Packers 38 Bears 20: Game Balls & Lame Calls
Pack shows upside galore in second half surge.
By KenLass
I’ve been watching the Packers play the Bears for around 65 years, but I can’t recall feeling happier about a result than this. After all that chirping from the Chicago fans through the entire offseason, this has to hurt. And that gives me great joy.
Know what the most exciting thing is about Green Bay’s 38-20 conquest at Soldier Field? They won this game easily despite the fact they made enough mistakes to lose several games. Bad penalties, inaccurate throws, missed tackles. Oh, by the way, they also played the game without the guy who may be their most talented receiver. These Packers have so much more upside than what they showed Sunday.
This victory was the definition of a team effort, so deciding on game balls for individual players is difficult. You couldn’t ask for much more of a universal contribution. So forgive me for giving out recognition in groups.
GAME BALLS
The Coaching Staff
You can’t help but get the feeling Matt LaFleur and his staff are going to have fun scheming plays for this young talented offense. The best example was the big third quarter misdirection bootleg by Jordan Love, running to his left, then throwing back to the right, where Aaron Jones turned it into a 51 yard gain. That was a clever design. A few other wrinkles didn’t work. Like Love running an option sweep with Jayden Reed behind him. But that kind of creativity is going to take this team to greater heights as LaFleur gets more of a feel for what this bunch can do well.
Joe Barry and his staff deserve a nod for keeping Justin Fields from beating them. Just like last year, Fields is the only threat the Bears have. Ball carriers not named Fields gained only 63 yards on the ground. The pass rush let Fields out of the gate a few times, but for the most part forced him to make quick decisions and inaccurate throws. The defense kept the Packers in the game in the first half as Love and the offense worked out the kinks. In the 4th quarter, with a big lead, Barry correctly put the secondary back into a zone and just forced the Bears to throw in front of them and use the clock. This was an effective and promising start for this unit and its coaches.
Special teams were solid, if unspectacular. I was impressed by Jayden Reed’s punt returning. He clicked off returns of fifteen and thirty-five yards. The field position those returns gave Green Bay were an under appreciated plus factor when the outcome was still in doubt.
Jordan Love
Of course. He was shaky in the first half. The TD pass to Doubs was pretty, but there were a lot of misses and throwing behind or short of his receivers in the first two quarters. He kept his poise. I have to feel three years of watching from the sidelines helped him there. After intermission he seemed to settle down. The fourth down TD pass to Jones was beautifully executed. And after fumbling a snap, Love had the composure to pick the ball up, roll out to his right, spot Luke Musgrave wide open down field, and get enough on the throw while taking a big hit. His quarterback rating of 123.2 tells you he took care of the ball and got the job done.
The O and D Lines
Ultimately, this game was won in the trenches. The difference was the clean pockets for Love, compared to the constant heat on Fields. Green Bay had four sacks, but Fields had little time to hold the ball and let pass routes develop. He doesn’t throw well under pressure, and it came from everybody, including Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton, Devonte Wyatt who had a sack, Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and even rookie Karl Brooks who also had a sack. The pass rush was not only steady but smart. When Fields did take off, he had to do so out into the edges where he could be pinned to the sideline. Quay Walker’s interception return was a classic, and was again the result of a rattled quarterback.
On offense kudos to Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan and Tom. Love was sacked just once and that was because he held the ball. For the most part he was given plenty of time to wait for those crossing routes to break open. The running game produced a modest 92 yards but that might have been different if Aaron Jones had been given more than nine carries.
The Rookies
What an exciting debut for the rookie draft class. Van Ness had a sack when he surprised Fields with his speed in pursuit. Jayden Reed looked good on punt returns and caught a key third down conversion for thirty yards. Luke Musgrave looked like he was fielding punts on some of those long balls, but still managed three catches for 50 yards. As mentioned, Brooks had a sack and Anders Carlson blasted a 52 yard field goal and was true on all five extra points. Carrington Valentine got some work in at the end. These young athletes have to grow up fast and this game indicated they are up to the challenge.
LAME CALLS
Penalties
Too many of them were personal fouls that were completely unnecessary and just plain dumb. Play tough and aggressive but stay under control. Against a better team, those calls would have put this game in serious jeopardy.
Injuries
Weird how the two players who made the two biggest plays in the game were both hurt on those plays. Aaron Jones strained his hamstring on the 35 yard touchdown pass, and Quay Walker went into the tunnel with what was described as a head injury after his 37 yard interception runback. I also gasped when Jayden Reed had to be helped off the field. His speed is going to be critical to this offense. Big sigh of relief when he returned to gather in the Bears’ onside kick.
Rudy Ford
I hate to pick on anybody after a great win like this, but I’m worried about Rudy Ford. The safety allowed several catches and then missed the tackle on at least three occasions. In the 4th quarter Ford got run over by rookie Roshon Johnson, and then compounded it by taking a personal foul. He even let big tight end Cole Kmet juke him and run past him during garbage time. The Packers need better play here.
THREE AND OUT
-- Romeo Doubs looks like he’s going to be a star in this league. Playing with a sore hamstring, he led the Packers with four catches and two touchdowns. His 4th quarter grab on the fade was spectacular. The NFL world knows about Christian Watson, but this year they are going to learn about Romeo Doubs. His connection with Jordan Love is scary.
-- On a day of really good defensive performances, the best one may have come from safety Darnell Savage. He led the team with ten tackles. He was explosive all over the field. On a quick throw to the outside he decked running back D'Onte Foreman for a seven yard loss. If this was a preview of his season, it couldn’t have been more encouraging.
