Aaron Rodgers Can Still Be as Great as He Wants
While there were a lot of disturbing things in the Tyler Dunne article on the Bleacher Report, it doesn't change the fact that Aaron Rodgers is still the key to the future.
Right now, every Green Bay Packers fan has the article about Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy fresh in their minds and to some, even myself, it has me questioning the future success of the organization.
For a long time, just about anyone that follows the Packers, whether it be a fan or a member of the media or what have you, the narrative was that Green Bay was going to contend for years simply because of Rodgers.
Now, it's starting to look like that might not be the case.
I am not suggesting that Rodgers is done or that his career is over. That would be foolish. But if most of the Tyler Dunne article for the Bleacher Report is true, then the honeymoon period might be wearing off.
The key line that struck me was what Dunne attributed to Mark Murphy when he called Aaron to tell him the team was going to LaFleur. He reportedly told Aaron not to be the problem.
I don't know about anyone else but I found that pretty remarkable. That it even had to be said is insane. Rodgers will certainly deny it but there is no denying the fact that, at times, he has been a diva.
Last season, he did undermine Mike McCarthy and for all the warts the old head coach had, he didn't deserve that. Rodgers teammates didn't deserve it either.
When you look at Rodgers perspective, you can see the frustration. The team was good enough to win the Super Bowl in 2014, but McCarthy coached not to lose against Seattle in the painful NFC championship game loss. He also should have cut Brandon Bostick long before that, but still, Rodgers made mistakes in that game too, including two interceptions when Green Bay was in a position to score. If the Packers don't settle for field goals all game it doesn't come down to an onside kick.
The blame goes all around and the fact is that the Packers have underachieved.
Ted Thompson is to blame for some poor draft picks and some even worse personnel decisions such as letting Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde walk in free agency while giving Nick Perry a big extension.
Thompson made mistakes. So did McCarthy and Rodgers, who has had some great seasons (2014 and 2016) as well as some (2015 and 2018) that were much closer to mediocrity.
What I believe the most important takeaway from the Dunne article is that Rodgers, McCarthy and the Packers as a whole got stagnant. They got overconfident and Rodgers and McCarthy specifically, stopped getting better.
McCarthy didn't try to innovate enough offensively and Rodgers, as an example, could have done a lot more to work with young receivers and work within the framework of the offense.
Now, the Packers have hired LaFleur, an offensive mine that should at least get Rodgers excited about playing football again. The big concern is that Aaron will be resistant to change but if he was truly frustrated with McCarthy's system, you would think he would welcome a fresh approach.
Hopefully, LaFleur can invigorate and challenge Rodgers the way McCarthy did Brett Favre back in 2006 and 2007.
If he can, the Packers can achieve great things over the next few seasons. Winning a Super Bowl will depend on other things, such as the defense, avoiding injuries and some good fortune. However, if Rodgers continues to go down the path he did last season, Green Bay will only continue its downward spiral.
If you ignore Rodgers statistics from last season, it's clear that he needs to be better for this team to win. That's part of the formula and unless the Packers undergo a massive change in identity, Rodgers is going to be the key part of the formula for years to come.
So, LaFleur needs to help him get right. He needs to be demanding and he needs to coach Rodgers the way McCarthy wouldn't in the last couple of years.
At the same time though, Rodgers needs to embrace this challenge. He needs to accept his failure to deliver a second Super Bowl championship and make it his mission to win another.
If he commits to the team and to the new head coach, Aaron Rodgers can be as good as any player in the NFL. He can also be a Super Bowl champion again.
On the other end of the spectrum, if he continues to be self-centered and blames others to avoid accountability, then the once-promising Packers dynasty will die much sooner than we all expected.
__________________________
Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru
Comments (94)
porupack
April 07, 2019 at 05:31 am
oh...groan. Tabloid speculative sht again?
You double cursed us by just priming Dash.... to spew his bombshell conspiracies all over packerland.
porupack
April 07, 2019 at 10:13 am
In contrast to Chris; I equally submit;
1) Rodgers is every bit as demanding as Brady, Brees and Rothlisberger, and his long track record at high performance experience lends expectation to hold teammates accountable (er… leadership).
2) Rodgers will make split time decisions to change plays, and protections and who to throw to. That is leadership and why he earns the bucks. Critique, fine. But move on. All leaders get scrutinized and critiqued. They make mistakes. Move on.
3) Rodgers' declining performance was plausibly linked to a declining cadre of offensive impact players over past 3 years; WR, TE and RBs.
4) Rodgers' performance was plausibly linked to declining play at Oline, including injuries and thus less time to survey the field, holding the ball, and affecting his technique. His WRs have gained experience and are elevating to year 2.
5) Rodger's declining performance is plausibly linked to his injuries.
6) Rodgers' declining performance is plausibly linked to predictable and stale schemes and game plan, and questionable game management by McCarthy.
All 6 of the above is way more plausible than;
7) Rodgers' declining performance is because he has a grudge because something McCarthy said years ago, and they don't like each other and don't want to get along, so Rodgers is a diva, and won't listen to Lafluer, because he threw MM under the bus, and now the whole front office is dysfunctional, and our future prospects is teetering on whether Rodgers can be horsecollared.
Have we kind of summed this up ok, and now just call a vote, tally it. Then let's move on, ok?
PackEyedOptimist
April 07, 2019 at 06:39 am
Can I give you 100 "likes" for this? There were SO MANY things that have caused problems/losses over the past 8 years that any sort of blaming of "morale" is just plain ridiculous. In a rarified position such as "pro athlete," you know you need to do your best all the time, despite any personal opinions.
I'd also add 6.5) The Capers + key injuries defense cost most of the big games through those years, but the "expose" article now has people blaming the losses on Rodgers/McCarthy.
