Gut Reactions: Broncos 27 Packers 2
Aaron gives his gut reactions to the Packers preseason loss in Denver
By PackerAaron
- If the Packers clearly don't care, why should I?
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Comments (58)
SicSemperTyrannis
August 18, 2024 at 10:21 pm
So much for MLF not having to call plays.
I kept hoping the playcaller might try to adjust and actually win, or at least move the ball. Just to get practice if nothing else.
Obviously they wanted to practice doing the same thing over and over instead. No experimenting with the O line to try to get more effective run blocking. Almost no changing it up to pass attempt.
One injury, a concussion to someone not likely to make the PS?
Swisch
August 18, 2024 at 10:35 pm
What a dud by the Green Bay Pansies, and I suspect the lackluster tone was set by Head Coach Matt LaFlower.
If LaFleur wants to be merely a tactician, get a job as a chess coach; if he wants to be wimpy, apply to be the next woke Commissioner of the NFL.
I'm impressed with Clifford for being so steely against the onslaught of the Broncos, and doing what he could to salvage the first half.
***
I suspect most of our starters are truly eager to player some football in the preseason, and that LaFleur is holding them back.
If not, then let's get some new starters.
After eking out a 9-8 record last season, there are really not many laurels to rest on, including for LaFleur as a head coach.
What the hell is going on out there with the Green Bay Pampers?
***
Cancel any remaining joint practices.
Kick the starters in the ass and get them on the field next week.
Remind LaFleur that there's more to the game than drawing up plays on the chalkboard, or the computer, or whatever is the latest technology for geeks.
Shave your head, Matt, break a sweat, and get a clue.
Swisch
August 18, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Go to hell nasty and anonymous downvoter (at least figuratively speaking).
Have the guts to say something, or crawl back into your safe room.
dblbogey
August 18, 2024 at 11:01 pm
It's seems silly to get worked up over a meaningless preseason game where our starters don't play.
Swisch
August 18, 2024 at 11:30 pm
Why do we even come here then to waste our lives caring about the Packers?
Why are we at CHTV late on a Sunday night instead of reading a good book or something else of apparently more substance?
***
As Lombardi said, you don't do things right once in a while.
He also thought football was a worthwhile endeavor, something to be proud of if you strove for excellence consistently.
That would imply that it's worthwhile being a fan of a team that deserves respect for caring about the game and affection for caring about the fans.
What an embarrassment it was tonight for the Packers!
I'm wondering if the players and coaches are caring about football these days as much as their images and their contracts.
Oppy
August 18, 2024 at 11:45 pm
Teams with a losing culture put a lot of effort into winning preseason games in the hopes of convincing the players they can be winners and to start building a winning culture.
Teams with a winning culture sometimes use the preseason games as an opportunity to further assess bottom half of the roster players, new concepts, specific situations. The focus is not necessarily on winning, it's about collecting information to make the most informed decisions on what concepts to carry forward or scrap, how certain personnel packages work together, and which young players are worth continuing to develop on PS, which will be cut, and which might make the final roster.
It's always nice to get a win, but it's not always the most important thing in a preseason game.
As far a MLF joining a chess club, pansies, etc and so forth... the quote, "Lighten up, Francis" comes to mind.
I was on the fence about MLF to begin the season last year. As far as I'm concerned, he's proven he's a leader of men as he pulled together the youngest roster in the league and made them into a playoff contender. He was under the microscope as to if he was any sort of coach at all without Rodgers doing the heavy lifting for him, and he without a doubt proved he could manage just fine without the HoF QB under center- and arguably proved that same HoF QB might have actually been holding his offense back.
The players certainly aren't "pansies". "Pansies" don't march into Dallas and put a whoopin' on a cowboys team that was near unstoppable at home.
Some of the Packers best seasons were started with miserable looking final scores in the preseason. What will the regular season Packers look like in 2024? I don't know, but I know enough to know a preseason game in which few to none of the starters played will not be any sort of accurate indicator of their success or failure in the upcoming season.
