The Pre-game Thread: Week 13 at Green Bay

Saints Rest · Nov 24, 2014

SeoulSoxFan said:
The Pre-game Thread returns!

And what a game it is.

#1 scoring offense (NE) vs #2 (GB)

Longest winning streak (NE) vs 2nd longest (GB)

Highest point differential (NE) vs 2nd highest (GB)

#1 seed in AFC (NE) vs #2 seed in NFC (GB)

Revis & Browner vs. Jordy Nelson & Randall Cobb

and of course, Brady vs. Rodgers

NE is 4-2 vs. teams with winning records, while GB is 2-2. As good as NE's passing attack has been, GB's been another level with #1 "Real Passing Yards per Attempt" according to ColdHardFootballFacts.com.

One weakness of GB may be its DL, with an average pass rush and subpar run defense (#21 before yesterday's game). GB is also only #21 in the league vs. #1 receivers and #19 vs TEs.

As ironic as it may sound, if NE's front-seven stays disciplined and contain the run Brady & Co. may just outscore GB to a close (upset) win.

So naturally, the final score will be 13-9.

lostjumper · Nov 24, 2014

It's going to be cold with a good chance of snow. Add GB's below average run defense into the mix, and a repeat of the gampelan vs the colts seems to be in order. Should see lots of Gray and LGBT on Sunday.

Also hope Flemming is back. Him coming in as the 6th o-lineman makes a huge difference(pun intended) on their run package.

Kenny F'ing Powers · Nov 24, 2014

Reposting here because it may be more relevant:

Kenny F'ing Powers said:
Over the last two weeks against teams with multiple WR threats, we've seen a pattern emerge from the Patriots secondary.

Colts - Revis covers Reggie Wayne (#2 option), rest of secondary covers #1 option (bracket coverage).

Lions - Revis covers Golden Tate (#2 option), Browner/safeties over top cover #1 option (Calvin Johnson).

Depending on match ups, this is something they've done throughout the season. Revis on Greg Jennings (when teams still had respect for Cordarrelle Patterson) and Revis on Emmanuel Sanders. It's apparent that the Patriots are using their shutdown corner in less traditional methods. They completely lock down the second best player with Revis, and choose to bracket - in some form - the #1 option.

No matter how great a corner is (and Revis is great), BB seems to feel that bracketing the best receiver is more successful than trying to man him up 1-on-1 with your best corner. It's interesting (and working).

I also think that we can assume going into next week that the Patriots defense aligns in a very similar scheme as they did this week against the Lions. Like Detroit, Green Bay has a strong, fast #1 WR (Nelson), and a fantastic possession WR (Cobb). I feel comfortable saying that we see a lot of Revis on Cobb and Browner/bracket coverage on Nelson. It's a recipe that has been working, and I feel uncomfortably comfortable with the Patriots defense against the Packers offense next week.

Stitch01 · Nov 24, 2014

I think this is going to be like the Denver game where matchups are more varied and they're going to need to use a variety of pressure schemes to get to Rodgers. Im not sure Id classify Cobb as a possession receiver, I think GB uses Cobb and Nelson a bit more interchangeably than that label applies, and I think Rodgers is going to make plays if he has time regardless of what coverage schemes they use in the secondary.

I think the Colts and Lions game plans were based in part on the fact that, as great as Revis is, leaving him without safety help with Calvin Johnson and TY Hilton for most of the game probably wasn't going to be feasible (particularly given flagball 2014 rules) so it was better to have Revis take the #2 guy 1-on-1 and have 10 other chess pieces to work with on defense. Im not sure they can just stick Revis on Cobb all day without help and get as positive a result.

amarshal2 · Nov 24, 2014

lostjumper said:
It's going to be cold with a good chance of snow. Add GB's below average run defense into the mix, and a repeat of the gampelan vs the colts seems to be in order. Should see lots of Gray and LGBT on Sunday.

Also hope Flemming is back. Him coming in as the 6th o-lineman makes a huge difference(pun intended) on their run package.

I think this is right. I'm not sure they're going to copy the Indy game plan exactly but I expect a big emphasis on the run. GB has a tough pass defense (tied with Pats in Y/PA...obviously not an end all/be all) and they are tied for 2nd in the NFL with 15 INTs. By contrast their run D appears to be clearly below average, allowing 4.5 Y/RA, good for 28th in the NFL.

