Packers Snap Counts Versus The Vikings: Week Seventeen
The Packers elevated Tyler Goodson and Ramiz Ahmed from the Practice Squad and then did not play either of them. They did not even make Goodson active after it was determined that Keisean Nixon was healthy enough to play. It is very unusual for a team to elevate players and then not use them. In the end, it was a $27,667 gift to each player, but it worked out.
The inactive players were Krys Barnes, Jonathan Ford, Shemar Jean-Charles, Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones, Bo Melton and Goodson. They were all healthy scratches. Ramiz Ahmed did not play, for reasons that completely elude me. I have no idea why he did not handle the kickoffs, given that Crosby only got 2 touchbacks on 7 kickoffs.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Runyan | 63 | 100 | 7 - 25% |
| Myers | 63 | 100 | 7 - 25% |
| Jenkins | 56 | 89 | |
| Bakhtiari | 56 | 89 | |
| Tom | 55 | 87 | |
| Nijman | 8 | 13 | 7 - 25% |
| Newman | 7 | 11 | 7 - 25% |
| Tenuta | 7 | 11 | 7 - 25% |
| Rodgers | 56 | 89 | |
| Love | 7 | 11 | |
| Dillon | 29 | 46 | 2 - 7% |
| Jones | 25 | 40 | 2 - 7% |
| Patrick | 12 | 19 | 6 -21% |
| Tonyan | 39 | 62 | 2 - 7% |
| Lewis | 23 | 37 | 7 - 25% |
| Deguara | 23 | 37 | 9 -32% |
| Davis | 10 | 16 | 23 - 82% |
| Lazard | 45 | 71 | 2 - 7% |
| Watson | 38 | 60 | |
| Doubs | 31 | 49 | |
| Cobb | 29 | 46 | 3 - 11% |
| Toure | 11 | 17 | 2 - 7% |
The Packers rode a dominant offensive line and a dynamic running back to victory against the Vikings. Aaron Jones gained 111 yards on 14 carries (7.92-yard average), including 90 yards on 9 carries in the first half. According to Pro Football Focus, only 35 of his yards came after contact, as Jones averaged 5.4 yards per carry before contact. Jones has now gained 1,073 yards for the season. The Packers need to think long and hard about finding a way to retain Jones in 2023, regardless of the quarterback situation.
A.J. Dillon had rougher sledding. He gained just 13 yards on 5 carries in the first half, and added 28 more yards on 7 carries in the second half, with a touchdown. Dillon finished with 41 yards on 12 carries for a 3.4-yard average. Dillon failed to gain the first down on a 3rd and one at the Minnesota 39 on a carry around the left end. I prefer Dillon running north-south. To be fair, Dillon got a couple carries in goal to goal situations, and Aaron Jones got stuffed on a run up the middle the play before on 2nd and one at the Minnesota 39. That led to the Packers going for it on fourth down, but Danielle Hunter beat Bakhtiari fairly quickly for a 16-yard sack of Rodgers. A veteran quarterback taking ill-advised sacks has been a bit of a problem lately. The Packers were ahead 7-3 at that time; turning it over on downs at the Green Bay 45 gave life to the Vikings. However, four plays later Tederall Slaton deflected a pass by Cousins to Darnell Savage who intercepted it and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. Dillon needs 57 yards against the Lions next week to go over 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
The offensive line provided very good pass protection overall. On 29 passing attempts, the line allowed one sack and 3 pressures. Danielle Hunter had 2 quarterback hits and Davlin Tomlinson added another QB hit. Those two are quality players who are likely to make their fair share of plays. Zach Tom replaced Yosh Nijman at right tackle after just 8 snaps. He had no troubles with ZaDarius Smith. Runyan had a holding penalty on a running play. It is interesting that Nijman played the full complement of available special teams snaps since I assumed he stopped playing right tackle due to injury (and perhaps that is the reason).
Pro Football Focus has their fantasy article up with routes run. Here is that information:
| Player | Snaps | Routes | Targets | Recs | Yds | Yd/Rte |
| Lazard | 45 | 24 | 6 | 5 | 59 | 2.46 |
| Watson | 38 | 17 | 5 | 1 | 11 | 0.65 |
| Doubs | 31 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 20 | 1.67 |
| Toure | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tonyan | 39 | 23 | 4 | 3 | 52 | 2.26 |
| Lewis | 23 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deguara | 23 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1.0 |
| Davis | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dillon | 29 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jones | 25 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0.22 |
| Taylor | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rodgers finished with 15 completions on 24 attempts for 159 yards (6.25 yards/attempt), 1 touchdown and no interceptions. His passer rating was 95.7. Allen Lazard had a nice game. Four of his receptions were good for first downs, and three of them converted third down opportunities, some of them third and long situations. At this stage of the development of the receivers, when Green Bay needs it, the pass is likely going towards Lazard. It was good to see Doubs catch two passes for first downs, though the game was well in hand by that time. Tonyan also had a nice game and seemed to move better. Tonyan, Lewis and Deguara all threw some big blocks on running plays in this game. The Packers played a lot of tight ends, with an average of 1.51 TEs in the game on average.
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Douglas | 58 | 100 | 14 - 50% |
| Ford | 50 | 86 | 8 - 29% |
| Amos | 46 | 79 | 6 - 21% |
| Alexander | 46 | 79 | |
| Savage | 45 | 78 | 9 - 32% |
| Gaines | 18 | 31 | 15 - 54% |
| Carpenter | 13 | 22 | 16 - 57% |
| Ballentine | 12 | 21 | 13 - 46% |
| Leavitt | 19 - 68% | ||
| Nixon | 3 - 11% | ||
| Campbell | 46 | 79 | 3 - 11% |
| Walker | 41 | 71 | 3 - 11% |
| Smith | 34 | 59 | 4 - 15% |
| Enagbare | 34 | 59 | 7 - 25% |
| Hollins | 26 | 45 | |
| Garvin | 18 | 31 | 9 - 32% |
| McDuffie | 12 | 21 | 16 - 57% |
| Wilson | 12 | 21 | 15 - 54% |
| Clark | 36 | 62 | 4 - 14% |
| Wyatt | 34 | 59 | 1 - 4% |
| Reed | 33 | 57 | 4 - 14% |
| Slaton | 24 | 41 | 12 - 43% |
| 22 on Defense | |||
| Crosby | 14 - 50% | ||
| O'Donnell | 10 - 36% | ||
| Coco | 10 - 36% |
There were several noticeable things about the defense. One was the tone they set early. The physicality and rallying to the ball were a full display. Someone asked where has this defense been all year and another person answered "about 10 yards farther downfield." Not today. On the Vikings' first possession, Cook ran twice up the middle for 6 yards, and then Douglas, playing tight coverage, broke up a short pass to Thielen to force a punt. After a blocked punt, Minnesota got the ball at the Green Bay one-yard line. After an incomplete pass to Thielen, Dalvin Cook tried the middle and then left guard, losing one yard over those two carries. The Minnesota center, Austin Schlottman, got injured after 5 snaps, but Schlottman, playing because the starter, Garrett Bradbury, was inactive, is terrible. He was replaced by Chris Reed., a veteran backup.
