Chapter 1: The Truly Offensive Line

During the bye week I was working on a post highlighting the strengths of our offensive line over the first 4 weeks. They had given a dominant effort and I wanted to give them some proper praise in return. I got caught up with some other projects and didn’t live up to my side of the bargain. So, in turn, they decided to stay home for this game. My bad guys, this one’s on me.  

Quarter 1  

1st and 10 – A. Jones 0yd Run (15:00)

White makes a great play but this run never has a chance as Patrick just can’t get there to make the block. This was pretty much the story of the day.  

Quarter 2  

3rd and 10 – A. Rodgers Inc. Pass (10:53)

There’s confusion on the left side of the line, Tonyan gives an awful effort on the chip and then whiffs on the CB blitz. Williams gives great effort on the block up the middle though, so there’s that.    

1st and 10 – A. Jones 7yd Run (4:35)

Good things happen when we can get a man on a man and we can have LB’s hesitate. There was positive yardage to be had if the O-line just executed their blocks. I can’t remember the last game with so many no gains and negative yardage runs.  

3rd and 3 – A. Rodgers Sacked -11yds (3:41)

Again, confusion on the left side of the line and Williams doesn’t block the edge rusher in time. The stunts killed us and this is usually something that Bahk and Jenkins do seamlessly.  

1st and 10 – A. Rodgers Inc. Pass (00:34)

It’s a stunt again and, again, it works like a charm. Communication is usually one of the strengths of our offensive line.  

1st and 10 – A. Rodgers Inc. Pass (00:30)

Rodgers has MVS open here for what would certainly be a TD and he just doesn’t pull the trigger. By the time he comes back to MVS he can’t step into the throw because the pocket is collapsing (he has enough room to step into it actually I think he was just in his head about the protection) and throws what should have been his third pick of the day.  

Quarter 3  

1st and 10 – A. Rodgers Sacked -8yds (10:13)

I pray to my lord in heaven that Bahk doesn’t have to miss any time. This is just an awful job by Wagner. I know the LB gets there anyway but had he not been blitzing it would not have mattered because 71 almost immediately gives up pressure.  

3rd and 18 – A. Rodgers 18yd Pass (8:35)

We get the completion as Rodgers escapes the sack but this is again an awful job by Wagner even with a chip from the Tight End.  

1st and 10 – A. Jones -3yd Run (2:40)

Awful, awful job.  

CHAPTER 2: DEFENSE

Call me crazy but there may be hope for this run defense just yet.  

Quarter 1

1st and 10 – R. Jones 2yd Run (10:27)

This is good speed to the hole and a great tackle by Barnes.  

Quarter 2  

1st and 10 – R. Jones 2yd Run (15:00)

This is what I like to see. Everyone is sure in their assignment and a solid tackle by Barnes.  

1st and 10 – R. Jones 3yd Run (10:40)

Kenny Clark holds his ground, sheds his man and makes the tackle. You’re not moving that big boy.  

1st and 10 – R. Jones 2yd Run (9:34)

Adams gets the tackle but Clark disrupts this play making it only a 2 yard gain. Again, you’re not moving that big boy.  

Quarter 3  

1st and 10 – R. Jones 2yd Run (13:43)

YOU’RE NOT MOVING THAT BIG BOY!  

Random Thoughts:  

• Billy Turner really struggles against speed. He got a lot of help when he went up against Cameron Jordan.  

• A combination of Tampa’s speed and our confusion was what stopped our running game.  

• I think MVS slows down to track the ball which is why it seems like him and Rodgers are not in sync.  

• With the receivers we have now, I’m not a fan of the max protect, two route deep shots.  

• Rodgers footwork was all over the goddamn place  

• One man alone is not going to push Kenny back. I don’t know if you guys know this but, you’re not moving that big boy.  

• TD to Gronk was just a great throw and a great catch. Can’t be mad about that.  

• I really don’t know why Oren Burks is on our roster.  

• The saddest part of this day was what really stood out to me, and that’s Tampa Bay’s tackling. Their defense had a toughness to it that I just haven’t seen in a GB defense in a long time. Don’t get me wrong, I love blowing out opponents, and nothing makes me happier than putting up almost 50 on other teams, and yet…the heart longs for what it cannot get. I’d love to, you know, not have to put up 50 on other teams to win.

I’d love a defense that’s assignment sure, I’d love a defense that has gap integrity, I’d love a defense that can make the plays that the opposing offense gives it to make but, most of all, I’d love a defense that will just hit people. I’d love a tone setter on defense and Z, for as talented as he is, is not that.

I know I’m speaking in generalities and footballisms and that there is no scale for toughness or grit, there is no way to scout tenacity. This may sound dumb but I just wish we were tougher on that side of the ball.