Official Packers at Lions Game Day Thread

[denverYooper]

Gotta punt here, don't be stupid

Packers have been really aggressive this year in these situations. At least they forced Schwartz to burn a TO.

[pbmax]

I thought the Lions' secondary was supposed to be bad.

Not having a TE to take advantage of 2 deep coverage hurts. Cobb has tried but as Aikman pointed out he is not reading/adjusting his routes correctly.

If the run game was explosive, then Starks might have made them pay.

[pittstang5]

It looks good when you get pressure.

Well said

[denverYooper]

58 yarder

FUCK YOU MCCARTHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe he's going with "keep shooting until you're on".

[red]

58 yard try? Just go for it on 4th and 7.

exactly. the odds have to be close to the same in a situation like this. and i would rather look like we have a set of balls and are at least trying for TD's

[pbmax]

maybe he was just trying to catch them off guard and have to burn up a TO? IDK.

I bet he took the TO to warn about a fake.

[pittstang5]

This will blow up.

[gbgary]

It looks good when you get pressure.

need to go heavy and max protect

[pittstang5]

Yep, stupid. Now you punt! Dumbass move.

[red]

crabtree just did everyone a giant favor

[pittstang5]

Need a TO

[Packers4Glory]

getting a little too cute. glad they burned a TO tho.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Well, that's one pathetic way of trying to get a 5 yd penalty

[pbmax]

crabtree just did everyone a giant favor

I don't think that was a penalty. Or if it was, it was Masthay for simulating a snap.

[Packers4Glory]

need to go heavy and max protect

just need to do some quick stuff and then throw in some double move to takes some shots.

[pbmax]

Raji with big flush.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Gotta say, I like how Moses rushes the passer. He helped create that sack by Walden

[gbgary]

way to go Packer D.

[Packers4Glory]

we need a TD because who wants to see Crosby kicking a game tying or winning FG try late? not me!

[pittstang5]

Not sure why a fair catch. look like there was some room. Being cautious?

[Brandon494]

Gotta say, I like how Moses rushes the passer. He helped create that sack by Walden

+1, I want to see this guy on the field more even when Clay comes back.

[Packers4Glory]

good field position so lets not try to eff this up again.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Not sure why a fair catch. look like there was some room. Being cautious?

I think his recent returns this game have him a bit gunshy

[pittstang5]

That was going nowhere before it even happened. Seems like one good play, then 5 bad ones.

[pbmax]

Suh getting a breather?

[Cheesehead Craig]

Rodgers is having to keep too much attention on the rush.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Shit, free play wasted

[MadScientist]

Free 5 yards, but a bad throw by AR

[denverYooper]

The Lions have been lined up in the neutral zone a lot today.

[pittstang5]

Running game doing nothing now. Lions have adjusted well.

[pittstang5]

C'mon, no flag for that!!!!

[Cheesehead Craig]

Crosby's gone.

[pittstang5]

Oh my god. THat's it!! He's gone!!!

[denverYooper]

Ok. Crosby is cratering.

[pbmax]

Now that was worth being fired over. Inside 40 yards and he hooked it.

[VegasPackFan]

SO IS THAT ONE MCCARTHY"S FAULT TOO?!

[MadScientist]

What kickers are available? Crosby needs to go.

[Packers4Glory]

Is Longwell free?

[pittstang5]

38 yarder in a dome. WEAK! I can't believe I am watching this.

I can make that!!!

[gbgary]

DAMMIT!!

[red]

3rd and 2 and you go for a 10 yard throw and settle for a FG

which is missed

crosby is as good as gone, and MM should be going right behind him

[Brandon494]

What the hell Crosby? I'd rather have Johnny Football kicking then this guy right now.

[VegasPackFan]

Crosby has lost his mental edge and is just a freakshow now.

[pittstang5]

I hope someone is on the phone or at least looking through the kickers right now. They need to bring in one or two in tomorrow. I am dumbfonded!

[Packers4Glory]

If we lose u can point to that miss. The team is struggling on offense an our kicker can barely make an extra point

[VegasPackFan]

Had every chance to win this game - pathetic

[red]

SO IS THAT ONE MCCARTHY"S FAULT TOO?!

