A lot has gone wrong for the Packers this year. On Sunday, they are hoping something can go right agains winless Detroit.
The Lions dropped their final home game of the year against the Saints last week, giving them their 15th loss of the year. It was the first time a team surpassed 14 losses before notching a win. The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers completed the NFL's only winless season, dropping 14 games as an expansion franchise without getting a win.
Last year, the Miami Dolphins flirted with history, losing their first 13 games before finally getting a win in overtime against Baltimore in week 15. They lost their last two games to finish 1-15.
The Packers are hoping they can prevent the Lions from finishing with that record and stop a five game losing streak at the same time. It has been over a month since the Packers had that winning feeling, losing two games at home along the way. The Packers are looking to even up their home record as well; it currently stands at 3-4. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy intends to treat the Lions like he would any other opponent.
“I'm sure there will be a lot of outside media attention around the situation, but we're not going to spend any time on that. We have no control of that. We have no input on that. We have no opinion on it,” McCarthy said on Tuesday. “Every team brings a different set of challenges to you, and we expect no different from the Detroit Lions.”
McCarthy will be shaking up the lineup this weekend, and that may include an increased role for running back DeShawn Wynn. With Brandon Jackson doubtful for this Sunday’s game, Wynn is expected to serve as the primary backup for starter Ryan Grant. McCarthy hinted on Friday that Wynn should see an increased workload.
“I think DeShawn Wynn is clearly an ascending player in our program. He had the one opportunity in Chicago, and I think he showed what he's capable of doing,” McCarthy said in reference to Wynn’s lone carry of the year on Monday night in Chicago. “I've stood here before and said I'd play him in any situation. We put him in the fourth-and-one. That should tell you what we think about him.”
McCarthy also disclosed earlier in the week that he intends to move his offensive lineman around for the season finale. Tony Moll, who had three penalties called against him in Monday Night’s loss to the Bears, will be removed from the starting lineup and serve as a backup to most any position but center. Daryn Colledge will play right tackle, while Josh Sitton and Jason Spitz with play right guard and left guard respectively. Chad Clifton will stay at left tackle, and Scott Wells, at center.
“If you go back to the preseason, Josh Sitton was the starting guard when we started the season,” McCarthy said in explaining the switch. “That possibility has always been there since he has been healthy.” McCarthy also said the move had nothing to do with the possibility of replacing an aging Mark Tauscher (right tackle) next year.
Considering how desperate the Lions are for a win, this game could prove to be one of the more challenging games of the season in terms of discipline. It would not be surprising to see Detroit use every play in its playbook in an attempt to beat the Packers on Sunday. The defense backfield especially will have to be vigilant of flea flickers, end-arounds and any other sort of gadget play. If the Packers can be patient and allow their talent to overcome the Lions lack thereof, there is no reason Green Bay should lose this game on Sunday.
12.27.2008
12.25.2008
Packers @ Bears Recap - Overtime field goal sinks Pack again
If there is another way to lose a football game, the Green Bay Packers will likely find a way to do it.
Despite owning time of possession by nearly eight minutes, outgaining their opponent in overall yards, accumulating more first downs and being more efficient on third downs, the Packers found a way to succumb to the Bears on Monday Night in Chicago. The defeat was the Packers' fifth straight, and it kept playoff hopes for the Bears alive for one more weekend.
The Packers took control of this game in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns to take a 14-3 lead into halftime. Green Bay even overcame an Aaron Rodgers interception in the first quarter that could have allowed the Bears to get on the board first, but instead resulted in a harmless punt,
The second half, though, brought a different story. The Green Bay defense managed to hold the Bears to a three-and-out on their first drive, but the fourth-down punt hit off the leg of Packers special teamer Jarrett Bush. Chicago recovered on the Packers 27-yard line, and the Bears capitalized with a touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Greg Olsen.
The defense was able to hold the Bears for much of the rest of the game, but the Green Bay offense could muster little momentum. The Packers’ only score of the second half, a field goal by Mason Crosby, came off of a Charles Wooodson interception that gave the Packers the ball at the Chicago 30 yard line. Green Bay’s inability to punch the ball in the end zone ended up haunting them as the Bears used a late fourth quarter drive to tie the game at 17.
From there, it seemed as though the Packers’ fortunes had turned positive again. Will Blackmon took the kickoff back 32 yards to midfield and Bears running back Adrian Peterson was whistled for taking Blackmon down out of bounds with a late hit. Starting at the Bear 35, the Packers were able to gain 16 yards and set up Mason Crosby for a 38-yard field goal to win the game.
From there, the game tipped in the Bears favor. Bears lineman Alex Brown was able to stick his hand in the air to block Mason Crosby’s field goal, which bounced out of bounds, allowing the Bears to kneel on the ball and play for overtime. The Bears won the coin toss, the second time in as many tries that Green Bay has lost the coin toss this year, and the Bears received the overtime kickoff. Starting on their own 33, the Bears moved quickly down the field on a 17 yard pass to Olsen that ended with an unnecessary roughness penalty on Packers safety Aaron Rouse. A 14 yard screen play to running back Matt Forte moved the Bears down to the 20 yard line and allowed for Robbie Gould to give the Bears the victory. It was the first time the Bears led in the game.