-- The folks who run the Fox telecast just couldn’t resist. After showing a shot of Christian Watson in street clothes on the sideline, sure enough, they just had to rerun his drop on the first play of last season against the Vikings. Enough already! That was over a year ago! It’s time to archive that video for good.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (115)
TKWorldWide
September 11, 2023 at 07:09 am
IIRC, the first time GB faced a 3rd down, it was 3rd and 13. Love looked poised as all get out and threw a dart to Doubs to convert. Loved it!
Harbinger much?
GPG!
AndrewInWisco
September 11, 2023 at 07:40 am
Game Ball:
Fox showing Jordan's mother at the start of the game surrounded by Bears fans. Then showing her later in the 4th quarter after they had all left the game.
Minniman
September 11, 2023 at 02:57 pm
Ha ha - that was my golden moment too.
The kicker was that the footage was taken either late in the 3rd or early in the 4th quarter!
...... there was a LOT of garbage time football in this game,,, I loved it ...... (pun intended).
jvole
September 11, 2023 at 07:41 am
Insightful as usual. Great game!
Happy to see Van Ness getting lots of playing time. Watching Wyatt this game and thinking of what he did last year when given the opportunity made me wonder why we didn't see more of Wyatt (over Lowry) last season? I think Barry learned some lessons!
T7Steve
September 11, 2023 at 07:43 am
Now that I think about it, did Tonyan and Lewis play? I was worried the Bears would have a plan for them to be able to thumb their noses at the Packers. I'm glad it was such a non-issue that I forgot to look for them.
GregC
September 11, 2023 at 08:22 am
I noticed that too. Neither of them was even mentioned. They are just not very good, and I was glad the Packers moved on from them.
Packers0808
September 11, 2023 at 08:30 am
I saw Tonyan on one play toward end of game.
Coldworld
September 11, 2023 at 05:41 pm
Tonyan played 4 snaps and Lewis 5, an average about 6% of the offensive snaps. Given how bad Kmet was, somewhat surprising.
RCPackerFan
September 11, 2023 at 07:53 am
GAME BALLS
There are a lot of options for game balls. I like the coaching staff choice because of all the young players we had, to get them ready for week 1 was not an easy task. Starting a new QB, basically new TE and WR groups. Also the game plan was really good. I felt the defense was what set the tone for the team. Joe Barry deserves a lot of credit!
My game balls:
Love - He was not perfect. He missed some throws. But he settled in nicely and made some huge plays. He was perfect on 3rd and 4th down. For the new Era with a new QB, it couldn't have went much better. Love deserves a game ball.
Jones - Jones was the star of the offense. He is the heart and the sole of the offense. Hopefully his hammy will be good.
Doubs - Doubs was clearly on a pitch count. But he made the most of it. He had 4 catches on 5 targets for 26 yards. But he had 2 TD's. He also had the huge first down on the first drive. He made plays when the team needed him the most.
OL - I believe Love was sacked 1 time. He did not have hardly any pressures. They were really good again.
DL - Clark and Wyatt were amazing! Wyatt was in the backfield all game. Brooks had a sack and Wooden was getting penetration.
Savage - I felt this was Savages best game in a long time. He was physical and all over the field. I believe he led the team in tackles.
Young players - This is just to highlight how good the last 2 drafts have been. All of these players made an impact on the game.
2022 draft - Walker, Wyatt, Doubs, Tom, Enagbare, Toure
2023 draft - Van Ness, Musgrave, Reed, Wooden, Wicks, Brooks, Carlson.
The 22 draft Walker and Wyatt looked like studs. Tom is so damn good. Enagbare has definitely taken a 2nd year leap. Doubs likely would have had a bigger game if he wasn't coming off of an injury. Watson didn't even play and we put up 31 offensive points.
The 22 draft looks really, really good already. Van Ness's sack was very impressive. How many times have our Edge players lost contain on a mobile QB. Musgrave and Reed made an impact on the offense immediately. Brooks had a sack. Carlson made all of his kicks including the 52 yarder which would have easily been good from 62.
LAME CALLS
Penalties - This was also mine. Way too many penalties. Which is to be expected in the first game. But need to clean that up.
Injuries - If Jones is hurt long term this will kill the offense. When he didn't get touches the offense struggled. Walker is very important to the defense. Reed did come back in the game, but he showed he is a playmaker. Too many injuries to important players.
Rudy Ford - IMO Ford was the worst player on the field. He was so bad that I feel like they need to find a new starting Safety this week.
THREE AND OUT
- Carlson was very good. But I have to say with as big of a leg as he has, why are his kickoffs allowed to be returned. Boot it through the endzone!
- Whelan has a booming leg. And he did a great job holding. But he has to do better in pinning teams deep. He had to many roll into the endzone for a touchbacks.
- Victory Monday! Lets enjoy this one!
Coldworld
September 11, 2023 at 08:27 am
I wondered live if the kickoffs were a tactic. The Bears kicker had no issue and Carlson later sent one way through. Did we want them bringing it out? For the most part it didn’t hurt us.
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 10:56 am
Carlson has one KO that was like a sky high punt and came down around the 5 to the Bear KR who tried to return but was surrounded by the Packer gunners and immediately dropped at the 10.
I liked that idea. Hang time was forever.
