Preview: Green Bay Packers at Jets
by Brandon on Oct 29, 2010 7:00 AM CDT
in Green Bay Packers Preview
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Coming into this season, this week's game in New Meadowlands Stadium against the Jets looked like a tough matchup for the Green Bay Packers. Now it's looking like a nightmare. While the Packers just added their 10th player to injured reserve, the Jets are rested after their bye week, and Rex Ryan says star CB Darrelle Revis is "back to 100%." Although their lack of confidence in him against No. 1 receivers might leave that question open.
The Packers have signed three new linebackers this week to try and plug the holes in the dike, and claimed NT Howard Green off waivers (ironically from the Jets) to help the defensive line. Apparently he had quite the road trip after he was told to get to Green Bay. Depth in the front seven has been a major problem as they've now lost to suspension or injury three defensive lineman (DE Johnny Jolly, DE Justin Harrell, and DE Mike Neal) and three linebackers (LB Nick Barnett, LB Brad Jones, and LB Brady Poppinga). And if neither DE Ryan Pickett (ankle) or DE Cullen Jenkins (calf) are able to play, and it doesn't look good, then the only defensive lineman available on Sunday who I even expected to make the team out of training camp is NT B.J. Raji. DE C.J. Wilson has played great, but it didn't seem like there would be room on the roster for the rookie 7th round pick a couple months ago.
The good news is that QB Aaron Rodgers should have some success against their defense. According to Football Outsiders, the Jets pass defense is ranked 23rd overall so far this season. Some of that has to do with the injury to Revis, but he's not going to help improve their low sack total (only 13 sacks in their first 6 games). Rodgers remains very dangerous if he's given time to throw. Despite the loss of TE Jermichael Finley, and the quad injury that has rendered WR Donald Driver a spectator recently, Rodgers had a good game last week (295 yards and 2 TDs) against an underrated Vikings pass defense. The Jets remain a very hard team to run against, but it's been obvious all season that Mike McCarthy has little interest in calling too many running plays. The offense scored 21 points last week against the Vikings, and it's not unreasonable to expect something similar against the Jets.
The real bad news is that Jets are very good at running the ball, and the Packers are almost down to their last defensive lineman (as detailed above). They've proved to everyone that RB LaDainian Tomlinson isn't done (he just needed a better offensive line to run behind). Dom Capers is a very good defensive coach, but he can't stop the run if he doesn't have the players. QB Mark Sanchez isn't the big threat, though he might have a good game if the Packers are forced to bring a safety up in run support. Sanchez has a nifty 9:2 TD to INT ratio, but he's only completed 55% of his passes (that's QB Matt Moore territory) with a poor 6.2 yards per pass attempt.
The Packers have allowed 4.7 ypc this season which is similar to the 4.8 ypc allowed by the Bills. While the Packers have lost the players needed for their run defense, the Bills never had them in the first place, but the results should remain the same. When the Jets ran over the Bills on October 3rd, they had 49 carries for 273 yards (5.6 ypc) and their offense held onto the ball for over 40 minutes. The Packers have already been on the wrong side of two games (vs. the Lions and vs. the Dolphins) when their defense couldn't get off the field and the opponent dominated the time of possession. The Lions almost ran twice as many offensive plays as the Packers.
Of course the Packers can win, but they'll do it only if they stop making all the mistakes that have plagued them all season long. They have to win the turnover battle (with no more than 1 turnover themselves), limit their penalties, and at least have the special teams unit hold the Jets to a draw. Unfortunately, they've not been doing these things. Jets 26, Packers 21.
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I sure hope Rodgers and his receivers had some chats about back shoulder throws
and eliminating any communication issues.
Agree with the Jets score
I was going over this game in my head last night and agree that the Packers will need to score at least 30 to take this one. They’ll have to either be a lot more efficient than they have been, or get pretty lucky.
