Confessions of a Polluted Mindset 2020 - Packers Pillage the Vikings

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Jon Runyan: As I'm always interested in all things offensive line, I went back and watched Jon Runyan's 15 snaps after entering the game for Lane Taylor at right guard. Run blocking: Runyan showed a good burst off the line and easily got to his spots on zone blocking plays. He executed wall and reach blocks effectively - I'd say he moved better than I expected. Did a nice job on Aaron Jones' 5 yard TD run, blocking down on the DT as part of a double team with Corey Linsley and peeling off to get a push on Eric Kendricks, keeping him out of the hole and allowing Jones to cut back behind him for the TD. Pass blocking: Agressive and looks to initiate the first contact, but hand placement is too high, allowing defenders to deliver blows to his chest. Was able to absorb those punches, however, and recover nicely while setting a strong anchor. Needs to get stronger up top and learn to use those hands better. Here's that play I was talking about.

 

Underrated move department: Rodgers going right back to MVS after his drops. I know what you were thinking, "Here we go again." The guy is First Team All-Practice but chokes up in the Big Show. Rodgers praised MVS all camp and he put his money where his mouth is by continuing to go back to him and sending the all-important "I trust you" message. For his part, MVS says he has never lacked confidence, but of course he's going to say that. One thing he does need to correct is a recurring case of alligator arms on deep throws where he needs to really extend to bring that ball in.Since he's clearly shown the ability to get behind defensive backs, if he can master that art, we'll be treated to years of highlight catches and just maybe, we finally get our Randy Moss.

Enjoy the Silence: If there is one team that stands to benefit from no fans in opposing stadiums, it would seem to be the Packers, thanks to Aaron Rodgers' mastery of the hard count. Without the noise, he can shelve the silent count and continue his never-ending quest for free plays and the resulting free shots downfield.

The Deguara Block: You know which one I mean. I discovered that watching it in slow motion is even cooler. You're welcome.

 

What Pass Rush? The Vikings' pass rush was as quiet as the noise coming from the cheap seats in the empty US Bank Stadium. Sure Danielle Hunter was missing, but the Packers were missing an OL starter at kickoff and three by the end of the game. Yannick Ngakoue and Ifeadi Odenigbo were invisible, with a total of one QB hit and one QB Hurry between them. That's just a great job by the repeatedly re-shuffled offensive line, where continuity breeds success.

Jenkins Future? Interesting discourse on twitter yesterday as Ben Fennell suggested Jenkins could be the RT of the future, a slot I've been thinking perhaps John Runyon could sneakily slip into down the road. Owen Riese, who covers the interior OL for the CHTV Draft guide, chimed in with his preference to keep Jenkins at guard, mainly taking the "why weaken two positions" angle. As for myself, I came away just glad to know that the Packers have Jenkins as a RT option if Runyan or someone else shows they can man the guard positions. 

 

 

 

 

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__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

__________________________

14 points
 

Comments (90)

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

September 16, 2020 at 06:25 am

Great analysis. Thank you for showing Deguara's brilliant double takedown manoeuvre on the Lazard run.

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BradHTX's picture

September 16, 2020 at 06:35 am

I somehow missed that while watching live. I propose Deguara’s team nickname should be Ninja. That wasn’t a block, it was an assassination!

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dobber's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:20 am

I could watch that over and over again...

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Johnblood27's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:16 am

Can you remember Lazards first game action last year? Remember him lowering his shoulder and running through a DB attempted tackle? Why not continue to use his size advantage?

I would have liked to see him run over the queen DB at the end of his run, he had the size advantage, the DB was coming at an angle, not head-on and thee was room on the field for Lazard to gain extra yards and perhaps even break the tackle and continue downfield.

He left some good stuff on the table with his out-of-bounds run finish.

Deguara deserves better for his blocking effort.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:47 pm

Likewise. Fine work Al. Watching Lazard blow by was a highlight play for sure. Dare I say a flash from the past. We have ourselves some football players.

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Lphill's picture

September 16, 2020 at 06:42 am

I watched the game last night for the first time because I will not pay for the Sunday ticket, I liked the quickness of the offense Rodgers seemed to be getting the ball out quick when he had to , the defense giving up those runs to Cousins , the 2 point conversions, not being able to cover Thielan , and why on the goal line defense when Cook was in with a fullback why were the Packers linebackers deep in the end zone ? Runyan will be a starter sooner rather than later .

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Sureshot's picture

September 18, 2020 at 07:20 am

You're right, Deguara's block is even cooler in slow motion but this time, I didn't jump from my chair.
The fact that I am at work has to do with it :-)

Strange you elude completly the defense department in your post. That's where the concern is of course but it's just one game. Hopefully, Kenny Clark is comming back soon and we can have some consistant play from the defense like week one last year.

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JerseyAl's picture

September 16, 2020 at 04:27 pm

Not strange. This is not a game analysis post. Our writers here cover that angle. This column is just a random collection of things that I noticed and that interested me - hence the "Polluted Mindset" name.

4 points
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stockholder's picture

September 16, 2020 at 07:13 am

Jenkins will be the starter at LT next year and Ronyan the LG. I doubt BG signs Bahk.

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PeteK's picture

September 16, 2020 at 07:45 am

Your left guard prediction ,hopefully. You would owe me dinner for the other.

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dobber's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:02 am

I'd be wagering more than just dinner.

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stockholder's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:20 am

So you think they sign Bahk after talks have stalled? The Packers have a history of making their LT play RT first. Didn't we see Jenkins play some Sunday?

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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2020 at 02:13 pm

It’s possible, but so are many things. Left tackle is a little different from right.

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Fire_Gute's picture

September 16, 2020 at 06:23 pm

Where do the Packers have a history of their LT having to play RT first? Clifton didn't. Marshall Newhouse didn't. Bulaga was supposed to be the LT and he played RT first, only because Clifton was there. Then Bahk took over.

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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:46 pm

Bhaktiari never played RT , nor Chad Clfton, Nor Ruettgers....

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stockholder's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:23 pm

Bulaga was scheduled to start @LT and hurt his knee. Family night! Bahk then started.

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CoachDino's picture

September 16, 2020 at 05:06 pm

Interesting.... The Packers are in some tough cap scenarios. IMO its all about how his body holds up this year. If injuries start to become a factor it may scare off a high priced multi year deal. Not buying the move but very thought provoking

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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:43 pm

If Jenkins had the LT make up , he would have played there exclusively at A & M. He is a future ALL PRO guard
and sign Bhak to make an ALL PRO left flank. Not rocket science as they say.

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CoachDino's picture

September 17, 2020 at 05:55 pm

Not Rocket Science yes get the point but not as simple as it once was either. You have cap space, contract years, ramifications of who you lose, age, injury, 3rd contract.

I'm not saying don't resign Bakh. he's been a godsend and looks to still be an elite guy. I'm saying this is a science, captology as it has been referred. All personnel moves need to go through a process before decisions are made. This is big business and I think many of us are clueless as to how much thought and science (medical, statistical, behavioral, etc) go into these decisions. There are no easy decisions.

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PeteK's picture

September 16, 2020 at 07:14 am

Moss? I would be very happy with a Robert brooks. I will no longer be surprised to see Deguara get that much playing time, had some other crushing blocks as well. The Vikes had some young CBs who covered well on some completions, but it didn't matter because a vintage Rogers had pin point accuracy. Maybe the D was sitting on their butts too long and became complacent. However, when you have a big lead the worst thing are long gains.

2 points
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CheesyTex's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:39 am

Right, but it still boggles my mind when a safety playing in a "prevent" D gets beat deep.

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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2020 at 07:40 am

One of the stated reasons for picking Deguara was his readiness having played the HBack role in college. Seems like that was a wise consideration based upon one game.

I liked what I saw if Runyan, but now he has a weakness on tape let’s see if he holds up as well next time or if further development is needed.

To me the concerns are on the D. No Clark is a big worry. No Greene is also. I felt we were fortunate that the Vikings hardly attacked the mid center field or used a TE. I’m fine with Redmond filling in deep (I actually think he has some potential) but he is not built to play hybrid except in emergencies. I have to think Burks is done as a defensive prospect if he isn’t called on in meaningfully one of those roles this week.

Savage looked rusty but perhaps that was exacerbated because we are so Ill suited to prevent D it’s alarming. Pettine has to stop that. When we don’t rush the QB we remove a central plank of our D. Only makes it harder for our DBs who are anyway better when aggressive. Double whammy. Really doubt statistically slows down scoring based on this year and last. If so SCRAP it as counter productive Pettine. I’d rather get young players some playing time with the game out of our opponents reach. Doing so would also reduce the risk of key injuries.

9 points
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mrtundra's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:06 am

The vikings needed their TEs to block the GB pass rushers, in the Smiths and Gary. Rudolph caught a pass over the middle for a big gain and Irv Smith caught a pass for a short gain. Other than that, the vikings TEs were used as pass rush protectors. I never had a doubt about this game and especially so, when Hunter was ruled out. The vikings got rid of a lot of defensive talent to keep those rookies. Serves them right! GO PACK, GO!!!

