The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Packers vs Bears
Aaron hands out the Good, the Bad and the Ugly from the Green Bay Packers Week 11 win over the Chicago Bears.
By PackerAaron
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Comments (37)
splitpea1
November 17, 2024 at 06:23 pm
Good: Special teams won a game for us! Happy for Watson, not only because he came up big this game, but has been able to stay healthy.
Bad: Next Bears game we have got to keep C. Williams boxed in. The pass rush was not there for most of the game. Of the three sacks, one cam e early when Cox was unblocked, and the other two came on the aforementioned third and 19 series, where the Packers defense couldn't again get off the field on third and fourth downs.
Ugly but good: McDaniel destroying a tablet on the sidelines after a Bears TD. At least the man has some passion, a somewhat missing ingredient in previous Packer defenses.
Guam
November 17, 2024 at 10:25 pm
I've been a critic of the pass rush for much of this season , but I am not sure they were the problem this game. The announcers made a telling point that Williams was getting the ball out of his hand about a full second faster than previously this season. The graphic showed that in the previous nine games Williams had averaged about 2.94 seconds to throw a pass. Versus the Packers he was averaging about 2.01 seconds.
It is almost impossible for a D-lineman to get to a QB in two seconds unless he is completely unblocked like Cox was on the Packers first sack. The secondary was just not covering the Bear WRs and Williams was able to throw long before the pass rush had a chance to get home.
I am not sure if it was the zone scheme the Packers were running or just poor execution by the players, but the secondary has to cover longer than two seconds to give the pass rush a chance. I suspect the game plan by the Bear's new OC surprised Hafley and the secondary and they were just not ready for it.
CanPackFan
November 17, 2024 at 10:58 pm
Our D played FAR too much zone. And soft zone at that. When a qb is passing quickly, our DBs need to be right on them! 3rd and 19 and still can't stop them? Pathetic.
jannesbjornson
November 18, 2024 at 05:39 pm
Two of his # one picks were working the sideline. He jettisoned Douglas and overpaid a kick returner in a league that doesn't really allow returns. The voids were visible last off-season. Hafley has no choice but to zone it, until Jaire shows up?
rstain99
November 17, 2024 at 06:40 pm
The good: Have to say Christian Watson finally came thru I admit I am tough on him. Also a win when it appeared they hadn't played their best game.
Bad: not until the very end did they get any pressure, Rashan Gary overpaid under performing DE been hearing how he is the man for 4 years lotta money for eh production. JA keep hearing he is their best defender just not on the field for what they are paying him.
Ugly: 3rd and 19 couldn't make a stop. 4th and 26 against Eagles comes to mind. MLF and his challenges waste another timeout good call Matt.
Tough remaining schedule you won't be getting these bobskies down the stretch defense has no identity Edggerin Cooper is playing great, Quay Walker should not get another contract. Can't stand Brady as a color guy. SF coming to town looks like they really enjoyed the break. 9-8 on horizon
Starrbrite
November 17, 2024 at 10:22 pm
Brady drives me insane—he can’t take a breath.
Gman1976
November 17, 2024 at 07:26 pm
Ugly: MLF leaving points on the board. Going for it on 4th and 6 with tons of time on the clock and showing run all the way on the 2 point conversion (even one of the announcers was complaining how the play was so bland with no motion). Our coach has to make better decisions. Ugh!
stockholder
November 17, 2024 at 07:47 pm
The Good -
Watson, Love and Jacobs.
Yes Love- - Even with the Int.
The bad. -
These LBs.
This isn't flag football.
The LBs are suppose to be guys that Hit.
Can Tackle. And not miss the QB.
The ugly-
Coaching. = MLF -
The red Zone failures.
Every team loses players.
Things don't always work out.
But his decision making, nearly
cost the Packers the game.
canadapacker
November 17, 2024 at 09:03 pm
The bad the interview before the broadcast calling Lafleur one of the best offensive coaches. Nowhere close. Easy to get wins when AR is playing at the top of his game but red zone statistics tell a different story as does his post bye record.
NitschkeFromTheGrave
November 17, 2024 at 08:50 pm
Good:
The W against a division team
Bad:
The defensive line and linebackers (desperately need some beef and talent)
Ugly:
See the Bad above, throw in girl scout bump tackling, arm tackling then rinse and repeat from the Bad above.
Bitternotsour
November 17, 2024 at 11:19 pm
Yeah. The defensive line and linebackers sucked so much that they held the Bears to 19 points (and won on the road). Terrible.