1st and 5. 2 shit runs and then a long pass on 3rd and short.

play calling is some of the worst i have ever seen from MM today

[Packers4Glory]

Mark my words. Crosby won't be let go.

[pittstang5]

Game over!

[TravisWilliams23]

3rd and 2 and you go for a 10 yard throw and settle for a FG

which is missed

crosby is as good as gone, and MM should be going right behind him

Isn't Sean Payton a free agent now. He's said he originally wanted the Green Bay job but
TT had a hard on for MM.

[Packers4Glory]

He should be kicking into that net over and over again.

[mmmdk]

3rd and 2 and you go for a 10 yard throw and settle for a FG

which is missed

crosby is as good as gone, and MM should be going right behind him

I agree; Stubby winnings due to sheer talent on team. Caught lightning in a bottle.

Never believed in Crosby; can't believe it if he's not released promtly after the game.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Gotta hold them to a FG at worst. A TD and this is over.

[Fritz]

1st and 5. 2 shit runs and then a long pass on 3rd and short.

play calling is some of the worst i have ever seen from MM today

I fault the offensive line and The Midget.

[denverYooper]

What is Sean Richardson doing in?

[gbgary]

we need to stop blitzing on 3rd and short. they throw up the middle every time for a 1st down.

[red]

He should be kicking into that net over and over again.

that won't do anything. its mental, not mechanical. he needs to see the ball going through the uprights, not 5 feet into a net

[pbmax]

1st and 5. 2 shit runs and then a long pass on 3rd and short.

play calling is some of the worst i have ever seen from MM today

If good play calls equal those that work, then I agree. But that is not true and you know it. Stafford threw a TD on a botched read and bad throw. Does that make it a good decision? DO you want to repeat that decision often?

[pbmax]

that won't do anything. its mental, not mechanical. he needs to see the ball going through the uprights, not 5 feet into a net

That last one might be mental, but the long ones its mechanical.

[denverYooper]

Stafford whines a lot.

[mmmdk]

That last one might be mental, but the long ones its mechanical.

Spot on! :tup:

[Packers4Glory]

that won't do anything. its mental, not mechanical. he needs to see the ball going through the uprights, not 5 feet into a net

For a kicker it's one in the same. Needs to focus on hitting the ball and not the uprights. He's all over the place. Hook here. Push there. Mechanics are mental for kickers

[red]

That last one might be mental, but the long ones its mechanical.

you're right, i might have stated that wrong. its right in my head. i can tell you that.

if you're working on fixing a slice or a hook, its not gonna do you any good to try and fix it by hitting into a net. you have to see where it ends up

[pbmax]

Well, the good news is that they need a TD before Crosby needs to kick again.

[pbmax]

Special Teams have not helped much either.

[Packers4Glory]

Wtf. Stop bringing those out

[pbmax]

Loved that run. First down out of shadow of end zone

[red]

Well, the good news is that they need a TD before Crosby needs to kick again.

the bad news is that he needs to hit that extra point for us to win or its OT

go for 2?

[pbmax]

Rodgers drew that up in the sand!

[red]

fuck me. finley did something

[Brandon494]

FINLEY LETS GO!

[wootah]

YOTTO :D

[gbgary]

I have to disagree that that was pi earlier. the wr initiated the contact and the ball wasn't in the air.

[red]

some one needs to go remind the coach that we need a TD here, we can't settle for a FG

[pbmax]

the bad news is that he needs to hit that extra point for us to win or its OT

go for 2?

PATs are even more gimmes that 30 yarders. Kick it.

[red]

OMG, what a catch

maybe cobb could kick some extra points and some FG's

[wootah]

If I was a woman, I would want Cobb's babies.

Don't fuck up now, Mason.

[gbgary]

YES YES YES...COBB!!

[pbmax]

Even beat DPI on that TD!

[Packers4Glory]

Glass half empty response to TD?

Lots of time left. Too much

[Guiness]

HOW did he catch that???