Another noticeable thing was the push the Packers got up the middle along with some stoutness. Clark had a sack during which he forced and recovered a fumble. Reed had two quarterback hits. Slaton had a tackle for loss and he deflected two passes to go with 4 overall tackles (3 solo). The pressure was good though not outstanding. It was clear that Cousins had a limited time in which to operate. Hollins (2 QB hits incluing a sack and a tackle for loss), and Enagbare (2 QB hits) have been pleasant surprises, but they are not Rashan Gary. Preston Smith has been consistent; he finished with 1 QB hit and 3 tackles. I also have to give credit to the defense for cleaning up a real problem this team has had with missed tackles. Part of that was rallying to the ball - if someone slowed a ballcarrier up there was someone there to finish the play. Nor did the Vikings gain yards in giant scrums.
Finally, the secondary seemed sound all day. I did not see head-scratchingly easy pitches and catches, or other blown coverages, other than a late blown assignment by Corey Ballentine late in garbage time. That play also featured Rudy Ford missing on a tackle. That was not important given the score at the time, but Mr. Ford is playing for next year. Obviously, Jaire Alexander traveling with Justin Jefferson was important. Jefferson had just one catch for 15 yards, and that came against quarters coverage. Even when the Packers were in zone, they passed the receiver off when appropriate and ran with them when the scheme called for that.
The Vikings running backs averaged 3.82 yards per carry. They ran the ball 17 times for 65 yards (20 for 101 yards if one counts scrambles by Cousins, and who knew he could do that?), but some of those yards came late. The Packers held Cook to 27 yards on 9 carries, and when it matter, 21 yards on 8 carries with a long of 9 in the first half.
Adrian Amos led the Packers with 8 tackles (7 solo), an interception, 2 passes broken up and a tackle for loss. He limited gains and seemed very competent. Campbell and Walker each had 8 tackles, while Slaton, Clark, and McDuffie (in garbage time) each had 4 tackles. It is noteworthy that Devonte Wyatt got more snaps than Jarran Reed, though I did not see Wyatt do anything. Wyatt finished with one assisted tackle. As noted above, Slaton had a possible breakout game.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Keisean Nixon changed the momentum with a 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He added a 10-yard punt return, while Randall Cobb had a 15-yard return. On the other hand, O'Donnell had a punt blocked and Keke Nwangwu had a 39-yard kickoff return and averaged 28.5 per return.
WR: 2.44
RB: 1.05
TE: 1.51
DL: 2.19
OLB: 1.93
ILB: 1.91
DB: 4.97
Photograph courtesy of Wm. Glasheen, USA Today.
Statistics by nflgsis and PFF where indicated.
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Comments (97)
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 05:43 am
Another thing about this game and recent games is no drops, and less shootings into one's own proverbial feet. Of course, in this game when they made a mistake they overcame it. For example, on 1st and 10 from the MN 20, Runyan has a holding to make it first and 20 from the 30. Cobb picks up 9 over the middle and then the line gives AR all day and he uses it and throws a TD strike to Tonyan. AR wasn't great but he was a QB a team can win with, and perhaps a little more.
I have mentioned finding the space to keep Jones. He is just too good. Now Lazard, he is a chain-mover. Every team needs a guy who can run a curl or a slant to pick up 6 on third down. Cobb did it in this game (I omitted that in the article): he picked up a first on 3rd and 10. Moving the chains is important. I just don't know Lazard's market. I am hopeful that Doubs can be a chain-mover while offering more dynamism than Lazard does. Loved that little slant from AR to Doubs.
Did anyone notice Preston covering Thielen? I think Barry caught some angry comments in game one, but Preston was in coverage on Thielen a couple of times, according to the play-by-play, including in their first possession when I mentioned the incomplete pass to Thielen and then two runs between the tackles by Cook that got stuffed, forcing the field goal. Preston is a useful guy, a pretty good #2 OLB.
I didn't realize that Ford played so many snaps as I noticed Savage out there a lot. I thought this was a nice game from Amos. Hockenson did some damage, but he averaged 8.4 yards per reception, something defenses can live with. I think Campbell has been solid now for half a season after being not so hot to begin with. Walker obviously has improved. Detroit has a good offensive line. Going to need Slaton and/or Wyatt to be for real.
This offense never looks like a juggernaut if Watson isn't a big factor. I hope he just needed another week to recuperate.
Guam
January 02, 2023 at 08:28 am
TGR: Local paper said Ahmad was supposed to handle the kickoffs, but suffered a groin injury during warmups and was scratched as a result. Paper also said Nijman was hampered by his shoulder injury and MLF decided to limit his reps - hence Tom at RT most of the time even though Nijman did play STs.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 08:39 am
Reed was down getting treatment, early in the second half I think, I believe he came back but not immediately, I’m not sure about that. Nijman reported an issue with his shoulder I believe, which may not be as significant on STs. Tom probably allowed him to stay on the sidelines as he wasn’t ruled out (as STs show).
I thought Wyatt had a solid outing. Maybe not spectacular, but that side looked a lot more solid against the run and in terms of controlling the pocket than it has for much of the season. I will take that very happily.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 08:43 am
"I have mentioned finding the space to keep Jones. He is just too good. Now Lazard, he is a chain-mover. Every team needs a guy who can run a curl or a slant to pick up 6 on third down. "
I think they can find a way to fit Jones, and I agree: he's the spoon who stirs the drink. He seems to want to be in GB and for a guy in his later 20s, he doesn't have a lot of wear on his tires. Whether it's ARod or Love in 2023, they're going to be committed to the run game. If they let him go or trade him, they need to take steps to actively replace him, and I don't think that guy is currently on the roster (and if he were on the PS, they wouldn't leave him unprotected on the PS).
