The Green Bay Packers broke their two game losing streak in Chicago with an ugly win over the Chicago Bears. By beating Chicago, the Packers extended their winning streak to five games (the fourth longest current winning streak in the NFL behind New Orleans-13, Indianapolis-13 and San Diego-8).
The Packers defense set the tone early by forcing a 3-and-out on the Bears' first offensive series. After the Bears punted, Ryan Grant took the Packers' first offensive play to the house for a 62 yard rushing touchdown. After Mason Crosby hit his second field goal early in the second quarter to give the Packers a 13-0 lead, the game looked to be a blowout. Credit the Bears, they settled down and made the game interesting. With the Bears leading early in the fourth quarter, Jay Cutler threw a horrible interception and the Packers pulled away for a 7 point victory.
Below are the five most important plays analyzed and a new section added to the end of the column:
#5) Green Bay leads 13-7, Green Bay ball on the Chicago 29 yard line, 1st and 10 with 12:56 left in the 3rd quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) FUMBLES and RECOVERS at the Chicago 36 yard line. Aaron Rodgers FUMBLES at the Chicago 38 yard line RECOVERED by Anthony Adams (Chicago) and returns the ball 3 yards to the Chicago 44 yard line.
Analysis:
With the Packers driving in Chicago territory on their first possession of the second half Rodgers was under intense pressure and tried to make something out of nothing. At first blush it looked like Rodgers attempted two forward passes but upon further review Rodgers did in fact commit two fumbles. Rodgers recovered the first fumble but unfortunately did not recover the second fumble. The turnover also prevented Rodgers from scoring a touchdown to start the second half for the 29th consecutive game (for those counting at home that is every 2nd half since taking over for Brett Favre to start the 2008 NFL season).
This play sums up the offensive line play by the Packers. Right after the snap Roders was under siege. All in all the Packers offensive line was ineffective after their first play from scrimmage, Grant's 62 yard touchdown run. Although the Packers only gave up two sacks, Rodgers was under pressure all day. Luckily the Bears secondary was suspect and they didn't have an answer for match-up problems Jermicahel Finely creates.
#4) Green Bay leads 21-14, Green Bay ball on the Chicago 24 yard line, 4th and 9 with 6:10 left in the 4th quarter:
Mason Crosby (Green Bay) 42 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right.
Analysis:
Mason Crosby continued his abysmal season by missing another important kick. If Crobsy converts that kick, the game is pretty much out of reach. Instead, the Bears got the ball on their own 32 yard line only down a touchdown.
After hitting all 4 field goal attempts against Detroit in Week #6, Crosby is 13 for 19 with 3 of the 6 misses coming from less than 50 yards away. The right hash mark has been his kryptonite, the same spot where Crosby missed from today. The Packers have to stick with Crobsy since it is so late in the season.
Crosby's poor kicking begs the question: if it is 4th and less than 3 yards between the 35 and 20 yard line does Mike McCarthy leave Aaron Rodgers and the offense on the filed? The Packers offense has a much better chance of picking up a few yards than Mason Crosby converting a kick from further than 35 yards out at this point.
#3) Green Bay leads 10-0, Chicago ball on their own 28 yard line, 1st and 10 with 3:31 left in the 1st quarter:
Jay Cutler (Chicago) threw deep right intended for Devin Aromashodu (Chicago) INTERCEPTED by Charles Woodson (Green Bay) at the Chicago 48 yard line and returned the ball 9 yards.
Analysis:
Woodson had an up and down day. On the positive side of the ledger Woodson picked off a poorly thrown ball by Jay Cutler and had a great shoe-string tackle that saved a huge gain. On the negative side of the ledger Woodson was responsible for consecutive back of the shoulder receptions (a long pass to Johnny Knox and a touchdown pass to Devin Aromashodu) on the drive that put the Bears up 14-13 early in the 3rd quarter. With how well Woodson has played all season, it is hard to get on him for giving up a touchdown catch but it shows the expectations that Woodson has created. With another interception, Woodson continues to make his case for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
#2) Game tied 0-0, Green Bay ball on their own 38 yard line, 1st and 10 with 13:23 left in the 1st quarter:
Ryan Grant (Green Bay) ran left tackle for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Analysis:
For those that took a little while getting through security they missed an explosive run by Ryan Grant. Take a second...you read that correctly that "explosive" and "Ryan Grant" did in fact appear in the same sentence. The long touchdown run by Grant was blocked beautifully (one of the only times you can say that today) and Grant outran the Bears secondary for the 62 yard touchdown.
#1) Chicago leads 14-13, Chicago ball on their own 32 yard line, 3rd and 5 with 13:39 left in the 4th quarter:
Jay Cutler (Chicago) threw short left intended for Johnny Knox (Chicago) INTERCEPTED by Nick Collins (Green Bay) at Chicago 42 yard line and returned 31 yards to the Chicago 11 yard line.
Analysis:
Jay Cutler had a chance to make a play on 3rd down to help the Bears move the chains and possibly upset the Packers but he flat out blew it. Dom Capers dialed up a blitz that forced Cutler to throw the ball earlier then he wanted. Cutler's badly under thrown ball was easily intercepted by Nick Collins. Once Collins picked off the ball it looked like he had a chance to take it to the house but Collins was forced out of bounds by Matt Forte at the Bears' 11 yard line.
Trojan Bonner of the Week Award - Lovie Smith
This is a new award that I am adding to my weekly game analyzed column. The award goes to a player/coach/referee that makes a stupid play/decision/call during the game. This is quickly turning into one of the most talked about awards in all of sports so Lovie Smith should feel like a trailblazer for winning the first installment.
Green Bay leads 21-14, Chicago ball on the Chicago 20 yard line, 2nd and 22 with 4:58 left in the 4th quarter:
Jay Cutler (Chicago) threw incomplete deep middle to Greg Olsen. Chicago takes their first charged timeout of the 2nd half. After the timeout, Chicago challenged the incomplete pass ruling and the play was Upheld. Chicago is charged their second timeout of the 2nd half.
Analysis:
Lovie Smith made Mike McCarthy look like a genius today...that is really hard to do. With 5 minutes remaining in the game, the Bears had 3 timeouts and 2 challenges. After an incomplete pass the Bears faced a daunting 3rd and 22. Instead of challenging the play, Lovie Smith calls a timeout. That left the Bears with 2 timeouts and 2 challenges.
