10-0
-As we reach Week 12, the main storyline this year has to be that of the undefeated Green Bay Packers. At 10-0 comparisons are already being made to the 1972 Miami Dolphins who are still the only team in NFL history to run the table, and to the 2007 New England Patriots who had Tom Brady with his NFL record breaking 51 TD Passes and WR Randy Moss and his 23 TD Catches, also an NFL Record. From now until the Packers either lose, or run the table to the Super Bowl we will review their most recent game, breakdown their offense, defense and special teams play in that game and make predictions for their remaining schedule. In this article we will also get quotes from the Lambeau faithful who go to games every Sunday and see everything that goes on firsthand.
Week 11: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
Offense: On offense it was business as usually for the Packers as they put up 35 points against a suspect but dangerous Buccaneers Pass defense. On the ground the Packers only ran it only 23 times for 91 yards and 2 TD's. Both TD's came from inside the Bucs 2 yard line, one going to FB John Kuhn in the 1st quarter, and the other going to NT B.J "The Freezer" Raji on a 1 yard dive in the 1st quarter. The Packers looked to the air often in this game as MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers went 23/34 for 299 Yards 3 TD's and 1 INT. 2 of Rodgers 3 TD's went to WR Jordy Nelson, with the 3rd going to rarely used TE Tom Crabtree from 5 yards out. Rodgers did throw an INT in the 4th Quarter with 5:55 remaining. The Bucs took advantage 4 plays later scoring a TD to make it a 28-26 GB lead. It was only Rodgers 4th INT on the year, and his first since a Week 6 INT against the Rams. Rodgers finished with a 112.3 QB Rating, which is his 10th straight game with a 110+ Rating (an NFL Record). It was a solid day for the offense in general but the INT was costly, as it resulted in 7 points for Tampa Bay.
Grade: A-
From the Fan: "The offense was doing pretty good today, Rodgers was spot on for basically most of his throws (as usual), and the O keeps getting closer and closer to breaking franchise records" (@Pack80_Brew8)
Defense: After a strong performance last Monday Night against the Minnesota Vikings, the bad Packers defense showed up again. Against the Buccaneers 24th rated rush offense, the Bucs didn't have much trouble finding holes to run through. The biggest run play was a 54 yard TD run by LeGarrette Blount, which included 6 broken tackles. It showed that the Packers are still having problems defending the run, and they aren't fundamentally sound when it comes to tackling. The Bucs finished with 20 carries for 121 yards, 107 of those coming from Blount. The Packers also had problems against Josh Freeman as he went 28/38 for 342 yards with 2 TD's. They had trouble covering TE Kellen Winslow (9 catches for 132 yards) and WR Mike Williams ( 7 Catches 83 yards 1 TD). One of their biggest problems was rushing the QB as they only registered 2 sacks, one coming on a Charles Woodson blitz. The Defensive Player of the Packers had to be CB Tramon Williams who picked off Josh Freeman twice, including one with 2:47 left in the game that sealed a Packers victory. It wasn't an impressive performance by the Packers defense, but it was just enough to get the W.
Grade: C-
From the Fan: "I have mixed feelings about the defenses performance. They have up alot of yardage and struggled at times, but they came through. They forced turnovers and got stops late, which seems to be a trend this year. Good performance but I'd like to see a boost from the Defensive Line" (@packFANattic)
Special Teams: Everyone used to make jokes about the Packers special teams, well not anymore. It was another solid game for the Packers as a whole. K Mason Crosby made all his 5 XP attempts (43/43 on the year), but he did miss his first FG of the year from 29 yards out. Punter Tim Masthay punted it 3 times for an average of 54 yards, and one inside the 20. He also turned a fumbled punt into a key first down for the Packers. In the return game Randall Cobb taking 3 kick returns for 51 yards, and returning 1 punt for 55 yards. It was a nice day for the Packers Special Teams and proof that they aren''t the Special Teams of previous years.
Grade: B-
From the Fan: "Although he (Cobb) has things to work on still, it's nice to have that threat on the return team. Cobb is quick, and makes his cut and goes. Also, our special teams aren't allowing the big plays like they did last year. It really makes a huge difference in the game" (@packfansince89)
Injury Updates:
Mike Neal, DE: Knee, Probable Week 12
-Mike Neal made his 1st appearance this season after missing the first 9 games with a knee injury. Neal didn't record any tackles but showed that he should finally be healthy. He will likely start seeing extended playing time as the season goes on.
Greg Jennings, WR: Shin Bruise, Probable Week 12
-Greg Jennings suffered a minor injury in Sundays game, and wasn't as productive.
James Starks, RB: Knee Sprain, Doubtful Week 12
-While the Packers aren't known at all for running the ball, James Starks being injured is a significant injury for their offense. Late in the 4th quarter as the Packers were trying to run down the clock, Starks suffered a knee sprain inside the 10 yard line. The Packers play in 4 days at Detroit, and without Starks they lose their top pass catching RB on the team. If Starks is out, expect Ryan Grant to get a majority of the carries.
Next Game:
Thursday, November 24th @ Detroit
Prediction: Packers 31 Lions 27
-This isn't your Detroit Lions of old when they are on, they can beat anyone in the league. Against the Panthers Matthew Stafford threw for 5 TD's and recently signed Kevin Smith ran it 16 times for 140 yards and 2 TD's, along with 4 receptions for 61 yards and a Receiving TD. Their defense struggled against Cam Newton, but did force him into 4 INT's. It will be electric in Detroit and we may see alot of false starts because of it. If the Packers want to win this game it will come down to keeping pressure off of Rodgers, and finding a way to beat the Lions press pass coverage. This game will come down to who can stay hot the longest, and whoever does will win this close rivalry game.
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| Keep an eye on Ndamukong Suh, if he gets to Rodgers often then it will be a long day for the Packers |
-Last year the Packers lost in Detroit because Aaron Rodgers was knocked out early in the game. The game plan for Green Bay has to be to keep Rodgers upright, and make sure Suh and the rest of the Lions don't have chances to get a big hit on him. If the Packers give Rodgers time to throw, he should have no problem against the Lions secondary, but if Suh gets pressure it will be a tough game to watch.
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