NitschkeFromTheGrave
November 21, 2024 at 08:40 pm
Maybe you should look at the rest of the game stats:
Time of possession
Bears 36:21
Packers 23:39
Total yards
Bears 391
Packers 366
First Downs
Bears 23
Packers 19
Rushing Yards
Bears 179
Packers 106
As stated we'll take the W and any win against the Bears is sweet but defense needs a good ass ripping.
Comprede?!?
rstain99
November 18, 2024 at 05:51 am
Love the girl scout bump tackling exactly. since they don't practice tackling anymore and I get it how can't they be good at it. Seems to me that teams that come in struggling always get better against our soft defense. Even X missed a tackle yesterday he took a bad angle. At this point our defense is very overrated, our remaining schedule can easily make them 9-8 just don't have confidence this is not a great roster. Gary and JA are posers too much money spent on average results. Nixon works really hard but not a starting CB, Stokes? 1st round bust along with LVN. Brandon Cox where did they hide him nice surprise, good to see Wyatt back and Slaton is ok as well.
greengold
November 18, 2024 at 10:21 am
Will the real Kenny Clark, please stand up???!!!
The Packers need another NT behind Slaton, and Clark lost a bunch of weight this offseason, negating his effectiveness in the hopes of increasing his speed. Clark's best position was always at NT. Hafley would do well to get Clark back into NT form and rotate both players at the position.
Solid DL play, and the Packers DL ranks somewhere around 26 coming into the CHI game, is essential to improving LB play. We need better DL play, and ditching Smith to give others opportunities, along with some Hafley adjustments could turn this around for the better.
jannesbjornson
November 18, 2024 at 05:46 pm
Too late for T Sweat.
Starrbrite
November 17, 2024 at 10:16 pm
Josh Jacobs and special teams were good; so was Watson.
Quay Walker and LVN…what would you call it?
LaFleur’s play calling was ugly.
A week ago, the he Lions got away with a 5 interception day—and won.
Our turn to have an unlikely win.
As Leotis said—“they count how many—not how?
Go Packers!!!
Leatherhead
November 17, 2024 at 10:25 pm
I'd call Quay and LVN two of the guys who helped hold Chicago under 20.
At the end of the day, it's only the points that count. Leotis is right (as usual)....it's how many, not how.
Starrbrite
November 18, 2024 at 01:12 pm
LH—methinks you’re confusing Quay and LVN with Reggie White and Dave Robinson….
greengold
November 18, 2024 at 10:15 am
Yeah, Starrbrite, they all count. I've seen so many comments in the negative regarding both Quay Walker and Lukas Van Ness of late. Both of them were instrumental in contributing to this Packers win. I believe Quay killed one of their drives with a speed save/recovery to knock a ball carrier out to the sideline, forcing a punt. Van Ness played a huge part in pushing the DL forward, namely Karl Brooks, for the game winning FG block.
No one is perfect. We all know the warts, but our team won the game. There were a lot of great plays made to have more points than did Chicago, the NFL's #1 Scoring Defense heading into the game. Our DL faced a good QB who can run at any moment, and run well. Caleb Williams is also an accurate passer. CHI has been stockpiling O talent for some time, and made major additions to their D this offseason as well.
Another W is another step in the right direction towards the Packers' goal to get in the playoffs and win another SB. The potential this team has to have a lot go right from here on out is unknown, but, I like that there's a lot of ceiling for the GB offense to put it all together. Same for the Packers D in their first year under a new DC. GB has some very solid talents, and we'll see how things progress over our next 7 games heading into the big money games.
Gotta say, I was thrilled to learn during the game (been slammed with work and out of the loop) that the Packers had traded Preston Smith. He was playing lackluster D more often than not of late. Good to unload that contract for the R7, and give more reps to the younger players who need them more. This could be a huge plus moving forward. Let's see who steps up.
If you're gonna be hot, be the hottest team heading into the playoffs.
Leatherhead
November 17, 2024 at 10:23 pm
So much good. A win, on the road, against the Bears, on a day when we didn't play real well. The NFL standard for competence in a passing attack is 7 yards/attempt. The Packers average doubled that by completing 13-17 for 250+ yards. That's a 75% completion rate. One sack. One overthrown ball that was intercepted. Only 3 penalties and one drop. That's a big improvement. And of course, our special teams won a game for us (or Chicago's special teams cost them a game). I thank Chicago for putting their special teams in a position to hurt them.
