2021 Packers Stock Report: Week 11

Take a look at the stock report for the Green Bay Packers after a 34-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on the road in Week 11.

Whenever the Packers lose to a division rival, all I feel is pain.

Especially when the loss is to the Vikings. Ugh.

While there unfortunately were lots of disappointments in the loss on Sunday, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game in Week 11.

Let's take a look at all the good, bad and in between by getting into the stock report for the Green Bay Packers after a 34-31 loss in Week 11 on the road to the Minnesota Vikings.

Buy

Preston Smith- After a dismal year in 2020, Preston Smith has really responded this season. While one outside linebacker position in the Packers defense has been a bit of a question mark week-to-week due to injuries and defensive situations, Smith has been a model of consistency in 2021 on the other side. He had another solid performance on Sunday, posting the highest defensive PFF grade (88.2). He ended two drives against the Vikings with sacks, which was crucial with Rashan Gary out. Excited to see him perform at a high level the rest of the season.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling- I'm hoping this was the game that gives Marquez Valdes-Scantling his swagger back. After missing an extended period of time due to a hamstring injury, Aaron Rodgers and Valdes-Scantling have been struggling to connect on downfield shots. It even showed at times at the beginning of the game against the Vikings. Four catches for 123 yards and a touchdown later, MVS proved why he's so valuable to this offense as a speedster. I wouldn't be surprised if this game kickstarts more connections downfield in the future between MVS and Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams connection- Speaking of connections, is there any duo better than Aaron Rodgers passing to Davante Adams? When the two are on, which I'm hoping becomes more of a full-time thing, nobody can stop them. Sunday, the pair was most definitely on. Seven catches, 115 yards and two scores. Both touchdowns couldn't have come at better times either. The second one after Rodgers almost called a timeout was a thing of beauty. I'm buying stock in this duo moving forward.

Sell

Mason Crosby- I've given Mason Crosby a pass for so long now. He's been a model of consistency for *most* of his career playing for the Packers. However, I can no longer confidently defend him. It's gotten to a point where every time I see him trot out on the field, even when it's just an extra point, I literally cross my fingers and watch with one eye closed. And you just can't have that. His eight misses this season are the worst in the NFL. Have they all been his fault? No. Do I think the Packers need a new kicker? I'm not the one to make that call, thank goodness. However, I'm selling my Mason Crosby stock because I can't deal with the stress anymore.

Packers secondary- Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen exposed the Packers secondary over the weekend. The top three worst PFF grades on defense were all defensive backs. Neither Kevin King or Rasul Douglas played well on one side of the field. Eric Stokes struggled all game on the other side. And the missed opportunities for interceptions or pass breakups were killer. This performance makes me a little bit nervous with Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr. and a pass-happy Rams offense coming to town.

Krys Barnes- The Packers just need more consistency from their MLB2 position. Krys Barnes has shown that he can be the guy to do it, but he hasn't sustained solid level of play week-to-week. Sunday, he had a couple missed tackles and was picked on at times in pass coverage. Selling Krys Barnes with the hope that he proves me wrong and can become more consistent.

Hold

Joe Barry- Alright, maybe I jumped the gun on buying Joe Barry last week. However, I'm not selling. This Packers defense still has a lot of talent, but it's badly banged up right now. If the Packers can somehow get a win over the Rams and get to the bye week, this defense will be better positioned for better performances in the final five weeks of the season. Imagine what it could do with Jaire Alexander, Za'Darius Smith and Rashan Gary back in the lineup. I know it's wishful thinking, but I get the chills just thinking about it.

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Gunnar Davis is a lifelong Packers fan and a recent graduate of Simpson College, where he was a 3-year letterwinner on the offensive line and graduated with a degree in multimedia communications. You can follow him on Twitter at @Gunnar57Davis.

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PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

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6 points
 

Comments (20)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
mnbadger's picture

November 24, 2021 at 12:09 pm

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mason Crosby as a kicker and as a human being. That said, I'm beginning to get the same chills as Gunnar whenever the kicking team enters the game. Plenty of blame to go around, but 35ish yard field goals shouldn't be missed. GPG!

7 points
7
0
Fubared's picture

November 24, 2021 at 01:19 pm

Ditto. I can understand three games ago, new snapper, new holder , big problemo.
In three weeks, almost 21 days of practice and the three of them cant sort out the problems and get it solved, then maybe all three need to go at some point.
Crosby may have to call it a career.

1 points
3
2
Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2021 at 08:11 am

Since the LS was on the PS before being promoted, one assumes the team had had him work with Crosby and Bojo before deciding to make the change. If not, heads should roll for sheer idiocy. If it’s really the LS, bring the other one back. Less bad is better. Drayton is far more out of his depth than even Zook from what I see. Fire the man before he costs us the season. Just bad would be a step up.

3 points
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Gman1976's picture

November 24, 2021 at 07:17 pm

There’s an old saying that could be used here: Screw me once, shame on thee. Screw me twice, shame on me. Screw me a third time, you are outta here! The Packers have been more than patient with Crosby. I like him, but he is now costing us games.

