Friday, August 27, 2010

Packers-Colts: Preseason Game 3 Recap

Peyton Manning and the Colts came out firing on all cylinders and scored an easy touchdown within the first 30 seconds of the game. It may have been nerves, but it may still be due to injuries, but whatever it is...the Pack can't let that happen in the regular season.

Although the offense looked great, as expected, and the defense did calm down and start to play more soundly, there are just too many question marks to take too much away from the Packers' 59-24 trouncing of the Colts.

Jester's Biggest Concerns:

1. Special Teams - Even though they came up with what would be a huge play in a meaningful game by scoring a TD on a muffed punt, the rest of the game was not impressive by any means in any of the aspects of the Packers' Special Teams. They may be "short bus" special this year. Something needs to change here.

2. Pressure - Although I did see Peyton have to move around in the pocket some to avoid pressure, on most of those instances he still found a wide open receiver. Granted it is preseason and it was Peyton Manning and the Colts, but if we can't stop the good QBs from lighting us up, then the season is a bust.

3. Greg Jennings - I'm not sure why he didn't play, and I'm hoping it was just for precautionary reasons. But if this turns out to be a serious injury, it could be a huge blow to the receiving corps.

Now on to the things I liked...

1. Aaron Rodgers - He and the entire offense looked sharp in the first half. I have no issues with the way they're playing.

2. JerMichael Finley - The guy is a beast. Wouldnt surprise me at all to see him become the #1 fantasy Tight End this year.

3. Morgan Burnett - He looked solid. Came up with an INT and I didnt see him blow any major coverages. I think he will be a solid player going forward, although i do anticipate some rookie mistakes.

All in all it was a good showing. The Pack shut down the Colts' second and third team offenses, but that's of little value. What I took from the first half is that we can be competitive with the best teams in the league. It will just come down to answering the question, "Can the defense come up with the necessary stops in the big games?"

GO PACK!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Can The Pack Live Up to the Hype?

The 2010 NFL season is almost here and there is a lot of football talk going on right now and the Packers are expected by many to do big things this season. But how good are the Packers? Many have them pegged for a Super Bowl appearance...i'm not too sure.

The Pack surely have a Super Bowl Caliber Offense for 2010. Anchored by Aaron Rodgers who has made it seem like #4 was never a Packer at all. Rodgers is an elite QB and he has the swagger to go along with it. The offensive line is in good shape this offseason and Rodgers is going to get more and more opportunity to pick apart defenses this season.

My main concern with the hype that the Packers are getting this season is the defense. We looked good for much of last season, but some bad losses towards the end showed our weaknesses.

The Pack need to get some pressure on the QB so that our defensive backs aren't stuck in coverage too long, and a healthy return of Al Harris would make this team a Super Bowl contender. However, let will need to prove that they can make plays and make stops if they are going to make a run this season. Hopefully Chef Dom comes out of the kitchen and brings the heat early and often with his blitz packages and the Packers become a FEARED defense in this 2010!!!