For Green Bay Packers fans we have seen it all before.
Terrell Owens improbable 25 yard catch from Steve Young in front of Darren Sharper in San Francisco in the game’s final seconds to send the Packers home from the Wild Card round in 1999 with a 30-27 defeat.
There was the fourth and 26 with mouthy Freddie Mitchell doing the damage and cementing a loss to the Eagles in the 2004 Divisional Playoff round resulting in a 20-17 stunner.
There was Super Bowl XXXII, where as a double digit favorite, the Packers gave it up to John Elway to forever add “the helicopter run” as part of his Hall of Fame career legacy.
Brett Favre, in what would be his last game as a Packer, throws an interception in the waning moments of the 2008 NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field resulting in a 23-20 loss.
Most recently the 2011 dismantling of the heavily favored Packers in the divisional round at Lambeau Field by the Giants by a 37-20 score.
Add yesterday’s 28-22 loss to the Seahawks in Seattle as another crushing blow to this proud organization and their fans. It might go down as, if not the most painful, surely one of the most shocking.
Ahead for the entire game, they sat near mid-field after yet another interception of Russell Wilson, with the ball in their possession, a 12 point lead and only 5:02 on the final game clock.
First down and game over.
The Packers were the better team. They shut out the heavily favored Seahawks until the third quarter and had their way with the vaunted Seahawk defense for most of the game. Yet they lose and go home. And now we collectively have to endure watching the Seahawks play in OUR Super Bowl in two weeks. To add to our woes we must ponder what should have been for more than seven months until our next meaningful game.
Wasted Opportunities
But the Packers couldn’t put them away. Five field goals. If even one of those is a TD, they win. They have no one to blame but themselves for this loss. And there are plenty of fingers to point out the blame.
The easy target for scorn is scapegoat Brandon Bostick for muffing the onside kick and allowing the Seahawks to recover the kick and score. His job, he admitted post-game, was to block not to try to recover the ball. He did neither. After the game he sat in his locker and bravely endured the scornful questions from the press, while gallantly shouldering the blame for the loss.
He needn’t have done that. There were plenty of others to share the blame.
Plenty of Blame to Go Around
How about Tramon Williams, in what might have been his final game in a Packers uniform, giving up the winning touchdown in overtime? After the game he commented that he thought he played a good game.
How about the Special Teams? The season long train wreck continued yesterday with a lollypop touchdown pass from former Packers punter Jon Ryan as well as the on-side kick fiasco. Shawn Slocum’s group has been on the verge of losing a big game for the Packers all year long and yesterday they fulfilled the ugly promise.
How about a defense which had pretty much held Marshawn Lynch in check most of the day yet allowed him to run free, with the help of plenty of missed tackles, for a 24 yard touchdown run shortly after burning them on a wheel route down the sidelines late in the fourth quarter?
How about Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s sudden aversion to defending the pass on a high, floating Hail Mary throw on the successful two point conversion attempt?
And lastly, how about Coach McCarthy whose play-calling throughout the second half looked like a coach who was playing not to lose rather than putting Seattle away once and for all for the win.
Fans Shocked by Loss
There aren’t enough words to make it feel better today Packers fans. It is going to hurt, today, tomorrow, next week and for years to come. We cannot pull a re-do. There will be no reversal. We just have to grit our teeth and endure.
Packers fans are now left to ponder not only what could have been but what should have been.
——————Jeff Albrecht grew up just north of Green Bay and was lucky enough to attend some of the Lombardi Era classic games, like the 1962 championship and the Ice Bowl. Jeff went on to play HS football in the Green Bay area and College ball at UW - Stevens Point. Jeff is retired but still does some writing for his local paper. Jeff is a writer with AllGreenBayPackers.com and you can follow him on twitter at @pointerjeff .
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They didn’t deserve to win playing & coaching like that. That considered, i’m OK with them watching the SB on TV.
Maybe the players will learn from yesterday’s game. I don’t have much hope for McCarthy. He doesn’t seem to like processing new information.
Was I dreaming? Was I having a nightmare? Is the real game starting now?
Still in shock! This one Hurts big time.
The entire team shut it down after the INT with 5:02 to go. They had their bags packed for Arizona. Then they got run over and did not know what hit them.
So many persons to blame but MM is the head coach so he gets most of it.
As I said before he is a great coach for preparation but an awful game day coach.
Did anyone see the Patriots dominate on the field and on the scoreboard?
Belichick never lets up.
Since ’61 one is probably going to say it is execution and that is true but watching New England create mismatches all day was amazing to see. That is how it is done MM, please take note.