MainePackFan
September 11, 2023 at 11:26 am
"Doubs - Doubs was clearly on a pitch count. But he made the most of it. He had 4 catches on 5 targets for 26 yards. But he had 2 TD's. He also had the huge first down on the first drive. He made plays when the team needed him the most."
Good call RC. I think his value to this team is a little overlooked sometimes. The connection between he and Love is real.
Johnblood27
September 11, 2023 at 07:53 am
Good - The 2023 Green Bay Packers
Bad - The forever Chicago bares
Ugly - All of the doubters that had the Pack buried in the division and the league.
Go Pack Go!!!
dobber
September 11, 2023 at 08:08 am
Game ball: Douglas and Jaire. They were active and physical on the outside all day, and I loved Jaire giving Fields a pop on the run that ended up in the sideline scrum. Why no flag on the Bears OL who flew into the sideline and really instigated that mess? Still, if Barry allows these guys to play to their strengths and play aggressively, the back end will be in good shape.
Lame Call: The run game. I'd like to say that the Bears came out planning to jam up the run lanes and make Love beat them, but there were too many instances where OL were just getting beat by their man in the run game. They're going to have to rethink how they're using Dillon.
Others...
Savage was active all game and played like someone who knows his next contract is on the line. That said, there were still some bad angles, missed coverages, and missed tackles. Better than what we saw most of 2022, though.
The Love-Musgrave connection is still a bit off. Badly overthrew him on a crosser early that should've been first down and big gainer, and on the schoolyard-bounce-play did his best to overthrow him (or Musgrave misjudged the ball). It's clear 88 holds an important place in this passing game.
For all the "the depth is awesome" and "they won't miss Watson" fanfare by some, no WR not named Doubs, Toure, or Reed caught a pass.
Coldworld
September 11, 2023 at 08:19 am
I agree that their use of Dillon was baffling and needs a rethink urgently. However, Savage surprised me. I thought he was consistently in the right place and making plays about 95% of the time. I will take that. I thought Ford was our worst player by some way though. I’d really like us to find an alternative from somewhere. Let’s put it this way, I’m not sure we would be materially worse starting AJJ.
Myers was the other player who still concerns me. Yes, no penetration allowed in the passing game, but we just can’t get it done in the run game, at times they we’re through almost before the handoff. Also, honestly, the Bears don’t have much threat to rush the passer up the middle and didn’t blitz.
T7Steve
September 11, 2023 at 01:08 pm
Myers was the lowest graded player on offense per PFF (they usually have some questionable ratings though).
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/lists/packers-pff-grades-best-worst-pla...
Coldworld
September 11, 2023 at 05:45 pm
And Tom our highest. Imagine if he could run block like that in the center. There is no way Nijman is not better than Myers (as Nijman was rated last year at least). If Walker is better than Nijman then the argument for Myers continuing is even weaker.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:27 am
I think either Nijman or Walker at C is a no go, but having them frees Zach Tom up to play C. IMHO it's inexcusable not to make this adjustment, the only question is getting Tom enough practice to be at his best there. Should've been working on this all TC.
Guam
September 11, 2023 at 08:09 am
Kudos to LaFleur and the offensive coaching staff. The offense looked much different than the last few years with motion on most plays, more QB under center, and more gadget plays (the throw back to Jones). I liked what I saw and thought this was much more creative than previous years. The certainly were able to scheme receivers open.
Also kudos to Barry and the defensive coaching staff. The front seven was much more aggressive both in pass rush and run defense. There was much more penetration and disruption and less of the passive "contain" defense. I liked the play of our corners and Savage. I am concerned about Ford - he is not strong in run support or coverage. I think he is going to cost the Packers a game at some point.
CheesePuff
September 11, 2023 at 08:19 am
Game Balls - You said it all. Great game. Far exceeded my expectations and hopes.
Lame Calls - Hamstring injuries! What the heck's up with that??? And too many stupid-ass penalties!
Starrbrite
September 11, 2023 at 08:28 am
I give (expected) high marks to Doubs (on my fantasy team) and was pleasantly surprised by Savage.
I was down on Dillion last year and so far this year, I’m not impressed. He looks slow to daylight and appears to stumble to easily on first contact.
The pass rush looks awesome. I believe Stokes will help when he returns.
Now go beat the Falcons.
Go Packers!!!
Oppy
September 11, 2023 at 07:09 pm
Hey, what do you think about Jordan Love?
Starrbrite
September 12, 2023 at 09:45 am
Well, I was furious when we drafted him and have been a skeptic for three years. But he has kicked sand in my face and has proven how little I know.
MooPack
September 11, 2023 at 08:29 am
Word is Bears ownership was transferred yesterday.
GregC
September 11, 2023 at 08:31 am
Showing Christian Watson's drop against the Vikings was completely irrelevant and a real head-scratching moment in the broadcast. I also thought it was odd that Greg Olson was scolding the Bears for being too slow to run plays when they were behind by 24 with a few minutes left. At that point, the Bears needed three TDs, three 2-point conversions, and two recovered onside kicks to tie the game. The Bears kept their starters in to the bitter end though, and one of their better players, Darnell Mooney, got clocked by Packers practice squad guy Innis Gaines.
Starrbrite
September 11, 2023 at 08:43 am
Excellent points GregC.
Untylu1968
September 11, 2023 at 10:21 am
I almost had to mute the TV when Olsen was rambling on about the Bears' sense of urgency! The dagger had already done its job, and his partner had nothing to add on the topic.
