Official Packers vs. Bucs NFC Title Game Discussion Thread

[Jaire]

The thing about it is the Saints are more consistent then Tampa but they didn’t have a chance in hell coming up here and beating us. Tampa isn’t as consistent but in a one game situation they can play pretty damn good so they are more of a threat. Huge advantage having the game here. I like where the spread is at. I just hope Pettine plays it correctly.

This

I don't think the Saints could possibly win.

Now it's a real game. I hope Pettine lets the dogs loose.

In his defense though, the Rams had FIVE drives for a total of 28 yards. This is not the old bend but don't break defense. It's a shut down defense that gives up a few drives. Goff had his best game imo (though I have not seen him much). The Rams played as well as they could and came up way short. Even snagging the one interception, they still lose.

Tampa has the horses. The Pack needs to bring it.

[Joemailman]

Godwin just got healthy
Evans just got healthy
AB just got acclaimated
Gronk freshly acclimated and in football shape
Brady just acclaimated

Good thing it's a cold weather game in Lambeau in mid January

All that, yet they couldn't put together an extended TD drive against the Saints. Their 3 TD drives, all set up by turnovers, were of 3, 20, and 40 yards. If Packers can make Brady play on a long field, Packers should have the advantage.

[George Cumby]

I'm trying to feel confident, but.......

I've got a bad feeling about this.........

[Fritz]

Packers revenge. As long as we run the A gaps and avoid off tackle which plays to their ILB’s speed (David and White) to allow play action to work it will be different results than prior game. Team is focused and hungry. Feels like destiny of 2011 all over.

I noticed that the Packers ran very few stretch plays against LA. They seemed to run right at the middle of the Ram defense. That may set them up for the Tampa Bay game - send the Green Bay running backs up the gut. I do like that The Flower seems so committed to the run - which is easier to do when you've got a good running game.

I think if they run a game plan similar to the one they had last week, they can force Brady and Company to have to go on long drives.

It's always, always about avoiding turnovers. The Saints had four. Ouch.

[Spaulding]

I'm trying to feel confident, but.......

I've got a bad feeling about this.........

A few shots of Jägermeister will do wonders for your optimism. Highly recommended.

[run pMc]

It's a bad matchup for GB.
I think GB will be up for a fight at home and want revenge from the beat-down earlier this season.

Turnovers -- as they often are -- will be the big factor. TB is beatable if they don't cause turnovers.

[RashanGary]

All that, yet they couldn't put together an extended TD drive against the Saints. Their 3 TD drives, all set up by turnovers, were of 3, 20, and 40 yards. If Packers can make Brady play on a long field, Packers should have the advantage.

The Saints, Packers (as of late), bucs and rams all have good defenses. The buccs offense is close to rolling. A bad weather game is perfect for those softness who practice in 78 and sunny every day. Time to see how they bodies handle the cold. I know the packers practice in it every day and should be fine.

[RashanGary]

I felt going in the Bucs and rams were worst case matchups. Rams missing kupp and Donald injury was a luck factor. Buccs playing in cold and wind when the WR's are the strength of the team is a luck factor. But I guess, if you're in 4 of the last 7 NFCC games, you bound to luck into a SB sooner than later. As tex says, consistent winning has it's advantages.

[GB-Brandon]

This

I don't think the Saints could possibly win.

Now it's a real game. I hope Pettine lets the dogs loose.

In his defense though, the Rams had FIVE drives for a total of 28 yards. This is not the old bend but don't break defense. It's a shut down defense that gives up a few drives. Goff had his best game imo (though I have not seen him much). The Rams played as well as they could and came up way short. Even snagging the one interception, they still lose.

Tampa has the horses. The Pack needs to bring it.

I can tell you this right now that Todd Bowles is gonna bring it!!!! He will call his defense with NO FEAR!!! Expect “Press Coverage” and them trying to disrupt Rodgers and passing lanes as much as possible while trying to get Packer receivers off their spot. They will anchor that to their no.1 ranked run defense.

[RashanGary]

It's a nice game to get Keke back off 3 weeks rest. Maybe 50% of snaps is due.


Clark 75% (every down)
Z 50% (pass)
Keke 50% (pass)
Lowry 50% (every down)
Snacks 37% (run)
Lancaster 37% (every down)

I feel like that rotation can hold up because guys are so rested and at full strength to be the best version of themselves. Clark has really come on late.

[RashanGary]

Probably a little more Z and keke this week and a lil less Snacks

[ZachMN]

Brady can't run or scramble. He will not perform if put off his spot which plays to OUR D. We don't match up with this type of D but should have had enough time to figure out a GP to take advantage of what they want to do and exploit them. We have 3 RB's to Grind them out for three quarters then let AROD loose. Again, Brady cannot move or scramble which kills our D. Roll the pocket out on these guys....

[RashanGary]

Gonna want to see king in press man more in this one. Brady is great at getting it out. Just gonna want to have to be sticky early in the routes to make sure he can't just get it out.

[smuggler]

Brady did not really play particularly well against the Bears or Saints. He won't be affected by the cold as much as the rest of the Bucs offense. I feel like we win this game 2 times out of 3. Now the question is, which universe are we living in?

[RashanGary]

Agree, smuggler, we have to be the favorite. Two good team's. Really glad this is at home. Gotta hang onto that ball tho.