Amid Other Offseason Priorities, Packers Should Begin Serious Search for Rodgers' Successor

While there are more immediate needs to fill, the Packers should not not delay any longer in beginning the hunt for the team's eventual next franchise quarterback.

Sunday's drubbing at the hands of the superior San Francisco 49ers was a tough end to what must be considered a successful season overall for the Green Bay Packers, In the first season of a soft rebuild under a brand new head coach and new faces all over the roster, the Packers somehow managed to find themselves a game away from the Super Bowl.

In the 2020 season, expectations will be elevated, and what GM Brian Gutekunst and his staff are able to accomplish this season could be the difference between a Super Bowl championship and another stinging defeat at the hands of a better ball club.

Most of the attention this offseason during free agency and draft season will focus on three particular areas of need for the Packers, in whatever order you want to put them: defensive line, interior linbacker and wide receiver. However, I would argue that should the right opportunity present itself, the Packers should not hesitate to use a top selection on a quarterback, even amid these other more pressing concerns.

Successor, not replacement

I have chosen the word "successor" very deliberately here. There is a contingent of the Packer fandom that will have a visceral reaction to the idea of the Packers even thinking about replacing Aaron Rodgers. 

It is important for me to clarify, though, that replacing Rodgers is not what I am advocating. Not only would this be moronic from a football standpoint, but Rodgers' contract also makes it essentially impossible for at least another couple years. 

Rodgers still has good football left in him, of that there is no doubt. But for perhaps the first time in Rodgers' career, the Packers enter an offseason where the end of the Rodgers era is now starting to appear on the horizon. Rodgers will turn 37 during the 2020 season and, while he is still a very effective quarterback capable of occasionally making plays that can be made by few to no other quarterbacks, it is undeniable that he is no longer the caliber of player he was for most of the stretch of time from 2009 to 2016. 

We are not yet close to seeing a 2005 Brett Favre-style falloff from Rodgers, but if you're the Packers, why would you wait? Should the right opportunity present itself, now is an ideal time for the Packers to use draft capital to select a quarterback who can be groomed into Rodgers' heir apparent, much as the Packers controversially selected Rodgers while many believe Favre still had plenty of ball left in him.

Packers haven't made QB a priority

Once known for being a veritable factory of franchise quarterbacks under Ron Wolf, the Packers have almost entirely abandoned the process of drafting and developing quarterbacks over the last 15 years. 

In 2008, with Favre having "retired" and Aaron Rodgers being something of an unknown, the Packers spent two draft picks on quarterbacks: a second-rounder on Louisville prospect Brian Brohm, and a seventh-rounder on LSU's national champion quarterback Matt Flynn. Brohm, of course, ended up being a miss, but Flynn carved out a respectable career as a serviceable backup given where he was selected in the draft.

Since that time, in 11 drafts the Packers have selected just one quarterback: Brett Hundley in the fifth round of the woeful 2015 draft. While Hundley flashed some potential in preseason action, he was never able to fully put it together in extensive relief of an injured Rodgers in the 2017 season, and the Packers elected to move on after that year.

Outside of Flynn and Hundley, the backups behind Rodgers had been a veritable "who's who" of "Who?"s, featuring Graham Harrell, Scott Tolzien and Joe Callahan, as well as a journeyman backup in Seneca Wallace who got injured barely into the only action he ever saw as a Packer.

Under the reign of GM Ted Thompson, quarterback was simply never a priority. Part of this can be explained by Thompson's almost complete disregard for free agency. Wolf was able to use draft picks on quarterbacks with some regularity in the 1990s because he used other means of filling out his roster, including free agency and trades. Thompson built almost entirely through the draft, and thus could only really focus on positions of need. With an in-his-prime Rodgers and the knowledge that he would almost certainly not bring in a free agent veteran, Thompson's draft strategy had to be much more precise in its focus on areas of immediate (and near-future) need.

This has begun to change under Gutekunst. Clearly, the Packers' new general manager is more than willing to explore all avenues of roster building, and has done so mostly to success, with a couple misses here and there (see: Graham, Jimmy). 

What's particularly noteworthy is how Gutekunst has approached the quarterback position so far.

In 2018, Gutekunst decided to ship off the malcontent Damarious Randall to Cleveland for Deshone Kizer, a young quarterback in whom the Packers had expressed interest in the 2017 draft. Kizer had a miserable rookie campaign in Cleveland, but it was a bad situation for any young quarterback to be in. The Packers hoped Kizer's potential could be unlocked in Green Bay under the tutelage of Mike McCarthy and the guidance of Rodgers.

Unfortunately, Kizer ended up being a whiff, a fact Gutekunst tacitly acknowledged when he cut Kizer during training camp in favor of undrafted rookie Tim Boyle, he of a 55.5 percent completion percentage and a 12:26 TD to INT ratio in college.

In 2019, it was reported from numerous sources that the Denver Broncos traded up for Mizzou QB Drew Lock because they suspected (correctly) that Gutekunst was interested in taking him with the Packers' next selection.

Options ahead

Clearly, Gutekunst has shown a willingness to invest in the quarterback position. But with the Kizer experiment failing and the draft board not falling in a way that allowed the Packers to select Lock, so far we've avoided any possibility of stories about the Packers preparing for the inevitable future departure of Rodgers due to the arrival of an heir apparent.

However, with the clock ticking, the Packers cannot wait any longer to formulate a plan. It would be tantamount to reckless endangerment to enter a second straight season with Boyle as the primary backup to Rodgers, and there's not a soul alive who believes Boyle has a legitimate shot at being Rodgers' eventual sucessor.

Therefore, the Packers have several clear options for this offseason: bring in a backup with more experience, draft a quarterback, or both.

There has been plenty of speculation about the possibility of reuniting Tennessee's Marcus Mariota, whose contract expires after this season, with his former offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. Mariota could make a fine backup to Rodgers, but his limitations in the professional game have been thoroughly exposed over the last five years. He is not a long-term solution for any team at this point, let alone one a team would want to invest multiple years in before allowing to fully take the reins.

There are multiple quarterback prospects who will get first-round attention. You can all but guarantee LSU phenom Joe Burrow will be a Cincinnati Bengal in 2020. As for the other prospects, it's anyone's guess as to how they'll move up and down the board between now and the draft. Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa is a particularly intriguing prospect; once a near-unanimous pick for the #1 selection, his season-ending injury could result in him falling toward the end of the first round.

The Packers have other areas of need to address this offseason, but as we have seen the last two offseasons, Gutekunst has no qualms about addressing those needs in free agency. If he keeps up that approach to roster building, the Packers could well find themselves in a position in the late first round where there are at least one or two coveted quarterbacking prospects on the board. 

Should that happen, Gutekunst will find himself in a position much like his predecessor did in his very first draft in April 2005. And, like Thompson, it is important that Gutekunst is able to set aside emotion or fear of backlash to make the decision that is in the best long-term interest of the team.

 

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__________________________

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

__________________________

6 points
 

Comments (117)

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

January 20, 2020 at 11:42 am

Nah, the Packers need to focus on maximizing the team's ability to win a championship within the current window rather than prolonging the window to the next QB. It's too early to focus on Rodgers successor. Go get him some offensive weapons and beef up the OL.

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Aplinal's picture

January 20, 2020 at 11:50 am

It's possible to do both. AR will be the QB through the 2021 season at least due to contract hit on the cap. But it would be possible to have a new QB learn behind AR for 2 years, and still have 2/3 years of draft salary cap. Gutekunst will play the game and do alright this off-season. That may (or may not) include drafting a possible successor to AR

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jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:05 pm

How do you move up into the top five picks for Burrow or Herbert?

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stockholder's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:20 pm

You don't! You go with the strength of the draft which is WR. It gives you that #2 WR ,you don't have to pay the 10 mil a year for. Next you check out a scrambler at QB. Jalen Hurts should be the #2 pick if you want a BACK up.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:33 pm

That is correct ,dude. The number one and number two picks should go to OT and WR not necessarily in that order. Cannot hang on to Bulaga for another multi-year deal. Too much talent in the draft. Free agency for a TE,ILB, DT/DE, WR with speed and CB. They may keep Jimmy on a discounted deal? The ability to impose your will with a running game requires some power and speed in the backfield. Pull in a couple more ILBs with the draft.

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Hematite's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:58 pm

We could trade our whole draft for the #1 pick.
LOL

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Minniman's picture

January 21, 2020 at 02:39 am

Amusingly, according to Walter football if GB traded every pick that they have this year (totaling 1124 points) they would only be able to move up to position 14!

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leche's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:55 pm

Depends on what kind of capital we spend on that new successor. If we spend premium draft capital (1st or 2nd round pick) on a QB right now we're limiting our ability to in the short run.

I'd rather finally take a swing for the fences and try to win over these next few years and figure it out later. This constant slow, steady improvement plan to be as good as we can over a rolling 3 year stretch has prevented us from every being good enough in any one year. At some point we need to figure that out

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Minniman's picture

January 21, 2020 at 03:03 am

......Academic case in point, San Francisco.

Note, this does not necessarily mean that I agree with your comment leche, just posting an example of where your point actually has some merit.

My personal take is that the Packers should continue to draft BPA and be as aggressive in FA as they can this off season - but don't draft for need.

If this offseason is a boon like last year then there's a couple of years left in Rodgers, if not then it's rebuild time as they won't have the supporting cast to work with an aging and less mobile QB.

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fastmoving's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:55 pm

he has more weapons than most other QBs but he is not able to use them like other would do...….

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Demon's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:49 pm

Who are these said weapons? I see Adams A Jones and a bunch of schlubs. So please educate us O wise one.

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Roadrunner23's picture

January 20, 2020 at 11:44 am

If they could trade him right now for some quality draft picks and not take a major cap hit I would be all for it!

His physical skills are deteriorating fast and it ain’t going going to get better.

Time to find a successor.

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TimBackes's picture

January 20, 2020 at 11:54 am

Immediate replacement of Rodgers would be incredibly foolish given the team is on the precipice of a Super Bowl.

But it is definitely time for the team to take a long-term view of the position.

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Leatherhead's picture

January 20, 2020 at 07:30 pm

Exactly, and I don’t really understand the opposition.

Rodgers is going to be our QB next season. Period. He’ll turn 37 during the season. If you go back about 25 years to the beginning of the free agent/salary cap era, the list of 37 year old QBs who went to the Super Bowl includes Brady, Manning, and Elway. So right off the bat it’s a long shot.

