I wondered about Williams’ lack of snaps. Could it be in part a reflection of his readiness after injury?

One thing I've noticed as well is Jones isn't having his number called much at all as Adams has gotten healthier and healthier. After what he's done in some of the games in the passing game like in KC for example, you'd think MLF would be scrambling to find more ways. IMO they'll need to get Jones, Williams, and Ervin (I like that kid) the ball more against SF this weekend.

Gary has been flashing on my TV Screen more and more in recent weeks. That's exactly what I've been watching for each week...Progress, and that's exactly what's been happening. One thing is certain, Gary is in excellent hands with a excellent position coach and creative DC. I'm starting to think this guy will pan out just fine in a year or two.

For the first time in Adams career Rodgers talked about having a "Jordy Like" connection with Adams against Seattle. That is music to my ears because few have been better EVER than Rodgers to Nelson. They KNEW what each other was thinking. Hopefully they keep that connection and keep it rolling.

In week 12 the O-Line had it's ass whipped against the 49ers. This weekend I think we see an O-Line out to redeem themselves. In week 12 that game CHANGED on the Bullshit call against Adams on the first drive. It wiped out a 16 yard gain, backed them up 15 yards, and Rodgers fumbled shortly after. But even with all the issues the offense had, the defense played really well the first half. I mean they were gassed by the final drive in the 1st half. As long as the offense does it's job this weekend, I have no doubt the Packers can win this game. It WILL start with the O-Line though.

Russell Wilson has played really well this whole year. So beating Seattle was not easy. I thought the play calling had gone stale in the second half and contributed to letting Seattle catch up. They started blitzing and the Packers didn't have a good answer. Otherwise a great game. I didn't notice the open wheel routes. I wish they would use them more especially a quick pass to Jones in the flat. He has a chance to break one in the open.

Thanks Al. Great observations as always.

I would add that I think the last step for Sternberger is to get his hands on the ball. Like you said he can move pretty well and I would like to see him in some space. Maybe they slip him out in the flat this week.

There was some good stuff on “Showtime Inside the NFL“ last night. Jimmy Graham thanking LaFleur for believing in him. Hopefully, Graham can have a last shining moment as this is probably the end of a great career. He also jumped on the bench and waived to the crowd..

I always turn to my son and usually say to my son King and Alexander are defensive backs for a reason. If they could just catch half of what they drop. Something to work on in the off-season.

I have a question:
10 seconds left in the 1st half.
Fackrell is racing to get off the field before the snap and it appears he is going to make it.
No snap occurs and the ref blows his whistle and penalizes GB for having too many men on the field.
Why?
Thanks for any clarity you can add.

Lambeau Field: You can see it on tv that the atmosphere is louder then previously. If only the Seahawks didn't screw up the end of the game against the 49ers. Also, if only the Refs didn't screw the Packers at the end of the Eagles game. We could have been playing one more game there.

Russell Wilson:
Completely agree on Wilson. He single handedly almost brought the team back. I love what he did for Wisconsin that one year, but since then I really do not like him. I do respect him though.

Snaps:
I did notices that Adams was on the field more. I do wonder if part of it was with Clarks back?
Sternberger I think played more because Vitale was out. That being said I really like what Sternberger brings. I think its only a matter of time until he has a really big play offensively.
Gary I think deserves more snaps. He constantly is getting push. He was really close to at least 1 sack. If it was a different QB other then Wilson I think he would have gotten to him.

Rodgers:
Rodgers was Elite! His performance was definitely the best since the Raiders game. But in this game his throws were perfect! His connection and throws to Graham and Adams couldn't be any better. If we see that same connection against the 49ers, we have a very, very good chance!
I really think the bye week help Rodgers and those guys get in sync. Rodgers just looked sharp.

Jimmy G:
Graham IMO had his best game as a packer. Maybe not statistically. But just about every catch he made was huge. I know most if not all of his catches were on 3rd down. He made big time plays! For us to get where we are going, we need more of those plays from Graham!

Running game:
I am actually more surprised that in the 2nd half they kind of stopped using Ervin. Earlier in the game they seemed to use Ervin a lot more on the motion. I don't really recall them doing that in the 2nd half. I am hoping against the 49ers we see a lot more of that. That motion will help control their LB's.

King and Alexander:
In these games, we need those guys to make those catches! If the ball hits them in the hands, they have to catch it! Especially this weekend. if they can make that game changing interception, that could be the difference in going to the Super Bowl or going home.

LaFleur:
I love and respect what McCarthy did for us. I was never a McCarthy hater. But the things that LaFleur has done and is doing is such a difference from McCarthy. McCarthy no doubt would have ran the ball. LaFleur went for the win!
One thing that i have noticed is that LaFleur has learned from his mistakes all year. That is a major reason why I think we have a really good chance this weekend! I really like how LaFleur has evolved in his first year.

I finally made it to the frozen tundra of Lambeau!! There is nothing in any sport that compares to the Green Bay atmosphere. It's a Packer fan's fantasy world, even the street signs have the Packer helmet insignia.

Great piece, Al. I had the exact same thoughts post game in the context of game management approach from Mike McCarthy vs LaFleur . This is exactly the type of game that Mike McCarthy would have blown - run Aaron Jones into a wall on 3rd down on that last drive, punt and give the ball to a hot Russell Wilson, "play the odds (???)" and watch Seattle march down the field for a game winning TD as the clock winds down and you've blown all you time-outs in the 3rd quarter. How many time did some version of that script play out? Mike McCarthy was the king of conservative game management with a lead - see 2014 NFC championship game as the perfect example - too often allowing teams not only to get back into the game, but to ultimately win. A highly successful football coach just "playing the odds" - pad level. MLF was very good (not perfect) on game management all year, hence the proliferation of close wins. So refreshing to see a coach in GB play to win, as opposed to not lose.

As to Russell Wilson, also with you. Spent over a decade in Seattle, loved it there, but being around Sea-turd fans was insufferable. Most bandwagon fans in the NFL. Listening to Russ and Pete's meta platitudes over and over again is something I am happy to not suffer through when listening to local sports radio. Side note: Dave "Softy" Mahler is the biggest tool bag in all of sports. His one year with Bucky never phased me, watching Seattle lose to GB is a beautiful, even more beautiful when it sends Russell Wilson back to Seattle to "neck" with Ciara, or whatever they do (or don't do) in the sack: https://www.eonline.com/news/678681/ciara-russell-wilson-and-i-are-going...

Ok I'm done. Go Pack.

Great Post as usual Al, and spot-on as usual too! Here's my take.
Lambeau: Play-offs or not, the place is magical.
Russel Wilson: What can you say, 'the best midget to ever play in the NFL'.
Snaps: Yeah, I think a larger dose of Williams would be good as a change of pace, if nothing else, He's not Jones but he's not bad, and he has his own special skills and value, he's a warrior. I liked what I saw from Ervin, Sternberger, Gary, and M. Adams too. They'll need the D-Line to stay fresh against the 9ers.
Rodgers: He's been saying all year his stats "didn't matter to him, he just wants to win", Sunday night he played like it, and played well. Keep it up!
Jimmy Graham: He finally showed up, let's hope he stays visible through the rest of the year.
Running game: See 'Snaps' above, and keep changing things up. Jones, Williams, and Ervin, it looks like they all have something to contribute.
D-Backs: Hell Al, if you'd like to start a fund to buy these guys that Juggs-gun, I'll send a check.
LaFleur: What can you say, 1st year coach, learns from his mistakes, 13-3, a play-off win, there's a lot to like. Another year or two with Gutekunst and this could be something great.

