Can’t believe we’re 8-2

[Vincenzo]

It’s bye week time which means time to reflect......

8-2 is an impressive record and in my opinion it’s a bit of a head scratcher how the Packers actually achieved it.

Looking forward I hope we’re battle tested come January cuz it’s pretty clear that the elephant in the room is a “one and done season.”

[pbmax]

the elephant in the room is a “one and done season.”

??

[Vincenzo]

??

mmmm, what’s a “one and done season?”
2011 we were 15-1, the #1 seed in the NFC only to be punched right in the face by the New York Giants.....we were one and done.

[texaspackerbacker]

8-2, and whiners still scrape up something to whine about. Sheeeeesh.

[Joemailman]

The NFC is loaded. The teams in the playoffs will be battle tested. Packers have some things going for them. They're +7 in turnover differential. And they've been able to beat good teams on the road. They're well built for the playoffs.

[Tony Oday]

Problem is our secondary. They have the talent not the head it seems like. Too many busted coverages.

[pbmax]

mmmm, what’s a “one and done season?”
2011 we were 15-1, the #1 seed in the NFC only to be punched right in the face by the New York Giants.....we were one and done.

Ah, got it. I would say this team seems slightly feistier on D and more grounded on O. Not as high flying. Think that bodes well for the playoffs.

Pass game being hit or miss all season will be a problem if they fall behind.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think the issue with Packers has been WRs. All the receivers. They have some raw talent, may be ready for playoffs.

Oh ya, the defense, but defense doesn't matter anymore in NFL, amIright? Packers did well with average defense in Ted Thompson's glory years (year?) so maybe they will be good enough.

[MadScientist]

This bye week is much needed. Not just for rest and recovery, but self-scouting. The Packers are 8-2 and have looked excellent in stretches, but there have been a lot of breakdowns. Receivers failing to get open for stretches. Rodgers missing open receivers. O-line giving up too much to good rushers. Inconsistent pass rush. Secondary having bad lapses. Failure to stop opponents from getting to the red zone.

They really need to take this week and work on fixing things. They also need to see if there is someone on the defense with a tell that is tipping opposing offenses.

[3irty1]

I think the issue with Packers has been WRs. All the receivers. They have some raw talent, may be ready for playoffs.

Oh ya, the defense, but defense doesn't matter anymore in NFL, amIright? Packers did well with average defense in Ted Thompson's glory years (year?) so maybe they will be good enough.

I'm also in the MRGA camp.

[RashanGary]

Offense strengths:

1. ball security.

2. Inside zone with Jones/AR and Adams lead passing game (from shotgun)

3. A whole slew of runs, passes out of the backfield, receivers and TEs blocking with passion, some outside runs, moving pockets, screens and off balance attacks.

It’s hard to do one thing really well, so the Packers having a few is a huge bonus. The identity of not having a rigid identity should pay dividends against playoff defenses where you have to be able to adjust and hit them where they’re weak.

[RashanGary]

Defense strengths:

1. Redzone defense - I notice seasoned secondary’s and back 7s tend to play better between the 20s because it takes experience and discipline to really know when to take your shots without getting beat over the top. The Packers are young and talented so they play their best ball when they can take risks on the short field without being worried about getting beat over the top.

2. Big play/turnover defense - interceptions, sacks, forced fumbles.... this defense has its share of big splash plays

3. 3rd down defense. Smith, Smith and Clark lead the way with one of the NFLs more well rounded pass rush groups.



What they NEED to do, and it’s still possible with growth, is take better shots between the 20s. Seems like they take a risk when there isn’t help but then play tentative when there is. That’s what young players to. Hopefully the bye week gives their mind a reset and when they come back, guys like Alexander and King and Savage can all take another step in playing fast within the structure of the defense ie jumping routes when the help is there and playing safer when it isn’t. The optimism is that they have the talent and the guys are smart so they could gel at the right time here.

[RashanGary]

A huge bonus for the defense would be having the guys stay healthy.

Fixed pieces (Alexander/King/Savage/Amos/Martinez)
Situational pieces (Tramon/Campbell/Goodson/Sullivan/Redmond)

These guys are young and don’t have a lot of time together like some of the top defenses in the league. The bright side is they’re young and growth is likely if they get time together. Health will give our defense an opportunity to mesh into one of the leagues best defenses. I’m crossing my fingers there.

[pbmax]

Part of the problem on offense is Rodgers, I am now convinced.

He doesn't have receivers or the accuracy to keep going deep, but he keeps doing it. Its probably 30% him, 70% receivers on the failure to connect, but he keeps choosing to throw it.

Spend some time each game imagining that there is no Adams on the field.

[RashanGary]

We have a mostly heathy team
A bye week
A six game stretch with a bunch of injured/losing teams
An increasingly good chance at another bye six weeks from now


To me, the offense is on track. Just keep getting better at the take what they’re giving and don’t turn it over offensive identity. The defense really needs to gel. Subtleties like masking coverages, jumping routes when the help is there but playing smart when it isn’t.... they need to get to a more expert level of executing the adjustments and details.

The bye week to reset and then a heathy stretch gives these guys a chance to take that step. I’m crossing my fingers for this young but high potential defense!