Currently, we don’t even have a backup we might win with, much less a successor. It’s the most important position on the team.:

3 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:21 pm

OR...

We could actually draft some WR's high and try to help him.

Here are the players Rodgers threw to yesterday.
-Adams (11 targets, 9 receptions 138 yards)
-Aaron Jones (5 targets, 5 receptions 27 yards 1 TD)
-Graham (5 targets, 4 receptions 59 yards)
-Lazard (4 targets, 3 receptions 36 yards)
-Lewis (2 targets, 2 receptions 14 yards).
-Sternberger (2 targets, 2 receptions 13 yards 1 TD)
-Allison (3 targets, 2 receptions 8 yards)
-Jamaal Williams (3 targets, 2 receptions 1 yard)
-Kumerow (1 target, 1 reception 23 yards)
-Ervin (1 target, 1 reception 7 yards)

Throwing to Allison, Lazard, Kumerow… All UDFA's. I really like Lazard but in reality he should be a 3 or a 4. Allison was terrible this year and Kumerow which I do like but is JAG.
MVS has skills but clearly fell out of favor. (1 snap yesterday).

Adams is great, but you need more then 1 weapon.
And the TE's, 2 of them are over the hill who can't run.

The skill position needs a huge improvement!

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TimBackes's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:23 pm

Yes, I agree, but it's not like we have to choose one or the other.

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:05 pm

We can draft a QB. that's fine. But it won't be to replace Rodgers, as said above. It would be to succeed him.

But regardless of who the QB is, we need better talent around the QB. Look at the weapons the Chiefs have. We used to have weapons like that. Guys that created mismatches all over the field.

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jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:42 pm

Still need to bag a guy in the high part of the first round to generally be successful, otherwise it's best to poach a Free agent or make a deal. Very rare to get the platinum deal like a Brees fu by Miami or hitting on a sixth rounder like Brady. Pack is best served to pull in a guy by 2021. Fromm may be around in the second ,but some speculate Belichick may pull the trigger in round one. Does Brady head to L.A.?

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Philarod's picture

January 20, 2020 at 10:04 pm

I agree with your general point, but would question that the Packers ever had Chiefs-like weapons in the Rodgers era.

He never had a burner quite like Hill, (and they have other burners now like Hardman...heck, Watkins could be our #1, with apologies to Adams)> Rodgers has also never had a TE anywhere near the overall talent of Kelce. I don't say that to take anything away from Mahomes, who is the closest thing I've seen to Rodgers - insane arm strength, accuracy and very good mobility. I've just never felt that the Packers ever surrounded Rodgers with impressive weapons, though I appreciate what guys like Jennings, Nelson, Cobb and Adams have contributed, and also like AJ quite a bit.

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murf7777's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:56 pm

RC as usual I agree with you. Now is the time to maximize our opportunity with Aaron and give him weapons and find a run stopping DL and MLB. And don’t forget adding to the OL can never have enough athletic big guys.

We need to go all in and make the SB with Aaron over the next few years. Another great FA and draft by Gutey and staff, being in the 2nd year with the new offense should provide us with the right team to make it to the SB within the next Two years. if we use a valuable top one or two draft pick on a QB this year we might miss out on that one man who puts us over the top.

Unless a great QB talent somehow falls to your lap I think it would be a big mistake taking a QB early in the draft this year. In another year or two go for it. We have Arod under contract for 4 years, let’s ride him till the end of this contract and provide him with the best possible weapons we can give him.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 20, 2020 at 07:26 pm

If Tua falls in our laps at the end of round 1 pull the trigger.

3 points
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Duneslick's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:55 pm

If we trade him all his bonus money thats deferred immediately counts on the cap. Its like 70 or 80 million

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jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:09 pm

He's not going anywhere, but some of these fans surely will jump ship. Reload and attack. If Pettine doesn't want to get bigger inside , then maybe he should head off to the cabin.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 20, 2020 at 07:27 pm

Pettine doesn't draft the talent he works with what he has.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:10 pm

45 million in dead cap would accelerate into 2020.

Trading Rodgers isn't feasible until after 2021.

2 points
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zoellner25's picture

January 20, 2020 at 11:46 am

IMO, we use this draft to reload positions of need (ILB, WR, TE, RB, OT, not in that order) and draft a QB in 2021. We still seem to be an Arod injury away from 4-12.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:06 pm

We’re an Arod injury away from being 4-12, but we shouldn’t do anything about that for another year. OK. I’m sure that makes sense.

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Roadrunner23's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:04 pm

Cut: MVS-Geranimo-Graham-Lane Taylor -M. Adams

Find: A punter who doesn’t shank the ball 1-2 times a game

Don’t resign: Bulaga - Martinez - T. Williams- M. Lewis - Crosby

Time to: Get younger & faster which they should have done after the Championship blowout against Atlanta

Need to: start planning for Rodgers successor

Draft: speed at WR, RB & ILB

Sign: Kenny Clark long term

Free agency: Keep building Defense

-11 points
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sonomaca's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:15 pm

What’s concerning is that Martinez said that the Packers didn’t know what the 49ers were doing on offense. That’s a defensive coaching issue. I think we need to upgrade there, first and foremost. If you’re telling me that Z. and P., Clark, Lowry, and Lancaster are poor run defenders, I ain’t buying.

