Packers Let It Slip Through Their Fingers

By: Matt Bove

Game Recap: 

It was all there for the taking on Sunday afternoon for the Packers. Even though it felt like the 49ers were dominating the game at times the scoreboard never dictated that. 

The Packers had a chance to add to the incredible story of their 2013 season by beating their nemesis against all odds. Beating San Francisco would have been huge even though the Packers' defense was probably never going to be good enough to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this year. Defeating them would have gotten the Packers over a hump, as they are now 0-4 in the last two season against the 49ers. 

The Packers faced adversity all afternoon, as the defense lost Sam Shields and Mike Neal early in the game, and the offense did not get a first down in their first three offensive possessions. Colin Kaepernick drove the 49ers up and down the field on their first two possessions before the defense made two huge goal line stands.

They were moving the ball again deep into Packers territory before Tramon Williams made a game changing interception. The Packers responded with a 14 play touchdown drive in which the Packers never gained more than nine yards on a single play. Aaron Rodgers dinked and dunked, and Eddie Lacy got tough yards, as the Packers willed their way into the end zone to grab a 7-6 lead. 

That lead did not last long, as it took only 5 plays and 3:02 for the 49ers to regain the lead 13-7. Kaepernick had a back breaking 42 yard run in which Davon House missed a critical tackle. 

Rodgers led the Packers down the field again before the end of the half, but a David Bahktiari penalty forced them to settle for a Mason Crosby field goal. 

The Packers defense had a terrific third quarter in which they forced three San Francisco punts. Mike Daniels and Nick Perry had key sacks to force two of those punts. However, the offense only gained one first down in the quarter and was unable to take advantage. 

The offense started clicking again in the fourth quarter with a 12 play, 80-yard drive to start the fourth quarter. The key play came on a fourth-and-two from the San Francisco 30. Rodgers somehow escaped the San Francisco rush and found Randall Cobb for 26 yards in a play reminiscent to Eli Manning to David Tyree in Super Bowl XLVI. John Kuhn scored two plays later to put the Packers up 17-13. 

Once again after taking the lead the defense could not respond with a stop. Kaepernick led a 67-yard touchdown drive to put the 49ers up 20-17. The touchdown was a 33-yard strike to Vernon Davis in between AJ Hawk and Morgan Burnett. Burnett had a huge opportunity to make an interception, but he did not react quickly enough. 

Rodgers and Lacy drove the Packers down the field on the next possession, but this time it only resulted in a field goal. Rodgers made another amazing play to Cobb when he eluded a rusher to his left and hit Cobb for a 25 yard gain. However, Cobb getting shoe-stringed tackled by Eric Reid instead of getting in the end zone is something that he probably regrets.

The Packers had a 1-yard run by Cobb and two failed passing plays, so they were forced to kick a field goal. Rodgers was unable to find any open receivers on either of the two passing plays.

This set up the defense with an opportunity to finally stop the 49ers after a score and give the Packers a chance to win the game.  It was right there for the taking. Kaepernick threw an intended pass towards the left sideline for Anquan Boldin, and Micah Hyde was in perfect position for an interception. Hyde got both hands on the ball, but was unable to haul it in for what could have been the game winning interception.

The next play on third-and-10 Kaepernick found Michael Crabtree for a 17-yard gain. Then, on a third-and-8 from the Packers’ 35 yard line, Jarrett Bush allowed Kaepernick to get outside of him on a blitz, and Andy Mulumba was unable to run him down before he picked up the first down. 

The 49ers were able to run the clock down before kicking a game winning 33-yard field goal. Just like that another Packers season ended in disappointing fashion.  It was a valiant effort with a clear deficiency in talent compared to San Francisco, but it was not enough. Still, it was a performance that you can respect.  

Game Analysis: 

Offense: 

- You can't expect to waste a whole quarter against an elite team and expect to win.

- It is hard to know why without watching the All-22, but Rodgers was definitely gun shy at times. Packer wide receivers have had trouble getting open in the past and that appeared to be the case again. 

- James Jones has to make those catches. Again you cannot waste opportunities against a team of this caliber. 

- Lacy performed well with most of his yardage coming after contact and he set a physical tone. However, it was clear that he still wasn't 100 percent, and Starks was effective again in limited opportunities. Starks needed more than five carries. 

- Red zone play calling needs to be addressed this offseason. It has gotten way to predictable, as the Packers were only 50% this season scoring red zone touchdowns. It was one of the huge reasons the Packers lost yesterday. 

Defense: 

- While I still think Dom Capers should not be brought back next year, yesterdays loss cannot be put on him. It was a minor miracle that the Packers only allowed 23 points with the collection of players they had out there. He had a great plan to limit Frank Gore and to let his corners handle the wide receivers one on one. Capers had no control of Sam Shields being lost for basically the entire game.
- Davon House may have gotten help form the officials, but he performed better than he has all year in coverage replacing Shields.  

- Morgan Burnett continues to disappoint greatly. He has to make that interception on Vernon Davis' touchdown. He was right there and just reacted way too late. I can probably find at least another five plays like that for him this season. There is no doubt in my mind that LeRoy Butler, Darren Sharper and Nick Collins make that interception. Ted Thompson paid him like a top safety and he is not living up to it. 

- Mike Daniels is a beast

- Ryan Pickett and Tramon Williams played like they want to return next season 

- The defense played admirably, but the cold weather and the slow track was a great equalizer 

- Also, immediately letting up touchdowns after the Packers took the lead really hurt them. That is when they really needed those stops and could not get them. That has been a reoccurring theme too many times.  

Packers Overcome All Odds to Win NFC North

It certainly wasn't Aaron Rodgers' prettiest game ever, but with the season on the line he showed everybody why he is a legend.

Rodgers' 48-yard touchdown to Randall Cobb on fourth-and-eight with the NFC North hanging in the balance will go down as one the greatest plays in Packers history. Other than winning Super Bowl XLV it might have been Rodgers' greatest moment of his career to date.

"Those two making that great, great play will be running on the highlight reel for the rest of my time on this earth," said head coach Mike McCarthy.

The Bears sent a seven-man rush with a cover-zero look behind it on the touchdown. The Packers were not set up well to block this blitz, as they only had six guys blocking, and fullback John Kuhn tried to make a line adjustment before the snap.

"I can't really really recall what the first protection call was," said guard T.J. Lang, 'but John Kuhn was coming up and telling us to change the protection. I think only half the guys ended up getting the call."

The protection left Julius Peppers unblocked for an instant, as left tackle David Bahktiari blocked down on blitzing nickel back Isaiah Frey. Kuhn came across the formation and was able to cut Peppers just enough so that Rodgers could escape out of the pocket to his left and find Cobb. Cobb flew right by safety Chris Conte on a vertical route after Conte got caught playing the first down marker and peaking in the backfield.

That play showed just how special Rodgers is. Not every quarterback in the league has the awareness and athleticism to elude Peppers like Rodgers did. Also, the throw may seem simple because of how open Cobb was, but it isn't that easy.

A lot of quarterbacks struggle rolling to their left and firing a deep ball like that. Rodgers set his hips beautifully and fired a perfect strike to Cobb right in stride. The weather conditions and game situation made the throw even more incredible.

The touchdown gave the Packers a 33-28 that won them the NFC North Championship with a 8-7-1 record. This was an amazing accomplishment for everything that the Packers had to go through this season.

Rodgers returned from his seven week broken collarbone layoff just a little bit off. He orchestrated a beautiful opening drive until he was intercepted by Conte in the end zone on third down. Conte came off covering tight end Andrew Quarless, and Rodgers never saw him as he stepped right in front of Jarrett Boykin for the interception.

On the second possession Rodgers moved the ball again, but threw high and wide to Jordy Nelson, and the ball deflected off his hands for another interception. However, while Rodgers was finding his way, the Packers defense stepped up. They forced three first half three-and-outs and a fumble by Alshon Jeffrey.

Rodgers made yet another mistake when he didn't feel the oncoming pressure by Peppers and held on to the ball too long. He was stripped by Peppers, but the ball propelled forward and looked like an incomplete pass to everybody on the field. Boykin casually picked up the ball and did not look like he was going to do anything with it until the sideline told him to. He took into the end zone to give the Packers a 10-7 lead.

"I was throwing the ball the way I wanted to," Rodgers said. "I missed some, but I think the weather and the cold and the wind had something to do with it. I didn't feel any of the rust. I just missed a couple of passes and unfortunately they went for interceptions."

Rodgers looked more like himself in the second half and guided the Packers to touchdowns on three of their last four possessions. Still, the Packers were down 28-27 and need at least a field goal on their final possession to take the lead because McCarthy failed to go for a two-point conversion after Eddie Lacy's fourth quarter touchdown. McCarthy was very fortunate the Packers did not lose by one.

The Packers faced three fourth downs on the final drive and converted all of them. The first was a fourth and 1 from their own 28-yard line. McCarthy almost made another awful decision and initially sent out the punt team before being convinced by the offense to change his mind. Kuhn easily picked up the first down.

Rodgers converted a key third and 3 by faking Lance Briggs out of his shoes on a run. Another fourth and 1 came up, and Rodgers found Nelson on a quick hitch along the sideline in which Nelson made a great diving catch.

This all lead up to the 48-yard touchdown pass to Cobb. Rodgers had been knocked in the past for his lack of come from behind wins. He should never have to hear about that again.

Think about what had to happen for the Packers to be at this point. The Packers had to make a big comeback to tie the lowly Vikings. Robbie Gould had to miss 47-yard game winning field goal indoors in OT that is usually automatic for him. Justin Tucker had to hit a 61-yard field goal. Matt Bryant had to miss a 52-yard field foal against the Packers. Tony Romo had to throw two fourth quarter interceptions. The Lions had to finish 1-6 in their last 7 games.

If one of those things does not happen the Packers season is likely over. That gets you thinking that they could be a team of destiny.

They now have a home playoff game with their nemesis the San Francisco 49ers. This will be a huge redemption opportunity for the Packers after losing three games to them in the last two years. With Rodgers back at quarterback and everything that has happened to this point you can never say never at this point.

"That's all we play for, we play to get in and then all the records, you're 0-0," said defensive lineman Ryan Pickett. "We get a chance to play for our goal. We want to win another Super Bowl. We get to continue our journey. But I like our chances. I like this team. I think this team is mentally tough. We're wired to play 60 minutes. I feel good about our chances."

Rodgers Makes Packers a Contender

After eight very long games Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers finally got the medical clearance he was looking for and will return to the field on Sunday in Chicago.

With the return of Rodgers the Packers went from four point underdogs to three point favorites in the matchup that will decide the winner of the NFC North. The Packers have gone through three quarterbacks since Rodgers got hurt in Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn. They went 2-4-1 in games without Rodgers, but managed to stay in the division race due to major help form the Lions and Bears.

Rodgers' return as perhaps the best quarterback in the NFL should be a huge boost for the Packers. Rodgers' backups have been able to move the ball pretty well in his absence, but the major problems have been turnovers, red zone efficiency and third down efficiency.

Wallace, Tolzien and Flynn combined to throw for 8 touchdown to 10 interceptions and a 78.0 passer rating. Rodgers hasn't thrown more than 10 interceptions in a full season since 2010 when he only threw 11.

The Packers have only scored 21.7 points per game without Rodgers as compared to 28.7 points per game with him. The red zone is a place where having a backup quarterback really shows. There is not as much space in the red zone, so the throws have to be made into tighter windows, and that is where Flynn really struggled. Also, the Packers only converted on less than 35% of third downs without Rodgers.

The Packers are averaging a full more yard per play (6.4) with Rodgers than without him (5.4). Also, according to ESPN Stats & Info the Packers average 2.63 points per drive with Rodgers and 1.67 without him. With an average off 11.7 drives per game that equates to 11.2 points more with Rodgers than without him.

Rodgers comes back to face the perfect opponent for him. He has historically owned the Bears even when they had a good defense, and now they have a deplorable defense. Rodgers is 8-1 in his career against the Bears, with 19 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 102.1.

Rodgers should also be getting Randall Cobb back in the slot and Eddie Lacy should be good to go as well. Lacy should have a field day if healthy, as the Bears rank 32nd in the NFL allowing 161.5 rushing yards per game. He had a career-high 151 yards rushing in the first meeting after Rodgers went down in the first series.

Lacy should be able to take the pressure off Rodgers in his first game back. If he is not healthy enough than James Starks should be able to do the same, as he is averaging 5.2 yards per carry this season.

The offensive line has been a concern for some people, but other than Don Barclay they have been performing fine. Josh Sitton an T.J. Lang have combined to form one of the top guard duos in the NFL this season and David Bahktiari has been a revelation at left tackle.

