Random thoughts on the Packer and bear games:
Washington-bear game: I’ve repeatedly said I would punt high forcing a fair catch, or out of bounds, and would not subject myself to a big return. I would also kick out of the endzone, squib kick, or kick high and short, minimizing the chances for a return. I’ve also always said I’d never kick to Hester. With 6:15 to go in the first half, the bear offense was going nowhere. Their touchdown was after an interception return to the Washington 10. They had 47 yards total offense, and finished the half with 17 plays for 46 yards. Cutler was hurt and out of the game, so the offense wasn’t a threat at that point. Washington punts to Hester, and he returns it 81 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 17. What could Washington’s coaches possibly be thinking?
Packer-Cleveland game:
The Packers threw on all 4 plays on their first drive, and scored an easy TD. They scored on three of their four first-half possessions, because they passed a lot. The drive that ended in a field goal was stalled by a first-down run.
With 0:03 left in the half and the Packers up 17-3, McCarthy kicked deep, not understanding the risk of a kickoff return for a TD. He should have squibbed the kick. The returner had a nice return earlier in the game, and this was a risk McCarthy didn’t have to take.
On the first possession of the second half, they passed on the first three first downs, and got first downs each time, moving into FG range. They then ran on first down for no gain, and later had a sack that resulted in a missed 52-yard FG attempt. Again, the first-down run stalled the drive and resulted in a longer FG attempt.
A first-down run on the next drive resulted in a punt.
The Packers scored a TD two drives later, and all but 3 yards were from passing, including the TD.
With about 8:30 to go in the 4th quarter, Cleveland’s offense had gone nowhere, and the Packers led 24-6. The only thing that could have hurt the Packers at that point was a big play. What does McCarthy do? He kicks deep, the returner returns it 86 yards to the Packer 20, and the Browns got a touchdown as a result, making the score 24-13 with over 6 minutes left. McCarthy continues to keep games close, letting the opponents stay in games that should not be close.
Up 31-13 late in the game, McCarthy kicked deep again, and the returner returned it 56 yards to the Packer 47.
Larry,
I could do nothing but think of your strategy for the Packers last night. Even though they won in a blow-out. They should have scored every time they had the ball. One more run on first down for 2 or less yards and I was going to scream. The announcers kept talking about establishing the run and what a dimension Eddie Lacy adds. They don’t need to establish the run. Every first down pass was for at least 7 yards. I just don’t understand it. I get the concept if you have a balanced offense and you are playing a decent defense. But there is no need when you are playing the Vikings. They were exhausted, but there went McCarthy with another first down run. Glad they won. Should have been about 70-0. Hopefully, they will not adopt this idiotic balance this week. But then against the bear defensive line I might run for 100 yards. Talk to you soon.
I agree! The Viking defense was bad last night, so the first-down runs didn’t cost them, but the game was still too close for too long. The thing McCarthy doesn’t understand is that even if the first-down pass is incomplete, the chances of getting a first down on that series are great. Running on first down might result in a first down, but the drive will eventually stall. Passing on first downs results in scores. The Packers had many third downs due to the running, but were able to convert. I don’t think a gameplan should be built on having to convert a high percentage of third downs. The Vikings have no offense, and the Packers kicked off allowing returns, and the Vikings did return the opening kickoff for a TD.