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 11:34 am
If that duo is Fox's top primetime duo, they have a dud duo.
murf7777
September 11, 2023 at 08:34 am
One by one, Love is shutting up his detractors!!! Love it! Dan Orlovsky, was extremely complimentary at Love’s poise and the way he manipulates LB’s into moving the direction he wants to create open space for the pass catcher. Specifically showed the play where Love threw the TD pass to Jones. Even Rex Ryan, who hasn’t been so complimentary stated this morning how impressed he is about Love’s poise.
Well, for all the hard time many fans threw at Gutey got for trading up and drafting a QB in round one 4 years ago I wonder if they will give credit now. It always amazed me why folks would be so pissed at that draft pick when the same thing happened when they drafted Rodgers. Of course, it still might not work, but taking a QB when you don’t need one came right out of the book of one of the best GM’s in NFL history, Ron Wolf. Even Ron Wolf stuck his neck out when he traded a 1st round draft pick for a drunken, playful, out of shape QB, named Brett Favre that Atlanta’s Coach Glanville didn’t even want. The reality is you have to a great QB to win consistently and we are fortunate to have GM’s who have known that.
Love is all we need? Too soon to tell, but the start was awesome to see.
PhantomII
September 11, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Well Murf, we went to the NFCC game and lost. Pretty sure Gute took a look at QB1 at the time and figured he did not look like he had what it takes to push us over the top. We badly needed a #2 WR also. Gute had been doing a huge turnover of personnel and a bunch of FA acquisitions to improve a pretty poor team. I wanted Jefferson at #20 at the time myself. Over the next few years we failed in the playoffs in various ways. We never got our #2 WR either and our QB1 was fickle. I'm glad Love got to learn what to do and not to do from a really good QB1. It's Loves time to shine and I believe we have 2-better TE's and at least 4 better WR's than before minus DA who was a beast. I don't know who will be the #1 WR...Doubs or Watson, but worst case we have 2-legit #2 WR's and a possible great #1 WR. Reed is the other #2. Add in A.Jones and we are deadly by the end of the year on offense as our OL is very solid. I like the new DL pieces already in action. GPG
murf7777
September 11, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Understand your thought….But they needed something’s pretty bad when they drafted Rodgers also. You can always play the what if game, but that doesn’t get you anywhere because that scenario will never be played out. The reality is adding another player might or might not of helped vs drafting Love. At best 50% at the point in the draft do make a splash. And, even if that draft pick did make a splash it might not have mattered whether they went any further in the playoffs. There is no other player who can affect winning more than the QB and it’s not even close. Now, take the other side, if you end up with a quality starting QB for the next decade that will create being a consistent winner.
LeotisHarris
September 11, 2023 at 08:39 am
Like many of you, I'm worried about Myers, too. Watch our first play from scrimmage. He gets launched into the backfield, then dropped on his butt. No drive, lousy pad level. Bad.
Comparisons to last season; yes, in both games we were the superior team, and it was extremely frustrating to watch our group flounder their way to ugly wins. There were mistakes yesterday, lots of them, but as Ken said, the upside is huge with these guys. I saw a team having fun playing together, and pretty much dominating a hated rival on their home turf.
It's all good. I know there's a long season ahead, but it's all good.
Starrbrite
September 11, 2023 at 03:46 pm
I always like your posts Leotis
greengold
September 11, 2023 at 08:52 am
Game balls - The entire Packers team for epitomizing TEAM play and dedicated responsibility to deliver their best.
There really are so many to mention here. Too many. Great job, Packers.
Matt LaFleur. For the most part, MLF and his entire staff had their Packers players ready and performing well. He and Stenovich could not have produced a more balanced assault on Chicago, with Love throwing for 15 completions on 27 attempts for 245 yds and 3 TDs (far and away eclipsing Aaron Rodgers totals in his first game as a starter), and our RBs Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and Patrick Taylor combining for 27 rushing attempts and 82 total rushing yds and 1 TD.
The entire list of receiver targets for the Packers, including, Doubs, Musgrave, Dillon, Jones, Reed, Toure, Heath and Wicks combining for ZERO DROPS.
Wyatt, Brooks, Van Ness and Clark combining for 4 sacks on a highly elusive Justin Fields. Wyatt especially for his FF strip of Fields which was recovered by Douglas.
Lame calls - The national media and all the doubters.
Josh Myers.
MLF & Stenovich for running Dillon out of shotgun.
CHAMPION GAMING INC. for destroying one of my favorite analytics sites, Football Outsiders. It is gone into the interweb ether. Very sad to see this...
(is anyone privy to alternative analytics sites other than PFF? - I'd greatly appreciate your heads-up on this! Just tried AR's new FTN site, but it's $600/year for a subscription... whoosh!)
CheesedDeadHead
September 11, 2023 at 11:09 am
"(is anyone privy to alternative analytics sites other than PFF? - I'd greatly appreciate your heads-up on this! Just tried AR's new FTN site, but it's $600/year for a subscription... whoosh!)"
The "Stats+" subscription @ FTN is only $60/year. Have you looked at that option?
greengold
September 11, 2023 at 11:41 am
I didn't see that as an option, but I'll look. Thank you my brother!
packer132
September 11, 2023 at 08:55 am
That was one of the best openers for the Packers that I can remember. I don't care who they were playing, Green Bay had a "rookie" quarterback and many other 1st and 2nd year players on the field. The key was both lines, and I think most fans have a good feeling about this year for the team. Jordan Love had an impressive game with poise and calm on 3rd and 4th down. He did have some bad throws in the first half but came up big when needed. Praise also to Gute for drafting the last two years and coaching staff for adjustments and calls. There are things to clean up, especially the nine penalties. This young team will grow and improve, and the toughest games are in the later part of the season. (Steelers, Chiefs, Chargers, Rams) On to the Falcons!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 11, 2023 at 09:06 am
Many of us have ongoing concerns about Myers at C. Failure to run block, especially for #28. We gotta be able to run up the middle, and that's one of the better ways to use Dillon. Giving up on such an essential element of the game and trading him away because we can't put Zach Tom at C is not an acceptable solution. Nijman and Walker can both play OT.