The line was being hurt by Flynn holding the ball way too long and locking into receivers. A perfect example of that was on the last play of the game against Pittsburgh when Flynn had Jordy Nelson wide open on a slant in the slot, but he never looked at him and threw the slant on the outside incomplete to Jarrett Boykin. Rodgers does hold onto the ball too long at times, but at least he goes through all his progressions.

With Rodgers back the team needs to keep the same sense of urgency. They cannot relax just because he is back. Any team with Rodgers is a contender because he can get hot at any time and carry a team. The biggest concern for the Packers right now is the pass rush without Clay Matthews and with Nick Perry and Mike Neal banged up. The run defense also must improve in a major way.

Usually there has been a "hot" team that gets on a roll and wins the Super Bowl lately. Teams playing on Wild Card Weekend have had much more success than the top seeds lately. Rodgers gives the Packers the opportunity to be that "hot" team. The Seahawks and 49ers, the perceived two best teams in the NFC, looked very beatable last week. You just never know.

The Packers are very fortunate to be where they are right now. They are not big favorites to get to the Super Bowl, but all the NFC teams have showed that they have flaws. Rodgers gives the team hope that anything is possible again. That is all you can ask for with what the Packers have had to go through this season.

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Should Aaron Rodgers Be Playing?

By: Matt Bove

The Green Bay Packers have been getting a lot of gifts lately.

They have seen Minnesota, Atlanta and Dallas choke three huge leads against them. The Packers had a lot to do with it as well, but the ineptitude of those teams certainly helped. They also saw Justin Tucker hit an improbable game winning 61 yard field goal against Detroit, and Detroit also contributed to the Packers' cause by choking as well.

Somehow, after not winning a game for over a month, the Packers find themselves controlling their own destiny in the NFC North. It was thought that after seemingly being so close last week that quarterback Aaron Rodgers would finally be able to return from his broke collarbone Sunday against Pittsburgh. However, after still not being medically cleared yesterday and after watching practice in the media portion this afternoon, that would not appear to be the case.

I am certainly in no position to challenge Dr. Pat McKenzie's medical rulings. I am not a doctor and do not pretend to be one, so it would completely be unfair. However, I am allowed to have my own opinion, so I am going to do it anyways. I may be wrong, but I have also been wrong before of course.

If Aaron Rodgers think he can play and can physically do everything that he is accustomed to on the football field then he should be playing. The beat writers at yesterdays practice said that Rodgers looked sharp and was throwing with great velocity. I find what Mike McCarthy said in a Jason Wilde column last week very interesting.

"Frankly, I think if Aaron was asked the question he wants to play. He feels ready to play," said McCarthy. "Based on what he's accomplished physically and what he was able to do at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, he's ready to go. The hurdle that I know Aaron wanted to get over, he achieved it this week. He feels really good."

This was from last week too, so Rodgers has had even more rest time. So, if Rodgers is physically ready how on earth is he not out there for a season deciding game? Obviously, it is because Dr. McKenzie fears Rodgers breaking it again. Sorry, but every time Rodgers or anybody steps out on the field they have a chance to suffer an injury. They all know this and you cannot play scared.

Rodgers has been playing football since he was a little kid and this was the first time that he took a hit at the perfect spot to break his collarbone. How much risk is there of Rodgers re-breaking his collarbone? We obviously do not know, but if McKenzie is holding Rodgers out because say there is like a 10% chance of him re-breaking it that is being too conservative.

Rodgers is an extremely smart guy and knows his body and risks better than anybody. I completely understand taking the long term approach and get it. However, you have no idea if the Packers will be in a position to make a run at the Super Bowl next year or beyond. You would like to think that they will be able to with Rodgers, but you never know in the NFL.

The Packers find themselves in a position to be playing their best football at the bets time of the year and ride a huge wave of momentum into the playoffs. Other than Seattle, I do not see anybody in the NFC who doesn't have big weaknesses. the Packers have an opportunity to get the third seed and void them until the NFC Championship game. Also, the Packers should have beaten Seattle in the famous "Fail Mary" game in Seattle last year, so they're not incapable of winning there either.

This has been a very frustrating process for everybody involved and it continues to get even worse. As the Packers learned with Brett Favre you never know if you're going to get back to another Super Bowl. Wasting opportunities if there is little risk is a decision that deserves to be at least questioned.

Kdiggs74's Keys to the Game 12/22/13

What an odd weekend.  From Romo throwing 2 INT after being up 12 points in the 4th quarter, to Justin Tucker kicking a 61 yard FG as time expired, I just don't think anyone could have predicted this weekend.  Now we are riding a 2 game winning streak and face the Steelers at home in what is still a must win situation for the playoffs. 

