Preview: Cowboys at Green Bay Packers

by Brandon on Nov 12, 2009 7:00 AM CST in Analysis Comment 65 comments

Here's how the Green Bay Packers match up against the Cowboys. Official stats from NFL.com:

Team	Run Offense	Pass Offense	Run Defense	Pass Defense
Packers	10	9	9	8
Cowboys	8	6	12	20

I pointed out yesterday in my mid-season analysis that in these statistical categories, the Packers measure up pretty well against some of the best teams in the league. They should be able to run and pass against Dallas's defense. The best matchup might be the battle between the Cowboys run offense, currently ranked No. 1 overall by Football Outsiders, and the Packers run defense, currently ranked No. 2 overall by FO.

Unfortunately those stats don't show the 3 areas in which the Packers have struggled this season:

1. Special teams. According to FO, the Packers rank dead, dead last while the Cowboys have the 5th best unit. The Cowboys are getting in done with kickoff coverage and punt returns (WR Patrick Crayton ran one back for a TD two weeks ago against Seattle). On the other hand, Packer special teams have been giving up a lot on kick and punt returns the past two weeks. How can they expect to fix their kick and punt coverage mid-season when it's been bad all season long?

2. Offensive line. It's amazing the offense has been so productive despite surrendering 37 sacks in the first 8 games. They've gotten beaten by speed rushers, bull rushers, stunts, blitzes, and everything else in between. It's not going to get any better this week since RT Mark Tauscher is not practicing after he reinjured his surgically repaired knee in Tampa, RT Allen Barbre has been held out due to a concussion, and rookie T.J. Lang is getting his first NFL playing time at right tackle in their place.

3. Pass defense in the red zone. QB Josh Freeman only completed 45% of his passes last week, but he threw 3 TDs in the red zone. The week before; 2 red zone TD passes allowed. Overall the Packers have held opposing QBs to a 75.9 passer rating, but they've surrendered 16 TD passes this season. One problem is that they are giving the opposing QB too much time in the pocket, but that's not likely to get any better next Sunday if LB Aaron Kampman misses the game due to his concussion.

When LT Chad Clifton started last week with his fellow bookend tackle Mark Tauscher, it was the first time they had done so in 2009. It was a key reason why they didn't allow a sack in the 1st half. But then Tauscher reinjured his knee, he sat out the 2nd half, and the Packers allowed 6 sacks in the 2nd half. Once Tauscher returns, and plays along side Clifton (who has played in only 2 games from start to finish this season himself), the offensive line should improve it's pass protection. But it's not going to happen this week.

They haven't had good special teams play or a consistent pass rush all season, so until some signs of life appear from those two units, expect their lousy play to continue.

I'm not optimistic about this game at all. I was expecting a big game from the Packers when they went up against the Cowboys last season in Lambeau, but instead they were outplayed in nearly every way and lost 27-16. They fell behind 27-9 in that game. They fell behind 24-3 to the Vikings two weeks ago at home before a late rally made the score more respectable. I'm expecting another flat start, followed by another late rally to keep the score respectable.

The Packers have lost their last two games by scores of 38-26 and 38-28. I'll split the difference this week. Packers 27, Cowboys 38.

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I lost almost all my confidence in this team last week

So I think Dallas extends their win streak in a game that’s not very close. Cowboys 35 Packers 21. Rodgers gets sacked 6 times, 2 by Ware.

by Charlie Kelly on Nov 12, 2009 8:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yup

I’m basically done deeply caring about the Pack this year unless they really start playing a whole helluva lot better. Of course, I’m a fan, so I’ll still watch the games, but the bottom line is that this season feels a lot like last year.

Therefore I’m prepared to marvel each week at the novel methods the Pack will employ toward losing winnable games. The problems will remain until we get a real coaching staff here to whip these guys into consistently putting forth their best efforts.

This outfit is disjointed, desperate, and disheveled, which doesn’t make for a very entertaining product on the field.

by 400metres on Nov 12, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At least I have hockey season as well

Oh wait, the Gophers are 4-4-1 and got stomped by both ND and Denver….

by Charlie Kelly on Nov 12, 2009 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've also began paying attention to the Bucks again.

