Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Set Fire to the Rain
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Is anyone else shocked the uber-careful Packers went outside in a total deluge and practiced yesterday? It may sound silly, but perhaps, as Billy Schmid suggested on yesterday's "Carry the G Radio Podcast," they were looking to exorcise some rain demons from last season's playoff loss to the 49ers. Flashback - The Packers were faced with having only one minute to at least get in field goal position in a driving rainstorm and we all know how that game and the Packers' season ended. So why not embrace it and "Set Fire To The Rain!"
Speaking of water, the funniest thing I saw all week right here:
Cover sports, they said.
It’ll be fun, they said. pic.twitter.com/FQhoweiK5t
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) July 23, 2024
My first thought when I heard that Elgton Jenkins was getting reps at center with the first team OL was, "Aha! That means they're seriously thinking about Jordan Morgan at left guard." Having played left tackle in college and in my opinion, a great candidate for a classic Packers tackle-to-guard conversion project, I've been wondering if the Packers might consider benching Myers, moving Jenkins to center, and putting Morgan at LG. Well, not so fast. It turns out they moved Sean Rhyan over to left guard and put Morgan at right guard. Seems a bit odd to me, as I really don't remember Rhyan getting much work on the left side with the Packers, but ok... Also, according to Coach LaFleur, the Myers move was strictly load management, which begs the question as to why they need to limit his reps on day one of training camp? Could something be surreptitiously afoot here?
I believe Andre Dillard being first choice to fill in for Zach Tom at RT in camp tells you the Packers are likely looking at him as the primary swing tackle. Having a backup tackle with several years of NFL experience is a bonus the Packers value and are happy to take.
I find it really interesting that the Packers chose to throw Eric Stokes in as the CB starter opposite Jaire right off the bat. Normally, the Packers will give the incumbent starter from the previous season that first shot, Yet Carrington Valentine had to watch from the sidelines Monday as the "first team defense" hit the field. You see LBs McDuffie and Wilson out there with the 1s, but you know eventually Edgerrin Cooper will win one of those jobs (he better!). So does this mean that Stokes is fully back in the Packers' eyes? I hope so, but I'm still surprised they didn't let Valentine take the first starter snaps.
Rashan Gary - When Hafley was hired and the switch in defensive philosophies confirmed, I was mostly thrilled for two players. Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary, Alexander had clearly been hindered from playing his style and his frustration bubbled over last season. He was finally turned loose against the Cowboys in the playoffs and you saw the old Jaire. As for Rashan Gary, I've always felt he'd be even more dominant starting with his hand in the ground. Standing up, I felt he sometimes hesitated, which slowed his footwork and lateral movement. The reviews so far from camp, even with no pads, have been stellar. Evidently, in yesterday's practice, Gary recorded three "sacks" in a four play sequence (against Dillard and Walker) and on the other play, Alexander got a pick. When Gary was asked about the difference with this defense, he said, "hand in the dirt and no dropping back. It's that simple." Yes, I know, every year we get excited about things that happen in shorts, but my main point is, I really think this change will be huge for Gary will allow him to reach his full potential.
Money can't buy you Love? Sure it can. It's just a matter of how much.
The #Packers are about to get this absolutely right. @GetUpESPN pic.twitter.com/rPuqp3tpEF
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) July 23, 2024
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (62)
porupack
July 24, 2024 at 06:45 am
Thanks to CHTV writers for keeping us entertained the last few months....and glad for some new updates in TC as we build toward opening day. 'precciate you guys/gals and this site,
JerseyAl
July 24, 2024 at 09:34 pm
thank you!
GregC
July 24, 2024 at 06:59 am
I think they're starting Andre Dillard with the #1s so they can see what they have in him right away. If he does not clearly outshine the younger guys, they can then move on from him. I wouldn't be surprised if he's cut sooner rather than later. The problem with Dillard is that he's been a terrible player for his entire career.
I guess the coaches consider Eric Stokes to be a starting CB who lost his job due to injury, so now that he's healthy, he's back in there.
I'm excited for Rashan Gary in this defense too. He always seemed miscast in the 3-4 defense. This switch could be a big help for Lukas Van Ness as well.
Untylu1968
July 24, 2024 at 07:52 am
Excellent observation on Dillard, and I totally agree! Stokes may be a similar situation, but not to the extent of being cut, just passed up by Valentine.
Coldworld
July 24, 2024 at 08:22 am
I agree on Dillard, and why not? Tom and Jones are out and they seem to want Morgan to get work elsewhere, at least at this point. With both out, confirming what Dillard is early makes sense. That leaves Tenuta, who was reported as not having a good day either.
It’s also fair to say that the deluge conditions yesterday make it particularly difficult for tackles. As camp goes on, we may see other rookies come into play on the OL as rotation as well. The Packers tend to want to work with them for a while beforehand, as we see with the higher draft picks just starting to get time.
jannesbjornson
July 24, 2024 at 03:27 pm
Miscast in the 3-4 set up.
GregC
July 24, 2024 at 04:53 pm
Corrected it, thanks!
stockholder
July 24, 2024 at 07:02 am
Good weather for ducks. -
It is one way to stay cool.
My first thought on Jenkins moving?
They are opening the door to trades.
TT did waive an All-pro guard.
And let others go for the cap.
After all the rebuild isn't over.
I like Gary up front with his
hand in the dirt.
How much for Love?-
Only as much as somebody is willing to pay-
Untylu1968
July 24, 2024 at 08:01 am
You just summed up everybody and everything's worth! What we're willing to pay..? I personally have a bigger issue paying $13 a beer at Lambeau than giving Love 50+ million a year, but that's just me..
Bitternotsour
July 24, 2024 at 08:30 am
and that is the thing. you're going to pay $13 for that beer regardless of whether you get to watch Jordan Love do Jordan Love type things or whether you watch a 7th round draft choice stink the joint up.
and just to be clear, Jordan gonna get $60M
LambeauPlain
July 24, 2024 at 11:05 am
And at $60 large he will still be making far less that Taylor Swift and we can economically enjoy Love's entertainment every week.
PeteK
July 24, 2024 at 01:45 pm
The ans is in the yrs and guarantee.
Ferrari-Driver
July 24, 2024 at 09:47 am
Perhaps the two items are related. Got to get the $50 million from someplace.
JQ
July 24, 2024 at 11:16 am
3,846,154 beers at $13, rounded up to the nearest whole beer!
() - : #
Bitternotsour
July 24, 2024 at 01:06 pm
See also: TV Contract. Also, the players percentage of total profits the league generates is not very significant, so Jordan is not the reason your beer costs $12. Truly. Jordan is the reason you want to go pay $12 for beer.
jont
July 24, 2024 at 02:44 pm
The players' percentage of total profits the league generates is agreed in the CBA. Currently it's 48% for the players, divided equally among the 32 teams, $255.4 mln per team for 2024.
My first thought was about Hollywood. Infamously they calculate net profits for a film so that there aren't any so everybody tries to negotiate a percent of the gross. Presumably, this is not a problem in the NFL because the players' association is smart enough to specify how profit is defined and calculated.
Bitternotsour
July 24, 2024 at 03:20 pm
and yet the system can still be manipulated. go back to the last year the packers reported a net loss and see how suspicious it was in terms of timing with the CBA. the next year, huge profits again...
dobber
July 24, 2024 at 08:25 pm
"My first thought on Jenkins moving?
They are opening the door to trades."
So they sign him to an extension, finally have him fully healthy with a full off-season workout program, and he's one of precious little experienced OG on the roster, and it's no mystery that he can play C (as well as every other position on the OL)....but sure, they're going to trade him.
stockholder
July 25, 2024 at 07:05 am
Josh Sitton was waived
but many felt they could have got something for him.
Past injuries have a way of showing up with age.
(Regression can show.)
Regardless what you think-
Jenkins had trouble at R.T.
T7Steve
July 24, 2024 at 07:10 am
Thanks, Al.
Maybe that was the problem? I didn't know that an outdoor team would avoid bad weather (cold and snow even) for practice let alone in training camp. Sort of takes the "all weather" connotation out of being an outdoor team. I could see not taking chances with people recovering from injuries but are they going to stay inside on bad mosquito days now?
"Andre Dillard being first choice to fill in for Zach Tom at RT in camp tells you the Packers are likely looking at him as the primary swing tackle." I think he's going to be a swing O-line not just tackle. Didn't Philly use him as a guard? Didn't he not work out at tackle for them?
I hope this D makes the offense really good by the end of camp and vice versa, of course. I just remember how excited we were a couple seasons ago when it seemed the D was dominating an O that was in the top 5 rankings or better the season before, then we started out playing the Saints.
LambeauPlain
July 24, 2024 at 09:02 am
Regarding Dillard as an Eagle: "Didn't he not work out at tackle for them?"
No, he did not "work out" for the Eagles....nor the Titans. (I know what you mean:-)
He's an enigma. Probably over drafted due to his RAS. His best season was as a rookie with the Eagles in '19 when was a backup all across the line filling in for injured starters. What followed for the next 3 years were injury riddled seasons and not earning starting roles when healthy. Eagles let him walk in FA to the Titans, who gave him a big 3 year deal but cut him after one very poor season.
He's certainly worth a flyer yet I will be very surprised if he makes the 53. I think they are playing him early to see if he deserves to take reps from other Tackles who are probably as good. A few of them are being held out with some minor dings. Once the full Tackle roster is healthy and practicing, he may be gone.
I would be very happy if he surprises in camp, unfortunately he got surprised by Gary yesterday who burned him.
Leatherhead
July 24, 2024 at 11:57 am
I don't see him as a tackle that I'd want protecting Love.
packerbackerjim
July 24, 2024 at 07:27 am
Hafley appears to fully embrace the philosophy of putting players in a position to succeed, something Barry never grasped. This team is going to be so damn interesting.
Razer
July 24, 2024 at 07:39 am
The ghost of Aaron Rodgers lurks in Green Bay. Not making the call on Love earlier and hanging onto Rodgers longer burned the window of Love's rookie contract. The 1 year "we're not sure" extension took away any negotiating leverage. Between Gutekunst and LaFleur they could have been more proactive. No choice now - get it done.
T7Steve
July 24, 2024 at 08:21 am
Isn't it Ball that works out the contracts under Murphy?
Razer
July 24, 2024 at 09:52 am
Regardless - the player assessment and green light to go with Love was too late. Letting Rodgers dictate the transition handicapped us on salary cap, QB assessment and team health. We shouldn't need 5 years to figure out if our future QB is in the house. So the foot dragging keeps costing us.
Guam
July 24, 2024 at 10:56 am
Impossible to know, but there was much speculation that Murphy was the decision maker in keeping Rodgers, not Gutekunst.
Leatherhead
July 24, 2024 at 11:55 am
We're probably never going to know.
It is possible that Coach LaFleur liked having the defending MVP at QB.
In this organizational structure, LaFleur and Gutekunst are at equal levels, and if they disagree, then Murphy would have to resolve things.
At the time, I was ready to trade Rodgers after the 2021 playoff failure. We could have gotten more for him in trade, and we missed the playoffs in 2022 anyway. It would have put Love on the field earlier. But I do have to concede that there were good reasons to bring back the guy who had just won the last two MVPs.
I'm glad we didn't wait another year.......
Guam
July 24, 2024 at 03:18 pm
Good point about LaFleur and Gutekunst beings equals and Murphy the tiebreaker. I would also note that Murphy is responsible for the revenue and profit lines for the Packers and Rodgers generated a lot of revenue in merchandise sales and television viewership.
Like you I would have moved on from Rodgers a year earlier and I suspect Gutekunst would have too, but the final decision maker wanted one more Last Dance.
WestCoastPackerBacker
July 24, 2024 at 03:32 pm
Razer, I think hindsight is awesome, right? GB had a Hall of Fame QB coming off his second of back to back MVP seasons, and a guy who clearly wasn't ready to start. They made the choice to try to win with one of the best players in the league.
You can say they should have traded him a year earlier, but I honestly do not think that a single team in the league would trade a QB coming off an MVP season. It just wasn't going to happen. Meanwhile, Love had time to get ready to start and gave us a playoff team his first year under center. If they were sure about Love in 2022, they would have given him a longer extension. They're sure now!
Bitternotsour
July 24, 2024 at 04:31 pm
Pretty big leap there to "clearly wasn't ready to start" Lot of supposition in that one.
Also, if they weren't prepared to do a deal, why all that work with Denver? Someone in the front office got cold feet and killed the trade. The leg work was done.
Since'61
July 24, 2024 at 08:12 am
I'm happy to see the Packers trying players out at different positions on the OL. This is the time to experiment, see what they have and get it right with the best 5 OLs for the regular season. As for the defense I'm looking forward to seeing the Packers return to a 4 man DL. Hopefully the Packers will dominate both sides of the LOS this season. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
x24
July 24, 2024 at 08:37 am
As we head from the summer doldrums and into actual football, would it be OK if I ask a couple of Cheesehead TV "housekeeping" questions?
Any way to lengthen the time before we are "signed out"?
Next- I noticed a few e-gaming posts this summer. No comments were recorded. Perhaps an opportunity to read the room...?
Thank you for your efforts!
GregC
July 24, 2024 at 11:13 am
Amen, I hate how fast this site times you out!
dobber
July 24, 2024 at 08:32 pm
My understanding is that it helps to kill the spam "I make $90/hr working from home1 Message me here!" spam posts.
JerseyAl
July 24, 2024 at 10:00 pm
How long before it times you out? I don't experience this issue.
As for comments on e-gaming posts, those are usually sponsored posts and not written by one of our authors. However, comments are normally open for any post. I can only remember one time where I closed a post to comments.
GregC
July 25, 2024 at 08:09 am
When I'm using my computer, I get logged out in about 2-3 hours. That's often about how long I wait before checking the site for new comments and articles, so I often have to log in several times per day. Not a big deal, just a minor nuisance. Thanks for listening Al. (P.S. If dobber is right, and it prevents spammy posts, it's probably worth it.)
x24
July 25, 2024 at 08:49 am
Copy that on the e-gaming post. Glad to know it is not a new direction for the site
I think log-out is after 2 or 3 hours. I'll try to keep track. But- if this is indeed a function of reducing spam posts, I am willing to make that compromise for a cleaner comment section. That explanation makes sense
LeotisHarris
July 24, 2024 at 08:39 am
Hodkiewicz had legit Rain God vibes going there (a real life Rob McKenna). Dude still looks like if you put a backpack on him, he'd blend in with the 8th graders waiting for the school bus.
I agree with Greenberg.
Bitternotsour
July 24, 2024 at 09:00 am
The best thing about that Greenberg piece is how it must land in the rest of the NFC north. It has to be insanely demoralizing to have Green Bay have 3 generations of all-star quarterback play.
Untylu1968
July 24, 2024 at 09:06 am
Easy now! Are you looking for a tussle with Love hasn't done shit yet crowd?
egbertsouse
July 24, 2024 at 09:58 am
He has done shit. The problem is he's only done shit for 8 games. The Packers have to pay him, though, unless they want to go with Clifford or Pratt. My prediction is Murphy will let Gutey and Ball play hardball for a couple days then he will jump in and open the vault door and start shoveling money. Just like he did with Rodgers a couple years ago.
LambeauPlain
July 24, 2024 at 09:39 am
Greenberg's graphic was provides evidence for Team Gutey moving assertively to get Love locked up.
His first season as a starter was more productive than both Favre and Rodgers. Rodgers got his lock up deal halfway through his first starting season. (Favre didn't get his until his 3rd starting season.)