Here are some of the matchups that I think the Packers need to win to win the game. 

--Win the turnover battle

We fell behind big time against the Cowboys by giving them a few opportunities in the first half, and without Rodgers on the field, we simply cannot afford that.  Lacy needs to hold the ball tight, and Flynn needs to make smart decisions with the football. 

--Our OL vs Steelers DL

I would like to see us have a balanced run/pass attack against the Steelers.  Sometimes our line is strong, and other times it looks like swiss cheese.  We can't afford any injuries here because our backups are not good enough to play against NFL quality talent.  I won't say Lacy has to run for 150 yards for us to win, but if he got there I would be fairly certain that the win is imminent. 

--Shields/Williams vs Brown

Antonio Brown has been having a great season.  He is fast and elusive.  Obviously he had the great punt return against the Bengals, and almost had the long touchdown late against the Dolphins (but he ironically stepped out).  I just am worried about the matchup, and don't think we can double team since we need to stop Bell too. 

--Red zone victories

Whether on offense or defense, I think scoring is going to be coming at a premium in what looks like it will be a snow bowl game.  When we are in the red zone, we cannot settle for FG.  When we are on defense, we need to force turnovers or make them settle for FG.  It's a tall task, but it's highly urgent this week. 

Those are my thoughts, if you have any others you can post them in the comments below or back in the forum. 

Wild Ride, Ending to be Determined

I'm pretty certain, that nobody expected us to be at 6-6-1 after 13 games.  Even if that had happened, I doubt that they would think that we would have a good chance at the division, because the Bears and Lions were both expected to bounce back.  So here are a few thoughts on the season so far and then looking forward to the end of the season.

Considering what a carousel we have had at QB for the past 6 weeks, I'm counting the whole Bears game as a game without Rodgers, since he was hurt in the first quarter, we could be doing a lot worse.  When I look at teams who have played multiple QB's this year, like Browns and the Vikings, we have a much better record.  As far as yards per game is concerned, the Packers are still 5th in the NFL with 394.5 YPG.  We are in a 3 way tie for scoring per game, 24.3 PPG, tied with the Chargers and 49ers.  Lacy has been doing great, but with a lot of injuries, especially on offense, McCarthy is still doing a great job there.

Defensively, we are around the middle of the pack for yards per game overall, rushing, and passing defense yards.  Our defense has 39 Sacks, which is only 5 behind the NFL leader which is Buffalo.  But our defense is at it's best when it is forcing turnovers, an issue that our defense has always had in the 3-4 under Dom Capers.  When we won the Super Bowl in 2010, Tramon Williams had a pick to guarantee the victory against the Eagles at the end of the game.  Everyone remembers the pick 6 right before the half by Williams against Atlanta.  BJ Raji had a pick 6 against the Bears.  Collins had another pick 6 against the Steelers, and Clay was able to force a fumble in the 4th quarter also.  But only 7 INT this year, is horrible.  The Tampa Bay Bucs have 21 INT on defense this year.

Crosby and Masthay have been at the top of their game all year.  Probably been a difference maker in some of the closer games we have had this year.  But I don't think we can blame much on our current special teams players from this year (Jeremy Ross, that is completely different).

So here are some rooting interests for the rest of the year.

As much as it pains me to say it.  I will be rooting for the Cowboys tonight, but only because then we would be second in the division.  We need the Bears to lose, and technically if we both win out until week 17, and then we beat them in week 17, we would finish ahead of them.  But you can't blame me for wanting to make this a two horse race instead of 3.

Week 15
--Ravens over Lions (MNF)
--Browns over Bears
--Packers over Cowboys

Of course, right after I have us cheering for the Cowboys, I want us to turn around and beat them.  I have hope that we can win the game against the Cowboys with or without Rodgers, because their defense is miserable.  It is the worst defense in the NFL, and I think that we should be able to run and pass against them.  Browns over Bears is probably pretty wishful, but it is in Cleveland, and they almost beat the Patriots this past week, and their defense is strong, and the Bears defense is pretty rough.  Ravens over Lions is a very strong one for me.  It is probably the Lions toughest opponent left on their schedule.  If the Lions don't lose that one, and they have to lose at least one for us to pass them, then I don't know for sure where they will lose.

