Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Short and Sweet
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Roster Deep Dive Time:
With not much to write about this week and with all of the obvious topics already beaten to death, I'm seeing a lot of roster deep dives where players at the bottom of the dept chart are getting some love. I'm not going to do a full deep dive myself, but some players on my radar screen are Christian Uphoff, Simon Stepaniak, Zack Johnson, and Kurt Benkert.
Opting to Opt Out?
I've stopped paying close attention to the drama, but I did read here and elsewhere that July 2nd is the last day for players to opt out of the season due to Covid-19 concerns. It's an all-or-nothing deal, so I don't expect any notable Packers to show up on that list. Especially... well, you know.
There's Still Time:
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Bucks Fan
OK, I'm officially on the Bucks bandwagon. As a long-suffering Knicks fan, I loved that they sent the Nets packing and now they're trying to do the same to the Hawks, who had sent the Knick packing. Go Bucks! Or Fear the Deer! Or whatever I'm supposed to say!
PFF:
PFF recently listed their 50 highest ranked players coming in to the 2021 season and four Packers made it. Not only that, they all were in the top-15 of the league (Rodgers, Adams, Alexander and Bakhtiari). Looking beyond those four, if you had to pick ONE other Packers player to include in the Top-50 who would it be? Answer in the poll below.
Which Packers Player Most Belongs in the Top-50 of the NFL Rankings?
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.
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Comments (74)
stockholder
June 30, 2021 at 06:30 am
How can anyone not get into the drama. It's such a beautiful Love story gone bad. I'll say his name. Aaron Rodgers. The most talented QB in GBs history. The questions of why? Should be your first dig. Just don't Assume here. I'm sure the players want the story behind the fallout too. I wouldn't keep it behind closed doors. Dig man Dig. Let's get this under the microscope now.
PeteK
June 30, 2021 at 07:22 am
All of these different Rod deadline dates deal a dull dollop to my dome.
Dr.Rodgers
June 30, 2021 at 07:34 am
Good one!
dobber
June 30, 2021 at 08:00 am
Definitely.
greengold
June 30, 2021 at 06:49 am
Thanks for doing this, Al. This is always a treat to see where your thoughts are on the Packers.
Deep Dive - Love this. All 4 players you mentioned I agree with, and I think there will be even more. My favs are Christian Uphoff, Innes Gaines, Ray Wilborn and Bailey Gaither. Delontae Scott and Willington Previlon might be a couple others to watch here. Funny, Gutekunst said it was going to be tough for UDFAs to make this 2021 Packers roster, but I think we will see a lot of them winning spots.
Opt Out - agree it’s most likely not to happen.
Bucks Fan - Welcome to our world! Wow. I’ve been a lifelong fan, remember the Championship we won 50 years ago, and I’m left just hoping for the best, and Gianni’s healthy return.
PFF - Man! Way to make that a thing! Holy crap those are all tough calls, but I went with Kenny the Clark. There’s no one like him.
Way to break up the offseason monotony, Al. You rock!
PeteK
June 30, 2021 at 07:16 am
If Slayton can hold his ground and eat up some blocks, then we will see Clark at his best.
greengold
June 30, 2021 at 07:30 am
Pete, I like Slaton a lot, and I think if they can get him working with KC, we’ll be seeing something special. Both of those dudes have a lot of size & motor.
Coldworld
June 30, 2021 at 09:17 am
There are a lot of interesting (on paper) UDFAs around this year. I think the reason is that a lot of these have considerably better metrics than in most years or at least flashes of healthy play in a disrupted college career due to injury or Covid.
We have heard about Ento this week: he is one I was excited about last year had we had an off season. I agree with the ones you throw out GG. Some, like Gaither have caught my eye as a player who could potentially add early depth enhancement on O and STs, others, like Wilborn more as a result of attention from you and others. The one some of my football (not Packers) knowledgeable friends keep pointing to is Coy Cronk. Some seem to think he’s a massive value pick up.
I’m also looking to see what a few physical development required types from last year have done in the weight room. Last year the Packers picked up a few talented but definitely not NFL ready bodies. You mention one, Previlon. I am more interested in guys like Garvin (who played I accept) and particularly Galea. All 3 of these will be different prospects if they have added weight and strength without diminishing athleticism.
We also have some PS players who are more interesting than those of the old TT days typically were. We’ve seen one WR get some love already in Winfrey. I’m also interested in a few more. One is the TE Nuata. He’s interesting because he’s one some think too slow and others think just bad testing, but he can block and has good hands. I’m looking forward to finding out who is right.
I believe that there is more talent about on this 90 than people expect. I think the Packers believe that too. The odds are only a player or two makes the opening roster, but that player could make a big difference at DB or OLB or as a returner/ST and capable depth receiver able to run the full route tree etc.
Going to be a very interesting camp, due to these and the amount of drafted competition too. To be honest I’m excited for that despite everything else.
On that last subject, I would be ecstatic if the only Rodgers referenced or alluded to between now and camp opening is a rookie WR, unless there is actual hard information that becomes available regarding contract change or status. Let’s focus on the rest of the team during the intervening break.
greengold
June 30, 2021 at 10:31 am
Coldworld, I'm glad you mentioned Coy Cronk, Jonathan Garvin and Tipa Galea. I agree that all 3 players are ones to watch along with Randy Ramsey.
We kept 5 OLB last year. The room is crowded with talent. This position might be one of the biggest of all TC battles on the Packers for the 53 man roster. Delontae Scott is another player there, and OLB Coach Mike Smith was raving about him in OTAs. Heard WesHod was leaning towards Ramsey being the one to watch. No matter what, that OLB battle will be something to keep an eye on. Garvin & Ramsey won the final two spots last season.
OL is going to be a battle too, with no info on Nijman, Lucas Patrick possibly fighting for his OG position, and the Wagner, Taylor and Linsley vacancies. We kept 9 last year. Thinking this year we keep 10 with Bakhtiari coming back from ACL. Myers is a lock. Newman is a lock. Cronk & Braden both stand a chance.
I think what we'll be seeing is a big change in the talent at the bottom of the roster this year, along with sure-fire starters added in Eric Stokes, Josh Myers and Amari Rodgers. 3-4 CB positions, 2 S, 2 ILB, 2 OLB, 1-2 DL, 5 OL, 1 TE and 2-3 WR positions all with legit challenges/openings to be won on the 2021 roster.
Coldworld
June 30, 2021 at 11:41 am
I agree, and I confess Delontae Scott is one Ive not given much attention to. It’s true his name has come up. In Ramsey, I’ve nothing against him, I just see him as having limited upside. I could be wrong, but of the OLB depth, Galea seems both to be the most talented and to have had the least NFL ready frame. Garvin was also in need of the weight room, but less so, but he was essentially only a specialist speed rusher last year.
Ramsey struck me as the most ready and thus I wasn’t surprised to see him make the roster last year, but I also came out of the season thinking that his place is there to be taken if the others develop physically. If he proves me wrong I will be very happy and it won’t be the first time. I just hope we can find a cover capable OLB in the process this year. The experiment with Burks was an admission that this remained a hole and still does.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 01, 2021 at 02:21 am
Tipa: had a tremendous TC and one on one record. While doing the practice roundups, I noticed that the Packers never seemed to have him go 1 on 1 against a starting OL. I suspect that might have been by design. [His 1 on 1s probably included Braden and Zach Johnson as 2nd tier guys in my opinion last year: we shall see what those two look like this year.] At 229, Galeai needed to add strength and beef, particularly in a Pettine defense. Another thing: I hope this defensive staff puts Galeai in a position to succeed in terms of usage.
Stepaniak: Loved this pick. I've been screaming his name despite all the hoopla over Newman and Braden. I'd add Runyan but I am not feeling the luv for him, just some hope.
Cronk: I felt the love for him from APC. FWIW, a friend of mine who over the years has been a good barometer on player evals thought he was excellent value.
greengold
July 01, 2021 at 03:48 am
TGR, you’re pointing to player development, and while this was an area the Packers needed help with in the Mike McCarthy era, 2021 is the year we’ll finally begin to see what LaFleur & his staff can do. After all, “draft & develop,” is two sided. I’m really excited to see what they do here, and this will be our first real look.
