Official Packers vs. 49ers Game Day Thread

[Deputy Nutz]

Ref looks like he got the spot right, and that is heck of an accomplishment for this unit

[beveaux1]

Good spot. It was right on.

[red]

we're gonna be dead last in the nfc north if we lose this

[ND72]

I think he's short, but could have been shorter if shields attacks the knees.

[Bretsky]

4th down

I'm glad SF is not in our division cause their coach is a whiny ass bitch

[pbmax]

Damn! I think he got the 1st

I hate to say it but i am with Joe. I think his knee was down.

[denverYooper]

we're gonna be dead last in the nfc north if we lose this

At this point I don't care about losing to a tough team in week 1. I just want to see them go out like they give a damn.

[red]

Shields made a tackle.
no, shields bumped a guy and only allowed the guy to fall forward for 3 yards instead of the needed 3.5

[mmmdk]

Good call.

[pbmax]

McCarthy has the luck of the Irish on other coaches challenges.

[denverYooper]

4th down

I'm glad SF is not in our division cause their coach is a whiny ass bitch

Yeah, but watching him and Schwantz brawl 2x a year could be fun.

[mmmdk]

At this point I don't care about losing to a tough team in week 1. I just want to see them go out like they give a damn.

Yup, I like this attitude!

[Bretsky]

no more challenges..........that could be valuable with these guys

[pbmax]

no, shields bumped a guy and only allowed the guy to fall forward for 3 yards instead of the needed 3.5

TomAto, TomAHto. His guy went down on purpose. Lightyears ahead of last year.

[mmmdk]

McCarthy has the luck of the Irish on other coaches challenges.

700 years of English rule?

[Harlan Huckleby]

The Packers don't have a running back on their team that can get yardage without blocking. After watching Gore and Forte today, it would be nice to have a guy who can create a couple yards.

[pbmax]

And that might end it.

[Deputy Nutz]

Nice throw Rodgers

[mmmdk]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[beveaux1]

You've got to be kidding.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I stopped watching the game. The forum anguish is more fun.

[Bretsky]

Dammit

[pbmax]

700 years of English rule?

:lol:

[KYPack]

The delegation from Kentucky is officially freaking.

And standing strong behind our favorite son, Randall Cobb.

I couldn't get this typed before the pick!!!!

[pittstang5]

Well, that's how it's been going today

[Packers4Glory]

thats a pass you expect from Smith not Rodgers

[Teamcheez1]

Rodgers and the offense - the reason we may lose this game

[Rutnstrut]

Thanks Rodgers, when the real pressure is on you SUCK.

[KYPack]

Just fucking shoot me.

[pbmax]

And that will end it. Right over Perry and someone on the D left.

[red]

heres to MM really getting this team ready to play this year

chears :glug:

[pittstang5]

Fuckin Pussies!!

[gbgary]

game over

[mmmdk]

I don't get it! Worst throw by AR in 2 years or so. We're fucked!

[Harlan Huckleby]

Bears looked damn good. 0-2?

[Brandon494]

What kind of tackle was that Burnett?

[Teamcheez1]

Loved to see Hawk trailing that play by 5 yards. Not even close.

[Bretsky]

how about that defense

[Freak Out]

Fire Slocum.

[Deputy Nutz]

If that run didn't sum up our run defense I don't know what does.
Hawk fucks up his read,
Perry gets sucked inside
and Burnett went to the same tackling school as Sam Shields

[red]

i don't know if we got beat by a better team today. we haven't done anything right. we're playing like shit on all sides of the ball today, except for the cobb TD

[ND72]

Loved to see Hawk trailing that play by 5 yards. Not even close.

cause HE fucked that play up. The 5 missed tackles, including Smith, had nothing to do with it.

[BallHawk]

Thanks Rodgers, when the real pressure is on you SUCK.

Really?

[red]

What kind of tackle was that Burnett?

i think thats the first time i've ever seen you critical of a black player

good for you

[Deputy Nutz]

Fuckin Pussies!!

I like the passion

[Freak Out]

Fire Capers toupee.

[mmmdk]

I stopped watching the game. The forum anguish is more fun.

...but I'm [kinda] in a good mood!? I love being right but it sucks when Packers actually do lose.

[Teamcheez1]

I knew Alex Smith was drafted first for a reason.

[Joemailman]

i don't know if we got beat by a better team today. we haven't done anything right. we're playing like shit on all sides of the ball today, except for the cobb TD

We got beat by the NFL's best defense.

[Deputy Nutz]

cause HE fucked that play up. The 5 missed tackles, including Smith, had nothing to do with it.

Hawk blew his read, maybe he was supposed to maintain the B gap but everything appeared to me was a sweep to the outside.

[red]

who gives a fuck about the backside safety, he threw it right to the LB

[pbmax]

I don't get it! Worst throw by AR in 2 years or so. We're fucked!

No, he throws one like that every year to Urlacher.

[Brandon494]

i think thats the first time i've ever seen you critical of a black player

good for you

Haha besides Hawk what other player am I critical of?

[Packers4Glory]

Bears looked damn good. 0-2?

brandon marshall might go for 200 yards. Forte for 160 total.

[mmmdk]

Fuckin Pussies!!

...getting beat by f@cking c@cksuckers!

[Teamcheez1]

No, he throws one like that every year to Urlacher.

I'll be ready for Thursday then.

[Deputy Nutz]

Rodgers isn't his usual accurate self

[KYPack]

Randall Cobb

He's tougher than a Waffle House steak

[Deputy Nutz]

That was a pretty lite holding call

[Rutnstrut]

Really?

Yes, hes golden with a lead, but really how many super high pressure come from behind wins does he have?

[denverYooper]

No, he throws one like that every year to Urlacher.

Same thing I was thinking.

[ND72]

Just got a text, "send bail money, I'm taking out that head official."

[pbmax]

Hawk blew his read, maybe he was supposed to maintain the B gap but everything appeared to me was a sweep to the outside.