-1 points
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murf7777's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:00 pm

Sonomaca... where did you hear that statement from Martinez? If that’s true it is concerning.

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Renllaw's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:40 pm

I saw it in an acmepackingcompany article.

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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:19 pm

So create holes and then try to fill those holes in the draft and FA? Kickers are already hard to come by and you want them to just let theirs go as well as finding another punter?

3 points
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scullyitsme's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:16 pm

Inside linebacker, wide receiver. Number 1,2 3 , and 4. Areas of need. All year long I saw comments on this site and even writers saying how we need to resign Martinez and our receivers just need a chance to play. I was wondering if I was delusional( more than normal) that I wasn’t seeing what they were. Martinez constantly out of position and jags, I take that back, worse than jags, at wide out. Martinez at 3-5 million a year as a second linebacker otherwise let him walk

1 points
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fastmoving's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:56 pm

we better widouts than most, no idea how you can be so blind and dont see the problem. watch a game or two…….

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Packerpasty's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:43 pm

other than Adams, who is better than most???? And I have watched every game...everyone other than Adams would be a 3 or practice squad on most teams...Lazard? Nah, a good game here or there but not against good defenses..."better than most"...thats funny

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Demon's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:12 pm

Whom are you referring to?
Adams ....great
MVS.....cant catch or run routes
Allison....cant catch or run
Lazard....ok but green, needs experience
Kumerow....Bill Schroeder#2 ok hands JAG
Ryan Grant PS guy likely released before TC
The guy from CFL...just camp guy next please

I would advise you to watch a game or 2. Most other teams you will see a WR get seperation or get himself open. On the Packers team it takes a perfectly thrown ball to make a completion. Hitting Packer receiver right in the hands is only a 50 pct chance of a completion. SMH

1 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 20, 2020 at 07:37 pm

For someone "constantly out of position" he sure made a lot of tackles something that JAG couldn't do. The kid is a 4th round pick amd is the guy who gets the defense lined up. Not sure where all the hate for this kid comes from. If he had someone who could cover TEs, RBs, and was a halfway decent tackler we'd be in decent shape. I thi k Gute wanted Bush before the Steelers traded up.

1 points
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splitpea1's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:26 pm

Right now we have one good D-lineman, one mediocre ILB, and one and a half (the half is for Lazard because he's so inexperienced) good receivers. If an opportunity arises to sign an experienced backup QB later, that's fine, but the above areas need to addressed first if this team is ever going to have a shot at getting over the hump.

I would hope that every fan understands by now that a quarterback by himself cannot win a championship. This mentality has got to go.

4 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:29 pm

I totally agree with the author. We could have had Lamar Jackson two years ago, or the #3 QB last year. It’s the most important position on the field and putting all of your eggs in one basket is a pretty stupid way to run a half-billion dollar company.

We have a good team. Keep it mostly together and add to it. Resist the urge to make holes in the roster so that we can spend premium picks to replace them with somebody we HOPE is better.

-1 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:39 pm

You really think the LJ would look the same with the Packers as he does with the Ravens?

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:05 pm

I think he’d be a good runner and passer no matter what, but you’d be stupid if you didn’t tailor the system to take full advantage of what he brings.

1 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:24 pm

Like I said LJ landed in the perfect situation in Baltimore if the Packers had a defensive HC then maybe you would have more of a point but with an offensive minded coach LJ would probably look slightly better than Mariota did in this same system. John Harbaugh made his name through ST so he was completely willing to overhaul a system he doesn't really have roots in and turn it over to Gregg Williams.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:47 pm

He will not make it through year four w/out a major injury. He's high risk with low cost for the Crows. His agent should get him some more cash asap.

-1 points
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scullyitsme's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:59 pm

Says one of the posters that still think Martinez is a stud linebacker.

0 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:03 pm

He's going to tell you "we got to 14-4 with Martinez"

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:08 pm

Hey Stupid. People a helluva lot smarter than you are going to offer him lots of money in the next couple of months. Don’t waste your time with me....... explain why you’re smarter than them.

-5 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:19 pm

Oooh touchy touchy everyone overpays for some FA dumbass what does that have to do with his performance on the field? Here's your half brained logic "Well someone is going to overpay him might as well be us"? That sounds pretty damn ridiculous but I have to realize this is the same guy that thought Perry and Fackrell were good enough because "sacks am I right"? Your whole mentality stinks of stiffness and stubbornness just like TT no wonder you like him so much old man stuck in his ways.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:14 pm

By definition, every FA is overpaid because they go to the highest bidder.

So were Fackrell and Perry worse than Fackrell and Gary?

And yes, in 2018 we had more sacks and pressures than we did in 2019. For less money.

-2 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:05 pm

You really just told a lie the Packers had more pressures this year than they did last year And why are you comparing Fackrell and Perry to Fackrell and Gary instead of Z and Preston? You know damn well they didn't start. So if we're using ACTUAL logic the comparison would be Perry/Clay/Fackrell to Z and Preston but you're a smart guy so I know you knew that already. By definition of what exactly because that is not the definition of FA that comment made no sense and no not every FA goes to the highest bidder sir.

1 points
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Demon's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:39 pm

Seems the only player emptyhead ever wants to repace is AR. Perry was signed by which team? Of yeah .....none.

