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Maybe I'm just giddy about exposing the Queens as frauds (so much fun listening to KFAN today), but I see a wide open NFC (Cam can't be that good, can he?) and a Packers team that is 7-3, in first place in the NFC North, and controls its own destiny for a first round bye and home field advantage over every team but the Panthers. That said, here is what I think needs to happen for the dream of a trip to Super Bowl L to become a reality.

 

1) Keep running the ball, even if behind and even if not initially successful. Whatever has ailed Lacy, the OLine, Clements, etc., going forward the Pack has to be dedicated to running the ball. It softens up the opponent's D and helps the Pack's running game, passing game, OLine, ARod, and receivers. If the Pack can't run effectively then they won't win a Super Bowl this season anyway, so try, try, and try to run some more.

 

2) Sit Hyde as CB/slot guy and KR returner. I do not hate Micah Hyde. He is a decent backup safety. I like him as a punt returner. But he is way too slow to cover even TEs and has been repeatedly beaten and not just this season by even below average receivers. Rollins, Goodson, or even Gunter, I don't care -- there are 6 more games to play and they can get up to speed (remember Malcolm Butler for NE last season?) Seeing Janis' first return yesterday should end any discussion about returning Hyde as the KR.

 

3) Get Montgomery integrated into the offense immediately upon his return to the lineup. James Jones is old, slow, and makes spectacular catches while blanketed. I have no idea what is up with Adams, but he is just a very average (at best) WR right now. Janis for whatever reasons is not allowed to see the field very often. Cobb is either more injured than we know or facing more coverage than he's used to without Jordy, because he has not been himself this season. The passing game is just, meh right now.

 

My hope is that Ty Montgomery can add some much needed athleticism/explosiveness to the passing game. I think he was becoming a weapon when he sprained his ankle five weeks ago. I also think that if he can be at threat it will hugely benefit the passing game generally and Randall and JJ in particular.

 

4) Dom has to coach the D as if we need the D to win us games. Yesterday was so much fun to watch. An aggressive defense bringing it to the Vikes instead of sitting back on its heels (see B.J.'s quotes on this). Now, Minnesota obviously has a bad offensive line and an inexperienced QB, but Peterson was leading the NFL in rushing and I've seen our D too many times let the other team dictate the action and that did not occur yesterday.

 

At this point, we need the D to not just not lose the game but actually help win it like it did yesterday. Keep up the blitzing, rotate players to keep them fresh (including Rollins, Ryan, and Elliott) and go for broke. 

 

Would love to hear from others who think the dream remains alive.

 

 

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I agree that dialing up the intensity of the defense is necessary. Better quarterbacks will take advantage of it but I don't think there's any choice. I never imagined  Jordy Nelson was irreplaceable but it appears to be true.

I'm pumping the breaks a little bit on this. Yes, it was glorious the way we took it to the Vikings and yesterday, but I still think this team has a ways to go.

 

If they're able to run he ball well an play great defense (exactly what they did yesterday) then I'd say the sky is the limit, but I'd like to see it sustained over the course of a few weeks before I get my hopes up.

 

One thing I found interesting, the Packers are the 3rd youngest team in the NFL. That's crazy. Some other young NFL teams? Rams, Jags, 49ers, Titans, Chiefs, Dolphins Texans. I mean the Packers are an unbelievably young team and at 7-3 are significantly better off than other teams with similar roster/age averages. I think this team is heading towards another championship, just (maybe) not this year.

 

Last edited by bubbleboy789

Yeah, we now know that the wheels can fall off over night, so I don't know that I'll ever let myself get too high on this team. Maybe if they beat AZ for a fifth straight win.

 

But yesterday was definitely a great first step in the right direction. Would also make a fun storyline on "America's Game: 2015 Green Bay Packers."

Originally Posted by bubbleboy789:

I'm pumping the breaks a little bit on this. Yes, it was glorious the way we took it to the Vikings and yesterday, but I still think this team has a ways to go.

 

If they're able to run he ball well an play great defense (exactly what they did yesterday) then I'd say the sky is the limit, but I'd like to see it sustained over the course of a few weeks before I get my hopes up.

 

One thing I found interesting, the Packers are the 3rd youngest team in the NFL. That's crazy. Some other young NFL teams? Rams, Jags, 49ers, Titans, Chiefs, Dolphins Texans. I mean the Packers are an unbelievably young team and at 7-3 are significantly better off than other teams with similar roster/age averages. I think this team is heading towards another championship, just (maybe) not this year.

 

Aren't the Packers always or at least frequently one of the youngest team? Why?

I agree with your points, Steve, especially about Dom's approach. Rotation amongst the D  Line and front seven should allow smart aggression from the first snap to the final whistle.

 

Getting the run game going is so important. It helps the O Line attitudinally and in pass pro and so much opens up in the passing game if the other side has to be playing run-pass balance.

