The Packers and Bears squared off in a Monday Night battle that would be marred by poor play and penalties nullifying big plays. Here are my first impressions as the game was being played:
As the inactives were announced, I found it very interesting that all four tight ends and all three fullbacks are active. WIth the tight ends, I’ll be looking for a three tight end red zone set, with Finley, Lee and Crabtree and the Packers throwing the ball out of that set.
With the fullbacks, I’m thinking we might see passes to the running backs substituting for some runs tonight, especially with Nance inactive and Jackson as the only true halfback. Not to mention a power 3 fullback backfield.
Derrick Martin showed on the opening kickoff why he is on this team.
Dom Capers goes Psycho-crazy on first possession. Does that make any sense?
The Packers are consistently doing a nice job surrounding the kick returner on kickoffs. The returners may pick up some yards, but there are no lanes for them to break off a big one.
Jay Cutler throws some real head-scratching interceptions…
Twenty minutes in and Cutler already has that “deer in the headlights” look. This is looking like a good night for the Packers…
We’re seeing the expected use of the short pass to the running backs as a substitute for running the ball. Only in the second quarter, but we’ve probably seen as many passes to the running backs as in the first two games combined.
Mason Crosby just can’t handle prosperity. Just as he starts making field goals, he has to start messing up kickoffs.
As I have said, I’m pretty worried about Mathsay and his ability to handle kicking in the NFL. It’s just a feeling, but I don’t feel like he can handle the pressure.
One thing I can be sure of: Kregg Lumpkin wouldn’t have 3 carries for -3 yards in the first half, as Jackson does. He always gains positive yardage. He’d sure look good back in a Packer uniform right now…
Sitton was knocked on his ass on the blocked field goal. Tried to block two players, didn’t pinch in, Peppers comes through. Big mistake by Sitton there…
As soon as Rodgers rolled out on 3rd and goal, I felt he would end up running it in. He did a great job holding the defenders as long as possible by feinting pass. Then the rest of the play seemed to take place in slow motion, as Rodgers just makes it to the pylon.
A plethora of penalties at the worst possible times… They’re baaaaaaaacccccckkkkkkkkk…
Mike McCarthy, I’m just completely flummoxed by your challenge.
Mike McCarthy has shown tonight why he is not as good a coach as he’s been given credit for. Game management crucial times is often lacking. Been seeing it for years and he just hasn’t improved.
I 100% believe you let Forte score and get the ball back with over a minute with a chance to tie. What McCarthy did (hoping to block a chip shot field goal) gives you the least possible chance of winning the game. This loss is NOT on McCarthy, but he could have made some moves at the end to try to salvage it, instead he just helped the Bears and conceded.
Everyone seems to be screaming about the refs. The Packers got what they deserved. They played stupid football. Most of the calls were correct. A few were marginal, but that happens in every game.
Nick Collins really needs to hold onto the ball. Starting with last season, he has dropped a good number of sure interceptions.
We’re there two or three interceptions called back by penalties? In any case, the Packers let Cutler off the hook big time.
Well, in my season record prediction, I did plan on a split with Chicago, but I would have preferred if the Bears won the game on their own.
Time for a “Come to Jesus” meeting already?
Only 3 games in… “everything will be fine.”
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Jersey Al Bracco is the founder and editor of AllGreenBayPackers.com, and the co-founder of Packers Talk Radio Network. He can be heard as one of the Co-Hosts on Cheesehead Radio and is the Green Bay Packers Draft Analyst for Drafttek.com.
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Darrell, I almost ran you down from behind on your kick return for a TD versus Detroit. Anytime you want to run some one-on-one drills or run a 40 let me know.
Maybe penalties are a problem because everyone is so uptight. Maybe they all need to go out the night before the game and let loose.