Recap: Packers Dominate Cowboys, 45-7

by Brandon on Nov 8, 2010 7:01 AM CST in Green Bay Packers Analysis

Almost everything went right for the Green Bay Packers, and almost everything went wrong for the Dallas Cowboys. The announcers were after Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett for coaching an offense that couldn't block and a defense that didn't disguise anything. But the coaches aren't on the field.

Only once did Collingsworth talk about the players, when he said that their defense only had one great player (DE DeMarcus Ware). He was dumbfounded that the offense was so bad with so many great players. But other than a great game from WR Dez Bryant, the Cowboys players were beaten one-on-one by the Packers players. It hasn't been that easy this season, but the Cowboys made it look easy for the Packers. That's a compliment to the entire Packer team, but it's also noting that the Cowboys are going to have to reevaluate their entire roster this offseason.

While the Cowboys spent this week getting back to the real fundamentals of football, one of the announcers mentioned that Mike McCarthy had made an effort to simplify the offense. This seemed somewhat successful as the Packer receivers often beat the Cowboys defensive backs one-on-one, but they were still confused on a couple plays. One running play had the entire offense going one way, while QB Aaron Rodgers went off by himself with the ball. On a pass play later in the game, Rodgers seemed upset at the route run by WR Jordy Nelson.

I can't imagine entering the bye week on a higher note. But they've got to get themselves ready because four of their next five games are on the road. They finish the season with three divisional games, three games against likely playoff teams (Falcons, Patriots, and Giants), and only one soft opponent (home vs. 49ers).

This week they can focus on getting players healthy including WR Donald Driver, DE Ryan Pickett (who rolled his ankle again), and TE Andrew Quarless. The replacements for those players are either playing great (DE C.J. Wilson for Pickett), inconsistent (WR James Jones/WR Jordy Nelson for Driver), or it's just not the same (anyone for Quarless). The blocking tight ends remain, but there's no receiving threat from the tight end position without Quarless. Jones showed up big on Sunday night, but he was a big zero the week before while Nelson has never been consistent either. The pass offense could really use Driver and Quarless back if they want their offense to produce every week.

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one of the announcers mentioned that Mike McCarthy had made an effort to simplify the offense.

So I guess PAD was right when he said our gameplans were too complex and we just needed to simplify it huh

by Goldenarmadillo4 on Nov 8, 2010 7:29 AM CST reply actions

It's true

McCarthy still had Rodgers throwing deep often against Dallas, but everything was working for us in this one. Rodgers had excellent pocket awareness and avoided the pass rush with ease. For the most part, it seemed to be mostly 10-25 yard passes mixed with WR Screens. Very few slants and short routest (other than WR Screens). It’s tough to be critical of it after a performance we just had, but it was an issue for us all season. At least I think it’s a big part of our issues with our offense stuttering….or why it was stuttering before the Dallas game.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Nov 8, 2010 7:48 AM CST up reply actions

They did everything we told them to!

Haha, short quick passes on third and short, not the long bombs and the running game was just effective enough to keep the safeties honest, we didn’t abandon it. Now if only we could get TT to pick up a free agent once in a blue moon.

by Smeefers on Nov 8, 2010 8:04 AM CST up reply actions

What free agent. . .

Any free agents come to mind that we missed on and we should have on the team right now?

by Ryanweiss13 on Nov 8, 2010 5:08 PM CST up reply actions

Yup.

by TrevorR on Nov 8, 2010 8:46 AM CST up reply actions

Lol whoop! Looks like you can tell a little something, something from just simply watching the games.

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

Last statement on subject.

You predicting the Packers would go to short routes to get a rhythem in no way means you know what a game plan is… Just means you made a correct prediction. Game plans are way to complicated for you or I to know what they are… don’t kid yourself!

From what I have heard the Packers knew they would get alot of man coverage vs the cowboys. And that was the game plan… To take advantage of the Dallas secondary in man coverage. Nothing about short passes. Thats just one way to beat it!

Let the abuse start… I’m sure there will now be about 100 comments telling me otherwise, but it don’t mean squat and doesn’t prove you right!

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 8, 2010 11:13 PM CST up reply actions

Wait I thought gameplans were “to” complicated for all of us to understand and then in the next sentence you stated this:

From what I have heard the Packers knew they would get alot of man coverage vs the cowboys. And that was the game plan… To take advantage of the Dallas secondary in man coverage. Nothing about short passes. Thats just one way to beat it!

I am confused, is it too complicated or is it that simple?

by TrevorR on Nov 9, 2010 8:05 AM CST up reply actions

Again, I never stated that I knew what the game plan is. Just that it was obvious to me that too much of what we were doing was based off of big plays.

Again, I think you’re being a bit hypocritcal stating “..and that was the game plan.” since you just got done telling me that both you and I have no idea what the game plan is but it’s whatever. I really don’t want to get into a big thing with you again.