LLCHESTY
July 24, 2024 at 07:20 pm
He added a funny tweet this morning. I immediately pictured the police tasering poor little Wes after his "riot."
https://x.com/WesHod/status/1816138090496372744?t=lH-uk_R3AfFLI1vHaXa9BA...
From the Jungle Room
July 24, 2024 at 09:18 am
I see Valentine's role increasing as camp progresses, his approach and preparation in the off season cannot be overlooked. Add to that, his play at the end of last season validates his ability to play at a high level. Stokes should have first crack with the 1s but CV will be pushing hard to take that spot. The Packers have strong depth at CB which will be an asset over the course of the season.
As for Gary, if you follow him on X, you've seen all the work he's put in over the past several months. I expect him to explode this year.....dare I say, lead the league in sacks!! Hafley's D approach is going to be so exciting to watch....there are so many talented players on our D that were held back over the past few years and that's all about to change....
Regarding Dillard, he might be lucky to even make the final roster. This is his last chance and he got run over by Gary multiple times yesterday and struggled on Monday as well. At this point, I wouldn't trust him at either Tackle spot. Things could turn around for Dillard, and I hope he shows us he can be reliable, but based on his past history with the Eagles and Titans, it may be what we see is what we get...and what we've seen so far ain't gonna cut it!
Leatherhead
July 24, 2024 at 02:26 pm
Valentine was our de factor starter last year, starting 12 games as a rookie. If you assume that he will be better this year, and I do, then he's the starter along with Alexander and Nixon. Stokes has just missed too much time to depend on him to start ahead of any of those guys, IMO. Anything we get from Stokes is gravy, and he won't play very much if the guys ahead of him are healthy.
WestCoastPackerBacker
July 24, 2024 at 03:42 pm
I don't know that you can assume Valentine will be better. But given that Stokes was a first round pick, and unlike what the article says, he WAS the starter at CB until injury hit. So is is Stokes' job to lose. They are going to need everyone though. The way the position was banged up last year, and many years, means they need quality depth.
Stokes had a great rookie season, until injuries derailed him. If he's healthy, he'll start, unless his play has dropped off. He'll have a chance to bound back under a DC that plays to his strengths, unlike the Joe Barry experience. Trying to decide which CB is the better option, having seen both of them play well is a nice problem to have right now!
Bitternotsour
July 24, 2024 at 04:34 pm
all things being equal, I'll take the guy who runs a 4.3 forty. spoken as a fan who drank a 4.3 forty in college.
Leatherhead
July 24, 2024 at 05:42 pm
Why can I assume Valentine will be better this year? Because he's not a rookie anymore. Players often take jumps their second year. I've read numerous puff pieces about how he's been working like a mad man this offseason. Assuming he'll be better if safer than assuming he won't.
Stokes has missed 22 out of 34 games over the last two years. As a coach, I'd have a lot more confidence in Valentine right now, until Stokes could prove his availability.
It looks to me like it's Alexander, Valentine, Nixon, and then Stokes. Alexander is our best CB, and Valentine and Nixon played all 17 games last year. As soon as one of them is hurt, Stokes will have his opportunity to show what he can do
LambeauPlain
July 24, 2024 at 09:21 am
Is it just my computer, or is CHTV very slooooow loading today? (my other sites still load quick)
The new Pack Attack Defense is giving me visions of Fritz's Fighters...#1 in the NFL in 1996 and a key reason for the Lombardi.
Right now it is just a vision...and there will be growing pains. And it is not how they start, but how they finish. But a good start.
It has been a long time since we have seen a Pack Attack Defense. It is said patience is a virtue. What a virtuous group of fans we have been!
Already we see Hafley playing D to his players strengths. How about that?
Leatherhead
July 24, 2024 at 05:46 pm
Slower than a truck stuck in the mud. Glacier-like. Slower than a Friday 4:30 meeting. Slower than molasses in January. Slower than OJ's White Bronco.
LambeauPlain
July 25, 2024 at 07:34 am
LOL!