This is the biggest weakness I see in GB and I expect BB to utilize this Swiss Army Knife of a team he's built to attack that weakness.

Stitch01 said:
I think this is going to be like the Denver game where matchups are more varied and they're going to need to use a variety of pressure schemes to get to Rodgers. Im not sure Id classify Cobb as a possession receiver, I think GB uses Cobb and Nelson a bit more interchangeably than that label applies, and I think Rodgers is going to make plays if he has time regardless of what coverage schemes they use in the secondary.

I think the Colts and Lions game plans were based in part on the fact that, as great as Revis is, leaving him without safety help with Calvin Johnson and TY Hilton for most of the game probably wasn't going to be feasible (particularly given flagball 2014 rules) so it was better to have Revis take the #2 guy 1-on-1 and have 10 other chess pieces to work with on defense. Im not sure they can just stick Revis on Cobb all day without help and get as positive a result.

I also think this is right. I don't think it's "let's put Revis on 2nd best receiver and bracket the best receiver" I think they're playing match-up to best suit strengths (Swiss Army Knife!). Belichick really doesn't ever do things just one way and then become rigid about adjusting (see Carroll, Pete). Reiss sounded all impressed with the way they decided not to put Revis on Calvin where he's had success but I think when you considered the personnel (Browner + McCourty) this really wasn't surprising at all. I'm a comparative football moron and I posted somewhere that I fully expected this approach. Just made too much sense.

Cobb and Nelsen are more similar than they are complimentary so I expect the Pats to be extremely flexible in their approach, changing match-ups and doing everything they can to confuse Rodgers.

--------
Ultimately I see the Pats as the superior team on a neutral field. They really don't have the weakness the Packers appear to have with the run. I also think the Pats just have more talent on defense, particularly with the secondary. Offensively, the Packers do have Rodgers ability to scramble that the Pats really don't in terms of an added dimension that stands out a bit. Having to spy Rodgers makes the game plan more of a challenge than what they did vs. Denver. Both teams have done an outstanding job in turnover margin ranking 1st (GB, +15) and 2nd (NE, +11) in the NFL. Those are what I see as the X factors in terms of this match-up along of course with Green Bay having home field advantage. Prediction: Barring turn overs, this game will be decided by the Pats ability to run on GB, setting up the passing attach to out gun the Pack. I think Pats win a high scoring squeaker.

------------
Side note: Obviously, I really do love the Swiss Army Knife analogy for this Patriots team. More than any I can remember they are just so versatile and so deep. They can really do whatever they want. It's not just run/pass (bringing Flemming in) or the secondary match-ups either. Hightower and Collins have shown tremendous versatility be it run D, pass rush, or coverage. Nink has had his moments dropping into coverage. And of course Gronk is the ultimate run/pass mismatch when he's blocking like he did in Indy.

MentalDisabldLst · Nov 24, 2014

SeoulSoxFan said:
Rodgers has a whopping 140+ QBR when 3rd & 9+ yards to go. So don't do too good of a job on 1st & 2nd downs?!?

I thought QBR only went to 100. So he's so good, he broke the scale?

edit: obligatory...

steveluck7 · Nov 24, 2014

MentalDisabldLst said:
I thought QBR only went to 100. So he's so good, he broke the scale?

He's the "Kim Kardashian's ass" of QBR

Devizier · Nov 24, 2014

Aaron Rodgers just tweeted Kobe Bryant a happy birthday.

If you need any reason to hate the guy, there it is. (I hated him already thanks to the commercials).

lostjumper · Nov 24, 2014

Then again, the biggest key to this game may be decided before hand... the officiating crew. If it's Bogar's crew, or the crew from yesterday(defensive holding on a DL??? WTF) could be a tough game.

Super Nomario · Nov 24, 2014

amarshal2 said:
I also think this is right. I don't think it's "let's put Revis on 2nd best receiver and bracket the best receiver" I think they're playing match-up to best suit strengths (Swiss Army Knife!). Belichick really doesn't ever do things just one way and then become rigid about adjusting (see Carroll, Pete). Reiss sounded all impressed with the way they decided not to put Revis on Calvin where he's had success but I think when you considered the personnel (Browner + McCourty) this really wasn't surprising at all. I'm a comparative football moron and I posted somewhere that I fully expected this approach. Just made too much sense.

