I don't know what all of you saw today. Aside from inspired defensive football, I saw a much more dynamic defensive game plan. So, has MM been micromanaging the DC, as recent rumor has it? I admit this is purely speculation, but I think Murphy's talk with Mac might have had some friendly advice such as, "get the hell out of Capers way and let him do his job".

To me this looked more like the defensive scheme we saw in the preseason.

Strange things happen when you're 4-4. Things change. I'm not sure if it's from top down or maybe Capers is starting to have more confidence with his troops but whatever it was, I hope they keep it up. I would think that part of the reasoning for bringing in a Capers is so that MM wouldn't have to micromanage the D. This guy is a well seasoned vet with a proven track record, so I'm not sure it was MM's doing. Maybe it's just a situation where all i nvolved on that side of the ball are becoming more comfortable with the overal goals and vision of the D.

Crazy to think a team would need something like that to get the job done.

I've been holding the D accountable (maybe unfairly) for many of the losses. If they play like this it is simple. THE PACKERS WIN!!!

As in most games its all about matchups. Austin, Crayton and Williams are good matchups one on one with Harris and Woodson. Not very physical receivers Also Romo has been well protected (6.0) sack rate. So send the house. The key was handling Witten which they did well.

The game changed on the Williams fumble on the long seam route

Capers turned himself loose. They stopped the Cowboys run game dead in its tracks early and they went heavy on the passing. Once that happened they put their ears back and went after the QB with zone blitzes and stunts.

It's just like what happens to GB against Minnesota, except the other team was on the receiving end of the onslaught this time.

Exactly. From everything I've heard and read, MM lets Capers do his thing. The dogs were unleashed against the Bears, and we haven't seen that since until yesterday. I have no idea why, I really don't. And no, it's not because the secondary matched up really good against the Dallas WRs/TE. In fact, this game screamed play it safe. Tape shows you can't get to Romo, and the WRs will get open for huge plays.

Instead, Capers finally went into mad scientist mode. Guys coming from all different angles. Delayed blitzes, false blitzes....stunts...Woodson all over the field. This is the 3-4 I wanted for years and thought we would have each week.

The only thing I can think of is Capers didn't want to "show his hand" too early in the season. I never liked that strategy. The only way you get really good at the 3-4 is go all out every game and learn from that process...and get better. You could tell Romo and the the entire offense were back on their heels. They knew pressure was coming, but didn't know from WHERE. Even the last drive, the Packers D was starting to get gassed and they still almost got off the field- if it wasn't for a couple great catches.

Let's see this all-out defense the rest of the year!

I think one of the things that may have helped Capers is that he no longer had to scheme to try to protect one of his LBers who is very poor in coverage. He was allowing much more roaming at the LBer spots. He even moved Matthews around from the Right the left and back again. The 'boys didn't know where he was coming from.

I love Kampy as a person and as a player, but he clearly has limitations as a 3-4 LBer at this point in his career. Maybe Jones is a better fit than Kampy is as he is faster, can change direction faster, can cover better, and can play both LOLB and ROLB. Kampy doesn't have an explosive first step, but has a high motor. I don't know that Kampy ever even practiced ROLB so he can really only play 1 spot.

I think you might be dead on -- Kampman's been a liability in coverage and it impacts the entire D. He's a great pass rusher, but just not a 3-4 guy.

We really should have traded him away at the start of the season.

Hindsight is always at least 50/50

Aaron Kampman has been a long time contributor to the Green Bay Packers and works as hard as anyone in the game of football.

He does not deserve to be thrown under the bus by fans or a coaching staff that worked tirelessly to sell him on this change.

Coaches should make playing time decisions and allignment decisions with the best interest of the team in mind.

All of these coaches know that they do not have a lot of wiggle room and that they are coaching with a sense of urgency and very little job security.

As such, I trust Dom Capers, Kevin Green and the coaching staff to play whoever they think gives them the best chance for success and to do everything within their power to put them in a position to succeed.

I would only seem logical that the decision to change to a 3-4 defensive alignment was a decison made with the best interest of the team in mind - with knowledge that not all players on the current roster would / could fit the mold and changes may be necessary. AK's contribution and effort are well recognized - but I wouldnt deem him being "thrown under the bus" should he not be capable of fitting that mold and gets moved - especially by "the fans" who have absolutely no true say in the decision.

If its in the best interest of the team to move him in favor of others more capable of making the unit/team better - so be it - it isnt a referendum on his popularity or fan loyalty.

I hope my comment wasn't construed as throwing Kampman under the bus. That really was not my intent. He is one of my favorite players and I would love nothing more than for him to explode in this defense and put up Jason Taylor type numbers. I just don't see it happening. It may happen, but it seems that Kampy just doesn't have the coverage skills in space and have the quick change ability/quick hips needed when dropping into coverage.

I am not criticizing his effort, talent, or ability. Again, I love Kampy as a Packer and he has been my favorite player for years. I'm just trying to look at this from an objective point of view. If the defense continues to play this way, it will be better for the team, however, may not be better for Kampman.

I was all for the 3-4 and I was all for the Kampy playing LOLB in it. I thought it would work and I thought Kampy had the drive, motor, ability, and skills to explode in this defense and put up close to 20 sacks while racking up more tackles than normal. It looks like that is not happening. It may come with more work, but I just don't see the fluidity and explosiveness that it looks like is needed at the LOLB position.

Maybe they should try AK in the 3-4 DE position. He is tougher than he is fast and would likely be a nightmare for most interior linemen used to dealing with slower, bigger guys. Since we did not trade him, we need to use him to some advantage.

Again, let me be clear...he is a great player and a leader I would want on my team, but he has no real place in the 3-4 despite the hopes and dreams of TT and MM. They tried. It was not a good fit.

It is past the trading deadline, so all of this woulda, coulda, shoulda crap is useless.

I know we all think our analysis is awesome, cool discuss it as such. But when we add to the refrain that we shoulda done this, we coulda done that - where does that take us???

Aaron Kampman's performance while not what the staff had hoped, has not been as bad as people are suddenly declaring.

Yes, Aaron was exploited against Tampa Bay, but do NOT forget it was after he suffered a serious concussion in which he admits he did not no where he was or what was happening and was too injured to realize it. Players rarely lose their job to injury. At the same time, if the staff thinks Jones is the answer, they should go with Jones.

My only point is that the coaching staff has decisions to make that are based upon watching these guys play and practice since the first day of instillation of this offense. Trust the staff to make the decison on who will put them and the staff in the best position to succeed.

BTW our rookie Linebacker played decent, but made plenty of mistakes. Also Capers game-planned the defense to protect him and cover for deficiencies. I like, as I always have, Jones' potential, but the masses ought to slow down before they buy into the popular flavor of the day and declare the outcome based upon one performance.

Let us also NOT forget that Right Offensive Tackle Marc Colombo missed much of the game with a broken leg. With Capers letting the dogs lose, one might imagine what Kampman might have done with such a mismatch had he been healthy and in the game.

Saying "this player is not suited to this defensive scheme" is hardly throwing him under the bus, especially when this player is pretty clearly not suited to this defensive scheme. It's not an indictment of him as a player, everybody knows that he's an elite pass rusher.

I'll state the obvious: The Packers have committed to the 3-4. They need to retain players who excel in that defense, acquire more players who fit that defense and trade away players whose strong points, for one reason or another, do not match up well with the need of that defense.

I am neither endorsing or arguing against the idea that Aaron Kampman is suited well for the 3-4 defense, I am saying that it is not as clear as you seem to think.

Do you understand that the trading deadline is over???

Changing schemes involves growing pains. Bailing on a player after an injury marred performance is not evaluative IMO.

Of course they need to get players who fit their system, but trading away Kampman is not an option this season and only becomes one under limited tag scenerios that we have no idea whether or not they will be in place due to the lack of a CBA.