Bad: The fact that we only scored 21 points despite completing several long passes and Josh Jacobs never really being stopped all day. That should translate into more points. I don't know how many touches Jacobs had today but it should have been more. Rewatch the game. Do stop action. Look at those holes. I could have had good runs behind that line, at least until I was broken. And even though I'm a big "go for it!!" guy, the smart move would have been to take the 3 and get within a FG. Unless you're a guy who thinks that TDs win games, not FGs.
Ugly: Quite a bit of the game, actually. We've done a good job of keeping QBs in the pocket, but not today. That's my #1 beef. An inability to turn the lights out. I mean, it was like watching a guy trying to stomp on a cockroach but just missing, over and over.
Really,I'm happy we're 7-3. We haven't even come close to playing as well as we're capable of. We're not peaking too early, that's for sure. One at a time. The 49ers are in trouble and they need a win to keep their season alive. It'd be nice to crush them and remove all hope.
Starrbrite
November 17, 2024 at 10:27 pm
Yes—let’s remove all hope from the putrid 9’rs.
Guam
November 17, 2024 at 10:34 pm
I remember that the mantra was always "take the points". Newer analytics seems to point toward gambling more. I guess I am still old school, but I was yelling at the TV trying to convince LaFleur to take the field goal. Trailing 19-17 with time remaining is not a bad position. It only takes a field goal to win then.
Bitternotsour
November 17, 2024 at 11:21 pm
You got a different mantra than I did. Mine was always go for it (but make it).
jannesbjornson
November 18, 2024 at 05:49 pm
Analytics, or Vegas?
Packers'Dynasties6of16-5of7-next....
November 17, 2024 at 10:29 pm
Good
Getting a win. A win Is a win is a win is a win. And a conference win at that.
Karl Brooks of course for once again blocking a kick – none bigger than this one.
Christian Watson for once again stepping up and catching Jordan’s wounded ducks and hospital balls. Big time yards after the catch as well. As I wrote yesterday, Watson – and Wicks – are not the problem and Watson has Randy Moss type skills – and showed those with Aaron Rodgers in 2022.
Jordan for once again being honest in his post game press conference and pointing out that his interceptions are nothing other than “BAD THROWS” Jordan is a likable person who is honest, gives credits to his teammates and is simply in over his head. That’s not Jordan’s fault. Jordan is somebody to root for, but I cannot see him lasting as a starting QB of the Packers – not if we are seeking a Franchise QB that can consistently lead a team to the playoffs and beyond.
Daniel Whelan for consistently doing his job at a high level – just 1 punt this week as the Packers had just 6 possessions, 1 of which Jordan gave away with another interception – but Whelan made the most of it pinning the Bears near their own goal line.
Bad.
Jordan once again was inaccurate on the intermediate and longer passes he made and reliant on the contortionist, ballerina, gymnast type skills of his receivers to bail him out by catching balls that were way off the mark.
Matt Lafleur’s decision to go for the touchdown on 4th and goal from the 6 yard line in the 4th quarter rather than taking the 3 points.
Ugly
Gutekust for trading Preston Smith – who last week in his first game with the Steelers had 1 sack and 2 tackles for a loss and 3 tackles total in just 23 snaps. Would have held the edge as Preston did all season an not allowed the running we saw from Caleb Williams.
Gutekunst for trading Rasul Douglas last year to Bills where Rasul has been the same clutch coverage corner and sure tackler he was with the Packers. Could have used Rasul last year – and probably would have beaten 49ers with him and could have used Rasul this year and today to stop Bear drives in their tracks – Bears & Caleb Williams 9 for 16 on third down conversions, Packers and Jordan 1 for 5 on third down conversions – this and Jordan’s bonehead interception are the reasons the game was even close.
Gutekunst trading away 2 picks for Jordan Love at a time we needed a second star receiver to pare with Davante and push us over the edge and into the Super Bowl.
Gutekunst for taking a 13-3, 13-3, 13-4 dominant team with an MVP QB and turning into a team that struggles to beat average and losing teams and now needs to carry its QB and offset that QB’s turnovers and mental and physical inadequacies.
Bitternotsour
November 17, 2024 at 11:15 pm
not sure i agree with your police work there. technically though Gutekunst traded up to grab Love, he was able to dump an aging metastasizing qb on the Jets for a pair of second round picks and a swap of firsts. that's good business in Wisconsin, but probably disappointing for Bear fans. quite a final drive by that Jordan Love, wouldn't you say?
LambeauPlain
November 18, 2024 at 09:50 am
"Jordan is a likable person who is honest, gives credits to his teammates and is simply in over his head."
Love finished the day 13/17 for 261 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Good enough for a 113.0 rating.