As for Lazard, I'm a little uneasy as to what it will take to retain him after the WR market blew up last spring. Same with Tonyan. Neither has put up eye-popping numbers in 2022, but Lazard's role in particular is pretty important to an offense that wants to run the ball. I don't think there's room for both under the 2023 cap...but then, creative things can be done with bonus structures and the like.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 09:25 am
Lazard is a premium blocker but he’s a 3/4 receiver, depending on the day. I sometimes wonder if we’d be better running some of his routes with others when he’s not blocking and thus increase the number of times a receiver is open and the threat. I wouldn’t pay above a 3/4 level. I think he will want more. If we had a true all purpose TE his importance likely decreases in the run game and I think that’s actually where his blocking really surpasses other receivers. Of course, some would have him move to TE, which might be an option that extends his career.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 10:39 am
"Of course, some would have him move to TE, which might be an option that extends his career."
I just don't see him adding weight at this stage to play more of a true TE role. I think his HWS are about as good as they'll get, and asking him to start blocking bigger LBs and DEs--while he 1,2,3'd guys last week--would be him taking a beating and not career-extending.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 12:16 pm
True TE no, but he’s close to some move TEs do now.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 10:06 am
Jones is also 52 yards away from having 1500 yards from scrimmage. RBs with 1500 and a 1000 yards from scrimmage the same year seems like it would be a rare thing.
NickPerry
January 02, 2023 at 05:45 am
"It is noteworthy that Devonte Wyatt got more snaps than Jarran Reed, though I did not see Wyatt do anything. Wyatt finished with one assisted tackle."
Thanks TGR, excellent as usual...I have to disagree about Wyatt, there was one play I saw I actually rewatched several times just to make sure I saw what I saw.
The Vikings ran a running play up the middle, WHILE Wyatt was still engaged with the O-Linemen he able to grab the running back with one arm while dealing with the O-Linemen TRYING to block him with the other. I'll try to find it again if I rewatch the game. The announcers didn't even comment on it either which was strange because IMO it was a hell of a play.
I think it was during one of the 12 times Romo was telling us as nicely as possible what ALL Packers fans already knew. THESE Vikings , the 2022 Vikings are fake as hell!
I also thought he had good push the entire game, at least when I watched him.
#FREEWYATT!
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 07:38 am
I knew I'd get pushback if I said anything less than admiring about Wyatt. I thought he played 15 snaps. What can I say.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 08:10 am
Glad to see Clark's load lightened a little bit. Game flow probably had a lot to do with it, but finding DL who they trust to be impactful playing around him will make him better and fresher.
As always, thanks for your work on our behalf, TGR!
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 10:10 am
I think it would be wise to activate another D lineman this week, either Slayton from the PS to play DE if they're going to play more of that or Ford to eat a few snaps at NT so Clark can play more DE. If the Lions get their running game going they could tire 4 guys in a hurry. Even if the 5th guy only plays 5-10 snaps it would be good insurance this week.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 10:31 am
I very much agree. I just have no idea which player would be a better bet. The description I heard was that Slayton is a DT. Ford is clearly a NT. [Heflin was described -by Noonan or Justis with his table of where the UDFAs actually lined up in preseason - as a run stuffing DE with little juice. GB likes guys with juice.]
Since it is a single elimination, I suppose it should be the guy who can play at an NFL today, not taking into account potential. I still don't know which guy that is. 🤣
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 10:35 am
I agree too. I really don’t know which one is more ready, but if Ford is actually capable, a true NT would free up the others most effectively perhaps?
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 01:44 pm
Ah, I think we had this discussion earlier this year and I stuck with being wrong! For some reason I thought Slayton played more DE in the preseason and Heflin played more DT but it was the other way around. So that would point to Ford being kept active if they want to play more 3 man fronts(hopefully). I guess maybe Slayton could take some snaps in the 2 man downs but I think you'd want Reed or Wyatt in those situations.
NickPerry
January 02, 2023 at 07:12 pm
Not so much pushback TGR...Just wanted to support by boy Wyatt and point out what I though was a hell of a play. I'll try to find it.
Thanks as always for your outstanding piece!
Guam
January 02, 2023 at 08:42 am
I was actually more impressed with Slaton than I was with Wyatt. I thought Slaton had an excellent game and has been trending really well over the last four games. Wyatt showed flashes and he is certainly better than Lowery, but he didn't seem as impactful to me as he was against the Dolphins.
Not being critical of Wyatt, he is young and developing and I don't expect him to dominate in his first year. I am glad to see him getting more reps as it will help his development for next year. The Packers need a bit more depth, but I like the rotation of Clark, Reed, Slaton and Wyatt. Much more active and athletic D-line than in years past.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 08:46 am
I think Slaton benefitted from being able to pound on a 3rd-string C. I don't know what we'd be saying right now if he didn't dominate someone he should be able to dominate.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 09:27 am
You may be right to some extent, but he’s been making impact plays for some weeks when given the chance.
Guam
January 02, 2023 at 10:26 am
Fair point Dobber, but Slaton has looked improved in the last few games.
Rossonero
January 02, 2023 at 09:43 am
Thanks for pointing that out, Nick. It's encouraging to hear that he made that play.
I was bummed when I saw Wyatt's snap counts...he seemed mostly invisible in the game. With Lowry on IR and the Vikings O-line beat up, I was hoping to see more from him. The Lions have a much, much better O-line. It will be a stiff test.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 10:33 am
Invisibility isn’t always awful for a DL if the run game is going nowhere and the QB is getting disrupted. I’m happy to not see untouched RBs hitting the second level and QBs not just sliding to that side and taking all day to throw. As you say, next week will be tougher, but today the DL was good across the board. It’s been a long time since I have been able to say that.
vagem55
January 02, 2023 at 06:25 am
Coach said they planned on using Ahmed for kickoffs, but he injured himself in warmups.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 07:42 am
I am glad I toned down my comment about Ahmed not playing. It is still too strong if he is injured, but I will just leave it be.
croatpackfan
January 02, 2023 at 10:24 am
TGR you mention no Aaron Jones in snaps count table, but you mentioned Dillon twice!