It is extremely unlikely that trading Aaron Kampman, an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of this season is going to be a possibility.

You can say a player is not suited if you like. You can say just about anything - but it will not necessarily make it so. I happen to think that it is too soon in the transition to know - but that is also an opinion that does not necessarily make it so either.

Too bad we didn't "unleash the dogs" when we played Lord Farve and the Viqueens.

I do, in fact, understand that the trading deadline has passed. We're nine games in, however, and a 7th round rookie looked more capable at the position on Sunday than Kampman has all year.

Kampman has been a liability. I give him props for effort and his work attempting to adjust to the new scheme, but he's just not good in coverage.

My understanding is that even in the face of an uncapped year the tags will still be in effect next season. If you've seen otherwise and that is actually the case, I apologize.

This entire exercise is opinions that have no bearing on the situation, so I don't see anything wrong with a frank exchange of views. The worst that can happen is that one of us is wrong while the world goes on turning un-effected by our opinions.

Sometimes I dont understand what your saying.
Nobody I've read is calling for the immediate trade / release / or tossing under the bus of AK. Simple observations by fans and alike that he doesnt seem to be fitting into the 3/4 scheme - no extraordinary claims or "coulda, woulda, shoulda crap". AK's not a dog and I feel confident most Packer fans are aware of his abilities and contributions too date. Personally - I dont find him all that hot in coverage and I'd like "my" 3/4 linebackers to have a clue along those lines.

If he can "get" and apply the new demands of the 3/4 - GREAT.
If its a suit worn uncomfortably - perhaps a different suit would be best for all concerned.

Pretty simple.

Not hindsight for many of us. We were howling loudly here to trade Kampman the minute they hired Capers. Us fans are not throwing him under the bus either, it's nothing personal or demeaning...Kampman is a DE, and reasonable people have rightly blamed TT & MM for foolishly playing him at LB. Props to Kampy for trying - slap upside the head to TT for not trading him.

As far as cuffs off Capers goes, I'm inclined to say no. IMO this defense will continue to look better as players grow more comfortable with the 3-4. Entering game #10 this week the learning curve is about over, and now Capers can loosen the reins and trust the players to handle assignments. It's just the normal learning progression.

Maybe it is just me, but I think you are comparing an apple to an orange type of play.

This D yesterday was something different than we've seen before.EVERYBODY was playing with energy and purpose.

The DL played as well as a unit than any game this year. That alone improves any LB play.

Yes Jones did play OK. I saw some running plays his way where he did NOT contain the edge for which he is responsible. Pursuit covered his mistake

Kampy sets the edge as good as any 3-4 LBer,THEN flows inside to aide/make the tackle. the play I'm talking about reminded me of Bishop on the Mn screen,Jones tried to short-cut his responsibilty to get a tackle, missed, but was covered by Collins,Woods making the tackle for no gain.

The moving of Matthews was great to see.........Jones didn't move to the right side.....they STACKED BOTH LBers on the left side, an overload with Matthews blitzing and Jones dropping into coverage.

I'd rather wait to compare these 2 players, Kampy/Jones, when Kampy gets to play with a D unit playing at this type of level...

I loved the way this D played, now they need to keep this edge up for the remainder of the season

Since no one has picked up on or commented on the following I will repost this part:

Let us also NOT forget:

Cowboys starting right tackle Marc Colombo broke his left leg on Dallas' second drive of the first quarter on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Colombo was injured on the first play of the drive blocking for running back Marion Barber who gained 5 yards on the play and at that point Barber had 4 carries for 27 yards - the Cowboys running game disappeared after Colombo went down. So I also repeat with Capers letting the dogs loose, one might imagine what Kampman might have done with such a mismatch had he been healthy and in the game. Jones played OK, he by his own admission and that of the coaching staff he made his share of mistakes but did not back down.