Lastly, I didn’t even state that I was “right”, someone else pointed it out. So again, I don’t think I knew the game plan. I simply stated that in my opinion going back to the quick routes would be more beneficial for the team. That’s it.

by packallday555 on Nov 9, 2010 10:26 AM CST up reply actions

Going back

To quick routes and timing plays makes sense… No problem there. But you did say that was the game plan, and I called you on it… Going back like that isn’t a game plan, that was my point all along!!!

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 9, 2010 10:56 AM CST up reply actions

He didn't say that was the gameplan

If you don’t believe me, go back and read his post again.

Towlieppan: "You wanna throw high?"

by GoGregGo on Nov 9, 2010 11:09 AM CST up reply actions

my understanding

of a game plan starts with a weakness observation – either of the personnel or the scheme itself. Such as X player doesn’t do well in space. Y Player doesn’t do man coverage very well. Z defensive front tends to overpursue the back side of a play. So, you look at things like personnel groupings, motion, blocking schemes, etc to try to force the defense into those matchups that put the opposing player into the situation where they are not comfortable. In that regard, I think Stroh is right on the money. Those are very complex. Yet the simple, arm chair coaching that we all tend to do really only scratches the surface. For me, that’s one of the reasons I like football so much. It’s a really simple game, but it can be really complicated. The back and forth chess match is really neat to watch.

by gern blanston on Nov 9, 2010 1:42 PM CST up reply actions

Thanx

That is what I was getting at the whole time! Game plans really do start w/ the matchups of the opposing teams weaknesses and how to exploit it w/ our personnel!!!

I never had a problem w/ his saying to go back to basics of WCO, just that he said, thought or felt that that was the gameplan!

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 9, 2010 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

Looked more like the A-Rod we are accustomed to, only missing on 7 throws.

Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss

by Dmc202 on Nov 8, 2010 7:34 AM CST reply actions

Seriously. Probably three of them were on throw aways too, as well as a drop by Jones. Impressive night for him.

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 8:27 PM CST up reply actions

I got a question

Why was Tony Homo wearing the headphones and not Kitna? You would think that Kitna would want to look at the pictures and see what’s going on(other than getting your butt whipped) and get feedback from the offensive coordinator. Homo isn’t going to play again until mid-December(maybe) so him listening to what is going on, isn’t helping much.

by biggun33 on Nov 8, 2010 8:15 AM CST reply actions

Dude…drop the stupid nicknames for players, makes you sound dumb and juvenile.

Romo is the captain of the offense, he was probably keeping himself sharp by listening to the gameplan and visualizing what he’d be doing. Kitna didn’t have it on cause he was playing football.

by TrevorR on Nov 8, 2010 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 23 recs

The starter never wears the headphones

Plus he can hear the play calls with his helmet.

And fully agree on the nicknames.

BCB: Pointless Exercises in Devils Advocacy

by Jeo on Nov 8, 2010 9:36 AM CST up reply actions

Wow EIGHT recs? That is definitely a record for me! haha

by TrevorR on Nov 8, 2010 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

Up to 11 now

Towlieppan: "You wanna throw high?"

by GoGregGo on Nov 8, 2010 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

I'll make it 13...

by Bush League All Star on Nov 8, 2010 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

15

by Danwood on Nov 8, 2010 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

18 recs.

Wisconsin, proudly throwing the Big Ten into chaos since the beginning of time.

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Nov 8, 2010 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

Might as well keep the trend going

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 8:27 PM CST up reply actions

20

By far the most rec’d comment I have ever seen

by Yankees10 on Nov 8, 2010 9:01 PM CST up reply actions

Eh.

Here probably. I’ve seen a comment get 100+ recs.

by Bush League All Star on Nov 8, 2010 9:08 PM CST up reply actions

Well aren’t you special?/ :)

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 9:22 PM CST up reply actions

Well I am not!

But I think the post was for someone who passed away. Not sure if it was a blogger, commentor, or a member of that blog’s team.

by Bush League All Star on Nov 8, 2010 11:20 PM CST up reply actions

I once saw a comment get 1000 recs

but it took me a long time to make that many accounts.

But seriously, he gets rec #22 for shutting down the homophobia.

"We've got Hank Baskett"

by I voted for Kodos on Nov 9, 2010 2:53 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks! It was more than shutting down the homophobia…its more about shutting down all the idiotic wordplaying that I see. Even Viqueens is old and stupid…and unoriginal. I mean seriously if THAT is the best you can do for a laugh its a pretty sad state to be in…

Definitely my largest number of recs though :-)

by TrevorR on Nov 9, 2010 8:07 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

viqueeens

It may be old, but thats what they will always be! Nothing but drama whores who cry like babies! Thats what I will always refer to them as.

