Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - June 1st has Come and Gone
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
June 1st:
Well, June 1st, the day where it would be much more palatable for the Packers to trade Aaron Rodgers, is behind us. Much to the chagrin of all the "Broncos and Packers already have a deal worked out" conspiracy theorists, nothing of consequence happened, other than me getting a year older, which seems to happen every year around this time.
Stoked:
Seems Eric Stokes was the best man cover corner (statistically) in college football last year. He was then drafted by the Packers, sporting a brand new defensive coordinator who has historically employed a more zone-heavy scheme. Does Joe Barry adjust his approach or does he go down the square peg/round hole path?
Eric Stokes only allowed an 18.5 passer rating in man coverage last season.
Lowest of any college CB with 100+ snaps. pic.twitter.com/FqZEmG9Mxb
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 1, 2021
da Bears:
It pains me to say this, but I think they had an excellent draft weekend. I believe Justin Fields will break the string of bad QB decisions by the Chicago Bears (ironic that the Vikings also tried to trade up to nab him). While it remains to be seen how his game will translate and develop on the NFL level, I believe he already has more intestinal fortitude than Cutler and Trubisky combined. Next they picked up Tevin Jenkins in the second round - a great value and a perfect choice for their scheme. The rest of their draft had a few of my favorite late rounders, like Dazz Newsome and Khyiris Tonga. Then to top it off, they signed Charles Snowden as a UDFA, likely my favorite sleeper in this draft. That, folks, was a steal.
Bortles Bargain:
Regardless of what you think of Blake Bortles, the Packers signed him for 1.075M, the minimum for a player with his years of experience and as such, will only count 850K against the cap. Even better, they paid no signing bonus, so if they decide to cut Botles, it costs the Packers nothing.
More Mo Please:
While everyone loves listening to Mike Smith speak because of his enthusiasm and colorful quotes, I'm an even bigger fan of Special Teams coach Mo Drayton. Just listening to him speak, with directness, eloquence and confidence leads me to believe the Packers Special teams will be better prepared than they have been in years.
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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 (146)
Bure9620
June 02, 2021 at 06:21 am
With all of the jokes about Bortles, I don't think he is as bad many portray him. He is a bust for a 1st rounder but he is an absolute steal for that cap number as a backup. He can run an offense and you can win some games with Bortles as a game manager.. He is an above average backup whom has won playoff games. Anyone remember Brett Hundley??? Shrewd move by Gute even if he does not make the roster. And if it is Love, I like a veteran backup.
Agree on the Bears draft as well, their GM showed competence?
Love vs Fields could be a thing for years to come.
Razer
June 02, 2021 at 07:55 am
...Agree on the Bears draft as well, their GM showed competence?...
It took them a long time to get here but Justin Fields may be their salvation. Hoping that they continue to make mistakes on other fronts to compensate for this draft.
porupack
June 02, 2021 at 11:43 am
Well, the success rate even of top draftee QBs is still fairly modest. Tua was a sure-bet. He might get there. The QB draft hype simulates flatulation. Only a few solid ones stick around.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 02:56 pm
Agreed. While I respect Al’s scouting, I’m not so convinced about Fields in that environment and less high on their overall harvest with respect to making a difference. I think we out jazzed Dazz with Hill too.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 02:59 pm
You're getting an "A" for Effort on that one... and, that's it. hahahaha
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 06:35 pm
I think I read that Dazz broke a collarbone or something like that and will likely miss a significant part of camp.
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 11:30 am
Bortles played well in the biggest games of career. I always think that’s a positive. He’s started 73 games so he knows how to take a snap. His best season was when he had a strong running game and defense.
We play almost the entire game with three CBs, and Stokes will play unless he’s hurt. We’ll play a mixture of zone and man depending on the situation
I view the Bears as our chief rival. The Vikings will look good until November. We’re 11-1 against the division with LaFleur and if we’re 5-1 this year, we’ll win the division again.
mattgsx
June 02, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Agreed on all points.
Re: Bortles, he definitely has a low ceiling, but he also has a much higher floor than some of the other backups out there. He is a tough guy who is willing to make plays with his feet, and hopefully he has spent his time on the bench cleaning up the mechanical issues that impacted his accuracy and timing.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 03:07 pm
Bortles might actually be better suited in this kind of offense. I think the problem would be a conventional deep ball. He is, as you say tough, reads the field and has risen to the challenge in big games. He’s a pretty good back up at worst, a capable system starter.
I’m trying to remember our last back up of similar level when they were with us. Not Kurt Warner therefore or Ty Detmar or Jim McMahon. Hasselbeck might be the nearest except for a fleeting moment of Matt Flynn.
I’m really surprised we got him so cheaply and with no guarantee. Must think it’s a great opportunity and be motivated.
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 08:03 am
My understanding is that his Achilles heel has been working under pressure. He falls apart when the heat comes...a good run game should help with that.
Bearmeat
June 02, 2021 at 01:43 pm
Nah. Fields has plenty of upside, but he’s going into an absolutely appalling situation. Yes, his OL is better than it was. But it’s not good. And his only proven WR wants out. The defense is aging and too expensive. He’s got two very highly paid veteran QBs in front of him and a front office and coaching staff that needs to make the postseason and win a game just to keep their jobs.
The second things go sideways, Fields will be in. And that will be too soon. I think it’s odds on that the Bears wreck him. Awful time to land there for him. I almost feel bad for him. Almost.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 02:07 pm
This is the kind of commentary I live for. Thanks, Bearmeat.
flackcatcher
June 02, 2021 at 03:32 pm
The Bears Cap must be a mess. They'll need more than one good draft to fix that roster. Heck, Gute's moves were all for 2023 when the bill comes due. Somehow the Packers will be fine.
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 06:36 pm
Their cap is a mess this year, but it opens up a little over the next couple years.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 06:55 pm
It’s now loaded as it stands next year. They are looking at punting again then for the TV agreement that most think will significantly hike it in 2023. If that hits a snag, things could get messy.
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 08:41 am
I meant the Bears...yeah, the Packers will be shedding contracts in 2022 even if ARod's not with the team.
Hoping P. Smith has a big year so they can deal him for a pick rather than just cutting him loose and getting nothing. His cap hit is atrocious.
MarkinMadison
June 02, 2021 at 06:33 am
"Everybody knows that Aaron Rodgers is being traded to the Broncos." - Mike Greenberg
"Cheers to signing with the Packers" - Miles Teller
Miles Teller gets jumped in a bathroom stall.
I don't know much, but I know I ain't messing around with this topic anymore.
Bure9620
June 02, 2021 at 06:35 am
The National media is a joke and ESPN is the worst. They simply look desperate. Fox is all hot takes too but atleast they know how to make it entertaining.....
Alberta_Packer
June 02, 2021 at 04:34 pm
Even without the Packers tweet - Teller is the sort of guy who will often get punched in the face or jumped in the stall by others. Is this the "people" that Rodgers speaks of?
MarkinMadison
June 03, 2021 at 07:35 am
Probably showing my age, but until his tweet I had never heard of him. I still know nothing about him. Haven't bothered to google him.
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 08:05 am
'Twitter stars' are part of what's wrong with our society...I'd extend that further to "look at me" platforms like Twitter, in general.
Savage57
June 02, 2021 at 07:50 am
While I acknowledge and respect your draft knowledge and insights about the players the Bears were able to secure during this past draft cycle, Al, (and congrats on another lap around the sun, by the way) I remain confident the Bears will find some way to make a hash of things.
Guam
June 02, 2021 at 08:00 am
Thumbs up Savage57! The Bears will be da Bears.
Thegreatreynoldo
June 02, 2021 at 06:47 am
As to your turning a year older and waking up to find that the Packers haven't traded Rodgers, I prefer both of those outcomes to the alternative.
egbertsouse
June 02, 2021 at 07:31 am
Nobody in the Packer FO has the cajones to do what they need to end this thing, trade him or open the vault and let him take all the future cap space for the next 4 years. So they do nothing and pretend it’s because they are sooooo tough. I have to admit, it’s entertaining as hell. I really don’t care about training camp so all this soap opera stuff keeps it interesting. What will happen next on “The Real Quarterbacks of Green Bay.”