I'd love to see a detailed analysis of our O line, especially when it failed. They mostly kept JL10 clean and even gave him time sometimes, but when they failed who gave out? It seemed like anytime Dillon was given the ball Chicago was able to break through the middle.
coolhand
September 11, 2023 at 12:09 pm
My main concern when Dillon was in was too many plays having him run sideways and the Bears getting quick penetration. Dillon should NOT be running sideways but should just piledrive up the middle or off tackle. He did better later on but was curious why Taylor was in and not Wilson? They seem to be the better fill ins when Jones is out.
PhantomII
September 11, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Taylor has been in the system a few more years and can pick up blitzes, etc. That's normally the part that keeps RB's off the field as rookies. I think they only activated 3 RB's for game-day roster.
Packerpasty
September 11, 2023 at 01:24 pm
perhaps it should be Jones, Taylor and Wilson...Dillon doesn't do much for this offense
Oppy
September 11, 2023 at 07:10 pm
Hey, what did you think about Jordan Love?
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:36 am
Agreed, #28 is a north south runner. Putting him sideways makes no sense.
KKB
September 11, 2023 at 09:16 am
Loved looked very poised. Great to see.
But he still has accuracy issues. Too many passes were a bit behind the receiver. Or way overthrown.
croatpackfan
September 11, 2023 at 09:16 am
Nothing to add to your explanation Ken.
I was expecting somewhat slow 1st half because I knew that whole team (except vets on the team) will be overhelming with high level of adrenaline, which mostly or almost always produce less accurate performances from those who are under the adrenaline influence. Second half was another story - that is the performance we will see more later in the season!
Go Pack Go!
Lphill
September 11, 2023 at 09:37 am
Greg Olson actually thinking with minutes left the Bears only needed three scores and three 2 point conversions was pretty lame.
10ve 💚
September 11, 2023 at 11:59 am
Remember that game against Seattle? Remember Bostick?
I think the point GregO was trying to make was that the Bears had given up. As a matter of principle, you don't give up when you have Fields and all your starters are on the field (in that case pull them out). The coaches were probably thinking "OK, this game is over, but let's give the team situational practice... possibly it will help when they have a similar (winnable) situation later on".
When you are on the field, you give it your all. Period!
Coldworld
September 11, 2023 at 05:50 pm
Yes, he was essentially ripping on them for not at least trying.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:40 am
Agreed. It was glorious to see da Bares defeated, long before the game was over. They believed their own hype.
Our team has to have the mental toughness to always focus on the current play, and once it's over, focus on the next play. That alone would have prevented the after the play penalties. At least we didn't have anybody ejected from the game.
atundraman
September 11, 2023 at 03:22 pm
We used to have to listen to Troy Aikman and now it's an ex BEAR.
That's why we have the radio and our daggers.
#CarryTheG
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:42 am
I heard Aikman last night. I've never liked him as an announcer but he schooled me on Jets QBs who had their season ended early due to injuries. Very sad that AR continues that trend.
snowdog
September 11, 2023 at 03:57 pm
Loyal to a fault . Just saying. GPG
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 09:39 am
MLF gave game balls to Kenny and Jordan.
Kenny didn't have the splash plays...he simply made it possible his mates could. He was a WALL. Wherever Kenny was, the Bears did not venture there. The leader of the front line led by example.
After victories at Lambeau Field, I hope the speakers blare out the intro trumpet and Beatles song "All You Need is Love." It is easyto pull for the young QB. After the game, Rock asked Jonesy about AJ saying all offseason and preseason, Love was going to be a good QB. AJ smiled and patted himself on the back with an "I told you so."
This was a fundamental win with the Packer Big Men dominated the Bears lines. Love had clean pockets all day. The one sack was a coverage sack after holding the ball too long. Run blocking was so so...but I don't understand why AJD kept getting handoffs standing still like a draw play. Let him get the ball running downhill. But on pass plays, Love had ample time to go through his reads. Rarely hurried or pressured. One of the best OLs in the NFL.
The D front line has 4 sacks, a fumble recovery and forced an INT for Walker's TD and harried and hurried Fields all day. And just as drawn up, when he ran he had to go wide where, with few exceptions, pursuit tracked him down.
STs? Made me smile. Rich B? You said to trust in thee. Now we see!
Ferrari-Driver
September 11, 2023 at 09:40 am
I sure liked the way our two new players on the special teams performed. I take my hat off to both Daniel Whelan and Anders Carlson. I was on the edge of my seat every time Carlson lined it up and he was dead perfect.
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 09:44 am
Unable to "reply" to other comments. Anyone else having issues?
10ve 💚
September 11, 2023 at 12:02 pm
I was able to... and if you get my reply here, there is your answer 😀
CheesedDeadHead
September 11, 2023 at 01:31 pm
"Unable to "reply" to other comments. Anyone else having issues?"
