Month: September 2025

Directional Game in Big D

Posted on by nzurich9

Micah Returns

This is the major national story, and especially in Dallas – Micah Parsons returns to AT&T Stadium. However, in Green Bay, this is another game, and hopefully a get-right game for the Pack. After what could’ve been in Cleveland, and seeing the rest of the division take care of business, Green Bay needs to prove once again they’re one of the top teams in the NFL, and this is the defense to prove it against.

In the last 2 games, Dallas has allowed 37 points to a Russell Wilson-led Giants team and 31 points to a Caleb Williams-led Bears team – making each of those quarterbacks look amazing in doing so; impressive.

Love and the offense must dominate from the start, much like they did in their 2023 Wild Card Playoff game where they jumped to a 48-16 lead in the 4th quarter.

Can The Offense Get Back On Track?

Right Tackle Zach Tom sure seems to be the lynch pin of the entire offense. It was clear in Cleveland, once Tom went out nothing worked properly…Myles Garrett wreaked havoc and nothing worked. Green Bay couldn’t run the ball (Green Bay ranks 27th in the NFL in yards per rush at 3.4), Love didn’t have time to pass, it was a mess. This is odd considering Green Bay over the last 30 years has been one of the most consistent in O-line play regardless of injury. This needs to be corrected and it falls squarely on the shoulders of last year’s 1st round pick, Jordan Morgan. He was drafted for depth and to be the eventual Left Tackle of the future, he must play like it.

Bigger Picture

While losing to Cleveland can be considered as a “Bad Loss,” there have been “Bad Losses” by the last 10 Super Bowl winners.

  • 2024 Eagles lost to 8-9 Atlanta
  • 2023 Chiefs lost to 8-9 Las Vegas
  • 2022 Chiefs lost to 4-12-1 Indianapolis
  • 2021 Rams lost to San Francisco, twice – however SF reached the NFC title game where the Rams beat them
  • 2020 Buccaneers lost to 8-8 Chicago
  • 2019 Chiefs lost to 7-9 Indianapolis
  • 2018 Patriots lost to 6-10 Detroit and 7-9 Miami
  • 2017 Eagles lost to 9-7 Seattle
  • 2016 Patriots lost to 7-9 Buffalo
  • 2015 Denver lost to 7-9 Oakland

These aren’t all “Bad Losses,” however they’re the worst loss by each eventual Super Bowl champion – it goes to show that no one is immune.

Matchup Matrix

These teams are evenly ranked while Dallas has the football – Green Bay possesses the 3rd total defense (entering Week 4) while Dallas has the 4th overall offense. This game will be determined by Love getting the offense back on track considering Dallas has one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

As mentioned before, Dallas surrendered a combined QB rating of 134.2 over the last 2 weeks, to 2 bad Quarterbacks. Again, Love should have his way with the Dallas defense and this with the challenge of RT Zach Tom likely missing the game. Getting Josh Jacobs and the ground game going will be a sight for sore eyes and this is the opportunity to accomplish that mission.

Prediction

Season: 1-2
Overall: 108-71

Whoof

Posted on by nzurich9

How Did This Happen?

As stated in the blog leading up to the game, an ill-timed turnover and special teams’ disasters leaving short fields (which both did), handed the Browns 10 points. That “shouldn’t” have been enough to do the Packers in, but given the offense’s issues…

Jordan Morgan had about as bad a showing as I can remember since Don Barclay. Morgan was thrust into too many positions prior to mastering one…also, LaFleur clearly rushed RT Zach Tom back from injury, lasting only 1 snap, and Morgan was unable to handle Myles Garrett – or anyone else for that fact.

Rookie WR Matthew Golden deciding to run out of bounds when he had a chance to score, and at minimum gain an additional 10-15 yards was another blunder. When you add together the special teams issues, Jordan Morgan, vanilla play-calling, along with Browns S Grant Delpit tricking Jordan Love into an ill-timed interception, well, that’s how you get the Browns to beat the “best team in the league.”