Sanchez not a threat
when a guy has only 2 picks he is a threat. Maybe he doesn’t throw a deep ball but he completes passes, and that is a threat. I think the Jets are pretty well lbalanced and a strong team. A lot depends on how Revis plays, is he truly healthy
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
Hard to see the Packers getting this one
especially with the Jets coming off a bye week. In a way, this game is why the Vikings game was so important. Granted, the Vikings are a divisional opponent, but a loss there put the Packers at 3-4 (0-2 in the division), as opposed to 4-3 and 1-1.
LT
if he and Greene eat us up, we lose. if not, we win. Period.
If the Pack worked on their communication issues....
I can see them pulling this one off in a squeaker. A-Rodg has the capabilities to go 300 yards if he can keep using Jennings, Jones, and Nelson… but if we get those issues again.. Revis and Cromartie are going to be licking their chops about all the INTs they’ll have. The depleted D might be decent enough to make Sanchez throw some errant passes, but I’m worried about the dual threat run game the Jets have.
When life gives ya lemons, shut up and eat your damn lemons.
This game could turn into a blowout
but not the blowout people expect.
Packers 35, Jets 22
I just don’t see Revis as a deadly CB anymore. He had one great season, but this year, he idiotically played on a bad hammy and was only vindicated because the offense was pasting everyone on the Jets schedule. And Cromartie is going to get flagged for PI at least once, if not twice, because that’s how he plays: aggressive. Cromartie might be a younger Charles Woodson (minus the tackling).
Trail Blazers atop the Northwest at 2-0!
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Oct 29, 2010 11:15 AM CDT reply actions
Close game
I think its going to be a close game. Packers will likely lose the Time Of Possession battle due to our D being ravaged by injury. Packers need to hold NY to FG and score TD’s when they get in the red zone! I think the game is going to be in Rodgers hands late in the game w/ the score about 23 – 20 Jets…
Not making a prediction on the game, but you guys can… WHat do you think does Rodgers pull it out?
You've been Stroh'd!!!
Well, our O-line is playing pretty well, so that, combined with the definite underdog feel, might give the Packers a chance. Capers will have to scheme over our injury-ravaged front 7 though.
Can we squeak one out? Sorry, I’d have to say probably not. If we turn it over and make mistakes, it’ll be a blowout. But, even if we keep it close, I see the Jets using their running game to matriculate the ball down the field in a late 4th-quarter drive, shades of ‘08. Remember the Titans game that year? …where Chris Johnson ran for chunks on the last drive to put us away? Yep, that’s what I see happening here.
No shame in that, though, with how banged up we are. …and it won’t be the end of the world, either. Pickett and Jenkins will get healthy eventually. We’ll get Harris back to form. And then we’ll make a late-season run.
Hope I’m wrong, obviously, but I see Jets 21, Pack 17.
No one on ESPN picks the Pack
Nor did anyone on Comcast Sports.
But listening to them talk, I have to wonder if they’ve even watched any Packers games this year. They seem to know enough about the injury situation, but haven’t spoken a lick about where improvements are showing or the fact that those Jets wins were a lot closer than the overall record gives you an idea of.
I’ve watched nearly all of their games this season. Miami, Minnesota and Denver were all reasonably within winning. Seeing as how two of those Packers losses were in close games following recent major personnel losses, guaging them is too tough right now.
I’m not guaranteeing a Packers win, but close games being what they are, I’d say unanimously handing the Jets a win is a mistake.
I’m picking the Pack, 27-24.
"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi
Good to hear that no one's picking us.
With McCarthy’s teams, I always feel better when expectations are low. That’s when we play hard. Win or lose, those are the games that are fun to watch.
I’d say the Jets are a team that make you win ugly, though. It seems like they make everybody look bad.
by Curly Lambeau on Oct 29, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Well what I expect is that Capers is going to make Braylon Edwards and Shonn Greene be the ones to beat the Pack. That’s still a lot of offense, and it will keep the defense out there a lot longer than we’d like, but it also creates some opportunities for the secondary to capitalize off of. It really comes down to the defense not beating itself with penalties. If they can start creating some doubt in Sanchez’s mind about safe throwing options, it will open some opportunities late for backfield pressure coming out of the secondary.
