Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,854
- 0
Barton from Tulum, Quintana Roo Mexico
So much fun watching NFL football after so many months of purgatory! Didn't the Packers' offense look much more diverse and unpredictable than last season, making it harder for the Vikings' defense to defend? I hope that continues. Oh, Aaron Rodgers was throwing darts! Wow!
The Packers won on early downs and that meant fewer third-and-long situations. Fewer third-and-longs means more unpredictability. That's the beauty of LaFleur's offense in its peak form.
Griffin from Belmont, NC
Every player's injury must be thought about differently. Would the team rather have an 80% Kenny Clark play a full season or sit out three games and have 100% Clark for the remaining games? Does is make a difference on the decision with it being this early and the season, record, opponent, or any other factors?
I don't know what the timeline is for the Pro Bowl defensive tackle but the Packers need a healthy Kenny Clark. That's the goal. Frequent II readers know my stance on soft-tissue injuries and how tricky they can be. You gotta be smart.
Neal from Ft Worth, TX
Against Minnesota, were there any snaps when both Za'Darius Smith,Preston Smith and Rashan Gary were on the field together? With Clark out this week, might we see more of it given Gary's talents in stopping the run effectively?
Yeah. The Packers have base and dime packages with the Smiths and Gary, so they have options. Gary and Za'Darius Smith are around 275ish, which is a hamburger shy of what most defensive linemen seem to be playing at these days. At the same time, the true D-tackles need to step up to replace a player of Clark's caliber. The Packers have to play clean up front or Adrian Peterson will make them pay for it.
Shane from Reno, NV
Gary was the player I was most interested in watching Week 1. One specific play stood out to me. Dalvin Cook ran right past the D-line and Gary was up in it, as well. Gary flips a U-turn and catches him from behind. His acceleration was nuts. I can't believe he caught up to Cook. Can't wait to see more.
That stood out to me, as well. Gary flips his hips more like a defensive back than a D-lineman. He didn't have a sack but recorded two quarterback hits. Gary made his presence felt.
Steve from Palm Springs, FL
Hi Wes and Mike. First of all, a great start to the season among all the uncertainty. Do you think Kingsley Keke could be a key player against the Lions? I thank you both for the insight and effort in your forum.
Yeah, Keke needs to be a big part of it – especially if Montravius Adams still can't go due to that toe injury. Keke has some of those attributes that Mike Daniels had – natural twitch, powerful and capable against the run. He just needs to put it together more consistently. This is a huge test for the former fifth-round pick.
Kevin from Westminster, CO
Did the offensive pace vs. Minnesota correlate with time-of-possession dominance?
Yeah, and the barrage of first downs kept the Vikings' defense on the field. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy once that happens.
Lori from Brookfield, WI
Wes, would you please explain how motion plays help the defense show their coverage plans?
It forces defenses to declare their coverage and matchup. It's no different than when a running back motions out from the backfield and splits out wide. It's the game within the game.
Bruce from Green Bay, WI
"Swerve." What a great nickname for Tyler Ervin. Do you know what it means? He definitely is exciting lining up all over the field and on returns. Where do you think his most production will come from this season other than the obvious return specialist?
Doesn't it kind of explain itself? He's Swervin' Ervin. He said a college teammate of his, Noel Grisby, gave it to him his freshman year at San Jose State. It fits his game to a T. I think most of his production this year will go back to Lori's question and answer, and the story I wrote Friday. When Ervin is coming on motions and jet sweeps, the defense has to pay attention. The more eyes that are on Swerve means fewer eyes elsewhere.