The Bears fan in front of me turned around and said "I bet you Lovie challenges the play after the timeout...he is a complete idiot." Right on cue, the Bears offense heads back onto the field for 3rd and 22 just as Lovie Smith throws the red challenge flag. The refs took a look at the play but did not find enough evidence to overturn the play. As a result the Bears lost a challenge and another timeout. That meant before ever running their 3rd and 22 play, Lovie Smith burned two timeouts and one challenge leaving the Bears helpless to stop the clock in a tight contest.
Obviously Lovie Smith should have just challenged the play originally, what are the chances that there would be two more challenge worthy plays in the final 3 minutes of the game?
As I was walking out of the stadium the same Bears fan that called Lovie Smith's bone head move before it ever happened put it very succinctly: "same old Bears bull s^&t, you are so lucky to be a Packers fan." Today is a sweet day to be a Packer fan living in Chicago...9-4 and a good chance to go to the playoffs!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
2009 Week #14 - Packers v. Bears
The Packers/Bears rivalry is one of the most historic rivalries in sports. The two have played 178 times (only once in the playoffs), the most games between two teams in NFL history. The Bears hold the upper hand in the all-time series: 90-81-6.
The Packers dominated the Bears in Chicago for more than a decade, winning 12 of the last 16 meetings. The tide of the rivalry shifted recently, the Packers lost their last two trips to Chicago. Both games were played in frigid conditions just like they will be on Sunday (weather report). Sunday's installment marks the sixth consecutive season the Packers played the Bears in Chicago after November 30th.
Although the Bears are already eliminated from the playoffs, a win would give the Bears the satisfaction of putting a big dent in the Packers' playoff hopes. The Bears don't have a draft pick until the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft so they have no reason to tank the rest of the season for a better draft pick.
Here is a quick look at the top 10 Bears that will face the Green Bay Packers:
#10 - Robbie Gould (K): after a subpar rookies season in 2005 (77.8% field goal accuracy) he has turned into one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL over the last four seasons. Gould routinely has a field goal percentage in the high 80's (all-time statistics). Recently Gould has sputtered, two field goal attempts have been blocked in the last five games.
#9 - Tommie Harris (DT): made this list on reputation more than production this season. Harris's most notable play so far this season is getting ejected from the Cardinals/Bears game for punching Arizona Cardinal offensive guard Deuce Lutui: video. Quick question for all NFL players, why punch a guy wearing a helmet? Besides being a bone headed play and getting ejected what damage does it really do? Baseball and basketball fights are so much better:
Exhibit #1 - Nolan Ryan beat Robin Ventura (video): It makes sense that his first name is Robin. Why charge the mound on a living legend only to get your brain beaten in by a guy almost twice your age?
Exhibit #2 - David Stern's Worst Nightmare (here): When Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson go into the stands anything is possible. Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson are lucky to be collecting a pay check in the NBA after going Kermit Washington on the entire crowd in Detroit.
#8 - Johnny Knox (WR/KR): not too sure why he shares return duties with Danieal Manning (Devin Hester occasionally contributes as well). With Hester, Manning and Knox the Bears have one of the most potent groups of return men in the NFL. By the way, why did Manning's parents name him Danieal? I am not trying to be sexist but it seems like a female spelling right? Back to Johnny Knox, the Bears selected Knox with the 4th pick in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft (a pick they got back from Denver in the blockbuster Jay Cuter trade that is discussed later). A raw prospect coming out of college, Knox ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds. In the Packers/Bears first meeting this season Knox beat the Packers' defense for his longest catch of the season, 68 yards.
#7 - Chris Williams (LT): at 6'6" and 315 lbs, Williams has the ideal combination of size and weight to excel as an offensive tackle in the NFL. One of the three members of the Vanderbilt Bears offense (along with WR - Earl Bennett and QB - Jay Cutler). After an injury riddled rookie season Williams has had a much better sophomore campaign. Since Orlando "Less than Half of His Hall of Fame Self" Pace got injured again, Williams moved to left tackle where he should be a staple for the Bears for the next decade.
#6 - Charles Tillman (CB): he plays much bigger then his nickname ("Peanut") leading the Bears with 6 forced fumbles. Similar to Charles Woodson, Tillman is a sure tackler that always looks to strip the ball from a player when he is within arms reach. In an otherwise underwhelming Bears secondary, especially after parting ways with the oft-injured Mike Brown, Tillman is the clear standout.
#5 - Olin Kreutz (C): the rock of the Bears offensive line has started at center for the Bears for more than a decade. This week Kreutz had to go on the defensive when Packers rookie B.J. Raji questioned Kreutz's strength. This is stupid rookie move #2 by Raji, stupid rookie move #1 was holding out and missing most of training camp for what amounted to a few extra dollars. With Packers DT Ryan Pickett doubtful for the game, Raji and Kreutz will get their chance to settle it on the field Sunday.
#4 - Jay Cutler (QB): the honeymoon is over. The Bears sent two first-round picks in 2009 (18th overall, LB Robert Ayers on Denver) and 2010 (TBD, most likely a top 10 pick), a third-round pick in 2009 (84th overall, WR Mike Wallace on the Pittsburgh Steelers) and under appreciated Kyle Orton for Jay Cutler and a fifth-round pick (140th overall, WR Johnny Knox on Chicago). The Bears thought they were getting their best quarterback since Sid Luckman, who played for the Bears before the invention of electricity. Here is a look at the 2009 production of just the quarterbacks involved in the trade:
- Kyle Orton: 229 for 369 for 2627 yards, 14 TDs and 7 INTs, 18 sacks, 88.2 QB Rating and 8-4 record.
- Jay Cutler: 261 for 421 for 2814 yards, 17 TDs and 20 INTs, 26 sacks, 75.3 QB Rating and and 5-7 record.