Despite all that’s happened, I think the Packers defense is the most underrated in the NFL. They’ve kept games from becomming blow outs and have given the offense enough opportunity to win, even in those losses.
"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi
Sounds right
Best case scenario: C-Wood has a monster game and baits Pennington Sanchez into some picks. …which, given the Sanchize’s relative inexperience (not to mention Woodson’s under-rated Michael Jordan gene (i.e. the attitude that “I’m going to beat the crap out of you until you acknowledge in front of everybody that I’m the best ever”)), it’s not out of the realm of possibility. That would be sweet.
by Curly Lambeau on Oct 29, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
you're thinking is right
Jets fan here—best thing GB could do is mix up coverages and make Sanchez read and pick through defensive coverages-rush 3 and play 8 in coverage. He struggles a little making decisions. When teams blitz or he sees any 1 on 1 coverage, the ball comes out on time and accurately. He is totally deadly in play action passing. A very good ball handler and very accurate passer outside the pocket. Our offensive coordinator is a master at outsmarting himself sometimes and that stops drives occasionally.
by longsuffering but optimistic on Oct 29, 2010 5:15 PM CDT reply actions
He’s definitely improved from last season. I’ve noticed he gets the ball out quick on the blitz. He must be really smart. He always seems to know where to go with the ball. I think at times he locks in on a guy though too much? Would you agree with that? Granted, I’ve only watched 3 of your games this season.
by packallday555 on Oct 29, 2010 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
when healthy
you guys scare the crap out of me
by longsuffering but optimistic on Oct 29, 2010 5:17 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah, it’s disappointing that we’ve had all these injuries. I can only imagine what our defense would look like healthy. We’ve held our own field a first unit with probably half of the guys being back-up’s. Losing Finley really hurts too.
by packallday555 on Oct 29, 2010 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Preseason
I was really looking forward to this game! Strength vs Strength both ways! Your Run O vs Pack run D and our pass O vs your pass D… Just hasn’t played out that way, unfortunately!!! But injuries have ravaged the Packers D and your pass D has not been very good, for whatever reason. Would have been fun to watch!!!
You've been Stroh'd!!!
Sanchez will
Turn into the turnover machine from last year. Our pass D is again top 5 in interceptions…
Packallday555
He does at times lock in on a guy : especially first play of a drive when he’s overexcited.I disagree Paul Fernandez. We are such a run first type team, we don’t throw the ball around enough for him be a turnover machine. I ‘m not sure how many times so far , but he hardly ever throws more than 30 times a game, and this year he doesn’t force quite as much down the field because LT is such a good safety valve.
by longsuffering but optimistic on Oct 29, 2010 8:17 PM CDT reply actions
by the way
I always wonder your guys thoughts on Favre. I’ll give you a New York’s take this year. I saw a guy Sunday night in the 4th quarter jump for joy 3 feet in the air when he thought he threw a go ahead touchdown, then limp into a media session a few minutes later like an 95 year old WWI veteran. A real attention whore.
by longsuffering but optimistic on Oct 29, 2010 8:22 PM CDT reply actions 6 recs
Thoughts on Favre...
When he was a Jet I think most fans were largely indifferent to him. I was and never bothered to watch any Jets games when he was your QB, unless I had a reason to root against him!!! LOL
When he left the Jets and joined the viqueens the vast majority of Packers fans turned on him forever. He is now about the most hated player in the NFL for Packer fans, he is for me, thats for damn sure! Really it just confirmed what I already knew… He wanted to be a viqueen from the beginning and he wanted revenge on the Packers Mgmt and McCarthy.
I hope he doesn’t bother to try to ingratiate himself back into the Packer family. IMO, he burned that bridge. Hope he doesn’t get elected to the Packer HOF (he will), and doesn’t get his number retired by the Packers (he might). Go rot in Miss and LMAO if Deanna divorces him!!!
You've been Stroh'd!!!
by Strohman on Oct 29, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Funny, I was just asking on David_Wyatt's post what you guys thought of Favre
I stopped falling for his shtick years ago, but of course still rooted for him while he was with the Packers. But when he refused to battle Aaron Rodgers for the job I lost most of my respect for him.
