Studs And Duds - Packers vs. Bears II

[Rutnstrut]

Yes, I remember many were wondering what in the hell Ted was doing taking 3 RBs in the last draft. Looking back now thank god he did!

IMO you can't have too much depth at RB. Especially after the RB debacle of last year. But I also would have kept 3 QB's and about 30 O-lineman. I would need a 147 man roster.

[Smidgeon]

Yes, I remember many were wondering what in the hell Ted was doing taking 3 RBs in the last draft. Looking back now thank god he did!

2 out of 3 being (seemingly) decent ain't bad. One is starter material, the other showed up against a tough running D. It almost makes me more interested to see the third because the first two (appear) were hits. More than likely, Mays is the dud, but I still want to see what he has too.

[Rutnstrut]

The huge plus side of Rodgers getting hurt is that stubby almost has to run the ball more. With Rodgers in there he would get big play pass happy and ignore the run, even when it was more effective.

[Pugger]

IMO you can't have too much depth at RB. Especially after the RB debacle of last year. But I also would have kept 3 QB's and about 30 O-lineman. I would need a 147 man roster.

No kidding. Too bad NFL rosters aren't as large as those in the college ranks.

[Zool]

2 out of 3 being (seemingly) decent ain't bad. One is starter material, the other showed up against a tough running D. It almost makes me more interested to see the third because the first two (appear) were hits. More than likely, Mays is the dud, but I still want to see what he has too.

Mays is the one with a freak show size/speed ratio. He also had some troubles in college. Wonder if he's a $100 body with a $.10 head?

[The Shadow]

The huge plus side of Rodgers getting hurt is that stubby almost has to run the ball more. With Rodgers in there he would get big play pass happy and ignore the run, even when it was more effective.

Very astute observation. The back half of this season -if used to really develop an outstanding ground game - could pay huge dividends in the future.

[Fritz]

I wonder. Once Rodgers is back next year, no matter how good the ground game, MM will go back to - as perhaps he should - centering his game plans on #12.

[Smidgeon]

I wonder. Once Rodgers is back next year, no matter how good the ground game, MM will go back to - as perhaps he should - centering his game plans on #12.

How did he call plays in Lacy's second season? He still leaned on Lacy with a second 1100 yard season. I think if any of the RBs show they can run on a defense consistently, M3 will utilize that. The problem with Monty is he's too hot and cold. He'll have the occasional big game, but he'll also get too bottled up. His real ability to split out wide as a receiver and run NFL quality routes makes him something special, but only if M3 wants to exploit it (meaning choosing to run the offense that way and take the ball out of the hands of three better receivers).

Speaking of receivers, where are the young guys stepping up? In a couple of years, Cobb and Nelson will be gone. The Packers have Adams and....?

[mraynrand]

I wonder. Once Rodgers is back next year, no matter how good the ground game, MM will go back to - as perhaps he should - centering his game plans on #12.

but only up to a point. It's a passing league, but the teams that are tearing it up this year have a really good balance, if not a focus on the running game. LeVeon Bell, Gurley, Hunt are monsters, and NO has a really nice mix of backs. Dallas goes without saying. NE and Seattle are probably more in tune with the pass first, pass often approach of Stubbers, but it's probs cuz their run offense is so putrid.

[mraynrand]

Speaking of receivers, where are the young guys stepping up? In a couple of years, Cobb and Nelson will be gone. The Packers have Adams and....?

McCaffrey. All pro I tells ya! Seriously though, the Packers will be panicking over WRs (including TEs) this offseason. Their bottom feeder, bottom of the draft WRs did not pan out.

[pbmax]

but only up to a point. It's a passing league, but the teams that are tearing it up this year have a really good balance, if not a focus on the running game. LeVeon Bell, Gurley, Hunt are monsters, and NO has a really nice mix of backs. Dallas goes without saying. NE and Seattle are probably more in tune with the pass first, pass often approach of Stubbers, but it's probs cuz their run offense is so putrid.

Group 1: Pittsburgh, Rams, KC, NO

Group 2: Seattle, NE

I'd take Group 2 to emulate.

But Seahawks aren't an easy comparison point. At first under Wilson they were run first and run most. After Beast Mode left and the O line deteriorated, they have been slowly moving to pass dominance. Its mainly the D that keeps that team together, though that is showing a decline now too.

NO is the most interesting, but I have my doubts when they had a game in Green Bay in doubt until the 4th quarter when the Packers had no pass defense and no passing game. I am not buying them.

This was the WRONG year for Rodgers to take a vacation. Wide open.

[pbmax]

How did he call plays in Lacy's second season? He still leaned on Lacy with a second 1100 yard season. I think if any of the RBs show they can run on a defense consistently, M3 will utilize that. The problem with Monty is he's too hot and cold. He'll have the occasional big game, but he'll also get too bottled up. His real ability to split out wide as a receiver and run NFL quality routes makes him something special, but only if M3 wants to exploit it (meaning choosing to run the offense that way and take the ball out of the hands of three better receivers).

Speaking of receivers, where are the young guys stepping up? In a couple of years, Cobb and Nelson will be gone. The Packers have Adams and....?

I think the bag of running backs they have now, with a line that is not as good at run blocking as when Lang and Sitton were in their prime in GB, would work fine. Lotta diverse talents there. Short yardage, some speed and pass catching. Can do a lot with that.

They definitely need a WR to step up. Even Allison becoming a factor might be nice but I think extra TE play has reduced his snaps. But Janis/Davis haven't made the jump.

[mraynrand]

Group 1: Pittsburgh, Rams, KC, NO

Group 2: Seattle, NE

I'd take Group 2 to emulate.

But Seahawks aren't an easy comparison point. At first under Wilson they were run first and run most. After Beast Mode left and the O line deteriorated, they have been slowly moving to pass dominance. Its mainly the D that keeps that team together, though that is showing a decline now too.

NO is the most interesting, but I have my doubts when they had a game in Green Bay in doubt until the 4th quarter when the Packers had no pass defense and no passing game. I am not buying them.

This was the WRONG year for Rodgers to take a vacation. Wide open.

Both group 2 coaches want to be in group 1, if/when possible.



I didn't analyze Philly for Pass versus Run. I think they've just been insanely efficient (Wentz is playing flawless ball) and have feasted off turnovers and general bad football by opponents.

[Fritz]

They need Lance Kendricks to step up, both blocking and getting open in the middle.

[pbmax]

Both group 2 coaches want to be in group 1, if/when possible.



I didn't analyze Philly for Pass versus Run. I think they've just been insanely efficient (Wentz is playing flawless ball) and have feasted off turnovers and general bad football by opponents.

Wentz and the Philly offense are having a Green Bay in 1996 kinda year. D and ST giving them tremendous field position.

Scott Kacsmar, the guy who noted Rodger/McCarthy woeful 4th Quarter Comeback record has been telling people this to get them to stop the hype on Wentz. It isn't going well.