So just saw this, pretty clear video of Dom Capers nodding off while the Packers Offense was on the field during the 3rd quarter of last Sunday’s Wild Card loss to Arizona…very classy! First thing I thought, how could anyone fall asleep during this game, one of the most entertaining games ever? And this guy is coaching the defense that’s getting absolutely lit up!
heybuzzkill
Covering the 2009 Green Bay Packers and other stuff..
The last time the Cowboys won a playoff game…
Go waaaaay back to 1996, when guess who won the Super Bowl? The Green Bay Packers. Ya this doesn’t mean shit, but someone had to mention it. With the Cowboys victory, I’m just glad that the Packers won’t be distracted by any rematch with the Vikings next week. I think Dallas really has a good shot, they can pressure the QB and have a hot QB.
Hi I'm Wade, looks like we are seated at the same table!?
So both rematches from last week ended up the same today with the Jets winning 24-14 and the Cowboys beatdown of the Eagles, 34-14. Can Green Bay keep it rolling? On a sidenote, as long as the Eagles have Michael Vick, karma won’t be on their side.
Oh and yes I realize Favre’s only Super Bowl win also coincides with the last Cowboy playoff win…
Wild Card Week: Packers at Cardinals
So looking ahead to this Sunday’s showdown between Green Bay and Arizona. Last year the Cardinals were the epitome of a dark horse team. Talented but limped at the end of the regular season. They got shelled by the Patriots and the Vikings. Then they went on to barely lose to the Steelers in last year’s Super Bowl.
This year they have been up and down but again aren’t getting much attention coming into the playoffs. The Packers have been flying just above the radar. I think if they didn’t lose on a last second TD pass to the Steelers things would be different for them. They would’ve finished the season on an 8 game winning streak and for some reason it seems the sports media picks more up on that then a team that won 7 of 8.
Anyways, I think this game will be totally unlike last Sunday’s game. Hopefully the Packers won’t come in over confident after dismantling a uncaring Cardinals team 33-7. But the Packers are on a roll and have lots of skilled players healthy and playing at a high level.
Players to watch
- Clay Matthews – Is there anyone that can block him on AZ?
- Greg Jennings – So due for a gigantic game and he’s the type of player who shines in big games
- Kurt Warner – He’s either really good or really bad
- Adrian Wilson – Hasn’t played in either game against Packers but I’ve always liked him
- KR on AZ – Not sure who this is, but Packers are real susceptible to the big returns
Key Matchups
Warner vs Packer’s secondary – No question the scariest matchup for the Packers. I’m hoping this ISN’T a repeat of the Steelers game a few weeks ago where Roth threw for 500 yards. For sure AZ will look to exploit the Packers depth in the defensive backfield by spreading them out with 4 wides…IE Jarret Bush, Josh Bell, Underwoord.
In my mind, the main difference here is AZ doesn’t have an all-pro type tight end to contend with AND Boldin is either out or will be hampered by the knee.
Rodgers vs Cardinals secondary – Well they’ve played twice already (even though it was preseason) and Rodgers has absolutely lit them up. Will things change this time when everything is on the line?
Ryan Grant / Brandon Jackson / Ahman Green vs Cardinals D-Line – If the Packers can run the ball that will only add to their O’s dominace in this game. Another thing to look for in early.
Packer Defensive Pressure vs AZ O-line – This will probably determine the game. How AZ deals with Green Bay’s 3-4 and Capers blitz packages will be key early on. If the Packers can get constant pressure and hit warner and stuff the run (like they’ve done the past 9 out of 11 games) this could get ugly quick.
I'm all in
Whisenhunt vs McCarthy – This is the wild card of the game. Green Bay plays pretty much the same D as the Steelers and Whisenhunt used to coach against that D every day in practice when he was offensive coordinator. Look for them to do deep posts or deep crossing routes in the middle of the field against Green Bay. It seems to me that its some sort of known hole in this D. I’ve seen Pittsburgh, Cincy, and AZ in the preseason do this successfully against Green Bay.
Predictions
I have a feeling McCarthy gets the last laugh on Sunday. If this game is close watch for a ballsy call to lift the Packers. If you were playing poker with him, McCarthy would be the type of guy who quietly plays by the book until you relax and think you know what he’s up to. Then when your not looking he bluffs his way through the biggest pot of the night on like 8 high.
