Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Texas Missteps and Step Ups
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
TJ Slaton - Slaton was getting some penetration, but he needs to keep his head up and track the ball. He also seemed to tire quickly, coming off the field on an early third and one and dropping to a knee on the sideline, looking gassed. However, he ended up playing a lot (46 snaps) and seemed to get his legs under him as the game went on, but didn't have much of an impact beyond eating some blocks. As an occasional rotation player on the DL, he can hopefully put together more good snaps than bad. An first step in his development.
Josh Jackson - I'm having a hard time recalling a preseason performance this bad from another player in jeopardy of not making the roster. Jackson is usually close enough to the receiver to make the tackle, but rarely close enough to stop the completion in the first place. And when he is close enough, he's still his grabby self. On that play were he got his hand on the ball (even though it was out of the end zone), he grabbed and pulled on the receiver's shoulder - could have been interference in my book. Another step backward for JJ.
Devin Funchess - I think he worked on his route running while being away from the game the last two years. He looked a lot smoother than I remember him. The Packers kept him in there for a long time - did they just want to see what he has after 2 years off the field or were they showcasing him for a possible trade? Either way, a big step up for dFunch.
Who was that wearing #42 for the #Packers and what did they do with Oren Burks? Big step up.
Dexter Williams was able to pick up yards, with decidedly better lanes to run through behind the backups to the backups OL, going against the Texans' scrubs. Not sure how much we can make of this, but he hit the holes with authority and it's the first time he's really flashed in a Packers unifor. It's a nice small step forward for him.
Amari Rodgers - He attempts to field a punt on the three yard line (a big no-no, not to mention muffing the punt) but luckily the Texans were offsides. So they kick again and this time he fair catches a ball on the 12 yard line (by itself, the right play), but the nearest Texan when he caught the ball was 10+ yards away. Two brain farts in a row. A very concerning step back for a player that has been handed the punt returner job. A major misstep.
Offensive line - Newman was one of those guys who slipped under the radar everywhere you looked during draft season. Although he played right tackle his last year, we had him listed as a guard in the CHTV Draft Guide and the Packers have certainly liked what they've seen of him at that position. Newman was a real pleasant surprise for me in watching his play versus the Texans. Although he could definitely stand to improve his pad level, he seemed to engulf and swallow up defenders, keeping tghem under his control. The coaches obviously liked what they saw as well, as Newman was running with the ones at RG in Monday's practice. That's a wakeup call for Lucas Patrick and a big step upwards for Rolls Royce.
For me, the highlight of this game has been the safety play. Black, Scott, Gaines, have been all around the ball. Solid depth behind Amos and Savage.
— Jersey Al - GBP (@JerseyAlGBP) August 15, 2021
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (70)
NJ-RICK
August 18, 2021 at 06:28 am
I couldn't agree with you more Lucas Patrick was the weakest link on the O-Line on Saturday. Is he next to go...? They have two more games to get it right but the O & D lines looked soft and flat. No clear lanes for the RB's to run. I still think Aaron Rodgers should play a quarter or two before the season opener... Some interesting cuts coming up for the Packers... GPG
PeteK
August 18, 2021 at 04:45 pm
Include Runyon and Nijman, who were in the backfield so much , they could pass for a RBs.
Coldworld
August 18, 2021 at 08:26 am
Nijman was up and down, but actually better than most overall. I’d be more concerned about Kelly. Newman and, perhaps by default Braden were the only ones to benefit, and were with the 1sts in practice thereafter.
dobber
August 18, 2021 at 09:00 am
The coaches sent the OL a message on Monday. I expect they'll play with a little more fire against the Jets. We'll probably also see some Jenkins and Turner (although probably not a lot)...that will help. If this means Newman wins a starting job, though, it will be a significant shakeup to the OL room.
croatpackfan
August 18, 2021 at 06:38 am
I thought TJ had solid performance (Slaton, not Watt). I think we should take in consideration that he did not get much help from his colleagues at DL. The best showing of DL against run was when TJ, Heflin and Lancester was combo. Of course that TJ has to improve, but that is expected and he will need some time. All together I'm glad they draft him (for now).