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 11:21 am
Take your Pick? Dillon with 29 snaps and Jones with 25 snaps. I will fix it. thanks for pointing it out. I wrote these tables up before the snap counts were available and guessed that Jones would have more snaps so the table was Jones/Dillon. When Dillon had more, i erased Jones and wrote in Dillon but didn't erase Dillon and write in Jones for the second most snaps. Oops.
pantz_bURp
January 02, 2023 at 06:51 am
I don't have much to add (staying consistent here-not sure if I have ADHD watching the HDTV?), but I am going to be wearing out the grooves on the vinyl = "Fishin' in the Dark" by the Nitty Griddy Dirt Band!
Hell yeah, 2023...nice to meet you.
We ain't in the playoffs yet, but I am excited to see where this road leads. Now, if I may be so bald as to say if/when we are in the playoffs...letz get er dun! If not, please keep up that intensity.
Clear eyes, full hearts... can't lose.
Yours truly,
P- burp
jvole
January 02, 2023 at 06:52 am
Zach Tom did a nice job in replace of Yosh. They found something with that guy!
Disappointed with Wyatt as I thought last week he was much more impactful. But he seemed to eat double teams all day and he was still hustling.
Next week's O-line is going to be more of a challenge as I doubt the Lions will be playing their third string center and they have some great tackles. Hopefully the D-Line can continue to push up the middle.
Fun game and nice to see the D-fence play up to its potential.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 08:11 am
Need to keep these young guys progressing--Tom, Runyan, Myers--to go with the vets. A cheap, deep OL is a tremendous asset.
GregC
January 02, 2023 at 06:58 am
Good analysis. This column far exceeds its modest title.
This was the first game in which the back end of the defense played like we were hoping they would play all year long. The CBs and safeties were outstanding from start to finish. The pass rush was not great, but good enough with that kind of coverage behind them. Of course I hated to see the two long runs by Cousins, but at least it was a reminder that the defense was playing man coverage. I'd rather see Cousins carrying the ball than Dalvin Cook or Justin Jefferson.
I noticed early that Nijman was not out there. The announcers should have mentioned that and given some love to Zach Tom, who has done such a good job this year. The poor camera angle on Nixon's kickoff return was a real shame.
Is it just me, or has Adam Thielen been looking kind of pedestrian for the last year or two? He used to be so good. Maybe he's one of those guys like Antonio Freeman who was never a tremendous athlete to begin with but is able to make up for it with outstanding technique and effort--but then when he gets older and loses a step, he just can't get it done anymore.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 07:24 am
I've only seen MN twice this year, plus maybe a quarter of another game. Thielen probably has slipped from a solid #2 WR to a good #3 WR. His average for yards, yards per game, yards per target are all down noticeably. At one time he was 2nd team all-pro and he earned two pro bowls. Still, he has 708 receiving yards this year. I see PFF has him at 66, down from the mid-seventies (high quality/above average) and down from the eighties and nineties (elite/high quality).
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 08:13 am
Thielen benefits dramatically from playing opposite Jefferson--he's really fallen off over the last year or two. Hockenson has eaten into his production, too. I think he's 3/4 in that pecking order now with Osborne, who's a more dynamic player.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 09:30 am
He’s the safe player while Osborne is hit or miss but a threat now. He’s their Cobb but has probably been impacted the most by the increase in TE targets.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 08:16 am
It's much more fun to watch a defense that doesn't always have crossing WR running free 15 yards downfield. The Packers invested heavily in their CBs and they needed to turn them loose. It was fun to watch. We'll see what they do against Detroit next week with their OL and run game.
People keep saying the Vikings are a fraud, and--yes--they've danced the edge of the knife for weeks and come up smelling like roses. This MN team is a lot like the Packers' 2019 team that was called "the worst 13-3 team in NFL history"--that team got smacked around a couple times, too. By the time you get to this stage of the season, though, you are what your record says you are (not my quote, obviously).
"The poor camera angle on Nixon's kickoff return was a real shame."
Absolutely hate it when they do that. It was hard to tell how it was developing and where he was on the field.
PatrickGB
January 02, 2023 at 09:08 am
I agree about the camera angle. Yet it seemed to me that the blocking was outstanding and the run lane in the middle of the field was wide open.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 09:25 am
Agreed. In real time, it was disorienting, but having rewatched it a couple times, it's better.
Rennatkcir
January 02, 2023 at 08:03 am
Fire Lafleur! Fire Barry! Bench Rodgers! We need to see what we have in Love! He completed 6 passes against the prevent and should be starting! Tank the rest of the season for draft position! Anyone else remember?
BirdDogUni
January 02, 2023 at 08:27 am
"Anyone else remember?"
No, I don't think we do. : P
Yes, many of us didn't think this run was possible, because the evidence was before us. Now that the Packers seem to have pulled their heads out, might as well beat the Lions and see if we can keep peaking into the playoffs and maybe pull off some magic.
Once we're in, anything can happen. Nobody, except maybe Aaron Rodgers foresaw everything that needed to happen for this team to make the playoffs actually happening.
Every team we needed to win - won and every team we needed to lose - lost the last 3 weeks. The odds of that happening were astronomical.
I think I speak for every Packer fan who thought this season was over when we were 4 - 8:
Go Pack Go!
jvole
January 02, 2023 at 08:40 am
I still think they should fire Barry at the end of the season. Too much talent in that defense for them to be less than dominant for any amount of games. His scheme was idiotic and getting hammered for most of the season. His change in fortune occurred only at the end when 40% of the opposing teams O-line is knocked out in the first quarter, or the team's quarterback is knocked out (but still playing--see Miami)? No, he should not get a pass on his long history of mediocrity as a DC.
Agree 100% on the other points.
Rennatkcir
January 02, 2023 at 09:07 am
The criticism of "dingle" Barry is most justified except perhaps for whoever made the decision to employ Amari Rodgers over Nixon. Like it or not JB will do just enough to save his job. Just watch.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 09:14 am
The defensive performance in the last championship game seemed to be Barry proving his worth. Then we had this season, which has been bafflingly bad. The last few games perhaps shoots have shown, but some if that may be due to forced changes. Then we had this.
This performance, against a good offense was not only better in terms of effectiveness, but looked more coherent and saw players who have struggled show up and us look coordinated as a unit. Some if that undoubtedly came from the seemingly obvious ploy of putting Jaire on Jefferson, but by no means all. Better play from pretty much every quarter. Was that Barry finally playing to our strengths, Walker maturing, the loss of Lowry or was it the product of a more significant gelling obscured by two terrible teams and one in meltdown? It’s really hard to tell from watching live.