Razer
June 02, 2021 at 08:30 am
...“The Real Quarterbacks of Green Bay.”...
Too funny and sadly, too true.
Savage57
June 02, 2021 at 09:25 am
I'm not sure I agree with all of what you've said, but...
That last line is solid gold.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 09:04 am
June 1st -
Four words for you, Birthday Boy: GET OFF MY LAWN!
(Irony alert: me standing on YOUR lawn saying that!!!) Gotta have some fun.
All kidding aside, eh... yeah. Give it a little time after today at least... we’ll see.
Stoked -
Yeah, I’m Stoked too! Think Eric was a great pick at #29 for the Packers. I can’t wait to see how this new LaFleur/Barry system works. Seems LaFleur found Barry to run what he wants run, and I think Barry was more than happy to oblige. Regardless, having shut down corners in Alexander & Stokes should be special.
da Bears -
I agree with all of it. Newsome. Tonga. Snowden. All three were highly coveted by myself for the Packers in this draft.
Bortles -
Really like his signing the more that I read up on him. Solid backup to Jordan Love.
Mo -
Agree with you here too. Listening to him discuss our STs, we should all be looking forward to some magic here this season, and for years to come. I think it was clear Gutekunst went into this draft/UDFA to add the skill players his team needed who also offer great STs play, in Stokes and Rodgers, along with pure ST contributors like Jean-Charles, McDuffie, Uphoff, Gaither, Alvin Jones Jr. and others. Every one of those players offers some big, unique ST play attributes/experience.
Cheers, Al! Hope you had a great Birthday!
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 06:58 pm
Special team magic? That would be a welcome surprise this millennium.
greengold
June 04, 2021 at 07:36 pm
I’m expecting some ST magic this year. Law of averages, my brother... and, between us, this is the year Yosh Nijman becomes a superstar.
Bwahahahaha! YOU get that one. That I know. Like few others.
HawkPacker
June 02, 2021 at 07:43 am
I am very happy that Rodgers has not been traded. At least not traded yet. In the short term, the Packers are better with him without a doubt.
If they do trade him and they do get the boatload of draft picks and players, that would be great in the long run as we do not know how long Rodgers will be an effective NFL quarterback. I realize that he wants to play into his 40's but at what level will he be able to play at. Will he be like Tom Brady or Drew Brees?
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:00 pm
The fact that he’s not been traded doesn’t mean very much at this point, unfortunately.
Guam
June 02, 2021 at 07:57 am
Given today's media coverage of the NFL, there is no way a major deal between the Packers and Broncos could have been kept a secret. An actual deal would have been outed long before June 1 arrived. OTOH, a deal between the Packers and somebody could still happen. No one but Rodgers knows how committed he is to leaving the Packers. And the Packer front office has done a good job of not revealing much frustration with Rodgers' antics.
I have no idea whether Rodgers will be QB1 in Green Bay this year or not. I do think it will be a while (start of the regular season?) before the final chapter of this story is written.
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 08:28 am
Agreed. At this stage, any kind of deal will happen as the Packers learn more about how entrenched ARod is in his holdout and how other teams see their QB situation sizing up through OTAs and minicamp. I still think he plays 2021 in GB and the Packers open up the bidding in February.
https://www.profootballrumors.com/green-bay-packers-news-rumors
"The team most closely connected to a Rodgers deal, the Broncos have yet to discuss the 16-year veteran with the Packers since a short conversation on the draft’s opening night. Like the 49ers, the Broncos reached out to the Packers the day this news broke, but Mike Klis of 9News notes no calls have transpired between teams ahead of the June 1 date."
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 08:40 am
Yeah, and I'm left hoping that short conversation was:
"Bradley Chubb plus three 1st Round picks, two 2nd Round picks, after June 1st."
"Done. Talk to you later."
LambeauPlain
June 02, 2021 at 12:01 pm
I enjoy your comments, GG, but if that short conversation took place, the deal would have been done yesterday.
I would take that deal, but the bottom line to me is Rodgers has no leverage beyond a constant pout about how disrespected he is being paid almost a quarter billion dollars to play a game....and has already been named the starter for 2021.
I used to respect Rodgers the man and player. I still admire the player...the man, not so much now.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 03:03 pm
LambeauPlain, I don't know if people are considering the impact of taking AR off the market for DEN likely was, and the price they would have had to offer up just before the draft to make it happen - if they had made a pre draft deal. The Raiders, another division rival, was also another suitor.
It sure looks like they did when they chose Surtain ll at #9, in dire need of a QB.
Securing AR to their team - in principle - would have cost DEN a sizable offer to GB. I mean, there is no time to haggle in that situation, really, just hours prior to the draft.
I do think this has turned into a multi-player deal - which might explain the delay in making it official. All of our WRs remained out, and many of them need the reps. No blow back on that from LaFleur. I find that a bit telling.
Players fitting GB's needs, like OLB Bradley Chubb, DE Shelby Harris, NT Mike Purcell, WR KJ Hamler & ILB Baron Browning missing all of DEN's practices and/or not participating is telling too. LT Garrett Bolles was out for a family issue. RT Bobby Massie missed their practice yesterday, and Vic Fangio literally said he was "not sure" where he was.
Listening to Vic Fangio trying to explain players absent from their practices these past two weeks has been kind of humorous.
On another note, Jerry Jeudy certainly has been a feature throughout. Makes me wonder a bit if they have been showcasing him for GB? Would he be a trade piece in a deal that includes Davante Adams?
Looking a lot like two teams working out possible trade deals. Plural.
jmtc
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 08:22 pm
I’m starting to wonder if a trade might be multiple teams......
Packers trade Rodgers to SF for draft picks/players, SF sends their rookie QB to Denver for draft picks/players. Something like that.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 08:42 pm
After allowing a moment for my brain aneurism to dissipate... hooooooh... didn’t the Packers tell the 49ers to get bent when Lynch called?
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 10:41 pm
Yeah. Possible.
Funny, but you get this. Was just watching a program on technology of the brain & nerves. Amazing statement was made that I think applies here: “The brain’s first response to grief is denial.”
The loss of a forearm and hand in a car accident was the grief. The denial was the phantom pains and sensations in the brain telling it the hand still existed, when it was in fact gone.
porupack
June 02, 2021 at 10:22 am
After the draft-day breaking news subsided as few days later, it was apparent that Rodgers would not be traded. GBP is right to hold firm on their contract. I expect that while holding firm, they are trying to repair damage by some mis-steps, and trust they try to make some small concessions. The right approach by both sides is to make 2021 a serious run, and succeed to get in the last 4 standing. That maximizes both GBP and Rodgers if they still want to part ways after this season.
As of June 1, 11:61 pm, Rodgers will play and both sides will move forward. The smoke has cleared and heat dissipated. Only hope that reporters can get distracted with something else than to fan the flames.
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 11:53 am
I’m not clear as to how you state that Rodgers will play when he has STATED to multiple people on multiple occasions that he has no interest in returning to Green Bay.
You are Blaming the organization and you’re clearly still in the Bargaining/Negotiating phase of dealing with the grief of loss.
There is no “right approach “; Rodgers will report to the mandatory activities or he won’t. Thats100% on him. If he chooses to retire rather than report, that’s 100% on him. At any point, the Packers can trade him or let him retire (which is an empty threat, IMO).
IMO, the most probable end result is that Aaron Rodgers is done playing for the Packers. Things are being said that can’t be unsaid, egos are involved, and money won’t fix this.
LambeauPlain
June 02, 2021 at 01:06 pm
I am still waiting to hear Rodgers publicly state that he will never again play for the Packers. Unnamed sources from sloppy reporters is not credible.
In fact I have read several quotes from named sources close to Rodgers....Kuhn and James Jones for example...who have stated they expect Rodgers will be a Packer in 2021.
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 01:41 pm
When numerous players all say the same thing, are you saying they’re making it up? And Rodgers doesn’t refute it?
This is Denial.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 04:10 pm
You know that all of his buddies came out of the woodwork to help him with his PR after his Draft Day bombshell, right? Hawk. Kuhn. Jones. Bak. Cobb. I'm sure they were doing that to help him repair the damage inflicted upon the Packers fan base, and his own national image.
If he didn't agree with the statement, why hasn't he come out and said the report is inaccurate?
What? Is that difficult? No. Pretty damned easy thing to do if you're Aaron Rodgers. All it would take would be a phone call. I know he's elderly, but, Shailene could help him set up a Zoom call...
Blaming "sloppy reporters" is kind of a knock on sloppy reporters... and, it's wrong.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:36 pm
I believe the team will wait to put him in a “put up or shut up position” and just let it stew. I personally don’t think there is a trade on the cards at close to what some here think is the going price. Who will blink? Will no one? All depends on Rodgers motives and demands and how much backbone or conviction is involved in both sides. Negotiations like this take nerve, patience and a willingness to step away if the cost of victory is defeat from another angle.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 09:10 pm
I just think it’s already done.
You know, that statement read into public record, purposely hours before the draft, spoke more than just the words. It spoke spite. Loathing. That was personal.
It was so bad, all of his friends were pulled in on damage control, including Mike Tirico & Kenny Mayne, Hawk, Jones, and others.
That also told me Aaron Rodgers felt comfortable enough knowing he was to become a Bronco, he shot his shot at the Packers.
Those saying he didn’t say the words are ignoring his known modus operandi... and, the fact that he’s had a plethora of opportunities to declare them false.
Check out the nerve on the Packers FO over the last month since.
Both DEN & GB have held players the other team wants as well out of both weeks of OTAs. A bigger deal is now being finalized. It all fits like lock & key.
porupack
June 02, 2021 at 02:18 pm
Leatherhead, he's not the only person to state things to try to make something happen, then realize it won't turn out as hoped. The fact that its pretty quiet from both sides is a pretty good sign cooler heads are prevailing. You're right, its not particularly a "right approach", just that it is a very prudent win-win approach. In my opinion, nothing was said so far that can't be backtracked, and compartmentalized. Good faith efforts can fix egos, and a little money often helps too. I see AR 17 game time status as "probable"
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 05:27 pm
I hope cooler heads prevail.
I think that Aaron Rodgers has a different take on the next three or four or five years of his life than the organization does. I completely understand meeting a girl and wanting to make some changes in your life, and I understand the organization has their own goals.
The Packers obviously wanted Rodgers back. He’s under contract. But Rodgers has issues with the “culture” in Green Bay, especially when it comes to guaranteeing more money or drafting his replacement. He’s already absent from OTAs and mandatory stuff starts soon.
Considering Rodgers can really hold a grudge, if he doesn’t want to play for us, the best alternative for all parties is going to be a trade. The rest is just details.
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 08:26 am
It will always be something with ARod. It's just a matter of time until the next compensation issue, roster change, etc. He's not going to get any better. It's just a matter of when the next storm blows into town.
CheesyTex
June 02, 2021 at 12:48 pm
Right on.
And then there is the Tampering issue. If press reports are accurate, both the Broncos and 49ers have violated league rules via discussions with Rodgers before the Draft. WTF, is it so much about $ that the League will not even enforce its own rules?
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 03:21 pm
Cheesy, I think the League actually wants this trade - or at least they would look favorably upon it. An AR trade to DEN would change the dynamics of the AFC West entirely, and blow up NFL ratings.
On the other side, GB would get not only picks, but quality players that fit their remaining needs to a T. If Jordan Love were to explode onto the scene, with all the prime time slots they currently have us scheduled in, that would mean an expansion of their ratings/revenues.
Not to mention, should both teams be successful, the possibility of a marquee matchup between the Packers and the Broncos in the next Super Bowl would be gigantic for the NFL.
blondy45
June 02, 2021 at 11:57 am
I too Guam do not know when this QB drama will end. I personally do not listen to the big media outlets, especially ESPN. If the media does not fuel the fire, it will burn itself out. The longer Rodgers does not get his strong armed way, the better. In the end the Packers will thrive and continue their legacy. In the end Rodgers has already damaged his legacy and will eventually fade away like all older players do. The media is starting to realize the Packer's fan base is not so enamored with Rodgers. Rodgers believed the fan base would not turn against him. More and more are beginning to see the light. Stay strong Front office. Make the best decisions for the Green Bay Packers team.
Guam
June 02, 2021 at 08:04 am
With Mo Drayton's coaching and the addition of Amari Rodgers, Jean-Charles and Duffie to the special teams, I am hopeful we will finally see the Packers crawl out of the bottom ratings for their special teams. I would happily settle for just average at this stage.
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 06:05 pm
I’m hoping that poor special teams play is not a factor in any losses. In 2018, we lost a couple a couple of games that way; in 2014, poor special teams play cost us a trip to the Super Bowl.
The last two years, including playoffs, we have not lost a single game via special teams failure. I mean, we’ve had failures that haven’t cost us. I’d like to cut down on the failures before it does cost us a game.
Razer
June 02, 2021 at 08:10 am
I wish that I could be optimistic about the Rodgers situation but I can't see much light in this tunnel.
If he stays, the Packers mortgage everything for an ego that will never be happy with the efforts made to field a competitive team. This will be the leader of a championship team? He doesn't epitomize team. And, maybe the bigger question - can he win the big games. Little evidence of that as time moves on.
If he goes, we get less competitive. This is to be expected but if Jordan Love has the smarts to play the position at the NFL level, we will be up and running in a few years. I am not sure that Jordan Love is the man and so we are in this ugly dance.
Bottom line - we are being held hostage by a guy who let a shit storm rage, skipped his first spring training all the while posting pictures of himself frolicking with people who are fanning the flames. He leads our team. Where is the light?
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 09:05 am
"If he goes, we get less competitive. "
Agreed: they can't expect to get the same production out of the QB position from Bortles and Love (sounds like a law firm or a poor quality wine cooler from the 80s). Add to that an OL in 2021--depending on who many games Bakh misses-- that's going to go through some growing pains and things get very interesting. We keep saying that this team will just run more, but the OL will need to come together quickly to support that. But if the OL is up to the task--sans #12--this is a very different looking offense for the next season or two, but it might still be very productive.
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 05:41 pm
2007, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2020 should have taught us by now that a great QB and a great offense doesn’t get us to the Super Bowl, but lesser QBs and lesser offenses get there.
As far as competing without Rodgers.....we’re going to look different, but if we get guys blocked we’ll move the ball. We will probably turn it over more, too.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:06 pm
Cap and a veteran high contract QB is a perilous balance. Add in age and the risk of injury and decline increases. There seems little doubt that the team thought this year and maybe next was its best shot. Unfortunately, Rodgers may not wish to tango.
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 08:18 am
" We will probably turn it over more, too."
The last several years, the Packers have been good in +/-, but that's because they take care of the football...awesome at it. However, if you look at their takeaways over the last 5 years--minus 2019, which was an outlier--they've been poor. They've got to be better and more consistent in taking the ball away. Period.
That said...taking the ball away didn't garner a win v. Tampa last January.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
June 02, 2021 at 09:36 am
On the “If he goes we get less competitive,” note, it is obvious that the skill level at the QB position would decrease. However, I believe some of the gap could be made up by the system fit of Love (he was taken by Lafleur for a reason...and yes he did know about the pick). Playing within the system (something AR did a better job of last year) could make up for a lack of experience by Love. Then we need to add in the new bodies that would come with a trade of QB1 before we discuss overall competitiveness. The dropoff might not be as extreme as everyone seems to think.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 09:45 am
That's exactly the way I see it, Doug.
Love will be uber receptive to making sure LaFleur's calls are run on the field. I think we all can agree that was highly suspect with AR at QB1.
There is a real chance this offense could improve with Love as our starting QB. Of course there will be headaches and teaching moments along the way, but, overall? I think we might be surprised with Jordan Love leading the way under Matt LaFleur's guidance. LaFleur knows how to guide a QB and to put him into optimal positions of success during a game and throughout a season. His resume speaks to that.
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 01:35 pm
Teams will be forcing the Packers to throw the ball if #12 is gone. If Jones is still a 5 ypc back and Dillon is good, it might not matter so much. But the problem isn't going to be scripted, system plays. It's going to be making adjustments at the line, audibles, hot reads, all those things that come with time and experience for veteran QBs.
I don't argue that playing within the system will help support a new QB...or even an old QB if Bortles gets the call. If he's good about throwing the ball away instead of forcing throws--and even taking a sack or two rather than trying to do too much--that's good, too. If we could guarantee that everything Love or Bortles would be seeing at the LOS follows a script, then no problem...but every defense will be working just as hard as ever to try to confuse Love with formations and coverages that his inexperience will make it hard for him to adjust to.
porupack
June 02, 2021 at 10:26 am
Its not necessary to mortgage the future to keep him. He is under contract. He ain't retiring! He will play in 2021 as cooler heads are prevailing. Rodgers/GBP both have everything to gain by making a serious effort in 2021, and they both can separate with significant increase value. No shit storm.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 11:04 pm
That would be the rational approach. It always was. I confess I’m less optimistic that rationality is in good supply here than you are.
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 08:09 am
Rationality is the ping pong ball in a room full of mousetraps these days.
10ve 💚
June 02, 2021 at 08:31 am
"intestinal fortitude"...
Ha ha ha! Perfect Bears comment.
Spock
June 02, 2021 at 08:33 am
Al, I always this column. If I read your post correctly your birthday was yesterday (June 1st)? So happy (belated) birthday. Mine is coming up on Friday (4th) and I'm feeling every year of my (soon to be) 67 years. Wishing you many, many, more!
Tingham
June 02, 2021 at 10:17 am
I'm splitting the difference. My birthday today. Happy Birthday to both of you.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 10:30 am
Happy Birthday to you, Tingham.
Spock
June 02, 2021 at 02:08 pm
Happy natal anniversary!!
greengold
June 04, 2021 at 04:41 pm
Happy Birthday to you, Spock!!!! Hope you have a good one!
Johnblood27
June 02, 2021 at 08:42 am
As your own Nagler says... There's a lotta ballgame left... June wasn't the finish line, it was the start line.
I am stoked for any player with immense physical skills and football talents. I certainly hope that the GBP coaching staff doesn't get tangled up in scheme vs player skills and gets the fit right. Training camp, pre-season games and early season reveals will be entertaining.
This just in... duh bares STILL suck! Even if they stumbled onto a couple of picnic baskets duh bares will still be on the outside looking in as they bumble their way through the NFL. The GM has shown no consistent record of having a clue, the HC destroyed a promising QB prospect (let's see how he does in a new environment-but it may be too late) and ownership continues to scream full speed ahead with nobody on the tiller and the rudder wobbling like a sailor on leave. Priceless!
Blake Bortles will be a good fit for the Pack's current QB situation. AS a UCF grad I followed his progression and I always wondered how much of his struggles were Jag related. His experience will be a great boon to Love either with or without Mr Narcissist back on board (I am hoping that he goes, I have had enough)
I will reserve all commentary on the GBP ST until they show something in actual NFL games. I am tired of all the promises and coach-speak. Put up or shut up.
And one last thing... Happy belated B'day Al, and thanks for the great Packer fodder through another year, keep the comments section clean, you know exactly what I mean!
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 09:31 am
"Lotta ballgame left!" is right. You said it better than I ever could, Johnblood!!!
Or, in the words of the great John Belushi: "Did we give up when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor??? HELL NO!!!"
To me, it is just too much that lines up. From DEN's QB needs right down to the vindictive draft day grenade thrown into the Packers War Room, hours before the draft. If this is in fact a multiple player trade, as I suspect, those details will take a little time to iron out. If it was an agreement in principle to take him off the market for DEN, you know the initial offer had to have been big. Again, we'll see. Both sides would have kept the lid tight on this for good reason.
Let me ask my friends here one simple question: Since the Schefter bombshell, did Aaron Rodgers act like he had already been traded to DEN? Yes or no?
DEN would want to get AR into TC asap if there is any deal at all, so I suspect details will make themselves known within a week or two.
Being this got personal, I suspect there is a better chance the deal was made in principle prior, rather than not. The very sure, pointed commentary by AR through intermediaries and from his own mouth on Kenny Mayne's last show kind of speak in support of that notion being more the case.
As for STs, Johnblood, the difference I see is Gutekunst committed himself to adding players to Maurice Drayton's new ST unit. For years, I believe he kind of ignored the idea of adding players with unique gifts to make STs a success. How are you going to have a good return game without good returners? How are you going to be any good in your coverage units when you're only playing your 3rd and 4th string players who offer little in those areas?
Seems STs got a pronounced boost with both the draft and UDFA signings. You're right we won't know anything until we see them play, but I do believe we added great players there, with a renewed focus on doing so.
Leatherhead
June 02, 2021 at 09:40 am
The fundamental reality is that Aaron Rodgers doesn’t want to play for Green Bay. That hasn’t changed. It’s not about money and he has put himself against management. This can only end one way.
Denver is not competitive in their division with their current QB situation. They’ll either make a move or they’ll accept missing the playoffs again.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 10:21 am
You're right, Leatherhead. That reality has not changed.
With ample opportunities to refute the bombshell report AR has not only left those comments out there, but has added insults to the Packers Front Office on top of them in the month since Adam Schefter's original "news report," as Aaron Rodgers himself described it.
His own description of Schefter's relayed statement as a "News report," lends more credence to that being factual information than not.
Denver wants Aaron Rodgers to be their starting QB. Reigning NFL MVP. They see themselves as instant Super Bowl contenders with an AR trade. They have not made the playoffs since winning their last Super Bowl in 2015.
Since that time, DEN has gone:
9-7
5-11
6-10
7-9
5-11
Gunslinger John Elway, Team President of Football Operations wants to try to work that same 2015 magic again. This time with Aaron Rodgers, and he has no fear in paying what it takes to make it happen.
LambeauPlain
June 02, 2021 at 12:55 pm
I would say that record for Elway displays team mis-management that an aging elite QB may not fix.
As a team President, Elway is all hat, no cattle since 2015. He has been drafting at the top end of draft rounds for 5 years and not much to show for it.
jannesbjornson
June 02, 2021 at 03:35 pm
Even if he sobers up , he's too far behind the great wheel. It would be best to move him out , but he's tight with the deceased owner's kid and the party circuit.
blondy45
June 02, 2021 at 12:12 pm
If you believed the media and some of your previous posts greenand gold, the deal would already have been pre arranged, ready to be signed. The longer the Front Office holds their ground the better for the Packer's organization. The more bidders looking to add Rodgers the better. Rodgers loses more leverage every day he does not get his strong armed way. He is under contract remember.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 04:40 pm
Hey blondy,
The way I see it, there isn't a Congo line of bidders. Looks like ONE TEAM stepped up to the plate with an offer big enough for Gutekunst & Murphy to say YES to, just hours before the draft.
No need for them to rush an announcement out while they are busy working on adding to that deal with other players.
These guys don't waste that kind of energy. It's over. It's done.
Why would only our WR group, essentially, be sitting out, and only a bunch of defenders, essentially, sitting out for DEN? You know Elway wants Rodgers AND Davante. Maybe Rodgers AND Lazard & MVS... any number of combinations they could still be discussing.
No need to announce an AR trade until the whole package is set in place.
blondy45
June 02, 2021 at 09:40 pm
Why wait? The more time a team has to get a new QB in their system the better. The WR group? They unwisely want to be in Rodger's good graces. It is a mistake, it is only a voluntary OTA though. I agree with most of your well thought out posts greenandgold. IMO there is no Congo line because Rodgers is under contract, and the Front office is standing pat. A time will come when the "Packers" decide who, where, and when the trade for Rodgers will occur. As of now, the Packers still have Rodgers under contract. In the event Rodgers finally comes out in no uncertain terms and states he will not be a Packer, then the Front Office will seek a trade with the highest bidder, not just Denver. The New York Giants and the Raiders both have interest. If Denver has the best offer, then obviously the Pack will demand a high price. Where is this offer only the Broncos can give? All I hear & read is speculation. If Rodgers does go, it will be the Packers, not Rodgers who will ultimately decide the fate of Rodger's stay in Green Bay. The Pack could send Rodgers to Miami for a boatload of picks, which the Dolphins now has acquired. If any NFL team really wants Rodgers, they will pony up. Wait for Rodgers to make his fateful decision to officially state he will NOT play for the Packers again. He will, sooner than later. If not, the Packers are calling Rodger's bluff, they are not throwing their cards in and folding.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 10:28 pm
Hey
No, I’m talking about a week or two. I really think we will have word by then.
That WR group holdout thing is a bunch of garbage. Makes no sense.
As for the Congo line, I disagree. DEN is a very unique trading partner right now:
1. No high priced QB to unload
2. More than $25M in cap a space
3. A wealth of defensive players they can offer in trade
4. They own their full complement of draft picks
5. They are an AFC team
6. A gunslinger President of Football Operations who covets top QB play/willing to pay fair price
I happen to think the Packers would be hard pressed to find a better trade partner. None of us can know terms, but I do think we will find out before TC. I think the AR deal is done and they’re merely finalizing deals for other players included.
blondy45
June 03, 2021 at 08:38 am
I agree Denver does have the best fit for the trade now. They have both the need and cap space to trade. The "Congo line" is very short now, I also agree. My point is that the Front office has not backed down from their not going to trade Rodgers. So if Denver truly has already made plans to trade for Rodgers, they should make their offer public. They should put the pressure back on Gute to complete a trade. Not only will the public & the Packers see the value of such a trade, it would be a first offer, not a take it or leave case.
The longer a trade of this scope takes, the worse it will be for the 2021 players involved, management, & Rodgers. The Congo Line will only grow if Denver does not take their shot early to acquire Rodgers. I know realistically there are only a few teams with cap space able to make a trade offer early. Cleveland, Houston, Miami, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Seattle, and Miami IMO could all possibly form a line longer than ONE.
The ball is still in Rodgers court. He must decide his fate with the Packers. If he returns this year, Great. If he sits out, it is bad for everyone involved. The ball gets thrown out of bounds. Rodgers loses a fading time in his very late prime to play. The Packs recoups some cap relief, but loses an MVP QB and or his trade value. If he wants out for sure, the ball now is turned over to the Packer's Front office. The Packers now can decide which team to "pass" Rodgers to. Rodgers is under contract without a no trade clause in his contract. Rodgers can not dictate where he will or will not go. The scoreboard clock is ticking down. Let's hope the Packers can score before the Buzzer goes off this year.
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 08:50 am
It's clear that as of Jun 1, there's no trade in the works. No discussions. No calls...and every GM knows that the Packers might listen. That doesn't mean that nothing will happen. That doesn't mean that we won't see a blockbuster in the next couple days...it just means that nobody was motivated to do anything until (as you point out) they know something about their cap and the players they just drafted.
You're absolutely right: the ball is firmly back in #12s court to shit or get off the pot. He took a shot at leveraging some demand and creating an opening. There's no demand as of right now. He's a Packer. He's going to have to decide how far he's willing to go with this. His is the next move.
"Cleveland, Houston, Miami, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Seattle, and Miami IMO could all possibly form a line longer than ONE"
Wow...Miami must really be desperate! ;)
blondy45
June 03, 2021 at 09:37 am
Thanks dobber, official team talks can not be made public before June 1st for fear of NFL tampering charges. The Media has to stir the pot. Miami is not in the Congo line now, but what if their 2nd year QB gets injured or does not pan out? Who was the last very good QB in Miami, Dan Marino? Miami also is cap strapped like most others are now. It is the same case in Denver, last very good QB, John Elway. Do not get me wrong I realize Denver has the best chance to acquire Rodgers now. Miami and the others could line up later. The clock is ticking on this saga. June 8 will give us more clarity, not finality.
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 09:21 am
"This just in... duh bares STILL suck! Even if they stumbled onto a couple of picnic baskets duh bares will still be on the outside looking in as they bumble their way through the NFL. The GM has shown no consistent record of having a clue,..."
Pace took a shot--again--to try to save his job. Maybe he'll strike gold with Fields, who reminds me a lot of Donvan McNabb, but their plan to bring him along slowly will only last a couple games when Dalton shows he can't do the job and the Chicago media really starts to lay the pressure on. Pace's dealing of early picks (Mack and now Fields) has left this team old (they're the oldest team in the league) and relatively undertalented. Maybe Fields will turn out to be an ace, but my bet is that Nagy and Pace won't be around to enjoy it.
The other benefit of the Bears dealing on Fields is that it leaves the Giants relatively draft rich and--with their reported uneasiness over the development of Danny Jones--a potential suitor in the ARod sweepstakes. It's less than ideal to move ARod within the NFC, but the Giants might be willing to pony some of those extra picks from the Bears as found money.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 09:37 am
I think this is really well said, dobber. As an NFC option, you're right. The Giants make A LOT of sense. However, I think the Packers wanted very pointedly to move AR to the AFC.
You never know, though. I wouldn't put it past the Giants to try to blow up any DEN deal that may have been agreed to in principle with GB. Problem is, the Packers would essentially be reneging on a deal, which doesn't play well for working future deals.
LambeauPlain
June 02, 2021 at 01:18 pm
Reneging on a deal that does not exist would hurt the Packers in future deals? I do not see the logic there.
If a deal was already agreed to there is no way it would not have leaked prior or have been announced already.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:09 pm
You have to have a deal to renege. There is no deal till it’s done. If it had been it would have happened.
CheesyTex
June 02, 2021 at 01:27 pm
"Problem is, the Packers would essentially be reneging on a deal...".
It has been widely reported that Elway entertained Rodgers for golf, etc., with speculation that he was Tampering. If proven to be true, the Packers owe the Broncos nothing, and would not be reneging. If anything, the price to the Broncos should go up!
Also read an article by N.Y. sportswriter a few weeks ago that suggested the Giants should trade for Rodgers and proposed an interesting return to the Packers -- QB Jones, starting DT (forgot his name, but a second year man who started and did well last year), plus 1s and 2s in the next two Drafts.
Johnblood27
June 04, 2021 at 06:13 pm
AR to the Giants...
He would get to play vs McCarthy 2x/year...
hmmmmmmmm
ricky
June 02, 2021 at 08:46 am
Square pegs forced into round holes has a long history for the Packers. Moving Gale Gillingham from OG to DT comes to mind. Or Aaron Kampman moved from DE to OLB. Now, if Barry can change his spots and let Alexander and Stokes become twin shutdown corners playing man-to-man, great. As far as Fields in Chicago, the Bears have a long history of not knowing how to develop a QB, similar to the Jets. They'll find a way to make gold into lead. Mark my words. In the meantime, didn't anyone notice the salary cap isn't going up as much as predicted for next year? And that the Packers have pushed a lot of salary to future years to offer relief in the short term? Finally, as far as Rodgers is concerned, until he shows up and agrees to play for the Packers, nothing is settled. Whether his silence is consent or strategic passive/aggressive posturing remains to be seen. Expect the unexpected- from his leading the team to the SB, to his taking a year off and returning next season on another team. We simply don't know.
JerseyAl
June 02, 2021 at 09:13 am
I was thinking of more recent examples, but wow, you went way back...
Doug_In_Sandpoint
June 02, 2021 at 10:25 am
Most recent example: James Loony. His move to TE probably cost us the NFCCG last year. (Btw I’m kidding)
Difer
June 02, 2021 at 08:58 am
This time of year (before the upcoming season) is as good as it gets. Exuberant optimism goes unchecked; no muttering “well it’s only one game - we’ll getem next time”; and the absence of movement regarding Rodgers creates a
“Schrödinger's Cat” situation that allows all fans some temporary comfort. Reality will come in a couple of months, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Go Pack Go!
PeteK
June 02, 2021 at 09:56 am
Will the box be opened during June 8 or during preseason?
RCPackerFan
June 02, 2021 at 09:02 am
June 1st:
When Rodgers comes back to GB, with a new deal, the national media is going to hate that they spent months on this topic.
Stoked:
Perhaps they drafted Stokes knowing they could run more man coverage. Perhaps the DC wants to base his scheme more on the players he has rather then adjust the players to a scheme? That being said, I do think Stokes will fit in no matter how they play. They should be able to coach him to fit whatever scheme they want to run.
da Bears:
Will Fields be the next Mahomes, or will he be the next RG3? And who do they have to guide him along? Coaching will be huge for Fields. Will he have the right coaching in place?
Bortles Bargain:
I still maintain that they signed Bortles more on Love then Rodgers. They don't know what they really have in Love and want to be protected if he was not ready. I think this was a good move. Getting someone of his experience for almost nothing is well worth it. At the very least this helps get through the preseason.
More Mo Please:
I agree about Mo. I really am looking forward to seeing what he does differently on special teams this year. Hopefully he will be able to turn the units around. I would not be surprised to see a heavy impact from the rookie class. And don't be surprised if Rodgers has a big impact as a return man.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 10:01 am
RCPackerFan, I understand your optimism in saying "Rodgers comes back to GB, with a new deal," but I cannot agree with you here.
He blew up the Murphy Bridge, the Gutekunst Bridge and the LaFleur Bridge.
One last bridge many don't consider is the "New Deal Bridge," which has the potential to destroy the team's future success for a decade or more. There is no surrounding AR with talent in that scenario. Can pretty much kiss Davante Adams goodbye. Say goodbye to the Smith Bros. How exactly would the Packers be able to add talent around him?
That course just doesn't appear to make any sense to me, especially with AR pointedly promoting this notion that he will not return to Green Bay to play for the Packers. He hasn't denied that report once, with ample opportunities to do so.
Personally, I didn't want to see this happen, but it sure looks like it is happening, right in front of our eyes, for over a month now. Fans appear unwilling to accept that AR wants to play elsewhere.
BamaPackFan
June 02, 2021 at 01:21 pm
How about this?: If he demands a new contract that further destroys the cap, let us trade away all of the highly paid offensive linemen to get under the cap. Unless of course he decides to pitch in some of his salary to keep them. An all rookie or 1st year O-Line might remind Mr. Rodgers that football is a TEAM game.
Trade Rodgers instead and solve the cap with a bunch of early picks. That's the ticket.
RCPackerFan
June 02, 2021 at 03:01 pm
I will be the first to admit if I'm wrong. I could be reading the entire situation way wrong.
First thing I'm not sure where he blew up any of the bridges. Especially not the LaFleur bridge. He has come out and said he loves his coach. He hasn't thrown anyone under the bus. Until he speaks publicly, everything is mostly hear say.
But if he truly was not coming back to GB and wanted out, why have we not hear that from him? He was on with Kenny Mayne and didn't say anything close to that. If he was so disgusted with Packers, he would have been on record saying so by now. Instead he basically just said that everything is on the table right now.
There have been reports of both sides working on a new deal to keep him here. A deal like that likely will take a while. Its not something that will happen over night.
And while all of these reports that have come out about him being unhappy and wanting out of GB, a few of his closest friends have come out and said this was fixable and they can definitely see him back in GB. That to me says he will be back.
What I believe is he is unhappy. He is unhappy they took a QB last year. He is unhappy over some of the decisions they have made over the years. I also believe he wants to finish his career in GB. In order to do that he has to use every bit of his leverage he has available, which right now he has a lot. With the QB they drafted last year having no offseason last year. No game experience. And with Rodgers coming off a MVP season. He will never have more leverage then what he has right now. I don't think its about $, but I believe its about the guarantees for him to be there 3 or more years or whatever.
This is how I feel about it. I think they will get a deal worked out either right before camp or just after it starts. Whether its for this year or for a few years, I don't know.
Again, I could be wrong, its just how I feel about the situation.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 03:56 pm
RC, Aaron Rodgers doesn't work through normal channels in the media. You know this is true.
He hosts a nationally syndicated hit TV show, Jeopardy, and one of the contestants "magically" writes the question "Who's idea was it to kick the Field Goal?" Rodgers replied, "I don't know. It wasn't mine."
Do you think Aaron Rodgers might have been wanting to take a dig at his head coach? Embarrass him?
This is the kind of snide, smarmy BS I think the Packers could do well enough without. It's not a vociferous personal statement against his HC, but, that did not happen by accident, and it is right up AR's alley.
"Jerry Krause?"
"The People?"
"Reports of them working on a new deal?" From when? FEBRUARY???
I think those discussions were shut down by Rodgers back then, forcing all three of Murphy, Gutekunst & LaFleur to fly out in an attempt to get him to change his mind.
It's OK if you want to believe that stuff, but I can't. No big thing, bud! We'll find out soon enough I guess.
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 04:39 pm
"What I believe is he is unhappy."
He's perpetually unhappy. It's always been something with #12, and even more so the last several years.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:18 pm
Rodgers is in no need of fast resolution. He doesn’t think much of off season activities, is financially secure.
PeteK
June 02, 2021 at 10:13 am
RC, It would be hilarious to see AR returning a kick and maybe a good hit would straighten his head out. Hahahaha
Thegreatreynoldo
June 03, 2021 at 02:10 am
Agreed except as to the media. The media will only regret that the drama didn't last longer (and that's no matter how long it lasts).
White92
June 02, 2021 at 09:25 am
Can't wait to see how the Bears screw up Fields
Doug_In_Sandpoint
June 02, 2021 at 09:38 am
My brain cannot hold the two conflicting thoughts that the Bears had a good draft and the Bears still suck. I’ll go with history on this one...
dobber
June 03, 2021 at 03:59 pm
Name the last Ohio State -- or Urban Meyer, in general -- QB who did much of note.
You need to go back a long ways for OSU, which is remarkable for a program that is perpetually relevant.
Johnblood27
June 04, 2021 at 06:18 pm
I would place my bets on Art Schlichter...
greengold
June 04, 2021 at 07:01 pm
Steve Walsh, Florida? Bet he did a lot of cocaine. You weren’t very specific, dobs.
I might be thinking of the coach before Meyer... Steve Spurrier? With my luck Walsh probably played at Miami... Anyhow, I bet he did a lot of cocaine.
Johnblood27
June 11, 2021 at 11:46 am
Walsh was a 'Cane...
and the coke thing is probably spot on...
Joe Walsh was with the Eagles (band) and definitely the coke thing was real...
greengold
June 11, 2021 at 12:08 pm
I know. I was tired and just went for it...!!! LOL
Since'61
June 02, 2021 at 09:46 am
Happy Birthday Jersey Al, whichever day it is. Have a great day and enjoy.
I won't be surprised if a trade for Rodgers does not happen. At least not in the short term. We'll see how far Rodgers decides to take this.
The FO apparently has no idea how to handle the situation.
Our STs couldn't be any worse, although it seems like we say that every season.
Barry's defense is going to be a matter of wait and see but hopefully he let's Alexander and Stokes play man-to-man.
Given a chance Bortles can prove to be the perfect backup QB in MLFs offense.
Thanks, Since '61
porupack
June 02, 2021 at 10:34 am
Its easy to bash the FO, and I've questioned some of their work as well. But to be fair, cool heads keep their mouths shut, and work behind the scenes. That ARodgers opened his mouth during the draft, was matched by prudent controlled response by the FO, and shut down trade options for 2021. I respect that immensely. Both sides have everything to gain by resuming a final push for 2021, and then both would be in great position for trade talks pre-2022. Cool heads do their work discreetly.
Since'61
June 02, 2021 at 04:23 pm
porupack AR didn't say anything during the draft that I'm aware of. The report was by Schefter based on "accumulated information". I have yet to hear or read anything that Rodgers said on Day 1 of the draft.
You give the FO credit for keeping and working behind the scenes which is correct but Rodgers has been quiet as well and I assume that his agent is working behind the scenes as well.
I agree that both sides should make a final push for 2021 and I believe that they will. As I said in my post we'll see how far Rodgers wants to take this.
The problem I've had with the FO from the beginning of this is that they failed to pay attention to their most important asset. That usually causes an organization to get hurt. I posted about a week ago that if the Packers were a for profit organization and their shares of stock were actually worth something the share price would be dropping during this standoff with Rodgers because the shareholders would be concerned over how could management allow this to happen? Investors don't like uncertainty and when management fails to pay attention to their primary asset that becomes a time to sell. The only thing that we have heard is "We're not idiots." That comment has yet to be proven. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:27 pm
The Nile is a very long river. You can sail on it for quite a while. You are when you argue Rodgers didn’t say anything. He used the same methods he’s used before and the same people. Perhaps he still is— Alex Smith’s take was assumption rich and they are friends too.
What we don’t know is what Rodgers wants, what his real reasons are and what their impact will be on the team either way in terms of cap, picks and retention. For all we know, Rodgers is refusing to negotiate or asking for the absurd. He’s not going to come out and say that. If he was he wouldn’t have coordinated the sudden and concerted @conversations” or simply disavowed them.
Since'61
June 02, 2021 at 11:18 pm
Rodgers wants some security. That is what he is asking for. Now he may be asking for an unreasonable length of time. IMO anything over 2-3 seasons would be unreasonable.
As for disavowing any of his alleged comments, that would only drag this situation into a he said/he said which would resolve nothing. If Rodgers did disavow the comments, I’m pretty confident that you would not believe him based on your comment that he is using the same methods and people that he has before. Whatever that means. In any case it’s all hearsay and irrelevant. Even the Packers FO has stated that they don’t believe that he wants out of Green Bay and Gute has disavowed the comment about Rodgers wanting him fired.
I would not expect AR to enter into a lose/lose scenario just to claim he didn’t say something which he didn’t say in the first place.
BTW, I have sailed along the Nile River, it’s quite beautiful, actually breathtaking in some places. It’s a trip that I highly recommend if and when the pandemic is finally over. Be well.
Thanks, Since ‘61
White92
June 03, 2021 at 04:00 pm
Great analysis as usual
LambeauPlain
June 02, 2021 at 12:37 pm
"The FO apparently has no idea how to handle the situation."
Could not disagree more. Rodgers has no leverage beyond an unattractive "beautiful mystery" for his "mistreatment" being paid almost a quarter BILLION $ to play a game that is wearing thin. He can sit out as he fails to live up to an contract he signed in 2018 with big smiles and gratitude...and pay the Packers $millions to compensate for his silly, me first pout.
The FO holds the cards. And if Rodgers does return, he better get to a SB...a bar he has set for himself now. Whiffing in 5 straight NFCCGs will not be an attractive legacy. In fact, he would hold that record, taking it from Kelly/Bills.
Since'61
June 02, 2021 at 04:12 pm
LambeauPlain Yes, the FO holds all the cards and that is fine. But by doing nothing they run the risk of Rodgers walking away and the Packers receiving nothing in return. That is terrible asset management, Now they could still make a trade but teams can wait whether Rodgers plays in 2021 or not.
The 4 (not 5) NFCCGs the Packers have lost I wouldn't place all on Rodgers. The defense allowed 140 points in those 4 games for an average of 35 PPG. If you expect any team to overcome that while facing some of the best defenses in the league you will remain frustrated.
2014 @ Seattle - Rodgers was not on the field when the defense collapsed and gave away a 12 point lead in about 2 minutes of running time. However Rodgers, playing on one leg, did bring the team back for a tying FG but never saw the field again after the defense surrendered the game winning TD on Seattle's opening drive in OT.
2016 @ Atlanta - Falcons score 44 points and blow an injury decimated Packers team off the field. That NFCCG was the 16th consecutive week of football for the Packers since they had an early bye in Week 4 that year. One thing for sure though is that Rodgers was not on the field for the Falcons 44 points.
2019 @ SF - the Packers defense gives up 285 yards rushing to a 3rd string running back and had no answer for the 49ers ground game. Rodgers was not on the field to stop the 49ers ground game.
2020 at Lambeau - The Packers defense allows 3 first half TDs of 20 yards or more and their OL has no answer for the Bucs pass rush as Rodgers is sacked 5 times and takes 8 QB hits. Aaron Jones gets injured and leaves the game on the first possession of 2nd half. Rodgers is left with one legit NFL WR, no ground game and an OL being pushed around like rag dolls. The Bucs defense is one of the league's best in 2020. The Bucs were better prepared and played with more intensity and a higher sense of urgency than the less prepared Packers who with poor in game coaching decisions execute poorly at critical points in the game. Packers never played with a lead and lost in all 3 phases of the game. Out prepared, out coached and out played. Season over.
Kelly/Bills lost 4 SBs not CCGs. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:41 pm
It is quite likely that he will attract a better price next year if he stays in shape and teams have a chance to compete. There are scenarios where never letting him hit the field this year is the likely best source of compensation this year and better cap impact. Ball will know that. Not playing is a big step towards not getting another collarbone or bad concussion.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 08:35 pm
Trading him now makes any of that someone else’s issue to deal with, not ours.
Banking on him being more valuable a year later, making him 38 at the time of trade, more than a year removed from winning MVP is taking a year away from the wrong side of the effectiveness window. I’m not sure how that makes him more valuable than he is today, to the right team.
You know what I mean?
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 11:15 pm
If your theory is right and Elway is salivating then maybe, but if not thevoool of teams with the cap or collateral now is tiny. Next year teams can prepare and position and the Packers have less cap constraints too. I still think teams will punt on him next year if he’s healthy. After that he’s going to decline in attractiveness if not playing for sure.
Fabio
June 02, 2021 at 03:05 pm
I agree since '61
First, happy birthday Al (late)
As I have said for some time, the real tragedy is that the FO did not have a plan .... and the current situation proves it.
However, the only certain thing I think is that AR will not be traded and we will not get anything for him
And this is a further failure of the FO
In the end I hope what you jokingly said will come true ..... AR retires, Bortles and Love start the first 3 and we lose them all. Then AR comes back and ........
Since'61
June 02, 2021 at 04:19 pm
Fabio, losing AR with no return has been my concern from the beginning. The longer this goes the less value teams will offer for Rodgers. In fact I believe that any interested teams will rather and see how this plays out. If Rodgers holds out into the season rather than retire the Packers will be as bad off as if Rodgers did retire in that they still have no return for his loss.
By training camp we'll know if this is about money or not. If Rodgers lets the big money go we'll know that we have a problem. I'm hoping that the FO does something before that happens. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
June 03, 2021 at 10:52 am
Maybe page three from the dale carnegie's "managing your way to the top" is missing and the silage is getting mildew. The trade leverage is already recalibrated and as you said, in retreat.
PeteK
June 02, 2021 at 10:06 am
I don't blame the media for any speculation because the NFL is a year round item now. Packer fans for the most part don't like it , but most fans of other teams are eating it up. Rod knows and uses that. Quickest way to improve this team is through special teams and the rookies will be the vehicle.
porupack
June 02, 2021 at 10:38 am
I don't believe Rodgers will be traded this year, nor retire. He'll play. He helps himself the most by playing at his peak in 2021.
All that being said, an intriguing trade would have been RWilson for ARodgers, straight up. That probably could have been viable in February. Bash the idea. I can too. Just saying, it would have been epic and intriguing. that's all.
Qoojo
June 02, 2021 at 10:52 am
I still maintain that all the rumors of offers and trades were other teams attempting to cause a bigger rift and unofficially tamper. Fact is that AR is under contract for years, and the only thing he can do is pull a Favre like retirement and un-retirement issue with salary cap. But AR is a very sensitive snowflake and will not want to tarnish his legacy like that.
I don't really care if AR or others think AR should be notified of draft decisions, but every other position on the team has to deal with competition without any notice. I know it's tough when the bubble gets burst that Barney lied about being special.
If Barry cannot adjust his scheme for the players, then it's another long wait for the next DC, and potentially next HC. I still think that the Packers will DL issues. It's still "Kenny Clark and the JAGs".
dobber
June 02, 2021 at 11:03 am
"Well, June 1st, the day where it would be much more palatable for the Packers to trade Aaron Rodgers, is behind us. Much to the chagrin of all the "Broncos and Packers already have a deal worked out" conspiracy theorists, nothing of consequence happened..."
Being a fan base used to watching the annual coming and going of free agency under TT, we're well prepared for this development...
4thand1
June 02, 2021 at 11:17 am
Here's to kicking out the elephant in the room pertaining to special teams. GTFO. Lets hope the new elephant won't be starting QB. Happy B-Day Al.
PatrickGB
June 02, 2021 at 11:35 am
Following Rodgers history tells me that when he makes up his mind about something then that’s it. I expect a “retirement” announcement soon. The team won’t budge, he won’t budge and the holdout would be too expensive. He doesn’t even look like a NFL QB anymore. He makes more cryptic statements and plays golf and travels the celebrity circuit. Of course there will be even a lot of silliness after that. He retires. He gets married. He has second thoughts and unretires.
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:50 pm
He looked pretty lean but trim in Hawaii. That aside, I think it’s unlikely the team bend anytime soon. Will he? I too am dubious that he will play unfortunately. Best roster in years and he sits out? That would pretty much indicate his priorities aren’t what we hope. Frankly I just think he wants to be elsewhere and needs a reason that’s more palatable. Will money change that? Maybe. So might a resolute FO.
Fubared
June 02, 2021 at 10:31 pm
maybe I'm wrong but if he says he is retiring he has to pay back 30 mil. that's money he was paid to play, no play you owe it back. this ain't like he retires and gets an income.
LambeauPlain
June 02, 2021 at 12:14 pm
I truly hope Mo can finally make the STs competent. Competent STs and a solid improvement from the D can translate into more wins and make life easier for Love if he is behind center. My concern is Mo was the top ST assistant under both Zook and Mennenga....doesn't he share in futility of those teams? Maybe his coaching advice was ignored....but he has been an ST coach for awhile in GB. Good news is STs have no where to go but up.
Regarding the Rodgers drama...if he does return, he has set a SB appearance for himself now. If he doesn't get to a SB, his legacy will be the GOAT who whiffed 5 times in the NFCCG.
Bure9620
June 02, 2021 at 08:47 pm
His legacy took a hit this last year. Losing to a 43 old Brady at home when Jaire Alexander handed you 2 possessions which you did nothing with......Brady has cemented himself as the Goat.....7-8 in the Playoffs....Rodgers is a great regular season QB though.....
splitpea1
June 02, 2021 at 12:55 pm
What I gleaned from the Drayton interview is that we're going to be using a more intelligent approach with the geometry of the field, pursuit angles and using the sideline to our advantage. And the players are going to understand the rules! It's mystifying as to why the players weren't coached this way before. At any rate, it sounds a whole lot better than the possibly willy-nilly methods we were using before. The players still have to execute in the chaos of live action, though, so special teams improvement is going to be more of a process than a quick fix.
With Barry the transition should be easier, as the terminology may be different but the schemes are similar. The fact that the defensive assistants were retained should help bridge any communication/understanding gaps between the DC and the veterans.
LambeauPlain
June 02, 2021 at 01:28 pm
I am wondering why Mo wasn't teaching these concepts and playbook knowledge over the last several yeas as a top ST assistant under Mennenga and Zook? Maybe he was ignored.
Regarding Barry, at least he kept all the D assistants like Gray, Smith, Montgomery et al. If he can tweak the D to become effective getting run stops, this D has the talent to be upper tier in the NFL.
splitpea1
June 02, 2021 at 03:10 pm
Maybe Zook and Mennenga weren't holding the players accountable. Or everything went in one ear and out the other. The ST were so bad under Zook that I don't think some of the players even cared. I think the fresh blood in this unit is going to help, and maybe Drayton will command a little more respect....finding a legitimate gunner would also be of great help.
PeteK
June 02, 2021 at 02:40 pm
Yes, there is some truth to not giving up angles when in pursuit, but it still mainly comes down to the desire to block, or not be blocked that is the question. Also, having a quick change of direction returner (Amari) that can get to the seams or outside will greatly help
Coldworld
June 02, 2021 at 07:52 pm
Best comment if the whole section. Hope you are right about Drayton, but I got the same sense.
Packers0808
June 02, 2021 at 06:05 pm
Rodgers is doing Love a favor just like Favre did Rodgers b y not showing up at the OTAS! Best way for Love to reps just like Favre unwittingly did for Rodgers!
CoachDino
June 02, 2021 at 06:40 pm
Bortles seems to be a sound decision due to the circumstances.
He stinks and was a bust. So much so that he hasn't taken more than a handful of snaps in 2 years.
Sucks paying so much for a 2-3rd string QB with little to no future.
YET,
Considering the AR situation he is a great source of experience and knowledge to help Love, heard nothing but great things about his character. The salary is a sound investment if AR doesn't show up but do you keep him if he does? So it all depends on the situation and from the details Big Al supplied the packers formulated the contract accordingly.
Post June 1st - Ya never say never, but I see no reason to trade AR before the completion of the 2021 season. Nothing has changed.
Great point of stokes best traits vs assumed scheme. Then again that's why we thought Josh Jackson was a sound pick.
IMO, Man coverage is the most difficult trait, zone can be more of an acquired skill in comparison. If the Packers can form a DB unit that can play either at a high to acceptable level the flexibility it provides is gold. My biggest hope is the scheme calls allows the DB's to disguise coverages. From the tape review I've seen done, written analysis and basic FBI, it seemed to be an achilles heel of the petinne years, ( predictability by personnel and formation). IMO, More from personnel deficiencies than desired DC calls. Hopefully Barry will acquire the personnel to pull it off.
I am not AS sold on the Bears draft as others. Fields was the 4th QB taken, that tells you something. Could be that the draft was loaded with QB talent or that Fields isn't special. OSU QB history isn't good. Personally I don't have an opinion of him other than Id rather have Love. That said, Fields is like Love and other QB prospects, you never know how good they might just be, while we do know how good, Mitch, Dalton and Foles could be, so Fields was a good pick. TBO it seemed that Fields became evaluated
I did like the jenkins pick as well. Snowden could be a beast in this league but is so skinny that he will get washed up in the NFL as is. Now if he puts on some weight, strength and technique, agreed, he could be something. Steal as a developmental UDFA.
greengold
June 02, 2021 at 07:57 pm
This whole square peg/round hole thing appears to be a thing of the past in our new system, if their players will be doing both.
From what I’ve read, it sounds like they will be changing roles at different positions, one call to the next, pre snap to post snap, based upon what they’re trying to stop.
For example, one DB might be in zone while everyone else is in man coverage, and vis a vis. Or they can switch to one mix of man/zone pre snap, then to another post snap, based on the offensive adjustments made.
A need for flexibility without changing personnel groupings might be why we’ve seen an infusion of solid man CBs along with these longer, faster hybrid Safeties/ILBs in Gaines, Uphoff & Wilborn. Amazing all of them UDFA adds, but as they tell the players, “it doesn’t matter how you get here, but what you do while you’re here.”
All 3 of those players bring with them some remarkable abilities. Wouldn’t shock me if Gutekunst keeps all 3.
Regardless, your point’s a good one that it’s going to be easier having DBs with good man coverage skills switching than the inverse. I don’t see any of it being to big for Alexander, Stokes, et al. We’ve got a solid secondary.
Fubared
June 02, 2021 at 10:19 pm
Now that June 1 has gone, I'm hoping someone close to Rodgers (diva boy) explains to him, The Pack hold all the cards. You got two options, go play for them or retire and get your check book out, you owe them a ton of money.
Either way the Pack win.
Ya they may suffer with Love but trading Rodgers after or during next season lots of picks, lots of cap space. Long term good news.
Buckywunder
June 05, 2021 at 07:37 pm
Justin Fields is going to wash out.
Sorry…