Packers 26 Dolphins 20: Game Balls & Lame Calls
Underdog Packers die hard.
By KenLass
It’s getting harder to dismiss this team. It’s getting harder to write off their recent surge as being due to inferior opponents. It’s getting harder to disrespect their playoff hopes as being nothing more than an unrealistic pipe dream.
Now it’s getting real. The Green Bay Packers, despite still making enough mistakes to lose most games, put themselves squarely back into the playoff picture with a come from behind 26-20 upset of the Miami Dolphins. No “yeah, but” about this one. They beat a playoff caliber team on the road. Far from a well-oiled machine, there are still miscues aplenty. Inaccurate passes, drops, untimely penalties, missed tackles, weird play calling, and a terrible red zone offense. But there was also constant pressure on the enemy quarterback, fairly solid defense against the run, big plays by the special teams and the secondary.
It’s been a long and arduous journey, but the Packers are getting better. It may be too late, but heading into the final two games of the season, hope is still alive. The path to the post season is suddenly not just clearer, but plausible.
GAME BALLS
Marcedes Lewis
There are those who questioned spending the cap money to bring the old tight end veteran back for another year. This is why. Not just because he is a consistent, dependable blocker, but because he is most dangerous when defenses forget about him as a receiver. On his one yard TD catch, you could see the Dolphins linebackers pass him through to the end zone without concern. And if you’re a defensive coordinator game planning to play the Packers, how much time are you going to spend scheming a way to stop Lewis on a deep ball? Yet his 31 yard bomb was one of the key plays in the game.
Allen Lazard
The veteran out of Iowa State also reeled in a long ball, a 42 yarder, the longest play of the day. He led the team with five catches for 61 yards. But his best effort of the day came on a play where he never touched the ball. More on that later.
Alexander-Campbell-Douglas
It was an up and down day to be sure for this trio of defenders, but there’s no denying their three interceptions were the difference in the game. Alexander tacked on a pretty 23 yard return to his pick. Campbell broke beautifully on the throw over middle, and Rasul showed savvy in baiting Tua Tagovailoa into his interception. Thankfully, this time he resisted the temptation to lateral.
Mason Crosby
He celebrated breaking the record for most games played as a Packer by nailing four out of four field goal tries to provide the margin of victory. He seemed to be enjoying being able to kick the ball in reasonably warm temperatures in late December. He’ll have to pull on the thermal underwear for the final two games at Lambeau. He’s done it before. He knows how.
LAME CALLS
The Fake Punt
Sure, you’re a play calling genius if it works, but if you’re going to try it that deeply in your own territory, you have to have a better play design. Green Bay had not been able to run the ball effectively all day, especially between the tackles. Expecting to pick up the first down running it up the gut was low percentage in that circumstance.
Red Zone Woes
The special teams and the defense constantly set the Packers up inside or near the twenty yard line, but at times this offense seems to be allergic to the end zone. It’s just a series of breakdowns. Aaron Rodgers holding the ball, receivers not getting open, running backs falling down, penalties, etc. Green Bay really should have won this game convincingly. Hard to see them running the table if they can’t be more consistent at scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
Settling For the Final Field Goal
With 2:52 left to play, the Packers had the ball, third and five, on the Miami ten yard line. Rather than trying to throw the ball for a first down that would have iced the game, and maybe even scoring a touchdown, Matt LaFleur chose to run a conservative running back dive into the middle, settling for a field goal that gave Green Bay just a six point lead. LaFleur had clearly decided to put the game on the shoulders of the defense. It worked out, but I felt it was the wrong decision. Go for the win when it’s there for the taking. Relying on this defense for a game saving stop, especially against a dynamic offense like the Dolphins, is risky business.
THREE AND OUT
-- By far my favorite scene from the game came when Lazard threw a block during a sweep by Aaron Jones. Lazard’s block took out three defenders. Lazard stood over the players on the ground and counted off on his fingers, one-two-three. Classic.
-- The Packers’ bad luck on the injury front just keeps on coming. They can only hope injuries to Keisean Nixon (groin) and Christian Watson (hip) are not long term. If you had to pick out which Green Bay players have been most important during their three game win streak, those two guys would have to be at or near the top of the list.
-- It only gets tougher. Next Sunday it’s the Vikings, who are having a tremendous season, and showing an uncanny ability to come from behind and win close games. They have the look of a team of destiny. Then again, the Packers are starting to have that vibe as well.
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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 (112)
GregC
December 26, 2022 at 07:13 am
I was leaning toward "go for it" on that final possession, but I thought the decision to kick a field goal was sound. The defense hadn't allowed a point in the second half, and the Dolphins needed to go the entire length of the field with no time-outs.
When I saw Lazard standing over the defenders counting them off, I was afraid he was going to get called for taunting. They probably wouldn't call taunting on a blocker, though.
I breathed a sigh of relief when the Dolphins failed to challenge that long catch by Mercedes Lewis. It probably would've been overturned.
Yes, thank you Rasul Douglas for not attempting a lateral or some other tomfoolery after making the game-clinching interception. For these small things we are grateful.
croatpackfan
December 26, 2022 at 07:59 am
Regarding that 31 yards catch/no catch, I agree with you. We are happy that Dolphins coach are similarly inept as MLF when it come down to challanging or not referees decisions.
We all knows that no call on ACR INT was blatant mistake from referees as it was clear that Lazard was pushed by both arms from defender, while ball was in the air. That allows defender to be on spot to intercept throw.
