Ok, ok, I get it. The Packers managed this game quite successfully, albeit not in an enthralling manner. I have to admit to getting really annoyed during the game at the third and short uber-conservative play calls. In my defense, I was unaware of the pre-game Rapoport tweet stating that the injury Love sustained in the Giants game was a separate shoulder, specifically an AC joint sprain. For his part, LaFleur wouldn't say this was a reason for his heavy run-centric game plan, but I don't think he would admit it if it was. Still, I do think a big part of the reason for his approach was they simply knew the Vikings' offense presented no threat with JJ McCarthy back there playing quarterback. And once they got a lead and forced the Vikings to try to throw more, it was all over.
That's not to say I was happy with what was going down. The main reason being I've been selfishly waiting impatiently for weeks now to see the Packers offense be what I think it can be. I've found that my expectations can be a heavy load for me to carry when the team is not meeting them, despite the Packers sporting a winning record the majority of NFL teams would gladly take. Coaches don't care about expectations or style points - the ONLY thing that matters is wins. I have to do a better job of not letting myself fall into the trap of not being satisfied if the Packers don't blow out an inferior opponent (Gotta clean that up). So under the circumstances, I will understand that this wasn't the game to see the Packers be more aggressive on offense. That game is coming up tomorrow, and it's time for LaFleur to flip the switch (unless Love's shoulder still needs to be protected a bit).
The Lions' offense is an entire different animal than the Vikings'. Amon-Ra St Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff can score points by the boatload. The Packers need to come out looking to score early and often. If you can make Detroit more one dimensional by getting out to a fast lead, then your defense will have the opportunity to pin their ears back and as we saw on Sunday, that's when they excel. The Packers will have to find the same energy and effort level that propelled them to the fast start in the Week One win over the Lions, things that have been missing in some disappointing losses since that game.
Other polluted thoughts:
It's hard to fathom that Luke Musgrave is now the third string tight end after John Fitspatrick and Josh Whyle. After the Giants game, LaFleur stated for sure they need to get more snaps for Musgrave. Well, against the Vikings he did get six more, but that was just a product of more offensive plays as Fitzpatrick and Whyle were still ahead of him. Fitzpatrick had nearly double the snaps. There was so much hype around Musgave as a rookie, but since the injury and the emergence of Tucker Kraft, there's just seems to be little gas in that tank.
Watching 250 lb.Micah Parsons bowl over and throw two 300+ pound lineman to the turf will never cease to amaze me. How would you compare it to the Reggie White hump move? Reggie was a much larger man but was executing that move against one player. Which is more impressive to you?
Emanuel Wilson is a STRONG back who took no prisoners against the Vikings. The Packers have worked with him to improve his pad level and it's made a big difference. When he has momentum on his side, it will take a village to bring him down. He has been nominated for Fedex Ground player of the week. You can vote for him here.
The Packers did an incredible job keeping Jahmyr Gibbs in check in their first meeting. They may not have Quay Walker this time around and I'm not sure how to feel about that. McDuffie is a more stout interior run defender, Walker is faster and more able to chase down running backs out on the edges. Because of the speed of Jahmyr Gibbs, I think I'd rather have Walker, but you could probably talk me out of it.
Evan WIlliams was balling this game. You'll find him wherever the ball is and he never stops pursuing. His motor is a Hemi.
Kamal Hadden had a nice game stepping in for Nixon,. but you can't call it a true test against a quarterback that can't complete easy throws. Thursday will be a different matter altogether for Hadden if Nixon can't go.
All Hail Daniel Whelan - Our Field Flipper King!
Go Pack Go!