Injuries Are Piling Up

We already mentioned RT Zach Tom, which turned out to be the lynchpin for the entire offense operation. Him moving out had the offensive line in shambles and they were never able to recover. RG Aaron Banks also went out, thrusting Jordan Morgan back to LG (which is his most-experienced position), and he struggled mightily there as well. The last (major) injury came to S Javon Bullard. Bullard has had a great start to the season, and while the defense didn’t seem to miss him, he is an attacking defender that’s very quick and assists in the swarming defense.

Cope: It Was Just 1 Game

This is true, however, if used appropriately, LaFleur and the coaching staff can use this as a callback point should focus become an issue again. Let’s hope this pisses the team off enough to make a statement – playing in Jerry World on Sunday Night Football seems like the perfect opportunity for that game.

Frozen Tundra Meet The Dawg Pound

Posted on by nzurich9

Where Does Each Team Stand?

Green Bay is one of, if not the, best teams in the NFL. They’re tied for 3rd in point differential (+23) meanwhile Cleveland is on the opposite end of the spectrum, currently 0-2 and a point differential of -25 ranking 30th in the NFL. The Browns are working through a rebuild, of sorts, needing to identify a Quarterback of the future, but have Joe Flacco manning the helm right now and is quite serviceable. The Browns have talent, but they’ve been on the struggle bus for some time now.

Prime Matchup: Defenders?

This game will feature the best 2 pass rushers in the NFL. Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons are the premier pass rushers and can wreck a game on their own from the defensive side of the football. We, as Packer fans, now know how good Micah Parsons is, but this will be a good look at how effective Garrett is for the common fan. Meaning – if all-world RT Zach Tom is unable to go, rookie Anthony Belton will have the greatest test a rookie can be tested with…facing Myles Garrett. Depending how Cleveland decides to use Garrett, likely shifting all over the field pre-snap, the Packers might be able to alleviate some pressure on Belton with counters and play action, but this will be a tough test regardless.

Matchup Matrix

These teams boast 2 of the best defenses in the NFL, at least through 2 weeks. They also have the top 2 rush defenses in the NFL. Cleveland also ranks #1 in total defense (yards given up/game), however they’ve been done in by turnovers. This will be the key to the game, as the only way Cleveland will be able to win this game is by winning the turnover battle, they may have to win it by 2 or 3.

When the defense is on the field, they’ll have the advantage in this game, for both Green Bay and Cleveland. Again, whichever teams takes care of the football and is able to get some chunk plays, will win the game. The Packers enter this game as 7 ½ point favorites and it could be tough to cover unless their defense generates a couple of short fields off turnovers.

Prediction Time

Whichever team is more effective vs. the other’s outstanding pass rusher will come out victorious. I should elaborate a bit more on that – for Cleveland that is a must, Green Bay might be able to get away with Garrett wreaking some havoc.

Season: 1-1
Overall: 108-70

Pack Marches Past Commanders

Posted on by nzurich9

The Packers were about as efficient as possible, outside of the penalties. Green Bay committed 10 penalties resulting in 77 yards, and countless points taken off the board (and some added to Washington). Had rookie RT Anthony Belton not committed a hold on Jayden Reed’s touchdown reception, and the Packers didn’t commit a defensive hold on Washington’s 4th down near the goal line, this game easily could’ve been 34-10, just on those two penalties alone.

National Perception

It’s been quite some time since the national media acknowledged the Packers as a true power in the entire league – deservedly so. Green Bay clearly looks to be a top 3 team in the entire NFL, along with Buffalo and Philadelphia. However, even each of Philly’s wins, they easily could’ve lost each game and Buffalo needed an epic comeback against another great team to not drop one.

