Official Packers vs. Ravens Game Day Thread

[Bretsky]

Will watch the game when I get home, but doesn't sound good.

He looks lazy... impossible to coach over that.

Meanwhile, Burns has looked beastly on Carolina

Wisty, there is plenty of time for you to flip back ! lol

Bush is still my guy but Burns would have been awesome as well.

[wist43]

Wisty, there is plenty of time for you to flip back ! lol

Bush is still my guy but Burns would have been awesome as well.

I never changed my mind on Burns, I still preferred him over Gary right along... the only thing that changed WRT my view of Gary was that he could be a player.

I had originally written him off b/c of his lack of production and injury history, but he did show up on tape.

That said, another thing that showed on tape from his college days was that jogging thing - WTF is that?? Complete lack of hustle and urgency. Very, very bad look.

I'm very skeptical of him again.

[Radagast]

The Packers / Ravens preseason scrimmage, IMO, was nothing short of SLOPPY.

Yes there were a few Packer bright spots, but the 2nd and 3rd tier players did not to be in sync. Kizer and the 1st team offense looked unpracticed. Rodgers "tight back" problem may have saved him from potential personal harm on the field, but while he may not need any game time, his fellow teammates do need game time with him. Practice affords Rodgers a protected environment, but his WRs,TEs, and RBs need real game time with their #1 QB to practice those busted play drills. Also there is no substitution for real game conditions to get the passing game into the tight synchronization that the Packers need.

If Rodgers and LaFleur are having a feud, they need to end such a childish thing. As good as Rodgers is, LaFleur IS the boss and his authority should not be questioned. If Rodgers is pouting over not being consulted as to the hiring of the new GB HC or not happy with being shifted to a new offensive system, then tough. As good as he is he is still an employee. A well paid employee, but not the boss. I never pictured #12 as a premadonna diva , but could it be true? Rodgers needs to trust his new boss and stop bucking like a wild horse. He may well discover that LaFleur is on to something and he needs to work with him and stop fighting him. (if he is)

[mraynrand]

The Packers / Ravens preseason scrimmage, IMO, was nothing short of SLOPPY.

Yes there were a few Packer bright spots, but the 2nd and 3rd tier players did not to be in sync. Kizer and the 1st team offense looked unpracticed. Rodgers "tight back" problem may have saved him from potential personal harm on the field

I thought the pass pro was fine

[pbmax]

I thought the pass pro was fine

I want to say the Packers should fire their #3 choice O line coach like the Dolphins, but it seems more likely that this is just the same trend of results from their approach to the draft.

[Radagast]

I want to say the Packers should fire their #3 choice O line coach like the Dolphins, but it seems more likely that this is just the same trend of results from their approach to the draft.

Not disagreeing with you at all, I just would appreciate an expanded version of what you posted. The assumption that we are all on the same page is wrong, but easily corrected. Would you please enlighten those of us that missed your tightly worded argument?

Thank You.

[pbmax]

Not disagreeing with you at all, I just would appreciate an expanded version of what you posted. The assumption that we are all on the same page is wrong, but easily corrected. Would you please enlighten those of us that missed your tightly worded argument?

Thank You.

The Packers, since Ted was in charge, have tended to draft left tackle types for all offensive line positions (with 1 exception at center - Linsley). That means tall athletic types with reach and quickness. That doesn't result in the greatest run blocking units. Part of the problem was personnel and part was the coach, as McCarthy spent more time in 11 on 11 with passing than running. LaFleur, in early indications, seems to emphasize running in 11 on 11 drills a bit more*.

Its true of their FA signing Turner who is playing RG now but could be built to play RT, and it might have been true with the draftee Jenkins, who played center in college but was known for his pass blocking and length. Several of the reviews of him said he was tall for a center and not much of a drive blocker.

OK, so this line won't drive block like the Dolphins of 1972. You can still get them moving or pulling or trapping and make hay. They were not a bad run blocking group two years ago, when it was Bach, Taylor, Linsley, Evans and Bulaga. So its possible to be effective with a little foresight and planning and not being stubborn about always winning one on one battles in the hole.

The outside zone scheme would be one way to do this. Bulaga is a little old and non-mobile these days, but its never going to be ideal at every position.

So far, the results have been poor. But its one camp and one game with starters. I would have hoped that the backups (and there might be depth here) would have fared better in the 2nd game, but the RBs are hurt. So its very hard to judge.

But having their 2nd or 3rd choice of O line coach (and him being very untested) is worrying. I was joking about firing him, because in reality, its going to take Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams being healthy before they have a chance and it might be six games into the season before we see those results.


* Though I would seriously doubt analysis that in a 2 hour practice that amounts to more than 5-15 more reps of running in that drill. So its not a sea change, but a point of emphasis. To do this, LaFleur does not run half-line drills like McCarthy did, which was one of his few good innovations in the last few years.

[CaptainKickass]

I watched the whole game and after sleeping on it, I really feel like Lance Boyle, Michael Bolton, Daryl Hall, Cindy Crawford and Suzanne Summers all played rather well.

[mraynrand]

I watched the whole game and after sleeping on it, I really feel like Lance Boyle, Michael Bolton, Daryl Hall, Cindy Crawford and Suzanne Summers all played rather well.

Bolton was literally running in circles after an early play fake (third play?). His TE was open by ten yards but Jackson went to the guy covered by Jalex. His rookieness worries me.

[Radagast]

pbmax,

I found your post enlightening and to the point. Thank you.

That said, I've not seen enough of the real 1st team to offer a proper opinion of the running or the passing game. Rodgers decision to suddenly develop "back tightness" before the Ravens game, IMO, is an insult to HC LaFleur and hurts the team as real game pass timing practice was sacrificed. This may not affect Rodgers, but his teammates miss playing with their #1 QB. Kizer and Boyle are no substitute for Rodgers.

Until now I did not want to believe that LaFleur and Rodgers were feuding, however when you add up the audible story, with the comment about not liking practice with the Texans, and now conveniently developing a "back tightness" issue has me questioning Rodgers commitment to the TEAM. Is he butting heads with LaFleur or not willing to risk injury in a scrimmage game? At any rate, Rodgers is not projecting the image I look for in an elite NFL QB.

[mraynrand]

That said, I've not seen enough of the real 1st team to offer a proper opinion of the running or the passing game. Rodgers decision to suddenly develop "back tightness" before the Ravens game, IMO, is an insult to HC LaFleur and hurts the team as real game pass timing practice was sacrificed.

Are you claiming he had no back tightness? Do you have any proof?

[gbgary]

Are you claiming he had no back tightness? Do you have any proof?

that theory was advanced this morning on pft by co-host dan katz. wtfk!

as for the game. some good moments, some not so good. typical meh preseason game.

[Joemailman]

Bolton was literally running in circles after an early play fake (third play?). His TE was open by ten yards but Jackson went to the guy covered by Jalex. His rookieness worries me.

I believe there is a good chance that an ILB not currently on the roster will be getting lots of playing time come September.

[mraynrand]

that theory was advanced this morning on pft by co-host dan katz. wtfk!

Can I assume he had no proof either?

[RashanGary]

I saw AR stretching his back on the sideline. I’m buying the back tightness.