Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Cheese over Steel

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

 

Nice to see Kingsley Keke showing up. In addition to the the strip sack and the blocked pass, I saw a surprising number of successful bull rushes, pushing OL back into Big Ben. Pressure from the interior is going to be key for the Packers defense going forward, especially with Jaire out of the lineup.

Ditto for Dean Lowry. He was disruptive and impactful up front. Maybe the Pitt OL was a good matchup for the Packers interior linemen or maybe they just realized they needed to be more aggressive.

After making that incredible TD throw to Tonyan against the Lions, it looks like Rodgers has fallen in love with that play. He tried it three times on Sunday that I remember. Truthfully, it's a throw that has only a small chance of success and Rodgers needs to realize that.

Well, in a presser last week, LaFleur promised our own Aaron Nagler he'd use Dillon in short yardage and blame Nags if it didn't work. Well, Dillon got the call several times and no blame needs to be assigned because it worked beautifully.

Randall Cobb knows what to do in the red zone when Rodgers is scrambling or rolling out - head for the pylon. He needs to teach this to the other Packers receivers.

 

 

I highlighted this in my "three plays" post yesterday. De'Vondre Campbell single handedly got the Pittsburgh offense off the field with 10 minutes left.  He breaks up a third and five pass and then tackles a WR short on 4th and five. Spectacular!

Defense - It's almost always a great thing when your safeties are not your leading tacklers. A lot of lip service has been given to improving the tackling over the last few years, but finally, some results are evident and we've seen such better tackling overall. One contributing factor has been the addition of Campbell and Stokes.

Injuries - So you knew the Packers couldn't be incredibly lucky with respect to injuries two years in a row, but does EVERY Packers Pro Bowler have to get hurt? This is getting ridiculous. 

Davante breaking ankles out there...

 

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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 (55)

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

October 06, 2021 at 06:09 am

Yeah, other than 12 doing random stat padding things at 12 times, and the injuries, all is good on the Packers front this morning. If we can squeeze the next three dubs over teams we should beat and get Jaire back by AZ, we're in fine shape. That Bengals game is going to be very tough with their WR corps and our reduced pass rush and pass coverage due to injury. Crossing fingers.

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jurp's picture

October 06, 2021 at 09:10 am

Counted among things that I haven't read in awhile: "That Bengals game is going to be very tough..." The Bengals have sure improved lately, haven't they?

3 points
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Packerfansupreme's picture

October 06, 2021 at 09:43 am

I agree. Facing those Bengal receivers at a terrible time. I hope the packers offense is on point. The pack should try to get the run game going early. Keep those Bengals receivers off the field

4 points
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scullyitsme's picture

October 06, 2021 at 12:00 pm

Random stat padding? Really? What happened to all gas no breaks? whining about McCarthy letting every team back In the game? What happened to we need an step on their throat attitude? This is just ridiculous bitching because you don’t like Aaron Rodgers, just like Nagler. I for one an absolutely happy they went for the kill. I’ve seen blown leads worse than that one.

6 points
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Bearmeat's picture

October 06, 2021 at 03:45 pm

Yeah. Except the run WAS WORKING. It was stupid to pass when it hadn't been working all game. Ego by 12. It's not that I don't like him.

It's that it's true.

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scullyitsme's picture

October 06, 2021 at 09:23 pm

Oh, so now it’s not stat padding it was stupid because it wouldn’t work. The….opposite of stat padding. Hmm..must be hard to hate one guy so much, that’s a lot of effort to make those extremes.

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Point-Packer's picture

October 06, 2021 at 03:36 pm

Packer fans getting to the point where they are complaining about TD passes as "stat padding" is the definition of spoiled. (massive eye roll). When is the last time Rodgers threw an INT on the one yard line?

I'm waiting.....

4 points
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Nate-1980's picture

October 06, 2021 at 05:47 pm

With ya point packer, we won the game, could we have run more sure.. Just realize that Rodgers can’t do anything right from the butt hurt and move along..

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NickPerry's picture

October 06, 2021 at 06:43 am

"Ditto for Dean Lowry. He was disruptive and impactful up front. Maybe the Pitt OL was a good matchup for the Packers interior linemen or maybe they just realized they needed to be more aggressive."

SIGH.... Well I hope they realized they need to be more aggressive, but I have a strong feeling it was more the Pitt OL was a good matchup. Truth be told, the Pill OL is a good matchup for EVERYONE.