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 9, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions

I think its dumb and makes you sound like a 13 year old who says it and then giggles with your friends as you walk away. As long as you call them the viqueens we’ll be the fudgepackers or some other ridiculous/childish nickname…and we all look stupid.

by TrevorR on Nov 9, 2010 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

I think will be that name regardless of whether or not they are getting called Viqueens.

by Bush League All Star on Nov 9, 2010 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

That's very adult of you

Towlieppan: "You wanna throw high?"

by GoGregGo on Nov 9, 2010 12:21 PM CST up reply actions

Not the same without Quarless?

7 receptions in 6 games and dropped passes in between. I like the guy, but I’d say the jury is still out. I’m sure no team is planning their defense around AQ. I hope I’m wrong.

by GregR on Nov 8, 2010 11:11 AM CST reply actions

Quarless still has a lot of growing to do but he’s head and shoulders above the other two as a pass catcher/route runner though IMO.

by TrevorR on Nov 8, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions

He's caught more passes than Finely during his rookie season

Quarless can at least add somewhat of a demintion that Finley brought to our offense. It may not be the same quality right now, but it’s moving in the right direction.

by PackApologist on Nov 8, 2010 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

Great game

This had everything. The suffocating D was still there as it’s been all year. Clay Mathews scares the hell out of people watching from TV when he rushes for the QB, imagine how poor Kitna must have felt. The offense had to show up and definitely made its loud statement. Just one deep throw, a beauty completion to Jennings, and a lot of things we expect this offense to do given the injuries to Finley and Grant. It had rhythm all night – screens, consistent nice runs, AR running in space (apart from trying to flatten a linebacker) , Jennings chalking up yards from the slot, Jones playing great. Despite the facts that Cowboys have quit playing football, this was an excellent show of football heading into the bye week.

by Rodgers_for_MVP on Nov 8, 2010 11:16 AM CST reply actions

Ahhhhhh!

I like where the Packers are right now. 6-3 going into bye week. Aaron and the offense waking up, even if was to a sleeping Dallas team. Capers deserves coach of the year. The defense has hung together with mirrors, duct tape, and team play. Kudos D! I enjoyed every humiliating moment the cowboys spent at Lambeau. Now, we have an opportunity to kill, dash and destroy the last hopes of our Viking friends. Life is sweet.

by marcopo on Nov 8, 2010 11:43 AM CST reply actions

Yeah, I can’t imagine a better way to head into the bye week. It’s a fine day to be a Packers fan. I love this team!

by Puddleglumed on Nov 8, 2010 1:11 PM CST up reply actions

The defense looks damn good. Pretty good performances now against 3 teams in a row, with either a skilled Qb and/or skilled skill position guys. The pass defense seems like it’s leaps and bounds above what it was last season.

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

As well as the pass rush. Matthews, Jenkins, and Raji have all been great rushing the passer this season.

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 8:30 PM CST up reply actions

Pass rush and coverage feed off one another

The cameras don’t show us at least half the coverage on a given play, so it’s harder to say there – though Williams seems to have stepped up his game and Shields appears to be holding up.

But the pass rush is certainly improved. Jenkins and Raji have made it awfully difficult for a QB to just step up and avoid CM3.

"We've got Hank Baskett"

by I voted for Kodos on Nov 9, 2010 2:57 AM CST up reply actions

+1

by packallday555 on Nov 9, 2010 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

A big kudos to Sam Shield

The guy has really come on this year. From all accounts he’s been trying real hard to absorb all the knowledge he can from Chuck while he’s still around. Also got to tip your cap to Tramon Williams who’s been tremendous, and Charlie Peprah who has filled in nicely at safety.

"But we all know that games aren't played on paper...they are played by little men inside our TV sets." --Kenny Mayne

by dishingoutdimes on Nov 8, 2010 11:47 AM CST reply actions

Shields

gah typos

"But we all know that games aren't played on paper...they are played by little men inside our TV sets." --Kenny Mayne

by dishingoutdimes on Nov 8, 2010 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

Peprah

I like him better than Bigby. His game appears to be more complete. Good presence at the line and is figuring out the passing game.

by gern blanston on Nov 8, 2010 1:50 PM CST up reply actions

yea bigby was more of a run stopper than a cover safety

he always went for the hit instead of the ball

by nfcnorth21 on Nov 8, 2010 2:12 PM CST up reply actions

+1

Seems much better in coverage, and good enough in run support. Whether it’s coming up and covering the right spot on a blitz or coming over the top down the seam, seems like Peprah has always been there.

The injuries to Barnett, Harris, and Bigby all have ended up being somewhat of a blessing in disguise. All their replacements have stepped up big time.

