Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Quarantine Edition

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Quarantine - It's going on two months in quarantine for myself. As you likely know from the news, things were pretty bad here in the NY area. I would need more than one hand to count the number of people I knew personally who died from the virus. I have family members that got it, but thank God (or whoever/whatever) not seriously. If you're reading this from Wisconsin or some other part of the world, I just urge you to take it seriously. Don't feel you're bullet-proof. Don't try to make a point. You don't have to stop living your life, and things are starting to open up, (I actually got out and played tennis yesterday - 6" apart at all times, of course). But please, be careful. Don't take unnecessary risks. Let's just play it safe for the near future. Let's save more lives.

Rodgers Speaks - Aaron Rodgers is no Brett Favre - and for those of you who think that's a bad thing - look away. Brett Favre was (and is) an emotional roller coaster. It would be hard for me to think of a player more fun to watch or take that ride with. However, I respect the hell out of Aaron Rodgers for being a thoughtful, intelligent, sensitive human being. A little too laid back and "Cali cool" for ya? Too bad. Sure he can be a bit withdrawn and salty with the media, but when he tells you something, it's pretty clear it's not some off-the-cuff nonsense. Rodgers is a knowledge sponge, and he learned a lot of things watching Favre, the most important being how not to treat a fellow quarterback on your team. Rodgers will be an immeasurably better man than Favre was in that department. And yet still, when he speaks, and gives you honest thoughtful commentary of how he feels about the Love pick, I get comments on my twitter feed like "He needs to just shut up and play."  And note, I see a lot of this. Seems a lot of Packers fans can't handle a more "modern" human being as their quarterback. Not a good old boy, not a hell-raiser - he can't be tough, can he? Such backwards thinking...

LaFleur Speaks - Not much of note here, other than how technologically ignorant some Packers media members are. Dogs barking, IM notifications going off, a tv/radio blaring in the background - all because it's too difficult a concept for some to hit the mute button when you're not talking. Really, it was incredibly embarrassing. You have to lay some of the blame on Packers PR, as well - did they not give everyone instructions on what to do and how this was supposed to work? Although on the bright side, at least they figured out to form a queue for the questioners instead of making it a free for all like the post-draft conferences with questioners talking over each other. Baby steps, I guess.

Jon Runyan Jr. - At no point during our offensive line evaluations for the CHTV Draft Guide did we seriously consider Runyan as a tackle in the NFL. And we weren't alone - a quick perusal of draft sites and scouting organizations shows it was pretty much a consensus that Runyan would move to guard. Well, after digging in to his tape and researching more about him, I'm not as sure anymore. I think if he continues with the upward trajectory of his last two college seasons, where he made great strides on the field, you might be looking at the Packers' future right tackle after a year or two of Rick Wagner. I could see him as the sixth OL in year one, filling in at either guard or tackle and then being given the opportunity to win the right tackle job in camp the following year. And the more tape I watch, the more I feel he could handle it. Throw in Stepaniak and Hansen, and in another year, the middle-to-right side of the Packers' OL could look completely different. 

EQ - So did you hear that Equanamious St. Brown is being fitted for a gold jacket this off-season? I'm not sure where it started, but the EQ train has been giving Amtrak a run for it's money. Now none of this sarcasm means I don't like him and think he doesn't have some potential, but somebody pull the emergency brake on this train and let's come back to reality. Lazard, MVS, Kumerow, Shepard, Begelton, Taylor, all have a legitimate shot along with EQ. After Adams and Funchess, there's only room for 3-4 other WRs on this roster, especially with the the likelihood of LaFleur wanting to keep 4TE. Five WR on the roster and a few on the practice squad could very well y be the way the Packers go. Can EQ be anything more than WR 4 on this team in 2020? The odds say no, but we know that means little. So let's just temper our expectations and maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised. 

 

 

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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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17 points
 

Comments (93)

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

May 20, 2020 at 06:34 am

EQ--People who were dead-set on the Packers taking a WR on days 1 and 2 of the draft are grasping at any kind of hopeful lead. He had his moments in 2018 and was not part of what was perceived to be the problem in 2019, which gives him front seat on the white horse. His lack of ST play in his past doesn't help him in 2020.

Runyan--I'll cede to the scouting prowess of others. I'd pegged Runyan as a G, but if there's some Mark Tauscher in him and he can play tackle, he'd be a real find. Milt Hendrickson was supposed to be an OL whisperer coming over from Baltimore, so I'm bullish on these later OL draftees...except for Hansen, who looks to me like a classic overachiever who doesn't have NFL chops. I expect Stepaniak--who has a leg up with a classic Packers type name--may start the year on the PUP, but have a chance to come active mid-season and provide depth.

Meetings--I think most of us have had the opportunity to get into way too many Zoom/Teams/Meet meetings and heard way too many "ping's", "beeps", and "chimes", along with slow feeds as people don't close down their own bandwidth. I was in on a meeting where someone stopped a meeting for minutes while she took a phone call without muting or recognizing what she had done. It will take time for people to adjust to new methods of communication, and COVID is forcing older generations to use and embrace modern technology. It's opening doors and is only going to increase: it's not going away.

5 points
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gkarl's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:24 am

"and Covid is forcing older generations to use and embrace modern technology"

Ain't that the truth. My illusion of lack of technology ability has been outed by Covid.

3 points
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:22 am

It's maddening, isn't it?

2 points
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Bearmeat's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:26 am

"People who were dead-set on the Packers taking a WR on days 1 and 2 of the draft are grasping at any kind of hopeful lead."

This is right on.