Campbell has been a hell of a pleasant surprise for the Packers. Pretty damn smart pickup by Gute. Even the "Gute Haters" have to give that signing a thumbs up. Considering what they paid him and what they've been getting, that was AA grade for a FA signing.

The injuries ARE getting ridiculous. Hopefully the news is good today IF Alexanders status is talked about. They survived with Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Barnes, MVS, Z Smith, and Lindsey to FA. BUT the one I don't think they can survive for a long stretch is Jarie Alexander. Like my friend Bearmeat suggested above... Get Alexander back by the Arizona game, the Packers will be in good shape.

10 points
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Razer's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:27 am

...I have a strong feeling it was more the Pitt OL was a good matchup. Truth be told, the Pill OL is a good matchup for EVERYONE...

I think Nick is closer to the truth when talking about the poor Pitt O-line. It is probably the main reason why Najee Harris didn't do what most good backs do against the Packers. At this point, a good O-line will double team Kenny Clark and push aside the Lowry and Keke. I am hoping that some of the new D-line prospects develop.

4 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 01:16 pm

"The injuries ARE getting ridiculous. Hopefully the news is good today IF Alexanders status is talked about."

My understanding with the AC joint issue (depending on how badly he messed it up) is one of pain tolerance in many cases: what can he do with one arm? We lived through a couple seasons of dead-armed TWill in the early 2010s...is a one-armed Jaire better than the two-armed alternatives?

3 points
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Nate-1980's picture

October 06, 2021 at 05:49 pm

Yes he is..

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NickPerry's picture

October 07, 2021 at 04:06 am

I heard one report where he could possibly play with some type of sleeve. I'm assuming it's like the one williams played with in the season you just mentioned dobber. The Bengals have a nice young WR Corps build over there IMO. Higgins and Chase are both getting better with each passing week, and Boyd in the slot presents a issue for Sullivan and his passing rating allowed in the 130's...

YIKES...Hope he can play with pain.

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greengold's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:21 am

Speaking of those injuries… Out of the blue this morning, NE releases 4-time Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore! Get him, Gutey!!!

Totally agree with the rest of what you’ve said here. Glad to see AR hand off the rock in short yardage to Dillon. More…

Campbell and Stokes now look to be very smart additions to this Packers team. Have to admit, Christian Barmore sure looks good in NE. Can’t wait for us to prioritize DL. As things worked out, Stokes is looking like a true gem, at an area of near equal or greater need.

2 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:32 am

"Out of the blue this morning, NE releases 4-time Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore!"

Jaylon Smith released by the Doughboys yesterday. I think he's the more affordable--and maybe the more impactful given the weak nature of the ILB position and his versatility--get. He's also in his prime. Both will get far more on the market than the Packers can or will commit to. A starting tandem of Smith and Campbell would be the best ILB duo the Packers have had in a long time. At least kick the tires, Gute.

5 points
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Guam's picture

October 06, 2021 at 08:33 am

"Both will get far more on the market than the Packers can or will commit to....."

Sadly I have to agree Dobber, they would be great additions to the Packers but the Pack just has no salary cap space to work with, this year or next. But I would love to see Jaylon Smith at ILB for the Packers!

5 points
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greengold's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:49 am

Yup. I saw that too. Wonder what happens here, if anything. Hoping Jaire’s AC injury is low grade. At ILB, Wilborn is better than both Summers and Burks. Give it to the kid!

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Razer's picture

October 06, 2021 at 08:19 am

Love how the Patriots released Gilmore a week after Tampa Bay inked Richard Sherman. Classic Belichick.

Good teams don't release good players. Dig a little deeper before buying the candy.

1 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:05 pm

By dealing Gilmore to Carolina, Belichick just dropped a pro-bowl CB in Tom Brady's path twice this season...

1 points
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murf7777's picture

October 07, 2021 at 02:29 pm

Your wish has been granted!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:38 am

Gilmore was on their PUP list I believe. Not sure when he’d be available to help another team. Dallas releasing Smith is a head scratcher. It certainly looks like they wanted him out of the locker room this off-season and moved as soon as they were confident enough. It’s always difficult to know what such things signify.

6 points
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PatrickGB's picture

October 06, 2021 at 09:13 am

Smith was due over $9 million.

2 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 01:07 pm

Smith had a big contract, but not a lot of guaranteed money. His deal was mostly cash value going forward, which made him a fairly easy cut when Dallas--who will win that division going away--would rather not have the depth and absorb the limited dead money now.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 06, 2021 at 03:08 pm

Smith's $7.2M salary was fully guaranteed for this year since he was on the roster back in March. I wonder if he has an offset in his contract? If so, he won't care what he gets paid unless it is more than $7,2M.

