2009 Recap

I have to admit I haven’t followed much of the conversation since my last entry, so pardon me if I repeat some of your thoughts, which I probably will. Either way, here goes.

First Quarter -  No way on God’s green earth did I see the Packers starting out 2-2. I was sure 4-0 and was going to be the record. I could have saw 3-1 because of the trip to Minnesota, but never saw the Bengal loss coming. Of course the Bengals did end up making the playoffs and they were playing their best football arguably the first month of the season. Just the opposite for Green Bay. It was definitely a shocker and for whatever reason the Packers hit snooze on that wake-up call.

The loss in Minnesota was the first sign the Packers couldn’t stop the pass, a problem that ultimately ended their season. Brett Favre won a classic shootout between the past and present Packers’ quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers astonishingly throw for almost 400 yards despite getting sacked eight times. Getting sacked was Rodgers’ and the Packers’ biggest problem of the first four games.

Second Quarter -  The next four games featured three gimmies and a home date with the Vikings. The Packers rolled over Detroit and Cleveland but the ole’ gunslinger embarrassed the Packers in his return to Lambeau and the residual effect was a loss to Tampa Bay the following week. Six weeks later than they should have the Packers got the wake-up call that actually woke them up. The loss to the Bucs and a one-point last play loss in Pittsburgh ended up costing the Packers a division title, despite the two losses to Minnesota. Just goes to show how important every game is in the NFL.

Third Quarter -  As low as the Packers were starting the second half of their season November 15th, it is amazing what they did in the third quarter of the season. They opened it by beating eventual NFC East Champion Dallas Cowboys and closed it by beating AFC wildcard team Baltimore, both quite handily I might add. In between they beat the 8-8 49ers and the annual patsy Detroit on Thanksgiving. From 4-4 to 8-4 in what seemed like overnight.

Fourth Quarter -  The Packers continued their hot streak down the stretch but the blueprint to beat them was laid out by Pittsburgh in a shootout in Pittsburgh that was won on the last play of the game. The Packers got burned for 503 passing yards by Ben Roethlisberger and the Packers’ pass defense was never able to recover. Of course not having Aaron Kampman and Al Harris certainly played a role in that, but the Packers simply had no answer for top-flight quarterbacks like Favre, Roethlisberger and the Cardinal’s Kurt Warner in the playoffs.

Playoffs -  In one of the funnest games to watch in playoff history the Cardinals beat the Packers 51-45. Neither team could stop the other and the Cardinals loss at New Orleans last Sunday is probably only slightly worse than what the Packers would have done down there. I’d like to think the Packers could have done better but the Saints dropped 50 on the Packers down there last year, so it wasn’t too likely.

In the end -  I myself consider 2009 a successful season taking into account the Packers were coming off a 6-10 season and by most people’s account were headed for a repeat performance. I had much greater expectations and the Packers nearly achieved them. I can’t remember if I said 12-4 or 13-3 and don’t feel like looking it up, but I wasn’t too far off. I was indeed way wrong on Favre and the Vikings, who as much as I hate to say I believe are Super Bowl bound.

On that note, if anybody had any questions about what kind of a record-grubbing, selfish player Brett Favre is they got their answer Sunday with an explanation point. For Favre and the Vikings to go for a fourth-and-four at the Cowboys ten with 1:50 to go in the game and the Cowboys out of time outs was without doubt the most classless act I have ever seen in the NFL. And I remember the Mike Ditka days in Chicago and the Buddy Ryan days in Philly like it was yesterday. Not even Forrest Gregg would have stumped that low. Last I checked their isn’t a 24-point play in the NFL. Hopefully the Gods of football are just as unforgiving as the Gods of golf.

That said, I think the NFL wants a Peyton-Brett Super Bowl and that is what they will get. I would give the Saints a chance if they were any other team than the Saints. They are the NFL’s version of the Chicago Cubs and will be more loved for never winning a championship than they would be if they actually won one. Vikings win 49-31.

In the AFC I believe the Jets miracle run will come to an end in Indy. The Jets aren’t playing the Bengals or the perennial playoff chokers San Diego this week, this is the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts make the playoffs in their sleep and have won one Super Bowl in the Manning era and are primed to win another this year. The Colts might not be able to run the ball but like the Packers in years past it is mostly because they don’t try to. Why would you when you have a four-time MVP at quarterback? The Jets will probably control the ball for 45 minutes and lose 21-10.

I’ll worry about the Super Bowl later. I hope I’m wrong on both accounts as it would be great to see the #1 offense against the #1 defense in the Super Bowl. We could settle the old debate once and for all.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 10:38 pm and is filed under Al Davis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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  • Rocky70

    BF is a future HOF QB ………… If HOF credentials required players to play well in the playoffs, BF would never make the HOF ……….. I doubt Manning is done adding to his playoff career numbers and I have no idea how Grant, Harris & Woodson fit into this discussion ………. None are QBs & none are headed to the HOF (maybe Woody) ……………. Face it, you’ve attempted to argue a ponit in which you had no chance to succeed ……. (BF is a big-game QB & plays well in the play-offs) ……… All you need do is look at the numbers & recall the games ……… Anyone with a half a brain knows that BF has been average to mediocre in the playoffs ………..

    Watch the game closely today ………… If/when the Vikes get eliminated from the chase, BF is gone for good ……….. I doubt BF has anymore cards up his sleeve that will enable him to skip another entire off-season & play in 2010 ……….. I suppose he could retire, be released by the Vikes & then sign with another team in August ……… Maybe this sorry soap-opera still has another chapter …………..

  • Rocky70

    ” I suppose he could retire, be released by the Vikes & then sign with another team in August. ”

    Or ……….. He could retire from the Vikes ………… Change his mind in August & then crash the Vike’s TC……….. He’s done this before ………. He’s actually pretty good at this strategy ……………. Stay tuned ……….. The ‘BF Show’ must go on ………….

  • Sammy

    Wow, I don’t need to say anymore. Packer_bob just kicked Rocky’s ass. Favre is a HOF, anyone can be spun by focusing on a small category of their work. Bottom line…HOF QB….oh and P_b really kicked your ass.

    I’m probably done until the draft when we can watch TT draft another Jordy Nelson and make a brave FA move by getting a Frank Walker off of someone’s practice squad to help at DB.

    WOW! I AM STILL BLOWN AWAY….PACKER_BOB 50 ROCKY 0 (and I am not even a big p_b fan…yet)

  • Rocky70

    Be careful Sammy …….. I doubt PB wants to labeled as a good ol’ buddy of yours ……….. PB & I don’t agree on many aspects of GB, the NFL & especially BF …… However, PB is still a very capable adversary when it comes to discussing issues pertinent to football ……… He uses facts, logic & history very well.

    On the other hand …………. You are an extremist with very little to offer to any discussion ………… If you are searching for an ally on this blog, your best bet would be to just create another ID (maybe you’re already have this accomplished) ……… I doubt too many on any blog or any blog/forum will help you spread your non-sensical message ……….

  • Sammy

    Nice try to attack me!! Bottom line….Packer_bob kicked your ass. I am not trying to buddy up to P_B, just observing..HE KICKED YOUR ASS, BETTER THAN I COULD, I ADMIT….I’m a lover not a hater. BUT BOB KILLED YOU POST AFTER POST!

    BOB 57 rocky 3..I’ll give ya a field goal for trying.

    Lastly, I like good debate. I do not agree with much of what Iccy blogs, but I can tell he is intelligent and well spoken. You are just a fair weather fan/troll. I admit, I have no chance of beating you down like P_B just did…won’t even try.

  • JJ

    Someone brought up Elway.

    Please, NO WAY JOSE was Elway better than Favre:

    1. Favre has all the QB records; Elway has none.

    2. Favre’s career QB Rating is 86.6; Elway’s is 79.9.

    3. Elway’s 5 Super Bowl performances (he was a three-time SB loser until he started handing off to Terrell Davis and won two) ranged from abysmal to mediocre. In his Super Bowls:

    * NOT ONCE did he throw more TD than INT (1 TD – 1 INT, 1 TD – 3 INT, 0 TD – 2 INT, 0 TD – 1 INT, 1 TD – 1 INT).

    * THREE TIMES he threw MORE INT than TD (1 TD – 1 INT, 1 TD – 3 INT, 0 TD – 2 INT, 0 TD – 1 INT, 1 TD – 1 INT).

    * He threw almost THREE TIMES as many INT (8) as TD (3).

    * He was a SB Interception Machine!

    * His career SB QB Rating is a PATHETIC 59.3 (76/152 – 1,128 YD – 3 TD – 8 INT).

    4. In his 2 SB, Favre played very well:

    * BOTH TIMES he threw MORE TD than INT (2 TD-0 INT, 3 TD-1 INT).

    * He threw FIVE TIMES as many TD (5) as INT (1).

    * His career SB QB Rating is an excellent 97.6 (39/69 – 502 YD – 5 TD – 1 INT).