And baseball spring training is only 4 and a half months away….

by 400metres on Nov 13, 2009 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll still deeply care...

right up until the last game…

by TrevorR on Nov 13, 2009 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly,

I know I will too, pretty much. I try not to when the team gets so far off the rails, because it just causes pointless frustration on my part, but that’s the price we pay as fans, right?

by 400metres on Nov 13, 2009 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It could be a LOT worse...

than 4-4. I havn’t jumped yet…though maybe that is cause I really didn’t expect us to push the Vikings for the title. It was nice talk but with the D transitioning to 3-4 it would have been a long shot. I didn’t see the Oline being THIS bad though…

by TrevorR on Nov 13, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I’m with you Charlie. Seeing us lose to TB had really sucked any confidence I had in the Packers out of me. Plus, watching the Cowboys on MNF didn’t help at all as their d-line looked great. We’ll probably lose by 10-14 points in my opinion.

by packallday555 on Nov 12, 2009 10:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ironic Juxtaposition

I planned to stay away from ACME this week in order to avoid the perception that I was rubbing salt in an open wound. But here I am anyway, and the reason surprises me.

I think the Packers have a good chance to win this week. Packallday, you and I rarely agree. So the fact that I disagree with you now isn’t what surprises me. It’s the sides of the fence we are on that I find ironic. Brandon did a nice job putting objectivity into his blog, so I won’t get into stats. The reasons I have are all subjective anyhow.

The Packers are backed into a corner. They are not only playing for a tenuous playoff spot; they are also playing for pride. To put it simply they cannot afford to lose another conference game if they hope to make the playoffs. Just as importantly, their dignity is at stake. The Pack has lost 3 of their last 5 games. Last week was a particularly embarrassing defeat which I am sure left a bitter taste in their mouths. The Packers are a proud organization, and I believe they want to legitimize their season. Beating “America’s Team” with a large percentage of the country watching represents a huge opportunity for them to do just that. Rarely can a single game turn an entire season around, but this one could. The Packers know that if they win this conference matchup, and either of the Ravens or the Steelers games, everyone in the NFL will consider them legitimate playoff contending team.

The Cowboys have been on a roll, but I find it hard to put week 5 out of my mind when the Cowboys had to go to OT to beat the Chiefs. They lost to Denver, a team no better than the Packers, the week before that. This game is nested between two division games for the Cowboys, and last week’s game was a very emotional one. They may be in for a letdown especially if they undersetimate the Packers. Additionally, it is tough to win on the road in the NFL. Sure, they’ll be tough to beat. but they are beatable. Ware will get his 2 – 3 sacks but that won’t break the Pack as long as he doesn’t break Rodgers. Romo has had a hot hand lately, but like every other QB in the NFL he is capable of putting up a stinker game. If the Packers can take away Austin this week and play smart on ST the Cowboys will score in the low to mid 20s.

I like the Packers chances of putting up a high 20s to low 30s score. They have something to prove, and should play with a chip on their shoulder. I have been wrong lots of times before, and I have to cheer against them. But I see the Packers winning by 3 – 5 points in an exciting game.

by Belarus on Nov 12, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we have a chance too. Sounds like the offense had a come to Jesus meeting yesterday and just had time to air out all their problems with one another. I think that will help to rally them and at least make this one close. I don’t know if we’ll win but I don’t see us getting blown out.

I think the Tampa game was a little flukey. Its not like they dominated us all game. They made a few HUGE game changing plays and we couldn’t respond. They certainly deserved to win it, but we played well enough to win too…just made some really bad mistakes. If they can clean up the special teams, get the oline to play like an average oline and get rodgers to think more quickly…this team has a lot of potential.

by TrevorR on Nov 12, 2009 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Less 4 and 5 receiver sets

More RBs chipping and TEs staying home to block

by Belarus on Nov 12, 2009 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah that wouldn’t surprise me…the 4 and 5 wide is scariest to opponents but only if the QB has the time to actually get them the ball.

by TrevorR on Nov 13, 2009 9:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha this is pretty ironic huh?

