Steven Helmer Publications

Here are my thoughts from the Packers 35-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last night: The Packers are in trouble.  I'm not just saying this because they are 1-2. I'm saying this because they are 1-2, should probably be 0-3, were blown out at home and don't seem to have any answers. Help is on the way with Micah Parsons and, theoretically, Josh Jacobs but there's a good chance their season will be unsalvageable by the time that help arrives.  Even coach Matt LaFleur looked thoroughly defeated during his press conference. This isn't all on him, but he also didn't do much to convince me he can right the ship. Shouldn't they at least attempt to run the football? OK, I get it, the offensive line hasn't done a good job blocking on run plays. And I can understand becoming one dimensional when you're down by multiple scores in the second half. However, they had just 5 running plays in the first half and 9 total in the game (one was a scramble by Jordan Love) d...

 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 my thoughts from the Green Bay Packers 33-13 win at the Denver Broncos last night: There was quite a bit of improvement versus last week. The offense was finding the endzone all night and the defense was making things difficult for the Broncos. Considering Denver was one game away from the Super Bowl last season, that was an impressive task. Jordan Love may finally have his weapons. Obviously, health remains a concern, especially with receiver Christian Watson, but he seems to have receivers he has full confidence in. I think the less-is-more approach Green Bay took this season, allowing Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks to leave, gave him more of an opportunity to build a rapport with the ones who stayed, especially second-year player Matthew Golden. I liked the aggressiveness on defense. It's something that could be high risk but also has the potential to keep opposing offenses off rhythm, something that becomes important when your secondary is still a work in progress a...