Comments on: Game Thoughts Packers/Giants

By: ScottL

ScottL — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 03:11:11 +0000

Glad to see Lee get into the game. A tight end that can actually hold on to the ball. Go figure. Although Quarless did hang onto that one pass thrown to him. So congrats. Maybe he focused a bit more since Lee was taking away his PT. AQ usually needs to drop a couple before his hands get warmed up.

By: ace

ace — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:19:07 +0000

Agree with Andy’s analysis and the comments. I believe TT is a very good GM, contrary to past comments of many on this blog; however, use a draft pick and roster spot to get a punt and kickoff returner. Field position is critical to an offense’s success. Even the Giants poor special teams gave them better field position than the Packers had. Yes, it is tough when your special teams are made up of different players from week to week due to injuries but the primary returner can make a huge difference-see Eagles, Bears, Oakland in the last 2 weeks for example. Many pint sized successful returners are free agents who can perform no other function but special teams play. Bring in several of them and pick one that doesn’t have a history of injuries. Normally a team does not need to carry 5 tight ends and 3 fullbacks (this year was an exception for GB). Use one of those spots for the return specialist.
Agree that we should just punt out of bounds or into the end zone with Hester. Kluwe hit the sidelines at least 3 times before kicking to Hester last week and watching him go the distance. Masthay will have a net punting average of 30 yards or less but that is better than watching DH take it all the way.

By: DaveK

DaveK — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:18:10 +0000

Just thinking about the Giants 2007 season when they won the Superbowl.
The played tough against an undefeated Pats team in week 17 but lost on the last drive. They finished 10-6 with the #5 seed. Then went on to win three road games in the playoffs and a squeaker of a Superbowl. That is the blue-print for the Packers.

By: DaveK

DaveK — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:35:20 +0000

First the pros:

– Raji was a disruptive beast today. He was collapsing the pocket and drawing double teams on a bunch of plays.

– Matthew’s forced fumble and Bishop’s tap back into play is the play of the year so far. The game was still competitive at that point. Huge play.

– How good would this defense be with a good ROLB opposite Matthews? Capers is getting it done with Eric Walden and Robert Francois at that spot. Has to be a priority in the draft this year.

- Rodgers was amazing today. Most QB’s would have had 5 sacks in that game. The way he avoided pressure and made throws down field was huge today for the offense.

- Jennings and Driver run perfect routes and caught everything today.

– MM play calling was outstanding today. Execution sure helped but I thought from the beginning he had the Giants guessing. Ten rushing plays in the first quarter.

Cons:
– Jones had two big drops. I’ll spare you my weekly Jones rant but the guy just frustrates me to no end.

– Shields on kick-offs just isn’t working. Jordy Nelson was better. I agree with Dave in Tucson that using Williams on punts is insane given the output he gives us on them. Ted Thompson needs to find a dynamic PR/KR next year and be willing to use a roster spot for him.

– Bulaga is not getting it done against quality DE’s. He was terrible in Detroit. He was abused today by Tuck the entire game. If not for Rodgers being able to avoid pressure and still make plays we would all be bitching about Bulaga again. I hope he can handle Peppers or I hope the Packers have plans to give him help.

– Where is Starks? He looked so good against the 49ers. He has been inactive the last two weeks.

- Bears week. For the love of God someone tell Masthay to NEVER punt to Hester.

By: Dave in Tucson

Dave in Tucson — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 05:04:14 +0000

My thoughts:

1) The offense was awesome. I thought they would struggle against the Giants pass rush, but Rodgers was on fire, and just owned their secondary.

2) Special teams had a good game too (though why do we have Tramon Williams returning kicks? Zero production and major risk of one of our best corners is in no way worth it.

3) Defense was pretty ugly early on, especially the way that 14-0 lead disappeared. I really didn’t feel comfortable at all when the defense was on the field until Matthews forced Bradshaw’s fumble.

The defense really benefited from playing a sloppy, mediocre offense, especially in the second half.

D∈T

By: Jeff in Illinois

Jeff in Illinois — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:23:33 +0000

I have at times been among those ripping on MM this year. You have to admit, though, that this team has tremendous potential if they make the playoffs. I’m sure they’ll be favored over the Bears. The Pack took both the Pats and the Falcons down to the wire. There is not a team in the NFL that the Pack cannot match up with. I’m not predicting that they’ll go deep in the playoffs but I won’t be at all surprised if they do.