Take a deep breath. It's a preseason game. Maybe you need to re-assess how you approach these games- I don't think your expectations are in alignment with the team's goals for these glorified live-action practices.
Swisch
August 19, 2024 at 09:46 am
Wow, Oppy, you are really impressed by the Packers of last season going 9-8 and beating those mighty Cowboys?
Apparently, the Packers are really impressed with themselves, too.
That, to this hysterical overreactor, seems like a mindset for a huge letdown.
***
Also, the Packers didn't play with enough effort last night to be able to assess anything properly.
I agree that the final score is not the key for preseason games (although it's always important to try to win).
Unfortunately, the Packers played like losers against the Broncos from start to finish.
That's unacceptable.
It surprises me if any fans are not more than a little angry.
Oppy
August 19, 2024 at 11:21 pm
If you weren't impressed with the way the Packers played their final 10 games of the season and into the playoffs in 2023, and specifically the way they man handled the Cowboys.. I'm not sure you know what you're watching.
The entire league was impressed- as they should have been- because it was impressive.
Bitternotsour
August 19, 2024 at 10:07 am
Ask yourself, when was the last time you read a good book? Maybe, if you're hugely dissatisfied, question why you're here. I engage because of the entertainment value. Snarky commentary enlivens me.
The NFL isn't the NFL of the 60's - the altruism you seek does not exist. The product is built to sell advertising. To generate clicks. Behind the back passes, replays, sports center highlights. A good book is a comfort, and far more valuable endeavor. Try not to take these games so personally, they aren't a reflection of who you are, nor are they particularly good.
I've switched most of my attention to Premier League soccer, which has NO COMMERCIALS during their 90 minute games. Yes there are a slew of them in the buildup, and a chunk at halftime, but they are all football during the 90 minutes of play. They suit my aging eye. You can subscribe to Peacock TV for about $6 month. Pick a team - I landed on Arsenal in 2012 because their elegant manager (now a retired elder statesman) reminded me of Ted Thompson. There's a great Amazon series called All or Nothing: Arsenal (2022) – about the 2021–22 Arsenal F.C. season and their new manager Mikel Arteta. A lot of honor and dignity. You might like it.
Final advice, don't sweat the preseason. It's not about wins and losses.
marpag1
August 19, 2024 at 09:02 am
If Swishy gets worked up over meaningless DOWNVOTES, are you really surprised he's worked up about a glorified football practice?
Swisch
August 19, 2024 at 09:34 am
Right, nothing matters -- except for making snarky remarks like this one by marpag1.
marpag1
August 19, 2024 at 10:59 am
Dude, you're telling people to go to hell because of a downvote (!!) during preseason, and now you're all indignant about a little snark? Right... got it.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 03:52 am
Try learning something instead of ... whatever you might want to call that comment. Joint practice was slated as the time the starters played last week against Denver, NOT the game.
Was it disappointing? Of course.
The question is, how can they learn from this? I think the coaches could have created better opportunities both for players to develop and to evaluate players, but calling them juvenile names doesn't help anything.
HarryHodag
August 19, 2024 at 06:24 am
An effective way to deal with anger is to look into a mirror and then hit yourself in the face. It's about as effective as what you just said.
Swisch
August 19, 2024 at 09:37 am
Harry, I've been a fan of your comments in general, and so this one by you really hurts.
So, we're not allowed to get angry now?
Or it's okay to get a little angry, but not a lot angry?
And who decides how much is appropriate?
Boom Boom Beau
August 18, 2024 at 10:37 pm
Kristian Welch From Iola had a nice game. An Int. And some nice tackles.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 03:38 am
Bo Melton, who I really like as a player, hurt his cause even further. From my POV so did Stenavinch as a playcaller, although I don't know that he didn't do what MLF wanted? I'd rather have seen personnel changes made to the O line when it was established that our run blocking wasn't going to work, especially if they were going to "commit to the run." I'd also rather see playcalls changed up, using the pass to help establish the run.
