A studious Rodgers embracing change, learning a new offense

Matt LaFleur and his fresh ideas have been keeping Aaron Rodgers a little busy.

-- If you ask Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers don't -- and shouldn't -- need a grace period of any sort.

Unlike most teams who require a transitional year with a new head coach, the Packers already have their pieces in place. That means no excuses if the team comes up short in next year's postseason, or even worse, fail to even get a chance to play relevant football in January.

No time off to get acclimated to a new head coach. No time to get a proper feel for modern offensive concepts. No time to waste. With Rodgers entering his age 36 season, who could afford it?

The Packers returned to the facility earlier this week for offseason workouts. It was their first time reconvening as a team since the conclusion of the 2018 campaign, and they did so with some fresh faces. One of them being new head coach Matt LaFleur, who should offer Rodgers a much-needed challenge when it comes to learning his offense.

"It’s definitely a lot of learning," Rodgers told Packers.com on Wednesday during his media availability session. "I find myself studying more on the iPad in the offseason than I have in the past. In year’s past, there’d be some changes, whether schematically or slight changes in the formation or wording. This year, obviously with a new system, new set of formations and concepts and code words. But we kept a few things from the old offense that we did well."

Rodgers, who had spent the previous 13 seasons under Mike McCarthy and essentially mastered his style, has expressed his desire to be coached in the past. LaFleur brings the contemporary philosophy of today's league to Green Bay, which could very well mean a remodeled offensive framework.

"Changes, it can be really good if you embrace it. It’s all new. ... It’s a lot of good stuff."

The Packers quarterback has had his own discussions with LaFleur after the two scarcely spoke throughout the duration of the offseason, likely due to the rules under the collective bargaining agreement. But any conversation -- conversations that Rodgers calls "great" -- that they've had has been pleasant and, now that they're back in the facility, are centered around each other's visions moving forward.

Even despite the way Rodgers' 2018 season played out, LaFleur isn't inheriting damaged goods. The tibial plateau fracture and sprained MCL Rodgers suffered in his knee in the team's season opener last September coupled with his week 17 concussion won't linger into his 15th season. 

"I feel great," Rodgers said. "Most of the time with MCLs you don’t have to do surgery, and I think at the end of the season you always just want to check the structural integrity of the knee, especially the lateral side. I felt good about the scans that we got. It wasn’t quite 50-50 but doc felt like the best thing to do was to go through the round of shots that we’ve done in the past, and I came out of that time feeling really good."

Playing under LaFleur could mean Rodgers' mobility is limited and his style is refined to more of a pocket passer. However, it may be difficult to alter his tendencies after doing something the same way for so long.

Regardless, convincing Rodgers to buy in -- which shouldn't be hard -- and conjoining ideas for the team's betterment is the best avenue for success in 2019. They'll need strong performances from their defensive unit as well as various other second and third-year jumps, but nothing will be as paramount as the relationship sculpted by LaFleur and Rodgers.

It's only April, but so far, they're off to a promising start.

"He’s an energetic guy," Rodgers said of LaFleur. "He’s really intelligent, he’s a good communicator, he’s creative.

"It’s exciting right now because it’s different. I've been in the same system for 14 years and knew that one inside and out. Now I have a new challenge. Learning this system, becoming an expert on it and finding ways to make it work with the guys that we got."

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

8 points
 

Comments (153)

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

April 11, 2019 at 05:45 am

Just as some of us expected all along. The Packers will also be a much better team this year and moving forward.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:27 pm

And of course, you can believe it because somebody said that somebody said it.

What happens on the field starting in September is reality. Everything else is moot.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:35 am

Whether you want to call it the honeymoon period or whatever, I am getting a really good vibe from the players.
Infact Kevin King on twitter said that the vibe (2 days ago) was really something special.

I think a new voice, a new direction, a new offensive scheme is exactly what this team needed. This team needed a fresh restart.

As Rodgers said LaFleur is an energetic guy who is intelligent and creative. He is going to bring a whole new approach to the offense.

I agree with Rodgers that there is no grace year for this team. I will say though that there will be growing pains along the way. Its only natural. In the offseason they talked about how year 2 in Pettine's scheme should make for a huge leap.
The same should be said for the offense. The biggest difference is we have Rodgers.

What excites me about this year, is we now have an offensive mind who is going to bring a new approach to the team. He is going to run the ball and build off the run. He is going to use more formations, use motion and simply just do different things to create confusion for defenses.

I'm not only excited with the scheme change. We have the players. We have an energized QB who just got a huge chip on his shoulder. We have a top 5 WR in the league, one of the best LT's in the league. Then add in one of the most productive and under utilized RB's, who now is going to become more of the focal point of the offense. We have a trio of WR's that are going into year 2. Also going into a new offense they are no longer trying to play catch up with Rodgers to learn his scheme. They are all more on the same level within the offense. We are getting Allison back which Adams said he has become more of a leader this year.
We have a pair of veteran TE's who could have a lot bigger role in the team this year.
We have essentially added 2 OL to the team. While we don't know exactly what Turner or Madison will bring, having them here will be an improvement.

And another reason for excitement is we are 2 weeks away from the draft. We haven't even added our players of the present and future yet.
I would not be surprised if they added all 3 skill position players in the draft. WR, TE & RB. I think RB will be higher on the list. They really only have 2 and for a team that wants to run the ball more, they need more then 2.

I am excited for this year!

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EddieLeeIvory's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:05 am

Very well said RCPackerFan

I wouldn't expect our draft picks to make a huge immediate difference, however.
I believe 2009, with Clay, is the last time a rookie 1st (or 2nd) rounder really made the team instantly better for us.