I believe there was an update around that time that may have been backed out because it also showed all posts at the same level and the "# Replies" and "Show all" changed to buttons that didn't work. Everything was back to normal not too long after.
PeteK
September 11, 2023 at 09:52 am
I also cannot reply.
michael562
September 11, 2023 at 12:50 pm
I can!
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 01:33 pm
Thanks...I can now too.
Tingham
September 11, 2023 at 09:53 am
Biggest game ball for me was that the play clock didn't go down to 1 second before every snap. I'm an Aaron Rodgers apologist but that was driving me batty the last several years.
10ve 💚
September 11, 2023 at 12:03 pm
Matt did call timeout a couple of times as the playclock wound down.
murf7777
September 11, 2023 at 12:41 pm
Will it on MNF tonight? We all will be watching:)
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:46 am
Jinx.
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 10:03 am
Season Goal from this fan is to win the Division.
Action Plan step one:
1. Beat the Bears. Check.
HarryHodag
September 11, 2023 at 10:49 am
Yes! Yes! A thousand yeses!(sp?)
What did the Packers do Sunday? Play solid defense, run and pass equally, use Matt LaFleur's game plan to its full extent.
The Bears might be the worst team in the league but a win is a win.(That coupled with a humiliating Vikings loss just made my day).
I'm really happy to see the offensive and defensive lines play well.(Myers was shaky at first but played better).
Who is questioning the choice of D. Wyatt now? Savage looked savage, though Ford looked lost at times.
I think many forgot that when His Darkness and his pals left there was a solid team still there.
What I really liked was 'team'. Everyone was all out from the first whistle. None of the 'we got it in the bag' that smelled up the house the past few years.
It's one game against a stinky team but it was great to see. Don't sit on the Falcons next week. That is a much better team and will be a stern test.
Starrbrite
September 11, 2023 at 03:48 pm
Excellent post
PackAttack4155
September 11, 2023 at 10:52 am
Among the many to be happy about, my favorite play was the LVN sack. Too often do veteran defenders take horrible angles to the ball, but the rookie picked the right one, and he ran Fields down. Very impressive. Way to go rookies, even Clifford saw game time. That's how good the game was. Week one, on the road, against the Bears, lots of question marks, and the game was so well in hand, the rookie backup QB played. Perfect? No. Too many dumb penalties, and hamstring injuries. Best stat: MLF is 9-0 against the Bears, and this one might be the most impressive win of them yet!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:48 am
Agreed, LVN looked like a MONSTER on that sack!
Leatherhead
September 11, 2023 at 10:53 am
It's really nice coming to a fan site and not having to read endless posts about the incompetence of the front office, how Love isn't ready, and how so many of our players aren't good enough.
The Bears weren't good, but I'm not seeing any reason to believe Atlanta is any better.
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 10:59 am
Winning isn't everything...it's the only thing.
Should have most of the week without too much "nattering from the nabobs of negativity."
Untylu1968
September 11, 2023 at 11:45 am
Oh, it's coming leather! The crepe hangers are waiting for the first slip up, and they'll be out in full force. Yesterday's beautiful win got the crickets singing, and i LOVE it!!
LET'S GO BILLS!!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:49 am
Josh Allen did Josh Allen things and let the Jets eek out a win.
THESZOTMAN1
September 11, 2023 at 11:02 am
Don't forget game ball for Ra's al Ghul. He was all over the field.
The Szotman
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 11:10 am
I enjoy Rock's post game locker room interviews.
Rock was giving MLF an opportunity to take a bow for the game plan and creative plays...especially on the near fumble, deep cast to the wide open Musky. Matt was humble. Giving credit to great input all week from the coaches. He gave RB coach Ben Sirman's credit for the "drift" play to Musgrave. Matt said after the previous play, Ben came up to him and said "what about a drift to Mugrave"? Matt told him "that is a great idea!"
His interview with Bakht was kind of strange. He asked David..."looks like you have a pretty good QB." Dave said "I don't know. We will have to see." Rock said "well, 3 touchdowns and 123 rating...that's pretty good, isn't it?" Looong pause. "I am not sure...what, he did? I didn't know...well, good for him." What?
splitpea1
September 11, 2023 at 11:14 am
Addition to Game Balls: The 51-yard pass play to Aaron Jones. Beautifully executed by everyone involved.
Agree about Savage; it was nice to see him step up and have a good game. On the Lame Call side, also agree with Ford; it might at least be partially back to the bench with that performance.
Mistakes are to be expected with this young offense. Once Love and his receivers/TEs get to know each other a little better, we'll be fine.
The broadcast: The incessant drooling over Fields was reduced to a trickle by the early fourth quarter. And then there was a shot of him late in the game sitting on the bench and just glowering, probably wondering what he did to deserve being drafted by this bleeping organization.
GregC
September 11, 2023 at 11:33 am
Coming into the game, I thought Fields might possibly show some improvement or at least look different somehow, like maybe by challenging the defense with some deeper throws. But no. He looked like exactly the same QB we've watched for the last two years. And the talent around him doesn't look any better either.
jont
September 11, 2023 at 03:35 pm
Everybody was hoping Fields would show some improvement, even a few Packer fans who'd like to see a little more of a challenge in this rivalry.
A few times I've said that I didn't think Fields was that bad, that he had real potential. I am wrong. No, he doesn't have much help, but he wasn't exactly the diamond in a pile of Bears yesterday.
greengold
September 11, 2023 at 06:31 pm
splitpea1, watched the play a number of times, and I’m glad you called it out. Truly was a very well designed play. Fun fun fun!