I think the other thing is where these guys line up. Revis can play in the slot or outside. Reggie Wayne and Golden Tate both spend about 64% of their time in the slot. You don't really want to put Browner or Dennard in the slot, but if you put Arrington or Ryan on them they'll have to match up outside at times. Cobb is more of a pure slot guy (spending 90% of his time there), so I wouldn't be surprised to see Arrington on him and Revis and Browner playing sides.

MentalDisabldLst · Nov 24, 2014

Is there a "SoSH of the Green Bay Packers" site out there that we can visit, learn from, and/or harangue?

Morgan's Magic Snowplow · Nov 24, 2014

Stitch01 said:
I think this is going to be like the Denver game where matchups are more varied and they're going to need to use a variety of pressure schemes to get to Rodgers. Im not sure Id classify Cobb as a possession receiver, I think GB uses Cobb and Nelson a bit more interchangeably than that label applies, and I think Rodgers is going to make plays if he has time regardless of what coverage schemes they use in the secondary.

I think the Colts and Lions game plans were based in part on the fact that, as great as Revis is, leaving him without safety help with Calvin Johnson and TY Hilton for most of the game probably wasn't going to be feasible (particularly given flagball 2014 rules) so it was better to have Revis take the #2 guy 1-on-1 and have 10 other chess pieces to work with on defense. Im not sure they can just stick Revis on Cobb all day without help and get as positive a result.

I think its is generally right. The other big factor with GB is that they don't have a really dynamic TE in the passing game (unlike DEN with Thomas, IND with Fleener, or even DET with Ebron) and don't target the TE position all that much. A lot of our gameplan against Denver seemed to be keyed on taking away Julius Thomas with LB/S brackets and we took Browner off WRs to play him on Fleener against IND (without much success). I'm not sure we'll have to do either of those kinds of things against GB, which should allow more flexibility in other areas of the coverage scheme.

On offense, I think we'll run the ball a lot. The teams that have had the most success against GB in recent years have been able to beat them up at the LoS on both sides of the ball. Seattle ran for over 200 yards against them earlier this year, SF has beaten them in the playoff two years straight by manhandling them in the run game. GB has the 21st rated run defense by DVOA (through Week 10) this year so this still looks like a weakness.

Stitch01 · Nov 24, 2014

I think even that 9th by DVOA against the pass is a bit inflated.

Pats will run the ball a lot although the Packers biggest weakness in recent years has been against read-option, which obviously isn't applicable this game.

amarshal2 · Nov 24, 2014

Super Nomario said:
I think the other thing is where these guys line up. Revis can play in the slot or outside. Reggie Wayne and Golden Tate both spend about 64% of their time in the slot. You don't really want to put Browner or Dennard in the slot, but if you put Arrington or Ryan on them they'll have to match up outside at times. Cobb is more of a pure slot guy (spending 90% of his time there), so I wouldn't be surprised to see Arrington on him and Revis and Browner playing sides.

Interesting, thanks. Do you think there's any chance Arrington (or Ryan or Butler) gets the start in base over Browner? To your point in the other thread, this seems like a tough match-up game for Browner as both guys are more complete receivers than a guy like Hilton where the bracket worked so well.

Edit: This is assuming that Cobb and Nelson both are on the field during most 2 WR sets. Maybe that's wrong.

Phragle · Nov 24, 2014

Kenny F'ing Powers said:
Reposting here because it may be more relevant:

Stitch01 said:
I think the Colts and Lions game plans were based in part on the fact that, as great as Revis is, leaving him without safety help with Calvin Johnson and TY Hilton for most of the game probably wasn't going to be feasible (particularly given flagball 2014 rules) so it was better to have Revis take the #2 guy 1-on-1 and have 10 other chess pieces to work with on defense. Im not sure they can just stick Revis on Cobb all day without help and get as positive a result.

I'm actually with KFP here. I think they can just stick Revis on Cobb all day without help and get a positive result. Hilton has mismatch speed and Johnson has mismatch size. I like Cobb, but I don't think he has anything to beat Revis. Mostly I'd try to bracket Nelson and use Revis on Cobb.