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dobber's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:04 am

" the vikings TEs were used as pass rush protectors"

Given how the Packer pass rush made Cousins--one of the most efficient passers in the NFL in 2019--look silly last year, I don't blame them!

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CheesyTex's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:57 am

Coldworld -- Terrific insights, as usual.

Re Runyan weakness on tape: Demovsky (sp?) article quotes Runyan as saying his dad, a former all pro O-lineman, will spend hours critiquing his play. Hopefully that "ace-in-the-hole" help him progress quickly, and before he's needed again. Future looks bright!

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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2020 at 02:16 pm

Hats off to TGR for picking it up. It’s fixable technically, but if TGR is correct there is a strength component that will take time. Until then, it may be exploitable I was thinking.

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Razer's picture

September 16, 2020 at 07:54 am

Love what I saw from Runyan when thrown into the fire. Also love that Rodgers has embraced more of this offense. Getting the ball out and mixing the run/pass will make him/us more effective - period.

Don't like much about this defense. Got run over last season and will get run over this season. Against a decent team, Rodgers will sit on the bench and watch the defense get gassed. I don't know why any team wouldn't go for 2 after every score. Look for Detroit to pound the ball. Better we see it and hopefully fix it early.

5 points
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splitpea1's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:14 am

I'm really surprised that only a few people have commented on our 2-point conversion defense; like you said, I suspect teams, especially desperate teams, are going to be trying their luck until we prove we can stop it. On the two successful running conversions, our guys were late getting off blocks or simply pushed backward into the end zone. Pettine has to come up with a better plan to stop the running; that would at least force an accurate pass and a catch, and maybe in between, one of our defenders can do something to break it up.

2 points
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Thegravedigger's picture

September 17, 2020 at 12:28 am

I agree and if i was Detroit id go for 2 from the jump

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murf7777's picture

September 16, 2020 at 12:02 pm

Razer, I cannot argue with the 4th quarter when we played soft D. But, Look at their drives in the first 3 quarters and you will see a dominating D. For 3 quarters they held them to 10 points and minimal yards. When it mattered most, they were very good.

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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:21 am

As long as Bahk stays healthy, it appears our offensive has the talent and depth to be just fine (and that is without Stepaniak who the experts seemed to think was the best of our OL draftees). Dillion and Deguara both contributed and we should expect more of the same all season.

The glaring hole in Al's article (by design I'm sure since he was emphasizing positives) was zero mention of the defense. For all of the preseason hype, Gary was not particularly visible despite playing significantly more snaps than he averaged last year. Savage looked rusty and our prevent defense doesn't prevent quick scores. The only bright spot on defense for me was the play of Barnes who was excellent and a UDFA find.

I think we are going to regret not re-enforcing our defense with the first and fourth rounds picks we spent on Jordan Love.

2 points
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Razer's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:09 am

Agree with you on all fronts. Our drafting downfall will be reaching for guys and Gutekunst is following in Thompson's footsteps. Instead, we reach for guys like Gary and, yes, Love who are not going to help this team any time soon - if at all. We love a project in Green Bay or maybe we like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Either way, I don't want to see us waste the last years of a "still potent" Rodgers on an impotent defense.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:06 am

I thought Gary had a solid if unspectacular game. He is still learning but at least he is not hurting the team. I thought he had a better game than Preston Smith. We’ll see how Gary does over a full season with more snaps. He brings good speed to our front 7.
Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:18 am

I thought Gary was okay, but expected a little more given the preseason hype. The times he rushed the passer, it still looked like his basic move was a bull rush and he hasn't developed alternatives. I would like to have seen more development but I certainly haven't given up on him.

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murf7777's picture

September 16, 2020 at 12:11 pm

I thought I read he had the most pressures in the game, could be wrong, but if he did that's progress. Also, in watching the Ja Alexander interception it was Gary who got the push and his arm up that might've affected Cousins throw to the inside of the receiver. Keeping my fingers crossed as we really need him.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 16, 2020 at 05:22 pm

Gary had 3 pressures, 2 QB hits, 0 sacks, 2 tackles, 1 solo, in 32 snaps.
Z. S. had 3 pressures, 1 QB hit, 1 sack, 2 tackles, 1 solo, in 43 snaps.

Pressure stats per PFF.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2020 at 02:23 pm

It’s hard to judge since I couldn’t tell his initial role and, after Clark went down it changed I think. In the second half, we went prevent and barely attempted to rush the QB. More about contain. Didn’t learn much on that front in this game I felt.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:57 pm

I did n't see Cook ripping off 155 yards so some attention was given to him by Kirksey and Krys Barnes. Gary's strength at Michigan holding point showed a bit more against the queens. Za was washed off the edge a few times and P Smith I could not get an iso on so I don't know how he peformed.