Maybe Mike showed the way to Bill how to handle Seahawks… Maybe would Bill makes notes…
i wouldn’t hold out hope for a Patriots victory as much as i want them to beat Seattle…the couple of teams with good defenses they’ve played they lost to…like Kansas City and Green Bay…
David – I agree with you about NE. They played all out and you may or not have seen my pre-game posts where I said that the Packers needed to play all out all game. As for yesterday yes, execution or lack of it is an issue but not the only one. Capers 3 man rush on 3rd and 20 was a stupid and unnecessary call after the Packers just sacked Wilson with a full rush 2 plays earlier. Second this team needs to play smarter in general, not just yesterday but in many big games. That includes MMs play calls and our players on the field. Next, this team has great skills and is well prepared and plays hard, but what they are missing is a nasty attitude and killer instinct. After yesterday, I question if this coaching staff I up for that. MM is a good HC, he is focused on the right things, especially execution, he handles the players well, he is a good leader, and I’m glad that he is the Packers coach. But he needs to work on this team’s attitude and his own and the team’s killer instinct. There were too many chances to put the game away yesterday and too many mistakes to say that it was all execution. As the team’s leader MM needs to take the responsibility and accountability. Thanks, Since ’61
Absolutely right on the money Since ’61.
I have re-watched the 3rd and 19 play. Not only did we rush 3, but it looks to me like they also were concerned about containing Wilson. If you can not try to get the edge that leaves only splitting the two defenders lined up against each of the 3 rushers. In fact, there is very little activity between each rusher and the two defenders facing each of them. So Wilson had all day to find a WR.
The frustrating thing about it was that it was unnecessary. Rush 4 force him to throw it before his receivers can get 20 yards downfield. I don’t understand it. Thanks, Since ’61
It felt that way.
McCarthy was out-classed. You have the best QB in the league and McCarthy decided to run it five out of six times because “I thought 20 runs was a good goal for our team in the second half”. WOW. What about winning? I am not saying they should fire Mike but they an OC with a backbone.
Right on Mr. P right on.
If Green Bay puts a mere 10 points on the board in the second half Seattle would have needed 28 to win in regulation. It NEVER would have happened.
“20 runs was our goal.” How about 30 points being your goal dumb dumb!
That quip from MM is unbelievable. He’s too caught up in coachthink to actually coach.
You are correct!
I don’t know about the rest of you but life is too effin short to invest your emotions, finances and majority of your social time with this team. In the end it’s just a game. It doesn’t mean jack shit in the big picture. I am seriously debating about whether to give up my fanship to this team for life. It’s like you just got married to the love of your life and you find her boinking another man in the parking lot at the wedding reception. Is it worth it?
This loss is not only a killer for the fans but I really feel this loss will affect this team next year. I don’t know how it can’t. I see a huge letdown with this team. This was their year being 100% healthy and they effin blew it. Only Denny Green can understand fully and I suggest MM to have a good chat with him.
I can only end this knowing that the Green Bay Packers were the best team in the NFL in 2014/15 season. They beat the best on the road (technically) and they already beat New England. As far as I am concerned I am putting an asterick next to this years super bowl winner just like Ditka did to us in 1989. I don’t need no stinkin’ trophy!! Seattle will have to live with the guilt of possibly winning it all knowing they didn’t deserve it. That’s just as bad.
Ted
This one cuts deep for sure. There are some games you get over, I will never get over this one. Never. It will be talked about when the players grow old and will haunt them for years to come. To answer your post though, it is worth it. We can’t realistically expect the Packers to win the SB each year. Sure, they should’ve won it this year and threw it away, but as long as Rodgers is QB for the next 7-8 years, there will always be a chance. The Seahawks are enjoying their golden age, but in time, it can fade quickly once free agency and/or injuries catches up to them. They can’t pay big money to everyone, and sooner or later they will have to leave. Lynch only has one good year left in him (maybe two), the guy is a beast, but he will start wearing down (hopefully in 2015). It sucks beyond belief and I’m still dumbfounded and asking why this and why that, but at the end of the day, playing great for 57 minutes isn’t good enough. It ain’t over til it’s over. The Packers will rebuild and contend again next year, the only way to make this hurt go away is to win the SB next year and I’m confident they’ll be in the hunt once again. It will take awhile though.
5 turnovers, 6 points. That is a damning statistic. Still sick from yesterday.
That is all one needs to know Rossonero!
It is frustrating to not see McCarthy admit he wished he’d done some things differently. Really, Mike? You can look in the mirror and fool yourself, but you don’t fool us. Ted Thompson admitted he got it wrong during the 2013 QB debacle. It’s time to man up and admit it. I’m not talking about firings or resigning, just man up already. Maybe Rodgers can tell him, because I don’t know who else McCarthy would listen to. Somebody needs to give McCarthy what his ego doesn’t want to hear. He’d be better for it.
The Warden from the longest yard made a deal with MM at halftime. The only logical explanation I have…
Packers Offensive Free Agents and What they should do:
Matt Flynn – Let go.