Regarding Dexter Williams, I agree with you, but when we remove negative plays from Hill (talking about time on field with Jordan Love) he was more productive against much better competition. So, either another year on PS or Dexter will be cut. If there will be enough space on PS, I tend to keep him.
With other observation I agree.
Nice article again, Al.
Johnblood27
August 18, 2021 at 08:53 am
I cut Williams simply due to that woeful 'do he was sporting.
whoever told him that was a good look was clearly also advocating to 'Bring back Clay' (they were joking)
Johnblood27
August 20, 2021 at 08:08 am
Wow, lots of downvotes. There are a lot of funky hair style fans on this board!
NickPerry
August 18, 2021 at 06:48 am
I'm a little concerned about Patrick, JRJ, and Kelly. At worst I thought they'd be solid, solid back-ups with at least one of them a starter. BUT, it's only the first preseason game and I'd bet at least one of them is a starter week one against the Saints.
Hey Joe Barry's "Thing" is ILB on defense so perhaps under Barry, the Packers ILB'ers will FINALLY be making tackles behind, at, or just a yard or two from the LOS. I listened to a Podcast yesterday that brought up that very thing about Burks against the Texans. Hey, if the light has finally clicked on for Burks, that just makes the Packers that much stronger and deeper. Keep it up young man. Go EARN that playing time.
Amari Rodgers will be fine. I GUARANTEE you Randall Cobb has been in his ear pumping him up letting him know it's ok, move past it, and show them what you got. That's what leaders and role models do and Cobb is BOTH to Rodgers. Im sure his coach is doing the exact same thing too.
Oh josh Jackson...I thought we had a STEAL in the 2nd round when we picked you. I wish you nothing but the best BUT why do I have a sick feeling this guy is going to turn into a really good Safety one day?
croatpackfan
August 18, 2021 at 08:14 am
Aii I agree, except for Josh. He is to slow in his reaction. Safety must have warp mind.
Coldworld
August 18, 2021 at 08:28 am
Jackson was tried outside, in the middle then outside. Eventually you just run out of road and he did. At least they cut their losses and gained back a little bit of cap as well as snaps for Ento and Hollman.
Johnblood27
August 18, 2021 at 08:56 am
Jackson shies away from hitting, doesn't wrap well and still a step slow-even at safety.
His removal from the roster was a mercy killing...
Spock
August 18, 2021 at 06:52 am
Well, obviously, the coaches agreed with your assessment of Josh Jackson and traded him one-for-one for another CB. Wish him luck, but he's looked absolutely terrible for a high draft pick (can't win on them all). I always look forward to this weekly column, Al.
gkarl
August 18, 2021 at 07:26 am
" he could definitely stand to improve his pad level" MM. Opps sorry I meant Jersey Al. LOL. Thanks Al for all you do for CHTV but I just couldn't resist.
JerseyAl
August 18, 2021 at 07:42 am
just like "polluted mindset," that phrase (pad level) will never leave my vernacular!
BradHTX
August 18, 2021 at 11:32 am
So you’re saying you “went back and looked at the film?”
Minniman
August 18, 2021 at 02:25 pm
Yep - “A helluva play” from Al!
PS - I’ve been enjoying watching Hard Knocks. In part to see the ‘Boys squirm in the ‘naughty corner’ (you go to the poor performance naughty corner one year and Goodall lumps you with Hard Knocks the next season) but also to see a little more ‘free range’ MM and his style of coaching……. It must be a whole other perspective for those fans who live in Green Bay and sit in and watch how practice transpires. Lots of non-verbal insights there into how cohesive a team really is.
Packers0808
August 18, 2021 at 07:46 am
I had to chuckle when I read that pad level thing as well. Thinking at the time a dig by Al and how many million times it seemed McCarthy used that as an excuse and term!
Roadrunner23
August 18, 2021 at 07:43 am
Thanks Al,
Your takes were pretty right on as usual and “Rolls Royce” I like it 👍
And when was the last time we had so much safety depth?! Kudos to Gutey, he’s brought a bunch of talent to this team!
A few other guys that deserve mention:
Jack Heflin DL: dude is stout and plays all out (rhyme not intended) but I like his play style.
Malik Taylor: not flashy but catches everything and is a core special teams guy.
Sternberger: apparently is (and has been) in the coaches doghouse but has a really nice catch over the middle.
K. Ento: this kid just keeps making plays and again plays gunner on special teams.
K. Hill: on that screen pass he was decisive with his cuts and nose for the end zone. I can see why the coaches (and Andy) are so excited about this kid. Also a willing special teams guy.
Shemar Jean Charles: looked like he belonged when in the star ⭐️ and again a special teams regular.
My point being, Hill, Ento, Jean Charles and even Taylor probably have a leg up because of their special teams willingness and acumen.
ND
BradHTX
August 18, 2021 at 11:36 am
“ Your takes were pretty right on as usual and “Rolls Royce” I like it 👍”
My vote would be “Royce Rolls,” actually. Sets up the post-game lingo, “Wow, you see that opposing DT get Royce Rolled? Totally pancaked him.”
PeteK
August 18, 2021 at 07:47 am
--The TD catch/run by Hill was excellent. The way he maneuvered around the blocks and showed a burst to the end zone was poetry in motion.
-- I know the Texans were blitzing and stunting on D , but with some O line positions still not decided , I was very disappointed in the overall play.
--ST play on both sides still needs to be shored up.
--I'm confident that our talented coaching staff will make necessary improvements.
Coldworld
August 18, 2021 at 08:29 am
ST play was dreadful in every facet. Resurrected might be a better term.
croatpackfan
August 18, 2021 at 09:02 am
Do not forget in consideration that more than half of those ST game roster will never play for Packers in any meaningful game.,
Coldworld
August 18, 2021 at 09:39 am
It’s not a question of stellar ability, it’s the total lack of discipline and coordination with a bunch of players with whom Drayton has worked. These are all athletes. The fact that many may not make the roster doesn’t excuse a showing so broadly deficient as that.
croatpackfan
August 18, 2021 at 10:20 am
the question is, how much coach Drayton was working with those 3rd & 4th tiers. They probably listened, but there is the diference between listening, understanding and ability to perform...
BradHTX
August 18, 2021 at 11:40 am
Great insight, CPF.
It certainly wasn’t the first outing of the Drayton ST Era we all wanted to see, but the house ain’t on fire yet.
Minniman
August 18, 2021 at 02:33 pm
Good points CPF - but remember that their counterparts were also fringe players too.
Safe to say that ST play will be under the fans and observers microscope this week - Drayton’s ‘get out of jail free card” has been played early.
splitpea1
August 18, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Here's where that fourth preseason game would have came in handy....Still have plenty of time between now and the opener to achieve a modicum of order here; if the returners are still fielding punts inside the ten-yard line, then we know we have the same old communication/coaching problems again (this really shouldn't be that difficult, should it?). I would think you just have your returner stand no further back than the 10-yard line in the appropriate situation, and tell him he can move either forward or sideways, but never backwards unless you fumble it.
Unrelated side note: Bears rookie OT Jenkins out for much of the season; that's certainly not going to help them overcome their annual offensive struggles.
Leatherhead
August 18, 2021 at 11:47 am
Coldworld…….I’d like you, and others, to look at every punt we make or receive, and ask yourself if we’d have been better off by applying the Leatherhead Rules:
Never return. Fair catch unless inside the 10. Punt out of bounds.
You can apply it to other teams as well. I think you will see that we’d be ahead over the course of a season
TarynsEyes
August 18, 2021 at 12:09 pm
I get where you're coming from, but the issue isn't catching the ball and attempt returning it, it's the failure for the others to simply NOT block in the back. If the defender makes the tackle so be it, but to erase any gain because of the illegal block is the larger issue by far. Returners want and the team wants them to make plays as it creates an advantage for the offense. Do we really want to eliminate a part of football that should still be a major part of the excitement of the game? Fix the blocking issue and keep the returns.
Leatherhead
August 18, 2021 at 01:25 pm
Yes, those long returns are exciting. About every four or five years, you might break one for a TD. Most of them will be less than 7 yards. How many penalties and injuries and turnovers will you have during that time?
You can say “fix the blocking issue”, but they’ve been calling penalties on returns for as long as I can remember (mid sixties) so it’s obviously easier said than done. I also think it makes little sense to pay Rodgers et al millions and then put the game in the hands of Bonehead Jones, some 23 year old UDFA who started the season on the practice squad.
I’ll take boring victories over exciting losses any day.
PeteK
August 18, 2021 at 05:03 pm
I think it would be funny if Uncle Kracker returned kicks.
jannesbjornson
August 18, 2021 at 06:29 pm
Enough, already...
murf7777
August 18, 2021 at 07:54 am
Two blunders on ST right out the gate for Rodgers doesn’t fair well. I hope he can get over that and move on, otherwise they need to get someone else ready for punt returns.
I wouldn’t expect too much out of him this year as a WR. I think Cobb will share playing time with him in the slot and depending on how Rodgers plays he might not see the field much his first year. That doesn’t mean he won’t pan out, it just shows a 3rd round WR draft pick rarely comes right in and make a big difference.
dobber
August 18, 2021 at 08:57 am
I suspect he got a talking to on the sideline after the first miscue and that the second was a direct result of that.
In the end, whichever player is back there needs to secure the ball and get what's blocked. Give the ball to the offense rather than risking a hideous mistake.
Coldworld
August 18, 2021 at 09:43 am
Cant have a returner who can’t catch or determine when to. I’m willing to give him a partial pass on the nerves theory, but if he repeats that, we have big problem. He was having a bad night overall anyway, let’s hope he gets past it. If he doesn’t, Cobb may get the job.
flackcatcher
August 18, 2021 at 12:23 pm
I'm mainly concerned with ST coverages. As you pointed out dobber, the Packers have not had a gunner that could tilt the field since Janis. (JANIS!... I couldn't help myself :-) I know the team is running a compressed TC, but they need to ID who they are going to keep, so they can get their coverage teams together. Like McCarthy, Lafleur seems to have a fairly low priority on the third part of the game. (I'm not so concerned about the return game at all. It seems the Packers have been following the Letterhead rule mainly by accident for the past season. I see no reason they will change while Rodgers is quarterbacking this team)
Minniman
August 18, 2021 at 07:14 pm
I’ve posted this previously. Eric Stokes is on paper the fastest man on the roster, and he’s a defender. Why not have him as the gunner? Sure he’s a first rounder and hopeful lockdown corner, but while he’s a rookie and easing into a position, why not? The Packers may actually see the value of the role if it becomes effective.
Edit: to the down voter, interested to hear your contrary argument. The best that I could come up with was that he could get injured or a little gassed for the next play, but that was it. Happy to be advised of what I’m missing.
PeteK
August 18, 2021 at 05:07 pm
That's actually a great idea, unless he wins the CB job.
jannesbjornson
August 18, 2021 at 06:31 pm
He's a greenhorn. First big Game under the NFL lights. He will get his groove on once the action starts for REAL.
dobber
August 18, 2021 at 07:25 pm
He does have about 60 college punt returns to his credit, though. Maybe it was just him being anxious to make a play, but returning punts shouldn't be anything new to him.
Coldworld
August 18, 2021 at 09:22 pm
That’s my working theory. If so, next time should be much better.
murf7777
August 18, 2021 at 07:58 am
I’m not to concerned about the OL as a whole because normally Offense is behind Defense in game 1 of pre-season and a OL needs to be cohesive and if these 5 players didn’t practice much together its very understandable there would be some miscommunication on assignments, etc… As long as Bak comes back to his normal self, the OL should be one of our strengths of this team.
jannesbjornson
August 18, 2021 at 06:33 pm
Cannot wait for Bhak to return in NOV. They have to find the best combo for now and the early season. Stenovich does not suffer fools and tolerate bullshit. He laid down the challenge.
Guam
August 18, 2021 at 08:07 am
I like the way the defense is shaping up. Solid talent and depth at safety, cornerback and OLB with hope for ILB and D-line. Campbell and Barnes might be fine at ILB and if Burks actually comes around (long shot, I know), the depth might be okay between Burks, Summers and Martin. The Packers are one injury to Clark away from a disaster on the D-line, but Heflin and Slaton may add some help to an otherwise talent short unit. Overall this may be the best talent the Packers have had on defense in awhile. Now let's see what Barry can do with it.