1 points
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jlc1's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:37 pm

The prospect of Mariota requires us to think about MLF's time in Tennessee. It should be noted he did not turn Derrick Henry loose and right now that looks like a real debit on his coaching acumen.

-1 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:46 pm

Henry had his first big game break out with MLF as the OC. The Titans also invested in an improved OL which paid off. Maybe it's time for you to think harder. MLF just had the most successful rookie HC season ever for a Packer.

2 points
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jlc1's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:55 pm

i'm thinking hard and definitely do not question his success this year. And it will probably look better next year if he gets some talent at WR. But he still had the offense built more around Mariota which turns out to be not the best evaluation of the talent at hand. As a first year OC you probably don't get to run the franchise QB off the field, but somebody did it in fact do it this year.

0 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:49 pm

Yeah besides a couple big games against the Jags and Giants he kind of pussyfooted around with Henry like he's a man beast let him loose! Hell Jones and Henry's rushing numbers are alarmingly similar.

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:41 pm

Why do they need so much while supposedly being on the precipice of winning a SB?

Answer.

They aren't and the Packers need serious help to even consider a return to the NFCCG next season. Many things fell GB's way this season and it can be deemed as a season long backing into playoff land but somehow it looked like a sloppy version of a Michael Jackson moonwalk all year, so you all happily cheered and and tried to ignore it.

-7 points
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flackcatcher's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:48 pm

Sometimes you cannot help yourself..

2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:02 pm

I do all I can to help others as often as possible.

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4thand1's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:25 pm

So the seachickens really suck balls right? It was a playoff win wasn't it?

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:46 pm

Tim Burrow to the Cincinnati Bengals. Pray for the young man....

2 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:19 pm

Nearly everyone sees the need for the same things: WR, ILB, TE, DT, OT, and much more team speed. Those same needs were there last year yet Gute didn't see any of them. He signs two free agents at DE for big money and then with the highest draft pick we've had in years he drafts another DE, an underachiever, considered a major risk, with a possible shoulder injury. Yet there were a dozen good receivers out there and run stuffers and even better DEs. A recent redraft of 2019 didn't even include Gary in the 1st round. It had us taking Hollywood Brown. Gute loved Savage, so take him at 12 and then go for Brown with your second 1st round pick..., or Deebo Samuel, or A.J. Brown, or Metcalf, or McLauren. Gute made what were obvious misses this year. He thought MVS and Allison were good enough that he didn't even have to draft a receiver in the entire draft. Then compounds that by not trading for one midseason when it was clear they were bums, we had a chance at the playoffs, and Rodgers needed another receiver. Blame Rodgers if you want but he may have had one of the worst WR corps in Packer history. Yet he gets all the blame. And MLF didn't help by continuing to send out Allison, MVS and Graham. Sternberger had what?... 2 catches all year? Why not see what you've got instead of continuing to send out a tired warhorse like Graham? There were TE's drafted after Sternberger who had great years. Yet MLF rarely gave him a chance to show what he had. Lazard should have gotten much more work earlier. Gute and MLF are young and hopefully learn from their mistakes, but so far, despite 13-3, they haven't proven to be a great deal better than their predecessors; Gute drafting poorly and MLF sitting players for no reason. Gute needs to draft better and give Rodgers weapons. And if he really wants to give Rodgers a chance he needs to fire Pettine and not have us relive the Capers years where everyone saw how bad the D was except management.

2 points
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murf7777's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:39 pm

Sorry Johnny, I’m down voting you for ranting and raving too long and without paragraphs! I didn’t take the time to read your post and you probably even enlightened the room.

1 points
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WisHorseman's picture

January 20, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Ted Thompson wasted the talent years of Arron Rogers as he did of Brett Favre. ONLY one Super Bowl each. Will Packer fans continue to be passive bystanders and be happy with winning most of the time. Will everyone keep tailgating knowing that this team will not go to another Super Bowl?? Thompson has made the Packers into the Vikings growth plan.

-5 points
2
7
jannes bjornson's picture

January 24, 2020 at 06:52 pm

How 'bout them Brewers?

0 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:00 pm

Javon Hargrove and Joe Schobert should be two guys the Packers try to get in free agency both improvements of what the Packers currently have at ILB and DE.

1 points
3
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Pierre's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:02 pm

The 49ers, and Titans, are proof that a team can win playoff games without a QB being the driving force. Garappolo had only seven pass attempts by the fourth quarter and his team was up 37-13.

Packers will not do better until they get a new QB, like Tim Boyle, who they are not paying 35 million for, and then they have the money to pay for great defensive players. Then they will only need a game managing QB who does not cough up the ball 5 times but relies on a running game to score.

Tim Boyle (or any rookie QB) could have done better than 27-0 at halftime vs. SF and with minimal salary cost. That Rodgers led offense was pitiful and humiliated...and he was the main cause...with the game over before the third quarter started. Rodgers loses in big games to good teams all the time in the playoffs and folks still make excuses. Just mind boggling how much people deny what their eyes are watching in these playoff games.

-7 points
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9
jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:14 pm

Boyle! Put down the bottle, Dash and move on to winter sports like Bowling.

6 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:14 pm

Why use two favorable examples? How about the Broncos, Panthers, Bengals, Bills, Bears, Dolphins, Steelers, Jags, etc because you try to go cheap or pick the wrong guy or a guy that can't get you out of a jam when things fall apart this what it looks like. You're talking about playoff games but take a gander at the list of SB winners and tell me one thing they all have in common besides the Eagles? Especially over the last 15 years.

