SB Nation User Blog: mkcubs21

Frost Released!!

mkcubs21 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:49:36 -0000

First off, I'm sorry guys I haven't been around as much. I was really just getting to know a lot of you guys thru posts and game logs and then work got super busy (I own a shoe store and the last few months have been crazy busy) so my ability to just sit down and enjoy a game or do my research for the articles I was doing just wasn't there as much as earlier. So that is my first thing I wanted to say. But here is the main reason for this post.....

Our glorious punter Mr. Derrick Frost has finally been released all the press release attached doesn't say anything about any new guy. Let me be the first to say this is about 3-6 weeks to late. He just hasnt' been very good all season but the last 3 weeks have been just horrible. Here is to hoping the next guy can at least be consistant. Here is the link: Frost Released

Aaron Rouse: NFC Defensive Player of the Week!!

mkcubs21 — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:04:57 -0000

Aaron Rouse was named NFC Defensive Player of the week for his efforts in the Packers 34-14 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Rouse helped shut down the potent Colts passing game and along the way tied a Packers record with a 99 yard Int return for TD. This is his first such honor.

Not to bad really that the Packers could potentially have both Rouse and Collins being named players of the week just in two different polls. Nice way to head into the bye week

Linky: Rouse Player of the Week!

Week 7 Indy (3-2) @ Green Bay (3-3)... Inside the Numbers

mkcubs21 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:24:49 -0000

First off, sorry for not doing this last week, really busy at work and just didn't have time to sit down and pick through the stats. Second, I don't exactly have a great record while doing this article (the Packers are 0-3 in weeks I do this and 3-0 in weeks I don't) so if that trend continues I'll change the name or something b/c being winless sucks lol.. Anyway I'm going to look at the core offensive positions and the defense yet again b/c (and I'm not looking at the numbers just yet) this looks to be a fairly similar matchup. Anyway.. on to the numbers...

Quarterbacks- Peyton Manning vs Aaron Rodgers... This is a great matchup between two quarterbacks at different points in there careers. Manning is much more established and has the hardware to boot while Rodgers is getting ready to start his 7 career game. While looking at the numbers you'll never believe who is actually ranked higher... Rodgers!! Rodgers and Manning are both top 10 in the most of the major passing categories; passing yards (R 7 M 10), yards per game (9 7), TDs (7 8), completions (6 9), and attempts (7 9). Heres the catch I wasn't expecting, in the other categories not just mentioned, Rodgers is top 10 in; Completion Percentage (8th), average per attempt (7th), and quarterback rating (7th). Now I'm not just ready yet to put Rodgers in Mannings category but I think we can all say Rodgers has been playing very good this year all and all (except TB and Dallas). I'm still going to give the advantage to Manning b/c he has done it longer and looked really good last week against Baltimore but this is closer than most would have thought... Advantage: Manning

Running Backs: Indy vs Grant. Lets be honest here, the Packers have the advantage here by default. I know our run defense hasn't been great (we'll get that portion of the show later on) but Indy is without there top runner and Dominic Rhodes has a smaller sample size b/c for most of the season he has been the backup to Addai who is out this week. But to be fair here is Rhodes stat line going into this weekend (32 att for 104 yards 3.3 yards per attempt 1 td). But in fairness to Rhodes lets take a look at last week which was his first game he took most of the snaps (25 att for 73 yds 2.9 per attempt 1 td). So as you can see he did most of his damage last week so we'll see what he can do this week against the Packers. Now on to Grant who over the last two games has looked considerable better. He currently has 359 rushing yards (59.8 per game) and is averaging 3.4 yards per carry. But for a quick breakdown here take a look at his splits for the first 4 games vs the last two; first 4: 55 att 186 yds 3.4 yards per carry.. Last 2 games: 51 att 173 yds 3.4 yds per carry. Now the yards per att hasn't gotten any better but McCarthy has made him a big part of the offense lately and I expect that trend to continue against a not so tough Indy rush defense.. Advantage: Grant

Wide Recievers: Harrison/Wayne vs Jennings/Driver: Now on paper doesn't that just look like a great matchup!! I'm excited for it thats for sure.. First off the main two here are Jennings and Wayne easily with both being ranked in the top 10 in most categories; yards (J 1st W 7th), yds per game (1st 5th), and tds (both tied at 5th). Both of these guys are the go to guys in the offense and the stats show that as both are putting up big numbers this year. Now I don't care what Indy fans will say to me but Harrison is on the decline and last weeks big won't change that opinion. For the season he has 20 rec for 247 yds which puts him at 49.4 yds per game and 3 tds. Driver on the other hand just has been losing some receptions to Jennings but has been a bigger part of the offense as of late. Driver on the season is at 25 rec for 295 yds which is 49.2 yds per game and 2 tds (last two games for those wondering 9 rec for 121, not great numbers but his receptions are up). One thing to point out for Indy, Anthony Gonzalez actually has better numbers this season then Harrison. He has 21 rec for 258 yds per game and no tds, he is avg 51.6 yds per game. I'm calling this a toss up b/c both teams Wideouts are so similar... Advantage: Toss Up

Defense: Indy vs Green Bay.. Both defenses are pretty similar in total yards per game that they are giving up, Green Bay is ranked 20th (332.2 yards per game) while Indy isn't far behind at 21st (334.4 yds per game). Passing defense both teams are pretty highly ranked, Green Bay is ranked 7th (178.8 yds per game) while Indy is one spot ahead at 6th (173.4 yds per game). Green Bay has an extra game and didn't get to face Flacco on one of those games either. Rushing defense has been the achilles heel for both teams and the rankings show that. Green Bay is ranked 27th (153.3 yards per game that they're giving up), but here is the fun thing, Indy is worse!! Indy is ranked 29th in rushing defense (161.0 yards per game). I'm giving the Packers defense the nod here mainly b/c of the home field advantage (we've gotta win it back eventually right??).. Advantage: Green Bay

To be completely honest I think this is going to be a shoot out. I know both teams give up the run and I expect both teams to keep the other defense honest and run the ball, but lets face it, these are two teams that rely on there passing games to win ball games. Unless Grant just starts going crazy (which is possible aganist this defense) I think the Packers will stick the usual game plan and look for both Jennings and Driver deep and short all day. Same for Indy in this respect, I expect them to test the Packers defense with Rhodes but at the end of the day for Manning to keep on throwing. I really think this is a big game going into the bye for the Packers, 4-3 is better than 3-4. I feel McCarthy will have the team ready and I think the Packers come out on top. Go Packers!! Pack 31 Colts 28

Linky: Stats

Woodson named NFC Defensive Player of the Month

mkcubs21 — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:09:26 -0000

I was looking throughout the page to see if anyone had posted this and I had noticed that it wasn't up yet. I figured that since we've mainly been talking about the uncertainity about the QBs or how we are on a 2 game losing streak that we could use some good news. Charles Woodson was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for Sept. During the month Woodson had 3 INTs and took two of them back to the house.

Linky: Woodson NFC POM

Week 5 Atlanta (2-2) @ Green Bay (2-2).. Inside the Numbers!!

mkcubs21 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:50:45 -0000

Well what a difference a couple of weeks makes. Two weeks ago we were riding high and now two weeks later we are wondering just who might start this week for us. Well despite everything that has gone wrong there are a few glass half full things going on: first, we are still tied for first place, I know the division isn't stacked but first is first. Second, our defense has been playing very good all and all. I know it struggled against Dallas but besides that the defense has kept us in games or helped us win games (basically every game but dallas). We still aren't a bad team, but a win would help for sure. Alright on to the numbers:

Quarterbacks: Ryan vs Rodgers/Flynn: Well this is a tough one. If Rodgers is playing then the numbers say we have the upper hand, if not well you get the story. As for just overall, Rodgers still ranks ranks top ten in yards (8th), yards per game (10th), and TDs (T-7th). So despite struggles the last few games he still has the numbers on his side. If Flynn starts it is basically a clean slate, not that I needed to remind anyone of that. Matt Ryan has been a pleasant surprise for Atlanta so far this year (so is the 2-2 record). He has had the training wheels on still and his number show it. He has only thrown for 669 yards (167.2 per) for 2 tds and 2 ints. For anyone that has watched highlights will also know that both of his td passes have been for 60 plus so big plays have helped his numbers. This is really a toss up with the uncertainty of Rodgers. He plays: advantage us He doesn't: I'm going to say slight edge Atlanta or just a push.

Running Backs: Turner vs Grant: This isn't even a fair comparison, Atlanta is a more run oriented team and Turner had a huge game which helped his numbers. He leads the league in yards, yards per game, yards per carry, and Tds. He has struggled against good defenses though so we'll have to see what D shows up for Green Bay this weekend. As for Green Bays running backs, I think we are still waiting for that aspect of the game to show up. Grant has been struggling so far this year and Jackson has been no where to be seen. Here are the stats for Grant/Jackson: yards 186/93, yards per carry 3.4/5.2, yards per game 46.5/23.2, and tds 0/1. Needless to say, we've struggled on this aspect of the game. If the running game gets going, this team will be fine but until then its going to be a struggle. Advantage: Atlanta

WR/TE: White vs Jennings, Hartsock/Peelle vs Lee: Greg Jennings is working himself into that upper tier of Wide Recievers in the NFL. He is top 5 in yards (1st), receptions (5th), and yards per game (2nd). For Atlanta, Roddy White hasn been one of Ryan's favorite targets and the numbers show that. He has 18 receptions for 322 yards and that puts him at 74.5 yards per game. As for Tight Ends, neither team so far has used there TEs much this season. Donald Lee has only 11 receptions for 84 yards while the combo of Hartsock/Peelle have a combined 4 receptions for 44 yards. For Wideouts advantage: Green Bay. Tight Ends: Advantage: Green Bay (but not by very much).

