Hello Wisconsin: Packers Must Keep Eye on the Future in Final Five Games

The Packers have some player eval to do.

The Green Bay Packers came out of Philadelphia with a 4-8 record, as most reasonable folks predicted they would. They did, however, fare significantly better against the NFC’s number one seed than I or many others would have anticipated.

There wasn’t a whole lot new that came from this game for most of it. We already knew how bad the defense was, and how crucial it is for Joe Barry to never be allowed near a coordinator position ever again (though, tell that to Matt LaFleur). The only real new pieces of information to come from this game until the fourth quarter were just how good Keisean Nixon is in the return game, making the year-and-a-half long decision to keep Amari Rodgers on the job even more befuddling.

But late in the game, when the Packers pulled Aaron Rodgers due to a rib injury, Jordan Love got on the field to show what he could do. And for the first time in his NFL career in regular season action, he came in and impressed.

This wasn’t just a Jordan Love who was showing some meager improvement. This was a Jordan Love who looked… good. 

I had been all but ready to give up on Love as a prospect for the Packers. He had looked downright bad in much of his in-game action so far, and didn’t particularly impress during his limited time on the field in the preseason. There was little reason for me to think the Packers would be exercising Love’s fifth-year option after this season was over.

Two drives on Sunday night changed everything. And now I want to see more.

Not yet have we seen Love slinging the ball with such force and confidence. His arm looked strong. He was making confident, quick decisions and putting the ball in place and in rhythm. He threw off multiple platforms, including on the run. He did not at all feel overwhelmed and did not shrink in the moment.

It was a completely different player than what we had seen in the last couple years. Had the Packers an even semi-competent defense, there’s a chance Love would have been in position to take the Packers down the field one more time for a game-winning drive after consecutive drive of scoring points for the team.

Having finally seen this exciting flash of Love’s true potential, the Packers must carefully consider how they will handle the final few weeks of the regular season. Already there were those who were clamoring for the team to play Love and see what they have in him before they make the option decision this offseason. Now, with Love having actually looked the part of an heir apparent for a brief period in the game, that interest has been ratcheted up.

From the Packers’ perspective, there is little benefit to playing Aaron Rodgers for the rest of the season, at least in comparison to the benefit of playing Love. With Rodgers, it essentially comes down to the ability to get more reps in with guys like Christian Watson and, if/when he returns, Romeo Doubs. But that’s really it. Rodgers is playing hurt, it’s clearly affecting his game, and the Packers know what they have in him.

Love, however, is still something of an unknown commodity. The Packers need to get a real hard look at their investment to determine whether they are going to commit to him for the long term. If Love comes out, gets four or five games to show what he’s got, and plays pretty consistently with what the Packers saw in the fourth quarter on Sunday, then it would be very hard for them to let Love out of their grasp.

Of course, that’s a big “if.” There’s no guarantee that what we saw out of Love was any more than a one-off thing.

But that’s exactly why it’s so crucial to see what else Love has got. What if he truly is the guy, and what we saw on Sunday was just the first glimpse of that?

This season is lost. At this point the odds of saving it are so infinitesimal that it is now more important to do some significant player evaluation. This team is not good enough to win a championship, and so the Packers must start taking a look toward the future.

That, chiefly, means getting a real good look at what the Packers have behind Aaron Rodgers, who may or may not even be playing football in 2023.

Wisconsin Beer of the Week

I picked up a whole bunch of new beers just before and after Thanksgiving, including a bunch of Black Friday releases from Milwaukee-area breweries. During the game on Sunday night I cracked open one of them–a stout from Component Brewing Company in Bay View.

Component has a new space in the Lincoln Warehouse, which has served as sort of an incubator for breweries. Enlightened Brewing Company was the first one there, and it eventually graduated to a new facility in Bay VIew. Eagle Park also passed through the building before finding its home on the east side. Since then, the building has hosted Component Brewing Company, and now also hosts Torzala Brewing Company and New Barons Beer Coop. 

This particular beer is a thick pastry stout that comes in at a whopping 13 percent ABV. It’s very sweet with a heavy body, thanks to its chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker. It’s basically s’mores in a glass, and it’s delicious. 

This is obviously not a beer you’re going to drink a ton of; save it for dessert or sip it when you’re in need of something sweet on a cold winter day. It sure helped dull the sour taste the Packers/Eagles game left in my mouth.

You can find it on tap or in four packs at Component’s tap room in Milwaukee.

Keisean Nixon strong in the return game

What a pleasure it was to see Keisean Nixon confidently bursting forward after catching the ball on kicks Sunday night. Even when in the endzone he still was willing to find his blockers and plow ahead. His decisiveness is one of the biggest things Amari Rodgers lacked (in addition to his complete lack of ball skills). 

Nixon has been a solid depth and special teams player, and with the showing he’s provided in the return game, he’s cleared the way for a return to the roster in 2023. When you’ve had as difficult time finding reliable returners as the Packers have (minus a short time of Tyler Ervin a couple years ago), you don’t want to let those guys go, especially when they’re valuable in other parts of the game.

I’d expect to see both the Presidents (Nixon and Ford) back in 2023.

Christian Watson looks like a potential star

It’s hard not to wonder how this year might had gone had Christian Watson not dropped that ball in week one, or had he not gotten injured before or during the season. 

The last several games, Watson has shown dominant capabilities on the football field, and a ton of natural talent. His combination of size and speed is reminiscent of Randy Moss and is something that simply cannot be taught. He’s a uniquely gifted athlete and it’s beginning to show up on the football field.

What Watson did when he caught that ball from Jordan Love for the fourth quarter touchdown is surreal. There were one or two defenders that had great angles on him that, were he most other players in the league, would have resulted in him being caught not long after the catch. It’s been a long time since the Packers had a player with that kind of in-game speed. Even Marquez Valdes-Scantling, an incredibly fast human in his own right, never flashed quite that degree or nature of speed in his time with the team.

There are only a few other players in the league that could turn that catch into a touchdown with defenders in the position they were. Tyreek Hill comes to mind, as does Ja’Marr Chase. 

It’s far too early to put Watson up with any of these great players in the league. But you can see why the Packers were so tantalized with him, and why they decided to move up in the second round to get him before he fell elsewhere. His athleticism is incredible, and he’s a versatile and dangerous player at the position. The Packers haven’t had a wide receiver with his level of natural talent in a long time, or maybe even ever. 

It’ll be fascinating to watch him develop as an NFL player. He has all the tools to be tremendously successful.

Around the NFC North

Once again we’ll take a quick look around the NFC North at what the Packers’ rivals are doing.

  • The CHICAGO BEARS without Justin Fields were not at all a pretty sight; they got obliterated by a tough Jets team who showed a lot of weaknesses the Bears have on their roster. Fields is still not at all a strong passer, but the dynamic presence he offers with his legs can help cover up a lot of flaws. Without him present, it was clear this team has a long way to go still in its rebuild.

 

  • The DETROIT LIONS could find themselves moving up the ladder into the thick of the playoff race with a win this weekend, especially if the Seahawks and/or Commanders lose. A home game against the Jaguars, who are themselves coming off a surprising win against Baltimore, is more than winnable. The Lions have been finding their identity behind Jamaal Williams on offense and doing just enough to win games. Even if they don’t get to the playoffs this year, the clear progression from last year will give some promise to their 2023 squad.

 

  • The MINNESOTA VIKINGS are going to get a big test this weekend against the Jets. Fortunately it’s a noon game, so they don’t have to be as worried about Kirk Cousins turning into a pumpkin. The Jets are capable of playing with anyone in this league and will absolutely not lie down for the Vikings. They’re playing tough defense and steady offense despite not having a real quarterback. Ultimately I think the offensive talent differential is too much for the Jets to make up, but they’re going to give Minnesota everything they can handle.

It’s hard to take Matt LaFleur seriously about Joe Barry

Matt LaFleur essentially ruled out a change at defensive coordinator this week. In fact, he went so far as to deflect blame from Barry and place it on the players.

There is certainly plenty of blame to go around, and the players bear their fair share. But it’s not exactly controversial to say Barry is a bad coordinator who never should have been hired. He was bad in his two previous stops, and he’s been bad in Green Bay. There are frequent questionable scheme decisions, constant communication issues, and almost all the players (even the good ones) have regressed in their second year under him, which speaks to his ability (or lack thereof) as a coordinator.

Many called this hire out for what it was at the time: brutally bad. I was willing to give it a shot, and actually thought at one point in 2021 that he was starting to prove the doubters wrong. But ultimately, this year has proven his hiring was a massive mistake, especially considering the success of another reported finalist for the job, Ejiro Evero. 

If LaFleur does not relieve Barry of his duties after the season, the Packers will be right back to missing the postseason again in 2023. 

LaFleur isn’t an idiot, so hopefully he can see what everyone else clearly does with Barry and his ability to lead this defense. He is going to try to say the right things right now, but ultimately, he hopefully will make the right decision.

Final look: Packers at Bears and Week 13 Picks

Look, the Packers are bad. They may well be the worst team in the NFC North at the moment. But there’s no chance I’m taking them to lose to the Bears, who they have owned about as hard as one team can own another in this league over the course of the last 30 years. 

If this is Aaron Rodgers’ final action of the season, he’ll “still own” the Bears in Chicago one more time.

Packers 27, Bears 24

WEEK 13 PICKS

BILLS over Patriots

PACKERS over Bears

FALCONS over Steelers

VIKINGS over Jets

LIONS over Jaguars

EAGLES over Titans

BROWNS over Texans

GIANTS over Commanders

RAVENS over Broncos

DOLPHINS over 49ers

SEAHAWKS over Rams

CHARGERS over Raiders

CHIEFS over Bengals

COWBOYS over Colts

BUCCANEERS over Saints

 

LAST WEEK:  10-6

SEASON TOTAL: 103-77

 

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.

__________________________

6 points
 

Comments (94)

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

December 01, 2022 at 06:26 am

"With Rodgers, it essentially comes down to the ability to get more reps in with guys like Christian Watson and, if/when he returns, Romeo Doubs. But that’s really it. Rodgers is playing hurt, it’s clearly affecting his game, and the Packers know what they have in him."

I've read or heard this thinking on other Packers articles or podcasts and it drives me fucking crazy! MORE REPS? WHAT?

Had Rodgers cared about more reps in the first place maybe, just maybe, instead of going off and drinking his brew of Ayahuasca, maybe he shows up for OTA's, minicamp, to get a few of those reps. ESPECIALLY after they gave him $150 million reasons to do so.

Barry...Don't even get me going on Joe Barry...

I don't want to hear he doesn't have to show up either. EVERYBODY knew what would have been best for the 2022 version of the GBP would have been to have Rodgers get some work in with Watson, Doubs, and Toure. Rodgers has had his time, NOW it's time for Jordan Love.

Last thing...I keep hearing once the Packers are mathematically eliminated Rodgers would "Be Open" to other options like sitting out and letting Love play. HEY, WHO IN SAM HELL IS RUNNING THIS ORGANIZATION! Give me a God Damn break!

12 points
20
8
T7Steve's picture

December 01, 2022 at 06:47 am

Don't other rich quarterbacks even have their receivers come to a private camp on their own to start working with and get to know them?

6 points
8
2
Bitternotsour's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:39 am

they'd have to fly to central america to ingest ayahuasca and sit in sweat lodges.

1 points
2
1
Bitternotsour's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:39 am

they'd have to fly to central america to ingest ayahuasca and sit in sweat lodges.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:25 am

This organization is in full scale fantasy denial. They are determined to stick with the notion that Rodgers plus this Roster make sense. All the buzz from the team is premised on Rodgers being the QB next year and that somehow this leadership can be redeemed.

This administration is headed for the wall and accelerating. They are digging their heels in, further closing their eyes to reality and presumably believe that the results are misfortune and that the organization is so compromised that there’s no one to interfere and stop this. If I was Gute I’d jump ship. No one can build a team in such an atmosphere if delusion and contradiction.

This smacks of the hubris of Murphy and his glove puppet LaFleur. I am increasingly to the point where I think we should assume that they will take no steps that are a threat to the myth of competence. Murphy has come to see himself as the franchise and, with that, his interests are defining. To be clear, no President with that mindset should be tolerated in any organization and there needs also to be changes to stop that occurring in future. This is a result an egregious failure of governance.

I think the degree to which the organization has lost its way is only going to become more and more obvious. I think we run the risk of having to watch this become very very ugly and will be suffering the consequences for years. Very depressing, but it’s evidenced every week both off the field and in the disarray on it.

Small though it is, this week was a litmus test for me on this organization. Would the historically bad showing on D finally spur action: had we learned from last year? Would we sit a semi-healthy Rodgers this week or hide behind a truly negligible mathematical chance at the playoffs? Now we know.

Downhill with Ariens and Murphy. It’s not just a sledding slope it’s a metaphor.

Since the President of Ariens is both a board member and has sponsored the hill, I am not buying his products. Futile perhaps, but it’s time to make such gestures as one can.

8 points
10
2
T7Steve's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:40 am

With this premise, do you think after those 9 plays, that if they play Love more, they're afraid trade value can only go down? If they want Rodgers to play next year, that's the only thing they can do?

-1 points
1
2
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:52 am

Honestly, I don’t think the thought process involved Love or the future, but was just about maintaining the facade that the Packers remain a team with a viable strategy and, because that was founded on Rodgers’ extension it inherently requires Rodgers to be needed if he can pass the doctors. To do anything other than play Rodgers at all costs would suggest that the gap is not as great and a step to accepting that it’s over as well.

If Love were to play badly, so what? A better pick. If Love were to light it up, how would that make Murphy, his extension of Rodgers and LaFleur look?

After the game LaFleur said of Love that it’s what we are seeing each week in practice—it’s the play level the team have come to expect of him. Yet we will roll out a hindered Rodgers without hesitation in what is in reality already a dead season. It seems to me they (maybe not Gute) are perhaps more afraid that Love will play well.

6 points
7
1
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 01, 2022 at 11:48 am

Thanks for that thoughtful post CW.

1 points
1
0
Guam's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:27 am

"HEY, WHO IN SAM HELL IS RUNNING THS ORGANIZATION!"

Thank you NickPerry! That is the question of the year. The next five games need to be about the future of the Green Bay Packers, not Aaron Rodgers. The Packers need to find out what they have in Jordan Love. That knowledge impacts their draft plans for next year as well as Rodgers remaining time with the Packers.

I am as appreciative as any Packer fan for what Aaron Rodgers has done for team over the past 15 years. However sentimentality can not enter into the upcoming decisions. What is best for the organization is more important than what is best for Aaron Rodgers. This is a business decision, not an emotional one.

Can the Packer front office do that? I don't know.

13 points
13
0
Packers0808's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:31 am

You're not pissed are you?

-1 points
0
1
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:41 am

It's simply ridiculous to suggest that if Rodgers had attended t-shirt and shorts training back in May it would have changed anything about this season. Christian Watson was hurt much of the offseason and wouldn't have even been available. Doubs and Toure were learning the playbook. You don't need a Hall of Fame QB throwing to you to learn the playbook. Once they knew the playbook somewhat, they had time with Rodgers in training camp and weekly practices. Then all the veterans and the top WR pick all got hurt as the season started. Having Rodgers around in May wouldn't have changed that.

It's so fun to blame the guy who is primarily responsible for the winning records we've seen from our team over the last 15+ years. He gets hurt, the WRs get hurt, the defense sucks, and somehow it's all Rodgers fault for not showing up in May for t-shirt workouts with rookies.

-4 points
2
6
whysoserious's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:14 pm

It is more about leadership and showing the new guys how important it is to put in the extra work. Rodgers is a great passer of the ball and very intelligent when it comes to knowing what is happening on the field. What he has never been is a great leader.

6 points
6
0
NickPerry's picture

December 02, 2022 at 05:24 am

Can't give this enough thumbs up!

0 points
0
0
tincada's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:33 pm

Dr. 3-19 has GB (Murf the surf, Gutman & LaFlop by the balls. They know it and so do we. What a pathetic "organization" Sit Dr 3-19 down, oh yeah that won't happen because Coach Dr. 3-19 is running the show and we all know. I'm so done with GB and I grew up in GB

-3 points
1
4
Tundraboy's picture

December 02, 2022 at 12:09 am

That about sums it up for me. Thanks NP for putting in writing what I've been too frustrated and angry to coherently say myself. Whoever they put out at QB I want to see that trio of receivers starting. I consider the rest of the season to be real NFL training for them and others on our way to getting some high picks for a change, Beat the Bears and that's it and I'm good.

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

December 02, 2022 at 12:09 am

Dup

0 points
0
0
T7Steve's picture

December 01, 2022 at 06:44 am

Great read, Tim!

Would it be better for the Packers SC issues to sign Love to an extension now rather than just pick up his 5th year option? Could that help for building around him?

As the team sits now, have Rodgers play out his swan song with honor, and bow out as/if he pleases. If the Packers can't start building enough for a quarterback to just be a game manager to start with, it won't matter how much talent is in that room. The last three years (11years?) have proved that you can't win even with an NVP quarterback without the right coaching to make adjustments and put the guys in a place win.

Love can start on his path at any time and will benefit with an offense designed for his and the team's best abilities. Not one that's an offshoot made for another quarterback.

5 points
5
0
HawkPacker's picture

December 01, 2022 at 07:47 am

"Would it be better for the Packers SC issues to sign Love to an extension now rather than just pick up his 5th year option?"

After Tim mentioned the 5th year option, I was going to ask about an extension as well. I have not heard of extending but only picking up the 5th year option. Is this an option to extend? If so, I would wholeheartedly agree if he continues to play like he did against Philly.

4 points
4
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:36 am

Yes. I’ve been pointing this out for some time. The option is very unlikely to be exercised for a QB. Because it’s averaged on top players at a monumentally high paid position, it only likely to be used when a QB is established. If they are they are often already given a long term deal. If not, it’s exorbitant at circa 20 million all hitting the cap in one year and still requiring a long term deal at a presumably further inflated cost. If Love is kept, he will be retained as part of a longer term deal with incentives and one that spreads cap over multiple years.

3 points
3
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 01, 2022 at 11:56 am

I find it very hard to imagine (1) how the organization would extend Love without observing him perform extensively during games. (2) If I was Love I sure as hell would not agree to an extension between the Rodgers situation, and how the Packers have been treating Love. Meaning their unwillingness to allow him to play more in games.

0 points
0
0
whysoserious's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:42 pm

It will be a risk even if they see him play out the year. RGIII had a phenomenal one season. as did Nick Foles. Neither turned out to be any good in the grand scheme of things. Russell Wilson just got paid for many great years and now looks like like a total waste of money. Carson Wentz had an MVP type season and is now a glorified back-up.

Want to take a big risk then sign him to a long term deal (5+ years) for 30 mil a season. Big risk big reward. The longer the deal the bigger risk but also the bigger the reward.

1 points
1
0
T7Steve's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:58 pm

The 5th year option would be up there. A five year prove it contract that could be heavy on incentives and playing time/wins so it would help the cap and allow for what happens depending on Rodgers. If Love bets on his self, he knows he could get a restructure in a couple years and help with the team building on the way.

1 points
1
0
pacman's picture

December 01, 2022 at 07:35 am

"LaFleur isn’t an idiot" - Hmmm?
Keeping Drayton was certainly idiotic.

Tell me something MLF has done well? We certianly don't know the inner workings of all the coaches and players but the buck stops with him - at least for the play on the field. Has he stuck to the run as he kept saying he would? Have the play calls been innovative? Has he motivated his players every week?

He's picking up a lot of strikes. How many does he get?

17 points
18
1
Razer's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:24 am

...He's picking up a lot of strikes. How many does he get?...

Like all things Packers, he gets a lot. Its called the Amari Rodgers "it wasn't a mistake" protocol. To me, it is apparent that LaFleur is in over his head. He is just hanging on when it comes to playcalling but the head coach stuff is beyond his experience and skillset. The people that he has hired and the repeated failures tells you that he was over hired.

7 points
7
0
LambeauPlain's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:35 am

Yeah, MLF is a HC, only in title. In reality he is a glorified, obscenely paid OC.

Gutey is the GM, only in title. In reality he is a glorified Administrative Assistant to the self appointed GM, Murphy.

This team's leadership structure is finger pointing mess. MLF, Ball, and Gutey can all overrule the other's decisions by whining to Murphy. It is not just "playing in another sandbox", there is sand all over the floor in the "Football Operations Committee" conference room.

6 points
6
0
baldski's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:22 pm

I think Murphy thinks he is an "Owner" instead of Pres and can do no wrong.

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:32 am

Two Playoff games @ Home and he comes out with the Big L. Demonstrably beaten by the vikes in the Opener.
The off-season coaching moves with Stenavich etc. Seems like a black cloud carried over from 2021.

2 points
2
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:29 am

"Tell me something MLF has done well?"

I mean he did help turn Rodgers into a back to back MVP's. No one wants to give him credit for that. But without him does Rodgers earn back to back MVP's? I don't think so.

3 points
5
2
HawkPacker's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:47 am

Gute had a part in that as well by selecting Jordan Love. That pissed Rodgers' off and in his mind he probably said 'I will show them'!

5 points
7
2
croatpackfan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:34 am

Oh my God! He pissed off one of the employees? How is that possible in this world? How dare he to thinks about organization's future, when he would hurt the feelings of one employee? Especially one who only cares about himself.

Do you really believe he wants to play because it is good for Packers? No. He wants to prevent Jordan Love to show Love has future in NFL. Why? To be able to keep Packers bow to his will.

Yeah. That draft choice freighten him to the unbelievable level. He knows he is in decline. He is to clever and intelligent not to see that. And he is trying to keep Packers as hostage to his will. His plan is supported by Mark Murphy. And that is the reason why they picked up MLF. He is so manageable that they were delighted with him. Coldworld is right. True Packers HC is ACR. MLF is just OC.

0 points
1
1
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:57 am

That definitely put a major chip on his shoulder.

Lets ask this question. Could there have been a better pick then to get a guy that motivated the QB to turn in back to back MVP years?

0 points
1
1
jannes bjornson's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:38 am

Hurts ?

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 01:04 pm

I mean sure. But either way they would have motivated Rodgers.

0 points
0
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:47 am

dont talk to me about MVP's.

Talk to me about...
1 - winning vs division foes
2 - making the playoffs
3 - winning in the playoffs
4 - winning the SB

These are proper measuring points for a HC of an NFL team.

9 points
9
0
pacman's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:55 am

For the Packers team that he took over, the only measuring sticks should have been getting to and winning the SB. He has failed and flamed out miserably in that regard.

5 points
6
1
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:02 am

The point is he helped revive Rodgers. We can't forget how much better Rodgers was the last 2 years after LaFleur got here. It isn't all about Rodgers himself. Its also about LaFleur and the offense he brought in.

He checked off the first 3 boxes. The 4th he didn't. And I put the injury of Bakhtiari as the reason why. If Bakhtiari doesn't get hurt I am almost willing to bet we win 1 of the 2 super bowls.

-1 points
1
2
Johnblood27's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:38 am

Rodgers sandbagged the 2 years before MLF arrived.

Rodgers revived Rodgers, not MLF.

Do you honestly think that Luke Getsy raised the level of Rodgers play?

Do you honestly think that Rodgers ran the MLF offense and THAT raised his level of play?

I your answers to the above 2 questions is a resounding YES, of course JB! ...then I will gladly sell you a couple of bridges...

2 points
3
1
whysoserious's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:48 pm

Why are you picking on Luke Getsy. He has devised an offense that makes Justin Fields look competent when no one thought that possible.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 06:18 pm

By just letting him run?

1 points
1
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:08 pm

now THAT'S some innovative game planning!

Back to the single wing!

Direct snap to the guy who will run the ball...

WOW! Who woulda thunk it!

1 points
1
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:34 pm

Jb, I know you can pitch work-from-home opportunities (especially ones that you hear of from your little brother's best friend) on CHTV, but I'm pretty sure selling bridges violates terms of service. Just looking out for you.

0 points
0
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 02, 2022 at 05:44 pm

You're all heart Leotis!

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:52 am

Giving MLF the credit as the only HC who could have delivered Rodgers 2 MVPs is possible but unprovable and highly unlikely. Getsy and Hackett had roles reversing Rodgers decline. Both now gone as Rodgers struggles mightily this year...as MLF remains.

So I could posit those two assistants were the reason for his MVPs with the circumstantial evidence. But I don't know.

2 points
2
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:11 am

Ok, if you want to give Getsy and Hackett the credit for Rodgers, who do you give credit for hiring them as the guys?

So many people want to blame LaFleur for everything and don't want to give him credit for anything. He is not perfect. But he has been damn good. You don't have back to back to back 13 win seasons by accident.

I would say that Getsy, Hackett leaving have been a big part of the reason why Rodgers hasn't played as well this year. BUT I would also add that the Packers record of 4-8 is more based on losing Adams then anything.
If they have Adams I am willing to bet they are 8-4 and not 4-8.

And what if we said Rodgers struggles are more based on the players around him and not himself. I saw a stat before the last game that they had 19 dropped passes last year. This year before the last game they already had something like 20. They have had a mess of an OL. The defense has been inconsistent.

-2 points
1
3
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 11:10 am

Let’s run with your theory that LaFleur had a hand in elevating Rodgers. If he did, that was through the system changes that reached their zenith in 2020, the one year when a LaFleur/Rodgers offense was genuinely good. Since then that O has receded at Rodgers insistence. Last year it and Rodgers were diminished but he still win MVP in a year where there was no stand out and he and our O declined. This year it vanished.

So, if you are right, it’s the system that helped Rodgers. Yet LaFleur has permitted that system to evaporate. The results are terrible. Even on your hypothesis, LaFleur has thus failed as a Head Coach by standing by willingly while the good is undone. Maybe LaFleur is that pathetic, or maybe the uptick in Rodgers was actually internal motivation and the noticeable correction he put in place to his technique that off season, as Rodgers claimed at the time, making it clear he’d worked that out and corrected it on his own initiative.

No, LaFleur is not a viable head coach even if we ignore all other things and accept your theory.

3 points
3
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 01:01 pm

The system hasn't diminished, the players have.

The OL has been a nightmare for half the season. Bakhtiari and Jenkins took forever to come back full time. They have ran 5 or 6 different combinations on the OL. They have moved guys around, its been a mess. FInally the last 3 or 4 games they have started the same combination of players.

The WR group also has been a mess. Watson, Cobb, Watkins, Doubs all have missed significant playing time.

Rodgers level has dropped off, mostly likely because of the OL and WR issues, and also his thumb got injured in London. Since then his numbers have suffered.

AJ Dillon has regressed this year. He hasn't been the bulldozing RB we were expecting to see.

The last 2 of 3 games have been the offenses best performances of the year. One common thing in those is that they OL has been intact. The running game has been effective. And Watson has given us a true threat at WR.

The system is working.

-2 points
1
3
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 04:07 pm

The system diminished last year. That was obvious visually and not denied. That’s just hogwash.

4 points
4
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:39 am

LaFleur is no good but he comes over well on media. That’s wearing thin now of course, because reality inevitably strips the gloss after a while. He’s an incompetent manager of men. That’s enough to end the need to speculate further in the context of being a head coach.

6 points
6
0
Untylu1968's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:50 am

My 86 year old mother, likes his eyebrows, so he's got that going for him...

4 points
4
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 02:09 pm

This made me laugh too hard.

0 points
0
0
Bitternotsour's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:48 am

I don't think the word for MLF is idiot. I think he's more accurately described as weak. He surrendered his manhood to Rodgers, and he's never going to get it back. I honestly believe his offensive scheme was forward thinking, he just never had enough strength to institute it.

In regards to coaching personnel decisions. Aye carumba. Weakness manifested. Joe Barry.

I watched Detroit last week for the first time, now THAT is a head coach. That's a team with identity and heart. What is the Packer identity? A conspiracy theory quarterback, a weak head coach who gets his eyebrows waxed, and a defense that, as a whole, is far less than the quality of it's parts.

4 points
4
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:40 pm

I agree, LaFluer is a coordinator not a head coach. However, NFL head coaches don't all need to be talking biceps like Dan Campbell to get men to follow and respect them. Bill Walsh. Marv Levy. Dick Vermeil (crier!), Tony Dungy, Tom Landry etc. all commanded respect without the dick swagger.

0 points
0
0
mnbadger's picture

December 01, 2022 at 01:20 pm

"LaFleur isn’t an idiot . . . "
Tim, other than some of your beer choices, I agree with most all of your opinions. For this one, I really need some evidence to back up your opinion.
If he's not, as you say, an idiot, what is he?
My best guesses are below:
- way over his head
- missing two stones
- totally lacking in game awareness
- emotionally stunted at about the 11th grade level
- wearing the deepest shade of rose colored glasses
- on such a short leash he has absolutely ZERO say over how this team is run
- fill in the blank from here.
GPG! Packers 26 cubs 24

5 points
5
0
Starrbrite's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:47 pm

What I would have written—Pacman—excellent.

0 points
0
0
Fubared's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:02 pm

Per Matt were all in this together so lets not talk about Barry. good then you should all be fired. Solves that problem. Look LeFleur will not be the coach of his team in two years. I see him being canned mid next season as were at the bottom of the heap. Either he goes or Gutt does but one of them falls on the sword.

1 points
1
0
LombardiSince65's picture

December 01, 2022 at 07:37 am

Hey Matt, it may be time to take a hard look at Phil Parker, a model of defensive consistency as a dc at Iowa. Looking at 2023

2 points
2
0
HawkPacker's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:48 am

Parker is excellent and he knows talent and apparently is a good motivator. Potential recruits respect him as well. Not sure how he would translate at the NFL level but yes he should be looked at.

2 points
2
0
HawkPacker's picture

December 01, 2022 at 07:45 am

'I’d expect to see both the Presidents (Nixon and Ford) back in 2023.'

Good one Tim. Never thought of that and is pretty funny. Hopefully, one year contracts so they will still play with their hair on fire!

5 points
5
0
HawkPacker's picture

December 01, 2022 at 07:51 am

"Not yet have we seen Love slinging the ball with such force and confidence. His arm looked strong. He was making confident, quick decisions and putting the ball in place and in rhythm. He threw off multiple platforms, including on the run. He did not at all feel overwhelmed and did not shrink in the moment."

All good points Tim and after the game I was also thinking that in addition to what you have added above, he can run with the ball as well which is a plus. I don't believe he can run like some of the QB's in the league but I do remember him running in a game or two last year and he ran the ball pretty well.

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:23 am

He’s not Hurts as a runner, a guy who is a running back who can throw and has always run, but he has speed and ability. However, he’s always been a pocket type temperamentally. He’s not a guy who chooses to use his legs often. In fact, he probably should do so a little more in broken play.

The running QB has had fads in the past. Very few survived long because most weren’t that good as passers, but also eventually all got hurt. Availability is the key. Even a guy like Hurts is going to suffer the same issues RBs do. That’s not a long term career. I don’t see many 30 year old true dual threat QBs in league in future. It’s great while it lasts.

The (younger) Rodgers model is a much better one. Pass from the pocket first, use feet to avoid and to punish opponents on key downs or if they just give you acres of space. Love is more that kind of athletic QB.

6 points
6
0
HarryHodag's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:11 am

One point about Love that is often overlooked is his ability to run. When you see what Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields bring to an offense, the Packers might have one of their own in Jordan Love. We've seen Love have more than sufficient arm strength and accuracy in the passing game and the players seem to respond to him. But he can run, too. Earlier in Rodgers career he could run. Now he's slowed whether he admits it or not, so the defenses don't have to worry about that. Love should get his shot, though sitting a player making $2.9 million per game is a tough financial pill to swallow.

Younger folks probably won't remember a time in the NFL when the quarterback was expected to run. Arnie Herber, Cecil Isbell, Tony Canadeo and Irv Comp threw all those passes that made Don Hutson the Hall of Famer. But all three, especially Canadeo, also ran the ball effectively. In the late 50's, early 60's that style of football was phased out to usher in the style where the quarterback was more of the diva. Also, the defensive players were getting bigger and faster and injury became a bigger issue.

Until this year Aaron Rodgers gave the Packers the best chance to win. But like Brett Favre before him, Father Time is catching up with Aaron. Now we'll see if Matt LF has the stones to make the right decision.

10 points
10
0
T7Steve's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:22 am

It would be just like Rodgers to have an MVP type year next year. He does that every time people start counting him out. I've been waiting all year for him to start playing with a chip on his shoulder, but it hasn't happened. Injury related? As I've said before, let him ride off into the sunset for the rest of the year if he wants. Just decide on his future before it effects draft and cap.

3 points
3
0
Tundraboy's picture

December 02, 2022 at 12:22 am

Good read. Thanks!

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:27 am

Love -
This was the first time he has given us hope that he could be the next QB. While it was a very small sample size, he definitely looked good. His decision making was good, his throws were on point and had great velocity on his throws. This really reminded me of the Rodgers Cowboys game. The first time we saw something that meant something.

"From the Packers’ perspective, there is little benefit to playing Aaron Rodgers for the rest of the season, at least in comparison to the benefit of playing Love. With Rodgers, it essentially comes down to the ability to get more reps in with guys like Christian Watson and, if/when he returns, Romeo Doubs. But that’s really it."

This is where I think they have to have a big boy conversation with Rodgers. If he plans to come back, he needs to play more to build the rapport with Watson and Doubs. This is about next year. All these reps will only help for next year. Also don't forget about Toure too. He needs more playing time as well.

Christian Watson -
I can't help but wonder how much different this season could have gone had he not gotten surgery and could have been there for all of training camp. I also can't help but wonder where this offense would be had Cobb and Watkins not gotten hurt early in the season. And I can't help but wonder how good the offense would be the last however many games had Doubs not gotten hurt. But Watson is a stud. plain and simple. He is going to be a problem for opposing offenses for a while. HIs size/speed ratio is off the charts. I don't remember a Packers WR that can do the things that Watson has already shown. Javon Walker maybe the last WR that could do some of these things.

6 points
6
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:04 pm

I recall strongly being opposed to Watson in the draft not because he wasn't a talent, but because he was coming from a small school against inferior talent and would need time to develop. Frankly, with those two second round picks I wanted Pickens and an Edge rusher. An Edge rusher would have been nice but I gladly admit at this point in time Gutey made the right choice. Barring injury Watson is going to be an amazing talent and star in this league. The combination of Doubs and Watson is going to be extremely fun to watch moving forward.

Will add....with so many on here so quick to attack Gutey and his draft selections more should acknowledge his risk taking & success taking guys like Watson, Doubs, Jordan Love, Tom, and so on. This 2022 draft could end up being extremely special with time.

3 points
3
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 01, 2022 at 01:18 pm

A lot of people hated GB moving up for Watson. A lot of them wanted Pierce (I was hoping for him) and a pass rusher.
I really like the future with Watson and Doubs. I hope we can see them together this weekend. Toure also could be a great addition.
I still think it was pretty damn cool that Watson and Doubs were starting next to each other at the Senior Bowl. Now they are our future at WR.

This 22 draft could be special for sure. This is basically what we know to date on these players.

Walker - could be special ILB.
Wyatt - needs more opportunities. Has flashed some good potential
Watson - stud
Rhyan - who knows. Rookie year very disappointing
Doubs - potential stud. Quality starter for sure.
Tom - future starter. I really like Tom
Enagbare - great find in the 5th round
Carpenter - special teams player. potential future on defense
Ford - big guy. hopefully can develop
Walker - has potential. Could be an OT option in the future
Toure - has looked really good when given opportunities. Needs more playing time.

2 points
2
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 01, 2022 at 08:52 am

My how people forget...

Watson looks and plays a LOT like James Lofton did when he came to Green Bay.

Lots of speed, tall and rangy, superb athleticism and smart as all get out... looks a lot like JL to me.

8 points
8
0
lou's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:22 am

You nailed it, Lofton is the perfect comparison. Few remember that Lofton got an engineering degree from Stanford which corresponds to Watson's high Wunderlic score. The "smooth easy speed" is also there, per the Bill's, Lofton ran the same 4.35 forty yard dash his last season as he did his rookie season in Green Bay, Watson's officially time is 4.36.

4 points
4
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:55 am

Toss in Watson's 39"-0 vertical.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:42 am

I can’t claim to truly remember Lofton beyond highlight reels, but you draw interesting parallels. One thing I will say that frustrated me with the use of Watson initially is the fact that we went straight to the go route. That was a known weakness of his. It’s a distinct skill tracking and hands catching over the shoulder. It was one college tape shows he had not mastered. When he does pick up that and improves his route skills generally, this kid could be a Loften.

Watson’s killer route in college was the one that both got him his first long TD and the one last Sunday: some kind of deep crosser. If you want guys who were superb in college catching over the shoulder, ironically we actually picked two: Doubs and Toure. They excelled at it. They aren’t as fast, few are, but they were very successful at it. On the other hand, feed Watson crossers and he is already elite.

That should have been his staple from day one. Instead our thinking was that he is fast, let’s run go routes. I expect a little more thought from coaches. Make it as easy as possible for players: we need to remember that, and not just in the context of WRs.

4 points
4
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:51 am

My draft analysis compared him to James Lofton. The speed, body control and intelligence. Watched many games with Lofton, JJ and Coffman, Watson will only get better. Doubs is the perfect possession guy. Now, they need to bag a TE from Rd one or two, next April.

7 points
7
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 06:16 pm

TE is going to be tough. Very few are ready to play coming out, at least as true TEs not big WRs. I really hoped we’d pick one this year but we didn’t. Davis does not appear to have come on at all. Deguara is playing well, but he’s not a classic TE.

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:09 pm

JB,
I think about the Lofton comparison every time I see Watson catch and run. Crazy and hopefully Watson ends up as good as Lofton. I have always said that if Lofton hadn't stubbed his toe forcing his exit from GB that I think his legacy and stats would have pushed him up quite a bit higher in the upper echelon of NFL WR greats.

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

December 02, 2022 at 12:28 am

I haven't but I have waited so long for a player like Lofton again that I don't want to say that just yet. But I can feel it!. He was the best ever, and epitomized the Packers. Just having someone close would be incredible.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:13 am

While reading this article and the responses above I have been wondering again what type of discussion we would be having if the Packers had made the move required to obtain Jefferson in 2020 rather than Love. Just imagine Rodgers or any QB with Jefferson and now Watson! Not to mention those two receivers combined our current running game. Quite a "what if" scenario.

Just another example of our management failing to have a consistent strategy for building the team. But here we are. Moving on. Thanks, Since '61

4 points
7
3
T7Steve's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:50 am

Speaking of what ifs... What if the Vikings had kept their 2nd round pick and taken Watson because they knew the Packers wanted him? They would have quite a trio of receivers. Hope that makes Viking fans mad!

7 points
7
0
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 11:18 am

That actually brought a smile! Yes, the draft adventure has positive what ifs!

3 points
3
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 01, 2022 at 11:06 am

I imagine they toss a coin on Big decisions and call it good. Gutedkunst would never move up to #19-20 and give up a 2021 first and second in the process. He sat there in a Ted meditation, waiting for the draft to come to him.
Lynch jumped ahead for Aiyuk, then all bets were off. He likes his guys. Amari over Amon-Ra St.Brown was just incomprehensible. He was very lucky to get the deal done for Watson, a guy who should have been the #22.

-1 points
1
2
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 06:06 pm

He struck on Doubs too I believe and it certainly looks like Tom might be a find (I’m still eating crow). GMs are always going to blow about 30 percent of picks, even early ones completely. If a draft produces 3 really good picks it’s stellar. A good one is one good pick and three contributors.

Three years hence, this could be a stellar draft. Right now it looks darn promising. If we ignore all but Watson, Doubs, Tom and Enagbare, it still looks darn promising to me, even if Rhyan never plays a down or Wyatt and Walker turn out to be just JAGs—not something I’m predicting either way.

It’s easy to get up tight about Myers over Creed or not picking Amon Ra, a guy his own team passed thrice I think, even though Rodgers didn’t work out. Overall, Gute’s been about par on those we had a chance to fairly judge. I will take that, particularly given that he’s been very good at non draft acquisitions. This year could easily tip the scales heavily in his favor though.

1 points
1
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:21 pm

Since61,
As always I gave you a thumbs up but have a different opinion about whether "management have a consistent strategy for building the team".

Rodgers played very poorly in 2018 & 2019 and the Packers didn't make the playoffs each season. In fact, they were sub-500 each year as I recall.

I do believe Jefferson may have been Gutey's first choice, but when taken by the Vikings he moved up and nabbed Love. I have always 100% thought the drafting of Love was genius with the poor performance of Rodgers. We all know drafting Love pissed off Rodgers and he re-focused on his game which in large part why he won MVP two years in a row. Drafting Love was the right thing to do at the time and his future looks bright. If playing the what if game...what if Covid didn't happen and Love actually received proper training and experience basically moving his development up one full year prior to Rodgers extending his contract? Think about Rodgers to Denver and the fleecing of Denver for all the draft choices and young players they gave up for Russell? What 'if' the Packers had made that deal to Denver where the organization would be at now? They would be considered one of the most talented young teams on the rise. To me, that is the 'what if' we should be contemplating. Gutey did IMO exactly what a good GM should do when an opportunity exists to select a good QB with a lot of upside for minimal draft capital.

7 points
7
0
pantz_bURp's picture

December 01, 2022 at 02:28 pm

Thank you KnockTheSnot....standing O!

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

December 01, 2022 at 11:08 pm

Knock - I think you mean 2017 and 2018. The Packers were 13-3 in 2019 and not sub .500. Rodgers had a solid season although it was not one of his MVP seasons.

If you meant to state 2017 and 2018 then yes the Packers were sub .500 in those 2 seasons. But in 2017 the Packers were 4-1 before Rodgers was lost for the season against the Vikings in the 1st quarter of the 6th game of the season. It's tough to say a player declined when he was out with an injury for 11 out of 16 games. As for 2018, Rodgers did not play up to his standards but he played the season with a broken bone in his leg. Not an excuse because he did play but we should be fair. If his play declined we should state the reason for the decline. Also, the team suffered one of its many injured plagued seasons in 2018 and Mc Carthy was essentially going through the motions and was fired with 4 games left in the season.

As for "management having a consistent strategy for building the team" then they should have traded Rodgers to Denver or another team as you correctly mentioned in your post. In fact I advocated for trading Rodgers in the past off season. But once Murphy publicly stated that "We're not idiots." the die was cast and it was inconsistent with the strategy of drafting Love and building a run focused offense. But when the Packers re-sign their HOF/MVP QB who achieved his status because of his generational talent for passing the football what message are the Packers sending to that QB and to the team? More importantly how is that message being received by that QB and by the rest of the team? Where is the consistency between what the GM is doing and what the team President is doing and saying? That''s my point about consistent strategy and consistent messaging for that matter.

I agree with you completely that obtaining numerous picks for Rodgers would be a better "what if" scenario. However that ship has sailed just as the Jefferson/Watson scenario has sailed. The Packers are actually making matters worse if they continue to play Rodgers for the next 2-3 games because they still don't know what they have in Love and they could be wasting their best opportunity to evaluate Love by not starting him for the remainder of the season. IMO there is no legitimate reason for not starting Love for the remainder of the season.
I would certainly like to hear the reasoning for not starting Love beginning this week. But I doubt that we will hear it and I doubt that any of the softball questioning from the media will address the question either. Therefore if all of this goes bad we will never really know if Gute has done what a good GM should do or not.

I'm an advocate for playing Love and I've commented since he was drafted that we need to be patient and give him a chance. This should be his chance. The time has come, so let it play out.

I appreciate your feedback and you have a valid opinion I'm just not very confident that the Packers are going to handle this situation correctly. We'll see beginning this Sunday. Stay safe Knock. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
SinceLombardi's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:28 am

I would hope that Rich Bisaccia is the only coach retained for 2023. This includes MLF. His soft teams will never be tough enough to get through difficult playoff tiers.. he’s already proved it by blowing two #1 seeds. Rodgers carried him. That ride is done and so should MLF.

7 points
9
2
Packers0808's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:34 am

I bet Love can get 1 yard runs on QB sneaks when needed and not have to pass or have some back start from the shot gun to get one yard!

3 points
5
2
Coldworld's picture

December 01, 2022 at 11:19 am

If we had Etling active we could play wild cat too

2 points
2
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 01, 2022 at 12:26 pm

QB sneaks do not pad Rodgers stats nearly as well.

1 points
3
2
stockholder's picture

December 01, 2022 at 01:37 pm

Rodgers is staying!! The $100 million in guaranteed money on the table. Says it all. Who in their right mind would Leave.
You want Love to show what he can do so the Packers can accurately assess the franchise’s future at the position.
Love showed enough! To be Traded. And thats Just what Gutey must do. If the packers are to have a future.
If he resorts to his old self. This team will have No Future. And What has Gute got right since they named him GM.
People change. And we've seen change through out the entire roster, to question Gute's next move.
Trying to keep players when the improvement never happened. Has been Gute's biggest mistake. Love is King. Face it.
We still keep Winfree and Watkins, when Toure outplayed them all.
We keep Lowry because he doesn't like to draft the DL. (Rating 31st). And finally Wyatt has a chance to replace Daniels, but sits.
So lets draft another Datone Jones. Because are edge players keep getting hurt against 320 pound OL.
And Now Nixon gets to replace another failure in Amari Rodgers. Can we just trade Love before he fails. PLEASE!

-2 points
2
4
Fubared's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:58 pm

If Gutt was that smart we wouldn't be in the mess were in.
Here's my deal. When I read that Gutt said Gary was his guy in Feb way before the draft I knew we were in trouble. I'm an M fan and Gary was un impressive, over hyped guy who went missing in games. He looked good against Rutgers but did nothing against OSU and MSU. He was handled. So Gutt fd up picking him based on Hype.
I also read that a receiver who played against Stokes said he would beat him all the time and the he couldnt cover.

-2 points
0
2
Alberta_Packer's picture

December 01, 2022 at 05:48 pm

This Packers season reminds me of the fate of the Titanic - when the Captain did not alter course or reduce speed - despite being alerted that they were heading straight into an ice field. Ego+ Bad Decisions = Disasters

3 points
3
0
Fubared's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:54 pm

Actually the captain did alter course but it was too little too late. Sounds familiar

1 points
1
0
Leatherhead's picture

December 01, 2022 at 06:17 pm

Well, one thing is certain....a lot of people think we should pass it more.

Seriously, I'm greatful for the returning ability of whoever it is, and all the wins it has helped us get. Much better than a weak returner that we won 13 games with. I'm sure our returner will never make a mistake, or bobble a catch, or have a turnover.

"Watson’s killer route in college was the one that both got him his first long TD and the one last Sunday: some kind of deep crosser. If you want guys who were superb in college catching over the shoulder, ironically we actually picked two: Doubs and Toure. "

That was Coldword. He's suggesting what others have said is impossible, that there was actually a plan last year that involved spending 4 draft choices to get three WRs with compatible strengths. Surely this cannot be true.

Eye to the future: Put the #1 Offensive Line in the league on the field next year.

0 points
0
0
Fubared's picture

December 01, 2022 at 09:36 pm

The future looks very bleak for the Packers. First, Gutt has made terrible drafting decisions and our defense and offense are under performing due to having avg players on both sides the ball, not to mention letting playmakers leave (Adams/MVS) due to lack of funding.

Second and worse. our foes have made some great picks and strengthened both their defenses and offenses.
The Bears have 11 picks next year and are 110 mil under cap, they will fill the roster with new talent via draft and plug holes with free agents.

The Lions will have high draft picks and need a few more good picks on offense and defense and their rebuilding will be over and they too will be dam competitive. Its coming together for them thats for sure.

The Vikes are king of the hill now and are loaded with talent on both sides the ball and could easily be in the SB this year. They aren't going away any time soon.

Thus, I can easily see several years of the Pack being at the bottom of th e pack looking up at what could have been had they dealt with contracts and drafting better. Drafting and Contract mistakes cause you to lose games you haven't even played yet.

-1 points
0
1
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 03, 2022 at 02:11 pm

It is hard not to be depressed when you knew last winter the Packers should have traded Rodgers last offseason after two consecutive MVP's prior to extending him creating cap hell, & missing out on all the draft capital. This season would have turned out better, and the future of the Packers would have been extremely positive. I can live with the team playing poorly (2018 & 2019) but it is very difficult when they were handed a golden platter but completely screwed it up and resigned Rodgers. Will never forgive the Packer organization for such a colossal screw up.

0 points
0
0
Fubared's picture

December 01, 2022 at 10:07 pm

You look at the history of great coaches and they had great talent: Walsh, Lombardi, Noll, Bellycheck. LeFleuer has Rodgers and a team waining in talent and we will see how fast it takes for his record to turn ugly, real ugly.
He inherited a good team and a HOF QB and knows he was lucky to come to a winner and not have to build one. He has really proved nothing other then he was lucky to get the job he got.

-1 points
1
2