November 30, 2007

Packers vs Dallas Postmortem

Last night the GreenBay Packers lost to the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 37-27.

It was a disappointing loss. I didn't expect the Packers to win, I don't think they needed to win, but I really thought they would play better than this. Dallas is a very good team, but I thought the Packers were a better team, or can be a better team, than they showed on Thursday.

The biggest problem was falling behind early. It was 27-10 Dallas at one point. That is very difficult to recover from, especially against a team as talented and with as many weapons as Dallas has, and really the Packers defense could not stop Dallas all night.

I respect and think Coach McCarthy is a great coach, the best the Packers have had since Holmgren, but I think he got out coached last night. I'm not sure what the game plan was, and it seemed to constantly change. When the Packers came out and on the first play completed a slant to Martin, I thought that was a great sign. I figured the Packers could do that all night. But they didn't. For much of the first quarter and some of the second, they threw deep. I'm not sure if it was Favre's call or McCarthy, but McCarthy is the play caller, so ultimately it is his responsibility.

The same holds for the defense. The defense didn't seem like they knew what they wanted to do. They came out in press-man, then switched to zone, and back to man. The Packers front 4 could not get much pressure on Romo alone, so maybe that justifies the switch to man, but it seemed like the switch came when the score was 6-3 Dallas and there was no need to panic. I understand the defense is really hurt with injuries, but I think they could have played better.

The Packers are still a great team. I hope no one starts with the "well, this exposes the Packers for the mediocre team they are" because that is not true. They are still the second best team in the NFC, and they are still 10-2.

Further, as happy as I am that the Packers future is safe with Rogers, I really don't need to hear how Rogers should replace Favre. Anyone who lobbies for Rogers this week should be banned from watching Favre in the Super Bowl this year.

Friday, November 30, 2007 12:07:50 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
I'm not sure what the game plan was, and it seemed to constantly change. When the Packers came out and on the first play completed a slant to Martin, I thought that was a great sign. I figured the Packers could do that all night. But they didn't. For much of the first quarter and some of the second, they threw deep. I'm not sure if it was Favre's call or McCarthy, but McCarthy is the play caller, so ultimately it is his responsibility.

<<I think that you will find that Farve was the reason for deviation from the game, plan, Rodgers did a better job in the executing of the offence.The coach may call the plays but the players ultimately have to execute, Favre did not. I think the blame needs to go to him for not going to his secondary options instead of throwing into double coverage>>

The same holds for the defense. The defense didn't seem like they knew what they wanted to do. They came out in press-man, then switched to zone, and back to man. The Packers front 4 could not get much pressure on Romo alone, so maybe that justifies the switch to man, but it seemed like the switch came when the score was 6-3 Dallas and there was no need to panic. I understand the defense is really hurt with injuries, but I think they could have played better.


<<Again I think the personnel dictated here. Aaron Ruse er Rouse was exposed. And I think Atari Bigby as well. The absense of KGB and Woodson, limited their options.>>

Now my criticism should not be confused with the "dump favre faction" which is ridiculus:)

<<I do think that the performance of Rodgers should be looked @ positively from his game management, and developmental standpoint>>
Don Raymond
Sunday, December 02, 2007 5:37:33 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
Don,

I agree with most of what you said. Injuries played a part in the game, as did Favre's erratic play.

I also agree the "dump favre faction" is ridiculous, and I am happy to say I did not hear as much of it on Friday as I expected.

The secondary in general looked confused. I don't know if that was because Woodson was missing and people were playing different roles or what, but it needs to get fixed.
Chris Burkhardt
Sunday, December 02, 2007 7:16:10 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
Is it Just me, or does Brett choke (Latley) when it comes to the big game...I Have seen him do it at least twice....
Pat Bearrows
Sunday, December 02, 2007 7:34:26 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
Brett does seem to choke in the beginning of big games, however I'm not
sure it is a new thing. I seem to remember in '96 he always came in a little amped up in the first quarter of big games, and Holmgren had to use control passes and runs to calm him down.

That is my memory anyway, I can't be certain.
Packers Pundit
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