Additionally, the 20-20 hindsight of "keeping Perry over Hayward/Hyde" is tiresome. People act like it was some sort of obvious error, but all three decisions were difficult calls at the time.
Savage57
April 07, 2019 at 08:18 am
We humans struggle to process information which challenges long-held and comfortable beliefs. It's why throughout our history new ideas which challenge the status quo have been answered with claims of heresy and the stonings, beheadings, being burnt at the stake which followed.
I learned a long, long, time ago, if there's smoke, it's a whole lot better if you look for the cause, instead of dismissing its presence out of hand. If we pay attention to the lingering tendrils this season, we'll have our answer, whether we like it or not.
NickPerry
April 07, 2019 at 08:57 am
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No offense to all the CHTV authors but if we REALLY want to look at the demise of the Green Bay Packers offense look no further than this comment. Especially numbers 3, 4, and 6.
4EVER
April 07, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Add an additional negative (8.) and plausibility is out the window: Rodgers declining performance is linked to his diminishing - stepping into throws - technique. Due to injuries, a lack of confidence in MM's plan, the decline in the OL, NOT-adapting to player turn-over, whatever, he needs to stop bailing. 134,000,000 reasons! And thank the Packer God's, MM and his hurt butt is gone!
4thand10
April 11, 2019 at 03:48 pm
"Rodgers' declining performance was plausibly linked to a declining cadre of offensive impact players over past 3 years; WR, TE and RBs."
Especially with all the drafts going to defense lately.. with the exception of Adding Ty Montgomery.... and even then they put him at RB instead of drafting a WR or RB...they knew Davis wasn't cutting it at the time besides returns and even at that spot it wasn't like he was an irreplaceable superstar. Rodgers was the least to blame in this fiasco. Stafford, Brady, Manning Roethlisberger , Drew B.....ALL had multiple decent WRs and RBs And TEs multiple times. I mean seriously Where is Rodgers prime Calvin Johnson or Marshawn Lynch? Instead...hes always getting handed leftovers because SO SO much has always been given to the Defense. That why I was advocating drafting A WR or RB...becauw I wanna see another team forced to bring a safety up or forced to swing coverage to another WR not named Adams.
fastmoving
April 07, 2019 at 06:51 am
thats so true. there is no way to know how things turn out. at the time Hayward left, most of the guys here called for his release (not any good after his Rookie season, too often hurt). same thing with Hyde (too slow, does drop to many INT, not a real Corner but not a real safty either).
Its not easy.and there is always more luck involved than anything.
But of course, its way more easy to list the mistakes in the back mirror. because they always knew.
Lare
April 07, 2019 at 07:22 am
I don't think Dunne's article was investigative reporting to find the facts of a situation, it was a sports journalist starting with a preconceived idea of what the situation was in Green Bay and then interviewing the people and writing an article to support that.
By my count, there's hundreds and hundreds of former players, coaches and front office personnel out there that have been affiliated with the Packers over the last 14 years. I'm still waiting for someone to make a few phone calls and interview some of them to get their view on the situation, instead of just the handful we all know that have an axe to grind and have never said one positive thing about the Packers & Rodgers since they left.
Maybe then we can get a better idea of what really happened in Green Bay through McCarthy's & tenure.
Guam
April 07, 2019 at 08:16 am
I think it was "Since '61" that hit the nail on the head regarding the Dunne piece. A professional journalist would have given Rodgers, McCarthy, Thompson and Murphy the opportunity to comment on the article's content. There was nothing of the sort in the article and no indication that the principals were ever given the chance to comment. That unprofessional approach moved the article into clickbait territory for me.
I am sorry that Chris Peterson gave that article more value than it deserved by writing a piece on it for CHTV.
BTW, I am not saying there weren't problems between McCarthy and Rodgers. There have too many reputable reports over the years to ignore it, but Dunne did no one any favors with his clickbait approach to the issue.
Since'61
April 07, 2019 at 09:04 am
Guam - thank you for your generous comment. IMO Dunne has done a disservice to Packers and football fans in general with his slipshod journalism. Not only is it poor work it is unfair to the parties involved and to the readers.
Media shou!d inform the audience utilizing facts with an unbiased approach rather than influence the audience to come to the conclusion that facilitates the author's agenda.
We're overdue the time to move on. Thanks, Since '61
JohnnyLogan
April 07, 2019 at 09:41 am
Since '61 while I agree that Dunne has done (see what I did there?) a disservice to the Packers I'd have to disagree that it is poor journalism. The Rodgers/McCarthy relationship is a big story. I saw a video interview with Dunne where he claimed to have interviewed 50 people and made many attempts to contact Rodgers and McCarthy. This article has gone viral because it's an important take on what transpired in Green Bay over many years. We may not like it but if it was an article about the Patriots we'd be lapping it up. Every Packer forum has been a seething pit of vituperation throughout the McCarthy era. Half the fan base was demanding Capers and TT be fired while the other half defended them as Hall of Famers. Now there's a little more clarity as most everyone now agrees that Capers and TT weren't very good and maybe McCarthy wasn't very smart. We all knew about Rodgers ego. Diva Rodgers has been every other team's sobriquet for our GOAT QB for years. Now Packer fans are calling him that as well with some even wanting him traded. This article has stirred the pot, which is what a good article should do. Is it full of lies and distortions? I don't think you believe that Since '61. You just don't like the laundry being hung out for everyone to see. I'm on Rodgers side in all this. His all-world talent was undeniable and so he was lionized for years. But he realized, probably before any of us, that McCarthy, Capers, and TT were living off his greatness. Do we have to list all the failures of that triumvirate? I like the article and hope the opposite Since '61, not that it's done a disservice, but that maybe it has helped to exorcize any remaining demons in Green Bay.
Barnacle
April 07, 2019 at 10:16 am
Johnny Logan
Thank you for the Understatement of the decade.......“Maybe McCarthy wasn’t very smart”.......
Therein lies the reason for at least two missed Super Bowls.
JonathanSpader
April 07, 2019 at 10:18 am
There have been many many articles written in a similar fashion about the relationship between BB & Brady JL. We don't lap it up because this is a Packers blog and the Patriots keep winning. Is Dunne's article full of distortion yes not that hard to see. As for the "demons remaining" Murphy had already cleaned up the mess. Dunne's blog post didn't do anyone any good except for Dunne who got a lot of attention.
JohnnyLogan
April 07, 2019 at 11:01 am
Murphy has cleaned up the mess? That's hysterical. How do you know that? Nothing has played out yet. And please point out the distortions in the article since they're not that hard to see.
JonathanSpader
April 07, 2019 at 11:52 am
Muprhy demoted TT, fired MM, changed the communication structure. That's called cleaning up the mess. As I've pointed out before we don't know if it will work but it puts Murphy in the spotlight.
As for the distortions Dunne has a 1 sided argument as Since 61' has pointed out. His sources are unnamed, Finley, and Jennings. Where I differ than 61' is Ibthink Dunne easily could have spoken to more than just Ryan Grant. Kuhn has posted on Twitter supporting Rodgers along with many others. One of the main distortions is the hate vs support.
dblbogey
April 07, 2019 at 03:29 pm
Murphy's alleged comment to Arod to "don't be the problem" has been denied, denied, denied. I believe very little of what any journalist writes these days.
Since'61
April 07, 2019 at 11:19 am
Johnny - I never said that was full of lies and distortions. What I said is that it comes across as slanted to one side of the story.
Ask yourself this question, Why are there no comments from Jordy Nelson or James Jones or Donald Driver or CM3 or Bak? Shouldn't their comments carry some weight in this story. Or are they not there because their responses would not fit the narrative that the author is trying present?
All is us knew and I have posted over the last few days that there was dysfunction with the Packers and between AR and MM. But if we need to get that from Greg Jennings why don't we also hear from Nelson? Wouldn't Jordy add credibility to Dunne's piece?
Again the big story here which Dunne has failed to address is where was Murphy while all of this was going on? And as I have posted on numerous occassions, he was counting the money from the Titletown revenue stream, while his football team was unraveling. This AR/MM thing is a symptom.
Get to the core issue, Murphy. Dunne has failed in that And has provided a one sided look at an issue we already knew existed. Thanks, Since '61
ILPackerBacker
April 08, 2019 at 11:33 am
This is really weak.
Generally you write well and are worth reading.
to say TD did not attempt to call MM or Rodgers is really low
then to double down and want quotes from literally what could be hundreds of players and other coaches is simply crazy denial
Thegreatreynoldo
April 07, 2019 at 04:18 pm
Edited. It is probably just as well that AR at the very least didn't respond to requests for comment. Thumbs up, JohhnyL.
I also thought MM did a disservice to the Packers in his interview with Demovsky and certainly didn't help himself.
BradHTX
April 07, 2019 at 11:14 am
I’m going to comment as someone who actually has a journalism degree. You can’t force commentary out of a source, you can only give the opportunity to comment.
You don’t know that Dunne DIDN’T approach Rodgers, McCarthy, Thompson or Murphy for their response. But even if he did, what do you think they would say? Do you really think that any of them would be honest about the behind-the-scenes Rodgers/McCarthy relationship? In their public comments following the firing, Rodgers and McCarthy have spoken highly of each other and their time together. Because OF COURSE that’s what they’re going to say, even if they hated each other’s guts. Why would they tell Dunne anything different?
I thought the article was very well written. I have no idea how truthful the sources he sites are being. But even if Dunne exaggerated the truth of the situation (and I think we could all see that the AR-MM relationship was tense in the end, at a minimum) it was definitely not shoddy journalism.
Since'61
April 07, 2019 at 11:27 am
A good comment Brad. See my post just above. Looks like we were posting at the same time. Thanks, Since '61
Guam
April 07, 2019 at 01:54 pm
Brad,
You are correct that you can't force commentary from a source. However you can acknowledge that you solicited a comment and were refused which is what professional journalists do when they write "no comment" or "unavailable for comment". Dunne did neither as far as I can see in the article which is why it is highly likely he did not seek comment from Rodgers, MM, TT, and Murphy.
Dunne is a good writer, but that does not make it good journalism.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 07:29 am
I have stated several times on here. The Brrowns QB and receivers have been practicing together getting their timing down most of the offseason. I am sure other teams too.
Even though LF is installing a new offensive system after reading all the BS that went on last year with Rodgers, MVS, ESB, JMON, it sure seems like Rodgers if wanting to be a leader should invite the WR's to CA for a week to create chemistry both on passing routes and for off the field harmony IMO.
jannesbjornson
April 07, 2019 at 02:08 pm
They were drafted in the lower rounds for a reason. Rodgers is not a 23 year old Mayfield hanging on South Beach with the brothers and working out at Boca Raton with Chris Carter's Training group.
Packerpasty
April 07, 2019 at 08:30 am
I would like to know who else was listening in on a private conversation to know that, when talking to Rodgers, Gutes heard a "long pause" then said "don't be the problem"...so it was a conference call?, others somehow heard a long pause....sorry, I'm dubious....makes for a good fairy tale though...Colin Cowturd loves it.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 08:32 am
I too have thought about that comment making me wonder if Rodgers really has been a bigger problem than we thought. If true, did either Murphy or Gute intentionally leak this information to put pressure on Rodgers to behave? Crazy if that happened. Conspiracy theory? Hmmm...
porupack
April 07, 2019 at 09:44 am
Put Mueller on it. Time to see if the Russians were meddling.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 10:43 am
Porupack, you started off right away with negativity and personal attacks. Don't be the problem here ok?
