It’s been a decade since Mike Holmgren mailed in his Superbowl 32 performance, focusing instead on better-dealing us for his current gig in Seattle. Had this pants-down, woodshed beat-down preseason performance come 5 or more years ago, I probably would’ve spit the words “How’s that taste?” at the television through clenched teeth at Holmgren. But time scabs over all wounds, and I only cared enough about beating Holmgren to pick off the last chunky bit of that reminder and toss it in the trash. We’re three coaches removed from the walrus era, and “Better Deal Mike” lost his coveted GM/Coach job in Seattle because it was too much for him, retaining only the coaching portion. It’s time for me to let it go.
To last night’s game: here we sit, two games into the preseason, having beaten both combatants from the 2006 Superbowl; one in their own house (Steelers, 13-9), the other in our own (Seahawks, 48-13), leaving the distinct smell of a good schellacking across Lambeau Field.
I’ll say it again - I’m not the type to get too fired up about preseason. When you look at the stats for last night’s game, it’s even more reason to hold off on the playoff ticket orders. We only beat the Seahawks in total yards gained by 37 yards. Seahawks had more penalty yards by only 6. They turned the ball over to us six times, but we gave it back five. And we only had the ball 26 seconds more than they did. You might ask: “Well then, smart guy, how’d the Pack put up so many points?”
Great question.
Last night, it was the aggressive play by the defense and a special teams crew that started showing promise that helped the Packers make so much more out of their offensive stats than the Seahawks did. The Packers defense snarfed two fumbles and ran them in for scores while Will Blackmon showed some spark on special teams we haven’t seen since Desmond Howard was running back kicks. An 83-yard kickoff return by Blackmon was turned into 7 points just a few plays later.
There were many who played well in last night’s game, so I’m struggling to name just one to win the weekly Enzyte award. So I’ll take the chicken way out and name the Packers defense as the Enzyte award winner for this week. They were tough and aggressive and just plain more manly than their competition on the other side of the ball.
I’m also naming a “Box of Rocks” winner for last night’s game, for making the boneheaded play of the night. With less than two minutes left in the game, up by 35, it’s a safe bet that you’re going to win the game. So when you think the stripes missed a fumble call, just let it go. By letting it go you show some class, and don’t give the perception that you’re looking to drive Holmgren’s dick in the dirt. Mike McCarthy? He didn’t read that chapter in football etiquette and through his red flag on the field like a boxer who jumps on his unconscious opponent just to get a few more licks in before the referee can end the fight.
He won the challenge but it didn’t impact the game, and in the process he may have given the Seahawks some bulletin board material should they meet in the playoffs. Nice work, Mike.
Oh, one more thing. I’m a moron. While this team dressed in green and had a bird mascot, it was not the Eagles:
Next week they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Philly will be playing on a short week’s rest, playing Monday night against the Ravens, then Saturday against the Packers.
Next time I’ll try (but probably fail) to pay just a little closer attention to the dates on the schedule.
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