It was a disappointing season for the Green Bay Packers as they just barely made the playoffs with an 8-7-1 record, and fell in their first round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Although many fans might place the blame all on Dom Capers, he does not deserve all of it.
While the Packers defense ranked 25th in the NFL, allowing 372.3 yards and 26.8 points per game, the struggles of the defense go beyond coaching.
First the defense suffered an immense amount of injuries, as at times it seemed like almost every player was on the injury report at some point throughout the season. Casey Hayward, who was regarded entering the season as a top-10 cornerback in the NFL, was limited to only three games with hamstring injuries.
Clay Matthews had to also deal with injuries missing five games this season after receiving a massive contract extension to be the playmaker on defense.
Another problem the Packers' defense had was players struggling to make plays. It was a common site to see players, especially the secondary, getting burned on a regular basis. Although Capers job is to make sure the defensive players are prepared for the game, he cannot be out their playing for them, and making sure they do everything correct.
Sure the defense struggled this season, but in five years with Capers at the helm, it has been ranked 15th in total defense in the NFL. The Packers need to add players this offseason to the defense who can make a positive contribution, but firing their defensive coordinator is not the answer.
Showing posts with label Packers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Packers. Show all posts
Monday, January 6, 2014
Saturday, November 16, 2013
The 3rd Man In Sounds Off: Matthews not worth the money
In the offseason the Green Bay Packers made a move that will affect their salary cap and roster for the years to come. They signed linebacker Clay Matthews to a five year, $66 million contract extension, making him the highest paid linebacker in NFL history!
While he is an excellent pass rusher, he is only an average player against the run, and can be a liability in pass coverage. He deserved a new contract, but for a guy who misses games each season due to injuries, is not worth anywhere near the money he was given.
Matthews has missed nine games over his five year NFL career, and when he has been absent, it hardly has affected the Packers at all. In those nine games the Packers are 6-3, and have allowed about 22 points per game.
Matthews is a good player, but he is not great, and he is definitely not worth anywhere near the amount of money the Packers are paying him.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Must win game for the Packers
Could the season be over already after Week 2? The Washington Redskins will head to Lambeau Field on Sunday to take on the Green Bay Packers in what will be a crucial game for both teams. Although it is only Week 2, this will be a must win game for the Packers who look to avoid starting the season 0-2.
It was a closely contested four quarters of football last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but the Packers could not hold the lead late and lost 34-28. The defense did an excellent job limiting the 49ers to only 90 yards on the ground, but they allowed Colin Kaepernick to throw all over them. In 39 passing attempts, he through for 412 yards with three touchdowns.
Not only did the defense struggle, but the Packers running game did as well. This offseason the Packers said they were going to be more committed to the run, and drafted Eddie Lacy to be the guy to lead their rushing attack. In only 19 carries the Packers running backs only rushed for 63 yards. This was a major disappointment, and needs to improve quickly if the Packers want to win.
Speaking of winning, the Packers need to win this week if they want to make the playoffs. While it is only Week 2, Green Bay has never made the playoffs after they started the season 0-2. Not only has the Packers struggled when they got off to a 0-2 start, but the entire NFL has as well. Since 1990, when the current playoff system went into effect, teams who started 0-2 have only made the playoffs 12 percent of the time. These numbers are not in the Packers favor, and with a team who struggles to run the ball, and plays below average defense, it will be a major concern if they Packers cannot secure a victory at home.
The Packers come into Sunday's matchup between the Redskins needing to get a win to avoid a 0-2 start. Their running game and defense needs to be improved from last week in order to even have a chance at securing the "W" at home. Expect this game to come down to the wire with both teams trying to avoid an 0-2 start, but the Packers will have the advantage playing at home.
It was a closely contested four quarters of football last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but the Packers could not hold the lead late and lost 34-28. The defense did an excellent job limiting the 49ers to only 90 yards on the ground, but they allowed Colin Kaepernick to throw all over them. In 39 passing attempts, he through for 412 yards with three touchdowns.
Not only did the defense struggle, but the Packers running game did as well. This offseason the Packers said they were going to be more committed to the run, and drafted Eddie Lacy to be the guy to lead their rushing attack. In only 19 carries the Packers running backs only rushed for 63 yards. This was a major disappointment, and needs to improve quickly if the Packers want to win.
Speaking of winning, the Packers need to win this week if they want to make the playoffs. While it is only Week 2, Green Bay has never made the playoffs after they started the season 0-2. Not only has the Packers struggled when they got off to a 0-2 start, but the entire NFL has as well. Since 1990, when the current playoff system went into effect, teams who started 0-2 have only made the playoffs 12 percent of the time. These numbers are not in the Packers favor, and with a team who struggles to run the ball, and plays below average defense, it will be a major concern if they Packers cannot secure a victory at home.
