Section 107, Row 44, Seat 18 report

Pistol GBMember

A few observations of the stuff that doesn't quite show up on t.v. from the game Sunday, my only trip of the year:

The crowd: youngest crowd I've ever seen in that stadium, probably because of the cold temperatures. And really LOUD when the Bears had the ball, right from the get-go, regardless of the scoreboard or the problems the offense was having. Really good to see the Lambeau faithful get behind the defense and try to disrupt Cutler. Defensive players were gesturing arms up to the crowd every time they ran off the field. Cool.

A.J. Hawk: you can really see that he is the on-field general of the defense, directing players around and just being a leader. He was also all over the ball, and would probably be getting a lot more accolades if not for Walden's 11 tackles (Hawk had 10). Thumbs up on Hawk.

Brandon Jackson: appeared just not quite "in sync" with the flow of the game and where to run. On one play, I'm yelling in my head, "Cut left! It's wide open Left! Where are you going? Forget the blockers!" Then on the next play, "No! Not this time! Follow your blockers, they're clearing the way! Hit the hole! What are you waiting for?" Thumbs down on B-Jax this past Sunday. My new impression is his number one problem on hand-offs (and ONLY on hand-offs) is vision, or whatever you call it when you don't know where the open field is. (Instinct?)

Receivers: O.K., pet peeve alert: when your QB is scrambling, YOU have to scramble too. Way too many times, when Rodgers bought time and started running, you could see the receivers just standing there and watching him. Or trying to get open but way too late. Thumbs down guys. Help your QB!

Aaron Rodgers: without question the heart and soul of the team. When the game ended, something really awesome went down that I've never seen at Lambeau: the crowd stayed and cheered until every player was gone. Then they stayed some more, everyone still cheering and celebrating, when suddenly Rodgers comes busting out of the tunnel, with Driver, Jennings and Nelson behind him and does a "victory lap" all around the perimeter of the stands, high-fiving everyone in the first row. It was awesome to see.

Come to think of it, it is probably not new, but seeing Rodgers beaming like that and loving the crowd was a first for me, and I'm only a little embarrassed to say it brought tears to my eyes. This team is really, really lucky to have him at QB, and I like our chances with him under center.

Summary: All in all it was everything I thought it would be and more. My girlfriend, a transplanted Lion fan, is fully hooked. Yes there were way too many Bears fans there, but Packer fans outshined them by a mile.

1/4/115:23 PM

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

fightphoe93Member

Sweet. I love hearing stories like that.

The crowd did sound more lively than normal on television. Probably because it was Bears week, and everyone knew what was at stake.

1/4/115:39 PM

titmfatiedNo Code

quote:
Originally posted by Pistol GB:
... suddenly Rodgers comes busting out of the tunnel, with Driver, Jennings and Nelson behind him and does a "victory lap" all around the perimeter of the stands, high-fiving everyone...

source: packers.com

Green Bay Press Gazette Photographer Evan Siegle also has some in his
'Along The Lines' Slideshow

1/4/115:42 PM

GusBobMember

Good report

If you read the press conference thread there are videos posted of Arod and the others getting to lockerroom late after their victory lap. The other players gave em props on that

1/4/115:44 PM

GusBobMember

I thought in the ZBS, the plays are designed for the cut back lanes. Grant killed that way.

Did ya notice Starks waving to get the ball on pass plays?

1/4/115:53 PM

GusBobMember

The crowd is not getting younger you are getting older. Get used to it

1/4/116:00 PM

Mcpacker64Member

Pistol GB. Many thanks for the post !!! Damn I wish I was there to see the PACKERS high fiving the fans. Made me tear up just seeing the photos. We PACKER fans are lucky to have players of this caliber!!!!

1/4/116:00 PM

FreeSafetyI wonder what the poor people are doing?

That is the Donald Driver fan appreciation lap.

After the final home game.

He's done it the last three years at least. Last year Charles Woodson joined him. This year Jennings and Nelson led the lap in front of Driver, and from what I saw, as AR was heading up the tunnel, one of those three WRs grabbed the back of AR's jersey and pulled him back out of the tunnel just a bit to get him to make the lap as well.

1/4/116:11 PM

oldnavyMember

quote:
My new impression is his number one problem on hand-offs (and ONLY on hand-offs) is vision, or whatever you call it when you don't know where the open field is. (Instinct?)

That is interesting and got me to thinking. I wonder if he is looking at the entire handoff sequence (to ensure he has the ball) rather than trusting AR to get it there and trusting him self to secure. If in fact he is not looking ahead and watching the LOS develop than he would certainly be behind the curve on the play.

1/4/116:13 PM

Satori"...going where the climate suits my clothes"

Mike Sherman had his guys do the same thing to thank the fans

1/4/116:13 PM

Pistol GBMember

quote:
Originally posted by FreeSafety:
This year Jennings and Nelson led the lap in front of Driver, and from what I saw, as AR was heading up the tunnel, one of those three WRs grabbed the back of AR's jersey and pulled him back out of the tunnel just a bit to get him to make the lap as well.