This is the most-accurate power rankings I could find, I mean I could do it myself, but I’m not concerned with half the league as they won’t even be competing for a playoff spot come Thanksgiving. The top 3 teams are clear, as of now – consisting of Green Bay, Buffalo, and Philadelphia. Each have their flaws, but the Packers undoubtedly look like the most complete team of the 3 having beaten top tier opponents in dominant fashion. It’s a long season, however…

Team Stats

To further prove the Pack’s domination, they relinquished 230 yards across 65 plays (3.5 yards/play) and holding their opponents through 2 weeks to 2.4 yards/rush. They keep that up, it’ll be tough to lose a game unless you commit a bunch of turnovers in your own territory or ones that result in touchdowns (*cough cough* special teams).

The offense, again, has been efficient in ¾ of the games so far, the 3rd quarter is the missing factor. Green Bay has scored 3 points in the 3rd quarter through the first 2 games this season. While starting hot is great, coming out of halftime is a tone-setter for finishing the game. Again, this is nitpicking, but it’s something. Especially if Green Bay gets the ball to start the 2nd half, you want to come out and at least get points to keep momentum.

Tucker Kraft

Kraft had a coming out party on the National stage, but essentially every Packer fan knew who he was and what he’s capable of. This isn’t his first “huge” game and likely won’t be his last. The guy can do it all and he has the right mentality for that position – akin to an aggressive defensive player, takes the attack to his opponent, it’s refreshing. He finished the game with 6 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. He’s more than just a security blanket, but likely the most productive target for Jordan Love. Keeping him available and healthy will be essential for this offense and if it plans to accomplish what many believe can be…

Where Does This Leave Green Bay Now?

Again, while it’s still early, the Packers have put themselves in great shape to start the season and should be eyeing up the 1-seed (homefield advantage throughout the playoffs plus a Wild Card Round bye). Green Bay currently has tiebreakers over Detroit and Washington, whom everyone thinks will be there in the end of the season…assuming Detroit doesn’t finish with a better divisional record than Green Bay (belaboring the point – the Packers ended up looking more impressive after Detroit hung 52 on Chicago last Sunday), but Detroit is now 1-1 in the division.

The game coming up against Cleveland is your typical Trap Game, interconference opponent who’s 0-2, possesses a solid defense, and will be very hungry to get a win.

Cheese Under Siege: Packers Defend Against Commanders

Posted on by nzurich9

It’s the good guys in all-white…the Winter Warning is upon us, again. Tonight is a matchup of playoff teams from a season ago. The Commanders were the surprise of the 2024 season much like the Packers of the 2023, except they won their Divisional Round matchup at the 1-seeded Lions while Green Bay fell to the eventual NFC champion 49ers.

Week 2 Matchup

The Commanders struggled early with the New York Giants. Washington was able to control the game, but New York was in it for much of the matchup. Their defense shut down the G-men, however, Russell Wilson was complicit. Both defenses put forth good showings, however Green Bay’s was far more impressive as it came against 2024’s #1 offense.

Yes, this is only 1 game’s worth of statistics, so the sample size is as small as it can be, but it’s important to show what’s been done. Washington was able to run the ball while Green Bay passed the first test without Kenny Clark. This will be another test and holding Washington’s offense will first come from stopping the run. If play action is there for the taking, 2nd year QB, Jayden Daniels, will have the weapon of his choosing – whether it’s passing to a wide open receiver or taking off and ripping off huge chunks of yardage with his legs. He’s as dangerous a runner at QB as Lamar Jackson, and he might be more accurate. Generating pressure, quick pressure that is, will be paramount, but keeping the rush lane integrity will be just as important. There likely will be less stunts (D linemen shifting across the line to free up other rushers to penetrate) and more pure bull and speed rushes from the outside. Ideally, if the middle can generate a rush while the edges keep contain, that’s where you can get Daniels off his game and you can stifle this Commanders offense.

