Overreaction Monday
Rodgers and LaFleur look lost without Devante Adams
It’s no secret that back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers found his coaching match with Matt LaFleur back in 2019, and the two of them have enjoyed a ton of success together in the regular season. However, I truly don’t think you can understate the impact Devante Adams had on this offense during that time. He and Rodgers chemistry had gotten so good, that he practically turned into a guaranteed conversion on 3rd down or in the red-zone. Even a bigger factor perhaps is the way in which opposing defenses approach playing Green Bay. Gone are the days of double-teams, bracketing, and safety help over the top. Defensive coordinators are allowed to get the matchups they like against a young packers receiving corps without the constant threat of Adams wreaking havoc on their secondary. They better figure out something fast. Is that something @OBJ?
Green Bay is in danger of missing the playoffs
If things don’t turn around with the offense quick, they could find themselves on the outside of the NFC playoff picture looking in. Unlike the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team experiencing some similar turbulence, Green Bay doesn’t have the luxury of playing in the worst division in the conference. Not to say the NFC North is any stiff competition, with the forever-rebuilding Lions and Bears still behind the Packers. But the Vikings are one of the few NFC teams with 5 or more wins (2 more than the Packers) and they also beat them head-to-head earlier this year.
Brandon Staley is holding Justin Herbert back
I’m done giving Chargers head coach Brandon Staley the benefit of the doubt because he comes off like a bright guy. Being super smart conceptually is the bare minimum for this job. Moreover, being able to articulate a message well to the media clearly doesn’t mean a thing on the field, and on the field is where the Chargers problems persist. The main issue that comes to my mind is a complete and utter lack of identity on both sides of the ball. This is a direct shortcoming of their head coach in my opinion. I know in years past they have not had great defensive personel, which is Staley’s side of the ball, and now this year some of the impact players they have are currently sidelined with injury. But at some point the excuses have to end and we have to question why this defensive unit is still so poor a year and a half into Staley’s tenure as the architect behind it. And while offensive play-calling is not his job, making sure his team has a successful game plan each week is, and right now this team is lacking any real sense of identity or creativity on offense as well. The drives have become so stagnant. I won’t deny that offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi probably deserves his fair share of blame for these problems as well, but ultimately, Staley has been a huge disappointment and it’s getting to the point where Justin Herbert and this offense are being held back by him. The absence of any solid team identity, and talented players severely underperforming are both things that fall on the head coach above all else.
The Broncos have the worst offense in the NFL
This should be a surprise to nobody. Doesn’t matter who their quarterback is, the results are the same. Denver is dead last in scoring offense, averaging a measly 14.3 points per game, and only 5.1 yards per attempt (ranked 26th out of 32). Their running back situation is very shaky after losing Javonte Williams to injury, now they have to rely on veterans Melvin Gordon and Latavius Murray. Their offensive line quickly turned from middle of the pack to really bad when tackle Garett Bolles went down. Their coaches situational decision making has been next level brain dead, some of the players appear to be frustrated with the lack of offensive production and/or creativity, and worst of all, they have no clue what to expect out of their new, $250 Million quarterback. One has to wonder how many games this squad has left before it completely implodes.
Taylor Heinicke is better than Carson Wentz
He throws the exact same kind of first half pick six we have come to know and love (or hate) from Commanders QB Carson Wentz, and his second reaction abilities mirror some of the things Wentz does as well. However, I think he immediately provided this roster with a much needed spark after suffering several losses in a row. This is not unfamiliar territory for Heinicke either. We’ve watched him come in and provide this team with jolts of energy several different times, including during a playoff game against Tom Brady the year that the Bucs won the super bowl. I don’t have high hopes for this franchise moving forward either way, but they should ride with Taylor’s hot hand regardless.
The Giants are a playoff team
What can I say? I’ve doubted them every single week. I’ve picked against them, I’ve bet against them, I’ve done everything in my power to not admit to myself that the New York Giants are for real. It’s time I throw away all my pre-concieved notions about this team and appreciate a 6-1 record in the NFL for what it is: a 6-1 record in the NFL. As a Seahawk fan, I am beyond impressed with the coaching job of Pete Carroll this season. But I have to give credit where credit’s due. Brian Daboll is the coach of the year so far. It looks like the G men found their guy.