Week 16
--Eagles over Bears
--Giants over Lions
--Packers over Steelers

Eagles over Bears would be a likely result in my opinion.  Giants have been very inconsistent, but they might be able to beat the Lions if they can avoid turnovers.  Steelers are still a tough team and have been improving later in the year since they have Le'Veon Bell.

Week 17
--Packers over Bears
--Vikings over Lions

Let's be honest, the Packers beating the Bears is the only likely result listed above here.  I just don't trust the Vikings to do anything right, and the Bears are going to do everything they can to knock us out of the playoffs and put themselves in.  Right now I think that the Packers probably have about a 20% chance of winning the division.  Both the Panthers and 49ers would have to lose out and have some other things happen for us to win a wild card, that's why I didn't bring up that possibility.  I don't claim to know what will happen by the end of the year.  But I'm hanging onto my seat, wearing my green and yellow with pride, and hoping and cheering for the best.

Lions 40, Packers 10: What Happened and Where Do We Go From Here?

By: Matt Bove

The beat down that took place at Ford Field yesterday is only supposed to take place on Fridays at high school fields and Saturdays at college stadiums. The talent is so close in the NFL that it is very rare to see an ass whooping like that take place on a Sunday, or a Thursday in this case.

How many times can you say that a score of 40-10 does not do justice for how awful the performance really was? This would be one of those times because the Packers are lucky the score wasn't 57-0.

The Packers scored because of a strip sack by Nick Perry and an out of bounds kickoff by Lions punter Sam Martin. The Lions missed opportunities to score because of a Reggie Bush fumble near the end zone, an interception by Sam Shields in the end zone and a missed 30-yard field goal by David Akers.

The Lions had a grand total of 561 yards of offense and 40:26 time of possession to only 102 yards and 19:34 for the Packers. The Lions had seven sacks, as the Packers could not block the Lions front four, especially after Evan Dietrich-Smith went out. The Lions gashed the Packers up front for 241 yards, and it was embarrassing.  BJ Raji and Ryan Pickett were killed by double teams and never got any penetration, while Brad Jones and AJ Hawk could not get off blocks or make tackles when they actually had a chance to.

The Packers averaged a grand total of 1.6 yards per rush. They had only seven first down to the Lions 30. I can go on all day about this game, but really everybody knows and saw what happened. I am more interested in how we got here and how we move forward. The Packers' entire organization got utterly embarrassed in front of a national television audience on Thanksgiving. Maybe this will finally wake them up that there needs to be changes.

First off all let me say this, if Aaron Rodgers was healthy this team would probably be 9-3. No, it is not an excuse, it is reality. The Packers were 5-2 and rolling with Rodgers going into the Monday Night game against Chicago. Their opening series vs. Chicago was an absolute clinic and you cannot convince me that they were not going to drop 40 points on that pitiful defense.

They then moved the ball evenly with Philadelphia and lost because of turnovers from Scott Tolzien. Then in New York the defense actually put together a decent performance and allowed only 20 points themselves, and the Giants flat out are a terrible team. Obviously, a home game against the Vikings is an obvious win with Rodgers when they tied without him. There are your nine wins.

That is not to say that there aren't major problems with the team or that they were going to win the Super Bowl with Rodgers. They just would be 9-3 and cruising to a division title in a horrible division like they do every year with Rodgers. That is a testament to Rodgers and not anybody else.

The big question is why has this team gone from a rock solid playoff team with Rodgers to the Jacksonville Jaguars without him? There has been lots of blame going around, but lets focus on the three men that have taken the brunt of it.

Ted Thompson:

Thompson remains one of the best and most successful general managers in the NFL. However, that does not mean he is flawless, and I'm sure he will tell you that he needs to do a better job. He said in an interview with the Green Bay Press Gazette to blame him if the backup quarterback situation failed. Well it has failed, so here ya go Ted.

Thompson's first mistake was putting his trust into Graham Harrell and B.J. Coleman. I never saw anything in Harrell's Green Bay tenure that suggested he was an NFL quarterback, yet the Packers stuck with him for two years and another training camp. Harrell has no future in this league, as he is currently not on a team. Ditto for Coleman, although he does have an NFL arm unlike Harrell, but he was just much too erratic.

Thompson had a failed experiment with Vince Young before bringing in Seneca Wallace and Scott Tolzien after training camp. That did not give them a sufficient enough time to learn the system, and it showed when they had to play. What a mess.