And then not enough speed to recover. You can't havbe that and no contain from teh OLB.

[Deputy Nutz]

Rodgers actually completes a throw on the run

[denverYooper]

No, he throws one like that every year to Urlacher.

Funny enough, Favre used to do it too.

[red]

a rare catch by jones

still slow as hell

[mmmdk]

I'll be ready for Thursday then.

Darn, I probably can't watch it thursday.

[denverYooper]

HA JONES!

[Joemailman]

JJ!!!

[pbmax]

Yes, hes golden with a lead, but really how many super high pressure come from behind wins does he have?

I prefer that the QB puts points up all the time. Not just after falling behind

[red]

um. no offense

but when did james jones become a football player?

[mmmdk]

I still don't like you, JJ...:lol:

[Teamcheez1]

And we were supposed to get rid of Jones?

[denverYooper]

Good to see they're still punching away.

[pbmax]

Still need D to do something.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Hey, it's still a game! But I turned the TV off, and I'm sticking with my commitment. I rely on the forum and "the rock" to paint the picture.

[Packers4Glory]

And we were supposed to get rid of Jones?

no.

he only drops bombs for TD's..other than that he's solid.

[ND72]

We need a turnover

[Deputy Nutz]

Harlan it is amazing

[pbmax]

They finally kill the front side and then yield 5 on the cutback

[Packers4Glory]

SF should just run. run. run. then play action.

[Rutnstrut]

Funny enough, Favre used to do it too.

Exactly, and people were all over him. But when the golden boy does it, no one says anything. No he hasn't done it as much as Favre, but give him time.

[Packers4Glory]

We need a turnover
how bout a stop or a lucky break like a tipped pass

[Harlan Huckleby]

Harlan it is amazing



did a fan run onto the field and get clothes-lined by a linebacker?

[Bretsky]

We r soft

[pbmax]

Where was that the rest of the game !

[Deputy Nutz]

Give Woodson credit for sacrificing his body

[Bossman641]

Yes, hes golden with a lead, but really how many super high pressure come from behind wins does he have?


you are a moron

[denverYooper]

Who's going to step up on D?

[Rutnstrut]

you are a moron

For calling it like it is?

[Harlan Huckleby]

We r soft

tell that to Mr. Clay Mathews

[pbmax]

That's four sacks. I think Clay likes the ROLB. And its against a pro bowl LT.

EDIT: Team four sacks, Clay 2.5 apparently

[Deputy Nutz]

did a fan run onto the field and get clothes-lined by a linebacker?

A gay couple did run on the field and they got savagely raped by Clay Mathews during the last time out taken by the 49ers

[mmmdk]

Harlan it is amazing

No, you're the odd one!

[Packers4Glory]

almost stripped it. now for the big 3rd down kick in the balls to someone wide open

[Brandon494]

Exactly, and people were all over him. But when the golden boy does it, no one says anything. No he hasn't done it as much as Favre, but give him time.

Yea because its not like Favre has the most INTs in the history of the NFL or anything....moron.

[Bossman641]

For calling it like it is?


Difficult to come back when you are ahead

[Deputy Nutz]

you are a moron


your feet don't smell great.

[ND72]

Matthews decided he was getting a sack

[mmmdk]

Who's going to step up on D?

Clay...and the ghost of Collins' play!

[Deputy Nutz]

Shit just got real

[pbmax]

3 man rush works.

Up is down, black is white. Rodgers throws a killer INT.

[denverYooper]

That's four sacks. I think Clay likes the ROLB. And its against a pro bowl LT.

EDIT: Team four sacks, Clay 2.5 apparently

Good to see him doing it in the clutch, too.

[Packers4Glory]

need a quick one in case we blow the 2 point

[Bossman641]

your feet don't smell great.

I know. Any tips?

[Guiness]

Borderline by DJ? That was pretty innocuous as far as I could see.

Mathews really blew by the LT again.

[pbmax]

Yea because its not like Favre has the most INTs in the history of the NFL or anything....moron.

He likes gunslinging to lead to cough up a big deficit, then lead to a come from behind win.

[pbmax]

That was close to ugly.

[mmmdk]

This is like watching 'Fringe'; 9ers trying to throw game in an alternate universe. AR too...!

[ND72]

Rodgers has not seen a blitz all game

[Guiness]

Cobb doing what he has to do - knew just where to camp.

[pbmax]

Newhouse with a nice help to Lang and then move to cover outside rusher. he picked that up clean.

[Rutnstrut]

Difficult to come back when you are ahead

No shit, I said when the pressure is on. I will gladly eat crow if he pulls this off though;)

[Tony Oday]

Is Driver on the active roster?

[pbmax]

Is Driver on the active roster?

He's the 2nd backup left tackle.

[Rutnstrut]

He likes gunslinging to lead to cough up a big deficit, then lead to a come from behind win.

Can't argue that.

[mmmdk]

He's the 2nd backup left tackle.

:lol:

[pbmax]

Free yards.

[mmmdk]

No shit, I said when the pressure is on. I will gladly eat crow if he pulls this off though;)

Win or lose; I'm always right...

[pbmax]

OK, how much time could be on the clock that WOULDN'T make you nervous if they score?

[Guiness]

How was that not a late hit/roughing the passer?

[pbmax]

Lang and Saturday just passed him by saying "you take him"

[mmmdk]

Would've been crazy.

[pbmax]

Another free rusher.

[mmmdk]

Gold rush!

[Rutnstrut]

Not that it matters, but looked like a missed face mask call on that last sack.

[Freak Out]

That D just roughed up Arod and Company.

[Teamcheez1]

Not a great effort by this team.

Defense cannot get any worse against a mediocre offense.
SF plays tough defense, but Rodgers and company are not up to the challenge.

Still not sure what Capers and McCarthy were thinking with this game plan.

Officials really sucked for both sides.