 

MM has to keep getting on Clements' and Edgar's ass about more variety in the passing game. Bunches, motion and man-cover beaters. Don't be afraid of putting Janis and Perillo out there in situations where they can excel. Getting Q and Monty back should open things up, take advantage of it.

 

One game at a time.

Why always the youngest?  They are committed to draft and develop. That is why.

 

I wouldn't be looking past CHI as step #1.  CAR is still playing hot and CN's threat to run softens up the pass D which allows him to be less than a great thrower.  AZ would be tough to beat too since they have more than 1 good WR and a QB that can deliver when protected.  Way too early to be looking past those two teams in any way.

 

Last edited by DH13

BFI has been low the last few weeks, better today.

 

Players seemed liked they cared more yesterday, repeat whatever pregame meetings took place exactly the same.  

 

Dom Capers was amazing.  Continue to give credit to Dom when things go well, blame players when they do not.

 

Rodgers needs to keep his house in order.  Obviously he put her in her place.

 

Clements used his new gloves well.  Keep them on, even in domes.  

 

Mike Daniels needs to walk the talk, not talk the balk.  

Originally Posted by cuqui:

I agree with your points, Steve, especially about Dom's approach. Rotation amongst the D  Line and front seven should allow smart aggression from the first snap to the final whistle.

 

Getting the run game going is so important. It helps the O Line attitudinally and in pass pro and so much opens up in the passing game if the other side has to be playing run-pass balance.

 

MM has to keep getting on Clements' and Edgar's ass about more variety in the passing game. Bunches, motion and man-cover beaters. Don't be afraid of putting Janis and Perillo out there in situations where they can excel. Getting Q and Monty back should open things up, take advantage of it.

 

One game at a time.

 

..and someone needs to get in Rodgers ear and tell him to trust his progressions.   Cobb isn't the guy you want to force the ball to 20 times a game, he is no Sterling Sharpe. 

Originally Posted by Pikes Peak:
Originally Posted by bubbleboy789:

 Aren't the Packers always or at least frequently one of the youngest team? Why?

Draft, UFDA, and develop. And let older vets walk if they're not core guys still and want to get paid (Jennings, JJ take 1, Tramon) as well as guys coming out of their rookie deals who the market will overpay.

Last edited by ilcuqui

If they can keep it up with rushing the passer like they did yesterday and running the ball like they did yesterday I like our chances.  But, for now lets just pump the brakes and take it a week at a time.

These next 2 games will tell a big part of the tale.

 

I don't care WHO they're playing, it won't be easy playing 3 games in 11 days.

 

I'd like to castrate the schedule maker (assuming it's a male)

Originally Posted by YooperPackfan:
Originally Posted by Henry:

       

Win the division first.


       
And it starts by winning the next game

I'll wait until I see how the defense plays against a upper level NFL QB. Capers' defenses almost always look good against Bridgewater, Folk, Stafford, etc. When they beat a guy with experience at reading defenses, then we can talk about being a top-level defense.

 

The QBs they face the remainder of the season are the following:

 

Cutler

Stafford

Romo

Derek Carr

Palmer

Bridgewater

 

My fear is that Romo and Palmer will throw for about 350 yards plus each and they'll look pretty good in the other 4 games. I'd guess they go at least 3-3 and maybe 4-2 (lose to Arizona and Dallas) and finish with a 10-6 or 11-5  record which might be good enough to win the division. The first playoff game will be against a wild card (Seattle, Atlanta, or Minnesota?). If they win that game at home, they are looking at playing at Arizona or Carolina. I'd rather play Cam Newton again even if Carolina is 16-0 because I think they'll get shredded by a QB that can read defenses and isolate Hyde or Hayward (or their ILBs) in coverage.

Originally Posted by Boris:

These next 2 games will tell a big part of the tale.

 

I don't care WHO they're playing, it won't be easy playing 3 games in 11 days.

 

I'd like to castrate the schedule maker (assuming it's a male)

Agreed!!!!!  Let's not forget that they are all divisional games as well.  I can almost guarantee that no other team is playing 3 divisional games in 11 days.  And 4 divisional games in 4 weeks.  TOUGH!!!

Originally Posted by MichiganPacker:
Originally Posted by YooperPackfan:
Originally Posted by Henry:

       

Win the division first.


       
And it starts by winning the next game

I'll wait until I see how the defense plays against a upper level NFL QB. Capers' defenses almost always look good against Bridgewater, Folk, Stafford, etc. When they beat a guy with experience at reading defenses, then we can talk about being a top-level defense.