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:35 am

Jon Runyan: I thought he played well when I looked at him. I didn't focus on him the whole time, but I didn't notice anything bad.
My question with Runyan. Could he be our next Mark Tauscher? A guy that comes in for an injured player and never gives up the position?

Enjoy the Silence: Another benefit is the fact that defenses don't have the advantage of getting off the ball as fast. Our OT's should benefit from that.

The Deguara Block: Loved it live, love it slow motion!

Jenkins Future? I wish we could make like 3 more copies of Jenkins. For me right now, I would rather keep him at LG. That way we have OC, LG and LT locked down. Right now they have 3 options for RG. 2 or 3 for RT. Depending on on the injuries, the best option right now would probably be Runyan at RG and Wagner at RT. If Patrick is healthy I would guess he will be our RG. If Turner is healthy, I could see him being either our RG or RT. The good thing is we have options now.

4 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:44 am

I think Jenkins will replace Linsley at center after this season. For now, it’ll be a Turner and Wagner on the right side if they’re healthy, with Runyan and Patrick as backups.

1 points
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dobber's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:54 am

That was my initial thought when he was drafted (the long-term solution at C). If they have quality depth at G, it might still happen...how do you get your best 5 on the field?

I wonder how much better they like Turner at RT than Wagner and how that impacts what they do at G now that Taylor's gone. With no preseason games to get a feel for OL packages and rotations, it's hard to judge.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2020 at 02:20 pm

I doubt they would want him at center if they think him a bonafide tackle. Just because of the premium position being so much harder to fill. Of course, we really don’t know if they do see him as a potential full time starter at RT, and LT is a different question again.

-1 points
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fansince1959's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:49 am

We need to stop 2nd guessing Gutey on his Jordan Love pick---at first i was shocked but after thinking about it, he knew exactly what he was doing, on multiple levels---all you have to do is look back at our QB's between Starr and Favre---or look at the bears and vikings and their QB fiasco's---Trust Gutey as he will only get better---just look at the signing of Kris Barnes----i could go on and on----Ted started out the same way but his poor health got in the way, and even i called for his replacement

7 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:21 am

Why should we stop second guessing Gute on the Love pick? If and when Jordan Love proves himself Gute will be off the hook, but until then it appears he might have sacrificed our 2020 shot at a SB by not re-enforcing our leaky run defense.

Gute has forgotten more about football than I will ever know, but it is also fact that less than 45% of the QB's drafted in the first round in the last ten years have even signed a second contract with the team that drafted them, much less had great success with that team. Jordan Love is crap shoot and will have to prove he is the successor to Rodgers. I sincerely hope he is, but the odds are against it and if he fails, we may have also sacrificed a 2020 SB shot because we didn't provide more help to our defense.

2 points
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flackcatcher's picture

September 16, 2020 at 01:00 pm

Packers drafting a quarterback is a bedrock belief of the organization. That goes all the way to Ron Wolf, and to expect a disciple of Ron and Ted Thompson to throw away over thirty years of teaching is well, unrealistic. Father Time wins in the end. (Always in the end) So drafting a QB with rare skills was a no brainer for Gute. And if he left Love on the table, the screams on this blog would be massive, if the Aaron Rodgers of last year had showed up last Sunday.

1 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 03:38 pm

If Love has rare skills.... What if Love washes out in three years and and Rodgers returns to form a la last Sunday and plays at a high level for four more years? That is the crux of this issue.

-4 points
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murf7777's picture

September 16, 2020 at 01:07 pm

Guam, If you don't take shots at getting your future QB than you will be with journeymen QB's as your future. Who knows whether Love makes it or not and that really shouldn't be the argument. All GM's make wrong draft picks from time to time at all positions.

The debate is centered around the thought of; should we wait to draft a QB later in Rodger's contract term or now? I'm on the with drafting now and later till you find that "franchise QB". Winning SB teams almost always have a "Franchise QB".

Sure, some might say, you should wait till next year or the year following etc... and then try. The problem with that is exactly the debate point you made, which is "less then 45% of the QB's drafted in the first round in the last ten years don't sign the second contract with the team drafted them." So, if your statement is true, then they are going to need multiple shots at drafting a future "franchise QB". If you wait till the last year of Rodgers contract and you go with the new person 3 years and he fails, IE: Trubinsky you can go years and years without contending SB success.

I like Gutey's conviction and willingness to risk his future by doing what he believes is right. I also think he is right on by starting to draft QB's early when you don't need one. I also believe he was thinking about weapons for Rodgers with his 2nd and 3rd round draft picks and we saw both make contributions in game 1. This organization has been making very good decisions for a long, long time, so I for one, am not going to question their abilities unless we go back to the 70's and 80's Packer football.

