It’s Time the Packers, and Fans, Face the Brutal Truth

Get started salvaging next year by putting Rodgers on IR.

It’s over. Time to stop lying to ourselves. No more “we can still make the playoffs.” Enough with “this offense just needs to find its identity.” Stop with “a win is a win,” as if how the team plays doesn’t matter. 

So much of this season was delusional from the jump. The idea that Davante Adams could be replaced by Sammy Watkins and a couple of rookies. The notion that last year’s production from Rasul Douglas and D’Vondre Campbell was anything but an outlier from two average careers. The hope that Amari Rodgers could suddenly be a decent return man. 

And the whopper: The belief that a possible Super Bowl berth was worth  giving an aging Aaron Rodgers $150 million and total control of his future (and the offense, apparently), and somehow wouldn’t handcuff the team and cloud its future for a long time to come.

From the front office all the way down to the fans, the Green Bay Packer ecosystem is world class in its ability to fool itself, to explain away critical warning signs by main lining hopium. It’s one thing to hate to lose. It’s another to insist it can’t happen. 

The blame game is in full swing, and everyone has an opinion. It won’t stop anytime soon. But what’s needed most now is clear-eyed, determined decision-making to try to salvage next season and beyond. 

I don’t care if the Packers beat the Eagles 73-0 on Sunday. Green Bay needs to start now with learning what several people on this roster are capable of on the field. And that starts with Jordan Love. Rodgers could go away at any time — or suddenly start to show his age — and leave the team in salary cap hell no matter how he does it.

He has a broken thumb, so just put him on IR after Sunday. In the ensuing four weeks we would get an indication of whether Love might have what it takes, or whether Green Bay needs to find a quarterback of the future. The alternative is QB purgatory; just ask the Bears, Jets, Commanders, Texans and Panthers about what that’s like.

The Packers have 20 unrestricted free agents at the end of the year, including key contributors like Elgton Jenkins, Robert Tonyan, Allen Lazard, Yosh Nijman, Dean Lowery, Adrian Amos, Randall Cobb and Mason Crosby.  Meanwhile, bona fide stars like Rashan Gary and Jaire Alexander are going to be looking for big extensions. We know what all these players can and cannot do. 

Does it matter if any healthy starters play the rest of the year? Isn’t it better to see if there are bench players or guys on the practice squad who are worth looking at to move up? Not to mention improving the Packers’ draft position, particularly if Love proves he’s not the guy?

Yes, some contracts can be restructured, but that’s just kicking the proverbial can. There are two ways this can go: Another Hail Mary to try to squeeze out one more Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, by mortgaging the future while praying that this roster can take big leaps forward next season. 

Or by finding out now how deep this roster actually is, creating enough flexibility to keep essential contributors, signing a free agent or two, and trying to secure a future that isn’t a nuclear winter of futility.

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________
Jonathan Krim grew up in New York but got hooked on the Packers — and on hating the Cowboys — watching the Ice Bowl as a young child.  He blames bouts of unhappiness in his late teens on Dan Devine. A journalist for several decades who now lives in California, he enjoys trafficking in obscure cultural references, lame dad jokes and occasionally preposterous takes. Jonathan is a Packers shareholder, and insists on kraut with his brats. You can follow Jonathan on twitter at @Jkrim.

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NFL Categories: 
7 points
 

Comments (79)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
PackyCheese500's picture

November 25, 2022 at 07:08 am

Thank you Jonathan! I 100% agree with you.

In my opinion, the only free-agent they should re-sign would be Nijman. Extend Gary, let the rest walk, and trade people like Bakhtiari, Aaron Jones, and Preston Smith. Elgton Jenkins should be franchise-tag traded, like Davante was this year. We could probably get a 2nd for him.

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stockholder's picture

November 25, 2022 at 07:23 am

If they start. They'll want money. If you can't win with them. You don't need them. The press is just as much to blame. The hope that Rodgers will; and has, made players better than they are. The fact that the Packers invested in Rodgers is a Lie. Pay the Qb and Live in the past. Welcome to the Dan Morino Dolphins. From 1983 to 1999. He stayed with Miami. He retired a Dolphin. At least Miami showed a little class.

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croatpackfan's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:20 am

At least Marino showed a little more class than ... I'll stop here.

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Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:40 am

Dan Marino retired at 38. A classy exit is rare because it depends on both team and player and requires a willingness to step out on top. That’s the only true control. A classy exit could have happened this last winter, but Rodgers didn’t want it and Murphy sold everyone on a ludicrous fiction.

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:50 pm

He called it quits because of his knees. In today's NFL rules environment, he may have hung around a couple more years, but the Wall usually appears around age 39-40 for most players. Favre was reduced to rubble returning at age 41 w/out a solid O line. Brady went to a team stacked on Defense and the Offense brought Gronk and Fournette onboard. Arians is an old school guy and Tom Moore added some key play designs to win the NFC CH and the SB. Octogenarian of the Year award winner.

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LeotisHarris's picture

November 25, 2022 at 02:41 pm

Excellent point on Tom Moore, jb. There's a coach who's been overlooked/underappreciated for his entire career.

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 05:54 pm

He trained Lynn Swan, Stallworth and Peyton Manning to mention a few.

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Razer's picture

November 25, 2022 at 07:33 am

What - no spoon full of sugar to help the medicine go down?! Maybe this is what 'Black Friday' is really all about. Sadly, I feel the truth of your words. Hanging onto Aaron Rodgers and hoping that he could be the "all" that overcomes the coaching, talent gaps, weak drafting and poor cap planning has been the strategy since the latter days of Mike McCarthy. We even ignored the fact that Rodgers, while talented, wasn't really a leader of men. Tough to look at and even tougher to rebuild.

Nobody wants to talk rebuild, particularly when your QB takes back-to-back MVPs. And, nobody wants to look at the bank balance when you are living the good life. I don't know how this team will look or compete next year without guys like Aaron Jones or some of the other paydays. My concern starts with how are we going to fix our front office (including scouts) and improve this coaching staff. This is the mess that goes well beyond whether Rodgers comes back next year.

14 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:32 am

The Fans will still be turning the hamster wheel.

2 points
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egbertsouse's picture

November 25, 2022 at 07:36 am

Fantastic article. The Three Stooges have buried this team in cap hell for a few years but they need to make sure it’s not the next 20. They need to get rid of the high salaries, accumulate draft picks and pick some cheap guys that can play until the dead money goes away. If they need a blueprint, they can look at Seattle. They got rid of Wilson, had a great draft and they are winning some games with Geno Smith for cripes sake.

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PackyCheese500's picture

November 25, 2022 at 07:47 am

I completely agree. I could see Rodgers being traded to the Jets, Bakhtiari to the Chiefs, Aaron Jones to the Eagles, and Preston Smith to any team in need of pass rush help. For long term, though, I think they should follow the model of the Bills. Trading away all players of the previous regime while starting from a clean slate with many draft picks and a large salary cap (eventually). Then, a contender can be born

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:52 pm

Nobodys trading for Bakhtiari, Jones, or Smith on their current contracts. Hopefully they can trade Rodgers but Bakh, Jones, and Clark will all likely be cap casualties.

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PackyCheese500's picture

November 25, 2022 at 01:40 pm

Most of their contracts are dead money. All three of those players have affordable cap hits, at about 6m, 11m, and 3.3m, respectively

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LLCHESTY's picture

November 25, 2022 at 04:19 pm

Jones would have a $16 million cap hit for his next team. Obviously that won't happen and he'll be cut before his roster bonus is due.

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PackyCheese500's picture

November 25, 2022 at 06:54 pm

Wrong. According to Over The Cap, the Packers would get 16m of free cap space if they cut Jones, but they would only get 11m of his money free if he was traded. That 11m would go over to the other team. Same with Preston and D-Bak

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 26, 2022 at 03:48 am

PC, not sure what you looked at but that is incorrect. Bakhtiari's cap hit next year is $29 mil, Clark's is $23 mil, Jones' is $20 mil, and P Smith's is $13 mil. Smith is the only one who could reasonably be traded. The other 3 are almost guaranteed to be cut.

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Razer's picture

November 25, 2022 at 08:02 am

I agree with both of you but changes need to be made in that front office. While I liked the Gutekunst hire (over the other internal candidates) I don't think that he has the strength or talent to put a winning formula in place. From draft decisions to coaching staff, our GM has made too many mistakes to lead a rebuild.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:46 am

The GM we get won’t be good if he’s being asked to be Murphy’s deputy.

4 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:28 am

GM should not be the guy who pick coaching staff. That is the job and right of HC, who is the one picked by GM. Why so many can't understand that. You pick a head and leave him to pick his assistants - OC, DC & STC. HC is responsible for complete team, so he need to have right to pick his subordinates, not to be placed in the position with no rights to change what is wrong (if it is) and all the responsibility for the result.

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Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:42 am

The GM should pick the Head Coach though.

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croatpackfan's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:20 pm

I agree. But HC chose his subordinates...

OK, I thought it is clear, but after I reread my post here is little correction: "You pick a head and leave him to pick his assistants - OC, DC & STC."
After word "You" should be ou, as GM, pick a head (HC) and ....."

Thanks for pointing bad sentence...

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GaryC's picture

November 25, 2022 at 04:41 pm

Hi Croat. I come in peace! Do you not think LaFleur is picking the coaching staff then? I think that is all on LaFleur.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 26, 2022 at 02:27 am

Well, by different reports, before Drayton he wanted another, well respected coach for ST, but FO refuse his intention. That is why he promote Maurice Drayton to the STC.

Again, before Barry signing he wanted Leonard (by reports), but he rejected the offer. Than he went to Barry.

So, it is not that FO was much supportive to his wishes and he obviously does not have the last word.

However, he is responsible for keeping inept personal to long on the team he should manage.

That is my opinion and I always come in peace!

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Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:42 am

Duplicate

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skyler's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:35 pm

The best talented GM material got away from GB in Schneider

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PhantomII's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:53 pm

I thought so also when Gute was hired...But after she hawks Super Bowl team...they have not done much. He is really cheap on contracts like TT. He has found many great players....but was it his scouts??? He wanted 2-#2's from Gute to move up...Then traded them off to other teams....Almost like he pressed him like he knew he could and that's all that mattered. Who doesn't need 2-#4's. A lot of good players still in this round. GB roster was very bad when Gute took over. What really pisses me off though is we needed 2-WR starters at the trade deadline and were only talking draft picks. Nothing-Inexcusable thanks a lot Gute.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 01:02 pm

He wasn't afraid to move his SB winning QB...

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PhantomII's picture

November 25, 2022 at 01:21 pm

Now he needs to move the 70+, Coach..who has GM power as well. They have a split arrangement there.

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PackyCheese500's picture

November 25, 2022 at 06:58 pm

Carroll, as he has shown by shaping the Seahawks' roster (thought to be one of the worst in the NFL) into a playoff contender, is still one of the best coaches in the league, and in my opinion, is deserving of COTY. Never judge a coach by their age. Belichick and Reid are some of the best in the league.

2 points
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PhantomII's picture

November 26, 2022 at 11:43 am

Why would you start a new Era of your team with someone who won't be there in 5 years. He wanted a pass into the end zone instead of a handoff to M.Lynch. That was enough for me...

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PhantomII's picture

November 26, 2022 at 11:54 am

No kidding, they have sucked for several years with him also.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 26, 2022 at 03:51 am

Yeah everything changed once they had to pay Wilson big bucks and the LOB got old. Its nearly impossible to replace 4 hall of famers on defense with late draft picks and no cap space. Thompson went through the same thing post-Collins/Woodson. Bottom line, Schneider is a fine gm and this year's Seahawks resurgence proves just that. People underestimate just how difficult it is to consitantly build a great team after the franchise qb is off their rookie contract.

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PackyCheese500's picture

November 25, 2022 at 06:56 pm

I agree. Schneider has been fantastic for the Seahawks. They probably had the best 2022 draft class of any team.

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stockholder's picture

November 25, 2022 at 08:08 am

Which Free Agent do you want?
The WRs room must change. They need 4 good young WRs. Is this a Gutey priority? Not as long as Rogers is the QB. Lazard is Gone!
Gutey already determined whats going to happen with the OL. Bahk is staying as long as he's in the last 5 games. (honor the Contract) Nijman will be the RT next year. It's his chance to stay. Jenkins is gone and he knows it.
The safeties must change. The biggest disappointment! Why sign failure?
The Lions built the Trench. Their DL keeps them in the game. Ours was rated @27. Lowrey is gone.
I hear every year Gutey is after a TE. Then why spend the money here? Not as long as Rodgers is the QB. Time to cost cut. Draft TEs Late.
Gary - Franchise him. But in truth: I'm willing to trade him. Why ?, Major Injury. IMO. he's just not an OLB. He must stay in a 3-4-4.
Either we switch to the 4-3-4 or this Defense will be trash for years. Especially if Barry remains DC.

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:45 am

Tell Ted junior. Hockenson had a nice game , Yesterday. I would keep Amos over Savage. Draft a CB with cover skills over RAS. They don't use A.Jones enough to pay him big money. I have two TEs coming off the board by round three in my Mocks. Don't make the same mistake as last year by Over-looking TE talent. Yes, Bhak probably stays, but O line is a high pick. Lazard is not putting up great film. They have the three amigos returning and Cobb may want another year. I would have cut Watkins when he went on IR. Three route guy. Get a big nose tackle and play 4-2 sets. Let Kenny Clark move around. No to Vic Fangio. Get a 4-3 guy. Detroit lost the game with 25 seconds of clock to defend, Pathetic.

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:56 pm

They already owe Amos 7.5 mil next year and hes not even under contract. How much you willing to pay a 30 year old in obvious decline? As for Hockenson, lets say they did trade for him. Then what? They would have no draft picks next year and theyre gonna have to replace a lot of players with very little cap space to do so. Oh and they would have to pay Hockenson too! This team needs to get younger and cheaper immediately. Adding a big free agent or trading for a big name player is no longer feasible.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 01:07 pm

Known quantity over a greenhorn. The Idea was to go "all-in" with Rodgers. They have zero TEs who can separate. The CAP is not in stasis. It will Increase. Amos can be a refi. They pay Savage and the money goes into the dead zone.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 25, 2022 at 04:35 pm

"The Idea was to go "all-in" with Rodgers."

OK. Just, please, tell me for what to go "all-in"? He is obviously not capable to win SB any more. 4 times he had the chance and he choked.

No, Seattle debcle is not on ST or D or Bostick. Only in the first half D and ST produced 5 turn overs, deep in Seatle territory. Seattle pass the center of the field first time sometime at the half of 2nd Q. Result of 5 turn overs are 1 TD and 4 FG. Half ended with Mason 5th FG at 16:0. So what bad D you all are talking about? And they manage to score only 2 FG in the whole second half of the game. So you decided to blame ST for it was trully inept of Packers offense led by AR.

From that moment till today, he choked always when he had opportunity to do something really nice.

So, what "all-in" you are talking about and for what goal? To ruin the franchise?

-1 points
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barutanseijin's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:52 pm

Burnett had an INT with about 5:00 left in the game. He had room to run but he listened to Peppers signalling him to slide. MM probably told them to do that, but obviously they should have ignored such gutless advice with that much time on the clock. I think the offense went 3 n out after that. Of course.

-1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 26, 2022 at 02:18 am

It is interesting that nobody talks about offense after that Burnett INT. What offense did? 3 and out. So, in basic, you hold Packers D for not score points. Why than team needs offense, if you insist that D have to score points? Packers lost that game because offense was not able to score nothing more than 1 (ONE) TD whole game, while their best CB was badly injured and played with one hand. ACR was awoiding to throw on that side of the field after Sherman intercepted him in the red zone. It wasn't bad outing on D, it was terrible outing on O. Stop making excuse.

Listening how nobody blame him for that loss, ACR might get the idea that he is the emperor atnPackers and that anytime he will lull, others will be guilty - so D, despite had 5 interception in that game lost it together with ST, that scored more points than O (6 FG vs 1 TD). ST is guilty for 7 points of oppenent, but O, by that interception in the red zone left 7 points out of board. At the conclusion - O and ST are guilty for same points during the game that Packers miss at the end.

I know, and at that time I was ACR appologist, that this game finally open my eyes about ACR.

He will choke at crucial moment of any game. That is in him. He has record of the lowest number of come backs from deficite amongs elite QB.

If you do not believe me, try to watch that game again. And you'll see I'm right.

1 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 26, 2022 at 11:57 am

Exactly. The defense forced 5 turnovers that day and had a shutout going into the 2nd half but somehow its their fault? Offense shit the bed all game. Rodgers was basically a no-show till the final possession in regulation where they kicked a field goal to force OT. And when you go back and look at how stacked that offense was (10 of 11 starters made at least 1 pro bowl in their careers) theres really no excuse. That was the most stacked offense ive ever seen in Green Bay and Rodgers couldnt do anything with it.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

November 26, 2022 at 02:18 am

Duplicate

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 26, 2022 at 03:56 am

Like the article says, they have 20+ unrestricted players going into this offseason and have no cap space. Did you expect them to gut the entire future for a pipe dream? With what youve seen from this team this year, do you really think a Hockenson or AJ Brown or whomever really wouldvr mattered? Rodgers wouldve been screaming at them and throwing them under the bus for not knowing his stupid audibles too.

1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

November 25, 2022 at 06:58 pm

4-3-4 I think would be a good move

0 points
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Oppy's picture

November 26, 2022 at 12:57 am

You keep on talking about young WRs.

I think Watson, Doubs, and Toure are a pretty good looking corps of rookie WRs.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 08:29 am

I agree. The decision to resign Rodgers for another go around with less looked illogical even before we knew the cost and the disgraceful ceding of control. This was always a year after the roster plus Rodgers made sense and indisputably once we had neither Adams nor cap this year or next.

There comes a time to face reality and accept that we blew it. That was last year. What I have learned since is that LaFleur us probably the reason we weren’t going to contend and that Murphy has therefore made two calamitous decisions since appointing himself de facto. GM. There is no way on earth he should survive those in a functional organization.

The time to dread change is past. The longer heads stay in the sand the worse it will get and the more obstacles in the path of potential recovery. Rodgers needs to be gone and so do those who surrendered not just future cap but the ability to make that happen without his consent. Incompetent leadership. The same one that wasted his career. Time to unite and face the music.

8 points
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barutanseijin's picture

November 25, 2022 at 09:10 am

Rodgers didn’t exactly say his thumb was broken. He suggested it and let the press and his fanboys make that conclusion. That he used weasel words leads me to the exact opposite conclusion: his thumb isn’t broken. He just wants people to think it is.

10 points
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Starrbrite's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:45 am

Agree—no way his thumb is broken.
ARod makes a subtle suggestion to the media and they stampede over themselves to be the first to report it.

2 points
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TXCHEESE's picture

November 25, 2022 at 09:20 am

Not going to bash the FO for resigning Rodgers, but there should have been a more team friendly deal done knowing his age. Yes, he was coming off a second consecutive MVP season, but the SF playoff loss showed he's no longer capable of carrying the team as in the past. Watching the games yesterday, I'm convinced the Packers are at best, the 3rd best team in the division. I don't necessarily think it's time to blow things up and start over, but unless ACR is willing to take less, you give him his gold watch and get on down the road. The Packers would be better off keeping Aaron Jones, develop the team under MLF's running/play action offense and yes, probably find a Joe Barry replacement. The defense has enough talent to play way better than they showed this season.

-4 points
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nygary's picture

November 25, 2022 at 09:48 am

Moving on from Rodgers is a great start. But Aaron Jones is special. Between Jones, Jenkins and Nijman I would try to keep them all. Every other free agent we have I would let them walk. Try to move Rodgers and Bhak if possible. And please for the love of god get an entire new defensive coaching staff.

4 points
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whysoserious's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:27 am

Aaron Jones is special. Problem - $20 million cap hit next year. Packers cannot afford that and I believe A Jones will not renegotiate to stay here. Why would he.....Packers are not good. Could you imagine him in KC, Buffalo, or some other great offense. Trade him if you can and get the draft capitol.

4 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 25, 2022 at 01:02 pm

Problem is nobody is trading for him with that $20 million cap hit. He, Bakh, and Clark will mostly likely be cut candidates. Cap casualties.

0 points
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nygary's picture

November 25, 2022 at 03:09 pm

I will bet you anything Clark is untouchable

3 points
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Oppy's picture

November 26, 2022 at 01:02 am

He certainly should be.

Kenny Clark is probably the best all around football player on the Packers.

People talk about special.. he's it. People just don't appreciate what guys who play the nose do.

1 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

November 26, 2022 at 04:06 am

Umm over the last 3 1/2 years combined, Clark has 15 sacks. Good numbers but not special or dominant by any stretch of the imagination. Have you watched him play this year? He started out hot when he was playing against backup centers for the vikings, bears, ans bucs. Hes gotten his ass kicked every game since. Theres the old saying that fans generally overvalue their own players and Clark is a textbook example of that. Good player, sure. But a limited player whos nowhere near as good as his salary says he should be. Hes not big enough to be a true anchor nose tackle and hes not long enough to play the 5 technique. Tbh, he's probly better suited for a 3 technique in a 4-3 defense. Either way, his days as a Packer are likely coming to an end. People should start getting used to the idea. I like Clark, but the production doesnt match the salary and it never has. Dont shoot the messenger.

-1 points
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Oppy's picture

November 26, 2022 at 05:26 pm

Thank you for illustrating that most people don't appreciate what guys who play the nose do.

Every single member of the defense relies on the play of Kenny Clark to do what they do.

If Kenny Clark isn't on line, the OLBs don't get 1-on-1s of free looks. The MLB's get washed out by guards. The line in general doesn't produce as much pressure on the QB and the DBs have to cover longer.

He isn't as heavy as the typical NT, but he's ridiculously strong and plays the position like a man 20-30lbs heavier. He's probably playing injured at this point.

Sorry, but you don't know line play if you're claiming Clark doesn't play to his salary. Mentioning sacks as your lead in tells me that.

0 points
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Mike Rossmeier's picture

November 25, 2022 at 05:23 pm

Totally agree with all 3 players. You're going to can Jenkins after one knee recovery year where he's been moved around?
Unless you have a killer OL - you need a back like Jones who has incredible vision to find what's there. Dillon may try to run over people, but only effective for 1-3 yds.

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

November 25, 2022 at 09:55 am

Rodgers has a "broken thumb"?

I don't think so. I think he is playing with what virtually every player has...bumps and bruises.

The Packer medical team, notoriously conservative with player injuries, has access to X-rays.

The thumb seems to be mostly spin for poor performance.

7 points
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gmeyers1's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:13 am

The Packers have already evaluated Love & decided he's not the guy. If they thought he was, he'd be playing right now, at least until Rodgers' thumb heals. Pay no attention to what they say. Just watch what they do. That's the talent evaluation that counts.

-5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:58 am

Empiricism over speculation, what a novel idea...

-3 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:46 am

Using a false premise as a measure doesn’t measure the player but the writer.

3 points
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Vachio's picture

November 25, 2022 at 06:00 pm

This IS the same team that kept Amari Rodgers as a return man long after everyone with two eyes and at least two functional brain cells knew he wasn't cut out for the job.

Ditto for Geronimo Allison as a WR. Last time I checked, Savage is still playing safety despite never showing any real ability to do things like...tackle.

Overall, I think the Pack's talent evaluation is at least on even footing with the rest of the league, but they have some serious blind spots.

1 points
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DanL's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:31 am

My 2 cents.. Change needs to start at the top. Bob Harlan, I miss you, and so do the Packers. The org was resurrected from the ashes by separating the operation from the business. GB needs a GM with full control of the football operation. The current configuration has produced less accountability, control, and leadership.

QB1 having tantrums and screaming at the head coach on national television with or without a broken thumb is weak and embarrassing.

9 points
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jhtobias's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:47 am

Good article bit jaire is already extended.

As for Rodgers is is really not the organization choice. If he wants to come back he comes back I believe 32 million cap space and if traded ir retires 40 million dead cap so an additional 8 million if traded or retires.

You can't cut him it is a whopping 100 million on dead cap a difference of 67 million so just take that off the table.

I agree with love if he can play than you have a future qb if not then you have a higher draft pick no lose situation. I mean your right this team could win 6 in row and no guarantees they make the playoffs.

Campbell and douglass I disagree they have played fine Joe Berry scheme is a disaster.

I like bak more than anyone and admire his courage the injury wS not his fault . I don't thinknanyone would trade for him but even being let go saves 6 million 29 million vs 23 million dead cap.

3 points
3
0
NickPerry's picture

November 25, 2022 at 10:50 am

I've said it a million times and it's something I believe to my core...Until Mark Murphy either steps away or gets OUT OF THE WAY, 100%, there's NOTHING that will change the direction of the Green Bay Packers. Look at it or don't but things started to change in 2018 when Murphy stripped FULL CONTROL of the Packers General Manager position and started playing "Owner". I mean do you REALLY believe Ron Wolf or Ted Thompson would have stayed even one second if Murphy pulled this shit on them?

I like Brian Gutekunst. Could he have been better with his drafts? Sure, but hindsight is 20-20. But I also think Gute had an idea of the way he wanted this team to be rebuilt and he's been fought every step of the way by Murphy. Maybe Gute shouldn't have taken his DREAM JOB. Maybe he thought he could still do it even with Mark Murphy MICRO MANAGING him every step.

Ron Wolf SHOWED us the successful formula for the Packers General Manager job. ONE MAN makes the personnel and coaching decisions...ONE! Ted Thompson REINFORCED that idea and formula. ONLY when Murphy became involved did things get so messed up.

Think back to when MLF was hired. WHO introduced LaFleur as the Packers HC? IIRC it was Mark Murphy who introduced him, not Gute. Do people remember the LOOK on MLFs face when introduced? Talk about Deer in the headlights! LaFleur was the 10th coach to interview and only had ONE interview...ONE! This was a guy who called plays for ONE season and was never a HC. Are you F'ing kidding me? To top it off Pettine was SHOVED down his throat. I mean he didn't even have full control over his staff from jump street!

I think Mark Murphy did an amazing job his first several years. He deserves a lot of credit for the Titletown District and much more. BUT, he needs to get the hell out of the way and let Gute or the next GM run the show. Lean years are in front of the Packers no matter what. How many years depends on when Murphy STOPS playing owner.

Until THAT happens not much else will matter for the long term health of this franchise.

7 points
8
1
jannes bjornson's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:04 am

The Sledding hill and all that stuff was driven by Park Avenue. A Godell move. One sees it in every NFL ballpark, stealing more Revenue from the Local Businesses.

5 points
5
0
Esquetoi's picture

November 25, 2022 at 05:37 pm

This is the case in most NFL cities even though it SHOULD inspire business development. The t.v. contract is $9B/year. The players get 50%. the 4.5B left is shared by 32 teams. So $140M goes to each team after player salaries. The Packers' unique problem is they don't have an owner to keep the surplus.

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:24 am

First, hindsight is always 20/20 and I didn't read any articles that stated the Packers would be as bad as they have played this season. Secondly, we were aware that the the offense missing Adams and with OL injuries would struggle early in the season. Of course we also expected that the defense could carry the team until the offense became healthy and our young receivers evolved into our offensive scheme. Watson has actually made progress since returning from his latest injury!

As for the reality of where we are this team needs more than just changes to the roster. Yes there are several players who should be chucked or traded after the season. But if the Packers actually want to get this team back on track sooner rather than later then they need a new, qualified coaching staff starting with a new HC. The Packers can't have an HC who is crying after one emotional victory and then lamenting that he doesn't know what happened after yet another miserable loss. The coaches cannot accept the same mistakes repeated game after game. MLF hired Barry and promoted Steno. Wrong on both counts.

Let's not forget the root cause for much of our current situation. Murphy hired MLF and then signed Rodgers to his current contract. Two moves which at least hurt the offense if not the entire team. Plus how many seasons did it take to finally hire an actual NFL ST coach. The Packers management allows team weaknesses to persist for season after season. Now we have salary cap hell, a weak coaching staff and numerous personnel decisions to resolve the short to mid-term future of the roster. I'm not confident that the management team that created this mess is capable of bringing the Packers out of it. Thanks, Since '61

8 points
8
0
Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:57 am

There were articles predicting that this roster plus Rodgers made no sense. There were certainly plenty here who did write about that. I think the wild card in terms of degree was would LaFleur prove to have any value or to have simply been a beneficiary. We now can see he was an empty vessel throughout.

This wasn’t unforeseeable, it was the most probable prognosis in March. I agree with you that the professionals who set this in motion need to depart. Fans can indulge in blind faith. Team executives have no such grace and no excuses.

2 points
2
0
Since'61's picture

November 25, 2022 at 01:58 pm

Coldworld I agree that there were bloggers here who posted that the roster didn't make any sense. I myself advocated for trading Rodgers before they decided to extend his contract. But I don't remember reading articles which commented on the roster.

I do recall articles which covered the potential trade value for Rodgers but not necessarily about the roster.
In fact there were articles about how solid the roster would be after the draft was completed.

it actually doesn't matter because after 11 games into the season here we are and the situation looks bleak. And I fully agree with you that the team executives have no excuses for their blindness to so much of this mess for season after season. Thanks, Since '61

3 points
3
0
TarynsEyes's picture

November 25, 2022 at 11:38 am

I don't understand why this season is a 'brutal reality' needing to be faced when this team from the start hadn't a chance to be Champions. The last two seasons were brutal because those teams actually had a chance and blew it both times in brutal fashion, which set this season up. Though, not as drastic a failure as is happening, and still to come.

If this season has done anything, it should be accepted as the awakening from ignorance. Because the apparent, and rabid overvaluing of the team was put on display on a platform with severely lacking structural support in every department of the team and FO.

I dwell in reality, but I didn't see this level of failure, but I sure won't deny its truth.

8 points
9
1
Coldworld's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:01 pm

The facially likely failure in terms of real contention was exacerbated by the total absence of coaching acumen and leadership ability that has been exposed. look no further for the missing ingredient in the three prior years.

1 points
2
1
ricky's picture

November 25, 2022 at 12:27 pm

Definitely, Love should start the rest of the season. But how, exactly, should he be evaluated? If the Packers lose every game, but he looks like he is a capable QB, or shows improvement with each game, is that enough? What about if he looks a bit lost, makes mistakes and generally plays like a rookie? How much patience does the team and the fans have in trying to develop game plans that can emphasize Love's strengths? It took a couple of years and a coaching change in Chicago to make Justin Fields look like he is an acceptable QB. Even without any coaching change in GB, how long would we be patient with the development of Love? In Rodgers first year, the team went 6-10, but he had over 4,000 passing yards. The next year, they had a record of 11-5. If Love had the same record as a starter his first year, how patient would fans be? Well, it could well be time to find out. Because if the team can decide on an OL, and if they can retain Aaron Jones, Love might be able to rely more on the running game while building his confidence and his chemistry with the WR's.

2 points
2
0
Archie777's picture

November 25, 2022 at 01:05 pm

DEN wanted AR more than they wanted RW. Watch SEA 3 years from now compared to GB: one will be in the SB, the other in the basement. So yes we blew it and MM must go.

GBP Draft: WRs and TEs early and often. Draft 3 S in latter half of draft.

FA: Find a way to keep Jenkins and Jones.

TRADE: If GB can move AR they should do so, even though they have demonstrated no confidence in Love. Of course, it is possible AR is making that happen by his behind the scenes demands.

1 points
2
1
Cubbygold's picture

November 25, 2022 at 03:25 pm

Interesting to see the various stages of denial. Those advocating to keep 69 or Aaron Jones dont realize how long this rebuild is going to take. Aaron Jones is going to be a lot less elusive by the time GB is competing for it's next championship

2 points
3
1
Bure9620's picture

November 25, 2022 at 04:55 pm

Nijman will not be an UFA. He will be an RFA. Yes start Love. The season is over

3 points
3
0
EnemyTerritory's picture

November 25, 2022 at 06:56 pm

Excellent article, thanks. The organization is a mess. No clear direction and built a roster dreaming of the past and blind to the future. The complete absence of any salary cap shedding at the trade deadline, the retention of a punt returner with more fumbles than receptions and the refusal to ditch a defensive coordinator that insists on playing off the receivers by 7 yards in a three yard situation leaves little hope of change. Hell, can’t even execute a four minute offense.

2 points
2
0
SinceLombardi's picture

November 25, 2022 at 08:47 pm

Douglass has played fairly well sans a few penalties.

1 points
1
0
Rebecca's picture

November 26, 2022 at 01:13 pm

Big expectations and big disappointments.every year is a gamble hoping enough players have career seasons and the coaches know how to manage all the moving parts. The Rams have fallen to earth this season having spent $$$ to earn a Lombardi Trophy. From a business stand point if the play Love, they can sell more #10 jerseys. If he shows star potential with a 3 td game against like the Bears or Vikings, he’ll help get media attention and maybe trade potential either him or Rodgers. I’m tired of Rodgers too. I have been since his crap attitude stink eyed performances in most of the 2018 season. His contract was just stupid. I don’t see any clear way out of this. I would unload Joe Barry immediately. LaFleur’s on the edge and please no more 3rd round drafts.

0 points
0
0