It will be interesting to see what the analysts and commenters identify this week. Certainly the D, with a major helping hand from Nixon and Jones, won that game for us, not our O. That would have seemed like a laughable prospect at mid season (Jones aside). Then again, had our O and STs not melted down in the Championship, the defensive performance should have been enough to win that game despite our O.
I really don’t know what to make of it. Next week may tell, but yesterday the weak link was our O, and I don’t think primarily Rodgers but what we attempt. We ran the ball enough and well. No RPO issue this week, but we barely used Doubs and seemed to have no plan bar the long force to Watson in the air. Among other things, that just seems to prevent Rodgers getting into any kind of rhythm. To me he was at his best in a short spell late when Doubs was involved.
Did anyone notice that, on the (shorter) pass Watson caught, he pulled all the coverage from Doubs, who could have had a massive play? That’s how we should be using those two, with a little less Cobb. The offensive design is so cautious and limited (despite the long bombs). TGR, your comment about on what you would do as a DC was spot on: we are highly predictable.
The red zone play calling is still desperately unimaginative and ineffective. That didn’t matter today, thanks to the D, Nixon, the running game and a coverage breakdown on Tonyan—whom I thought looked more mobile today. It will in future. LaFleur needs to stop playing safe ball/safe personnel and start trying to impose and diversify. Perhaps theirs life in Barry, incredibly, can LaFleur have a similarly positive impact on a game?
T7Steve
January 02, 2023 at 09:59 am
CW, I'm hoping beyond hope that the vanilla play calling is a plan to save stuff for later. Maybe they've learned their lesson. One of the things I've been guilty of is accusing them of having everything on tape that all the "GOOD" teams have seen. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a different ending.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 10:22 am
I think it might be too much to hope for but maybe Barry is adapting his scheme to the team they're playing. You can't play that much man every week or a team like the Eagles could rush for 300 yards against it. The coverages have to be adjusted to the QB you're playing. Cousins had two long runs but he's not looking to run 1st and you can live with that being the last resort option for them. Some might find it interesting that Purdy has 6 yards rushing on 18 carries for the 49ers.
RobinsonDavis
January 02, 2023 at 10:50 am
Yes, on the throw to Watson on the slant! There was another play earlier, that Doubs received, where Watson was wide open. I love us taking advantage of the middle of the field on this winning streak. Something we did not do, or had difficulty executing previously. Make the opposing defense play the whole field!!
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 12:12 pm
"""The defensive performance..... this season, which has been bafflingly bad."
No. Average-ish. Seven of our 16 opponents were held to 20 or less. 15 of 16 were held to 28 or less, and the exception, Philadelphia, was handed 14 points via turnovers.
We've been an average defense despite the losses of Stokes and Gary. And we're peaking right now. More importantly, so is the offense that keeps them off the field and puts enough points on the board to force teams to throw.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 12:21 pm
An average can be achieved consistently or be a mid point between vast peaks and troughs. We’ve certainly had some deep troughs. That certainly was by far the highest peak.
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 01:07 pm
Well, I think those deep troughs aren't as numerous or severe as you do. From a purely points perspective, only the Eagles made it past 28. Dallas made it to 28, and lost. A couple others made it to 27. Quite a few didn't even make it to 20.
Earlier in the season, our offense wasn't staying on the field and it wasn't putting enough scoring pressure on teams to force them to throw, so the defense looked worse. An average defense has ups and downs, but over the course of the haul, this has been a very average defense, or better.. It certainly hasn't been bafflingly bad.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 01:55 pm
Right now they're 17th in points allowed per game. Only 4 teams above them are out of the playoff race. Below average.
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 08:39 pm
So in a 32 team league, where do YOU think average is?
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 02:01 pm
We just have to agree to disagree given the talent level and last year with similar personnel.
Guam
January 02, 2023 at 03:11 pm
I think the big issue LH was the preseason expectations. Given the number of high draft choices; the top ten defensive payroll; and all the preseason chatter that the defense was dominating every practice, everyone (including myself) thought the Packers should have a top five defense this year. An average defense has been a big disappointment. But factually it is average.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 02:01 pm
Considering talent (and payroll) wise they should be a top 10 defense I'd say bafflingly bad is close to the mark, especially when it comes to run defense. One would need to watch quite a bit of the All-22 to see what they've cleaned up there lately but they certainly brought a physical nature to the game yesterday that has been missing for most of the year. Walker cleaning up the missteps certainly hasn't hurt.
Minniman
January 02, 2023 at 01:55 pm
A coach should only be fired when they clearly demonstrate that they no longer can adapt philosophies or use players to their respective strengths.
I'd say Joe Barry is presently interviewing for his future career at Green Bay.
For me, his pass\fail will not be on if the Packers make the SB (or NFCCG) but how well the Defense acquits themselves during this next phase.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 02:02 pm
At that point, absent an amazing offensive breakout, he will have well and truly earned it by then.
Rennatkcir
January 02, 2023 at 08:52 am
I certainly didn't expect them to be in this position either. I just couldn't be a fan of a team that throws in the towel regardless of their record.
croatpackfan
January 02, 2023 at 11:15 am
You still believe that 41 point vs the officially worst D (32nd) means that we will win vs 49ers, as it looks now if we win over Lions Packers will be 7th seed and 49ers will be 2nd. @ SF - be brave and put your house and bet on Packers that will win.
Please explain me what is good in participating at play offs and having one game more than to have one game less. It is just another week of Packers football and season is over. Like last season, like season before, and season before, and every season after that loss of 2014 NFCCG.
To clear things. I'm never for losing games on purpose. And I will be the first against that. But when you look the quality and parity in the NFL, there is no shame if team that you are rooting for did not enter play offs one season here or there.
If you make mistake and facing retooling/rebuilding, it is always better to start sooner than later. And I'm very interesting how will Packers team handle this Salary Cap situation this off season, SB or playoff or nothing of that. Rebuilding is here, admit you that or not. And that is all what we wanted Packers to do.
Also, honestly, with performance from ST and & D Packers would win this game with Etling at the helm, maybe few points less, maybe more, who knows. Because this was the level of D play that will win every game for you. The question is at what level the opponent stands with their team.
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 12:20 pm
"""Please explain me what is good in participating at play offs and having one game more than to have one game less""""
What good is it to go the dance with a pretty girl when you could just stay home and do nothing? I mean, there's no shame in that either. It's just not nearly as much fun.