Maybe I'm missing someone. But it is pretty rare a guy comes in & plays better than most veterans right away.

Davante & Jordy, they were just "ok" at best in their first year.
Lacy had a impact. I miss that Eddie.

Even Nick Collins had a lot of early growing pains his first 2 years, with miscommunications, busted coverages & big plays allowed. Of course Collins, Nelson, and Adams became Pro Bowl quality players.
But not as rookies.

Bulaga (2010) helped a lot that year late.

For IMMEDIATE impact, for this roster, I agree with many that Marquise Brown has the best chance. If his foot is good.

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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:20 am

I think we're going to see a rookie or even two make an impact right away. Jaire Alexander just last season made that defense better immediately, and I could see a rookie ILB, S or DL potentially making an impact on this defense right away. I would be surprised if a first-round OL didn't play from the start.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:06 am

I agree. I really think we will see an impact from the rookie class.

Whether they are full time starters or in rotation, i think we will see guys making an impact.

Also, if they added an Edge player like Sweat or Burns. It would give them options on passing downs. Have them outside, move ZaDarius inside and we now have a huge pass rushing threat.

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PeteK's picture

April 11, 2019 at 02:15 pm

Don't we have that already with Fackrell and Preston Smith.

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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 02:36 pm

I don't think either of them is a pure speed guy from the outside. I think that kind of complementary piece would be helpful.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:55 pm

Sweat is a pure EDGE. A future probowl guy. No comparison to the incumbents.

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Coldworld's picture

April 12, 2019 at 07:08 am

I wonder if Donnerson will come on. Athletically he has the measurables and more.

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carlos's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:36 am

Lacy at 28 has had some looks from teams.

1 points
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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:49 am

Much easier when rosters are at 90.

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Guam's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:02 am

If the Smith's can add some pass rush, it will make it much easier for a rookie safety or ILB to be impactful. No one can cover NFL WR's or RB's for 6 seconds or more, but if we can cut that timeframe down, rookies can help the defense.

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PeteK's picture

April 11, 2019 at 02:19 pm

Absolutely, with Clark and a resurgence from Daniels, it will be a difficult group to block.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:04 am

I will say it depends on what positions they draft. If they draft a TE early, how much will they be used right away? If they draft Oliver for example, he will get playing time, but likely won't be starting. If they draft an Edge player basically the same thing.
I will say that the impact will be more dependent on the amount of playing time they have.

That being said i do expect the rookies to at the very least be in a rotation and can have an impact.

We have had rookies come in and make an impact. Mathews, Hayward, Bakhtiari, Alexander, Clark and probalby more all have had an impact as rookies.

For immediate impact that could completely change our team I think the player would be an ILB. If Bush or White is available at 12, they could make a huge impact. We have Martinez, but we don't know who the guy will be next to him. I hope its Burks, but we dont' know what we have in them. And if they really like Bush or White, they could possibly start right away.
2 guys to keep an eye on in the 2nd round for me is David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler. Montgomery could be a Kareem Hunt type of player. Butler is a huge target. We saw last year that Gutekunst loves tall, fast athletic WR's.

1 points
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albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:04 am

Draft OL , S, ST

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stockholder's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:29 am

Oliver replaces Wilkerson. He will start. Solve the problems. Don't ignore them by drafting players that won't make an impact.

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Guam's picture

April 11, 2019 at 11:33 am

I have been advocating to not take a TE for several weeks for precisely that reason - lack of playing time. I would be happy with ILB, S or DL as we have holes in all three places (DL replaces Wilkinson). Any rookie drafted in those three places will have the chance to make an impact.

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PeteK's picture

April 11, 2019 at 02:23 pm

I don't know how big of an impact an ILB would have because we're in nickel and dime for a large percentage of the time.

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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 02:37 pm

I agree, and that's a big piece of why Morrison was let go. An ILB who can tackle like an ILB and cover like a S would never have to come off the field, though.

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Spock's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:10 am

dobber, Don't know if you saw the story but ANOTHER reason Morrison was probably let go was a week before his release he caused a ruckus on an airplane and had to be force-ably returned to his seat after an altercation with other passengers. His agent, of course, downplayed that.

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dobber's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:43 am

I did not see that. Thanks, Spock.

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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

April 11, 2019 at 12:58 pm

David Bakhtiari, Corey Linsley and Jaire Alexander are recent examples of rookies who came in and did well starting as rookies right out of the gate.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

April 11, 2019 at 01:11 pm

Greg Jennings and Nick Barnett stand out to me as rookies. Both played like 10 year veterans in week 1. Tim Boyle last year to a lesser extent though it was only preseason. I would have loved to see him play those final two games and see if there was carry over momentum.

Skip

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PeteK's picture

April 11, 2019 at 02:25 pm

In Eddie's defense he did say HUGE impact , which would eliminate many of the names mentioned.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:01 pm

Bulaga started from game five onward through the superbowl. That is called a veteran from day one. Talent over projects.

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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:27 am

"I think a new voice, a new direction, a new offensive scheme is exactly what this team needed."

I think the engagement, intellectually, of #12 with a new coaching staff, scheme, terminology, etc., provides that kind of opportunity for this group to find a common ground early on. The more LaF gives ARod a voice in putting that offense together and implementing it, the better I think this relationship will be. Some have mentioned the 'chip' and the Dunne piece, even though it did little more than add names to the rumblings we've been hearing for years, put QB1 in a decidedly negative light. He's very protective of his image, and this will be a chance for him to let his play do the talking.