[Brandon494]

Cobb is the freaking man!!!!!!

[red]

lot of time on the clock

need a stop d

[mmmdk]

Great TD!

Too much time on clock...and now a real kicker will kill off the Pack.

[Packers4Glory]

Need a int or sack and a fumble!

[Brandon494]

I have faith in the defense. leggo!

[denverYooper]

4QC is on.

[pbmax]

So, did Rodgers audible on Finley play or was Fin in wrong spot?

[red]

come on d. detroit is trying to help you out here

finish them

[red]

casey is gonna be a stud

[MadScientist]

D!

[pbmax]

Hey, its a fourth QTR comeback!

[red]

whew

[wootah]

Crosby lives to see another day.

[gbgary]

WAY TO GO PACKER D!!!!

[Brandon494]

Kick the FG!!! I need the Packers to cover the spread lmao

[pbmax]

Kick the FG!!! I need the Packers to cover the spread lmao

That would be cruel!

[Brandon494]

LMAO here we go lets go Crosby

[MadScientist]

That TO on the non 58 yard FG hurts Detroit here.

[red]

come on mase

[Brandon494]

$100 if he makes it, don't let me down Crosby.

[pbmax]

Phew. Needed that.

[MadScientist]

Wow Crosby finally made one.

[Brandon494]

hahahaha ok your back on my good side Crosby.

[gbgary]

dagger??

[red]

there you go

[pbmax]

That TO on the non 58 yard FG hurts Detroit here.

Yep. Its why they should be ignored until late. And using one to avoid a 5 yard delay of game is even dumber early in the game.

[red]

really don't like that call

short kickoff that leaves them in hail mary range

[mmmdk]

Shaky kick; he still sucks.

[MadScientist]

Why squib it that short. Kick it out of the endzone and save 18 yards

[pbmax]

Oh boy. Hail Mary versus Wisconsin team.

[red]

KNOCK IT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pbmax]

Forced fumble! and recovery.

[MadScientist]

short kickoff that leaves them in hail mary range

Those words are obscenities here.

[red]

whew

[pbmax]

No one runs the hook and ladder like the Dolphins.

[mmmdk]

A win is a win; fab day by the defense and even key ST play sans the idiot kicker.

[Fritz]

That might've been one of the ugliest wins ever. Ever.

[denverYooper]

4QC is on.

And it's good. Captain Comeback, eat your shorts.

[sheepshead]

A win is a win; fab day by the defense and even key ST play sans the idiot kicker.
yeah

[HarveyWallbangers]

That might've been one of the ugliest wins ever. Ever.

I thought it was a good win. An ugly win is our win over Jacksonville (barely beating a terrible team at home). To beat a talented Detroit team on the road without Benson, Jennings, Bulaga, Matthews, Bishop/Smith, Shields, Woodson is a good win. Now, let's get healthy in a couple of weeks and reel off a bunch of wins at the end of the year.

[pittstang5]

Well, looks like I can't watch games anymore, when I don't watch, they come back and win it. I'll be more than happy to rewatch replays if this team keeps winning these close ones.

[channtheman]

Any divisional win, and one on the road at that, is a good win. The Lions were playing for their season today. This was a great win. Remember 2008 when we took leads in games like this and then lost? The defense is coming up big without some important starters. Lots of young players stepping up. Reminds me of the Super Bowl year.

[MadtownPacker]

That was a good game made even better by the youngsters stepping up and Finley making an appearance.

[Lurker64]

I feel really good about the secondary going forward, with Hayward, House, Shields, and Burnett. If McMillan figures it out, this is a great group of young kids in the defensive backfield.

[Bossman641]

I feel really good about the secondary going forward, with Hayward, House, Shields, and Burnett. If McMillan figures it out, this is a great group of young kids in the defensive backfield.

+1, although I'd still like to see more consistency from Burnett.

[pbmax]

That was a good game made even better by the youngsters stepping up and Finley making an appearance.
I almost want to ask you to get the thread up early next week, but why mess with a streak and its Sunday Night, so won't matter. Someone should tell the Captain though.