I think we can win this game, but I just can’t see it happening. Watching their pass rush last Monday impressed me, and I just don’t see our T’s being able to handle Ware.

Another thing is our o-line seems to perform most poorly when we need them the most. And I’m sure the game will be close for most of it, but there will be a time where we need to go and get points and that is when our o-line will lay down.

I think we’ll score somewhere in the 20s, like we usually do, but I just don’t think it will be enough. I expect Dallas to have great field position all game, as their special teams is one of the better units in the league compared to ours who is hands down the worst.

by packallday555 on Nov 12, 2009 10:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another thing

Is we have had many troubles getting pressure on opposing Qb’s, and we have been hurt by Qb’s who can run this year. Dallas has a great o-line, and with Kampman maybe not playing I expect their to be virtually no pass rush.

That being said, I hope we win :). Their secondary has been somewhat suspect this year, but like always Rodgers needs some time to exploit that.

by packallday555 on Nov 12, 2009 10:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we're going to win actually

based on the fact that we reallyreallyreallyreallyrealllreally need it

by Donald Driver on Nov 12, 2009 10:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

who knows

We should lose this game, badly. Dallas is hot right now and we’re ice cold. But Romo is a flake and Witten is the only guy on their offense that scares me. Our run D has been good and thats their big weapon.

Its all about stopping Ware. If they can do that they have a chance. I’m not too high on the chances though.

by gangstaff on Nov 12, 2009 11:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Romo is growing up as a QB I hope.

I know Austin hasn’t had much pub in GB,but he has been hurt most of the time till this year. Most people in Dallas thought he could be a very good WR if he could stay on the field, so far it looks as they are right. If witten is the only guy on Dallas’ offense you are scared of you haven’t been watching many Dallas games. Herd and Crayton are playing well this year. If Roy Williams and Romo can get it togather he could be a factor also. The run can be stopped but at what cost. Eight in the box and Dallas will hurt in the passing game. Dallas is going to your place and I know GB is like a wounded tiger and will be looking for something to kill. I think it will be a close game.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 12, 2009 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Austin hung 115 and a touchdown on them last year, and had drew two long PIs against them in '07.

They should know who he is.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 12, 2009 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

true....

He was also the #4 WR in that game and was covered by a terrible corner for most of the game. He’s now arguably the #1 and will get covered much more differently. Since Austin has started to be recognized as a threat, teams are actually playing him with their good corners and suddenly he is coming back down to earth.

by TrevorR on Nov 12, 2009 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For Austin to shine Williams has to become a threat.

Teams are starting to roll to Austin and leaving Williams 1 on 1 for the most part. Dallas also has a rookie Olgetree that may bite someone in the butt if giving the chance. He had a good pre season and is starting to get some snaps.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 12, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

I picked up Austin a few weeks ago on my FF team because I was shocked he was still around. Very good talent and has gotten me huge points.

Unless we get lucky bounces Dallas should win this game.

We won’t be able to sack Romo (barely touched him in 3 games) and at the end of the game it will look like Ware is the new Packers RB by how many times he will be in our backfield. Ware is better than Jared Allen, who the h*ll is going to stop him. Injured Tauscher? Slow as sh*t Clifton? Lang? OH WAIT, I know, COLLEDGE, Yippee!!!!

by Acme on Nov 12, 2009 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wounded tiger

Green Bay is indeed a wounded tiger right now. You make a fine analogy, DIRE WOLF. As players and coaches say, this is a must-win game for the Packers. They will pour everything into the Dallas matchup. They have studied film and focused on nothing but winning this week.

I am more confident in the Packers winning this game against Dallas than I was in the Packers winning against Tampa Bay. Green Bay had just come off of an emotional loss to Brett Favre and the rival Vikings. They were set up for a let down against the Buccaneers. Even so, the Packers had a chance to win. The game was closer than the score. The fact that they lost remains, and that adds to their urgency this week.

Expect the best the Packers have to offer against Dallas. It may not be enough, but they will not go down without a fight. If the Cowboys are overconfident or ill-prepared, then an upset is not out of the question. Even if Aaron Rodgers gets sacked a few times, he has proven that he can throw the ball well through the game (as long as he does not get injured).