Since he was released and the Cowbows ate $2.6M this season (plus his $7.2M salary pending offsets, if any) and $6.8M more next year as dead money, he will sign a new contract.

PFF grade of 69.5, shaded green for above average for this year. IDK. Maybe doable?

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

October 06, 2021 at 05:31 pm

Trying to read the mind of Jerry Jones will drive one insane...

0 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:09 pm

He's fallen in love with his rookie LBs.

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Nate-1980's picture

October 06, 2021 at 06:04 pm

Gutey sure got him didn’t he hahahahahaha, only needed a 5th, and he throws away 4th rounders like they’re nothing..::)

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stockholder's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:40 am

I Loved the Cobb pick -up. What a great investment. And finally a ILB that makes plays. A punter who can Kick. Wow! Three for Three this year. But who really deserves the credit? After so many failures! --- So now I'm suppose to believe Lowrey and KeKe are the Help Clarke needed. After so long I don't think thats the case. But if the praise helps, I'm on board. I wonder if LeFluer and his staff finally do have Gutey's ear. After all Rodger's did come back too.

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

October 06, 2021 at 07:44 am

Keke - I heard the Steelers OL wasn't the greatest. Either way, it was great seeing Keke showing up. And he showed up big time on that strip sack.

Rodgers - I noticed last week on the throw to MVS, he kind of seemed to aim it more. Which maybe he has to do with MVS's speed. Tonyan's throw he seemed to do the same thing, rather then just let it go.

Dillon - He is made to be a short yardage type of RB. Not that Jones can't do it, but Dillon has the shier size to be perfect for it.

Randall Cobb - 3rd downs and redzone is exactly what we need Cobb for. When we made the trade for Cobb, the first thing I thought of where he would help is in those situations. I kept thinking back to last years NFCCG and the ball that EQ dropped. I said I really doubt Cobb drops that. The Cobb/Rodgers connection is starting to heat up. And if that continues to happen, watch out for other WR's.

De'Vondre Campbell - for the price maybe they paid for him in FA maybe the best FA signing in the league this year. He has helped stabilize the ILB spot and has made the defense better. Great signing, especially for what they paid him!

Defense - It feels like there has been more swarming to the football this year then in the past. They are not allowing guys to break a tackle and run free. There are a lot more people around the ball more often so far.

Injuries - That is the thing. Its not about the amount of injuries as much as its about who the injuries are too. So far we have been without our top 2 OL. We now are without our deep threat WR. We lost a starting ILB. But possibly the worst yet is the injury to Alexander. I saw the report that he could possibly play if he can play safely with a harness. I am not really sure how a player like him can play safely with his style of play. I'm just hoping its a shorter term injury.

Davante breaking ankles out there... Its incredible watching his footwork.

6 points
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Razer's picture

October 06, 2021 at 08:00 am

Packers did what they should have done against a rebuild team with a failing QB behind a sketchy O-line. Other than the right side of the field goal unit, the guys did their jobs. I will keep some perspective. The good teams will test us far more than we saw on Sunday.

Their are a lot of surprises helping this team forward:

De'Vondre Campbell (difference maker)
Corey Bojorquez (hats off to the pro scouting department)
Mason Crosby (getting field goals off with hands in his face)
Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, Josh Myers, Yosh Nijman (say what!)

Given our top heavy CAP, Gutekunst has been forced to find value to fill out this roster. I would say that our front office has done a pretty good job.

Still looking for better execution from QB1 and this offense. He is still forcing too many balls to tightly covered receivers. He has a lot of weapons but I still see him throwing into the teeth of defenses. Still a lot of horsepower to be realized IF he wants to go there.

3 points
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PatrickGB's picture

October 06, 2021 at 09:22 am

Both QB’s struggled with accuracy last Sunday. Or maybe the field and conditions messed things up. Wet ball, misty air and maybe a bit of slip on the field. I thought that conditions might have been a factor in the inaccuracies of the passing game. Also Rodgers was throwing the ball quickly and, while he can do it, it’s not his preference.

3 points
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Since'61's picture

October 06, 2021 at 09:38 am

My biggest concern is Alexander. The drop off at CB behind him and Stokes is significant. The Packers were actually using Yiadom at CB after Jaire went down. Yikes! Gilmore is available but there must must be a reason why NE let him go, whether it's an injury or attitude or both. I don't think the Packers will make a move until they have definitive information concerning the seriousness of Alexander's injury.

