Sorry Jeff, but the only thing I agree with is that Rodgers isn’t playing at MVP level. The rest of your post is contradicting, if not totally wrong. I’ve watched the game twice, and several key plays many times to have a realistic assessment.

How can you say play calling was a problem when you admit execution was terrible? Let’s wait until we see the offense execute well before we blame Clements. I feel sorry for Clements. He’s running McCarthy’s conservative game plans with McCarthy’s conservative plays, of which McCarthy approves every single one before they’re sent in to Rodgers. Find a single camera view on McCarthy during any game this year when he doesn’t have his offensive play sheet in his hands, or isn’t studying it closely. Clements should be given free reign, but he’s handcuffed by McCarthy. When things go well it’s McCarthy’s offense, and when things go badly it’s Clements’ play calls? I don’t agree at all. These are the same predictable and conservative plays that we’ve complained about with McCarthy for years, until the game is on the line and he gets more aggressive.

The D played extremely well overall. They stuffed the Bears after McCarthy (stupidly) went for a predictable and telegraphed run on 4th and 1 from midfield – in weather conditions which dictate that field position will be a huge factor. They held the Bears to a combined 100 yards rushing and 17 pts, which is more than enough to win most games. They had a few missed tackles which would have been sacks, but they applied steady pressure to Cutler all game long. Neal and Datone sealed the edges in the run game and made huge tackles for loss when needed most. This was a solid performance in tough conditions where the offense has a significant advantage.

ST gave up 1 big return, otherwise was solid. Janis’s big return led to 3 points, which probably should have been more. No complaints about ST considering the weather.

Lacy wasn’t pulled from the game, but it would have been the right call if he was. Lombardi wouldn’t have allowed him to touch the ball again, but McCarthy continued to sub Lacy and Starks.

On the final series at the goal line, it was the right call to have Starks in the game with no time outs remaining (see below). Our run game was better because of Tretter at C, and because we used it sparingly to keep the D honest. Running more would have resulted in more runs for no gain or loss, as evidenced by the back to back run plays – where EVERY SINGLE ONE of the 2nd plays was for a short gain, no gain, or a loss. Our O-line cannot run block when we telegraph that it’s a run play or the D is playing the run. Doesn’t matter if it’s Lacy or the incredible hulk, when hit in the backfield, they will not get positive yardage. Having said that, I would like to have seen more run plays from under center with a single back 3 WR and 1 TE spread set for either Lacy or Starks.

Look no further than the final goal line stand by the Bears for examples of great play calling, the right personnel on the field, and lack of execution by Rodgers and/or the O-line. The Bears are in man coverage with 1 on 1 match ups on all but 1 receiver. Every QB is taught to find the best match up in that situation and give the receiver a chance to make a play. But Rodgers throws 2 of those passes away.

On 1st and goal from the 8, Starks is running in the end zone with a step on his defender right in front of Rodgers, but he’s ignored and Rodgers throws the ball away after being locked onto a well covered JJ on the left. No way Lacy has a step on the defender in that situation. On 2nd down, Richard Rodgers is running to the left of the end zone with his defender ahead of him. If he reverses his route, it’s an easy TD pitch and catch – but he continues on his route – Rodgers throws the ball away rather than leading Richard back to the inside with a lob. On 3rd down JJ runs a perfect comeback route, but Rodgers delivers the ball late and to the inside. If the pass is on time and to the outside, it’s an easy TD, but the O-line didn’t block well. Rodgers was avoiding pressure and couldn’t deliver the ball on time or where it should have been – no one makes that catch with the defender ripping the ball out as it got there. On 4th down Perillo is the hot read on a seam route up the middle. The MLB blitzes and Perillo is wide open until shortly after he enters the end zone and the S comes up. Rodgers ignored Perillo, and ends up throwing a bullet to Cobb in the back of the end zone (who’s also open and his defender had fallen down), but Adams tries to make an impossible catch, not knowing it was intended for Cobb. Rodgers should have taken something off that ball with the slippery conditions, instead of throwing a bullet, which would have made it impossible for Adams to get a hand on it.

The play calls were great on that series. Execution was the problem, and Rodgers is a big part of that problem. He didn’t follow his read progressions. He can’t throw a timing route or hot read to save his life. He holds the ball too long and tries to extend every single play. He’s not keeping his eyes downfield while looking for ways to escape the pocket. All of that throws off the timing of plays and defeats the purpose of having called plays. Rodgers prefers backyard football with broken plays and receivers adjusting their routes to him. And he’s quick to point out when receivers don’t follow through on their routes on the rare occasions that he sticks with the play call.

Our receivers have to catch the ball when it hits them in the hands. But ball placement and timing have been an issue all year long, and that starts with Rodgers. Go Pack go!