The game vs the Patriots

[HardRightEdge]

ensemble? do they also harmonize?

You could say that. I had more of an acting analogy in mind.

 

[realcaliforniacheese]

Hey guys - another Patriots fan here. Born and raised in NE, currently living in ATL, and have tons of family in Milwaukee. Thanks for having me here. I hope we can trade knowledge about our teams while we continue to dive into all the possible match ups all week leading to game day. I can't tell you all how excited I am. In fact, I could careless about eating turkey I've been reading this forum all day and figured I'd register, chime in, and give my predictions.

I think both teams match up well and are fairly similar. Both QB's and offenses are currently playing lights out! We all know that both Rodgers and Brady will score and no defense will completely shut them out. Both team have a respectable running threat, but I believe Lacy > Blount and Gray. Most of you are correct...on paper, outside of Brady, Gronk, and Revis,...the Patriots are just a bunch of scrubs, middle of the pack defense, bunch of frodo's playing wide receiver. We struggled early on (similar to you guys) and some NE folks even wanted to ship Brady out. But for some reason our team is clicking on all cylinders after that embarrassing lost to KC and now the so-called scrubs are all of a sudden producing at a high level. The scary thing is, I see this team improving every week. If you gauge this team (especially the defense) with your eyes and not a stat sheet, I believe you'll see they're better than everyone thought.

Even though this game is being played at Lambeau and Rodgers is virtually as invincible as Brady in Foxboro, I think the difference maker in this game will be the Patriots defense. Though we're not getting tons of highlight reels for sacks as a JJ Watt would, somehow we're always putting pressure on the QB. For the majority of the snaps, I believe Belichick will put Revis on Cobb and Browner on Nelson with McCourty bracketing. I think they'll limit Nelson and Cobb as they've done to:

Brandon Marshall + Alshon Jeffries
Demaryius Thomas + Emmanuel Sanders + Julius Thomas
TY Hilton + Reggie Wayne
Calvin Johnson + Golden Tate

HOWEVER - the main problem is we didn't have Aaron Rodgers throwing to all those receivers listed above. AR's accuracy and ability to make plays and while scrambling is simply awesome to watch. Both the Packers and Patriots control their destiny moving forward. The media paints the Packers as soft, unproven, and beating up on weak teams. With a win over the Patriots, you'd definitely shut everyone up. As for the Patriots, we've had a long stretch of very hard games. We faced the #1 team in the NFL, #1 offense in the NFL, #1 defense in the NFL, and now about to face the #1 QB in the NFL. Win or lose, I hope both teams escape this game without significant injuries. I'm hoping to see a rematch of these two teams in AZ. But for week 13, I like a Pats win because of the list below:

Coaching - NE
QB - push
WR - GB
RB - GB
TE - NE
ST - NE
D - NE
Home Advantage - GB
Playing in Cold Weather - push

Ok, I got as far as "Another Patriots Fan" then it was blah blah blah blah. But it looks like you spent alot of time writing it. I hope we have a wicked bad game.

 

[GoPGo]

Packers 31
Other team: 27

 

[realcaliforniacheese]

So what is everyone FEAR for the game? Mine? Lacey running wild on our D. I think if they stop the run this game be very close and winnable for my Pats.

Fear?? Why would you have fear? it detracts from the game. Football is not supposed to be a game of fear, its supposed to be a game of joy. But if I must.... My fear would be the game sucks.

 

[realcaliforniacheese]

I think the Packers defense is better than New England's and we'll hold them to 10 fewer points in a high scoring game. Pack 38 Patriots 28

Ok, tell me that's really you in your avatar and I will thumbs up every post you make.

 

[realcaliforniacheese]

You could say that. I had more of an acting analogy in mind.

Ok, you edited after I gave you the smiley face. I am revoking it.

 

[HardRightEdge]

Ok, tell me that's really you in your avatar and I will thumbs up every post you make.

I'm sorry you're in such ill humor.

 

[nlferts]

elechick, who I think is the best coach in the NFL, bar none. He manages to get the absolute most out of role-players.

Hey guys - another Patriots fan here. Born and raised in NE, currently living in ATL, and have tons of family in Milwaukee. Thanks for having me here. I hope we can trade knowledge about our teams while we continue to dive into all the possible match ups all week leading to game day. I can't tell you all how excited I am. In fact, I could careless about eating turkey I've been reading this forum all day and figured I'd register, chime in, and give my predictions.

I think both teams match up well and are fairly similar. Both QB's and offenses are currently playing lights out! We all know that both Rodgers and Brady will score and no defense will completely shut them out. Both team have a respectable running threat, but I believe Lacy > Blount and Gray. Most of you are correct...on paper, outside of Brady, Gronk, and Revis,...the Patriots are just a bunch of scrubs, middle of the pack defense, bunch of frodo's playing wide receiver. We struggled early on (similar to you guys) and some NE folks even wanted to ship Brady out. But for some reason our team is clicking on all cylinders after that embarrassing lost to KC and now the so-called scrubs are all of a sudden producing at a high level. The scary thing is, I see this team improving every week. If you gauge this team (especially the defense) with your eyes and not a stat sheet, I believe you'll see they're better than everyone thought.

Even though this game is being played at Lambeau and Rodgers is virtually as invincible as Brady in Foxboro, I think the difference maker in this game will be the Patriots defense. Though we're not getting tons of highlight reels for sacks as a JJ Watt would, somehow we're always putting pressure on the QB. For the majority of the snaps, I believe Belichick will put Revis on Cobb and Browner on Nelson with McCourty bracketing. I think they'll limit Nelson and Cobb as they've done to:

Brandon Marshall + Alshon Jeffries
Demaryius Thomas + Emmanuel Sanders + Julius Thomas
TY Hilton + Reggie Wayne
Calvin Johnson + Golden Tate

HOWEVER - the main problem is we didn't have Aaron Rodgers throwing to all those receivers listed above. AR's accuracy and ability to make plays and while scrambling is simply awesome to watch. Both the Packers and Patriots control their destiny moving forward. The media paints the Packers as soft, unproven, and beating up on weak teams. With a win over the Patriots, you'd definitely shut everyone up. As for the Patriots, we've had a long stretch of very hard games. We faced the #1 team in the NFL, #1 offense in the NFL, #1 defense in the NFL, and now about to face the #1 QB in the NFL. Win or lose, I hope both teams escape this game without significant injuries. I'm hoping to see a rematch of these two teams in AZ. But for week 13, I like a Pats win because of the list below:

Coaching - NE
QB - push
WR - GB
RB - GB
TE - NE
ST - NE
D - NE
Home Advantage - GB
Playing in Cold Weather - push

Heya! Obviously we have plenty of reason to think our teams will pull out the win, but I have to say I don't see "QB" as a push, rather, I think Rodgers has the edge because he is playing at Lambeau. Not a knock on Brady, more so just how amazing Rodgers is at home. It's because of his play, as well as the much more inspired play of the defense in Lambeau, that I think GB has a great shot at winning the biggest game of the year.

 

[realcaliforniacheese]

I'm sorry you're in such ill humor.

bad hemorrhoid day.

 

[HardRightEdge]

Heya! Obviously we have plenty of reason to think our teams will pull out the win, but I have to say I don't see "QB" as a push, rather, I think Rodgers has the edge because he is playing at Lambeau. Not a knock on Brady, more so just how amazing Rodgers is at home. It's because of his play, as well as the much more inspired play of the defense in Lambeau, that I think GB has a great shot at winning the biggest game of the year.

That's really what it comes down to. Working the home field advantage. I've been watching Brady the last few weeks. I think he's surpassed Brees as the guy you can expect to come out dinking-dunking-slicing-dicing between the numbers and under the safeties, an area of the field the Packers have been consistently weak in defending prior to Matthews prowling the middle.

So, there are my two key matchups...Rodgers v. Chung and Matthews v. the variety of TEs, TBs and slot receivers coming his way.

 

[ExpatPacker]

That's really what it comes down to. Working the home field advantage. I've been watching Brady the last few weeks. I think he's surpassed Brees as the guy you can expect to come out dinking-dunking-slicing-dicing between the numbers and under the safeties, an area of the field the Packers have been consistently weak in defending prior to Matthews prowling the middle.

So, there are my two key matchups...Rodgers v. Chung and Matthews v. the variety of TEs, TBs and slot receivers coming his way.

Dinking and dunking is exactly what the Patriots did to Detroit, and it worked. They may not do that to GB though. Pats may try to run it more, which means that having Clay and Perry both back and healthier is going to be key.

A welcome to Pats fans come on here. Good to see some quality fans. One thing I will say, and I mean no disrespect: yes, the Pats have beaten some quality opponents, more than the Packers have, but TBH I thought the Detroit Lions on Sunday were not even close to playing like a division leader. They stunk. Their offense hasn't scored a TD in what? 16 or 18 quarters? The Lions offense gave Brady and the Pats offense every opportunity they could ask for to beat them in humiliating fashion.

The Detroit Lions of yesterday were not the Lions that the Packers played early in the season. The mid-late season implosion of the Lions has already begun, and I now believe that the Lions will struggle to make the playoffs. Miami or Buffalo would have been a far greater challenge for the Patriots than that anemic Lion team yesterday.