I'm actually much more interested in how they stop Rodgers. I don't get to watch him as much as I'd like, but I feel like he makes a lot of big plays when he escapes the pocket and coverages break down. Need to keep him contained and make his time to throw as low as possible. Also not to go too Gregg Williams, but I think Rodgers is soft. I'd like to see them get chippy with him.

tims4wins · Nov 24, 2014

The plan will be similar to Indy - they contained Luck quite well

Tony C · Nov 25, 2014

amarshal2 said:
I al I don't think it's "let's put Revis on 2nd best receiver and bracket the best receiver" I think they're playing match-up to best suit strengths (Swiss Army Knife!). Belichick really doesn't ever do things just one way and then become rigid about adjusting (see Carroll, Pete). ....

Cobb and Nelsen are more similar than they are complimentary so I expect the Pats to be extremely flexible in their approach, changing match-ups and doing everything they can to confuse Rodgers.

--------

amarshal2 said:
Interesting, thanks. Do you think there's any chance Arrington (or Ryan or Butler) gets the start in base over Browner? To your point in the other thread, this seems like a tough match-up game for Browner as both guys are more complete receivers than a guy like Hilton where the bracket worked so well.

Edit: This is assuming that Cobb and Nelson both are on the field during most 2 WR sets. Maybe that's wrong.

I kind of wonder about this, too. My guess with Revis is they'll play him against Nelson -- really looking forward to that Nelson/Revis battle, should be great, great viewing. But Arrington or Ryan (Dennard, too, per how he played last year -- no idea what his issue is this season) match up better against Cobb than does Browner, so agree with your thought in that respect. Maybe Browner on Quarless/R Rodgers?

I'm psyched for this game -- the idea of Blount and Gray running on the non-frozen non-tundra Lambeau Field is exciting, as is Rodgers and Brady going mano-a-mano.

Toe Nash · Nov 25, 2014

BigSoxFan said:
So far this year:

Pats: 115
NFC North: 39

Complete the domination.

Yeah. GB is very good and the class of the division, but look at their schedule they don't really have any impressive wins. Even ignoring the beginning of the year, their best win was a last-second comeback against Miami. They've been blowing out teams they should be blowing out and I know you can only beat who's on your schedule but I'm skeptical of the "Super Bowl Preview" at this point.

H78 · Nov 25, 2014

The Packers offensive is a big time "timing" attack. A lot like the old Indy offense when Peyton was there. He often hits the first man, releases the ball quickly.

I suspect a lot of man coverage and bumping off the line. Force Rodgers to go to his second read (Cobb), who should be blanketed by Revis. I think the Pats really beat up on GB in this game.

DaughtersofDougMirabelli · Nov 25, 2014

Toe Nash said:
Yeah. GB is very good and the class of the division, but look at their schedule they don't really have any impressive wins. Even ignoring the beginning of the year, their best win was a last-second comeback against Miami. They've been blowing out teams they should be blowing out and I know you can only beat who's on your schedule but I'm skeptical of the "Super Bowl Preview" at this point.

It's all about Lambeau. If the Packers could grab the 1 seed or even a BYE they'll be tough to beat and should have a clear path to Arizona.

Packers at home: 53-20 vs PHI, 55-14 vs CHI, 38-17 vs CAR, 42-10 vs MIN. And none of these games were close.
Halftime scores: 30-6 vs PHI, 42-0 vs CHI, 28-3 vs CAR, 28-0 vs MIN.
The only game that wasn't a blow out was week 3 vs NYJ 31-24. They killed all these teams at home, and they killed them before they were even half way over. A lot of times it isn't just about who you beat but how you beat them and they've looked tremendous at home.

That 53-20 win vs PHI is when everyone jumped on team Packers. It was a week after trouncing the Bears, when people still weren't sure if the Bears were any good (the Pats had just killed them) and everyone saw this as a matchup between the NFC Elite. They beat Philly in every phase of the game, scoring TDs in all 3 facets, Offense, Defense (pick 6), Special Teams (punt return TD).

I personally don't think the Sanchez lead Eagles are as good as their record, They turned the ball over 4 times (2 INTs, 2 fumbles) in that game, but it was still an impressive beatdown.

