The Blue Jays and Red Sox will meet for the sixth and final series this weekend. The Blue jays already have the season series won with a 10-5 lead.
Series one: The Red sox got their first win of the season in the first game with a ninth inning rally, but the Jays took the next two.
Series two: The Sox slugged to two wins in the first two games, but Daniel Bards awful performance helped the Jays salvage the final game.
Series three; The Jays took game one despite two home runs from Ortiz, but the Sox took the next two thanks to a game tying homer in the seventh of game two from Saltalamachhia, and a six run first inning in game three.
Series four: The Jays swept the Sox at Fenway, concluding with a 15-7 win in game three, which was Jon Lesters worst performance of his career, and the game that, at least for me, officially ended the Red Sox hopes for the playoffs.
Series five: The Blue Jays again swept at Fenway, finishing with a ninth inning last at bat win in game three.
Now for this series
Game one: Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-5, 7.20 ERA) Vs Aaron Laffey (3-5, 4.43 ERA) 7:07 PM Apparently this will be Daisukes last start of the season, which likely makes it his last start of his Red Sox career, as he will be a free agent. Its hard to imagine him getting a good contract though.
Game two: Clay Buchholz (11-6, 4.46 ERA) Vs Carlos Villanueva (7-5, 3.48 ERA) 1:07 PM
Game three: Jon Lester (9-11 4.99 ERA) Vs Brandon Morrow (8-6, 3.16 ERA)
Friday, September 14, 2012
Sox lose fifth straight series, 2-1
My Red Sox posts are going to be very short and sweet the rest of the season. I just dont care to put in the time or effort to cover this team right now.
Game One: The Red Sox recorded their third walk off win on the season off the bat of Jacoby Ellsbury for a 4-3 win. Dustin Pedrioa hit his fifteenth home run of the season to continue his hot streak
Game two: Curtis Granderson hit two home runs, and Robinson Cano launched another to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead early. A Jarrod Saltalamachhia homer highlighted a comeback attempt by the Sox but it fell just short as the Yankees held on for a 5-4 win.
Gam three: Felix Doubront put out his best pitching performance in awhile, but Phil Hughes was better as he threw seven and a third innings of scoreless ball. The Red Sox only mustered six hits, with no one getting a multi hit game. The Yanks won a pitching duel 2-0.
With Thursdays win the Yankees clinched the season series. They have a 10-5 series lead with just three games left.
Game One: The Red Sox recorded their third walk off win on the season off the bat of Jacoby Ellsbury for a 4-3 win. Dustin Pedrioa hit his fifteenth home run of the season to continue his hot streak
Game two: Curtis Granderson hit two home runs, and Robinson Cano launched another to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead early. A Jarrod Saltalamachhia homer highlighted a comeback attempt by the Sox but it fell just short as the Yankees held on for a 5-4 win.
Gam three: Felix Doubront put out his best pitching performance in awhile, but Phil Hughes was better as he threw seven and a third innings of scoreless ball. The Red Sox only mustered six hits, with no one getting a multi hit game. The Yanks won a pitching duel 2-0.
With Thursdays win the Yankees clinched the season series. They have a 10-5 series lead with just three games left.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Game 2; Packers Vs Bears 9/13 7:20 PM
After last weeks dissapointing start to the season, the Packers return to Lambeau in a short week for a huge divisional game against the Bears. The packers really cant afford to fall behind two games in the division with only six home games left, so this is as close to a must win game in September as your going to get.
Injury Update: Greg Jennings is listed as doubtful, but its unclear what that really means. Jennings says he wants to play, feels like he can play, some people are reporting the chances are closer to 50-50, but doubtful usually means the odds are closer to 20% so we'll see. If he is indeed out, look for Driver to get an increased role this week over last week, where he only saw two snaps. Even if Jennings does play, Id expect him to see an increased role. Brian Urlacher and Charles Tillman are both listed as Questionable, bit it seems they are both closer to Probable.