Mentioning both mistakes made by referees I just want to add that these were calls made against both teams and that put away conspiracy theory about how Las Vegas bookies have influence on games outcomes.
Also, on that INT ball was enough underthrown that I doubt Lazard would cought it.
mrtundra
December 26, 2022 at 08:26 am
"They probably wouldn't call taunting on a blocker, though." Are you kidding? These are NFL officials and we are the Packers. It was an obvious miscue, by the officials, that a whistle was not blown, there. The officials swallowed their whistles, for most of the game, allowing teams to play ball. That will not be the case when the vikings come to town. If Lazard takes out three vikings, with a single block, you'll hear whistles, and see flags, in your sleep.
jvole
December 26, 2022 at 07:24 am
Lames calls: The officiating. Apparently holding/pushing receivers is now allowed.
Game balls: ACR's legs. The old man can still get on his horse from time-to-time. Not a great game overall for him, but it was nice to see him gut some of those runs out.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 08:39 am
Then there was the one run where ARod went with the keeper and tried to go off the left side but got nothing...
FAN24583
December 26, 2022 at 08:44 am
The refs were horrible. They are the only profession less accurate than meteorologists
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 09:06 am
"They are the only profession less accurate than meteorologists"
Stormtroopers.
pacman
December 26, 2022 at 07:25 am
You just said it - red zone offense has been TERRIBLE. Do how do you fault MLF for going for 3? Plenty to fault MLF with. I think this season has shown that he is not a good head coach. But this was a saner moment.
Philarod
December 26, 2022 at 09:43 am
Do I absolutely fault him? No. But as it was happening, I wanted them to go for it.
We're up by 3, 4th and 3 at the Miami 8-yard line, 2:06 remaining.
If we go for it (unless a turnover, of course), we either convert it and essentially, ice the game or we get stopped, and Miami has to drive from their own 8 yardline.
As it was, kicking the field goal, they could still beat us with a TD and they were starting on their own 28. It also left us open to a bigger kickoff return, etc.
Rossonero
December 26, 2022 at 09:46 am
I think what this season has shown is he's ceded too much power to Aaron Rodgers. It's not MLF's offense anymore. That's why it does not look like the offense we had seen the last 3 years.
JohnnyLogan
December 26, 2022 at 10:21 am
It's more than just ceding power to Rodgers, which in itself is a sign of being a poor coach. He simply looks as if the game is too big for him. We may pay an awful price because of one good half of football by the defense and he'll keep that butcher Barry for another year. The fact that the defense suddenly played well coincided with Lowry going out for injury and Wyatt coming in. Coincidence?... I think not. MLF looks and sounds like a kid whose father took him to work and said, "Here, get behind my desk, pretend you're me." His misuse of the talent at his disposal is almost criminal. Amari Rodgers plays, Nixon sits. Lowry plays, Wyatt sits. Watkins plays, Toure sits. Hanson and Newman play even when it's obvious how completely inept they are. Jones is probably used less than any other top ten back in the league. Last year's awful special team coach is allowed to keep failing for the entire season. This year's even worse DC coach, who should never have been hired, plays a frightened undisciplined defense, MLF calls him out but doesn't do anything to force him to make changes. I'd rather have McCarthy and that is probably the worst indictment of all.
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 11:58 am
This guy has no clue how to score points inside the red zone. Going to Big Dog was a sound call. Use the TEs and counter-motion. Why doesn't this offense put Taylor on the field with more frequency. He excels btw the tackles and use Deguara as a FB to lead off the 5 spot. Get to the line and snap it, employ more hurry-up.
Curt
December 26, 2022 at 08:21 am
A good friend insists the NFL has determined keeping the bettors interested and thus keeping the games close to the lines is in their best interest.
I'm not sure there are many other reasons for denying GB touchdowns on two obvious pass interference penalties in the end zone. Not sure how any competent officiating could have missed either one. How you can just shove a receiver out of the way and then make interception or just simply grab both arms well before the ball arrives and have it hit you in the back of the helmet and avoid PI is unbelievable.
I understand the no call on Doubs which also cost a touchdown and the ball moving or not on Lewis "catch" - those were bang bang or subtle, but ....
Starrbrite
December 26, 2022 at 02:50 pm
Well said!!
GregC
December 26, 2022 at 05:48 pm
How did those missed calls help to keep the game close? Weren't the Packers trailing at the time? Or maybe it was tied. The far more likely explanation is that the refs were calling a loose game or just missing stuff, as they often do.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 07:55 pm
I thought the officials were not particularly good, but it seemed largely consistent. There are games I’ve seen (Packers and others) where the officiating has seemed much more one sided.
Savage57
December 26, 2022 at 08:31 am
Lazard's three-pin spare pickup was the stuff that makes for lively film rooms, and his count 'em down just sauce on top.
The Goon, indeed.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 08:41 am
You should copyright "three-pin spare" for that one. Awesome!
Since'61
December 26, 2022 at 09:28 am
Cookie for the three-pin spare. Thanks, Since '61
Gravedigger93
December 26, 2022 at 09:29 am
You said it! That may have been my favorite play of the game...and I don't think they all were DBs either.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 09:38 am
My recollection is that at least one of those guys was wearing a number in the 90s.
marpag1
December 26, 2022 at 11:54 am
A safety, Rowe (21), a ILB, Roberts (52) and a DE, Wilkins (94).