    5. Going head-to-head in SB XXXII, Favre totally outplayed Elway:

    * Favre: 14/27 – 246 YD – 2 TD – 0 INT – QB Rating 107.9

    * Elway: 12/22 – 123 TD – 0 TD – 1 INT – QB Rating 51.8

    * Favre’s QB Rating (107.9) that SB was more than twice as high as Elway’s (51.8).

    6. Favre’s career SB QB Rating (97.6) is almost twice as high as Elway’s (59.3).

    Elway = Good at Handing Off

  • Devil’s Advocate…

    Dating your best friend’s ex-girlfriend is un-cooth!!! I don’t care who broke up w/who.

  • packer_bob

    Rocky70 says:

    ” However, PB is still a very capable adversary when it comes to discussing issues pertinent to football ……… He uses facts, logic & history very well.”

    Don’t spread this around. Could spoil my chances for the Peace Prize.

    This is pretty simple—you can’t pick out games or moments of any given player’s career and use that to sum them up. It is easy to say Jim Kelly never won a Super Bowl. But then to extrapolate that into a larger point, such as he “wasn’t a big game QB”, is ludicrous. You don’t go to the SB 4 times in a row because you can’t play in a big game. If Norwood hits the FG against the Giants, would that make Jim Kelly better in your eyes?

    Ask Marv Levy what he thought of Jim Kelly. Ask Bud Grant what he thought of Tarkenton. Ask Mike Holmgren if Favre can play in the “big game.”

    If the Vikings lose today (and I think they will) you will blame BF, while at the same time deny him any credit for being there in the first place. You can’t have it both ways.

    Moreover, it totally neglects the team aspects in what is the biggest team sport in existence. If you want to think like that, it’s your choice.

    Now go get your shine box.

  • packer_bob

    “Be careful Sammy …….. I doubt PB wants to labeled as a good ol’ buddy of yours ”

    I’ll play on his team any day of the week.

  • packer_bob

    For any of you that are of the betting persuasion I have a hot read:

    Colts cover. I think they’ll win by 14 or more.

    If you win, donate a portion to the Haitian Relief Fund.

    If you lose, I’ll issue you my personal IOU.

  • Steve Cheez

    Devil’s- You have the best analogy ever. That is exactly why everybody follows emotions and feelings instead of cold hard facts. If BF had retired as a Packer we all would have appreciated what he did do a lot more. Loyalty trumps just about anything else. But it doesn’t matter who left who, the resentment lingers.

  • iccyfan

    packer_bob Says:

    “That Philly game had nothing to do with Green tripping over a lineman’s leg on the way to the endzone, or Sherman’s playcalling, or the lack of a stop on 4TH AND FUCKING 26!!! No it was clearly BF’s fault.”

    “And that Giants game had nothing to do with our lack of running game, inability of Harris to defend Burress, lack of ability to stop their sledge hammer running. No, yet again, it was BF’s fault.”

    Correct! As stated previously, other members of the TEAM could have done more to WIN those games. Bwaoh Jue could have made a play on 4th & 26 versus the Eagles; Al Harris could have backed up his talk versus Plaxico and the G-Men. Even so, the Packers were TIED in both tilts with the advantage of having the ball. Brett Favre made exceptionally poor decisions in both those contests, throwing the ball up for grabs when there was no need to do so. These were not INTs where the DB made a spectacular play or the ball bounced off a receiver’s hands – they were horrible unnecessary throws. There’s nothing there – throw it away and try again on third down! It’s not a difficult concept – the TEAM failed to WIN but Brett Favre LOST those games with his impatient gunslinger style.

    All this talk about “Favre carrying inferior Packer teams” is just opinion and frankly one with which I vehemently disagree. No doubt he was / is a GREAT QB and a sure-fire first-ballot HOF selection (he was on my fantasy team this year), but this hero-worship is just ridiculous! He now plays for the Vikings – end of conversation (for me). I hope the Vikings (not Favre – the Vikings) lose today; if they win I’ll root for the AFC SB participant. Packer Fans don’t let their friends drive drunk or root for the Vikings (EVER)!!!

  • packer_bob

    “Even so, the Packers were TIED in both tilts with the advantage of having the ball. ”

    So Rodger’s lost the game for us then?

  • packer_bob

    Packers win, it’s a team win. Packers lose, it’s because of Favre.

    I will agree those two particular throws were terrible. Where I disagree is how we got there in the first place.

  • iccyfan

    packer_bob Says:
    “So Rodger’s lost the game for us then?” & “Packers win, it’s a team win. Packers lose, it’s because of Favre.”

