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Headaches and Packers

 

This morning I woke up with a headache. I don't know about you, but I don't consider that a good omen. Even after I gently basted my brain cells in caffeine by drinking a hefty, medicinal dose of coffee, the headache persisted. Eventually, I read the paper and knew that this headache was not simply the result of me having stayed up late to catch up on the show Fringe, it was a portent of doom.

Not only was Brett Favre going to meet with the NFL today to discuss the allegations that he sent lewd texts and pictures to Jenn Sterger while they both worked for the New York Jets in 2008, but the Green Bay Packers were also getting help in the form of injured players returning to practice. Some days it just doesn't pay to read past the comics.

Maybe some of the more rabid members of the Vikings fan base will accuse me of bailing on the team just because the Packers might be healthier than we thought. That is not the case. My affection, however, doesn't blind me to the fact that the Vikings could use a blatantly advantageous match-up to continue to bolster the confidence of an offense that is still redefining itself and trying to find a rhythm. Considering Sunday's game is against a divisional rival who always plays the Vikings as if the lives of first-born children are at stake and is a night game before a national audience, well, what's wrong with hoping the Packers' leading pass rusher isn't playing?

Last Sunday the Packers were without eight (yes folks, eight) of their starting players and still managed to stay scrappy enough to take the game into overtime. Granted, they lost when the Miami Dolphins kicked a field goal, but, when you consider that the Packers are getting so strapped for players that they might have to give the team's ball-boys a field promotion if things get anymore thin, it's not too shabby.

So you can see why the possibility that Al Harris and Atari Bigby and Clay Matthews being closer to returning would concern me. And it did nothing to improve my headache.

Al Harris and Atari Bigby started the season on the PUP list and are now eligible to return. Last season Bigby had four interceptions, Harris had two, and they had 66 tackles between the two of them. For those who are counting, Brett Favre has turned the ball over 11 times this year and seven of those turnovers are interceptions. While Favre is capable of throwing an interception to anyone, I'd prefer if experienced ball-hawks like Bigby and Harris were nowhere near the field on Sunday night.

And, with the Vikings' offensive line not only in flux, but displaying a real difficulty in protecting Favre when he goes back to pass, I would prefer if Clay Matthews was also not on the field on Sunday. Young Master Matthews, the Packers' second-year outside linebacker, has already had 8.5 sacks this season and he wasn't even active for Sunday's game against Miami.

Clearly, the Vikings are not without some pretty strong answers of their own to the Packers' threat, but, with the potential return of Harris, Bigby, and Matthews, the Packers are getting stronger in areas that will directly match-up with areas where the Vikings continue to struggle. Now here is where it gets really scary-should the NFL choose to suspend Brett Favre and make that suspension effective immediately, it will be Tarvaris Jackson taking the snap from, probably, Jon Cooper, behind an offensive line that struggles with pass blocking, throwing the ball to a receiving corps that has been juggled around like clubs at the circus. There is every possible reason for me to stock up on headache medications and hope that Harris, Bigby, and Matthews are still another week out on their return.

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Keep the faith.....in NFL caring for it's money

NFL is not stupid to suspend Favre from a prime-time game. Moreover Ms. Sterger is not helping them…and she will not any time soon.
As for Packers getting back in the game, they probably sacrificed their game against Miami by not risking their player so that they can be ready for us. Even if we end up splitting the games with Packers, we will be fine.

by izziefans on Oct 19, 2010 6:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Faith I've got

There have been seasons where faith is all we’ve had because it was the dreaded “rebuilding year”.

Roger Goodell is a big fan of making examples of players. Consider that Pat and Kevin Williams have been fighting their suspension for close to two years because of timing (the physician overseeing the NFL’s testing was told to stop excusing players who tested positive for bumetanide after taking StarCaps), I don’t think you can count on Goodell to laugh at Favre’s antics and tell him not to do it again or get caught.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 19, 2010 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hate to bring the following bit from the Deadspin report to your attention but I think it would be fairly safe to say that Ms. Sterger is not going to say anything against Favre.

Deadspin reported the Maxim model would not comment on the record about the messages, but told the site last winter that she joked to a Jets exec that she wouldn’t date someone as high-profile as Favre because she “might end up in a garbage can.”

by izziefans on Oct 19, 2010 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Methinks the damsel doth worry too much

and lets events beyond her control vex her, causing the maladies and ailments that stricken her to imperil her convictions and render her soul to be troubled. Yeah, Shakespeare off the cuff. BOOM!

Seriously, I look at Bigby and Harris coming off the PUP the same way I view Sid. Just because they’re off the PUP doesn’t mean they’re ready to play. If they’re ready to go physically, I can’t believe they’re in football shape, so will they be better than what the Pack currently have, and can they go for a whole game? Can Matthews play? If he’s healthy, sure. But hamstrings are very fickle things, and Matthews relies on speed and an explosive first couple of steps to get to the QB. Will he be able to go all out without risk of re-aggravating it?

The Packers are still a very good team as long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy. Mark Tauscher is still hurt and won’t play, so that helps the d-line.

It’s going to be a good game, but the last three game on NBC have sucked for us (at Arizona, at Carolina, at New Orleans).

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

"Pull your 84 jerseys out, man. I think this is going to be a fun ride." Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings

by Ted Glover on Oct 19, 2010 6:09 PM CDT reply actions  

What is it about the national spotlight?

So often the Vikings struggle during games on Sunday night or Monday night. No idea why.

While they might not be playing at their normal level fresh off the PUP list, Bigby and Harris are good player. And Al Harris, isn’t he the guy from Green Bay who tried to play with a rupture spleen a couple years ago? Dude is tough and will find a way to get the job done.

Oh, and by the way, nice nod to Hamlet :)

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 19, 2010 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Al Harris is also the guy

that got burned by Moss so bad and so often that doctorsneeded stem cells to grow skin to graft on his backside. WHen he was 100% healthy and Moss was maybe 75% (2004 playoff game).

Yeas, it was 6 years ago, and Moss is six years older.

But so is Al Harris.

And that was not a disgusting act by Randy Moss.

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

"Pull your 84 jerseys out, man. I think this is going to be a fun ride." Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings

by Ted Glover on Oct 19, 2010 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

But that was some disgusting grammatical errors.

Yikes. Beer is a blessing and a curse…

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

"Pull your 84 jerseys out, man. I think this is going to be a fun ride." Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings

by Ted Glover on Oct 19, 2010 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ah!

So you’re medicating a headache too :)

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 19, 2010 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ted Glover Journal of Medicine, Ch 1, Page 1:

Beer cures everything.

Every. Thing.

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

"Pull your 84 jerseys out, man. I think this is going to be a fun ride." Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings

by Ted Glover on Oct 19, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Luckily we have a guy named Charles Woodson now :).

by packallday555 on Oct 19, 2010 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

He's one guy

And although I respect Woodson’s game, I’ll take Moss and his height.

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

"Pull your 84 jerseys out, man. I think this is going to be a fun ride." Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings

by Ted Glover on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

For sure. I’d take Moss over any corner in the league. I just think having Woodson on him is about as favorable as a match-up that one could hope for.

by packallday555 on Oct 19, 2010 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

If he was the one they had on Marshall last week

I feel pretty ok with that. In fact, #1 WR’s have been doing pretty well against Green Bay lately.

Brandon Marshall: 10 catches, 127 yards
Santana Moss: 7 catches, 118 yards
Calvin Johnson: 6 catches for 86 yards, but 2 TD’s

Has Woodson lost a step or are the Packers lining him up against the #2 guys?

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 2:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

good point

I was going to say the same thing. Packers have been getting burned by #1 WRs this year.

by Vikes Fan on Oct 20, 2010 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

He didn’t line up against Marshall or Moss. He gave up one Td to Johnson but his other came from a blown assignment by our rookie Burnett.

He may be a step slower. Still has been awfully good though.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

See that makes no sense at all

Why would the Packers prefer putting Tramon Williams on a top WR over Charles Woodson?

Or perhaps more importantly, why would they leave Williams on the #1 WR that is kicking his ass all over the field if they believed Woodson would do a better job?

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Because Capers likes to stick Woodson in the slot. He can roam around there, and create more turnovers. The exception to this has been when we play the Lions. Usually then, Woodson lines up primarily on Johnson.

I feel the same way you do. Stick him on Johnson, Marshall, and Moss and all those guys probably don’t do much. I can understand letting him play “center field” so to speak but at the same time, I’d rather have him just take the opposing teams best guy out of the game.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Most logical conclusion:

Is that the NFL is hell-bent on the Vikings playing most of their primetime games…ON THE ROAD! @ Cardinals, @ Panthers, @ Bears, @ Saints, @ Saints again, @ Jets and now @ Packers. The league was determined to give the Vikes a rough start to this season. We get Saints, Dolphins, Jets, Cowboys, Packers, Patriots to begin the season. With 4 of 6 on the road. Our season was destined to start no better than 3-4. Five of the first seven games are against playoff teams from 2009. The Pacqueers, on the other hand, have ONE! And that is US!

by eyeguy81 on Oct 20, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Worry too much

Bigy sucks-plain and simple. Don’t read too much into the stats from last year. Their schedule was not very tough and their # were inflated as a result.

