Monday, November 16, 2009

Packers vs Cowboys

This was a great game. Not simply because the Packers won, but they beat the Cowboys . . . in Green Bay. I guess it would have been a little sweeter to have done it in Dallas. No matter. Anyway . . .

Not sure if this is the make or break game the Packers are hoping for. It's one thing to play your guts out and beat an opponent who's just a bit better than you. It's another to beat those teams you're supposed to. Looking at the schedule, the Steelers are their only "real" opponent. 49's, Lions, Ravens, Bears, Steelers, Seattle, and the Cardinals are all next. Yes, you could make the case that the Ravens and Cardinals are pretty good teams. I'd rank the Packers on par with those teams. Certainly better than the rest. Which means 10 and 6 ain't out of the realm of possibility.

Whatever. The point I wanted to make is that this game should prove as evidence that when protection breaks down, quarterbacks do badly, and teams lose. Romo certainly didn't look his polished self. Of course, the Packers weren't exactly polished, either. This was a hard fought game. The Packers just did a little more on defense to keep the Pokes from scoring.

Wildcard?

Monday, November 02, 2009

Packers vs Vikings

This isn't that difficult, really. The Vikings are a better team than are the Packers. Most notably, on both sides of the line where football games are won and lost. For as much talent as the Packers have, their worst area is, by far, the offensive line . . . which it is. Not only are they unable to protect Rodgers, but they also cannot open many holes for Grant to run through. Defensively, as we all know, we're in a new scheme. Given just that alone, I think most people fore saw the Packers defense having some problems adjusting the first year. I was shocked to hear that the Packer defense is ranked 5th over all. Certainly, and again, there's talent. But, they're weak at a few positions and execution isn't consistent.

Having said all that, the Packers came close . . . to within 5. Take away the two run backs that gave the Vikings incredible field position, and you might have a different game. Had the Packers played all game they way they did in the 3rd quarter, and you might have a different game. Take away the penalties that really killed the Packers, and you might have a different game.

All of those things are part of the game. Fact is, the Vikings took advantage of all those situations and were able to capitalize. For that, they deserve credit. And, they played a well executed game. Where did this Rice guy come from? Wow.

As for Favre, he played good . . . not great. There wasn't any highlight reel material. Just a good game. 17 of 28 for 244 . . . not awesome. He threw 4 touchdowns. Aaron was 26 of 41 for 287 and 3 touchdowns. Not bad. Those stats and 26 points will win many games. Just not this one.

But, for those who think that Favre is a god . . . and we'd be much better off with him . . . let me ask . . . what planet are you from? Yes. He's playing as good as ever. So is Aaron. What is Aaron doing that Favre would or could be doing better? I've said this before, people forget how foolish Favre can look. Yes, he led us to a Superbowl. Yes, we were 13 and 3 his last season with us. But, in all the time he's been with the Packers it's just ONE Superbowl. A handful of division titles. But, what do they matter, really? Look at the Packer records. There are a lot of 9 and 7, and 10 and 6 years. A few of those 10 and 6 years were good enough to get the Packers in to the playoffs.

What? The Packers constantly losing in the playoffs wasn't Brent's fault?

Exactly.

Getting back to the game . . . I actually thought Aaron looked a little spooked. It took him a bit . . . a long bit . . . to get in to the game. Much like Brent was in domes, and against the Cowboys.

There are 9 games left. The Packers can still win some games and make a run at things. I still think they have a pretty good team, and that Aaron is an excellent quarterback. The biggest problem right now, is that the Vikings have a very easy schedule from here on out. I don't think they'll go far in the playoffs, but it looks as though they'll win the division.

Wild card?