[Deputy Nutz]

cant win'em all packer fan

[Deputy Nutz]

These replacement refs are a mess all over the league

[pbmax]

On the plus side: Marshall Newhouse the least of concerns right now.

[wist43]

They were out muscled and out coached.

Capers will probably come out with a good game plan next week... but from week to week, he's completely untrustworthy. He's got to go.

[Harlan Huckleby]

On the plus side: Marshall Newhouse the least of concerns right now.

Good point. I watched the Marshmallow on several plays, he did good job pass blocking.

[MadtownPacker]

Nope. The second game was on jmbarnes. I refused to do the 2nd one after the Game 1 disaster. So I was 2-1 in the preseason. :mrgreen:
Pattern has been established and proven. Case closed. :smack:

[HarveyWallbangers]

San Fran is legit. Their defense is the best in the league. Our defense is still a major concern, but I'm hopeful that it will get better as the year goes along. There are a lot of young guys playing. We'll see. One game.

[mission]

I expect this team to continuously get better. Very sloppy game... the refs aren't the reason they lost the game, but wow, they really do change the makeup of the game. They take the NFL back 25 years.

[pbmax]

San Fran is legit. Their defense is the best in the league. Our defense is still a major concern, but I'm hopeful that it will get better as the year goes along. There are a lot of young guys playing. We'll see. One game.

There was a lack of film on what the 49ers would do with their wideouts this year. So that plays into it. But the secondary still has problem solving route combos in a zone. ANd that is ridiculous in year 4.

Still more concerned about the offense sputtering for much of the preseason and now Game 1.

[Old School]

Tip of the hat to San Fran. A big middle finger to their crybaby coach who wouldn't even look MM in the eye when he almost shook his hand.

[RashanGary]

Another free rusher.

That sucked.

Cobb and Newhouse really showed they can be big improvements over last year.

Claymaker made Staley look like a JAG.

Our secondary has issues. Unlike last year, we have a lot of young players we could see improvement from. The front 7 guys too, it's just too early to give up on the group. It wasn't promising, but I don't think it was ominous either.

Saturday really concerns me. He's probably not going to get better.


The Bears offense looked pretty good today, and even though our defense is bound to get better as the season moves on, we can't afford to dig too deep of a hole.

I'm going to hold off long term judgement until after the first 8 games. If we're 5-3, and our defense shows improvement from game to game, we could be looking at a great team. If the defense doesn't get better, we could be looking at trouble.

The Packers clearly went for the gusto this offseason. Rather than going status quo and having more vets, but probably not getting better. . . . They went with a lot of young players on defense and are counting on the offense and ST's winning early games. We ran into the wrong team at the wrong time. That said, we have to get better. I just think we need to stay in the center a little. It's one game against a great team.

[MadtownPacker]

Fuck Joemailman, CaptKickass, jim hairballs, and those fucked up refs!!!

[Joemailman]

Fuck Joemailman, CaptKickass, jim hairballs, and those fucked up refs!!!

You starting the next Game Day thread Pablo?

[pbmax]

Dungy just broke down Moss' TD catch on NBC and from the All-22 he had, it looked like slot CB woodson/bush was calling off one coverage on the D's left after a receiver motioned to their side. Slot CB and wide CB made an adjustment but I think Burnett failed to adjust.

And he should have been Smith's deep help on that TD.

[mission]

Honestly, I'm really fucking sick of seeing Jarrett Bush on the field.

[mmmdk]

Beat da Bears! Or Packers will start 1-3...there, said it!

[mission]

Still going to be 13-3

[Freak Out]

Dungy just broke down Moss' TD catch on NBC and from the All-22 he had, it looked like slot CB woodson/bush was calling off one coverage on the D's left after a receiver motioned to their side. Slot CB and wide CB made an adjustment but I think Burnett failed to adjust.

And he should have been Smith's deep help on that TD.

Motherlicker that was ugly.

[mmmdk]

Dungy just broke down Moss' TD catch on NBC and from the All-22 he had, it looked like slot CB woodson/bush was calling off one coverage on the D's left after a receiver motioned to their side. Slot CB and wide CB made an adjustment but I think Burnett failed to adjust.

And he should have been Smith's deep help on that TD.

Why didn't Moss moon us? :sad:

[RashanGary]

Honestly, I'm really fucking sick of seeing Jarrett Bush on the field.

Yep. Shields had a huge tackle on Gore to stop that first down. That tackle, and his coverage locked that job down. Goodbye Bush.

[LEWCWA]

Bush is terrible.....if he is on the field for anything but st this team is doomed! That was a defense that can't get any push from the d line on pass plays or run plays. When a D chases all the time you know they suck.

[Iron Mike]

Goddammit, my 16-0 prediction just went down the toilet. Fuck!!!

[wist43]

We're just not built to stand up to tough teams... we can't run the ball, and Capers thinks gimmicks and loose coverage are more democratic. That's the nature of our team.

We have a lot of flash firepower on offense, and a top notch QB, but we're just not built to be a physical team. The Chiefs beat us up; the Giants beat us up; and SF beat us up.

Our defense will be better this year, but that only improves us from God-awful to pretty bad... any player evaluation process that keeps Jarret Bush on your roster has to be viewed with great skepticism.

[Iron Mike]

Any guesses as to how many picks Favre would have tossed up had he been behind Center today??? :)

[Fosco33]

It's only 1-0 - and they lost to a very good team. I'm actually not shocked they lost - but did think they'd play a little better. There were some positives to build off.

But when you can't rush the ball or control the clock, let up 100+ yards to the opposing RB and lose the turnover battle - it's very tough to win.

The NFL should do everything in their power to bring back the refs. These replacements definitely made it less fun to watch.

[pittstang5]

Were there any injuries. Thought I heard or someone post something about CJ Wilson.

[pbmax]

CJ Wilson had a hamstring injury.

[Freak Out]

I thought the weakness in the 49er D was the secondary? If that is weak I want some of that on the Packers.