I say this not because of Pats posters here, but man, reading some Pats forum I'm amazed at how many of them think they already have this game in the bag, and that the Pats are gonna roll over the Packers in Lambeau just like they did against the Colts in Indy.

 

[red4tribe]

Dinking and dunking is exactly what the Patriots did to Detroit, and it worked. They may not do that to GB though. Pats may try to run it more, which means that having Clay and Perry both back and healthier is going to be key.

A welcome to Pats fans come on here. Good to see some quality fans. One thing I will say, and I mean no disrespect: yes, the Pats have beaten some quality opponents, more than the Packers have, but TBH I thought the Detroit Lions on Sunday were not even close to playing like a division leader. They stunk. Their offense hasn't scored a TD in what? 16 or 18 quarters? The Lions offense gave Brady and the Pats offense every opportunity they could ask for to beat them in humiliating fashion.

The Detroit Lions of yesterday were not the Lions that the Packers played early in the season. The mid-late season implosion of the Lions has already begun, and I now believe that the Lions will struggle to make the playoffs. Miami or Buffalo would have been a far greater challenge for the Patriots than that anemic Lion team yesterday.

I say this not because of Pats posters here, but man, reading some Pats forum I'm amazed at how many of them think they already have this game in the bag, and that the Pats are gonna roll over the Packers in Lambeau just like they did against the Colts in Indy.

One thing I've noticed(And maybe I'm alone in noticing it) is that our corners have been playing very far off the line of scrimmage this year. Quick slant routes, dinking, dunking, will be very effective against that. I'd like to see tighter coverage on Sunday.

 

[brandon2348]

I'm not sold on the Patriots "front seven" and if you don't have a dominant front seven don't even show up at Lambeau or you might get 50 thrown up on ya.

Everyone keeps talking about Revis and Browner and blah blah but it wont matter with the offense we run if they can't get to Rodgers. Guys will be open and if Rodgers has time he will find them. You have to get pressure on us with 4 guys to slow down our offense and I don't think the Pat's have those guys.

Let those fools try to blitz Rodgers.

 

[LITP]

Dinking and dunking is exactly what the Patriots did to Detroit, and it worked. They may not do that to GB though. Pats may try to run it more, which means that having Clay and Perry both back and healthier is going to be key.

A welcome to Pats fans come on here. Good to see some quality fans. One thing I will say, and I mean no disrespect: yes, the Pats have beaten some quality opponents, more than the Packers have, but TBH I thought the Detroit Lions on Sunday were not even close to playing like a division leader. They stunk. Their offense hasn't scored a TD in what? 16 or 18 quarters? The Lions offense gave Brady and the Pats offense every opportunity they could ask for to beat them in humiliating fashion.

The Detroit Lions of yesterday were not the Lions that the Packers played early in the season. The mid-late season implosion of the Lions has already begun, and I now believe that the Lions will struggle to make the playoffs. Miami or Buffalo would have been a far greater challenge for the Patriots than that anemic Lion team yesterday.

I say this not because of Pats posters here, but man, reading some Pats forum I'm amazed at how many of them think they already have this game in the bag, and that the Pats are gonna roll over the Packers in Lambeau just like they did against the Colts in Indy.

The 'fans' that are so sure we are going to 'roll over the Packers' are the ones with stupidly high expectations - the same ones that call for Brady's head after a slow start to the season and the same ones that always deride the work of 'Belichick the GM'.

In other words; they are individuals best ignored as 'white noise'.

I think the Patriots fans are taking more confidence from the performances against the likes of Indy (away) and Denver (at home) - I don't think either of those teams will fail to make the playoffs and both will be real dangerous once they get there.

Detroit are struggling on offense for sure, but I think putting up 34 on the No.1 ranked defense is noteworthy - especially the style in which they did it (totally different game plan to the Colts).

I think the GB/NE offenses are a wash, but I think the Patriots D is better (and by some margin) - opposed to that Green Bay have one of the best home advantages in the NFL.

Should be a great game.

 

[LITP]

I'm not sold on the Patriots "front seven" and if you don't have a dominant front seven don't even show up at Lambeau or you might get 50 thrown up on ya.

Everyone keeps talking about Revis and Browner and blah blah but it wont matter with the offense we run if they can't get to Rodgers. Guys will be open and if Rodgers has time he will find them. You have to get pressure on us with 4 guys to slow down our offense and I don't think the Pat's have those guys.

Let those fools try to blitz Rodgers.

I'm guessing you get a quite a few 'optimistic' rainbow awards on your posts!