How the Bears are doing: They routed Indy at home last week 41-21, though Jay Cutler had his moments of sloppiness, and the defense was a bit suspect giving up 21 to a rookie QB. They are sporting a 1-0 record.
Packers-Bears recent history: This is obviously one of the best rivalries in all of sports, s theres a big history between these twp, but well look at just the recent history. The Bears won four straight at Lambeau between 2004-07, but Aaron Rodgers is undefeated in his career against the Bears at Lambeau, going 4-0. Add that to his 3-2 record in soldier Field, and he has an impressive 7-2 overall record against the Bears. Rodgers also has an 11-1 home record in his career in division games, the best winning percentage in home division games for a starting quarterback in NFL history. Cutler is 1-6 in his career against the Pack, (one of the starts was for the Broncos) with seven touchdowns and twelve interceptions. Cutler has 1 touchdown to six interceptions in two starts at Lambeau, both losses. The Bears have averaged 13.8 points per game in Cutlers six starts against the Packers. the Packers have averaged 21.1 points per game in Rodgers nine starts against the Bears. Rodgers has 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his career against the Bears. Rodgers has only won two games in his career when the Packers have trailed after the 3rd quarter, both of those wins have came against the Bears, both in 2009.
They two keys in this one will be to protect the quarterback, and win the turnover battle. Cutler has been known to throw a ton of picks against the Packers, and the Bears are by far the team that has picked Rodgers off the most in his career. Both of these teams have big question marks at offensive line, if they give their QBs good protection, which is unlikely, but if they both do, it could be a shootout. If they both give bad protection, it could be a sloppy game in the teens to low twenties. If one team gives significantally better protection than the other, that team will win, guaranteed.
Pick: This will not be an easy win for the Packers, and I am very nervous about their prospects in this game. However, I think a Thursday night game really benefits the home team, especially if their previous game was also at home. I think the Packers will offer better protection to Rodgers than the Bears O-line do to Cutler. I think the Packers will force three turnovers, and that will be the difference. Pick: Packers 27 Bears 23
Injury Update: Greg Jennings is listed as doubtful, but its unclear what that really means. Jennings says he wants to play, feels like he can play, some people are reporting the chances are closer to 50-50, but doubtful usually means the odds are closer to 20% so we'll see. If he is indeed out, look for Driver to get an increased role this week over last week, where he only saw two snaps. Even if Jennings does play, Id expect him to see an increased role. Brian Urlacher and Charles Tillman are both listed as Questionable, bit it seems they are both closer to Probable.
How the Bears are doing: They routed Indy at home last week 41-21, though Jay Cutler had his moments of sloppiness, and the defense was a bit suspect giving up 21 to a rookie QB. They are sporting a 1-0 record.
Packers-Bears recent history: This is obviously one of the best rivalries in all of sports, s theres a big history between these twp, but well look at just the recent history. The Bears won four straight at Lambeau between 2004-07, but Aaron Rodgers is undefeated in his career against the Bears at Lambeau, going 4-0. Add that to his 3-2 record in soldier Field, and he has an impressive 7-2 overall record against the Bears. Rodgers also has an 11-1 home record in his career in division games, the best winning percentage in home division games for a starting quarterback in NFL history. Cutler is 1-6 in his career against the Pack, (one of the starts was for the Broncos) with seven touchdowns and twelve interceptions. Cutler has 1 touchdown to six interceptions in two starts at Lambeau, both losses. The Bears have averaged 13.8 points per game in Cutlers six starts against the Packers. the Packers have averaged 21.1 points per game in Rodgers nine starts against the Bears. Rodgers has 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his career against the Bears. Rodgers has only won two games in his career when the Packers have trailed after the 3rd quarter, both of those wins have came against the Bears, both in 2009.
They two keys in this one will be to protect the quarterback, and win the turnover battle. Cutler has been known to throw a ton of picks against the Packers, and the Bears are by far the team that has picked Rodgers off the most in his career. Both of these teams have big question marks at offensive line, if they give their QBs good protection, which is unlikely, but if they both do, it could be a shootout. If they both give bad protection, it could be a sloppy game in the teens to low twenties. If one team gives significantally better protection than the other, that team will win, guaranteed.
Pick: This will not be an easy win for the Packers, and I am very nervous about their prospects in this game. However, I think a Thursday night game really benefits the home team, especially if their previous game was also at home. I think the Packers will offer better protection to Rodgers than the Bears O-line do to Cutler. I think the Packers will force three turnovers, and that will be the difference. Pick: Packers 27 Bears 23
Week two NFL picks
I went 8-8 in picking week one games, including the survivor challenge, where I picked the Eagles. By the way, did I nail it or what when I said the Chargers and Raiders would be a snoozefest? What an awful game. Here are my picks for this week.
Chiefs at Bills: I picked both these teams to win last week, and both dissapointed. The Bills looked atrocious, but the Chiefs are really banged up right now, so Ill take the home team. Pick: Bills
Browns at Bengals: The Bengals looked pretty pathetic against the Ravens, while the Browns werent embarrassed like I thought theyd be. That wont help them from starting 0-2 however. Pick: Bengals
Vikings at Colts: The Vikings won their first game like I predicted, and now I see their fans boldly proclaiming a super bowl season is on the horizon. Because nothing screams super bowl like a 3 point home win against the Jaguars. Pick: Colts
Radiers at Dolphins: Both these teams looked bad in week one, but at the Raiders defense looked adequate, the same cant be said for the Dolphins. Pick: Raiders
Cardinals at Patriots: The Cardinals surprised me by winning their first game, but that doesnt make them a good team. The Patriots cakewalk schedule rolls on. Pick: Pats
Buccaneers at Giants: I should have picked the Bucs last week, because I told you they always overacheive when they are expected to be bad. Id love to see the defending champs start 0-2 but I just dont see it happening. Pick: Giants
Ravens at Eagles: Everyone jumped on the Eagles bandwagon again in the preseason, except me, and it may have been a smart move as they looked pretty bad in their opener. The Ravens meanwhile, looked like the surpeme challenger to the Patriots in the AFC. Pick: Ravens
Saints at Panthers: Im not sure what happened to the Saints in their season opener. They looked awful, and other teams have looked worse in their first game and gone on to have great seasons, and the Panthers certainly looked suspect in week one, so with hesitation, I boldly say Pick: Panthers
Texans at Jaguars: as road division games though, they dont get much easier to pick than this one. Hoston should roll, Jacksonville did lose to the pathetic queers in purple after all. Pick: Texans
Redskins at Rams: Both of these teams looked more impressive in week one than anyone expected, but the Redskins actually won, and dominated. If you recall, I did predict Sam Bradford to have a bounceback year in my week one predictions. Give st louis in an upset. Pick: Rams
Cowboys at Seahawks: I was dissapointed witht he Seahawks performance in week one, and impressed by the Cowboys. This is a tough one though, on the road for Dallas, but Ill still give them the edge. Pick: Cowboys
Jets at Steelers: The Jets had a fairytale week one, but its about to end, the Steelers arent starting 0-2. Pick: Steelers
Titans at Chargers: San Diego gets a favorable mathcup to get of to a very rare 2-0 start, but Im taking a big upset in this one. Pick: Titans
Lions at 49ers: The 49ers are currently the class of the NFC, but can be knocked off their perch. It wont be this week though. Pick: 49ers
Broncos at Falcons: One of these teams starts 2-0 and takes a big step toward making an impressive run. Im taking Denvert to be that team. Pick:Broncos
Survivior pick: Patriots
Chiefs at Bills: I picked both these teams to win last week, and both dissapointed. The Bills looked atrocious, but the Chiefs are really banged up right now, so Ill take the home team. Pick: Bills
Browns at Bengals: The Bengals looked pretty pathetic against the Ravens, while the Browns werent embarrassed like I thought theyd be. That wont help them from starting 0-2 however. Pick: Bengals