Dash
fastmoving
April 07, 2019 at 01:15 pm
dont mention his boss
stockholder
April 07, 2019 at 08:43 am
I don't see Rodgers reinventing himself. His accuracy and precision was with Nelson, Cobb, Jones, and Finley. His reputation isn't going to get better; especially with articles attacking the way we see him. Changes aren't always better. Arron Rodgers is tired of the Scientific Approach. Rewriting the playbook. Coaching that is more about" Father knows best". ( Then the overview of the team.) We don't need evidence on hanging Rodgers. We needed Murphy to come out of his hole. Stop TT from making bad decisions. And get MM and Rodgers what they needed 5 years ago. A defense! The split between Rodgers and MM is on Murphy. Sure they had good moments to remember. But those days are gone. The evidence is in. The packers no longer are winners. The packers need Arron Rodgers to love what he's doing again. Any other idea concerning Rodgers is not a priority.
AndrewInAtlanta
April 07, 2019 at 08:45 am
If I’m ML my message to AR is simple...no matter how we got here, there now is an urgency to increase the talent and scheme to help us win championships. If you let me help you I think we win at least 2 more. If you do that then you are the ultimate winner in all this and probably considered GOAT.
Whether AR responds or not I can’t say but at his age I say put another chip on his shoulder and make ML his ally
Handsback
April 07, 2019 at 08:59 am
It's not hard to look at the Packer's issues in the playoffs and wonder why they didn't win or even get to the SB. All of us can blame MM for his stale offense, TT's draft issues, and ARod's not overcoming the Packer's shortcomings and winning in spite of them. We have seen other teams with inferior QBs, coaches, and GMs win SBs in spite of all those reasons. The fact is that every year something is lacking with the Packers that they can't overcome the deficits.
Look at 2011, Green Bay had the offense of the ages but lost to the Giants. That team sleepwalked in that game. Why, I think Philbin's sons death drained a lot of emotion from them. They weren't the same team in that game.
The next best chance was the disaster in Seattle. Aaron was only on one leg. Yeah he beat the Cowboys, but wasn't good enough to push the offense scoring FGs instead of TDs. Even if Green Bay had beaten the Seahawks, could they beat the Patriots with Rodgers at 60%? They beat NE earlier that year in Lambeau when Rodgers was 100%, but not by much.
The Falcon game, no chance with their injury list. They were great just to beat the Cowboys again.
The two games against the 49ers...not enough team. I remember seeing an UDFA OLB chasing Kaperneck to the sideline. The OLB was hobbling on one leg and to this day think Kap could have run for another TD instead of going out of bounds. Why was a one legged OLB that was an UDFA on the field to begin with? Because the Packers had no healthy players left. Could Rodgers have played great enough for those games to get the Packers in the SB? Maybe, but he didn't and shouldn't be looked at for the reason for losing.
For a team to win the SB, they have to either have superior coaching, or superior play especially if they get into the playoffs as a wildcard. The Packer's had it in 2010, but not since. MLF can only do so much to get this team ready. It will be up to the players to decide to put away the BS and focus on wining the SB.
porupack
April 07, 2019 at 09:57 am
>>>>MLF can only do so much to get this team ready. It will be up to the players to decide to put away the BS and focus on wining the SB.<<<<
Well said Handsback; MLF better do SO much to get this team ready.
Most of us assume they will ready and focused on winning games unless proven otherwise.
Some assume failure will happen until proven otherwise...so not to dare experience hope and disappointment in the same lifetime.
Geez, these guys are professionals and have pride, study their skills because they, like most of us want to be employed tomorrow, and they spent their lives competing, and winning, and avoid loosing because they did their craft better.
In fact, the players never even entertained this BS, let alone have to put it away. Its the fans that need to put the BS away.
Barnacle
April 07, 2019 at 10:29 am
Were the Patriots lucky to have smart dedicated players every year who made all the smart plays or was it the head coach that led them to all of those Super bowls?
Green Bay players were good enough for the play offs every year under TT. We just needed a head coach with a faster mind and a higher football IQ.
Spock
April 08, 2019 at 08:01 am
Handsback, I agree with every single one of your examples. I'd add that it is often overlooked that in 2011 the Packers players went to TWO (2) funerals the week before that Giants game: Philbin's son and the father of one of the OL (Lang's dad was the one who died if I remember correctly). It would have been MORE surprising if the team had come out with a lot of pep and enthusiasm.
Gibsonsupreme
April 07, 2019 at 09:08 am
As i replied to a Zach Kruse tweet: i hate offseason. i love football. i love the Green Bay Packers. drama shit, i just don't care. if we knew everything that goes on in every major professionnal sport franchise, every famous music band, every major corporation, we would find out that conflicts like the one reported about the Packers are sadly more common than one would think. 12 months ago it was all about the dysfonctionnal relation between Brady and Belichick, now it's our turn. Just enjoy football, and enjoy 12 while you can. My QB1.
Turophile
April 07, 2019 at 09:27 am
GM changed. HC changed. Playbook changed. Most position coaches gone. Management structure changed. Numerous starting players gone.
It a whole new world, new philosophy, new (and newish) players to relate to, and very important (but probably underrated) is the pressure of all the publicity surrounding the changes and Rodgers part in them (and indeed the part each player plays).
This can all result in a fresh approach leading to a closer, committed, mutually-supportive and positive unit that is better in totality than the individual parts. It can also continue in a more negative way, where the habits of the past are carried forward, little changes and the team continues to underachieve.
