We give grades to the different aspects of the Packers game from Sunday or Monday. Am I too critical sometimes? Yes. Am I also too nice sometimes? Yes. I do not have a teaching degree in case you were wondering.
A-Game
Matt Flynn - Is there anything worse than admitting people were right? I felt like we had to cue up The Hives when Flynn came in and started dominating proving everyone who wanted Flynn from the get-go was correct. Remember this is a guy whose been cut twice this year beaten out by Terrelle Pryor yet he somehow has mojo at Lambeau Field. I still defend going with Scott Tolzien first because it is about the consistency of having the same guy at quarterback for consecutive weeks. It helps timing, and all sorts of other intricacies. Still though, this is a different team with Flynn at quarterback. He had a great hard count, he switched plays, he just looked comfortable as Green Bay's quarterback. Clay Matthews - Other than Flynn, the biggest bright spot for Green Bay is Clay is officially back. He played like a monster the entire game. Matthews seemed to be in Minnesota's backfield on almost every play and did some great things. This is huge for Green Bay moving forward with their much-criticized defense. If there was one thing Matthews needs to do better is keep contain on the outside when there is a running back like Adrian Peterson.
Eddie Lacy - As we noted on Friday, this is the reason Green Bay drafted Lacy. They loaded up the box preparing to stop Lacy and they could not. He carries defenders up and down the field. I cannot remember one play where Eddie got taken down with the first contact. He is the beast we all wanted him to be in the offseason and Lacy is currently the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Also is everyone's fan favorite right now and I cannot blame people.
B-Game
Mike McCarthy's quarterback decision - People criticize McCarthy all the time, but he did what was necessary to at least forced overtime with Minnesota. Packers trailed by 16 points in the fourth quarter. It seemed over with people are quitting all over the field, and he might have went with the last option yet it was the right one. Flynn will probably start this week against a Detroit defense that is suddenly reeling and probably still has PTSD from Flynn's last appearance against the Lions.
Mike Neal - Another good game from Neal. I think he might be a Pro Bowler. I do not think he should start, but I do think there should be some consideration. The consideration comes from him playing well at a brand new position on defense and playing damn well while doing it. It probably will not happen, but Neal is having a strong season for Green Bay.
Tim Masthay - A great day from Ginger Wolverine. My buddy Mach leads the Tim Masthay Fan Club chapter here in Wauwatosa and I had to think he was pleased with his performance. 'Ging' as Aaron Rodgers calls him had some great punts inside the 10 yard line which would have earned him full Madden points in the Coffin Corner Challenge.
C-Game
A.J. Hawk - Here's the thing about A.J. I like he had some tackles, had a sack and a couple TFL's on the board. What I do not like is Hawk was a major reason why Minnesota gashed this team on the ground. The reason why Hawk kept his job during his average years in Green Bay was for his run defense, and he has not been good at it in the last couple of weeks. I do not know if the book changed on him, and Hawk has not adapted yet, but he needs to be better.
Evan Dietrich-Smith - Obviously, you look at the running stats and think the offensive line did a pretty good job. They did take care of business in that area of football, but there were some issues with Evan Dietrich-Smith and others yesterday. It seems like 75 percent of Dietrch-Smith's snaps are lower than they should be. This might be a minor detail in the fabric although it is very important to how plays develop in both the pass and the run. He needs to be better.
Scott Tolzien - He might have turned into a pumpkin overnight. Tolzien had a Johnny Manziel-like run to get Green Bay the first score of the day, but it was all downhill from there. He went 7 of 17 with 98 yards in three quarters which is not good at all. The one bright spot is Tolzien did not have a turnover this game so progress!
Morgan Burnett - To date, Burnett looks like one of Ted Thompson's biggest mistakes. This is hyperbole no question about it, but you have to start wondering what the hell has happen with him. Burnett signed a four-year deal in the offseason netting him 24 million dollars. He is playing like a street free agent whom Green Bay signed at the end of training camp. Burnett has to be better in all facets. The middle is always exposed when teams are passing the ball. Additionally, Burnett does not step up in the run game as well as he should be as a considered top safety in the NFC.
F-Game
Run Defense - The fact Toby Gerhart tore up the Packers for 91 yards on eight carries averaging 11.4 yards per carry is pathetic. I am sorry, but are you f'n kidding me?! Gerhart is a good player, fine, but holy shit that's horribly bad. Peterson did get a somewhat quiet 146 yards on 32 carries. Green Bay has to clean this up as soon as possible. I think everyone realized how the problems with this team do not start at quarterback right now rather in the rushing game. Further, Johnny Jolly get back healthy soon, please.
Marshall Newhouse - He would be a hell of a bullfighter with his 'Ole' style of pass blocking. All sorts of pressure came from the right side. Jared Allen was non-existent but Bryan Robison was in the backfield consistently.
Charlie.
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