So where do the Packers go from here? After thrashing the Bears, the expectations for the Packers has to go up. They lost to the best team in football (Tennessee) in overtime, and to Minnesota by a missed field goal late, so we knew they weren’t far off, but to see an explosion like this is impressive.
In talking with some of the players in and out of the locker room, they all seem to think the ceiling is even higher than this. Darryn Colledge told me his last play of the game against the Bears was a disaster for him, so he has a bad taste in his mouth, even after the 200 yards rushing display for the Packers.
Some other thoughts from the game:
- It’s good to see Bob Sanders adjusting during the game. Early in the game, he had Charles Woodson blitz off the corner, but at the same time had Ryan Pickett and Aaron Kampman run a stunt. That left the right tackle alone to handle Woodson, while Pickett tried to make it around the corner to fill the hole. It was a totally useless play, that ended up with a completion for Orton, who had plenty of time as Pickett was struggling around the edge. Later in the game, they ran the same blitz, but this time from the opposite side, without a stunt, as the Bears play faked. Woodson came in untouched for the sack. (Thanks to Greg Olsen, who blocked no one on the play)
- The wide receiver blocking was tremendous against the Bears. Watching Jordy Nelson and Donald Driver leading the way on a couple of runs that were almost scores was impressive. Donald told me they were challenged during the week by Jimmy Robinson to make their blocks better. It worked.
- For those still opining the loss of Corey Williams, did you see him against the Bills this week? The Browns won, but Williams has a total of ½ a sack, and is averaging about 2 tackles a game. He’s also injured, something that happened routinely in the second half of the season for the Packers.
We’ll see if the Packers can keep this up- if they can they will be a dangerous team come playoff time.
