Well, the wild-card round was pretty boring this year compared to normal. The Bengals offense couldn't convert a 3rd down the entire game. Joe Webb started at QB. The Ravens came out and crushed the Colts. RG3 got hurt early and everyone knew that the Seahawks were coming back for the win. Here's hoping that the divisional round is a little better, but know that I'm absolutely fine with another Packers blowout. Unfortunately, I did only go 2-2 in my picks last week, getting both AFC games wrong and nailing the NFC games.
First let me start off by saying that I will be shocked if the Ravens or Texans are able to win this weekend. We are headed on another Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady showdown for the AFC Championship, and I will admit that I am quite excited about that. I am picking both the Broncos and Patriots at home this week.
Also, I think that Seahawks at Falcons will be another great game. Right now I would pick the Falcons to win just because I think Mike Smith and Matt Ryan have to pull one off soon. Julio Jones and Roddy White both are excellent targets, and seeing them go against Sherman and Browner is definitely a matchup to watch. I know that Peyton Manning lost his first 3 playoff games, and not that Ryan is Peyton Manning, but I think that they have a chance with all of their offensive weapons to beat the Seahawks, so that's who I'm going to take.
Now to the most important game of the weekend, Packers at 49ers. This is a game that will definitely be won in the trenches. We all know that our offensive line has improved over the course of the season. Our pass rush is much better with Clay Matthews back, and Raji played like an absolute beast last week, tearing the Vikings up. One thing that could be absolutely huge is if we can have Starks back this week for our running game as is being reported by Tom Silverstein. The other major thing in this game is that we have to win the turnover battle. Rodgers was intercepted by Navarro Bowman in the last game and that is something that cannot happen again. Rodgers has been keeping it clean lately, but when your last few opponents have been the Vikings x2, Titans, and Bears. That's a little bit easier said than done. All in all, I have the Packers winning a close game over the 49ers, with the final score being 31-24.
Go Pack Go!
Packer Blog For WisconsinSportsTalk.com
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Will Packers vs. 49ers Rematch Be Different?
By: Matt Bove
In Week 1 of the season at Lambeau Field, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 30-22 in a game that was not even as close as that score idicates.
On Saturday, the scene will shift to Candlestick Park for an NFC Divisonal Round playoff game, and both teams are completly different. The 49ers physically dominated the Packers in the first matchup, but this Packers team is more than capable of turning the tables on San Francisco this time around.
The Packers have evolved as a team on both sides of the ball since Week 1. In the Week 1 loss, Cedric Benson only received nine carries and only ran for 18 yards on those carries. Mike McCarthy completly abandoned the running game and used Randall Cobb at running back a ton.
The Packers have averaged almost 30 carries per game since Week 9 and the Packers have averaged 122.5 yards per game since, which ranks 12th in the NFL. The Packers have appeared to have found a hot running back in Dujan Harris, who had over 100 total yards in the victory over Minnesota last weekend. He will find running room much tougher to find against San Francisco, but McCarthy has to keep the 49ers honest with it.
On defense, the Packers have overcome injuries and now are the healthiest that they have been all season. Charles Woodson returned last week and certianly looked like an upgrade over MD Jennings. Woodson was a key player in containing Adrian Peterson and the Packers will be calling on him to do the same against Frank Gore. Gore killed the Packers on the edges in the season opener and ran for 122 yards on only 16 carries, which comes out to a whopping seven yards per carry.
Another huge factor in the Packers' struggles on defense in Week 1 was the fact that Jarrett Bush started at corner over Sam Shields and was torched. Anytime Bush is on the field in a major role it has been a problem. When healthy this season, Shields has improved his tackling and has been very solid in coverage.
Also, Casey Heyward has greatly improved from Week 1 and has been one of the best corners in the NFL this season. Heyward was tied for fifth in the NFL in interceptions (5). Also, according to Pro Football Focus, Heyward led all NFL cornerbacks with a 31.1 passer rating by opposing quarterbacks when throwing at him.
Ther 49ers have changed greatly since Week 1 as well. Their biggest change was replacing starting quarterback Alex Smith with Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick made his first start on Monday Night Football in Week 11 vs. Chicago and has impressed ever since.
Kaepernick is an amazing dual threat quarterback who can beat you with the read-option and by throwing down the field. He makes the 49ers much harder to prepare for, but he will offer up more chances for tunrovers than Smith would. Also, Smith has playoff experience and this will be Kaepernick's first career playoff start. He has not let the moment get to big for him in the regular season, but who knows what might happen in the postseason.
On the defensive side for San Francisco the health of Justin Smith may be the key of the whole game. Smith has torn triceps and is esxpected to play, but nobody knows how effective he can be with the injury. The 49ers looked terrible without Smith at New England and at Seattle. Without Smith in the lineup, Aldon Smith has not recorded a sack. That duo has been lethal off of stunts togther and they need that to be successful.
However, the defense approach the Packers will be seeing from San Francisco might be different from what they saw last weekend and for the majority of the season. According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinels Tyler Dunne, an NFC scout told him that the 49ers might throw something different at the Packers.
" If they feel they can effectively take away the middle of the field, it just seems that that's been their M.O.," the scout said of San Francisco. "They take away the middle of the field because that's the easiest place for the quarterback to complete it. They"ll say, Listen, if you're going to be making 25-yard bombs on the outside, that sucks but we're going to live with it. We're not going to let you bleed us to death. That's kind of been their M.O. And when you want to throw deep, it's 'our pressure isn't going to let you get off the throw you want to."'