Only time will tell how the game goes.

by starmark on Nov 12, 2009 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This the NFL

There isn’t much difference between a good team and a bad in this game.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 12, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"But Romo is a flake and Witten is the only guy on their offense that scares me. Our run D has been good and thats their big weapon."

Based on those statements, I wonder if you’ve even seen them play a game. The Cowboys have scored 25 touchdowns this season, and Witten has one of them. The rushing game has been effective, but so long as Jason Garrett is calling the plays it will never be the focus of the offense, much less “the big weapon”.

Dallas wins throwing the ball, and finishes with the running game, the same way most balanced teams do.

As for Romo being a flake, that’s so far off it’s not even worth mentioning. He’s 32-14 as a starting QB, with a career passer rating higher than anyone other than Steve Young and Payton Manning. The fact that he’s been let down by the rest of his team on some occasions is something that a Packers fan should understand perfectly well, given the high level of Rodgers play which isn’t reflected in his 10-14 record.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 12, 2009 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We have Woodson, Harris, Tramon, and Collins to match the Dallas WR’s…i’m not worried. TE’s have done pretty well against us this year though, and Witten is the best (more or less).

I like Romo. But he’s not steady and is due for another 3 INT game. I worry that we’ll blitz him like crazy and that seems to be when he’s at his best, scrambling around making plays.

by gangstaff on Nov 12, 2009 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Witten hasn’t been that much of a threat this year though…even against teams that are terrible against TEs (like Philly last week). Something isn’t right there.

by TrevorR on Nov 12, 2009 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He has 44 catches halfway through the season.

The yardage isn’t quite as high as it’s been the last couple of years, but the production is still there.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 12, 2009 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The catches are there but the production isn’t. He’s not doing anything downfield this year and isn’t nearly as dangerous a threat. He’s also not catching TDs which was something he did a lot of in the past. I can’t pinpoint what it is cause I haven’t watched him play enough but something is different and I can’t imagine its TO being gone.

by TrevorR on Nov 12, 2009 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's leading all TEs in catches.

If he finishes the season with 88 catches and about 800 yards , which is what he’s on pace for, it would mostly in line with what he’s done throughout his career. It’s possible people are taking him a little for granted.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 12, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Last season he had 81 catches but for 952 and 4 TDs and the season before 92 catches for 1145 and 7 TDs. He’s a career 11.3 ypc receiver/TE who’s getting 8.9 per catch this season. Aside from his rookie year he’s never averaged less than 11 ypc and its usually closer to 12. Something is different this year. Not saying his numbers don’t look good for a TE, but they are not his normal numbers. I’ve watched him play…its different this year.

by TrevorR on Nov 13, 2009 9:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah

Without a doubt Witten’s production is different and it’s because T.O. is gone. Having a wr as explosive as T.O. was opened up the middle for Witten. It’s kind of like what Roddy White is doing for Gonzalez now in Atlanta.

by packallday555 on Nov 13, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Teams have played their safety on Witten a lot this year.

The thinking is that Witten is not going to bet them. Romo has spread the ball around better this year now that TO is gone “thank God”. I don’t know about this weekend, but Dallas can light up the scoreboard on you and the D is playing much better than it did at the first of the year. I guess we will see Sunday.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 12, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He just recently started to do this…it took about 4-5 weeks to learn how to lean on others besides TO and Witten. I think its still a work in process and it could be exploited but we are catching them at a really hot time. Hopefully we come up with a good gameplan.

by TrevorR on Nov 12, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll never pretend that the Pack doesn't have an impressive defensive backfield.

But Dallas isn’t strangers to them, and has beaten them two years running now, with shaky Romo tossing for 569 yards, 5 TDs and 2 picks. I’m not trying to be a troll or anything, but it just doesn’t feel like you guys have a realistic understanding of how good Tony really is.

This notion that he falls apart at the first sign of trouble is mostly a media invention. The defense gives up a ten-point, fourth quarter lead in Pittsburgh last year, and people say he can’t handle pressure because he throws a pick while trying to bring them back.

They lose a meaningless last game of the season in ‘07, during which half the team barely played, so it must mean he can’t win in December.