Vikings at Colts: The Vikings won their first game like I predicted, and now I see their fans boldly proclaiming a super bowl season is on the horizon. Because nothing screams super bowl like a 3 point home win against the Jaguars. Pick: Colts
Radiers at Dolphins: Both these teams looked bad in week one, but at the Raiders defense looked adequate, the same cant be said for the Dolphins. Pick: Raiders
Cardinals at Patriots: The Cardinals surprised me by winning their first game, but that doesnt make them a good team. The Patriots cakewalk schedule rolls on. Pick: Pats
Buccaneers at Giants: I should have picked the Bucs last week, because I told you they always overacheive when they are expected to be bad. Id love to see the defending champs start 0-2 but I just dont see it happening. Pick: Giants
Ravens at Eagles: Everyone jumped on the Eagles bandwagon again in the preseason, except me, and it may have been a smart move as they looked pretty bad in their opener. The Ravens meanwhile, looked like the surpeme challenger to the Patriots in the AFC. Pick: Ravens
Saints at Panthers: Im not sure what happened to the Saints in their season opener. They looked awful, and other teams have looked worse in their first game and gone on to have great seasons, and the Panthers certainly looked suspect in week one, so with hesitation, I boldly say Pick: Panthers
Texans at Jaguars: as road division games though, they dont get much easier to pick than this one. Hoston should roll, Jacksonville did lose to the pathetic queers in purple after all. Pick: Texans
Redskins at Rams: Both of these teams looked more impressive in week one than anyone expected, but the Redskins actually won, and dominated. If you recall, I did predict Sam Bradford to have a bounceback year in my week one predictions. Give st louis in an upset. Pick: Rams
Cowboys at Seahawks: I was dissapointed witht he Seahawks performance in week one, and impressed by the Cowboys. This is a tough one though, on the road for Dallas, but Ill still give them the edge. Pick: Cowboys
Jets at Steelers: The Jets had a fairytale week one, but its about to end, the Steelers arent starting 0-2. Pick: Steelers
Titans at Chargers: San Diego gets a favorable mathcup to get of to a very rare 2-0 start, but Im taking a big upset in this one. Pick: Titans
Lions at 49ers: The 49ers are currently the class of the NFC, but can be knocked off their perch. It wont be this week though. Pick: 49ers
Broncos at Falcons: One of these teams starts 2-0 and takes a big step toward making an impressive run. Im taking Denvert to be that team. Pick:Broncos
Survivior pick: Patriots
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
NCAA week 3 picks
I went 6-6 in picking Big ten games last week, not a good week, but still 17-7 overall on the season, which is a bit better. I went 3-0 in picking non-big ten games, so I am 5-1 in that category this season. Lets get to it:
Western Michigan at Minnesota: Minnesota has suffered some awful seasons the past few years, but they are off to a 2-0 this year, and are favored to go 3-0. Im not buying the resurgence, for no other reason other than I think they are not talented enough to sport that kind of record, Im picking against them. Pick: western Michigan
Arkansas st at Nebraska: Nebraska was stunned by UCLA last week at the Rose Bowl, putting on hold the talks that they were going to be an elite team this season. They do get a win this week though, cupcake city. Pick: Nebraska
California at Ohio St: The Buckeyes draw their third straight home game to start the season. Cal isnt a complete pushover, but they are still not quite up to par with Urban Meyers team. Pick: Buckeyes
Charleston Southern at Illinois: Word on the street is CSU is worse than Savannah state. Thats really all that needs to be said here. Pick: Illinois
Eastern Michigan at Purdue: Purdue has impressed through two weeks, dominating in week one, and pushing Notre Dame to the brink last week, solidyfying themselves as the biggest obstacle in the Badgers way for a leaders division title. They get another win this week, and start 3-0. Pick: Purdue
Boston College at Northwestern: Northwestern won the nerd bowl with Vandy last week, and Boston College isnt quite as good as Vanderbilt is. Northwestern starts 3-0 in an impressive start to their season. Pick: Northwestern
Massachesusettes at Michigan: I picked Mass to beat Indiana last week, and they let me down, big time. They really dont stand a chance against a team thats superior to Indiana. Pick; Michigan
Navy at Penn st: A disastrous start to the season for Penn st has left some questioning if they may be in store for a winless season. I myself am putting a bit of faith back in them and picking them to get their first win this week. Pick: Penn st
Northern Iowa at Iowa: Northern Iowa gave Wisconsin a big scare, and Iowa has been possibly the worst team in the Big ten so far this year. This could get hairy, but Im taking Iowa to pull it out. Pick: Iowa
Ball St at Indiana: could Minnesota, Northwestertn, and Indiana all start 3-0? its possible, but I already went against Minnesota, and Im doing the same here, sorry Hoosiers. Pick: Ball st
Notre Dame at Michigan st: Its not a point that can be argued, through two weeks, Michigan st has been the ost impressive Big ten team. I think they continue to impress this week. Pick: Michigan st
Outside the Big Ten
USC at Stanford: Pick: USC
Florida at Tennessee: Pick: Florida
Texas at Ole Miss: Pick: Texas
Western Michigan at Minnesota: Minnesota has suffered some awful seasons the past few years, but they are off to a 2-0 this year, and are favored to go 3-0. Im not buying the resurgence, for no other reason other than I think they are not talented enough to sport that kind of record, Im picking against them. Pick: western Michigan
Arkansas st at Nebraska: Nebraska was stunned by UCLA last week at the Rose Bowl, putting on hold the talks that they were going to be an elite team this season. They do get a win this week though, cupcake city. Pick: Nebraska
California at Ohio St: The Buckeyes draw their third straight home game to start the season. Cal isnt a complete pushover, but they are still not quite up to par with Urban Meyers team. Pick: Buckeyes
Charleston Southern at Illinois: Word on the street is CSU is worse than Savannah state. Thats really all that needs to be said here. Pick: Illinois
Eastern Michigan at Purdue: Purdue has impressed through two weeks, dominating in week one, and pushing Notre Dame to the brink last week, solidyfying themselves as the biggest obstacle in the Badgers way for a leaders division title. They get another win this week, and start 3-0. Pick: Purdue
Boston College at Northwestern: Northwestern won the nerd bowl with Vandy last week, and Boston College isnt quite as good as Vanderbilt is. Northwestern starts 3-0 in an impressive start to their season. Pick: Northwestern
Massachesusettes at Michigan: I picked Mass to beat Indiana last week, and they let me down, big time. They really dont stand a chance against a team thats superior to Indiana. Pick; Michigan
Navy at Penn st: A disastrous start to the season for Penn st has left some questioning if they may be in store for a winless season. I myself am putting a bit of faith back in them and picking them to get their first win this week. Pick: Penn st
Northern Iowa at Iowa: Northern Iowa gave Wisconsin a big scare, and Iowa has been possibly the worst team in the Big ten so far this year. This could get hairy, but Im taking Iowa to pull it out. Pick: Iowa
Ball St at Indiana: could Minnesota, Northwestertn, and Indiana all start 3-0? its possible, but I already went against Minnesota, and Im doing the same here, sorry Hoosiers. Pick: Ball st
Notre Dame at Michigan st: Its not a point that can be argued, through two weeks, Michigan st has been the ost impressive Big ten team. I think they continue to impress this week. Pick: Michigan st
Outside the Big Ten
USC at Stanford: Pick: USC
Florida at Tennessee: Pick: Florida
Texas at Ole Miss: Pick: Texas
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Boston Red Sox (63-78) Vs New York Yankees (79-61) 9/11-9/13
After the sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays, the Yankees come into Fenway Park for the third and final time this season. The Sox sport a 1-5 record against the Yankees at Fenway this season, and 4-8 overall.
