Week 1 Knee-Jerk Reactions
by texwestern on Sep 9, 2011 8:01 AM CDT
in Green Bay Packers Analysis
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PrintNow that everyone has had a few hours to breathe after last night's epic Packers-Saints battle, I would like to share a few of my initial impressions of the game.
Aaron Rodgers is really freaking good. A few of the throws he made to Jermichael Finley over the middle and Greg Jennings along the sidelines had openings the size of my fist, except he found some way to squeeze the balls through for ridiculous completions...and it certainly didn't hurt that the receivers made some great catches as well. Then the Randall Cobb show took over. He looked like he was in a video game on his two touchdowns. The dive into the end zone capped off a ridiculous catch and run for his first score, but then he blew my mind by hitting the B button on that insane kickoff return. Remember when Dante Hall was nicknamed "The Human Joystick"? That title seemed to apply to Cobb last night.
As for the defense, I was a little disappointed with the lack of consistent pressure on Drew Brees. 3 sacks is a reasonable total, but the pressure seemed to come in spurts and Brees often had far too much time in the pocket. The run defense impressed me overall, however, especially with their goal-line stand on the last play of the game. And if there was a weak point last year, it was against the run, so I'm optimistic for that part of the game moving forward. Holding the tandem of Thomas, Ingram, and Sproles to under 4 yards per carry is a pretty encouraging sign.
Finally, while the return game appears to have found its spark (see Cobb, Randall above), the coverage teams made me run for the eye bleach yet again. I know Darren Sproles is tiny and ridiculously fast, but the gap control didn't look good and there's no excuse for allowing multiple 50+ yard returns.
All in all, the NFL got its highly entertaining kickoff game, as desired, and the Packers made it through Week 1 with a hard-fought win against an excellent team. That's all I could really ask for.
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I was a little dissapointed
With the lack of pressure on Drew Brees as well. I just kept reminding myself that the Saints are no slouches. When the packers face a high power offense like the Saints the most important thing is the defense is effective when it matters, and they were in the end. I disagreed with that Jared bush punt return spot, and i thought the PI on Hawk was absolutely a blown call. I love when the pack prevail even when faced with multiple controversial calls. GO PACK!
"We'll never forget you Brent"
Bad Punt Call?
I honestly do not know the rule, but it appeared pretty clear that when Bush caught that goal line punt his knee was down. In all other cases, as soon as the knee is down the play is over.
I sure thought so. Just like when an offensive players knee is down and the ball hasnt crossed to goal line, but slides in after he is “down”. He wouldve been down at the one….Atleast they coulda looked at it in the booth…
PI on Hawk…total horsepoo. He was jumping over a guy and playing the ball…since when does playing the ball get you a PI call. Just cuz Sproles is a short guy doesnt mean you give him that call. WEAK. And the Ref from behind the play called it, not any others that saw the play better or were in front of it to see Hawk get to the ball…O well
What was it #80 and thinking he can steal the Belt? Ummm dude…you were losing when you did it. Get a clue. Also I want to punch Sean Payton in the face for his visor and when he squints and squeezes his lips together…IT DOESNT MAKE YOUR BRAIN WORK BETTER WHEN YOU DO THAT.GAAAAHHHHHHHHH
/end rant
I almost forgot about Jimmy Graham's idiot belt
The entire bar went berserk when he did that. That was the instant that I knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Packers would win – the football gods would not let that go unpunished.
Author at Acme Packing Company
by texwestern on Sep 9, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
He was probably planning that for the whole offseason
Ever since he saw who was on the schedule, he was probably thinking, “aw yeah, I’m gonna show GB who has the belt.”
Old boy should act like he’s been there before. You just score a TD, good for you, but you are down by 8 points after that, and ended up loosing the game, so your actions just lok foolish.
by Nels Winkler on Sep 9, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Remember when Abraham did the belt?
Womp…womp
by Charlie Kelly on Sep 9, 2011 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 9 recs
Followed by the epic, angry playoff belt...
by mike_o on Sep 9, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 9 recs
a distant memory
I admit that I have not fact checked this but I kind of recall hearing that if a players own momentum carries him into the endzone that it is a touch back regardless of how many of his body parts hit the ground. If he would have been touched by the other team before going in I think he would have been downed at the point of contact. It was a great attempt to down the ball, too bad it couldn’t have been a couple inches more away from the goal line.
I think you're right.
The TV guys said something about momentum and the play being a continuous motion or something like that. Still almost a great play by Bush.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Did Woodson actually throw a punch?
They showed the replay a few times, but I’m not so sure that was as definitive as Collinsworth had it. There just didn’t seem to be enough reason for CW to react that way, unless there was something the cameras didn’t catch.