On offense, I like everything I see except the O-line. Funchess may well be WR#2 and a starting trio of Adams, Funchess and MVS will stress many defenses. QB, TE and RB all appear to be deep and solid. The O-line against Houston did not include three starters (Bahk, Jenkins and Turner) so much is yet to be determined. Myers looked competent at center and for a rookie in his first NFL action that is quite good. However no one else looked very good. With Bahk out, both starting guard positions appear to be in flux and neither of the back up tackles looked good. Stenovich has his work cut out for him, but I think he will figure it out.
GoPackGo!
Since'61
August 18, 2021 at 08:30 am
I agree with Jersey Al's comments and with most of the comments from our fellow posters here.
This was the first preseason game which was played entirely without our 30 best players. I was disappointed with the overall effort but I still think it gave our coaches the opportunity to evaluate our second, third and fourth levels of the depth chart. We've already seen Jackson traded, a few other guys chucked and some moves to IR etc. Newman working with the 1s this week sends a good, solid message to the other OLs challenging for a spot. Kudos to Gute and/or Stenavich for making the move.
Preseason has become much more of a process of determining who needs more snaps and who can play besides the starters. Many of the errors committed during the game are correctable with good/additional coaching. If we see the same mistakes (Hill's fumble, Amari Rodgers poor decisions on punt returns, Slaton's pad level, to name a few) continue then maybe coaching is an issue. If we see improvement then we know that the coaches are on top of it and the players are improving.
Let the process continue. 3 tests left starting today with Jets co-practice.
Good job as usual Jersey AL. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
RCPackerFan
August 18, 2021 at 08:51 am
TJ Slaton -
I can't wait to see him lined up next to Clark and Keke. I think those 3 combined will make a great trio. Even if he is used in a rotation, he can make a big impact. He is a very hard player to move. Lined up next to Clark, and Z, and Gary, and whoever else, the attention will be on those guys.
Josh Jackson -
I honestly had high hopes for Jackson. I was one that thought we got an absolute steal with Jackson. I do hope he can turn it around in New York. Sometimes a player just needs a new environment to do well.
Devin Funchess -
Great question. If he continues to look really good, the question is how do you not keep him. The answer is if they have others really stepping up to play well. They still have EQ, Taylor, Winfree, Begleton battling for a spot. If they could get something for Funchess, it would be worth considering making the deal.
Oren Burks -
Burks looked really good. He looked fast. He was faster then the blockers and was in the backfield. Perhaps the mentality of this scheme will suit his skills better. I do want to remind people that he looked good his first 2 years early on, but got hurt and never was the same the rest of the year. Last year they tried him in a new spot and was not the right fit for him. Perhaps Burks will be the surprise player we didn't know we needed.
Dexter Williams -
Williams looked quicker to me. He has an uphill battle to get the 3rd spot. But he did look quicker then he has in the past. I had heard he dropped some weight this year. Perhaps why he looked quicker to me.
Amari Rodgers -
That was not a good back to back set of plays for Rodgers. Good learning experience for him though.
Offensive line -
I didn't get to watch the OL much in the game. But it wasn't' hard to see that the play wasn't good. Newman got more first team reps Monday. Will be interesting to see if he continues to the next few days. Its possible that we could have 2 rookies starting on our OL.
BradHTX
August 18, 2021 at 11:45 am
“Devin Funchess -
Great question. If he continues to look really good, the question is how do you not keep him. The answer is if they have others really stepping up to play well. They still have EQ, Taylor, Winfree, Begleton battling for a spot. If they could get something for Funchess, it would be worth considering making the deal.”
I agree. I think at this point considering Malik Taylor’s ST role, you have to assume the WR room is Adams, MVS, Lazard, Cobb, Rodgers, Taylor. I think Funchess was a lock until AR12 lobbied them into signing Cobb, now he’s on the outside looking in. Considering he’s basically Lazard with a higher salary, if they can maybe trade him for a conditional 5th, I’d make that deal in a heartbeat if I’m Gute (which, thankfully, I’m not…)
dobber
August 18, 2021 at 08:53 am
You point out Funchess as a potential trade candidate, but there are a few players on this team in the last year of their contracts that could be dealt rather than cut or just allowed to walk post season--some might actually net a meaningful return but I don't anticipate a significant cap impact since most teams out there are hard up against the 2021 cap and can't take on much. Jackson is already gone, but Funchess, Patrick, Burks--those three come to mind right off.
