First, let me start off capping off the Packers week 1 match-up versus Chicago.  I re-watched the 1^st half and took some detailed notes.  (I decided not to watch the 2^nd half for a few reasons, mostly due to the fact my 1-month old was not a fan of me watching a game she’s already seen).

Like I mentioned in my first post, the rush defense in the Base 3-4, was fine.  Aside from Pennell completely blowing assignment by being too aggressive and attacking Cutler, they likely could’ve forced a 3^rd and long on the first series of the game…however, based on how Capers calls a game Chicago likely would’ve picked up the 1^st due to going completely lame and rushing 3 while dropping eight.

Ok, moving on…going into week 2 it’s the 1995 Dallas Cowbo….err, I mean the Seattle Seahawks.  Let me preface by stating If Seattle wore different helmets the Packers might boat-race them out of the stadium.  With that being said, I believe the Packers are the superior team but Seattle has the mental edge.  Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right!  A buddy of mine directed me to Seattle’s beat writers (I read as much as I can on the enemy from their POV (point of view) as I can) and they were concerned about their run game and offensive line, as they should be.  So their thought???  Green Bay is what the doctor ordered (sorry Todd, had to steal it).  It’s true!  Seattle’s offensive line is garbage, the only one worse is Chicago… (Cripes!).  I know the Packers get Datone back, but he’s average at best v. the run and Capers shows no ability to keep the Base D out there to stuff it.

For those of you that are screaming, “Nick!  Capers pitched a shutout v Seattle in their place for 3.9 quarters!”  My response is, “He did, but then explain to me how the D gave up 21 points on Seattle’s final three possessions all in under 6 minutes.”  Awful…personnel changes, coaches stay the same, same results – someone look up the definition of insanity, please.  Sorry, I digress — I can’t pick the Packers to beat Seattle until they actually beat them.  Seattle’s OL is terrible, but the Packers can’t stop the rush anyway, so I’m guessing the Packers can’t hold them under 150 yards rushing, let alone 100!!!  Wilson just finds a way to get it done, even though I think he’s overrated (that defense helps a little).  Rodgers, along with new play-caller Tom Clements, likely will attack Sea’s secondary a bit more aggressively than in the past 3 matchups, but with Bulaga injuring his surgically repaired knee in practice Thursday, and likely out for Sunday, I’m interested to see how that changes formations, etc.

I so desperately want to pick GB, as I did in the preseason, but with the Bulaga injury and now that game time is close I’m going with Seattle 27 Green Bay 24.  If that’s the case I have no idea how my preseason Super Bowl pick will win a ring.  Until that Defense improves, significantly (which I don’t think will happen until Capers is gone) it seems like it’ll be another wasted/failure of a year.  This could be the 8th season of Rodgers starting at QB, the most efficient, accurate, intelligent QB of all time IN HIS PRIME and he’ll only have one ring = WASTE!!!!  Now if the Packers win (which wouldn’t shock me, hell it wouldn’t surprise me) not only will I have a delicious beer with my crow dinner, everything I just said goes by the wayside.

GO PACK GO!!!

Not too many surprises after returning to meaningful football! I picked 12-4 in my first weeks’ projections (from preseason). My biggest shock was Mariota performing so well in his debut. Albeit versus a poor opponent, still an NFL opponent with a lot of hype surrounding both QBs. The Patriots keep on doing what the Pats do…they just win, especially at home. I was caught a bit off guard by the Colts/Bills game, but not overly surprised because Buffalo (as Green Bay found out last year (called that too btw)) is a tough place to get a W. Speaking of Green Bay (nice segway, thanks!)

I haven’t re-watched the game in detail yet, but overall there are a couple of ways I’m looking at this performance. The 1^st team offense hadn’t been together since week 2 of the preseason, and I’m all for that based on the schedule. The Packers are very fortunate to get the Bears in week 1 as a Dress Rehearsal (as if you hadn’t heard that phrase enough in the preseason regarding the 3^rd game) for the game that likely will be the biggest of the year; Seattle.

I’m one of the advocates for Fire Dom Capers…have been for quite some time. It’s not all scheme, I know players are accountable and ultimately Ted, but the scheme was just awful and play-calling was worse. I did notice that on the first series of the game the Packers were in a Base 3-4 with Raji at Nose Tackle and Pennel at Left End. That seemed to clog the run lanes between the Tackles, but didn’t take long for Chicago to adjust. Chicago decided to run outside the Tackles, open up cutback lanes, and also went to 4-wide but keeping Forte in the backfield – Capers decided to counter by taking out a D-lineman and inserting another Defensive Back. Running lanes opened up and they kept pounding. It was apparent Fox wanted to take the ball out of Cutler’s hands (smart) and he can afford to do so by having the lead or being within 1 score. It wasn’t until the Packers put pressure on Chicago by scoring and getting up 8 to force Chicago’s hand to throw.

Again, I’ll re-watch the game tonight and comment/write should I feel I need to add more detail.

Feedback is much appreciated!

nickzurich@hotmail.com

@nickzurich (twitter)

This is my first blog post…the state of Wisconsin deserves better.  A better expectation-level from their fans.  Fans of:

• Green Bay Packers
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Wisconsin Badgers (football and basketball)

Yes my issue is with my peers, my fellow brethren, my friends.  I’ll explain later, however this post is for predictions.  NFL predictions.  I went through each of the 254 (I believe) games on the NFL regular season schedule.  With that, here we go…

NFC West				AFC West
Seattle	12	4		Kansas City	11	5
Arizona	11	5		San Diego	11	5
St. Louis	8	8		Denver	9	7
San Francisco	4	12		Oakland	1	15
NFC South				AFC South
New Orleans	10	6		Indianapolis	13	3
Carolina	8	8		Houston	8	8
Atlanta	8	8		Jacksonville	4	12
Tampa Bay	5	11		Tennessee	3	13
NFC North				AFC North
Green Bay	14	2		Baltimore	11	5
Minnesota	7	9		Cincinnati	10	6
Detroit	6	10		Pittsburgh	8	8
Chicago	5	11		Cleveland	3	13
NFC East				AFC East
Dallas	10	6		New England	12	4
Philadelphia	10	6		Miami	10	6
NY Giants	8	8		Buffalo	7	9
Washington	4	12		NY Jets	5	11

With these standings, I have Arizona and Philadelphia as the wild cards in the NFC with San Diego and Miami (via 4^th tiebreaker) in the AFC.  Thus the matchups in the wild card round would be SD @ KC, Mia @ Bal, Ari @ Dal, and Phi @ NO.  Divisional round being KC @ Ind, Bal @ NE, Ari @ GB, and NO @ Sea.  Championship Sunday matchups: Bal @ Ind; Sea @ GB.  I have Green Bay taking their 5^th Super Bowl victory over Indianapolis in Santa Clara, CA.

I don’t expect this to generate too much controversy or uproar but it’s at least a starting point.  I’m open to any/all feedback so please feel free to share!  My email address is nickzurich@hotmail.com.

GO PACK GO!!!