Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - On your Marks, Get Set...
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
GO!
Well here we are (finally), the first real game of the Packers 2021 season. Will there be a "Road to the Super Bowl" documentary in their future?
Zzzzzzzzzzz
This extra week off has been a real yawner. Not much has happened since the roster was set. On one hand, that's a good thing as no player or coach contracted Covid during their few days away from the team. On the other hand, I'm fairly surprised that the 53-man roster has remained intact with only the signing of a long snapper to the Practice Squad to speak of. The other thing about this extra week is that it's been kind of a buzzkill. After watching the speech Charles Woodson gave to the team, I was ready to run through a wall for the team. That energy has all dissipated now - I don't like this extra week.
World of Hurt:
Today will be a significant day in this young NFL season. It's the first day you will actually get an official injury report out of the Packers. How annoying is it that teams are allowed to hide player injuries from the public for the entirety of training camp and preseason?
A Tidbit from the Dope Sheet:
I found this pretty interesting: WR Davante Adams enters Week 1 with a streak of six-plus receptions in each of his last 12 regular-season games. That is the second-longest streak in team history behind only WR Sterling Sharpe (13 in 1993-94). If Davante keeps this streak going, it's another step towards hm supplanting Sharpe as the Packers second best WR of all-time after Don Hutson (on my list, anyway).
Drunk Webb Updating:
This might be fixed by the time you read this, but it seems whoever updates the Packers roster on the Packers.com web site has had a few too many. Also, out of these five, I think I'm taking Trevor Davis for his gunner abilities.
If the @packers site is to be believed, the 53 man roster includes J’Mon Moore, DeAngelo Yancey, Adonis Jennings, Adam Pankey and Trevor Davis.
— Zach Rapport (@ZachRapport) September 8, 2021
Guns a Blazing:
The Packers' starting offense has not had a snap together in a preseason game. To me, that means they could take it out on the Saints in a big way, or they could come out disjointed and flat. I've been going back and forth on this all week myself - what do you think?
WIth no preseason game snaps under their belts, will the Packers offense...
By JerseyAl
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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.
__________________________
Comments (77)
BradHTX
September 08, 2021 at 06:39 am
“If Davante keeps this streak going, it's another step towards hm supplanting Sharpe as the Packers second best WR of all-time after Don Hutson (on my list, anyway).”
On any list, Al. On any list.
Hematite
September 08, 2021 at 06:28 am
The Packers have struggled in Florida in the past.
Now they go in to the first game of the season, in Florida, with an offense that hasn't played one snap together in pre season.
I can't help but think that the offense will struggle to find a rhythm.
I hope I'm wrong!
Guam
September 08, 2021 at 07:33 am
And they are starting against a very good Saints defense - not helpful. The only good news is that the Saints offense might be pretty questionable without Brees.
mrtundra
September 08, 2021 at 08:08 am
We will see what factor the weather plays in the Packer's performance. Hot and humid conditions may not allow the Packer's offense to get into a rhythm, especially after not paying together in the off season. I hope not. Our defense should be ready to make some INTs if Winston is NO's QB.
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 08:17 am
Run the ball. Dictate play. Put NO on their heels early...they aren't the team they were 3 years ago...or even last year.
mattgsx
September 08, 2021 at 08:24 am
This. Grind clock, control the game tempo, and bring the house at Winston. He will make some plays, but Winston led the NFL in interceptions the last time he was a full time starter. Our job will be much easier if GB force TOs and errors.
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 08:33 am
...I don't know who he's going to throw the ball to. After Kamara, they're gutted.
Can't let Kamara beat you.
mattgsx
September 08, 2021 at 10:11 am
True. Wouldn't surprise me to see Taysom out there and moving around too both as a pass catcher and for some wildcat style plays.
JonathanSpader
September 08, 2021 at 03:45 pm
Winston showed a great connection with M. Callaway who made some awesome preseason catches. We'll see how that translates to real games.
jannesbjornson
September 08, 2021 at 08:42 pm
He will hit whomever fills the spot in Payton's scheme. Get ready for Sp teams trickeration from Rizzi and co.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 03:06 pm
Two top pass rushers not there, Onyemata suspension and Hendrickson left free agency.
PackEyedOptimist
September 08, 2021 at 06:35 am
I don't think the lack of preseason play will affect the veteran starters whatsoever. The two rookie starters played a lot during the preseason, and they're the ones who needed it. Maybe a new guy like Campbell could have used a little more time.
In any case, defenses always start the season looking more prepared, just because there isn't any tape of your opponents yet, so pure adrenaline/epinephrine helps the defenders more.
I expect the Packers offense to have a dominating first game, but it's also possible that there will be some interceptions/fumbles/sacks that could throw that off.
I'm mostly concerned about the Packers Defense...just what WILL they be?
We'll know soon.
stockholder
September 08, 2021 at 06:43 am
I hope DeVante Adams Keeps going. Right to #1. But No to 27 million. There are others on this team. Don't The Packers always start Flat?
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 08:19 am
First 3 games in 2020...43, 42, and 37 points
Leatherhead
September 08, 2021 at 08:49 am
And that was without training camp or exhibitions. Stockholder says a lot of things that are just plain wrong, but the “starting flat” statement is in a league of its own.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 10:04 am
Great point. They worked hard in practice and will be ready.
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 10:47 am
I would be surprised if the Packers don't hang 30-40 on the Saints and Lions to open the season. Hell, more than 40 on the Lions.
...then we'll see what San Fran has in week 3.
Packers SHOULD open at least 5-2, and potentially 7-0.
CheesyTex
September 08, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Wow! Wishing I had even a small dose of your confidence.
Oppy
September 08, 2021 at 02:31 pm
The starting flat thing isn't off base at all.
2020 was the anomaly, not the rule. Packers offense during Rodgers' career has historically been a slow starter over the years.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 03:19 pm
This team reminds me of the 2011Packers who had veterans in all skill positions except rookie Cobb. They averaged 37 pts in their first 4 games.
Oppy
September 08, 2021 at 04:40 pm
In 2011, Rodgers spread the ball around to his top 5 receiving targets thusly: 101, 96, 93, 56, 55.
In 2020, here's the distribution: 149, 63, 63, 59, 46.
My fear is the Rodgers-Davante farewell tour blinders. Hope that isn't the case. This offense can be unstoppable when the ball gets dealt evenly.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 05:59 pm
Another example was Sharpe, after he got injured Favre spread the ball around and won a SB. However, an improved MVS, healthy Lazard, and Cobb/Rodgers hopefully will change that.
Leatherhead
September 08, 2021 at 05:33 pm
Oppy, you made me check.
In the last 10 years, we’ve had three seasons where we averaged over 30ppg the first three weeks.
We had several others that were in the average range (22.8 to 26.8)
I’m not seeing “flat” starts as any kind of historical pattern. In fact, if you’d like to bet a six pack of Pabst, I’ll take the Packers scoring 30 or more in the opener.l
jannesbjornson
September 08, 2021 at 08:45 pm
Despite the diatribe from the hillbilly nation, Rodgers is ready to claim some pelts and shut their yaps for good.
I would like to see 50 points on the WIN column.
Guam
September 08, 2021 at 07:38 am
I wish the NFL had moved the start of the season up one week. The extra week between preseason and the first regular season game has an odd feel to it. All the excitement that had been built up by the preseason just drained away for me during this extra week and I am now impatient for the season to begin. Strange planning.........
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 08:20 am
I agree, but it's good for the general health of players. I think it's a recognition that teams are marketing people and they need those people to be available.
...still better than last year, man! ;)
Leatherhead
September 08, 2021 at 11:47 am
I think they should play split seasons of 9 games each. Win your division and you’re in the playoffs. Win both halves of the season and get a bye week. That would help player health, IMO.
Coldworld
September 08, 2021 at 12:10 pm
I would agree that a mid season break of 2 weeks or two byes would likely do more for player health (and thus play quality) than an additional week at the beginning. That said, the idea of 2 weeks prior to week one with a settled would seem likely to be attractive. To fans it is certainly anticlimactic, but likely soon forgotten.
I’m not in favor of split season qualifiers. The best teams in late December should be the ones in the post season. Early qualification could lead to teams protecting players or see teams lose key ones . It has the potential to skew the field in the second half in terms of attrition and potentially results in and out of division.
Guam
September 08, 2021 at 03:10 pm
I would much prefer to see a mid-season break (one or two weeks) than an extra week between preseason and the regular season. The players need it more at mid-season and the fans don't need this early break.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 03:27 pm
Especially when your baseball team is out of contention. Two breaks spread out.
Bure9620
September 08, 2021 at 11:41 pm
Its for college football...the NFL gives them that weekend. The NFL media markets would destroy college football otherwise that weekend.
croatpackfan
September 08, 2021 at 07:49 am
As always lot of to agree with you, Al.
"After watching the speech Charles Woodson gave to the team, I was ready to run through a wall for the team."
Somehow I understand what you mean with that sentence. Otherwise, looking at the young guys and how they experience life, what is their priorities, your sentences is more appropriate for middle aged or older Packers fans who is still somewhere in or near the past times. Our brain is analog one, their brain is digital, and that transformation started at 1980-90ies last millennium. Today kid of 5-6 years old take the mobile phone and despite he never saw that phone knows everything about how to use it and what possibilities it has. I always need to read instructions when I buy new phone. So, Charles Woodson speech, however is flammable for us,, might not produce same energy for the young men...
Since'61
September 08, 2021 at 08:23 am
The extra week before the season justifies not adding another bye week while adding an extra game to the regular season.
Plus the TV ratings are higher when everyone is home from their summer vacations and Labor Day travels. Where $$$ is involved the league will figure out how to maximize it.
Al, nice job as always.
As for this week it’s Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61
RCPackerFan
September 08, 2021 at 08:00 am
GO!
I hope so! I feel good about our chances. But you never truly know until the games go live.
Zzzzzzzzzzz
I don't expect this weekend off to last long. To much money lost without any type of games being played.
World of Hurt:
The biggest question for the Packers will be Z. Listening to Wilde and Tausch yesterday, did make me wonder what is going on with him. Is it the injury, that is keeping him out this much or is something else going on?
A Tidbit from the Dope Sheet:
I would expect that streak to continue. Adams is that good. And you know Rodgers is going to be going after him all day long.
Drunk Webb Updating:
Apparently good help is hard to find.
Guns a Blazing:
Maybe a bit of both? Maybe some flatness early (first half) and some fire works in the 2nd half. I honestly could see it either way also. BUT, if I had to guess. I guess they come out guns a blazing. Just with Rodgers, he is wanting it that badly.
MarkinMadison
September 08, 2021 at 08:03 am
I think if the #1 offense needed reps MLF would have given them some.
Don Hutson will be #1 until WRs evolve into something different than we can imagine them to be.
Speaking of ZZZZZ what is up with Zadarius? I'm hearing weird things on the talk shows. Is that just filler, or is there a problem?
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 08:23 am
I think they showed last year that they really don't need the reps, but every team last year went without preseason reps for their starters. This year, many teams rested their key starters but played others. We'll see how that imbalance plays out...especially given NO played quite a few of their 1s.
It's possible that Z is trolling the Packers due to his contract status. I think it might be a combination of a bad back and unhappiness. Whatever the case, players with bad backs don't last long in the NFL, so making sure he's right is a key part of this season.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 10:30 am
Absolutely , let's not rush him back as he is the most important part of our D (no disrespect to Alexander). Double digit sackers are rare, only ten all of last season.
EricinGB
September 08, 2021 at 08:31 am
Adams and Rodgers are likely tied together...if Rodgers leaves GB then Adams likely to follow...if Rodgers stays, Adams likely to give GB a home-town discount...If Rodgers leaves and Adams signs with the Packers it will be for a record contract which GB can ill afford and keep Alexander and resign a few others like Robert T. and MVS. It is most likely that Rodgers leaves in 2022 and few receivers follow him to his new team. Let's hope Love continues to iprove and flushes hero-ball out of his DNA...it could happen...if not, perhaps Guty can flush hubris out of his system, resign Rodgers and trade Love.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 10:13 am
That's a problem for another day, but now it's time for the Pack to float like a great pass and sting like a first down run!!!
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 10:16 am
I feel pretty confident that Adams will stay in GB if they offer him a contract he likes...which means they'll need to extend him rather than letting him get to the open market. If he hits the market, he's gone. I don't see the Packers giving him what he wants, and a "franchise and trade" scenario is hard to wrangle if only because they have to have his franchise value available under a cap that's already $50M over.
There's no re-sign coming. Making that $50M in cap overage go away is very difficult to do without jettisoning #12 or creating a situation where he's leading an utterly gutted team. Why would you rebuild around a QB who is unlikely to be there or will be playing at a much-reduced capacity when that roster is ready to roll? Why would you rebuild around a QB who already has issues with the franchise? ARod is, at this point, a very valuable trade commodity. Even if he brings Matt Stafford-like compensation, that goes a long way toward rebuilding a roster--even if they miss on Love. Keeping ARod through retirement and not getting that compensation leaves you with what will likely be a more laborious rebuild and a potentially caustic situation in your locker room.
Ferrari-Driver
September 08, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Spot on, Dob
I think you said what has likely been said by every member of the Packers front office.
We, as fans, have enjoyed consecutive generational talents at the quarterback position and if our luck holds Love will follow in their footsteps.
Excellent post!
Guam
September 08, 2021 at 03:15 pm
Couldn't agree more Dobber! Rebuilding around an old QB just makes no sense and the Cap Man says this team is done after 2021.
Gee
September 08, 2021 at 04:47 pm
Yep Aaron is gone sadly wish it could have been different. for me I get the angry some have, I just see it differently. No way at this point, do the pack have Rodgers under center after this year, besides with what it looks like going into 2022, why would you. To be honest I see no Adams, no smith bros, no King (ok I'm good with that) after this year, but like everything time goes on.
mattgsx
September 08, 2021 at 05:24 pm
Agreed. It's possible, but unlikely, the Packers start jettisoning players this year that they would likely have to cut in the off-season anyway to have a little extra cash to carry forward. King (if Stokes shows he has the chops), Lancaster (if they feel good about the remaining DL core), and Turner and/or Patrick (when Bahk is back) come to mind. The issue is so many other players already had void years added, are on their last year of an already cheap contract, or have nobody behind them, that there isn't much more that CAN be done and still have GB field a competitive team this year.
I don't like the idea of Adams playing elsewhere in 2022, but the financial reality is, even after an assumed Rodgers trade and a cut n' gut to repair the wizardry done this year, there really isn't the money. Best case, they start trimming fat this year to try to get extra draft picks and clear cap to extend other complementary players like MVS, Tonyan, etc., and hope they can work some magic in the draft to get at least halfway competent players to fill the gaps that will be left behind.
If there is one saving grace, since the cap was so low this year and will be lower than hoped for next year, Adams' market may not materialize unless he really wants to play for a bottom feeding team, knowing he will be tradebait to help jumpstart the latest rebuild.
Since'61
September 08, 2021 at 09:03 pm
dobber I agree. No resign coming. Rodgers, Adams, Z, King and probably a few others gone. Hopefully we can get some picks via a trade or 2.
For now we focus on 2021 and worry about 2022 when it gets here. GPG! Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
September 08, 2021 at 09:44 pm
Sobering, realistic and well grounded analysis. So on to the show. Jacksonville first stop!
Bure9620
September 08, 2021 at 11:44 pm
3rd contracts are rare in GB...particularly at skill positions
packer132
September 08, 2021 at 12:22 pm
I disagree. Adams will sign with the team that pays him the most money. It will be around $28- $30 million a year, and he will not give a home town discount. Few players will do that anymore. I see Rodgers and Adams gone after this year along with Z Smith, Preston, Lowry, King, Lewis. Players don't follow QB's, and go where the money/situation is the best. Every team has a quality QB for receivers. Love is not getting traded.
13TimeChamps
September 08, 2021 at 02:38 pm
Any FO that pays a WR $28-30 million a year is a very dysfunctional FO.
Guam
September 08, 2021 at 03:17 pm
Z. Smith has become an interesting question. Until his bad back showed up, I thought he would be spared during the upcoming house cleaning. Now I am starting to think the other way. Approaching 30 with a bad back and a big contract may not be a player you want to keep.
Minniman
September 08, 2021 at 03:29 pm
Whether right or wrong, the quality of the “advice” being dispensed to the player largely impacts the whole “home team discount” option………. After all, which agent - who overwhelmingly work on commission- are going to advocate a pay cut?
I see a more probable scenario where Adams, who will be 29 in December, chooses the team that gives him the most money for a 4 year deal - which would take him to 33. To my mind he’d need to be on a special team with SB potential to WANT to play after that.
It’s been posted before that he’s not the big bodied playmaker-from-nothing that Julio is, but he’s the best route runner (by far) - which will still make him highly productive in the later stages of his career (as opposed to the playmaker types as they lose a step)
mattgsx
September 08, 2021 at 05:35 pm
Agreed. DA is much more Larry Fitzgerald than he is Julio/Dez/Odell. He has the kinds of intangibles that is going to keep him highly productive much longer than a pure speed/power player. But I still think he is at least 3 years too old to be able to command the type of money he wants while also having any hope of actually playing out that contract.
jannesbjornson
September 08, 2021 at 08:57 pm
Rodgers will be running the show in '22. The rest will be replaced...move it along, down the road.
Bure9620
September 08, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Nope. So extend a QB approaching 40 and clean house otherwise?? Rodgers would not even come back
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 09, 2021 at 11:43 am
I see high probability Adam's stays or goes wherever Rodgers go. Adam wants a golden jacket and be on the same stage as ARod, and the only way that is going to happen is he stays with ARod. Bank on it!
jlc1
September 10, 2021 at 09:40 am
If GB has trouble affording just one of Rodgers and Adams is there a team that can afford both of them? I think they go their separate ways and Rodgers will continue, for a while at least, to make receivers look good and Adams will, for a while at least, continue to make QB's look good.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 09, 2021 at 11:45 am
Duplicate
Alberta_Packer
September 08, 2021 at 04:31 pm
I don't mind the extra week wait - gives families an extra Sunday of summer time - as compensation for the 17th game in winter.
Packers are reputed to be a cold weather team - not a hot weather one. Wonder what the over-under for cramps is?
Z-Smith is reported to have a bad back - a red flag - as we may see him take a step back this year. While Gary - a step forward?
Key match-up in game - Alvin Kamara vs. Joe Barry.
mattgsx
September 08, 2021 at 05:37 pm
Z was on the injury report for most of last year with a back issue, wasn't he? He could very well end up being a statement trade depending on how the first few weeks go.
Bure9620
September 08, 2021 at 11:46 pm
Backs and ankles linger.....not a good sign
splitpea1
September 08, 2021 at 11:02 am
Well, we do know that Michael Thomas is out (like last time) and Montravious Adams is in, so that should be helpful for our cause.
Alberta_Packer
September 08, 2021 at 11:29 am
May be the only time that M. Adams can contribute to a Packers win.
LambeauPlain
September 08, 2021 at 11:26 am
The O may come out a bit out of synch but Matt, coaches and Rodgers seem to prepare the players well on that side of the ball. And even vs the Bills, the O moved the ball up and down the field with 2nd thru 4th stringers...just couldn't finish in the red zone. With starters on the field they will finish on Sunday.
My greater concern is with the D and STs. STs are now practicing with set players but Drayton has a big job getting them to play together and be disciplined in their lanes and tackle.
D has the players but I am far from sold on "fire and brimstone" Barry at this point. His two prior stints as DC were dismal yet this is the most talent he will have as DC. He did coach LBs the last 4 years for the Rams but in spite of the RAM Ds high ranking, PFF has graded the Ram LBs as one of the worst groups in the NFL overall.
So Joe, sell me!
13TimeChamps
September 08, 2021 at 12:11 pm
I was really hoping they would have reached out to a young, ascending defensive coach with new ideas as opposed to a third retread (Capers/Pettine/Barry) in a row.
I know they reached out to Leonhard, but there had to be some young, bright defensive NFL assistants out there ready to make the leap to DC.
Oh well, we have Barry. Hope his third stint as a DC works out better than the last two.
Bure9620
September 08, 2021 at 11:47 pm
There are retreads that work out....they learn from previous stops what not to do....
PhantomII
September 09, 2021 at 06:01 am
After losing back to back NFCC games. Who? in their right mind does not find the BEST ST coach in the NFL and double their pay to strengthen a very weak aspect of their team which has underachieved for a decade? Our FO does, even though coaches don't count on salary cap. Nuff said!!!
dobber
September 09, 2021 at 10:05 am
I think part of the final roster strategy in keeping 5 (!!!) ILBs -- a position the Packers supposedly don't value and have supplanted with hybrid/box S in recent years -- was in supporting special teams, especially KO coverage units.
Bojorquez--the early favorite for "most mis-spelled" on Packers sites this year--is a big leg, hang-time punter who should force plenty of fair catches and pin opponents deep regularly. He's what they hoped Scott would become and they're lucky to have gotten him. If return teams don't take stupid penalties and hang onto the ball, they can give it to a potent offense and let them do the work.
In that sense, I'm hoping that special teams will be improved...basically, by having to DO less.
jlc1
September 10, 2021 at 09:43 am
that idea of ST doing less is perfect. Nailed it Dobber.
Packers0808
September 08, 2021 at 12:29 pm
On your question about the OL, my guess is they come out shaky for first quarter or so and then get the act together and the offense as a whole takes off like the way they played most of the last two years!
SpikeHyzer
September 08, 2021 at 06:48 pm
It was the O, not the O Line he questioned.
Though I think the questions about the O Line are the most pertinent to the answer.
Packers0808
September 08, 2021 at 08:43 pm
By his remarks about being disjointed etc I assume he meant the line because that is really where the O begins! They are the ones up and front!
ricky
September 08, 2021 at 01:36 pm
The Saints may well be testing King several times during the game, seeing if Winston's big arm and a fast WR can connect behind King for long gainers.
PeteK
September 08, 2021 at 03:41 pm
It will be a catch by Savage.
dobber
September 08, 2021 at 10:18 pm
We act like this was some big secret that teams didn't know about last season, but was exposed on one big play in the NFCCG. That something's going to radically change and the $hi#'s gonna hit the fan because of this. Last season, coordinators had their QBs throwing at King and Sullivan far more than Alexander, and that includes the short and long stuff. There was nothing learned in the NFCCG that opposing coordinators didn't already know.
SpikeHyzer
September 08, 2021 at 06:47 pm
I too hate this extra week. It's pointless since so many starters rest.
I think the O Line may struggle a bit to find cohesion, but running players will help and Rodgers' ability to make quick decisions and move out of the pocket should also help. I voted struggle, but could see them still putting up a lot of points against a shaky secondary.
Davante is easily 2nd best now, but I agree also about Hutson. Even if Davante's numbers were to some day exceed those of Hutson's, Hutson's entire career was further above league average at that time than almost any MVP caliber player since has ever been. In ANY sport.
Davante may now be the best in the league and was not so long ago the 2nd or 3rd best, but today it's a razor thin margin between the top 5 at any position, and they aren't nearly that far above league average.
Hutson's career was historic.
White92
September 08, 2021 at 09:12 pm
We talkin about practice man.
https://youtu.be/LiNdUXhGeX4
joejetson
September 09, 2021 at 12:16 am
N ew Orleans was in.excellent position to beat GB last year until their coach yanked Brees for a Taysom Hill gadget play where he fumbled, and.cost them the game. Hope GB defense causes some big turnovers again.