I've watched the play several dozen times, and frankly it was was a nice play, but nowhere near as impressive as people are making it out to be. He put a shoulder into 21, and two other guys tripped over 21 from behind. Rock star highlight for Sportscenter, just a very nice play otherwise.
I've already declared my love for Lazard's blocking skills, many times. He's fun to watch, but this one was more show than substance.
LambeauPlain
December 26, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Savage rings the bell again!
mrtundra
December 26, 2022 at 08:42 am
Game Balls: Keisean Nixon returning the ball! Alexander, Campbell, Rasul and Reed with turnovers, via INTs and stripping the ball then recovering the fumble. Lazard taking out three Dolphins with a single block. Big Dog with a big TD and a huge catch, downfield. Watson and Doubs together, on the field. Tonyan moving the chains.
Lame Calls: Injuries. Nixon with a groin injury. Hopefully, he is okay! Nijman getting injured. Not sure what his injury was, but our depth chart allowed Newman to come into the game to replace him. Time to activate Rasheed Walker and play him, in front of Newman, on the chart. . Newman getting beat on the line and then getting flagged at least twice for penalties. Have we seen the last of Bakhtiari, as a Packer? This appendix/knee thing has taken its toll, on his ability to play. ARod's passing was off target, on several passes. Thumb still an issue?
Slim11
December 26, 2022 at 03:18 pm
I agree about Walker. However, there is a problem in that Walker IS active. He wasn’t inactive for this game. Per the depth chart on the Packers’ mobile app, Walker was the backup at RT. So…why was Newman plugged in at RT after Nijman was hurt?
That tells me the coaches don’t have the confidence in Walker so much so that they would rather go with Newman. That’s concerns me.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 08:02 pm
It would concern me with most coaches. Frankly though these are the guys who brought us Hanson Newman. They wasted a month or more with Tom looking a better option at G and kept Nijman off the field while Jenkins struggled once Bakh was playing, even with Tom around. They will go with the longer term player until forced not to. That’s proving consistently true over all of the team under LaFleur. It’s the same thinking that played a last part in blowing our chances in the last Championship game. LaFleur doesn’t learn and his coaches seem to follow his lead.
joejetson
December 26, 2022 at 08:55 pm
I think the timid coaching comes down from LeFluer. It goes back to kicking a basically meaningless FG vs Tampa Bay instead of going for tying TD at the end of NFC Championship Game. Lack of courage and confidence are not great qualities for your "Leader".
Guam
December 26, 2022 at 08:50 am
Game ball to the defense for pitching a shutout in the second half. They shutdown the run and intercepted the passing game - best half by the Packer D all year.
Lame ball to the offense in the red zone. The Packers should have won this game going away, but had to settle for four field goals. Rodgers holding the ball too long and taking a big sack all the way back to the 20 yard line after starting the series inside the ten was inexcusable. AJ Dillon tripping on air and going down on a sweep inside the ten was inexcusable. Just too many poor plays at crucial moments.
Vikings are next and the Packers will need to play better than they did against the fish. One good half will not win the Vikings game. The Packers will need to deliver a complete game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 09:38 am
"Game ball to the defense for pitching a shutout in the second half. "
I'll take some flack for this, but--IMO--the red-zone offense has been a bigger bugaboo for this team than the defense has been. Yes, the defense has had some epically bad stretches and gives up way too many chunk plays, but--for the most part--has kept these games close enough for us to be frustrated by it. Don't take that to mean I want Joe Barry back--I don't.
Guam
December 26, 2022 at 11:47 am
I agree Dobber. Our defense hasn't lived up to preseason expectations, but they are still an average NFL defense. The Red Zone offense for the Packers has been horrible. Way too many field goals and not near enough touchdowns. Can't put my finger on the causes, but that is what the coaching staff and players are paid to do. Fifteen games in and they can't figure out how to put it in the end zone..........
LambeauPlain
December 26, 2022 at 12:19 pm
I have said this before...the only way Barry's D helps the team is if it gets a turnover. Otherwise a it is a below average D and one of the worst in the NFL.
The best Barry D is keeping it on the sidelines. Turnovers are the great equalizer, but when they were on the field the Dolphins AVERAGED over 8 yards per play! But the Packer O, especially in the second half, chewed the clock, got first downs and fortunately scored. Packers had many more snaps than did the Fish.
If the turnovers keep coming and the O can take greater advantage of RZ opportunities, this can be a most dangerous team.
I guess a defense hoping for the opponent to make glaring mistakes is a strategy...even as it gives up chunk plays galore. Lousy odds for success, though.
Leatherhead
December 27, 2022 at 07:23 pm
“Otherwise it is ….one of the worst in the league “””
Simply not supported by the data.
Iain
December 27, 2022 at 03:30 am
Rodgers holding the ball too long and taking a big sack all the way back to the 20 yard line after starting the series inside the ten was inexcusable.
And then he threw to Doubs at about the ten yard line (which he dropped) but he should have been throwing into the red zone.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
December 26, 2022 at 08:51 am
Did anyone else scream out when Rasul downed the ball? Terrible flashback moment. I was yelling, “Never take a knee. Take it to the house!” I know we had the game won, but I’ve thought that before.
Philarod
December 26, 2022 at 09:04 am
I know what you mean, but no, as there was no way to lose at that point unless we botched a kneel-down.