    You know these are not worthy of response. The first is in no way related to the discussion at hand (Favre as a playoff QB) and the second is just dumb rhetoric. You’re better than this…

    I really thought sammy was a “paul” alias (sorry about that) but I’ll agree we’re on different sides of nearly every argument! P-B is awesome at blowing smoke and playing the spin game (critical tools for a sales professional), but if you think he’s soundly defeated Rocky in this little sparring match, I’d wager you voted for Obama as well. Read him again – all smoke and no substance…

  • Steve Cheez

    I am developing a big man-crush on Payton Manning. It looked like the Jets had his number, so he didn’t panic and just stepped back and figured it out. If the Colts take the SB this year he’s gotta be on the short list for best QB ever.

  • packer_bob

    Hey now,

    There’s no reason to insult Obama. He’s my idol. Perfect example of succeeding through not doing. I’m still trying to not quite measure up.

    You can say they’re not worthy of response. Wave your hands and jump in the air for all I care.

    I’m simply saying if you’re going to put it all Favre for those losses you’d have to put it on AR for the last one.

    You’re probably too biased to notice, but you have a double standard my friend.

  • packer_bob

    Cheez,

    I never wavered. I told my wife at halftime, I’d double down on the Colts covering. They did, though it didn’t develop the way, or turn into the total rout, I envisioned.

    But they covered! That (for the betting man) is the salient point! I’m laying off this next game, and will admit I have no idea who’s going to win.

    But hey, I won a little dough, and more importantly, several of my friends now have to drink a shot of Maloort!

  • iccyfan

    packer_bob Says: “I’m simply saying if you’re going to put it all Favre for those losses you’d have to put it on AR for the last one.”

    They’re not even remotely similar. One guy threw ball(s) up for grabs when he didn’t need to and the other got strip-sacked from the blind-side by an unblocked blitzing corner. If you watched BF in the pre-game show, you heard him say he’s learned patience with age! More importantly, you’re the one making the comparison amongst the three plays – I don’t think they’re related in a discussion of BF’s recent playoff performances unless one is looking to spin discussion away from the pertinent points. One thing I can tell you with 100% certainty, Aaron Rodgers had NOTHING to do with the playoff losses to the Eagles and Giants…

  • Pete H

    perhaps you should watch the play again iccy….blind sides usually don’t end up with a hand up in the face mask of the QB. If you want credibility you will only use truths. Embellishing for impact makes your whole case look like shit

  • packer_bob

    No, I admit he only had something to do with the one playoff game he’s been involved in. Which he lost by the way.

    And I’m not making comparisons. I don’t think AR lost the Ari game for us. I also don’t think BF lost those games you bring up. I’m merely suggesting that if you blame one, blame both.

    Double standard. Admit you don’t like Favre. It’s not a sin, and in fact, it’s your right. Just don’t act like it isn’t what it is.

  • packer_bob

    makes your whole case look like shit

    packer_bob Says:

    What he said.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    Iccy, #12 likewise had nothing to do with getting us into the Championship game. You can post about that when it happens. Seriously, why would #4 give up another chance at a ring and millions when he’s going to be blamed for every loss by “fans” like you anyhow. He might as well look out for his best interest like the Pack did. You know, when they traded him to the worst team they could find(I thought TT did the right thing by not letting him go to Tampa).

  • Dan

    Adrian Peterson has to be the best fumble machine in years.

    Damn, before I could finish typing the pickup a 2nd and 20?

  • packer_bob

    I smell a Drew Brees pick.

  • packer_bob

    Or a stripped fumble. A TO, in general.

  • Dan

    pb, you almost got the fumble. Just keep giving it to AP.

  • Dan

    Have the Vikings set a record for fumbles?

  • Dan

    I looked it up, the Vikings need 2 more fumbles to tie the playoff record.

  • Dan

    Holy smokes, what a horrible interception by Favre.

  • Dan

    Will the headlines read, “Bayou Boy delivers Saints to Super Bowl By Throwing An Interception?”

  • Dan

    Saints SB bound!!!!

    Don’t expect Manning and the Colts to be turnover machines.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    Great game!!!

  • CheesyD

    Favre tosses yet another season ending INT. Shocker…

    CONGRATS SAINTS!!!

  • Scot

    Classic Favre. Makes a stupid throw across the field when all he had to do was run ahead in an open field (protecting the ball) and get back within Longwell’s range. What an idiotic move, and the critical one I was waiting for from Favre all year long. The Vikings once again prove they are choke artists. Peterson fumbles three times (lost two). Berrian fumbles. Favre throws two interceptions, and the biggest one of all at the end of the game. Do you understand how we felt two years ago now Vikings fans? No way Favre should’ve thrown that 2nd interception. Classic. I will sleep soundly tonight.

  • Scot

    I will be pulling for the Saints now, for all the Hurricane Katrina victims. Maybe a Saints win would help rebuild morale in the city and give it some more pride.

  • jonnyfootballhero
  • Rocky70

    Seems like I’ve seen this game a few times in the past ……….

    Seems BF still is unable to string together 2 playoff wins in a row (13 years) ….. Ouch …. Across the body into the middle of the field results in picks nearly everytime ….. Even Sanchez has that one figured out ………..

    Maybe next year for the ‘ol BF’er ……… Maybe not ………. Now Viking Fans can look forward to the annual “Will he or won’t he” ………… Have a nice offseason of diva drama ………

  • Dan

    Best part of this game is that the Vikings will have several more years of AP fumbling inside the opponents 10.

  • Pete H

    poetic justice

  • jonnyfootballhero

    Just wondering if Crosby makes that 40yrd FG in OT to go to the SB?

  • Pete H

    It wouldn’t have been 40 b/c Mcarthy would have run the ball three times from the 35

  • Rocky70

    Deanna’s reaction to BF’s last pick in the NFL …………..

    http://cdn.ksk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/deannapalm.jpg

  • Andrew

    I jumped up screaming at the top of my lungs for that INT. I’ve been telling obnoxious Vikings fans (and Favre fans like the one I know who said they are still a Packer fan but cheered for them to lose to the Vikings) all year their season would end on a dumb BrINT Favre interception. Now Vikings fans know what we’ve gone through when we’ve had our hearts lifted…and then broken by idiotic passes we would’ve never made after 8th grade pickup football…

    Favre can help your team get to the big game, but can’t win em…

  • http://Orlando Mark

    That was a lot of fun. Even better than the Phoenix game. And, this time I don’t have to be upset we lost. Hope we get a good SB.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Hell, I don’t have any problem blaming Arod for the loss. I sure did blame BF for less than common sense in those losses referenced. Think about it, as great as I think AR is he put us in the hole w/ the first and last play of the game. Driver didn’t help on the next possesion either.
    But so what, thats football, and it happens both ways, sometimes you lose by just bad damned luck. Like the Steeler game last play. Heroic for them, bad luck for us.
    Realize that sometimes winning or losing does in fact come down to one play in the game. It can always be that way.

  • Steve Cheez

    Tracy Porter for president

  • iccyfan

    Pete H Says:
    “perhaps you should watch the play again iccy….blind sides usually don’t end up with a hand up in the face mask of the QB. If you want credibility you will only use truths. Embellishing for impact makes your whole case look like shit”

    I haven’t got the slightest idea what you’re going for here? The blitzer came from right corner, hence the “blind side”. He wasn’t blocked. Where did I depart from fact? Have you attended a Packer Bob seminar on how to “split hairs” when facts don’t support your position?

    I am very happy the Vikings lost and it doesn’t bother me one iota that BF’s dream season ended with yet another poorly conceived throw that snatches defeat from the jaws of victory. Viking fans are going to live with the agony of having dominated this game only to come up short and I’ll be able to commiserate with them. That’s a fact! Let’s hope he compounds my pleasure with a long drawn-out soul search on whether or not to return for season #20.

    Mark – if there was a coherent thought somewhere in your post, I’d attempt a response. You’re questioning my fanship while telling me to get back to you when Aaron Rodgers is in a championship game? Good one! I’ve said it many times on this blog – if Favre were playing for any team other than the Vikes, I could have pulled for him. If anything I’m consistent, and my disdain for the Vikings has never wavered!

  • Pete H

    iccy…he hits him right from his front side……..lay off the crack. that is the FACT that you have now fucked up for effect, then defended errantly. I could give a rats ass about your guys time and space wasting argument, but if you are going to force everyone here to have to read this dribble, then have proper facts. look it up…I’ll accept your apology later…..actrually don’t bother. If you two are gonna posting this crap I don’t want to ahve to sift thru all of it to find the apology

  • http://Orlando Mark

    Iccy, it’s simple.
    1)You stated that #12 wasn’t responsible for losing the championship in’07. I stated that he also wasn’t responsible for getting us to that game. And, when he does you can at that point bring his name into the discussion.
    2)Since “fans” like you are only going to heap blame #4 for every loss anyway why should he give up millions and a chance at a a ring to in a futile attempt to assuage your animus.
    Get it.

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