3 points
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Demon's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:34 pm

And the great Dash Riprock finally returns

0 points
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stockholder's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:05 pm

Remember Bart Starr and his backups. And more back ups, and more back ups. Remember John Had.? Etc. Then came the trade for Favre. And the drop of Rodgers to us. Even two #1s won't get you a top 10 pick this year. Rodgers is are only hope! Now What could Gute get at #30? A Back -up! Until he gets another legend. But somehow that just sucks using a #1 on a back-up. If Gute's still around.

6 points
6
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mbpacker's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:26 pm

What would Mike Dikta do to get Burrows? Mmmmmm ;)

-1 points
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1
TarynsEyes's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:33 pm

I think I know what Ditka would do to get Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 draft.

-1 points
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packergal's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:50 pm

WHY are people down voting a comment on either Ditka or Trevor Lawrence.

YES...I would LOVE to see Trevor Lawrence as QB1 replacement in future years.

And YES...even if one hates DABEARSSTILLSUCK, a Ditka led-DC would NEVER allow +300 yards of rushing.

-3 points
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Tingham's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:22 pm

I believe the Ditka reference was the 1999 draft when he traded his ENTIRE draft so he could pick Ricky Williams with the 5th pick.

1 points
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Wilment's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:22 pm

This is a wide receiver rich draft.....somewhere we need to take a good long look. We wont be able to sign a quality free agent WR because of the cap and some other contracts that need adressing, so now is the time to grab a quality receiver early. Maybe two. I think we are a year or two from a successor. If we'd been smart two years ago, we wouldn't have cut Taysom Hill, who the author of this piece has left out of the "who's who" of quarterbacks. However if a quality qb drops later in the draft, I think its worth a look. Great ones dont always come in the first round. Id also be looking first to find another guy to put in the middle along side of Blake Martinez(assuming we can get him resigned). Lets Remember that AR doesn't make tackles.......and that was the biggest issue in yesterdays debacle.

3 points
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Croc's picture

January 20, 2020 at 01:53 pm

I'm beginning to wonder how much Scotch Rodgers has been drinking. Not only that , but entanglements with high profile women , acting and his golf game have sapped any football edge he has left.

-2 points
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mvprzy's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:00 pm

Taysom Hill would be a nice addition.

0 points
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3
Wi53072's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:01 pm

Absolutely. He should never of been cut to begin with. I still don't get what they were thinking in cutting him. He had a solid camp and was clearly the best backup to Rodgers back in those days.

-2 points
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CAG123's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:53 pm

MM isn't creative enough to move Hill around and use him in different ways like Sean has don't get lost in the sauce plus its one thing to look good in limited samples its another to methodically pick apart a defense if he was that "guy" they would have used him instead of Teddy when Brees got hurt.

1 points
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canadapacker's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:28 pm

Teddy made a lot of bad decisions in his last 2 drafts and Hill and vince biegel. kittle was after him,

-2 points
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2
jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:55 pm

At H back or TE.

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:15 pm

I wonder if the fellow from Canada the WR we signed could be an answer to our No 2 Wideout? Sure seems to come with great credentials and background and strong reputation as being very good! Maybe one position not that much trade or drafting in is needed going forward!

4 points
4
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:58 pm

Canada, one step above the XFL. Not seriously thinking the guy is a difference maker. Cee Dee Lamb, Reagor, Higgins, Ruggs, Shenault may be better conversation pieces. And please, AJ Green is more than likely done, physically.

1 points
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Demon's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:49 pm

Have we really sunk that low? Lord help us if we put our hopes in a former CFL player. Isnt there someone, somewhere that can help?

Now someone will say resign Jordy. Why stop there? I saw James Lofton on tv last night, how about him? Sterling Sharpe still looks good, sign him too. Im sure Donald Driver would help us out. See how easy that was. Receiver problem solved.

3 points
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Packers0808's picture

January 20, 2020 at 07:00 pm

The guy has great credentials and bet makes the team and you eat crow! You are always the guy with the great big gray cloud over the noggin!

0 points
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Demon's picture

January 20, 2020 at 08:56 pm

Well lets see now. I am not the one who claimed that j'mon, MVS and ESB reminded me of Jerry Rice, Randy Moss and Sterling Sharpe before their first minicamp practice when they were rookies. When I suggested curbing the enthusiasm, I was told I didnt know what I'm talking about. Still waiting for that person to admit how completely ridiculous that statement was.

Placing hope in late round draft picks, udfa's and street free agents makes for ok conversation, but more often they wash out in a year or 2. Name a receiver that came out of the CFL that has done anything in the NFL. I can think of 1, Rocket Ismail. Even he in his best season didnt put fear in any defense.
Ill hope that Gute goes to the NFL draft or free agency to find real receivers. I would guess your CFL guy will be back north of the border next year. More likely than not.

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

January 21, 2020 at 08:17 am

Well time will tell, but guess you will behaving feathers in your mouth! And I didn't suggest anything, just threw out there if the guy will have any success! No predictions just the question unlike you!

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 24, 2020 at 06:58 pm

Scrub watch 2018.

0 points
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mvprzy's picture

January 20, 2020 at 09:49 pm

How about Usain Bolt?