[Fritz]

Wow, the Lions' fans are lining up on the Ambassador Bridge.

I did not realize Stafford's stats were so bad. I would argue that was mostly because he just couldn't find Tony Scheffler today. He missed the guy at least three times.

[Lurker64]

I'm also not going to bag on EDS too much after this game, drawing Fairley was a tough assignment. Fairley is far and away the Lions best DL this year (Suh's probaby no better than third or fourth)

[mraynrand]

That might've been one of the ugliest wins ever. Ever.

Check out Mike Sherman's first win ever. It was Uglierer.

[mraynrand]

Even beat DPI on that TD!

Troy Aikman couldn't see it, so it probably wasn't PI.

[pbmax]

Wow, the Lions' fans are lining up on the Ambassador Bridge.

I did not realize Stafford's stats were so bad. I would argue that was mostly because he just couldn't find Tony Scheffler today. He missed the guy at least three times.

Fairley made Sitton look terrible at least twice.

[pbmax]

Troy Aikman couldn't see it, so it probably wasn't PI.

That was essentially a one handed catch where he got his other hand free momentarily to tap the ball into place.

[pbmax]

Wow, the Lions' fans are lining up on the Ambassador Bridge.

I did not realize Stafford's stats were so bad. I would argue that was mostly because he just couldn't find Tony Scheffler today. He missed the guy at least three times.

I'd feel better about the Defensive effort if he hadn't missed at least 4 receivers outright. Plus one Eli-like throw to the feet of someone.

[RashanGary]

I think Casey Hayward is fast earning himself the nickel job. When Wood comes back, I would guess he stays at safety in nickel, with Hayward coming off the bench to play that inside nickel spot. He's just so much more athletic than Woodson at this point in their careers and plays with great awareness, especially for his age. He's been good in run support too. Reminds me a lot of Woodson in more ways than one.

I'm guessing the starting job at CB is between Shields and House. My nod goes to House, but I'm beating a dead horse there.

Wood would slide to the inside slot position in dime, with a safety probably coming off the bench. As well as House is playing, and as well as Shields has played for us at times, I wouldn't be shocked if one of those two is flat out not playing if everyone gets healthy.

[Iron Mike]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s480x480/558775_10151234353454014_1963786469_n.jpg

Looks like it's back to mediocrity for the Loins.

[pbmax]

Lions game press conference, McCarthy and Rodgers

http://www.nfl.com/videos/green-bay-packers/0ap2000000097000/Packers-postgame-press-conference

[RashanGary]

Geeze, Finley is athletic. You have to love when a guy that size can break tackles and run the way he does. It stinks that he's so inconsistent. He's a unique talent (physically)

[RashanGary]

I really like Mike Daniels too. Maybe he's doing something wrong on plays I don't notice, but between him, Neal and Worthy, he seems to flash the most big-play pass rush talent.

[Lurker64]

I really like Mike Daniels too. Maybe he's doing something wrong on plays I don't notice, but between him, Neal and Worthy, he seems to flash the most big-play pass rush talent.

Mike Daniels is ridiculously quick off the snap, and he's a former wrestler so his leverage and hand use is outstanding despite his less-than-ideal frame. Doesn't look like a good fit in a 3-4 on paper at all, but I'm pretty sure the Midwest Area scout pounded the table for this guy.

[pbmax]

Mike Daniels is ridiculously quick off the snap, and he's a former wrestler so his leverage and hand use is outstanding despite his less-than-ideal frame. Doesn't look like a good fit in a 3-4 on paper at all, but I'm pretty sure the Midwest Area scout pounded the table for this guy.

Maybe he could play center or guard on offense? Wrestling leverage worked for Wells.

[Lurker64]

Maybe he could play center or guard on offense? Wrestling leverage worked for Wells.

I think he's the #2 defensive lineman who would play on the OL in an emergency situation. I think Worthy could make a pretty great guard.

[pbmax]

I think he's the #2 defensive lineman who would play on the OL in an emergency situation. I think Worthy could make a pretty great guard.

Good because Sitton, EDS and Lang all had me worried. Been a long time since I wasn't mostly worried about Newhouse.