Game one: Hiroki Kuroda (13-10, 3.14 ERA) Vs Jon Lester (9-11, 4.99 ERA) 7:10 PM
Game two: David Phelps (3-4, 3.55 ERA) Vs Aaron Cook (3-9, 5.17 ERA) 7:10 PM
Game three: Phil Hughes (14-12 4.13 ERA) Vs Felix Doubront (10-8, 5.21 ERA)
The Yankees are fighting for their playoff lives right now so if the Red Sox can take a couple games it may partially make up for the past month and a half of awfulness. Its not very likely obviously, because this team is just terrible, but after a really rough season, itd be very sweet to push the Yankees closer to the brink of missing the playoffs.
Game one: Hiroki Kuroda (13-10, 3.14 ERA) Vs Jon Lester (9-11, 4.99 ERA) 7:10 PM
Game two: David Phelps (3-4, 3.55 ERA) Vs Aaron Cook (3-9, 5.17 ERA) 7:10 PM
Game three: Phil Hughes (14-12 4.13 ERA) Vs Felix Doubront (10-8, 5.21 ERA)
The Yankees are fighting for their playoff lives right now so if the Red Sox can take a couple games it may partially make up for the past month and a half of awfulness. Its not very likely obviously, because this team is just terrible, but after a really rough season, itd be very sweet to push the Yankees closer to the brink of missing the playoffs.
Packers fall in opener, 30-22
Through one game, the Packers have matched their loss total from all of last season. Green Bay opened the season as super bowl favorires, over half of the ESPN panel of experts picked them to win it all, but there was no doubt who the bettter team was on Sunday. The 49ers are the new NFC favorites, and the Packers new goal will be to spend the next four months trying to get to their level.
The game opened with a lot of the usual fanfare that comes with a season opener. Ive attended the last two season openers and I actually think the the buzz and pregame electricity was higher this year than last, probably because everyone was excited to get back to work after last years dissapointing finish. Donald Driver got by the far the loudest ovation when the team was introduced, and the 1962 team was honred in a pregame ceremony.
After all the fanfare the game finally got underway. The Packers defense looked awesome on the first drive forcing a three and out, highlighted by a sack from Clay matthews. Unfortunately that would be the only defensive bright point of the first half. the 49ers scored on each of their next five possessions, en route to taking a 23-7 lead, a lead that would hold up through three quarters. The Packers finally got a spark on a punt return for a touchdown for Randall Cobb, turning what had become a silent Lambeau Field for the whole second half into a frenzy. Then the defense came out and made a huge stop, and Lambeau was going crazy, it really felt like the tides had turned and the Packers were going to come back and win this, despite being completely outclassed most of the game. As the offense took the field down by eight, a Go Pack Go chant erupted from the crowd, queting once the offense huddled so they could hear the playcall. Then Rodgers threw an interception, a bad one, one that happens to every QB, but whenever its Rodgers were all stunned. The 49ers took but one play to score and go up 30-15, Lambeau was dead again. The offense however, marched right down the field and scored again, 30-22, and the defense held strong. The Packers bid for a tie game however, stalled when Rodgers was sacked, and then threw an incompletion on fourth down to Nelson. final: 30-22
I kept a mental note, of turning points that stuck out to me in this game, and in the end there were four plays that in my opinion, determined the outcome of this game.
1. Roughing the Passer on Clay Matthews in the second quarter. This penalty occurred on a third down, and gave the 49ers a first. The drive ended in the first touchdown of the game.
2. Mccarthy calls a timeout before third and eight, thirty nine seconds left in the half. I am flabbergasted that mccarthy called that timeout. After first down resulted in nothing they should have just ran the ball and went to the locker room down by six. The 63 yard field goal never would have happened if Mccarthy didnt call that last timeout.
3. First drive of the second half, third and one, Rodgers throws seventy yards down field to Nelson. This play had no chance right from the throw. Nelson was in double coverage, and the play action fooled absolutely no one on the 49ers. Calling this on a third and one is ok early in a game, or when your winning, but when your down by two scores in the second half, just get the first down.
4. Rodgers interception. Theres really no way of knowing how this game would have turned out without this pick. This felt like a dagger at the time, and the Packers still had a chance at the end despite the seven free points.