They maybe getting a couple back, but don’t buy into this outrageous over-hyping of the team.

Hopefully our offense can get going and find some rhythm this week.

Matthews is good, but I wonder what peoples opinion of him will be when he gets busted for juicing

by angryguy77 on Oct 19, 2010 6:54 PM CDT reply actions  

LOL

So Clay Matthews managed to rack up his 8.5 sacks because of roid rage? How much you want to bet that somehow the media would try to spin that into some kind of a positive just because he’s from Green Bay?

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 19, 2010 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

This game has been on our radar

And I believe its been a bit of a reason why we havn’t come out prepared for other teams. There is no doubt in my mind a different Favre will show up Sunday Night in Green Bay, the man who put them back on the map from the Bart Starr days. My biggest worry is Lito Shepphard lining up with Donald Driver. Hopefully we can make the Packers running game non-existent so we can always have 2 deep on them so our corners can play more physical on the line.

Clay Mathews is an animal, and if he does play I think we can use his natural instinct as an animal to hurt them. When he comes, he’s not putting on his brakes or changing direction. Screens should be our main focus, and not just your typical running back out of the backfield. Quick wide reciever screens. Shincaoe hit and quick release screens.

Our goal is to keep these guys from commiting to the line of scrimmage. Allow Peterson to have holes. I’d love to see Percy step in more at half back (to give greg camarillo more time) and make a difference in the blitz pick-up. He’s a hard nosed player and I think he’d be more then willing to stick his nose in some bigger body to give Brett Favre a little more time.

I still don’t see why we can run up and down this team. Oh, and do you think Al Harris really wants to come back early from injury to run into something like this again?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqs24InfI7g

by PurpleJesuZ on Oct 19, 2010 7:57 PM CDT reply actions  

You're very right.

Lito Sheppard on Donald Driver has fail written all over it for us. I’d hope that Chris Cook is healthy enough to play, but he has the annoying habit of having a good game and then going out for a couple weeks with a knee injury. Since he’s out of knees he’d have to start re-injuring them.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 19, 2010 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Chris Cook should be back, though

so that would put Lito on Jordy Nelson.

Which is still a whole lot of fail for the VIkings, but not as bad as Lito v. Driver.

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

"Pull your 84 jerseys out, man. I think this is going to be a fun ride." Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings

by Ted Glover on Oct 19, 2010 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

He is out of knees

So that means he is either done with injuries or he’ll move on to his elbows next. I’m hoping for the former.

But I agree with Ted, I think Cook is gonna be back this week. Should help with matchups. We’ll just have to make sure we really come after Rodgers when we’re forced to run Sheppard out on to the field. Hopefully our coaches realize that he’s going to be targeted and do something to compensate (or even take advantage of that).

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 3:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

I've been surprised

At how effective Chris Cook is coming in his rookie season. And having a tall corner is a refreshing change. My guess for his next injury is hamstring.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 20, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

seriously

Cook has surpassed even my optimistic expectations.

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

If he stays healthy for more than one game at a time,

It would be fun to see how much he could learn. He seems to pick up something new each time he’s on the field, so the more often he’s on the field, the more he’ll be able to hone his skills.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 21, 2010 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wonder how many people on that draft thread who wanted us to spend that pick on Clausen are still complaining today …

by puddnhead on Oct 21, 2010 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

What exactly has Chris Cook done this season?

I think he’s going to be a solid starter for us, but he has hardly seen the field.

by KC612 on Oct 21, 2010 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Packers defense, even when healthy

was overhyped. Last year agianst any decent offensive team, they got completely exposed. They padded their defensive stats against bad teams last year. Also, when the refs don’t let their secondary get away with murder, they are not that great.

by bf4mvp on Oct 19, 2010 7:57 PM CDT reply actions  

Maybe.