Is Cutler's poor play really his fault? Clearly the Denver Broncos are a better team then the Chicago Bears so that factors into the equation for comparing Orton and Cutler. TO quote Bill Parcells (and Sugawitz), you are your record. Orton has 29 wins (21 as a Bear and 8 as a Bronco) and 16 losses (12 as a Bear and 4 as a Bronco) while Cutler has 22 wins (17 as a Bronco and 5 as a Bear) and 27 losses (20 as a Bronco and 7 as a Bear). For a quick tail of the tape the Broncos have Kyle Orton, Robert Ayers and an extra 1st round pick in the deep 2010 NFL Draft while the Bears have Jay Cutler and Johnny Knox. A little less than a year after the trade the Broncos looked to have gotten a better end of the deal. This also doesn't factor in that Cutler looks to be a prima donna that complained his way out of Denver...sorry Bears fans those are the facts.
#3 - Greg Olsen (TE): is a huge target at 6'5" and 255 lbs that creates a real mismatch in the red zone. Olsen is among the team leader in almost offensive receiving category: 49 receptions (2nd), 449 yards (3rd) and 6 touchdowns (1st). The Packers will need to key on Olsen because he creates match-up problems (similar to Jermichael Finely) when facing undersized safeties.
#2 - Matt Forte (RB): holds the distinction of being the biggest first round fantasy bust this season (taken on average 7.3 overall in ESPN Fantasy Drafts). Forte is more of a threat in receiving then rushing for the Bears. Forte has 47 receptions (3rd on the team) and 438 yards (4th on the team). In terms of rushing, Forte has 189 rushing attempts (11th in the NFL), 634 rushing yards (22nd in the NFL), 3.4 yards per rush (42nd in the NFL), 4 touchdowns (tied for 23rd in the NFL), 3 fumbles (tied for 9th in the NFL) and 2 fumbles lost. Some argue that Forte's lack of production has to do with the problems the Bears have on their offensive line (sound familiar Packer fans?) but Forte was expected to have a much bigger season after his impressive rookie campaign.
#1 - Lance Briggs (OLB): Tiger's recent one car crash made me think of Briggs' one car crash: quick refresher. Obviously the crashes are different circumstances (a million women have yet to come out ans say they slept with Briggs to the best of my knowledge) but anytime there is a single car crash at 3 AM it is never a good thing. What makes Briggs even more culpable is that he ditched the car and gave sketchy details to the police.
Enough bashing Briggs, on the positive side he has taken over as the heart and soul of the Bears defense since they lost Brian Urlacher to a wrist injury Week 1 in Green Bay. Briggs leads the Bears in tackles (83) and paces the Bears defense.
The Packers dominated the Bears in Chicago for more than a decade, winning 12 of the last 16 meetings. The tide of the rivalry shifted recently, the Packers lost their last two trips to Chicago. Both games were played in frigid conditions just like they will be on Sunday (weather report). Sunday's installment marks the sixth consecutive season the Packers played the Bears in Chicago after November 30th.
Although the Bears are already eliminated from the playoffs, a win would give the Bears the satisfaction of putting a big dent in the Packers' playoff hopes. The Bears don't have a draft pick until the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft so they have no reason to tank the rest of the season for a better draft pick.
Here is a quick look at the top 10 Bears that will face the Green Bay Packers:
#10 - Robbie Gould (K): after a subpar rookies season in 2005 (77.8% field goal accuracy) he has turned into one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL over the last four seasons. Gould routinely has a field goal percentage in the high 80's (all-time statistics). Recently Gould has sputtered, two field goal attempts have been blocked in the last five games.
#9 - Tommie Harris (DT): made this list on reputation more than production this season. Harris's most notable play so far this season is getting ejected from the Cardinals/Bears game for punching Arizona Cardinal offensive guard Deuce Lutui: video. Quick question for all NFL players, why punch a guy wearing a helmet? Besides being a bone headed play and getting ejected what damage does it really do? Baseball and basketball fights are so much better:
Exhibit #1 - Nolan Ryan beat Robin Ventura (video): It makes sense that his first name is Robin. Why charge the mound on a living legend only to get your brain beaten in by a guy almost twice your age?
Exhibit #2 - David Stern's Worst Nightmare (here): When Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson go into the stands anything is possible. Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson are lucky to be collecting a pay check in the NBA after going Kermit Washington on the entire crowd in Detroit.
#8 - Johnny Knox (WR/KR): not too sure why he shares return duties with Danieal Manning (Devin Hester occasionally contributes as well). With Hester, Manning and Knox the Bears have one of the most potent groups of return men in the NFL. By the way, why did Manning's parents name him Danieal? I am not trying to be sexist but it seems like a female spelling right? Back to Johnny Knox, the Bears selected Knox with the 4th pick in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft (a pick they got back from Denver in the blockbuster Jay Cuter trade that is discussed later). A raw prospect coming out of college, Knox ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds. In the Packers/Bears first meeting this season Knox beat the Packers' defense for his longest catch of the season, 68 yards.
#7 - Chris Williams (LT): at 6'6" and 315 lbs, Williams has the ideal combination of size and weight to excel as an offensive tackle in the NFL. One of the three members of the Vanderbilt Bears offense (along with WR - Earl Bennett and QB - Jay Cutler). After an injury riddled rookie season Williams has had a much better sophomore campaign. Since Orlando "Less than Half of His Hall of Fame Self" Pace got injured again, Williams moved to left tackle where he should be a staple for the Bears for the next decade.
#6 - Charles Tillman (CB): he plays much bigger then his nickname ("Peanut") leading the Bears with 6 forced fumbles. Similar to Charles Woodson, Tillman is a sure tackler that always looks to strip the ball from a player when he is within arms reach. In an otherwise underwhelming Bears secondary, especially after parting ways with the oft-injured Mike Brown, Tillman is the clear standout.
#5 - Olin Kreutz (C): the rock of the Bears offensive line has started at center for the Bears for more than a decade. This week Kreutz had to go on the defensive when Packers rookie B.J. Raji questioned Kreutz's strength. This is stupid rookie move #2 by Raji, stupid rookie move #1 was holding out and missing most of training camp for what amounted to a few extra dollars. With Packers DT Ryan Pickett doubtful for the game, Raji and Kreutz will get their chance to settle it on the field Sunday.
#4 - Jay Cutler (QB): the honeymoon is over. The Bears sent two first-round picks in 2009 (18th overall, LB Robert Ayers on Denver) and 2010 (TBD, most likely a top 10 pick), a third-round pick in 2009 (84th overall, WR Mike Wallace on the Pittsburgh Steelers) and under appreciated Kyle Orton for Jay Cutler and a fifth-round pick (140th overall, WR Johnny Knox on Chicago). The Bears thought they were getting their best quarterback since Sid Luckman, who played for the Bears before the invention of electricity. Here is a look at the 2009 production of just the quarterbacks involved in the trade:
- Kyle Orton: 229 for 369 for 2627 yards, 14 TDs and 7 INTs, 18 sacks, 88.2 QB Rating and 8-4 record.
- Jay Cutler: 261 for 421 for 2814 yards, 17 TDs and 20 INTs, 26 sacks, 75.3 QB Rating and and 5-7 record.
Is Cutler's poor play really his fault? Clearly the Denver Broncos are a better team then the Chicago Bears so that factors into the equation for comparing Orton and Cutler. TO quote Bill Parcells (and Sugawitz), you are your record. Orton has 29 wins (21 as a Bear and 8 as a Bronco) and 16 losses (12 as a Bear and 4 as a Bronco) while Cutler has 22 wins (17 as a Bronco and 5 as a Bear) and 27 losses (20 as a Bronco and 7 as a Bear). For a quick tail of the tape the Broncos have Kyle Orton, Robert Ayers and an extra 1st round pick in the deep 2010 NFL Draft while the Bears have Jay Cutler and Johnny Knox. A little less than a year after the trade the Broncos looked to have gotten a better end of the deal. This also doesn't factor in that Cutler looks to be a prima donna that complained his way out of Denver...sorry Bears fans those are the facts.
#3 - Greg Olsen (TE): is a huge target at 6'5" and 255 lbs that creates a real mismatch in the red zone. Olsen is among the team leader in almost offensive receiving category: 49 receptions (2nd), 449 yards (3rd) and 6 touchdowns (1st). The Packers will need to key on Olsen because he creates match-up problems (similar to Jermichael Finely) when facing undersized safeties.
#2 - Matt Forte (RB): holds the distinction of being the biggest first round fantasy bust this season (taken on average 7.3 overall in ESPN Fantasy Drafts). Forte is more of a threat in receiving then rushing for the Bears. Forte has 47 receptions (3rd on the team) and 438 yards (4th on the team). In terms of rushing, Forte has 189 rushing attempts (11th in the NFL), 634 rushing yards (22nd in the NFL), 3.4 yards per rush (42nd in the NFL), 4 touchdowns (tied for 23rd in the NFL), 3 fumbles (tied for 9th in the NFL) and 2 fumbles lost. Some argue that Forte's lack of production has to do with the problems the Bears have on their offensive line (sound familiar Packer fans?) but Forte was expected to have a much bigger season after his impressive rookie campaign.
#1 - Lance Briggs (OLB): Tiger's recent one car crash made me think of Briggs' one car crash: quick refresher. Obviously the crashes are different circumstances (a million women have yet to come out ans say they slept with Briggs to the best of my knowledge) but anytime there is a single car crash at 3 AM it is never a good thing. What makes Briggs even more culpable is that he ditched the car and gave sketchy details to the police.
Enough bashing Briggs, on the positive side he has taken over as the heart and soul of the Bears defense since they lost Brian Urlacher to a wrist injury Week 1 in Green Bay. Briggs leads the Bears in tackles (83) and paces the Bears defense.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
2009 - Packers v. Ravens SUPER-Analyzed
The Green Bay Packers rattled off their fourth consecutive victory by beating the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Green Bay caught a break with Terrell Suggs (OLB) and Ed Reed (S) out of the Baltimore line-up with injury. Green Bay took advantage of those injuries to the Baltimore defense by attacking Baltimore through the air.
Besides injuries, penalties played a HUGE part in this game. There were 310 combined penalty yards in the game, tied for the second most in NFL history. The Green Bay Packers were penalized for 175 yards and committed 3 turnovers but somehow pulled out a victory. Green Bay is only the second team since the AFL/NFL merger that holds that "distinction". The other occurrence came in 1988 when the Houston Oilers beat the Raiders 38-35 despite committing 175 penalty yards and 3 turnovers.
Sorry that it took me so long to cobble something together, but I made up for it by analyzing the top 10 plays instead of the usual top 5 plays. Here were the 10 most notable plays from the Monday Night clash between the Packers and Ravens, if you disagree please post a comment to get the discussion started:
#10) Green Bay lead 24-14, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 1 yard line, 1st and goal with 9:46 left in the 4th quarter:
Chris Chester (Baltimore) and Haloti Ngata (Baltimore) reported in as eligible. Willis McGahee (Baltimore) tackled for a 2 yard loss by Charles Woodson (Green Bay).
Analysis:
I know this seems like an odd choice for a top play but it made the list for three reasons. First, Charles Woodson continues to play at a VERY high level and is a legitimate candidate for NFL Defensive Player for the Year. Second, cornerbacks don't usually knife through the offensive line when they are in goal line formation like Woodson did on this play to stop the running back for a 2 yard loss. Third, by pushing the ball back a few yards, Baltimore decided to throw on 2nd down and paid a hefty price (see play #5).
#9) Green Bay lead 17-7, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 42 yard line, 1st and 10 with 3:14 left in the 3rd quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw incomplete deep middle to Demetrius Williams (Baltimore). 41 yard defensive pass interference PENALTY on Tramon Williams (Green Bay). Ball placed at the Green Bay 1 yard line.
Analysis:
With how many pass interference penalties were called, at least one had to make the top 10 list. By the NFL definition, Tramon Williams interfered with Demetrius Williams but the rules are becoming too offensive friendly (Steve Young even admitted that. Yes, you read that correctly, a former NFL quarterback and current ESPN commentator said that the rules are becoming too offensive friendly). Green Bay just committed their second consecutive turnover in as many plays. The penalty gave Baltimore the ball at the Green Bay 1 yard line. Willis McGahee punched the ball into the end zone 2 plays later to make the score 17-14. In the span of less than a quarter Baltimore flipped the mementum of the game drastically. When Green Bay kicked off to start the second half they were winning 17-0 and after McGahee's touchdown the lead was trimmed to 17-14.
#8) Green Bay lead 17-0, Green Bay ball on the Baltimore 41 yard line, 3rd and 6 with 8:15 left in the 3rd quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) threw short middle to Donald Driver (Green Bay) to the Baltimore 32 yard line for 9 yards and FUMBLES, RECOVERED Frank Walker (Baltimore) at the Baltimore 29 yard line for no gain.
Analysis:
This was an absolute surprise to see Donald Driver cough up the ball. Driver's fumble started a rapid change of events in the middle of the 3rd quarter that changed the entire complexion of the game. Instead of Green Bay having the ball 1st and 10 at the Baltimore 29 yard line marching towards a touchdown to possibly put the game out of reach, Baltimore took over possession and started to creep back into the game.
#7) Green Bay lead 24-14, Baltimore ball on their own 26 yard line, 1st and 10 with 7:00 left in the 4th quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw deep middle intended for Todd Heap (Baltimore) INTERCEPTED by A.J. Hawk (Green Bay) at the Green Bay 47 yard line and returned 13 yards to the Baltimore 40 yard line.
Analysis:
Is this the first big play A.J. Hawk's Green Bay Packer career? Hawk underachieving is well documented but the last few weeks Hawk has started to play much more effectively. Two things happened right before Hawk's in-season resurgence. First, Brandon Chillar went down with a hand injury and ever since Hawk's play has started to improve weekly. Second, everyone under the sun has been ripping Hawk and labeling him as a draft bust. Players claim they do not read papers but may be that was just what Hawk needed to spark his play.
#6) Green Bay lead 3-0, Green Bay ball on their own 19 yard line, 1st and 10 with 4:18 left in the 1st quarter:
Ryan Grant (Green Bay) ran left end to GB 17 for -2 yards FUMBLES and RECOVERED by Domonique Foxworth (Baltimore) at the Green Bay 21 yard line and returned for no gain. Green Bay challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED.
Analysis:
A very smart challenge by head coach Mike McCarthy. In one of his post game comments McCarthy stated that he was in constant contact with offensive coordinator Joe Philbin throughout the game over his head set. After watching a few television replays Philbin told McCarthy to challenge. Later in the game McCarthy challenged an obvious touchdown for no apparent reason (may be Philbin talked him into that one too). In any case, by winning 1 challenge and losing 1 challenge McCarthy is now 5 of 12 in challenges this season.
#5) Green Bay lead 24-14, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 3 yard line, 2nd and goal with 9:00 left in the 4th quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw short middle intended for Demetrius Williams (Baltimore) INTERCEPTED Tramon Williams (Green Bay) in Green Bay's end zone for a touchback. Ryan Pickett (Green Bay) was injured during the play.
Analysis:
The game was not over when Flacco made one of the worst decisions of the entire season. Instead of throwing the ball away, Flacco decided to throw late over the middle to a guy that was well covered. Does that decision remind you of anyone? I will give you one hint, he is know as a waffler. Tramon Williams atoned for a number of earlier penalties by securing the interception. Ryan Pickett hurt his hamstring on the play and if he is hurt for any length of time that might vault this play to the top of the list of impact plays. Pickett has been an absolute forced to be reckoned this season, let's hope for a good prognosis.
#4) Green Bay lead 3-0, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 17 yard line, 1st and 10 with 4:26 left in the 1st quarter:
Ray Rice (Baltimore) ran to the Green Bay 18 yard line for a 1 yard loss. Clay Matthews (Green Bay) forced a FUMBLE, RECOVERED by Nick Collins (Green Bay) at the Green Bay 15 yard line and returned it 4 yards to the Green Bay 19 yard line.
Analysis:
After Green Bay kicked a field goal on their opening drive Baltimore methodically moved down the field and looked like they were going to score a touchdown until Rice coughed up the ball at the Green Bay 18 yard line. Rice is normally a sure handed runner. If Baltimore scores a touchdown on that drive they lead Green Bay 7-3, which would have changed the entire complexion of the game. As a side note, Ray Rice is clearly the focal point of Baltimore's offense. Baltimore likes to run the ball a lot with Rice and if they throw the ball, Flacco always looks for Rice on short dumpoffs. Despite a poor performance on Monday Night, Rice often turns what look like short losses into big gains...again he was picked one spot before the now departed Brian Brohm (I hope that is the last time I have to make that connection, it makes me cringe every time I think about it).
#3) Green Bay lead 17-7, Green Bay ball on the Green Bay 37 yard line, 1st and 10 with 3:22 left in the 3rd quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) threw short middle intended for Donald Driver (Green Bay) INTERCEPTED by Jarret Johnson (Baltimore) at the 50 yard line and returned 8 yards to the Green Bay 42 yard line.
Analysis:
Driver and Rodgers were both at fault on this interception. Rodgers delivered the ball low but Driver still should come up with the catch. The play reminded me of Antonio Freeman's famous acrobatic catch on Monday Night to beat the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately this time Driver did not come up with the ball and Baltimore scored a few plays later which made the score 17-14 in favor of Green Bay but Baltimore had ALL the momentum at that point.
#2) Green Bay lead 17-14, Baltimore ball on the Baltimore 21 yard line, 3rd and 17 with 14:03 left in the 4th quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw deep left to Derrick Mason (Baltimore) to the Green Bay 33 yard line for 46 yards. Offensive pass interference PENALTY on Mason. Unsportsmanlike conduct PENALTY Mason.
Analysis:
This sequence of events was set-up by Mason Crosby missing a field goal from 38 yards. Holder and back-up Green Bay quarterback Matt Flynn bobbled the snap and got the hold down late but Crosby should still make the kick from 38 yards out. If Crosby made the field goal then we wouldn't have to talk about this horrible offensive pass interference call. Just to refresh everyone's memory, Joe Flacco under threw Derrick Mason who was being covered one-on-one by Charles Woodson. When Mason slowed down to catch the ball he lightly shoved Woodson to the ground. I am not accusing the potential NFL Defensive Player of the Year of flopping but it didn't look like a lot of contact. Mason ended up coming down with the ball and would have put Baltimore at the Green bay 33 yard line down 3 points with 14 minutes left. Instead, after the penalties were enforced Baltimore was forced into a 3rd and 32 at the Baltimore 6 yard line. Baltimore tried to run a Mike Sherman Special (for those you that don't know the reference, it means a team called a draw on 3rd and long instead of trying to pick up a 1st down through the air) but Flacco and Rice had trouble executing the hand-off and almost fumbled the ball to Green Bay in Baltimore's red zone.