-1 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 03:42 pm

Murf: While I agree a franchise QB is important, it is not the only component to success. A great QB without the right assets around him will not win a SB (Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Dan Fouts etc. etc.). Continually using first round draft choices to find a franchise QB also can leave your team talent depleted elsewhere. Further, great teams with journeyman quarterbacks have won Super Bowls (Baltimore Ravens - you may not remember their QB, but I bet you know who their middle linebacker was....).

My point is that we already have a franchise QB - let's build a SB winner around him! This HOF QB has four more years on his contract - draft a replacement QB with a year or two left, not now. The Packers are close and I think Gute passed on a chance to win this year.

-2 points
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JerseyAl's picture

September 16, 2020 at 04:29 pm

"Continually using first round draft choices to find a franchise QB..."

The Packers???

2 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 05:08 pm

Al: I was referring to Murf's example of keep drafting QB's until you find a franchise QB (start early with Love and if he fails draft more until you find one). I suspect that any team that does that over-invests in QB's and will fail for want of talent elsewhere in their lineup. I was not referring to the Packers specifically.

-3 points
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Razer's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:31 am

We are fans - second guessing is what we do. My take - Jordan Love is a project rather than "the" replacement. There are a lot of talented, sound QB's that come out of college every year that could be our project. Moving up to pick a guy with a long throwing motion, who played in a weak college conference, who stares down receivers and who has trouble reading defenses is a "falling in love" pick. Pardon the pun.

The Packers are not going to win another Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers - not because his skills have diminished - but because the defense on the team is so shitty and has been for a decade. This is my problem with the Love pick.

2 points
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x24's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:06 am

Right with you here. I get a Love pick if he "fell" to the Packers, but that reach is hard for me to understand.

Especially now- given our weakness against the run, how is this to improve with essentially same players? Maybe a big body could have helped us more on Sunday than a player holding down the bench

-1 points
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dobber's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:58 am

I think "fall" and "reach" is in the eye of the evaluator. If the Packers were truly in love with Love, they could've paid up sooner to grab him. Gute has shown no problem with paying to move up.

In this case, the move came a little later and closer to the Packers' pick. It feels more like judging where price point meets expected value...but again, it's a function of the value the Packers evaluators put on him.

In this thread people say we should be careful how we scrutinize Love, but BG will never divest himself from this pick. Hell, he can't separate himself from other, lower profile picks in the opinions of fans...this is a big one.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 16, 2020 at 06:33 pm

You don’t spend a first round pick on a project. Obviously, the professional talent evaluators in Green Bay have a different opinion on Love than you do, just as they had a different view of Rodgers than a lot of amateur scouts did. Remember all the talk about Tedford QBs, the odd release and questionable arm strength?

This “shitty” defense held the Vikings to 10 points until the game was out of reach. The measure of this defense is what we did in the first three quarters, not the last one. Would you measure our offense by the first quarter, or our last three.?

2 points
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Stroh's picture

September 18, 2020 at 05:11 pm

If that project has immense upside you absolutely use a 1st rd pick on them. All rookies need a lot of development. Love is a far superior talent and played better in his college career than Herbert who got drafted by the Charges at #6 overall. Much rather had Love than bust waiting to happen. ALOT of teams had Love as the 2nd best QB in the draft after Burrow and ahead of or equal to Tua.

0 points
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Stroh's picture

September 18, 2020 at 05:13 pm

Favre played at Southern miss. not exactly a major football conference. Some of the best QB come out of programs that aren't in big conference. They learn to overcome obstacles that way.! His motion doesn't look particularly long to me. Kaepernick certainly had a much longer one. Almost every rookie and college QB has a tendency to stare down receivers. That is what the rookies and college QB's do. Its something they have to learn. '

The Packers have been to 4 NFCCG w/ Rodgers at QB, he's played poorly in every one of them! I know everyone wants to gloss over Rodgers mistakes and certainly the defense could have done more, but Rodgers has to shoulder a large part of the blame for not getting to more SB.

If they don't reach another SB w/ Rodgers he can look at his mistakes that have cost him as well. Even if that's an unpopular thing to say about our franchise QB, it the flat out truth.

0 points
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Tingham's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:30 am

In my opinion people are scrutinizing the Love pick more because he is a QB. The feeling is we might have completely ruined the franchise by wasting a pick at number 26. In 2014 we drafted Clinton Dix at 21. Training camp cut this year on his 4th team. 2015 Randall was pick number 30. Bust and another training camp cut this year. 2016 Clark at 27. Great pick! 2017 King at pick 33. Future unknown due to salary cap considerations.

