Week Four in Review

That right there is how you start fast. Four wins, including two against 2014 playoff teams, two on the road, and one within the division. I have to admit that Sunday’s game was a boring one, but I’ll take a boring win every single time. The defense turned in an all-around impressive performance, albeit against an offense that would struggle to put up points against the Minnesota Lynx. That being said there are exactly ZERO teams in the NFC that have given up fewer points than Green Bay. The offense was efficient in their tedium on Sunday, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and committing zero turnovers. Imagine going into a game against the Packers. You just KNOW that Rodgers isn’t going to throw any stupid passes and give away possessions. So we have a quarterback that refuses to commit turnovers, a defense that’s tough against the run and gets to the quarterback, and a point differential that’s borderline unsustainable. Basically right now we’re really good. We’ve now exorcised two thirds of our NFC West demons, and if I were a Cardinal, I’d be worried. Here’s what I liked and didn’t like:

What I Liked:

"Don't worry Kaep, I'll be gentle."

Defensive Front Seven: This unit produced six sacks, seven qb hits, 21 tackles, and two decent sack celebrations. It was great to see perennial disappointment Nick Perry record two sacks, and Julius Peppers continues to command attention. Joe Thomas is a fun little guy to watch out there, coming in on passing downs and recklessly throwing his body around as if it’s his only chance to keep his roster spot (it is). My boy Jayrone had another sack in limited action (I wish I was clever enough to come up with a nickname for him). Beyond putting the quarterback on his ass on passing downs, they held lil Kaepy to just 57 yards rushing. Sure he averaged 5.7 per carry, but he never rushed for more than 12 yards on a single carry. Anyone who has watched the Packers face rushing quarterbacks over the past few years knows what an accomplishment that is for Dom Capers and his defense. Great job setting the edge, linebackers, you’ll have to do it again in Carolina a few weeks from now.

Eddie Lacy: The big man is starting to get his stride going and it is fucking fun to watch. I absolutely love his running style, he just doesn’t care if you want to tackle him. I do get a little nervous when he’s fighting like a motherfucker for another yard or two, since that’s when defenses really go after the strip, but it hasn’t been a problem to this point. As the weather starts to turn cold, he is really going to show his value. Can you imagine trying to tackle this monster in zero degree weather? I don’t care who you are, it would hurt like a bitch. I’m not worried about his relative lack of statistical production after four games, he’s definitely the type of back that gets stronger and more productive as the season goes on.

Ty Montgomery: He’s the anti-Janis. He’s a young receiver that the coaching staff and quarterback clearly trust. They lined him up in the backfield on multiple occasions, had him running several different routes, handed off twice to him, and targeted him six times in the passing game. Now I know he had the one drop on the deep ball, and that’s not real good, but he did have a step on the defender, and Rodgers did trust him enough to throw the pass. I’m getting really excited about this guy and what he could develop into. With Cobb, Jordy, and Fish Hooks coaching him up as he goes, he may just be the next big thing for this receiving unit.

Aaron Rodgers: Just cuz he’s like, a super cool dude.

What I Didn’t Like:

Special Teams: Missed field goal? Okay, that happens. Two more penalties? That shit is not cool. I never really pay attention, but do other teams have this much trouble with discipline on special teams? Masthay could only muster a paltry 39 yard average on six punts, pinning just one inside the 20 yard line. It’s our weakest unit by a country mile, and I just don’t understand why we can’t get it under control. McCarthy was supposed to be more involved in this after giving up play calling duties, but what does that really mean? Does it mean that he just stands next to Zook when we’re punting? Ok, great job. Can’t he at least embarrass him publicly when we get flagged for a gunner lining up in the neutral zone (or whatever the fuck it was this time)? Special teams coaches are supposed to be miserable, that’s how this thing works. It’s called paying your dues, and that fucker Zook owes. This is the kind of thing that fucks you in the playoffs, I’m just sayin.

Third Down Efficiency: It was largely a function of pressure on Rodgers, but we converted just five of fifteen third down opportunities. It’s no coincidence that we also had our lowest offensive output of the season. We seem to be moving away from the running game on third and short, and I’m a little concerned that the trend will continue. I understand the whole, ‘they think we’re gonna run so we’re gonna pass’ thing, but you have to prove that you’re willing to run first. Stop out-thinking yourself on third and short Clements, just give the ball to that fat fucking running back of yours and let him run someone over.

**Bonus Quote of the Week**

“The Lions are a fucking joke.”

-          Tim Abair