It was the second time Green Bay lost the coin toss, and their opponent took the win on a field goal on the first drive of overtime. Asked if the Packers seventh loss by four points or less was building up frustration, McCarthy had this to say:
“We lost a game tonight to the Chicago Bears. It doesn't feel very good. I'm not thinking about the other games right now, to answer your question. It was a tough, hard-fought football game like they always are. We had a lot of opportunities. They made some key plays, particularly on special teams that factored in the outcome. You come down here, you have obstacles you run into every game, and we didn't make enough plays to win.”
Report Card:
Offense: B+ – The Packers had a much more balanced attack on Monday night, with 27 rushing attempts, 25 in the hands of Ryan Grant. Rodgers completed 62% of his 39 passes and had a solid day overall outside of the first quarter interception. The offensive line did not allow a sack, and the Packers dominated the game from a statistical standpoint offensively.
Defense: B – Another late-game meltdown allowed the Bears back into it. Through three and a half quarters, the defense yielded only 160 yards to the Bears while getting two interceptions off of Orton. But on the Bears’ final two drives, they accumulated 83 yards—plus 15 yards on a penalty—to score 10 points and win the game. The Packers held the bears to 2.8 yards per rush and stopped the Bears nine of 12 times on third down.
Special Teams: C – Two of the biggest plays that turned the game in the Bears favor came on Special Teams: The unfortunate fumble off of Bush resulted in a Bears touchdown and Mason Crosby’s blocked field goal attempt prevented the Packers from finishing off the game in regulation. Crosby also missed a 46 yard field goal in the third quarter that would have lengthened the Packers lead. Jeremy Kapinos’ punting was fair at about 38 yards per punt. Blackmon looked better on punt returns, but the Packers also yielded a couple of long returns in the game.
Overall: B- - It was not a terrible effort, especially considering the Packers had really nothing to play for other than it being a rivalry game. It is not easy to win on the road on Monday Night, and everything statistical indicates the Packers won the game, but for the final score. The Packers simply cannot catch a break this season, even when the overtime coin flip hits the helmet of their opponent.
Despite owning time of possession by nearly eight minutes, outgaining their opponent in overall yards, accumulating more first downs and being more efficient on third downs, the Packers found a way to succumb to the Bears on Monday Night in Chicago. The defeat was the Packers' fifth straight, and it kept playoff hopes for the Bears alive for one more weekend.
The Packers took control of this game in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns to take a 14-3 lead into halftime. Green Bay even overcame an Aaron Rodgers interception in the first quarter that could have allowed the Bears to get on the board first, but instead resulted in a harmless punt,
The second half, though, brought a different story. The Green Bay defense managed to hold the Bears to a three-and-out on their first drive, but the fourth-down punt hit off the leg of Packers special teamer Jarrett Bush. Chicago recovered on the Packers 27-yard line, and the Bears capitalized with a touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Greg Olsen.
The defense was able to hold the Bears for much of the rest of the game, but the Green Bay offense could muster little momentum. The Packers’ only score of the second half, a field goal by Mason Crosby, came off of a Charles Wooodson interception that gave the Packers the ball at the Chicago 30 yard line. Green Bay’s inability to punch the ball in the end zone ended up haunting them as the Bears used a late fourth quarter drive to tie the game at 17.
From there, it seemed as though the Packers’ fortunes had turned positive again. Will Blackmon took the kickoff back 32 yards to midfield and Bears running back Adrian Peterson was whistled for taking Blackmon down out of bounds with a late hit. Starting at the Bear 35, the Packers were able to gain 16 yards and set up Mason Crosby for a 38-yard field goal to win the game.
From there, the game tipped in the Bears favor. Bears lineman Alex Brown was able to stick his hand in the air to block Mason Crosby’s field goal, which bounced out of bounds, allowing the Bears to kneel on the ball and play for overtime. The Bears won the coin toss, the second time in as many tries that Green Bay has lost the coin toss this year, and the Bears received the overtime kickoff. Starting on their own 33, the Bears moved quickly down the field on a 17 yard pass to Olsen that ended with an unnecessary roughness penalty on Packers safety Aaron Rouse. A 14 yard screen play to running back Matt Forte moved the Bears down to the 20 yard line and allowed for Robbie Gould to give the Bears the victory. It was the first time the Bears led in the game.
It was the second time Green Bay lost the coin toss, and their opponent took the win on a field goal on the first drive of overtime. Asked if the Packers seventh loss by four points or less was building up frustration, McCarthy had this to say:
“We lost a game tonight to the Chicago Bears. It doesn't feel very good. I'm not thinking about the other games right now, to answer your question. It was a tough, hard-fought football game like they always are. We had a lot of opportunities. They made some key plays, particularly on special teams that factored in the outcome. You come down here, you have obstacles you run into every game, and we didn't make enough plays to win.”
Report Card:
Offense: B+ – The Packers had a much more balanced attack on Monday night, with 27 rushing attempts, 25 in the hands of Ryan Grant. Rodgers completed 62% of his 39 passes and had a solid day overall outside of the first quarter interception. The offensive line did not allow a sack, and the Packers dominated the game from a statistical standpoint offensively.
Defense: B – Another late-game meltdown allowed the Bears back into it. Through three and a half quarters, the defense yielded only 160 yards to the Bears while getting two interceptions off of Orton. But on the Bears’ final two drives, they accumulated 83 yards—plus 15 yards on a penalty—to score 10 points and win the game. The Packers held the bears to 2.8 yards per rush and stopped the Bears nine of 12 times on third down.
Special Teams: C – Two of the biggest plays that turned the game in the Bears favor came on Special Teams: The unfortunate fumble off of Bush resulted in a Bears touchdown and Mason Crosby’s blocked field goal attempt prevented the Packers from finishing off the game in regulation. Crosby also missed a 46 yard field goal in the third quarter that would have lengthened the Packers lead. Jeremy Kapinos’ punting was fair at about 38 yards per punt. Blackmon looked better on punt returns, but the Packers also yielded a couple of long returns in the game.
Overall: B- - It was not a terrible effort, especially considering the Packers had really nothing to play for other than it being a rivalry game. It is not easy to win on the road on Monday Night, and everything statistical indicates the Packers won the game, but for the final score. The Packers simply cannot catch a break this season, even when the overtime coin flip hits the helmet of their opponent.
12.21.2008
Packers @ Bears Preview - Rivalry adds meaning to game in broken season
Guaranteed just their second losing season since 1992,, the Packers will line up this weekend and play against a familiar opponent at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Bears were the last team the Packers beat, in week 11. It seemed as though the Packers and Bears were headed in different directions after that game, but not in the way the last four weeks have played out. Rather than continuing the trend of that 37-3 victory, Green Bay has lost four straight and dropped out of playoff contention. The Bears on the other hand have won three of four to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The game will be played out on Monday Night Football, the third and final appearance for the Packers on Monday Night in 2008, They split their first two Monday night appearances, with an opening night win against Minnesota and the first of their four recent losses with a disappointing performance in New Orleans. While the Packers no longer have a chance to make the playoffs, they would love to keep their division rivals out of the playoffs as well.
“We talk about the importance of division games, and this is a big one,” Coach Mike McCarthy said on Thursday. “That part has not changed. We know they are fired up to play us and trust me, it will be a physical game and we'll be ready to go when we step out there Monday night.”
The Packers will hope to duplicate their 37-3 performance from Week 11, but it is highly doubtful that this game will turn out to be so lopsided for either team. The Bears had less than 250 yards of offense in that game, and Packers running back Ryan Grant had 145 yards on the ground on his own.
With temperatures projected in the teens and both teams featuring offenses that get their start with the running game, this may be a contest in which the first team to 20 points will win the game. While the Packers did a decent job of containing Bears rookie running back Matt Forte in the first game, he still managed to gain 104 yards of offense in the game. The Bears had problems with Green Bay running back Ryan Grant, who had his best game of the year in rushing for 5.8 yards per rush on 25 carries.
If it turns out to be a pass-heavy game, the Packers should have the advantage. Bears quarterback Kyle Orton started out hot, throwing for over 200 yards in four of his first eight complete games of 2008. He was on his way to another 200 yard day against Detroit before suffering an injury that knocked him out of the game midway through the contest. In those first eight games, Orton had 10 touchdowns and just four interceptions. In the five games since his injury, Orton has topped 200 yards only once and has thrown just five touchdowns against six picks. By contrast, in the last five games for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers has topped 200 yards in each game while throwing 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions (the turnovers are a bit deceiving since two of those interceptions came on last minute heaves that had little meaning).
On a neutral field, the Packers would have the advantage over the Bears, but being that this game is in Chicago, it may be more difficult for the Packers to walk away with a win. If they can, a season sweep of the Bears would be a small piece of consolation for a team that will finish far below expectations in 2008.
The game will be played out on Monday Night Football, the third and final appearance for the Packers on Monday Night in 2008, They split their first two Monday night appearances, with an opening night win against Minnesota and the first of their four recent losses with a disappointing performance in New Orleans. While the Packers no longer have a chance to make the playoffs, they would love to keep their division rivals out of the playoffs as well.
“We talk about the importance of division games, and this is a big one,” Coach Mike McCarthy said on Thursday. “That part has not changed. We know they are fired up to play us and trust me, it will be a physical game and we'll be ready to go when we step out there Monday night.”
The Packers will hope to duplicate their 37-3 performance from Week 11, but it is highly doubtful that this game will turn out to be so lopsided for either team. The Bears had less than 250 yards of offense in that game, and Packers running back Ryan Grant had 145 yards on the ground on his own.
With temperatures projected in the teens and both teams featuring offenses that get their start with the running game, this may be a contest in which the first team to 20 points will win the game. While the Packers did a decent job of containing Bears rookie running back Matt Forte in the first game, he still managed to gain 104 yards of offense in the game. The Bears had problems with Green Bay running back Ryan Grant, who had his best game of the year in rushing for 5.8 yards per rush on 25 carries.
If it turns out to be a pass-heavy game, the Packers should have the advantage. Bears quarterback Kyle Orton started out hot, throwing for over 200 yards in four of his first eight complete games of 2008. He was on his way to another 200 yard day against Detroit before suffering an injury that knocked him out of the game midway through the contest. In those first eight games, Orton had 10 touchdowns and just four interceptions. In the five games since his injury, Orton has topped 200 yards only once and has thrown just five touchdowns against six picks. By contrast, in the last five games for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers has topped 200 yards in each game while throwing 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions (the turnovers are a bit deceiving since two of those interceptions came on last minute heaves that had little meaning).
On a neutral field, the Packers would have the advantage over the Bears, but being that this game is in Chicago, it may be more difficult for the Packers to walk away with a win. If they can, a season sweep of the Bears would be a small piece of consolation for a team that will finish far below expectations in 2008.
12.14.2008
Packers @ Jaguars Recap - Jags confound Pack in comeback
Run the tape.
The Packers got off to a slow start against the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon, allowing the Jaguars to get off to an early lead. Green Bay fought back to get back in the game, only to see their efforts prove to be fruitless in the game’s final quarter.
Sound familiar?
Jacksonville became the latest antagonist for Green Bay fans in this short story, joining the Falcons, Titans, Panthers and Texans as teams that simply got the job done against a Green Bay defense that couldn't finish off their opponent.
“We did not make enough plays to win the game,” Coach Mike McCarthy said after the game.
The Jaguars did.
Using a pass heavy attack featuring a number of plays over the middle, the Jaguars kept the Packers on their heels through the final drive of the game. That last drive lasted just three-and-a-half minutes, as Jacksonville drove 80 yards on six plays for the game winning score. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew punched it in from 2 yards out on just his twelfth rushing attempt of the game. Overall, the Jaguars called 38 pass plays against 16 rushing plays.
The Packers had a similar offensive balance, calling 37 pass plays against 26 running plays. Running back Ryan Grant gained only 56 yards on 21 attempts for a 2.7 yard average, his worst yards-per-carry performance since week 4 against Tampa Bay.
Still the Packers had the opportunity to win the game. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers drove the Packers 54 yards in nine plays to set up Mason Crosby’s go-ahead field goal with under six minutes left on the clock. But with a two-point lead, the Packers defense played out their disappointing 2008 role to perfection. The Jaguars took the ball and moved easily down the field for Jones-Drew’s game-winning touchdown. With one final shot to win the game, Rodgers overthrew Donald Lee over the middle and Jaguars safety Reggie Nelson intercepted the pass for what was the only turnover of the game.
Report Card:
Offense: B – It certainly wasn’t the most impressive performance of the year in terms of points, but the offense had no penalties on the day and accumulated 338 yards total. Rodgers was off target a couple of times but looked solid overall. Still, he again failed to come up with the game-winning drive in the waning minutes. Grant looked alright the ball, but he never was able to break the big play.
Defense: B- - After giving up an opening-drive touchdown to the Jaguars, the defense did not give up another score until the fourth quarter. But two fourth-quarter scores allowed Jacksonville to get away with a victory. The biggest problem for the defense continues to be the 10-20 yard pass over the middle and the inability to stop the big play. Jacksonville only had three plays over 20 yards, but the defense again surrendered a long play (41 yards) on Jacksonville’s game-winning drive after the Packers had taken the lead
Special Teams: B – Crosby continues to be the bright spot on the Packers special teams, adding another touchback to his résumé and connecting on three field goals. Kapinos kicked well in his first road game for the Packers. His first punt traveled 48 yards and gave the Jaguars the ball at their own 25, while his second punt left the Jaguars starting at their own 11. Coverage and returns were both fine with both teams averaging around 20 yards on kickoffs and minimal returns on punts.
Overall: B – There is not a whole lot to say about this team that hasn’t been said. They are very close to being in the playoffs when you consider all of the close losses, but at the same time playoff teams win the close games. This was another game that the Packers simply did not close out when they had their opportunity. Green Bay controlled the clock, converted more third downs than they failed and had only three penalties to go along with over 300 yards of offense. Those types of numbers typically translate into wins, but for some reason the Packers simply could not get it done in a last ditch effort to salvage their season.
The Packers got off to a slow start against the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon, allowing the Jaguars to get off to an early lead. Green Bay fought back to get back in the game, only to see their efforts prove to be fruitless in the game’s final quarter.
Sound familiar?
Jacksonville became the latest antagonist for Green Bay fans in this short story, joining the Falcons, Titans, Panthers and Texans as teams that simply got the job done against a Green Bay defense that couldn't finish off their opponent.
“We did not make enough plays to win the game,” Coach Mike McCarthy said after the game.
The Jaguars did.
Using a pass heavy attack featuring a number of plays over the middle, the Jaguars kept the Packers on their heels through the final drive of the game. That last drive lasted just three-and-a-half minutes, as Jacksonville drove 80 yards on six plays for the game winning score. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew punched it in from 2 yards out on just his twelfth rushing attempt of the game. Overall, the Jaguars called 38 pass plays against 16 rushing plays.
The Packers had a similar offensive balance, calling 37 pass plays against 26 running plays. Running back Ryan Grant gained only 56 yards on 21 attempts for a 2.7 yard average, his worst yards-per-carry performance since week 4 against Tampa Bay.
Still the Packers had the opportunity to win the game. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers drove the Packers 54 yards in nine plays to set up Mason Crosby’s go-ahead field goal with under six minutes left on the clock. But with a two-point lead, the Packers defense played out their disappointing 2008 role to perfection. The Jaguars took the ball and moved easily down the field for Jones-Drew’s game-winning touchdown. With one final shot to win the game, Rodgers overthrew Donald Lee over the middle and Jaguars safety Reggie Nelson intercepted the pass for what was the only turnover of the game.
Report Card:
Offense: B – It certainly wasn’t the most impressive performance of the year in terms of points, but the offense had no penalties on the day and accumulated 338 yards total. Rodgers was off target a couple of times but looked solid overall. Still, he again failed to come up with the game-winning drive in the waning minutes. Grant looked alright the ball, but he never was able to break the big play.
Defense: B- - After giving up an opening-drive touchdown to the Jaguars, the defense did not give up another score until the fourth quarter. But two fourth-quarter scores allowed Jacksonville to get away with a victory. The biggest problem for the defense continues to be the 10-20 yard pass over the middle and the inability to stop the big play. Jacksonville only had three plays over 20 yards, but the defense again surrendered a long play (41 yards) on Jacksonville’s game-winning drive after the Packers had taken the lead
Special Teams: B – Crosby continues to be the bright spot on the Packers special teams, adding another touchback to his résumé and connecting on three field goals. Kapinos kicked well in his first road game for the Packers. His first punt traveled 48 yards and gave the Jaguars the ball at their own 25, while his second punt left the Jaguars starting at their own 11. Coverage and returns were both fine with both teams averaging around 20 yards on kickoffs and minimal returns on punts.
Overall: B – There is not a whole lot to say about this team that hasn’t been said. They are very close to being in the playoffs when you consider all of the close losses, but at the same time playoff teams win the close games. This was another game that the Packers simply did not close out when they had their opportunity. Green Bay controlled the clock, converted more third downs than they failed and had only three penalties to go along with over 300 yards of offense. Those types of numbers typically translate into wins, but for some reason the Packers simply could not get it done in a last ditch effort to salvage their season.
12.13.2008
Packers @ Jaguars Preview - Packers and Jaguars meet in clash of underacheivers
The Packers and Jaguars will meet in Jacksonville this weekend for a clash of teams that failed to live up to expectations in 2008. Many prognosticators picked these teams to win their respective divisions, in which case this game could have been seen as a Super Bowl preview. Instead, the players find themselves playing for jobs and pride.
Jacksonville rides a four game losing streak, their latest defeat coming at the hands of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field last weekend. Problems continue to stack up for the Jaguars as they will be without their leading receiver and second-leading rusher in Matt Jones and Fred Taylor. Jones violated the league’s substance-abuse policy and will sit out the final three games of the season. Taylor went on injured reserve earlier this week with an injured thumb.
Even with Taylor in the lineup, the Jaguars weren’t getting the same punch out of their running game that made them such a threat last year. In 2007, Taylor and his backfield mate Maurice Jones-Drew combined for nearly 2000 yards rushing in helping lead Jacksonville to an 11-5 record and high expectations for this season. The threat of the run certainly helped quarterback David Garrard in the passing game, as he threw for 18 touchdowns against just three interceptions. But the running game has struggled to reach the same heights, and with Taylor now on IR, odds are against the tandem getting to even 1,500 rushing yards combined. Without the same threat on the ground, Garrard has thrown just 11 touchdowns this year to go along with 10 picks.
With Taylor out and the Packers run defense struggling, Jones-Drew should see an increased workload. With only 142 carries on the year, his legs are fresh, and, despite his low rushing total, he still has a nose for the end zone with 11 rushing touchdowns on the year. The Packers have surrendered 417 yards rushing to opposing running backs in the last four games, and the Jaguars will undoubtedly look to attack the Packers on the ground. If the Packers are able to contain Jones-Drew, it may open the door for the Packers’ secondary to take advantage of a depleted receiving corps that boasts only one expected opening day starter in Reggie Williams (wide receiver Jerry Porter will also miss this Sunday’s game).
Like the Jaguars, the Packers will also look to take advantage of a disappointing Jaguars D that has surrendered 23 points per game overall and 107 points in the team’s last four contests. Jacksonville’s run defense has struggled even more than the Packers, giving up 439 yards to opposing running backs over the last four games. It will be especially important for the Packers to get running back Ryan Grant involved early. In the four games Grant has rushed 20 or more times, he has averaged 106.5 yards. In 9 games of less than 20 attempts, Grant has averaged just 50 yards on the ground. Establishing the running game early will allow the Packers to eat clock and keep their decimated defense fresh and able to contain an equally decimated Jaguars offense.
Jacksonville rides a four game losing streak, their latest defeat coming at the hands of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field last weekend. Problems continue to stack up for the Jaguars as they will be without their leading receiver and second-leading rusher in Matt Jones and Fred Taylor. Jones violated the league’s substance-abuse policy and will sit out the final three games of the season. Taylor went on injured reserve earlier this week with an injured thumb.
Even with Taylor in the lineup, the Jaguars weren’t getting the same punch out of their running game that made them such a threat last year. In 2007, Taylor and his backfield mate Maurice Jones-Drew combined for nearly 2000 yards rushing in helping lead Jacksonville to an 11-5 record and high expectations for this season. The threat of the run certainly helped quarterback David Garrard in the passing game, as he threw for 18 touchdowns against just three interceptions. But the running game has struggled to reach the same heights, and with Taylor now on IR, odds are against the tandem getting to even 1,500 rushing yards combined. Without the same threat on the ground, Garrard has thrown just 11 touchdowns this year to go along with 10 picks.
With Taylor out and the Packers run defense struggling, Jones-Drew should see an increased workload. With only 142 carries on the year, his legs are fresh, and, despite his low rushing total, he still has a nose for the end zone with 11 rushing touchdowns on the year. The Packers have surrendered 417 yards rushing to opposing running backs in the last four games, and the Jaguars will undoubtedly look to attack the Packers on the ground. If the Packers are able to contain Jones-Drew, it may open the door for the Packers’ secondary to take advantage of a depleted receiving corps that boasts only one expected opening day starter in Reggie Williams (wide receiver Jerry Porter will also miss this Sunday’s game).
Like the Jaguars, the Packers will also look to take advantage of a disappointing Jaguars D that has surrendered 23 points per game overall and 107 points in the team’s last four contests. Jacksonville’s run defense has struggled even more than the Packers, giving up 439 yards to opposing running backs over the last four games. It will be especially important for the Packers to get running back Ryan Grant involved early. In the four games Grant has rushed 20 or more times, he has averaged 106.5 yards. In 9 games of less than 20 attempts, Grant has averaged just 50 yards on the ground. Establishing the running game early will allow the Packers to eat clock and keep their decimated defense fresh and able to contain an equally decimated Jaguars offense.
12.08.2008
Texans @ Packers Recap - Green Bay D has no answer for Texans O
When you think of December football at Lambeau Field, you do not think of high potential for offense. Yet here were the Texans and Packers on Sunday afternoon, combining for 936 yards of offense--687 of them through the air--in an ugly affair that mercilessly came to an end when Kris Brown kicked a 40 yard field goal as time expired to give Houston it’s third win in a row.
It looks like even a new punter couldn't change Green Bay’s fortunes.
The game did not start off well for the Packers. The Texans scored on their third play from scrimmage, a 58 yard pass from quarterback Matt Schaub to wide receiver Kevin Walter. It was the first of eight plays of 20 or more yards that the Packers surrendered on the day, continuing a trend for giving up the explosive plays that prevent the defense from getting off the field.
“[There is] a lot of production coming from the opponent. There's no question about that. The big plays are something that has kind of lingered of late,” McCarthy said referring not only to the 549 yards the Texans gained, but also the performance by the Panthers and Saints, the Packers’ two previous opponents. “It's an explosive gains National Football League and we're not doing our job in holding that part down.”
Quarterback Matt Schaub picked apart a banged up Packers defense that looked absolutely helpless against the NFL’s fifth-ranked pass offense coming into the game. Playing for the first time since he injured his knee in Week 9 against Minnesota, Schaub completed 28 of 42 passes for 414 yards, two scores and one interception. Particularly alarming for the Packers were the short passes that turned into big gains. On the final drive that set up the game-winning field goal, the Texans gained 66 of their 75 yards on three passes well short of the first down that turned into gains of 22, 17 and 27 yards.
Offensively, the Packers weren’t much better. The Packers only turnover came on an Aaron Rodgers pass late in the first half which thankfully did not result in any points for Houston, and the Packers did post nearly 400 yards on the offensive side of the ball. But the production was fairly limited considering Green Bay finished the game plus-3 in turnovers. The Packers scored all of their points off of three of Houston’s turnovers (the only time Green Bay did not score points on a turnover was after Tramon Williams recovered a fumble on the Packers’ own three yard line) but were able to do little else.
In the end, the Packers came up just a little short again. It was the fifth time this year that Green Bay lost by less than a touchdown, and it dropped the Packers to 2-7 outside the NFC North. With only three games left to play, the Packers are all but eliminated from playoff contention. With the talent on this team, it is difficult to admit the truth that the Packers’ inability to close out close games makes them unworthy for the 2008 NFL playoffs.
Report Card:
Offense: C+ - Most of the statistics look alright, except two critical factors: Third down conversions and time of possession. The Packers did not convert a third down until the fourth quarter and finished one for 10 in the game. Subsequently the Packers held the ball for only 26 minutes to the Texans’ 34. Green Bay was unable to sustain drives, having just one march that lasted more than four minutes.
Defense: F – The final score does not indicate how badly the Green Bay defense played. The Packers were the benefactor of three Houston fumbles, and the only bright spot was Tramon Williams’ interception that led to the Packers’ first score of the day. Giving up 400 yards passing to a quarterback and 100 yards rushing to a running back on the same day is simply poor performance.
Special Teams: B – It was a ho-hum day for the Packers’ special teams, which is a vast improvement from their performance last week against Carolina. The Texans averaged 21 yards on kick returns and four yards on punt returns, numbers similar to those of the Packers return game and fairly pedestrian performances. Mason Crosby connected on trehe point-after attempts and did not kick a field goal. New punter Jeremy Kapinos shanked his first punt but settled down and ended up having a nice day kicking the ball.
Overall: D+ – It is a disappointing way for the last glimmer of playoff hope to fade away. The Packers had numerous opportunities to win this game, and they simply could not get it done. Only special teams really took care of business against the Texans, while the offense and defense struggled to get any sort of momentum. Now the Packers must find it within themselves to play for pride as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars.
It looks like even a new punter couldn't change Green Bay’s fortunes.
The game did not start off well for the Packers. The Texans scored on their third play from scrimmage, a 58 yard pass from quarterback Matt Schaub to wide receiver Kevin Walter. It was the first of eight plays of 20 or more yards that the Packers surrendered on the day, continuing a trend for giving up the explosive plays that prevent the defense from getting off the field.
“[There is] a lot of production coming from the opponent. There's no question about that. The big plays are something that has kind of lingered of late,” McCarthy said referring not only to the 549 yards the Texans gained, but also the performance by the Panthers and Saints, the Packers’ two previous opponents. “It's an explosive gains National Football League and we're not doing our job in holding that part down.”
Quarterback Matt Schaub picked apart a banged up Packers defense that looked absolutely helpless against the NFL’s fifth-ranked pass offense coming into the game. Playing for the first time since he injured his knee in Week 9 against Minnesota, Schaub completed 28 of 42 passes for 414 yards, two scores and one interception. Particularly alarming for the Packers were the short passes that turned into big gains. On the final drive that set up the game-winning field goal, the Texans gained 66 of their 75 yards on three passes well short of the first down that turned into gains of 22, 17 and 27 yards.
Offensively, the Packers weren’t much better. The Packers only turnover came on an Aaron Rodgers pass late in the first half which thankfully did not result in any points for Houston, and the Packers did post nearly 400 yards on the offensive side of the ball. But the production was fairly limited considering Green Bay finished the game plus-3 in turnovers. The Packers scored all of their points off of three of Houston’s turnovers (the only time Green Bay did not score points on a turnover was after Tramon Williams recovered a fumble on the Packers’ own three yard line) but were able to do little else.
In the end, the Packers came up just a little short again. It was the fifth time this year that Green Bay lost by less than a touchdown, and it dropped the Packers to 2-7 outside the NFC North. With only three games left to play, the Packers are all but eliminated from playoff contention. With the talent on this team, it is difficult to admit the truth that the Packers’ inability to close out close games makes them unworthy for the 2008 NFL playoffs.
Report Card:
Offense: C+ - Most of the statistics look alright, except two critical factors: Third down conversions and time of possession. The Packers did not convert a third down until the fourth quarter and finished one for 10 in the game. Subsequently the Packers held the ball for only 26 minutes to the Texans’ 34. Green Bay was unable to sustain drives, having just one march that lasted more than four minutes.
Defense: F – The final score does not indicate how badly the Green Bay defense played. The Packers were the benefactor of three Houston fumbles, and the only bright spot was Tramon Williams’ interception that led to the Packers’ first score of the day. Giving up 400 yards passing to a quarterback and 100 yards rushing to a running back on the same day is simply poor performance.
Special Teams: B – It was a ho-hum day for the Packers’ special teams, which is a vast improvement from their performance last week against Carolina. The Texans averaged 21 yards on kick returns and four yards on punt returns, numbers similar to those of the Packers return game and fairly pedestrian performances. Mason Crosby connected on trehe point-after attempts and did not kick a field goal. New punter Jeremy Kapinos shanked his first punt but settled down and ended up having a nice day kicking the ball.
Overall: D+ – It is a disappointing way for the last glimmer of playoff hope to fade away. The Packers had numerous opportunities to win this game, and they simply could not get it done. Only special teams really took care of business against the Texans, while the offense and defense struggled to get any sort of momentum. Now the Packers must find it within themselves to play for pride as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars.
12.06.2008
Texans @ Packers Preview - Green Bay needs to show what it's worth
The Packers have had a tough stretch of games and have come up short in their quest to get in the driver's seat of the NFC North. Losers of four of their last five, Green Bay sits two games out of the division lead with four games to play. The playoffs are a long shot, sure, but the Pack still has a chance. First things first, though.
"I know how it is this time of year where you start counting games and so forth. We need to win a game right now," Coach Mike McCarthy said after the Packers loss last weekend against the Panthers. "We need to win a game and then worry about the next one."
What the Packers have in front of them right now is a Houston Texans team coming off a win in the franchise’s first Monday Night Football appearance. Now the Texans will face another first, coming to Lambeau for the first time. And the tundra will indeed be frozen, with forecasts calling for temperatures in the mid-20s and a chance of snow. How does the weather factor in for a southern team like the Texans?
“I like playing here in December. I think it's great,” McCarthy said about Lambeau Field. “I think it's definitely an advantage, and you play a particular team that's not used to it…[Players and coaches] think about it. You can say you don't, but I think human nature is to think about the weather a little bit.”
With cold weather comes the need for a strong running game. The Packers have yet to hit their stride on the ground, and they’ve struggled to maintain a good balance of run versus pass. Ryan Grant (finger) and Brandon Jackson (quad) both have injuries that won’t prevent them from playing Sunday but could become an issue if they flare up during the game. Third string running back DeShawn Wynn, who hasn’t had a carry since October 2007, is listed as questionable with a calf injury. Still, McCarthy expects Grant to get his normal touches, meaning he will most likely be the first and second down back, with Jackson spelling him on third down.
From a defensive standpoint, the Packers must improve dramatically. They have surrendered 86 points in two games, and they have the league’s fifth-rated offense (368 yards per game) coming to town this Sunday. While much of the damage in the last two games came through the air at pivotal points, the greatest threat against the Packers this Sunday may be Texans rookie running back Steve Slaton, who has come on this year and proven to be a solid back. He has really turned it on as of late, rushing for over 350 yards in Houston’s last three games. Perhaps more importantly, Slaton has not lost a fumble this year.
With a banged up defense that continues to struggle against the run, the Packers need to dig for something deeper. While the NFL post-season does not begin until January, the playoffs for the Packers start now.
"I know how it is this time of year where you start counting games and so forth. We need to win a game right now," Coach Mike McCarthy said after the Packers loss last weekend against the Panthers. "We need to win a game and then worry about the next one."
What the Packers have in front of them right now is a Houston Texans team coming off a win in the franchise’s first Monday Night Football appearance. Now the Texans will face another first, coming to Lambeau for the first time. And the tundra will indeed be frozen, with forecasts calling for temperatures in the mid-20s and a chance of snow. How does the weather factor in for a southern team like the Texans?
“I like playing here in December. I think it's great,” McCarthy said about Lambeau Field. “I think it's definitely an advantage, and you play a particular team that's not used to it…[Players and coaches] think about it. You can say you don't, but I think human nature is to think about the weather a little bit.”
With cold weather comes the need for a strong running game. The Packers have yet to hit their stride on the ground, and they’ve struggled to maintain a good balance of run versus pass. Ryan Grant (finger) and Brandon Jackson (quad) both have injuries that won’t prevent them from playing Sunday but could become an issue if they flare up during the game. Third string running back DeShawn Wynn, who hasn’t had a carry since October 2007, is listed as questionable with a calf injury. Still, McCarthy expects Grant to get his normal touches, meaning he will most likely be the first and second down back, with Jackson spelling him on third down.
From a defensive standpoint, the Packers must improve dramatically. They have surrendered 86 points in two games, and they have the league’s fifth-rated offense (368 yards per game) coming to town this Sunday. While much of the damage in the last two games came through the air at pivotal points, the greatest threat against the Packers this Sunday may be Texans rookie running back Steve Slaton, who has come on this year and proven to be a solid back. He has really turned it on as of late, rushing for over 350 yards in Houston’s last three games. Perhaps more importantly, Slaton has not lost a fumble this year.
With a banged up defense that continues to struggle against the run, the Packers need to dig for something deeper. While the NFL post-season does not begin until January, the playoffs for the Packers start now.
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