0 points
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Slim11's picture

January 20, 2020 at 08:27 pm

He'll have to get used to playing on a smaller field again. Several QBs spent time in the CFL, then had HOF careers in the NFL.

0 points
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Demon's picture

January 21, 2020 at 12:50 pm

Warren Moon and whom?

0 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

January 20, 2020 at 02:39 pm

The player who played the worst in that game was Rodgers. Scott also messed up with the shanked punt. Erwin muffed the kickoff. False starts. And so forth. But when we needed Rodgers to play his best he didn't. He now has another chip on his shoulder. He skills are slipping and he didn't show up in an important game. He has some real sole searching in the off season.

Gute has to do better in the draft. SF got starting DL, WR and LB who all played an important role in the win. We got, missed tackles and holding call and a first rounder who didn't show up. BG has to do better

-1 points
2
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Wi53072's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:17 pm

I agree. Our 1st round pick last year only saw the field for about 12% of the total snaps possible all year. I am not sure if he was even in the game yesterday and if he was he was a non factor. We cant pick players that far up the board as developmental picks. That is just crazy. save that thinking for street F/A's after the draft. Not totally impressed with GK yet.

Clearly the defense has not performed under Petinne. Before we get into another Dom cycle, maybe we move on and find a better D'coordinator. Never was a fan of sticking LeFleur with Petinne.

2 points
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Lphill's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:47 pm

Packer fan let me ask you was Rodgers the one allowing all those rushing yards? Because I think that may have something to with the loss.

1 points
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Packerpasty's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:48 pm

so all the troubles according to you is on the offense..I guess I have to start watching better....I must have dreamed that the niners ran the ball at will down the Packers throats...one thing for sure..Talent usually wins out and Packers aren't at the same level....not yet...and can't have anymore number one picks sitting on the bench while they wait for him to "develop"....lots of eyes were rolling when Gutes picked Gary way up in the first round now we know why...

1 points
1
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Wilment's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:06 pm

What about the games this year Rodgers played without Adams, his only proven receiver, and won? If the niners hadn't rushed for 500 yards in the first half(exaggeration}, it might have been a different game. They weren't throwing the football and beat us to death. Sad thing is JG probably could have, he completed seventy five percent of the eight passes he did throw. Packers D simply could not stop the run, and our wide receivers after Adams are number fours on most teams or on their practice squads.

0 points
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TheVOR's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:19 pm

Time for Ron Wolf Syndrome, start drafting a QB every year. At one point Wolf had Favre, Brunell, Detmer, and Kurt Warner in the same camp, and the HOF'er didn't make the cut! That's what I'm talking about!

-1 points
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murf7777's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:42 pm

Other than Farvre those were late draft pics. I’m cool with that, just not the first 3 rounds this year. We have a real opportunity in the next two years to get back to the SB and need all the ammo we can get!

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:06 pm

How many of them started for the Pack? Brunell got some reps as well as TY when Farve was hurt in Two Games.
Hassellbach was his best grab at #3.

0 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:46 pm

Green Bay used the number 12 pick on LB Rashan Gary. He didn't have a single tackle yesterday. Did he even see the field? Maybe things could have been a little different if you don't use a first round pick on a developmental player.

0 points
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1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:47 pm

In all honesty, they did really, really, really good this year!!! They overachieved!!! Go Pack Go!!

3 points
3
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4thand1's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:34 pm

Holy crap someone noticed! WTG Doug

0 points
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Stickfish's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:25 pm

There has to more to the whole Gary situation than what the media can and has shared IMHO

0 points
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Fubared's picture

January 20, 2020 at 07:06 pm

He wasn't developmental he was a mental mistake by gutt. When I read gutt made his decision on Gary in Feb before the combine I said God help the Packers gutt is not the answer.
I followed his career and was under impressed as a much fan.
Anyone who thinks this guy will come around I say yes just like Perry, lights out in contract year.

0 points
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Hematite's picture

January 21, 2020 at 07:48 am

Being a staunch Michigan fan I watched Gary play throughout his career.
Never in my wildest dreams did I see him as a first round pick and I was absolutely flabbergasted when the Packers took him with the 12 pick.
It makes even less sense to me now.

0 points
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Lphill's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:51 pm

So it seems the players most responsible for the loss yesterday are Gary and Rodgers, so many football experts here why aren’t some of you coaching in the NFL ? At least I played D 1 football and coached some too, I put the blame on Pettine , I would bet he will be gone in the very near future.

-2 points
1
3
mbpacker's picture

January 20, 2020 at 04:54 pm

Players not plays?

0 points
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Fubared's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:45 pm

Gary? How could he possibly be responsible, he only played five plays. Get real. They are saving him as the secret weapon next season, very hush hush.

0 points
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Ryan3468's picture

January 20, 2020 at 03:58 pm

It’s time and has been time to get a legitimate back up/successor to Rogers. That has to be at this point a priority. Also getting a legitimate wife recover core. If Geronimo I fall down when touched Allison is still playing for us next year that’s a problem. I’d guess if Mercedes Lewis wanted to and his body is willing to play another year he could help out some youth at the tight end position. The offense will be better in year two, but they need a hammer at running back. They need tight ends to step up, and maybe a free agent to be a guy if Tonyan and Sternberger aren’t quite ready. On defense it has to be some guys who can tackle. Drafting all this upside vs getting guys who are capable to good quality football players should be essential to this draft. This roster needs a shot in the arm. We can’t pick three receivers again and miss. We can’t go upside and not get a capable player. Should aim towards successful players when available. BAP. Wide receivers, middle linebacker, defensive line, edge rusher, tight end... hoping for a good surplus of youth to have this team on a steady corse.