This is Occam's razor, walking the thinnest of margins between the good and the bad. It could go either way. I hope for everyone it goes the right way.
stockholder
April 07, 2019 at 11:26 am
Agree; "It could go either way". Did Arron Rodgers look like he was having fun last year? This is a dangerous sport. And when the fun is gone, It's time to get out. The packers are doing their due diligence with making changes now. It's up to Arron Rodgers. Either he loves what he's doing, or his time is done in Green Bay.
fthisJack
April 07, 2019 at 09:44 am
the guy that needs to take the blame for all this is the head of the snake....Murphy. i would say that the 2015 loss to Seattle should have been a turning point where MM and his staff needed to be held accountable for throwing away a glorious chance at a SB. he and his coaching staff should have been fired....period. Capers D was consistently near the bottom of the league. first Slocum and then Zook kept the ST rock bottom! players CONSTANTLY missing assignments. to let this circus continue for 3 more years was a travesty.
i don't blame Rodgers at all for his frustration over a stagnant O and ridiculously bad D that could never make a stop when it was needed. throw all the pressure onto AR's shoulders in the last 2 minutes to come up with a miraculous game winning drive when you have MM calling the plays.
i fully expect the ST to be light years better this year. and the beefed up D will also take a step forward. the big question is how will this new offense function under a new head coach. one thing i'm pretty sure will happen is that Rodgers will be on board and refreshed and ready to go.
JonathanSpader
April 07, 2019 at 09:54 am
Murphy is now in the spotlight. He's the one who hired MLF and fired MM. He's the one who promoted Gute and demoted TT. He's the one who changed the structure of the FO to promote communication. If this works I doubt Packer fans give him credit. If it doesn't they will be out with pitchforks and beer calling for his head.
Murphy made the changes for better or for worse give the guy a break and let's see how it plays out. Does there ALWAYS have to be someone to blame? Can't we just relax and see how things play out? MM and TT are gone if MLF doesn't get things back on track in a few years Murphy will probably be gone as well. He put his neck out there with all these changes.
Barnacle
April 07, 2019 at 07:58 pm
Jonathon said......
Does there ALWAYS have to be someone to blame? Can't we just relax and see how things play out?
If there is no one to blame, why do we pay somebody $6,500,000 per year to hold a “blameless” head coach position?
Should we all “relax” and give everybody a participation trophy?
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 10:56 am
Jonathan,
Does it really matter? Seriously doesnt Murph have to take a forced retirement in only a couple years at age 70? Thought I read that somewhere. Didnt I just see something where his $1,000,000+ home either just sold in GB, or is currently on the market? He has a plan and him waiting several years too late to act works to his advantage.
Murph has this all figured out down to a T! Murph will be gone one way or another in just 2 or 3 years whether the changes turn out well or don't. It isnt going to have any impact on him except for how he is perceived when he is gone.
Not only that just like Wolf did and TT I am sure he will receive a $500,000+ consulting fee for several years after he leaves GB.
Daren726
April 07, 2019 at 10:08 am
I think Murphy was the solution. He stepped up and hired Gute, demoted TT and gave MM one year only to prove it. Maybe he waited a year too long, but they were winning before Rodgers broke his collar bone. We should thank him for hiring Lafleur. The past is what it was. Time to focus on the future.
JohnnyLogan
April 07, 2019 at 09:48 am
If nothing else, win or lose, this will be one of the most interesting seasons in Packer history.
4EVER
April 07, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Obviously, you weren't around in 1959!
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 09:52 am
Thank you Chris Peterson for restoring some faith in real honest journalism. Look at the herd going crazy here when someone writes an honest piece. I love it!! I don't know what is happening but with brave journalists like Tyler Dunne and John T. Kirk leading the charge, it seems to have given others the bravery to come forward as well. This article by Chris Peterson was one of the best I ever read here. It's not about destroying another person or bringing them down, it's about getting to the truth. That's what journalism used to be. You can't fix a problem by denying the problem exists. All everyone here wants is to make this team great again. We need the quarterback to be the leader and the solution not the problem. Those little words of Murphy to Rodgers will be ingrained in everyone's brain all season and all eyes will be on Rodgers. He has no excuses and no where to hide. This is apparently what he wanted so we'll have to sit back and enjoy the show.
Dash
4thand1
April 07, 2019 at 10:23 am
Well listen to you, talking about truth, honest journalism, and not destroying another person or bringing them down. Wouldn't it be nice if the world acted that way?
Leatherhead
April 07, 2019 at 10:32 am
If the key to the Packers future is a 36 year old QB with an injury history then it's worse than I thought.
This isn't going to work. The only question is how long it's going to take to realize it.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 10:54 am
It is worse than you thought Old School. I was trying to actually be nice since it's holy Sunday. Oh well.
As far as how long it's going to take before people realize it? I am going to say about week 4 or 5 they might start getting a hint that they need a new quarterback. For most of the herd here? I would say never. Most of these people here are worse than worshippers of Jim Jones. Totally brainwashed by the Fake News Pro Packers media. They know no other source of info. It's all positive we are going to win the super bowl or kill the guy who says otherwise.
Dash
Leatherhead
April 07, 2019 at 11:59 am
We will realize the need at QB when Rodgers is unable to play. That could be week one or not at all this year. But it WILL happen.
jannesbjornson
April 07, 2019 at 02:32 pm
2020-2021 are the next best draft classes for QBs. Most of this year's group would be in the second or third round in 2018's raft. Guys like Boyle and whomever are not the answer. Gutekunst has that figured out. The new rules of the game don't seem to be hurting Brady,now going on 42, a guy that missed a year with a ripped up knee. Belichick had enough brains to surround him with a badass O line and a running game. Rodgers taking hits to both collar bones was the direct result of Poor line play and the circus routes offense of Mccarthy making believe he was Don Coryell.