Good job as usual Al. The first time that I watched Gary play I posted that he is lighting quick off the snap. Once he learns how to harness that quickness he can become a force on the Packers defense. I really enjoy watching the Packers defense play tough physical football. The Smiths, Kenny Clark, Lowry and Lancaster are bringing it on every play. The Packers are going to need that brand of football against the 49ers this week.

I posted earlier in the week that I thought Williams should have played more in the second half against Seattle. If we are going to control the ball against SF Williams will need to get more carries and pick up some short yardage 1st downs against SF.
Assuming that Bulaga is ready to go this week if I were MLF I would utilize Veldheer as the 6th OL during this game. He would slow down the SF pass rush and he can be effective in the run game. The other approach that I would like to see if for the Packers to go up tempo, come up to the LOS and snap the ball quickly. That alone will surprise and slow down the 49ers DL. Run right at Bosa as well.
Anything that can help the Packers OL dominate the LOS will be a critical factor in this game.

Could not agree more that our DBs need to hold onto their picks. Those can be huge plays in these games. Go Pack Go!
Thanks, Since '61

Sternberger, I am looking forward to next year when he and Robert Tonyan become a 2 headed TE monster for the Pack. Wish I saw some passes to Tonyan, he catches everything his way and is fast 4.5, 40 time. Hopefully Special teams remembers he was a D-1 QB for a few years if they want a fake punt. Start putting him in as the kicker's protection like Tason Hill plays.
Last off season Tonyan spent time practicing with George Kittle, maybe both Sternberger and Tonyan will do the same this off season.

Nick Perry.

Spot on!

Thumbs up for that summary.

Lambeau Field. Wall paper for every room in my House. Russel Wilson I Loved the surprise Drug Test! Snaps. Is there an App.for that? Rodgers. Transition to retirement? Try another extension!. Jimmy G. The best ever Controvsy play at Lambeau? His greatest play as a packer! Running Game. More Tyler Ervin coming? King and Alexander. The best Tandem in the League! LeFluer- Game Plan flawless.

Quote Jersey Al "Sternberger was impactful - lead blocking well for Aaron Jones on several occasions and what I noticed most was that he really moves well. This caused me to go back and watch his combine performance and I have to say what I saw on the field translated to what he showed in the combine."

Regarding Sternberger That was the book on him before the draft. He doesn't have the fastest 40 (though he isn't slow), but he moves like whipped cream in honey.......very deceptive and about as different from Badgers TE Troy Fumagalli as you can get. Just as I loved Kittle when he was bagged by the 49ers (for a 5th rounder !), I was also a big fan of drafting Sternberger, and for once, the Packers brass agreed - Hooray !

Nobody feels sorry for teams that have injuries. So for the 49ers game, it appears that both teams have their full compliment of players available to play.
I agree that the Oline will have a big say on the outcome of the game. One thing I haven't looked at and keeps coming up ( I know it means nothing but thought I would mention it) is that many draft sites have the Packers picking a center in the first round. I'm looking at Linsley and he's doing pretty good, so I'm not sure why people feel a 1st round pick for a center makes sense. (Any feedback is appreciated) The 49ers Dline is tough, but many teams have scored on them and certainly the Packers can do it too. There will be a player that rises up and surprises everyone with a great game. MVS would be my choice, but MLF and Rodgers will give it their best shot.
The Packer's defense should be hitting on all cylinders and if the offense can score some points...it should be close.

Cover the waterfront Al, nicely done. Short points. MLF ran a vertical pass game off play action on back to back weeks. (Chargers-49ers) Inexperience, catering to a veteran QB, one of many reasons resulted in the Packers getting crushed in back to back road games. After the 49ers, that went away. Packers committed to running the ball, and throwing off play action in the short to medium routes. Offense became more effective and Aaron Rodgers made a effort to make his footwork more compact. For the first time since the Dallas game, I saw Rodgers set his feet before release. Not much dancing from 12 that night. I wonder how many cuts Rodgers saw in the video room with his QB coach prior to last weeks game..