As far as putting the house on a Packers win over the 49ers in the playoffs, I'd like to remind you that only a few weeks ago the Packers only had a 5% chance of making the playoffs. Now, a win at home and we are in..
croatpackfan
January 02, 2023 at 01:05 pm
LH, I'll agree with you that there is opportunity for many strange things to happen. Who knows. Last season who was betting on Bengals to show themselves at SB? Very rare people. But they make it, contra all odds.
So, everything is possible. Nobody knows the future, but - as always there is BUT - more chances to be pushed through unbelieveable path have those who counts on youth, than those who counts on old familiar path. Because old, familiar paths are spared. Always.
I ask you: do you ready to risk future fun and enjoyment for one or 2 mora games of fun now, or you would prefere to give that one or 2 games aways for future, probably more games full of fun and joy?
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 01:12 pm
I don't think we're risking any future at this point. I think it's "All In" time right now. There will be a future, it will be after this season ends, and there's a lot of changes that will take place.
I'll take my fun and joy now, please.
croatpackfan
January 02, 2023 at 01:16 pm
My friend, I have no objectios to your wishes. We just see thing different. I can live with that. That is the beauty of life. It will be very boring if we would be all the same...
I wish you more fun in your life...
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 02:03 pm
Because there's 13 rookies on the 53 that would get playoff experience.
T7Steve
January 02, 2023 at 08:13 am
Thanks, TGR. Good read.
I was shocked! Shocked I tell ya! When Runyan got that holding call. I not sure, but is that the first penalty called on him this year? I know he went all last year without a penalty and that is why I've always liked him at guard. I didn't even realize Nijman was pulled till I saw a replay with #50 in it. Don't think Nij was doing too bad, so I wonder if he was on a snap count or aggravated his injury?
I was happy to see the D-line playing on the Vikings side of the ball. Wish they could have effected the QB more directly. As noted above, the Lions have one of the best lines in the NFL and are for real. I think Slaton and Wyatt can help with the push. I think their snaps were down because the Vikings were down by so much that I saw allot of just two down linemen.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 08:25 am
"I didn't even realize Nijman was pulled till I saw a replay with #50 in it."
Me neither. Did a quick scan of the huddle on the next play to see if 69 was still on the field, but was surprised to see it was Nijman who was out. I think you're right in that they had him on a "test" basis and decided to conserve him for next week. TGR's observation that he played ST snaps likely means he didn't reinjure himself.
" Wish they could have effected the QB more directly. "
I thought they did a nice job of closing the pocket, even if it didn't translate into more than a couple sacks. Cousins has taken a lot of hits this season...you could see he wasn't comfortable. I think we'll see more "base" against Detroit with 3 DL. They're probably going to have to trust their CBs in man coverage again.
"As noted above, the Lions have one of the best lines in the NFL and are for real. "
Living in Michigan, we get a lot of Lions coverage and the new brain trust is building this team the right way. They've got to make the decision on Goff--they might decide that a game manager is all they need--but otherwise they'll invest on the defense in the upcoming draft. I know LH is very much a "same old Lions" guy, but this team is better than what we've seen in recent years, and while Campbell is a kook, he's not a self-destructive one like Jim Schwarz was. This will be one of the better teams in the division for awhile.
Guam
January 02, 2023 at 08:36 am
The scary part about the Lions is the draft choices they have accumulated for the upcoming draft which is supposed to be a very deep one. I believe they have the Rams #1 (residual of the Stafford trade) as well as the Vikings #2 and #3 (Hockenson) plus all their own draft picks. They will be young next year, but likely loaded in future years if they draft well (and this management group has drafted well in the past two years).
Rennatkcir
January 02, 2023 at 09:14 am
The Lions have been drafting at the top for 5 decades.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 09:27 am
Yes, but this regime at least can identify OL talent...which is what they lean pretty heavily on. Whether they can find defensive talent beyond Hutchinson, we'll see.
Guam
January 02, 2023 at 10:34 am
Yes, but this regime has only been picking for two years and they have done well. Prior management regimes have been awful which is why they are known as the LOLions. I fear that is going to change in the near future.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 10:02 am
Dobber, I have less knowledge of the Lions than you, but every time I see them they play hard and physically all game. There’s a little of this year’s giants about them: they get more from less, particularly on D, since they played us. The difference in this team is mindset as much as ability and you can see they enjoy playing for that coaching staff and each other. Perfect, no, their previous game showed that, but the old Lions they are not.
Goff has had an excellent spell, but as LH would probably point out, his O Line has been stellar. Getting pressure on him is going to be a challenge and it’s also facilitated their running game. Chicago were awful, but the lanes were freeways regularly and that’s been a common theme. Amon Ra is not Adams yet, but he has a similar ability to just get open. I’d put Jaire on him, play for the run and see just how much they miss Hockenson: they do.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 10:27 am
The Rams are doing all they can to help the Lions out. If they want a QB I think they'll have that option.
dobber
January 02, 2023 at 10:55 am
The scuttlebutt is that they seem to be fine with Goff and are talking about extending him. This off-season is when his dead cap becomes palatable if they go for a QB in the draft and let him go. There's a benefit, of course, in clearing his cap hit and getting a QB on a rookie deal, but it's always buyer beware in the draft. I'll be curious to see what they do.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 02:09 pm
I think you draft a rookie and keep Goff for another year as long as it's not breaking your cap. He's played well recently and they aren't loaded with weapons but I'd be nervous about passing on a QB given his track record.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 03:11 pm
I think the only question is how high do they take one.
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 10:37 am
""""I know LH is very much a "same old Lions" guy, but this team is better....."
They're going to finish under .500. They're going to miss the playoffs. Their vaunted offense averages about 19 ppg on the road.
MainePackFan
January 02, 2023 at 02:05 pm
I saw that too LH. Although if you take out the NE and Dallas games (0 and 6 pts) they averaged almost 26.
More interesting to note that they average 33 at home yet they only scored 15 against the Pack at home in week 9.
I believe that's the week that Gary got hurt in the third quarter, so there is even more reason to believe the Packers D can contain them at home.