Since'61
December 26, 2022 at 09:36 am
Doug - I didn't like that play by Douglas either. The DB should take the ball up the sideline until he is comes up on contact and then go out of bounds. The reason for that is you always take the ball downfield for as much yardage as feasible or you take it to the house. The game may be locked but you never know what is going to happen on the next play.
We all remember too well what happened when our safety took a knee in the 2014 NFCCG against Seattle. But as we know the Packers never learn or maintain any institutional memory. Thanks, Since '61
GregC
December 27, 2022 at 05:54 am
Those were entirely different situations. In the other game, the offense still needed a first down to clinch the game. In this game, they only had to take a knee a few times. Even if Douglas had a clear path to the end zone, it would've been a mistake to go for the TD because it would allow the other team to get the ball back.
ReaganRulz
December 26, 2022 at 11:43 am
If he had a clear path to the EZ maybe, but it did not appear that this was the case. Glad that he kneel’d in that situation.
LayingTheLawe
December 26, 2022 at 07:59 pm
I was yelling "get down get down get down!" There were no more timeouts left for Miami and all the Packers needed to do was kneel down. Only something bad like a fumble could have resulted from running it there.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 08:30 pm
Agreed. That was a time to get down in that particular game situation. Like Doug I still had a flashback, but one I knew was not comparable.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 09:03 am
"Marcedes Lewis"
One of my favorite Packers. Blue collar, does his job with little fanfare, seems to really love playing the game (why else would a guy on a low-money deal play to almost 40?...ahem). He'll be a hard man to replace.
"Resilience"
Crappy fake punt call/execution deep in Packer territory, but defense rallies and forces a FG. ARod throws a pick, but the offense doesn't curl up into the fetal position and disappear...instead it grinds out the clock with one-score leads and puts pressure on Miami to try to make things happen. Defense showed signs of getting run off the field in the first 20 minutes, but circled the wagons and spotted the offense field position. This isn't a championship team, but there is growth and the positives are showing, and they're coming mostly from guys who will be back in 2023.
"Red Zone Woes"
Been beating on this all season (and repeatedly on the watch party yesterday), and last season, too--this team has too many times where it misses a 4th and goal, turns the ball over, or settles for a FG in the red zone. Enough so that it's probably cost this team at least two games in the win column. What's wrong? Play calls? Personnel usage? Execution? Good red zone teams get all those things right.
"He’ll have to pull on the thermal underwear for the final two games at Lambeau. "
40s and rainy in GB for next week's game against the Vikings, who profile like the Dolphins in many ways--minus the obvious team speed. The Vikes (and Detroit, too, for that matter) would love to end the Packers' playoff hopes. Neither of these remaining teams (MN or Det) are nearly as good outside or away from home, but they're both playing well and will be pretty significant challenges.
PackyCheese500
December 26, 2022 at 09:42 am
The run defenses (and pass defenses, too) of the Vikings and the Lions are significantly worse than Miami’s. We need to feed Jones and Dillon (and Watson too).
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 12:27 pm
Feed all of the offensive weapons. Turn UP the Volume. Take no prisoners.
Coldworld
December 27, 2022 at 12:07 am
Run Ds maybe worse because the Dolphins is statistically pretty good, although part of that may be due to the fact that teams haven’t needed to since their pass D has been poor all year. It would be a stretch to say that either upcoming pass D is significantly worse. The Lions was, but has been better since we gave them a huge confidence boost during our last meeting.
fthisJack
December 26, 2022 at 09:04 am
The only bad thing about a good defense is that maybe they will decide to keep Barry. UGH!
marpag1
December 26, 2022 at 01:35 pm
Good defense?
In the past 25 years, only one team has averaged 7 yards per play. That was the Rams in 2000 - "the Greatest Show on Turf" - who came in at 7.0 Y/P. In most years, the league leader is around 6.3 Y/P. The Packers just gave up 8.4 yards per play to the Dolphins. Maybe the defense wasn't actually as good as we think. If Tua doesn't giftwrap the INTs, there is a good chance the Packers lose.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 08:15 pm
That was a good defensive outcome, but overall it was not a good defense as a unit as I saw it live. It looked to me like they went away from the run very foolishly. Perhaps Reed does deserve some credit there, but we weren’t great at stopping it otherwise. Tua looked to me to have melted down as opposed to being forced into errors by specific defensive play/calls.
Perhaps I’m wrong, and rewatching changes my perception, but that looked to be just as explainable as a series of heads up plays by players: that it suggests our D has abilities but they aren’t being consistently harnessed to their potential. I do think Wyatt and Slaton had a beneficial effect, but that was forced by injury really.
HarryHodag
December 26, 2022 at 09:04 am
Another lame: Royce Newman. He has a problem playing without blowing assignments and getting penalties.
Another game: A.J. Dillon. If the Miami tackler hadn't just clipped his ankle he would have scored a TD and basically iced the game for the Pack in the fourth quarter. Aaron Jones is playing hurt. He's still pretty good but isn't all he can be. Dillon has been nothing short of great.
Lame: Cobb. They had him covered for sure but he basically disappeared for much of the game.
Game: The offensive line(excepting Newman). They kept Rodgers vertical and opened holes to run. Can't ask more than that.
Lame: Doubs. Still hoping there but his last name might have to be changed to Drops.
Game: Tonyan. He's showing signs of coming around. I hope they draft a TE, but if he would take a one-year prove- it deal he's worth bringing back.
Lame: Packers first half defense. To his credit, Barry made adjustments in the second half that worked.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 09:13 am
"Game: Tonyan. He's showing signs of coming around. I hope they draft a TE, but if he would take a one-year prove- it deal he's worth bringing back."