I tried to root for him as a Jet but gave up after a few games. Then, when his season fell apart I kept wondering why he wouldn’t take himself out if he was hurt. Upon realizing that his streak was more important to him than his team, I lost the remainder of my respect for him.
Then, when he decided to go to the Vikings and skip camp, I started to really dislike him. Strongly.
There are still people out there that like Brett Favre, but I doubt many outside of the networks and ESPN still buy his act. And those are the types that wave the American flag while listening to “Born in the U.S.A.” by Springsteen. They have found an identity they like and they aren’t changing no matter what evidence flies in the face of their theory.
by I voted for Kodos on Oct 30, 2010 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Don Banks of Sports Illustrated:
Here’s what no one seems to be talking about regarding Brett Favre’s ankle: How is it No. 4 was able to do his running and jumping crazy-man celebration thing after he thought he threw that game-winning touchdown pass to Percy Harvin in the final seconds, but then he could barely walk up the tunnel moments later? Just sayin’.
I guess if they’re going to have Peter King they have to have someone to provide a semblance of balance.
by I voted for Kodos on Oct 30, 2010 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Not too hard to figure out...
Its called adrenaline!!! A player is full of it during games. And it is extremelly effective at masking pain. But when it wears off in the hrs after the game, the pain and injuries become much more obvious! Clearly, in the hour after the game ended the adrenaline had worn off to an extent that the pain was obvious.
I have played basketball on a 3rd degree sprained medial ankle. Just laced up the sneakers tight and kept playing, but as soon as the game was over the ankle began to hurt extremely badly. THe ankle by the next morning was the size of a basketball!!!
You've been Stroh'd!!!
+1
Adrenaline can do some crazy things! Ankle sprains can be some of the most painful injuries but if you wrap it tight enough, and get your adrenaline going you basically forget it’s even hurt. Until after the game that is, like you mentioned. Then it starts to hurt like a bitch lol!
I suppose another thing with Favre could be how painful the injuries he sustained are. I fractured my growth plate in my ankle when I was younger and walked around on it for a a week and a half thinking it was just a mild sprain. It just didn’t hurt very bad.
by packallday555 on Oct 30, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
But does adrenaline completely leave the bloodstream THAT quickly?
Favre loves to ham it up. He could have a second career on the pro wrestling circuit.
by I voted for Kodos on Oct 30, 2010 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
and if so . . .
Wouldn’t you be in extreme pain between offensive series?
by I voted for Kodos on Oct 30, 2010 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Adremaline
Won’t strart to leave the bloodstream until the game is over! Until then the mind knows that you still have the game to play. It won’t really start to leave until the game ends. And as soon as the mind realizes the game is over, the adrenaline dissipates pretty quickly!
From my experience, when I left the game to catch a breather, the ankle didn’t really start to hurt… You noticed it a little more cuz you weren’t as mentally into the game, but the pain didn’t start until the game was completely over. As long as the mind knows the game is still in progress it will keep producing adrenaline.
Kinda like being scared (fight or flight response). As long as your mind percieves the danger it keeps adrenaling going… As soon as the danger is gone it doesn’t take too long for the body to return to normal.
You've been Stroh'd!!!
Good points
But I still think Favre milks it for all it’s worth. I don’t doubt that he’s in pain, but you could put me through a lot of pain for $15 million.
by I voted for Kodos on Oct 30, 2010 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Yup…exactly right. Adrenaline can make you do crazy things. You hear about people lifting a car off of someone in an accident and stuff like that sometimes too…crazy stuff. Its not like he was hobbling around out there before that play either. While he wasn’t scrambling he was still pretty mobile in his usual Favre way (like on the last play of the game)
Subject change sort of
I for one am a great supporter of what our GM Tanebaum has done in the last 4 years with the Jets.One of his bold moves which didn’t work out was bringing in a gunslinger like Favre to replace the cerebral and accurate but physically limited Pennington . He tried to make us relevant again after a 8 years in the Patriots shadows. Favre was exciting but the random interception per game was infuriating. I started a thread on Gang Green Nation a few weeks back on who were the best GM/coacing combos in football. Newsome Harbaugh got a lot of support , as did Belechick/Belechick, Polian/whoever and a few others , yours included. What are your feelings on your front office and coaching staff?Your roster does seem to be very good.