That would involve Stenavich calling plays more like it was a real game they were trying to win. I just hope that losing, and using losing tactics, isn't something anyone on the roster gets used to.
Coldworld
August 19, 2024 at 11:18 am
I did not think Melton did anything negative, just that, like others, his QBs were unable to give him opportunities. Other than down night for Dubose and a better if not spectacular showing from Heath, largely a wasted opportunity to test receivers. The best catch of the night was E. Wilson’s: that speaks volumes.
I would give someone else a chance to call plays. In 2 games, Stenovich has made vanilla look wildly imaginative. Maybe a skill player position coach next week.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:21 am
There were some good defensive plays. Every Denver QB was able to score?
Coldworld
August 19, 2024 at 11:22 am
Helped by short fields at times. That said, they did spot us 100 plus yards in penalties of which we made nothing at all. There were some good plays, just many more poor ones in between.,
Starrbrite
August 18, 2024 at 10:42 pm
Pathetic—even for 3rd-stringers.
Go Packers!!!
Coldworld
August 18, 2024 at 11:54 pm
In terms of desire to make a roster, a handful players aside ( most notably Hopper) it was either as if they don’t want a spot or they never got a chance due to poor blocking, passing or simply telegraphed plays. How does a team made up of bubble players seem that flat? It’s just like the ones in the practice on Friday. Please never let Stenovich call a game again. AI would be less predictable.
Starrbrite
August 19, 2024 at 12:44 am
Couldn’t agree more—.
BuckyBadger
August 18, 2024 at 10:47 pm
Well they got their butts kicked all week and then of course the back ups got served up tonight. The Donkeys are not a very talented roster. Will be interesting what we see this week with the Ravens coming to town.
splitpea1
August 18, 2024 at 10:49 pm
I don't think we learned much out there sifting through all those backups and bubble players on the offense, except that we had better find some quality depth on the OL or develop it quickly.
Welch and Hopper showed up on defense, and you had to admit that safety/sack by Morton was as aesthetically pleasing as they come.
Otherwise the best news about this game was that Packer fans didn't have to pay to watch it. No injuries that I can recall, either.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 03:46 am
I saw one injury; a concussion to someone not expected to make the 53. Goforth? If that's the only injury, that's the only "win." You're mentioning exactly why I would have rather seen personnel changes on the O line. Not immediately, give that grouping some time, but once it was so clearly established that they couldn't run block and you were just going to keep trying to run it anyway, try someone else. Failure to do so is how you get a RB hurt, and doesn't help develop them. Failure to do that tells us not nearly enough about the depth on O line.
turkayy
August 18, 2024 at 10:59 pm
guys in these comments caring too much..... packers dont, why should we
veteranviewer
August 18, 2024 at 11:06 pm
Lafleur, please play your starters next week for at least one half or I think our regular season debut against Philadelphia will turn out bad. Jordan Love, etc. need a tuneup opportunity to be ready.
Oppy
August 18, 2024 at 11:54 pm
I'd be happy with a quarter, but I agree with the sentiment.
I think with how young this roster is, the starters should have been playing for a half today, and the final preseason game should have been sparingly-to-none.. but since they didn't play today, I agree they need work next week.
I don't think we're getting it, though.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 03:48 am
I think that's part of the plan, although maybe not 30 minutes. More than 3 plays in the whole preseason seems necessary, but the joint practice was planned as the time for the starters to play this week.
Leatherhead
August 18, 2024 at 11:07 pm
🥸. Nothing good happens on offense with out blocking.
🥸. Defense was aggressive and attacking while giving up 27
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:25 am
Every Denver QB was able to score? Our D made some good plays, and even made (at least) one stop.
I just hope that the disappointment on tape gives them something to learn from.
Bitternotsour
August 19, 2024 at 10:11 am
I know this is tongue and cheek, but it's helpful to remember that this is preseason and that this is all Denver really has.
But 27 points was 24 more than they needed...