Aaron Rodgers has thrown 29 straight TDs at home without a single interception. That's an impressive streak and a reason this team is so good at Lambeau.

Toe Nash · Nov 25, 2014

Lots of teams are good at home though. If you look at every team with a winning record, they are a combined 79-21-1 at home and 4 teams besides the Pack have no home losses.

I dunno, I just don't see a whole lot different from last year's team which lost at home in the playoffs and only put up 20 points. It will come down to matchups, surely.

Devizier · Nov 25, 2014

I'm hoping for a "National Guard" game, with Gronkowski playing the role of Shannon Sharpe.

Kenny F'ing Powers · Nov 25, 2014

Tony C said:
I kind of wonder about this, too. My guess with Revis is they'll play him against Nelson -- really looking forward to that Nelson/Revis battle, should be great, great viewing. But Arrington or Ryan (Dennard, too, per how he played last year -- no idea what his issue is this season) match up better against Cobb than does Browner, so agree with your thought in that respect. Maybe Browner on Quarless/R Rodgers?

I'm psyched for this game -- the idea of Blount and Gray running on the non-frozen non-tundra Lambeau Field is exciting, as is Rodgers and Brady going mano-a-mano.

Time will tell if I'm wrong on that - and there are a whole lot of people that disagree with me - but I still feel that Browner ends up on Nelson more than Revis does.

People seem to underestimate the size that Nelson brings to the table. Dude is 6'3, 220 pounds. Randall Cobb is 5'10, 190 pounds. I have concerns with Nelsons straight line speed as well, but shading a safety over the top is a great way to neutralize that advantage.

Revis is a very psychical corner, but their are limitations to being 5'11. I think Revis can do a good job neutralizing either WR (to a degree), but if we stick revis on Nelson, we don't have a corner that can match up well with Cobb, where as Browner/safety can do a very good job on Nelson.

Stitch01 · Nov 25, 2014

One other thing, and maybe Im getting a little cute with this thought, is that I think it might be in the Pats best interests to play a bit of poker with the game plan in this one and not tip what a potential Super Bowl game plan might entail.

Seels · Nov 25, 2014

Stitch01 said:
One other thing, and maybe Im getting a little cute with this thought, is that I think it might be in the Pats best interests to play a bit of poker with the game plan in this one and not tip what a potential Super Bowl game plan might entail.

Too cute. This assumes BB can't just come up with a different plan.

MainerInExile · Nov 25, 2014

Kenny F'ing Powers said:
Revis is a very psychical corner, but their are limitations to being 5'11. I think Revis can do a good job neutralizing either WR (to a degree), but if we stick revis on Nelson, we don't have a corner that can match up well with Cobb, where as Browner/safety can do a very good job on Nelson.

Cobb plays mostly in the slot. Arrington is a possibility.

Phragle · Nov 25, 2014

Stitch01 said:
One other thing, and maybe Im getting a little cute with this thought, is that I think it might be in the Pats best interests to play a bit of poker with the game plan in this one and not tip what a potential Super Bowl game plan might entail.

Maybe they hold a few things back on offense if they have that luxury, but you also have to consider it unlikely they meet again. I certainly don't think they'd hold anything back if it put the game in question.

amarshal2 · Nov 25, 2014

Kenny F'ing Powers said:
Time will tell if I'm wrong on that - and there are a whole lot of people that disagree with me - but I still feel that Browner ends up on Nelson more than Revis does.

People seem to underestimate the size that Nelson brings to the table. Dude is 6'3, 220 pounds. Randall Cobb is 5'10, 190 pounds. I have concerns with Nelsons straight line speed as well, but shading a safety over the top is a great way to neutralize that advantage.

Revis is a very psychical corner, but their are limitations to being 5'11. I think Revis can do a good job neutralizing either WR (to a degree), but if we stick revis on Nelson, we don't have a corner that can match up well with Cobb, where as Browner/safety can do a very good job on Nelson.

You might be right. I did overlook Jordy's size. And with the threat of that back shoulder throw it could make sense to put Browner on him and tell him to be aggressive with McCourty bracketing for the double move and such. Then with Cobb 90% slot you could leave Revis on him.

I don't think it's a "Revis takes #2, Browner and McCourty take #1 rule" but a matchup that makes sense.