BTW my post a page ago was supposed to read Hindsight is always at least 20/20 not the brain farted 50/50 I typed by mistake.

TAYLORBOY -- good post, I agree.

It is clear that most are not going to change their view point regarding Kampman and the views are pretty divergent.

Ultimately, the decision will be make by the persons who are paid to make the decisions - I feel certain that they will at least attempt to chose wisely since their jobs depend upon it -- Kevin Green, Dom Capers, Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson.

Bruce - nothing I've said was influenced by the Cowboy game at all. I still consider AK the starter albeit one who needs to be more dynamic in this 3/4 scheme. These arent just my sentiments as I've heard them numerous times from broadcasters of the various games. If he becomes that player - fine - give him a lifetime contract. (Just joking - dont take that literally).

I'll also say I dont think TT & MM are in as immenient danger of being let go as is so often alluded to and I dont think ANYBODY should be fired based on what decision is made with AK. The players performance will dictate what happens.

Btw.....did TT draft any of those defensive players that just shut down the Cowboys? I've heard rumors that he got Woodson here as a free agent.

Well, I said this summer already that I couldn't imagine Kampman being used as the prototypical LOLB in the 3-4. But I expected Capers to be creative and use him differently. In fact, he really hasn't. As with most issues in here, someone is usually horrible or a Hall of Famer. Everything is balck and white.

Kampman has not been awful, but he is not a great fit for the 3-4. Very, very good vs the run. Not good in covg, obviously, and not the pass rusher he has been coming form the LB position. But he is Aaron Kampman, and he's going to start for the rest of the year.

I mentioned this in a different topic, but I would like to see him play DE in obvious down/distance passing situations. Let him do what he does best. Beyond that, I think you have to let it play out.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. . . despite all his struggles, Aaron Kampman has been making good strides in his conversion on a weekly basis and he's rated statistically even or better than all of the top LOLBs in the NFL. If he'd get to the QB a little more he'd clearly be one of the top ones in the league. Capers has been doing some strange stuff with him, but I think that he's really been coming on since the bye. I think that Aaron Kampman still has a lot to offer this team, and I'm hoping that they don't cast him aside as quickly or as easily as some fans would like. I really liked a lot of what Brad Jones did on the field and wouldn't mind seeing him get some more playing time. . . IMO, he has a bright future, but Aaron Kampman gives them the best chance of winning right now. Hopefully he'll be healthy and able to go this weekend.

I don't think he'll be cast aside this year. Nor should he. The only question is how aggressive they are (or not) in trying to re-sign him for next year. I would argue they can't afford to go all-out to bring him back if someone out there wants to offer him a huge contract. And I would say that even if he played DE in a 4-3 this year, and had a good year.

Kampman is one of the reasons GB;s defense is playing well against the run , he is in the top five in QB pressure;s with like ten more at this point of the season than last year. His sack numbers are down and he has looked out of place on a few dropbacks otherwise he is having a good year so far.I do think that he should be at LDE in passing situations at least in a rotation in passing situations.On running downs he is doing a very good job.This week it was nice to see the two ILB criss cross blitz finally produce something. I still would like to see some of Kampy at LDE with Jones coming behind him and Matthews on the other side along with the NT and RDE .

This thing about trading Kampman is not only a view made with hindsight. Some people, Gregg and I think one or two others, were calling for trading Kampman last summer, because he was in his last year, he didn't fit the 3-4, and he would have very high value in a trade.

Since I didn't agree about trading him, I won't say a thing, never mind what I might think now (which actually is that I still think he's a very, very valuable player on the team and we have yet to see the best of him in this new defense).


Excuse me, but I must have missed something during the week. What Murphy talk with Mac???

I dont think anyone's being overly harsh or critical of AK and no one is "casting him away".
If he can develop into a true 3/4 LB - excellent - but his history against the run and sacking the QB have to be weighed against his new requirement to cover in space with speed and balance. If he isnt capable of the latter, he'll always be a liability in this scheme.