Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Fully Coordinated
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
So, we finally got to hear from the Packers three coordinators, who hadn't done a press conference since the end of the 2025 season. A few things we learned...
Rich Bisaccia
He was happy with the kickoff coverage last year, but not so much with the kickoff returns, specifically the blocking scheme and execution.
There will be a lot of players vying for return duties - Mecole Hardman, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams and the incumbent Keisean Nixon, despite his declared preference to opt out and focus on his goal of being CB1. Bisaccia shrugged that off as frustration after the disappointing season-ending loss to the Eagles.
He feels his special teams haven't fully lived up to the standard he expects them to reach. He mentioned they've given up big plays that he feels cost them the game. He mentioned the missed field goal against the 49ers, the Nixon fumble and a missed field goal against the Eagles, and the Chicago trick punt return fiasco. He put these in the context of feeling like he "failed" LaFleur in these instances. If nothing else, you can't say he's not self-aware.
Adam Stenovich
He has had conversations with Elgton Jenkins about moving to center and said he thinks Jenkins is "open to it." When I first saw that reported in a tweet from Rob Demovsky, my immediate reaction was that's very different that what we had been told by Gutey - that Jenkins is moving to center. However, once I listened to the interview, I learned that Demovsky cleverly left out some additional commentary from Stenovich:. "He's open to it, excited about it, ready to go." Very clever Rob...:
Stenovich was asked if the move to center had anything to do with why Jenkins was not at OTA's. Stenovich said no, Jenkins was not there for "other reasons." Did he have a few more strip clubs to hit up? But seriously, Jason Wilde reported that because of his move to center, Jenkins is looking to rework his contract, which has two years left but no more guaranteed money. He turns 30 in December and may feel the Packers will let him walk after this season. He may want some kind of guarantee that he won't just be one and done after agreeing to change positions.
"Everyone's going to have to show up and play well to keep their spot because there's a bunch of good young players that are hungry." Steno said this after discussing the competition on the offensive line, but it likely applies to all offensive players in general. As for the OL competition, he did specify that what they do is choose a "focus" position for each player and then have a secondary spot they will also compete for.
When asked what Jordan Love needs to do to get to the level they need him to be at, the main thing Steno talked about was communication, specifically player-to-player communication on the field, making sure everyone is on the same page at all times.To me, Love is a bit of a quiet guy with a calm demeanor. While it's difficult for me to really know, I get the sense that maybe when things are going south, he may not verbalize his thoughts in an attempt to keep that sense of calm. That, "don't let them see you sweat" mentality. It's just a guess, but I think they would like him to be more direct in holding his teammates accountable if they make a mistake. And no, I'm not talking about an Aaron Rodgers death stare, just say what needs to be said so they're on the same page going forward.
Jeff Hafley
He felt the defense played harder than their opponents and were more physical towards the end of last season.
He said they interviewed "a lot" of coaches for the defensive line coach opening. Called DeMarcus Covington a "really good teacher." Maybe he can teach LVN some actual pass rush moves.
Key Hafley words on repeat throughout the presser: Versatility, consistency, evolve
Said Edgerrin Cooper "looks different." Evidently he's closer to 240 lbs now and they will be working on getting his alignments right, so he's not just relying on pure athleticism to make plays.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (82)
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 06:15 am
Thanks for your thoughts, Al.
When I first saw coordination in the headline I thought of mine or lack thereof. According to my wife I can't even color coordinate. She asks me what color I think we should use to paint something just so she knows what color not to use.
I hope they can get something worked out with Jenkins so this new line can work together all the way through camp and start the season running. I think a new contract will be ok and playing center versus guard/swing tackle will extend a 30-year old's career.
7-8 starting caliber O-linemen may be a luxury but we've seen it be entirely necessary to make it through an 18-week season and playoffs. The main goals will be to keep Love healthy all season, let the backs and TEs chip, drift and be more involved in being pass catching threats rather than helping the line do all the pass blocking.
Cheezehead72
May 14, 2025 at 06:23 am
Steve the center position is the most demanding position of the offensive line on the body. I do not see this move as extending his career. I have always found it interesting that the most demanding position and the position where the player has to call out blocking assignments is the lowest paid position on the OL.
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 06:56 am
There have been allot of centers that've played late into their 30s, but I agree it always seemed the toughest job to me and close to as important as left tackle. I was hoping Jenkins could call plays for Myers when he first started out because Jenkins had all the blocking responsibilities down pat.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 08:48 am
It’s the toughest mentally, but it’s the position where football acuity can carry a moderate athlete and thus an older one. I’m not sure where the idea that C is the most physically demanding position originated.
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 08:57 am
It seems to me that C of all the OL positions take more hard contact. They have as much if not more trash to sort through on every play. They need to be proficient at getting the ball back to the QB quickly and accurately, and then anchoring, snapping their hands up, and extending to control a hard-charging 320lb DT.
LambeauPlain
May 14, 2025 at 11:00 am
Yeah, some centers can play into their 30's...but not Jeff Saturday who could not play on Sundays as a Packer.
WestCoastPackerBacker
May 14, 2025 at 11:15 am
Saturday played for IND until age 36!
GregC
May 14, 2025 at 07:08 am
Seems to me that center is the least physically demanding position because so many of the blocks are double teams. Also, centers don't have to work in open space as much as the other O-linemen, so maybe they can get by without such good movement skills. I don't know if the difference would be enough to extend Jenkins' career, though.
If calling out blocking assignments required special talent, I think centers would be higher paid. But it seems to be one of those things that players can do in the NFL if they did it in college. On the other hand, I never hear of players coming to the NFL never having played center and then being moved to center. It must happen sometimes, but maybe it's hard to learn how to do that at the NFL level if you've never done it at all. Jenkins played center in college, so the move will be no problem for him.
Leatherhead
May 14, 2025 at 08:57 am
Center is your second most important position on the line. They handle the ball on every play, the call out the blocking assignments, they keep the pocket from getting collapsed in the QBs face. If you want to catch people offside, your center has to be aware and snap it early. It's the center's double team block that creates space up the middle on run plays.
I think Jenkins will be fine there this year. He played well at Center when Myers got hurt his rookie year.
PeteK
May 14, 2025 at 09:50 am
All of that is correct, but they have help on both sides and don't have to deal with the powerful and athletic outside rushers while on an island.
GregC
May 14, 2025 at 10:08 am
We've had this discussion before, and I always say the same thing: If center was the second most important position on the O-line, it would be the second highest paid, not the fifth highest paid.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 10:19 am
It is important, but athletically it’s the least demanding. Hence the discrepancy in large part.
dblbogey
May 14, 2025 at 12:29 pm
Center is considered by GM's the least important OL position. Thus, the lowest paid. We got by with a lousy Center the last 4 years - you can't get by with a lousy tackle.
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 01:08 pm
We didn't really "get by". He was one of the weak links the Ds centered their efforts on. The whole offense suffered. If there's a weak link on the offence it can't be on the line. That in turn makes your QB weak, scared and running for his life.
Tundraboy
May 14, 2025 at 01:51 pm
No we didnt get by. We lost critical games because we didn't control the line of scrimmage when we had to. imho
Oxymoron 3339
May 14, 2025 at 01:48 pm
I played all the line positions and the guards and tackles get the advantage of knowing the snap count. The center losses most of that advantage because he has to snap the ball. So if you are doubling the NT he still gets into you quickly. If Jenkins is excited about the move great and perhaps adding a year or two to his contract wouldn’t be bad but not at his current price tag.
Guam
May 14, 2025 at 07:28 am
Jenkins is right to worry about his contract and playing center for the Packers in 2026. He is scheduled to make $12.8 MM in cash in 2025 with a total cap hit of $17.6. That jumps to $20.0 MM in cash in 2026 with a total cap hit of $24.8 MM.
