Cory's Corner: August Is Time For Attitude
Don't fall in love with numbers this month — because they don't matter.
Football is measured in wins and losses.
Coaches and players lose jobs over a lack of wins.
However, the preseason is a completely different animal.
When the Packers’ 2021 preseason kicks off later tonight, I want to see something else. I want to see attitude — specifically from two key areas.
First of all, I want to see attitude from Jordan Love — arguably the most important preseason player this year. Love hasn’t played in a game since the Senior Bowl on Jan. 25, 2020.
Love is going to see the field a lot this August. I could care less what his numbers are. We really aren’t going to glean much if his passer rating isn’t as high as some might hope or if his passing yards per play are a tad low.
Love needs to prove that he can be comfortable in a pocket with NFL defensive linemen and edge rushers breathing down his neck. That isn’t an easy skill to master. Don’t believe me? Just ask David Carr. The No. 1 overall pick in 2002 by the Houston Texans was sacked an NFL record 76 times his rookie season en route to having a career marred by a lack of comfort and after six seasons, he was no longer a regular starter.
Love also has to showcase his confidence in his team by winning the huddle. That bubbles to the surface on a tight window throw on third-and-seven or a scamper out of the pocket where he puts his head down and gains another five yards.
Obviously it doesn’t hurt if Love makes the majority of the throws. But that isn’t going to tell us anything.
Secondly, I need to see some attitude from the defense. New defensive coordinator Joe Barry has a shiny new “star” position, Preston Smith showed up to camp looking like a Southern California lifeguard and rookie defensive lineman T.J. Slaton just might be the missing piece in this championship puzzle.
But what I want to see is a bunch of players all going after the ball like a pack of wolves. Barry isn’t going to unleash everything and showcase all of his bag of tricks in a meaningless preseason game, because remember, I don’t care about August stats.
I want to see something else. I want to see guys that have clearly bought in and understand what Barry is trying to do. I want to see a bunch of players understanding each other and playing like a team. Those seem like small things, but in reality, they are the appetizer to winning.
You can have your numbers. I’ll take August attitude anytime.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (43)
Archie
August 14, 2021 at 06:40 am
Sorry but we won't truly know what kind of defense we have until we get into the regular season. Probably after about 4 weeks it will begin to show.
The good news - there's only 3 players on this defense left from the Ted Thompson era. O'l Ted couldn't draft for defense to save his life. Who's left? CB King, DL Lowry & Clark. Only Clark is a stud.
On offense I think there are 5. They are all studs except Lucas Patrick who is still a starter quality player.
This is likely the last year for Rodgers, Adams, Patrick, Lowry and King. That would leave three TT holdovers: Bak, Clark and Aaron Jones. Pretty amazing when you stop to think of it.
blacke00
August 14, 2021 at 08:14 am
I know that Rodgers is expected to be gone next year but I'm not 100% on that. If by some chance they win the SB bygones could be bygones. A reworked contract maybe? Losing Patrick, Lowry and King wouldn't and it would open up a little cap space.
I'm just not seeing the packers wanted to trade a SB winner and Rodgers not wanting another SB if he can get it.
But then again Rodgers riding off into the sunset after a SB win wouldn't surprise me either.
We'll see.
NickPerry
August 14, 2021 at 08:19 am
Hey Archie, don't forget about Mason Crosby. What a GREAT pick by Ted.
Also, without saying it you've made Gutekunst out to be a pretty solid GM without trying. That leaves 45 players signed or drafted by Gute on one of the most COMPLETE rosters in the NFL and one of the best.
Hmmmmm...
Coldworld
August 14, 2021 at 09:00 am
I agree as to overall effectiveness, but we can see differences in approach and attitude. Mostly though, the pre-season is about individuals. Is a player better at being in the right place, at wrapping up, at beating their man and so on. The mixes of players are transient and many will never occur. Look to the individual performances not the overall outcome of a play, a series or game. That’s why the most interesting part is once the starters are gone (even if the game is messy and plays ineffective as a result).
I believe that preseason games are important. I just don’t think true veterans need to play in them except in limited circumstances (team change, to provide a QB with good protection to assist with evaluation of the QB, to test a new role or formation in a game context and the like). I’m fine with Rodgers, Alexander, Clarke, Amos and co never taking a snap as a general rule. If they do, for a specific reason, a drive or two max.
The reason is certainly injury, but it’s also that those snaps help both to allow newer players to learn and show it, leading to better choices at cut down for all three phases. Give them as much time to click and make an impact. We will need them in season and we only gain, as do they, from giving them the most opportunities. This is particularly important this year because STs need to be better and STs in practices means little.
BruceIrons
August 14, 2021 at 09:11 am
Some defensive players drafted by Ted Thompson:
Marcus Trufant
Ken Hamlin
Nick Collins
BJ Raji
Clay Matthews
Casey Hayward
Mike Daniels
Micah Hyde
Kenny Clark
I think it's a bit of an overstatement to say he "couldn't draft defense to save his life."
croatpackfan
August 14, 2021 at 01:58 pm
You forgot Mike Pennel - SB starter and winner with KC
marpag1
August 14, 2021 at 01:09 pm
Well, I guess I'd need to do some research on this.... but four full seasons after Ted made his final draft pick, and EIGHT out of 22 starters (if we include Patrick) were selected by Ted? And the large majority of them are studs? Including the reigning MVP? I dunno... that sounds pretty damn good to me.
Unless I'm mistaken, four full seasons means that every single player TT ever selected has already hit free agency, or they were extended. And eight are still around?
It doesn't surprise me in the least that after a four year absence, the bottom half of the roster is completely different. That's totally expected. There are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of JAGs who will play on rookie deals. You don't pay very many second contract guys to be the 53rd guy on your roster.
And in closing.... the average career of an NFL player is about 3.3 years.
Coldworld
August 14, 2021 at 04:43 pm
Later on it got a lot ropier, but when TT was at his peak he was fine on D picks. Once Ball started to fill in we let 2 of them go and the drafts tanked on both sides really.
Leland
August 14, 2021 at 07:59 am
Agree, attitude is everything. It will be evident in the effort, tackling and blocking. Let the fun begin.
croatpackfan
August 14, 2021 at 08:05 am
Cory, I agree with you. Attitude is the first when you are try to judge somebody will and passion for playing. From that point, you can build all other characteristics that are necessary to progress and win.
I assume it will be for the most players task to win opponent one on one and that allows each player to show they can help their teammates when they need that help. It is the process in building team chemistry for the future. But first you have to win your own battle.
Football is team sport, but strong team is made out of strong individuals, who can do their jobs alone so they can help each other.
I do not care if Packers lose all preseason games if we can see that in general those players belongs to NFL.
Packer_Fan
August 14, 2021 at 08:13 am
Absolutely yes on the attitude. Especially for the defense. Love is a work in progress. And in my opinion, this preseason will show why we should keep Rodgers around for another few years.
Since'61
August 14, 2021 at 08:53 am
Deleted.
croatpackfan
August 14, 2021 at 09:05 am
Since, please, do not delete yourself. You are valuable contributor to this community...
Since'61
August 14, 2021 at 10:08 am
Croat - the administrators don't seem to share your sentiments as they have been deleting my comments regularly lately. Therefore I have decided to delete myself and save them the trouble. However, as always I appreciate your generous thoughts.
I'll just quickly add that I expect to see positive attitude during the game this evening if for nothing else than the players own self-interests. Many of them should be playing as though their careers depend on it since it does. Even if they don't stick with the Packers every snap they put on film becomes their portfolio for being picked up and possibly making it with another team. That should give all of the younger players enough incentive to play aggressively and with attitude. If not then we don't want them on the Packers.
As for me I'll be with my grandchildren this evening so its unlikely that I will get to see much of the game.
Be well. Thanks, Since '61
mnbadger
August 14, 2021 at 10:36 am
never too early to start sharing the full cheesehead experience. Though just hanging out with them will likely enfuse them with some cheseheadedness! And likely much more fun. GPG
Since'61
August 14, 2021 at 03:38 pm
Grandchildren are the best. Plenty of fun without all of the work. It’s all good! Thanks, Since ‘61
croatpackfan
August 14, 2021 at 01:49 pm
You and your family stay safe Since. I wish you all the best...
Since'61
August 14, 2021 at 03:34 pm
I wish the same for you and your family Croat
Thanks, Since ‘61
Oppy
August 14, 2021 at 10:12 am
Speaking of attitude..
Did you guys hear that Rodgers apparently posted that he wants to bring Clay Matthews back to the Packers?
It's becoming more and more clear this guy shouldn't have any say in personnel decisions.
Roadrunner23
August 14, 2021 at 09:54 am
Sure on a veteran minimum deal and if he agrees to play special teams, Cobb was the peace offering the rest is just fluff.
Oppy
August 14, 2021 at 10:14 am
No, not on a vet minimum deal.
No, not if he agrees to play special teams.
He's 35 years old. There is young talent on this team that should be retained. We're already going to be shipping out some decent WR talent to keep Cobb on the roster.
marpag1
August 14, 2021 at 01:17 pm
And CMIII wasn't even on an NFL roster last year....
Coldworld
August 14, 2021 at 04:46 pm
As an assistant OLB coach maybe. Not in a roster capacity. This was Rodgers, Bakh and Cobb. Not reassuring.
jeremyjjbrown
August 14, 2021 at 11:23 am
WTF?
LambeauPlain
August 14, 2021 at 01:52 pm
Rodgers answer to "Space cowboys" = "Packer Cowboys"-
jont
August 14, 2021 at 04:25 pm
12 posted "bring him back" on a tweet by Cobb to Clay which said "sup?"
The headlines are Rodgers "lobbying", "pushing Gute", "campaigning", and the like.
IMHO:
a) I am so sick of these clickbait non-stories.
b) To believe 12 is trying to bring Clay back is to believe that Gute doesn't talk with 12 so 12 has to use social media to be heard, and even Gute's critics do not believe he's this obstinate.
c) 12 can't even joke around... damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.
Coldworld
August 14, 2021 at 04:48 pm
Just don’t put out dumb statements. It’s not like Rodgers doesn’t know he’s watched.
Roadrunner23
August 14, 2021 at 10:06 am
A. I want to see Love look like a competent NFL QB, no fumbles, make the easy completion, call the plays properly, maybe a first down scramble and a TD pass. That’d be a great night.
B. I want to see K. Hill ball out at KR and RB and catch a few passes. The same with P. Taylor. Bring some attitude!
C. I want to see CB Stokes show why he was a #1 pick and I want to see S. Jean Charles surprise!
D. I want to see energy and aggressive special teams play!
E. I want to see someone like Delonte Scott or Tipa take the lead as that 4th Edge rusher spot.
F. I want to see Josh Myers look like the next Corey Linsley.
G. Most of all I want no injuries!
I want a lot, I hope I get what I want
What do you’se guys want?
Since'61
August 14, 2021 at 10:14 am
Nostradamus are you from the Bronx? you'se was an expression that was particularly unique to the Bronx when I was growing up there. Even other parts of NYC did not use that expression.
It was always where you'se going? or What are you'se guys doing? or Did you'se eat? What do you'se guys want? etc. In fact it was how we identified that someone was from the Bronx as opposed to Brooklyn or Manhattan or God forbid Queens or Staten Island.
In any event its great to see a fellow poster who knows how to use you'se. Be well. Thanks, Since '61
Roadrunner23
August 14, 2021 at 10:39 am
Haha 61,
Actually born and raised in Manitowoc (Now Virginia) I remember the waitress at the greasy spoon I used to eat at used to use that all the time.
“What can I get you’se guys or even you’ses guys ;)
Since'61
August 14, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Sounds like the waitress was from the Bronx originally.
Good to hear those old home town phrases. Thanks, Since ‘61
Ferrari-Driver
August 14, 2021 at 10:18 am
It's been a long and tumultuous off season and I am so anxious to sit six feet in front of my TV tonight and get a chance to jump up and cheer a good play.
mnbadger
August 14, 2021 at 10:42 am
Ferrari driver nailed it. I want to see them play hard and play fast. finish plays. No presnap penalties. no dropped shotgun snaps or players running into each other in the backfield. Sharpness, not perfection from qb2 and qb3. GPG!
ricky
August 14, 2021 at 11:01 am
How about some attitude from ST's? Blow up a few guys, put someone on the ground, hit a guy going straight ahead and knock him back a few yards. Not injure anyone, but make them aware that this is still a physical game, and the "finesse" Packers are able to deliver a punch, as well as shake their heads, spit out a tooth and get ready for the next play. Time to hit someone!
splitpea1
August 14, 2021 at 11:12 am
I wouldn't mind seeing some "attitude" from the ST players at the get-go, but as for the offense and defense, I think we're looking for building blocks and the new players to feel comfortable in their roles--it's especially important for this defense (older players, too).
Love is going to take some time, so you want to see him confident and definitely not panicky; and making incremental progress in the preseason as far as his decision-making goes. You never know when we're going to need him should an injury occur.
PatrickGB
August 14, 2021 at 11:23 am
I want to see what all the investments in the O-line are all about. I watched Williams and Boyle play in Detroit behind a line that sucked that game. I think our line is pretty good already so I was surprised at the investments the team has made these last two years on that line instead of the D-line. Of course I want Myers to do well and be the next pro bowl center. I am also curious about all the backups at outside linebacker and cornerback.
flackcatcher
August 14, 2021 at 01:56 pm
I too want to see all the new guys on the O-Line. It's clear the front office (IE:Gute) is going to do some pruning before and after this season. Those choices will be critical going forward into 2022 and beyond. Today's backup might be tomorrow's starters. Glad I'm not Gute...
packer132
August 14, 2021 at 03:41 pm
Yes, I would not want to make the cuts as it seems several players are neck and neck. I think he did a great job with drafting and bringing in FA's to compete, and it will be another year of a top line in the league. Packers lost Linsley and Wagner and could be even better in 2021. A couple will end up on the practice squad, and hopefully are not pilfered.
wildbill
August 14, 2021 at 01:38 pm
Maybe the Clay talk is crazy but a number of older pass rushers extended their careers by just being a passing situation pass rusher. Didn’t he give up a number of games to move to ILB to help the team. That had to hurt his sack numbers and he has gotten ripped off by bad flags a couple other times. His year with the Rams was cut short by a broken jaw but he still had eight sacks.
As a situational pass rusher, on a very team friendly contract, he might be very helpful. I know we have some young edge guys that show promise, and the team benches in the NFL are loaded with guys with “promise”. In a super bowl bound season do you want you injury replacement to be a young guy with “promise” or someone with a ring and experience? With limited snaps he would be fresh and might still have some coverage skills.
LambeauPlain
August 14, 2021 at 01:59 pm
CMIII at 35 is done as an Edge rusher. Many of his 8 sacks two years ago were flushed to him by the Rams DL as Clay was completely washed out of the play but got to have an easy sack.
The reason he was out of football last year is because no one wanted him to take a valuable roster spot simply for window dressing. That includes the Pack.
Maybe he could be an upgrade as ILB 4, but I think Ty Summers is far more athletic now. McDuffie and Martin too.
flackcatcher
August 14, 2021 at 02:09 pm
Even if Gutekunst would consider it, the Packer's Cap situation would make it difficult to fit a veteran like CM3 into the roster. It really is a numbers game. Young cheap (by pro sports standards) talent vs aging but still talented players. You can thank the NFLPA contract for squeezing out older veterans from the roster. (And as much as us Packers fans hate to admit it. Pro football is becoming a younger man's game all the time. Leaving our favorites more and more to our memories)
Oppy
August 16, 2021 at 07:25 pm
For what it's worth, the NFLPA (via the CBA) have shifted more money to vets than to young players over the last decade plus. By capping rookie salaries, they effectively moved money into veteran players' pockets, since there are a finite number of rookie contracts and there is still a salary floor that must be spent.
Oppy
August 14, 2021 at 02:28 pm
i wanna see Stokes in live action.
no expectation, just want to see where he's at.
Id like to see Deguara make a cut and block a body and live to tell the tale.
Id like to see how the interior lb's look.
and, of course, first opportunity to gauge where love is at.