Usually I throw another stat line in here but I think we'll stop this one after the core offensive players. I really think this is a turning game for the Packers, by no means a must win but a important game nevertheless. Winning against a team that is still learning its direction as a team at home is a must. You have to win these games and I truly feel Rodgers or no Rodgers we can. I feel the running game will finally make a showing and take the pressure off whoever is the qb and the defense will get to Matt Ryan and cause him some problems. In the end our Defense will dominate and give the offense good field position and some easy scores. Look for Mason Crosby to have a big day as well. Green Bay 24-10

Stark Picks Cubs!!!

mkcubs21 — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:53:26 -0000

I know not a lot of stock gets put into ESPN guys and there predictions, but I happen to be a Jayson Stark fan (one of the only guys there I could truly say that about) and he put up a fairly good article about his reasoning behind picking our Cubbies to take home the hardware at the end. All I can say is I feel the same way and I'm all in for the fun ride that its going to be. Go Cubs Go...

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3617228

Week 4 Green Bay (2-1) @ Tampa Bay (2-1).. Inside the Numbers!!

mkcubs21 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:45:29 -0000

Well we can all admit we are ready for another game to get the sour taste of last Sunday night out of our mouths. Last week we found out we are quite in that elite status as a team just yet, but this week will help us find out just how good we are. Coming back and winning in Tampa Bay, after last weeks loss, would be a huge bounce back game and a confidence builder. Alright now on the some of the numbers.

QBs- Rodgers vs Griese. Well we'll start with Rodger has his numbers are much better looking and without Griese's performance against the Bears (38-67, 407 yds 2 td 3 int) this would be a landslide for Rodgers. Rodgers is ranked top 10 in TDs (9), Ints Thrown (1), Yards (7), and QB rating (7). In a word, Rodgers has been pretty good so far this year. He did struggle against the Cowboys and some of his numbers got better b/c he was throwing the ball a ton at the end of the game but either way no INTs threw 3 games is something to be proud of. As for TB, I highly doubt they throw the ball 67 times again this week so it will probably be a little closer to his first game (18-31, 160 yd 1 td). Plus with the Packers giving up over 200 yards to Dallas I'm sure TB will try and run it to test the D. As for QBs Advantage: Green Bay

Running Backs- Grant vs Graham. This isn't really all that good looking of a matchup so we'll keep this short. Graham has 223 yds rushing (74.3 per game) and one TD, Grant has 166 yds rushing (55.3 per game). Graham has one TD, Grant has none (Brandon Jackson does have rushing TD). The main thing to pay attention to here is the Packers are coming off a game were the allowed over 200 yds on the ground (I'm sure Tampa Bay saw that tape), but at the same time Ryan Grant is looking like he is starting to get his legs under him. I'm giving the advantage to Tampa Bay but this will be an interesting area to watch.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends- We'll start with the Packers here. Greg Jennings leads the league in yards with 373 (124.3 per game) while the closest Buc is Antonio Bryant with 181 yds (60.3 per game). Its hard to dive into these numbers to much, mainly b/c TB is coming off a game where they threw the ball 67 times. That will make some numbers look a little more skewed. As far as TE goes, neither team has gone to there tight end much so far this year, but yet besides Dallas (Witten) no team really does. Donald Lee ranks top 10 in receptions, but after that is no where to be found on the rankings (he can be found, just done the list). Same goes for the TB tight end, Alex Smith, except he isn't ranked top in anything. I'm giving the advantage here to Green Bay.

Defense (New Category)- GB vs TB- Neither team so far this year has been very impressive in terms of defense (at least thats what the numbers are saying). Passing D* both teams are towards the bottom (GB- 22, TB- 27), Rushing D* is around the same for both (GB- 26, TB- 20), and in total yards they are obviously going to be both towards the bottom (GB- 27, TB- 26). So there really is no advantage here and these numbers would point to a shoot out this weekend. (*- yds per game allowed)

Well now on to the prediction. I'll admit I'm a homer and think the Packers can win every game, well that isn't going to change this week. I think they are the better team overall. Last week was a big eye opener for the defense so I highly doubt they allow 200 plus rushing yards on the ground, plus Graham is no Marion Barber. This isn't your typical TB defense, they will give up points and yards and I trust Mike McCarthy will have the boys ready to play this week. And I'll leave this on this stat (from the Dope sheet found on packers.com): The Packers haven't lost back to back games since 2006 (remember how horrible that year was) from weeks 11-13. Thats 23 games without back to back losses. That tells me he'll have the team ready to play this week against TB: Prediction: Green Bay 27 Tampa Bay 23