LogansDad · Nov 25, 2014

Stitch01 said:
One other thing, and maybe Im getting a little cute with this thought, is that I think it might be in the Pats best interests to play a bit of poker with the game plan in this one and not tip what a potential Super Bowl game plan might entail.

Planning for a Super Bowl matchup doesn't matter if you don't get to the Super Bowl. As home field isn't locked up yet, a loss in this game could be detrimental to that goal and I doubt that BB and company would play this game in any way, shape or form that they think gives them less of an advantage in THIS game.

Devizier · Nov 25, 2014

Kenny F'ing Powers said:
Time will tell if I'm wrong on that - and there are a whole lot of people that disagree with me - but I still feel that Browner ends up on Nelson more than Revis does.

People seem to underestimate the size that Nelson brings to the table. Dude is 6'3, 220 pounds. Randall Cobb is 5'10, 190 pounds. I have concerns with Nelsons straight line speed as well, but shading a safety over the top is a great way to neutralize that advantage.

Revis is a very psychical corner, but their are limitations to being 5'11. I think Revis can do a good job neutralizing either WR (to a degree), but if we stick revis on Nelson, we don't have a corner that can match up well with Cobb, where as Browner/safety can do a very good job on Nelson.

I agree, but it's worth noting that Revis did a whole lot of damage against Randy Moss, who was even bigger and faster than Jordy Nelson.

Super Nomario · Nov 25, 2014

Devizier said:
I agree, but it's worth noting that Revis did a whole lot of damage against Randy Moss, who was even bigger and faster than Jordy Nelson.

Or not going back that far, against A.J. Green earlier this year. I think the Patriots would be comfortable with Revis on Nelson and the matchups will come down to what they feel are there best matchups elsewhere - maybe that's Browner on Nelson and Revis on Cobb, maybe it's Revis on Nelson, Arrington on Cobb, and Browner on Adams, maybe it's playing sides more than matchups.

kolbitr · Nov 25, 2014

One point that has been noted elsewhere is that Browner has tended to struggle against smallish receivers...I'm not sure exactly what qualifies as short in this case, but I believe it was 5'11" or less?

Steve's Big Apple · Nov 25, 2014

Super Nomario said:
Or not going back that far, against A.J. Green earlier this year. I think the Patriots would be comfortable with Revis on Nelson and the matchups will come down to what they feel are there best matchups elsewhere - maybe that's Browner on Nelson and Revis on Cobb, maybe it's Revis on Nelson, Arrington on Cobb, and Browner on Adams, maybe it's playing sides more than matchups.

Agree with all of this, but worth mentioning that Browner was inactive when they matched Revis on Green.

Super Nomario · Nov 25, 2014

Steve's Big Apple said:
Agree with all of this, but worth mentioning that Browner was inactive when they matched Revis on Green.

Sure, I'm just saying that Revis can handle these kind of receivers, and that the Pats won't have any qualms about matching him up on Nelson if that's what they decide is best. They may decide (as KFP thinks) to put him on Cobb, but that will be because they like Browner on Nelson more than Arrington on Cobb, not because they don't want Revis against Nelson.

Kenny F'ing Powers · Nov 25, 2014

I think people are twisting my original post a little.

Im on the phone and cant quote accurately, but I did state "based on matchup" I like Revis on Cobb, and I cited Green Bay's WR structure to be similar to Denvers and Detroits.

This isnt a "stick Revis on the second best receiver" thing. Its a matchup thing, and most people still seem to feel that he'll be on Nelson, which is certainly possible. I just think the matchups work better with Revis on Cobb.

Tony C · Nov 26, 2014

Yep, that might well be...your argument certainly makes perfect sense. I just don't like Browner on Nelson -- Nelson is such a sly receiver that, despite his height, he's not someone I trust Browner against, even with safety help. Given that Browner looked brilliant against Calvin Johnson, I'm probably just being too clever by half.

Going to be an interesting chess match.

Mugsy's Jock · Nov 26, 2014

MentalDisabldLst said:
Is there a "SoSH of the Green Bay Packers" site out there that we can visit, learn from, and/or harangue?

Packer Chatters seems pretty good. You won't be surprised to learn that the general tenor there is confident, but totally respectful. More about loving the Packers than hating the Pats. Like Wisconsin hockey fans.