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 8:36 PM CST up reply actions

Zamboo has been holding his own. CJ Wilson, but it’s been Raji who has kept defense viable.

by marcopo on Nov 8, 2010 11:53 AM CST reply actions

Yeah, he provides a decent pass rush and seems like he’s down alright in coverage (doesn’t seemed to have been picked on much). I like Wilson too. He’s got a good motor. I think our defensive line is going to be scary good in a year or two. I think Neal is going to be a hell of a player. Add that to Raji, Jenkins (I really hope we re-sign him), and Pickett, and we could have one of the best defensive lines in the league.

by packallday555 on Nov 8, 2010 8:38 PM CST up reply actions

From a NY Giants' fan to the Packers and all Packers' fans...

THANK YOU!!!

"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)

by nywins42 on Nov 8, 2010 12:02 PM CST reply actions

LOL…our pleasure. Trust me, we get as much joy from seeing those damn Cowboys get a beatdown as you do!!

by TrevorR on Nov 8, 2010 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

awesome drumming of America's Team

I love it, I hate those Cowboys…..love to see them play so bad

Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all

by Rickfansince76 on Nov 8, 2010 2:03 PM CST reply actions

Self Annointed America's Team!!!

The Packers are the Peoples Choice!!!

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 8, 2010 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 12 recs

rec'd

by jpulido on Nov 8, 2010 3:16 PM CST up reply actions

And that's the truth!

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Nov 8, 2010 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

10th Rec!!!!!!!!!!

TT bashers - turning my stomach since 2005!
The glass is way more than half-full!

by NorthStarr on Nov 9, 2010 3:54 AM CST up reply actions

Still a long ways from my 22 up above! haha. He got a rec from me though. Stupid America’s team BS!!!!

by TrevorR on Nov 9, 2010 8:08 AM CST up reply actions

Thanx

and I like all the ex marks!!!!! LOL

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 9, 2010 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

One for each rec at the time. haha.

As you know, when I bring them up, it is in a positive way.

By the way (revisiting old subject),
Rose wore number 14,
Morgan, 8
Foster, 15
Bench, 5
Perez, 24
Griffey, 30
Concepcion, 13
Geronimo, 20

and (I had to look this one up,lol)
my favorite pre-Seaver Reds pitcher,
Gary Nolan was number 38.

TT bashers - turning my stomach since 2005!
The glass is way more than half-full!

by NorthStarr on Nov 9, 2010 12:38 PM CST up reply actions

Damn!!!

I might have gotten most of the numbers, but not all… Truly impressive!!! LOL

Your a class act NorthStarr, err, Pat!!! Appreciate the support regarding the !!!

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 9, 2010 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

BTW

Probably a dumb question but do you know who replaced Perez? I still remember him too…

Joe Morgan was my favorite player growing up!!! Loved the chicken wing and had a glove w/ his name on it!

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Nov 9, 2010 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

Absolutely!

#22, Dan Driessen. :)

TT bashers - turning my stomach since 2005!
The glass is way more than half-full!

by NorthStarr on Nov 9, 2010 9:22 PM CST up reply actions

And, speaking of Seaver,

We didn’t have a team in Anchorage (yet) then, and I was unaware of it at the time, but during the mid 1960s, Seaver and Andy Messersmith were teammates on the semi-pro Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks.

TT bashers - turning my stomach since 2005!
The glass is way more than half-full!

by NorthStarr on Nov 10, 2010 12:54 AM CST up reply actions

I hate that stupid nickname. It really personifies the absolute vanity that comes with the team though.

by TrevorR on Nov 8, 2010 10:38 PM CST up reply actions

On that play when the whole offense went left...

and Rodgers rolled right…directly into DWare, it reminded me of that time when Brent Farve “gave” Strahan that record sack.

Just sayin.’

It's called "playing the percentages."

by hilbelink on Nov 8, 2010 8:39 PM CST reply actions

I've got a conspiracy theory for that

Rodgers gives Ware a sack to motivate CM3 to get even more sacks to lead the NFL.

"We've got Hank Baskett"

by I voted for Kodos on Nov 9, 2010 3:00 AM CST up reply actions

Better than that.

Rodgers gives Ware a sack to motivate CM3 to get even more sacks to ~~lead the NFL~~ break Strahan’s record. lol.

TT bashers - turning my stomach since 2005!
The glass is way more than half-full!

by NorthStarr on Nov 9, 2010 9:26 PM CST up reply actions

That was not a sack...

2-10-GB 43 (14:47) 12-A.Rodgers right tackle to GB 41 for -2 yards (94-D.Ware).

The only time AR was sacked was at the start of the game. The sack was not on DWare.

by Rodgers_for_MVP on Nov 9, 2010 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

correct

it was labeled as a busted play – a run. CM3 was vicitimized by the same call in the Washington game. There was a snap over D McNabb’s head. Clay got him for like a 15 yard loss. It was not a sack.

by gern blanston on Nov 9, 2010 1:34 PM CST up reply actions