Links: http://www.packers.com/news/releases/2008/09/23/2/ (Dope Sheet) Rest of the stats: http://www.nfl.com/stats/player

OT: Millen out as pres/GM of Lions

mkcubs21 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:54:42 -0000

Well I think we can all agree that this should have happened a few years ago but the Lions have finally gotten rid of the well disliked GM Matt Millen. I wouldn't be posting or really caring so much if it wasn't for the Lions being a division foe that we have owned under the Millen era. So I guess it poised the question, and its all depends on who the bring in, will this have a swing in how we dominate the Lions? Heres to hoping it doesn't change.

Linky: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3606294

CB Harris Might be out for season..

mkcubs21 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:06:12 -0000

This in no way shape or form would be a good thing for our defense, but it is being reported on ESPN that Al Harris has a ruptured spleen and could miss the rest of the season if this is true. Its looking pretty good that this is the case based on the article, but we can always hope. If this is true though this could be a tough loss on the defense that already has Woodson nursing a broken toe.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3603042

Week 3: Cowboys (2-0) @ Packers (2-0).. Inside the Numbers!!

mkcubs21 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 00:14:57 -0000

First let me introduce myself, my name is Matt and I currently live in Marshalltown, IA. I was born and lived 14 years in a small town in western Wisconsin, Trempealeau. For those that have never heard of that its about 30 mins north of La Crosse. I recently joined ABC for the same reason many have, to talk and share my thoughts about the Green Bay Packers!! Now on to the main reason I started this..

This weekends game against the Cowboys looks like as much fun on paper as i think it will be live. If no one minds each week I'll do my best (and if anyone wants to add there 2 cents please do) I'll break down our stats vs theres and see who could/should win based on that. We'll see how it goes for a few weeks and go from there. Give me some insite on what you do or don't like to make it better. And now to the stats:

Quarterbacks: Romo vs Rodgers. I think this is a big game for both QBs, Rodgers has never started this big of a game as a starter and Romo is still working on building is rep for winning big games in the regular season. I’d love to give the Pack the advantage in this position but the edge has to go to Romo, for now! I do believe that Rodgers will have his offense ready to go and having the home field crowd behind him shouldn’t hurt either. Looking at the numbers between Rodgers and Romo really both have had a good start to this young season. Both qbs are ranked in the top 10 in qb rating, completion percentage, tds, and yards per game. stats Advantage: Cowboys

Running Backs: Barber vs Grant/Jackson. The numbers don’t lie here, Barber has had the much more impressive start here. Grant has been playing with a bum leg and his 56.0 yard per game avg would attest to that. I added Jackson to the match up b/c together the numbers look better then by themselves. Jackson’s numbers for the season don’t look great (36.5 per game) but he did rush for 61 yds on 7 carries a week ago so he has some momentum going into this week. Barber has been good but not great for the Cowboys so far this year. His 3 TDs are tied for the NFL lead after 2 weeks while his 71.5 yards per game avg put him in top 20 in the NFL. (Funny side not, if you take a look at the leaders in yards per carry Kregg Lumpkin leads the league with a 19 per carry avg on one carry). stats Advantage: Toss Up (the numbers don’t lie here, both teams like the pass)

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: TO, Witten, Crayton vs Jennings, Driver, Lee. For the sake of time I combined these together, but this is will be the part of the match up that will decide who wins. There is a ton of fire power for both teams and both teams enjoy using them. Greg Jennings leads the NFL in receiving yards while TO is tied for the league lead in TD’s. Both teams enjoy throwing the ball and the team that can keep the receivers grounded the best will win this game. As for the tight ends, Witten is coming off a Pro Bowl season and after two games he leads the league in yards, yards per game, and receptions. The one point to pay attention to is he is coming off a game where he separated his shoulder, while he intends to play this weekend it will be interesting to see how it alters his play on the field if at all. Lee’s numbers aren’t dazzling to look it but he does play with in a system that throws the ball a lot and lately not a lot of balls have been coming his way. Stats WR Advantage: Toss Up (call me a homer all you’d like but there is a lot of talent on both teams here)

I’d go more into the D for both teams but I think we can all agree that the offense is the more stat friendly part of this game. As for my feelings about this game, I truly believe that the Packers can come out on top of this game. I know people are saying that the Cowboys have an extra game of tape on Rodgers, have more weapons, and so on and so on, but the Packers by no means are lacking skill players. I think at the end of the day the Packers can hold the ball longer and keep the vaunted Cowboys off the field long enough to take them out of there game plan. Plus I’m not convinced that Witten is completely healthy so that could play a big roll. Finally: Go Packers 34-30