I’d hate to see the league issue a suspension or something like that. You never know how they’ll react – pretty arbitrary to tell the truth.
Thing I was happy to see was the Packers able to employ the running game to good effect when the Saints decided to start favoring coverage schemes. Both Starks and Grant looked good.
"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi
It did look like an uppercut to me.
The other player did instigate it by pushing Woodson after the whistle, but there had to be more to the story.
"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a rock star from Mars."
Yep
Wood threw a punch, although it didn’t look like it had any umpf behind it.
If you watch the replay of that punch again, Wood is being blocked and pushed around well after the play is over, he’s trying to disengage. The Saints player doesn’t let him disengage after the play is finished, Wood gets upset and says screw you. The Saints player could have been called for a personal foul too.
he clearly threw a punch
whether or not it was a good punch, that’s still what it was. So he probably should have been ejected.
Whatever though, I’m glad he wasn’t.
when life gives you melons, you might be dyslexic...
It was a punch.
But to the body not the head which probably would have gotten him tossed. He will get a fine but no suspension. I think what really pissed off CW was not that he was being pushed after the whistle but that he was being pushed toward the pile where its easy to get tripped and take a bad fall.
Woodson says that he did, indeed, throw a punch
Hope he’s not fined too much for doing it.
He admitted it as a punch
Won’t get anything more than a fine though. It makes me a little worried however. Last year, we gave the Bears the first game with stupid penalties and loosing our composure. It looked for a second that we were going to do that again. We have to play agressive, but not dirty. I wasn’t happy with him on that play.
I was disappointed with Woodson too,
but I don’t think it was a dirty play. He was reacting to what the saints player was doing. Did he over react? Absolutely, but I don’t think it was a dirty play by either player. It’s just a moment of frustration where Woodson lost his composure. I’m sure worse things happen in practice all the time; it’s just never broadcast live on national TV. He definitely deserved the penalty though.
Any news on Tramon?
I’m worried! We’ll be fine against the Panthers, Bears, and Broncos, but I really want him back by the Falcons at the latest. If it’s not more serious, I really don’t know what that could have been.
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?!
My first thought
after it happened was that it was a stinger, I thought he got hit more on the shoulder than the elbow. Hopefully that’s all it is, but I’m getting nervous.
Author at Acme Packing Company
I sure hope so.
Seifert posted on his nfc north blog that he was still in pain after the game, still holding the arm in the same manner. My initial thought was collarbone, but I don’t claim to know what the hell I’m talking about.
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?!
Another Knee-Jerk Reaction:
Starks looked like twice the running back Grant was.
when life gives you melons, you might be dyslexic...
I did start him.
Woohoo!
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
I don't.
I got Starks after somebody else drafted Grant.
At the time, I was more or less laughing up my sleeve, because I expect Starks to be getting the bulk of the work by the time our playoffs roll around.
"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!
I said as much as well wafter the other guy took Grant.
Then was still able to snag Starks later after talking him up.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Breaking so many tackles...
We’ll see how he does against a defense with a history of tackling!
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 Sep 9, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Added to a few knee-jerk reactions from last year.
How many does it take before it’s nto a knee-jerk reaction?
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
*not
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
What does that have to do with anything? Are you really gonna tell me that when you watch the two play, you don’t see Starks as being more talented?
I get that people like Grant but my gosh, what more do they need to see happen before they concede that Starks is just better? For me, all I needed to see was Starks play vs. Grant play. I get how that could not be enough for some but how do you explain Grant being forced to take a pay cut? How about Grant having to split carries with Starks right off the bat? Or the fact that Starks saw more carries last night?
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Sep 9, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
The Packers are a PASS-FIRST team...
I could give less of a damn if it’s Starks or Grant running the football (Starks averaged 4.8, Grant averaged 4.4… OMG, STARKS STARKS, RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!).
You obviously do give a damn about who runs the football because anytime anybody mentions anything negative about Grant you chime in.
(Starks averaged 4.8, Grant averaged 4.4… OMG, STARKS STARKS, RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!).
OMG, ALL THE PEOPLE ALL WHO SAID STARKS WAS BETTER WERE RIGHT…WAH WAH WAH!
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Sep 9, 2011 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
How amazing... a whole 0.4 more ypc.
If it were up to you, Starks would already be in the Hall of Fame.
So tired of this argument.
One game doesn’t show much. How about we shut up about this until at least week 6?
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?!
I don't know why we don't get rid of Rodgers...
I mean the only thing keeping Starks from being MVP is the fact that we wasted a roster spot on a QB that we don’t even need. Why take the ball out of Starks hands? Just to have Rodgers throw it somehwere? How does that help anything?!!? Just give it to Starks 80+ times a game stop this silly, pointless passing altogether!