Let's see if Keke and Lowry can maintain any type of consistency coming off the game against the Steelers.

Campbell has been playing great at ILB. We need to pair him with an ILB who can rush the passer through the A gap. That would be a great help to Clark and the DL overall.

Dillon in short yardage preferably behind Deguara. That could become automatic 1st down.

Cobb is being utilized as I posted after his reacquisition. He is a situational player and is great on 3rd down and in the RedZone. I expect to see more of him as the season goes on. Davante will be doubled on the outside, MVS will take a safety deep and there is Cobb sitting open at first down yardage or going for the pylon on the scramble drill. He still has great hands and will make plays to keep drives alive. Until Amari Rodgers is ready he is the perfect slot receiver for this offense. GPG! Thanks, Since '61

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

October 06, 2021 at 10:22 am

Regarding the pass rush….

When a QB breaks the pocket and starts running, bad things happen. Coverages break down. If he runs for the first down, it keeps your defense on the field.

Winston hurt us with his legs. So did Goff. So our pass rush had to focus on keeping the QB in the pocket. But Roethlisberger doesn’t pose that threat, so we could focus on getting pressure.

It seems as though some people think it’s all about the pass rush; it isn’t. There’s more to it.

8 points
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Dragon5's picture

October 06, 2021 at 10:26 am

Ramsey, Scott, Jenkins, King, MVS, and now Alexander...keep the hate coming fellas (particularly looking at you Marpag1). Hopefully we heal sooner than later before the schedule firms up week 7; I wouldn't look past CIN either...we're 6-7 all-time vs them and 1-4 in Cincy. Khalil Mack & Aaron Donald in their enemy year; would be nice to see them make an injury report guest appearance in the near future. Other enemy year notables who have benefited our cause: 49ers Jason Verrett (ACL) and K'Waun Williams (calf)...we just missed on Jimmy G (calf) who went down last week (Derek Carr may be next). Warned a couple times this past offseason that Brandon Scherff (knee) & Logan Thomas (hammy) are high risk this year...we may luck out and avoid them week 7.

<<Dragon5

August 12, 2021 at 02:04 pm

MVS leads the pack of injury prone players on the squad this year. 7 life path in a personal 7 year...don't hold your breath.

GREATEST CONCERN THIS SEASON--our SECONDARY. Alexander, Amos, Scott all in personal 7 years where injury risk increases. 7 LP King always a perennial risk, as is Sullivan, born on a 7 day. Barry's pressure heavy defense will have to be dialed down if secondary subs can't be trusted.

Jenkins is also in a 7 personal year. OLine could fall apart quickly should he go down while Bahk continues to recover. Myers and Kelly are born on a 7 days and will have above average injury risk as will Turner being in his enemy year (ditto Bahk)

Remaining injury concerns: 7LPs Crosby, Begelton, Dillon, and 7 day born Ramsey (who already bit the bullet last week)>>

<<marpag1

August 12, 2021 at 02:47 pm

LLLOOOLLL!!!

I'd have to check snap counts and such to make absolutely sure, but I do believe that MVS has played in absolutely EVERY SINGLE GAME of his 3 year career.

Can you please explain why are you calling him "injury prone?"

Yet another example of someone talking straight out of his ass.....>>

P.S. Marpag1....my ass says "hello." Hopefully you now understand past performance is not indicative of future results.

-5 points
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SwedeBayPacker's picture

October 07, 2021 at 03:38 pm

I would like some of the crack you've been smoking.

0 points
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NJMagic's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:09 am

S. Gilmore wants a big $ contract
J. Smith just got out played by a rookie. It's very Dallas to move on now instead of later despite no savings.

If Alexander is out for multiple weeks, and Gilmore is healthy, we would be crazy not to trade a mid round pick if New England will take it for a half year rental. We likely couldn't afford him at the end of the year, but we could afford his pro-rated salary this year. He plays half a year on his contract, chance of the super bowl, and then hits free agency for big money (which is unlikely to get mid season anyway)

And and then we don't have to watch Yiadom, Ento, and Sullivan duke it out for who will get beat more and be the biggest liability (assuming of course, King doesn't just run away with that prize).

3 points
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Dragon5's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:15 am

Demarcus Ware ring a bell?

Played with chip on shoulder to finish out HoF career in Denver.