My point is there are swings and misses and some hits around this stage of round 1. The Packers decided to pick at a high value position with a potential upside. If it works fantastic. If it doesn't is it really much worse than the Clinton Dix or Randall picks?

3 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:11 am

You are missing one important point Tingham. When the Packers drafted Dix, they had an immediate need at Safety; when the Packers drafted Randall (and Rollins), they had an immediate need at cornerback; the Packers emphatically did not have an immediate need at QB when they drafted Love. Very different circumstances.

My criticism about Love has always been centered on 2020. The Packers have a HOF QB and a good team around him. An additional first and fourth round draft choices on defense (DL and ILB??) might have put this team over the top for a SB run. With Love on the bench and just a middling defense, we may have forfeited Rodgers last chance for a SB.

Love may be the next great Packer QB and I hope he is, but I think Gute may have forfeited 2020 with his gamble on Love.

3 points
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Stroh's picture

September 18, 2020 at 05:23 pm

Which is all the more reason you don't draft for need. Even if HaHa was rated where he was drafted. The Packers had a HOF QB when they drafted Rodgers too. Are you ignoring that fact on purpose? I get the situations were different, but if you have a chance to draft a QB you think has the potential to be a Franchise QB you take him when you have the chance! QB is too important a position to wait to draft when you need one! You end up in a decade long downhill spiral that way!

Gutey didn't forfeit 2020, he planned for the future. His primary job description is that the Packers are winners, not just this year, but for the next 5-10 yrs. The HC has to worry about the immediate 2020 season, and LaFleur got some weapons to help his team play HIS style of football in 2020.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 16, 2020 at 05:45 pm

No we don't. I want to win a super bowl, and am less concerned about not being good for a couple of years when AR retires. I don't hate the Love pick, but I don't approve of it.

GB will not really get a cheap rookie QB out of this pick. That means Love has to be better than he would otherwise.

Overall I approve of Gute so far. I particularly like the end of the roster decisions he makes. Gute does appear to fall in love with players: that's fine with day 3 and UDFA guys since the downside is small. Falling in love with Gary, Love, Alexander, Dillon, Deguara and Burks is more of a mixed bag and the jury is out on most of them.

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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:03 pm

It's all about value at that point in the draft. All the bonafide WRs were taken. The D line people were not worth the value of the pick.

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Stroh's picture

September 18, 2020 at 05:28 pm

Hallelujah. The WR were gone when we picked in both rd 1 and 2. None that I might have been interested in. The DL talent in the draft was poor. No DL were even close to a 1st, especially not when a QB is.

I had Love as a top 10-15 pick and the Packers must have thought so too or they wouldn't have moved up for him. Some had Love as the #2 QB behind only Burrow and ahead of Tua.

1 points
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mrtundra's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:56 am

I think Jenkins will prove to be the best player in his draft class. Future HOFer. Deguara has a future with GBP. MVS is on the verge of having a great year. I want to see more AJ Dillon in the red zone, too. Loved the Sack and Safety by Jaire. It, reportedly, was not called by Pettine. I'm betting Pettine wished he would have dialed that play up. Both Runyan and Wagner looked good on the O Line, for us. Wondering how Stepaniak will fit in once he is healthy.

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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:58 am

Al, I agree with you on Runyon. I watch the OLs footwork and I thought Runyon’s was very good for his NFL debut. I expect the OL coach to work with him on his hands.
MVS, needs to become consistent and he will be a solid #2. Again where is the WR coach?
As for Deguara, his block was devastating. We should be using him as a lead blocker for Jones or Dillon at the goal line.
I would prefer Jenkins remain at LG. Assuming Patrick and Wagner can go our OL should be; Bak, Jenkins, Linsley, Patrick, Wagner going left to right.
Defense needs to stop our old nemesis Adrian Peterson this week. Clark has a groin injury but hopefully he can go. Thanks, Since ‘61

4 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:19 am

I wouldn't worry too much about Peterson. He reminds me of Eric Dickerson who the Packers brought into camp near the end of his career and didn't make the team. Old Father Time has a way of taking the burst out of the legs of even the greatest running backs as the seasons roll by. Instead, I would be concerned about Matthew Stafford. The Lions gave us a pretty good go at it last year and now with Stafford behind center again, I would be watching that Stafford to Hockenson threat, especially since we have historically struggled with tight ends.

3 points
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CheesyTex's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:14 am

Right on. Stafford delivered a perfect pass to a receiver in the end zone with just a few seconds left in their opener with the Bears. It would have given Lions the lead with something like 15 seconds left, but... it hit their rookie receiver in the hands and he dropped it.