Every pass Rodgers throws is a Rushing Touchdown taken from Starks.
In Every Climb and Place....
I am an ass hat.
by PhoenicianPakFan on Sep 9, 2011 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Make Starks the QB?
Then he can run whenever he wants… and throw a couple touchdown passes.
"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a rock star from Mars."
Not at all man. I just want the team to be as good as they can be, and I feel like Starks makes them better.
And like I said to Kuhl, it’s not about the stats. Every play is different — whether it’s what down and distance we’re running on, how good the OL blocks, if the defense has the box stacked, etc. That’s why I don’t put as much into stats as some do. I just think when you look at each physically, Starks is clearly better. Just my opinion though.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Sep 9, 2011 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Not just your's.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
by Omaha Sun on Sep 10, 2011 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
When he can consistently protect Rodgers on passing downs....
I’ll jump on his bandwagon. He’s the better runner but Rodgers might die back there….
In Every Climb and Place....
I am an ass hat.
by PhoenicianPakFan on Sep 9, 2011 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Exactly
I saw at least two plays where he missed his blocking assignment completely, and another where he got shoved back into Rodgers arm as he was throwing the ball, which made the pass sail and could have wound up as an interception.
Angelo: Right….so anyways Jay, I’m sure you understand that we needed to make this move and I wanna wish you the best of luck.
Cutler: (Swoops bangs out of eyes by throwing his head back) Whatever, I don’t need this team or you.
/Leaves in a huff
//Writes bad poetry on his blog
Grossman: What the fuck is Wilford Brimley’s problem?
by Packers3485 on Sep 9, 2011 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’d die back there with Grant too though, so it’s kinda a moot point too me.
And just to set the record straight, I don’t think Starks is going to be some hall of famer or something. I just think he’s the best RB we’ve had since TT took over, which gets me excited because I feel like it’s the one thing we’ve been missing that could really put this offense over the top.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Sep 9, 2011 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions
It's still a little early.
Yes he played well last night, but he’s in a platoon situation right now. I didn’t think he was that much better than Grant last night.
Also, going back to the postseason, he had 1 or maybe 2 solid games. The Atlanta game wasn’t very good and neither was the Chicago game.
Before everyone jumps on me for saying something negative about the next Barry Sanders: I like Starks, but its still early. He’s had one 100 yd rushing game, and overall for the playoffs averaged under 4 ypc.
"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a rock star from Mars."
by Kuhl on Sep 9, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t really care about stats that much. It’s just about the eye test to me. I just see Starks being superior in talent to Grant. If we looked at stats as the primary determinant of how good a RB was then one could argue that Grant is close to as good as Adrian Peterson, which we all know isn’t even close to being true.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Sep 9, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree that he shows promise.
He’s made some nice plays and runs well. My whole point is that its too early to talk about cutting Grant (which was discussed by the media this summer). I think some are very high on Starks and have been blinded to his actual production.
"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a rock star from Mars."
by Kuhl on Sep 9, 2011 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
People are trying to make him out to be Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson, when in reality he isn't.
And quite frankly, that’s okay. He just needs to give us 60-80 yds/game.
I disagree here too. No one is comparing him to those guys. Actually, I’ve seen people compare Grant to AP on this blog, which is really a travesty. All I’m personally trying to say is that I think Starks is more talented, and because of it I’d like to see him out there more. In my opinion, the offense runs better with him out there.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Sep 9, 2011 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed, that's why I framed it as a knee-jerk reaction
he did look better last night. Doesn’t mean he’ll look better 10 weeks from now.
when life gives you melons, you might be dyslexic...
Hopefully he can do that the rest of the season
If he and Grant can both run well (and Starks improves as a blocker) that should be a pretty solid running game.
"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a rock star from Mars."
1 game is not a season
Before this season ends, we’ll be very happy we have both Grant and Starks.
I'm just happy to have 2 good RBs
It really doesn’t matter who starts, both are going to play and get plenty of downs.
Clearly both are capable of 1200 yard seasons individually, but if they each get 600
that’s just as good, better in fact because they will be fresher for the playoffs.
For years I’ve watched other teams with 2 or 3 featured backs and it is a huge asset
because they share the load and keep running strong right to the end of games.
Meanwhile, the Packer’s lone RB (Ryan Grant/Ahman Green/Dorsey Levens) was
getting tired toward the end. As good as those guys were, I always wished for another
good RB on the team.
John Kuhn Cheated!
The only writer who noticed John Kuhn’s fantastic assist during Cobb’s runback was Seifert of ESPN. After former Packer Hall tried to tackle Cobb at the 25, Kuhn caught Cobb, stood him up, and Cobb proceeded to a touchdown. It was a terrific play that’s gone unnoticed.
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