Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Offseason 2-12-20

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

XFL: With the previous incarnation of the XFL, I gave it a cursory look, laughed, scoffed and walked away to never pay attention before. As this new XFL approached, I expected much of the same, but lo and behold, I checked in on a few games over the weekend and I have to say, there were things I really liked.

~ I like that there are games on both Saturday and Sunday. I'm not going to commit specific parts of my weekend to watch XFL, but having four opportunities over the weekend to check in, there's a very good chance I'll be watching some XFL.

~ The Kickoff rule is awesome. If there is one thing the NFL has to steal from the XFL, this is it.

~ The extra point rule goes too far with the three point opportunity, but I wouldn't mind some way of getting rid of kicked extra points altogether in the NFL.

Wild Moss: Speaking of the XFL, how about head coach Winston Moss firing his defensive coordinator (Pepper Johnson) after one game? You really have to wonder how Moss lasted so long with the Packers. And I also wonder if Pepper got the "Winston Death Stare:"

 

 

The LaFleurs:  I've been thinking Coach LaFleur might be plotting ways to try to extricate his brother Mike from the 49ers (as he tried to do last season.) The 49ers must have seen Mike as a target (maybe from the Packers and very likely from other teams), as they launched a preemptive strike, signing Mike to a contract extension. Scratch the "We are Family" music.

#HireCapers: Well, well well... Guess who's back in the NFC North... Hopefully, he'll be helping scheme up some three man rush on third downs for the Vikings.

MVS: As the conductor on the MVS train since before the draft, this year was difficult to watch and a major disappointment. MVS recently called it a "roller coaster season" on his Instagram account, but really it was more of a Jekyll and Hyde performance. After catching 21 passes for 416 yards and 2 TDs over the first seven games, MVS caught only five passes over the remaining 11 games of the 2019 season and playoffs. He did have to fight through some injuries (ankle and knee), but he was never inactive. He failed to catch a few deep passes - the area where he has the most value to the Packers, and that was likely his undoing. Can he recapture the promise he showed as a rookie? Well, this conductor is pumping the brakes a bit, but that doesn't mean the train is stopping. Hopefully he spends the offseason catching a million deep balls and learning to run sharp routes and then let the athletic ability take over.

Rashan Gary:  This is tough to admit for someone who has urged Packers fans to be patient with Gary all year, but last April, when we do our annual FUBAR board of players we would NOT want to draft, guess who ol' Jersey Al had as his choice. I'm not here to brag about it, though. Once you're a Packer, I'm behind you 100% and will give you every benefit of the doubt. I'm going to stick with that approach for Gary's sophomore season, but if he doesn't show significant progress, it will be hard to argue with Team "Gary is a Bust," of which many of you are probably members. At that point, I may have to write some totally transparent, self-serving post bragging about how right I was. Please, Rashan, don't make me do it.

 

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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

__________________________

6 points
 

Comments (78)

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

February 12, 2020 at 06:31 am

I do not think Gary is a bust he needs to be on the field more also as I stated on anther post M Adams should have taken a big step forward but he has not , I wonder if it’s coaching.

9 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 08:44 am

If Gary is on the field, it means that one of the Smiths isn’t.

0 points
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3
CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:17 am

I mean the Smiths did play a crazy amount of snaps the development of Gary is necessary to ensure these guys can catch a breather remember when Z kept getting hurt? I don’t know if it was cramps or some nagging injury but it was happening for good little stretch there and sometimes multiple times a game. That’s how nagging injuries turn into serious ones.

3 points
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dobber's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:24 am

Commentators often said that Z's "injuries" were often him trying to control the pace of games, get his teammates a breather, and break up the rhythm of an opposing offense. Seems pretty smart to me, if true.

7 points
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CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 04:06 pm

Z you sly dog lol that's absolutely hilarious if he was

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:05 pm

Put all three on the field. Fackerell will not be retained.

7 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:14 pm

Yes, but we were talking about last year. Gary was our #4 edge guy. We play two edge rushers. He’ll get more snaps this year. If either Smith gets hurt, he’ll be a starter .

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:18 pm

He was a better rusher than Fackerell and he showed his inside game at 3 and 5 tech. He was not utilized enough down the stretch run. The more pressure, the better.

4 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:07 pm

Better than Fackrell based on what? And do you seriously believe you are smarter than the Packers coaches?

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:11 pm

Better in terms of pressures per snap but the two played significantly different roles which also contributed to that differential. If Fackrel leaves they will need a player who can drop, I doubt that will be The optimal use for Gary.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 14, 2020 at 02:40 pm

Gary came off the Edge position the same as Fackerell, although more of his rushes came from the right side. . He is a better player. Fourth year for Fackerell and he plateaued.

0 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:58 pm

Not based on sack #s

-2 points
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dobber's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:28 am

Except when Z is playing inside. That allows Gary to play that "elephant" role we all hated to hear about under Dom.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 10:46 am

Gary can play with his hand on the ground.They have to flex him like Buffalo did with Bruce Smith. Why waste his speed getting tied up with linemen.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:08 pm

If the "elephant" is Hank Bullough's version it will succeed. Tony Campbell came off the Edge from the two point and three point stance. Bruce Smith, the same way. It's on Pettine to get the max pressures and get the best players on the field, not sketching on the chromebook.

4 points
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NickPerry's picture

February 12, 2020 at 06:45 am

I'm still holding out a TON of hope for Rashan Gary. Playing an entirely new position, being asked to many different things than he did at Michigan, having IMO an excellent position coach, and showing some progress as the season progressed are my reasons for my continued hope. Personally I wish I wasn't using the word "Hope" to describe my feelings towards the Packers 1st round pick and 12th overall in this past draft but it is what it is. I have a good feeling though about Gary. I'm just not sure if it's my extreme homerisum or actually warranted. I'm hoping it's the later of the two.

8 points
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Since'61's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:54 am

Nick - I'm with you. I was pretty certain that the Packers were going to bring Gary along slowly since he came out as a junior. Even with a limited number of snaps he was effective while he was on the field. I'm hoping that Gary evolves similar to how Kenny Clark evolved, who also came out as a junior, and was given increased opportunities to the point where he is now the premier player on the Packers DL. Time will tell. Thanks, Since '61

6 points
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Bearmeat's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:57 am

I "hope" he turns out too, but like Al, I HATED the pick when it was made at 12 and I hate it now. His rookie year, I'm sad to say, turned out exactly like I thought it would. He's got all the athletic tools and very little production. This has been his M.O. for years.

I get Gute hammering the pass rush hard last year, but not with that guy. It is my expectation that we'll be talking Gary = bust at this time next year.

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:47 pm

I don’t hate it, A healthy season from the Smiths wasn’t guaranteed and Gary had a lot to learn. Gary was an investment. That’s often the case even with high picks.

2 points
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dobber's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:36 pm

I yelled at the TV when they made that pick, and not in a good way.

I think you're right, though. They drafted him for the player he could be in September 2020 (or even 2021), not May 2019.

2 points
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Bearmeat's picture

February 12, 2020 at 02:09 pm

That's rolling the dice big time with the 12th overall pick. We haven't picked that high since Raji. Clark was an equal roll of the dice I'd say - but late in the 1st round, I get it way more than 12th overall.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

February 13, 2020 at 06:18 pm

Gary was a developmental player from the day he was drafted. I was surprised when Gute made the pick, but with the Smiths and Gary's shoulder it was clear he would see little playing time. Packers had four players on the active roster as offensive linemen, one they were forced to start early in the season over injuries, (Jenkins) and one who got field time because of injuries (Light). One who's on field play got better and better as the season rolled on, and one....who did not. Packers are a still a rebuilding team, and rebuilding teams take risks like that all through their roster. Gray is a long term investment. We'll see how it works out...

0 points
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WMA's picture

February 12, 2020 at 11:10 am

Hoping that Gary will be part of the answer to an improved run defense. Clark made a big jump his second year. Hope Gary does too.

1 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

February 12, 2020 at 06:57 am

My confessions of 2019. Releasing Daniels was a mistake. I know he got hurt, but it would have been great to have him in SF. Drafting Gary was a mistake. 1st rounders should be able to contribute a lot. He didn't. Gone is the time, except maybe for QB's, that you can wait a year. SF hit on three rookies that started. We had two. Martinez is taking a lot of stuff for his performance. But after the 1st Viking game, he no longer was playing downhill, but more as a safety valve. I also blame Pettine for a poor game plan with SF in the playoffs. Yes I am still not over that. Z Smith said the he and Preston did not set the edges properly. Where was the adjustment? And Rodgers played poorly with his turnovers. And finally, looking forward. We have had too many so so drafts. Spriggs, Adams, Burk, six WR's, Jackson are so far all busts. Where is the 7th rounder like Tauscher who starts for 10 years? BG needs to hit better. We don't have the cash to get what we got last year. And no more signing high dollar TE's.

-9 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:49 pm

Daniels started hurt. Daniels is a classic example of a team making the right call based upon the then present rather than his past.

8 points
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CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 05:29 pm

They wouldn't have had in San Fran because he ended the year on IR...and that was in a rotational role.

2 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:42 pm

Daniels: 9 games, 1 sack, 2 QB hits, 2 TFLs, 6 tackles, four assists. I LOVE Mike Daniels. I have an autographed Mike Daniels Iowa helmet sitting on my desk. Letting him go was the right move at the right time.

3 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:04 am

XFL:
I was gone this weekend and didn't catch much of the games. But one thing that I saw that I absolutely loved was the replay. I loved how they showed the guy reviewing the play and what he said happened. The kickoff rule I think has some room to work in the NFL. I could see the NFL adopting something similar.
I'm hoping to catch a little more this coming weekend.

Wild Moss:
I also question why McCarthy kept Moss so long? In Moss's words "I can't help you"

The LaFleurs:
I'm not going to lie, I thought there was going to be a pretty good chance that Mike maybe would have came to Green Bay.

#HireCapers:
As much crap as Capers gets, he is a smart guy, and could actually benefit the Vikings. Or he could be the final straw in the Zimmer era. Either way.

MVS:
I still believe in MVS. After the season it was said he was dealing with injuries which hurt him as well. He will be entering his 3rd year and his 2nd year in the offense. I think he could have a big time role in the offense next year. He has skills and speed that you can't teach.
But to be honest, I don't want to fully rely on him to do so. I want to go and draft a couple of WR's. I want to go and sign a FA. If MVS earns the #2,3,4 WR job, then he will have earned it. Not just won it by default.

Rashan Gary:
Lets not forget that Gary had a shoulder injury that may have affected him during the year, but especially early on. Since he won't need surgery, he should be able to have a full offseason. Also he was learning a new position. I really do think Gary can be a very good player. Lets not forget that he does have The Smiths ahead of him. I do agree that he has to make progress in year 2 but you can see he has skills. And when he did play he was productive. For whatever reason he didn't get a lot of playing time though. I mean 3 snaps in the final game?
Keke played well down the stretch as well and he didn't get much playing time either.
I do question Pettine's use of players a bit.

I'm not going to lie when a rookie comes in and doesn't have much production there are reasons to have doubt. That being said I think we really do need to be patient with Gary. He has the Smiths ahead of him. He now has a full offseason. If we don't see much improvement this year, then I think there maybe some reasons to worry. But lets see how it plays out first.

5 points
6
1
Mojo's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:58 pm

What's disconcerting about Gary's injury is, while at Michigan he already had surgery to repair the torn labrum.

It's an injury you can play through, but I don't care what anyone says, a D-lineman who risks dislocation every time he raises his arms up or back certainly has to limit his pass-rush moves to compensate.

Gary says it's healed now and doesn't need further surgery. He better be right, I don't want to hear of it as an excuse in 2020.

1 points
2
1
Swisch's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:16 am

If Gary and MVS are dedicated to getting better and better, I think they'll both excel with the Packers.
Does anyone see Cole Madison as a starting lineman for the Packers next season, or ever?
I'm reluctant to give up on Montravius Adams, Oren Burks, and Josh Jackson. It may be that Mike Pettine is the one who has more to prove than these guys.
All-in-all, it's so important to evaluate our young players entering year two or three before we make our decisions in free agency and the draft.
This is the time for fans to step up and boldly state which of the young guys on the current roster they think will become top performers -- also including Tonyan, Sternberger, Kumerow, Keke, and Summers.
You're the GM. Make some tough predictions for young guys we already have on the team.

1 points
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3
Since'61's picture

February 12, 2020 at 10:04 am

I think that Gary will improve. He has the physical tools. As for MVS if he doesn't show improvement during TC he should be chucked.

I don't see Cole Madison moving into a starting role unless injuries force it to happen. I would give Burks another chance if he can remain injury free. I would bring Adams and Jackson into camp but I would expect them to be chucked since we should sign or draft a solid DL during the off-season and we could also add another DB he would be better than Jackson. Keep Sternberger and Keke. Chuck Tonyan, Kumerow and Summers. They are JAGS and they are a dime a dozen. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
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Swisch's picture

February 12, 2020 at 10:24 am

Thanks, Since'61, for the decisive calls.
It's a hard league, and I hate to see guys go; but it is getting to be time for these guys to step up in a significant way.
I wonder why Cole Madison isn't starting caliber.

0 points
1
1
Coldworld's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:58 pm

I think I’m in agreement with your approach, but I think it is too early to write off Madison, Summers and perhaps Jackson. Madison and Summers were rookies. Madison missed a year and Summers was a 7th who performed on special teams. Let them compete and recall that all teams need affordable depth.

Jackson has to prove himself this summer, but the new staff has implied that it is changing his usage. Let’s see. The jury is still out for me, as it is with EQ.

The two who really need to show something to keep them in the building are Burks and M Adams, most especially the latter. They both might have one foot out the door at this point. Last chance saloon

5 points
5
0
jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:23 pm

Put Turner on the hot potato list ,regardless of the skewed contract. Bring someone in to compete for and improve the RG spot.

2 points
3
1
dobber's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:37 pm

If you find a really promising G in the process, then you can slide Jenkins to C and play that G on the left...if not in 2020, then 2021 when Linsley's contract comes up.

3 points
3
0
Guam's picture

February 12, 2020 at 03:31 pm

I would add Allison to your "chuck list" and subtract Summers. Summers was a 7th round rookie - lets see if he has a second year jump in him before we chuck him......

4 points
4
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Bear's picture

February 12, 2020 at 06:04 pm

3 scouting reports on Cole Madison was a backup lineman at best.

-1 points
0
1
jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 10:15 pm

Time will tell, but he's recovering from knee surgery right now. He really is not in the starters discussion for 2020. I like his attitude and he was a top pass pro RT for Leach. He has to learn more of the run game. He should be in the competition for 2021. He will get better if the knee holds up, similar to Tretter picking up the pieces.

3 points
3
0
stockholder's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:29 am

I don't see any hope for Gary. He should have been a DE. How can we Fix Dumb? The square peg never fits the round hole. I get the challenge, but the move seems to be over. MVS it's over. The failures of the wrs is just Sad. So many chances, so many failures.

-8 points
3
11
jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 08:59 am

Gary should have the option to go two point or rush with his hand on the ground. I wouldn't erase what he already knows and try to push him into OLB exclusively. He has the speed. See how he responds in the spring. Get a couple more WRs.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:48 am

Gary will certainly get more chances this upcoming season once Fackrell is not resigned. He could be that stout DE that can also create some pressure on the QB, but at 277 he would need to bulk up to at least 295. Unfortunately, right now he is better suited at DE in 4-3 defense.

2 points
4
2
jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:01 am

The point of contention across the season, why not more 4-3 looks with this lineup?

0 points
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CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:42 am

They don’t have the personnel, let’s envision KC, Z, Preston and Gary with their hands in the dirt now who’s behind them? As of right now the Packers don’t have three worthy MLBs to play behind that front certainly you don’t want a Fackrell, Blake and Ty Summers or Goodson playing in space right? That’s just gross. The Packers get the LBs they need this offseason more 4-3 looks are possible.

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:16 pm

O.K. let's call it 4-2 heavy front a'la big bad Bill. Stack six if you have to get the job done to stop the run. The 49r debacle was embarrassing. These guys are Pros and should be able to comprehend a diversified approach to defense. See what unfolds in the summer session. LaFleur will want answers.

2 points
2
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dobber's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:22 am

I would argue that just about every time the Packers went with 2 down linemen, they were playing an even front look.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:19 pm

I’d agree. What’s the difference between 2-4-5 and 4-2-5?

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:28 pm

285 yards yielded on the ground vs the 49rs

5 points
5
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flackcatcher's picture

February 13, 2020 at 06:54 pm

Badger look with DB/Hybrids swapped out for ILB. Pettine put that a last year after he had Jim Lenord? and his defensive staff in camp. Necessary is the mother of invention, or lemonade from lemons. Pick one. Only difference is instead of being on the line, playing 5-7 yards off and running delay stunt or run zone packages. If the Packers had only one more guy who could play inside....

0 points
0
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dobber's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:32 am

I think we all knew Gary was a test freak but a project when drafted. I'm not going to label him a bust when he's got two really good OLBs (Smith and Smith) playing ahead of him. I'll be optimistic for year 2 after he's had a full off-season in an NFL weight room and a chance to work on his hand skills.

MVS is a head-scratcher. It's a lot to ask of a 5th rounder to be a quality NFL starter in his second season. The way he faded was troubling, but he did the same thing in 2018 as ESB came on late. Here's hoping he bounces back in 2020 (with ESB) to provide some quality depth behind Adams, Lazard, and an added talent in the WR room.

5 points
5
0
Bearmeat's picture

February 12, 2020 at 11:43 am

You said it - 5th rounders aren't supposed to become starters and expecting them to do so is asking for a fringe prospect to buck the odds big time. The fact that our WRs suck isn't MVS' fault. It's the GM for ignoring that position since 2014. Now, I understand why TT and Gute did what they did, but it is the truth.

RE: Gary - We have to wait to see this year. But year 1 was (as I expected) garbage from him. He's looking very much like Nick Perry right now without the injuries.

-1 points
1
2
CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 05:09 pm

That's a bit of a stretch Perry was a day one starter and started 5 games but ended his rookie year with the same amount of sacks and less tackles.

0 points
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CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:36 am

I never really thought MVS was a WR2 I mean he’s fast but he has a limited route tree and isn’t a complete WR. I always feel like your WR1 and WR2 should be damn near interchangeable you know like it use to be in the good ol days. So if the Packers don’t trade for one or pick one in FA they need to be looking for the most polished WR they can get not necessarily the fastest but the best route runner and reliable hands. Guys like Adams and Michael Thomas have shown you can dominate in this league with elite foot work and route running you don’t have to blow past everyone. MVS should fall in line with guys like Tedd Ginn (minus the butter fingers), Torrey Smith, Mike Wallace and even DeSean Jackson at this point in his career guys that can turn 45 catches into 700 plus yards, guys who can turn one catch into 40 yards, make that momentum swinging play or ignite the offense.

2 points
3
1
Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Regarding MSV.....

Davante Adams was a high second round pick. His second season, he was targeted over 90 times, had a bad problem with drops, and ended up with 50 catches for 483 yards. People thought we should cut him, but smarter people prevailed and he got better.

MSV was targeted only 56 times, had some bad drops, and ended up with 26 catches for 452 yards, almost as many as Adams got on twice as many catches.

The three WRs who played the majority of snaps for us ....MSV, Lazard, and Allison.....caught almost 100 balls last year. Replace Allison with ESB next year and we’ll be fine, especially if we RUN MORE AND PASS LESS. IMO, it’s a waste of resources to pursue a guy that’s going to take snaps away from the guys we have , particularly when they are blockers or decoys on 90% of the snaps.

Improve our short yardage offense so we can stay on the field. Blockers and pile movers.

0 points
2
2
CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:42 pm

Can you be a decoy if you’re not a threat though? Despite his targets he’s still a limited WR and doesn’t have the skill set outside of speed to be a legit number two. Running more and Passing less doesn’t solve the problem considering the guy that runs a lot still wanted more weapons at WR and couldn’t make due with Deebo and Kittle he’ll go into this offseason still looking for that WR2. If you can’t do everything your job entails you get demoted why not get a guy that can block and be a legit threat beside Adams?

3 points
3
0
Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 03:46 pm

Cag......no matter who you send out on the pattern, somebody has to cover him. We move the ball through the air by Adams, our RBs, and our TEs. We run more. We simply don't need a #2 WR that catches more than 100 passes a season. (that's about six a game)

I don't get why a "legit #2" is more important than a "#2 by committee " approach. From my perspective, the committee has more resistance to injury and presents more of a challenge for the defense. You have to find a guy who can deal with Lazard's blocking, MSV's speed, and perhaps ESBs height rather than just matching up with one guy.

Since you mentioned Kittle, I'll throw in that we should certainly look at getting one of the good TEs that are FAs this year. And that would be one more reason we don't need another WR.

1 points
2
1
CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 04:27 pm

So we both agree that another receiving option is needed whether it be TE or WR? I'm not saying he has to go catch for catch with Adams just someone to complement think Calvin Ridley for the Falcons he's caught 63 and 64 passes the past two seasons for 800 plus yards which is perfect. Its clear the Packers aren't just going to "run more throw less" they wouldn't have been looking for trades and making this position a priority if they were. I wouldn't mind a 2016 Cowboys, clock control, keep away, efficient offense with an improved defense that would be great it just doesn't seem like that's what MLF wants for his offense.

0 points
0
0
Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:08 pm

We need a TE who can block and catch to go with Lewis and Sternberger. We ran more and threw less last year. The teams that run the most and best win more games. How do you know they’re making the position a priority?

0 points
0
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CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 11:12 pm

Yeah in he first year of a totally different offense not the same as still having MM and doing it and we're pretty much talking about a difference of 2 less passes a game. I mean Gute was trying to upgrade the position during the season and mentioned that during his press I don't think the idea just went away do you? He knows the guys he drafted in the later rounds were projects at best and was just hoping one would stick same thing TT did when he drafted 3 RBs.

1 points
1
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 12, 2020 at 10:40 pm

They need the heir apparent to Adams. They need to hit on the WR in the 1st or 2nd round. They could draft two TEs for all we know. Why not?

0 points
0
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flackcatcher's picture

February 13, 2020 at 06:37 pm

As the season rolled on, I thought it was more a combo of inexperience and scheme that crippled the offense. This team was running to them a completely new offensive system put in at short notice. In general, I am leery of blaming an injured player with his limits on what he can do. What we want them to do, and how they actually play out on the field are always two separate things. Still, this offensive group was effective this season, (as was MVS for most of the year) let's not forget that.

0 points
0
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ricky's picture

February 12, 2020 at 11:52 am

So, MVS did well when he wasn't hurt, then bombed when he was trying to play through injuries. And the drumbeat of "bust" gets louder. Does this sound familiar? It should. It's almost the identical scenario Davante Adams went through in his first two years. Including many calls to cut him. Sometimes patience is a virtue (as with Adams). Sometimes it's a curse (See: Perry, Nick). So, is Rashan Gary going to be the next Perry? Or will he blossom next season? We'll see, because if the injury bug bites next year, as the odds say it should, Gary could very well see the field a lot more, whether we like it or not.

3 points
5
2
ILPackerBacker's picture

February 12, 2020 at 12:36 pm

We saw a DC unable to get a SINGLE SCHEME that took martinez off the field no matter how many yards were needed for a first down.

We saw a DC unable to the Smiths and Gary on the field at the same time.

We saw Frackrel on the field for hundreds of snaps to many, and worse for lowry.

Being on the field or off the field is more a comment on bad coaching, bad scheme, bad use of talent then it is a comment on the players

1 points
5
4
Coldworld's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:08 pm

Lol, who would you take Martinez off for? Fackrell was the only cover type OLB, and we didn’t have an ILB to spare, so of course he saw the field a lot! Gary plays where the Smiths excelled, he is being coached to expand his repertoire but with them being healthy, I’m not surprised the team stuck with them.

A coach has to do what he can with what he has. Gute has bolstered this roster considerably, but ILB, well Pettine has nothing beyond Martinez, Thst has to change even if Martinez returns to give Pettine options and depth. Perhaps a healthy Greene would have helped, but for all but one game the cupboard was bare

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 12, 2020 at 03:54 pm

So we should improve our run defense by taking our leading tackler off the field more, playing three edge rushers at a time, basically not play our #4 edge rusher hardly at all, and bench the guy that our GM liked enough to give a multi-million $ contract too?

Yeah, that's a plan I guess. Clear evidence that you're much brighter than our defensive coordinator or our GM.

1 points
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t-wrecks's picture

February 12, 2020 at 01:48 pm

I really think that MVS just didn't get enough opportunities this year, or last year. Sure, he dropped a few easy passes, but outside of those, Rodgers hasn't really thrown an accurate ball to him. You can't say someone sucks when they don't get any real opportunities to prove otherwise.

Let's see what happens next year. I'm guessing MVS gets traded and finds success somewhere else.

0 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

February 12, 2020 at 05:19 pm

How do you explain that Rodgers throws accurate balls to Adams? That he threw accurate balls to Jennings, Nelson, Cobb, Jones? Could it possibly be that MVS doesn't run proper routes?

1 points
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dobber's picture

February 13, 2020 at 07:16 am

MVS played the third most snaps of all WRs for the Packers in 2019...right at 50%. It's hard to say he didn't get his chances. He's on a rookie deal, teams carry 5-7 WRs. I don't see him getting dealt unless he plays himself off the roster in August.

1 points
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wildbill's picture

February 12, 2020 at 02:16 pm

So the one name I was hoping we didn’t draft was Gary. I don’t watch college ball so was influenced by all the bad press. Watching his limited snaps I see that some of the bad press appears wrong. He did seem to hustle but did look kinda lost. It’s a huge jump to the NFL even if you are playing the same position so I feel this off season is vastly important for him. If he does improve, a rotation of him and the Smiths would keep them fresh and less prone to injury so I see the logic behind the pick. As others stated, he is a Packer now and our support should help his growth

2 points
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Lphill's picture

February 12, 2020 at 03:44 pm

Gary was the number 1 high school prospect in the country . Let’s give him a second season and then evaluate.

2 points
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JerseyAl's picture

February 12, 2020 at 02:20 pm

When I finished up this post, I said to myself - I'll bet 90% of the comments are about Gary. Ding, ding, ding!

4 points
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Duneslick's picture

February 12, 2020 at 04:40 pm

OK You just signed 2 olb's that are 26 for 15+ million each and you draft an outside linebacker at 12 in the first round. Only 2 can start. Seems like we had a lot of other needs. Even if Gary is someday very good only 2 will start. Way too expensive for any of these guys for a backup. If Gary does get very good he is going to want to start and will most likely leave GB in free agency. Lose Lose situation. We need a backup linebackers more than a WR OL DL ILB CB . Don't think so. What was Gute thinking

1 points
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wildbill's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:48 pm

Free agents are a crapshoot, especially when handed big money. Maybe our lack of pass rush was such a concern that Gary was insurance in case one of the Smiths didn’t pan out, and could still be insurance if one of them falters in the next year or so. It’s a QB league and it’s all about pressure on the QB.

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

February 12, 2020 at 07:50 pm

BPA. Someone goes down, he looks like genius. It may still work out, or they may change something up to get him on the field more.

2 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

February 12, 2020 at 09:44 pm

What was Gute thinking? Best available player?

0 points
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CAG123's picture

February 12, 2020 at 11:23 pm

Only two will start? You don't a DC will figure out how to get his three best pass rushers on the field at once? Z lines up all over the front 4 and OLB it wouldn't be hard to get all three on the field.

1 points
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dobber's picture

February 13, 2020 at 07:31 am

"What was Gute thinking"

He was probably thinking that he found a guy he thinks will be a star. That's what you pay your GM to do: find great players and manage the roster around them.

If Gary is starting to look like that guy in his third year, then you cut or trade a 30-year old Smith and play him. I don't think this is hard.

0 points
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marpag1's picture

February 13, 2020 at 01:58 am

I'm with ya on Rashan..... my comment on "2019 NFL Draft: Day 1 Analysis" by Michalski,

marpag1
April 26, 2019 at 08:42 am
Going into the draft, I literally said, out loud: "The one guy I hope they don't draft is..... Rashan Gary."

Sadly, I think MVS will be a bust too. In fact I think every Packer receiver outside of Davante has JAG as a ceiling. Maybe Lazard can be a JAG-plus.

3 points
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CAG123's picture

February 13, 2020 at 09:03 am

Can’t really be a bust as a 5th round pick

0 points
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