Comments on: Packers Have A Little Work To Do On Defense

By: Shawn

Shawn — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:07:35 +0000

I watched it a couple times off the Tivo. First of all, the first series in a normal game ends in a FG. The only reason CLE went for it was because it was preseason. Secondly, the 2nd TD they scored after Grant’s fumble was a MIRACLE. Good defense all around on that 2nd possession. Wallace just pulled off a miraculous play on 3rd down. Also, there was obvious holding against Popinga, who had sack otherwise, but the refs appeared to have forgotten to bring their flags in the first half. They found them at half time.
However, I agree that the start was similar to the last time we saw this defense on the field. The QB had no problem throwing in rhythm, and either the WR was wide open on a blown assignment or simply beat our 3rd DB, which was targeted by the offense once again.
As is the tendency when Clay Matthews isn’t making plays, our LBs disappeared once again.
Still, it was only the 1st preseason game, and I would prefer a bad start for the defense versus a good one.
Lastly, I am tired of hearing about the games against Pittsburgh and Arizona. People seem to forget that we should have won both those games. This team can win a shootout. I’ll take our chances with that. We are not afraid of getting into a shootout. Our concern is playing a team that controls the ball and the clock against us. That is why we have to keep stopping the run. As long as we do that, we will be a playoff team again.

By: Al Harris Could Return Next Week | Total Packers

Al Harris Could Return Next Week | Total Packers — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:25:29 +0000

[...] good news for a Packers defense that looked less than spectacular in their preseason-opening loss to the Cleveland [...]

By: Daybreak Doppler: Packers D, Predictions & Pro vs College Ball « PocketDoppler.com - A Wisconsin Sports Blog

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:13:29 +0000

[...] Total Packers states the obvious saying the Packers have a little work to do on defense. [...]

By: Vijay

Vijay — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:32:21 +0000

I was at the game – 25 yard line and the 1st team defense that they managed to trot out there was very slow to react and tentative about their positioning/ decision making from what I could see. They looked like they came out flat more than anything else and perhaps a bit lost as far as the rookies were concerned…Neal managed to get some push on the D-line later in the game but I did not see any push in base formation from starters. Hmm…hope they get those fundamentals down and come out more prepared next time.

By: Boston

Boston — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:38:37 +0000

Cleveland finished hot against good(ish) teams last year. They’re obviously not the Viqueens (or even the Bears, probably), but they’re not bottom feeders either. Around 8-8 this year I’ll bet.

Still not a good showing, but it’s not like this was St Louis or Buffalo.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:37:28 +0000

To be fair, last preseason our 1st team defense shredded everyone, and once the season started, we wound up in those shootout games.

Agreed that too much stock in the preseason can be disastrous, but too little can have the same effect.

Personally, I still maintain that Delhomme was/is underrated as a QB, and the reason they were able to take the early lead was due to Ryan Grant’s fumble early on that helped put the Packers in an early 14-0 hole. But still, the secondary got beat up a bit much for my (or anyone’s) liking.

By: jeremy

jeremy — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:56:12 +0000

I’m not sure the old adage “defense wins Super Bowls” is really true any more. It’s more and more an offensive game and the NFL wants it that way. The Saints, Colts, Seahawks and Cardinals have all made it to the Superbowl recently despite up and down defenses. The Pack should have the fire power to out gun their opponents too.