Week Five in Review

If this was a Detroit Lions blog, I'd be writing today about how Jim Schwartz's tenure has run it's course. He brought the Lions back to relevancy, gave them an edge, and got them to the playoffs. It's become clear now, though, that he cannot take them any further. He lacks the maturity to handle success and cannot control his own team. Since, however, this is a Packers blog, I'll just say that the immature Lions are always welcome here in Wisconsin, and I'd like to thank them for their continued ineptitude. Dominic Raiola (you know, the most tenured player on the Lions' team, vocal leader on the offensive line, steadying veteran presence) was reportedly hurling obscenities at the UW marching band that performed during the game. This consummate professional was reported by numerous sources to have called a young man in the band a 'fat fuck,' 'fucking faggot,' and more. He also reportedly called a female band member a 'cunt.' But the crowning achievement of this tirade has to have been when he told a trumpeter that he was going to, 'take his trumpet and shove it up his sister's pussy.' Hilarious? Of course. Indicative of the leadership and maturity of the Lions? Indeed. The Lions are losers, and will continue to be until they learn to act like professionals. They could take a lesson or two from the Packers, both on and off the field. In the mean time I'll just continue to enjoy our annual beatings, each one more hilarious than the last. Here's what I liked and didn't like:

What I Liked:

Raiola was apparently too busy to block.

Pass Defense: The Packers yielded just 4.9 yards per passing play to the normally potent Lions offense (yards ppp is a stat that I really like, one that I feel accurately reflects the efficiency of a passing game). This was a function of four main factors: an active pass rush, execution of assignments in the secondary, field position, and the absence of Calvin Johnson. Johnson is the best wideout in the league, and his inability to play made the secondary's job a lot easier. That being said, I would guess that most, if not all of the starters in the secondary received a plus grade for the game. The Lions never had a play go for more than 25 yards, which shows that the secondary was assignment sure, likely influenced by the return of the steady Morgan Burnett. Four different linebackers combined for five sacks, finally getting pressure from players not named Clay Matthews. The Lions' average starting field position was from inside their own 19 yard line, and they never started a drive beyond their own 20. That's spectacular production from the special teams units. A good job all around I'd say.

The Running Game: We finally got an extended look at the bruising stylings of Eddie Lacy, and I like what I saw. He averaged a solid 4.3 yards per carry, and did a nice job of falling forward after contact. He also picked up a first down on a simple run off the left tackle on third and three, something I've been waiting like five years to see. Let's hope that continues. Cobb had 72 yards on two carries, which forces future opponents to spend time game planning for Cobb as a weapon out of the backfield. We ended the day with a total of 180 yards on the ground, which not only kept drives going for us, but also helped keep Aaron Rodgers upright by slowing down the pass rush.

Third Down Conversions: I said our offensive efficiency had to improve, and it did. 7 for 16 is a very good day on third down. It's just so important to convert third downs (keeps drives going, wears down the defense, chews up clock, etc.), so I'm not going to stop bringing this up. The best teams in the league convert their third downs, and get off the field on their opponents' third downs.

What I Didn't Like:

Jonathan Franklin: The rookie saw just three carries today because of an early fumble. That's two fumbles in his first two games as a professional. Ball security issues were the one knock against him coming out of UCLA, and have so far persisted. I know I keep saying it, but you can't put the ball on the ground if you want to play running back for the Green Bay Packers.

Red Zone Offense: The Packers were unable to come away with a touchdown on either of their two red zone possessions, though they did tally field goals both times. Although I don't necessarily buy into the importance of success within an arbitrarily placed line, our inability to score on a short field is becoming a bit of a pattern. The possible emergence of Eddie Lacy as a tough runner between the tackles could be a big help in these situations.

Injuries: I'm not advocating a mid-season training staff overhaul, but I am advocating some immediate self-scouting and a hard off-season look at training procedures with regard to injury prevention. We lost three linebackers to injury during Sunday's tilt, including starters Brad Jones and Clay Matthews. Jones' injury appears to be insignificant at this point, but Matthews has already undergone surgery to repair his broken thumb, and will miss at least a month. Even when Matthews does return following the removal of a series of pins from his thumb, he'll likely need to wear a club cast, which will no doubt make him less effective. This injury shit is fucked up, and it's been going on for years. One season marred by injury? Could be a fluke. Two seasons? Bad luck. Four straight seasons? Time for some introspection.

Extra Points:

- Matt Flynn was released by the Raiders yesterday. I'd sure like to see him back in Green Bay, and he could be had for the veteran minimum I'm sure after a failed foray into the world of starting NFL qb.

- Where has John Kuhn been this year? I know he's been a little nicked up, but he's not even seeing the field when he's healthy.

- Jermichael Finley has been an absolute beast after the catch this year.

- I like Matthew Stafford as a player and a person. He's tough as nails and plays the position well. If you ask me, he's got more than a little Favre in him.

**BONUS POLITICAL STATEMENT OF THE WEEK**

The endgame of capitalism is a global catastrophe the magnitude of which has rarely, if ever been seen on the human scale.

**WHAT WAS I DRINKING THIS WEEK?**

Left Hand Brewing Company's Sawtooth Ale. I meant to buy a German Helles, but panicked at the liquor store and reverted to my default setting of 'anything bitter.' Anyway I've made worse mistakes.