Steven Helmer Publications

 Here are my thoughts from today's Green Bay Packers' 20-17 overtime win at the New York Jets: They weren't perfect but I think the defense has shown improvement. There were a couple bonehead penalties on their first defensive series, but there's a pass rush and has been plays made without the still-injured Micah Parsons. That's a good sign and only makes Parsons' eventual return even more exciting.  That offense though.  Games like this make it hard to defend Matt LaFleur as head coach. It reminded me a lot of what happened last season and the way the defense would keep games winnable, but the offense just couldn't get started. LaFleur is supposed to be an offensive genius. His team starting out with six punts, a lost fumble and just eight first downs on their first eight possessions is unacceptable no matter which defense they are playing. That said, I will give LaFleur credit for his time management at the end of the 4th quarter. The hail Mary never had ...

 Here are my thoughts from today's 39-22 Green Bay Packers loss at the Minnesota Vikings: That first Christian Watson catch was a thing of beauty. After Jordan Love had his career-long touchdown pass, Packers' fans should be salivating about the potential that pairing offers if Watson can stay healthy. Based solely on this game, I think Love finally has a number one receiver in Watson as well. They haven't had a true go-to guy since Davante Adams was traded Watson's rookie year.  At minimum, I like Love's weapons. Less was more this season, reducing the number of receivers on the roster but giving him players who can make plays. Even Matthew Golden, who unfairly was criticized for not being a big enough part of the offense last year, was earning his draft status. The PAT miss by Trey Smack brought back some bad memories of Green Bay's recent history of kicking problems.  He's young so I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt though, especially aft...

Here are some of my thoughts from last night's 34-31 Green Bay Packers ' loss at the Detroit Lions :  The loss was disappointing but also encouraging. The Packers have the youngest team in the league and theoretically still haven't reached their full potential. This game, against arguably the best team in the NFC, came down to who had the ball last. Had Lions' coach Dan Campbell chosen to kick the field goal with nearly a minute remaining rather than be aggressive and let his team pick up another first down to run the clock down, there's no reason to believe Jordan Love couldn't have orchestrated a game-tying or even game-winning drive. If they meet in the playoffs (which is likely), it'll likely be a similar game with potentially a different outcome. The injuries in the secondary are becoming a concern . The Packers were already down Jaire Alexander and Corey Ballentine and lost safeties Evan Williams and Javon Bullard during the game with Keisan Nixon ap...