The other item, we always talk about, are turnovers. Generating them and not giving the football away. This is a great matchup and I fully expect each of these teams to make the playoffs once again, likely each winning at least a game. Whichever QB plays better (again, almost as always) their team will win the game…that comes with taking care of the ball (no turnovers).

Prediction Time

Season: 0-1
Overall: 107-70 (.605)

Silencing the Roar

Posted on by nzurich9

What a satement!!! I can’t remember a time where the Packers opened the season with such a proclamation. Jordan Love and the offense set the tone from the get-go. Green Bay took the opening kickoff and marched 83 yards on 12 plays and finishing in the end zone after a 5:34 drive. The ensuing Detroit possession was a 3 & out after losing 4 yards on the drive. The Packers followed it up with another scoring drive to take command of the game.

Detroit showed some life by putting together a 16-play, 78-yard drive taking off a whopping 9:31 off the clock, but settled for 3. After that kind of drive, had the Lions scored a touchdown, would’ve snatched momentum right back, however LaFleur dialed up a shot-play and the offense executed it to perfection. One play later Jayden Reed was hauling in a touchdown grab to (for all intents and purposes) ice the game. The defense, prior to the meaningless TD, had relinqueshed 181 yards and 6 points in the first 55:38 of the game. That’s incredible considering the Lions had the #1 offense (in scoring) last season. Just a bang up job. If you read last week, you’d know my concern was the rush defense and how it would hold up witih verteran Kenny Clark being traded to Dallas. The Packers held Detroit to 46 yards rushing on 22 attempts (2.1 yards/att.). Makes it difficult to lose when you stuff the run and make the opposing team 1-dimentional.

I like to review the team stats after each game to see if anything sticks out. After a loss, I always check two items: 1. Turnovers; 2. Time of Possession. While Green Bay lost the ToP (time of possession) category, mainly due to Detroit’s 9:31 drive, they controlled the game from the onset and dictated throughout. The 1 turnover in teh game was a direct impact from newcomer Micah Parsons. He made QB Jared Goff very uncomfortable causing him to get “happy feet” which no QB likes. With Goff’s inability to create space with his legs, he had to rush throws and Parson’s quick pressure caused the Evan Williams interception.

Anything to Clean Up?

Jordan Love was amazing on the first 3 drives of the game, racking up 184 yards on 21 plays, taking off 9:41 from the clock while putting up 17 points (5.667 points/possession). Absolutely dominant, however there were 2 plays that easily could’ve swung the game away from them and put Detroit in the driver’s chair. The first was a pick-6 Love threw while targeting Tucker Kraft. Brian Branch, who took Tucker Kraft’s helmet and tossed it on the opening drive of the season, came up with a pick-6, however there were 2 penalties on the play, both against Detroit – and both were ticky-tack, at best. Detroit CB, Rock Ya-Sin, was called for defensive holding nullifying the interception. By rule, it was defensive holding, however in the playoffs the refs likely let them play. The other penalty, which Green Bay declined, was on DE Adam Hutchinson, for hitting Jordan Love during the interception return. The rule is in place to protect the QB, however Love was heading towards Branch and Hutchinson put him on the ground…it’s football and these guys are wearing pads, but I digress.

All in all, a total team win and an A+ start to the season. Big test coming up in Week 2, and a short week at that!

Year 3 of the Rebuild – It’s GO Time!

Posted on by nzurich9
The reigning NFC 1-seed and NFC North Champs head to Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 7th to take on the news-making Green Bay Packers.

Detroit is coming off their best season in franchise history, and retained many of their players however, lost both of their coordinators (OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn). Due to these departures many claim that Detroit will have a “fall off” season. I believe they’ll drop their win total a bit, but not due to the coordinators vacating, but due to Washington exposing them in the playoffs last year. Let’s keep in mind, Dan Campbell is a master motivator and a very good Head Coach. With that, he depends on his coordinators and positional coaches to scheme for the team. Time will tell if the Lions can retain their spot atop the NFC, but that’s awfully hard to do when you don’t lose your brain trust.

