marty -> RE: The Packers (12/7/2011 12:10:20 AM)
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The way Rodgers is playing, and with a little help from the refs, the Packers look like they might go undefeated the next 3 seasons, 57-0. And I'm not really joking [:@]. What's impressive to me is that they are doing without strong defensive play, with a run game that is spotty at times, with an OL that is struggling at times (and they do miss Clifton a tad on the left side). ANY of those areas improve, and they can win games in different ways. I used to think that so much of Rodgers success was in good part because of his WRs, but I'm not so sure anymore. I used to think it was about 60%QB-40%WR, but I'm starting to think it's more like 70%QB-30%WR. Finley had a big drop in the last game. I also think playcalling is a strong asset for their team. Rodgers passes have been right on, and he's seems driven this year. He's like a Joe Montana with a strong arm. However, I'm not sure his success is as much his dissecting a defense (sometimes it is), as it is just doing the things the Packer offense does well. After watching the Vikes/Broncos game, the optimistic part for the Vikings is I think Ponder might do similar things to Rodgers next year or the following year. It's mostly a matter of playing together. I think Ponder will make WRs out of Aroshamadu, Harvin, and maybe Webb, and the TEs are good if they can keep Shiancoe. What the Vikes need the most, is a WR with a more physical presence like Jordy Nelson. It would also help if they benefitted from officials' calls more often. It is a myth that good teams overcome poor officiating. On occasion they do, but most of the time their success is in part because the refs overlook their bending the rules, and calls go their way because they have a reputation as being good. I really can't recall a team that won the SB where I felt they really had to overcome officiating in the playoffs, it's usually either nuetral or FOR them. The Vikes played the Packers very close in their 1st meeting this year, despite Ponder lacking experience and Rodgers having an MVP year. And the Vikes may have played them close the 2nd time in Lameblow if the officials hadn't been so biased against the Vikes in that one. And the Vikings have since picked up Benny Sapp which will help their 2ndary next year.
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