You're probably right about how it started, but judging how AR was lit up like a lightbulb, I don't think they had to twist his arm or anything.

Whoever instigated/led it (and it figures it would be DD), it was way cool to see!

1/4/116:36 PM

HauserMember

quote:
Originally posted by FreeSafety:
That is the Donald Driver fan appreciation lap.

.............. as AR was heading up the tunnel, one of those three WRs grabbed the back of AR's jersey and pulled him back out of the tunnel just a bit to get him to make the lap as well.

Yes, in the PC clip that I saw on ESPN, he said that Driver and jennings grabbed him to do it, that he was having cramps or something, but he was glad he did it (or something to that nature)

1/4/117:43 PM

CJSMember

quote:
Originally posted by oldnavy:
quote:
My new impression is his number one problem on hand-offs (and ONLY on hand-offs) is vision, or whatever you call it when you don't know where the open field is. (Instinct?)

That is interesting and got me to thinking. I wonder if he is looking at the entire handoff sequence (to ensure he has the ball) rather than trusting AR to get it there and trusting him self to secure. If in fact he is not looking ahead and watching the LOS develop than he would certainly be behind the curve on the play.

When there's a big fat hole right in front of him, BJax can usually run through it (see Pats game). He is completely by the book, very little creativity, which is probably what he's taught to do because he doesn't have the speed or the instincts. In the passing game, he is a lot more comfortable. There aren't a bunch of wide bodies in front of him and he is generally pretty decisive getting up the field.

I'm very much looking forward to Grant/Starks/etc replacing BJax next year. (after we win the Super Bowl of course) If Starks can learn the offense and stay healthy, I like his potential to be successful as both a runner AND a pass catcher. That's the kind of versatility that makes a defense really have to guess. Something akin to Brian Westbrook in his younger years would be ideal.

(Because those guys grow on trees, right?)

1/4/118:15 PM

The GBP RulesMember

Arian Foster executes running plays in the ZBS to near perfection. He reminds me a lot of Ryan Grant in that he's always quick to find the cutback lane. They even have a similar upright running style.

Good fluff report. I got a laugh early in the game this old couple got into a verbal confrontation with some fans a few rows in front because, God forbid, they were standing on 3rd down defensive plays. The old bat even remained seated out of spite I think during that entire last drive when everyone was on their feet.

1/4/118:40 PM

FarmDogMember

Good post. Thanks.

1/4/118:47 PM

FedyaMember

Pistol GB wrote:

quote:
Brandon Jackson: appeared just not quite "in sync" with the flow of the game and where to run. On one play, I'm yelling in my head, "Cut left! It's wide open Left! Where are you going? Forget the blockers!" Then on the next play, "No! Not this time! Follow your blockers, they're clearing the way! Hit the hole! What are you waiting for?"

I think it would be good for a few giggles to watch one of the x4 posters play running back.

I wish I could get to a game every year.

1/4/118:59 PM

SanDiegoPackFanMember

quote:
Originally posted by Satori:
Mike Sherman had his guys do the same thing to thank the fans

actually, so did Head Coach Bart Starr

I remember the last game of the year when Dave Roller came out (and others) and did a victory lap...we won that last game....but I think we did NOT make playoffs....so, it was a bittersweet moment...but Dave Roller was a hoot

1/4/119:18 PM

SanDiegoPackFanMember

where's the picture of the lady falling on the ground as AR looks back in disbelief?

1/4/119:19 PM

ChilliJonI hate the Vikings!

We sat in section 106, row 28. Thought the crowd was VERY quiet the first half. Lots of people around us sitting on 3rd downs when the Bears had the ball. We kept having to "beg" people to get up and make some noise. 2nd half was a different story.

1/4/119:33 PM

Pistol GBMember

quote:
Originally posted by Fedya:
I think it would be good for a few giggles to watch one of the x4 posters play running back.

True, I should have added "not that I could do any better."

I don't think Jackson is afraid of tackles, though. On some plays, he ran right into them.

1/5/1110:40 AM

TdogProspective Member

quote:
The old bat even remained seated out of spite I think during that entire last drive when everyone was on their feet.

In Section 123 we were on our feet for the entire 4th quarter for the most part... but we're a pretty good section for that.

1/5/1110:56 AM

CJSMember

I forgot to add - thanks for the fluff report Pistol!! Great stuff here.

1/5/1111:00 AM

kabeermeMember

Here is a link to a video I took of the Packer player introductions before the Bear game, if you haven't been there for such a thing.

YouTube

1/5/1112:00 PM

FedyaMember

quote:
Originally posted by Pistol GB:
quote:
Originally posted by Fedya:
I think it would be good for a few giggles to watch one of the x4 posters play running back.

True, I should have added "not that I could do any better."

You're talking to somebody who got stuck way in the outfield in gym-class baseball games because the ball never went there. I'm sure you'd all have more than a few giggles watching me play running back.