But I don’t count on refs to do anything but mess up a game.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 19, 2010 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

While I agree, the defense has actually been better this season. It’s impressed me that a defense full of back-up players has held teams to relatively low score totals. The only problem is, that great offense we were supposed to have this season is no where to be found.

by packallday555 on Oct 19, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Once again,

Any so called great defensive stats are against mostly non offensive teams. You have Buffalo and Washington and the Bears in those stats. Not exactly offensive juggernauts.

by bf4mvp on Oct 19, 2010 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

I never said we were a great defense, or even a good one. Just simply that we looked improved from last season. And no, none of those teams are offensive juggernauts but are their really any teams who have been this season? All those teams have had good offensive games, and the fact that we were able to hold some of them to 20 or less points, with a defense that’s got half of it’s back-ups starting is impressive.

I kind of expect your offense to get going this week though, and like I said below, I doubt we hold you to under 20.

by packallday555 on Oct 19, 2010 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ha

Are you trying to promote the packers losing in hoping of being wrong?
Or… do you really believe the match-up is so not in your favor that you really expect to walk away from that game w/ a L?

For our offense to succeed, C. Mathews has to either sit or be accounted for. No quesiton there.

For our defense to succeed, we have to game-plan that Rodgers is a heavy passer and the run-game is nearly non existant.
If the D-line committs to getting sack happy, we could see quicker decisions by AR. Quicker decisions can = bad decisions.

by Deek on Oct 20, 2010 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

I really think we’re going to lose. Honestly.

Clay will probably get his but Favre will have time on plays too. We’re terrible in zone coverage too, which is what Capers loves to do so I see Favre picking that apart.

That’s the thing with this Packers team. If we would go back some quicker routes, we’d probably be very successful. But McCarthy and Rodgers seem to refuse to do that. Everything has to be down field with them it seems, and I don’t see that changing now.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Vikings haven't put up more than 24 this year

So I guess we’re continuing the trend of playing non offensive teams one more week…

by Danwood on Oct 20, 2010 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

hard to argue with that … unfortunately.

by puddnhead on Oct 20, 2010 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

Doesn’t the NFL give teams one-week warnings prior to suspensions? How often do they do it in the middle of the week, and make it effective immediately?

Also, I see this game being the game where Jared Allen remembers that he is Jared Allen.

by KJSegall on Oct 19, 2010 8:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Crossing my fingers.

You’re probably right, the NFL won’t decide in the middle of the week to suspend Favre and make it effective immediately. They seem to prefer to drag some of that stuff out.

And if Jared Allen should suddenly have an “Ah-ha!” moment and realize he’s a dynamic pass rusher, so much the better. But, in case he doesn’t come to that realization, I hope to see Ray Edwards racking up some sack stats. Edwards wants a new contract and doesn’t think the Vikings will give it to him, so it is in his best interest to look as tempting as possible when free-agency rolls around.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 20, 2010 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Edwards vs Baluga

Fatality! Bulaga has been pretty bad so far, I expect Ray to smoke him. That Chad Clifton is on the injury report is also encouraging for Jared’s prospects (obviously he won’t sit, but less than 100% can only help).

And for the record, if the NFL suspended Favre effective immediately, he would be able to appeal. Even if the appeal was expedited, I doubt they could do anything about it before Sunday’s game.

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 3:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

Actually, he hasn’t been that bad. He gave up a couple sacks last week but both were a result of Rodgers scrambling right into his guy. He has struggled with blitz pick-ups, which is probably to be expected, and is where most of the sacks he has given up have come from.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, both were on blitzes where he either didn’t pick a guy up, or picked up the wrong guy.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Eh, I wouldn’t worry too much about guys coming back. I doubt Bigby sees the field, especially since we traded for Smith. That tells me that Bigby probably isn’t ready to come back right away, even though he supposedly could have been available to play week 3 or 4 had we not put him on the PUP. Typical Bigby really.

I’d expect Harris out there, and it seems like most of the Packers “insiders” do too. He could be of help if he could step in and play the nickel.

As for the game, I don’t think you guys have a whole lot to worry about. We don’t match-up very well with you guys, despite the fact that your biggest weakness is probably our biggest strength. If we would get back to that short, quick timing passing game I think it might be a different story but that probably won’t happen. McCarthy will probably dial up a bunch of deep, down field plays. Leaving Rodgers naked, and running for his life. I’d guess we’ll probably only score 14-20 points, which won’t be enough as I doubt our defense will hold you guys under that.

by packallday555 on Oct 19, 2010 8:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Hope you're right.

Well, I’m hoping you’re right about this match up being in the Vikings’ favor. Their losses are turning my hair gray.

