Pro Bowl level

[HarveyWallbangers]

It seems we have fewer guys playing at "Pro Bowl level," and are being carried by a few elite players. Last year, we had Rodgers, Jennings, Clifton, Sitton, Raji, Matthews, Williams, Woodson, and Collins all playing at Pro Bowl level.

This year, we have Rodgers, Jennings, Bishop, and probably Finley (the last game notwithstanding). Clifton and Collins have been hurt. Sitton and Raji aren't playing as well. Matthew and Williams have been nicked up. Woodson is playing a different role.

Really, Rodgers is playing out of his mind. Last year, it was fun to watch the team win. This year, it's fun to watch Rodgers carry us.

[vince]

It's still about the team IMO.

Rodgers has obviously played at a historically high level. His passing effectiveness has benefitted from an improved run game and the availability of Finley to really open things up. His play-action passing has been lethal. For the most part, he's had the time he needs to deliver the ball, so the line has done the job for him. Nelson has stepped up his production to a pro bowl level. I don't have the exact stats, but during this 11-0 streak, he's on pace for like 1200 yards and 12 TDs. Bulaga was nearly flawless until going down. Wells has been very good. Lang's physical presence has strengthened the line overall.

Defensively, they're obviously giving up more yards, but still leading the league in turnovers last I saw. Pickett can't be run on and neither can Matthews so far. In terms of passing defense, the pressure and coverage haven't synced up until very recently. Against Atlanta, they only recorded one sack but got consistent pressure to force Ryan to move and/or deliver the ball before he wanted to and disrupt the Falcons' passing game. Matthews has been consistently double and triple-teamed and isn't getting the sack numbers but his pressures are where you'd want them to be overall. Neal's injury has impacted the team's ability to pressure the passer. Williams isn't playing his style of coverage because of his injury, which has made a big difference. Shields' game appears to be rounding back into shape.

Special teams has improved and the field position game is working to the Packers favor more this year than previously. The team's overall strategy to be very aggressive and get the lead early, then work the clock both offensively and defensively to keep opponents from catching up has worked flawlessly.

[Joemailman]

The last 3 quarters of the Atlanta game were the first time this year that I thought the defense played at an elite level, so things may be changing. I would agree that on defense up until now only Bishop has played as well as last year. Vince is right that when they have gotten the lead early they have been tough, but they've also had to come back from double digit deficits in 2 games. I think the in-game adjustments by the coaching staff have been a factor this year.

[Fritz]

I disagree with posters in other threads who claim the offense can and will carry this team all season.
Every big offense can be shut down in a big game - see NE vs. NYG in the Super Bowl. There will be times this season when the defense will have to carry the load. My one big wish for next year's draft is a focus on an OLB to shine opposite Matthews, and another pass-rushing defensive lineman.

[pbmax]

I though Clifton got his Pro Bowl nod last year as a combination of team notoriety and career achievement award. Otherwise, I agree with the list.

And though it doesn't meet the standard of the thread title, one reason the run defense has been very good is that Walden has been a force on the edge. His pass rush is going nowhere, but he sets the edge well and seems to get sucked into cutbacks and change of direction less compared to last year's collection of OLBs.

[hoosier]

For what it's worth we could probably add Crosby to the playing-at-PB-level. That's Pro Bowl, not Pbmax level.

[pbmax]

For what it's worth we could probably add Crosby to the playing-at-PB-level. That's Pro Bowl, not Pbmax level.

That's actually the basis of the acronymn.

[sharpe1027]

For what it's worth we could probably add Crosby to the playing-at-PB-level. That's Pro Bowl, not Pbmax level.

Nobody is up to that level!

[denverYooper]

I though Clifton got his Pro Bowl nod last year as a combination of team notoriety and career achievement award. Otherwise, I agree with the list.

And though it doesn't meet the standard of the thread title, one reason the run defense has been very good is that Walden has been a force on the edge. His pass rush is going nowhere, but he sets the edge well and seems to get sucked into cutbacks and change of direction less compared to last year's collection of OLBs.

McGinn mentioned in his rating article that "Kevin Greene just wants Matthews and Walden to crash into tackles and be disciplined." I thought that was an interesting little nugget and it makes me think that we'll see more in terms of pass rush from the OLBs later in the year.

[denverYooper]

I disagree with posters in other threads who claim the offense can and will carry this team all season.
Every big offense can be shut down in a big game - see NE vs. NYG in the Super Bowl. There will be times this season when the defense will have to carry the load. My one big wish for next year's draft is a focus on an OLB to shine opposite Matthews, and another pass-rushing defensive lineman.

I think we saw some of the D crackdown on Sunday when they needed it. IMO, their D will be one of the better ones come playoff time.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I though Clifton got his Pro Bowl nod last year as a combination of team notoriety and career achievement award. Otherwise, I agree with the list.

Clifton struggled early, but really turned it on in the second half and the playoffs. I've heard coaches say it was the best year he's had with them. That might be overstating it, but I think he was pretty good.

[pbmax]

Clifton struggled early, but really turned it on in the second half and the playoffs. I've heard coaches say it was the best year he's had with them. That might be overstating it, but I think he was pretty good.

I am often wrong, but best year really seems to be stretching it. Though he did excel in pass pro in the playoffs. Few have blocked Harrison better.

[pbmax]

McGinn mentioned in his rating article that "Kevin Greene just wants Matthews and Walden to crash into tackles and be disciplined." I thought that was an interesting little nugget and it makes me think that we'll see more in terms of pass rush from the OLBs later in the year.

Their default pass rush is a bull rush, but Matthews and others have used different moves at other times, probably dependent on formation and down and distance. In the Super Bowl, they called of the dogs to keep Rothliesberger in one place. Capers has said this season that they have used a large amount of 3 man rush. But even versus the Falcons, when Matthews used his dip move to the outside, he was just a fraction late.

[Fritz]

I thought "pbmax" stood for "peanut butter max."

[rbaloha1]

For what it's worth we could probably add Crosby to the playing-at-PB-level. That's Pro Bowl, not Pbmax level.

Good point. Crosby's leg strength, accuracy and stroke is at its best level ever.

Pro Bowl level

Offense -- Rodgers, Jennings, Nelson, Finley, Wells

Defense -- Matthews, Pickett, Bishop