The Packers come into Sunday's matchup between the Redskins needing to get a win to avoid a 0-2 start. Their running game and defense needs to be improved from last week in order to even have a chance at securing the "W" at home. Expect this game to come down to the wire with both teams trying to avoid an 0-2 start, but the Packers will have the advantage playing at home.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Defense has to be improved
Is this the game the Green Bay Packers finally slow down Colin Kaepernick? The Green Bay Packers open the 2013-14 NFL season against the San Francisco 49ers for a second consecutive season, but unlike last year, the Packers will have to face dual threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick. It was not until the playoffs that the Packers got their first taste of Kaepernick, and boy was it a disaster.
Kaepernick had a mind-blowing game with 263 yards passing for two touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for an additional 181 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers defense looked terrible, and it will have to improve against the 49ers this season if they want a chance to win.
The Packers defense will be the key to the Packers success against the 49ers. They have had months to prepare for the 49ers offense, and they need to come out early and quiet all the critics. In order for the Packers to do this, they need to play smart, by not playing to aggressively and force the 49ers to throw the ball early.
The 49ers and Packers are two of the best teams in the NFL, and it will not be an easy game for either side to start the season. Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers ran all over the Packers defense in the playoffs a season ago, and things will have to be different this time around if the Packers want to win.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Packers are in Trouble if Rodgers Goes Down
Finding the right backup quarterback problem has been a problem for the Packers ever since they let Matt Flynn sign with another team during the 2012 offseason. Entering last season Graham Harrell was the number two quarterback, but everyone knew the Packers would be in trouble if Aaron Rodgers got hurt. This offseason the Packers made it know that the backup quarterback spot would be up for grabs with Harrell and B.J. Coleman vying for the spot, until August 5th when the Packers surprisingly signed Vince Young.
With the signing, and the struggles of the other two QB's, Young was looked at as the favorite to win the job, even with his lack of experience in the Packers offense. The Packers would then go on to cut Harrell after the third preseason game, almost guarantying Young the job, until this morning when the Packers shocked the world by cutting him.
B.J. Coleman is now the only quarterback listed on the depth chart behind Rodgers, and the Packers are in trouble. While Young struggled at times throughout the preseason, he looked better than Coleman. Coleman had a miserable 49.6 quarterback rating with a 41.2 percent completion percentage in 34 attempts. While Coleman does have some potential, he has not been impressive this preseason to make anyone believe that he is capable of making a spot start in the NFL.
Vince Young was the best option for the Packers, even with his lack of knowledge in the Packers offense. While B.J. Coleman appears to be the Packers guy, do not be surprised if a quality backup quarterback comes available that they pick him up. Coleman possess some potential but he is not capable of being a backup quarterback in the NFL this season. The Packers still have not found a solid backup quarterback and if Rodgers is injured this season, they are in big trouble.
With the signing, and the struggles of the other two QB's, Young was looked at as the favorite to win the job, even with his lack of experience in the Packers offense. The Packers would then go on to cut Harrell after the third preseason game, almost guarantying Young the job, until this morning when the Packers shocked the world by cutting him.
B.J. Coleman is now the only quarterback listed on the depth chart behind Rodgers, and the Packers are in trouble. While Young struggled at times throughout the preseason, he looked better than Coleman. Coleman had a miserable 49.6 quarterback rating with a 41.2 percent completion percentage in 34 attempts. While Coleman does have some potential, he has not been impressive this preseason to make anyone believe that he is capable of making a spot start in the NFL.
Vince Young was the best option for the Packers, even with his lack of knowledge in the Packers offense. While B.J. Coleman appears to be the Packers guy, do not be surprised if a quality backup quarterback comes available that they pick him up. Coleman possess some potential but he is not capable of being a backup quarterback in the NFL this season. The Packers still have not found a solid backup quarterback and if Rodgers is injured this season, they are in big trouble.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Rookies Key to Success
You always expected a high draft pick to become a star in the NFL, but there is always a chance they do not pan out. The Green Bay Packers will need two of their rookies, who have an enormous amount of potential, to be key contributors this season if they want to win another Super Bowl. Eddie Lacy and Datone Jones may not develop into stars this season, but they need to be solid contributors in order for the Packers to be successful.
Eddie Lacy was drafted this offseason to help improve the running game, and so far in camp he looks like the real deal. Many people have already been extremely impressed with his ability and size causing him to receive comparisons to a young Steven Jackson. As long as he is able to remain on the field, he will be a difference maker in the Packers offense. They have been looking for a guy to become their every down back and Eddie Lacy is that guy. With an improved running attack, lead by Lacy, the Packers offense and team will be even tougher to beat. While their offense will continue to be one of the best in the NFL, their defense needs to improve from last year.
The Packers have had trouble finding another pass rusher in recent years to complement Clay Matthews, but this offseason they might have found the right guy in Datone Jones. While an ankle injury has caused him to miss practice time this Preseason, he will be a key to the Packers success this season. He was drafted in the first round by the Pack in this past NFL Draft, and he has huge expectations to be a difference maker at defensive end. If Jones and former first round pick Nick Perry can remain healthy, they should both instantly improve the Packers pass rush and defense.