His recovery from ACL and usage are suppressing his value on the open market...his targets--and TE targets in general--have fallen off since Watson has emerged. Whether it's McCarthy and LaF, #12, or just a lack of TE talent in general--this offense just doesn't or can't figure out how to feature the TE position. It's just a complementary piece in this offense used primarily for dumpoffs and outlets, so you need to ask how much you invest in that position in terms of cap space?
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 12:31 pm
I would bring in two by round four. They are flexless in the "gold zone" w/out a TE who can separate. Tonyan ain't the guy. Best LaFleur review some of Holmgren's plays.
PackyCheese500
December 26, 2022 at 12:40 pm
I would say that the Packers should get an early TE and a late TE. One should be more of a in-line blocker, and the other should be more of a receiving specialist TE
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 01:08 pm
I'm still thinking three guys. Spann-Ford may be there in the sixth. We will have to temper our desire until we get the Senior Bowl out of the way. Last year's draft was such a mixed bag, not securing Bellinger in the fourth, Doubs in the third.
LambeauPlain
December 26, 2022 at 12:37 pm
ACLs are slow and uncertain recoveries. Tonyan may yet become that prolific TE we saw in 2020. But if Big Dog retires the position needs to be fortified. Davis hasn't shown much at all. Deguara is invisible...he flashes but is mostly ignored in the O.
Perhaps a high draft choice is required, but I still maintain Lazard would be a great TE. He's as big as Tonyan, could put on 10-20 lbs and probably maintain his 4.5 speed (very fast for a TE...average for a WR), and take over Big Dog's sublime blocking skill. Watson, Doubs are the future 1 and 2 WRs now. Keep Lazard on the field as a TE.
But I would still bring back Big Bob next year and see if he regains his speed and his 2020 form at an affordable cost.
PackyCheese500
December 26, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Deguara hasn't popped up much because he isn't a true TE. He is more of a Fullback. He is not supposed to be like Travis Kelce or George Kittle - He's supposed to be more of a Kyle Jusczek.
Only if Tonyan is cheap should we bring him back. The 2023 TE class is stacked, and I think we shouldn't even consider not taking a TE early.
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 01:23 pm
Deguara should be used like Chris Cooley, a true HB. LaFleur was gushing over his selection in the 2020 draft, but doesn't utilize his skills.
Coldworld
December 27, 2022 at 12:24 am
We don’t use the role he was drafted to fill. It’s one of the things we have largely abandoned that is central to the system supposedly being installed by LaFleur. I actually think we would be better if we did. The current passing O is a predictable mix of caution and Watson getting clobbered: atrociously limited, predictable and dependent on one raw rookie beating the field for any ambition. Probably the worst O design this century.
Philarod
December 26, 2022 at 02:34 pm
While the Packers have made some efforts to bring in tight ends, we've had extremely poor TE play throughout almost the entire Rodgers Era.
Tonyan had a nice year two years ago, and when Jared Cook (good, but far from elite) was here, he was a factor for about the last 6 games of that season thru the playoffs. Graham and Bennett (did he even try?) just weren't good here...and I won't recap everything we've seen for the last 15 or so years. Even Finley was talented, but somewhat uneven in his performance. I wonder what this offense -- that was terrific many years -- would look like with a very good TE -- let alone a Gronk, Kelce or Kittle, etc.
Coldworld
December 27, 2022 at 11:10 am
Tonyan will be 29 in April. He’s going to be looking for a longer contract. I agree that most players coming off ACL take about 6 months from return to really regain their elite athleticism. However, not all do regain all of it. Given Tonyan’s age, history, original athleticism and likely contract desires, this is going to be a very difficult decision as to the value of retaining or moving on and whether the parties can get close on a cost and structure even before accounting for cap pressures.
Leatherhead
December 27, 2022 at 07:27 pm
Don’t forget blocking. Or TEs are blockers first, receivers second.
Starrbrite
December 26, 2022 at 02:54 pm
I was pissed Dillon didn’t keep his feet. I yelled “c’mon, stay upright!!!”
He woulda scored!
Philarod
December 26, 2022 at 09:09 am
Props to Lazard for that great block -- the only daylight A Jones had all day -- but he's just not a good WR. On a good team, he's barely a #3. We need a healthy Watson and Doubs has to develop quicker. I think he has potential, but he's not there yet.
Hard to be a dynamic offense with slow tight ends, and slow, mediocre or aged ("Cobby") receivers.
And an average (I suppose) Oline.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 09:19 am
Lazard's best stretch of play a year ago came when he was mostly playing Tonyan's snaps and running Tonyan's routes as the "F TE"--which is really a WR. I'm starting to agree with those who say that's where he belongs--but definitely not as an inline blocker, and asking him to add weight at this stage in his career and speculate on him with a contract feels like a bad move. I don't have a good feel for what Lazard brings on the open market, and with the explosion of WR salaries last off-season, he's likely not affordable for that role.
Philarod
December 26, 2022 at 09:33 am
I agree with (all) that.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 08:42 pm
He’s not fast enough to be a true every down catcher. He could be a move TE, but he’s not a true TE or able to break tackles like a premier classic TE.
PackyCheese500
December 26, 2022 at 09:41 am
Do you think we should convert Lazard to a receiving TE?
stockholder
December 26, 2022 at 09:59 am
yes - I do. He's got room for 10 pounds. But they won't now. He'll want 10 mil./// From where? Same with Tonyan./// From where?