The average pay for an NFL center is around $12 MM and Creed Humphrey (best center in the NFL) will only be paid $14.5 MM in cash and $18.1 MM total cap hit in 2026.
Jenkins' contract is out of line with typical pay for NFL centers and he will be 31 during the 2026 season. He will be a prime candidate for a cap casualty in 2026, particularly since the Packers rarely offer a third contract to offensive linemen.
The average pay for left guards is around $21 MM, much more in line with Jenkins current contract. Jenkins may not want to play center after all.....
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 07:46 am
I think he'll be fine, but he needs, even if it's lesser money, some of it guaranteed. If nothing is he's for sure not going to get it next season if he can't get it now right when they made the big change and let Myers walk.
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 08:48 am
I think adding two years and a little guaranteed money to his deal might be beneficial to both sides. Cap hits moderate a little bit, makes one of your most consistent and proficient players happy...I'm not terribly concerned about the position change.
It's a bit of a leap of faith, and a 33-year-old center doesn't mean you're playing Methuselah (or Jeff Saturday), but in the end he's not likely--even with an added two years--to see the end of that contract, anyway. It might just be a point of good faith.
Guam
May 14, 2025 at 09:18 am
All valid points Dobber, but the larger issue is the number of young Packer players approaching their second contract during the next couple of years (Watson, Doubs, R. Walker, Tom, Rhyan, Wyatt, Q. Walker, etc.). Can the Packers afford a center who is making significantly more than the average pay for the position? What young player do you give up to keep a 30 something Jenkins?
Jenkins faces three problems : (1) his contract is out of step with his position pay if he plays center, (2) his age and (3) too many young players seeking their second contract. The Packers rarely sign an O-lineman to a third contract and the last time they did so it was a disaster (Bahk). Do you really think the Packers will extend Jenkins or cut him to sign a younger player?
As much as I like Jenkins, the current CBA and hard cap almost prohibit loyalty to a senior player. I think Jenkins, Clark and Alexander are in serious trouble for 2026.
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 09:36 am
"Can the Packers afford a center who is making significantly more than the average pay for the position? What young player do you give up to keep a 30 something Jenkins?"
You've pointed to the biggest issue with a young roster--you're always drafting replacements and letting some NFL-capapble guys go. Living in a Detroit market, we're seeing the Loins going through this now.
The Packers do have a track record of paying OL. It wasn't that long ago that they were paying 4 non-rookie deals on the OL...but your point that the cap is a zero-sum game is an important one. They can pay their OL, but somewhere else on the roster you need to account for that with more rookie or low-veteran deals.
I honestly think that if Jenkins is capable of playing at a higher level at C than what they can buy, he's going to stick for at least a year and probably two. I don't like the idea of churning at C, though, and buying any position on the open market these days is an expensive proposition. It's possible that Monk comes into camp and plays lights out, too.
If they extend Jenkins this season--as a show of faith--with two years left on his deal, that's probably only adding two years...mostly to push cost out in terms of unguaranteed money and lower his cap hit so it's in line with other C for the short term. I think they need to wait until well into camp or early in the season if they do, though.
"As much as I like Jenkins, the current CBA and hard cap almost prohibit loyalty to a senior player."
Agreed. It's can't about loyalty...it's got to be about the convoluted mess of cap, quality of play, and short/long-term roster coherence.
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 09:49 am
Doesn't sound like he'll practice till his deal is redone. I don't think he wants more money or even all that's on his current one. He just wants some of it guaranteed. He probably understands his position better than we do. He just wants to protect himself incase if injury.
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 09:54 am
My guess is that he'd likely be sitting out of camps and maybe even OTAs as an established vet, anyway, so maybe not such a big deal.