[pbmax]

News coverage seems to be that the defense had the same problems as last year.

I don't see that unless its run D, which is still a concern.

Pass rush definitely ticked up, Matthews looked at home on the Right side and Perry had several good pushes.

Coverage looked worse for different reasons. Lots of blown coverages on movement, less trouble one on one and in man. Tackling wasn't a clinic but there were

Offense was most troubling to me. And I don't even know where to begin, other than running the ball was a non-starter, but thats not news. There were a lot of free rushers, but it seemed that Rodgers was either inviting it or did not see it and that hasn't been common for him since 08.

[pbmax]

I do believe MD Jennings got pulled for McMillan in the 2nd half.

And Rodgers gave me my concern about the offense. In his postgame remarks, he characterized the 49ers defense as 2 safeties high, soft on outside and always over the top on Finley. That's the same defense that gives this team fits on a regular basis. Difference was the end of last year where man to man press seemed to affect Jordy and Jones, esp. when Jennings was out.

If reporters weren't barking up the wrong tree this week, it seemed the Packer O was preparing for press coverage.

That might have affected the first half offensive performance, but I fail to see how that defense causes the Packers problems. There are holes all over it and the receivers are good enough to get to them. They should have been able to adjust before halftime.

[MadtownPacker]

You starting the next Game Day thread Pablo?
I should have started this one. I have the 2nd longest thread streak (8) in PR history in fact. Took me going to GB and meeting you, Tarlam and dabears to finally lose.

[Joemailman]

Run D isn't going to be great when you're playing nickle/dime 70-75% of the time. If Capers is going to scheme that way, they have to come up with INT's. I'm not sure that they came close to one today.

I haven't been impressed with M.D. Jennings all summer. The sooner they want to go with McMillian the better as far as I'm concerned.

[pbmax]

Run D isn't going to be great when you're playing nickle/dime 70-75% of the time. If Capers is going to scheme that way, they have to come up with INT's. I'm not sure that they came close to one today.

I haven't been impressed with M.D. Jennings all summer. The sooner they want to go with McMillian the better as far as I'm concerned.

I thought run D was better in nickel sometimes. Perry/Matthews seemed to hold up better than Wilson/Merling.

Why can't the Packers find the bodies the Steelers find? I saw one guy (not Hampton or Keisel) just two handed punch an O lineman and just shock him still and upright.

[wist43]

News coverage seems to be that the defense had the same problems as last year.

I don't see that unless its run D, which is still a concern.

Pass rush definitely ticked up, Matthews looked at home on the Right side and Perry had several good pushes.

Coverage looked worse for different reasons. Lots of blown coverages on movement, less trouble one on one and in man. Tackling wasn't a clinic but there were

Offense was most troubling to me. And I don't even know where to begin, other than running the ball was a non-starter, but thats not news. There were a lot of free rushers, but it seemed that Rodgers was either inviting it or did not see it and that hasn't been common for him since 08.

They were outcoached - pure and simple. Equally true that they were outmuscled and bitch slapped all over the field by a tougher team, but for me this game came down to lousy coaching.

Our receivers were blanketed, every pass was contested. Their receivers were running free all over the field - that's coaching.

One can say that Jarret Bush has his head up his ass... which is true, but the coaches are the ones putting those guys in position to makes plays - or not; they selected the roster; and while the pass rush was slightly better, that can be attributed to the influx in talent to the front seven - not anything that the coaching staff, especially Capers may have done.

I'm officially on the fire Dom bandwagon now.

[pbmax]

The 49ers upgraded and changed their passing game this year. I'm not shocked they shook people free. I am disappointed the Packers still cannot play a zone coverage with any effectiveness. I understand Justin's point about the CBs being designed to play man, but its the other bodies who always seem out of position that worry me. It wasn't Tramon who lost Moss on his TD. It was Burnett, the guy calling the D.

My disappointment is equal with McCarty and the offense. Buts its nothing to do with physical play. Its about why, when presented with an unanticipated but completely predictable coverage they play like they have never seen it before. Several times a season. Is it all about pressure?

This game wouldn't have been close if not for Cobb and a gift of a return and it was the offense who was sputtering worse.

[pbmax]

Packers D held 49ers to 2 of 9 on 3rd down, so that's nice. Problem is that the 9ers had 22 first downs, so 17 of them did not even require 3rd down (3 were by penalty).

[RashanGary]

The 49ers defense is fucking amazing. The only problem I had with the offense was that we tried to run it. If we would have passed all game, we would have been far better off. Still, I thought the offense did enough against a great defense.

The defense did not do enough against a good offense. We just can't beat great teams with the defense we have. And I'm not sure that has so much to do with Capers as it does with players. If I had to pass out blame, I'd pass most of it to Ted Thompson for not finding good secondary players.

Everyone wanted to fire James Campen. Now we have Bulaga, Sitton and Lang playing really well. It looks like Newhouse is a player too. Every coach looks bad with bad players.

And we're not going to look this bad every game. Against most teams, we will be able to play more man defense.

[RashanGary]

Packers D held 49ers to 2 of 9 on 3rd down, so that's nice. Problem is that the 9ers had 22 first downs, so 17 of them did not even require 3rd down (3 were by penalty).

Yep. Remember the offseason. There was a lot of talk about the Packers improving on 3rd down because of the pass rush, but not much anywhere else. . . . Yeah, I think that might be the case. Problem is, we still have trouble getting them to 3rd down.

We have 15 more games ahead of us, and we just went up against one of the most experienced, talented teams in the league. Of course they came out of the gate hot. Their whole team is ready to play on day 1. There's time, but boy, we have to start seeing improvement in our zone defense. And I see exactly what you're saying about the safeties. If Capers had any confidence in them, he wouldn't have been playing the corners so soft. It's like they were terrified of anyone getting behind them, like the safeties weren't even on the field. If that is any indication of how Capers feels about our safeties, we might be in really big trouble all year.

