After re-watching the Packers game, here are three plays that made me go hmmm, for various reasons. In general, I either focus on a theme, more nuanced observations, or just things I didn't notice watching live. These can be but are less likely to be "highlight" plays. I present these to you with a short explanation why I picked them and then let you readers discuss the plays.
Field Goal Protection - Ah, thank God everything is fixed up on the field goal protection unit, right? Ummmm, not so fast. This was the first kick attempt by emergency fill-in Lucas Havrisick. Watch the left side of the line closely. Hard to believe, but the outside player (in this case Karl Brooks) once again chooses to worry about the outside rusher instead of helping with the overload on Rasheed Walker. Walker gets blown up and could have used some help, but there was none as Brooks moves away to put hands on the player that will most likely NEVER get in fast enough to block a kick. Are they not drilling this into their players' heads??? For his part, Walker's pad level is terrible compared to the rest of the players blocking, who are crouched down low at the snap. No surprise he can't hold up against two rushers in that position. In fairness, the protection looked better the rest of the game, BUT, the Bengals chose to overload the other side on those plays and the right side of the Packers line did a better job of protection. Overall, there's still reason for concern, here.
Golden Opportunity - The call has been coming from all directions (including mine) to feature Matthew Golden more. That means more plays where Love looks for him as the primary target. On this play, despite having all day in the pocket, Love never even looks Golden's way. Instead he (in my terms) forces the ball to Doubs who he is solely focused on. Doubs is covered tightly. Luckily for Love, the high pass pulled Doubs back and out of bounds, which may have prevented the chance of the DB cutting in front and intercepting the ball. Golden is wide open for what would have been at least a 20 yard gain. If Golden is one on one with the safety protecting against a deep pass, this route is like taking candy from a baby, especially if the play action holds the linebackers from dropping, which was the case here. You have a weapon with Golden, use it!
Parsons Headlock - I've seen worse, but I'm bringing this to your attention because I've noticed this technique being used on Parsons over the course of the Packers' first five games. Is this not holding? Like I said, I've seen even more egregious examples, but in my opinion, reaching out and grabbing a player's head and holding on is basically a headlock and should be worthy of a flag. The official is right there looking at it, so, I don't know, maybe I'm wrong? What do you think?