Smith no where near all-pro talent, but the fire has been stoked.

0 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 01:28 pm

Wasn't he an all-pro two years ago?

1 points
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PeteK's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:24 am

They were released, so no trade needed. However, they probably want more moola than we can afford.

0 points
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Nate-1980's picture

October 06, 2021 at 06:20 pm

Guess our gm is crazy, because what you said is exactly right, and it didn’t happen..:(

-1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:21 am

Well there are reports on the net that Gutekunst was trying to make deal with Belichik for Gilmore.

Also, Gilmore said that he would like to play for Packers.

Now, the question is when you release player on PUP before PUP period ends does he became available to play immediately, or he is still out. Second, if you release player he is FA and he can sign new contract with new team. Old contract stays with team that cut him. Is that right?

0 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 01:25 pm

When you trade the player, his contract goes with him, but any guarantees already incurred (signing bonuses) stay with his originating team. So all of his cap hit associated with his signing bonus stays with NE. He's owed any further bonuses (per game, incentives, etc.) and cash value (salary) by his new team.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 06, 2021 at 03:16 pm

No, PUP stays. Gilmore is out until week 7

Yes, contract moves with him, minus anything NE already paid him.

Yes, new team can sign him to a new deal. Add money, give him a signing bonus instead of that base salary. Add void years.

I read that he is ready to play now. PUP might have been a roster maneuver?

5 points
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croatpackfan's picture

October 06, 2021 at 04:25 pm

dobber & TGR- Gilmore was cut by Patriots. He was not traded. That is what I asked. If he is cut does the rules for PUP stays or not?

-1 points
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Nate-1980's picture

October 06, 2021 at 06:27 pm

He was traded for a 6th round pick, go read the article or any social media..

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 06, 2021 at 06:37 pm

To release a pup player typically means he was cleared to come off PUP. How game ready that makes him is a separate question. I’d guess he’s a fair way off given the nature and duration of his injury.

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:34 am

Wonder if Packers can afford Gilmore, he was released today by NE and the Cowboys in linebacker go. Timing couldn't be better with Alexander hurting and then imagine when he comes back! See Adams is pushing for Gilmore!

1 points
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NJMagic's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:51 am

He isn't technically released yet, we could still swing a trade today before 4:00 p.m. Eastern.

I need BG knows whether it's cheaper to get them on the free market this season or assume his contract pro-rated. Free agency saves the pick, but would not be surprised if we are outbid by somebody - no matter how much he "wants" to come to GB.

0 points
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jont's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:53 am

When MLF arrived, IIRC, he talked about a run-first offense, and the Dillon pick fit into this view well.
Against the Steelers, Jones and Dillon each had 15 carries, and GB had 131 on the ground. There was also a productive swing pass to Dillon which, after the game, MLF said he called because he thought Jones was in there. "I love it when a plan comes together," MLF should've said.
This bodes well for the remainder of the season both in terms of offensive productivity and time of possession. It will be important to keep their O off the field if GB is seriously weakened at the corners.

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

October 06, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Gilmore just traded to Carolina for a 2023 6th round pick! Just reported and I still cannot believe it. Maybe it means the medical report on Alexander the Great is more positive.

Well that was fun for a few days.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

October 06, 2021 at 01:40 pm

So he wasn't released. Great deal for Pats, as they get 5.8 cap relief this year and a low draft pick. We could have signed him as we are 8.8 under the cap. However, even though not popular here, I think there will be better options later in the season when teams are out of contention and ready to shed contracts.

0 points
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NJMagic's picture

October 06, 2021 at 12:56 pm

Or Gilmore's was negative (on PUP)
But have to imagine if Packers wanted him they could have had him

0 points
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dobber's picture

October 06, 2021 at 01:04 pm

Gilmore has a reputation for being a bit of a bad apple. He's going to want a new contract wherever he lands...if you're the Packers, you need to decide whether that's what you want to take on. His cap hit for the remainder of 2021 wasn't prohibitive.

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

October 06, 2021 at 11:25 pm

All I know is that seeing the impact Campbell and Stokes have had is so noticeable and a sobering reminder of what has been missing for so many years. I recall several plays already this year where I’m saying to myself ,who was that! Haven’t seen someone fast enough flying across the field making a play and not whiffing or running themselves out of the play, but actually making the play and stopping someone in their tracks. Better times are ahead Getting Barnes on track and Slayton on the field more is something I’m looking forward to.

1 points
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