Safeties might have been helping a lot on VD too, leaving the corners to have to play safer. . . . Whatever. We went against a great team. We had some coverage gaffs. WE've had zone problems in the past, they showed up again today. We'll just have to see how it pans out.

[denverYooper]

I thought run D was better in nickel sometimes. Perry/Matthews seemed to hold up better than Wilson/Merling.

Why can't the Packers find the bodies the Steelers find? I saw one guy (not Hampton or Keisel) just two handed punch an O lineman and just shock him still and upright.

Steelers might give up 30 pts yet.

[pittstang5]

So much went wrong today.

Secondary miscommunication. Bush giving way too much cushion. Rogers throwing for 60 yards on a 3rd and 1 when he could have ran or hit Kuhn for a 1st down. Run D getting gashed in the second half. Rogers INT gave 49ers a very short field. No turnovers for the 49ers. Refs not calling blatantly obvious PIs, holding, etc. Poor tackling at times.

My biggest concern is the defense. I really thought the secondary would be much better this year. The front seven wasn't perfect, but looked pretty good. Alex Smith didn't beat this defense because he had all day in the pocket. He beat us because the secondary was playing with their head up their asses. The constant miscommunication is getting old. I know Bush is the consistent scapegoat and he deserves most of the blame, but I'm really starting to question Burnett. I think he has his head up his ass just as much as Bush does.

[pittstang5]

Positives - Clay Mathews, Cobb, Newhouse (Newhouse had a shaky start, but settled in nicely) and Benson. Benson you ask? He didn't fumble and got positive yardage on every run (I think).

[pbmax]

The 49ers defense is fucking amazing. The only problem I had with the offense was that we tried to run it. If we would have passed all game, we would have been far better off. Still, I thought the offense did enough against a great defense.

The defense did not do enough against a good offense. We just can't beat great teams with the defense we have. And I'm not sure that has so much to do with Capers as it does with players. If I had to pass out blame, I'd pass most of it to Ted Thompson for not finding good secondary players.

Everyone wanted to fire James Campen. Now we have Bulaga, Sitton and Lang playing really well. It looks like Newhouse is a player too. Every coach looks bad with bad players.

And we're not going to look this bad every game. Against most teams, we will be able to play more man defense.

The offense scored 15 points at home. 2 times on 10 possessions. Not even close enough on 6 possessions for a FG (1 possession INT, 1 ended on downs).That's not enough.

[pbmax]

Steelers might give up 30 pts yet.

Sure. On the road and missing Clark and Harrison. This Steeler D is old and not as good as it used to be, but their D line is not the problem.

The O line, on the other hand, showed its true colors at the end.

[Kiwon]

The offense scored 15 points at home. 2 times on 10 possessions. Not even close enough on 6 possessions for a FG (1 possession INT, 1 ended on downs).That's not enough.

Wow....that was a stinker. Can you have a wake-up call in Week 1?

[George Cumby]

Wow....that was a stinker. Can you have a wake-up call in Week 1?


Yes.

Lets see how the bears game goes. I have some shit to talk at work. Beware a pissed off Pack. And, yes, I am drunk.

So:

Finley, too many dropped balls. He is what he is. A head-case. I am done giving him the benefit of the doubt.

AJHawk: Adequate, but no more. Needs to be replaced.

Dom: I am about ready to kick him to the curb for his soft ass defense. Other than CMIII, wtf?

The secondary: i like Bush. Really, I do. As a special teamer. But as a starter? Fuck THAT.

Bomb on a 3rd and one? Shit. I saw that coming. And I am a football retard. M3, you Dumb-shit, hand it to CB. No-one, and I mean no-one, will see that coming..........

THAT being said, it's a long season. 10-6 makes the playoffs, and who knows from there.......

[BobDobbs]

Ouch.

I thought Justin Harrell was crazy for suggesting that McCarthy would insist on running at the 9ers defense. Looks like the lunatic rat is not that loony. We should've kept Cobb in the backfield and kept throwing him outlet passes until the D crept up.

I can't believe Moss got the catches he did. He can't run anymore. Someone tell Jarrett Bush that.

Our ILBs are slow and that's not going to change.

Too much confusion in the secondary. Was Nick Collins a member of mensa? Why can't we get lined up? Also, don't put Nick Perry on Crabtree in the slot, that's what we pay cornerbacks for.

I'm not super depressed about this game, weirdly. Our pass rush looks better (Except that Dezman Moses didn't do anything against the starters, that's a disapointment). Tramon is back. Shields is ready to ball. Bush and MD Jennings can't start, which was clear to most people in preseason, but the coaches should figure that out now. Newhouse is better than I thought he was. I like Merling on the Dline. James Jones and Randall Cobb looked dangerous. And Navarro Bowman only plays for one team.

And just to put it out there: Anyone who complains about the refs screwing us this game when they gave us a free touchdown, should probably start smoking crack to clear up their mind a little bit.

[Pugger]

I thought Hawk was okay yesterday. Smith looked a little lost. Yes, Perry should not be covering Crabtree for Christ's sake. Clay was amazing. I have an issue with our secondary coach. How come our guys have no clue out there? Williams is indeed back but we all better light novena candles for House's speedy recovery! Bush is great on ST but stinks as a corner. Too bad Daniels was inactive. We could have used him because Worthy was invisible. Hopefully he'll improve week to week.

[pbmax]

Ouch.

I thought Justin Harrell was crazy for suggesting that McCarthy would insist on running at the 9ers defense.


CedBen was the only player with carries beside Rodgers. Benson carried the ball 9 times. And there were 44 passing attempts.

[denverYooper]

I have no problem with the bomb on 3rd and 1. They had it beat and just didn't make the play. That would have changed the tone of the game, IMO, and we've seen them successfully pull off that kind of play a lot in the last few years. Really, it's part of this team's bread and butter, so when those flop then they look bad but that's who this team is: they're going to go for those at least once a game.

