detroit, targeted twice and not once being asked to block. He has a shoulder injury, and it's iffy if he'll be more than a decoy. When healthy, Graham can dominate with his speed, stature and hands. Free-agent TE Josh Hill (6-5, 250) is scrappy, athletic and fast while old pro Benjamin Watson (6-3 Â―, 255) still can run at 33. Now that Devery Henderson and Lance Moore have departed, Marques Colston (6-4 Â―, 225) has slipped somewhat and Robert Meachem (6-2, 215) is over the hill, the WR group no longer is special.

Add to that, Colsten has a big concussion history. Brees has nowhere the weapons he used to.

 

 
Originally Posted by Ghost of Lambeau:

Originally Posted by packerboi:

 Brees has nowhere the weapons he used to.

 

And yet NO has the leagues 2nd ranked passing attack and overall the leagues 2nd ranked offense. 

 

They still have Brees, so having lots of passing yards and total offense isn't a surprise. But, they are 2-4 for a reason. Defensively they are giving up the 5th most points per game and are the 7th worst in getting off the field on 3rd down. 

 

Green Bay should win this game as they are the more complete team right now, but I don't expect a cake walk.

Last edited by H5

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media after Thursday's practice in preparation for Sunday night's game against the New Orleans Saints. Here are some highlights:

Packers injury report

Did not practice: S Morgan Burnett (calf), CB Sam Shields (knee). Limited in practice: RB James Starks (ankle), DL Datone Jones (ankle).

 

On how Jones and Starks practiced:

Datone and James were limited. I had a better look at James, but he looked pretty good.

 

On practicing outside before heading to the Superdome:

It's better to be outside. It's better to train outside. We'll be ready for the field turf. Better for your joints. I'll always go grass over field turf. Our Saturday practice is scheduled for the (Don) Hutson Center. We were planning to be outside today, but we were able to beat the rain.

 

On Saints coach Sean Payton:

I have a lot of respect for Sean. I've always appreciated the way he viewed offensive football and coordinating with the (New York) Giants and Dallas (Cowboys). We were head coaches the same year. I have great respect for him.

 

On Burnett's injury:

My concern for Morgan is higher than it was yesterday. Hopefully with today and what goes on tomorrow, we'll see if he'll be able to do anything on Saturday.

 

On safeties Micah Hyde and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix:

We feel very good about our depth. I can't say enough about the way guys stepped up last week. Everybody is looking for an opportunity. Micah has done a lot of good things. Ha Ha had an excellent practice today. Jarrett Bush is ready to go as far as the dime. Sean Richardson has played well on special teams.

 

Is this Burnett's best year?

I think so. He's been healthy. He's a lot more confident with the scheme. The communication has been excellent. I think he's having a better year this year over last year.

 

On his comfort with Clinton-Dix playing a full game:

I think Ha Ha is ready to play a complete game.

 

On the Packers' defensive line:

We've done a good job with the rotation, guys are fresh. I feel very confident in what we've been able to do.

 

On coaching running back Eddie Lacy:

Eddie Lacy is easy to coach. He's very willing. I can't say enough about anytime something comes up, he has a desire to not disappoint his teammates. He's better this year than last year.

 

On Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005:

When Katrina hit, I think like everybody, it's devastating. Living down there, the people you had relationships with, contacting them. The Saints were playing in a preseason game in Oakland right after that.

McCarthy spoke to the media on Friday morning. Here are some highlights:

 

Injury report

Out: DE Datone Jones (ankle). Doubtful: CB Sam Shields (knee). Questionable: S Morgan Burnett (calf). Probable: RB James Starks (ankle).

 

On whether Jones suffered another setback:

He went for it yesterday. I appreciate it out there. Watching individuals, you could see he's not ready. Won't make it.

 

On Burnett:

Morgan was in here bright and early. Plus, it's a night game. More time. He's making progress. Time clock-type thing.

 

On backup safety Sean Richardson:

Sean Richardson deserves opportunity. It would be nice to give him those opportunities. We've talked about it for some time.

 

Is that a luxury after injuries the past few years?

This is the way it's supposed to be. You can never have enough good, healthy players. Sean Richardson deserves opportunities.

 

On defensive tackle Mike Daniels taking on an expanded role:

Mike Daniels is exactly what you're looking for. His toughness, passion for football. He's had some big-time performances. Like what he's done.

 

On continuity with a quarterback:

Continuity with your quarterback is obviously very important. To have continuity, it means that the player is high value. (Packers quarterback) Aaron Rodgers, (Saints quarterback) Drew Brees definitely are in that category.

 

On the challenge of stopping Brees:

Drew Brees is a big challenge for our defense. Excited for this opportunity. We have to stop the run. He gets ball out of his hands.

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