12/28/08
SUMMARY: QB Rodgers threw 3 touchdown passes and RB Wynn & RB Grant each rushed for 106 yards to lead the Packers to a 31-21 win over the winless Lions.
HIGHLIGHTS: 1. Scout. 2. Packersnews. 3. JSOnline.
GAME BALLS: 1. WR Driver. 2. QB Rodgers. 3. RB Wynn. 4. RB Grant.
REPORT CARD—GOOD, BAD, & UGLY [GBPG Grades] [SEG]:
Rushing Offense—B+ [C+] [A]
The Packers rushed for 211 yards averaging an outstanding 7.8 yard per carry. RB Grant had 19 carries for 106 yards with a 5.6 yard average per carry. RB Wynn had 7 carries for 106 yards with a 15.1 yard average per carry.
Passing Offense—B+ [A-] [A-]
QB Rodgers completed 21 of 31 passes for 308 yards, 3 touchdowns, 4 sacks, and a 132.3 passer rating. WR Driver had 6 receptions for 111 yards and 1 touchdown. WR Jennings had 5 receptions for 101 yards. TE Finley had 2 receptions for 29 yards and 1 touchdown.
Rushing Defense—C [C] [B]
They limited the Lions to 96 yards on 29 carries with an average 3.3 yards per carry. RB Forte had 28 carries for 92 yards & 1 touchdown.
Passing Defense—B- [C+] [C-]
With no pass rush, QB Orlovsky completed 22 of 42 passes for 225 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. WR Johnson had 9 receptions for 102 yards. Both CB Woodson and S Collins picked off QB Orlovsky finishing in a tie with seven interceptions leading the team.
Special Teams—C [C+] [B-]
For the NFL season, the kickoff return team has the worst kickoff return average. K Crosby hit one of two field goals. P Kapinos had 3 punts averaging 37.7 with 2 within the twenty.
Coaching—B+ [A+] [A]
In 3rd down efficiency, the Packers were 5 for 12. In 4th down efficiency, the Packers were 0 for 2. In Red-Zone efficiency, the Packers were 2 for 3. The Pack had 6 penalties for 60 yards and 3 fumbles. As far as coming overdue offseason changes, reviewers summed up the problems with the defense:
"Inability to get pass rush from the defensive linemen or create it with blitzing linebackers and defensive backs made it easy for teams to put receivers in motion, run bunch formations and use picks aimed at exploiting the expected man-to-man coverage. If the pass rush is strong, those maneuvers aren't as effective. Whether Sanders could have done more to create pressure with the players he was given or was more responsible than his assistant coaches for many of the communication and alignment errors that occurred is something McCarthy will have to decide."
Overall—B- [C]
The Packers ended the 2008 season with a 6-10 record. As a reviewer said, “If the Packers were worth a darn, they would have blown out the woeful Lions. That they struggled and were locked in a 14-14 game in the fourth quarter was one final reminder of the season-long shortcomings that doomed them to a 6-10 season.”
Cheeseheadtv.com Good, Bad, & Ugly: Good--Rodgers, Driver, & Woodson; Bad--Lee, Harris, & Jennings; Bad--Lions.
COMMENTARY: The predictable 6-10 record for the 2008 season is done.
PREVIEW: Beyond the blame game and the probable replacements in coaching staff, the Packers face the overdue offseason moves and the important draft selections to strengthen the team back to its dominant position in the NFC North Division. As one source indicated: "I hear changes are coming in Green Bay and they will start on the defensive side of the ball." Staff Awaits Fate: Changes are still expected on defense.
Postscript: Happy New Year! I’ll be back.
