NFC North 2025

[rmontro]

I just think we learn from the past and maybe shake up our process during a Bye week. I think it’s dangerous to say we don’t want a Bye week in the playoffs though. It’s quite possible we just were not the best team on the field that day and were ill prepared.

Hate to say it, but the common denominator with not playing well after the bye is MLF.
Anyway, I wouldn't turn down the #1 seed. It's just irritating when you get the #1 seed and then fail to do anything with that advantage, because it is an advantage.

 

[milani]

That's true, of course, although the tendency to not play very well after a bye seems to have stuck with us.
At one time we were 9-0 without a loss in the playoffs at Lambeau, and that doesn't have any relevance either.

Yeah. Remember that. I think it was Michael Vick that destroyed us. We were decimated every which way especially on defense.

 

[rmontro]

You know, I just noticed there are six other teams in the NFC who have five wins. We have four, but we're at the #1 seed position. Just seems kind of weird, and interesting.

I also noticed that the Packers defense is #2 in rushing yards per game, and #15 in passing yards per game. That seems kind of strange, considering that going into the season we were worried about our run defense, but excited about our pass defense with Parsons.

 

[OldSchool101]

You know, I just noticed there are six other teams in the NFC who have five wins. We have four, but we're at the #1 seed position. Just seems kind of weird, and interesting.

I also noticed that the Packers defense is #2 in rushing yards per game, and #15 in passing yards per game. That seems kind of strange, considering that going into the season we were worried about our run defense, but excited about our pass defense with Parsons.

So 2 things I’d offer.

The 4–1-1 just take take (4X.100) + (1X.50) 1/2 Win which = .450 and divide by 6 contests. It’s better Win %.
The 2 losses offer ZERO points. 5X.100 or 5 Wind and ultimately divided by 7 = .7143. Until GB loses no team can catch us. Those teams will always be 1/2 Win behind us. I think what confuses everyone is we have only played 6 games. Whereas most others have 7 games logged.

I still think GB will get back clicking as the season evolves. We forget Parsons needed time to evolve into our system. Also let’s face it losing Kenny didn’t help. Then we lost Wyatt. Then we lost Van Ness. That THREE starting level DL and all are Day 1 selections. Pull 3 Day 1 interior DL from other teams (or the next highest drafted) and see how they fair.

 

[tynimiller]

You know, I just noticed there are six other teams in the NFC who have five wins. We have four, but we're at the #1 seed position. Just seems kind of weird, and interesting.

I also noticed that the Packers defense is #2 in rushing yards per game, and #15 in passing yards per game. That seems kind of strange, considering that going into the season we were worried about our run defense, but excited about our pass defense with Parsons.

This defense was progressing very nicely latter part of last year and I don’t think people even within our fanbase notice how solid they’ve been DESPITE not playing our best outside corner after first two weeks

 

[tynimiller]

So 2 things I’d offer.

The 4–1-1 just take take (4X.100) + (1X.50) 1/2 Win which = .450 and divide by 6 contests. It’s better Win %.
The 2 losses offer ZERO points. 5X.100 or 5 Wind and ultimately divided by 7 = .7143. Until GB loses no team can catch us. Those teams will always be 1/2 Win behind us. I think what confuses everyone is we have only played 6 games. Whereas most others have 7 games logged.

I still think GB will get back clicking as the season evolves. We forget Parsons needed time to evolve into our system. Also let’s face it losing Kenny didn’t help. Then we lost Wyatt. Then we lost Van Ness. That THREE starting level DL and all are Day 1 selections. Pull 3 Day 1 interior DL from other teams (or the next highest drafted) and see how they fair.

The fact we lost Kenny, Wyatt and one game at least of LVN and still been solid is amazing. Wooden looked like an all pro last week if you isolate and watch his reps. Incredible game out of him

 

[Voyageur]

The fact we lost Kenny, Wyatt and one game at least of LVN and still been solid is amazing. Wooden looked like an all pro last week if you isolate and watch his reps. Incredible game out of him

Wooden did look good. It was easy to overlook him the way Parsons played.

The Packers are stellar against the longer passing games but weak against the short routes because we use a lot of nickel back and a 4-man rush. That leaves only two linebackers and they're not able to cover the entire field from sideline to sideline and need to lean towards outside containment to stop the pitches and outside runs. That means that we're fair game under 10 yards from tackle to tackle. Since the Packers are also #2 in hurries, it's an indicator that teams realize that they need to get rid of the ball sooner and know the only routes they can use effectively are the short routes.

To verify this fact consider we only have 2 INTs and are giving up the least amount of yards per pass attempt in the league indicating the routes are shorter and safer. We're also #2 in defending against passes over 20 yards and have only one thrown over 40 yards against us. This is accredited to the nickel back coverage.

We won't have as many sacks as a lot of teams because opposing QBs are getting rid of the ball sooner, and the shorter routes are often the primary routes against us as opposed to be the check down routes. Add in the fact that we are 11th in sacks and you get the picture that the teams we play know that playing the longer game against us is suicide and plan accordingly.

It also is a good indicator as to why so many opposition QBs look like they're having great games. They aren't being saddled with finding ways to hang onto the ball to get those long completions. You don't need to be a HOF QB to play the short game. I think that was evidenced by how well Flacco played against us with Cincinnati after only getting a couple of days of work preparing for the game. Our porous middle offered the Bengals the opportunity to play the short game that an experienced QB can handle even if he's not that good.

 

[tynimiller]

Wooden did look good. It was easy to overlook him the way Parsons played.

The Packers are stellar against the longer passing games but weak against the short routes because we use a lot of nickel back and a 4-man rush. That leaves only two linebackers and they're not able to cover the entire field from sideline to sideline and need to lean towards outside containment to stop the pitches and outside runs. That means that we're fair game under 10 yards from tackle to tackle. Since the Packers are also #2 in hurries, it's an indicator that teams realize that they need to get rid of the ball sooner and know the only routes they can use effectively are the short routes.

To verify this fact consider we only have 2 INTs and are giving up the least amount of yards per pass attempt in the league indicating the routes are shorter and safer. We're also #2 in defending against passes over 20 yards and have only one thrown over 40 yards against us. This is accredited to the nickel back coverage.

We won't have as many sacks as a lot of teams because opposing QBs are getting rid of the ball sooner, and the shorter routes are often the primary routes against us as opposed to be the check down routes. Add in the fact that we are 11th in sacks and you get the picture that the teams we play know that playing the longer game against us is suicide and plan accordingly.

It also is a good indicator as to why so many opposition QBs look like they're having great games. They aren't being saddled with finding ways to hang onto the ball to get those long completions. You don't need to be a HOF QB to play the short game. I think that was evidenced by how well Flacco played against us with Cincinnati after only getting a couple of days of work preparing for the game. Our porous middle offered the Bengals the opportunity to play the short game that an experienced QB can handle even if he's not that good.

Well said!

 

[Magooch]

Just a small tidbit regarding our defense:

Currently, we are 16th in total EPA allowed per play
15th in dropback EPA allowed per play
11th in rush EPA allowed per play

Last year, overall we finished at...
4th in total EPA allowed per play
4th in dropback EPA allowed per play
8th in rush EPA allowed per play

(through Week 7 of 2024/2025 season those numbers were 6th, 6th, and 7th)

Plenty of conclusions one could draw but one of the biggest factors IMO is the lack of takeaways and/or big plays. Despite the pressures/hurries we are only 9th in the league in total sacks (18) and tied for 2nd-worst in takeaways with just 3 (us, Ravens, Commanders. Only the Jets are worse with just 1)

 

[milani]

You know, I just noticed there are six other teams in the NFC who have five wins. We have four, but we're at the #1 seed position. Just seems kind of weird, and interesting.

I also noticed that the Packers defense is #2 in rushing yards per game, and #15 in passing yards per game. That seems kind of strange, considering that going into the season we were worried about our run defense, but excited about our pass defense with Parsons.

So far teams have chosen to throw the ball more against us. But the run defense has held its own. Everyone going toward the ball carrier.

 

[gopkrs]

Yes, with our two linebackers in there to help, we are good against the run. But since they are passing so much I think we could try more dime packages with one linebacker and a safety that's good at tackling.

 

[OldSchool101]

I think opponents have had time to study the GB Defense from 2024. However the league is evolving and each week DC’s make adjustments.

I noticed Devonte Wyatt is back at practice limited. Imo if he’s close to 100% it makes an impact inside. Having Gary, Parsons and Wyatt all simultaneous presents a problem. Someone’s getting singled and often it’ll be Wyatt and Gary. I’ve said this before and early in Wyatt’s career I was criticized for us choosing a guy that’s not good at doubles but very good at being 1 on 1 disruptive. Wyatt is that guy.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Yeah. Remember that. I think it was Michael Vick that destroyed us. We were decimated every which way especially on defense.

It was Vick, and actually it was not a 9-0 streak - it was 13-0 until that damned day.

Hate to say it, but the common denominator with not playing well after the bye is MLF.

It seems to be part of his pattern of having difficulty getting his team up for games.

We won't have as many sacks as a lot of teams because opposing QBs are getting rid of the ball sooner, and the shorter routes are often the primary routes against us as opposed to be the check down routes. Add in the fact that we are 11th in sacks and you get the picture that the teams we play know that playing the longer game against us is suicide and plan accordingly.

And this weekend, we play probably the smartest quarterback we'll face all year, with the quickest release since Dan Marino.

 

[rmontro]

And this weekend, we play probably the smartest quarterback we'll face all year, with the quickest release since Dan Marino.

Aaron Rogersberger won us a lot of games.

 

[OldSchool101]

Rodgers LOVES using Friermuth. Just something I noticed in that last game. We’d be wise to get our best matchup (cooper?) on Friermuth. You’d think it was Tonyan 2.0

Also Aaron used that super quick throw to the Slot WR (Scotty Miller). I believe Calvin Austin III is back in the mix. He’s not a world beater, but Rodgers might very well try to get him going. I’d be watching for those quick screen type plays.
One thing that’s changed in GB. We’re VERY adept at sniffing out those quick lateral passes. We’ve got like 5 guys that specialize in defending that. We’re a very fast flowing Defense to plays behind LOS. Bullard, Nixon, Quay, Gary, Williams and I’d throw in Cooper. They’ve each done a great job in swarming and rallying that stuff. It might even be smart for Rodgers not to be mixing those much if at all.

 

[Poppa San]

. Our porous middle offered the Bengals the opportunity to play the short game that an experienced QB can handle even if he's not that good.

And next up is one of the best in the twilight of his career.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Vikings are toast. Carson Wentz is done for the season. Put on IR with a shoulder injury that requires surgery. Looks like JJ McCarthy is their man, unless they trade for a vet. Would be nice to see the Falcons fleece them for a couple of 1st rounders to get Cousins back.

I said during free agency, they were dumb to not keep Cousins or sign Rodgers.

They also picked up TE Ben's Sims, who the Packers cut a few days ago.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Vikings are toast. Carson Wentz is done for the season. Put on IR with a shoulder injury that requires surgery. Looks like JJ McCarthy is their man, unless they trade for a vet. Would be nice to see the Falcons fleece them for a couple of 1st rounders to get Cousins back.

That's a pretty damned serious injury for Wentz; I don't envy him at all. It's going to be a long and painful recovery.

I said during free agency, they were dumb to not keep Cousins or sign Rodgers.

I fully agreed with you; they took a foolish risk, and it probably cost them any ''window'' they may have had for several years to come. I don't think McCarthy is ever really going to be an elite quarterback, and they're not going to get another chance at a Rodgers-level QB next year. It's very unlikely there will be one available, and even if there is, they're going be between $50 and $60 million over the cap in 26.

Rodgers was likely the only chance they had, and they're going to have trouble competing over the next few years. Detroit and Green Bay are pretty much going to top the division, Chicago will probably be competitive, and the best the Vikings can probably hope for is to play the occasional spoiler.

 

[milani]

Vikings are toast. Carson Wentz is done for the season. Put on IR with a shoulder injury that requires surgery. Looks like JJ McCarthy is their man, unless they trade for a vet. Would be nice to see the Falcons fleece them for a couple of 1st rounders to get Cousins back.

I said during free agency, they were dumb to not keep Cousins or sign Rodgers.

They also picked up TE Ben's Sims, who the Packers cut a few days ago.

They need to go with JJ the rest of the way if he can stay standing. He needs the development win or lose.

 

[Voyageur]

The trade deadline is November 4th. Maybe the Packers should dangle Willis for a 2nd round pick? Won't get it, but why not? We need to restock the shelf with the loss of two 1st round picks for Parsons. Probably at least have to throw in our 4th to boot.

 

[XPack]

Evey time I look at the standings, that stupid Browns loss feels like a kick to the balls.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

That's a pretty damned serious injury for Wentz; I don't envy him at all. It's going to be a long and painful recovery.