Begelton, EQ, etc... every team in the NFL has several of these guys on their roster. For every Sam Shields and Marques Colston, there are 500 players who are out of the league within 2 years. If we can get ONE of these guys to step up and be a 3, and either Lazard or Funchess is a moderate 2, we're lucky.

After Davante, our WRs suck. No one outside of 1265, or Packers fans, will spend any time thinking about GBs WRs this year.

0 points
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mrtundra's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:52 am

I think Lazard will turn some heads, again. If Funcheese's play is just pedestrian, he could be relegated to #4 behind either ESB or MVS. I think he is "on the bubble" more than ESB is. We haven't seen hardly any ESB to know how he will play or what he can do in MLF's offense. I am anxious to see how he performs in whatever kind of camp we have, this summer, or Fall.

1 points
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:27 am

The longer-term should be a tremendous concern with Adams coming up for FA after 2021 and no one who looks like a potential #1--even in a developmental state--on the roster. From my perspective, that was a huge reason to look for a WR in this draft...now I suspect the Packers will be forced to extend Adams--someone with a history of injury and some brain-rattling hits--to both keep a legit #1 on the roster and try to gain a little cap relief. The Packers went 4-0 without #17 in 2019, which shocked the hell out of me. I wouldn't expect that again.

4 points
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Tundraboy's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:41 am

Very surprised yes,but I don't know about shocked. Good things happen when you spread the ball around. Although I must admit I didn't expect the others to step up.

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:13 am

Bearmeat....I think Lazard does not suck. I think he helped us win games last year with some clutch receptions and some effective blocking. Rather than say “they suck”, it would be better to say “they don’t fit the image I have in my head regarding what WR should be.”

It is clear.....abundantly clear....that the #2 WR in this offense is akin to a fullback, like William Henderson. He’ll get some touches but mostly he’ll block for others. Lazard, Funchess, MSV, ESB.....all big guys. It looks like in our opener Lazard is going to be matched on a rookie he outweighs by over 40 lbs. If you want to have some long runs, you need to get guys blocked and break a tackle....and that’s what we’re going to do.

Jordy, Cobb, Allison gone. We replaced them with a different type of receiver because we wanted a different offense.....at least that’s what was said when we fired the coach. The guy won 14 games his rookie season and we just added 5 guys to the offense that fit what he wants to do and that doesn’t include throwing the ball to the #2 guy that much.

Adams, the RB, the TE, the #2 WR. That’s the order of battle to our passing game. 9 targets to Adams, 9 to the RBs, 8 to the TEs, 8 to the #2. The #2 position will be manned by Lazard and Funchess. MSV, ESB, Begelton, Kumerow, etc will rotate in when we go to 3 WRs. They’re going to have earn targets.

That’d be 34 passing attempts per game, down from over 36 last year. And we’ll tun more. The object is to move the ball without letting our QB taking hits.

Oh, btw, I think Jones might catch a helluva lot of passes for us this year. Just a hunch.

5 points
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Bearmeat's picture

May 20, 2020 at 01:00 pm

LH,

We've sparred on this in the past. Let me clarify please: No, Lazard, nor any other NFL camp or tryout player "sucks." You don't make it even close to Division 1 football if you "suck." However, when comparing GBs WR corps to other NFL franchises, they are indeed at the very best average, and most likely bottom 5 or so. That collection of talent, when judged on the sliding scale of big-money, competitive professional sports, sucks.

I don't think Lazard is an average WR2. I don't think Funchess is either. I don't think anyone other than MVS scares anyone deep, and he can't run a NFL caliber route, nor catch at an NFL WR rate.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 01:33 pm

Average based on what? Receptions? 40 time in shorts? Does blocking count for anything? How do you have WR who is a top guy on a bottom 5 unit when he’s half of the production?

I think you have a picture in your mind and this group doesn’t match the picture. We won 14 games with below average WRs, below average TEs, and an average run game? Really?

Gutekunst, from the first, has replaced your version of good WRs with guys who have different qualities that you are apparently unable or unwilling to see. I hope you’ll come around.

2 points
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Bearmeat's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:20 pm

We won 14 games last year, put simply, because they were 9-1 in one-score games, led the league in RZ defense, and had one of the healthiest rosters in the league. All three of those markers have a very high variability rate. By point differential, Green Bay was about a 9 to 10 win team last year. Now, they won the games, and that's what counts. But to say that our team is some type of juggernaut as it stands is wearing green and gold goggles (and that's putting it nicely).

We needed to improve in 2020 to have a good shot at winning the division again. On paper, this did not happen. It's not about what WRs should look like, it's looking at the production of the players on the roster we have, and predicting the most probable outcomes going forward. Every WR on our roster has an NFL track record of at least two years. For the most part, their career trajectory is set. That doesn't mean things can't change, it just means that it's not likely.

So yes, with those markers in place: GBs WRs "suck."

-1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:25 pm

We’re going to have to disagree, but I think that what happens during the season will persuade you.

You know, last year the #2 WR trio of Allison, Lazard, and MSV combined for 95 catches. Replace Allison with Funchess and add ESB and we’re still looking at 9 or 10 targets each game and about 100 catches on the season. I’m fine with spreading it around rather than giving all the snaps and targets to some mythical WR who is going to catch 95 all by himself.

1 points
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Bearmeat's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:37 pm

I'd be interested to see what the #2-3-4 combination of other teams produced.

But yes, we're going to have to agree to disagree. Great players win games. I don't see great players post-Davante outside for us.

FWIW - I hope I'm eating crow like crazy this fall. Obviously, I'm skeptical that I will be.