Third down drop after third down drop in the playoffs against New York, one year after Terry Glenn fumbled away a seven point lead in Seattle, and the story becomes he can’t win in the playoffs.

Like I said earlier, Aaron Rodgers has a career 42% winning percentage, but all you have to do is look at him and see that he’s a very good QB, who will eventually win a ton of games in this league. Romo’s ability should be just as evident, especially considering that he has so many more skins on the wall.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 12, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well said

I am a Packer fan and agree with you on all accounts.

Well said.

Tony is a very good QB.

You are favored by 3 and should win this game. No team is intimidated by Lambeau anymore and our head coach can’t call offensive plays worth a damn.

by Acme on Nov 12, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What skins?

I’m a Dallas fan, but Romo hasn’t won a playoff game yet. Stats ain’t skins.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 12, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and teams win games, not qbs

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 12, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Right !!!

This team or QB have no skins.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 12, 2009 8:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This

I get tired of hearing people rip Rodgers for “Not being able to win the big games” like you probably tire of hearing the same thing for Romo. There is so much more that goes into a win or loss than QB play. Example, Chicago almost won tonights game despite Cutler throwing 5 picks.

by Charlie Kelly on Nov 12, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

As a QB, when you consistently lead your team to 25+ plus points a game, you should have a pretty good W-L record. But Rodgers had a bottom 10 defense in the league last year, and now he has the worst o-line and special teams unit in the game. It’s just stupid when people say he can’t win the big games.

by packallday555 on Nov 13, 2009 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's absurd.

The idea that the only accomplishments that count are playoff wins is nonsensical. Unless you think Peyton Manning didn’t become a great QB until he actually won one, and had been a failure since he won the Super Bowl.

Romo has won a number of important, meaningful games against good teams. Aside from the Indy win, when Peyton was still working his way back from the knee injury, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 12, 2009 9:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

I HATE it when people put so much of their QB evaluation on winning the super bowl. That is a nice bonus but I care more about how he played, how he lead, what his numbers look like, how he compared against others who played his position at the same time, etc. Marino is top 3 in my book but so many knock him down cause he didn’t win a title…great is great.

by TrevorR on Nov 13, 2009 9:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe you and I differ on what skins are?

Accomplishments are just that wins and good play. To me skins are big wins in playoffs and championship games. I’m not saying Romo isn’t a good QB or that he will not win those games,but he hasn’t done it yet.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 13, 2009 10:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To add one thing.

Romo’s play as a QB in the so called “big games” is not the reason Dallas lost. He gets the blame for losing the Seattle game when he dropped the FG snap, but he wasn’t playing QB he was the holder.

by DIRE WOLF on Nov 13, 2009 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But Dallas isn’t strangers to them, and has beaten them two years running now, with shaky Romo tossing for 569 yards, 5 TDs and 2 picks. I’m not trying to be a troll or anything, but it just doesn’t feel like you guys have a realistic understanding of how good Tony really is.

This is a good point but things are different for you guys now without T.O. Last year it wasn’t so much the pass game that killed us but rather the fact that we gave up 218 rushing yards and 2 Td’s. This year our run defense has been really good and it’s been our pass defense that has been a bit suspect. Tony is definitely a good Qb and it’s ridiculous for people to say he isn’t. He has been somewhat inconsistent but right now he is on a hot streak and has looked great.

Like I said earlier, Aaron Rodgers has a career 42% winning percentage, but all you have to do is look at him and see that he’s a very good QB, who will eventually win a ton of games in this league. Romo’s ability should be just as evident, especially considering that he has so many more skins on the wall.

I couldn’t agree more. Some people act like the only thing that goes into their team winning a game is the Qb play. Like both of our teams have seen over the past 2 years, your offense can be great but if the other units around them fail their isn’t much they can do.

by packallday555 on Nov 13, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair

Romo has a career passer rating higher than anyone other than Steve Young, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers.

Just sayin’

Hopefully that .4 gap will widen this week.

by Archibaldcrane on Nov 12, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There's a reason the NFL doesn't bother counting until you get to 1500 attempts.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 12, 2009 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know if I would say Romo is a “flake” but he has been very inconsistent. I think he is a good Qb but he has those “what the hell was he doing” games every once in a while.