Teams who have blitzed Rodgers and have dared him to beat them deep have been torched. It is interesting that the 49ers would approach the Packers this way, but if any defense can stop him that way it is them. I will be very curious to see if they come out in the looks that the scout detailed in that quote.
This is such an interesting matchup because it really tests out the theory that you have to have an elite quarterback to win. The Packers have an elite quarterback who is hot right now, but you can argue the 49ers have an advantage at every other position other than wide reciever. Rodgers and his recievers will have to be good enough to overcome the 49ers' talent advantage on the offensive and defensive lines. They're certianly capable of doing that if they play their "A" games.
In Week 1 of the season at Lambeau Field, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 30-22 in a game that was not even as close as that score idicates.
On Saturday, the scene will shift to Candlestick Park for an NFC Divisonal Round playoff game, and both teams are completly different. The 49ers physically dominated the Packers in the first matchup, but this Packers team is more than capable of turning the tables on San Francisco this time around.
The Packers have evolved as a team on both sides of the ball since Week 1. In the Week 1 loss, Cedric Benson only received nine carries and only ran for 18 yards on those carries. Mike McCarthy completly abandoned the running game and used Randall Cobb at running back a ton.
The Packers have averaged almost 30 carries per game since Week 9 and the Packers have averaged 122.5 yards per game since, which ranks 12th in the NFL. The Packers have appeared to have found a hot running back in Dujan Harris, who had over 100 total yards in the victory over Minnesota last weekend. He will find running room much tougher to find against San Francisco, but McCarthy has to keep the 49ers honest with it.
On defense, the Packers have overcome injuries and now are the healthiest that they have been all season. Charles Woodson returned last week and certianly looked like an upgrade over MD Jennings. Woodson was a key player in containing Adrian Peterson and the Packers will be calling on him to do the same against Frank Gore. Gore killed the Packers on the edges in the season opener and ran for 122 yards on only 16 carries, which comes out to a whopping seven yards per carry.
Another huge factor in the Packers' struggles on defense in Week 1 was the fact that Jarrett Bush started at corner over Sam Shields and was torched. Anytime Bush is on the field in a major role it has been a problem. When healthy this season, Shields has improved his tackling and has been very solid in coverage.
Also, Casey Heyward has greatly improved from Week 1 and has been one of the best corners in the NFL this season. Heyward was tied for fifth in the NFL in interceptions (5). Also, according to Pro Football Focus, Heyward led all NFL cornerbacks with a 31.1 passer rating by opposing quarterbacks when throwing at him.
Ther 49ers have changed greatly since Week 1 as well. Their biggest change was replacing starting quarterback Alex Smith with Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick made his first start on Monday Night Football in Week 11 vs. Chicago and has impressed ever since.
Kaepernick is an amazing dual threat quarterback who can beat you with the read-option and by throwing down the field. He makes the 49ers much harder to prepare for, but he will offer up more chances for tunrovers than Smith would. Also, Smith has playoff experience and this will be Kaepernick's first career playoff start. He has not let the moment get to big for him in the regular season, but who knows what might happen in the postseason.
On the defensive side for San Francisco the health of Justin Smith may be the key of the whole game. Smith has torn triceps and is esxpected to play, but nobody knows how effective he can be with the injury. The 49ers looked terrible without Smith at New England and at Seattle. Without Smith in the lineup, Aldon Smith has not recorded a sack. That duo has been lethal off of stunts togther and they need that to be successful.
However, the defense approach the Packers will be seeing from San Francisco might be different from what they saw last weekend and for the majority of the season. According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinels Tyler Dunne, an NFC scout told him that the 49ers might throw something different at the Packers.
" If they feel they can effectively take away the middle of the field, it just seems that that's been their M.O.," the scout said of San Francisco. "They take away the middle of the field because that's the easiest place for the quarterback to complete it. They"ll say, Listen, if you're going to be making 25-yard bombs on the outside, that sucks but we're going to live with it. We're not going to let you bleed us to death. That's kind of been their M.O. And when you want to throw deep, it's 'our pressure isn't going to let you get off the throw you want to."'
Teams who have blitzed Rodgers and have dared him to beat them deep have been torched. It is interesting that the 49ers would approach the Packers this way, but if any defense can stop him that way it is them. I will be very curious to see if they come out in the looks that the scout detailed in that quote.
This is such an interesting matchup because it really tests out the theory that you have to have an elite quarterback to win. The Packers have an elite quarterback who is hot right now, but you can argue the 49ers have an advantage at every other position other than wide reciever. Rodgers and his recievers will have to be good enough to overcome the 49ers' talent advantage on the offensive and defensive lines. They're certianly capable of doing that if they play their "A" games.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Full Arsenal of Weapons Healthy For Playoffs
By: Matt Bove
Most of the talk leading up to Saturday's playoff matchup with the Vikings has been centered around the Packers trying to contain Adrian Peterson. While that will no doubt be a huge factor in the game, what also is interesting is that the Packers seem to be getting healthy and clicking of offense at just the right time.
The Vikings have just as big of a challenge in stopping Rodgers and company as the Packers do in containing Peterson. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb were both full participants in practice on Thursday and are expected to play. That means that for the first time since Week 3 at Seattle Nelson, Cobb, Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley and James Jones will all be healthy at the same time.
