Jordy Nelson, Packers "Can't Take the Foot off the Pedal"
At the site of what can only be deemed as Jordy Nelson's worst career injury, the Green Bay Packers' wide receiver didn't have to fight off any personal demons when he returned to the same field he tore his right ACL two years earlier on Sunday night.
The Packers were in town for a date with the Pittsburgh Steelers on NBC's "Sunday Night Football," and albeit a valiant effort on the visitor's end, they left in defeat thanks to the leg of Steelers kicker Chris Boswell.
"I think we did our job, for the most part, today," Nelson said following the loss. "We made some plays, they made some more to come out with the win. Again, it'll be all about coming back in on Wednesday and getting back to work.
"We can't take the foot off the pedal at all, obviously with the situation we're in. We just have to continue grinding."
It may be too late for the Packers [5-6] to continue their pursuit of a playoff spot. They've lost five of their last six games since quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered his collarbone injury.
And unlike their meeting with the New England Patriots at the tail-end of their 2010 Super Bowl season in which the Packers were significant underdogs with Matt Flynn under center, Rodgers won't be back the following week. Rodgers is confined to injured reserve for the following two weeks, however, he can return to practice this coming week.
Nobody will be more excited to have Rodgers back than Nelson, who has become Rodgers' go-to target in recent years en route to 65 receiving touchdowns from the quarterback since entering the league in 2008. He's been virtually a non-factor in the last six games with Hundley.
Nelson has averaged 5.2 yards per game since Hundley made his first start against the New Orleans Saints in week 7, and his highest yardage total in a single game through that span was 35 against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.
Hundley's formed an evident connection with receiver Davante Adams, rather than Nelson, as the two have combined for 298 yards on 18 catches and two touchdowns in their last three games.
Against the Steelers on Sunday, Nelson finished with just 11 yards on three catches but was targeted five times. Still, the Packers have two winnable games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns coming up on their schedule in which Nelson can hope to be a factor against.
"He didn't need to prove anything to me," said Nelson on the Packers' starting quarterback, who posted the best performance of his career against the Steelers -- 17-of-26, 245 yards and three touchdowns. "He's been working, we know he can make the throws. That's just on the outside trying to make the plays for him, give him the protection and just playing football; doing our jobs.
According to Nelson, it's "just playing simple football and making the plays," a formula that has yet to uplift the Packers and instead, caused them to drop below .500 for the first time since almost exactly a year ago when they began their "Run the Table" streak, beating the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football to rise to 5-6.
"Right now, we're disappointed because you lost the game, just like every other game. We'll deal with that right now and move forward tomorrow."
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (52)
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 12:14 pm
No offense meant to any writers here at CHTV but, can we please stop with trip down memory road of the Flynn game,Run the Table,SShhhh, RELAX and any other cliche' meant to compare what is happening, might happen with this QB and team.
Pittsburgh has a reputation of playing down to their opponents and that was clearly true last night. This game would likely have been a win for any other team,less Cleveland, had Pitt played that way. This is not the boost in confidence some may deem it to possibly be but more of a proof to the failings of many players and coaching and decisions of the Packers.
The playoffs are a mathematical possibility but a high improbability if for many reasons but one glaring one...this team is not consistent enough to string good solid play week to week to win much less a run out of 5 which they need since all other needs to occur are even more highly improbable.
As to keeping the the foot on the gas....try staying off the repair lift first.
Razer
November 27, 2017 at 12:36 pm
Like fans who are grasping at any hope that this team can stay alive, media is struggling to keep this team relevant in the NFL drama. Citing these past glories is the fanning of the little ember that still burns for the Packers. Other than Hundley's progression/regression and our usual gripes about this team, there will be little to report after the next loss - something we haven't experienced very often. Maybe Rodgers throwing during the pre-game was meant to keep us hoping for this season.