So, now you’ve got me curious. Why is McCarthy so anti-running game? Maybe I’ve just been listening to Childress so long preaching about using the run to set up the pass that it surprises me when other coaches don’t do that.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 20, 2010 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

Some coaches do the opposite

Use the pass to set up the run. The thing is that most of those teams get so focused “setting up the run” that they never get around to the actual running part (i.e. Peyton Manning throwing on 3 consecutive plays with a 3 point lead and less than 3 minutes to play, giving the ball back to the Redskins with all 3 timeouts and 2 minutes to drive for a field goal).

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, he passes to set up the run. Only, he never really gets around to the run. And when he does, he often uses the wrong personnel in certain situations. ( For example, last week he ran a couple toss plays to Kuhn and used Jackson exclusively in between the tackles.) For anyone who isn’t aware, Kuhn is a converted fullback. He’s a gut it out type of runner, kind of like Gerhart actually.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

As for the game, I don’t think you guys have a whole lot to worry about.

Let’s be real. We have to worry right now no matter who we play. We have yet to have two full consecutive quarters of competent offense this entire season.

Less than two quarters of competent offense will not get it done in Lambeau, no matter how well our D steps up (well … if your O could do the favore of imploding, like Dallas & Detroit’s did, I suppose that would be enough).

by puddnhead on Oct 20, 2010 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Right but we also have yet to play two consecutive quarters of competent offense as well. That’s a problem because while our defense has been decent, they haven’t been as good as your defense has. We also haven’t seen a team with as many weapons as you have. I just see your offense finding it’s stride against us for some reason.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

I agree

Our edge is our defense, and the potential (though not currently the reality) of our offense. You guys will probably make AD beat you again, like last year. We will hopefully be able to make you pay for playing the run too much … like last year. I think our D can stop you. But I think, if it could only play up to its potential, your D cannot stop our O (not enough).

I just wish we weren’t missing both Cook and Griffin. One we might be able to make do without, but not both. That is the main chink in our defensive armor, forget about how well Jared is or is not playing (well, OK, Jared playing better could mask the secondary issues).

by puddnhead on Oct 20, 2010 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

oops

err I meant make Favre beat you — not AD. In other words, Packers will play the run, try to shut down Peterson, opening opportunities for Favre & Co.

by puddnhead on Oct 20, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yep, totally agree with everything you just said.

I think we could dominate your defense if we got back to what used to be the staple of our offense, which was get the ball to Jennings and co. in space on quick routes and let them make guys miss but I highly doubt we’ll do that. For some reason, all McCarthy and Rodgers ever seem to want to do is throw the ball deep. This is obviously a problem when you don’t ever establish a running game (or even the threat of running) and when defenses know it’s coming.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

But on the other hand, that gets the linebackers more into the mix, which frankly is a much bigger strength for us than cornerback right now. I can take you relying on yards after contact, because our guys miss less than on most teams. In other words I think we match up well to what you think your strategy should be. I think our D is too good for you to relying on consistently moving the chains “methodically.” That’s what the Jets tried to do with us, and I think they struggled to make it work more than they have with other defenses. Sanchez had a < 50% completion percentage, yet still only averaged like 8 yards when he did complete (so YPA was around 4). Yeah, I know Rodgers is way better than Sanchez, but on the other side, we both know that he also had the benefit of a good run game to keep us more off balance, and also a better line.

by puddnhead on Oct 21, 2010 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

Good point. You guys are excellent after the catch. I wish the Packers had some guys aside from Woodson who could come up and make a sure tackle on guys.

Though that strategy would play into your strength, I think it’s still really the only way to beat you. The deep ball strategy would be horrible against you guys, and wouldn’t work because like other teams, you’ll likely just play your saftey’s really deep and take it away. Plus, we don’t have the offensive line to protect long enough to that anyhow.

The only way to beat you guys is to stay balanced. McCarthy needs to run the ball consistently, and have Rodgers just take what’s open. If that means throwing it underneath every time, then so be it. At the very least, it’ll run clock and keep Favre and Peterson off of the field that much more.

by packallday555 on Oct 21, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

Could be … but the other way to beat us is for our offense to suck again. I think it’s safe to say that our D will be the most proven and reliable unit taking the field Sunday, overall. But I think your O is still #2 (leaving out special teams, to simplify). If your O is less overwhelmed by our D than our O is overwhelmed by your D, that’s another way to win.

In other words, there is a path to winning for you on the other side of the ball. But that does count on you guys shutting down AD, and Moss not being a factor, yes.

by puddnhead on Oct 21, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I just don’t see our defense being more effective than your defense. All you guys have to worry about is our passing game, while we have to worry about both your passing and running game.

by packallday555 on Oct 21, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cook is expected back this week

Barring any setbacks, we should have him starting this week.