0 points
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Stroh's picture

May 20, 2020 at 02:24 pm

You hit the nail on the head! After Adams there is no WR that looks like anything other than a #4 WR on the rest of the roster. As LH mentioned, Adams will likely get 10 balls thown to him each game, possibly more. Beyond that it'll be #2 receiver by committee and no one will be targeted more than maybe 6 times. Jones might actually end up being the 2nd most targets in the passing game and with a lessened load carrying the ball. That gives carries to Dillon and Jones as a James White type RB.

Bottom line is LaFleur wants to run more and that equals fewer receptions for anyone not named Adams, and possibly Jones.

The rest of the WR group isn't #2 WR talent. That likely won't come this year, but likely in next years draft. Of the WR currently I think EQ has the best chance to develop into a legit #2 eventually.

0 points
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PeteK's picture

May 20, 2020 at 04:26 pm

He might not be a very good #2, but 35 receptions in 11 games for a rookie is not a #4 receiver.

3 points
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Stroh's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:50 pm

35 Rec isn't much. He had maybe an average of 3 rec a game playing a full time role. Hardn't worth writing home about. His lack of physical gifts is what makes him a #4 WR. He doesn't get in/out of breaks very well, he has no speed to speak of. The only trait that makes him worth targeting is his size! He's simply to easy to cover and size is OK but that's all he has!

-2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:24 pm

I remember thinking that very same thing when he caught that TD against Detroit.

1 points
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Stroh's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:31 pm

Hey if he starts doing that on an every game basis, I'll be wrong and happy about it. But one game does nothing for me. IMO he's just entirely too easy to cover. They need some shiftiness other than Adams. They have no one beside him that is either extremely quick or fast. Hell right now Begelton is my favorite WR after Adams. He's average size, but plays fast, and he's elusive.

I really don't care for all these big slow WR that can't get open on their own.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:54 pm

Watch his Iowa State film.

0 points
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Stroh's picture

May 21, 2020 at 09:04 am

Iowa St plays in a conference in which Defense it basically optional. The Big 12 has by far the worst Defensive play in the history of Major College Football. Anything he did in that conference has to be taken w/ a huge helping of salt.

0 points
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dobber's picture

May 21, 2020 at 04:47 pm

True, but still a power conference school and he was productive in that conference to the tune of ISU's all-time leading receiver...on a crappy team...with inconsistent QB play.

I'll give him credit for being a player who produced for 4 years in that defense-optional conference...as opposed to HWS prospects who get drafted even though they've never produced at a high level. Do I think he's going to be a star? No. I think his ceiling is as a solid possession receiver. But he had an opportunity last season and he took advantage of it. That's better than we can say about all of the receivers who made the Packers 53 out of camp last season not named Adams.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 21, 2020 at 10:27 am

If he does it every game he’ll be an HOFer.

Pretty much the same size and 40 time as Mike Evans, In fact, do a Google on Mike Evans Allen Lazard and see for yourself.

-1 points
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CoachDino's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:26 pm

Interesting thread. Did a cursory search of ranking wr corps going into 2019. I saw one at 9 and the other at 15.
The takeaways - (which were limited - very little reasoning, mostly just a ranking)
Having a 26 yo top 5 WR in Devante Addams gives the corp a big boost. Your #1 rec is the most important by far for obvious reasons. Targets/Go too Guy/impact on defense..etc
MVS and EQS are thought of higher than we do. Both were considered to of have strong 2018 seasons at least to the level of showing promise to be very effective 2/3 receivers)

Going into 2020 -
Devante is still the man
EQS is a mystery but has promise from what was displayed
MVS - Physical tools are there but execution was terrible
Allisson - Gone
Lazard came on the season and has proved himself a capable #2 receiver.
Added Funchess & Reggie
Added Jace Sternberger
Added Josiah D
Have moved from a spread it out wr heavy scheme to a more balanced TE/RB/WR focus

I went back and pulled 2019 Rec stats by player and ranked each teams rec by yards/rec/ypc

As a #2 rec Lazard was 31st out of 32 guys as the #2 rec in yds. He was 32 out of 32 for targets and Recs. So his performance is a direct result of playing time. When adjusted he was the 18th Rec
AJ was 12t out of the #3
MVS was 12th out of the #4

Now this isn't the most scientific methodology but it quickly gives us an insight of our guys vs their guys. GB ended up in the middle of the pack. I thought they would of been much lower.
It does tell me that the WR group as a whole coming intp 2020 is fine. A point I see just a few people make (leatherhead) is that being a running team having big WR is a real plus. Well that we have.

Not trying to say all is rosy and there no room/need for improvement. The point is when compared to the League and not just our subjective views the Packers are in the middle of the Pack.
Cobb finished well as a #2 rec. just an FYI

3 points
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Bure9620's picture

May 20, 2020 at 06:03 pm

I liked the Funchess signing, I like him and Lazard on 5'11" corners, I expect a return of the back shoulder throw which Funchess will be the recipient of.

1 points
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PeteK's picture

May 20, 2020 at 04:21 pm

Don't forget Ervin, he might be that quick change of pace slot receiver.

1 points
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CheesyTex's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:20 am

Really hate to hear you say that Bearmeat, as you and Jersey Al are usually right on.

I'm still stuck in the EQ camp for a prove it year. Loved watching him at ND, and wish he would have stayed there another year. He was very young coming into the NFL. IMO that he was clearly an ascending player when the injury occurred, and that with 1 year of experience (and now another year to mature into the game due to the injury) his chances are good if he has the heart. Reminds of the slogan my high school coach posted on his wall: YAGOTTAWANNA.