Coldworld
January 03, 2023 at 11:08 am
The point with a team in rebuild is not where they finish but how they perform, both against expectations and in terms of attitude and cohesion. From both perspectives their season is already a win for them, and, as has been pointed out, they have a great looking OL and a ton of picks, plus the consensus best WR from this year only really just starting to play after injury. This Lions team isn’t over the hump yet, but it’s looking to have got its head in the right place and some true building blocks at WR, RB and rusher at least and a coaching staff for whom they want to play and overachieve for.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
January 02, 2023 at 08:54 am
In the weeds…During cleanup I saw some dude named Tanuta out there. I had forgot we picked him up from the Colts mid season. Is he the #2 RT? If Tom is needed on the left side for Bahk (like maybe one of his other apendicies ruptures), and Njiman stays hurt, is Tanuta a starter? Kinda wish Caleb Jones would be good enough to get activated. He’s soooo big.
PatrickGB
January 02, 2023 at 09:19 am
He is a former late round pick by the Bills. A big guy who struggles a bit against athletic rushers. He might be a reclamation project like Yosh was.
T7Steve
January 02, 2023 at 10:09 am
I've been (and I believe CW too) a big fan of Caleb Jones since camp. Wanted them to activate him all season. Then he got sick.
I'd be drooling to see him between Nijman and a tight end on the goal line offence. Was that you that wished for it as the "Jumbo Package"?
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 10:17 am
Tenuta was a 6th round pick (#209) by Buffalo, who paid his $152K signing bonus, which they ate. They tried to get him to the PS but Indianapolis claimed him on waivers. Indy kept him 5 weeks ($195K) but then placed him on waivers week 5. GB claimed him off waivers and have kept him for the remaining 12 weeks ($470K). He is thus under contract for 2023, '24, and '25.
He has been active for 4 games so far this year and has played on STs in 2 games. He is on the field for point afters and field goals. Rasheed Walker could be doing that, but GB has kept Walker inactive. Caleb Jones has been caught mono and just was activated. One can say that the Packers prefer Tenuta to Walker and Jones for STs.
As for RT, Nijman is the starter. Tom certainly got the nod over Newman against MN, so I'd say he's #2, and Newman is probably #3 still since he didn't stink up the joint last week. Jenkins might still figure into the situation at RT, but that is not clear to me and his slotting is also unclear as he regains his health.
I suspect it is an open battle between Walker, Caleb Jones and Tenuta at OT. I don't have any idea if they all are candidates for LT in addition to RT. All of them are on the 53, so that's a situation that will have to get sorted next season.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 10:20 am
Tenuta is a giant in his own right, 6’8 and 319 when drafted. He’s decently athletic for a big man, nothing like Nijman, but adequate, but he’s more of a street fighter mentality. If a man his size could play guard, he’s got the attitude: some Sitton about him.
Despite being the son of a football coach, his technique isn’t great. His arm length is shorter than one would expect for his size, and while he has great power, his pad level is an issue, he plays too upright and loses leverage. He’s also lacking great lateral ability and hand technique. Maybe technique could overcome the his downsides, but that’s why he’s a 6th rounder who hasn’t played much.
When he came in I wondered if they see him as much as a G in a tackle’s body. If they can improve his pad level, he has the mauler attitude and power you look for in a G and a backup T, particularly RT. I’m curious to see how they handle him in the off and preseason. If he could succeed at G, he’d be a terror for interior DL.
I suspect Jones is still working on getting fully back. A friend who has been through that keeps reminding me how much it takes out of one for a while after technical recovery.
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 01:17 pm
These activations and appearances by guys like Tenuta and Goodson, IMO, is the team throwing a bone to some guys who've worked their asses off all year, attended meetings, practiced hard, but didn't get to play. So they can invite the family who can see you standing in uniform on the sidelines. And it pays some money, too, and it's like a little bonus for being part of the team. I think it's good management.
The Packers have done this in years past, as well, and the beneficiaries are usually part of next year's 90 man squad.
Rossonero
January 02, 2023 at 09:44 am
Great work Reynoldo! The fact that you wrote this up and completed this analysis that fast is a testament to your work ethic and dedication to the site. Well done!
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 10:27 am
This column, with Al’s mindset is the highlight of this site for me. I’m addition to your information and insightful commentary, it seems to attract those who think about the game more and thus always to promote an interesting and informed discussion not always the case elsewhere. To echo Rossonero, thank you again for doing this and so promptly each week.
croatpackfan
January 02, 2023 at 10:52 am
I re- watched game focusing on offensive plays. D did wonderful job, but do not forget that DL was playing vs 2nd and 3rd stringer OL of Vikings and their 3rd backup center.
On offense most of the players played very well to excellent. ACR had not the best game, but I'm pleased that he accepted to perform game managing role with few flashes of his talent. The best throw he had was, for me, TD to Robert Tonyan, which was on time and on place where it should be. Despite he threw that ball from his back foot, the throw is beauty. What little worries me is that his long
& medium throws are more and more of the target, not always dramatically of the target, but often just enough that it force incompletion. There is few of them - on the first possession on 3 down his throw to Aaron Jones on the sideline was half of inch to high for Jones, on the third possession (2nd & 6 - 0:02 before the end of the 1Q) the long ball is slightly underthrown, causing Watson to slow down to be able to fight for it and Watson lost that battle... On 3 & 6 at 9:52 2ndQ pass was thrown to far in front for Lazard and Packers needed to kick the FG (17:3). The 56 yards FG reminds us what kind of kicker was Mason Crosby. He confirm my take that he can score FG longer than 45 just with the help of luck. And luck came and helped him. I'm happy for him!
In 3rd Q he had 2 bad throws to Watson - short one "check down" way left of Watson (at 13:39 3rd Q) and two plays later on 3rd & 9 from 42 yard line in Packers territory to about 20 yard line in Minnesota territory to Watson, but it was thrown at least 2 yards out of bounds. On both throws there was no pressure. On that possession Packers punted second time in the game. There was few additional incompletions but either that was good play from opponent D or dropped ball or ACR was under pressure (rarely during the game). He finished his performance with beautiful TD run. Overall he played above average, but we all expect better plays from him. If D, ST & OL units will continue to play at this level, I believe ACR can count on few more wins this season if he will play at least at the level of the last game performance.
Offense, barring run game, still looks little disjoint. Question is what part (WR, TE, QB) of the offense needs to put their game to necessary level, so that Packers become again dangerous opponent for every team in NFL. Lets hope they will find and repair that this week!
Stay happy as little full-fed piglets my Packers friends. We can dream again...