#1) Green Bay leads 3-0, Green Bay ball on the Baltimore 2 yard line, 1st and goal with 4:39 left in the 2nd quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) threw short left to Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Analysis:
Finley had a HUGE game: 7 catches for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. Green Bay split Finley out wide and threw a simple jump ball to him that he easily hauled in. This play underscores the match-up problems that Finley gives opposing teams. Granted if Ed Reed plays this might not have been a touchdown but Green Bay smartly exploited a mismatch by splitting 6'5" Jermichael Finley out wide on 5'11" Tom Zbikowski (the guy playing in place of Ed Reed). Although Ed Reed is the same height as Zbikowski, Reed has a much better vertical leap. Also on reputation alone Green Bay might not have tried a play like this on Reed. Either way, Green Bay has a budding star in Jermichael Finley.
Besides injuries, penalties played a HUGE part in this game. There were 310 combined penalty yards in the game, tied for the second most in NFL history. The Green Bay Packers were penalized for 175 yards and committed 3 turnovers but somehow pulled out a victory. Green Bay is only the second team since the AFL/NFL merger that holds that "distinction". The other occurrence came in 1988 when the Houston Oilers beat the Raiders 38-35 despite committing 175 penalty yards and 3 turnovers.
Sorry that it took me so long to cobble something together, but I made up for it by analyzing the top 10 plays instead of the usual top 5 plays. Here were the 10 most notable plays from the Monday Night clash between the Packers and Ravens, if you disagree please post a comment to get the discussion started:
#10) Green Bay lead 24-14, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 1 yard line, 1st and goal with 9:46 left in the 4th quarter:
Chris Chester (Baltimore) and Haloti Ngata (Baltimore) reported in as eligible. Willis McGahee (Baltimore) tackled for a 2 yard loss by Charles Woodson (Green Bay).
Analysis:
I know this seems like an odd choice for a top play but it made the list for three reasons. First, Charles Woodson continues to play at a VERY high level and is a legitimate candidate for NFL Defensive Player for the Year. Second, cornerbacks don't usually knife through the offensive line when they are in goal line formation like Woodson did on this play to stop the running back for a 2 yard loss. Third, by pushing the ball back a few yards, Baltimore decided to throw on 2nd down and paid a hefty price (see play #5).
#9) Green Bay lead 17-7, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 42 yard line, 1st and 10 with 3:14 left in the 3rd quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw incomplete deep middle to Demetrius Williams (Baltimore). 41 yard defensive pass interference PENALTY on Tramon Williams (Green Bay). Ball placed at the Green Bay 1 yard line.
Analysis:
With how many pass interference penalties were called, at least one had to make the top 10 list. By the NFL definition, Tramon Williams interfered with Demetrius Williams but the rules are becoming too offensive friendly (Steve Young even admitted that. Yes, you read that correctly, a former NFL quarterback and current ESPN commentator said that the rules are becoming too offensive friendly). Green Bay just committed their second consecutive turnover in as many plays. The penalty gave Baltimore the ball at the Green Bay 1 yard line. Willis McGahee punched the ball into the end zone 2 plays later to make the score 17-14. In the span of less than a quarter Baltimore flipped the mementum of the game drastically. When Green Bay kicked off to start the second half they were winning 17-0 and after McGahee's touchdown the lead was trimmed to 17-14.
#8) Green Bay lead 17-0, Green Bay ball on the Baltimore 41 yard line, 3rd and 6 with 8:15 left in the 3rd quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) threw short middle to Donald Driver (Green Bay) to the Baltimore 32 yard line for 9 yards and FUMBLES, RECOVERED Frank Walker (Baltimore) at the Baltimore 29 yard line for no gain.
Analysis:
This was an absolute surprise to see Donald Driver cough up the ball. Driver's fumble started a rapid change of events in the middle of the 3rd quarter that changed the entire complexion of the game. Instead of Green Bay having the ball 1st and 10 at the Baltimore 29 yard line marching towards a touchdown to possibly put the game out of reach, Baltimore took over possession and started to creep back into the game.
#7) Green Bay lead 24-14, Baltimore ball on their own 26 yard line, 1st and 10 with 7:00 left in the 4th quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw deep middle intended for Todd Heap (Baltimore) INTERCEPTED by A.J. Hawk (Green Bay) at the Green Bay 47 yard line and returned 13 yards to the Baltimore 40 yard line.
Analysis:
Is this the first big play A.J. Hawk's Green Bay Packer career? Hawk underachieving is well documented but the last few weeks Hawk has started to play much more effectively. Two things happened right before Hawk's in-season resurgence. First, Brandon Chillar went down with a hand injury and ever since Hawk's play has started to improve weekly. Second, everyone under the sun has been ripping Hawk and labeling him as a draft bust. Players claim they do not read papers but may be that was just what Hawk needed to spark his play.
#6) Green Bay lead 3-0, Green Bay ball on their own 19 yard line, 1st and 10 with 4:18 left in the 1st quarter:
Ryan Grant (Green Bay) ran left end to GB 17 for -2 yards FUMBLES and RECOVERED by Domonique Foxworth (Baltimore) at the Green Bay 21 yard line and returned for no gain. Green Bay challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED.
Analysis:
A very smart challenge by head coach Mike McCarthy. In one of his post game comments McCarthy stated that he was in constant contact with offensive coordinator Joe Philbin throughout the game over his head set. After watching a few television replays Philbin told McCarthy to challenge. Later in the game McCarthy challenged an obvious touchdown for no apparent reason (may be Philbin talked him into that one too). In any case, by winning 1 challenge and losing 1 challenge McCarthy is now 5 of 12 in challenges this season.
#5) Green Bay lead 24-14, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 3 yard line, 2nd and goal with 9:00 left in the 4th quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw short middle intended for Demetrius Williams (Baltimore) INTERCEPTED Tramon Williams (Green Bay) in Green Bay's end zone for a touchback. Ryan Pickett (Green Bay) was injured during the play.
Analysis:
The game was not over when Flacco made one of the worst decisions of the entire season. Instead of throwing the ball away, Flacco decided to throw late over the middle to a guy that was well covered. Does that decision remind you of anyone? I will give you one hint, he is know as a waffler. Tramon Williams atoned for a number of earlier penalties by securing the interception. Ryan Pickett hurt his hamstring on the play and if he is hurt for any length of time that might vault this play to the top of the list of impact plays. Pickett has been an absolute forced to be reckoned this season, let's hope for a good prognosis.