Theres no doubt the Packers got outplayed, and the 49ers were a better team. But the Packers giftwrapped twenty points to the 49ers on dumb mistakes, that if they dont happen, the packers almost certainly win. Two third down penatlies that led to ten points, a dumb timeout call that led to three, and a bad interception that led to seven.
The good
Randall Cobb: Cobb led the team with nine reception, and he was also targeted nine times. when I saw that he caught the ball every single time he was targeted, I smiled. I think this is the Cobb we will see all year. Another big time weapon for Rodgers. Oh yea, and a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown.
Clay Matthews: Almost got half his sack total from all of last season in the first game. I dont think theres any doubt in anyones mind he returns to the double digit sack numbers he had two years ago.
Offensive line: I put this in the good category, because I thought this offensive line, which was a big question mark, held up pretty well against undoubtedly the best pass rush in the league. Rodgers did get sacked three times, but I dont think the 49ers got the consistent pass rush they were hoping for, especially considering the entire second half they knew the Packers would be throwing the ball.
The Bad
Defensive line: Four sacks, but none from the line. Of the top seven leading tacklers on the team, not one came from the line, against a team that ran the ball 32 times! Thats embarrassing. Raji, Francois, Pickett, Hayward, you all get a big F on this game.
Running game: This one is obvious, though it doesnt bother me. The 49ers have the best run defense in the league, and since the Packers were trailing nearly the entire game there was no chance or reason to even attempt to try and get a running game going.
Jermichael Finley: "officially" credited with only one drop, but I counted three that I felt he should have had. Maybe this is going to be all he ever is sadly.
I found it interesting how good the defense looked in the fourth quarter when the Packers absolutely needed a stop. Maybe they have been too dependant on the offense the past two years, and have gotten complacent because they think the offense will bail them out anyway. I saw some things to be positive about and some to be negative about from the defense. They held the 49ers to only two third down conversions on nine attempts. It should have been 2 for 11, but penalties bailed them out twice.
The 49ers are the best team the Packers will face this season, and the Packers played like crap and still almost won. I think worst case for the team is 11-5, and thats if they lose to the Bears Thursday, which I do think is a possibilily. The replacement officials were crap, but both teams benefitted from their awfulness, so Im not sure the result would have been much different with better refs. The Packers didnt force a turnover, the first time thats happened in a home game in six years.
MVP: Regardless of who wins, the MVP of the game will always go to a Packer, because I really dont give a crap who did or didnt play well on the other team. theres no doubt it was Cobb in this one. even without the punt return it would have been him, with the punt return it was Cobb in a blowout.
Up Next: Bears, thursday Night football. This can be classified as a must win or the Packers will have built a big hole in the divisional race early on. History says teams that lose divisional home games against teams they are behind in the standings, basically never win the division.
The game opened with a lot of the usual fanfare that comes with a season opener. Ive attended the last two season openers and I actually think the the buzz and pregame electricity was higher this year than last, probably because everyone was excited to get back to work after last years dissapointing finish. Donald Driver got by the far the loudest ovation when the team was introduced, and the 1962 team was honred in a pregame ceremony.
After all the fanfare the game finally got underway. The Packers defense looked awesome on the first drive forcing a three and out, highlighted by a sack from Clay matthews. Unfortunately that would be the only defensive bright point of the first half. the 49ers scored on each of their next five possessions, en route to taking a 23-7 lead, a lead that would hold up through three quarters. The Packers finally got a spark on a punt return for a touchdown for Randall Cobb, turning what had become a silent Lambeau Field for the whole second half into a frenzy. Then the defense came out and made a huge stop, and Lambeau was going crazy, it really felt like the tides had turned and the Packers were going to come back and win this, despite being completely outclassed most of the game. As the offense took the field down by eight, a Go Pack Go chant erupted from the crowd, queting once the offense huddled so they could hear the playcall. Then Rodgers threw an interception, a bad one, one that happens to every QB, but whenever its Rodgers were all stunned. The 49ers took but one play to score and go up 30-15, Lambeau was dead again. The offense however, marched right down the field and scored again, 30-22, and the defense held strong. The Packers bid for a tie game however, stalled when Rodgers was sacked, and then threw an incompletion on fourth down to Nelson. final: 30-22
I kept a mental note, of turning points that stuck out to me in this game, and in the end there were four plays that in my opinion, determined the outcome of this game.