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 11:30 am
Listening to Colin Cowherd. What an arrogant azzhat.
I expected to see crow feathers stuck to his face. Instead he gave Love the smallest of complements (paraphrasing): "Jordan Love is a good QB but he's not a great QB. He's not going to be the next elite QB. What he has is a great coach and OL. Fields doesn't have that. He (Fields) has a better arm and is a great athlete, but his coaching is like 'go out and make a great play'."
Funny...when he was slobbering all over Rodgers it was in spite of his coaches and OL...all #12's greatness.
Did Colin Cowherd ever play football? Maybe soccer as a calf in grade school.
canadapacker
September 11, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Cowherd - gets paid for getting Heard and all he does is try to find things that get clicks = lots of those out there = I just ignore him.
Coldworld
September 11, 2023 at 05:57 pm
The best way to comment on Cowherd is to turn him off. Nothing he says is any more authoritative than what we say here. Often it’s a good deal less insightful too.
Packers0808
September 11, 2023 at 11:44 am
One thing Ford looked more like a Dodge missing so often. One thing I found a joy No Rodgers, no eye rolls, no looks of disgust, no look of everyone else mistakes all the time and the tiresome Belt Ceremony! All those missing were refreshing!
GregC
September 11, 2023 at 11:52 am
I also enjoyed Jordan Love's cool, calm demeanor vs. Rodgers' maniacal intensity. And that's not necessarily a knock on Rodgers. He's had a lot of success obviously. I just find the change to be refreshing, and I think Love's demeanor may be a better fit for this team.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 11:54 am
I think JL fits very well with MLF. That element might prove to be more important than either individual?
Leatherhead
September 11, 2023 at 11:49 am
People get invested in a narrative and they'll bend reality until it meets the picture in their heads.
Here's reality: In his much anticipated debut as starting QB of the Packers, Love went on the road and hung 30+ on a division opponent. He didn't turn the ball over, he only took one sack, and he completed 15 passes, 3 of which ended up in the endzone. All without his premiere WR on the field.
There's a reason the usual nabobs of negativity have been somewhat absent. When your narrative is collapsing all around you, you need to take a break and regroup.
Stickfish
September 11, 2023 at 06:48 pm
Well said LHead. The reality for many is a team is as good ( or bad) as their last game opposed to the body of a season. The season starts with a first game for ends for all in a last, I for one think this is going to be a fun year albeit with unseen speed bumps that will inevitably come. I do like the fact that we looked ready to play in all three phases which hasn’t always been the case IMHO.
<><
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 12:10 pm
One of the best games by Savage in a loooong time. 10 tackles and made them with authority. He went to MLF before the 4th down TD pass to Jonesy and said "go for it...we've got your back."
69 snaps by Ford next to Savage was 69 too many. If Ford is the best the Packers have there, yikes. I hope MLF, Barry, Williams and Downard are trying other guys there this week.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 12:00 pm
That's a great story.
At S, Leavitt was on the field. He's not better than Rudy Ford. Owens let a TD right through his hands. Gaines played a little D but I couldn't tell if that was as a CB. I think I saw new addition #39 Anderson out there a little? AJJ is sidelined with injury? Any news on Moore?
Last I looked the PS is not on the team website, I thought that was odd.
Is it time to try Rasul Douglas at S?
egbertsouse
September 11, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Game ball: Aaron Jones. Sparked the whole team.
Lame call: AJ Dillon. 13 carries for 19 yards? And you performing for a big contract? C'mon man!
Starrbrite
September 11, 2023 at 03:50 pm
Agree
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 12:03 pm
I don't. Run blocking for #28 was terrible. Having him run sideways is bad play design, too. Give him blocking through the D line and past the LBs before he can even be evaluated. Although he does need not to trip over his own shoelaces.
canadapacker
September 11, 2023 at 12:18 pm
I guess it is going to be hard to just remember that it was only one game - and that we were not doing much in the first half ( although I was still happy with most of the first half ) But in the final analysis like most I was and still am feeling fantastic with the way we not only beat the BEARS - but we hammmered the BEARS;
Saying that - I am very upset with the lack of discipline on the team. Stupid penalties did open a sliver of hope for the Bears late in the 3 rd quarter and also took points off the board. After the whistle dumb plays and unsportsmanlike penalties occured last years as well and obviously we dont have the team imposed penalties to curtail that stuff. Also it seemed in the first half that Lafleur was Lafleur and forgot about the running game.
One final note - when Dillon was getting stuffed and was not following his blocks on the screens - why not get Taylor involved earlier?
Hate to be a debbie-downer but it is only one game - although a fantastic result both for the team and the fans.
Packerpasty
September 11, 2023 at 01:23 pm
well im with you on Dillon...time to try someone else...nice guy and all but he just dont have it...and dont let Jones sit for a whole quarter (2nd) and forget about him...he's a major key to this offense...
Starrbrite
September 11, 2023 at 03:51 pm
Agree
egbertsouse
September 11, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Geez, pump the brakes on Love. He had a good game against a crap team. Good for him, he showed he can do it. But let's not order the HOF jacket just yet. A little perspective is called for at this point. It's a long season.
murf7777
September 11, 2023 at 12:49 pm
You’re right on, but it’s nice not to see all of the micro dissecting & critiques if he didn’t play as great as he did. They will come regardless of this game, just nice to see a sabbatical for awhile.