The Packers have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position, but we have not really have had the privilege to watch them all play together this season. Jennings missed Week 2 vs. Chicago due to an abdominal muscle injury and then missed seven consecutive games during the middle of the season when he re-aggravated the injury during Week 4 vs. New Orleans. When Jennings returned Week 13 vs. Minnesota, Nelson injured his ankle and missed the next three games. They could have had everybody available last week at Minnesota, but Cobb injured his ankle vs. Tennessee and was forced to miss the game. Jones is the only player who has been available for every game.
How the Packers deploy these weapons will be one of the most intriguing aspects of the game. Since it is the playoffs, Nelson and Cobb should have no snap limitations. Where will they line up on the field is the key issue. Jennings took over Cobb's slot position and played brilliantly, as he caught a team leading eight passes and had two touchdowns.
The Packers are so deep that you can argue that Jones is their fourth best wide receiver and he leads the NFL in touchdown catches with 13. Nelson and Jones figure to line up on the outside mostly, but it will be interesting to see where Cobb and Jennings line up. Jennings is probably the more versatile player, so I would guess that he will see more time on the outside.
Whoever plays in the slot should have a significant advantage if Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield is limited or cannot play. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier told reporters at his press conference that Winfield was wearing a soft cast and was feeling better. He left the game last week at halftime because he could not tolerate the pain of his broken hand. According to Pro Football Focus, Winfield's replacement Marcus Sherels was targeted 10 times for nine receptions and allowed 162 yards. His biggest blunder was when he was caught flat-footed and Nelson ran by him for a 73-yard reception.
Also, Jermichael Finley is very versatile and he can line up at tight end, in the slot or split out wide. So it will be very intriguing to see what the plan is with him as well, since he has been playing his best football of the season down the stretch.
While the Packers have an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver, they also have a trio of running backs that the Vikings will have to prepare for. The Packers have been riding whoever has the hot hand between DuJuan Harris, Ryan Grant and Alex Green lately. It has been successful, as the Packers have averaged 118.8 yards per game on the ground over their last five games.
Against Tennessee two weeks ago, it was Grant who had the hot hand, as he rushed for 80 yards on 20 carries. Last week, Grant struggled early and Harris ended up rushing for 70 yards on 14 carries. Harris is a very interesting player who could have an impact like James Starks had in the 2010 Super Bowl run.
Harris signed with Jacksonville last year as an undrafted rookie free agent and rushed for 42 yards on nine carries in his limited playing time. The Jaguars cut him on Aug. 25 and he was claimed by the Pittsburgh Steelers off waivers before they released him on Aug. 31. Harris was out of the NFL until the Packers signed him to their practice squad on Oct. 24.
Listed at 5-foot-8 and 203 pounds, Harris is unlike any running back the Packers have had in recent memory. He may be short, but he definitely is not small and does not play small. Harris is built very strongly and is extremely powerful. He has been a violent and punishing runner despite being only 5-foot-8. Harris has also been very patient and has attacked the right holes the majority of the time.
Since, Harris came to the team so late in the season it has taken him awhile to pick up the pass protection schemes. Protecting Aaron Rodgers is paramount for any Packers running back, so the coaches were only using Harris on mostly running games in his first few games with the Packers. As he has learned more of the playbook lately, the coaches have been using him in pass protection more, which obviously makes the offense more predictable. Harris has a lot of potential and it will be interesting to see how he develops in the future as well as how he contributes this postseason.
Rodgers and this offense are playing their best football of the season at the perfect time. In their last three games the Packers have averaged 36.6 points per game and 431.6 yards of total offense. Rodgers in particular has been on fire over the last three games; he has thrown 10 touchdowns, 998 yards and has a 124.6 passer rating over that stretch. The running game has backed teams out of the Cover-2 a little bit and Rodgers has had more opportunities to take deep shots down the field.
Getting everybody back healthy should allow the Packers' offense to continue its momentum into the playoffs. When it's as hot as it is right now very few teams can keep up with the Packers. They have been solid on offense all season, but have been looking to find the greatness that they had established last season, and it appears that they may have found it. Stopping Adrian Peterson will be a monumental task, but stopping Rodgers and company is an equally tough task for Minnesota.
Monday, December 31, 2012
2013 Playoffs
Well, it's that great time of year again where the Packers are in the playoffs. I really wish that we weren't playing the Vikings or playing this weekend at all, but maybe that's what is better for us since byes haven't really worked out so great for people so far. Well let's take a look at each team that is in and how they have done so far this season.
NFC 1. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
The Falcons were undefeated the longest on the season before they lost to the New Orleans Saints. During their undefeated run they beat both of the playoff teams they played this season, the Washington Redskins (24-17) and the Denver Broncos (27-21). This might be the year that Matt Ryan can finally win a playoff game, because every time he has lost to a team going to the Super Bowl (Cardinals, Packers, Giants). I honestly think that it is going to come down to a matchup game for them, and it remains to be seen if they can stay up with a playoff team at this time in the season.
AFC 1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
We all know the story of their offseason, they traded Tim Tebow to the Jets (how is that working for you Jets fans?) and they had signed Peyton Manning. Manning simply looks like his old self, plays in much more difficult conditions (who wants to go play in mile high to get rid of Manning?) And the Broncos haven't lost since week 5. Granted that was the toughest part of their schedule. They are 2-3 against playoff teams this season with losses to the Falcons (21-27), Texans (25-31), and Patriots (21-31) and wins over the Bengals (31-23) and Ravens (34-17). Broncos are certainly hot at the right time of the year.