1. Roughing the Passer on Clay Matthews in the second quarter. This penalty occurred on a third down, and gave the 49ers a first. The drive ended in the first touchdown of the game.
2. Mccarthy calls a timeout before third and eight, thirty nine seconds left in the half. I am flabbergasted that mccarthy called that timeout. After first down resulted in nothing they should have just ran the ball and went to the locker room down by six. The 63 yard field goal never would have happened if Mccarthy didnt call that last timeout.
3. First drive of the second half, third and one, Rodgers throws seventy yards down field to Nelson. This play had no chance right from the throw. Nelson was in double coverage, and the play action fooled absolutely no one on the 49ers. Calling this on a third and one is ok early in a game, or when your winning, but when your down by two scores in the second half, just get the first down.
4. Rodgers interception. Theres really no way of knowing how this game would have turned out without this pick. This felt like a dagger at the time, and the Packers still had a chance at the end despite the seven free points.
Theres no doubt the Packers got outplayed, and the 49ers were a better team. But the Packers giftwrapped twenty points to the 49ers on dumb mistakes, that if they dont happen, the packers almost certainly win. Two third down penatlies that led to ten points, a dumb timeout call that led to three, and a bad interception that led to seven.
The good
Randall Cobb: Cobb led the team with nine reception, and he was also targeted nine times. when I saw that he caught the ball every single time he was targeted, I smiled. I think this is the Cobb we will see all year. Another big time weapon for Rodgers. Oh yea, and a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown.
Clay Matthews: Almost got half his sack total from all of last season in the first game. I dont think theres any doubt in anyones mind he returns to the double digit sack numbers he had two years ago.
Offensive line: I put this in the good category, because I thought this offensive line, which was a big question mark, held up pretty well against undoubtedly the best pass rush in the league. Rodgers did get sacked three times, but I dont think the 49ers got the consistent pass rush they were hoping for, especially considering the entire second half they knew the Packers would be throwing the ball.
The Bad
Defensive line: Four sacks, but none from the line. Of the top seven leading tacklers on the team, not one came from the line, against a team that ran the ball 32 times! Thats embarrassing. Raji, Francois, Pickett, Hayward, you all get a big F on this game.
Running game: This one is obvious, though it doesnt bother me. The 49ers have the best run defense in the league, and since the Packers were trailing nearly the entire game there was no chance or reason to even attempt to try and get a running game going.
Jermichael Finley: "officially" credited with only one drop, but I counted three that I felt he should have had. Maybe this is going to be all he ever is sadly.
I found it interesting how good the defense looked in the fourth quarter when the Packers absolutely needed a stop. Maybe they have been too dependant on the offense the past two years, and have gotten complacent because they think the offense will bail them out anyway. I saw some things to be positive about and some to be negative about from the defense. They held the 49ers to only two third down conversions on nine attempts. It should have been 2 for 11, but penalties bailed them out twice.
The 49ers are the best team the Packers will face this season, and the Packers played like crap and still almost won. I think worst case for the team is 11-5, and thats if they lose to the Bears Thursday, which I do think is a possibilily. The replacement officials were crap, but both teams benefitted from their awfulness, so Im not sure the result would have been much different with better refs. The Packers didnt force a turnover, the first time thats happened in a home game in six years.
MVP: Regardless of who wins, the MVP of the game will always go to a Packer, because I really dont give a crap who did or didnt play well on the other team. theres no doubt it was Cobb in this one. even without the punt return it would have been him, with the punt return it was Cobb in a blowout.
Up Next: Bears, thursday Night football. This can be classified as a must win or the Packers will have built a big hole in the divisional race early on. History says teams that lose divisional home games against teams they are behind in the standings, basically never win the division.
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