Matchup Matrix

Detroit was the best team in point differential a season ago, while Green Bay finished 6th in that category. The Lions’ defense was a problem for them, and the reason they got smoked in the Divisional Round vs. the Commanders last year. The Motor City Kitties were missing star pass rusher, Aiden Hutchinson, for a majority of the season and get him back – we’ll see if he’s back to full health. On the flip side, the Lions should have (one of) the best offense(s) in the NFL and a major victory for any team will be holding them to <30 points every game.

The 2024 Packers seemed like a team that never got rolling, and while it did feel like that (and is more true than not) Green Bay did improve their record from 2023 by 2 games while leaving 5 losses that easily could’ve (should’ve) been wins. This team is close and when they put together a game (they did 1-2 times last year) they’re unbeatable. This matchup could easily be the best two teams in the NFC, maybe the NFL and we get it in Week 1 in a divisional matchup!

We’ve covered the major acquisition (Micah Parsons) for the Packers as well as discussed, the major departures (Clark and Slaton) which will negatively impact the rush defense (ranked 7th against the run in 2024), but the biggest difference this season and what will propel the Packers to a Super Bowl championship aren’t those two areas…it’ll be the health and efficiency of their Quarterback, Jordan Love. In each of the previous 2 Hall of Fame QB’s Green Bay has had, in their 3rd seasons as starters, they had immense success:

  • 2010 Aaron Rodgers: won Super Bowl XLV
  • 1994 Brett Favre: took the Packers to the Divisional Round and lost to the Dallas Dynasty

This is Love’s 3rd year as The Man and a Divisional Round loss won’t cut it. However, Favre was only age 25 in his 3rd year starting while Rodgers and Love were 27. It’s been covered, but each of the previously mentioned Hall of Famers won Super Bowls in the year they turned 27…Love turns 27 on November 2nd this year.

What does this have to do with the game? Both of these teams’ expectations are to win the Super Bowl, and anything less should be considered a failure of a season. Expect a tight game, likely throughout with neither team having a lead larger than 14 points at any given time and it will come down to the last possession. If it’s a shootout, it favors Detroit as they have playmakers-a-plenty on offense and the Packers have a bunch of unknowns at defensive back (Nixon is solid)…Packer fans are not familiar with Hobbs (free agent signee from Las Vegas), and Bo Melton switched from WR to CB this camp and hasn’t played during live bullets.

As stated above, if the Packers can hold Detroit to less than 30 points, they should win and it would be huge considering Green Bay’s first 2 games are against 2 of the best the NFC has to offer – not only from a competitive standpoint, but the tiebreakers will be huge!

Prediction Time

Detroit boasts the better team as they’ve won 4 consecutive games in Lambeau Field. It’s time for that to change, but will it? I think with the addition of Micah Parsons, Green Bay has the tools to beat everyone, however he’ll likely be on a snap count (missing the entire Summer camp comes at a cost) as well as Jayden Reed missing significant time, among others (Hobbs, Lloyd, Love, etc.) there will be quite a bit of rust to knock off prior to playing their best ball.

Overall: 107-69 (.608)

Nonstop Activity

Posted on by nzurich9

In arguably the biggest non-draft acquisition since Reggie White, the Green Bay Packers have committed to NOW. The challenge for Packer Nation will be the increased expectations. This move isn’t to win a (singular) Super Bowl. This is to win multiple rings in the next 4 years. It’s a good thing. The team was trending to win a Super Bowl in this 4-year window prior to acquiring the best, youngest pass rusher in the NFL, however now that Parsons is here, it’s go time!