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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2020 at 02:49 pm

Ferrari and Cheesy, I agree with both of you about Stafford. But my point is that if We don’t stop Peterson, Stafford will be more effective with play action passes. If we can stop Peterson we can make the Lions one dimensional and keep pressure on Stafford.
Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:06 pm

Lazard has the superior set of hands over MVS. Receiving and securing the football still define the position, signed, Raymond Berry.

2 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:00 pm

Wow, Raymond Berry is reaching back a ways. He made a sensational combo with Johnny Unitas. Good observation!

1 points
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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:18 pm

Ray Berry was a better route runner than Lazard. One of the best route runners ever. He and Unitas spent many hours after practice creating their route trees. Berry’ ran his routes precisely and Unitas would hit him repeatedly on slants and square outs over and over and over. They were the first truly great QB-WR combination.
If they played with today’s rule they would be virtually unstoppable.
Thanks, Since ‘61

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Ferrari-Driver's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:02 am

Al, that was a GREAT article. I love to review the line blocking on video since I essentially follow the ball during the game. Your were spot on when addressing the alligator arms and on the missed reception, his arms were about as alligator as they can get. Looked a little like an old time receiver coming across the middle and sees Jack Tatum timing the hit.

If possible, it would be great to have you write more articles.

7 points
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egbertsouse's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:18 am

Those of you sick of Pettine’s bumbling attempts at a prevent D should watch a replay of the Giant’s final drive last Monday night. The Giants eventually scored but Pittsburgh made them work for every yard and burn up most of the clock. MLF should make Pettine watch that drive over and over until it sinks into his bald dome.

However, I’m happy that Dom Capers finally helped the Packers win a game.

6 points
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splitpea1's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:42 am

The Steelers also made them work very hard on that 19-play drive and finally forced Jones into a bad interception. What a back breaker!

Unfortunately our defense is probably going to need a little more talent and execution up front to play at the level the Steelers often do.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2020 at 09:19 pm

Cousins is a bit more of a Pro Quarterback than Jones at this point in time. The laissez-faire display should put the hackles up, but this guy orchestrating the D is not a big believer in dominating defense.

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Bohj's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:53 am

- Love pick. I don’t like that we traded draft capital to get him, but I like that we got him. Everyone always complains about not having a decent backup since Flynn. Now we have two. Without overpaying a veteran. If anything Rodger’s improved play this year if is in part to drafting Love.......That’s kinda like getting a bump on offense.
- Gary. He wasn’t being used as much in a traditional OLB sense. I feel he kind of played filler once Clark left. We also....rightfully so.....tried to play contain on Cook. So we weren’t gonna see as many sacks. Remember when Pettine said we’d lean on our secondary? This is that type of game where you let the QB throw. Give Gary a few more games to see what he can do.
- Why are people lambasting Gutey for drafts of the past and Ds of the past? He had to fill holes left by the TT era. He nabbed Smith brothers, some solid corners, Kirkset and Amos and Savage. Let’s let this play out for Gutey. Yes there are stull hokes. We have corners and a pass rush. Chill out.

4 points
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Bohj's picture

September 16, 2020 at 10:55 am

Holes

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greengold's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:24 am

I agree with all of that, Al. Well said.

My ONLY concern this season is NT/DE. Lowry and Lancaster look like dog shit. I'm amazed at how poorly they've shown for over a solid year now. With that said, I do think we will get some relief with the Packers bringing Daylon Mack up onto the 53 man roster. Having a guy that size, 6-1 334, that fast, with a non-stop motor is really going to help everyone behind him. ILB. CB. SS. FS.

I sure would not mind them adding to our depth there, especially with Kenny Clark having suffered a groin injury that took him out of an entire half of football. We cannot allow teams to run on us again.

Everyone else is looking pretty good. With Lucas Patrick reportedly coming back, I don't see any other OL additions outside of maybe bringing up the 6-6 315 OG Zack Johnson from the PS. Zack had 3 years of RT experience at NDSU before moving inside as a Senior. 46 straight starts in his 56 game career and 2-time Academic Honor Roll - should help him with a move onto the roster in learning the system. 2nd Team All American RT 2018, 1st Team All-American RG 2019.

Johnson is a solid run blocker, helping set the NDSU rushing record in 2019 of 4,607 yds. 700 pass blocking snaps his last 2 years allowing only 3 sacks. Good fundamentals with quick hands, strong with an attitude. Doesn't sound bad at all for a call up if need be. Versatile, too.

Not sure that is a priority though if Patrick is returning, especially with the play of Runyan. To my thinking, Johnson could take Taylor's spot on the roster, then switch Mack out for Montravius Adams.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 16, 2020 at 06:08 pm

Lancaster got an above average PFF grade for week one (68.5 - Jenkins got a 70). Lowry got a 55, not so good. Keke got a 66.6, above average. No stats amongst them. MN seemed to run pretty well.