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

give the defense some credit

Offenses rarely implode on their own without help from the defense they’re playing.

by Cobra312004 on Oct 20, 2010 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why so serious?

Me thinks thou doust worrieth too much.

by Jepp The Viking on Oct 19, 2010 9:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Of course I worry too much.

There are two very good reasons for this. 1 It is just my way, a personality quirk. 2 I’m a Vikings fan, there is no such thing as a “sure thing” with this team.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 20, 2010 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Matthews

Is a beast,he has a natural fluid movement,quick speed and like our Jared his motor just doesnt quit,no need hate on the guy.What really surprised me was the release of Kampman,I really wished we could have picked him up.
Lets hope our Offense finds some points b4 the 3rd quarter.

by speedlod on Oct 19, 2010 9:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Me too. I think his struggles were blown out of proportion, though there definitely were some. Still though, if we still had him we’d have a hell of a pass rush. I think a lot of losing him had to do with him wanting to play in a 4-3 system.

by packallday555 on Oct 19, 2010 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Green Bay's Superbowl about to begin ???

SG , Let me help a bit . The key to Brett’s dilema is Jenn . If you remember she was fired from the Jets . And she slammed them pretty good by sticking her nose up to Goodell and his attempt to appease the ESPN followering . But Brett will sit quiet as round two starts . Round one won by Brett’s partner Jenn . No complaint . No harassment . Thus the serious carge is dropped . Meaning no suspension . Remember that Goodell needs Brett . To sell tickets for a new stadium . And they can’t do that if Brett doesn’t play . His hands are tied . Then round two was the attempt to get Brett to emotionally respond to inappropriate actions with a phone . Without a police statement it all becomes subjective . That will take time . ESPN will have a timetable to come up with the evidence of mass destruction . Knowing that if Brett loses one sponser because they fumbled . Meaning their lack of credable fact finding . Brett may have grounds to sue ESPN for liable . Deadspin isn’t proving their alligations as credable . And most analysists have already backed out of their comments . This issue may end up blowing up in ESPN and the NFL’s faces . Goodell will need to focus on the Jets inhouse problems . People forget that this is the Jets second bout with female harassment . Maybe Goodell needs to chase that mouse .
     On a more important subject . The Cheese . PAD555 is trying his best to hold up here . But . Like GB’s O-line ? He isn’t getting any support from his surrounding cast for a reason . Placing Finley on IR after stating he will only miss eight weeks . That is a red flag sign that GB has given in to mediocrity . The same reasons I was banned from APC for is why they are failing . They have over drafted at the O-line spot . And fail to recover from the glory days . Name one future probowler under the age of thirty ? Remember PAD555 it was you that believed Colledge would be cut with the drafting of Bulaga . GB’s FO has no confidence in their 1st rd pick . So GB is in the same boat as Chicago with the lack of building a O-line again . Next I mentioned that this is Aaron’s third starting year . I too was wrong . He has about 100 yards less than expected a game . But I was dead on with my other observations . He can’t win the big games I said ? Look at weeks 5 and 6 . Then 7 ! As limp as this cheese has gotten . They still claimed their offense is intact . And my bold prediction that all opposing QBs will miss at least 3 total weeks is coming true sooner rather than later . Was I really that hard to preconceive ? Next I complimented their WR corp . Listing Finley as their achilles heel . I said that when he goes so does their season . I spoke of their need of a slot guy and a power back ? What back of late . Right ? And PAD555 speaks of short passes . Now you see why the Pack can’t succeed in the area . I thought they would take McCluster . Good thing they didn’t . Wow ! Where do I start with the defense ? I predicted the break up of the front line with a more than Wise assumption of where Jolly was heading . As they claimed it was all in the past . When the news broke . Jr Nostrodomus got banned . It was PAD555 who also saw Hawk , AL and Bigby as gone . And now he has to sit and sleep with these ex-girlfriends for 12 long grouling weeks . Not one starting LB in the line up last week that was 100% or there . I didn’t even dream of that wonderful deal . But don’t the back ups seem to play as hard as the starters ? Sad but great news if you drink purple Cool-aid ! And their secondary looks out of sorts . But why not . They had until today to find a trade or free agent . But failed . Just visit APC and see them vent on that one . Next I spoke of Brett’s real goal . The heads of TT and MM . And APC has gotten sucked right into Brett’s trap . Boy do they want change . I can see them passing on Capers as Coach . As he walks off like their last defensive guru . Lastly I brought up the straw that will break their season ? #4 . As Brett will still be standing in December . The Pack will be waiting on Aaron’s 7th season to try and get his first earned playoff win . His career will then begin it’s decline . As he approaches thirty . He will struggle to get the Pack to pay out on his next deal . Then it will forever be cemented into Pack Lore that Brett caused the Fall of a once great Empire . Surrounded by the Barbarian General they took in as their own . As he returned to loot and sack the great City that was to arrogant to see him for who he really was ? Once a Barbarian always a Barbarian ! The name Farve even sounds Icelandic doesn’t it ?
     So Skol to you Skol girl and let Dr. Gothic send that little headache away with a long , hard throbbing massage of your inner most tensions …….close your eyes my scrumscious purple morsel . And wake up refreshed by my darkfinger tips of Wisdom . Minus the Condom ? Just playin’ …..As the Bears lose to Washington and Brett remains the real master of the frozen tundra ? Remember with the Bears of the next week we will be knocking on the door to the NFCN’s rightful leader !!!

