I also think Rashan Gary‘s sack total speaks volumes about Parson’s value.
For sure. Gary wasn’t able to get a sack in Dallas, but 4 1/2 in the first 3 games is high impact, absolutely. Pass rushers are always at a slight disadvantage on the road, because the home QB can vary his cadence and do hard counts, all of that. Not so much when the QB is on the road and the silent count is in use.
Saw an article saying Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker weren’t involved enough in the pass rush last week. Was that by design or even accurate?
The Packers didn’t blitz much in Dallas, so the LBs weren’t rushing much. They thought their four-man rush could do the job, and they figured Prescott would be getting rid of the ball quickly, which he was. When the opposing QB is taking three-step drops and firing, if you’ve got a blitz on, there are fewer guys back there to make the tackle on a short throw and that’s when those plays can rupture. It’s always a cat and mouse games. Sometimes the DC guesses right on a call, sometimes the OC does.
I think the aggressive play call before halftime in Dallas isn’t being talked about enough. It seems Lafleur is overestimating how easy it is to drive down the field in 30 seconds based on his time with Rodgers at the helm. I can think of plenty of times Rodgers executed the :30 drill to perfection (including in Dallas). That is not the norm, and there’s no reason to force it with a halftime lead when the game is going the way it’s going.
He admitted after the false start put them back on the 27, he should’ve shut the drive down. With the first down at the 32, one more substantial completion over the middle or a couple of short sideline throws and Brandon McManus has a shot. The false start and not reacting to it properly was the problem.
This early bye gives the team to reset and recover. Too many folks have already written off this season. I’m looking forward to seeing a refreshed team v Cincy. At least we haven’t lost our top dogs (knock on wood)! 🙂
I’ve been doing this too long to just throw up the hands and say they won’t get it done. Every year, teams look different in December and January compared to September. Sometimes it’s for the better. Sometimes not. But the goal is always to improve and progress, especially with young players coming into their prime. This team has a lot going for it. Will they maximize on it? That’s what’s worth watching.
Love looks to be playing very well, particularly given the health of the OL and some high levels targets. At the same time, I think he’s got another gear or two in him and his arrow is pointing up. What do you think of his current performance relative to expectation or comparative development?
I think he’s playing really well. He’s going to have a miscue here or there, and unfortunately the one in Cleveland was really costly. The strip sack in Dallas wasn’t on him. He shouldn’t have been in that position (see above) and the protection broke down on his blind side. There’s a ton to like about the way Love is playing, and it’s not just the stats. Did anyone else notice on the 18-yard TD run by Josh Jacobs in Dallas, Love canned to that run play. He made that call at the line (hands to the ears) and it was the perfect call for Jacobs to break it.
To my untrained eye, it seemed like the cornerbacks continually played 8-10 yards off the LOS. I feel like this is as a big reason parsons or the pass rush wasn’t getting home. Dak seemed to always have the quick pass open since our corners were giving such a large cushion. Not sure if they were scared to get beat deep, but super frustrating to watch them march right down the field on short pass after short pass after short pass.
I agree it was frustrating, but there were times they were trying to press the receivers at the line and getting beat. That leaves the DC in a tough spot.
Through 4 weeks, you think Quay has earned himself an extension?
I know Gutekunst has expressed his desire to keep Quay around long term. His play these first four games has only confirmed that.
You watching any football this weekend or taking a break and just watching baseball?
I’ll take in my share of both. Really wish the Brewers Game 2 was Sunday, but it’s not until Monday. I was hoping for two Brewers games this weekend.
Packers are my ride or die so I don’t watch many other teams, does it seem to youike it does me, that we are the starting point for these point of emphasis calls?
That sounds a little paranoid. But when you play the national game of the week in Week 1 late Sunday afternoon, the Thursday night game in Week 2 and the Sunday night game in Week 4, you’re in the spotlight a lot and that kind of stuff happens.
Do you think being a younger team has resulted in inconsistent play early in the season, this season and previous seasons?
This team isn’t as young as it’s been in terms of experience. I just think every season is a new one and in these early stages coaches find out what needs to be emphasized again, perhaps, for games and what things are more settled. Practice isn’t game action, and you just have to find out when it’s real.
You know, I’m kind of tired of hearing MLF say it’s on him and he needs to be better. After CLE, he stated he shouldn’t have given Love a play at the end of the 3rd. Now he says he shouldn’t have tried to be cute at the end of the half in DAL. How does a normal fan hear this and not think MLF can’t do the job?
I think it’s refreshing to hear a coach admit his mistakes and not try to hide behind anything or act like he’s infallible. That goes a long way leadership-wise in a locker room of 70 men.
Prior to the start of training camp, I thought Dontayvion Wicks could be the odd man out in the WR room. Do you have any thoughts on how he advanced his game this season?
I’ve been impressed with Wicks, especially given he missed so much of training camp with his calf injury. He’s performed well and been reliable. Love trusts him, and he’s proven to be ready even if he goes a stretch without getting targeted. That’s what it takes to succeed in this league.