Akin to Reggie White, Parsons is the only player to have 12+ sacks in each of his first four NFL seasons, and with Green Bay acquiring him, it elevates the already heightened urgency at 1265 Lombardi Ave. Speaking of Lombardi, Micah Parsons will be the first Packer to don #1 since Curly Lambeau…drawing even more attention and expectations. All in all, this makes the Packers a much better team, but it came at a significant cost; two 1st round draft picks (2026 & 2027); DT Kenny Clark. While Clark seems old, he’s only 29 and likely has another 3-4 prime seasons left. If he doesn’t, then the trade favors Green Bay even more. The upside to this trade is that drafting/developing a Hall of Fame player is already hard enough, so when you can acquire one, it always helps.

This move may have happened due to Packers new President, Ed Policy, essentially communicating that “we’ll see” about Head Coach Matt Lafleur’s and General Manager Brian Gutekunst’s job security. That likely upped the urgency for them to make a splash now vs. waiting to see if the roster they rebuilt is in line to accomplish a goal worthy of hanging a banner in Lambeau Field – winning a World Championship.

2025 NFL Season…How Will It Play Out?

The NFL season kicks off tonight with the defending champs, the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the circus of the Dallas Cowboys. While Green Bay gave up quite a bit, the return of a 26-year old, Hall of Fame-pace, edge rusher seems like quite the deal…for the Packers. Most of the NFL world was shocked, as I was, to see Green Bay land Micah Parsons for only two 1st round picks and an aging DT in Kenny Clark. Leave it to Jerry Jones to bring the attention to the Cowboys, something they succeed at, consistently, whether it’s good or not.

How will the season shake out? Will Philly win back-to-back? Will Kansas City keep their reign of supremecy over the AFC? Maybe this is the year Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen finally get over the Chief hurdle and make the Super Bowl.

I, as every year, went through every game for every team, selecting a winner and loser so their records are appropriate based off those selections. Keep in mind, these records may be accurate, but it’s more likely the seeding is a bit more accurate than the records resemble.

I expect Detroit to have a bit of a setback, yes due to both coordinators leaving, but they’ve been riding high for 2 seasons and I believe Washington exposed Detroit in the Divisional Round last year. Detroit seems vulnerable to aggressive offenses…they’re still a very good team, but I don’t believe they’ll earn the 1-seed and will be in a fight for the division.

Buffalo is another team that may struggle a bit more than seasons past and while still very talented and well-coached, will likely “struggle” relative to what the Bills have been. There are always surprise teams, but there are teams I expect to take a jump. Most notably the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos. Both teams seem to be trending strongly in the right direction and put up a decent showing last season.

Wild Card Round

There are some great matchups, and I believe that San Francisco will be one of the strongest teams in the NFL this year and will show it by knocking off Detroit for the second time in 3 years. The Packers will get the up-and-coming Commanders, but must hold homefield advantage when they can…we shall see.

Divisional Round

The Packers have a chance at retribution against San Francisco, ideally beating them in a home playoff game and giving Shanahan a much-needed loss…considering Rodgers is no longer quarterbacking the Packers, this is a likely scenario.

Championship Sunday

One of the best sports days of the year, Championship Sunday. This poses rematches, on the AFC side a repeat of the 2021 (Jan ’22) AFC title game, and Burrow gets it done again. Sending the Bengals to the Super Bowl for the second time in four seasons. In the NFC, another Packers v Eagles playoff matchup. Expect the Packers to put forth greater execution, but the Eagles’ offensive line and Saquon Barkely are too much to handle with the absense of Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton on the D-line. This would set up a great star-studded matchup between Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts.

Philadelphia has the best roster for postseason success – a great defense, the best offensive line, the best running back, and a capable QB that is responsible with the football. That puts so much pressure on the opposition to be perfect and when there’s pressure to be perfect you get execution akin to the Packers in Philadelphia in last year’s Wild Card. The Eagles pose a huge threat to Cincinnati’s deficiencies (rush D and defense overall) that Burrow will want to get into a shootout, but Philly typically dictates the pace of the game and can win in any manner. The Eagles will hoist the Lombardi trophy once again…then again, I’ve been wrong many times before.