[Pugger]

Release him! I'm NOT kidding. :mad:

And replace him with whom, Shortwell?

[Pugger]

Cobb is the freaking man!!!!!!

Thanks Ted!

[Pugger]

casey is gonna be a stud

Thanks Ted! ;-)

[Pugger]

I thought it was a good win. An ugly win is our win over Jacksonville (barely beating a terrible team at home). To beat a talented Detroit team on the road without Benson, Jennings, Bulaga, Matthews, Bishop/Smith, Shields, Woodson is a good win. Now, let's get healthy in a couple of weeks and reel off a bunch of wins at the end of the year.

The Loins were also playing with their backs against the wall. They had to win this one to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. For us to go into a game like that with all of our guys in street clothes says a lot about us. When we get some of our guys back like Benson, Jennings, Clay, Sheilds and Woodson we'll be a lot better than what we displayed yesterday.

[Pugger]

I'm also not going to bag on EDS too much after this game, drawing Fairley was a tough assignment. Fairley is far and away the Lions best DL this year (Suh's probaby no better than third or fourth)

Yes, that first holding call against EDS was a joke. :-x

[Pugger]

Fairley made Sitton look terrible at least twice.

Fairley can make All-Pro O linemen look terrible.

[George Cumby]

The Loins were also playing with their backs against the wall. They had to win this one to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. For us to go into a game like that with all of our guys in street clothes says a lot about us. When we get some of our guys back like Benson, Jennings, Clay, Sheilds and Woodson we'll be a lot better than what we displayed yesterday.

Right.

I don't know how one can feel too badly about WINNING this game. A greatly depleted squad in a division game, on the road against a desperate and talented team. The other team gets paid, too and a win is a win.

[Bossman641]

I'd just like to point out that the Cobb TD pass came on 3rd and 1. So for the people that are always bitching "why throw it deep, Rodgers/MM are idiots" on short yardage, that is why.

[channtheman]

He wasn't really open though and it was a great catch by Cobb, so while everyone obviously loves the result of the play, that play in particular doesn't help your argument.

[Noodle]

I'd just like to point out that the Cobb TD pass came on 3rd and 1. So for the people that are always bitching "why throw it deep, Rodgers/MM are idiots" on short yardage, that is why.

And I have to admit that I screamed at the TV when A-Rod went back to pass, then threw my cheesehead wedge at the TV when I saw that A-Rod was going with a deep throw. It did work out, but there was a lot of luck in that one, and I don't like having to rely on luck.

Anyway, great catch and great win.

[Fritz]

And I have to admit that I screamed at the TV when A-Rod went back to pass, then threw my cheesehead wedge at the TV when I saw that A-Rod was going with a deep throw. It did work out, but there was a lot of luck in that one, and I don't like having to rely on luck.

Anyway, great catch and great win.

But it's not luck. It's the kind of play that separates one team from another. When the Packers won the Superb Owl, it was player after player making spectacular plays - unusual, game changing plays. It's what wins games between evenly matched teams.

It wasn't good luck, any more than it was bad luck when Jordy Nelson dropped a third down pass early in the game that would've kept a drive going, or when Morgan Burnett had Stafford's pass to Calvin Johnson go through his hands.

If the Packers had decided to run, and Suh or Fairley had slipped and fallen down, allowing Starks to run for two or three yards for the first down, would you have been upset because there was luck involved?

[Freak Out]

Rodgers has it and is a game changer.

[Lurker64]

Thanks Ted!

I am so glad that the Lions drafted Titus Young in the 2nd round in 2011 instead of Randall Cobb.

So very, very, very, very glad.

[mraynrand]

But it's not luck. It's the kind of play that separates one team from another. When the Packers won the Superb Owl, it was player after player making spectacular plays - unusual, game changing plays. It's what wins games between evenly matched teams.

http://www.habitatadvocate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Great_Grey_Owl_by_KevLewis.jpg

[pbmax]

http://www.habitatadvocate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Great_Grey_Owl_by_KevLewis.jpg

Fantastic.

