The Packers were able to finish off the preseason by winning their final two games. The final one against the Chiefs even though we played our back-ups the whole game while the Chiefs played most of their starters well into the fourth quarter. We ended up keeping 5 TEs on the roster but only 1 FB. The total makes sense when you consider the past few years where they kept 3 or 4 TEs and 3 FBs. That is why you may have noticed some of the back-up TEs lining up as FBs on some plays. They also kept 5 WRs, meaning that they had to let go of some young players who showed some promise. That included Chastin West, who originally was snuck onto the practice squad, however I read that he had been signed to the Jaguars active roster. We still have arguably the deepest receiving corps in the league, especially if you count Jermichael Finley with Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Jones, and Cobb. I was a little surprised that they only kept 2 QBs and risked losing Harrell, however he remains on the practice squad as insurance against any potential injury to Rodgers, they may need him as a back-up next year after Flynn leaves in free agency.
I was lucky enough to attend the opening kickoff game against the Saints. The experience outside the stadium was unlike any other I had seen before, including the various playoff games I had been to. The parking lot was packed, it took a lot of effort to even get to the gates. Of course the game did not disappoint, the offense got off to a great start, scoring 3 TDs in the first quarter. The defense couldn't hold the Saints down for the whole game, as they clawed their way back, using special teams as well returning a punt for a touchdown. Randall Cobb answered the Saints punt return with an NFL record tying 108 yard kickoff return of his own. The return was helped by John Kuhn, who helped hold Cobb up after he was hit, which allowed him to keep going and eventually score. But as many yards were gained and points were scored the game was decided by a defensive stand on an un-timed down from the 1 yard line, where the Packer defense stuffed rookie running back Mark Ingram as he attempted to plunge in from a yard out. What a finish.
I never thought the defense would give up so many yards to Cam Newton last week. I was also kind of worried after we fell behind 13-0, the first time the Packers trailed a team by more than 7 points since the 2009 season. However, even as the defense kept bending they never broke, limiting the Panthers to field goals instead of touchdowns and forcing 4 turnovers. Meanwhile the offense finally got going and was able to put the game away with a late long touchdown pass from Rodgers to Nelson, which was helped by a block way down field by Jennings.
So what have we learned over the first two weeks? Most importantly, whatever problems the team has been having, they are 2-0, and that is all that matters. The Packer pass defense needs to be shored up. The loss of Nick Collins will not help this however Charlie Peprah proved to be a capable fill in last year after Morgan Burnett went down. Big improvement so far in the running game compared to last year, James Starks has shown some good bursts, even breaking a long run against the Panthers last week. Also, this just in, that Rodgers guy is pretty good, he seems to have done a good job replacing that guy we traded a few years back.
On Sunday the Packers take on the Bears, for I believe the 183rd time. I work in the same office park as the Bears training facility, so every so often one of the players needs to follow my car and stare at my Packers license plate, I take a little joy in that. Hopefully the defense can take advantage of the poor play of the Bears offensive line and get some hits and sacks on Cutler, which should lead to him throwing some picks as well. Here's hoping that Rodgers is able to put on the belt a few times at Soldier Field and we remain unbeaten at 3-0.
*Please support this site by using the links provided. *
I was lucky enough to attend the opening kickoff game against the Saints. The experience outside the stadium was unlike any other I had seen before, including the various playoff games I had been to. The parking lot was packed, it took a lot of effort to even get to the gates. Of course the game did not disappoint, the offense got off to a great start, scoring 3 TDs in the first quarter. The defense couldn't hold the Saints down for the whole game, as they clawed their way back, using special teams as well returning a punt for a touchdown. Randall Cobb answered the Saints punt return with an NFL record tying 108 yard kickoff return of his own. The return was helped by John Kuhn, who helped hold Cobb up after he was hit, which allowed him to keep going and eventually score. But as many yards were gained and points were scored the game was decided by a defensive stand on an un-timed down from the 1 yard line, where the Packer defense stuffed rookie running back Mark Ingram as he attempted to plunge in from a yard out. What a finish.
I never thought the defense would give up so many yards to Cam Newton last week. I was also kind of worried after we fell behind 13-0, the first time the Packers trailed a team by more than 7 points since the 2009 season. However, even as the defense kept bending they never broke, limiting the Panthers to field goals instead of touchdowns and forcing 4 turnovers. Meanwhile the offense finally got going and was able to put the game away with a late long touchdown pass from Rodgers to Nelson, which was helped by a block way down field by Jennings.
So what have we learned over the first two weeks? Most importantly, whatever problems the team has been having, they are 2-0, and that is all that matters. The Packer pass defense needs to be shored up. The loss of Nick Collins will not help this however Charlie Peprah proved to be a capable fill in last year after Morgan Burnett went down. Big improvement so far in the running game compared to last year, James Starks has shown some good bursts, even breaking a long run against the Panthers last week. Also, this just in, that Rodgers guy is pretty good, he seems to have done a good job replacing that guy we traded a few years back.
On Sunday the Packers take on the Bears, for I believe the 183rd time. I work in the same office park as the Bears training facility, so every so often one of the players needs to follow my car and stare at my Packers license plate, I take a little joy in that. Hopefully the defense can take advantage of the poor play of the Bears offensive line and get some hits and sacks on Cutler, which should lead to him throwing some picks as well. Here's hoping that Rodgers is able to put on the belt a few times at Soldier Field and we remain unbeaten at 3-0.
*Please support this site by using the links provided. *
Don't miss the freebies, coupons, and discounts! Subscribe Now! Check us out on Facebook to find more deals and extra giveaways!
No comments:
Post a Comment