Methinks you're a NDSU homer. Gary spent most of TC terrorizing Johnson and Conway. He just trashed them: that's where a lot of the hype for Gary came from. GB kept Johnson on the PS and let Conway become a street free agent, so he was the better of the two.

Maybe Johnson just needed to get acclimated to the NFL. I will watch the snap counts and see if GB promotes him. I have never seen the guy play, after all, and you have, albeit in college.

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greengold's picture

September 17, 2020 at 08:07 am

Nah. Definitely no affiliation to NDSU. I just researched what I could find on the guy and passed it along here.

Of note with his signing to the PS is his size, and his versatility, which Gutekunst likes in his OL, and understandably so.

Thanks for the heads-up on the PFF grades. I do think Lancaster is the better pro than Lowry. Man, that extension he got... we've yet to see any return.

Really would like to see Keke bust out.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 16, 2020 at 06:24 pm

The Packers released Mack from the practice squad. They did sign DT Billy Winn.

Winn has not played since 2016 due to injuries, but he's been on rosters and PS lists. He has played 63 NFL games and started 23. IDK.

1 points
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greengold's picture

September 17, 2020 at 08:21 am

Yeah, they must have seen something they REALLY did not like with Mack for him to be jetted out that quickly. I thought his success alongside Kingsley Keke for four years at Texas A&M was of note, but I guess not enough.

On that, Mack suffered physically with very short arms. He was a shorter guy at 6-1, and Pettine obviously likes much larger players at the position. Pretty clear in hindsight they we're just bringing him in for a look.Billy Winn is a better fit for the prototype Pettine likes to employ being 6-4. Hopefully the guy can stay healthy and make some noise.

Something has to give at DE/NT. I have little confidence in our run stop without Kenny Clark in there. Really thought this would have been addressed long before the season's start. We need a freaking mauler. SNACKS.

1 points
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PackfanNY's picture

September 16, 2020 at 06:36 pm

The Daylon Mack hype train has left the station. He was cut off the practice squad.

2 points
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ShooterMcGee's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:33 am

Regarding the Degura block I cringed while watching it live since I thought there was a rule about going low, something like illegal chop block. Guess I am wrong about this, happily so. So many rules it's easy to get confused.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 16, 2020 at 12:03 pm

You have to be in front of the defender and the defender can not be engaged with another blocker. What's really cool is that play is probably not legal in College and he pulled it of so beautifully in his first game.

I loved that pick BTW.

3 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:53 am

Deguara blocked more Vikings on 1 play than Jimmy Graham did his whole time in Green Bay...

8 points
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Razer's picture

September 16, 2020 at 01:24 pm

Too funny. Glad the Bears crippled themselves with more cap burden.

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

September 16, 2020 at 12:16 pm

"Enjoy The Silence...." Should definitely be helpful in the game against the Saints.

1 points
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jh9's picture

September 16, 2020 at 02:40 pm

There were many exciting take-a-ways from the Vikings game. Aaron Rodgers was magnificent. He looked like his old self. Davante Adams was great. And the O-line played better than expected.

I know it was only the first game of the season, but I saw something that bothered me and made me feel like maybe we’re still stuck in the same place we’ve been for the last ten years: We have a good offense and a not-so-good defense.

The Smiths and Jaire are welcome additions. Their play is as good as any players at their position in the NFL. Maybe we have found a few serviceable ILBs who will fill a huge hole.

But the D-line looked terrible. Only Clark showed any penetration. Keke, Lowry, and Lancaster were easily pushed anywhere the Vikings O-line wanted them to go.

If Pettine and MLF don’t fix this problem, we’ll find ourselves in the same position we’ve been since 2010 - in the playoffs but not the Super Bowl.

I hope like heck I’m wrong. I’m sick of living “Groundhog Day.”

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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2020 at 08:39 pm

I would move Runyan to right tackle at some point. He played LT against some very good DEs in the Big Ten.
A lot of NFL people over think the evaluation of the basics. A solid pick. Keep the competition on the right side at a boil.

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Stroh's picture

September 16, 2020 at 11:39 pm

Watching the Deguara play in SloMo is very revealing... Deguara didn't just get lucky to take out 2 guys w/ one block. He purposely threw his body into the block in such a way as to get to the 2nd guy as well. That was a very deliberate block, executed perfectly to take both guys out of the play. You can tell by how far he dove forward. Getting one guy blocked would have been easy, he did it purposely to get 2 defenders. That guy is brilliant!

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