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 10:31 am
He essentially played that role in 2021 without adding weight.
Coldworld
December 27, 2022 at 12:14 am
He didn’t play the full Tonyan role and Tonyan is not all that far from a move TE anyway. I think there is a role Lazard could fill that incorporates done if the move routes and some WR ones. He or we may not like the price for that, but it’s possible. I think it would be a good career move and allow the Pack to look for a more traditional candidate and get a third WR out there more often. The 2 WR approach is past its sell by date.
Handsback
December 26, 2022 at 09:09 am
I for one never thought the Packers would get this close to the playoffs. They are proving to be more resilient than their earlier performances would suggest possible.
Still doubt them getting into the mix, but it would be great if they do. This team seems to realize they had to change their play calling from pass to run. It's taken them time to figure it out but if they can continue to focus on what works in a game verses forcing passes that everyone knows is coming then this season may get extended.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 09:31 am
The encouraging piece is that they're playing better with--and getting production from--players who will be back in 2023.
One of my favorite quotes in this context--and one that I can't take credit for--is that it's hard to lose your way into winning. Winning leads to winning...and I'm hopeful that we're seeing growth in the right places.
PackyCheese500
December 26, 2022 at 09:39 am
Game balls:
Preston Smith. He was a force in the trenches all day. Smith is playing the best football of his career right now, and we need him to. He now has 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble on the year.
Jarran Reed. Reed also was a presence in the backfield,,registering a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a QB hit.
Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt is looking more and more like the first round player he was drafted to be. We need to see more of him; he is good.
Lame Calls:
O-line inconsistency. We need our offensive line to be firing on all cylinders for this team to be at its best. Hopefully the return of Bakh will help with that.
Fake punt design. If you are going to fake punt, why in the world would you you try to run it up the middle with a 190lb safety? Why not snap it to a punt protector or run outside zone, especially when the Dolphins are stacking the middle of the field?
Rossonero
December 26, 2022 at 09:53 am
The Packers tried their best to lose the game with bizarre playcalling (fake punt on their own 20??) and crappy execution on offense, but so did Miami with THREE picks late in the 2nd half. Someone had to win, luckily Miami won the 1st half and the Packers won the 2nd half, and that was the edge for the Win.
Game Balls: Tua aka "Santua" and his interceptions aka gifts, 2nd half defense, DBs Coach Jerry Gray for chewing the secondary's ass at halftime, Allen Lazard, Zach Tom, Marcedes Lewis
Lame Calls: 1st half defense, hot garbage red zone offense, the fucking stupid fake punt on their own 20, not handing it off on 4th and 2
"It's getting harder to dismiss this team." No, it's not. They beat dogshit teams like the Bears and Rams. Yes, I give the defense credit for shutting out Miami in the 2nd half, but it took a halftime ass chewing from Jerry Gray to get these high paid guys to wake up and play.
The fact that the Packers are favored over Minnesota by 3.5 is simply beyond me -- especially if Nixon and Watson do not play.
stockholder
December 26, 2022 at 10:03 am
Wish we had Waddle and Hill. Notice the size? Under 6 foot. But who stays with 4.3. Not many.
Rossonero
December 26, 2022 at 11:18 am
There's a stereotype in the NFL that you must be 6'4" and 200 lbs+ to be a No. 1 WR. It will take a while for that stereotype to change, but eventually it will.
PackyCheese500
December 26, 2022 at 12:43 pm
The Packers will always draft bigger WRs because they are the ones that can block. Hill and Waddle aren't great blockers
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 01:25 pm
Who cares?
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Lance Alworth, Don Maynard, Golden Richards, Wes Welker, Edelman, Amendola, Faulk, Deon Branch, Troy Brown, Randall Cobb in his prime....etc...etc...See a theme? ..All year I've seen Outside the Cult commentators remark, almost in unison, the Packers inability to secure the Big Game is their Drafting. Instead of a post-up guy, get 4.24-4.3 speed with breakdown ability to slice up the zones. It Appeared as if Barry adjusted the drops for his ILBs as the Game moved along. Once they set a yard or two deeper, Tua gave up the Picks.
LayingTheLawe
December 26, 2022 at 08:08 pm
Athleticism is always a desired trait in any position. But in the NFL the search is always for the 6'4" guy who also has the athleticism. The prototype for an NFL receiver is Randy Moss, the athletic freak who is also 6'4" tall.
The packers seem to value a broad skill set at receiver and want their receivers to block. They see that sort of athletic freak in Watson and that is why they targeted him. Even Doubs is 6'2" with the speed to go deep. That seems to be the Packers type.
TheKanataThrilla
December 26, 2022 at 08:18 pm
Not big, but makes big plays I really like Zay Flowers as a WR pick this upcoming draft. He is fast and finds the endzone often.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 08:23 pm
I’d rather have Watson. That speed and 6’3. I’d rather we let Doubs use his speed before the catch not just after. Most importantly, I’m fine with Lazard and Cobb getting snaps, but not at the same time regularly. Old and slow plus one is a recipe for erratic and just makes the younger guy an obvious coverage target.
Once, in the prior game we actually ran Doubs and Watson on complementing routes and saw the stress on the D. It was a thing of beauty. Being LaFleur it was beauty not repeated. When Watson went out we went back to island Doubs and throwing it to him short. With a real head coach we could be so much better with what we have and might not get our receivers killed so regularly.