2 points
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Spock's picture

May 20, 2020 at 06:40 am

Al, I always enjoy this column and found the information on the possible future tackle interesting. As for the quarantine I've been fortunate (so far) in not knowing anyone who has gotten this and died. Here in Arizona it's still a lot of bare shelves in some stores (especially the paper ones, lol) but, fortunately, I'm somewhat of a food hoarder by nature so I haven't needed to go to the store much. When I do it's frustrating to see some "my 'Freedom' types not wearing a mask or following guidelines. Sunday will be the one year anniversary of my wife's heart attack. She (and me in two weeks) is 66 and I worry i'm going to bring the virus back from being around these selfish, socially irresponsible, people and pass it onto her. She's doing okay, thank goodness , but this isn't the retirement she was hoping for. Luckily, she knows how to sew a -really good- mask after she spent 40 plus years wearing one (she worked as a surgical tech., you know: handing up the instruments to the doctors, saving lives, all that stuff) so I know we are doing the best we can. If she gets Covid-19 because of these idiots odds are it's a death sentence because of her heart and other risk factors (I'm healthier than her and I'm not in very good shape myself, lol). I still can't fathom how the NFL thinks games will be played. Take care of yourself and your loved ones and everyone else please do the same!

12 points
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Spock's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:26 am

I would like to clarify my mask comments. When I said my wife knows how to make a really good mask I meant that it actually gives some protection to the wearer (with a filter: coffee filters are okay, but -of all things- blue paper shop towels have been shown to be nearly 97 % effective at filtering, which is better than an N-95 mask!). A lot of people don't seem to understand that wearing a mask is to protect other people from YOU, not the other way around. My wife "scrubbed" a number of nasty cases over the years including patients with virus eating amoebas, HIV, TB, etc. so she knows more than the average person about contagious conditions.Anyways, we are cautious, not "living in fear" but being careful. We are fortunate to live in a large gated Condo complex with wide roads so we can walk in the morning without masks because the few people we meet at dawn are nearly 20 feet away on the other side of the road. We've wiped down groceries, carts, etc. for years so this is nothing new to us, lol.

7 points
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:07 am

Cheers to you, friend, and thanks for the information. Best wishes for good health to you and your bride!

3 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

May 20, 2020 at 02:21 pm

Hang in there and may God be with you. Thanks for sharing.

3 points
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Lphill's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:04 am

I think Runyon is Bachteri’s replacement I read that he made 25 starts at left tackle.

-3 points
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PatrickGB's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:21 am

;-)

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:53 am

Most O linemen drafted by the packers over the last decade or two have been consistent college tackles. Hope you are right, like the pick based on what I’ve read, but I will be happy if he can make the grade at guard first.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:12 am

Thats really reaching for the stars. Hopefully a RT.

3 points
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:09 am

I made 8 tackles as an ILB on my middle school football team...I can't figure out why BG's not ringing my phone...

3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:20 pm

Because they were all 7 yards downfield?

7 points
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TheKanataThrilla's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:25 pm

We need a laugh option to the thumbs up and thumbs down. That was priceless.

3 points
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:10 pm

I think 7 yards is being too kind... ;)

3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 21, 2020 at 01:46 am

Well, at least you got the runner down and didn't let the play rupture for huge gains.

1 points
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Stroh's picture

May 20, 2020 at 04:06 pm

The Packers have made a habit of drafti college LT and moving them inside. Lets see if he can even be passable at OG or RT before even thinking about LT. Its highly likely they resign Bahktiari.

2 points
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TheKanataThrilla's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:29 pm

I think we may Franchise Bahk. It will be interesting as I think this might be the first year in awhile that we consider Franchising someone and here we have Bahk and Kenny as possibilities next year.

2 points
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PatrickGB's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:19 am

Damn Al, you echoed my thoughts exactly. I guess that I must have a polluted mindset as well. I have been following you for years and every thing you write makes me think. That’s what good reporting is. You and this site have educated me to the point that I cannot read other stuff without cringing at some of the mindless drivel that is out there. Also, I need to give a shout out to many of the posters. While I may not agree with some of them, I do appreciate the thoughts behind what they write.

6 points
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JerseyAl's picture

May 20, 2020 at 09:55 am

Thanks so much for the kind words. Avoiding mindless drivel has always been the goal here. It doesn't always work, but we sure try.

5 points
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gkarl's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:37 am

WR will be interesting this year, lots of competition for limited space. Can you block and play ST?? Can you catch whats thrown your way??

Rodger just has a lot of class and always represents the Packers well.

I like Runyan, should help right away if needed. I believe you can have more than 46 active game day if its an OL TY. Will we keep more OL on the 53?

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:01 am

Great to read something from Jersey Al this morning. I want to say first and foremost I'm sorry for your losses Al, but am happy to hear so far so good with the family. I FINALLY got my test results back yesterday after testing last Monday...NEGITIVE!

I'm tired of talking about Rodgers and MLF but I'm glad you brought up Runyan and especially EQ. IMO Runyan is going to be the next great late round O-Lineman pick by the Packers. I think he can possibly play RT too. Stepaniak is an interesting pick as well. Had he been healthy he probably gets drafted earlier AND he's nasty as hell. I like nasty O-Linemen myself.

Thanks for bringing up EQ Al. NOBODY has really been talking about EQ and maybe that's because he was drafted late (6th round IIRC) or he didn't light it up his rookie season but I still have high hopes. He was also playing in McCarthy's offense his rookie year where basically no WR the Packers have drafted high or low have flourished in year one. Don't sleep on EQ folks, this kid could be our #3 in a hurry, maybe even push Lazard for #2.