[Bossman641]

He wasn't really open though and it was a great catch by Cobb, so while everyone obviously loves the result of the play, that play in particular doesn't help your argument.

My entire point was that when you have a chance to make a big play, you take it. Cobb had a few steps on his man. It wasn't the greatest throw by Rodgers, he put too much air under it.

[Noodle]

But it's not luck. It's the kind of play that separates one team from another. When the Packers won the Superb Owl, it was player after player making spectacular plays - unusual, game changing plays. It's what wins games between evenly matched teams.

I hear what you're saying, and I've found there are two schools of thought on this -- one which believes (like I do) that sometimes, you just get lucky and another that believes luck has little to do with winning. I think that a lobbed, underthrown 21-yard pass to a tightly covered Cobb had a low likelihood of success without the assistance of a little luck (DB not playing the ball, Cobb making a sick catch), whereas a run or a quick slant can be executed with a higher likelihood of success without the help of luck.

And yeah, I do think Detroit was lucky to have Jordy drop that third-down ball and to have Burnett not defense the pass to Johnson. I don't think that the Detroit coaching staff was saying to its DBs after that play -- "yeah, let's keep leaving Nelson open" or "Stafford, you keep relying on Burnett not getting his hands on the ball."

They got lucky on those plays, and we got lucky on a bigger play.

[KYPack]

I am so glad that the Lions drafted Titus Young in the 2nd round in 2011 instead of Randall Cobb.

So very, very, very, very glad.

Me too, pal.

I had lost track of players during the second round tht draft. When the Pack grabbed Randall, I let out a whoop.

He's got the heart of a lion, a coach on the field.

That stuff about Randall sitting in on our QB meetings is no bullshit. He's a natural born leader. He automatically does all the small things it takes to be a winner.

MM ran him out of the backfield vs the Lions. The next step is a quick option pass from that set. Cobb has a great arm, he can make up his own play grouping as he gets comfortable moving around the field for us.

[Smidgeon]

Fantastic.

*Superb

[Smidgeon]

I am so glad that the Lions drafted Titus Young in the 2nd round in 2011 instead of Randall Cobb.

So very, very, very, very glad.

Seconded.

EDIT: Thirded.

[Guiness]

Seconded.

EDIT: Thirded.

That word that you used...I do not think it means what you think it means.

[pbmax]

I hear what you're saying, and I've found there are two schools of thought on this -- one which believes (like I do) that sometimes, you just get lucky and another that believes luck has little to do with winning. I think that a lobbed, underthrown 21-yard pass to a tightly covered Cobb had a low likelihood of success without the assistance of a little luck (DB not playing the ball, Cobb making a sick catch), whereas a run or a quick slant can be executed with a higher likelihood of success without the help of luck.

And yeah, I do think Detroit was lucky to have Jordy drop that third-down ball and to have Burnett not defense the pass to Johnson. I don't think that the Detroit coaching staff was saying to its DBs after that play -- "yeah, let's keep leaving Nelson open" or "Stafford, you keep relying on Burnett not getting his hands on the ball."

They got lucky on those plays, and we got lucky on a bigger play.

There is some value in pushing the issue of big plays. Everyone involved in offense would like them to organically grow from scheme, execution and surprise. But that is a hard row to hoe, even with great players. Especially for this Packers offense without a dynamite rushing game and missing some key middle of the field pieces (Finley and Jennings), they have had a hard time making team's pay deep when everyone is extra deep with two safeties.

When playing it safe, the result can be lots of completions for minimum gains. There have been games this year where the offense has yielded exactly that and underperformed as a result. At some point, you need to take a shot. I think Rodgers is a good judge of when and with whom to do that, as evidenced by his low INT total. The downside here is that he takes a lot of sacks to keep the INT total down and allow plays to develop and that can lead to a lot of hits and lost yardage. But those minuses are offset by a lack of turnovers and the occasional lucky big play.

I would love to see the Packers attack the middle of the field with slants and Finley, but like screens a few years ago, they just don't seem comfortable doing that. Jones and Jennings might be the best players on slants, so perhaps Jennings return will help there.

But in the meantime, I don't mind taking shots down the field.