It is still slower than...let me think...slower than convening a Space Party...needing to planet slowly.
Leatherhead
July 25, 2024 at 11:24 am
Slower than my brother-in-law when it comes to picking up the check.
Zapato
July 24, 2024 at 09:47 am
Once upon a time, when I was in the military, we used to say that you train like you're going to fight. If that meant training in a torrential downpour, so be it! It does beg the question; Is Bissacia going to freeze any footballs for the kicking competition to simulate Lambeau in January?
I think we're going to see a whole lot more moves along the offensive line before this unit gets ironed out and prepped for the regular season. Maybe Dillard is getting the first shot to see where he can be of most value. Don't read anything into who gets to start/sit at any of the other positions at the start of camp. The cream will always rise to the top. Still, it's fun to follow each player's progress!
dobber
July 24, 2024 at 08:47 pm
"Maybe Dillard is getting the first shot to see where he can be of most value."
Second day of camp...limited snaps...no pads. It seems like Gary's eating against everyone.
splitpea1
July 24, 2024 at 11:29 am
The question is, how long will the Packers be looking at Dillard as the primary swing tackle?Sure, he has experience, but he gave up a huge amount of sacks and pressures last season. And now apparently Gary has had no problem getting around him.
But he is a good run blocker, which would be a welcome addition. In pass protection, though, his technique/footwork/hand placement (that's everything, isn't it?) needs to improve (so I've read and viewed). We'll see what the coaching staff can do with him.
T7Steve
July 24, 2024 at 12:51 pm
I picture him as a short yardage goal line type guard/TE. Unless he come very cheap or improves, we have enough of those bodies, I think.
Leatherhead
July 24, 2024 at 11:45 am
I see you reading the tea leaves on the offensive line, Al. I have a different view.
First, I wouldn't read much into a couple of days with no pads. Second....
"" Also, according to Coach LaFleur, the Myers move was strictly load management, which begs the question as to why they need to limit his reps on day one of training camp? Could something be surreptitiously afoot here?"""
You limit his load because you anticipate he'll play every snap, all season, because he's the starting Center. It's six weeks before we even start the season, and 4 months before we start entering the home stretch.
Third: I don't think the Packers spent #25 on one of the top LTs in the draft so they could convert him to guard.
Fourth: Barring injuries, our OL situation is going to be Tom at RT,-Walker/Morgan at LT/SwingT, Myers at Center, and Jenkins and Rhyan at guards. We have room for three more OL on the 53, including one tackle. That includes our draft choices and guys like Newman and Dillard and Caleb Jones. You can figure it any way you want, but right now we have 6 NFL caliber OL (assuming Morgan is one), and we really need to hope that at least one of the draft picks can step up and be a player.
PeteK
July 24, 2024 at 01:42 pm
The fun of watching these questions answered during preseason.
dobber
July 24, 2024 at 08:52 pm
I'm guessing that expiring contracts and unproven depth means they'll keep 10 OL this year.
NitschkeFan
July 24, 2024 at 05:03 pm
Al, I usually really like your thoughts. But then this
"I believe Andre Dillard being first choice to fill in for Zach Tom at RT in camp tells you the Packers are likely looking at him as the primary swing tackle. Having a backup tackle with several years of NFL experience is a bonus the Packers value and are happy to take."
Dillard stinks. I mean really stinks. If he ends up the teams swing tackle that means that the following guys should be out of the NFL:
Luke Tenuta
Caleb Jones
Kadeem Telfort
And dangerously soon to call someone a "BUST" but Jordan Morgan is going to start looking that way if Dillard beats him out.
As for Donovan Jennings (recent UDFA) and Travis Glover (recent 6th rounder), I guess they would be heading to the practice squad, or also out of the league.
Summary, Dillard being the Packers swing tackle = YIKES!
JerseyAl
July 24, 2024 at 09:49 pm
Hey, I had plenty of arguments with people because I thought Dillard got way over-drafted. All I said was that they were looking at whether he could fill that role. I wasn't advocating for it! lol.