Official Packers go Back to School Game Day Thread - Packers at Vikings Nov 23rd

[Fritz]

Brady is like every other QB and doesn't like to get hit. His lack of mobility could be an issue for NE on Sunday if we bring pressure.

As odd as this sounds, Datone Jones's continuing health problems could pose the biggest threat to this team's chances. He doesn't have a tone of sacks, but when healthy he pressures QB's pretty well. Brady is about as mobile as a desk top computer, which is to the Packers' advantage, but they need to get pressure with four coming. The Packer secondary is pretty good, but if Brady has time, well, they're screwed - any defensive backfield will be against Brady if he's got time.

If the Patriots play two-high safety on defense - and why wouldn't they, why wouldn't anyone? - this will force the Packers to use the ground game. Starks seems buried in the doghouse, so maybe this is the time to break out DuJuan Harris as a change-up to Lacey. I don't think the Patriots' defensive line is anything to write home about, so I believe the Packers, with patience, can have a productive offensive game, though I also think this depends on Rodgers/MM not getting impatient and trying to throw to Cobb/Nelson into the teeth of the two-deep shell.

To me, the front seven of the Packers is key to their defensive success, and patience on offense is key to the offensive success.

We shall see how they do.

[mraynrand]

If the Patriots play two-high safety on defense - and why wouldn't they, why wouldn't anyone?

NE has the defensive backfield to NOT play two-high. They can shut down Cobb with Revis and double Nelson, and that all but eliminates GB's passing game.

[mraynrand]

NE has the defensive backfield to NOT play two-high. They can shut down Cobb with Revis and double Nelson, and that all but eliminates GB's passing game.

I meant to say GB's vertical or deep passing game. They still can throw it all over the field, but they gotta rely on the second tier guys. You can do it!

[denverYooper]

NE has the defensive backfield to NOT play two-high. They can shut down Cobb with Revis and double Nelson, and that all but eliminates GB's passing game.

Most teams that think this usually pay for it in blood...

[pbmax]

Most teams that think this usually pay for it in blood...

Precisely. the guy single covering Jordy for the Eagles was no slouch, he was always close. Just not close enough.

Will be interesting to see what Bill decides to do regarding safeties. Everyone talks about his current game plan like he has done it forever and was way ahead of everyone else on it. But his true genius is switching it up to do what is necessary.

My Belichick D coordinator envy revolves entirely around his ability to switch it up in the game and come out ahead and not confused. Of course, this is after 5 years in the wilderness with a terrible D.

[mraynrand]

Precisely.

Precisely what? You're responding to dYoop misrepresenting my post. Yes, teams with no pass rush get smoked playing single high safety - or two high safety for that matter. I'm guessing Belicheat will run a version of what he used in Indy - take out Cobb with Revis and double Jordy. Rodgers has such tunnel vision for Nelson, that he takes extra time - precious seconds and fractions of seconds to come off him, so that if the Pats have reasonable pressure, he gets sacked or has to throw it away. Will be interesting to see which team is more disciplined and patient. Will Cheat be patient to stick to the scheme even if Rodgers is prepped to go elsewhere with the rock, and will Rodgers actually be more patient to go to other receivers. If so, will they be on the same page (esp. D. Adams).

[Fritz]

Precisely what? You're responding to dYoop misrepresenting my post. Yes, teams with no pass rush get smoked playing single high safety - or two high safety for that matter. I'm guessing Belicheat will run a version of what he used in Indy - take out Cobb with Revis and double Jordy. Rodgers has such tunnel vision for Nelson, that he takes extra time - precious seconds and fractions of seconds to come off him, so that if the Pats have reasonable pressure, he gets sacked or has to throw it away. Will be interesting to see which team is more disciplined and patient. Will Cheat be patient to stick to the scheme even if Rodgers is prepped to go elsewhere with the rock, and will Rodgers actually be more patient to go to other receivers. If so, will they be on the same page (esp. D. Adams).

This is it, to me. If Rodgers doesn't force the issue to Cobb/Nelson and is willing to throw to Quarless, Adams, Rodgers, Lacey (maybe even Kuhn?), then this Packer team can cover the ground, albeit more slowly than they'd like, and score enough to win - if the Packer D can get after Brady and shut down the run.

Big ifs, I know. But patience for Rodgers is key. And not patience as in waiting forever for Nelson or Cobb, but patience in settling for shorter gains to other receivers.

[pbmax]

Precisely what? You're responding to dYoop misrepresenting my post. Yes, teams with no pass rush get smoked playing single high safety - or two high safety for that matter. I'm guessing Belicheat will run a version of what he used in Indy - take out Cobb with Revis and double Jordy. Rodgers has such tunnel vision for Nelson, that he takes extra time - precious seconds and fractions of seconds to come off him, so that if the Pats have reasonable pressure, he gets sacked or has to throw it away. Will be interesting to see which team is more disciplined and patient. Will Cheat be patient to stick to the scheme even if Rodgers is prepped to go elsewhere with the rock, and will Rodgers actually be more patient to go to other receivers. If so, will they be on the same page (esp. D. Adams).

Precisely in that the only successful use of single high safety has been on the road in Seattle and possibly some in New Orleans. I'll let Yoop speak for himself on the possible misrepresentation in his response.

I am not arguing your basic thrust that Belichick has the horses to play single high very effectively against good offenses. But I am saying the Packers have torched good backfields in that coverage. And its especially true at home. So even if Bill sticks with it, I think the Packers might go over the top of it anyway and be successful.

Your point about other O options being underutilized is a good one. It can bite them when they need to throw short, though Eddie Lacy channeling Ahman Green on screens has helped.

As for pass rush, NE has lost two good guys (Jones and someone) and has young ones filling key roles. New England has completed inverted their play, early it was the D carrying the team and the O struggling mightily. Now its the reverse.

The Packers will score points. I am worried about the other side of the ball but expect better at home.

[mraynrand]

I am not arguing your basic thrust that Belichick has the horses to play single high very effectively against good offenses. But I am saying the Packers have torched good backfields in that coverage.

But I'm not saying Cheat is gonna play single high safety.