LambeauPlain
September 11, 2023 at 01:44 pm
Who is calling Jordan's HOF jacket? Most wanted him to manage the offense, execute the plays called, make plays, and rely on his teammates to contribute. Check, check, check and check.
I am hoping for Love to be a leader, play complimentary football and be pleased to share the load. He got a game ball from MLF because that is exactly what he did.
Those predicting his failure will have to wait a week to resume the negativity.
CheesedDeadHead
September 11, 2023 at 02:25 pm
"But let's not order the HOF jacket just yet."
We couldn't get through even if we wanted to because of all the Bears fans calling in to cancel their Fields jacket order. I heard the phones keep going down because of the demand....
Oppy
September 11, 2023 at 07:13 pm
It was nice having a season opener where the starting QB looked good for a change, wasn't it?
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 12:09 pm
The whole TEAM came out to play! I saw great effort, from everybody. Even the plays that failed, it wasn't because our guys quit. This is the main thing I've been wanting to see since the draft because it's a culture thing that can be such a big factor for the next decade or more and it's been lacking, especially last year. It was there in practice and it carried through week 1 :)
Gman1976
September 11, 2023 at 02:53 pm
Very good article, but if the last 2 scores were caused by Barry playing zone, I have a bone to pick. When the enemy is down, crush him. Don't try to sit on a large score and run out the clock. Send a message that the defense is not who want to face; and if you do face it, it will be painful.
Coldworld
September 11, 2023 at 06:01 pm
We had every back up we could get in playing. I think that was more to minimize injury risk against a team so desperate to get some numbers.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Kinda like a preseason game in that regard, lol. Might've been to evaluate or just develop. There were also substitutions before garbage time. I was glad to see it!
We'll need the whole roster ready to go ...
Leatherhead
September 12, 2023 at 12:19 pm
The Bears had been crushed. When did winning become not enough?
Since'61
September 11, 2023 at 03:13 pm
Game Balls: Jordon Love, Aaron Jones, Romeo Doubs, OL and DL.
Lame Calls: Penalties and injuries. Packers need to clean up their personal fouls most of which were unnecessary. Hopefully Jones does not have a serious injury.
Packers played well in the trn=enches and dominated both sides of the ball in the second half. Doubs had a great game.
Honorable mention goes to Anders Carlson. He made every kick and looked good doing it.
Except for Ford the defensive secondary had a strong game.
The result of the NFL's first game of the season is the most over reacted to result in sports. It's great to get the win but it was against the Bears who look like they are still one of the worst teams in the league. Hopefully this win builds confidence for this young Packers team and they use it to continue their winning ways against Atlanta this week. Thanks, Since '61
Qoojo
September 11, 2023 at 03:42 pm
That 53 yard FG was something.
Since'61
September 11, 2023 at 08:07 pm
I think it was good from 60 or 65 yards. Thanks, Since '61
Packers0808
September 11, 2023 at 03:40 pm
Just glad team won and they looked like they were having fun and enjoyed each other and not any longer on eggshells for Mr Perfect. Was just fun to sit and enjoy. This team with a little more experience under their belts will prove to be a good solid team!
Qoojo
September 11, 2023 at 03:40 pm
Game balls:
- Love for his 3rd down performance.
- Defensive aggression (It was missing all last year except for 2nd vikings game)
Lame Calls:
- On the topic of talking heads, it seems that A. Rodgers is no longer the QB of the packers. In a preview of the entire season, we will get to hear that every single game over and over and over.
Everyone else covered the obvious stuff like idiotic penalties, and Jones doing it all
ImaPayne
September 11, 2023 at 08:45 pm
Bears perspective! This was a horrible game on offense for them. All the so called wide screens, they are an indication they have zero faith in Fields passing down field. Second, I got bears coach being fired by game 4 loss. This is a poorly coached team. Cant tell how good or bad the Pack were based on the Bears miscues?
I like many thought the bears would be better with 13 draft picks and 98 mil under cap but they did nothing in the draft. Like WTF? Bears will be the bottom on the NFC so we got that settled.
Love was solid. We may have a winner here.
ImaPayne
September 12, 2023 at 08:09 am
game balls to love and fields. love won his first pro game and looked decent. Fields was god awful and sealed our victory. both should keep it up.
hon mention o line.
not sure d line, bears o was so had hard to judge if we did anything?
ford needs to be released and someone must be better onnthe p squad.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 12:28 pm
I'm looking over our list at S and don't see anyone better than Rudy Ford. Newcomer #39 Anderson was in a little, I can't say anything about him. Moore might still be out injured? He's our fastest and some here have said he's our best. Owens was in a little and let a TD go right through his hands; I was a fan of his at practice, too. I think AJJ is out injured, he might be usable depth when healthy. Leavitt played D, which we do not want to see. That's the entire room except for Sapp who I think is gone (PS not on the team website last I looked, which is odd) and #38 Gaines who is listed as a CB and second string at slot behind Nixon.
fthisJack
September 12, 2023 at 08:10 am
Ever since they benched Savage last year, he's been playing at a high level. Just needed some motivation.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 12, 2023 at 12:36 pm
I think some would say he wasn't that great upon return last year, but he played well Sunday :)
"Stacking success" will get monotonous to hear, but the need for consistent play never diminishes. He, Ford and Moore have the speed with 40 times of 4.32 .34 and .36. "Assignment sure and solid tackling" is an apt description for the position.
I notice other teams don't prioritize speed at S. #39 Anderson is 4.44 and Owens ran 4.43 but I have to wonder how much slower he is now.