Originally posted by Packersfan2013:
Packers fan here, I come in peace.
I honestly think some of you are vastly underestimating the Packers here, which is understandable, you guys have a good team and you guys beat us twice last year. Just want to point out some things that may change the outcome this year.
1. Yes we studied the read option, but I think a lot of people are mistaken and thinking we went to study it for defensive only purposes. I believe it is because they plan on running a form of it with Cobb as well.
2. Last year's playoff game, our defense was spent. We had a super thin rotation of backup quality DL/LB playing the majority of the game. Even more pronounced when Pickett went out multiple times in the playoff game. Time of possession at half was 22/8
3. We had Walden at LB who played probably the worst game I have ever seen a LB play. He is not with us anymore.
4. Tramon Williams was eaten alive by Crabtree. I can't stress this enough because I don't think you have a receiver on your team that will do that again. If you watch the playoff game again, watch how many targets Crabtree gets and how many he was successful on. He was the majority of CK's targets.
5. We had 2 HUGE TO's that cost a huge swing from 14-7 us to 21-14 you. Ill call one since we had the CK INT as well. Even with the piss poor half we had, we were still only losing by 3 at half. 24-21. With us having the ball for 8 minutes. I won't get into the second half because I believe our defense basically gave up and even then we were still in the game at the end of the 3rd Q.
6. You guys had 1 sack against Rodgers in the playoff game and that was when our starting RG went out, a new C came in and our starting C shifted to RG. Not to take away your guys DL, its very good, but by no means did you dominate us there with a line which is worse than what we are putting out there this year. I hope our rook at LT can keep up and by all accounts so far, he can. Buluga wasnt there last year when we played in the playoffs, so I think thats a moot point. And the rook beat out the guy who held his own against Smith, so I am not worried in that regard.
7. You guys say we can't rush against you guys, I disagree. We actually had decent success in the playoff game but the score and the momentum dictated that we pass more. And that was with a scrub UDFA who averaged 4.8 against your line.
I could go on a bit more but ill go onto this upcoming game. Our DL and LB are much improved from last year. We have a deep deep core of GOOD players, some of which might actually surprise you. We have Nick Perry back opposite Clay which will be a huge boon, if he even is a little better than Walden was at sealing the edge (which I cant imagine he could be worse), CK doesnt get the huge runs. Goldson gone also might play big into this game as he had a great playoff game last year and stopped several drives along with kept the middle of the field pretty empty. I think the biggest reason the 49ers lose this game is no Crabtree to be honest. Vernon Davis was held pretty much in check the last game and we are tossing out much more athletic LB this time, along with a much deeper secondary.
I think on offense a lot will be decided by how Lacy runs. Not in terms of huge runs, but if we can control the clock better this game. Your defense struggles much more against the big backs, ala Jackson, Lynch then they do against smaller guys like Harris. TOP was a huge disadvantage last game and that played right into your hands. MM also was an idiot in the 2nd Q last year by running NH when it was obvious our defense needed a break. I think this game will be a fun one to watch and it could honestly go either way. I just expect the Packers to be much much improved on defense this year, have a much better running game and be more balanced. Ill go 35-24 Packers.
It's the same old, "we're improved, and you're not" argument. Of course you don't realize that we're also improved, believe it or not; despite the injuries.
You think - We lost our nose tackle in free agency, and are now worse at the position.
We think - We have Ian Williams and Ken Dorsey, who are both improvements at the position. Williams can actually rush the passer at NT, we haven't had that ability in decades.
You think - We lost Crabtree, and now can't throw the ball on you.
We think - Boldin will basically serve as a Crabtree clone in terms of overall production. We also have a healthy Kyle Williams and a rookie extraordinaire with Quinton Patton, neither of whom played in the playoff game.
You think - We lost our second TE.
We think - We have an adequate replacement with rookie Vance McDonald.
You think - Your team is super prepared for the read option.
We think - We don't give a rats ass if we ever see the read option again. Kap doesn't need it. I would LOVE it if we never use it again. Kap is actually MORE productive from the pocket.
You think - We lost Goldson and now can't tackle or cover at that position.
We think - Reid is a better tackler than Goldson, and hasn't made any glaring mistakes in pass pro in the preseason. He's probably better there too. Goldson was an overrated idiot who gave the other team 15 yard freebies.
Why do you keep referencing the playoff game? We beat you at your place with Alex Smith. So it's not like we need the read option to score points, or home field to stop your offense, or a quarterback who can scramble.
Corey Lemonier is another pass rusher we have to go along with Ian Williams. Kap has gone through a full training camp. He is on fire. The only thing that can stop our offense is stupid play calling. So if you see fullback dives and pitches to LMJ, then you might be in for a good day.
[ Edited by BrianGO on Sep 3, 2013 at 10:06 PM ]
That one does kinda raise an eyebrow...