by gothicpurple on Oct 19, 2010 10:34 PM CDT reply actions  

LOL

Man Gothic, when you go on a tear, you really go on a tear.

You’re right, the fact that Jenn Sterger isn’t cooperating with the NFL’s investigation does encourage me that this won’t be the much-hyped FavreGate that it could have been had she cooperated. Part of me kind of wondered if she didn’t leak the sexting story to promote her own “career” and then freaked when it got out of control.

And, it is interesting how as the season progresses, both the Bears and the Packers are failing to live up to the early hype. They were never as great as they were billed to be. Good? Sure. Improved? Why not. But great? Eh, not so sure about that. Even if the Packers were great, they have been plagued by injuries. The thing that is a lingering concern to me though, is the fact that it is a divisional rivalry. Divisional rivalries are always worse.

As for your headache cures, I think we’re going to have to report you to the medical board.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 20, 2010 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

cause and affect

pack doesnt run the ball pack defense plays well for 3 quarters . no chewing the clock by pack and more 3 and outs this year equal tired and slow defense in fourth when they need them . run and pass equal longer possesions more rest for defense . pack wear down teams then light them up late and win , or almost win against them . but hey lets throw 75 times and make a 5hour game who cares if our defense is down to adam sandler (waterboy) playing , in ted they trust ./waves hand and says these are not the droids your looking for.the pack are down to smoke and mirrors. time to let the favrism happen again , and watch packerland say the game was close when it really wasnt, like both games last year.

by skol viking on Oct 20, 2010 4:29 AM CDT reply actions  

This is actually pretty accurate. The defense will look solid for most of the game but eventually they wear down and tire out. It’s largely because of our offense, and it’s inability to sustain any drives. They haven’t been giving the defense the much needed break they deserve and need, and it’s hurt us quite a bit.

by packallday555 on Oct 20, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sounds dangerously similar to the Vikings.

The Vikings’ defense has been consistent. While they haven’t always forced the 3-and-out, they have been doing a pretty good job with their “bend-don’t-break” method and have prevented most long plays from opposing offenses. But the Vikings offense hasn’t been nearly as good at sustaining drives as they were last season so the Vikings’ defense is back out on the field again before they can throw back their Gatorade and talk with their coaches. The Vikings offense needs to even up the time of possession so the defense can breathe and regroup.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 20, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hey Pack !!!

Could you take about 555 hours to update us on all those limp cheesers ?? Sorry that’s cruel . How about commenting about the starters who haven’t been hurt yet . That should take half the time it takes me to pull out of LLB ? 2 minutes on average ???

by gothicpurple on Oct 20, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Let’s not chase away the knowledgeable, worthwhile visiting posters like PAD please. If you absolutely had to post something like this, there are definitely other pack fans parachuting in much more deserving of that treatment.

by puddnhead on Oct 21, 2010 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not to gang-up on you goth..

but puddn is right. It is a refreshing change to have meaningful discussions with opponents esp after the JETrolls!

by izziefans on Oct 21, 2010 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Update from Favre from today's media day with packer reporters

After about a bazillion Qs about the Sterger investigation & what it will be like to play again at Lambeau, someone finally got around to asking him about his elbow. Here’s what he said:

Right now I feel like it’s not a hinderance at all.
There was also a somewhat interesting question about how he would finally get to play with Randy Moss at Lambeau, but the irony that they will both be on the visiting team. Which of course brought up the Ted Thompson refusing to trade a 4th rounder for Moss angle. Favre’s words:
Favre said he doesn’t think anybody knows Thompson well, that he’s an unassuming guy. Said he didn’t think their relationship, from a business standpoint, went the way we’d both have liked. “It went awry. But that’s over and done with.” “Sure I would have liked to have seen Randy come in.”
Also he is burying hatchet with McCarthy (implicitly acknowledging there is a hatchet to be buried):
Things are different now. No ill feelings.

by puddnhead on Oct 20, 2010 12:28 PM CDT reply actions  

the wonders of cortizone

Favre is still feeling the effects of that cortizone shot to relieve the tendonitis pain—may the effects last until February.

I think it will be interesting for the Green Bay fans to see the Moss/Favre connection and realize they could have had it. Twice.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Oct 20, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, and as I posted it before … you know both Favre and Moss are thinking that. Randy definitely carries grudges about being passed over, as the big “forgiveness” moment to Jerry Jones last week demonstrates, and Favre … he already made his “I told you so” statement last year about dumping him. This year the only “told you so” he has yet to prove is, what he could have done if he had Randy in 2007.

by puddnhead on Oct 21, 2010 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

The attempt to get an emotional response failed as hoped .

Brett wasn’t required to speak . But more importantly . Deadspin wasn’t and won’t be contacted over the issues . That means that no harassment . No charges filed . And no creditable information will be obtained . ESPN has placed themselves in the gray area on this topic . They are but a 1/2 story away from a slander suit . So like I said my little morsel . Everything is good in the corrupt NFL again . As the mafia head Goodell will pass on this one until further notice .
     As for football ? Al Harris will assist this week . But as PAD555 aluded to weeks ago . He is all but done as a premiere player . He won’t accept a sub role in GB and they will hurt more in the end because of this fact . Starks is a change of pace guy who needs time to heal . And I personally believe that Atari was held on to to prevent him from making a traitorous march to Chicago or Minnie . I see this volitile and sometimes vain organization releasing him to San Francisco or Buffalo or who ever else sits with an 0- something record . They don’t see him as a fit for their Capers scheme .
       Game-wise I see us sticking to the vanilla first half scheming . Then as Chris Cook gives that added boost . As we put needed pressure on the Pack’s pourous OT situation . In the end it will be the loss of Finley and several dropped balls because of lingering effects of Aaron’s concussion that will be the Packer’s doom . Have you any experience with concussions ? They don’t go away in a week like the NFL allows . Noise , lights and motion like in the big hits are what brings back the intensity of the symptoms . Anyone can get a massage (non- gothic type) and show up to pass the neurological tests . One of the tests Aaron failed last week was the balance test . It is the feeling of a Carousel going on behind you . And as you visually scan to your peripheral or behind you sense the dizziness . That sense doesn’t leave the victom for several weeks . And variables related to the game will bring back otherwise lost symptoms . The lack of concentration and accuracy are the factors in the dropped passes . While Cutler has the added problem of not having his playbook memorized . That effects his decision making more than Aaron who can compensate by manually visualizing . Giving him less book time . Reading is an exhausting task to one with a concussion . It can take 10-15 minutes at times to read a paragragh and comprehend and retain it . Depending on the severity .
       Enough of the small talk . My biggest issues will come in the areas of production by Our Vikes Offensively . Peterson was disappointing against Dallas with only 73 yards and low production in the fourth . Brett should have sustained more drives . He has been shaky back there . And it pains me to say it . Special teams and Cowgirl errors won that game . Shiancoe needs to rest . We should have traded one of our seven WRs ? And Berrian needs to be a P/R or K/R guy until he can adapt to the new roles he is assigned . When Rice comes back between the Pats and the Cards his role wil change again . He isn’t a guy who can get open in the middle of the field . He needs to fill the fourth WR spot and force downfield mismatches with nickel corners . And he will have plenty to come in this next game with GB’s shorter DBs .
      And the Medical association will not see DN as anymore creditable then Deadspin so I don’t have much to worry about there sweetchecks !!!

by gothicpurple on Oct 20, 2010 3:59 PM CDT reply actions  

medicinal marijuana...

…harvin not allowed to seek that avenue for headache relief anymore…but you on the otherhand…

"the following statement is true:
the preceding statement was false" - george carlin

by BranFavrenton on Oct 21, 2010 8:50 AM CDT reply actions  

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