As far as playcalling goes, I have far more issues with the end of half sequence leading to the field goal. They had breakdowns in all 3 phases, from the O handing the 9ers 30 seconds by running the anti 2 minute offense (timeout w 3rd and long, Rodgers throwing the ball OB), to the ST letting up a 20 yard return, to the D looking totally oblivious to the 17 yard draw. The 63 yard field goal was only natural at that point.

[denverYooper]

In some ways, this game reminded me of the Atlanta game from 2010. The Packers came in and got beat down by a more physical team playing ball control.

[Packers4Glory]

I have no problem with the bomb on 3rd and 1. They had it beat and just didn't make the play. That would have changed the tone of the game, IMO, and we've seen them successfully pull off that kind of play a lot in the last few years. Really, it's part of this team's bread and butter, so when those flop then they look bad but that's who this team is: they're going to go for those at least once a game.



there are times to do that. IMO, that was not one of them. I was thinking please please don't launch a long pass here...and they did. maybe a better throw works, but it was double covered and we needed to move the sticks and get a score. 1st downs and scoring was going to be at a premium vs that team. get the first down in that situation unless you plan on going for it on 4th.

[mraynrand]

Sure. On the road and missing Clark and Harrison. This Steeler D is old and not as good as it used to be, but their D line is not the problem.

The O line, on the other hand, showed its true colors at the end.

That's a little unfair. I recall way back in the '95 NFCC game that the Packer O-line gave up four straight sacks to end the game, because the team knew the game was over and the Cowboys didn't have to defend runs or short passes - send everyone on 5-7 step drops and you get instant sacks. Big Ben threw the unforced error and ended the game on the previous set of downs. The Steelers O-line was sorta OK for losing their LT and playing a rookie there. now back to your regular programming!

[mraynrand]

Merling probably only played as much because it was the 49ers, and they were expecting run, run, run. Wonder if he'll be active and/or get as many snaps against Chicago. Chicago still runs, but they were absolutely pass-happy yesterday, even up by three + scores late.

[mraynrand]

Bomb on a 3rd and one? Shit. I saw that coming. And I am a football retard. M3, you Dumb-shit, hand it to CB. No-one, and I mean no-one, will see that coming..........

I'm OK with that play call, but not at that moment. It's the first series of the second half. You're down my two scores. You need to keep your offense on the field. You haven't made a first down yet, so if you don't get it, you're giving good field position to an O that's pushed you around. Get the first down, get over at least the 40 yard line. Don't pull that crap when you are down more than one score.

[LEWCWA]

Any guesses as to how many picks Favre would have tossed up had he been behind Center today??? :)


What does that have to do with anything? I know our qb threw up a pretty big one with the game on the line. Tough play as that stuff happens, these qb assume where a player is going to be alot and that is what arod did that play. He was just wrong....Rodgers didn't seem to be under a bunch of pressure yesterday. He had time to make plays and didn't.

[mraynrand]

Rodgers had poor recognition of the 3-man pass rush. When he saw that, he should have tucked and run immediately.

[mraynrand]

What does that have to do with anything?

+1 No need to say more

[mraynrand]

My biggest concern is the defense. I really thought the secondary would be much better this year. The front seven wasn't perfect, but looked pretty good. Alex Smith didn't beat this defense because he had all day in the pocket. He beat us because the secondary was playing with their head up their asses. The constant miscommunication is getting old. I know Bush is the consistent scapegoat and he deserves most of the blame, but I'm really starting to question Burnett. I think he has his head up his ass just as much as Bush does.

M.D. Jennings was brutal

[LEWCWA]

I'm sorry to say it, but arod looked like a pussy to me on the last play.....he didn't have the stones to stand and take the hit. He just lofted the ball up with a hope and a prayer. Stand there till the last second and throw the back shoulder. Jordy had the cb turned, back shoulder throw was there.....

[denverYooper]

there are times to do that. IMO, that was not one of them. I was thinking please please don't launch a long pass here...and they did. maybe a better throw works, but it was double covered and we needed to move the sticks and get a score. 1st downs and scoring was going to be at a premium vs that team. get the first down in that situation unless you plan on going for it on 4th.

I feel your point and don't disagree but I understand why they took the shot there. They wanted to score, which you place a premium on, but they also wanted to attempt to change the comlexion of the game that was slipping away. Jordy may have been double covered but he was on top of both guys so the play call had the effect it was intending.

I, like you, would rather have seen them march it down but I can see why they took the shot.

[denverYooper]

I'm sorry to say it, but arod looked like a pussy to me on the last play.....he didn't have the stones to stand and take the hit. He just lofted the ball up with a hope and a prayer. Stand there till the last second and throw the back shoulder. Jordy had the cb turned, back shoulder throw was there.....

I don't know that he had much more time there.

[rbaloha1]

I'm sorry to say it, but arod looked like a pussy to me on the last play.....he didn't have the stones to stand and take the hit. He just lofted the ball up with a hope and a prayer. Stand there till the last second and throw the back shoulder. Jordy had the cb turned, back shoulder throw was there.....

A-rod panicked too much yesterday.

[LEWCWA]

bs, sometimes ya gotta take the hit as a qb

[denverYooper]

bs, sometimes ya gotta take the hit as a qb

Looks like he got hit to me...

http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap2000000060133/Niners-fourth-down-stand

[smuggler]

It was a beautiful pass, and Jordy almost had it. 4th and 10 and there's a free blitzer in your face? Get the ball out of there so at least your team has a chance. Good play by Rodgers, it just wasn't to be.

[pbmax]

bs, sometimes ya gotta take the hit as a qb

The better question is why was that guy a free rusher.

[rbaloha1]

It was a beautiful pass, and Jordy almost had it. 4th and 10 and there's a free blitzer in your face? Get the ball out of there so at least your team has a chance. Good play by Rodgers, it just wasn't to be.