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 10:35 am
I sure think that this new lineup needs as much work together as possible or we'll be starting slow again. Of course, that seems like more the norm for the team lately unless they start out with a Bears game.
Guam
May 14, 2025 at 11:07 am
I certainly think Jenkins will stay for 2025 unless a contract dispute just derails his playing for the Packers at all. Any contract discussion has to deal with that 2026 number in a significant way.
I really have my doubts about Monk since he didn't play a single snap last season, but I wonder about Rhyan. They tried him at center briefly last TC and given the presence of Morgan and Belton, I wonder if they wouldn't slide Rhyan to center if they can't get to an agreement with Jenkins.
I really would like to see the CBA modified to incentivize teams to retain senior players who they drafted and have been with the team for the entirety of their careers. Probably never happen but it sure would make the fan in me happy.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 08:48 pm
I hope it's at least 9 O linemen that are so good that they're not only starting caliber but give MLF a difficult job to decide to play who we all know he's going to start.
GregC
May 14, 2025 at 06:37 am
When I heard that Edgerrin Cooper added some weight, the first thing I thought was maybe he's going to play middle linebacker and let Quay Walker move to the outside. That could be the best use of both players' skills.
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 06:58 am
If he's up to 240, do you think that's big enough to play the middle?
GregC
May 14, 2025 at 07:13 am
Yes, I think that's about the usual size of most MLBs nowadays, including Quay Walker, and some are more like 230. The days of huge MLBs (Brain Urlacher was about 260) are gone, as they would be exploited in pass coverage. It's still nice to have a little extra bulk when playing in the middle, though.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 09:19 am
Urlacher could cover at 260. However his type are too rare to plan for. 240-250 seems the approximate range (interquartile) for a modern MLB to me.
LambeauPlain
May 14, 2025 at 11:12 am
Urlacker was an exception at 260...he played a hybrid S/LB in College and ran a 4.57 40. He could thump and cover. Amazing athlete I learned to both respect and despise when tackling the Packers offense.
I would love to see Cooper at Mike. Walker outside at Will or Sam as he's very good rushing the QB when called on.
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 09:03 am
Agreed: Quay, IMO, has been mis-cast in the middle. I think he belongs on the weak side as a chaser. In an even-front nickel (essentially the base defense), there's not a lot of difference between the two LB positions, though, anyway.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 10:17 am
I’d like to see that tried, even if only as a variation initially. We do not have Wilson around now, so there isn’t an incumbent back up at Mike, which probably increases the chances.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 08:51 pm
I'm very surprised they didn't keep #45 for exactly this reason. How little is he playing for now?
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 08:48 pm
Neither is a Mike, if you ask me.
Bearmeat
May 14, 2025 at 06:58 am
I’m very interested in what Hafley said about Oliver perhaps being in an odd front walk up. Combined with his praise of Covington’s “front flexibility.” That tells me that Covington might be looking to incorporate some 3/4 or under fronts, moving LVN to a 4I. While this is a terrible use of a first round pick, perhaps it will service the rest of the defense best. Oliver as the DPR with minimal coverage responsibilities, KC at the 0 and Wyatt and the under position….
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 08:27 am
If Oliver can show enough on STs to be active on game day, I think he'll get some designated pass rusher snaps and a chance to get a foothold if he can make things happen. I like the potential variety he brings to the pass rush. Haven't they dabbled with LVN reducing inside or playing a de facto odd-front DE in pass rushing situations in the past?
Even though they didn't throw a lot of higher end draft capital at the DL/LB positions, it feels like the turnover is about to start.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 08:53 pm
LVN has not been put inside, although they've talked about trying it. I'd like to see it; not as a permanent position change, but to exploit matchups and keep opponents guessing.
LLCHESTY
May 14, 2025 at 07:06 am
Saying it and doing it are two different things but Hafley said the things you want to hear, especially about evolving the D because things that worked last year might not work this year. Also mentioned fitting the scheme to the player rather than the player to the scheme and every year having different players so the scheme has to change with them.