See what Gutekunst does during the draft. Expect more defense, an OT and a running back high in the rounds. Expecting the QB to carry the load is now passe' in Green Bay. Remember how Elway and Manning went out with the trophy, running game and defense.
fastmoving
April 07, 2019 at 01:26 pm
yeah, the brainwashed (or sometimes just not really smart ones) always think all other people on the planet are crazy. besides themself and here fox news/flat earth gang.
pray for a wig, you need one…...
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 01:31 pm
fastmoving, Jethro says hi and says he'll see you in 2nd grade English class tomorrow.
Dash
Leatherhead
April 07, 2019 at 10:42 am
Duplicate.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 04:50 pm
You are quite the conundrum Dash!
Usually your tone and delivery leaves much to be desired riling everyone up. Then every once in awhile you write something like this which is well thought out without the irritating tone intending to upset others. The last part written above about all eyes will be on Rodgers.... I totally agree with.
Barring injury Rodgers is going to have an amazing year. This is also why I think the Packers draft offense and bring a lot of offensive weapons aboard for Rodgers.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 02:38 pm
I apologize for that Knockout. I was trying to be nice since it was a holy Sunday. It won't happen again.
All eyes will be on Rodgers especially the close up camera shots so we can all read his facial expressions. He's going to get so many closeups this season that he might want to consider botox for all those new wrinkles he has around his eyes from accelerated aging in the past year.
You see an amazing year and I see an even unhappier Aaron Rodgers than ever before. Three guys now coaching him up, one guy in his ear on the field, another on the sidelines and another following him around town after games. For a guy who loves to control others he's not going to be too happy finding out the new Packers coaching staff is now trying to totally control him. Worse yet is if they start handing out "punishments" if Rodgers doesn't listen. Yeah, that's the ticket to success. That will really please Mr. Rodgers.
My plan called The New GreenBay Deal was to hire Rex Ryan and let him and Pettine focus on the defense and Ryan basically gives Rodgers the keys to the offense and leaves him be. He thinks he's the smartest so let him prove it. That would be the challenge Rodgers would love not being controlled even more with three assistant coaches now constantly in his face. If he fails than it's on him.
Either way, I am looking forward to this. As others have said it could literally go either way. My prediction based on Rodgers personality and their need to take back control is that it's going to backfire. Rodgers is going to be one unhappy guy this season.
Dash
4thand10
April 11, 2019 at 04:06 pm
You saw what happened when Eli Manning got benched....the coach was canned after the season.
Demon
April 07, 2019 at 10:00 am
AR is still one of the top players in the NFL. Give the guy some talent around him and that will be proven again. The whole Dunne article to be honest, I dont care. In my opinion MM was a dolt and TT when he was competent didnt do enough to get talent on the team.
If we need to point a finger it should be Murphy being blamed. He let it all go on because they were still winning games.
Ive said all I am going to about this, agree 61 it past time to move on.
Hopefully our favorite 2 posters dont come back here with more predictions of doom and gloom because they can see the future and are smarter then the rest of us. YGBSM
Leatherhead
April 07, 2019 at 10:41 am
The dolt and the incompetent had the 2nd best run of my lifetime, after Lombardi. I will be very surprised if the next 10 years are more successful than the last 10.
Leatherhead
April 07, 2019 at 12:37 pm
I know that facts annoy White Tornado, so I generally try to avoid commenting on his stuff, but I can't let this pass because it's seminal to the entire discussion.
"AR is still one of the top players in the NFL".
If this is true, and if he stays healthy all year, then there isn't any immediate problem. IF this is true.
In 2018, he wasn't a top player, or a top QB, by virtually any objective measure you want to use. You can deflect that to his coach, his GM, or his teammates, but he was 13th in QB rating (average) 9th in adjusted yards/attempt (a little above average), 26th in completion % (poor), 21st in the percentage of his passes that resulted in TDs (below average)
In 2017, of course, he missed much of the season with injury.
In 2016, he was in the Top 5 in most measures. His run in the 2nd half of the season was as good as I've ever seen a QB play. But some of you might remember the articles in the first half of the season that said "Aaron Rodgers no longer elite". And based on his play in the first half of the season, they were correct.
In 2015, he was 15th in QB rating (average), 25th in completion % (poor), 11th in TD percentage (a little above average), and 20th in adjusted yards/attempt (low average)
But it's 2019 now. He missed a lot of 2017, he played hurt in 2018. He's three years older and two significant injuries removed from his heyday in 2016.
In the NFC alone, Wilson, Ryan, Newton, Wentz, Goff, and Brees have all enjoyed more success in the last two years than Rodgers.
I'm not saying Rodgers ISN"T a top QB, but I am saying that other than the second half of 2016, he hasn't really played like one for the last several years. Time and tide wait for no man.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 01:44 pm
Old School, you'll get crickets on your comment. They don't want to hear it especially White Tornado.
Dash
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 07:30 pm
OS,
Good stuff! Like the data! It is discussions like this is why I am here at CHTV.
But he still has it and he is going to come out smoking. Count on it!
NickPerry
April 07, 2019 at 10:13 am
Maybe I'm the only one but I think these articles especially the one written by Dunne are going to motivate Rodgers as much if not more than the day he was drafted sitting in the green room.
Rodgers LOVES to prove people wrong and if he can embarrass them in the process it might be all the more fun for him. Anyone who doesn't think Rodgers guiding the Packers to a 12-4 record for example and a few times along the way taking a few shots at Dunne, Finley, and Jennings hasn't been paying attention.
Just as important to Rodgers is his legacy, I really believe that. Rodgers NEEDS at least 2 more SB victories to REALLY make a run at being in the conversation as the GOAT. Sure Brady has 6 but if Rodgers had 3, especially after he finally got a HC who plays modern football and a GM who uses all avenues to build a team, you can't help but wonder what if he had that for say the last 5 years and include him in that conversation.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 11:10 am
"Maybe I'm the only one but I think these articles especially the one written by Dunne are going to motivate Rodgers as much if not more than the day he was drafted sitting in the green room.