PhantomII
August 18, 2024 at 11:15 pm
Rut, roh... raggy. Not a warm fuzzy, knowing the 1's were handled in practice also. This season needs to be cast with purpose to do some post season heroics....Let's see some desire, GB...Punt nearly blocked also, leading to: ......ST is still an issue.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 03:58 am
STs were an issue beyond just that, too. On every exchange GB got the worst of the field position battle, IIRC. Kicker couldn't land it in the target zone, the best our STs did is when Denver also failed at that. Otherwise they were running it past the 30 while we were stopped short of it. Maybe there was an exception to that, but overall we lost that battle too.
Beaten in all 3 phases. No in-game adjustment. I realize the game doesn't count but it's not a good harbinger of things to come, neither was it good habits for our coaches to get into.
TarynsEyes
August 18, 2024 at 11:16 pm
Yes, it's only preseason still, but having a predicted level of play for the starters, and watching what could be the backups, the drop-off could be called a near abyss. Hoping for starter health is even more paramount to success this year. But, there is still time to improve.
Swisch
August 18, 2024 at 11:44 pm
When so many of the players are terrible, there's a good chance that it's the fault of the coaches.
Where was the inspiration for enthusiasm and the preparation for effectiveness?
In a team game, it's hard for individual players to overcome overall complacency.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:00 am
I disagree that this demonstrates an "abyss "
I agree that it was a disappointing showing, especially coupled with our first string also losing handily during the joint practice.
BillofAltoona
August 18, 2024 at 11:20 pm
Two Packer possessions of this glorified scrimmage was all I could stomach. There is little in the entire world of sports less appealing than exhibition football games dressed up by the NFL as the "pre-season". Of course, attendees are expected to pay full freight to watch incredibly low scoring games featuring 4-yard passes and sightings of starters as rare as sightings of Haley's Comet. I know coaches say they can't survive without at least three of these snooze fests. As a fan I sure as hell can.
Swisch
August 18, 2024 at 11:37 pm
I like the way the Broncos approached this game.
Whether preseason is appealing or not depends on attitude.
Whatever happened to love of the game?
I was more competitive as a kid playing with a Nerf football in the backyard.
I had tons of fun diving around on the grass even without a multimillion-dollar contract.
I wish I could still do it today.
haevs6
August 18, 2024 at 11:46 pm
2nd preseason game but what did we learn?? QB's with little time to throw.... #5-6 wr's we learned nothing, rb's no where to run?? OL backups not good? I guess thats the answer..... Dink and dunk for Nix and we could not cover.....DB's got very little work. kind of a waste of a game?
Interesting how KC & others played 1st team for a short time......maybe that is the difference of philosophy, but I would follow the proven vs what happened tonight
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:07 am
This combination of our O line players certainly could not run block effectively against those specific matchups. I think it was foolish to continue sending our RBs into that, and am pleasantly surprised none got hurt. I expect they're all worse for the wear. There was still plenty of O line talent on the bench; I think it was a mistake not to make some in-game adjustment to that personnel group.
I also would have liked to have seen at least a little changeup in playcalling I don't see how anyone learned much except running into brick walls isn't good strategy. At least they didn't give away the playbook.
Coldworld
August 19, 2024 at 12:01 am
Stenovich and Butkus are looking like problems to me.,
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:09 am
Agreed, but what was expected of them in this game? I would have rather seen in-game adjustments by the coaches, just to give them practice doing it if nothing else. But I'm not privy to the game plan they were instructed to follow.
ricky
August 19, 2024 at 12:33 am
There were reports that the Packers were listless/lackluster during the scrimmages the teams held against each other. Then, they came out flat as pancakes, and just didn't seem to be blocking or tackling very well. Which really surprised me. These games are meaningless to the regular season standings, but they should be crucial to guys who are trying to make the team, or, at minimum, want to make a good impression so another team might pick them up if they don't make the cut with the Packers. Instead, with the exception of Wilson, who seemed to be doing his best to move forward even when faced with several tacklers at the line of scrimmage all night, this was a bad look for the team. On both sides of the ball. The defense made Bo Nix look like a polished QB, and always seemed to be a step slow and not that interested in contact. Oh well, on to the Ravens. Hopefully, in a few weeks we won't even remember this game.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:11 am
Bo Melton also looked bad. Love him as a player but this whole preseason he seems to be hurting his cause.