Agree -- it was just a great play by Rodgers. Nelson had his hands on the ball but is was knocked away at the last moment.

Overall Nelson did not step-up.

[pbmax]

That's a little unfair. I recall way back in the '95 NFCC game that the Packer O-line gave up four straight sacks to end the game, because the team knew the game was over and the Cowboys didn't have to defend runs or short passes - send everyone on 5-7 step drops and you get instant sacks. Big Ben threw the unforced error and ended the game on the previous set of downs. The Steelers O-line was sorta OK for losing their LT and playing a rookie there. now back to your regular programming!

That's a fair point, they did not play as bad as one might have expected. However, in a close game where the Steeler new/old commitment to the run game was feasible, that same O line had not been exposed to the normal pass rush fury of Dumerville and Miller until the end.

[mraynrand]

That's a fair point, they did not play as bad as one might have expected. However, in a close game where the Steeler new/old commitment to the run game was feasible, that same O line had not been exposed to the normal pass rush fury of Dumerville and Miller until the end.

I thought those guys brought it pretty hard during the rest of the game. But the Steelers did run the ball, and ran it well it seemed. Also, Big Ben is unreal moving in the pocket. There is no doubt that he makes linemen look a hell of a lot better than they are. But I think we're both on the same page knowing you run out of charms when everyone knows you are passing the ball and have to pass deep.

[mraynrand]

The better question is why was that guy a free rusher.

yup. You wonder about Rodger's vision. He had some lapses. But note that the Packers went empty backfield all the way down the stretch - so there's no RB there to direct to the free guy. I would have liked to have had Green available for some draws. With a fast no-huddle, that play can really work to keep the D off balance, even when you are playing catch up.

[pbmax]

My question about the Offense has nothing to do with Rodgers manliness or other ridiculous assertions of panic or "ready to play".

Its why does a 2 deep shell with someone always over the top of Finley cause this offense to come to a grinding halt?

Is Rodgers just demurring and not revealing the D features that really gave them trouble? Aikman had a good point (that everyone was wailing about in the Game Day thread) that Rodgers, even if he had gotten his throw over Bowman, was leading Jennings to a decapitation (so much for Antonio Pierce's claim no one wanted to go over the middle) because the safety cheated out of what was a 2 deep zone and ran right to the middle of the field. Jennings saw him and that's why he stopped his route behind a linebacker.

If Jennings keeps running and Rodgers has another half second (an open question), Jennings clears the LB and the safety and its a TD down the right side of the field.

Forget dealing with press coverage. I think the Packers O can't defeat a zone coverage when they don't expect it.

As for going deep, just like the Giants game, there were two plays there for the taking. Jones had a half step on the CB and a lot of room to his left before the sideline. A wider or slightly deeper ball is a completion either for the touchdown or goal to go.

Nelson on 3rd and one beat his CB and the deep safety, but the ball was off target again. I have no problem with them taking those shots because he can complete them. I have more trouble with finding open receivers in shorter spaces.

If it was the deep safeties and CBs locking down the outside, then Cobb and the other slot receiver (or Finley) should have been open all game.

[mraynrand]

Is Rodgers just demurring and not revealing the D features that really gave them trouble? Aikman had a good point (that everyone was wailing about in the Game Day thread) that Rodgers, even if he had gotten his throw over Bowman, was leading Jennings to a decapitation (so much for Antonio Pierce's claim no one wanted to go over the middle) because the safety cheated out of what was a 2 deep zone and ran right to the middle of the field. Jennings saw him and that's why he stopped his route behind a linebacker.

On that specific play, three defenders converged on Jennings. It's almost as though SF knows Jennings is the primary preferred target (imagine that!) and know it takes Rodgers extra time to come off him for someone else. Rodgers has to recognize that coverage and come off it right away.

[sharpe1027]

Of course there will be the typical Bush bashing, but Burnett and TWill both looked completely turned around/lost several times. I hear relatively few complaints about them. IMHO, people continue to judge Bush based upon his past play. He used to be a complete and utter mess out there, but he's gotten ALOT better. And yes, I understand I will probably get completely blasted for this post.

[mraynrand]

Of course there will be the typical Bush bashing, but Burnett and TWill both looked completely turned around/lost several times. I hear relatively few complaints about them. IMHO, people continue to judge Bush based upon his past play. He used to be a complete and utter mess out there, but he's gotten ALOT better. And yes, I understand I will probably get completely blasted for this post.

The secondary was generally awful. I thought the safeties were the worst - Burnett and Doc looked lost a lot.

On a scheme note, the 10 yard cushions and soft zones seem counter-productive.

As a counter balance, the Packers pretty much kept VD in check. I'd have to look at film to see whether keying on him opened everything else up. Then Niners sure worked the soft underneath with an array of mismatches, though.

[Freak Out]

The Niners are one of the the most talented teams in the NFL, players, coaches you name it. They Dominated the Packers and were a couple of bad calls away from blowing them out at home. The GB D still sucks.....bad. Thankfully GB won't have to play them until the playoffs...if they make it.

[Freak Out]

Bush needs to shut his mouth and play some football.

[denverYooper]

Bush needs to shut his mouth and play some football.

Saw that earlier. It could be worse but that's not the first time that "they didn't beat us, we beat ourselves" line has come out. It seems to be part of their internal messaging. Someone should tell them that when they say it in public it just sounds whiny.

[mraynrand]

Saw that earlier. It could be worse but that's not the first time that "they didn't beat us, we beat ourselves" line has come out. It seems to be part of their internal messaging. Someone should tell them that when they say it in public it just sounds whiny.

He could just as easily say "We need to play better" - it means the same thing and doesn't create bulletin board material, if that even becomes relevant.