The Cardinal players are trying to make the case that everyone is doubting them and what not…But thats hogwash, they were in the Super Bowl last YEAR! And Green Bay was 6-10!! So really, the Packers have NOTHING to lose and should play loose. Plus they are mostly young and out there having fun bashing heads around. Oh and talent wins in the playoffs and while they may be young, Green Bay has more…During their 7-1 run, they’ve stayed away from mental breakdowns also.
What gives? Plus the NFL is fixed right? And there’s no game bigger for the sponsors then a rematch of Favre’s Vikings and the Packers.
Green Bay 38 Cardinals 24
Third Quarter Review
I am a week late on this so its going to be Quarter Three +1. Here are the NFC North standings after 13 games on the board.
Vikings 11-2
Packers 9-4
Bears 5-8
Lions 2-11
My second quarter forecast for Green Bay is off, they have been resurgent since the Tampa loss. It looks like Rodgers and crew have been able to pull off what Favre and Co did in 1993. Let’s hope this continues. Despite the AZ loss, the Vikings have continued to roll. Here are the remaining games..
Vikings – @CAR, @CHI, NYG
Packers – @PITT, SEA, @AZ
Bears – @BAL, MIN, @DET
Lions – AZ, @SF, CHI
The Vikings just need one win here (or one GB loss) to clinch the division. And, unless there’s bad weather in Charlotte this week, I see them doing just that on Sunday. BUT if somehow they stumble, then they would have to either win in the cold in Chicago or at home against the Giants. This game would be meaningless for the Giants unless the Cowboys continue to struggle thus opening up the last wild card spot. (If Green Bay stumbles which means the Vikings win anyway)
So, in essence, the Packers only chance is to win out with the Vikings (and Cowboys) losing out. Which means this Sunday’s games are key. If the last game @AZ is meaningless for the Cardinals then Green Bay’s toughest remaning game is the Steelers. Do they have any life left? Will Poulamulu play? Chances of all this happening and Green Bay miraculously winning the division? Like 100-1. If the Vikings manage to lose to Carolina and the Packers win against Pitt…..Then things get real interesting.
Predictions:
Vikings 13-3 (@CHI)
Packers 11-5 (@AZ, meaningless game for both teams but then Green Bay goes back to AZ for Wild Card!)
Bears 6-10
Lions 2-14
Week 14 Predictions
Packers @ Bears
This seems to be an easy pick here…Packers are rolling, Bears are reeling. Its the a must win for Green Bay and a who cares game for the Bears. But there’s one thing in favor for the Bears…Soldier Field and recent history. Lovie Smith has a good history against Green Bay and was embarrassed Week 1. And if its frigid conditions with the normal December blistery wind its anybody’s game.
But the Packers have too much on the line to lose this one…I think they don’t win without consequences though. I can see them getting a couple injuries that linger for a couple weeks. But please, JUST DON’T SCREW UP ON SPECIAL TEAMS!
Green Bay 22-13
Bengals @ Vikings
Last week, the Vikings found themselves behind by two scores and what happened? Collapse. Favre turns into the Gunslinger, Chilli does nothing, injuries happen, etc. So this week, even though the Bengals are mainly a running team, maybe they come out passing. If they can get a lead, watch out. (There could even be boo-birds at halftime) But I don’t know, AP is SOOO due. And Favre has had a great year, as much as I’d love for him to flop he’s not this soft.
Vikings 31 – Ravens 28
Lions @ Bengals
Prediction….Pain
Ravens 30-3
Favre was so overdue for this!
It was about time for the real Brett Favre to stand up….he finally had some crazy, uncalled-for passes during last night’s 30-17 loss. The Vikings finally played a good all around team last night. And once the Cardinals were up by two scores everything changed. First there was a pass that Adrian Wilson should have return for a TD but dropped. Then another almost INT. Finally after two dropped INTs the Cardinals came through and Favre through picks on two consecutive drives.
The Vikings also came out of that game with a number of injuries. Including a tragic one to LB McDaniel. That didn’t look good. Next week they have to play against another good all-around team, the Bengals.
Sterling Sharpe had some great picks this week, wish I would’ve trusted them.
“I’m picking the Cardinals this week because I don’t think the Viking are that good. You don’t believe me now so obviously nobody is listening to me, even though you should.” Sterling Sharpe, 12/4 NFL Network NFC Roundup.
After yesterday’s games, tonight’s Ravens / Packers game is huge for both teams. The Packers can open up a 1.5 game cushion on the Wild Card spot with a win while the Ravens can get a slight edge for their Wild Card spot with an upset tonight in Lambeau. Hopefully Green Bay comes to play tonight because this is the biggest game of the year for them.
Wall
Polls
Loading ...