Thompson left this team barren of talent and depth in a few key areas this season, and it has hurt the team. The obvious one is safety, as Morgan Burnett has been a huge disappointment after signing a $24 million extension, and MD Jennings and Jerron McMillian do not belong on an NFL team. Inside linebacker is another. I do not think the Packers can ever have an elite defense with A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones starting. Yes, the defensive line is not keeping offensive linemen off of them, but that does not excuse them from not getting off blocks, missing tons of tackles, never making an impact play and not being able to cover anybody. I said they needed to be replaced last offseason, and here were are again with the same problem.

The depth at outside linebacker and along the offensive line was not good enough coming out of camp, and that has proved to be true this season. Sure, losing Clay Matthews and Nick Perry is very tough to overcome, but Nate Palmer and Andy Mulumba have shown next to nothing. Obviously, having Marshall Newhouse as your first offensive lineman off the bench has been an abomination. Also, if you're going to insert Newhouse at right guard when he has no experience there, then why on earth is Lane Taylor even on the roster?

Those are positions where Thompson has missed drastically. A veteran offensive lineman needed to be signed this offseason for depth, and how on earth Thompson ignored safety in a rich safety draft class is beyond me. Also, Thompson has not had drafted a real key contributor other than Micah Hyde (jury still out though) in the 5th round or later since Brad Jones in 2009. That is completely unacceptable for a guy who relies solely on the draft to build the team. If he is not going to get contributors late in the draft then he needs to sign some free agents.

Mike McCarthy:

Like Thompson, McCarthy is one of the most successful coaches in the NFL and one of the best in the business. Please spare me he is only successful because of just Rodgers. Rodgers was far from a finished product coming out of Cal and McCarthy developed him greatly. Also, look at what McCarthy did in New Orleans with Aaron Brooks of all people.

However, like Thompson, McCarthy has also lost his way a little way a little bit. He kept Dom Capers a year too long, just like he did with Bob Sanders, and it has cost the defense again this year. The attitude of the team reflects the coach, and the fact that it looks like this team has flat out quit a couple of times now reflects poorly of him. Instead of fighting and stepping up their games without Rodgers they just folded the tent in. Inexcusable.

A few of McCarthy's comments have also been weird. The fact that he praised the team for the way they battled in a loss to the Giants was baffling. Also, the big one was when he talked about the "reoccurring issue" after the Philadelphia game, and then insulted everybody's intelligence by saying that he never said it.

McCarthy's offensive scheme has also gone a little stale. Opposing players on defense have been commenting on how they know what is coming from the Packers offense. Not good. McCarthy's style of staying patient has been good in the past, but now is working against him.

Dom Capers: 

How anybody still defends this man is beyond me. The talent isn't the greatest, but he is working with six first round picks in the front seven and solid cornerbacks. Sure, the safeties suck, but not every position on a team can be great. I think a coordinator with fresh schemes and and a new attitude can make it work with this defense.

I don't want to here squat from the players defending Dom either. Of course they are going to back him up when he never holds any of them accountable. It is like a country club playing for him and that is a huge part of what needs to change other than the scheme. How is Chris Banjo not playing instead of Jennings or Jamari Latimore not playing for Jones? No accountability.

After allowing 45 points in the playoff loss to Arizona, having one of the worst defenses in NFL history in 2011, allowing 579 yards against San Francisco in the 2012 playoffs and this years epic collapse it is clear that Capers needs to go and be replaced with another 3-4 coordinator. I would not go with a 4-3 guy because Clay Matthews is a 3-4 player, and that is who you build around. Of course this was also clear last year, so who knows what will happen.

Talk of firing McCarthy or Thompson is very far fetched. If either were fired they would be out of a job for like 10 minutes before being hired elsewhere. McCarthy and Thompson have bought themselves time to fix this mess because of their track records, but it is clear that status quo will no longer be good enough.

This may actually be a good thing in the end. In the NFL it is very hard to stay at the top for long unless you are the Patriots, and even they have not won a Super Bowl since 2006.

With a laundry list of free agents and a potential high draft pick the Packers will have a chance to reload this offseason. The only player on that list who they must bring back is Sam Shields. Everybody else is replaceable. This type of stretch of bad play may be what the organization needed to recognize the problems instead of having the quarterback cover them up. Lets hope so.