That, and it's probably easier to see the holes from above than from ground angle.

1/5/1112:22 PM

PackerFanFanMember

quote:
Originally posted by kabeerme:
Here is a link to a video I took of the Packer player introductions before the Bear game, if you haven't been there for such a thing.

YouTube

Crystal Clear Video, man!

Great perspective!

1/5/1112:24 PM

HauserMember

Cool, thanks. Looks like you were sitting about where I was during the LZLambeau event in May

1/5/1112:36 PM

IowacheeseKeen Insight

quote:
Originally posted by Fedya:
You're talking to somebody who got stuck way in the outfield in gym-class baseball games because the ball never went there.

I for one am shocked by this revelation

1/5/1112:41 PM

FedyaMember

I'm only 5'8", but comfortable with my height. I don't need a billy club and taser to make me feel like a man.

1/5/1112:46 PM

chickenboyTic Toc

Johnny Z loved your posts...

1/5/1112:48 PM

IL_Pack_FanMember

Pistol, I've seen younger crowds than ever before this season as well. It can be annoying as it has also meant some of the drunker crowds I've seen, but it has definitely brought more noise that was way overdue.

Kabeerme, cool vid. Does anyone else hope we can update the intro song a bit with the new sound system next year? The song doesn't even have to be new, but there's got to be something better than this:

1/5/111:01 PM

BorisPerson Man Camera Dildo Shop - NFLFU®

TBH, I've enjoyed the younger crowds recently. In the past, there were way too many old farts (mostly long-standing season ticket holders) sitting on their hands when the boys in Green & Gold needed some encouragement.

I've been sitting in the bowl when the crowd is practically dead (early 90's).

1/5/111:05 PM

FedyaMember

One of the EPL teams (correct me, Goalline, but I think it's Sunderland) uses this music for the player intros:

1/5/111:11 PM

QuietOneMember

quote:
Originally posted by Boris:
...there were way too many old farts)...

1/5/111:15 PM

FedyaMember

You're not an old fart yet, Quiet One.

1/5/111:31 PM

Pistol GBMember

quote:
Originally posted by Fedya:
That, and it's probably easier to see the holes from above than from ground angle.

Another good point, and why I was hesitant to call it "vision". The good backs seem to just "sense" it, almost like their brains count the defenders and can tell where the open field must be.

1/5/111:38 PM

Pistol GBMember

quote:
Originally posted by Boris:
TBH, I've enjoyed the younger crowds recently. In the past, there were way too many old farts (mostly long-standing season ticket holders) sitting on their hands when the boys in Green & Gold needed some encouragement.

I've been sitting in the bowl when the crowd is practically dead (early 90's).

I've been there for that as well, and if this past Sunday was represenative, it has definitely gotten better.

It is too bad Lambeau won't be getting a home playoff game. Home field advantage is BACK!!

1/5/111:41 PM

Pistol GBMember

quote:
Originally posted by kabeerme:
Here is a link to a video I took of the Packer player introductions before the Bear game, if you haven't been there for such a thing.

YouTube

Thanks for that. It brings up a question I had for the Lambeau regulars: is that drum section new? Was that the first time they've done that during games? I thought it was a great touch and I hope they do it more.

I'm assuming it was the Wisconsin drum section, on loan since their season was done?

1/5/111:50 PM

TdogProspective Member

I'll tell ya what gents, it's easy to say the crowd should be loud all the time and behind the team 100% and believe me I try my best while there. But... starting in 1999 and the diminishing returns that followed it started to get real hard to get the crowd motivated because the product on the field was so lacking, mostly the defense. That changed finally in 2007, then hiccuped and now we're back on track since getting the Dom. Lambeau, even without the new sound system, will be back on top and raucous with this new nucleus and it's dominant defense. And that's really what it takes to have HFA - a dominant defense. We're there now, hope we stay there, love it.

1/5/112:02 PM

oldnavyMember

quote:
But... starting in 1999 and the diminishing returns that followed it started to get real hard to get the crowd motivated because the product on the field was so lacking,

Wow, I guess you are not old enough to remember the 70's and 80's.

IIRC from 1999 the Packers had only one losing season.

Do you expect a 12-4, 13-3 season every year?

Hell fans in NO, Det, Atl, Cincy, Clev and a few other places would really love 6 playoff teams in 7 or 8 years. Heck they would enjoy 8-8.

1/5/117:19 PM

TdogProspective Member

I'm not discounting the team's records during that time but the defense started going south and we started losing at home and then lost the playoff game at home and Randy Moss showed up and the shine and chest thumping just kinda wandered away from Lambeau. The Sherman years "aw shucks" offense.

Sure there were great things during that time and I'm generalizing but there was a loss of zeal, moxie, mojo, whatever you want to call it, in the stands during that time. For me, it had to do with a team that was successful but just seemed to spin its wheels when it mattered most.

And, yes, I thoroughly remember the 70s and 80s. They followed the 60s, right?

1/6/118:23 AM

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