Spock
November 27, 2017 at 06:04 pm
No offense meant to: (Tarynfor12), but can you please stop with the non-fan b.s. you constantly spew here? Example: "Pittsburgh has a reputation of playing down to their opponents and that was clearly true last night." I call Bull ka-ka on that. McCarthy (except for that emotional, caught in the moment, decision to go for the field goal) called an exceptional game. "proof to the failings of many players ". ???? What game were you watching? I saw a LOT of players with a LOT of heart trying to win that game. If you DIDN'T see that I feel sorry for you. You want to comment, fine, but I disagree whole-heartedly with your assessment that Pittsburgh "played down to their opponent.". I watched a LOT of bad Packers games in the 70's-80's, but I never gave up on my team. If this is the way you feel, why do you bother to watch????? Seriously, I love my team, you seem to treat it with distain even when they are doing well, and the Packers "played up to their opponent" vs. the Steelers "played down" IMHO. You seem like someone who will be happy if the Packers tank next week. I think that is really, really, pathetic. Sorry to come on so strong, but I just don't understand how someone who claims to be a Packer fan can rip a fantastic effort by the players. Yeah, they lost. And yeah, that sucks, but WTF? Why be bitter about this team? They played their hearts out.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 07:21 pm
I hope your pom poms didn't get all tangled up with that rah rah rant. I would presume you'd be the cheerleader type that sans underwear in hopes of getting noticed.
Did the packers play with heart sure, but heart don't get you wins nor do moral victories and do you know what else doesn't...high paid veterans who keep failing to show up for their screen appearances...names need not be mentioned I hope you know whom I speak.
The best kind of fan is one who doesn't bury their heads in the sand when the team plays bad for whatever reason. All teams suffer the same things that hurt but Packer fans,like you, use them as excuses when the play remains the same and worst when the greatest cover of all time isn't around to hide it. : }
croatpackfan
November 28, 2017 at 02:53 am
Kudos to you Spock. I feel similar as you are. W/o Aaron Rodgers, PAckers are underdog team to some other teams.
This Sunday, underdog played well and tried to steal the win over very strong and quality opponent. They played very well...
And that is the end of the story...
dobber
November 28, 2017 at 09:16 am
I'm reminded of a song by Garbage from the '90s: some people are only happy when it rains.
Razer
November 27, 2017 at 12:21 pm
..."We can't take the foot off the pedal at all, obviously with the situation we're in. We just have to continue grinding."...
I am pretty sure that Jordy is referring to the Packers organization and the pedal is called a clutch. We have been grinding gears for half a decade now and this jalopy keeps chugging along. Perfect for Dom and Mike to take out for a Sunday drive.
RCPackerFan
November 27, 2017 at 12:21 pm
This is the 2nd season in a row we find ourselves at 5-6.
Last year most fans jumped off the bandwagon and demanded changes to be made when they lost their 4th game in a row. And they were blown out by 20+ points in their last 2 losses. Then the magic words happened "run the table". And what a run it was. They went on to win the following 6 regular season games to make the playoffs. Then in the playoffs they blew out the Giants. Then against the Cowboys with the throw to Cook to set up the 50+ yard game winning FG to get them to the NFC championship game.
While they didn't have enough to overtake the Falcons, that was one hell of a ride.
Comparing the situation from last year to this year the obvious difference is that this year we don't have Rodgers, at least for another 3-4 games at the earliest if at all. And we are virtually no longer in the running for the NFC North title.
But last night we saw the Packers play their best football with Hundley against one of the best teams in the league. That gives me a ton of hope. That has lifted my spirits a ton!
Last nights game has drawn a lot of similarities to the 2010 game against New England, in which Matt Flynn got the start, no one gave them a chance to win and they ended up losing 31-27. Eerily similar to last nights game which ended 31-28.
While none of us know what will happen the rest of the year, lets just remember that not many gave us any chances last year especially after we were blown out 47-25 against the Titans, and 42-24 against the Redskins in back to back weeks to go to 4-6.
Remember in 2010 for us to make the playoffs we needed help to make it, and a miracle happened. We got that help and as a 6th seed we ran through everyone to win the Super Bowl.
Do I expect a run like that this year? no. But until the fat lady sings, I will not give up hope.
Lets see what kind of run we can go on!
Go Pack Go!!!