1 points
1
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Crankbait's picture

November 25, 2021 at 08:18 pm

The ones he makes are just barely clearing the cross bar.
His leg strength is pretty well spent. Time to hang it up.

0 points
0
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splitpea1's picture

November 24, 2021 at 12:43 pm

Forget: Minnesota memories. We'll get another crack at them.

Buy and email to MLF: The Shanahan game plan against the Rams. I don't know how much good it will do us because we're not the same kind of team on the field and our offense is beat up, but some elements of it could be worthwhile.

Use a put option: Crosby; it might be time for him to develop a mysterious "injury". Meanwhile, we call up Molson and give him a shot. Don't worry, it will never happen--at least not this year.

Sell: Rams. Crazy people at the top are in charge of this team. Mortgaging your future like this, and you're no better than a wild card, and in effect, 2.5 games back? They'd better be ready to peak come playoff time or they're going feel awful silly.

6 points
6
0
Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2021 at 08:14 am

To win versus the Rams opponents have to get to the passer. Whom do we have left to do so? Preston and Clark can only do so much.

1 points
1
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Fubared's picture

November 24, 2021 at 01:15 pm

I dont think Jefferson and Thielan exposed this secondary, the D coach of GB exposed them. They are doing his bidding and if he is coaching them up to play an open zone and just prevent the big plays, then thats what you get.

My take for six years on this subject is we play that defense because the guys we have are not talented, cant cover, are poor tacklers and cant be relied on to play man. This is coach three now and same defensive secondary scheme. The one that costs us playoff game last year. They lost the game.

-5 points
4
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bjkdad44's picture

November 24, 2021 at 05:05 pm

Two down votes…hmmm… you sure make sense to me!

-1 points
2
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jont's picture

November 24, 2021 at 02:00 pm

"Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones will return to practice on Wednesday, the first step in his return to the field after injuring his knee against the Seattle Seahawks 10 days ago. Coach Matt LaFleur said he’ll participate in a limited capacity as the team attempts to determine if he can play Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams."

https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rb-aaron-jones-return-182347428.html

3 points
3
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Big_Mel_75's picture

November 24, 2021 at 02:21 pm

I find it funny only one short month ago a writer on this very site wrote that Crosby was on the doorstep to the HOF... I was one that said he is been very good for his career but not HOF worthy... Here we go again with Crosby in a slump but what are the coaches doing about it? I don't know if you move on from him as you don't know that you are getting an upgrade... He is having his yips so.. Glad this isn't my call... Cause I would have cut him during his last bad spell a few years back...

1 points
3
2
Lphill's picture

November 24, 2021 at 05:31 pm

Maybe you don’t change long snappers mid season?

0 points
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2
packer132's picture

November 24, 2021 at 06:52 pm

No, it was time to get a new long snapper. Bradley had poor snaps last year and they lived with it. When he continued that pattern this year, it was time to move on.

4 points
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dobber's picture

November 25, 2021 at 06:18 am

He's been with the team through the PS all season. He's not a street guy...

4 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

November 24, 2021 at 06:15 pm

Buy: The Packers will bounce back after the buy.
Sell: Freaking out about this loss, or a loss to the Rams.
Hold: Onto hope. This team is tired. This team is banged up. The offense caught fire for the first time in a while. The defense will get better when Gary and Alexander get back.

5 points
5
0
NickPerry's picture

November 25, 2021 at 06:15 am

Thanks Mark, another solid comment from you. I too believe this team is just plain ole t5ired and beat up. I too think they'll bounce back but I'm hoping they can still muster enough up to play one more solid game before the bye week.

3 points
3
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Starrbrite's picture

November 24, 2021 at 09:02 pm

Happy and blessed Thanksgiving y’all!
Stock Up: Packer Stock sale—I like it.
Special Teams: This is discussed on this site each week per every writer and forum. The number of differing opinions concerning on how/what to change/improve our ST’s, is always very interesting. Leatherhead and I generally disagree in our approach to ST’s. Last Sunday however, I heard a NFL game-announcer agree with Leatherhead’s premise that a punt/kickoff returner should not attempt a return ( but fair catch only), due the number of penalties and/or other critical mistakes which often occur. It is an interesting concept, with which I will continue to disagree, but definitely food for thought.

0 points
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dobber's picture

November 25, 2021 at 06:19 am

Sell: Johnathan Garvin---Packers OLB depth takes another hit as he's added to the Covid list.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2021 at 08:20 am

I think that may just be the tipping point against this opponent. Garvin started last week and is the last recognized 3 down OLB on the active roster behind Preston. Gary, if he does play, will be significantly hindered.

2 points
2
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CWolf's picture

November 25, 2021 at 06:38 am

I have to remind myself every time that "sell stock" does not mean "the Packers should cut that player".

I hope this secondary bounces back this week.

Buy: Agree on Preston Smith, I add Kenny Clark.

4 points
4
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