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

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.