The Packers this Week

[Radagast]

As we approach the week 7 game against the Raiders, I see members trying to post their views on the Packers strengths and perceived weaknesses. Some focus on the receivers as injury and player additions take place. They are so narrowly centered upon the success or lack of success of the passing game that they fail to give the improved running game the credit it deserves.

GB has added WR Ryan Grant to the team. With Adams and Allison sidelined, adding a veteran WR could help. I was opposed to such a move as I feared that GB might sacrifice too much to acquire a #1 or #2 WR to make up for the players sidelined. Grant however is a 3rd to 5th WR and I don't expect him to upset the chemistry that has been building sense TC first opened back in July.

The new added weight given to the running game has supplied balance that has been undervalued for too long. The run blocking has improved this season and shows with the success that Jones and Williams have had. Still the passing game, with whoever is healthy, does need to improve and not wait on the return of those injured. I'm quite sure that HC LaFleur is also very aware of the need to give Rodgers more /better open targets to pass the ball to.

I'll address other areas of interest in future post.

[mraynrand]

I’d like to hear more about this ‘chemistry’ that has been building among the WRs ‘sense’ training camp.

[texaspackerbacker]

I tend to agree with you, Radagast, about Grant - not so much about the chemistry as about the cost of signing or heaven forbid, trading for a high price WR like Green. Getting Grant was a good compromise between doing nothing and signing some over-priced probably over-the-hill type guy.

[run pMc]

Agree with Tex on this

Getting Grant was a good compromise between doing nothing and signing some over-priced probably over-the-hill type guy.

As far as the running game goes, I think the inside zone is working much better right now, probably because they ran it some with M3 so it's not as new. I also think it suits Jamaal better, but Jones is dynamic enough to run outside zone too. I think they will get better at it.
What I really liked is that MLF continued to run the ball after being down 10 early to DET. I think having a better defense gives them confidence that they don't have to get into a passing game shootout if they fall behind 2 scores early.

Not suggesting they go run-heavy overall as an offense, but I do like the idea of keeping defenses honest if not off-balance, and keeping the offense in managable down/distances. Most teams -- especially the Packers -- suck at converting 3rd and long.

[pbmax]

Jones is worse at outside zone. He is too much of a hesitation and move guy. Almost all his outside zone carries either end up in a pile OR bounced so far outside he was run past his blocking.

[mraynrand]

Jones is worse at outside zone. He is too much of a hesitation and move guy. Almost all his outside zone carries either end up in a pile OR bounced so far outside he was run past his blocking.

Speedy rushes to the edge seem to be his better "OZ" runs.

[pbmax]

Outside Zone, keep moving and trust a turn will be there.

[pbmax]

Speedy rushes to the edge seem to be his better "OZ" runs.

Yes. He can get the corner but Outside Zone is asking something else. Its why all those guys get drafted out of the second round. Don't need top end speed or quickness.

[pbmax]

Find a hole running and keep looking (Jones).

[texaspackerbacker]

I don't think it's so much a matter of Jones being worse on outside zone runs as it is worse blocking. Linsley, Jenkins, and maybe Turner have actually opened holes. The Tackles not so much.

Regarding that maze thing above, isn't that what the zone blocking scheme is supposed to prevent - just one cut and go, don't worry about all that bouncing and running to daylight.

[pbmax]

I don't think it's so much a matter of Jones being worse on outside zone runs as it is worse blocking. Linsley, Jenkins, and maybe Turner have actually opened holes. The Tackles not so much.

Regarding that maze thing above, isn't that what the zone blocking scheme is supposed to prevent - just one cut and go, don't worry about all that bouncing and running to daylight.

First paragraph, you are correct about Inside blocking being better for the run. A lot of credit to LEEERoy Jenkins and Lucas Patrick, who was in there when it started to break open (an underrated thing: if they planned inside stuff and Linsley gets hurt against Dallas and it doesn't work, where would the offense be?)

But Jamaal Williams has had more success in outside zone than Jones. He is just more willing to pop his way through a seam on target. Jones is looking for something else.

As for the mazes, the second (Jones) is all about starting stopping and changes of direction while in the hole. The first maze (Williams and zone) is to follow a path and hope there is a gap at the end of the path.

[Radagast]

Staying with the discussion on the Packers Offense, I've heard little to nothing about run vs pass blocking. Also opinions on each TE and their play so far and moving forward. And lets hear a little love for those WRs that have stepped up and bravely stepped in for the injured.

How well is the sweep pass play working? Which pass pattern/WR is working the best so far? What pass patters/s would you like to see more of?

[RashanGary]

I come to packerrats because I enjoy the interactions between radagast and whoever he’s belittling, but even moreso to absorb mraynrands responses to said conversations.


But in all seriousness, I’m with radagast on the pass blocking vs run blocking. Turner and Jenkins are huge run blocking upgrades over Taylor and the RG turnstile of yesteryear. That, combined with the two young running backs becoming reliable veteran guys who can be counted on really has opened up the balanced nature of this offense and helps to minimize what could be seen as a insurmountable obstacle to our offenses success.

There are several ways to skin a cat. We’ve come accustomed to the Packers being pass first, almost pass only, but that history means nothing. We’re in the here and now. Here and now, we run and pass equally well regardless of what the last 10 years of Packer teams have done.

[bobblehead]

Jones is worse at outside zone. He is too much of a hesitation and move guy. Almost all his outside zone carries either end up in a pile OR bounced so far outside he was run past his blocking.

Interestingly Jonathon Taylor is likely to be available towards the back half of the 1st. He is Jones with top end speed. If we continue to run inside zone what a fit he would be as he continues to improve as a receiver.

Speaking of RB acting as receivers, I am absolutely loving Rodgers hitting Jones and Williams underneath for 7-8 yard gains. As the defense has reacted to take them away he has been able to take the shots downfield he loves. Our WR are not GREAT, but an HOF QB can make them look pretty good.

[bobblehead]

I come to packerrats because I enjoy the interactions between radagast and whoever he’s belittling, but even moreso to absorb mraynrands responses to said conversations.


But in all seriousness, I’m with radagast on the pass blocking vs run blocking. Turner and Jenkins are huge run blocking upgrades over Taylor and the RG turnstile of yesteryear. That, combined with the two young running backs becoming reliable veteran guys who can be counted on really has opened up the balanced nature of this offense and helps to minimize what could be seen as a insurmountable obstacle to our offenses success.

There are several ways to skin a cat. We’ve come accustomed to the Packers being pass first, almost pass only, but that history means nothing. We’re in the here and now. Here and now, we run and pass equally well regardless of what the last 10 years of Packer teams have done.

tT
You are what you practice. Commitment to the run means practicing it. They are and it shows. Our guards last year probably were better run blockers than you think, but we didn't work it enough.