National Football Post Tavern Talk

Last Night

1.     You have to feel like Aaron Rodgers played well last night and that with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, the Packers can make playing quarterback a little easier.  Jennings showed America that he is a legitimate number one wideout, with some rare down the field skills and balance. 

2.     The Packers got away with linemen downfield all last year when Brett Favre would use eye contact with his wide receivers.  No one on the line knew if he was actually going to throw the ball and clearly some of the Packer opponents from last year complained to the league office, alerting the officials.  The way Favre and even Rodgers communicate with wideouts is really remarkable.  I have watched countless hours of tape to determine what they do and it is very, very difficult to detect.  I admire how they do it. 

3.     Why did the Vikings go away from the cross boots and the hard play actions with Tarvaris Jackson?  The second half drive was what he does best: a little movement, a little run, and hard play action.  With the Packers, it’s not difficult to separate the coverage and get easier throws.  And the Vikings are going to have to get better in the red zone.  They had a chance to tie the game with a third and two and ran it. 

4.     Denver had 32 plays in the first half (18 of them run) and threw for over 200 yards.  That is the classic way to get the lead in a game.  Oakland struggled to run the ball.  They had 25 plays, only throwing it eight times.  That is never going to lead to points. 

5.     If Lane Kiffin does not come back from Kansas City with a win, expect some stuff to go down in Oakland next week.  I know it’s early, and I don’t want to sound like an alarmist, but based on the off-season the owner and Kiffin have "enjoyed," starting 0-2 could be the meltdown point.  They don’t talk to one another and as an organization they are as dysfunctional as the Hotel has EVER been.  As bad as the Raiders were on Monday night, they should be able to beat KC—you think?

6.     The Raiders have to get some help for their quarterback.  I think Russell is going to be very good.  They just have to give him a chance to throw the ball—but not west coast style, JaMarcus Russell style.  Let him use his skills as a passer, move him around and let him play. 

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7.     Larry Brown, the famous basketball coach of the Sixers, the Pacers, and now with the Bobcats, has a saying when he watches his team play and they aren't sharing the ball: “We played like strangers.”  When I watch the Bengals on offense they look like strangers.  It does not appear that any of them like each other or are buying into the program.  The Bengals need to get some life in the offense, get in the classroom, and show some emotion on the field.

8.     I think New England can circle the wagons and manage the game.  Welker will be big and the playlist will be small.  I expect more tight end formations and help for the line, along with play action to help Cassel separate the defense.  Belichick will coach his tail off in the kicking game and try to gain an edge.  I expect a four-man defensive line in this week's game, and he won't let the Jets have two bubbles.

9.     Seattle brought in six wide receivers today and will sign someone they think can play right away in their system. 

10.  Kansas City will have first chance to sign Chris Simms.  If they pass, he will proceed to Tennessee for a workout.  If someone will give Simms a chance to gain some confidence with repetitions, I think he will be able to help a team.  You don't often have a 27-year-old QB on the street who happens to have led his team to the playoffs.  What occurred in Tampa does not matter right now.  He needs to start anew. 

11.  Tennessee brought in six different wide receivers, including Joe Horn and Reche Caldwell.  I think that John Broussard would give them a fast, young wideout.  Broussard is raw.  He played with the Jags last year.  Actually, I thought Miami might bring him in for a workout. 

12.  San Diego is in need of a long snapper and worked out seven different guys today.

13.  Eddie Kennison signed back with the Rams.  He might not have much gas left in his tank.  What the Rams really need is an infusion of youth, not of age.

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