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 12:28 pm
" But until the fat lady sings, I will not give up hope."
Take your earplugs out....fat ladies are singing loudly and clearly from all directions about the Packers chances. : }
RCPackerFan
November 27, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Isn't that what she was supposedly doing last year when they were 4-6? Or in 2010 when they needed a miracle to get in the playoffs. Or 2013 when Rodgers broke his Collarbone.
Its not over till its over. And until its over, lets enjoy the ride.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Enjoy the ride....knock yourself out.
https://youtu.be/efMRF_V5lL4
RCPackerFan
November 27, 2017 at 01:04 pm
lol. love that scene.
I just introduced my daughter to that movie last weekend.
SpudRapids
November 27, 2017 at 01:10 pm
If you're so negative on the Packers why even come to this site and contribute if it is so nauseating watching them.... they have a word for someone like you... Troll
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 01:20 pm
Sticks and stones.....but names will never hurt me.
Why do some always resort to kindergarten stuff. I have an opinion that is obviously different than yours. What do want...a site where every one agrees no matter what or bad....can't do it, won't do it.
HankScorpio
November 27, 2017 at 08:14 pm
A few posts above in this same article at about 7:21 pm, Tarynfor12 sez:
"I hope your pom poms didn't get all tangled up with that rah rah rant. I would presume you'd be the cheerleader type that sans underwear in hopes of getting noticed."
At about 1:20 pm Tarynfor12 asks:
"Why do some always resort to kindergarten stuff. I have an opinion that is obviously different than yours. What do want...a site where every one agrees no matter what or bad....can't do it, won't do it."
Why indeed, Taryn.
TarynsEyes
November 28, 2017 at 12:24 am
Hank, you did notice that I defender myself after being affronted, which by the way is a penalty in the NFL and the offender gets off...in my world the offender always gets the flag and the defending person gets the pass. But do and say as you must for I know I'm right and will continue onward no matter how the weak minded and back boned get.....upset. : {
HankScorpio
November 28, 2017 at 07:26 am
So you would say that the reason you resort to "kindergarten stuff" is because "he started it", then?
Good to know.
RCPackerFan
November 27, 2017 at 03:21 pm
Spud - What is funny is when the Packers beat the Bears it was very quiet on this website all week. But as soon as they lose to the Ravens everyone is out with pitchforks.
Funny how that works.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 03:51 pm
Pitchforks ='s negative bs for some..
Shovels ='s optimistic bs for some.
Both can have a share of deniers.
RCPackerFan
November 28, 2017 at 06:37 am
The facts speak for themselves.
People would rather come and complain then come and be happy.
Johnblood27
November 28, 2017 at 09:56 pm
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI
DD
November 28, 2017 at 08:30 am
Yes, we were fortunate those years. But what was the final result? Still short, da. Great runs but the gas tank ran empty, and we had Capers and our same coaches. Any correlations ya think? From history most of us learn, but not the Packers. So nor over? You're not watching the games are you? If with Rodgers return this wouldn't happen this year. Fact.
Irish_Cheesehead
November 27, 2017 at 02:55 pm
Some always see the glass half empty and love being negative. It's how they live their life!
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 03:08 pm
No matter how you look at the glass or assume others do, one thing is for certain...it only contains half of what's in it.
dobber
November 28, 2017 at 10:06 pm
Actually, it contains all of what's in it.
RCPackerFan
November 27, 2017 at 03:19 pm
What I find funny is I gave the most optimistic view I possibly could at this time. Apparently people don't like that since as of right now I have 3 dislikes and 2 likes...
Basically what that tells me is that more people want the Packers to crash and burn then to rise to the occasion and make a run...
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 03:57 pm
" Basically what that tells me is that more people want the Packers to crash and burn then to rise to the occasion and make a run..."
Thats a negative way to assume how many think...perhaps they believe the 1 in a million/billion odds are just a tad to high. But no one is stopping you...don't take it personal.
flackcatcher
November 27, 2017 at 04:54 pm
There is a lot of folks who want change for changes sake. Well, I suppose we could built them a time machine and let them travel back to those 'golden years' starting say in 1970. (Or as my father call it: "the years of Hell") And leave them there. FOREVER........