Rossonero
December 26, 2022 at 10:00 am
Here is one of the many damning statistics about this team:
For 2022, the Packers rank 24th (just behind freakin' Denver) for Red Zone Scoring Percentage (TD only) at 51.02%.
Interestingly enough, they have a 61.9% rating for home games, but on the road it's a disaster: 42.86%
Since'61
December 26, 2022 at 10:09 am
Game Balls: Watson before he was injured, Lazard, Lewis, Rodgers, Clark, Reed, Douglas, Alexander, Crosby, 2nd half defense.
Lame Calls: Fake punt, WTF was that???!!! Red Zone offense, Officiating; 2 clear DPIs one with Watson and the other on the Lazard not called. Rodgers was hit in the head by a Miami DL on the play with Lazard which was picked and again no call. This is the second consecutive game in which Watson was hugged in the end zone with no flag thrown. I hope the Packers are sending the tapes of these plays to the league. (Not that it matters)
Great second half defense and their 3 second half picks carried the day for the Packers. This was one of a handful of games than the Packers defense has actually contributed significantly to a victory since 2010. More games lie this from the Packers defense over the years and who knows what might have been. BTW, who has finally taught the Packers defenders how to catch the football. Usually our DBs are dropping picks and enabling our opponent another down(s) to play again.
For those who complain and bash Rodgers he made some gutsy plays yesterday with his legs. If he didn't care about winning or about his team he wouldn't try to make those plays. For those who complain that he is always changing the plays he obvious didn't change the play late in the game on 3rd and 5 in the Red zone when he ran the called FB dive which went nowhere and ended with Crosby's 4th FG. The 4th and 2 long pass overthrown to Watson was the correct call, whoever made it, Rodgers just didn't execute the pass. The pass to Lazard which was picked should not have been thrown but DPI should have been called on that play which is as good as a completion. The point is that through his injuries and his declining skills Rodgers is not costing the Packers these critical must win games at the end of the season, Just compare Rodgers play with the picks thrown by Tua on Miami's last 3 consecutive possessions.
We saw Packers players slipping and falling yesterday. I guessing that the turf in Miami has problems especially for visiting teams. That could also be a factor in Rodgers throws being off yesterday. either way he was still 24 of 38 for 238 yards. Good enough to win the game. But Not good enough for the FF players who have Rodgers as their FF QB or who gamble on individual players or games. But then never bet on your own team or players and better yet don't gamble at all.
Thanks, Since '61
stockholder
December 26, 2022 at 10:31 am
I'm glad you didn't mention Dillion. That fumble was on him. He was leaning too far forward. I wonder if he isn't punch drunk. He's been going down as soon as he makes contact lately.
Something is wrong with Dillion. Regardless; the packers might want to take a good look at a RB in the first rd.
Since'61
December 26, 2022 at 11:12 am
I agree stockholder. On some plays Dillon looks lost out there whether he is carrying the ball or not. He has suffered at least 3 concussions in his career. I think he needs to be handled with care.
It could be the turf in Miami's stadium but his footwork was not good yesterday. We'll see how he looks when the Packers are back at Lambeau.
I don't know about taking an RB in the first round but definitely by the 3rd and/or 4th. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 01:39 pm
A RB cannot go down with a wrist slap to the ankle. Needs to pick up the feet, churn. Maybe a sprain is limiting his leg speed?
Coldworld
December 27, 2022 at 12:18 am
A well timed ankle tap can take down anyone. It’s just physics. Hard to stay upright with no leg able to move underneath you. I haven’t rewatched that one closely, but I don’t find this line of inference particularly persuasive.
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 01:37 pm
Second or third round. Sean Tucker has the speed/size ratio. Earl Gray from OKL. is a A.Jones clone. They just need to use Taylor more. He and Gibson tore up the South when they played for Memphis.
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 01:34 pm
Keywords: fantasy fans.
LayingTheLawe
December 26, 2022 at 08:18 pm
No one is questioning Rodgers desire and ability to play hurt and all. The Packers offense has still been spotty and downright terrible in the red zone. Even in the three game win streak he is averaging 216 yards per game with one td per game.
Rodgers makes beyond a king's ransom in salary. Whether the problem is the personnel around him, the playcalling, or Rodgers himself the Packers are number 17 in points scored and number 16 in yards per game so these questions do need to be asked.
splitpea1
December 26, 2022 at 11:17 am
Feeling generous, I'll hand out a game ball to Patrick Taylor for one play: he did a good job blocking, then getting wide open and scampering for a 17-yard first down.
And definitely the Rodgers--M.Lewis connections. Would like to see more of that in the red zone.
Crossing over to the other side, the Waddle touchdown--that is one fast dude!
Coldworld
December 27, 2022 at 12:20 am
And then Taylor vanished. Why? Reward players that make plays … seems like a broken record with LaFleur.
marpag1
December 26, 2022 at 11:58 am
I have to question any article that gives Rasul a game ball. I thought he was horrifyingly bad. A gimme INT in desperation time doesn't change that.
Of the three picks, only Campbell's was a pretty good play by the defender. The Alexander pick and the Douglas pick were freebee Christmas gifts from Tagovailoa, plain and simple.
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 12:34 pm
I still wouldn't begrudge a guy for making a play that was there to be made.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 08:28 pm
He was not that bad. CBs do get beaten. Even the best, and Hill and Waddle are like Watson, they are going to beat anyone relatively often with a good throw and modern rules. Yet they really only managed a couple of impact plays.
