+/- Packers @ Lions

@PackerRick posted:

I can't believe how many bad teams the Packers played this year. But then I look around and don't see many good teams at all.

You're right, there aren't many good teams in the NFL right now due mainly b/c of the QBs.  We got spoiled in the 2000's and 2010's with Brady, Brees, both Mannings, Rodgers, Rivers, and Roethlisberger. Only QB right now I'd put in that class is Mahomes.  Even second tier guys like Ryan, Wilson, and Stafford had primes that guys now could only dream of.  I'm sure the league is figuring out rules they can change to make these QBs look better. 

@ammo posted:

Yep. I posted a few weeks ago we wouldn't see the Sunday Night Games, either the Chiefs or Vikings.   Now I think both will stay the course.

The Sports Illustrated Media Podcast had the NFL VP of Broadcast Planning, Mike North on to discuss some of the NFL's thinking on their strategy for flexing games. It's a lot more complex than I ever imagined. I thought they'd always want the biggest games at night and it's not necessarily the case given how high the ratings can be on Sunday afternoon. It was an interesting listen.

Link straight to the first question of the interview.

@CUPackFan posted:

You're right, there aren't many good teams in the NFL right now due mainly b/c of the QBs.  We got spoiled in the 2000's and 2010's with Brady, Brees, both Mannings, Rodgers, Rivers, and Roethlisberger. Only QB right now I'd put in that class is Mahomes.  Even second tier guys like Ryan, Wilson, and Stafford had primes that guys now could only dream of.  I'm sure the league is figuring out rules they can change to make these QBs look better.

I was thinking the same thing  "average points scored per game" does bear it out as far as overall offense . This year that stat is lower (21.7) than the previous 8 years ... however, it is higher than almost every single year from 1966-2009.  "yards gained" stat follows similar pattern.

@EC Pack posted:

I disagree.  Or agree.

I concur. Or not.

Agree to disagree. Defer to concur.

To be, or not to be

[Gets up to visit actress playing Queen Gertrude]

@Harry Manback posted:

Interestingly to me, our secondary seems to be playing better with the backups.

They absolutely have looked better with two young guys who "don't know any better." They do get beat on plays, but it's been clear how well they compete and seem to have short memories. I think the rookie wideouts performance has served notice to guys like Watson and Doubs to maybe up their game. I wonder if 23 is watching the young corners and not thinking similarly.

These rookies are willing tacklers and far more physical than 23, who is probably been making a few business decisions on the field.

No fan turns on a player quicker than a Packers fan.

@PackerRick posted:

These rookies are willing tacklers and far more physical than 23, who is probably been making a few business decisions on the field.

And Savage. He hasn’t been the same since he got clocked on an onside kickoff a few years back.

Sign of things to come!

Super Bowl celebrations?

23 has been roasted more this year in the games he's played than in all of last year's games. Even in the game where he tipped the ball for an INT by Johnson(?), Jaire was behind the WR and got lucky by the slight underthrow. Either he's making business decisions on the field or something is more wrong with him than we know. The young guys are doing really well, but I'm also glad Nixon is back there to provide experience as well. (Yes, I know Owens has played a number of years, but he hasn't been a starter, and he freely admits that tackling is not his forte.)

The heat for 23 blows my mind.  Shutdown corners are not born every day.

I don’t think he’s been 100% healthy all season.

Availability counts

@bdplant posted:

I don’t think he’s been 100% healthy all season.

He returned to being a shutdown corner last year, but his run support hasn't been the same since he hurt the shoulder in 2020. I think his back might be sore because he is compensating for his shoulder when he tackles.

@Brak posted:

The heat for 23 blows my mind.  Shutdown corners are not born every day.

Do you disagree that the secondary has played a bit better, even if it's a temporary or fortunate happening? I'm trying to reconcile how noting the decent play of young dbs equates to heat for 23.

@Pikes Peak posted:

Availability counts

He was ready to go vs the Rams with a nothing QB (who got cut 24 hours later) and played great!

Then came Justin Herbert & Jared Goff.....OWWWW MY SHOULDER!!!

Just the way it looks from the outside.

After watching Herbert the last 2 weeks I'm not sure he is a "Franchise QB".  If that is what a "franchise QB" is  I sure don't want the Packers wasting a 1st round pick on that.

@Brak posted:

The heat for 23 blows my mind.  Shutdown corners are not born every day.

Very true and I totally agree but he has to get on the field to be an actual shut down corner.

@D J posted:

Kiel and YA?

That should be pitched to Netflix.  The new odd couple.  I'd tune in.

@bdplant posted:

And Savage. He hasn’t been the same since he got clocked on an onside kickoff a few years back.

Where is he, BTW?

His 21 day clock started yesterday so he should return by the Bucs game? Could be earlier...

Since they cut Robinson and Melton maybe they are activating Stokes and Savage this week?