NFC 2. San Fransisco 49ers (11-4-1)
The 49ers have had an extremely interesting season, with Alex Smith getting hurt and Harbaugh deciding to play Kaepernick the rest of the year. A move that could pay great dividends. Despite their overall great record, the 49ers were just a puzzling team to me this year, seeming to have inconsistent play. The 49ers went 3-2 against playoff teams with wins against the Packers (30-22), Seahawks (13-6), and Patriots (41-34). Their losses were to the Vikings (24-13) and Seahawks (42-13). I think that they will have difficulty in the playoffs, and I hope that they play the Packers next weekend and promptly get eliminated.
AFC 2. New England Patriots (12-4)
The Patriots have not been their usually selves this season. Usually they are unstoppable in December, but they lost to the 49ers at home this year. Their ground game has been better than normal, and they did just get Gronkowski back from an injury, which makes all of their fans about 30x happier. The Patriots are only 3-3 against playoff teams this year. Wins coming over the Broncos (31-21), Colts (59-24), and Texans (42-14), and with losses to the Ravens (30-31), Seahawks (23-24), and 49ers (34-41). If there is anything to be seen in those scores, it is that the Patriots have struggled in close games against teams with a strong defense. They need to hope to keep blowing out their opposition in the postseason.
Wild Card Games:
Bengals (10-6) at Texans (12-4) 4:30 PM EST on NBC.
Most of the season people have been talking about how the Texans are the best team in football. Meanwhile, the Texans have dropped 3 of their last 4 games. The Bengals have also won 6 of their last 7. I think that there is a great chance for the Bengals to win this game, which is quite a high respect for the Bengals considering I picked the Texans to go to the Super Bowl before the season started. I just cannot continue to pick the Texans because Matt Schaub looks worse than he did last season. I don't know if they hid his injury through their great rushing attack this year or what. But I am going to pick a ginger and say that Andy Dalton and the Bengals get an upset win in Houston (34-21). (If the Bengals win they play the Broncos, Texans win they play the Patriots).
Vikings (10-6) at Packers (11-5) 8 PM EST on NBC.
There are a lot of things I can say about the Packers this season. We have played well through injuries. We have gotten a lot of experience for our younger players, which is great. That being said, Adrian Peterson is the NFL MVP (IMO), he came back from his ACL tear and tore up the NFL this season. I live in Oklahoma so everyone here loves Peterson and a lot of them even cheer for the Vikings because of him, and because the regional team is Dallas, and who wants to cheer for them. That being said I think the key to this 3rd meeting between our teams is the turnover battle. The Packers forced 2 turnovers in the first game with interceptions by Ponder and that was the last game the Vikings have lost. Vikings protected the ball better and didn't allow a single turnover yesterday, although I believe that Peterson non-fumble was an incredibly close call. Truthfully I think the Packers win a tight game 31-27.
Colts (11-5) at Ravens (10-6) 1 PM EST on CBS
#ChuckStrong. I really have enjoyed the Colts this season and everything that has happened with Chuck Pagano, except for when they beat the Packers in week 5. But I think they will beat the Ravens and I'm not terribly convinced that it will be too close. Ravens just haven't been themselves this year. Their defense isn't as good, Flacco is still inconsistent. I think Andrew Luck leads them to a playoff win in his first season, and based on his td pass to TY Hilton yesterday, probably deserves to be the ROY. Colts win 34-17.
Seahawks (11-5) at Redskins (10-6) 4:30 PM EST on FOX
This is the most excited I have been for a wild card game in quite some time. RG3 and Russel Wilson. If this game was in the state of Washington, I wouldn't even give the Redskins a shot. But there is no way I am picking against the Seahawks, even with the Redskins winning their last 7 games to win the NFC East. Lynch is running strong, their defense is playing great. I just think that they have a defense that can shut down RG3 and Alfred Morris. Seahawks win 41-20.
If these picks are correct then in 2 weeks we will see
Packers @ 49ers
Seahawks @ Falcons
Colts @ Patriots
Bengals @ Broncos
Thanks for reading this and I hope you have a Happy New Year. Go Pack Go!!
NFC 1. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
The Falcons were undefeated the longest on the season before they lost to the New Orleans Saints. During their undefeated run they beat both of the playoff teams they played this season, the Washington Redskins (24-17) and the Denver Broncos (27-21). This might be the year that Matt Ryan can finally win a playoff game, because every time he has lost to a team going to the Super Bowl (Cardinals, Packers, Giants). I honestly think that it is going to come down to a matchup game for them, and it remains to be seen if they can stay up with a playoff team at this time in the season.
AFC 1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
We all know the story of their offseason, they traded Tim Tebow to the Jets (how is that working for you Jets fans?) and they had signed Peyton Manning. Manning simply looks like his old self, plays in much more difficult conditions (who wants to go play in mile high to get rid of Manning?) And the Broncos haven't lost since week 5. Granted that was the toughest part of their schedule. They are 2-3 against playoff teams this season with losses to the Falcons (21-27), Texans (25-31), and Patriots (21-31) and wins over the Bengals (31-23) and Ravens (34-17). Broncos are certainly hot at the right time of the year.