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2023 at 11:14 am
I cut the cable, so I can't re-watch the game. I did watch some highlights which showed approximately 15 snaps by Wyatt. I saw Wyatt with a good rush, and get moved one on one on a Mattison run for perhaps 6 yards. Clark got walled off on that same play. That leaves 20 snaps or so, and of course the highlights don't show Cook getting stuffed except on the goal line stand, and that was Reed, Slaton and Clark. IDK.
The PFF numbers will be interesting. I will post them here when I see them on Packerswire, but I won't be able to until tonight. Anyone can post them when they see them and comment on them. I'll be interested not because they are Gospel but just as a second opinion.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Their DL ratings have perhaps their most questionable too.
PS. I will save you the bother TGR;
Offense
1. TE Marcedes Lewis: 90.7
2. RB Aaron Jones: 77.0
3. WR Allen Lazard: 72.7
4. WR Romeo Doubs: 72.0
5. QB Aaron Rodgers: 71.6
…
1. RG Jon Runyan Jr: 43.6
2. RB Patrick Taylor: 50.3
3. WR Samori Toure: 53.6
4. WR Randall Cobb: 53.9
5. C Josh Myers: 54
Doubs (positive) and Runyon and Myers (negative) surprised me based on what I saw live. It supports my long growing suspicion that we need more Doubs and less Cobb though. Cobb gets killed because he almost never gets targeted—yards per route run is big for PFF. Probably true of Toure too: snaps at the end but no target.
Defense
1. LB Isaiah McDuffie: 90.8
2. DL Kenny Clark: 89.9
3. S Rudy Ford: 83.1
4. DL TJ Slaton: 80.2
5. CB Jaire Alexander: 77.7
….
1. OLB Jonathan Garvin: 31.3
2. LB Corey Ballentine: 39.6
3. LB Eric Wilson: 45.6
4. OLB Justin Hollins: 49.2
5. S Darnell Savage: 52.0
Among the positives, Ford might surprise many, and McDuffie, though he was only in late I believe. Hollins I thought was good (but beware, PFF is Very role dependent and Savage (whom I thought good generally and Hollins (the same) may not have fitted the roles PFF assigns to them to grade on.
Source https://packerswire.usatoday.com/lists/packers-pff-grades-best-worst-pla...
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 02:16 pm
Which is odd because a few years ago I thought their rankings for offensive and defensive linemen were more accurate than other positions. Someone said awhile ago a lot of the people they had doing those rankings have moved up to writing columns or on to other jobs and the people doing it now are fresh out of college and interns and maybe that's the case. It would explain some things.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 03:14 pm
Agreed, though how they assign a player a role and his actual fit with it has always been an issue to weed through.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 03:44 pm
I guess you beat me to the grades. Very low number for Jaire given the results. Highest grade for Clark since early in the season I think. Hopefully another high one coming from him this week too.
Coldworld
January 03, 2023 at 11:13 am
It all depends what they dinged him for, and they must have for something. Most other analysts seem much more impressed. That’s been another recently debatable aspect of PFF-sometimes I have to wonder if they were watching when they allocate responsibility. Then again, at times this year I can understand the confusion with our D not looking like they knew either.
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 01:24 pm
The entire Packer defense looked like they had guzzled a couple of gallons of Red Bull. You could see right off, and when they stuffed the Vikings after the punt mishap, I said in the game thread "They might as well quit now", because the Vikings weren't going to get any closer. They should have taken my advice before it was 41-3.
This was a perfect storm game. At home. Do or die. A rival you detest, who isn't as good as their record. And I'm seeing another one coming next week. Last home game of the season. Maybe the last game for some guys who've been a big part of the Packers for a while. I expect us to come out kicking ass and playing to win. We just had our best game of the season, and I don't think we're going to fall off the cliff, at home, against the Lions.
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 02:28 pm
Here's the PFF grades from Packers Wire:
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/lists/packers-pff-grades-best-worst-pla...
Jaire was robbed!!
LambeauPlain
January 02, 2023 at 11:35 am
After beating the Dolphins, I wrote the Pack could be a very dangerous team in the Playoffs if they continue to get turnovers in bunches and improve Red Zone efficiency.
Check and check.
Turnovers are the great equalizer and make a suspect D so complimentary. There is a lot of talent on this D. I wonder what these guys would do if their DC was Jim Leonard. Even with all the turnovers they again gave up more yards than the opponent.
2 out 3 chances in the Red Zone was thanks to great OL play the entire game. The left side with Dave and Jenks really work well together. Tom replaced Nijman and didn't miss a beat. Runyan was the usual rock. Myers was solid too. It must be fun to block for AJ. He's so good seeing the holes his linemen are opening. More AJ, please!
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 12:52 pm
Here’s something that made me chuckle from the “Daily Norseman” staff:
“Lambeau field was so sloppy that several Vikings had to change to different cleats during the course of the game, and undoubtedly contributed to the poor production offensively. It was clear the footing was making it difficult for receivers to make their breaks and keep their footing, which favored defenders throughout the game. The only Vikings receiver to practice in and use 7-stud cleats for more sloppy fields was KJ Osborn.”
It seems that their equipment people struggle with evaluating outdoor conditions, that it’s obviously hard for Vikings to change cleats and that the youngster was the smartest among them. Actually their head coach had apparently told his players all week they should wear longer cleats, but wouldn’t require it and only Osborn listened. It’s shows how desperate their need to excuse is, as it’s traditionally harder for defenders if it’s slippery because they don’t know where the ball is going and have to react. Oddly it seems the field was only moving for Vikings skill players.
“This is another game to basically flush and move on from. Offensively, I’m not sure there is much to gain from watching receivers slip and slide much of the game.” … “Losing to the Packers on a sloppy field is meaningless.” These guys need to get outside more. On this evidence, if they do they will go home sooner.
Coldworld
January 02, 2023 at 01:11 pm
Daily Norseman is a gold mine today
“HagarTheHorrible
It's bad enough losing to the Packers at Lamblow......................but having camera shots of those bloated and obese fans between plays is a little too much.
MountainViking In reply to HagarTheHorrible
On a side note: I was actually surprised how much purple was in those stands.”
Leatherhead
January 02, 2023 at 01:31 pm
Squeal like a piggy.....
LLCHESTY
January 02, 2023 at 02:23 pm
I sent over a meme of Jaire holding baby Justin Jefferson in his arms. So far the only reaction is a guy agreeing Jefferson needs to stop complaining and realize that playoff football is different and get used to it. Backfire!