Time to face fact

[pbmax]

I've heard a lot of Patriots analysis lately because the Broncos played them yesterday. One thing that has jumped out is that the Patriots, known for their high powered passing game have been running the ball a lot. Over 50% of the plays going into the game. Not sure what the mix is now but it's moved even further in that direction, as they ran 54 times yesterday as opposed to 33 pass attempts. Belichick has often been one to stay ahead of the curve. I am starting to wonder if he's doing it purposefully because so many defenses are now loaded up to stop the pass, especially against Brady.

That's the evolution of their 2 TE package and a response to teams adapting to Welker and the pass game.

[rbaloha1]

Its not time to press the panic button.

Nice reminder about the slow starting Coach MM teams. Without a doubt, the offensive coaching shuffle is having an effect. MM is losing his cool way too much.

The defense is improved -- less 20+ plays, better tackling, better pass rush. Its third down defense that is the problem.

[Patler]

I've heard a lot of Patriots analysis lately because the Broncos played them yesterday. One thing that has jumped out is that the Patriots, known for their high powered passing game have been running the ball a lot. Over 50% of the plays going into the game. Not sure what the mix is now but it's moved even further in that direction, as they ran 54 times yesterday as opposed to 33 pass attempts. Belichick has often been one to stay ahead of the curve. I am starting to wonder if he's doing it purposefully because so many defenses are now loaded up to stop the pass, especially against Brady.

Interesting. Thanks for bringing it up.

Patriots year to date:

191 rushes for 827 yards (#3 in yards/game)
185 pass att. for 1370 yards. (#9 in yards/game)
and they lead the league in total yards/game.

[denverYooper]

That's the evolution of their 2 TE package and a response to teams adapting to Welker and the pass game.

I don't think Hernandez has been playing much lately, has he? He's been injured. But you're right, their offense has changed pretty consistently, from the record-setting 2007 team through a couple years of 2 TE + Welker sets to this year's run-fest. All iterations seem to be able to put up 30 ppg pretty consistently.

It's funny that the Packers looked to be going the same way with all of their TE acquisitions but they never really ended up using anyone other than Finley as a target. DJ Williams is very similar to Aaron Hernandez in dimensions and measurables but they don't use him near as much or as effectively. Part of it could be that the Packers have had an arguably better stable of WR.

The upshot at this point is that teams have caught up to the Packers, who seem to be standing still.

[pbmax]

I don't think Hernandez has been playing much lately, has he? He's been injured. But you're right, their offense has changed pretty consistently, from the record-setting 2007 team through a couple years of 2 TE + Welker sets to this year's run-fest. All iterations seem to be able to put up 30 ppg pretty consistently.

It's funny that the Packers looked to be going the same way with all of their TE acquisitions but they never really ended up using anyone other than Finley as a target. DJ Williams is very similar to Aaron Hernandez in dimensions and measurables but they don't use him near as much or as effectively. Part of it could be that the Packers have had an arguably better stable of WR.

The upshot at this point is that teams have caught up to the Packers, who seem to be standing still.

McCarthy has played a good deal of 2 TE, but not since Quarless went down. He even seemed to be willing to do it with Quarless and Crabtree, but not Finley and Crabtree. Not sure why.

Hernandez is gone and they tried Winslow in his place. They dumped that experiment and brought in someone no one has heard of to fill the spot and last I read (game before Broncos) they were going to stick with it. Seemed a larger question was the absence of Edelman and their reluctance to play Welker.

[mission]

DJ Smith was an embarassment out there yesterday. He found the right holes to plug but didnt attack and make a tackle when he was there.

He was by far the worst player on defense yesterday.

[ND72]

I don't think anyone had a problem with McCarthy's offense a year ago when records were being set and they were the best passing offense in the league. NFL coaches are really smart at football, and they figure shit out eventually, McCarthy has been done figured out, and for some reason the talent has regressed in 2012. That doesn't mean that the Packers can't get hot and go on a run, but they have to figure it out. McCarthy needs to go back to the drawing board and take some of the control back to his offense.

Actually I believe if you saw any posts of mine last year I made plenty of objections.

[Rutnstrut]

We are just not a good football team.

Offensively, the offensive line is a joke, across the board, not good. Rodgers is not good. He's holding the ball again, which makes our poor OL even worse. McCarthy an rodgers are both looking for the home run, and teams are saying beat us short, and we refuse to do it. Today my buddy and I kept saying that the CBs were playing 8yards off and dropping..run a damn slant. The OLB and DL were coming hard upfield...run a damn screen! Both times we did either of those, weird, they worked! Jennings is busy making commercials, Jordy looks scared, and our only reliable WR is fricken James Jones. I'm not even going to discuss Finley. Teams are completely our coaching/scheming McCarthy.

Defensively, I donno. We haven't played horrible but we still crap ourselves at different times.

Then to top it off we have to fight the refs. Perry crushes Luck, penalty. Shields gets shoved 10 yards, he gets a penalty. I mean I just have no clue why we get screwed on every call.

I agree 100%, imo I have always been of the opinion that Rodgers isn't as good as many here think he is. Add to that that Stubby isn't a great coach, nor is Capers you get what we have. A team with some talent, mediocre coaching and a GM that really has no clue how to fix it.

[Harlan Huckleby]

He was by far the worst player on defense yesterday.

hey! I'm glad a DJ Smith bashing party has formed up - I thought I was the only one who noticed.

The guy was a tackling machine in college, set Division II records for tackling while at Appalachian State. So he's got to have instincts for playing football. I don't think he is enough of an athlete at NFL level. But he's better than about 6 other guys who had a shot at his position, so we live with what he can offer.

[Patler]

I agree 100%, imo I have always been of the opinion that Rodgers isn't as good as many here think he is. Add to that that Stubby isn't a great coach, nor is Capers you get what we have. A team with some talent, mediocre coaching and a GM that really has no clue how to fix it.

Yet, they managed to win a Super Bowl and put together a 15-1 season. As incompetent as you make them out to be, what do you have to say about the other 31 GMs, HCs, DCs and QBs?

[Brandon494]

I agree 100%, imo I have always been of the opinion that Rodgers isn't as good as many here think he is. Add to that that Stubby isn't a great coach, nor is Capers you get what we have. A team with some talent, mediocre coaching and a GM that really has no clue how to fix it.

LMAO

[Brandon494]

The last two seasons have taught me its not how you start a season but how you finish it. We started the season 4-4 the year we won the SB, I still have hope in this team.

[Rutnstrut]

The last two seasons have taught me its not how you start a season but how you finish it. We started the season 4-4 the year we won the SB, I still have hope in this team.

I still have faith, I always will. I remained a die hard Packer fan in the 70's and 80's, if that didn't make me lose faith in the Pack, nothing can

[denverYooper]

I still have faith, I always will. I remained a die hard Packer fan in the 70's and 80's, if that didn't make me lose faith in the Pack, nothing can

Amen.

[mraynrand]

The last two seasons have taught me its not how you start a season but how you finish it. We started the season 4-4 the year we won the SB, I still have hope in this team.

Me too, but I am facing fact