[denverYooper]

http://www.packersnews.com/article/20120910/PKR07/309100334/Christl-Baranczyk-column-Bishop-s-absence-shows-punchless-run-defense?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE


Only the 49ers coaches know for sure exactly why they incorporated into their game plan a formation where they sent in their base personnel – two backs, a tight end and two wide receivers – but then flanked fullback Bruce Miller wide and also flanked their halfback at times presenting the look of a four and five wide-out set. Miller, who weighs 248 pounds, was no threat to make a play along the sideline, but he pulled Tramon Williams out with him in coverage and left the Packers with linebackers covering wide receivers.

The 49ers employed that formation four times on three different series in the first half and clicked on four completions for 46 yards to wide receivers being covered by Hawk and Perry. And they all proved to be key plays as the 49ers came away with 13 of their 16 first-half points on those possessions.

Clearly it would be a mismatch for any linebacker in the league to try and cover a wide receiver, but just as clearly the 49ers were trying to expose weaknesses in the middle of the Packers’ defense. It also forced the Packers to eventually adjust and play nickel against a two-back set.

The 49ers, in turn, responded by lining up in an I-formation and Frank Gore ran behind his fullback for 5 and 21 yards on his first two carries against the Packers’ nickel. Gore’s 21-yarder led to the 49ers’ second TD and a 23-7 lead.

[RashanGary]

quoting post above


Well, the Packers can’t be pushed out of base that easily. Wist has been saying it for a full year now, Capers is too quick to abandon base. This year, our base defense is considerably better than a year ago (with our lineman and LBs being much better players than our backup secondary players.) We have to find solutions. Seems weird to train LB’s to split out, but it would make sense. Great running teams can do this on us all day.

[pbmax]

Well, the Packers can’t be pushed out of base that easily. Wist has been saying it for a full year now, Capers is too quick to abandon base. This year, our base defense is considerably better than a year ago (with our lineman and LBs being much better players than our backup secondary players.) We have to find solutions. Seems weird to train LB’s to split out, but it would make sense. Great running teams can do this on us all day.

Its not strictly a LB on a WR. On the play I remember, Perry was responsible for funneling the WR to the defenses leverage and he bought a fake and allowed the WR to escape to the one place he was not supposed to get to. Its man coverage but essentially zone principle. A matchup zone if you will.

Its going to take Perry some time. If you want to play base, he has to learn coverage if the O floods his side of the field.

Even if he moves outside with the back, he still has a coverage challenge with techniques to learn. He's probably better off learning one technique at a time. Such as not buy a head and shoulder fake.

[pbmax]

Also we need harlan to commission a poll. The board needs to decide whether to claim McCarthy/Capers DON'T adjust at halftime. Or make bad adjustments. Can't be both.

[smuggler]

The less Bush sees the field, the better. Him playing is a less a sign of his improvement, but of the youthfulness of the rest of the corners.

[denverYooper]

Some notes on PFF scoring from Wes Hod https://twitter.com/WesHod:


Pro Football Focus assessing three drops to Jermichael Finley in loss to San Francisco. No other NFL tight end was taxed with more than one


Few PFF notes: Newhouse graded out well in pass pro, all 9 Benson carries went inside right, Bush targeted 7 times in coverage, Shields once

[rbaloha1]

Saw that earlier. It could be worse but that's not the first time that "they didn't beat us, we beat ourselves" line has come out. It seems to be part of their internal messaging. Someone should tell them that when they say it in public it just sounds whiny.

IMO Bush is talking about the miscommunication which resulted in tds and open receivers.

This is fixable but for some reason the breakdowns are still occurring.

[Smidgeon]

Some notes on PFF scoring from Wes Hod https://twitter.com/WesHod:

I find it interesting Finley was credited with three drops. Reading in other places (McGinn being one), they said that you'd be nitpicking to give him two. One was obvious, two were nitpicking.

And Shields targeted once? Why didn't he start over Bush? :\

[sharpe1027]

And Shields targeted once? Why didn't he start over Bush? :\

I hope Shields steps up and can supplant Bush, but the coaches clearly think he's not there yet. That stat could be misleading without knowing more. It depends partly on who they were each covering and how many passing plays they were on the field for. Also, it can sometimes be difficult to determine who is being targeted when there's zone coverage.

[RashanGary]

I find it interesting Finley was credited with three drops. Reading in other places (McGinn being one), they said that you'd be nitpicking to give him two. One was obvious, two were nitpicking.

And Shields targeted once? Why didn't he start over Bush? :\

Bob McGinn has been polishing Finley's knob as long as Finely has been here. No shock there.

[Joemailman]

I sure don't remember 3 drops by Finley. The one on 3rd and short was obvious. The other two? :?:

[Smidgeon]

Bob McGinn has been polishing Finley's knob as long as Finely has been here. No shock there.

Seifert said the same thing in his ESPN blog. It wasn't just McGinn.

[Bossman641]

3 drops for Finley? I can remember 1 for sure, 1 possible, but have no clue what the 3rd would be.

[ThunderDan]

Finley had a drop when the D was clearly holding him. It should have been PI or Defensive Holding. Instead Finley got one mit on the ball because the other was trapped. He then get the second hand free but couldn't secure the catch. All of the Packers were screaminig at the refs.

[Packers4Glory]

all i know is this coaching staff is in love w/ bush. he can do no wrong. as far as i'm concerned 90% of the plays he's in on defense, he should be blitzing from the corner. that's what he's good at. Actually having to cover someone 1 on 1 has never been a strong point. He played decent in the super bowl so I'll give him that.

[mraynrand]

all i know is this coaching staff is in love w/ bush. he can do no wrong. as far as i'm concerned 90% of the plays he's in on defense, he should be blitzing from the corner. that's what he's good at. Actually having to cover someone 1 on 1 has never been a strong point. He played decent in the super bowl so I'll give him that.


Guy gives superior effort, but he's just lost out there. I actually like him better in man coverage than zone. In zone he looks like that dog in the cartoons with his head on a swivel: "Which way did he go, George, which way did he go??"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs-Q0JmWjj0