NFC 2. San Fransisco 49ers (11-4-1)
The 49ers have had an extremely interesting season, with Alex Smith getting hurt and Harbaugh deciding to play Kaepernick the rest of the year. A move that could pay great dividends. Despite their overall great record, the 49ers were just a puzzling team to me this year, seeming to have inconsistent play. The 49ers went 3-2 against playoff teams with wins against the Packers (30-22), Seahawks (13-6), and Patriots (41-34). Their losses were to the Vikings (24-13) and Seahawks (42-13). I think that they will have difficulty in the playoffs, and I hope that they play the Packers next weekend and promptly get eliminated.
AFC 2. New England Patriots (12-4)
The Patriots have not been their usually selves this season. Usually they are unstoppable in December, but they lost to the 49ers at home this year. Their ground game has been better than normal, and they did just get Gronkowski back from an injury, which makes all of their fans about 30x happier. The Patriots are only 3-3 against playoff teams this year. Wins coming over the Broncos (31-21), Colts (59-24), and Texans (42-14), and with losses to the Ravens (30-31), Seahawks (23-24), and 49ers (34-41). If there is anything to be seen in those scores, it is that the Patriots have struggled in close games against teams with a strong defense. They need to hope to keep blowing out their opposition in the postseason.
Wild Card Games:
Bengals (10-6) at Texans (12-4) 4:30 PM EST on NBC.
Most of the season people have been talking about how the Texans are the best team in football. Meanwhile, the Texans have dropped 3 of their last 4 games. The Bengals have also won 6 of their last 7. I think that there is a great chance for the Bengals to win this game, which is quite a high respect for the Bengals considering I picked the Texans to go to the Super Bowl before the season started. I just cannot continue to pick the Texans because Matt Schaub looks worse than he did last season. I don't know if they hid his injury through their great rushing attack this year or what. But I am going to pick a ginger and say that Andy Dalton and the Bengals get an upset win in Houston (34-21). (If the Bengals win they play the Broncos, Texans win they play the Patriots).
Vikings (10-6) at Packers (11-5) 8 PM EST on NBC.
There are a lot of things I can say about the Packers this season. We have played well through injuries. We have gotten a lot of experience for our younger players, which is great. That being said, Adrian Peterson is the NFL MVP (IMO), he came back from his ACL tear and tore up the NFL this season. I live in Oklahoma so everyone here loves Peterson and a lot of them even cheer for the Vikings because of him, and because the regional team is Dallas, and who wants to cheer for them. That being said I think the key to this 3rd meeting between our teams is the turnover battle. The Packers forced 2 turnovers in the first game with interceptions by Ponder and that was the last game the Vikings have lost. Vikings protected the ball better and didn't allow a single turnover yesterday, although I believe that Peterson non-fumble was an incredibly close call. Truthfully I think the Packers win a tight game 31-27.
Colts (11-5) at Ravens (10-6) 1 PM EST on CBS
#ChuckStrong. I really have enjoyed the Colts this season and everything that has happened with Chuck Pagano, except for when they beat the Packers in week 5. But I think they will beat the Ravens and I'm not terribly convinced that it will be too close. Ravens just haven't been themselves this year. Their defense isn't as good, Flacco is still inconsistent. I think Andrew Luck leads them to a playoff win in his first season, and based on his td pass to TY Hilton yesterday, probably deserves to be the ROY. Colts win 34-17.
Seahawks (11-5) at Redskins (10-6) 4:30 PM EST on FOX
This is the most excited I have been for a wild card game in quite some time. RG3 and Russel Wilson. If this game was in the state of Washington, I wouldn't even give the Redskins a shot. But there is no way I am picking against the Seahawks, even with the Redskins winning their last 7 games to win the NFC East. Lynch is running strong, their defense is playing great. I just think that they have a defense that can shut down RG3 and Alfred Morris. Seahawks win 41-20.
If these picks are correct then in 2 weeks we will see
Packers @ 49ers
Seahawks @ Falcons
Colts @ Patriots
Bengals @ Broncos
Thanks for reading this and I hope you have a Happy New Year. Go Pack Go!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Neal Redeeming Himself
By: Matt Bove
When Mike Neal was suspended for the first four games of the 2012 regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy it looked he was going to end up being a bust.
The 6-foot-3, 294 pound defensive lineman was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Neal was considered a reach at the time by most NFL Draft analysts. He was viewed as having great potential, but he never really lived up to it at Purdue, mostly due to injuries.
Neal only played in two games as a rookie before injuring his shoulder vs. Washington and having to have season-ending shoulder surgery. Neal had a sack in that game and Washington head coach Mike Shannhan raved about him after the game, so it was a very disappointing injury as he seemed to be progressing.
The Packers had so much confidence in Neal heading into the 2011 season that they let Cullen Jenkins go to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Jenkins was a key member of the 2010 Super Bowl team and the Packers were counting on Neal to replace his inside pass rush. That decision backfired, as Neal had to have knee surgery after injuring his knee in a non-contact drill in training camp.
Neal returned Week 11 vs. Tampa Bay, but was never 100% the rest of the season and made only a minimal impact. The Packers were never able to replace Jenkins' pass rush last season and that was the downfall of their whole season.
With Neal's injury history the Packers certainly could not trust him again heading into this season. The Packers drafted Jerel Worthy in the second round and Mike Daniels in the fourth round in last April NFL Draft to bolster the defensive line. They also brought in free agents Daniel Muir, Anthony Hargrove and Phillip Merling to add competition as well.
Once Neal got suspended it was very easy to see him getting lost in the shuffle with all of these new players. He would have to stay healthy in training camp and produce or risk being cut. Neal told Zach Heilprin of ESPN Milwaukee.com that he didn't even think he was going to stick around.