Gold Jacket?? Hey he could be doing worse so who cares? Just ask the four NFL players arrested recently for various charges and ALL 4 included gun charges, 3 assault, and 2 with several counts of assault and armed robbery.... Yeah, give me the Gold Jacket any time.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 20, 2020 at 12:45 pm

One of the knocks on EQ when he came out was work ethic. This is Zeirlein’s overview, which isn’t unique:

“ St. Brown's combination of size and speed will be coveted by offenses looking for a prospect who can create throwing windows down the field with his ability to separate as the route progresses. St. Brown's competitive nature needs to improve as does his play strength to elude early pressure from physical cornerbacks. He has never been a volume target and has just three 100-yard games in his career. At this stage, St. Brown is more of a threat than a weapon and his ceiling may be an average starter or WR3.“

Talent but maybe not a football minded individual? If true, those types worry me and thus far, what we have seen is flashes of talent but just average overall work. If this kid gets it and buys in, I believe he can be good, but will he?

This isn’t the high effort try hard kid per some scouts. This seems to be forgotten. I hope Zierlein was wrong, but it’s another thing to consider when assuming that EQ will step up.

1 points
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dobber's picture

May 21, 2020 at 10:42 am

Not an expert, but usually those kinds of comments refer to alpha nature on the field rather than commitment. I've read similar commentaries, but took that to mean his college tape leads them to assess him as passive on the field.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 21, 2020 at 01:40 pm

My point is that there are questions beyond physical ability that have been raised about EQ. Of course, even if they had merit once, that may no longer be the case: maturity could explain it. That said, EQ has to want it: does he? Your interpretation raises that question no less I think.

1 points
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Turophile's picture

May 21, 2020 at 01:53 am

When you write (or rather type) many pieces, some of them are flawed or even overtaken by events. Some, on reflection, you think you could have improved upon. Some don't even reflect how you think now........................but some are just so nicely on-point that you are perfectly happy with how you put your thinking into words and wouldn't change anything.

For me this was an on-point piece. Well done JA.

7 points
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Tundraboy's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:49 am

I agree. Thanks for writing my exact thoughts. And thanks Al for the great start to my day. Be well all.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:23 am

The Rogers to Favre comparison is on point. However ,I wish he would have answered the media hype sooner. I wanted to hear from him not someone else. I really enjoy both personalities, but Favre's goofing around, emotional, but warrior on game day will be hard to beat for me.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:35 am

Positive Write. Slowing down the EQ train makes perfect sense. But I never had him leaving the station now. I believe the speed and year off, have put him in the round house. While I can understand not taking any Wrs. It was a way for Gutey to win this draft. Sure the hype train says they got their men. But I still feel the switch won't get them to the super-bowl. I wonder more and more, if Gutey is taking a ride on a Reefer, more then a coach. The engine seems to be blowing more smoke about the future then the task at hand. Passing on Defense only tells me that this train is headed for derailment. And the costs of a wrecked train, puts the packers at the end of the line. FORCING #12 TO BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. It seems the costs of maintaing a LINE has us believing in Rookies again. But jumping the Gun on any of them, isn't the right way to look at it. What we have to look at is the Defense. Hitting the brakes, tells me Gutey is off his schedule. King and Clarke will go west. And when he finds the money, the talent won't be worth the price Tag.

-4 points
3
7
PeteK's picture

May 20, 2020 at 09:26 am

Patience, if we know that the D needs some meat ,so do they. There still might be players available during cut day and during the season.

1 points
1
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:49 am

*Press conference- abysmal! Where were they broadcasting from, the moon? “It’s one small step for Green Bay Packers PR” that was just embarrassing.

*Rodgers - class act! A Rodgers handled that with such dignity and thoughtfulness especially after Favre’s comments trying to stir things up and all the click bait media on the fake news train! The Packers and the fans are so lucky to have such a class act to mentor Love who will hopefully be the next Packers great QB!

EQ - good point on EQ not playing special teams. I just rewatched last years game at Minnesota and Lazard made 3-4 clutch catches for first downs and was a stalwart on special teams. This kid is legit! EQ is vying for the 4 or 5th WR spot with MVS and Kumerow who both play special teams. He’d better light the pre-season on fire!

*The NFL - the NFL needs to be flexible and perhaps they should shorten the pre-season to one game and shorten the season to 12 games starting in mid-October in my opinion, they need to put the greed aside and get this thing right before trying to push ahead with no fans in the stands.

3 points
3
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:21 am

"This kid is legit! EQ is vying for the 4 or 5th WR spot with MVS and Kumerow who both play special teams. "

Kumerow is a core ST player, sure, but MVS played only 2 ST snaps in 2019. He played meaningfully more as a rookie, but only in the first 5 weeks of 2018. Once he started picking up regular offensive snaps, he was off STs. I don't think of MVS as having much of a ST advantage over other end-of-the-roster WR in 2020.

1 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:29 am

Noted, good observation Dobber

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 21, 2020 at 06:49 am

But MVS has something no one else except maybe Taylor has, real speed. He really isn’t an either/or with anyone in terms of speed or upside. ST isn’t going to be the determinant with him.

0 points
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Handsback's picture

May 20, 2020 at 09:01 am

Jersey Al, I'm sorry for your loss. In Texas it seems that >80% of the virus deaths are Baby Boomers or older. Since I fall in that catagory, I'm careful, but worried about others. In one nursing home the virus managed to take out 18 people. Our county has 31 deaths total from a population of about 1.2M.
Anyway, Green Bay drafted three oline guys. Reading about their skill levels and past experience, they have one thing in common....they are maulers. These aren't OTs that have good feet that the Packer coaches can move to the inside. They are inside guys with a little to a lot of chippy attitude to their game. I kind of think the same thing with Dillon. Maybe we are seeing a team makeover at least in attitude from a dancing bear to a junkyard dog.
The wideouts will be settled during TC. I think we realize that MLF isn't keeping 5-6 WRs on the roster. Maybe 5 but certainly not 6. They must be able to block and run good routes. Fast or real fast isn't as important as route running.

9 points
9
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:35 am

I think you hit on a great point in the construction of the OL may not be so outside zone oriented. IMO, Dillon is more of a one-cut, gap/inside zone runner. Certainly, AJones had games with significant success running inside zone in 2019, but many of us were looking for more of the speed to the edge/outside zone runs Shanahan seems to embrace.

5 points
5
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Coldworld's picture

May 20, 2020 at 12:51 pm

I’d give this summary more thumbs up if I could. I also think you need to look at the personnel groups. Teams picked up on the fact that it’s speed and agility one wants against Jones. That impacted his passing stats later.

Playing lighter against a 250 pound thumper is not wise. That’s why I think we may see Dillon and Jones in tandem a lot if all goes well.

3 points
3
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mrtundra's picture

May 20, 2020 at 09:10 am

Glad to hear you are okay, Al! I have been staying at home since early March, here in Wisconsin. While the Coronavirus curve in NY is headed down, our curve in Wisconsin is heading up to the right hand corner of the chart. Then, the WI Supreme Court nullified the Governor's Stay At Home order extension. That night, after the WI Supreme Court ruling, our bars were packed with people from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, doing sardine can impersonations. This is in Wisconsin, where the Green Bay Packers play. I think by mid June, when the virus has infected many others, due to the selfishness that was on display in our bars, we will see the curve headed straight up instead of just headed to the upper right corner of the chart. If that is the case, we may not see any Packer Football this Fall as a new, enforceable, stay at home order, or something even tougher, will have been put into effect by someone with the authority to do so. While the confirmed case numbers of coronavirus are leveling off, or even going down in NY, we people in Wisconsin can look forward to bigger numbers of confirmed cases and very tough decisions being made to try and stop the spread of this pandemic. I hope I am wrong on this doom and gloom stuff, but I doubt that I am. Stay safe and be smart.

4 points
6
2
Spock's picture

May 20, 2020 at 09:42 am

mrtundra, Glad you are being sensible and staying safe. I saw some media footage of the Wisconsin people (I was born and lived in WI for 50 years) out at the bars, elbow to elbow, and was appalled but not surprised. I hope both you and I (for I share your thoughts) will be proved wrong, but all the information out there indicates that opening too quickly, without meeting the CDC guidelines, is a recipe for disaster. What bothers me most is the politicization (from both parties, one IMHO more than the other) of a HEALTH issue. This is nuts! I'm all for getting the economy going, but the false narrative that HEALTH/ECONOMY is an either/or propositions is more than troubling. I would love to have life go back to 'normal' but I fear the 'new normal' is going to be for a long time when (you have to have optimism) some treatments/vaccines finally are developed. It's pretty depressing to see that more and more information shows that many of the survivors of the disease have developed some pretty major health side effects, including children. I would LOVE to see football again this fall, I'd KILL for a massage: but I won't DIE for it. I'm an atheist so I don't have the option of praying for a miracle, but I sure wouldn't mind if a 'miracle' cure/preventative happens. Heck, we haven't even been able to get tested here, although I read and article this morning that there is supposed to be a "testing blitz" here in AZ. First I heard of it. My wife's heart doctor couldn't even get her a test last week. Life is crazy, but at least we have CHTV! :)

3 points
3
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:44 am

It's hard to feel any sense of urgency for people who live in regions relatively untouched by the virus. It's only just now creeping into rural MI where I live and my understanding is that's true for most rural areas. People are only willing to tolerate being contained for so long--especially when they aren't seeing any immediate results of the infection--and especially in that group (late teens and 20-somethings) who tend to follow their urges more, the temptation was hard to resist. We'll see what happens, and with warmer weather, people naturally tend to distance a little more (spend more time outside), but this thing is ramping up in southern latitudes as they head for winter...it will be back.

7 points
7
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Lare's picture

May 20, 2020 at 02:11 pm

Tennessee was one of the first states to reopen and we're now experiencing thousands of new positive cases every week. But this is the heart of Trump country so most people are openly flaunting any safety precautions so it's no surprise. Not trying to make any political statement but simply suggesting that people continue with safe procedures until this mess is over.

That said, I'm also a "Polluted Mindset" fan. With so many Green & Gold glasses cheerleader type articles & videos it's refreshing to read articles that are realistic & objective.

7 points
7
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:55 pm

I wear a mask 9 to 12 hours every day. It isn't intrusive and costs me nothing, outside of fogging my glasses if I don't afix it right. If it even might help, it is worth it. I also practice social distancing.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court decision, in my opinion, was legally correct and obviously so. I am not sure if you would have preferred an outcome-based decision, but that is not what courts should do. Frankly, calling for the Court to ignore the law scares me.

What should be condemned is not the court decision but the behavior of the segments of the population that behaved badly. Some leadership from the Wisconsin Governor or from the President would be welcome. Sadly, Evers is a dweeb who couldn't lead children to a dessert bar and Trump has failed to consistently urge the people to take reasonable steps. The partisanship is so intense that too many people would rather land a hit on their opponent rather than support rational measures, even the ones they agree upon.

5 points
6
1
tm_inter's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:11 am

Jon Runyan was Michigan's starting left tackle for the last two years and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors both in 2018 and 2019. He also played right tackle for one game.

So I was very surprised that most football critics considered him a guard, just because he has shorter arms than their standards.

Runyan proved he could play left tackle in the Big Ten conference. Why not give him a chance to play tackle in the NFL. He could surprise a lot of people IMHO.

7 points
8
1
wildbill's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:55 pm

I seem to remember them saying Bulaga’s arms were too short to be an effective tackle in the NFL, seems like there is more to the position than arm length. From what I read Runyan played very well against Chase Young who is considered the best player in the draft. Just saying

3 points
3
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cheesehead1's picture

May 20, 2020 at 02:56 pm

I’m pulling for Begelton. He was very well spoken on a podcast here a month or so ago (episode 615) ,check it out. He sounds like a great character/team guy and wants to be a leader. Lafleur praised him in his press conference but now we have to see how he performs on the field.

6 points
6
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ottscay's picture

May 20, 2020 at 12:06 pm

Thank you Al - I always read Polluted Mindset, but I think this is my favorite so far. My wife works in a grocery store, and while most people here seem to be taking it seriously enough to wear masks, there's always a contingent that not only doesn't wear a mask, but whether through design or thoughtlessness also ignore social distancing when they need to ask employees for help (or to complain about the absence of items that are supply constrained). Being in our 40s we aren't the most at-risk, but she has underlying respiratory issues and neither of us are in the sort of shape we were a decade ago, so she's actually moved to working the night shift temporarily to reduce her odds of exposure. That schedule makes it challenging to have any family time, but it's much safer.

While Covid-19 hasn't gotten near as bad in WI as in NY, relative to others here I know we are still fortunate - that my wife is able to adjust her schedule for safety, that no one in our extended family has had a serious case so far (knock on wood), that I can work from home so we haven't lost our sources of income, and that our daughter is old enough to self-regulate much of her schooling from home, etc. Thanks for doing what you do here at Cheesehead TV, it's great to have a friendly place to read about the Packers, especially with everything going on in the world!

7 points
7
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JerseyAl's picture

May 20, 2020 at 12:24 pm

Smart move with the schedule change!

4 points
4
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Since'61's picture

May 20, 2020 at 12:47 pm

Al - as usual a great job with your weekly column. As a fellow New Jerseyan I appreciate your take on Covid 19 in the N.Y. tri-state area. My wife’s uncle passed away last Friday from the virus and I have 2 members of my immediate family currently under quarantine due to Covid 19. Fortunately our immediate family are all fine.

I don’t understand why so many Packer fans are critical/resentful of AR when he has played brilliantly for the team and his behavior off the field has been nothing less than professional. But it’s impossible to account for everyone’s expectations.

As for EQ he will need to have a great camp to make the 53 with Funchess, Lazard and Begelton in camp. I would not be surprised if him and MVS end up on the PS.

Runyon is my favorite of the 3 OLs taken to make the 53 and contribute in 2020 either at guard or tackle.

Everyone stay safe and stay well. Thanks, Since ‘61

6 points
6
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Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 01:04 pm

Rodgers is more mature than Favre and alway has been. He realizes that his goal of playing into his forties with the Packers may never thappen and he will accept that while simultaneously making his case on the field. If he wins the Super a Bowl this year, it certainly makes his case stronger.

I think he’ll play very well for the next two years. After that, it’s mostly speculation.

3 points
3
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Since'61's picture

May 20, 2020 at 02:25 pm

Leather head I agree that Rodgers will play well for however long he remains with the Packers. If he wins an SB it makes his case stronger to stay and/or to be traded for even better picks than we may have received without an SB. In any case Love needs to prove that he can be an effective QB1. Stay well. Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 06:40 pm

Love is the key to everything. If he can come in and win in two years, then the GM is happy, the HC is happy, and we can have an amicable parting that benefits the organization and Rodgers. Win win. In any case a lot hinges on what Love is able to do.

3 points
3
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dobber's picture

May 21, 2020 at 04:50 pm

"Love is the key to everything"

More deep than you probably meant...

0 points
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Stroh's picture

May 20, 2020 at 01:06 pm

If we're putting the brakes on any WR hype train it should be on Lazard. There is no way he should be considered a legit #2 WR! On every other NFL team he would be a #4 WR. Neither Lazard or EQ are anything more than #4 WR at this point. Talk of Lazard being a #2 is ridiculous.

Dont know if it'll happen, but I have more hope that EQ could be a legit #2. EVENTUALLY.

0 points
3
3
13TimeChamps's picture

May 20, 2020 at 02:26 pm

EQ stats: 6'5"/214...21 rec/328 yds...15.6 ave./ 0 TDs 23 years old....6th round draft pick.

Lazard stats: 6'5"/227...35 rec/477 yds...13.6 ave/3 TDs. 24 years old...UDFA

These are their respective 1st year stats. Technically it was Lazard's 2nd year, but 1st year was on practice squads.

I'm trying to understand why Lazard being considered to being a potential #2 is "ridiculous", but EQ has a legit chance. Please explain EQ's upside compared to Lazard's.

4 points
4
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 20, 2020 at 03:21 pm

EQ is faster and a draft choice that’s it.

I really like Lazard as #2 or #3 at worst, guy is clutch

3 points
3
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13TimeChamps's picture

May 20, 2020 at 04:58 pm

I agree...he is definitely clutch. Something you can't coach.

As far as faster....I'm pretty sure Janis and MVS were/are faster too. How'd that work out?

2 points
2
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Coldworld's picture

May 21, 2020 at 07:00 am

MVS is a raw project about to enter his 3rd year with more yards in his first two than Adams had. So not all that bad with the potential to be much more if the mental side clicks and he stays healthy.

And that’s really the debate. How athletic is Lazard? He lost weight last off season and that seemed to help, but none of us really know what he is as an athlete. Unfortunately, that dies define his ceiling. Whether he makes plays in the clutch only factors into wether he reaches that ceiling.

We don't know. We are going to find out, but I find it kind of laughable that some of the Lazard fans are so down on Funchess.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 03:57 pm

Because we’re deranged here regarding the WR position to the point we are debating the point.

Lazard, by virtue of his performance last year starts camp at #2. Funchess and Lazard will take turns pounding the snot out of some 190 lb CB. That’s about 30-35 snaps each.

Adams takes few plays off and when he does we could bring in MSV or ESB for those snaps

And then you’ve got the rest. That’s how many targets our 4 and 5 guys get.

1 points
1
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13TimeChamps's picture

May 20, 2020 at 05:09 pm

As DiCaprio so convincingly states in "Catch Me if You Can"

I concur.

1 points
1
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stockholder's picture

May 20, 2020 at 06:55 pm

Gutey needed a weapon last year. Nothing has changed. In a Rich WR class. Guteys solution is Funchess and a un-drafted Free Agent. And most professionals, call it the biggest blunder in NFL draft history. Not to mention the worse draft in the NFL. He should have grabbed Peoples Jones. But the blind optimism is; were going to be so successful running the ball. So Forget the Targets. I believe the fans will call out Lefluer. Wanting Rodgers to throw the ball more.

-1 points
1
2
dobber's picture

May 20, 2020 at 11:17 pm

"And most professionals, call it the biggest blunder in NFL draft history."

"He should have grabbed Peoples Jones."

Oh, God. Please stop.

3 points
4
1
Roadrunner23's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:29 pm

Indubitably!

0 points
0
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Stroh's picture

May 20, 2020 at 07:46 pm

EQ is faster, but more importantly is better in/out of breaks which allows him to gain separation. Make light of the PS year if you want, but Kumerow has been on the PS for a few years w/ other teams and it hasn't helped him much if at all. In the NFL getting some separation is what makes or breaks a WR. Rodgers can throw Lazard open some, but even then he didn't exactly shine.

Stats really don't tell the story, especially in such a small sample. Again WR must be able to gain some separation to be successful. Having to scheme a WR open, who is getting single coverage doesn't help an offense. Not saying he doesn't have redeemable traits, but he doesn't have the most important ones for a WR.

0 points
1
1
13TimeChamps's picture

May 20, 2020 at 09:53 pm

So if his "separation" ability is so great, why only 21 receptions and zero TDs versus Lazard's 35 receptions and 3 TDs with the same QB? At some point, stats do matter.

-1 points
0
1
Leatherhead's picture

May 20, 2020 at 10:02 pm

Google “Allen Lazard and Mike Evans” and read some of the articles and comparisons.

-1 points
0
1
Coldworld's picture

May 21, 2020 at 07:06 am

Opportunity, maturity and the like. Later round physical specimen players are likely to need time and polishing. At this point neither Lazard nor EQ are known quantities. We do not know Lazard’s upside or whether it will click for EQ and something’s take longer than others. At this point we don’t know who will be better this season, over their careers, or if they will both have one.

1 points
1
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Stroh's picture

May 21, 2020 at 09:29 am

Simple EQ was never given the chance to be the #2 WR For most of the season like Lazard was last year. Besides that he was a rookie trying to find his way in the NFL. IMO neither EQ or Lazard is a #4. Best case they would be fighting for the #4 WR job and neither would sniff the #2 or #3 role.

-1 points
0
1
jannes bjornson's picture

May 20, 2020 at 08:39 pm

Nice post Al, I have relatives in Jersey and pray for the Garden State every day. Not to be a contrarian, but I have Runyun as a valid RT prospect from day one. He held his own against Young and Bosa and his old man has prepped his technique. I'm wondering who will be traded out Taylor and/or Lindsley to secure another round peg for the board? Tennis anyone? Trying to find partners who are not ailing from some broken knee, back or wrist is a challenge as you climb into the sixties. Guess we have to smack with the 20 somethings.

1 points
1
0
TheLegendary52's picture

May 21, 2020 at 07:22 am

Jersey Al, thank you! Thank you for sharing your experience with this virus. That being said, you have my sincerest condolences for your losses. Far too few people are taking this seriously enough, so thank you for sharing. Thank you, as well, for pointing to the concept that Green Bay has drafted the future right side of the O line in this year's draft. I am fully of the mindset that Runyan Jr. IS our future Right Tackle. I believe Wagner was brought in to be a stop gap for 1 to 2 seasons, while our Tackle of the future is to be coached up. Milt Hendrickson knows just how talented Wagner is, despite is poor performance in Detroit. His performance with the Ravens is what got him the huge contract with Detroit.
I've taken enough of your time, thank you again for a great read, be well, stay safe.

6 points
6
0
mnbadger's picture

May 21, 2020 at 09:49 am

Great read JA, thank you for your perspective. I hope some of the people toting their AR15's around the public square read this. I'm confused how that activity improves or protects their lives or those they love?
I totally agree with your comments regarding AR and EQ. I'm not sold on Runyon, though I only saw him play against the Badgers. Our better ends and linebackers beat him regularly.
GPG!

2 points
2
0