While there’s no news on Tipa, I’m hoping he aded good weight much like Kingsley Keke did this offseason. I did find hearing Keke’s solid 13-15 lbs added to be encouraging, pushing him over 300 lbs.
Tipa’s an explosive EGDE rusher with insane levers and solid production on his resume to help the Packers. He just needed that sand in the pants. Galaei’s speed from the edge is huge. Can’t wait to see him this year, and hope he wins a spot. He has a lot of moves in his tool belt in pass rush.
Stepaniak is another player where development may play big this year. I do think Lucas Patrick’s spot might be in jeopardy simply for numbers, and Simon could win that.
LambeauPlain
June 30, 2021 at 01:57 pm
Cronk is a true wild card. Had he stayed healthy, he would have been drafted by day two. Ideal size and a fine body of work prior to his injury snake bites.
I also see 10 OL kept...because Matt also rang the bell by hiring Stenavich and Butkus and cutting 1 or 2 that would be on the list of 10 will likely be grabbed by other teams. The two coaches are a secret no longer. They seem to be good teachers developing NFL lineman. I was sad to see Campen leave. I am happy now. Adam and Luke have taken the baton and are running well.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 01, 2021 at 02:28 am
Milt Hendricksen is supposed to be very good with OL. So far, so good. But someone has been pretty good at drafting OL for quite a while now: witness Bakh, Tretter and Linley (both rated in the top three OCs by Doug Farrar), Lucas Patrick, and though I am not sure if current scouts go back this far, Bulaga, Lang, Sitton and Barclay. Looks like Amichia was a miss, and not much said so far for Hanson but he's TBD, and Newsome has had a long career at least.
I agree that the coaches look good and are in line for raises. Campen was good and someone has been providing good raw material for quite a while now.
Swisch
June 30, 2021 at 11:12 am
I was in my ninth year when I joyously watched the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Baltimore Bullets for their first and only championship. Now, if the Bucks win their second championship this season, how old would I be. . .?
Giannis' leg injury could actually work to the advantage of the Bucks if it gets him to do more posting up down near the basket -- plus leads to more ball movement overall.
Also, perhaps coach Bud will give him more rest. I think Middleton and Holiday are also suffering from too many minutes. Let's use that bench, especially in the first half. It's a team game, and we've got to trust our subs to some significant extent -- especially Portis, Jr., Connaughton, Forbes and Teague, maybe a little more Thanis, too. Keep the starters fresh for the last nine minutes of the game.
To bring this back to the Packers, remember that season opener against the Bears in 2018 when Rodgers sustained a significant leg injury in the first half and it seemed the game was lost -- except the team played much better with a gimpy Rodgers in the second half and made a stunning comeback for victory.
Perhaps Rodgers had to get the ball out sooner due to his injury, and it made the Packers much better.
Maybe the injury to Giannis will help him to not try to do too much, and ultimately help the Bucks to be better. Also, please speed up that free throw; a change at the foul line could also be a big improvement (in addition to, perhaps, not lifting up his head but keeping his eyes fixed on the rim, which could be aided by bending his knees more).
dobber
June 30, 2021 at 02:45 pm
"Now, if the Bucks win their second championship this season, how old would I be. . .?"
There comes a point where you just stop counting...
Since'61
June 30, 2021 at 04:15 pm
Cookie!!! Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
June 30, 2021 at 05:16 pm
Or you just can’t remember if you started ...
dobber
June 30, 2021 at 07:52 pm
I think the answer is: the same age as if they lose?
Thegreatreynoldo
July 01, 2021 at 02:29 am
I don't need a calculator for that, so I'm on board.
greengold
June 30, 2021 at 06:10 pm
58.
Yeah Swisch, I’m hopeful he has the healing powers of the King... and returns to win it all.
In Nigeria, his name means “Return of the King.”
PeteK
June 30, 2021 at 07:17 am
Unfortunately,Giannis might be out for rest of playoffs.
Archie
June 30, 2021 at 07:49 am
What more can EJ do to prove his amazing talent. And he makes everything look easy. He's my #5. After that, Z, KC and Gary are on a similar plateau to each other but a half-step back from EJ. If KK, Slaton and the ILBs all take a big step forward this year, D should be best since SB year. If Stokes proves to be a rookie stud, watch out. My dark horse this year is Henry Black - the guy can tackle!
AR is stupid to not appreciate the job Gutey has done in rebuilding this roster in a relatively short period of time. The SB is more in reach now yet he wants to whine like a baby that he's not appreciated by the FO. WTF?! NFL - Not For Long, AR better grab for the brass ring one more time in GB before he goes to "greener" pastures where he is more appreciated. The guy likes his ass kissed if you ask me and I was his biggest fan.
RCPackerFan
June 30, 2021 at 07:57 am
Roster Deep Dive Time:
Christian Uphoff is definitely a guy I want to see this preseason. He has the size/speed that at the very least should make for a good special teams player. But he is a guy that could be a hidden gem type of player. Could he have been one of those players that slipped in the draft due to the draft process this year?
And speaking of that, how about some of the other UDFA's this year. Just for example Jack Heflin. He spent most of his career at NIU. In 2019 he was selected as NIU's Defensive Player of the year by the coaching staff. Then he was a grad transfer to Iowa. Could he be a player that slipped in the process?
Opting to Opt Out?
I would question anyone's, especially the one's mindset if they opted out. I would question what is really going on.
Bucks Fan
All I hope for is Giannis is going to be ok.
PFF:
That is a complicated list. Its like saying which kid do you love more. I will put the players in the order that I think they would come next.
1 - Elgton Jenkins
2 - Kenny Clark
3 - Aaron Jones
4 - Za'Darius Smith
5 - Rashaan Gary
6 - Mason Crosby
So by this list Jenkins would be the next in the top 50. And he does deserve to be. He is elite and is one of the best interior OL. He deserves to be in the top 50.
JerseyAl
June 30, 2021 at 10:00 am
My vote was for Jenkins.
packerbackerjim
June 30, 2021 at 03:37 pm
As was mine. No slight to Kenny Clark.
PeteK
June 30, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Sacks might very well be the most important stat in modern day defense. In the last two seasons--Barret-31.5, Watt-29.5, Zadarious 29 ( also 5th in sks+hurries+pressures=89)
greengold
July 01, 2021 at 09:47 am
Pete, losing the sack battle is the most consistent indicator of which team will lose a football game in the NFL. I had always considered TOs to be the biggest, until a good friend of mine who used to be a Packers beat reporter told me otherwise.
Elgton Jenkins was originally my first pick. Za'Darius Smith really should be included, for sure. His numbers blow away Bradley Chubb's.
But, then I started to think of what Kenny Clark does, how much easier he makes it for Z and all those guys to get their numbers, and how consistent he is, how productive he is at NT. Remarkable, really. That's why I went with KC. Somebody had to throw Kenny some love. I'm a big fan of the powerhouse NT. Always have been.
dobber
June 30, 2021 at 08:22 am
I heard precious little about either Stepaniak--who I have been stumping for--or Zack Johnson during minicamps and OTAs beyond Stepaniak getting some reps with the 1s (but then, it's OTAs/minicamp, and the Packers were shuffling pieces all over, so--grain of salt). Ben Braden was the one receiving a lot of the love. Given the questions on OL, I think the Packers keep 10 coming out of camp this year. Especially if Bakhtiari isn't quite ready...I suspect he'll practice and won't be eligible for PUP. The short term IR might be an option, but they'd have to keep him on the active roster out of camp.
I think those backup safety spots are a place for some serious competition. Certainly Pettine liked to use those guys as his dime backs, but we'll see what Barry wants to do. Would like to see them find an upgrade there.
The question, in my mind, is who will be the 4th OLB? That might sound like a reach, but we can expect Barry to go heavy, which likely means more snaps with all three of P. Smith, and Z. and Gary playing with their hands on the ground--especially in passing situations. Even if the unit stays healthy or (heaven forbid) If there's an injury, that 4th OLB will get some meaningful snaps this year.
Gave up on the NBA ages ago. The game shifted to 4 guys watching one guy try to make a play in the 90s, obscure ways to generate dunks, and became ridiculously boring for me. Regular season games look like guys going through the motions. Happy for the Bucks (aside from Antetokounmpo's injury), happy for the city of Milwaukee, but--no thanks.
Swisch
June 30, 2021 at 09:42 pm
It does seem like the NBA isn't as much fun to watch these days -- with too much one-on-one basketball, including an unentertaining multitude of quick shots from beyond the arc.
It may be good to actually lengthen the shot clock to 30 seconds to allow for more passing.
I've been wondering how much of my decrease in enjoyment has been due to me being and old codger and how much due to changes in the pro game.
In any case, as you wrote perceptively above Dobber (and humorously), I'll be the same age whether or not the Bucks win the championship.
***
Another Bucks-Packers analogy of sorts:
I was one of those who was really sad when Kareem left the Bucks when I was in my early teens in the mid-1970s.
A lot of it was youthful idealism about players staying with the same team. Weren't they as enthusiastically engaged with the Bucks as I was?
Now I look at it as Kareem giving Bucks fans six great seasons, after which it seems fair for him to have chosen a new place to work and live.
I'm not sure how that relates to what Aaron Rodgers is up to these days, but my analogy is regarding the players the Bucks got from the Lakers in trading Kareem.
Junior Bridgeman is one of my all-time favorites as a Bucks player; I'm also a big fan of Brian Winters; I liked Dave Meyers a lot, too, and was sorry to see him retire early; and, finally, I don't remember Elmore Smith all that much in my elderliness.
The point is that I was a huge fan of the Bucks teams that came after Kareem as they developed in the latter half of the 1970s and into the early 1980s, with great additions including Quinn Buckner, Marques Johnson, Sidney Moncrief, and Bob Lanier.
There were many excellent seasons to enjoy (one with 60 wins), with good team basketball and balanced scoring. Just couldn't get past both the Celtics and 76ers in any of those seasons for a trip to the finals. I still love those teams, though.
A big part of me is still hoping Rodgers stays with the Packers for one last run that ends on a positive note for his sake and ours.
Yet I'm also excited about the Packers after Rodgers. With all of the talent people are talking about in this thread of comments -- starters and backups -- it could be a really fun new era sooner or later.
After a half-century or so as a Packers fan -- who's counting, though? -- I'm so glad to have high hopes with or without our longtime QB.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 01, 2021 at 03:00 am
I can't find anything about whether the NFL is going to retain the short term IR (3 games with unlimited number of players able to return) in 2021 other than articles suggesting that the owners and union are likely to keep it.
Here is a link to the actual covid protocols. Beware: it is just about testing, distancing, and who is a high risk person. I found it boring so that is all the warning I will give:
https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/bawwd4dpxjuz8i2zb7g0.pdf
I gave up on the NBA after watching Tim Thomas get paid way too much just to hoist up 3 pointers.
Fubared
June 30, 2021 at 08:45 am
Rodgers is not opting out. Why? Because diva boy would not be news anymore. HIs situation would be over until at least next off season. No he loves the limelight and demands to be the news. His beautiful mystery tour continues until training camp.
Not sure if he shows up on day one or waits until one pre season game is over then swoops in to save Love from himself
dobber
June 30, 2021 at 08:53 am
Disagree...is there anyone more secretive in the off-season than #12? Over the course of his career, he has regularly fallen into seclusion and been out of sight until OTAs open. How long did it take for people to discover that he was even seeing what's-her-name? Even now, he could be in front of cameras and have as many interviews as he could stand to do...but has done next to none. He never really has lived in the spotlight outside of June-->January. He'd rather let others stand up to the mikes while he lurks in the shadows.
JerseyAl
June 30, 2021 at 01:00 pm
Yeah, of all the things you can say, you can't say Rodgers is a media hound. Now is he using the media in this situation to his benefit? Absolutely. But not because he 's always looking for attention.
Since'61
June 30, 2021 at 09:07 am
Deep Dive - Al I like your 4 guys plus Bailey Gaiter.
Opt Out - I doubt if Rodgers will opt out but who knows, anything can happen. IMO, Rodgers is too competitive not to show up and play. If for no other reason than to make a statement to the FO that he can still play at a high level.
Bucks Fan - I stopped following the NBA decades ago. I enjoyed the Knicks back in the Reed/Frazier days when it was still a real sport. But the rules changes, everyone looks like they are traveling now with he way they are allowed to carry the ball, plus the level of play and a few players who are allowed to form their own team is just ridiculous. However, for the sake of the Bucks fans here at CHTV, I wish them well in their quest for a championship. Beyond that I've opted out of the NBA.
PFF - Good example of how arbitrary PFF rankings or any other rankings really are. I voted for Elgton Jenkins because he is a great young player who still has plenty of upside for the future plus he is an OL and without a good OL the O doesn't go. Z, Clark and Jones could and should be in the top 50 as well but obviously I'm biased and again, this is PFF rankings that we're discussing.
Al, I appreciate your consistent excellent work on these weekly articles. Be well. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
June 30, 2021 at 09:41 am
I voted for Z. I think he makes every team better immediately. It was between him and Clark and close. To me Z is currently a more consistent difference maker (although I think Clarke could be, will be, if not burdened by his OC and supporting cast choices—over to you Mr Barry. If the question is who is likely to be next, Jenkins is a strong candidate on O and Savage on D. I’d love to see Dillon beat them to it, but it all depends on usage and opportunity in a dual backfield.
Since'61
June 30, 2021 at 11:01 am
Z was my next choice. I put Jenkins on top because he's been excellent on the Packers OL and extremely versatile. Jenkins makes a difference on every play with his effective run blocking and his excellent pass blocking.
I don't think that he has allowed a sack yet in his career.
Z makes bigger splash plays with his sacks and he's great at bringing pressure. But for an OL like Jenkins the less you hear his name the better he is playing.
Bottom line I think that either Jenkins, Z, Jones or Clark should have been the 5th Packer in the top 50. Each one would have been a good choice with me. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
June 30, 2021 at 11:44 am
I agree with pretty much all you have said there.
wildbill
June 30, 2021 at 11:06 am
I don’t follow the NBA anymore but I also loved those early 70s Knicks. They were stacked and played team ball. Really didn’t follow basketball after them until Bird, and my sons played high school and one played in college. Once those three quit I may watch an ncaa final game but very seldom. That’s 70s Knicks team would wipe any of those playing today. The NBA has turned into babies. The NHL is so much better to watch.
Since'61
June 30, 2021 at 02:47 pm
Agree completely wildbill about the NBA and the NHL. Thanks, Since '61
splitpea1
June 30, 2021 at 03:19 pm
I've tried hard to like the NHL, but it's tough....There's too little scoring, no incremental progress toward scoring like you see in other sports, and not much in the way of athletic "artistry", for lack of a better description. Half of the goals seem to be of happenstance more than anything else. I do like the wraparound goals and appreciate the lightning-quick reactions of the goalies, though.
If I go to the kitchen to grab a snack I'll usually miss something; then return to see another 15 minutes of inconsequential action before something interesting happens again.
LeotisHarris
June 30, 2021 at 03:53 pm
"not much in the way of athletic "artistry", for lack of a better description."
THE GAME IS PLAYED ON ICE! You've never skated in hockey skates, have you? Or tried to stick handle a hockey puck the length of a rink while skating at full speed, right? The hand-eye coordination of hockey players is amazing in and of itself. Toss in the speed of the game and size of the players and you literally have death-defying artistry on ice. Take some time to learn about the sport. It's so much more than wrap-around goals and sprawling goalies.
splitpea1
June 30, 2021 at 06:33 pm
My perspective is that of a fan, not a player. I never dunked a basketball or taken a charge, either, but I find that game infinitely more entertaining than the scrum of hockey. They kind of lose me when they get bunched up in the corner for extended periods.
That "death-defying artistry" is so popular that it's now been almost overtaken by soccer (LOL!!) in popularity. I'd rather watch figure skating....
LeotisHarris
June 30, 2021 at 06:55 pm
How sad for you. I'm speaking as a fan as well, and also one who played hockey as a kid. It takes a great deal of skill to play the game well, and I appreciate watching those who can do so. Tremendous team sport.
And, if hockey is being "almost overtaken" in popularity by the most popular sport in the world, well ::shrug:: that's not such a bad place to be (hope you didn't really laugh out loud at your ignorance). You can keep squealing with glee when your skater lands a triple Salchow late in their long program. I'll tune in when they put multiple figure skaters on the ice simultaneously and allow them to check.
splitpea1
June 30, 2021 at 10:53 pm
I don't disagree that hockey takes a great deal of skill to play and is a great team sport. I just don't find it compelling enough to watch for long periods of time.
Believe it or not, my "ignorance" sometimes serves me well (the "almost overtaken" part referred to the United States--there's no place like home). I would rather scrub grout for 90 minutes than endure the tedium of soccer for the same length of time. Good grief, watching that crap is better than counting sheep....
LeotisHarris
July 01, 2021 at 04:26 pm
Hmm, maybe so, *but* would you scrub grout while counting sheep with figure skating on tv in the background?
splitpea1
July 01, 2021 at 06:31 pm
Not as difficult as you may think; I have been blessed with a smaller number of long, rectangular tiles instead of hundreds of little squares.
jannesbjornson
June 30, 2021 at 10:12 pm
Arizona, Florida ,Carolina, LA ain't hockey towns. The Hanson Brothers, Warroad Minnesota and Thunder Bay , Ontario. Ice grows there.
greengold
June 30, 2021 at 06:16 pm
Wes Unsell would rub some dirt on it and be back out there tomorrow night...
jannesbjornson
June 30, 2021 at 10:07 pm
So MJ , the Bulls or the Detroit hitmen didn't turn the crank? the NBA was solid until the hand check was outlawed and now any semblance of a pick or defending the inside with muscle. It has become a joke, I agree.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 01, 2021 at 03:06 am
I voted for Z. His pressures make him a top 50 or at least a top 75 guy.
As some may have noticed, I don't think Jenkins is in the top 5 at any position. Maybe as a center. I'd have to figure in value to a team rather than value as a player at any single position to put him in the top 50. That might be a valid way to look at it.
Gary has a good chance to be top 50 in 2021. I don't think he reached that in 446 snaps last year.
Packers0808
June 30, 2021 at 09:13 am
Want to like the NBA watch the last 2 minutes or so of a game, then they play BB that is if game close! Otherwise NBA has gone dead!
PatrickGB
June 30, 2021 at 09:16 am
I too appreciate all the articles here. Even when there is nothing new to report. For the fans, sports are the hobby of anticipation.
Roadrunner23
June 30, 2021 at 10:31 am
DD-
WR Winfrey
OLB - D Scott
S- Uphoff
OL- Cronk
Opt Out- never happening, #12 is an attention whore
Bucks- Devastating injury, season over
Packers0808
June 30, 2021 at 10:35 am
Time now for Rodgers to shit or get off the pot! Enough bun hair man drama!
dobber
July 01, 2021 at 05:10 am
"Bun Hair Man"--developed his super powers after being bitten by a radioactive bagel...
greengold
July 01, 2021 at 06:11 am
It’s the appropriate response I’d be in search of... especially the bagel.
stockholder
July 01, 2021 at 07:02 am
Time to get the facts from the FO. Not just Rodgers. They visited Rodgers three times.
Qoojo
July 01, 2021 at 04:34 pm
Keep it in perspective. Most of the drama is driven by 24 hours sports talk shows with nothing else to do. There hasn't been much said publicly by Packers or Rodgers. The drama is 3rd parties talking without knowing, and this site is part of it too.
Rodgers is under contract for 3 more years. Packers have said that they are not going to trade him. Every speculative deadline mentioned by talking heads has passed without news.
Rodgers can hold out, play, retire, or retire then unretire. With or without Rodgers, packers still need to put a competent defense on the field. With Rodgers on the field in the second half in the TB game, the offense was given opportunity after opportunity to make it a game, and did jack-squat.
So ultimately, it's all a moot point. Packers still need a defense, the recurring theme ongoing since 2011.
greengold
July 01, 2021 at 12:18 pm
Qoojo, this is probably the most important thing written in the entire thread.
Kudos, Qoojo!
gkarl
June 30, 2021 at 11:00 am
Never realized Al was short and never considered him to be sweet, prickly on occasion but not sweet.
JerseyAl
June 30, 2021 at 01:01 pm
Who are you calling a prick!?!
PeteK
June 30, 2021 at 01:35 pm
"I'm like a prickly pear!"
WilsonMaywick
June 30, 2021 at 04:15 pm
Thanks for the laugh Al!
croatpackfan
July 01, 2021 at 04:02 am
Remember what I suggested to you last time: "Don't be so humble!"
flackcatcher
June 30, 2021 at 11:08 am
Random comments: I voted for Jenkins too. Special, special player at an elite level. As a rookie he corrected his footwork over 6 games starting right of the box. New system, new technics, usually takes a good player a whole year to fix that. And Jenkins did it in half his rookie season. Incredible. Need to see what the coaching staff is going with their schemes before I can judge this roster. Both Lafleur and Barry are giant X-factors going into this season. Frankly, I'm uneasy about both for different reasons. But both deserve the benefit of the doubt for the upcoming season. Rodgers: I'm Rodgers out too. The whole thing feels likes a third rate Hunter S. Thompson novel. As my youngest girl says"Creepy weird".
splitpea1
June 30, 2021 at 11:34 am
I'm indifferent toward the Bucks, as the best teams are usually in the Western Conference. It looks like Milwaukee is going to need their bench to pull them through if they're going to make it to the Finals; the Hawks' bench came through when their top player was out.
I am, however, a fair weather Suns fan going back to the Cotton Fitzsimmons teams. I'm that way because the Suns tend to disappoint once they get to the upper levels of the playoffs--it's always SOMETHING. But this team is young and is defensively much better than previous good Suns teams, so there's maybe a little more hope. The Clippers are a worthy opponent, and if they come from behind to capture the series, I would be strongly rooting for them to win the whole thing--their defense can really put the clamps on the opponent when they're at their best. And they're playing without Leonard, which is obviously a notable handicap.
jeremyjjbrown
June 30, 2021 at 12:00 pm
If Rodgers opts out due to covid he gives the Packers a no excuses way to see if Love can replace him while they retain his rights and save on his cap number to front load other players like Adams and Alexander. I will be shocked if Rodgers covid opts out.
LambeauPlain
June 30, 2021 at 02:05 pm
Leave it to knowledgeable Packer fans, especially on CHTV, to select an OL player for next best.
Jenks was my choice too.
When Gutey drafted him my reaction was "who"? Then I watched his college video...next reaction was "YES"!
He was in college what he has been as a Packer....a wall in pass pro and an Abrams tank in run blocking.
mbpacker
June 30, 2021 at 04:57 pm
Thanks for doing your article for the people.
Ferrari-Driver
June 30, 2021 at 08:00 pm
It's a tough call for the best one. We are lucky that we have a good bunch of guys to choose from. The Vikings Bears, and Lions can sit with envy.
EddieLeeIvory
June 30, 2021 at 10:23 pm
Good stuff Jersey Al.
I don't know what more the superstar needs to do.
The CORRECT answer to the question is clearly:
Aaron Jones and the legendary Jim Brown are the only players in NFL history to rush for 3,000-plus yards, 35-plus touchdowns and average 5-plus yards per carry in their first four seasons in the league.
Jones is one of three players in the NFL to post 2,000-plus rushing yards and 25-plus rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons.
greengold
July 01, 2021 at 10:07 am
Stop it, EddieLeeIvory!!! You're killin' me!!!! Agree.
I CAN'T WAIT to see Aaron Jones tearing it up this year in what I suspect will be a more run oriented attack. Add in AJ Dillon, Kylin Hill and Patrick Taylor Jr. WOW. I seriously can't wait to see this Packers running assault open up on opposing defenses with authority.
I'll venture to say our RBs get 50 carries combined in at least 2 games this season. I think 30+ combined carries for our RBs on dedicated run plays will be the new norm. In this day and age, I don't care how the opposition loads the box. If I'm not mistaken, I think AJ Dillon had more success vs. loaded boxes in all of college football in 2019.
RUN THE ROCK!!!!!
Qoojo
July 01, 2021 at 11:17 am
"I'm officially on the Bucks bandwagon"
Way to go. That was one too many on the bandwagon, and Antetokounmpo's knee couldn't handle it.