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2017 at 05:14 pm
Seriously...stop with long road travels of despair...this isn't the 70's= 80's..it's 2017. These are long gone era's whether good/bad for any team. Keep dreaming this team or next years is the Lombardi 60's and you'll continue watching the TV in Feb with the Packers doing same.
HankScorpio
November 27, 2017 at 05:26 pm
"There is a lot of folks who want change for changes sake."
Or point them in the direction of Browns fan sites. They clean house every few years. It's like heaven for frustrated armchair GMs that think happy days are only an organizational shake up away.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 27, 2017 at 09:56 pm
"more people want the Packers to crash and burn then to rise to the occasion and make a run..."
I fear the worst of both worlds.
I don't condemn either side of this controversy. My head suggests that our defense isn't good enough, we probably won't be able to win enough games to get into the playoffs, and winning a couple of games just harms our future draft pick slot. That seems like a valid and viable conclusion to reach. These games are more like preseason games: interested in player evaluation and development but not about whether we win.
I've reached that conclusion in my mind, but it just doesn't matter to me: I can't rule out the possibility that we could run the table, and enter the playoffs with AR at QB and who knows, perhaps a completely healthy defense. Bottom line for me, right or wrong, is that any day GB wins a regular season or playoff football game is a pretty good day.
cheesycowboy
November 27, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Could Jordy be referring to the sequence of events after the Martinez interception that flipped field position and the results of the offense to take advantage? Lost any momentum they had and never got it back.
cheesycowboy
November 27, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Could Jordy be referring to the sequence of events after the Martinez interception that flipped field position and the results of the offense to take advantage? Lost any momentum they had and never got it back.
stockholder
November 27, 2017 at 12:36 pm
Disappointing? #1. Caper's defense. #2 MMs gambles to get his defense off the field. #3 The separation of the Wrs. #4 Crosby. #5 THE TACKLES. #6 THE RETURN GAME #7 the officials. Foot note. If A-Rod took that hit from Watt, he's out for the season again. Reflection: Next man up is Failing! Is the Lombardi trophy just another trophy? Was this just another game? My feelings are this team is not hungry. Are they content just to play well, and say next game. It's been 7 years since the packers won it all.
Razer
November 27, 2017 at 12:53 pm
I agree with many of your bullet points but I disagree with
...My feelings are this team is not hungry. Are they content just to play well, and say next game...
If anything, this team punches above its weight in attitude and effort. We lack talent in certain areas and this prevents us from fixing chronic weaknesses - particularly on defense. The skill deficiencies combined with coaching gaps has us reliving the same fate for the last 5 years. My frustration is with the organization of this team. It is the players who reaffirm my Packer pride with heart and grit every week.
stockholder
November 27, 2017 at 01:07 pm
Heyward was awesome and made Bak look terrible. (By the end of the game.) Even Watt came threw untouched a couple of times. Spriggs played better than his last game. (True) But he's still not close to bulaga. The packers failed on a couple of short downs because they just couldn't open the holes. And if Williams didn't make his own openings with hard running. They would have been in deep do do.
Doug Niemczynski
November 27, 2017 at 02:12 pm
Hundley held the ball again too long...i said..move..move..he hesitates one second again and boom SACK !!!!
DD
November 28, 2017 at 08:37 am
Doesn't scan the field and can not get the ball to receivers, happy feet, bolts, can't read defenses yet. Targets Adams, easy to follow his style. Is Hundley the answer long term? Noooooooo. As a backup? No. Trade up in draft and select Rosen to mentor under Rodgers for three years and the QB greatness will continue. Chew on that.
Doug Niemczynski
November 27, 2017 at 02:18 pm
The packers have kept dom capers for 7 years. Nothing is going to change..he has over 30 years of coaching and he still sucks...nothing is going to change until mcarthy makes a change at def .coordinator. ..maybe the 3_4 def was not meant for the packers.. maybe they have to back to a 4_3....dunno....but this dom capers crap has not been working since 2011 and im sick of it....evidently Mcarthy is happy..
