by John C. Redfern 8-20-2007

Summary:

The Pack improved to 2-0 giving an old fashion whipping to the Seahawks. The offense, the defense, and the special teams showed improvements in the 48-13 rout.  The offense had new rhythm, better execution, & quick adjustments leading to an improved offensive performance. Also, they used multiple personnel alignments, the shotgun formation & quick huddles to catch the Seahawks off guard.

Early, Favre lead the Pack downfield to three scores on a field goal by rookie K Crosby, on a one yard TD by rookie RB Jackson, and on an eight yard TD by rookie WR Jones. Rookie RB Jackson played an outstanding game with good run, decoy, & pass protection performances. TE Franks caught four crucial passes for 30 yards. Rookies WR Jones had three great catches with two for TDs.  In the red zone offense, the Pack scored six of eight times. The return games improved  with exciting performances by return specialist & CB Blackmon.

Early, the defense dominated getting three sacks with two causing scoring touchdowns on forced fumbles. The backups played a solid game. Back up safety Bigby had two sacks. Backup CB Bush had two interceptions. Backup LB Hodge had the most tackles & a sack. Overall, the dominating defense caused explosive turnovers: seven sacks, three interceptions, & three fumbles leading to 21 points.

Ratings:

Quarterbacks: Favre had better chemistry & sync with the offense team getting three early scores. QB Rodgers played good throwing 2 impressive TDs.  Yet, he had two fumbles caused by a high snap and by being blind sighted. QB Thompson played poorly throwing two interceptions. Grade: B+.

Running Backs: Rookie Jackson showed improvement cutting quicker, running low, & using extra 2nd efforts for additional yards. He got 54 yards on 13 carries averaging 4.2 yards & one touchdown.  Grade: B+

Fullbacks: Rookie Hall is raw, but he played a solid blocking & catching performance. Grade: B.
Wide Receivers: Driver, Jones, Martin, Holiday, & Clowney had good games. In the three wide receivers combo with Driver & Jennings, Jones is an impressive weapon. Yet, Jennings must step up his game to be productive. Grade: A-.

Tight Ends: Franks rebounded getting four receptions. Alcorn & Harris had good completions for their cause. Grade: B.

Offensive Line: Overall, after a shaky start including a holding call, pressures, & blitzing penetrations, the offensive line improved opening up good holes & providing decent pass protection. Grade: B.
Defensive Line: DTs Williams, Pickett, & Harrell played strong games. The DEs had constant pressure with sacks by Jenkins, KGB, & Burdine. Grade: A.

Linebackers: Overall, the starters had a strong game with crucial plays, especially by Poppinga & Hawk who got a sack. Overall, the backups must improve with Hodge & Havner playing better than slower Bishop & White.  Grade: A-.

Cornerbacks: Starters Woodson & Harris were impressive. Overall, the backups looked good with Bush having a solid game with two interceptions & Walker making solid defensive plays. Grade: A.
Safeties: They played a strong game. However, Collins missed a crucial tackle leading to a score. Backup Bigby played strong getting two blitzing sacks. Grade: A.

Kicker: The kicking competition heated up with Rayner & Rookie Crosby having equally strong games. Grade: A.

Punter: Ryan impressed averaging two punts for 55 yards. Grade: A.
Special Teams: Blackmon had solid returns on kicking returns & punting returns. Clowney & Bodiford had good returns. The coverage teams looked poor needing a great deal of improvement. Grade: B-.

Concerns:

DE Montgomery, WR Bodiford, & HB Powdrell suffered MCL injuries. They are lost for three weeks or more.  Five turnovers & sloppy play are concerns with two fumbles & nine penalties.