-1 points
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canadapacker's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:05 pm

What a bunch of bunk. This is the new NFL and the top guys coming out want to play. Do you think that the Patriots are always searching for Brady's replacement- NO - they look and develop and let go later round picks - and some are good like Garapello. Yes if it is in the 5th or 6th round and a great prospect that has been passed by. So if people /writers think that AR is totally done I beg to differ. But if they mean to take a chance on a better guy than what they have now is available and they want to maybe miss on a game changer with that pick OK. Other than that dont waste a pick unless the holes can all be filled with free agents.

2 points
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NWPackersfan's picture

January 20, 2020 at 05:41 pm

Personally i think they need a very dependable , experienced second receiver and Tight End for AR.

They also need a a couple experienced Middle Linebackers that can stop the run and defend the middle of the field.

I truly believe AR has a few good years left if they surround him with weapons and the defense doesn't give up 300 yards on the ground EVER again. Especially , in a conference championship.

GO PACKERS!!!!

Thanks for the amazing run this year and look forward to next year.....GO CHIEFS!!!!

3 points
3
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Lphill's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:33 pm

It’s just amazing all the hate on Rodgers with some of you spelling it Rogers, I guess he was on defense allowing some unknown back to have a career day. The defense ,Pettine and special teams all contributed to the loss. I can’t believe the ridiculous comments today . Taysom Hill ? Really how about Tim Tebow?

0 points
2
2
Fubared's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:39 pm

Totally disagree but for a different reason. Let's look at the niners. Sucked for four years. In that time either first or second pick in the draft. Great defensive picks, some very good second rounders and free agents with something left in the tank.
Last piece of puzzle, qb. Now they will be sb sontendets for next several years. No 8-8 seasons coming up.
Ditto KC. Ditto Ravens.
Losing does have some advantages and getting a premiere QB is one of them. And they got them last

1 points
1
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Fubared's picture

January 20, 2020 at 06:47 pm

We here you getting all these picks.

0 points
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Qoojo's picture

January 20, 2020 at 10:10 pm

Rodgers isn't playing to his contract's value. He is basically riding his past success. I agree that packers need to make QB priority. Because either way, they will be needing a QB in 3 years. He is 3 years past being worth what his salary is.

If you don't plan now in 3 years or less, it's going to look like the Hundley season again.

0 points
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Since'61's picture

January 20, 2020 at 10:31 pm

The Packers need to solidify their backup QB position. I don't know if that necessarily means that they need to find Rodgers successor this offseason, especially given our draft position. It may be better to use a day 2 pick on a QB and also sign a vet Fa if available at a reasonable price.

We need to use our Day 1 picks on a WR and an ILB. Then add a DL and a TE. We will also need to sign a WR, DL and ILB during the FA period.

In the 14 games we won this season we allowed 24 points or less. Even with only one legit NFL receiver and one good RBwe scored enough points to win those games. Add a few NFL level skill players and shore up the DL and ILB and we should be solid contenders again in 2020. In our 4 losses we gave up 26 points to the Chargers, 34 to the Eagles and 75 in 2 losses to the 49ers. In each of the 4 losses we were manhandled at the LOS for most of if not the entire game. We need to add some physicality especially on the defense at DL and at ILB. We also need more speed at ILB.

My concern is that Gute is now facing what TT faced for many years during the draft. That is finding difference makers in the draft while drafting very late in every round. This year's draft will be a true test of Gute's ability to find the remaining talented pieces that are still need to complete our roster. For the first 3 rounds I would recommend that Gute draft the best player available among the WRs, ILBs and DLs in whatever order they fall. After that look for a QB a TE and more depth for DL and ILB and maybe an RB. I don't know how many if any comp picks we will get but we can definitely use them all. Gute's moves have been solid so far, let's see if he can continue the good work with much later draft picks. Thanks, Since '61

4 points
4
0
MarkinMadison's picture

January 21, 2020 at 05:26 am

I'm looking at the salary cap right now and what's going on with the OL. Elgton Jenkins is a natural center. The Packers could clear over $8M if they move on from Linsley. We've seen some blown snaps, including in the NFCCG. Moving on from Linsley would be a surprise move but I wouldn't say it is unthinkable. Jenkins is bigger and better.

Lane Taylor is as good as gone and saves over $4.5M.

What do you do about Bulaga/RT? Extension? Move on? Who? Do you really trust Billy Turner out there? I'm not sure I trust him at RG but his cap number makes it impossible to cut him in 2020.

OL needs to be a priority.

0 points
1
1
HankScorpio's picture

January 21, 2020 at 07:30 am

They struck gold in Jenkins but they still need to upgrade the IOL. I'd move on from Bulaga too. It was the most healthy he's been in a while and he still only played 83% of the snaps according to OTC.com.

The cap savings from Graham, Linsley and Taylor comes out to $21 mil, bringing their total to $53 mil. That's plenty to add some decent veteran help.

0 points
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0