Dinked and Dunked to Death: Packers Fall to Bengals 34-30

In a game full of fumbles, interceptions, and momentum swings, it was the home team Bengals who enjoyed the final pendulum swing, winning 34-30. Despite the tough loss, and falling to 1-2 before entering the bye week, there are definitely positives to glean from this game. Here are a few:

Photo credit: Packers.com

Sam Shields: We highlighted Sam Shields last week in our quick hits from the Redskins game, so this makes it two weeks running that his play has warranted discussion. Shields was tasked with guarding AJ Green, Cincinnati's young number one at wide out. For the most part, Shields did his part to bottle up Green and force QB Andy Dalton to look elsewhere for yardage. Green was held to just 4 catches for 46 yards, 20 of which came on one play, a third quarter TD catch to bring the Bengals within nine (30-21). While Shields took the statistical fall for that play, having lost a step on AJ Green only once in the entire game is no crime—And having no safety help over the top didn't make life any easier on that play. Friend of DDS Joe Tomcheck said on last week's episode of Sharp Cheddar that he thought Shields has been breaking on the ball "phenomenally well" this season. That was illustrated no better than late in the first quarter, when an anxious Dalton thought he had Shields misdirected on a short route left, fired the ball inside to AJ Green, only to have Shields make a tremendous adjustment, pivoting his torso just in time to make a wonderful back shoulder interception. With the help of Shields, the Packers defensive secondary has looked better than it did on paper at the start of the season.

Ground and Pound?! The Packers entered Sunday's contest with just two healthy running backs, James Starks and Johnathan Franklin. Eddie Lacy sat out with a concussion, and even fullback John Kuhn was sidelined with a hamstring. It's worth noting that McCarthy's Packers have been forced to field just two running backs in just one prior instance, a 2011 matchup against the Chiefs—Another tough loss that was within reach late. But the difference here was stark, to be frank (Wow. A double pun. You guys should pay me for this stuff). With run blocking suddenly no longer a deficiency from Green Bay's offensive line, Starks gutted out 55 yards on 14 carries and Franklin surprised everyone with 103 yards and a score on 13 carries. In relief of the injured Starks, Johnathan Franklin wowed everyone with his first meaningful NFL action. He was decisive, slippery, and motored through the line for big gains. And though a twisted ankle late in the game had fans holding their breath, Franklin returned on the next series. He did fumble away the game in the fourth quarter, inexcusable at this level, but Packers faithful suddenly have lots to be excited about out in the backfield. With the bye week upon them, the team has an opportunity to get healthy at running back, and really open up the passing game with a stable of backs that defenses ought to respect going forward.

Packers "Lose" "Game" to Cardinals, 17-0

There are differing opinions of the value of preseason football among Packer fans. Those that follow only to chart wins and losses are likely to be disappointed by the Packers ho-hum preseason opener, a 17-0 loss at home to the new-look Arizona Cardinals. But to be sure, preseason games are not about winning at all. Rather, it's important to focus on individual performances. Depth charts are nebulous at this point. The game is largely a televised job interview for tens of players on every team. Coaches and execs look for translation from the practice field to the fight bell. They look for flashes from players previously hidden among the ranks. Most importantly, they pray to the football gods that their guys arise unscathed from every scrum. With that in mind, here are a few thoughts on last night's action...

Datone Jones Sprains Ankle: Tests are pending, but an injury to a first round pick in the first preseason game is a huge blow. Jones was pulled at the slightest hint of injury—later reported as a sprained ankle—and didn't even emerge from the locker room after half-time. It brings to mind a certain first-round defensive lineman named BJ Raji, who also sprained his ankle in his first preseason and missed the majority of the year as a result. Ted Thompson has to be pleading with those aforementioned football gods right now.

DL Johnny Jolly.
Photo credit: totalpackers.com

Johnny Jolly Gets Push: The walking human-interest-story that is Johnny Jolly performed admirably, while seeing snaps for the majority of the contest. Given his extended stay from the game, and the team's massive DNP list (17 players did not participate), Jolly seemed to take advantage of what he well knows might be his last chance ever to make an NFL roster. He was aggressive and got push into the backfield more than a few times, showing that his tank may still have some fuel left after all. Some of his swings and spin moves lacked the obvious savvy of his former
days, but it was encouraging enough to see the big man making his presence felt on the line.

Bakhtiari Shines: With left tackle Bryan Bulaga out for the season already, it was up to rookie David Bakhtiari to show fans why coaches have been so thrilled with the newbie. Bakhtiari blended in, and faded into obscurity. That is to say, that's exactly what an offensive linemen should do— become an invisible wall. His footwork and technique never in doubt, Bakhtiari displayed the strength side of his game, holding up quite well against an opposing team's starting d-line.  

RB Stable Full of Horses: The team erred on the side of caution, sitting RB Eddie Lacy due to a slight hamstring pull. As expected, DuJuan Harris also sat. Johnathan Franklin and Alex Green split the majority of the early snaps. Between the two, it seems the team has a back for every occasion. Alex Green showed encouraging shimmy on the line, cutting like a guy who is no longer favoring a troublesome knee. While Johnathan Franklin struggled to power through the middle of the pack, he was supremely slippery on the outside and in space, darting to and fro like a point guard moving toward the hoop. He showed that he could be most valuable as a screen player, and possibly also as an option at kick returner, if WR Jeremy Ross continues his muffing ways.

No Contest For Kickers: The team would have liked to have a few shots at the uprights to continue their kicking competition. Instead, Mason Crosby and Giorgio Tavecchio were merely spectators. The sole trip to field goal range ended in a turnover on downs at the goal line, as coach McCarthy decided to opt for some fourth-and-goal rehearsal early in the first quarter, and the team never saw another opportunity.

Left to right: Vince Young, Aaron Rodgers
Photo credit: packersnews.com

Backup Bonanza: For only knowing about 12 plays, new arm Vince Young sure seemed poised and out to prove his worth. His series fell flat, but he appeared more in control than the timid Graham Harrell or overzealous BJ Coleman. That's not to say the latter two didn't have their moments, but the battle at backup quarterback still appears to be a game of pick your poison. The word 'yuck' comes to mind...