Rodgers LOVES to prove people wrong and if he can embarrass them in the process it might be all the more fun for him"
No Nick, I am quite certain there's plenty of nuts like you that believe what you just wrote. There is one positive thing that came from what you wrote. At least now we know who to blame. It wasn't TT or MM it was the media people like Tyler Dunne for not publishing negative articles earlier in Rodgers' career. If only Dunne published this article 6 years ago the Packers might have another 4 to 6 super bowls.
Dash
NickPerry
April 08, 2019 at 05:34 am
At least your consistent with your crazy ass posts…..Since you post at least 50 comments on a worthwhile story just read 50% and then talk about "Nuts".
"It wasn't TT or MM it was the media people like Tyler Dunne for not publishing negative articles earlier in Rodgers' career."
Any questions?
NUT!
stockholder
April 07, 2019 at 11:44 am
Rodgers only needs to go out a winner now. It's in his blood to play. But the thrill will be winning the super-bowl, one last time.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 01:00 pm
stockholder, Rodgers is probably on his way to becoming a billionaire. He's part owner of the Milwaukee Bucks who are first seed in the playoffs and could go on a magical run for the next 5 years or so. I am pretty certain the thrill and hunger of winning another super bowl has passed him by at this point and is being replaced with other interests. He's probably more excited about the Bucks winning a championship than going back and learning a new offense with a green rookie head coach and green receivers. I am guessing he's dreading going back at this point. He's getting old and the motivation just isn't there. I don't know how it could be. Not even Tyler Dunne's article can bring it back sorry Nick. He's done it all and won it all. I wouldn't be surprised if he retires after this season.
Dash
stockholder
April 07, 2019 at 02:32 pm
Dash your comment has me laughing. Doubt he retires. But he should if he's afraid. Afraid of being criticized, getting hurt, or care-less. He's no family man. His friends are his motivation. We only have to look at Tom Brady and Bres. These guys don't want to retire. The drive is to keep pushing one's limits. Don't look Back! His biggest achievement could still be in front of him. He won't retire until he's afraid.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 08:20 pm
Great humor Dash!
Wish I had so much time on my hands....
Leatherhead
April 07, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Nick, if it takes a newspaper clipping to get the leader of your team ready to play, then you're screwed.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 01:04 pm
lol...... I thought the exact same thing Old School. These people are so triggered by Dunnes and now Peterson's article that they are going to desperate lengths to keep their cognitive dissonance in check. Porupack is another clown. Did you read his? Hilarious.
Dash
Leatherhead
April 07, 2019 at 02:27 pm
Dash, I wish I had a way to contact you via private message or something. For a long time, I had a private discussion group where the grownups could talk about the Packers without childish or ignorant comments. I'm thinking of starting another one.
Skip greenBayless
April 07, 2019 at 03:15 pm
Just hang in there Old School. It can get frustrating dealing with some of the less educated here like Fastmoving but it is what it is. I took a week off until Kirk returned. I'll probably continue that this week so if you don't see me for a while that's what I am doing. We are all at different levels here Old School. You and I are at the top so it can get tough but I get inspiration from my President who fights people like we do every single day and brushes them off like fleas, laughs and wins. You and I will continue to get beaten down for our beliefs but in the end when we both get the yellow jacket like Hall of Famer Taryn, it will all be worth it.
You can always tell you are over the target when you get the most flack.
Dash
Dragon5
April 07, 2019 at 03:35 pm
Gary the numbers guy@Numerologynow Mar 9
"PEOPLE SAY THEY WANT THE TRUTH
UNTIL U GIVE IT TO THEM , THEN THEY FIND THE TASTE OF IT TOO BITTER.
NOTHING WILL OFFEND PEOPLE LIKE TELLING THEM THE TRUTH.
NOTHING WILL CREATE U MORE ENEMIES THAN KEEPING IT REAL WITH PEOPLE"
EddieLeeIvory
April 07, 2019 at 10:18 am
I always felt that Driver, Jennings, Jones, Jordy, Cobb & Finley never got enough credit.
JonathanSpader
April 07, 2019 at 10:40 am
Driver is the all time Packer leader in yards.
Finley had almost as many drops as catches.
Cobb had a HUGE contract aka credit that he was unfortunately too injured to live up to.
Jennings did next to nothing without Rodgers in his time in Miama and MN.
Jordy had the unfortunate ACL injury in 2015 otherwise we might still be watching him in Green & Gold.
Jones like Jennings disappeared in OAK & then led the NFL in TDs when he rejoined GB. That says more about Rodgers than it does about his WRs.
Packerpasty
April 07, 2019 at 11:17 am
Dunne knew what kind of a piece he wanted to write so he used Jennings, the packer hater, as one of his main sources...why didn't he ask Cobb or Kuhn, Nelson, Lang or Sitton, James Jones...and others....its because he knew he wouldn't get what he wanted from them...instead use "unnamed sources"......hack journalism...sensationalism.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 08:25 pm
What if Murph, Gute or someone else high in organization provided some information on purpose to Dunne focusing the spot light on Rodgers? From there Dunne reached out to some he knew would follow along with the narrative.
Look what has been done on our political stage the past 2.5 years. Crazy...preposterous? Maybe not?
Qoojo
April 07, 2019 at 12:10 pm
More offseason drama. MM's offense essentially became predicated on Rodgers "staying alive" long enough for a WR to become open, which evolved into Rodgers looking for the "perfect" big play far too often. About the only pass play in the playbook that didn't required "staying alive" was the slant and screens. I can imagine the eventual frustration of Rodgers after several years of this.
Then there's Rodger's slight mentality which is a bit childish, but seems to drive him. You combine all that + a coach firing, and you get all this "he said stuff" during the offseason as writers are bored and need to produce.