People make the mistake of looking for gaudy stats when rating a defense or front 7 - this is the most solid i've seen this Patriots defense look in years - the back 4 and the front 7 work in concert - coverage helps pressure and vice versa - you can't just isolate the front 7 and dismiss them.

Not to say that the Packers 'throwing up 50' is impossible - just very unlikely.

 

[Pkrjones]

Welcome Pat's fans, glad you're here to give us a glimpse of your perspectives.

Saw a breakdown of NE's success over the past few weeks on Fox-NFL last night (think it was broadcast on ESPN, but it was after midnight so I'm not certain). They showed numerous times where Brady would put a guy into motion to help diagnose the D and it created confusion in the defensive backfield allowing Wright or Gronk to be wide open.

I don't think GB's DB's have been rock-solid in the communication department for a few years, now... so I'm a little nervous that they'll succumb to Brady's eye for the mistake. They're certainly better with HaHa & Hyde back there, but they need a lot of front 6 pressure to be really successful on Sunday.

My prediction: Packers 37, Pats 34 in overtime.

 

[Snoop17744]

I have been going to Pats games since the 80's and never been to a road game....until now. Having been to baseball's "holy ground" (Fenway Park), I am imagining that Lambeau will be similar with regards to "respectful fans"? We have a parking pass for Lot#1 but we are bringing 2 cars. Is it possible to park one of the cars in a cheap lot/yard prior to getting real close to the stadium lots?

As for the game, it should be no secret that 'stopping #87 with 1 defender' and 'pressuring Brady while only rushing 4' is the key to holding the Pats offense in check. On the other side of the ball, I fully expect GB to hang 35+ on Pats D. This one could be a classic shootout....

 

[Poppa San]

I have been going to Pats games since the 80's and never been to a road game....until now. Having been to baseball's "holy ground" (Fenway Park), I am imagining that Lambeau will be similar with regards to "respectful fans"? We have a parking pass for Lot#1 but we are bringing 2 cars. Is it possible to park one of the cars in a cheap lot/yard prior to getting real close to the stadium lots?

As for the game, it should be no secret that 'stopping #87 with 1 defender' and 'pressuring Brady while only rushing 4' is the key to holding the Pats offense in check. On the other side of the ball, I fully expect GB to hang 35+ on Pats D. This one could be a classic shootout....

Depending on how many hours before kickoff you plan on getting there. I'm a frugal bugger and the games I've gone to, I park on the city streets for free about a 15 minute walk away from the stadium an hour before gametime. You can pay for yards closer almost up to kickoff. Clo$er co$t$.

 

[NHPatsFan]

I love all these high scores lol, but no love for the D's . I think it will be close but I am calling it NE 30 GB 24 with Rogers being sacked by Ayers on4th and 4 at Ne 21 with 5 seconds left.

 

[Snoop17744]

Depending on how many hours before kickoff you plan on getting there. I'm a frugal bugger and the games I've gone to, I park on the city streets for free about a 15 minute walk away from the stadium an hour before gametime. You can pay for yards closer almost up to kickoff. Clo$er co$t$.

Thanks Poppa San!

We are planning on getting there when the lots open...approx. 4hrs before kickoff. Sounds like there will be plenty of opportunities to unload the 2nd car.

 

[Pkrjones]

I love all these high scores lol, but no love for the D's . I think it will be close but I am calling it NE 30 GB 24 with Rogers being sacked by Ayers on4th and 4 at Ne 21 with 5 seconds left.

The over/under is currently at 58.5 pts., so the bookies are expecting a shoot-out, also.

The Pats lead the league in scoring with 32.5 pts/gm and GB is 2nd with 32.2 pts/gm. Even if either/both D's step up and make a few stops I don't envision either QB giving-up or getting down... they'll keep firing until the clock reads 0:00.0

 

[NHPatsFan]

The bookies are. But I can see a 24-23 game late in the 4th with Brady leading a TD drive to take the lead w Rogers then just running out of time to score to win it.

 

[ExpatPacker]

The bookies are. But I can see a 24-23 game late in the 4th with Brady leading a TD drive to take the lead w Rogers then just running out of time to score to win it.

Or vice versa

 

[NHPatsFan]

Lol exactly expat packer! I just feel both D are being dissed lol

 

[Pkrjones]

I just feel both D are being dissed lol

I don't think I'm (or Vegas bookies, or anyone else) are "dissing" either Defenses... just think the talent AND pride of both QB's will elevate the offenses to succeed. Both team's have seen their offensive players be covered and still make good/great catches, or the RB's just refuse to get tackled at times.

My one big fear is coaching, and that McCarthy either has a lead and plays too conservatively trying to hold it OR GB scores a go-ahead TD or FG and he tries a "surprise" (not) onside kick, leaving Brady with a short field.