If that is how you define being "in over his head", where is yours? What HC in the NFL would describe his QB as being "in over his head" with that stat line?
I get your narrative..."Love is not a franchise QB who can consistently lead his team to the playoffs and beyond". But it is not supported by the facts that crumble your narrative. Facts do that.
Another fact...Love DID lead his team to the playoffs and beyond in his first year as a potential Franchise QB...a missed FG away from the NFCCG. The team is 7-3 and in position to lead his team to the playoffs for a 2nd consecutive year. That is called "consistency"...FYI.
CanPackFan
November 17, 2024 at 11:11 pm
The Good - the win and C Watson. Also, penalties were cleaned up significantly from previous games.
The Bad - Q Walker, Jaire's never ending injuries, ignoring our premiere TE, Kraft, red zone ineffectiveness.
The Ugly - MLF and Hadleys coaching, or lack thereof. Horrendously bad offensive decision making by MLF on numerous, important plays. The transformation of Jeff Hadley into Joe Barry and those soft zones. 3rd and 19 and they still get a first down? SF is going to kill us if this poor level of coaching continues!
Starrbrite
November 18, 2024 at 12:29 am
Yes—far fewer penalties.
tobinrote
November 18, 2024 at 03:11 am
good: Watson catches, and the football gods smiling on us at the right moment
bad: as usuall Walker and LVN, invisible first round busts. how are either of them on the field?
ugly; the playcallling in the red zone,, not going for the three,
bleedgreen
November 18, 2024 at 06:24 am
That prevent defense by Hadley worked well on the last Bears drive didn't it?
One of the prime jobs of a head coach is motivating players. Lafluer doesn't seem to be able to do that. This team never seems to be up for a game.
asmith1969
November 18, 2024 at 06:43 am
Good-Christian Watson. A game like this shows the reasons why GB moved up to draft him. Stay healthy young man.
Bad-CB Room. Will be a high priority in next years draft.
Ugly-Chicago Bears fandom. Y’all still suck. And your pizza is overrated. #GoPackGo
Since'61
November 18, 2024 at 07:35 am
The Good - Watson, Jacobs and Brooks. Good improvement on penalties.
The Bad - MLF decisions, Love's interception.
The ugly - defense cannot get off the field on 3rd downs.
Somewhat of a strange game with each team having only 7 possessions each. bring on the 49ers. Thanks, Since '61
Starrbrite
November 18, 2024 at 01:14 pm
What goof could possibly give this a downvote…geesh!
Thanks ‘61– you’re always a voice of reason.
mrtundra
November 18, 2024 at 09:10 am
Good: Watson making some solid catches in traffic. Karl Brooks and our STs FG unit won the game for us. Danny Whelan. Love able to run, again.
Bad: Love throwing passes into traffic and overthrowing a pass to Kraft. Bad play calling by MLF. Defense looking soft, a bit.
Ugly: Nearly losing to a Bears team we should have dominated. Lack of pass rush, save for Brenton Cox, and Rashan Gary on one play.
LambeauPlain
November 18, 2024 at 10:09 am
Hafley is learning so much about his players...and coaches. Rebrovich is not meeting expectations coaching up the DL.
I cannot point to a single DL player who is exceeding expectations. That is surprising. Clark is invisible, Wyatt has cooled off. Van Ness is still a one trick bull rusher. Gary is an enigma, surrounded by a shroud, wrapped in a mystery. Brooks flashes but is in a sophomore slump. Enagbare gets home a lot, then runs past the front door. Maybe Cox becomes the catalyst that ignites the chain reaction.
I believe Hafley will make a change at DL coach after the season. Because his DL does not let him play Pack Attack D: simplify the game plan, play fast, on fire, making solid tackles. Need more talent too but shouldn't Rebrovich be getting more out of 4 first round draft picks?
Strat
November 18, 2024 at 01:15 pm
-Almost lost to a team that got destroyed by a 2 win, bad Patriots team, at home yet.
-Jordan Lovis still inconsistent except for high passes, of which there are plenty to go around. His first pass should've been picked off too.
-I don't know what coach MLF is thinking at times and I don't think he knows either.
-Packers D might as well just drop 11, or maybe just drop 10 and leave one on the line for appearances sake. No pressure, even against a poor OL. Can't get off the field even on 3rd and real long. Van Ness should star in the next remake of the Invisible Man.
-Still can't tackle in a tackle football league.
-Good for Watson, tough catches made. Jacobs still the real deal.
-Brooks get's the Superman cape and saves the day.
-Stop with the Super Bowl talk. They're not there yet...the Lions are, among others.