5 points
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carlos's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:42 am

I look at it this way- good or bad publicity the Packers are in the news which perks people’s interest in the team. A little exposure doesn’t always have to be a detrimental thing. Here in Michigan it’s Detroit Lions who? Packers are a popular team almost any where you go.

3 points
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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:50 am

You're in the UP, right? Down here under the bridge (and away from Detroit), the Packers are awfully popular, too.

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carlos's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:50 am

Yeah Dobber. In the UP Munising right on the big bad Lake Superior. Didn’t realize you were down there. I like the Tigers and Red Wings. Where are you? By the Detroit area.

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carlos's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:50 am

Sooty Dobber. You said away from Detroit. lol

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carlos's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:51 am

Meant sorry.

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fthisJack's picture

April 11, 2019 at 11:57 am

i'm over on the Western end of the Yoop. we really have a mixture of fans. Packers, Lions, Vikings and Bears. its a real battle during the year and i'm looking forward to the Packers being #1 again so i can talk smack.

1 points
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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 12:06 pm

Right smack in the middle of the Mitten.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:12 am

I completely agree!

I really do think Rodgers is excited for new scheme and having a new HC. Whether we agree with the article or not, I do believe he was ready for a change offensively.

I also think with this article it added motivation for him.

I am expecting a very determined Rodgers this year.

3 points
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4thand1's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:55 am

dobber your a Michigander too ? Yooper here, have tons of relatives in LP, Traverse city, Yipsi, Grand Rapids, Taylor, Dearborn.

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fthisJack's picture

April 11, 2019 at 12:00 pm

where you from 4th?

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4thand1's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:24 pm

Just outside of Houghton Jack.

1 points
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dobber's picture

April 12, 2019 at 04:52 am

Nah, I'm a Wisconsinite...I just live in MI. ;)

1 points
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carlos's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:07 am

Nice to see what I would call locals around.

1 points
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draftnut59's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:05 pm

I agree, but they NEED to fix the O-line.

1 points
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Point-Packer's picture

April 12, 2019 at 03:50 pm

Love this take, RC. Well done.

1 points
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Archie's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:48 am

Adams in the slot makes sense to me. He has the quicks to get separation on every play. He's tough. Can he stay healthy inside?

So now we're in the market for a #1 type outside WR. Marquise Brown would be exciting in that role except for his lis franc injury. N'Keal Harry is a possibility. Not a fan of Metcalf. Hakeem Butler at 44 might be the guy.

TE @12, OL @30 and WR @44 would soup things up for this offense. Hate to go against the grain in terms of defense in this draft. It's got to be exciting time for Gutey. Thompson would probably draft Wilkins at 12 because "the good Lord only makes so many of those big guys." I'm thinking it's 50-50 we trade down from 12, depending on how guys go off the board at 1-11. I'm good with that as we shouldn't be taking a guy at 12 that should go at 20. Take the extra #2 pick. Two 1s and two 2s, one 3rd and two 4s = magnificent 7.

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NickPerry's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:21 am

LOL...Interesting take Archie...I think you and I are two of the only Packers fans who are hoping for some offense at the top of this draft. If Oliver or Sweat is there at 12 I think that's pretty hard to pass up. But I'd be pretty happy if they went defense at #12 and offense at 30 & 44. IMO the offense has just been ignored for too long. If the Packers KEEP waiting to address the offense until "Next Year", they'll have an offense much like the defense of the past few years. They HAVE to start adding pieces IMO.

My hope and I've said it before is a team like the Giants or Washington are trying to get in front of Miami for example to draft a QB and give up a 3rd in the process. If Gute thinks he can still get one of the top players on huis board and pick up a 3rd in the process lets do it. You can fix a lot on BOTH sides of the ball with two 1sts, one 2nd, two 3rds, and two 4ths.

3 points
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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:36 am

The dynamic is interesting with the Redskins because they do have an extra #3 and a tremedous need at QB. According to the drafttek value chart (The numbers don't really work for WAS to give up #15 and #76 (drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp?RequestTeam=GB) the Packers would have to give a 4th back), and if they go #15 and #96 for #12, WAS would still have to pony up something like #173 to make that value work. I think most GMs would tell you that if they're getting a QB they covet, it's worth it....and it's likely that moving back from #12 to #15 would still get the Packers a player they really like.

2 points
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Johnblood27's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:39 am

The draft value chart does not take into account the added value of the QB position as well as the extra year to have that valuable commodity under a rookie contract.

I would not make the Wash or NYG move without a second thrown in.

Forget the draft chart value on this deal.

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:11 am

The draft value chart is a guide. it basically just tells us what they should/could get back. Is it perfect, no. Could they get more then what the charts say. Absolutely. Could they get less? Absolutely.

Look at last years trades the Packers made in the first round.

The Saints last year traded their 27th and 147th picks (plus their 1st round this year) for the Packers 14th pick.
If you combine last years and this years picks, the Packers got the 27th, 30th, and 147th picks. In the draft trade chart they netted 1332 points. The Saints had 1100 points. So the Packers came out ahead 232 point in that deal. (essentially a high 3rd round pick)

In their trade up into the 1st round to get Alexander, they received the 18th and 248th picks. They gave up the 27th, 76th, and 186th points. The difference according to the trade chart is they gave away 906 points and got back 901 points. They technically lost 5 points, but its essentially a wash.

This is according to the draft chart i was looking at.

I do agree though, that if a team is desperate for a QB, they could net more in return. Teams trading for QB's often overpay. it doesn't have to be a QB, it could be any position a team falls in love with.

Look at the Bears pick 2 years ago. They traded up 1 spot in the draft. They gave up a 1st, 3rd and 4th round pick that year plus a 3rd round pick the next year. In terms of points, they gave up 2767 points. And got back 2600. They gave up 167 points more then they should have. Essentially they gave up an extra mid 3rd round pick.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:07 pm

Blood, If they want a QB they have to pay for him. 15 and 76.

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:51 am

You guys aren't the only ones that are hoping for offense at the top of the draft!

I would love to see them add skill players higher in the draft. We could really use talent added at TE. We have Graham and Lewis, but they are towards the end of their careers. They aren't the future. We have Tonyan but we don't really know what is there. We need a top tiered TE added.

I'd would be happy to add a top tiered WR also. We last drafted a WR in the top part of the draft in 2014 with Adams. While I love EQ and MVS, we could use more skills there.

RB you can find guys anywhere in the draft. But imagine adding a guy like a Cohen, or Hunt or Kamara (all of which were in the 3rd/4th round).

I have also brought up that the Packers could possibly trade down with the Giants or Redskins. I have brought up the exact same scenerio. That those teams might try to get ahead of Miami for a QB. To drop to 17, they could pick up the Giants 3rd and 2- 4th round picks. I could see that happening. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they used those picks then to move up with the 30th pick or maybe move up in the 2nd or 3rd round.

I have heard that in this draft, there isn't that much of a difference between the 30th pick and the 90th. SO if they can add more picks in that range they should be able to find some really good players.

2 points
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Guam's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:11 am

Love the idea of a trade down. According to the mocksters, there seems to be an unusually high number of players with 2nd and 3rd round grades this year. Any deal that increases the number of Packer choices in the top 100 picks is fine with me as we have needs on both sides of the ball. I have always leaned toward defense in this draft, but mostly because this is supposed to be a draft loaded with defense. I recognize that we also have needs on offense and more choices can help with both sides.

-1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:13 am

The thing about extorting draft picks so a team can move up for a QB is that none of the top three QBs are much good. I'd give up more to move up from 17 to 12 to take Oliver, Burns or Sweat than I would to take Haskins or the other doofus.

5 points
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Guam's picture

April 11, 2019 at 11:38 am

That's the beauty of not having to draft a QB. You can extort draft choices from other teams that do even if the QB's in question aren't much good. We might be able to trade down, get extra picks and still get Oliver or Burns.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:08 pm

They would probably be rated in the second round in 2017's draft.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:22 pm

If your assumption is that none of the QBs available at #12 is ever going to be any good, fine. If you're wrong about that then we're passing up a franchise QB. Not that a team who has a 36 year old with an injury history would have any kind of a need for another QB.

I'm setting the over/under line at 11games for Rodgers.

-3 points
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IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:34 pm

Old School,

WOW, 11 games. I guess you don't think the new off will be quicker paced? More runs? More play action? ARod may have to adjust a little, but it is in his best interest to play faster. I think he gets that.

So, I will take the over.

You know he played the season on a fractured leg last year, right??

I'll take the over and wish I could take your money.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 12, 2019 at 07:37 am

It is impossible to know who will have a good career at any position with certainty. Mental acuity, physical health and maturity as well as opportunity all come in to play.

I watch the to and fro on what we should do with our first round picks and keep coming back to either. If we get a quality player we improve for the future. That is the goal. To me the window is not just this year but the next three to four and that’s what we need to be drafting for.

QB is the possible exception. Either too early or too late. If we draft now and the pick works out we either lose or waste cheap years. If Rodgers fades physically sooner, won’t likely be ready. If the pick does not progress we wasted a top pick that could be helpful over the next few years even if he is more hawk than hall of fame.

Looking at the QB crop this year (and I’m going second hand—not a college expert) I have a feeling that the top candidates will be over valued this year. For that reason I suspect we won’t pick one of them. If so, here is hoping we get the BPA at our eventual picks.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

April 12, 2019 at 04:26 pm

Ok.....got it. You're saying he's good for at least 12 games. Hope you are right

0 points
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carlos's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:47 am

All good scenarios Archie. I just would like a good safety and another inside backer who can play day one. I don’t necessarily care where they come from as long as they have speed, can cover, tackle and be a good locker room guy. I know- I’m asking a lot, but it’s doable.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:10 am

Archie,
I have been a leader on here advocating Adam's being used as a slot receiver for three reasons. First, he would be perfect at that position and unstoppable. IMO, even though a Pro Bowl WR he is better suited in slot vs out wide based on foot speed.

The second reason it allows the young talented WR's on the outside to develop and flourish. Another talented WR is necessary if Adams slides primarily to slot.

Thirdly, the Pack would not need to draft a TE high if Adam's was in slot.

0 points
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stockholder's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:18 am

Archie your wrong. You won't get a impact player taking offense this year. Hock is not an impact player. Fant is. And their the perfect bait to trade down for value! The Devins are off the board. @12 Sweat is the pick by SB Nation. He can impact. But with us signing the Smiths. Sweat is still trade bait. If the packers don't take Oliver or Wilkins @12. Trade IT!

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:36 am

I think it WILL take some time for this offense to really, really find it's grove. But I'd bet by week 5 or so the offense will really be starting to get it's footing. The difference between this year and years past is the 2019 Packers Defense will actually be able keep the Packers in any game and even win a few in 2019.

I haven't been this excited about an upcoming season since 2011. Like Rodgers said "Changes, it can be really good". With the drama of the offseason, missing the playoffs the last 2 years, and Rodgers playing days closer to the end than the beginning, I think people will be amazed at what a true leader Rodgers will be in 2019. The Bears run is over at 1 NFC North title just like Minnesota's was over at one. The Packers will win the North this year BECAUSE of Rodgers and the way he embraced the changes.

1 points
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dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:47 am

" think it WILL take some time for this offense to really, really find it's grove."

I honestly think that improvement on the OL will moderate those bumps and lags early on. I think TOP will be a big factor for this team in 2019.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:38 pm

Dobber - While I expect that it will take a few games for the offense to gel, I also think we will have some benefit of unscouted looks during the early season games. Hopefully this will mitigate some of the learning curve early in the season. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:15 pm

How long did it take Manning to get Denver up to steam? No problem. Get the defense the talent from this draft. TEs and RB can come in the third and fourth rounds. #12 EDGE/DT #30 OT, #44 safety....or visa versa. Hit on The Big Three. Metcalf this and that. MVS is a 4.30 guy, Equan is a 4.38 guy,
Moore is 4.4 they have the big WRs with speed. A quick slot/PR/KR can be
picked in the mid rounds 5th and 6th.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

April 12, 2019 at 07:40 am

Offense should benefit from unusual numbers of ex rookies entering their second year. That should help ameliorate learning challenges, especially if the system is less demanding and based on players attributes not just the MM way and beat your man.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

April 12, 2019 at 07:45 am

Bonus points for the use of the word "ameliorate". :)

4 points
4
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:15 am

Nick,
A lot of leadership talk about Rodgers generates curiosity whether it is Rodgers or Danica when out for the evening...who is the driver behind the wheel? :)

Anyone's thoughts?

-2 points
1
3
carlos's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:51 am

One point I’d like to say that agrees with most posters today is , yes we need more offensive players. Also a good productive offense can be a good defense.

3 points
3
0
Handsback's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:58 am

Green Bay has a lot of players that can step-up in their 2nd year from Burks to the three amigos WRs from last year. Also remember that Adams, DT, was hurt his first year and last year was his first extended playing time. He should be better as well as King. The Oline more solid and the outlook isn't so bad considering the new FA haul and whatever the draft brings.

2 points
2
0
RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:26 am

Add in other guys that could make a big leap this year.

Cole Madison, we don't know what we will have in him, but he could make an impact.

More 2nd year guys...
Fadol Brown, Tony Brown, James Crawford, Raven Greene, Natrell Jamerson, Tyler Lancaster, Alex Light, James Looney, Nico Siragusa, Robert Tonyan.

Any of those guys could make a big leap in year 2.

2 points
2
0
Freezn's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:30 am

I would grab a nasty Big O lineman and that should keep Aron upright and give us a pretty scary offense. we could get one at 30 or 44

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

April 12, 2019 at 07:41 am

The one you miss that I would love to develop (wish not prediction) is Donnerson.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

April 12, 2019 at 07:48 am

I'll be happy, based on what they've put into him, if he turns into a core special teamer and a part-time player. If he really unlocks that athleticism? That'd be awesome.

Still, the fact that he didn't get any defensive snaps at the end of last season, even in that garbage-time game against the Lions, says he was a ways off.

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:17 pm

Still have faith in Montravious. He just was picking up his game when he was given more reps.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:48 pm

As I recall, he was starting to rate better (FWIW) and make more impact plays toward the end of the season...admittedly, he was playing next to Lowry and Lancaster and not Clark and Daniels (where he might have flashed more), but it's progress. I agree: they need him to be good in 2019.

1 points
1
0
Spock's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:33 am

I expect there will be growing pains and it will take some time for the team to gel. OTOH, MM's teams in general were often really slow out of the gate at the beginning of most seasons. If (!) MLF is better at gelling a team together faster this could be an exciting year! All the NFL teams have had difficulty starting well most years because of the limited practices and fear of playing starters in pre-season. The ones who could "get their s...t together" faster tended to be the ones making the playoffs. My hope is the Packers can be one of those teams. My expectations are tempered. I would love for everything to flow forward without a hitch. THAT would be amazing. Go, Pack, Go!!!

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:47 am

A couple of things with the slow/fast starts. GB was notorious for slower starts with McCarthy.

But this year we will have an advantage. Remember last year when the Bears had all of these crazy looks and the Packers had no clue what they were going to do. We are going to be running a whole new offense. This isn't McCarthy's offense anymore. The Bears and everyone else won't exactly know what we are doing anymore. And unlike the Bears we have 12.

One change that I think will be big is the changing of practice from Saturday to Friday. He said that he wants to do that because if he doesn't like the way something goes on Friday he can change it on Saturday. Having a creative offensive mind, and being able to go over and redo things the day before should give him a more clear look of what he wants to do.

2 points
2
0
Spock's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:00 am

RC, Yeah, I agree with your analysis. That's why my HOPE is that we get off to a fast start. I'd expect it will take a while for the team to adjust to everything and I'm hoping the Pettine defense will keep us/perhaps WIN us some of those early games. That and a fired up Rodgers has me excited about this year!

0 points
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0
RCPackerFan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:17 am

Yeah I agree. I hope we get off to a fast start as well.

I do think that Pettine's defense could be key early on especially. A 2nd year in the system will make a huge difference. Also adding pass rushers and a safety could exactly what we needed. I do think we will be adding some more players to the defense that could play immediately too.

0 points
0
0
Freezn's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:34 am

give Mike a safety like Abrams or Rapp and our defence should be very scary and we could have one of the best secondaries in football

1 points
1
0
Freezn's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:35 am

I agree even an Abrams or Rapp would make our secondary pretty scary

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:22 pm

They should have swept the Bears last year. Go get 'em.

1 points
1
0
Leatherhead's picture

April 12, 2019 at 04:30 pm

If we were notorious for slow starts, how did we keep making the playoffs?

0 points
0
0
Spock's picture

April 14, 2019 at 08:00 am

Fast finishes (Run the table), lol. One thing McCarthy was good at was keeping the team on an even keel late in the season.

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:11 am

Yay. Back to football. Good to see the gang is back at CHTV.

3 points
3
0
Since'61's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:26 am

You bet Tundra. We’re moving forward. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:25 pm

I was just going to post its been a refreshingly Rash-free day until I scrolled down....

2 points
2
0
4thand1's picture

April 11, 2019 at 11:02 am

Wow, read almost all the comments and the regular negative nancys were nowhere to be seen. IT WAS F-ING AWESOME!

4 points
7
3
Lare's picture

April 11, 2019 at 12:03 pm

Unfortunately, they'll probably be back when school gets out. But in the meantime, as you say it's nice to have a mature discussion for a change.

4 points
6
2
Leatherhead's picture

April 12, 2019 at 04:31 pm

That was very clever!

0 points
0
0
IceBowl's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:04 pm

Old school,

Not so much, his handler said, in another thread, Lare was to be retired.

LOL, temporary insanity.

0 points
0
0
MikeHoncho's picture

April 11, 2019 at 03:19 pm

Why would you only want to see positive comments and not take a look at the other side of the coin? This is the problem with society today, you only want to hear things that fit your narrative and that support your opinions and block out anything that you disagree with. You need to learn to look at things from all angles and perspectives. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows in Green Bay. You don't always have to be a cheerleader, you are allowed to criticize.

-3 points
1
4
4thand1's picture

April 11, 2019 at 03:55 pm

Mike constructive criticsm is good, but some people way over do it.

3 points
3
0
IceBowl's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:33 pm

4thand1,

You are way to kind to him/they. Some do not care about the truth and preach dubious negative stuff. That is just propaganda, but if they would bring you fact based negatives, then we can talk/debate. I really enjoy an honest discussion. Thru them, I have learned and I have enlightened. WIN - WIN.

But Mikey, i think he have an alias.

1 points
1
0
IceBowl's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:31 pm

Mikey,

Bring all the negative comments you can verify. I will give you appropriate time and consideration for your facts in all your clouds. But not cloudy points. Cloud burst here, not everything is sunshine and roses anywhere.

FYI, few things fit my narrative (as you assume and profess). Facts and logic do, but fewer and fewer decide to use them. Is that you?

So Mike (alias), Let's Go!

0 points
0
0
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 11:38 am

To all of you,

ditto, referencing 4thand1, love football talk, even as speculative as this is at this point. Sort of like buying a lottery ticket, you get to dream for a bit.

What is more certain is what Guty did last year, his 1st in charge. I don't think he will get worse.

Go pack draft.

3 points
3
0
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 11, 2019 at 12:36 pm

I hear Rodgers talk about embracing "change". Now maybe I'm in the minority here but I don't "feel" it from this guy that he's being honest. I get a sense of a guy just saying all the right PC things and the entire herd is now back to sunny skies and grazing on green green grass with no more worries. I'm probably one of the most intuitive people in the world. I can read people without even meeting them. Ask Since61 how good I am? I'm telling you folks do not buy the words from Rodgers. There's trouble on the farm.

Skip

-10 points
2
12
MikeHoncho's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:27 pm

I'm actually amazed that more people do not see this. Rodgers has been insincere his entire career. You can read it all over his body language. Everyone just puts there blinders on and eats up every lie that is fed to them.

-3 points
0
3
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:39 pm

Mike Mc,

Didn't take you long to be created. I'm actually amazed I am the first one to spot you. You're (all aliases) are like a flashing red sign.

We have to figure a common name for these guys, so no matter how many aliases they post on, we have a simple way to know who we are talking to.

LOL Mike, kirkys, skip dash, etc, etc Want to debate?????

2 points
2
0
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 12:58 pm

I'm not worried about ARod learning the offense. (and they usually install a new playbook in stages throughout the year.

His WR's are another matter. Adams can always get open, so no worries there. G Allison and Kumerow, although a little experienced, probably face the learning curve some. But after that, the 2nd year guys, basically, go back to being 1st year WR's. With the WR learning curve being 2 - 3 years, that is troublesome for me. I hope they all have their IPad's open.

0 points
0
0
EddieLeeIvory's picture

April 11, 2019 at 01:38 pm

2 weeks from tonight!

Who are y'all "wanting" now at 12?
Who do you "not" want?

I'm torn.

1 points
1
0
crayzpackfan's picture

April 11, 2019 at 02:53 pm

There’s almost too much on the menu, can’t decide what to eat. I guess I’d like to see 3 offensive players out of the first 5 picks. In no particular order, OL, TE, WR, S, ILB. After that I’d say BPA the rest of the draft. However, as popular as it seems to trade down, I’d like to see them stay at 12 and 30. Been a while since GB has been in the top third of the draft. For selfish reasons, I’d like seeing them make that pick. I’m sure excited though!!

0 points
1
1
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 03:14 pm

Eddie, how can we decide. So many different mocks and evaluations. If only we could see the Pack's board.

But my wish for best player (on their board) at 12. This is a stud now and a stud into the future, no matter the position.

At 30 & 44 the best two out of OL/TE/S.
They know where their board is deepest to get the third in the 3rd.

I just hope Gudy does not trade down more than 3 or 4 spots (based on his last year draft) But if he sees equal value at 16 as 12, and gets an extra pick, all the better. (this is not news, we have all said it)

But getting the 12th and 30th best players in the country should not be passed up. We've had 30 then 60 for too long.

3 points
3
0
4thand1's picture

April 11, 2019 at 03:57 pm

14 DAYS 3 HOURS 3 MINUTES

2 points
2
0
Tundraboy's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:42 pm

Thanks for the update.

1 points
1
0
draftnut59's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:01 pm

A better offense will help the defense out a lot. I thought the defense played great early in games last year, but the offense couldn’t sustain drives because the O-line was bad (Please fix the O-line!!!). By the fourth quarter of most games, the defense was gassed. No defense can be good when they’re on the field 65% of the time. PLEASE FIX THE O-LINE!!!

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:02 pm

Agreed: TOP will be a stat this team will need to win regularly this year.

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

April 11, 2019 at 10:45 pm

Yes need to maintain possession and finish drives.

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:05 pm

bleacher report just reported this
"A source close to one of the team's skill-position starters says Rodgers was the one 'sinking the ship' with zero interest in developing [Marquez] Valdes-Scantling, [Equanimeous] St. Brown or [J'Mon] Moore," Bleacher Report's Ty Dunne reported

-5 points
1
6
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:15 pm

Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! Thank you for yet another bombshell report Uncle Albert!!

I tell you two people for sure that are not surprised to hear this latest bombshell? Skip greenBayless and John T. Kirk. The rest of you I pray that you will some day see the light.

Day three I believe and the Aaron Rodgers is completely happy again tour bus has yet another flat tire that needs to be repaired.

Skip

-7 points
0
7
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:31 pm

just skip dash,

no surprise you can speak for kirkys, Any more you want to divulge?

Anyway, hook, line and sinker.

you lack credibility

4 points
4
0
Leatherhead's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:40 pm

Who put you in charge of Credibility Court? I think we can all make up our own minds about who, or what, is credible.

We seem to have suddenly acquired a lot of people who'd rather talk about posters than football.

-1 points
2
3
IceBowl's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:35 pm

facts are facts

0 points
0
0
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:19 pm

albert999,

LOL,

"A source close to one of the team's skill-position starters says...."

I see you are getting into the spirit of this place.

Funny

5 points
5
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:07 pm

I didn’t say it Icepack
Bleacher report did
At least i have a spirit

1 points
1
0
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:21 pm

albert999,

I looked at BR 10 times before I posted. They have no such report. I checked again just now, no such report.

So I thought you were joking. And a good job too. But if this in on BR NFL or Packer page, I'd love to know how to find it.

Keep up the spirit.

1 points
1
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:27 pm

ITS UNDER
Every teams draft question article....scroll to Packers and read if you know how?

0 points
0
0
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:21 pm

albert999,

Why the attack? Have I done something to you?

Makes no sense!

But I am searching now. Seems like talking about team needs wouldn't be discussing ARod's team destruction.

But thanks

0 points
0
0
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:31 pm

Hey IceHowl, if Uncle Albert said they reported it then it's true. He has no reason to report fake news like many others do here.

Skip

-7 points
0
7
jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:32 pm

You mispelt Dash.

6 points
6
0
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:17 pm

albert999,

It is still not on Bleacher Report......

from BR..... "Latest NFL Headlines
• Ty Dunne Takes Us Behind His Packers Report
• OBJ Teases Week 1 Matchup
• Giants to Extend Sterling Shepard
• Rodgers Wasn't 100% Last Year "

Do you have a different page??

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:25 pm

Yes it is i just looked at it again
this site won’t let me copy a link

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:28 pm

i posted whole article below and wrote out whole title of article below

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:32 pm

I also just typed in the whole name of article in google and first post was the article from bleacher report then scroll down to Packers

Every teams biggest question heading into the 2019 NFL DRAFT

If you can’t find it go back to school

0 points
0
0
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 11, 2019 at 04:44 pm

bleacher report just reported this
"A source close to one of the team's skill-position starters says Rodgers was the one 'sinking the ship' with zero interest in developing [Marquez] Valdes-Scantling, [Equanimeous] St. Brown or [J'Mon] Moore," Bleacher Report's Ty Dunne reported

Uncle Albert, thanks for this info. It really is another huge bombshell that 90% will refuse to even respond too. It's clearly true at this point. To me I love to know the close source. I don't know so I am going to use my elite intuition and try to figure it out myself.

This "source" would be close to those receivers. All three mentioned that Rodgers has basically flipped off are all African American. So to me the source who disclosed this would most likely also be African American and on the offensive side either wr or te.

There's only one guy on this team that is relatively new, has no skin in the game, is highly intelligent, is outspoken when he sees injustice or outright stupidity, is African American, has little ties to Aaron Rodgers and also has a past history of speaking out publicly. To me this all points to the great Marcedes Lewis. I am not saying it's him. I am just saying if I had to pick one guy that is pissed off at the clown show that is going on the past year it would be him and I wouldn't blame him. Aaron Rodgers and his pettiness not throwing to rookie receivers because of some crazy ass mental quirk he has would be enough for a guy like Lewis to finally let the outside world know what is really happening.

This is my guess. What is yours?

Skip

-3 points
2
5
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:08 pm

Good guess

0 points
1
1
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:12 pm

Who would you guess is the leaker Uncle Albert? I love this stuff. Makes the off season tolerable.

Skip

-2 points
1
3
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:28 pm

same guess...makes sense

-1 points
0
1
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:38 pm

Got ya Uncle Albert. It makes sense to me. Might not be but I do appreciate you reporting that bombshell link about those receivers. The people here need to know the truth whether they like it or not. People shouldn't be destroyed for reporting the truth but that's what's happening.

By the way, good look with that IceHowl. Quite the character.

Skip

-3 points
0
3
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:42 pm

Thank you my friend
The truth loves to be ignored

-2 points
0
2
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:28 pm

just skip dash,

it's still not on Bleacher Report.

You're not credible. Nor your hacks.

1 points
2
1
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:38 pm

Yes it is ICE MELT.....there’s even a picture of Rodgers that heads the article about
EVERY TEAMS DRAFT REPORT

-2 points
0
2
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:46 pm

thanks albert999, (skip dash)

found the post by Brent Sobieske, quoting the academy award winner Dunne. Thanks.

The quote says.... "A source close to one of the team's skill-position starters says Rodgers...."

Accepting such hard hitting, definitive sources is just the reference I would use to defend/define myself.

So I checked with my source, close to a Packer executive, and he says.... "no one was trying to sink any ship with the team."

Well, my source deserves the same credibility as Dunne (derhead). Wouldn't you agree? Or are your ambiguous sources the only ones creditable?

0 points
1
1
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:07 pm

I was just post and article i read on Bleacher Report
Wasn’t my source

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:14 pm

Yes Brent wrote the article and it was on Bleacher Report as I said the very first time and he included the quote by Dunne...NOT ME
I just thought it was an interesting article to share on here
Thank you

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:41 pm

Here’s what the whole article says ICE AGE

The Ted Thompson way of doing things for the Green Bay Packers is long gone. Current general manager Brian Gutekunst is far more proactive in his approach.

Thus, the idea of waiting until the middle or late rounds to address wide receiver after last year's debacle is unacceptable.

"A source close to one of the team's skill-position starters says Rodgers was the one 'sinking the ship' with zero interest in developing [Marquez] Valdes-Scantling, [Equanimeous] St. Brown or [J'Mon] Moore," Bleacher Report's Ty Dunne reported.

That likely taught Gutekunst a tough lesson during his first year on the job: Developmental options aren't the best way to supplement the Packers offense. Aaron Rodgers needs talented options he can trust. If he doesn't, he'll lean on Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams.

It'd be best for all parties if the Packers make an early investment in a top receiving talent Rodgers can't ignore.

-4 points
0
4
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:29 pm

just skip dash.

You post all that just to embarrass yourself?? You say you believe this reporter. But the report says ..... "A source close to one of the team's skill-position starters...."

M Lewis does not fit the bill.

You are not credible

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:46 am

"A source close to one of the team's skill-position starters says --"

I think it was Kevin Bacon. Apparently that dude's close to everyone.

1 points
1
0
4thand1's picture

April 12, 2019 at 06:57 am

albert you f-ing troll, just above "you guys did a good job filling holes". ^^^^^^^^^

2 points
2
0
albert999's picture

April 12, 2019 at 10:07 pm

Thanks 4thand 0

-1 points
0
1
albert999's picture

April 12, 2019 at 10:08 pm

Thanks 4thand 0

-1 points
0
1
jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 11, 2019 at 06:31 pm

Can't wait for the Aaron Rodgers revenge tour to begin Sept 5.

4 points
4
0
4thand1's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:27 pm

It's gonna be fun jjjb, AR MVP

2 points
2
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 05:44 pm

Every teams biggest question heading into the 2019 NFL DRAFT
Is the whole title of the article on BR

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:10 pm

MVS had 73 targets last season...more than Randall Cobb and third on the team behind Graham and Adams. ESB, who couldn't get on the field much the first half of the season, ended up with 36...next WR behind Cobb. Moore, of course, couldn't get on the field at all. My math says that's 109 targets to two rooks who had low (50%-ish) catch percentages. If he's not interested in getting them into the game, and making them part of the offense, why's he throwing them the ball?

5 points
5
0
albert999's picture

April 11, 2019 at 07:16 pm

Don’t know
Ask the writer or Dunne

-1 points
0
1
IceBowl's picture

April 12, 2019 at 10:14 pm

albert999,

You say... " Don’t know
Ask the writer or Dunne"

Why, you posted it? What is your point?? Don't you have a point??

If there is no point, why not post the Bucks's score?? Or Brewers score , or your bowling score?

We are dying to know.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:32 pm

Cookie for Dobber! Be well. Thanks, Since '61

4 points
4
0
dobber's picture

April 11, 2019 at 08:34 pm

Cheers, friend!

2 points
2
0
IceBowl's picture

April 11, 2019 at 09:18 pm

dobber,

Great point. Facts and logic make it so easy to understand why - A close source to a starting playmaker said..... really means nothing.

You couldn't get a library card with such a irrelevant resource.

Thanks for digging, and the info.

4 points
4
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 12, 2019 at 10:59 am

Because 278 targets for Davante might have raised eyebrows?

2 points
2
0
IceBowl's picture

April 12, 2019 at 05:38 pm

Some had hundreds more. Point?

0 points
0
0
amandarivera's picture

October 27, 2020 at 01:46 pm

Interesting!

0 points
0
0