Since'61
August 18, 2021 at 10:03 am
I agree dobber. I would not be surprised to see Burks and/or Patrick traded. For all we know they may have tried to move Burks already.
I would prefer the Packers to retain Funchess. He has good size and speed for a big receiver plus he has good hands. If nothing else he would provide experienced, solid depth if either one of our starting WRs or TEs are injured.
Cheers and be well. Thanks, Since ‘61
murf7777
August 18, 2021 at 10:20 am
61'.... I've been a big Funchess supporter since he was signed. He has a TE body in a WR mentality and is a mismatch in many situations. We don't have a guy like him. His hands thou is what has held him back from a quasi pro-bowl level. He needs to catch the ball during live games at a higher percentage. In his career, he catch percentage has been below average. In 2018, it was 55% If he can increase that to 65% he will be dangerous. Hoping he increases that percentage with a much better QB throwing to him.
croatpackfan
August 18, 2021 at 10:25 am
Catch percentage depends also on who is throwing to you. One inch make a lot difference in possibility WR will or not catch the ball...
scullyitsme
August 18, 2021 at 11:18 am
Completely agree except about the catch percentage. You’ve seen Cam Newton throw the ball right? MVS and Lazard had a lower catch percentage with Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball.
13TimeChamps
August 18, 2021 at 11:33 am
Lazard has a career 69.7% catch rate. Not sure where you're getting your info. His three year stats:
2018 - 100% (he was only targeted once)
2019 - 67.3% on 52 targets
2020 - 71.7% on 46 targets
Lazard is one of the most sure-handed receivers on the team.
flackcatcher
August 18, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Main difference is in the pattern sets. Lazard is mostly curls and shallow slants and posts. He has been proven to be a guy who finds the open voids in a defense. That kind of understanding in a WR is rare so early in his career. MVS has mostly been the deep ball with the occasional bubble screen. Tougher catches for him in his role in general. The big exception was the NFCC champ game where he was use on slants and short posts in the second half. Drove Tampa's secondary crazy to the point where they were doubling him up, and he still just ran away from the up and under. (At one point Tampa put a LB on him for yes, triple cover. He was that good)
jannesbjornson
August 18, 2021 at 07:22 pm
He is the # TWO, no question about it.
scullyitsme
August 18, 2021 at 07:44 pm
Your correct on Lazard, I guess I just tend to lump them together, I’m not a big fan of either as a 2-3 wr. Doesn’t change my point about fuchness and who was throwing him the ball or mvs.
PeteK
August 18, 2021 at 05:15 pm
Dob, stop picking on my man Patrick!
dobber
August 18, 2021 at 07:29 pm
:D
JohnnyLogan
August 18, 2021 at 10:15 am
Aside from Love, who impressed with his command and ability to stand in the pocket, there wasn't much to like about the Packer performance against Houston.
The defense looked like every Packer defense for the last ten years. Parting ways with Jackson was inevitable after his performance, but there is still a glaringly obvious question that has to be answered, "Who will play opposite Jaire on the corner?" King has shown he is a weak link and may have cost this team a SB. He simply can't cover speed receivers. Most teams have a speed receiver they can line up opposite him.
So we get a speed corner in Stokes to replace King and so far not much good news has come out of training camp. Very little is written about that other than that he is being beaten regularly by the best QB/WR combo in football in Rodgers and Davante. But you would hope to hear he's putting up a fight. Would have liked to see more of him in the game. The kid needs reps because I have a feeling King will need to be replaced by someone sooner rather than later. It may not even be Stokes. I hope he wasn't drafted on speed alone.
Joe Barry's defense, other than Burkes, didn't instill a lot of confidence either. Yes, the starters were out, but 2nd stringers in a proper scheme should have been able to do better. I still don't get the Barry hire. Hope to hell I'm wrong.
flackcatcher
August 18, 2021 at 01:04 pm
In Barry's defense (no, I'm not punning here) he is putting in a new system based on the Stanley defense. That is going to take time to install and learn. That defense first preseason was Very Basic. Not much more could be expected. The Barry hire itself comes down to the fact that Matt Lafleur hated Mike Pettine. Pettine was Gutekunst's guy, not his, and that really got into Lafleur's head. Outside of replacing Pettine, this defensive staff has not changed at all, mostly because of Pettine leaving so late in the hiring cycle. Frankly, I wonder what conditions Gutekunst set that allowed him to let Pettine go. Lafleur had to give up something on the defensive side. Well, in any case Lafleur looked really bad over the Barry hire, and I doubt that his boss, Gutekunst is going to forget what happen anytime soon.
NickPerry
August 19, 2021 at 05:24 am
Hmmm... I'm not following here since MLF was MURPHY'S guy and not Gute....At least that what it sure seemed like.
Wasn't in Mike McCarthy who hired Pettine and not Gute? Pettine came when MM was still here and MM hired ALL his own coaches IIRC.
BUT... MLF was stuck with Pettine and his entire staff. MLF has EARNED the right to hire whoever the F*** he should want to and he wanted someone he was familiar with, and he wanted THIS scheme.
Personally IMO I think Murphy was much more involved than people know. Gute has done an EXCELLENT good and those who don't agree I RESPECTFULLY disagree and the same goes with MLF. Both have EARNED the right to be the GM and HC of the Packers just like Wolf and Holmgren were...WITHOUT Mark Murphy's goofy ass interfering.
Fubared
August 18, 2021 at 10:33 am
Looking forward to seeing the game this weekend. Hopefully some of the vets get to suit it up and get some snaps or they will be gassed before the first quarter of game one.
Concerned with players like Rodgers. You cannot think for them. If they are not intellegent enough to know, you dont field the ball on the three, you do field the ball on the twelve when no one is around. Thats the brain work no one can do for him
jurp
August 18, 2021 at 10:37 am
From TGR's post: "In second team period, Eric Stokes gets first rep across from Jaire Alexander. He’s lined up over Davante Adams, and Aaron Rodgers targets him. Same thing that’s happened all camp, except this time Stokes jumps an out route and breaks up the pass. The rookie is getting better. "
So yes, Stokes is putting up a fight.
JohnnyLogan
August 18, 2021 at 11:08 am
Good. Glad to hear it. Hope he plays a lot of snaps in the next couple of games and early season so he can get comfortable. Replacing King during the course of the season is a top priority or the team will again have a major weak link for Brady or Mahomes to exploit in the postseason.
jannesbjornson
August 18, 2021 at 07:25 pm
He can replace King, game ONE.
scullyitsme
August 18, 2021 at 11:30 am
The first preseason game looked a lot like every game the past couple of years, poor defense, bad special teams. The surprise was the o line, especially with all the draft picks we’ve thrown at it. Kind of got pushed around in the trenches on both sides. It’s a little concerning..not damning, but concerning. We’ll need those backups to play well. Liked the safety play.. anything to keep Redmond off the field is a positive
croatpackfan
August 18, 2021 at 11:56 am
just got one thought - Amari is the 3rd Rodgers in AR era
BAMABADGER
August 18, 2021 at 02:01 pm
Surprised that the Yosh Nijman experiment wasn't cut yesterday. Almost got Love's arm torn off at the root. His pass and run blocking was terrible. Of course the entire JV O-line play was piss poor.
stockholder
August 18, 2021 at 02:51 pm
The Safety Play is what I really Liked. Show me more.! Now that Jackson is gone. Sullivan and Redmond should be next. They too allow way to many passes. Newman - I thought he looked like Turner. The bar just got a little higher. And he will replace Patrick or Turner. I still prefer the packers find a better RB. They will miss Williams. Amari Rodgers brain farts, are why Cobb was a good signing. Funchess made this club. I'd Keep him. But is he clutch? More Slaton, Less Lowrey is a good thing.
jannesbjornson
August 18, 2021 at 07:34 pm
Truth be told.