"After I got suspended, and I saw the way that the draft went and all the guys that they brought in, I knew my chances of making the team were probably slim, Neal said. "That's just how I looked at it from my perspective. They may not have thought that, but that's pretty much how I looked at it."
Neal earned his roster spot in camp and once he returned from his suspension in Week 5 at Indianapolis he has not looked back. He earned his first sack in about two years in his first game back and has been a solid pass rusher for the Packers ever since.
Neal has not missed a game due to injury this year, which is a huge accomplishment for him. Not only has he been on the field, but he has been producing as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Neal has 18 pressures in 178 pass rushing snaps this year, which is the fourth best rate among all 3-4 DE's in the NFL. Also, Neal is second on the team with 4.5 sacks in 10 games this season.
Neal was used almost entirely as a pass-rushing specialist in sub-packages until two weeks ago. Injuries to C.J. Wilson and Worthy have forced Neal to take on a larger role in the base defense. Neal has turned into an even bigger force with Clay Matthews back in the lineup. According to Pro Football Focus, Neal has three sacks and three quarterback hurries in the last three games with Matthews back. Having Neal and Matthews pass rushing and running stunts together has become deadly in the past two weeks, much like it was with Matthews and Jenkins.
Neal is one of the most athletically gifted players on the team, especially for his size. His upper-body strength is absolutely amazing and when you combine that with his athleticism you get a pass rushing force. This is what Ted Thompson saw when he selected him in the second round in 2010. Neal has completely turned his career around this year and he is a prime example of why you should never give up on a player to early.
When Mike Neal was suspended for the first four games of the 2012 regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy it looked he was going to end up being a bust.
The 6-foot-3, 294 pound defensive lineman was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Neal was considered a reach at the time by most NFL Draft analysts. He was viewed as having great potential, but he never really lived up to it at Purdue, mostly due to injuries.
Neal only played in two games as a rookie before injuring his shoulder vs. Washington and having to have season-ending shoulder surgery. Neal had a sack in that game and Washington head coach Mike Shannhan raved about him after the game, so it was a very disappointing injury as he seemed to be progressing.
The Packers had so much confidence in Neal heading into the 2011 season that they let Cullen Jenkins go to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Jenkins was a key member of the 2010 Super Bowl team and the Packers were counting on Neal to replace his inside pass rush. That decision backfired, as Neal had to have knee surgery after injuring his knee in a non-contact drill in training camp.
Neal returned Week 11 vs. Tampa Bay, but was never 100% the rest of the season and made only a minimal impact. The Packers were never able to replace Jenkins' pass rush last season and that was the downfall of their whole season.
With Neal's injury history the Packers certainly could not trust him again heading into this season. The Packers drafted Jerel Worthy in the second round and Mike Daniels in the fourth round in last April NFL Draft to bolster the defensive line. They also brought in free agents Daniel Muir, Anthony Hargrove and Phillip Merling to add competition as well.
Once Neal got suspended it was very easy to see him getting lost in the shuffle with all of these new players. He would have to stay healthy in training camp and produce or risk being cut. Neal told Zach Heilprin of ESPN Milwaukee.com that he didn't even think he was going to stick around.
"After I got suspended, and I saw the way that the draft went and all the guys that they brought in, I knew my chances of making the team were probably slim, Neal said. "That's just how I looked at it from my perspective. They may not have thought that, but that's pretty much how I looked at it."
Neal earned his roster spot in camp and once he returned from his suspension in Week 5 at Indianapolis he has not looked back. He earned his first sack in about two years in his first game back and has been a solid pass rusher for the Packers ever since.
Neal has not missed a game due to injury this year, which is a huge accomplishment for him. Not only has he been on the field, but he has been producing as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Neal has 18 pressures in 178 pass rushing snaps this year, which is the fourth best rate among all 3-4 DE's in the NFL. Also, Neal is second on the team with 4.5 sacks in 10 games this season.
Neal was used almost entirely as a pass-rushing specialist in sub-packages until two weeks ago. Injuries to C.J. Wilson and Worthy have forced Neal to take on a larger role in the base defense. Neal has turned into an even bigger force with Clay Matthews back in the lineup. According to Pro Football Focus, Neal has three sacks and three quarterback hurries in the last three games with Matthews back. Having Neal and Matthews pass rushing and running stunts together has become deadly in the past two weeks, much like it was with Matthews and Jenkins.
Neal is one of the most athletically gifted players on the team, especially for his size. His upper-body strength is absolutely amazing and when you combine that with his athleticism you get a pass rushing force. This is what Ted Thompson saw when he selected him in the second round in 2010. Neal has completely turned his career around this year and he is a prime example of why you should never give up on a player to early.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
NFC North Dominance Starts With Rodgers
By: Matt Bove
After Sunday's win at Chicago, the Green Bay Packers have now won an astounding 12 consecutive games against their NFC North division rivals. This is really an incredible accomplishment because of how well the division teams know each other and how hard they play against each other.
The NFC North is a solid division this year and has been for the last few years. So what separates the Packers from the Bears, Lions and Vikings? Simply put, it is the fact that the Packers have Aaron Rodgers and the ither quarterbacks on the other three teams range from mediocre to poor. It is no coincidence that the last time the Packers lost a division game was when Rodgers got hurt in a 2010 game at Detroit in Week 14.