What scares me most about your team is your running game. Barber, Jones, and Choice is a darn good Rb corps, and all of them bring something different to the table. So far this year we have actually been surprisingly good against the run. We’ve been able to slow down some of the better backs in the league. Most notably AP, who only had like 140 yards and a Td against us. But something we haven’t been able to do is get a consistent pass rush, and when we do get a good rush, we’re not finishing.

I think Romo is going to hurt us scrambling around back there.

by packallday555 on Nov 12, 2009 11:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Romo isn't anymore of a flake than your boy Favre

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 12, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I hope that statements a joke. You might want to take that over to the Daily Norseman. Not many here consider Favre our boy right now.

by GGGamer on Nov 13, 2009 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lost the team

MM and TT lost the team.

We are done for the season. How demoralizing is it for the team to watch their QB get sacked 6 times a game?

There has to be a FA out there better than Colledge or a hurt Tauscher.

Try playing Quinn Johnson at RT…

This team has only beaten HORRIBLE teams. A couple weeks ago I was giving them credit for beating bad teams, but we really are bad and may not have a winning season.

I guess Favre was right in his analysis of what direction the team was heading under TT.

Not one of you that posts on APC would argue that we have MAJOR problems (offensive line and no pressure on other teams QB’s).

Every week MM and TT stand up there and say, “I like our team, we have a good team, etc.”

No, you don’t have a good team. They are average at best and also on pace to break the all-time sacks record!!! When they keep saying we have a good team and we lose it proves to me that they don’t know what a good team is.

My opinion isn’t because of the Favre scenario, I actually think they had enough proof to make the decision and go with AR. I think it was the right thing to do. BUT, Favre was right in disagreeing with TT about not signing key veterans to add to the 2007 roster. His way of making a team has been very poor.

by Acme on Nov 12, 2009 11:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

best news I have seen

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/69820142.html

apparently a few players care about the team!

notice how this has nothing to do with TT or MM, because they think we are a very good team and like our players!

by Acme on Nov 12, 2009 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I read that one earlier today…that gave me some encouragement that maybe they’ll snap out of whatever funk they’ve been in. I think they’ll put up a nice game against Dallas. They aren’t as dominant as people want us to think they are, they could just as easily slip back into the funk that they were in earlier this year too.

by TrevorR on Nov 12, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the only bad thing is...

…they are just words. “feelings” and “words” aren’t going to miraculously make two old broken down offensive tackles block better…words aren’t going to bring back an injured spitz. They just lack enough to form any semblance of a playoff caliber offensive line.

Nice position players, but it’s all on the guys in the trenches.

by PackFaninFL on Nov 12, 2009 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

they can...

Sometimes they need a fire lit under them. Its possible these guys have been underperforming…in fact, I really hope so. The Oline isn’t totally about individual performance as it is TEAM performance. That is why you hear about lines learning how to play better with each other as they’ve been together longer. They build a chemistry, a rapport and improve even though individually they may not have.

by TrevorR on Nov 13, 2009 9:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

correct

One of my teams in college played pretty bad the first half of the season and at about the midway point one of the players became ineligible (let’s say that is Barbre with Tauscher back) and we strung together a couple of wins and dominated everyone the rest of the season to go on and win the conference championship. I don’t think that is likely for the Packers this season because McCarthy seems blinded by what’s really wrong and he can’t seem to fix it, but it is possible.

by GGGamer on Nov 13, 2009 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If we don't get to Romo

the WRs will steam by Harris and we’re toast.

Leave a safety deep to help out the old bugger and there’s a neat gap in the middle of the park.

Oh woooooe! WOOOOOOOOE!

I’m not suffering from a surfeit of confidence this week…….. :-(

by rudi on Nov 12, 2009 2:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by blackoutsox on Nov 12, 2009 8:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Finley

thinks he’s ready but Dr. McKenzie held him out on Wednesday and Thursday. He might practice today and play on Sunday though. They said he’s passed all of the tests.

by GGGamer on Nov 13, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs