Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - We Made It
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Welcome to Packers Football 2022. Your Green Bay Packers will take the field today for the first official practice of training camp. Today will be chock full of reports on who looked good, who screwed up, etc.. Sure they'll only be in shorts, but never mind, we'll take it!
Dillonesque - I'm sure you've all seen the video by now of a GB police officer putting his hands on AJ Dillon (possibly because he didn't know who he was or what he was doing there? IDK...). It's impressive how calmly Dillon handled it all. My issue wasn't with the initial collar tug - if the officer really didn't know what was going on, then he was just doing his job. But then after getting an explanation and deciding to allow it, the angry and disdainful push in the back to Dillon was just wrong. My first reaction upon seeing that was that it would have triggered a very different response from many other players. Aaron Nagler spoke to a Packers player who expressed those same thoughts.
Are we being "Conned?" - Speaking of videos, I'd love to know whose idea it was to have Rodgers do a Nicholas Cage impression arriving at Lambeau. Was it Packers PR or Rodgers himself? My opinion of it would vary greatly depending on the answer to that question.
Study Hall - Almost every day something about the NFL comes out that makes us raise our eyebrows or shake our heads. So I shouldn't be surprised. But who could have ever predicted an NFL team giving their QB a 46M/yr contract, as long as he agrees to study their upcoming opponent 4 hours a week? "Young man, you go to your room to study or you won't get your allowance! And I mean it!" Insanity...
Injury bug already? Camp hasn't even started and the Packers are already down two wide receivers - new acquisitions Christian Watson and Sammy Watkins. But have no fear! The Packers found a 6'5" wide receiver to bring in from the USFL. You didn't think they'd settle for a mere six-footer, did you?
No Raleigh, he's gone - An offseason pickup that enticed many fans thanks to his supposed world-class speed, CB Raleigh Texada has been told to run himself out of town (so have S Tre Sterling and DT Hauati Pututau). Anyone else feeling a Packers - Kevin King reunion happening on the cheap?
Busy Brian - Gutey has been busy churning the bottom of the roster this week - always hoping to unearth a hidden gem somewhere:
7/26 Released DL Hauati Pututau, S Tre Sterling and CB Raleigh Texada.
7/26 Signed C Ty Clary, WR Osirus Mitchell and CB Donte Vaughn.
7/25 Signed S Dallin Leavitt.
7/22 Released TE Eli Wolf.
7/21 Signed TE Sal Cannella. (If only his last name was Monella)
A Top-Notch Triumvirate - While not officially announced yet, it's been widely reported that the Packers have extended the contracts of the three Kings under Emperor Murphy. Now, I couldn't tell you the names of front office execs at most NFL teams if my life depended on it - I'd just be dead. But purely speculating, I doubt any other team has three such people that are all so good at their jobs. I would continue to speculate that they are all at least top-ten in the league at their respective jobs, and the Packers have three such people in their organization. Terrific.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (38)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
July 27, 2022 at 06:14 am
I'm so glad camp starts today!
BradHTX
July 27, 2022 at 06:24 am
We’ll never forget you, Rolly.
NickPerry
July 27, 2022 at 06:29 am
I love me some AJ Dillon... This kid is great on the field AND OFF IT. Season 3 is going to be special for AJ Dillon. Expect big things for Dillon in this offense.
PUP List... I heard Russ Uglem on a podcast suggesting Watson's issues were nothing to be concerned about and he'd be back very soon. As far as Watkins I was just like, WTF? Already?? Really??? Not saying it was a good move by the Bucs but they just signed Julio Jones. I'll be curious if Jones gets hurt on the way to the Bucs offices to sign his deal.
King...I have that same feeling and IF the Packers could sign him for the vet minimum it may be a smart move. SOMEONE is going to sign him, especially once the pads come on and injuries start happening.
Gute, MLF, & Ball all deserved to be extended. Personally, I'm happy about it. All three were no-brainers IMO.
murf7777
July 27, 2022 at 07:58 am
Hey Nick, even when Julio Jones was healthy he wasn’t much of a factor last year. I’ll take OBJ over Julio at this point in their careers. He’s coming off an ACL, but I suspect if he clears physical, they will take a shot at him.
As a 4th CB I’d take King on the cheap.
Coldworld
July 27, 2022 at 08:12 am
OBJ went down in the post season. If he plays this year it would be surprising and late, coming off a long layoff.
murf7777
July 28, 2022 at 09:04 am
CW….8 -10 months is typical for NFL guys, so who knows how he does. Some sooner, some later. Of course, there are exceptions like AD at 4-5 months or Bak who still isn’t back. As I said, if he passes a physical.
LLCHESTY
July 27, 2022 at 08:13 am
Jones' and Watkins' numbers were remarkably similar last year. It's a roll of the dice on what one is more productive this year.
Savage57
July 27, 2022 at 06:44 am
If Rodgers rolling in to camp doing a Cameron Poe thing was a Packers PR idea, they have got to go.
"I'm just so happy to see all mah li'l hummin'birds again."
What is it with this guy and bad action flick actors? Halloween we got John Wick/Reeves, now Cameron Poe/Cage. Who's next?
LambeauPlain
July 27, 2022 at 08:56 am
Well, Savage...at least he didn't step out of the vehicle dressed as Lady Gaga.
Up next? Maybe Snake/Kirk Russell. (all least it would be current news!)
stockholder
July 27, 2022 at 07:15 am
Fire the cop. Rodgers is No Con man. Just camp fun. Injury bug-7 WRs! King should be re-signed. Brian- He’ll get more credit if he finds a TE. Top Trio = Team work!
dobber
July 27, 2022 at 03:40 pm
"Brian- He’ll get more credit if he finds a TE. "
He'll get more credit if this team wins an SB.
stockholder
July 27, 2022 at 06:47 pm
True
GregC
July 27, 2022 at 07:40 am
Who is more eccentric? Aaron Rodgers or the Packers' front office? I think the answer to that question will also be the answer to the question of who thought up the Nicholas Cage gag.
RCPackerFan
July 27, 2022 at 07:48 am
Dillonesque -
That was just awkward. Dillon handled it right.
Are we being "Conned?" -
I just thought it was great. I really didn't put much thought into it. I just enjoyed it!
Study Hall -
Clearly they don't like his study habits. I'm curious, what happens if he doesn't study for 4 hours a week?
Injury bug already?
It sounds like none of the injuries are anything to be concerned with. Sounds like most guys will be back soon.
No Raleigh, he's gone -
I would be fine with them bringing King back. I feel like 1 more experienced option would be good to have.
Busy Brian - Gutey has been busy churning the bottom of the roster this week - always hoping to unearth a hidden gem somewhere:
It is interesting to me that the day before camp they cut those 3 guys. It seems like to me the players they brought in were more for depth at positions of injured players. Or perhaps players they felt were going to be an upgrade at key positions.
A Top-Notch Triumvirate -
This was very big news that they don't want to talk about. They are deserving of extended contracts.
Today is the day! Lets all enjoy the ride to the new season!
PackEyedOptimist
July 27, 2022 at 07:58 am
Mannn,,,
Usually my UDFA crush lasts through a few preseason games at least...
*PEO sheds a tear at Raleigh Texada's exit
Josh
August 07, 2022 at 03:24 am
This was one worth taking a chance on. Experience and world class speed. I was also excited about Tre.
Roadrunner23
July 27, 2022 at 08:09 am
Thanks Al
Ain’t it great that “the BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!”
*That Cop that pushed Dillon in the back? Stupid move dude, maybe lighten up on the Red Bull!
*Love the Rodgers/Con Air! We gonna miss that fun stuff when he gone.
*46 million and you have to incentivize your QB, the leader of the team, to study!? Just flush that cash down the toilet. That ain’t gonna play.
*Osirus Mitchell, his highlights look intriguing, but not this year kid, practice squad maybe.
*Kevin King reunion, at a bargain basement price. Why not? He knows the system and can play safety in a pinch.
Gutey: I love the way he churns the back end of the roster! Dude is a scout at heart and he keeps a running list of tryout guys available all season long. I am glad the TRIUMVIRATE is resigned and ready for another playoff run and a few more Lombardi Trophies 🏆 🏆 🏆
Go Pack!
croatpackfan
July 27, 2022 at 08:20 am
Nice overview Al, as always. Agreed with most of it.
I'll search Dillon video now, as I was not aware he had any "problems" with police...
Edit: Well it was not that hard and I assume officer push AJ at the end because he was pi*sed off by himself....
Coldworld
July 27, 2022 at 10:56 am
Dillon handled it very well. The officer did not and needs a talking to (and clearly forcible Packers immersion or glasses). Big stink over relatively little. I’m sure it has been or us being addressed. I think it’s size to keep security informed if such ideas in a way that reaches all involved—their job includes stopping Joe public doing that: one lesson that the Packers can learn.
The police officer should apologize and learn from it and Dillon is rightly be praised for exemplary handling. Humans don’t always react wisely. Dillon came out of this as an example of how to carry oneself and not overreact in such situations. One many of us would do well to heed.
LLCHESTY
July 27, 2022 at 01:44 pm
They'll probably make him mad by banning him from working at Lambeau and then turn him loose on the community.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 27, 2022 at 06:06 pm
That is how the officer operates when he knows there are thousands of witnesses (fans in the stands) and hundreds of cameras around. I find that alarming.
stockholder
July 27, 2022 at 06:49 pm
Absolutely.
10ve 💚
July 27, 2022 at 08:35 am
"Are we being "Conned?" - Speaking of videos, I'd love to know whose idea it was to have Rodgers do a Nicholas Cage impression arriving at Lambeau. Was it Packers PR or Rodgers himself? My opinion of it would vary greatly depending on the answer to that question."
Unquestionably conned. Probably Aaron himself. See how he pulls in his abs and puffs out his chest to present an awesome side-view? His frontal view however was not so good... his midsection, though not fat/thick, was always a bit broad and unflattering. He never had that V-shape 😊.
Spock
July 27, 2022 at 08:37 am
Always love this column, Al! I haven't seen the Dillion video (maybe because I live in Tucson and it wasn't on local internet?) but I did see the supposed A. Rodgers/Nicolas Cage video. IDK, all I saw was the Rodgers video and a pic from Conn Air and, frankly, I didn't see the resemblance. Then again I've never seen the movie Conn Air, lol. What I did get from A. Rodgers video is I that don't recall ever seeing his chest that big! Not sure what his off season workout routine was but he's definitely impressive in a white tank top now!
10ve 💚
July 27, 2022 at 08:38 am
"7/21 Signed TE Sal Cannella. (If only his last name was Monella)"
Maybe he likes his salmon in a can.
LLCHESTY
July 27, 2022 at 01:48 pm
"You English are all the same, so f'ing pompous!" Classic MP
https://youtu.be/jMBsZC-FJNE
10ve 💚
July 27, 2022 at 08:40 am
Jersey Al, terrific piece today. Beginning of camp, very little news available, you managed to present a very entertaining view. 👌👌👌
Since'61
July 27, 2022 at 08:49 am
Conned - I doubt that it was Rodgers idea. He is a private person who doesn't like to call attention to himself. However I can see the PR people wanting to create some interest in Rodgers arrival for camp this season. Compared with the last 2 seasons there wasn't any drama around Rodgers arrival so why not create some.
It looked like a staged event based on the video clip that I have seen. In the end it doesn't matter. Rodgers is in camp and he is ready to get to work.
No comment on the study hall 4 hour expectations.
Injury Bug - hopefully only an early flurry of minor issues that will go away quickly and stay away for the season.
Good job again Al. Thanks, Since '61
CJBauckham
July 27, 2022 at 11:47 am
Actually, in this case this is exactly the way Aaron likes to draw attention to himself. He dressed up as a cowboy for share holder meetings for multiple years. He appears in every captains photo as a running gag. He pulls out the ridiculous handlebar mustache, on occasion. He does Halloween costumes. Dressing up for stunts is practically his m.o. for attention drawing.
Passive agressive interviews are his other m.o., but there are some divided opinions on that. ;)
UdderApocowlipse
July 27, 2022 at 08:51 am
To paraphrase Vic, every team has a cap guy locals revere.
LambeauPlain
July 27, 2022 at 09:02 am
AJD is a class act. In an era where anthills are turned into Mt. Everest, Dillon simply leveled the anthill, smiled and happily moved on.
PeteK
July 27, 2022 at 09:54 am
-It would have been smarter if he just talked to Dillon or other officers before grabbing the back collar of a jersey. I guess he thought it was some crazed fan who jumped onto the field even though Dillon was escorted onto the field by officers earlier. It's scary how aggressively reactionary a few officers are. Train to deescalate.
-Much ado about nothing, Rogers's entrance was funny and creative. He's in shape and ready to go.
-Just getting rid of drift wood and taking chance on new blood. Gute is always working.
HarryHodag
July 27, 2022 at 10:19 am
The Aaron Rodgers arrival at Lambeau was clearly staged. I doubt the Packers did that. The steady camera perfectly framed for the shot is the giveaway.
His look remains like it did last spring: three days after solitary confinement in San Quentin.
Packers0808
July 27, 2022 at 10:36 am
Dillon deal being blown up a bit by media? Dillon handled it well, over, time to move on. Hope injuries are minor, Bakh is a concern and he just maybe done with his FB life to be hurting this long. Something Packers fans may have to deal with! Hell of a rotten outlook for sure!
Lphill
July 27, 2022 at 12:11 pm
maybe the cop was also in the mascot costume that AJ tackled?
splitpea1
July 27, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Study Hall: Four whole hours a week studying your opponent? Wow, that sounds really taxing....Why would you even give your QB--the leader of your team--that kind of contract if you were that worried about his mental commitment?
Will the Cardinals now install a video recorder in Murray's home so they can enforce the rules of the contract if need be?
And you know every time he throws a pick that he's going to be taunted mercilessly by the opposing defenders about not spending enough time on the books (or the screen).
HarlanHuckleby
July 27, 2022 at 03:54 pm
I agree with releasing Eli Wolf as a TE. All his experience has been in the front office and he’s gotta be pushing 40 by now…
Josh
August 07, 2022 at 03:14 am
Good Luck to Raleigh, Tre and Hauati. It's got to be tough to get released a day before training camp for those young men. You sign an UDFA contract to be a part of the 90 man roster and get a look. It's okay to get released, but a day before training camp is tough because all teams are full. This greatly reduced their options to quickly get with another team. All 3 were very good college football players. I hope they find an opportunity.