If you look at the rosters of these four teams, the only clear advantages the Packers have over their division rivals are at quarterback and wide receiver. Also, the Packers probably have a better secondary than the Lions and Vikings, but the Packers' defense as a whole is not far and away better than what the Lions and the Vikings have. All four NFC North teams have very solid front sevens that feature elite pass rushers. Also, none of the teams in the division have a great offensive line. As as usually is the case on most NFL teams, the quarterback makes all the difference.
The difference between Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler was on display again on Sunday, just as it is every time the Packers and Bears have matched up. The Packers and Rodgers have owned Cutler and the Bears recently, as the Packers are 8-1 vs. the Bears since Cutler took over as quarterback in 2009 (Cutler did not start in the Packers' Week 16 victory over the Bears in 2011). Cutler has thrown seven touchdowns to 18 interceptions in his eight career starts against Green Bay. Also, he has been sacked 30 times and has a 56.9 passer rating in those game
Rodgers is the antithesis of Cutler as a leader and as a player. Rodgers will not make the same dumb decisions and he will not throw the dumb interceptions that Cutler does. Also, he has a much better personality on and off the field and he will not throw his teammates and coaches under the bus the way that Cutler has during games. Both Rodgers and Cutler have had to deal with offensive line issues this season, but one player has been able to overcome them while the other hasn't.
Rodgers had one of his best games of the season on Sunday, while Cutler did what he usually does. Rodgers had a bunch of "wow" throws that made it seem like it was 2011 all over again. He made amazing throws to beat the Bears' Cover-2 defense to Jermichael Finley and Randall Cobb down the middle of the field for completions of 31 yards and 29 yards respectively.
On 3rd-and-6 from the Packers' 34 yard line, Rodgers got pressured up the middle, rolled out to his right and threw an absolute dart to Cobb on the sideline for a 31-yard gain. He threw it where only Cobb could catch it in between two defenders and that play got the offense rolling. Also, Rodgers threw three touchdowns to James Jones, including an unstoppable back shoulder throw.
Meanwhile, Cutler only completed passes to one wide receiver, was sacked four times and threw what was really a game changing interception right into Casey Heyward's chest right with 1:36 left in the first half. This allowed the Packers to get a score at the end of the first half and on the opening drive of the second half to take a 21-7 lead.
The quarterbacks have also been the difference in the games against the Lions and Vikings this season. Matthew Stafford has some similarities to Cutler. He had a great season last year, but has majorly regressed this season. Stafford has great talent, but often locks in on Calvin Johnson to much, makes poor decisions, has accuracy that comes and goes and he is not a great leader.
In Packers and Lions' first meeting in Detroit on November 8th this season, Stafford had three turnovers, including a pick-six to M.D. Jennings. After Rodgers led the Packers on a drive late in the fourth quarter to take the lead, Stafford had plenty of time to tie the game with a field goal or win it with a touchdown. He ended up doing neither, as he did not even get a first down or even attempt a pass to Johnson on all four plays. The Packers won because Rodgers made the plays late that Stafford didn't make and Rodgers didn't make the mistakes that Stafford made with turnovers throughout the game.
A similar game took place 10 days ago at Lambeau Field between Green Bay and Detroit. Detroit had a 14-0 lead and was dominating the Packers in every facet of the game. Then in the second quarter, Stafford inexplicably fumbled when he was attempting a pass and Mike Daniels ran it back for a touchdown. The Packers never looked back and won 27-20. Rodgers didn't have a great game, but he didn't make the big mistake that Stafford made yet again.
Comparing Rodgers to Christian Ponder is obviously laughable, as Ponder may not even be a starting caliber NFL quarterback. However, even if the Vikings just had a competent quarterback, they could have beaten the Packers in their Week 13 matchup at Lambeau. Adrian Peterson ran wild on the ground for an astounding 210 yards, yet Ponder could not even complete a single pass to a wide receiver until late in the fourth quarter. He threw a killer interception to Morgan Burnett in the end zone when the Vikings were ready to go ahead 21-10. Ponder threw another interception to Burnett with the Vikings driving and only trailing 20-14. The quarterback difference between these two teams is obvious.
The Packers' run of 12 consecutive division wins is pretty overlooked considering how remarkable it is. Mike McCarthy deserves a lot of credit as well, as he has out-coached all of his division head coaching counterparts. However, without Rodgers this win streak would not have been possible. Until the Lions, Bears and Vikings can compete with the Packers at the quarterback position, the Packers will continue to rack up division wins.
After Sunday's win at Chicago, the Green Bay Packers have now won an astounding 12 consecutive games against their NFC North division rivals. This is really an incredible accomplishment because of how well the division teams know each other and how hard they play against each other.
The NFC North is a solid division this year and has been for the last few years. So what separates the Packers from the Bears, Lions and Vikings? Simply put, it is the fact that the Packers have Aaron Rodgers and the ither quarterbacks on the other three teams range from mediocre to poor. It is no coincidence that the last time the Packers lost a division game was when Rodgers got hurt in a 2010 game at Detroit in Week 14.
If you look at the rosters of these four teams, the only clear advantages the Packers have over their division rivals are at quarterback and wide receiver. Also, the Packers probably have a better secondary than the Lions and Vikings, but the Packers' defense as a whole is not far and away better than what the Lions and the Vikings have. All four NFC North teams have very solid front sevens that feature elite pass rushers. Also, none of the teams in the division have a great offensive line. As as usually is the case on most NFL teams, the quarterback makes all the difference.
