On Clifton, Kick Returns, Defensive Adjustments, and Play Action

by Brandon on Oct 11, 2011 7:01 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

This time, Packers have options to replace Clifton - JSOnline. Ugh, a trip down memory lane to recall the recent disasters when LT Chad Clifton was out of the lineup. The play of Marshall Newhouse and Derek Sherrod give me more faith than any option the Packers have had in the past few seasons. And RT Bryan Bulaga should be back soon.

Green Bay Packers news | Green Bay Packers kick return game puts offense in hole | Green Bay Press Gazette. Randall Cobb had a few returns that failed to get back to the 20 yard line. I don't really have a feel yet for when a returner should come out of the end zone, or instead take a knee, under the new kickoff rules. It's still a work in progress.

Raji not about to forgive or respect the Falcons - JSOnline. The title is about another topic, but I wanted to point out the defensive adjustment noted. After the first two drives, they let LB A.J. Hawk and LB Desmond Bishop somewhat ignore all the shifts, motions, and play action fakes. Instead they focused on shutting down RB Michael Turner, and it also allowed Bishop to start making plays in the backfield.

Rodgers Lethal Off Play-Action | Cheesehead TV. I agree with Aaron's article, the Packers running game is good and they are very good at running the play action pass, but it seemed to me that the Falcons were sucked in by Mike McCarthy's tendencies. Late in the game, they expected the Packers to run the ball, and run out some clock, which is something McCarthy often does. The Falcons were taking some chances to get back into the game, and it didn't work for them.

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Noticed this from the JS article...

After giving up 125 yards in the first quarter, the Packers gave up 19 in the second, 46 in the third and 61 in the fourth. All totaled, they held the Falcons to 251 net yards, about 100 fewer than they were averaging against their first four opponents.

A big key to the game was the job Williams and fellow cornerback Sam Shields did against White and Jones. The two Falcons receivers were targeted 18 times and caught just 12 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown.

The defensive adjustments the Packers made would have made Bo Ryan proud.

Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
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by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Oct 11, 2011 8:23 AM CDT reply actions

Kick Returns

I think Cobb should continue to bring them out as often as possible. Being inside the 20 is not such a big deal with the Packers offense. And, of course, the more return chances Cobb has, the odds increase that he’ll bust one for a TD. On the other hand, the Packers offense is so good that we don’t need to get quick, cheap scores. So, maybe we shouldn’t chance a turnover or injury with all those low-percentage returns. Okay, I changed my own mind. Take a knee more often, Cobb.

by Ben T on Oct 11, 2011 9:10 AM CDT reply actions

haha..

glad you came around. Chance of turnover, bad field position, injury risk all outweigh the chance of a good return

I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005

We expect to win.- Ted Thompson July 28, 2011

by White92 on Oct 11, 2011 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions

but it adds another scoring possibility for opposing teams to plan for.

If he gets good, then people will start directional kicking it with the possibility of shanking it, giving better field position. Plus the less the offense is on the field the less wear and tear on our O-line.

by stratefaced on Oct 11, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

He'll have his opportunities to return kicks, as long as he's smart.

If he takes one out from deep, he better damn well make sure he has the space to maneuver. I’m more concerned about him and fair catching.

I already told you! I deal with the god damn receivers so the linebackers don’t have to! I have coverage skills; I’m good at covering people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?!

by msc32887 on Oct 12, 2011 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions

15 yard penalty!

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"It's a great day to be great, baby!"

Skol is a four-letter word.

The Munsters of the Midway still suck!

by NorthStarr on Oct 13, 2011 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions

I was pleased with the play of Newhouse and Sherrod,

but I’m not ready to judge whether I think they can hold down the position for a long stretch. I thought they both played well this week, but that was against a team missing its top DE. The most dynamic pass rusher on the field was Ray Edwards, who by any measure (statistical or the eyeball test) has been a major disappointment.

I’m looking forward to seeing how they do this week, because the Rams’ DL poses a greater challenge, in my opinion. It should be an interesting battle on the edges.

by Some Guy Named Gabbo on Oct 11, 2011 1:15 PM CDT reply actions

Tauscher

Dont be surprised to see him resurface should the need arise, has anyone heard how he is progressing from last seasons injury ?

by tgifbipo on Oct 11, 2011 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd be surprised.

Tauscher’s done.

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"It's a great day to be great, baby!"

Skol is a four-letter word.

The Munsters of the Midway still suck!

by NorthStarr on Oct 12, 2011 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I would say...

The chances of Tauscher resurfacing are Slim and None! They have 3 good young OT w/ alot of potential, what would they gain by bringing Tauscher back and taking reps from the guys that need them?!

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Oct 12, 2011 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions