Upon Further Review: Packers v. Bears

Just finished watching the replay of the Packers game on the NFL Network, which afforded me a different perspective than watching from the South end zone at Lambeau Field.  A few observations………

During the game, I was frustrated by the offense’s inability to get into any kind of rhythm.  Given the turnovers the Jay Cutler led Bears so generously provided for them, the Packers should have put the game away in the first half.  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers seemed to be a little off with his throws all evening and on a few occasions when the pass was where it was needed to be, the receivers failed to come up with the catch.  Still, halfback Ryan Grant did gain some tough yards and Rodgers was on the money when he really needed to be on the game winning touchdown to Greg Jennings.  Maybe now people will finally get off Rodgers’ case about finishing games.  Unlike his more heralded counterpart, he also managed to avoid turning the ball over, another deciding factor in the game.

Speaking of Jennings, he once again showed why he’s one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL.  Well worth the contract extension that GM Ted Thompson wisely bestowed upon him this summer.

It has been well noted already that the chief reason for the inefficiency of the offense was the erratic performance of the offensive line.  Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and line coach James Campen both pointed to a lack of technique in explaining the struggles of the line, particularly where new starting right tackle Allen Barbre was concerned.  That suggests that it’s something that can be corrected.  It’s become somewhat of a running joke around these parts when head coach Mike McCarthy refers to this players ‘pad level’ but “watching the film” it was clear that the O-line was playing too high, allowing themselves to be pushed around more than they should.  Rodgers himself also took some responsibility by admitting to some mis-called protections.  The coaching staff better make sure this gets squared away and quickly.  If Barbre can’t play any better than that, you may see Mark Tauscher in a Packers uniform once again.

It was a good start for the debut of the Packers new 3-4 defensive alignment.  The front seven played magnificently, with lineman Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly applying consistent pressure.  The linebackers were also active, particularly Brandon Chillar who stood out with his performance.

As good as the front seven were, it was kind of an uneven performance by the secondary.  Yes, they had the interceptions that probably turned the tide in the game, though they were greatly assisted by Cutler who inexplicably seemed determined at times to throw the ball to the other team.  On the other hand, cornerback Charles Woodson was uncharacteristically burned for a couple of long plays, seemingly looking for safety help that was nowhere to be found.  In fact, the safeties in general appeared to be out of position for much of the night.  The front seven is designed to harass the quarterback into making mistakes but the Packers won’t be able to count on a QB playing as foolishly as Cutler every week.  With starting safety Atari Bigby reportedly out for the next month, the Packers had better get new addition Derrick Martin up to speed fast.

In the end, the Packers made enough plays to win on a night when, to invoke a baseball expression, the didn’t have their ‘best stuff’.  The coaching staff will have plenty of performance things to clean up in practice this week, but it’s good to get some early momentum with a win.  It certainly beats the alternative.

Tags: 3-4 Defense, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, Greg Jennings, Mike McCarthy, NFL, Pro Football