[MadtownPacker]

And I have to admit that I screamed at the TV when A-Rod went back to pass, then threw my cheesehead wedge at the TV when I saw that A-Rod was going with a deep throw. It did work out, but there was a lot of luck in that one, and I don't like having to rely on luck.
Hey how's it going?

Quit being a lil chavala, it was close but so what. Rodgers shouldn't feel like he cant take some shots. I thought it was a sick throw and like you said IT PAID OFF. Like Chann said, Cobb wasnt really open but the ball got in anyways. It's better to be lucky than good right?

Fuck no, it's better to be both. :-D

[MadtownPacker]

My entire point was that when you have a chance to make a big play, you take it. Cobb had a few steps on his man. It wasn't the greatest throw by Rodgers, he put too much air under it.
Screw those pole smokers, it was a great throw.

http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Packers-Lions-game-highlights/96dd1939-cde4-4f0a-a503-a58b6bf55d89

[Fritz]

There is some value in pushing the issue of big plays. Everyone involved in offense would like them to organically grow from scheme, execution and surprise. But that is a hard row to hoe, even with great players. Especially for this Packers offense without a dynamite rushing game and missing some key middle of the field pieces (Finley and Jennings), they have had a hard time making team's pay deep when everyone is extra deep with two safeties.

When playing it safe, the result can be lots of completions for minimum gains. There have been games this year where the offense has yielded exactly that and underperformed as a result. At some point, you need to take a shot. I think Rodgers is a good judge of when and with whom to do that, as evidenced by his low INT total. The downside here is that he takes a lot of sacks to keep the INT total down and allow plays to develop and that can lead to a lot of hits and lost yardage. But those minuses are offset by a lack of turnovers and the occasional lucky big play.

I would love to see the Packers attack the middle of the field with slants and Finley, but like screens a few years ago, they just don't seem comfortable doing that. Jones and Jennings might be the best players on slants, so perhaps Jennings return will help there.

But in the meantime, I don't mind taking shots down the field.

I do wonder what happened to that slant play. It was gold for several years in GB with Favre throwing it - seemed almost impossible to defend, and sometimes could go big if the DB missed the tackle.

Why they abandoned it when teams seem to be leaving the middle open is beyond me. Same with running Finley in the middle. Why not force teams to pay for playing safeties to the outside?

[pbmax]

I do wonder what happened to that slant play. It was gold for several years in GB with Favre throwing it - seemed almost impossible to defend, and sometimes could go big if the DB missed the tackle.

Why they abandoned it when teams seem to be leaving the middle open is beyond me. Same with running Finley in the middle. Why not force teams to pay for playing safeties to the outside?

They have used it in some games. A couple of games it was clear they were emphasizing it. But its not the favorite of Rodgers/McCarthy that it was for Favre.

[Upnorth]

But it's not luck. It's the kind of play that separates one team from another. When the Packers won the Superb Owl, it was player after player making spectacular plays - unusual, game changing plays. It's what wins games between evenly matched teams.

The last time we won the suberb owl trophy it brought a little tear to my eye, just look at its beauty!
http://site.strictlygifts.com/yswimages/mt2030.jpg

Regarding the slant discussion, I wonder if we are saving that for times when we need a win. When the game is on the line we have switched to quick slants (drive against bears comes to mind) and using JMike in the middle (last game in 4th quarter). It is still on the play book and it seems we dust those plays off when we HAVE to score. IS MM setting up defences so they ignore these routes when times are critical?

[Smidgeon]

That word that you used...I do not think it means what you think it means.

Inconceivable!

[Noodle]

Hey how's it going?

Quit being a lil chavala, it was close but so what. Rodgers shouldn't feel like he cant take some shots. I thought it was a sick throw and like you said IT PAID OFF. Like Chann said, Cobb wasnt really open but the ball got in anyways. It's better to be lucky than good right?

Fuck no, it's better to be both. :-D

It's going smooth, Brother. And thanks for the chavala check -- I'm all good now.

In the end you're dead right, if you've got both, you're gonna bring home that Superb Owl.