Game Notes: This team could be special

Look, I'm gonna say it. If Patrick Mahomes was able to play Sunday night for the Kansas City Chiefs, maybe the Green Bay Packers don't leave 7-1.

But, that's not the reality we're living in. Instead, Matt Moore got the start -- a smart call from the Chiefs' training staff because Mahomes getting the green light to play a week after dislocating his kneecap would be malpractice -- and he played extremely well. Truthfully, that didn't surprise me.

The Chiefs didn't need some generational signal-caller at the helm of an offense that features Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, Travis Kelce and the duo of LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams in the backfield. They had Moore, a veteran backup quarterback who has Andy Reid making life has easy as possible for him. That's enough to function and survive without Mahomes for a couple of weeks.

The Packers made significant adjustments and went on a 17-7 run in the second half. In the midst of that, the Packers' trek to victory included a critical forced fumble created -- and recovered -- by Tyler Lancaster late in the third quarter. Truthfully, I'm just surprised there wasn't some kind of crazy ending that leaves us all in a state of complete dejection.

 

Chandon Sullivan: A quiet, helpful addition

The Packers signed Chandon Sullivan back in May and while he may have arrived to the team as a body at cornerback, he began to see reps in the summer at safety -- and it's paid off.

Sullivan essentially made the Packers' initial 53-man roster as a safety, and the returns of his labor in training camp and the preseason have paid off. He intercepted Dak Prescott in a game against the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month and against the Chiefs, he made a crucial play on the ball to force a third-down incompletion in the fourth quarter. He didn't fill out the stat sheet with a myriad of tackles or even register an interception, but having an experienced, quick body behind Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos just helps round out the position.

So far, Sullivan has certainly been a welcomed addition to the safety room. While the Packers wait for Ibraheim Campbell to get activated from the PUP list, Adrian Amos occasionally sees work in the box as a hybrid linebacker, which opens a spot in the secondary for Sullivan. In previous games, Will Redmond has seen a majority of the reps in Savage's absence, however, that experiment didn't really go as planned.

Aaron Jones is ridiculous

Whether he's squeezing his way through small crevices in the offensive line or running a Texas route out of the backfield, Aaron Jones has quickly leapfrogged into becoming arguably the most dynamic player in the Packers' offense. If you ask Aaron Rodgers, the hands have always been there, but the route tree has expanded significantly.

Not only did he account for 20 touches, 226 scrimmage yards and a pair of receiving touchdowns, but Sunday night marked the first time in his career that Jones has registered a receiving touchdown in back-to-back games. In the first 30 games of his career? Jones hauled in just one pass as a receiver that went for a touchdown. Since last week? He has three. We knew that he'd be weaponized as a receiver in Matt LaFleur's offense, but to such a degree that he outshines all of the Packers' receivers and accumulates more receiving yards than the entire group combined is staggering.

Maybe... Jones is the receiver the Packers have needed all along? No, I'm just kidding. I'm still pretty sure they need to add someone -- anyone. That being said...

An interesting trade deadline approaches

Robby Anderson? OJ Howard? The Packers are likely getting Davante Adams next week for their road trip to Los Angeles, and without him, they've somehow managed to utlize the guys they have to win all four games. But even when Adams was in the picture, this room of wide receivers wasn't much to write home about. The same could be said for the tight end position.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison combined for two catches and 11 yard against the Chiefs, and they're both supposed to be the two names behind Adams on the Packers' depth chart. While both have had their moments throughout the last month, there's been no semblance of consistency from either target. The Packers have managed to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers with strategic game-planning and have enjoyed the ascension of Allen Lazard, as well as the occasional highlight from Jake Kumerow. But this doesn't feel like a group who can get the job done in January.

Life is a lot easier for Rodgers and co. in a scheme that helps him get the ball out of his hands immediately out of his drop and throwing in rhythm. But why not make his life even easier? You could even argue that the Packers are in more of a need for a middle linebacker to pair with Blake Martinez than a receiver. Either way, I'd be surprised don't make some kind of roster move to bolster a deficiency before Tuesday's deadline. 