$2.6M cap hit and it’s time for Tolzien’s chance.
Scott Tolzien – Keep. He’ll be far cheaper than Flynn, is younger and has a stronger arm.
John Kuhn – Let go. It’s been a great ride, but he’ll be 33 next September. He’s simply too expensive to keep at this point, given his age. Packers can use a late round draft pick on a new FB or sign an undrafted FA.
DuJuan Harris – Let go. James Starks will be a free agent
and 30 in 2016. I was going to say keep him because he’s only 26 and will be cheap, but the fact that he was deactivated for the last 3-4 games of the season does not bode well for him. He doesn’t seem to have a role on kick-off returns, much less a spot in the back field. Packers will draft a RB.
Randall Cobb – Keep. This one’s a no brainer. He’ll only be 25 in August and has been fantastic. Pay the man already!
Jarrett Boykin – Let go.
I’d love to keep the guy for cheap, since he had nearly 50 catches in
2013. However, Davante Adams’ emergence has pushed Boykin to 4th on the depth chart and onto special teams duty. The Packers probably want Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis to get more of a chance in 2015 too. Boykin turned 25 in November and despite barely doing anything in 2014 – in part due to a groin injury – could very easily sign with the Packers for peanuts, unless he gets a better offer elsewhere. After a dismal 2014, it’s hard to see him see him signing with someone else for more than the veteran’s minimum though.
Kevin Dorsey – Let go.
I’ve never seen any evidence from Dorsey on why he should be chosen over Boykin. Granted, he missed all of 2013 through injury, but perhaps he’ll wind up on the practice squad again. Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis will also be
competing for time as well.
Bryan Bulaga – Keep. Bulaga had arguably his best season in
2014. Despite missing the 2nd half of the 2012 season and all of 2013 through injuries, the Packers and Bulaga could work out a reasonable deal. He doesn’t strike me as a greedy guy and the Packers will look at his entire body of work.
Don Barclay – Keep. Barclay was a solid starter when injuries ravaged the Packers O-line in 2012. He would be a capable starter on another NFL team, so having him as a back-up is a nice luxury, especially with Bulaga and JC Tretter’s injury history. He would not cost much either.
Agree on Flynn and Tolzien. Disagree on Kuhn. He got a 1 yr. contract for $1 million last year with $100K guaranteed. He is worth that as a lead blocker and on STs. Disagree on Dujuan, but don’t care much. Keep him. He got $645K (no gurantee). Cheap: Let me know when we get someone better. Agree on Cobb and Boykin. Dorsey can fight for a roster spot (I saw him not come back and not fight for a few balls – I don’t love him by any means). Agree on Bulaga and Barclay, depending on the contract terms and medicals.
Need a TE desperately and back-ups at LT and RB, but Raijon Neal might be the answer at RB.
It’s possible Kuhn could get another 1 year deal, but hopefully it’s a cheap one. Him making the Pro Bowl could support his case. Raijon Neal — good point, I had forgotten about him. It appears ominous that Harris was inactive towards the end of the season, I get a sense that his future is over in Green Bay. I think Boykin’s time is done too, but could see him doing quite well elsewhere.
Packers 2015 Defensive Free Agents and what they should do:
Letroy Guion – Keep.
Guion has been solid and will be 28 in 2015. For only a $985,000 cap hit, he’s been a pleasant surprise. It was reported before the Seahawks game that the Packers are already working on Guion’s deal, it’s just a question of how much he’ll cost.
BJ Raji – Keep, but for cheap.
The Packers run defense was ranked 23rd – not much of an improvement from the 2013 ranking of 25th. It hides the fact that they didn’t face Adrian Peterson twice this year too. Marshawn Lynch ran wild on 25 carries for 157 yards, so it’s not like the Packers have solved this problem. Raji was also never able to move back to his usual NT position due to tearing his bicep. I can’t imagine Raji getting much interest in 2014 since he’s been injured and his 2013 season was poor.
It is notable that Raji chose to stay in Green Bay to do his rehab and work with the younger players when he easily could have left to do his rehab elsewhere. He’ll be 29 in August, but could be a real bargain. My guess is the Packers will make him an offer, but if another team with more cap money makes a move, then Raji will likely walk. I could see Raji going to the Raiders or Chiefs, since both of their GMs used to work for the Packers and are familiar with Raji’s skill set.
Tramon Williams – Let go.
Williams has multiple factors working against him: a $9.5M cap hit and
the fact that he’ll be 32 in March. The Packers have excellent depth in the secondary too. Thanks for the memories, Tramon.
Davon House – Keep.
He’ll be 26 in 2015 and has developed nicely over the years, contributing on special teams as well as providing secondary help when injuries struck Tramon Williams and Sam Shields. For the 2014 season, he’ll be most remembered for multiple batted passes while covering Julio Jones, and intercepting Matthew Stafford while covering Megatron. He’s also one of the bigger Packers’ corners at 6’1” and should not cost that much. In a division with big WRs like Megatron, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey, it would be wise to keep House.