 

The QBs they face the remainder of the season are the following:

 

Cutler

Stafford

Romo

Derek Carr

Palmer

Bridgewater

 

My fear is that Romo and Palmer will throw for about 350 yards plus each and they'll look pretty good in the other 4 games. I'd guess they go at least 3-3 and maybe 4-2 (lose to Arizona and Dallas) and finish with a 10-6 or 11-5  record which might be good enough to win the division. The first playoff game will be against a wild card (Seattle, Atlanta, or Minnesota?). If they win that game at home, they are looking at playing at Arizona or Carolina. I'd rather play Cam Newton again even if Carolina is 16-0 because I think they'll get shredded by a QB that can read defenses and isolate Hyde or Hayward (or their ILBs) in coverage.

Got it all figured out, eh?

 

I can hardly wait for the NFC Championship game

I'd say that around week 5 this team had done enough good things that I considered them a solid Super Bowl contender.  That said, from week 6 (The San Diego game) on forward, there just have been too many negatives for me to really believe they're a contender at this point. 

 

That said, I certainly didn't believe in this team in 2010 either after they lost to Drew Stanton and the Lions in the 13th game.  The difference between the defense in 2010 vs. the defense this year, is that in 2010, the defense brought it EVERY game.  Even on their worst days, they kept the Pack in the game and the Pack never was blown out like they were vs. Denver or Carolina.  If there's one thing that I think there is something legitimate to doubt, it's that when the chips are down that this defense can do the job for 3 or 4 games straight in the playoffs including potential road games.

Originally Posted by Boris:
Originally Posted by MichiganPacker:
Originally Posted by YooperPackfan:
Originally Posted by Henry:

       

Win the division first.


       
And it starts by winning the next game

I'll wait until I see how the defense plays against a upper level NFL QB. Capers' defenses almost always look good against Bridgewater, Folk, Stafford, etc. When they beat a guy with experience at reading defenses, then we can talk about being a top-level defense.

 

The QBs they face the remainder of the season are the following:

 

Cutler

Stafford

Romo

Derek Carr

Palmer

Bridgewater

 

My fear is that Romo and Palmer will throw for about 350 yards plus each and they'll look pretty good in the other 4 games. I'd guess they go at least 3-3 and maybe 4-2 (lose to Arizona and Dallas) and finish with a 10-6 or 11-5  record which might be good enough to win the division. The first playoff game will be against a wild card (Seattle, Atlanta, or Minnesota?). If they win that game at home, they are looking at playing at Arizona or Carolina. I'd rather play Cam Newton again even if Carolina is 16-0 because I think they'll get shredded by a QB that can read defenses and isolate Hyde or Hayward (or their ILBs) in coverage.

Got it all figured out, eh?

 

I can hardly wait for the NFC Championship game

Well, I was sure they were going to get beat in Minnesota because they'd lose the battle at the line of scrimmage. So, Boris, you're right, I probably don't know anything.

 

I'd love to see the Packers play in Charlotte for the NFC Championship. Maybe you have it figured out.

Originally Posted by Boris:

Com'on Boris! Espionage 101. You lure the enemy into your trap And gain their confidence. Then when they least expect it, you drop the hammer! Give an old man some credit will ya? 

Many teams respond well when their backs are up against a wall and people start doubting them.

 

It will take a few weeks of consistency before I start looking past a division championship.

Nice to be having these types of conversations at this time every year though 

Last edited by WolfPack

If Eddie is back to being, well, Eddie and we get Quarless back and if Ty can heal up and contribute....I'll feel better about this offense. It'll also take much pressure off of AR.

 

Another player to watch: Datone Jones. He's really coming along and looks like a 1st round pick. He's also standing up more and getting snaps at OLB. And that production is no coincidence. How he's lining up is a lot like he did at UCLA where he was most comfortable.

 

Jones’ improvement culminated Sunday with his most productive game in the NFL. The former UCLA defensive end, drafted No. 26 in 2013, had two sacks, five quarterback hurries and a batted pass against the Minnesota Vikings.

 

It was only the second time in Jones’ career he had two sacks in a game.

It might be no coincidence Jones’ outburst came in his first game rushing as an outside linebacker, standing up in a two-point stance.

 

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers started using Jones as an edge rusher the previous week against the Detroit Lions, and Jones responded with what was a season-high three quarterback hurries.

 

He was even better against the Vikings.

 

“I was excited,” Jones said, “because for me coming out of college, I was able to rush from outside to inside, over to center, stand up. I could do it all. It was just great to see Dom using me. It was great to see Coach trusting in me and putting me in special situations.”

 

Jones started the season as an interior rusher in the dime package, but he was only playing about a quarter of the defense’s snaps. Now, Jones is being used similar to the way the Packers rush outside linebacker Julius Peppers.

Originally Posted by cuqui:
Originally Posted by Pikes Peak:
Originally Posted by bubbleboy789:

 Aren't the Packers always or at least frequently one of the youngest team? Why?

Draft, UFDA, and develop. And let older vets walk if they're not core guys still and want to get paid (Jennings, JJ take 1, Tramon) as well as guys coming out of their rookie deals who the market will overpay.


The Rogers and Matthews deals also, dictate this as well. 

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