Tundraboy
August 19, 2024 at 07:18 am
Exactly. I should have known Sunday night in Denver,
friedt
August 19, 2024 at 03:36 am
Pathetic.
I turned it off in the 4th quarter. I never do that with a Packer game. Horrible play calling and horrible execution.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:14 am
O line got beat. Plenty of talent still on the bench. No personnel adjustment.
I'm not a fan of that approach. I just hope somebody was able to learn something from it? I don't think coaches created the best learning opportunity, but would love to be proven wrong.
Rory P Scrotem
August 19, 2024 at 05:18 am
I would like to see our starters play (at least) 2 series against the Ravens.
If we don't, I wonder what the excuse down in Brazil will be when we start slow.
NickPerry
August 19, 2024 at 05:54 am
The Packers have STUNK it up before and they will again. Better now in the preseason than when it matters. Under MLF the Packers haven't been good in week one. Yes, they beat the Bears last year in week one but Philly isn't the Bears.
What I'm most concerned about is the Packers really don't have any depth on the O-Line, and they REALLY need to bring in a QB who can win if Love is injured for a month during the regular season.
Don't even get me started on the kicking game. Carlson hasn't risen to the occasion like his brother did in year 2. I think he's just a 80% kicker, if even that and Joseph isn't any better.
CheesePuff
August 19, 2024 at 06:21 am
Chill. This is the same team that shouldn’t have been in the playoffs last year but for one of the top 10 blown calls of the season:
6. Marquez Valdes Scantling Tackled, No Pass Interference Called
Towards the end of the Green Bay Packers/Kansas City Chiefs game, the score was 27-19. The Packers had 40 seconds left in the game, and Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes threw a deep ball towards the end zone to Chiefs’ receiver Marquez Valdes Scantling, who got tackled before the ball even got to him, and no pass interference was called. The final score would be 27-19, in favor of the Packers. This was blatantly Pass Interference. Scantling was tackled before the ball got there, the most obvious pass interference in the book. The referees obviously missed this call in a crucial moment, and if called, would’ve set the Chiefs up to score from 1st and Goal.
Just celebrate the wins when they come, and enjoy the brats and beer when they don’t. GPG.
JJB
August 19, 2024 at 06:24 am
That was one of the worst preseason games I've ever watched. If Love goes down we will not win a game. The backup oline is pathetic and all should be replaced in next yrs draft. Now is the time to add some vets. Tannehill for sure and a Guard.
HarryHodag
August 19, 2024 at 06:31 am
It's preseason. The coaches have to cut a bunch of players soon and they wanted to see if there's anyone worth keeping around. The game means nothing except for the Broncos who are trying to rebuild from recent disasters. For the Packers you can see this team is a mile wide in talent at the first level and an inch deep after that.
I think it might be smart for the Packers to look for a veteran QB at cut down time. Send Clifford packing and put Pratt on the PS. If you have what it takes it shows quickly. This is year 2 with Clifford.
I have to ask: please explain how Royce Newman is still around?
Joster11
August 19, 2024 at 11:26 am
The Who has the best answer to your Royce Newman question with their song, "I Can't Explain".
stockholder
August 19, 2024 at 06:57 am
No Running Game. No offense.
Yes- Rookies have to learn.
But -
It's time to make cuts.
Start with the RBs-
Bo Nix -would have been a good draft pick.
jannesbjornson
August 19, 2024 at 09:14 am
Denver lucked out with him dropping. He was right there with Williams, maybe better.
egbertsouse
August 19, 2024 at 07:18 am
Everyone is saying we didn’t learn anything from this game. That’s wrong. We learned that the Packers better go injury free this season because their backups are godawful.