LambeauPlain
December 26, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Passing errors from the opposing QB is part of the INT...have to make the catch. We have seen too many cases where the air mailed gifts get dropped like coal in your Christmas Stocking.
Alexander, Campbell and Douglas provided what Barry's soft defense requires to succeed...Turnovers.
marpag1
December 26, 2022 at 01:19 pm
Certainly there are plays that every player is expected to make, and the team will not do well if those plays are not made. For example, the punt returner is expected to secure the ball without muffing it whenever he calls for a fair catch.
So no, I will not "begrudge a [punt returner] for making a play that was there to be made." He caught the ball, and we'd be screwed if he didn't. But I don't think I'll give him a game ball because he didn't muff any punts. And this is especially true if everything else that the guy did was awful.
Rasul made the catch he is always expected to make, and he was pretty terrible otherwise. No game ball for you!
I think one could make a pretty strong case that what Joe Barry's defense requires was actually provided by.... Tua.
LayingTheLawe
December 26, 2022 at 08:22 pm
Actually, Douglas's interception was a great play on his part and he really played the QB on that one. He looked to be on one guy and then flew off that guy and right into the path of the player Tua thought was wide open. But I agree that he looked lost at times in the first half. and often this season.
Leatherhead
December 26, 2022 at 01:46 pm
Yes, Tua throws poorly. That's why he was a top of the first round pick. That's why Miami has an above average offense. He wasn't confused, he wasn't pressured, he wasn't tricked....he just threw the ball to the opponent for no reason except he's not very good.
Or
Something else?
Heyward
December 26, 2022 at 02:20 pm
No, you pretty much covered it.
Slim11
December 26, 2022 at 03:08 pm
Something else? Maybe…I thought he was Jay Cutler reincarnated.
jannesbjornson
December 26, 2022 at 06:15 pm
That's why Miami chose him over Herbert?
dobber
December 26, 2022 at 06:55 pm
A very interesting report...
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2022/12/dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-back-i...
They assert that he played the entire second half with concussion symptoms, if they correctly identify the play on which they think he got hurt.
Coldworld
December 26, 2022 at 08:36 pm
Pretty pathetic coaching/medical staff and team mates on his team if true. A guy concussed is not hard to spot if you are communicating or seeing him coordinate, position himself and he’s the QB. Either his team didn’t care or I do not buy it. Yes, it’s happened to me and to team mates and it’s taken a few minutes to become totally obvious sometimes.
Ikrispy
December 26, 2022 at 02:44 pm
YES!!! Lazard! 1-2-3. Favorite moment!!!
Ikrispy
December 26, 2022 at 02:47 pm
Packers?! Team of destiny?🤣 I love the Pack! But, have another beer, ya hoser!
Starrbrite
December 26, 2022 at 03:07 pm
1) I have the Red Zone and see the officiating crews from each game—it’s absolutely mind boggling. The Hoculi crew is the most pathetic- they’re throwing flags before the game begins. And our crew yesterday…well, you already know;
2) What the heck is wrong with our red zone “O”—geesh!;
3) I have absolutely zero respect for the Vikings—the worst 12-3 team ever assembled. They’re are a 2nd half team only. If our offense can click in the red zone, I believe our D will do enough for a win in-spite of the Vikings 2nd half heroics.
Great win Sunday and go stomp the Vikings.
Happy Christmas!!
BAMABADGER
December 26, 2022 at 04:34 pm
I flipped out with Lazard's 3 man take down followed by the finger count. That was classic. His sideline catch was a perfect throw and catch under extremely tight coverage. Amazing on game day blogs how many people trash Allan Lazard. Is a # 1 WR? No, but he is an extremely valuable, reliable WR for moving the chains on 3rd down. He is the teams best run blocking WR. I have noticed that his blocking effort has become contagious... Watson, Doubs, and Toure are showing improvement in sustaining their run blocks. Hope we can keep him in the G&G next year. We need tough, reliable lunch pail players like Lazard.
BAMABADGER
December 26, 2022 at 05:02 pm
Tua has replaced Cutler as the Packers best defensive player.
BirdDogUni
December 27, 2022 at 12:06 am
Well, he was probably concussed or just threw the game. He been pretty dang good all season. He had some darts in the first half to be sure...
Coldworld
December 27, 2022 at 12:53 am
He has a tendency to have these decision making meltdowns in between periods of strong play. His decision making is a contentious issue among Dolphin fans and has been well before yesterday.
jhtobias
December 26, 2022 at 06:22 pm
Anyone saying lame call to the offensive line needs their head examined and get into the concussion protocol asap.
You do realize that Zack Tom who might be the steal of the entire draft let up not one pressure
Royce Newman had to play RT most of the game , so nothing good is going to come of that
The interior guards Jenkins was a stud and Runyan was solid .
Meyers played fine .
Tell me another team in the NFL that had two back up tackles replacing a LT All Pro and a decent RT would look this good ?
The only negative is that Joe berry should be checked for having a stunt double because adjustments were made
LayingTheLawe
December 26, 2022 at 08:27 pm
Yes, if you said before the game the Packers were going to play without their two starting tackles the fanbase would have been cringing, but both backups held up well. I held my breath when Royce and his sweet mullet had to go in there but by the end of the game, I had forgotten he was there. And Tom actually has people musing if 69 is worth the huge contract. I am not ready to go that far but I heard it forwarded.