Winners and Losers: Week 11 versus Bucs

[hoosier]

Losers
DJ Smith going after the on-side kick before it went 10 yards was a real brainfart. Fortunately for him the kicker barely touched the ball before he did.

Smith claims he was just trying to take out the kicker, which was his assignment:

"I was going after him, I wasn't going after the ball," Smith said. "My job is to attack him and get him before he gets the ball. Don't take any chances."

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-special-teams-escape-with-only-a-blemish-or34j0h-134221828.html

[pbmax]

Smith claims he was just trying to take out the kicker, which was his assignment:
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packe...134221828.html

That makes some sense. Unlike my initial reaction, the replay showed he hit the kickers arm or hand first and then I am not sure he came into direct contact with the ball. But it was so close, one slightly different bounce and its their ball. On a straight ahead drag onside kick, it might be best to run away.

[Guiness]

Did Masthay think he was playing Australian Rules Football having to bounce the ball every couple yards???

I missed this? What happened? Any chance of a highlight video?

[Cheesehead Craig]

They were playing very physically, from what I could tell. Trying to mess with GBs timing. I think that kind of game plays well to Jordy's strengths though - he's pretty physical and good at knowing when to improvise a bit.

It does. Jordy has the strength to fight that off and accelerates very quickly often leaving defenders behind. A fine little addtion to the team he's been.

[Guiness]

Did Neale play?

[yooperfan]

Smith claims he was just trying to take out the kicker, which was his assignment:

Sure looked to me like he was diving for the ball.

I missed this? What happened? Any chance of a highlight video?

http://www.packers.com/media-center/...c-7eb81de73c3b

[Upnorth]

So the only bad play I saw with bishop was the two point convert where him fell down. I am not willing to label him a loser for one bad play out of 50 odd plays.

Also did anyone get to arod past newhouse? I missed the start of the game, and I saw a decent game from newhouse.

[SkinBasket]

So the only bad play I saw with bishop was the two point convert where him fell down. I am not willing to label him a loser for one bad play out of 50 odd plays.

His coverage was terrible all day. Then again, some would argue that he shouldn't be covering TEs. Some would argue that perhaps we need a linebacker who can.

[hoosier]

Smith claims he was just trying to take out the kicker, which was his assignment:
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packe...134221828.html

Sure looked to me like he was diving for the ball.

If Smith is to be believed I guess that speaks to the ambiguity of his assignment. In going after a kicker who is trying to surround and cradle a bouncing ball, it's going to be hard to distinguish them. It does make me wonder how they teach that assignment: "Take out the kicker who is going for the ball but be sure not to let the ball hit you while you're doing it!" How is that supposed to work?

[Guiness]

If Smith is to be believed I guess that speaks to the ambiguity of his assignment. In going after a kicker who is trying to surround and cradle a bouncing ball, it's going to be hard to distinguish them. It does make me wonder how they teach that assignment: "Take out the kicker who is going for the ball but be sure not to let the ball hit you while you're doing it!" How is that supposed to work?

I think the biggest thing is that he failed to realize where the 10 yard mark was. It's not like it was close, the ball was 3-4 yards short.

[pbmax]

Some would argue that perhaps we need a linebacker who can.

Those somes are absolutely right. The others can get lost.

[pbmax]

If Smith is to be believed I guess that speaks to the ambiguity of his assignment. In going after a kicker who is trying to surround and cradle a bouncing ball, it's going to be hard to distinguish them. It does make me wonder how they teach that assignment: "Take out the kicker who is going for the ball but be sure not to let the ball hit you while you're doing it!" How is that supposed to work?

I would like that play better if it was the kickers job to take out Smith.

I have seen the dribble onside kick before, but it seems horribly difficult to both execute, follow and recover for the same person. Does anyone remember seeing it work?

[Ballboy]

Couple things to add:

Sheilds is/was a huge problem, he has NOT progressed to anything better this year. His coverage is bad, gets beat off the line, then fails to find the ball in the air. If nobody has the like of Nate Bureslon(sp??) from Detroit for FF, I would pick him up!!

Newhouse - I agree 100% with the earlier post, he seems to get set well, and push a defender past the QB, but then seems to lack the finishing touches on the play.....several times he pushed the rusher past the QB, but then seemed to no be able to re-engage to prevent a sack/hurry....in the running game, he again got the intial block, but didnt hold it long enough.

Equipment people - its pretty sad when the home team is slipping & sliding more than the visitors.

Overall on defense I got the feeling MM decided to use more players because of the short work week. Clay was out on several plays, Raji and others. SO, some of the yardage given up should be attributed to that.

[yooperfan]

oh ya..... The slipping. That seems to be a problem in Lambeau this year. Whats going on with that?
I guess when it freezes it won't matter.