Eddie Lacy and Datone Jones were both high draft picks for the Green Bay Packers for a reason, and this season they need to be key contributors to the team in order for the Packers to have any chance of winning another Super Bowl. While it will not be easy for these two rookies, they need to play to their strengths and be healthy in order to help the Packers win.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
DuJuan Harris Will Not Be the Starter Week 1
Every year in Training Camp there are numerous position battles, and this year the Green Bay Packers starting running back position has been one of the competitive battles in camp. Veterans running backs Alex Green, James Starks and DuJuan Harris, along with rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin are all vying for roster spots and most importantly, the starting job.
DuJuan Harris was recently taken of the PUP list, and it already appears that he is the starter, for now.
"I'm excited to see when DuJuan Harris come back, because I view him as our starter," Mike McCathy told USA TODAY Sports last Thursday. "I want him to get back in there and earn it like he did all of last year. He made an impact in our offense."
McCarthy is correct in saying that he made an impact last year in the Packers offense, with 157 yards and two touchdowns in the final four games of the regular season. He also recorded 100 yards rushing and receiving combined with one touchdown, but this season the Packers have a better option on the roster.
The Packers best option at running back is the Alabama product, Eddie Lacy. While Lacy is a big, physical back, who excels at running the ball down the defense's throat, he also has excellent breakaway speed and pass blocking ability. He is exactly what the Packers need, and he can make a significant deference for the Packers offense.
DuJuan Harris is a solid running back, but the Packers drafted Eddie Lacy in the second round to be the starting running back this season. Lacy provides the Packers with the best opportunity to win at the running back position, and he will be the starter Week One.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Packers, Vince Young Agree to a One-Year Deal
Entering Training Camp the Green Bay Packers had uncertainties at multiple positions, but one of their biggest question marks was the backup quarterback position. Second year quarterback B.J. Coleman and incumbent Graham Harrell were vying for the backup job, until their disappointing performances during the team scrimmage on Saturday night. This raised even more question marks on whether either of them could truly be a solid backup quarterback in the NFL, causing the Packers to sign free agent quarterback Vince Young.
Vince Young is a mobile quarterback who has had previous success in the NFL as a starter. Already 30 years old, Young was drafted third overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2006, but he has not played in the NFL since 2011 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Young's mobility and success as a starter in the NFL is what really intrigued the Packers. Even though he will only be the backup quarterback and may never see the field as a Packer, he can help them prepare for mobile quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III.
The Green Bay Packers needed to find a solid number two quarterback, just in case Aaron Rodgers would ever have to miss a game, and they found their guy in Vince Young. Young provides them with experience and mobility to prepare their defense for other mobile quarterback. This signing was a low risk move for the Packers and it will pay off well in the long run, even if he does not step onto the field.
Vince Young is a mobile quarterback who has had previous success in the NFL as a starter. Already 30 years old, Young was drafted third overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2006, but he has not played in the NFL since 2011 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Young's mobility and success as a starter in the NFL is what really intrigued the Packers. Even though he will only be the backup quarterback and may never see the field as a Packer, he can help them prepare for mobile quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III.
The Green Bay Packers needed to find a solid number two quarterback, just in case Aaron Rodgers would ever have to miss a game, and they found their guy in Vince Young. Young provides them with experience and mobility to prepare their defense for other mobile quarterback. This signing was a low risk move for the Packers and it will pay off well in the long run, even if he does not step onto the field.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
NFL Playoff Predictions
Bengals vs. Texans
This game will not be very close because the Texans have been struggling of late and have gone 1-3 down the stretch, while the Bengals have all the momentum, after winning seven out of their last eight games. If the Bengals are able to control J.J. Watt, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will be unstoppable, and they will have one of the best passing they have ever had. The Bengals will win in a landslide because Matt Schaub will continue to struggle, while the Bengals' offense will role all over the Texans' defense.
Vikings vs. Packers
The Packers are playing the Vikings for the second straight week, but this time the game is at Lambeau Field, where the Packers are always tough to beat. If the Packers want to win, their offense has to continue to play well, and their defense has to force the Vikings to throw the ball. The Vikings, who barely beat the Packers at home last week, will struggle in the cold weather, and the lack of experience in the playoffs will hurt them. The Packers will win this game because they have home field advantage, playoff experience, and they are overall the better team, with the best quarterback in the NFL.
This game will not be very close because the Texans have been struggling of late and have gone 1-3 down the stretch, while the Bengals have all the momentum, after winning seven out of their last eight games. If the Bengals are able to control J.J. Watt, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will be unstoppable, and they will have one of the best passing they have ever had. The Bengals will win in a landslide because Matt Schaub will continue to struggle, while the Bengals' offense will role all over the Texans' defense.
Vikings vs. Packers
The Packers are playing the Vikings for the second straight week, but this time the game is at Lambeau Field, where the Packers are always tough to beat. If the Packers want to win, their offense has to continue to play well, and their defense has to force the Vikings to throw the ball. The Vikings, who barely beat the Packers at home last week, will struggle in the cold weather, and the lack of experience in the playoffs will hurt them. The Packers will win this game because they have home field advantage, playoff experience, and they are overall the better team, with the best quarterback in the NFL.
Monday, September 24, 2012
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