Always enjoy his pressers, listened to them almost every week last year. He gets you excited to watch the D every Sunday. Or Monday, Thursday, Saturday or....
LambeauPlain
May 14, 2025 at 11:21 am
It was music to my ears when Hafley gave his intro presser last year stating his defense will be focused playing individual player strengths to attack the next team's weaknesses. Every week, different tweaks.
This was, finally, a huge change from Barry Ball that forced "the player to the scheme" as you state.
Seeing Walker 10 feet deep in prevent zone looking for his coverage assignment, usually a 4.4 WR streaking through his zone into the open, was maddening...week after week.
Hafley actually sees value playing to his players' strengths. Go figure.
Cheezehead72
May 14, 2025 at 07:22 am
Looking at the data it appears that Cox, Mosby, Wyatt, and Gary had the most success at pressuring the QB last year. They are all considered at the decent level and only Mosby being near the elite level.
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 08:45 am
Even then, Mosby seems to be the guy most likely to be finding a new home in '25.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 09:04 am
Mosby was not effective pressuring the passer, by pressure or sack rates (0.5 sacks). He was surprisingly decent against the run. On a small sample, Cox was the most productive DE per snap in the pass game and also decent versus the run. Gary was the best overall, Van Ness was actually reasonable as a rusher (if you ignore draft status) but horrible against the run.
Enagbare at DE and Brooks at DL were not particularly good at either, but Wooden was the worst DL. All three regressed. Wyatt was by far the best DT per snap in the pass game. The real problem inside apart from Wyatt seldom being fully healthy, was Clark went from 7.5 sacks to one (the same as Slaton on far more snaps) and his pressures were significantly down too.
My hope is that Cox can continue to be effective and that adding the new blood and variations in style allow Hafley to better exploit match ups and also allow others to convert more disruptions into actual QB contact and sacks by adding agility to either get to a QB not go by him or get him when others force him to move.
Cox was able to do both at times. Sorrell I think could too and Oliver just brings a different dimension in threat terms. Brinson hopefully can provide a rotation with Clark that helps Clark and gives us 2 run/penetration capable players. Adding variation should help others improve in my view, not merely improve overall individual talent.
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 09:22 am
It's hard to predict just who sticks on those DL/DE positions this year.
I wasn't a Cox believer prior to the last half of 2024, but I've grudgingly moved to the perspective that his success getting after the passer is something the Packers are relying on in 2025 to help bolster their play on the edge.
Can't keep everyone, and I think--of the edge newcomers--Sorrell has a spot on the 53. If you use 2024 as a guide, that means that Mosby is likely on the outs. Others have pointed to Enagbare--and Sorrell and Enagbare are similar guys--but I don't think Enagbare's a cut. Oliver's draft standing means he's someone who likely doesn't make it to the PS, and will need to push out someone like Hopper or Welch or even a Zayne Anderson as a ST specialist to make it all work.
One of Brinson or Stackhouse immediately slots into Slaton's spot, but I suspect that Colby Wooden--who's had limited snaps and doesn't play a lot on STs--might be the casualty that makes space for the other.
I've always been a proponent of trades rather than cuts, when possible, and it might be that the Packers look at some of the incumbents and ask whether those guys are part of the 2-4 year plan and try to move them before or at final cuts...maybe that's a Wooden or an Enagbare. I think you need to be awfully sure before you deal away NFL caliber guys that you have enough depth.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 10:15 am
The 3 depth DL players that regressed last year aside from LVN were Wooden, Enagbare and Brooks. 2 of those are DL and one a DE. At least one DE will go for Sorrell in all probability. The Oliver spot seems to be a close parallel to that of Mosby, though Mosby was actually pretty good against the run and dropping into coverage. If Oliver can be close to that and add rush, I think Mosby is gone. If not, perhaps there’s an outside chance Mosby hangs on as an extra LB/STer.