I fully agreed with you; they took a foolish risk, and it probably cost them any ''window'' they may have had for several years to come. I don't think McCarthy is ever really going to be an elite quarterback, and they're not going to get another chance at a Rodgers-level QB next year. It's very unlikely there will be one available, and even if there is, they're going be between $50 and $60 million over the cap in 26.

Rodgers was likely the only chance they had, and they're going to have trouble competing over the next few years. Detroit and Green Bay are pretty much going to top the division, Chicago will probably be competitive, and the best the Vikings can probably hope for is to play the occasional spoiler.

Just a bizarre decision by the Visqueens. You come off a 14-3 season, you don't resign the QB that got you there. Then, an even better option, Aaron Rodgers, says he'll play for you at a discount and you tell him "Nah Bro, we are going with the kid, the 22 year old guy that is coming off a year long injury and hasn't played a snap in the NFL."

No wonder Justin Jefferson was visibly upset in their last game. This franchise is just marred in bad decisions.

Today I see that Wentz apparently suffered his torn labrum and fractured socket 2 1/2 games ago and was trying to give it his all and gut it out. I mean come on Zygi, I'm the opposite of a Vikings fan, and I am pissed at you for being so cheap. Why didn't you go out and trade for a veteran QB? Or heck, sign a FA one like Desmond Ridder who knows your playbook. Even C.J. Beathard or Taylor Heinicke would have been a better option then pushing Wentz out on the field with one and a half arms.

Sorry @Raptorman, but your Vikings just make me scratch my head and I absolutely LOVE it!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

The trade deadline is November 4th. Maybe the Packers should dangle Willis for a 2nd round pick? Won't get it, but why not? We need to restock the shelf with the loss of two 1st round picks for Parsons. Probably at least have to throw in our 4th to boot.

Honestly, at this point the Packers would be foolish to get rid of Willis. They are sitting at 5-1-1 and have the best record in the NFC. What would change their winning ways? Love getting hurt. What would send the Packers down a death spiral? Love getting hurt and Willis not being there to take his place. Be patient, the Packers might get a 2027 comp pick when Willis signs with another team.

Like I said at the beginning of the season, all these trades of current Packers that people were throwing out there preseason, only made sense to evaluate at the trade deadline. We are nearing that deadline and I wouldn't trade Malik, Doubs or any other Packer starter at this point. Let's go get that Lombardi!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

They need to go with JJ the rest of the way if he can stay standing. He needs the development win or lose.

They really haven't left themselves any other choice. I guess if they trade for Cousins, that would be an another option. But yeah, at this point, they might just have to throw McCarthy back in the fire and use the remainder of the season to see if they actually have a franchise QB with him.

 

[El Guapo]

Just a bizarre decision by the Visqueens.

I'll have to disagree. Let's separate these two things that also seem to be intertwined because they happened in different seasons.

Heading into 2024
Kirk Cousins was to become a free agent and wanted top dollar and a long contract. He got it all from Atlanta. The Vikings already had a $140M player in Justin Jefferson, a 1st round QB pick ready to go, and frankly didn't see anything in Cousins but a good veteran QB flourishing in KOC's offense. As Packers fans, we all know that Cousins was not a SB quarterback so let's not make him out to be better than he was. He was in the perfect system for his talents. They let Cousins walk for crazy money ($180M) and the length that he wanted. So the Vikings got veteran Sam Darnold to be the backup to McCarthy. McCarthy got hurt and Darnold flourished much like Cousins did in KOC's offense. More proof that KOC runs a good show.

Heading into 2025
The Vikings had the option to pay Darnold, Jones, or Rodgers big dollars to be their QB - or go with McCarthy. Bonus, if they didn't splurge on QB they could address huge issues on the OL. It's not crazy that went with McCarthy and then signed Kelly (C) and Fries (RG) to help fix an OL that has been pretty bad for many seasons.

I don't think their reasoning was flawed. Every veteran has flourished in KOC's system, so they figured have another veteran backup in Wentz was a solid option to McCarthy. Not only did McCarthy get hurt again, but their OL has been decimated. It all looks bad, but they were trying to build for the long term. That's not bizarre IMO - that's how you build strong programs.

The teams paying big for 1yr QB rentals are usually the ones in trouble.