#4) Green Bay lead 3-0, Baltimore ball on the Green Bay 17 yard line, 1st and 10 with 4:26 left in the 1st quarter:
Ray Rice (Baltimore) ran to the Green Bay 18 yard line for a 1 yard loss. Clay Matthews (Green Bay) forced a FUMBLE, RECOVERED by Nick Collins (Green Bay) at the Green Bay 15 yard line and returned it 4 yards to the Green Bay 19 yard line.
Analysis:
After Green Bay kicked a field goal on their opening drive Baltimore methodically moved down the field and looked like they were going to score a touchdown until Rice coughed up the ball at the Green Bay 18 yard line. Rice is normally a sure handed runner. If Baltimore scores a touchdown on that drive they lead Green Bay 7-3, which would have changed the entire complexion of the game. As a side note, Ray Rice is clearly the focal point of Baltimore's offense. Baltimore likes to run the ball a lot with Rice and if they throw the ball, Flacco always looks for Rice on short dumpoffs. Despite a poor performance on Monday Night, Rice often turns what look like short losses into big gains...again he was picked one spot before the now departed Brian Brohm (I hope that is the last time I have to make that connection, it makes me cringe every time I think about it).
#3) Green Bay lead 17-7, Green Bay ball on the Green Bay 37 yard line, 1st and 10 with 3:22 left in the 3rd quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) threw short middle intended for Donald Driver (Green Bay) INTERCEPTED by Jarret Johnson (Baltimore) at the 50 yard line and returned 8 yards to the Green Bay 42 yard line.
Analysis:
Driver and Rodgers were both at fault on this interception. Rodgers delivered the ball low but Driver still should come up with the catch. The play reminded me of Antonio Freeman's famous acrobatic catch on Monday Night to beat the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately this time Driver did not come up with the ball and Baltimore scored a few plays later which made the score 17-14 in favor of Green Bay but Baltimore had ALL the momentum at that point.
#2) Green Bay lead 17-14, Baltimore ball on the Baltimore 21 yard line, 3rd and 17 with 14:03 left in the 4th quarter:
Joe Flacco (Baltimore) threw deep left to Derrick Mason (Baltimore) to the Green Bay 33 yard line for 46 yards. Offensive pass interference PENALTY on Mason. Unsportsmanlike conduct PENALTY Mason.
Analysis:
This sequence of events was set-up by Mason Crosby missing a field goal from 38 yards. Holder and back-up Green Bay quarterback Matt Flynn bobbled the snap and got the hold down late but Crosby should still make the kick from 38 yards out. If Crosby made the field goal then we wouldn't have to talk about this horrible offensive pass interference call. Just to refresh everyone's memory, Joe Flacco under threw Derrick Mason who was being covered one-on-one by Charles Woodson. When Mason slowed down to catch the ball he lightly shoved Woodson to the ground. I am not accusing the potential NFL Defensive Player of the Year of flopping but it didn't look like a lot of contact. Mason ended up coming down with the ball and would have put Baltimore at the Green bay 33 yard line down 3 points with 14 minutes left. Instead, after the penalties were enforced Baltimore was forced into a 3rd and 32 at the Baltimore 6 yard line. Baltimore tried to run a Mike Sherman Special (for those you that don't know the reference, it means a team called a draw on 3rd and long instead of trying to pick up a 1st down through the air) but Flacco and Rice had trouble executing the hand-off and almost fumbled the ball to Green Bay in Baltimore's red zone.
#1) Green Bay leads 3-0, Green Bay ball on the Baltimore 2 yard line, 1st and goal with 4:39 left in the 2nd quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) threw short left to Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Analysis:
Finley had a HUGE game: 7 catches for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. Green Bay split Finley out wide and threw a simple jump ball to him that he easily hauled in. This play underscores the match-up problems that Finley gives opposing teams. Granted if Ed Reed plays this might not have been a touchdown but Green Bay smartly exploited a mismatch by splitting 6'5" Jermichael Finley out wide on 5'11" Tom Zbikowski (the guy playing in place of Ed Reed). Although Ed Reed is the same height as Zbikowski, Reed has a much better vertical leap. Also on reputation alone Green Bay might not have tried a play like this on Reed. Either way, Green Bay has a budding star in Jermichael Finley.
Monday, December 7, 2009
2009 Week #13 - Packers v. Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are without two of their key players on defense Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed. Since I have a ton of family from Cleveland I thought about going on a long rant about how shady it is that Baltimore stole their franchise from Cleveland after experience that same heartache in the mid-1980's but I don't want to bring any negative energy in the game. As a result I will give you a quick look at the top 10 players that will face the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football:
#10 - Dawan Landry (SS): he has the second most tackles on the team (60) and would not have made the list unless Suggs and Reed were inactive against Green Bay so let's just move on.
#9 - Matt Birk (C): left the Minnesota Vikings this offseason for more guaranteed money and is probably regretting that decision. When Birk signed with the Baltimore Ravens he did not know Brett Favre would come out of retirement to help turn Minnesota into one of the best teams in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens are a potential playoff team but not nearly as impressive as the Minnesota Vikings. Birk is no longer in his prime but he gives Baltimore a quality veteran presence on an otherwise very young but impressive offensive line.
#8 - Jarret Johnson (OLB): although he does not receive as much hype as other players on the talented Baltimore Ravens defense, Johnson leads the team in sacks (6). Quietly Johnson is becoming one of he most indispensable players on the Baltimore Ravens defense.
#7 - Derrick Mason (WR): he is never the biggest or fastest receiver in the NFL but the cagey veteran still produces on the field. As Baltimore's clear #1 wide receiver, Mason runs very crisp routes and catches almost everything thrown in his direction. Mason has been such a safety valve for quarterback Joe flacco that coaches started to force Flacco to look for receivers other than Mason.
#6 - Joe Flacco (QB): after a stellar rookie season in 2008 (lead Baltimore to the AFC Championship where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers) his sophomore campaign has been up and down. Flacco has not missed any games this season but battled injuries all season.