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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8 points
 

Comments (61)

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

October 28, 2019 at 11:17 am

I just don’t get the obsession with “If Patrick Mahomes played...”. He didn’t. Kansas City still has a talented team with great offensive weapons. Packers won the game. On Kansas City’s home field. Tough place to play. When Aaron Rodgers was out a couple of years ago I don’t remember people apologizing for victories or saying they would have lost. It’s all nonsense. 7-1. Get the win. All that matters.

17 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 28, 2019 at 11:43 am

I don't get your conclusion, either, so we're even. I am pretty excited about this team, but I do think GB is probably a player short on defense (cover ILB or DL) and a player short on offense (another receiving threat). GB probably has enough cap space to shore up one side or the other, but not both. I think GB is good enough to win the division. It might be good enough to win a playoff game. That's some folks' definition of success.

I don't think GB is ready to play with NO, a healthy KC, or NE. Simple as that.

8 points
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scullyitsme's picture

October 28, 2019 at 12:55 pm

I’ve been saying this exactly for a while. It seems so obvious, but most people seem so dead set against making a decent trade to improve wr/ dL.( Nagler). As a homer myself I guess I have to admire their belief in the kumerows, shepherds, gmos, etc. Oh and by the sounds of it, gute agrees and has been trying to work a trade for a receiver. Some team will flinch before the deadline and take a lower offer.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:19 pm

Full Disclosure: I am only 3-4 on Packer games in the CHTV pick em. I have been undervaluing GB. If I had been a proper homer, I'd be 6-1.

1 points
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Guam's picture

October 28, 2019 at 01:35 pm

I would add SF as another team GB will struggle against. We are weak up the middle in our front seven on defense and that won't get us to a SB. If Gute could add one strong defensive player up the middle (D-line or ILB) we might become a SB contender.

I am less concerned about our WR situation because we have AR. I don't think NE or SF have any better receivers than we do right now, but they are strong everywhere else and they have good to HOF QBs. We can score with our current offense, but we need defensive help to reach the SB this year.

4 points
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purdyball46's picture

October 28, 2019 at 07:33 pm

The Packers are not the media darlings and they were expected to not do well with a rookie head coach but LaFluer thumbed his nose at NFL politics and said screw you it is my job to win. Sports media hates it and representatives who are supposed to be Packer people need to go. Ryan Woods sucks and so does Demovsky! The Chiefs can make all the excuses they want but they lost, we will never know if the Chiefs would have won if Mahomes was there, he wasn't. The Packers don't need any new players that can upset the chemistry of this team, unless injuries were to occur. Packer management needs to be smart about their financial commitment to this team as a lot of players have earned extensions or new contracts. Bulaga, Linsley and Martinez need to remain with the team and they have earned it. If people would quit playing Madden GM and listen to what LaFluer says, " every game is opponent specific."

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TheVOR's picture

October 28, 2019 at 11:40 am

You know what, it's a good football team, but the defense will not be enough in the end. Decent entertaining football team, they're just unfortunately not good enough on defense to contend for a championship. Very reminiscent of the 2011 team that went 1 and done in the playoffs with home field advantage. The defense will sadly again be their downfall. was nice seeing savage back on the field again last night..

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PeteK's picture

October 28, 2019 at 11:54 am

While I agree somewhat with what your saying , the D is better than you think. Teams are adjusting , and I think the D is on the field too long . The running game both on defense and offense needs to improve.

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Since'61's picture

October 28, 2019 at 02:58 pm

Counting last evening's game against the Chiefs the Packers are ranked 5th in the league in time of possession. They are averaging 31:55 per game in TOP. Against the Chiefs the Packers had the ball for 33+ minutes. This means the defense was on the field for 26+ minutes.

Considering that the Packers were playing on the road that is a pretty good job of keeping our defense off the field. If you look at the breakdown our TOP is actually better in our 3 road games (averaging over 33 minutes per game) than in our home games (just under 31 minutes per game.

So far our defense has played about 28 minutes per game. It would be great to get that down to about 25 - 26 minutes per game but with the Packers offense working as well as it has the last 3-4 weeks they are going to have some big plays and some quick scores (e.g., Jones 66 yard TD against the Chiefs) which reduce the offensive time of possession. Speaking for myself I'll take the points and give the defense a lead over TOP every game. Having both is the best of both worlds but it doesn't always work that way. The Packers are doing fine with TOP and I don't think the defense has been on the field too much yet. Thanks, Since '61

6 points
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PeteK's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:44 pm

If they want to win the league , it should be higher than 5th. It just seems to me that their D is getting tired and a bit more nicked up than they should be at this pt.

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Renllaw's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:45 pm

Also, it may just be perception, but it feels like the last few weeks without Savage we have gone more to a zone "bend dont break" style. In doing so you are going to give your opponent more TOP. It worked but I really think this group looks better playing more aggressively. Hopefully after the bye they self scout and get back to playing like they were earlier.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

October 28, 2019 at 01:06 pm

So.....how good would the 2011 defense have to have been in order to overcome 4 turnovers?

We held KC to 7 points in the second half. On their home field.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 28, 2019 at 02:34 pm

If I was looking for a trade for anything it would be a Defensive Lineman.

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Since'61's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:23 pm

In 2011 the Packers scored 560 points or 35 points per game. Their defense allowed 359 points or 22.4 points per game. This season the Packers are on track to score 430 points (26.9 per game) and allow 326 points or 20.3 points per game.

In other words this season's Packer team is a much more balanced team. Also and more importantly, this season's Packers defense has made stops when they have needed to either win the game or to prevent an opponent from making the game close (e.g.,against the Raiders with a goal line stand and red zone int. in the second half).

The 2011 defense rarely had to make key stops as the Packers offense usually provided the defense with big leads. We should remember that the Packers lost Collins and T. Williams to injuries early in the 2011 season, plus Bishop was lost in the first preseason game and Cullen Jenkins was allowed to leave via FA. That was a third of the starting SB defense in 2010.

The key in the playoffs will be the health of the team and whether or not we play at home. We should also remember that the loss of Joe Philbin's son had an impact on the team and their preparation. Another was that Rodgers was held out of the season finale against Detroit and with a first round bye he had not played for 3 weeks. The offense was rusty and it showed during the game with the 4 turnovers, dropped passes and missed opportunities against a very stout Giants defense.

Except for Rodgers and Twill there is little comparison between the 2011 and 2019 Packers. Most important of all the HC and DC are better than their 2011 counterparts. Thanks, Since '61

6 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

October 28, 2019 at 06:46 pm

Since,
Nice comments!

2 points
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CHEESEHEADDALLAS's picture

October 28, 2019 at 07:51 pm

Amen

2 points
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Swisch's picture

October 28, 2019 at 11:44 am

Unless you get a lightning bold at wide receiver resembling Tyreek Hill, or a savvy slot maneuverer like Cooper Kupp, I'm not confident it will make a big difference or be worth the cost.
It would be nice if Rodgers had a go-to guy in the middle of the field at the slot or tight end, but who might that be?
Perhaps fullback Danny Vitale helps to an extent in this capacity by figuring more prominently into the offense in the second half of the season. More of Jamaal Williams may be of help, as well.
Tight end is a mystery. Graham has shown signs, but is he able to be a major player? Lewis looks really good, but is he being utilized enough? Is Tonyan ready for a bigger role?
Finally, it's still a limited sampling for Lazard, but he looks terrific. As well as his height, he looks surprisingly quick. He seems strong catching the ball and running with it.
So what Lazard may lack in route running may be overcome if he is schemed open, or the ball is thrown high enough for him to go get it. (What say you, TGR?)
Lazard and MVS are both so young. Not only could the future be bright for both, but there could be considerable contributions this season as complements to Davante (who at this point may want to wait until after the bye for his return).
Glad for other thoughts...

14 points
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Hematite's picture

October 28, 2019 at 04:01 pm

I'd like to see both Lewis and Tonyan utilized more at TE and Kumero as a receiver.
I'd also like to see more of Vitale.

3 points
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Turophile's picture

October 28, 2019 at 05:49 pm

I agree with Swisch (as I often do) when he/she says how much difference really will it make if the Packers get an affordable veteran receiver. The Packers cannot afford a top-flight guy, and the kind of lower tier guy they CAN afford may not give them the kind of boost that Zachary thinks they need.

Also, how long will it be before Adams is back - and how acute is the need for another receiver AFTER he returns. He might just be an expensive rental for a couple of weeks and an unneccesary extra, after that.

Sure an affordable vet receiver might help the unit a bit, but all the time that vet is playing, guys like MVS, and Lazard are missing reps that could be critical to their swifter development. Even guys like Shepherd and Kumerow might be ready to make a more positive impact with more chances.

Taken as a whole, the downside of acquiring a vet WR at this time seem to outweigh the positive aspects (in my view, anyway).

3 points
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Swisch's picture

October 28, 2019 at 06:38 pm

Thanks for the positivity, Turophile, in addition to your good thoughts.
I'd like to see Shepherd get a couple of plays designed to get him open in this next game; and/or the new guy, Grant; plus Tonyan and Vitale.
With Lazard showing some exciting results of late, I'm wondering if we have another player or two in our corps of pass catchers who can contribute at least a little this season for a run to the playoffs and possibly beyond.
In accord with your comment, we can develop our young guys for the future while still trying to go as far as possible this season.
Especially with Davante out maybe another game, let's see who we have already on the roster by providing at least some limited opportunities for success on the field.

2 points
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4thand10's picture

October 28, 2019 at 10:23 pm

I havnt seen any lack of route running ability out of Lazard.....he lined up all over, both sides of the field...and its a pleasure watching smaller corners try to tackle him. I think he is slowly turning into a really good WR. Graham...as old and slow as he is....has 15 TDs since the beginning of 2017...4th best among TEs and anyone playing fantasy FB ( like me) has him on the roster....more productive than Hockenson this year btw.

This defense..not perfect but playing well enough to win games...with a schedule that was 10 times harder than the schedule the Patriots got handed.

1 points
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Swisch's picture

October 28, 2019 at 11:31 pm

Thanks for your good observations, 4thand10.
Part of the drama of this season is how well Lazard matures on the field, as well as how well Graham recaptures some of his youth.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 29, 2019 at 01:22 am

I don't care how many TDs Graham had in 2017 while playing for Seattle. Graham caught 16 TDs in 2013 when he played in New Orleans. I don't care, though.

1 points
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4thand10's picture

October 29, 2019 at 11:18 pm

Oh, i know he is not in 2013 form:-) More like a shadow of his former self. But since 2017 which includes 18' and half of 19' What his play looks and appears like..which isnt the best is still top 10 surprisingly. I wouldnt have guessed it.

0 points
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Spock's picture

October 29, 2019 at 03:25 am

Swisch, As regards your comment, "...Not only could the future be bright for both, but there could be considerable contributions this season as complements to Davante (who at this point may want to wait until after the bye for his return).
Glad for other thoughts..."
I'm in full agreement. I think (as much as we'd love to have Davante back soon) it would be waaay better to have a healthy for the season Davante back after the bye.

1 points
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Swisch's picture

October 29, 2019 at 08:54 am

In a way, the absence of Davante has been good for allowing other guys to get opportunities to make plays -- and yet it has also shown how much we need Davante.
We can't wait to get Davante back -- and yet, at the same time, we can wait until he's really ready.
Waiting until after the bye would mean missing two more games -- and yet give him three extra weeks of healing.

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

October 28, 2019 at 11:55 am

Packers have good receivers on the roster going forward. Coach Matt has done a masterful job with Hackett and Rodgers turning AJ into a multi-faceted weapon. And waiting in the wings are Adams, Tonyan and Sternburger.

What Gutey must do is get Martinez help in the middle because Burks seems to be an emerging, injury prone bust and Summers can’t buy a snap on defense. Another good rotational player on the DL is needed too. Lancaster is ok but is not a force at all. And M. Adams is completely invisible...another bust, unfortunately.

Gutey should be able to trade for the best available, young backups at ILB and DL and not give up the farm.

4 points
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Since'61's picture

October 28, 2019 at 12:10 pm

I realize that this Packers team is not perfect. We could use another DL or ILB and another WR but how much better than 7 - 1 would we be. We have beaten two legit contenders (Dallas and KC) on the road and 2 of our division foes at home. We have just finished winning our 3rd consecutive game against a team coming off a bye week. Yes, KC had a mini-bye but Andy Reid still had an additional 3 days to prepare for the Packers on his home field with or without Mahomes.

IMO this team needs a bye week of their own at this point. Since we are 7-1 with the players we have I would rather tighten up the tackling on defense and get our Special Teams straightened out than add another player or two at this point. It's unfortunate that we are playing through week 10 before we have our bye week because a bye could help us work on the STs in particular.

Rodgers and the offense are playing at a high level but the defense is looking like they could use a break and get their focus back especially in the tackling department. Good to have Savage back. Now we need Adams to return and hopefully we'll have enough firepower to get to the bye week. Thanks, Since '61

9 points
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HR_kevinmc's picture

October 28, 2019 at 04:12 pm

Thanks for a good read Zach! After reading all the comments 61’s reply is my vote for a plus one. My pontificating, blow hard reply to all the posts is: “Go Pack Go”!!

2 points
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Swisch's picture

October 28, 2019 at 12:14 pm

When it comes to any acquisitions, let's consider that the Packers are way ahead of schedule in team development. It's not surprising there are still some deficiencies.
In response to Thegreatreynoldo (and I appreciate him interacting in such a good way with us fans), I think making the playoffs is a big deal this season, and winning a playoff game would be huge.
That being said, with the Packers starting at 7-1, I'd like to see them strive for the Super Bowl. If we have some setbacks in the second half, however, let's not panic.
I predicted 10-6 and the playoffs for the Pack. Now I'd like to see at least 11 wins, but the likely goal is pretty much the same -- making a good start this season to building a team that's a legit contender for the Super Bowl in the seasons to come.
If we can improve our roster right now, let's do so -- but without overreaching by giving up too much. Let's be somewhat patient with all the new guys we already have, and give them an opportunity to grow, even amidst some mistakes along the way.
Maybe it all comes together this season in an unlikely and exhilarating ride to an ultimate championship over the Patriots; but let's enjoy the ride in any case, keeping an eye to the future, and really getting behind the guys we already have.
What a great start!

7 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 28, 2019 at 04:10 pm

I've read CHTV and ALLGBP since 2011 or so, and I have been writing comments since then. Over the years I more or less studied the CBA and salary cap, and about one year ago Jersey Al said I could write some occasional articles if they are related to the cap.

As to Xs and Os, player evaluations, and the like, I should think all of the other authors on CHTV know more than I do; not a few of the people who read and comment on CHTV, like yourself, probably do as well. Not that I will admit to anyone specifically. Ever.

Hated Lazard. Not looking like an accurate assessment.

4 points
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Swisch's picture

October 28, 2019 at 05:21 pm

Glad to have you here, Thegreatreynoldo.
Didn't you do the article on player usage last week, that is how many snaps guys are getting week to week?
By the way, let's all hope we are happy when players on the Packers turn out to be better than our initial assessments.
P.S. Do you think Lazard's route running is improved?

0 points
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4thand10's picture

October 29, 2019 at 11:27 pm

I was on the Sheppard train in pre season because i thought he had return ability and a possible slot role, so i was bigger on him than Lazard at the time... I was way off on that one

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

October 28, 2019 at 06:51 pm

Beautiful read Swisch!

1 points
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Swisch's picture

October 28, 2019 at 08:25 pm

Thanks, Knock!

0 points
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stockholder's picture

October 28, 2019 at 12:34 pm

Yes this team can be special! But the Wrs can't! Watching Hill and Harmon last night, was why. Speed. Respect. Zones. Our defense played off them. Their defense played man to man. No respect for any! MVS drops more then he catches. Allison looks like a Turtle in a shell. Kumerow won't amount to anything. Shepard is a disaster. Lazard is a TE more then Wr. If Rodgers wasn't the QB, they would be on the PS. The simple logic is to put them there. Good and Plenty isn't the way to go. Sure Adams might take the pressure off. But the slack isn't being picked up by the TEs either. You cannot expect to win in the playoffs unless the OL dominates. And how often have you heard that defense wins championships. Rodger's is special! Wins bring out team unity. And thats what I'm seeing. This Cinderella story is about team unity, more then ability. Excitement has a way of masking problems. And the Wr outlook is the problem.

0 points
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fastmoving's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:56 pm

WR is on of brightest spot on a special team. with a lot of upside. look what Brady got or all the top QBs. MVS was open a lot and when AR hits him in full stride he is one of the best big play WRs in the NFL.
WR is absolute no problem and the most exciting part when used the right way. We are not 7 and 1 only because of AR. Some wins are more one the D, some more one the RB and some on the passing game, not just AR.

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

October 28, 2019 at 07:02 pm

Stockholder,
Yes, the Packers need a jitterbug slot receiver with speed. The KC WR's were a joy to watch. Shepherd is not the answer and never was. The keeping of him will haunt the Packers as they put ESB on IR to keep Shepherd.

I disagree with your assessment of the Packers being in dire straits for WR's. I believe their best WR not named Adam's is presently on IR. Him being there was a mistake. I also love Lazard and see him really contributing and MVS will continue to grow.

At TE the Packers need to play Tonyan extensively upon his return. Sternberger's future is not now but not now. However, hopefully they are able to work him in bit by bit for experience.

2 points
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pacman's picture

October 28, 2019 at 12:32 pm

Since we are not getting a star WR, I'm reasonable happy with Adams and the emerging Lazard. And MVS seems useful as the deep speedster but AR has got to learn to stop under-throwing him. Those 3, with the new offense utilizing RB's is enough for AR. An occassional TE catch will be helpful and an upgrade next year.

I'm not sure where on the D we need more help and I was mostly happy with Pettine until yesterday. Even though we won, not being able to get more pressure and Moore with 3 starting O lineman out for KC was very frustrating.

KC has a lot of good players. Team falls apart in 2022 with the salary cap when Mahomes finishes his rookie contract. Though they still have $23M in cap space.

As I posted earlier - not looking forward to playing KC in the SB.

8 points
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Spock's picture

October 29, 2019 at 03:44 am

If the Packers make it to the SB this year I'm looking forward to whomever they're playing!

0 points
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Lphill's picture

October 28, 2019 at 12:48 pm

Martinez nor Burks are the future in the middle, lets bring back Mohammed Wilkerson for the rest of the season, keep Davante out until after the bye which gives more time to heal 100%, we wont need him for the chargers, how great would it be to get Larry Fitzgerald so he can play on a contender at the end of his career. he says he is a Cardinal for life but nothing lasts forever.

-5 points
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5
Leatherhead's picture

October 28, 2019 at 01:10 pm

People keep talking about Wilkerson. 32 teams haven’t picked this guy up. Because he’s not physically able to play anymore. He’s finished. We’d be better off trying to get Raji /sarcasm

1 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

October 28, 2019 at 01:40 pm

Bench Allison. Give Ryan Grant, Shepherd or Lazar a chance in the slot this week. Trade for a WR (Anderson, Green). Trade for an ILB (must be someone out there better than Oren Burkes) Get a big ugly to play next to Clark. Winning!

0 points
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Guam's picture

October 29, 2019 at 08:07 am

We will never know if Mahomes would have made the difference in the outcome of the game, but we do know Moore played really well and we still won. Mahomes would have had to perform at an extremely high level (which he is capable of doing) to pull the game out for KC. An average game from Mahomes and I believe we still win.

5 points
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Koostyroosty's picture

October 28, 2019 at 01:41 pm

If I'm the GM, I'm only trading for a Kick/punt returner. Doesn't matter what other position he plays. That is our area of greatest need, and can make the greatest impact on the games at this point in the season.

1 points
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Tedlyflyfisher's picture

October 28, 2019 at 02:07 pm

While I agree that a punt returner could be a huge addition, I think it might be better to add another ILB player who can stuff the run. On Packers Talk there’s a piece that mentions possibly trading for Raekwon McMillan from the Dolphins. That sounds very interesting.

I’m very disappointed in Geronimo, who I thought would be a key player this year, and somewhat a disappointed in MVS so far, as well. But I’m very happy with Lazard and getting Aaron Jones more involved in the passing game is a big, big plus. The fact that Rodgers is having to throw to guys other than #17 right now will imho pay big dividends down the line!

4 points
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Fire_Gute's picture

October 28, 2019 at 02:23 pm

With what I've seen from this team, I'd be willing to spend big on a WR. I don't care about "overpaying", 99 percent of people thought the Cowboys overpaid for Cooper last year. How'd that turn out. Trading what is hopefully a late 2nd round pick or late 3rd round pick for a chance to win now doesn't bother me in the least. I would have been totally happy paying what San Francisco did for Sanders. I completely disagree about playing for next year. Lafleur, his offense and the rest of this team aren't taking anyone by surprise next year. I'm not saying Lafleur won't be good in the future, but Nagy was coach of the year last year. One off season to figure him out and look at what you get now.

I don't see MVS as anything more than a 3. I don't understand Allison at all. Lazard might hang around for a few years, Kumerow has managed that already. I just don't see anymore than that.

-4 points
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6
splitpea1's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:19 pm

At 7-1, snagging one of the top two playoff seeds is not a far-fetched possibility. We could use upgrades at KR, DL, ILB, and possession WR. I'd be satisfied if the Packers addressed two of these four areas, but we all know how highly the front office values their draft picks. Still, a 7-1 record isn't achieved often, and with a healthy Rodgers, the Packers should be all in for THIS season.

0 points
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Patrick Helms's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:26 pm

I don't see another WR making much of an impact when AR doesn't see them half the time. Yes, he has been looking more since Adams has been out but I still see at least somebody open or at least leading their defender for a catch on most failed downs but AR isn't even looking at them. Vitale was wide open twice in the middle. Instead, AR took a sack or threw it away when he wasn't taking the sack...lol...Some of his throws this weekend were amazing and yet scary too, looked like he was going to get someone hurt at times. Reminded me of Kiser. Clock management is still an issue as well as Zook ST, I mean the new guy...lol... I'm going with another linebacker for more help on the Dtrain. Hopefully with Adams back, AR won't become one dimensional again. With that said, I love what MLF has done with this team. Go Pack!!!

4 points
6
2
Hematite's picture

October 28, 2019 at 03:49 pm

We'll never know if Mahomey would have changed the outcome!
End of story.

3 points
3
0
Packer_Fan's picture

October 28, 2019 at 04:40 pm

This year with Lafleur calling and designing plays is a world of difference over McCarthy. You could tell that Jones was special last year and could be a great weapon in the passing game, but MM couldn't see it. The Adams injury has helped the offense become balanced. The scheme is helping get people open and the players are making big plays. That doesn't necessarily happen if the team isn't behind the coach. We saw that last year too. Things are clicking in the Packers favor. Go Pack.

4 points
4
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

October 28, 2019 at 06:25 pm

Desperately need a #2 receiver and a run stuffer. Our top two WRs had 2 catches. I know the RBs were the game plan... but two catches? Allison and MVS are both ranked near the bottom of league WRs in # of catches and yards, this despite Adams being out four games. Adams comes back and he'll be double and triple-teamed again. And teams are still running up the middle against us. Half the season is over. They've tried moving Smith 55 inside and Gary or Fackrel outside but Gary is a bum and Fackrel not much better. Good sample size to recognize problems. Need to make moves to solve them.

-4 points
1
5
4thand1's picture

October 28, 2019 at 06:59 pm

As far as I'm concerned this team is already special. Players make plays, and this team has a bunch of players making plays that got it to a 7-1 record. The young WR's are improving every game. When Devante comes back Lazard is going to really shine.

4 points
4
0
purdyball46's picture

October 28, 2019 at 07:51 pm

You are a staff writer for Cheesehead TV? You are being brain washed by the sports media and should not be allowed to be with the Packers! Stop apologizing for the Packers winning! If you truly feel that Mahomes would have made the difference then you should go be with the Chiefs! Gutekunst and Murphy know what this team needs and they are not going to screw the salary cap by trading for an injured AJ Green or sign Dez Bryant or a player who puts himself above the team. Unknown players like Lazard, Lancaster, Sullivan, Redmond have earned their place on this team. They like many unknown players in the past, Terrell Davis and Tom Brady need time to develop! They can't do that if they load up the roster with expensive superstars from other teams and cut players with potential.

-1 points
2
3
Sol's picture

October 28, 2019 at 09:31 pm

I like the way our receivers play and it could be said that both our running backs are receivers more so just than just about any other team, and have definitely kept other teams guessing and creating wonderful mismatches. Let the young guys play and continue to get better with the more experience they get, the old saying that practice makes perfect should be enough for this year.

My dream for the team before the trade deadline is since Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay are going nowhere this year we might be able to talk them into letting go of Devin White or Devin Bush. I know this is just a dream but my how that would change the middle of the field with a young stud linebacker like either one of those guys. Both teams should be looking for a QB in this years draft and to do it will need to stock pile draft picks. Any credible rebuild will start by solving for X first, the QB.

I know this will never happen but this season is shaping up to be something special and darn a guy just needs to dream sometime.

Go Pack

1 points
1
0
Harold Drake's picture

October 29, 2019 at 05:20 am

If Mahomes had played...if Davante Adams had played...if Rodgers had hit a wide-open MVS instead of throwing an incompletion to another receiver..if my mother had four wheels she's be a truck.

2 points
2
0
Booner's picture

October 29, 2019 at 10:23 am

Why the hell did Gute let Daniels go this year? Just should have paid him this year and let him walk next year!

0 points
0
0
Archie's picture

October 29, 2019 at 11:25 am

Mighty have gotten a #4 pick for him too. And what about Trevor Davis? I'm a big Gutey fan at this point but both these moves are questionable. Let's see what 4pm est brings.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 29, 2019 at 10:08 pm

Because GB will need the cap space in 2020. GB has about $9M in space, and $7.91M of it comes from cutting Daniels.

0 points
0
0
Archie's picture

October 29, 2019 at 02:20 pm

I'm on board with all the long overdue changes and am very happy with results thus far, but as a long time fan of the NFL, I can't label this team as special in terms of being Super Bowl worthy. Special teams don't give up big plays at the rate the Pack gives them up and special teams don't have offenses that routinely hit flat spots for a couple of quarters in most of its games. They are special in the sense of being a good team with contributions from most everyone, excellent spirit and very good management. That gives them an excellent shot at the playoffs but I doubt a bye or a deep run. Now next year ...... maybe.

0 points
0
0
PatrickGB's picture

October 29, 2019 at 04:29 pm

I have never been called an optimist. Yet even I cringe at some of the comments here and at other sites. After the last few years this years team is a breath of fresh air. I will continue to be pragmatic but I wish some of the posters here would lighten up a tad. Let’s enjoy the ride while it lasts.

0 points
0
0