Hi everybody, let's get started. Yeah, I'd think we'd see more base. That's what he did last time they played, and he even occasionally used Matthews as an ILB. That's what makes Dallas such a tough match-up, they run it so well you want to go with more run-oriented personnel and scheme, but if they put three receivers and a tight end with Elliott, it's tough to match up with the receivers if you go base, you really want to go nickel against that. That's why Dallas is a good team.
Yeah, I wrote that column, that headline "Packers must pressure Prescott" isn't really what it says. It says they need to put the game in his hands and try to get him to make a rookie mistake or two. They'll probably need to do some of both. It's kind of like with Rodgers, you don't want him getting outside the pocket, he's good throwing on the run and a good runner. So that goes to your point about read and react. Turn him into a pocket passer. But Capers might want to blitz and pressure him some to show him some looks he might not be real familiar with, maybe that will get him to make an impulsive decision that could lead to an interception.
Kind of got that feeling based on what McCarthy said after the game about not doing enough to get Rodgers in a rhythm early. That's how I interpreted McCarthy's comment, that he should do more of the quick-rhythm stuff early to get his quarterback dialed in.
The point you make about the offense is a big one, McCarthy calls the plays, so that hinders the chances of guys getting head-coaching interviews if they haven't called plays. McAdoo had to go be a coordinator in New York first before getting the head-coaching job. Assistants can't be interviewed for coordinators' jobs until after their season is over, and if they're under contract McCarthy doesn't have to even allow that. He's said no at times in the past. The Packers' defense hasn't ranked near the top of the league for a long time, and Capers has been a head coach twice, so it's doubtful anybody is going to look to him as a head-coaching candidate.
I wonder the same thing, though Dallas' defense isn't bad. It doesn't have any stars, but there are a bunch of pretty good players there. They give up yardage but do OK on points. I do see a game in the upper 20s or more likely 30s.
Yeah, the turnovers could be huge, because if the Packers aren't getting stops then they'll need a couple turnovers to get the ball back.
They can't review for a facemask penalty, so even if the replay had clearly shown it, the officials can't call it. So it wouldn't have helped.
Yeah, it probably was illegal for the reason you state. The penalty wasn't called but there's a good chance Hall will get fined, which would be acknowledgment by the NFL that it should have been called. News of the fines usually come out today.
I don't discount it, it matters. But I still think Dallas is a really talented team and the best bet to win the NFC. The experience could matter because Dallas is young at the game's most important position, quarterback. Prescott has proven to be uncommonly mature for a rookie QB, he just seems to be a really natural leader and winner. He has not played like a rookie. But he is a rookie, he still might make a young player's mistake that could be the difference in the game.
I'd be stunned if he did.
I'd think, as long as Martinez's knee is fine, that he and Ryan will play a lot of ILB, because they're better run stoppers than Thomas. And yeah, wouldn't be surprised at all to see Matthews playing some ILB. He did the last time when Dallas went with two or three TEs. Now, it didn't work well the last time, Elliott had a huge day, so maybe Capers has some other ideas to try this time.
I would think that would give them a great chance to win.
Yeah. Of course they'll miss him, but with Cook they at least have a big, fairly athletic target to kind of take his place. Cook didn't play the last time the teams met. And having Cobb back helps. And if Rodgers can keep playing like he has, they have a pretty good shot against anybody.
Not sure they have a clear-cut best DB. They don't have a cover guy as good as Jenkins. Safety Byron Jones is a good all-around player. Brandon Carr probably has been their best cover guy. Claiborne was playing well before getting hurt in the Packers game, and he's just returning this week. Don't know how rusty he'll be or if he'll even start, though he'll probably be on the field in nickel. The Cowboys have a pretty solid secondary. No stars, but pretty good players.
Seems like Rodgers trusts him on the field, and Rodgers doesn't trust everybody, so that says something. Can he be trusted off the field? That I don't know.
Remember, though, he played only the first half in Week 16 and didn't suit up in Week 17. Cowboys had a bye last week. He's going to be as fresh and healthy as a running back could hope to be at this point in the season.
The onside kick gaffe was by Brandon Bostick, he wasn't a rookie. The rookie who's probably getting the most playing time is Kentrell Brice at safety, him or first-rounder Kenny Clark on the DL. Brice was undrafted and has been playing when Burnett goes to slot cornerback. Dallas might try to pick on him when he's on the field. Martinez might play a lot this week to help stop the run, tough job against Elliott.
Seems like it, doesn't it? He's either inactive or on the 46 but doesn't play. Nelson's injury means he'll probably be active this week, but I doubt he plays unless there's another injury. Has hardly played since the fumbled punt at Tennessee two months ago.
I thought things looked pretty bleak for the Packers too. I actually picked them to beat Philly on our staff picks when they were 4-6, but I figured they'd lose to Seattle and one of those division games, and finish 8-8. Have to agree that McCarthy deserves great credit for holding the team together during and after the losing streak. I too have some questions about Thompson's team building, though I think his success, including this year, shows that his general approach is sound, though in my opinion incomplete. It also speaks to how important quarterback play is, and the difference Aaron Rodgers can make when he's at the top of his game. They can beat anybody, anytime, anywhere when he's playing like this. It's kind of a remarkable turnaround.
Peppers, Randall, Cook from the Packers' side of things. Beasley, Scandrick, Irving for Cowboys.
Probably have to a mix of guys because they'll be playing some base and some nickel -- more base than usual. In base it will have to be linebacker, either Martinez or Ryan. In nickel either Hyde or one of the safeties.
That's the best way to put it in his hands, be in the lead by the late second or early third quarter. Then the pressure might start to build. As your interesting stat suggests, it will be a relatively new feeling for him, and unlike during the regular season there's no next week if you lose, so he might feel it. But the tough part is getting up on a team that runs the ball so well and has a balanced offense.
Hi everybody, let's get started. Yeah, I'd think we'd see more base. That's what he did last time they played, and he even occasionally used Matthews as an ILB. That's what makes Dallas such a tough match-up, they run it so well you want to go with more run-oriented personnel and scheme, but if they put three receivers and a tight end with Elliott, it's tough to match up with the receivers if you go base, you really want to go nickel against that. That's why Dallas is a good team.