I am not going to say Dunne stuff is not true, just that I don't really give a shit. Rodgers wants to win. His teammates want to win. The new coaching staff wants to win. As long as the changes work, then everything will be fine.
The biggest concern is if the packers hopped on the young innovative coach bus, and didn't find a young innovative coach ready to step up to be a HC. Then it's going to get ugly.
12guage
April 07, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Couldn't help but to notice...as I was logging in...the stark differences between lombardi and Mccarthy just in their quotes alone. Amazing to say the least.
Sensationalism sells folks whether it's the truth or not. It doesn't matter if it's being reported on your nightly news or some sports writer doing an article for a local fish wrap.
Me personally...im just excited about the new season because there are so many unknowns. Take it all with a grain of salt and enjoy this new era of packer football and the last few remaining yrs of rodgers.
Peace
oceanstrength
April 07, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Like all aging qbs, Rodgers needs a great running game (read OL and TE draft) and a great defense (read DL, LB and S draft). Give him those and he can win by being experienced and knowlegable. Miss on them and he is just an above average qb at this juncture. Legs and arms (read both strength AND accuracy) are much less now (read barely above average).
jannesbjornson
April 07, 2019 at 02:43 pm
Someone here is a thinker. Gutekunst will probably make your wish come true. Add in a WR/KR and the team can compete.
Qoojo
April 07, 2019 at 03:36 pm
Old QBs really start to hate taking hits too, because, as any fellow old person can tell you, it takes a lot longer to heal.
PatrickGB
April 07, 2019 at 03:37 pm
Much ado about nothing. Let’s let it go.
CheesyTex
April 07, 2019 at 09:11 pm
Tempest in a Teapot.
IceBowl
April 07, 2019 at 05:50 pm
New poster here, so be gentle. I have read all the posts. All the opinions (facts?) on most every facet of the "sensational" story, who did what and who is responsible for what. I guess we all have our opinions. It looks (?) like some may have inside info too. Not me, sorry to say.
But my question is, with all this crap, why would AR even want to come back? You know the first time (maybe perpetually) he approaches Green Bay (or anywhere) he will be bombarded with questions like "Why do you think MM is dumb," nothing about "is your knee healed", "are you ready for a new offense", "can you help your young receivers grasp the new offense," etc?
You might answer, for the money. And yes 100+ mil is worth your time. But does he really need it? He is quite financially secure now. Does he need all the headaches that comes with it? (and negative legacy if he is not 100% into it and fails). (I get he would have to retire and not be cut)
Will he come back for prestige, in any form? He already has GOAT numbers (not 6 SB's though). I don't think he has to worry about HOF unless this crap erases his numbers/statistics. Not likely, IMO.
Will he come back for team mates? Kind of 50/50 on this one. Adams yes, Jennings no. I know Jennings is gone, but others might fit the bill.
I could go on, but my point is if AR comes back to play it is for the love of the game. That my friends is the most important ingredient. (legacy not so much as it can get better or worse based on his play/team around him this year) And I would love to have AR leading my team if he chooses to fight through all this media hype.
If he and BLF come to an adult meeting of the minds, we can still have a heck of a team - playoffs. They also have to realize what last year did to the Pack. Cannot repeat that.
And if AR is still writing last year stuff on the wall, we can't have it. Rosen is cheap, if they see talent.
Lare
April 07, 2019 at 06:37 pm
Welcome IceBowl, I think you raise a valid question about Rodgers wanting to come back.
While I think there's only a very small percentage of Packers fans that are anti-Rodgers, I think there's a very large percentage of sports writers that are. If you don't see it directly in their article titles, there are always comments in their articles related to his ego, how he "forced" McCarthy out, how it's up to him to decide if the Packers win or not, if he'll "listen" to LaFleur, and many others referencing Dunne's article lately like it's the gospel truth.
IMO, it's up to Packers management and coaching to decide if Rodgers and the Packers are successful or not. I'm convinced that Rodgers and the fans will welcome having competent management & coaching in Green Bay for the first time in a long time. I'm also convinced it will lead to long term success for the team and the organization.
As to Rodgers, I hope he comes back for a few more years and proves his doubters wrong. If he doesn't, I wouldn't blame him one bit.
Lare
April 07, 2019 at 07:52 pm
One more thing to add, with the Packers opening camp this week, take note of the sports writers that are focused on the Packers, the players they've added and changes they've made to improve their chances of success, and then the sports writers that are more focused on all the perceived past problems in the organization and critical of Rodgers as alledged by their fellow sports writer Dunne.
My guess is that the vast majority will be the latter.
IceBowl
April 08, 2019 at 09:06 am
Thanks Lare.
And I agree with you that it will be your "latter" position.
The sad thing is the media will be asking this of ALL returning players too. (Did you see the tension between MM and AR?, Did it affect the team?, How did it affect games?) Today's media cannot miss out on juicy situations /controversies (for their headlines) like this. (I know the media has a job to do too, but let it die)
I can only hope MLF and or MM get the team (and especially AR) together before the media gets to them, and spell out a well thought out team position that will get this out of the way as soon as possible. Not to put words in their mouths, but words that can quickly address the situation and then move on.
Since'61
April 07, 2019 at 07:09 pm
Welcome Ice Bowl. Very good post. Look forward to more.
Thanks, Since 61
IceBowl
April 08, 2019 at 09:08 am
Thanks Since '61. Very interesting site for us Pack fans.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 07, 2019 at 09:23 pm
Yes, welcome Ice Bowl. The more knowledgeable and willing Packer contributors the better here at CHTV.
IceBowl
April 08, 2019 at 09:09 am
Thanks KnockTheSnotOutOfYou, I hope I can meet your expectations.