#5 - Jared Gaither (LT): an absolute physical freak at 6'9" and 340 pounds. Gather has battled some injuries this season but when fully healthy is a top tier left tackle. Gather's combination of height, weight and athleticism makes you question if he is in fact human.
#4 - Michael Oher (RT): the centerpiece of a national best seller (The Blind Side by Michael Lewis) and the top grossing movie at the box office over the weekend (you guessed it...The Blind Side), Oher is one of the most promising young offensive tackles in the NFL (along with Jake Long and Joe Thomas). Baltimore selected Oher with the 23rd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and is fighting with Percy Harvin (selected 22nd by the Minnesota Vikings) for offensive rookie of the year.
#3 - Ray Lewis (MLB): one of the best middle linebackers to ever play the game. Lewis is known for his pre-game trash talking and punishing hits on the field but it is his work ethic off the field that has helped shaped the Baltimore Ravens defense for the last decade. Lewis is known to watch more film than anyone else in the NFL which has allowed him to still play at a high level despite losing a step.
#2 - Haloti Ngata (DT): one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL, Ngata routinely faces double teams and still makes plays. In three of the last four weeks Green Bay has faced some of the best nose tackles in the NFL Franklin (San Francisco), Ratliff (Dallas) and Nagata (Baltimore).
#1 - Ray Rice (RB): selected one spot before the now departed Brian Bhrom, Rice has established himself as an every down multi-dimensional running back. Rice is a punishing runner (similar to Ahman Green in his prime) that has forced defenses to account for him at all times. Rice is second in the league in yards from scrimmage behind the presumptive #1 pick in almost every 2010 fantasy draft and modern day version of Barry Sanders - Chris Johnson of the Tennesee Titans.
#10 - Dawan Landry (SS): he has the second most tackles on the team (60) and would not have made the list unless Suggs and Reed were inactive against Green Bay so let's just move on.
#9 - Matt Birk (C): left the Minnesota Vikings this offseason for more guaranteed money and is probably regretting that decision. When Birk signed with the Baltimore Ravens he did not know Brett Favre would come out of retirement to help turn Minnesota into one of the best teams in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens are a potential playoff team but not nearly as impressive as the Minnesota Vikings. Birk is no longer in his prime but he gives Baltimore a quality veteran presence on an otherwise very young but impressive offensive line.
#8 - Jarret Johnson (OLB): although he does not receive as much hype as other players on the talented Baltimore Ravens defense, Johnson leads the team in sacks (6). Quietly Johnson is becoming one of he most indispensable players on the Baltimore Ravens defense.
#7 - Derrick Mason (WR): he is never the biggest or fastest receiver in the NFL but the cagey veteran still produces on the field. As Baltimore's clear #1 wide receiver, Mason runs very crisp routes and catches almost everything thrown in his direction. Mason has been such a safety valve for quarterback Joe flacco that coaches started to force Flacco to look for receivers other than Mason.
#6 - Joe Flacco (QB): after a stellar rookie season in 2008 (lead Baltimore to the AFC Championship where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers) his sophomore campaign has been up and down. Flacco has not missed any games this season but battled injuries all season.
#5 - Jared Gaither (LT): an absolute physical freak at 6'9" and 340 pounds. Gather has battled some injuries this season but when fully healthy is a top tier left tackle. Gather's combination of height, weight and athleticism makes you question if he is in fact human.
#4 - Michael Oher (RT): the centerpiece of a national best seller (The Blind Side by Michael Lewis) and the top grossing movie at the box office over the weekend (you guessed it...The Blind Side), Oher is one of the most promising young offensive tackles in the NFL (along with Jake Long and Joe Thomas). Baltimore selected Oher with the 23rd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and is fighting with Percy Harvin (selected 22nd by the Minnesota Vikings) for offensive rookie of the year.
#3 - Ray Lewis (MLB): one of the best middle linebackers to ever play the game. Lewis is known for his pre-game trash talking and punishing hits on the field but it is his work ethic off the field that has helped shaped the Baltimore Ravens defense for the last decade. Lewis is known to watch more film than anyone else in the NFL which has allowed him to still play at a high level despite losing a step.
#2 - Haloti Ngata (DT): one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL, Ngata routinely faces double teams and still makes plays. In three of the last four weeks Green Bay has faced some of the best nose tackles in the NFL Franklin (San Francisco), Ratliff (Dallas) and Nagata (Baltimore).
#1 - Ray Rice (RB): selected one spot before the now departed Brian Bhrom, Rice has established himself as an every down multi-dimensional running back. Rice is a punishing runner (similar to Ahman Green in his prime) that has forced defenses to account for him at all times. Rice is second in the league in yards from scrimmage behind the presumptive #1 pick in almost every 2010 fantasy draft and modern day version of Barry Sanders - Chris Johnson of the Tennesee Titans.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Milwaukee Bucks Squad 6
Milwaukee Bucks Center Andrew Bogut started "Squad 6" to spice up the crowds for Bucks home games. Here is the intro paragraph from the official "Squad 6" website: "Andrew Bogut wants you to help the Milwaukee Bucks create a home court advantage at the Bradley Center this season. So much so, that he's bought 100 Lower Level tickets for every game to give out to the most energetic, fanatical and rowdy Bucks fans he can find."
I commend Andrew Bogut for doing this. This allows some fans that might not be able to afford tickets a chance to attend games. Furthermore, it makes the home crowds for Bucks games much more energetic. What an all around great idea.
A number of people across the league are taking notice. Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks) recently attended the Bucks/Mavs game in Milwaukee and tweeted this: "@AndrewMBogut those fans were the most fun fans I have seen on the road EVER. It made the atmosphere 100x better. More PBR for them." Great endorsement from one of the most forward thinking owners in professional sports.
For more information on "Squad 6" click here.
I commend Andrew Bogut for doing this. This allows some fans that might not be able to afford tickets a chance to attend games. Furthermore, it makes the home crowds for Bucks games much more energetic. What an all around great idea.
A number of people across the league are taking notice. Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks) recently attended the Bucks/Mavs game in Milwaukee and tweeted this: "@AndrewMBogut those fans were the most fun fans I have seen on the road EVER. It made the atmosphere 100x better. More PBR for them." Great endorsement from one of the most forward thinking owners in professional sports.
For more information on "Squad 6" click here.
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