by longsuffering but optimistic on Oct 30, 2010 12:32 PM CDT reply actions
Definitely a Ted Thompson fan
Was a big supporter of McCarthy – he did develop Rodgers, after all. But lately I’ve started to have some pretty serious doubts. He seems to have a hard time making adjustments – last year and this year we haven’t ran enough quick-hitting plays and screens to keep the rush off of Rodgers.
Sometimes I get frustrated with Thompson, but it’s usually pretty short-term. When he drafted a defensive lineman in the 2nd round this year I thought it a bit odd. Turns out we really needed him (though now he is hurt for the season). I thought maybe he should swing a trade for Marshawn Lynch (though I would really prefer DeAngelo Williams), but after suffering so many injuries and seeing Brandon Jackson improve I’m starting to think he was smart to hold onto the draft picks. Overall, I really like his strategy and he will keep us competitive for many years.
by I voted for Kodos on Oct 30, 2010 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I Like Thompson too
He’s been great—he’s loaded our team with talented players and people who seem to like the Green Bay life. McCarthy, on the other hand, I don’t see as a super bowl caliber coach. He showed some guts on the onside kick against ARI last year and with the fake punt last week. But he needs to get more creative on short yardage, in my opinion. If he’s one of the brightest minds offensive minds and playcallers in the game, he can come up with something better than Kuhn up the middle on EVERY short yardage play
Yeah, short yardage and red zone plays need some work
I’d like to see more plays that give Rodgers the option to use his feet.
But as Strohman points out below, one thing I really like about McCarthy is he seems to have the player’s respect. I don’t remember reading the numbers this year but last year the attendance rates for voluntary offseason workouts was through the roof. They seem to have confidence in him and that goes a long way in the NFL.
It also seems that he has instilled a sense of pride in being a Green Bay Packer that wasn’t there in the Mike Sherman era, or really since Reggie White left town. Not sure what makes me think that – anyone else have any thoughts on that?
by I voted for Kodos on Oct 30, 2010 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
GM/HC combo
Personally I really like the combination of Thompson/McCarthy! Thompson initially had alot of people who didn’t like him, but that seems to have past and now most Packer fans seem to at the least respect him if not like him. I thought he handled the Favre situation very well! He doesn’t have much of a personality, but if you get by that and appreciate the fact that he has a plan and long term vision for the Packers, it becomes much easier to like him.
McCarthy on the other hand doesn’t seem to be liked as much right now. He gets questioned alot on playcalling alot. I kinda understand it, but don’t necessarily agree w/ alot of it. IMO, McCarthy gets alot of credit for his team leadership and approach. Never gets rattled and keeps everything on an even keel. As opposed to say Childress!!! LOL McCarthy keeps the lockerroom a happy place for the players, while at the same time keeping complete authority over the team. I give him alot of props for his team mgmt skills and don’t dislike his playcalling nearly as much as others! IMO, McCarthy is in the top 15 of NFL Head Coaches and if he wins a SB or the Packers start to have sustained playoff success the moves into the top 10 or higher.
You've been Stroh'd!!!
Most seem to like both. I don’t always agree with Thompson, and his lack of productivity in FA but I understand it. He drafts very well, and has put together a young, talented roster. I think it’s impressive that we’ve still been able to compete really despite losing quite a few starters.
McCarthy personally doesn’t impress me much but that’s just me. His teams always seem to be the same in my opinion. Always a lot of hype surrounding them, and usually they don’t live up to that hype. We’ve been awfully undisciplined these past few seasons as we’ve lead the league in penalties pretty much every season. Our special teams has been God awful the past few seasons too which is a head scratcher for me really. Seems like he struggles to make adjustments too (in game and in season).
He did develop Rodgers though, which can’t be overlooked.
by packallday555 on Oct 30, 2010 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions
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