Jamari Lattimore – Keep.
Ted Thompson will look ahead to 2016 and see that Brad Jones and AJ Hawk will be free agents then. They both will probably be gone, and with
Carl Bradford’s move to ILB still up in the air, it’s very difficult to see the
Packers not spending a 2015 1st round draft pick on a ILB, even with Clay Matthews’ move inside. Keeping Lattimore for at least 1-2 more years gives the Packers a player they’ve coached and developed since they took him as an undrafted FA in 2011. He’s not consistent, but given the situation with Bradford, Jones and Hawk, he’s one of the younger guys on the team. Matthews is not getting any younger either.
Jarrett Bush – Let go.
All good things must come to an end. The 8 year pro is one of the few veterans on the roster and by far one of the most consistent. He’ll be 31 in
2015 and has a $2M cap hit. I can’t see the Packers willing to pay a special
teams guy this type of money again, but maybe they’ll work something out. When called upon as a back-up DB, he is solid in dime and nickel packages and always seems ready to perform.
Sean Richardson – Keep.
With only a $571K cap hit, Richardson can be signed for cheap. He provides special teams depth, as well as depth behind Morgan Burnett and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix. At 6’1”, he’s another one of the bigger guys in the Packers secondary and isn’t afraid to come up in run support.
I don’t disagree on Guion and Raji. But they have to be cheap. Guion was a Godsend and played hard, but I don’t think he is a NT. He can be a rotational guy. No idea what’s up with Pennel.
Williams and House: GB only has Shields, Goodson, Hyde and Hayward signed for next year. Hayward can only play zone. Hyde would be a downgrade from Williams at outside CB. No idea if Goodson can play. House is inconsistent. Remember Capers’ CBs play on an island a lot. That lets Clinton-Dix play single high safety with Burnett playing in the box a lot. There are dominoes if GB doesn’t have 2 good outside CBs, & they don’t have any depth next year at outside CB. Both Williams and House depends on the market for me. I want to win a SB next year, not watch a CB learn the ropes.
Lattimore: Keep for the minimum. We have only CMIII?, Barrington and Bradford at ILB, assuming Hawk and probably B. Jones is gone. The draft is again not strong for ILBs, but there are some possibilities. We need TT to find a gem.
Disagree on Bush. I wouldn’t pay $2 million again, or give him much in guaranteed $, but you lay out the reasons to keep him for $1.5m.
Richardson: Agree. Keep for the minimum.
You don’t address Peppers or OLB, since there aren’t FAs there. Between CMIII, Peppers, Neal and Perry, the cap hit for OLB is $31.336 million. Neal and Perry ($4.25 and $2.386 million) aren’t going to change. We will see what happens, but we might see if Peppers will re-negotiate down. He is only a part time guy now, even if he is our best pass rusher.
Good call-out on Peppers, I neglected to include him. He would probably come at a premium unless he’s willing to take less money, realizing that he can still have a legit shot at a Super Bowl this upcoming season.
Disagree about keeping Tramon Williams though. If you go back to 2012, Sam Shields missed 6 games because of a shin/ankle injury. Who replaced him? Casey Hayward, whose 6 INTs led all NFL rookies. He began 2012 as a nickel DB, but when Shields went down, Hayward is the one who stepped up. Knowing how stingy the Packers can be, given Williams’ age and high cap number, I have a really hard time seeing Tramon stay in Green Bay, unless he is willing to take a big pay cut.
Will one of you journalists get the answers to the following questions so we can get this loss behind us?
…why do we rush 3 guys on 3rd down when we’ve been burned so many times by such a defense?
…is it true that our coaches were telling Burnett to lay down after intercepting the ball? If so, why?
…why was Clay not on field when our defense was getting burned? And why didn’t MM know?
….why didn’t MM do something else but negative runs and not some play action passes to put the game away?
…Where was the killer instinct?
…why do we have so many special team mishaps?
Please ask the appropriate coaches and get us the answers. Thank you.
Jeff mentions the stunning playoff losses but doesn’t say anything about the stunning playoff wins. You have to make the playoffs to have your heart broken. The last 20 years of being a Packer has been much better than my first 20. I’ll take a heart breaking playoff loss any day over another 4 and 12 season. For my first 20 years a Packer fan the only bright spot was the 1972 season and then they were one and done in the playoffs.
One other thing, I looked it up; every Packer champion since Lombardi days had a defense that was either first or second in the league in points allowed. They defense has the continue getting better so that they can slam the door in games like the one we saw on Sunday. Remember, whey the Packers won the NFC in Chicago, the offense only scored 14 points.