Irish_Cheesehead
November 27, 2017 at 02:57 pm
Did I see a stat correctly last night that Capers is the longest tenured defensive coordinator in the league?
Since'61
November 28, 2017 at 08:58 am
Regrettably you did. Thanks, Since '61
Handsback
November 27, 2017 at 01:41 pm
What I don't understand is during the Steeler's last drive...was there anywhere else their wideouts/pass catchers could catch the ball but on the sidelines? Why not defend that just a little closer verses the middle? Other teams seem to be able to defend that during those last seconds of the game, but then I'm no coach.
Since'61
November 28, 2017 at 09:01 am
Hands - the Steelers had 2 timeouts on that drive so they could throw over the middle as well. Also, that sideline catch by A. Brown was a brilliant play. I'm not sure how you prevent a great catch and stay in bounds like he did. Thanks, Since '61
SteveCheez
November 28, 2017 at 01:00 pm
That was indeed a great play by AB. I've always wondered, though, in a play like that why doesn't the DB go low, get underneath the WR to not let him get his feet down?
Doug Niemczynski
November 27, 2017 at 02:03 pm
I can't blame McCarthy for trying to 57-yard field-goal all I want to know is that he did he know that the longest field goal in that Stadium do they history has only been a 53-yarder that's all I want to know I just want to know if McCarthy knew what the longest field goal in that stadium was in NFL history because it was a 53-yarder and he was attempting a 57-yard ER that's all I want to know
Icebowler
November 27, 2017 at 02:57 pm
He sure as hell did know that. I think his ego totally got the best of him. He's from Pittsburgh and his ego wanted the bragging rights to that record. Totally irrational!
Finwiz
November 27, 2017 at 03:14 pm
Just on the news that Crosby was hitting from that distance and direction in pre-game, so lay off McCarthy on that one.
20 more yards of field position wasn't going to stop Pittsburgh with the GB defense, and that played into the decision as well, make no mistake.
Pitt was 62.7% on 3rd down conversions. Put the blame where it ALWAYS lies, except when they were shutout of course.....the lousy defense.
Since'61
November 28, 2017 at 09:04 am
Fin - excellent post. I think that MM tried that 57 yard FG because he figured if he made it he would have a 10 point cushion with one quarter left to play plus he could KO and have the Steelers start on their own 25. Also, and maybe more importantly he knew that with Hundley at QB he might not get another trip to the red zone so he was going for all the points that he could get. Thanks, Since '61
Doug Niemczynski
November 27, 2017 at 02:08 pm
Hundley had a pretty good game I'll give him that I thought near the end it was one time you stood in the pocket too long but with a minute and 17 seconds left to play Rodgers easily drive down the field scores and we win the game but it is what it is also after Hundley called the play in the Huddle I hope when he slapped his hand he said nobody go out of bounds but I don't think he did that because Jamaal Williams went out of bounds not thanking somebody just not thinking
Johnblood27
November 28, 2017 at 10:08 pm
Hundley just got drilled in the head by Watt and was on queer street.
He said so in post game comments.
MTG
November 27, 2017 at 02:22 pm
It is time for a new Defensive coordinator, Head Coach and GM. Hyde and Hayward are let go and will make there way onto the pro bowl roster, while Peppers is 10th in the NFL with 8.5 sacks. If I was Rodgers I would not sign a deal with the Packers. Why sign with a team that is awful at bringing in talent and has proving since Favre they wont pay to bring guys in. They already wasted Favre's career by not getting him help now they are doing the same to Rodgers. Don't be surprised when Aaron walks to play for a better organization. When you have Rodgers you do not just sit back as a organization you get the guy as much help as possible to win multiple championships. All he wanted from the offensive side is for the team to bring back Cook, what do they do let him go and sign bone headed Bennett who has made his way around the NFL because nobody wants him.
4thand1
November 27, 2017 at 05:52 pm
At this time I wouldn't mind if the Pack loses out. We get draft picks, easier schedule, and not many prime time games. It would be nice to see Hundley progress the rest of the way, let him finish the season. When they lose one more game.