I'm not old enough to remember the Lombardi years, but I've been a Packer fan since the John Brockington-MacArthur Lane-Fred Carr days. But Sunday they're back to "second favorite team" status.

Edit: http://forum.packerchatters.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=959u425lt0arfe7v8h4rfkv4j6&board=3.0

Mugsy's Jock · Nov 26, 2014

Following up on my post above, the other substantial forum out there out of Packerville is PackerRats, which feels just a shade less happy-with-the-world than PackerChatters (and, as a result, is a more fun read).

They sure do hate AJ Hawk...

http://packerrats.com/forumdisplay.php?9-Green-Bay-Packers&s=471ece5bed7b16df5070036e41f1015c

C4CRVT · Nov 26, 2014

It seems like a big part of shutting down GB's passing game is going to be covering Lacy as he comes out of the backfield. He's third on the team in receptions. Obviously he's a bigger part of their passing game than their TEs.

C4CRVT · Nov 26, 2014

It's going to be a big test of the LB corps, containing Rodgers and keeping track of Lacy.

tims4wins · Nov 27, 2014

Not sure where else to put this but are the Pats on any sort of clock with Siliga where they have to either activate him or release him?

Super Nomario · Nov 27, 2014

tims4wins said:
Not sure where else to put this but are the Pats on any sort of clock with Siliga where they have to either activate him or release him?

Pretty good rundown here: http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/09/nfl_short-term_injured_reserve_how_it_works_what_it_means_to_giants_ol_geoff_schwartz.html

The rules state:

A player who has been designated for return is ineligible to practice until six weeks have elapsed since the date he was placed on Reserve, and is not eligible to return to the Active/Inactive List until eight weeks have elapsed since the date he was placed on Reserve. The business day (prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time) that the player is placed on Reserve counts as the first day.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 counts as Schwartz's first day on the list.

• At any point after six weeks, Schwartz can begin practicing with the team. Whenever he takes the field, that starts a 21-day clock where the Giants must decide whether to active him or shut him down for the season.

I believe Siliga hasn't started officially practicing yet (walkthroughs don't count), but when he does that starts a 21-day clock where they need to activate or leave him on IR all year. He can start practicing at any time now.

tims4wins · Nov 27, 2014

Got it, thanks. If he is healthy but they don't have a roster spot for him and then placed him on season ending IR (total hypothetical), could he file a grievance?

Super Nomario · Nov 27, 2014

tims4wins said:
Got it, thanks. If he is healthy but they don't have a roster spot for him and then placed him on season ending IR (total hypothetical), could he file a grievance?

I think he could, but what usually happens in that case is that the team and player will work out an injury settlement where he is waived / injured and paid based on how many weeks he might hypothetically miss. This is more common early in the year - a team probably doesn't want to hold a spot for an undrafted rookie that's going to miss eight weeks and might want to put him on IR, but that player might want to a chance to rehab and then latch on somewhere halfway through the season.

tims4wins · Nov 27, 2014

That makes a lot of sense. Will be interesting to see what happens when he is ready. They are running heavy on RBs right now - I would honestly waive White and hope he lands on the PS - don't think he has shown enough that it would even be a risk someone would pick him up.

Ed Hillel · Nov 27, 2014

Aiken has a concussion from that cheap shot from Mosley. I haven't seen any roster moves, does Nink get the job if Aiken is out?

tims4wins · Nov 27, 2014

They signed a LS to the practice squad this week. Hughlett?

The Pre-game Thread: Week 13 at Green Bay

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch

Well-Known Member

Member

posts way less than 18% useful shit

Member

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch

Member

MentalDisabldLst

Guest

Member

Member

Member

Member

MentalDisabldLst

Guest

Member

Member

Member

wild card bitches

PN23's replacement

Moderator

Member

Fists of Millennial Fury!

Member

Member

Member

posts way less than 18% useful shit

Member

Member

Well-Known Member

wild card bitches

Member

Member

Member

Member

New Member

New Member

Member

posts way less than 18% useful shit

Moderator

Eli apologist

Eli apologist

Member

Member

PN23's replacement

Member

PN23's replacement

Member

PN23's replacement

Wants to be startin somethin

PN23's replacement