The difference between Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler was on display again on Sunday, just as it is every time the Packers and Bears have matched up. The Packers and Rodgers have owned Cutler and the Bears recently, as the Packers are 8-1 vs. the Bears since Cutler took over as quarterback in 2009 (Cutler did not start in the Packers' Week 16 victory over the Bears in 2011). Cutler has thrown seven touchdowns to 18 interceptions in his eight career starts against Green Bay. Also, he has been sacked 30 times and has a 56.9 passer rating in those game
Rodgers is the antithesis of Cutler as a leader and as a player. Rodgers will not make the same dumb decisions and he will not throw the dumb interceptions that Cutler does. Also, he has a much better personality on and off the field and he will not throw his teammates and coaches under the bus the way that Cutler has during games. Both Rodgers and Cutler have had to deal with offensive line issues this season, but one player has been able to overcome them while the other hasn't.
Rodgers had one of his best games of the season on Sunday, while Cutler did what he usually does. Rodgers had a bunch of "wow" throws that made it seem like it was 2011 all over again. He made amazing throws to beat the Bears' Cover-2 defense to Jermichael Finley and Randall Cobb down the middle of the field for completions of 31 yards and 29 yards respectively.
On 3rd-and-6 from the Packers' 34 yard line, Rodgers got pressured up the middle, rolled out to his right and threw an absolute dart to Cobb on the sideline for a 31-yard gain. He threw it where only Cobb could catch it in between two defenders and that play got the offense rolling. Also, Rodgers threw three touchdowns to James Jones, including an unstoppable back shoulder throw.
Meanwhile, Cutler only completed passes to one wide receiver, was sacked four times and threw what was really a game changing interception right into Casey Heyward's chest right with 1:36 left in the first half. This allowed the Packers to get a score at the end of the first half and on the opening drive of the second half to take a 21-7 lead.
The quarterbacks have also been the difference in the games against the Lions and Vikings this season. Matthew Stafford has some similarities to Cutler. He had a great season last year, but has majorly regressed this season. Stafford has great talent, but often locks in on Calvin Johnson to much, makes poor decisions, has accuracy that comes and goes and he is not a great leader.
In Packers and Lions' first meeting in Detroit on November 8th this season, Stafford had three turnovers, including a pick-six to M.D. Jennings. After Rodgers led the Packers on a drive late in the fourth quarter to take the lead, Stafford had plenty of time to tie the game with a field goal or win it with a touchdown. He ended up doing neither, as he did not even get a first down or even attempt a pass to Johnson on all four plays. The Packers won because Rodgers made the plays late that Stafford didn't make and Rodgers didn't make the mistakes that Stafford made with turnovers throughout the game.
A similar game took place 10 days ago at Lambeau Field between Green Bay and Detroit. Detroit had a 14-0 lead and was dominating the Packers in every facet of the game. Then in the second quarter, Stafford inexplicably fumbled when he was attempting a pass and Mike Daniels ran it back for a touchdown. The Packers never looked back and won 27-20. Rodgers didn't have a great game, but he didn't make the big mistake that Stafford made yet again.
Comparing Rodgers to Christian Ponder is obviously laughable, as Ponder may not even be a starting caliber NFL quarterback. However, even if the Vikings just had a competent quarterback, they could have beaten the Packers in their Week 13 matchup at Lambeau. Adrian Peterson ran wild on the ground for an astounding 210 yards, yet Ponder could not even complete a single pass to a wide receiver until late in the fourth quarter. He threw a killer interception to Morgan Burnett in the end zone when the Vikings were ready to go ahead 21-10. Ponder threw another interception to Burnett with the Vikings driving and only trailing 20-14. The quarterback difference between these two teams is obvious.
The Packers' run of 12 consecutive division wins is pretty overlooked considering how remarkable it is. Mike McCarthy deserves a lot of credit as well, as he has out-coached all of his division head coaching counterparts. However, without Rodgers this win streak would not have been possible. Until the Lions, Bears and Vikings can compete with the Packers at the quarterback position, the Packers will continue to rack up division wins.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
NFC North Champions
Well, life has been crazy so it's been a little while since my last post. But here is what everything looks like heading into the postseason. Right now the Packers have the 3rd spot in the NFC which means that we will probably have to play a hot team coming into the playoffs as well, since Minnesota, Dallas, Chicago, Washington, & New York Giants are all 8-6. I don't know about everyone else, but I do NOT want to play host to the Giants to start the playoffs again, and I definitely do not want the Seahawks, just because they seem to have improved so much late in the season. I'm not sure if I want the 1st round playoff bye, or if I want us to have an extra week since we have had so many injured players. But lets take a look at some positive notes from our current team.
-Last divisional loss was on 12-12-10 to Detroit.
-We have currently won 13 NFC North games in a row.
-Back to back NFC North Champions.
-Randall Cobb is currently on pace for a 1000 receiving yards season.
-Turnover Ratio is currently at a +6
-We are 8-1 in our last 9 games
-Rodgers is on pace for 4100 passing yards
-Charles Woodson is coming back soon.
Go Pack Go!
-Last divisional loss was on 12-12-10 to Detroit.
-We have currently won 13 NFC North games in a row.
-Back to back NFC North Champions.
-Randall Cobb is currently on pace for a 1000 receiving yards season.
-Turnover Ratio is currently at a +6
-We are 8-1 in our last 9 games
-Rodgers is on pace for 4100 passing yards
-Charles Woodson is coming back soon.
Go Pack Go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)