Brinson probably takes Wooden’s slot. If Stackhouse makes the roster (and I hope he does rather than try to pretend Brinson is a similar player and miscast him) then it’s between Brooks and Enagbare, I believe, if all are healthy. That will be an interesting web of camp battles. Something has to give somewhere and I think we try to trade at least one for a late or conditional pick or even a swap before September.
crayzpackfan
May 14, 2025 at 11:01 am
Clark regressed more than any of the above while being paid way more.
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 11:28 am
Clarks numbers regressed, but he was still a player the offenses had to account for before they worried about anyone else. Maybe his numbers would have popped if he hadn't played hurt. He was always at his best as a late season contributor and I'd hoped by then his toe was better last season.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 09:28 pm
Injuries don't get better during the season while playing on them full time. You might get used to the painbor more likely it gets drowned out by added pains elsewhere, but a lingering injury has no chance to recover to 100%.
LLCHESTY
May 14, 2025 at 01:22 pm
I think Enagbare might draw a 5th for 6th swap to a team that has a couple injuries. It was a solid and deep Edge class so I doubt he'd bring much more than that. Brook is cheap for two more years so might draw a little more. There might be a team or two out there that liked Wooden and might give up a conditional 7th but the deep DT class hurts him too.
stockholder
May 14, 2025 at 07:37 am
Rich Bisaccia- Missed Opportunities: a feeling of dissatisfaction?
Focusing more on blocking, stops any decline.
Adam Stenovich- Translation?
- Jenkins isn't being self-centered and disrespectful.
Reducing the negative impact of constantly wanting more.
just shows a feeling of dissatisfaction.
No matter how he points to guys being hungry.
He won't be allowed to disrupt the flow of whom started.
Love's communication? He isn't Rodgers. Period!
Jeff Hafley- Just looking for a boost now.
Packers0808
May 14, 2025 at 07:44 am
Have my doubts LVN will be a Packer long haul. Cut bait and admit mistake of such a high selection in draft. Have not seen that said here yet by Packers or a fan. No No for Packers to admit high draft mistakes.
Cheezehead72
May 14, 2025 at 08:13 am
Why cut him? He is on his rookie contract that pays him 17 mil fully guaranteed. This year there is a base salary of $2.33 million, with a cap hit of $4.74 million. It is better to keep him. If he plays at a starter level play him if he does not he is a good back up.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 09:28 am
They won’t cut him. But if he doesn’t improve this year, then they may think about moving him inside (and bulking up) or trading him. The problem with moving him inside is he’s been awful versus the run.
He was not out there on obvious run downs and he was not the first or second choice to rush on obvious passing downs. He needs to improve both or really break out at one or he won’t be getting a second contract or having his option exercised next year.
He at least needs to become a viable run down option to get more snaps and this opportunities to generate pressures. With Oliver and Sorrell plus Cox’s performance late last year, that’s likely a much tougher group to earn snaps in than he faced this time last year.
LambeauPlain
May 14, 2025 at 11:33 am
Covington has quite a room of varying talents to coach up. Sorrell, Oliver and Cox, Jr are truly going to push each other for playing time. And I love it! LVN is coming to a crossroads and I believe Covington will help him greatly. DE is going to be fun to watch in camp.
I was not too impressed with Ribrovich as a replacement for Mike Smith, after Smith left Joe Barry for the Ugly Purple. Jerry Gray also left Barry Ball, disgusted in the passive D scheme.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 10:43 pm
You may be right in your predictions, I'm content to let the competition play out and I hope to be able to make it to TC for several days. I wish I could trust that the coaching staff will develop everyone as much as possible, create honest competition, and evaluate talent skillfully. I think that'll be a huge variable in the success of this season. Of course I'm hoping to be blown away by how well staff does ... our roster may not be as talented as the Eagle's but it's clearly more talented than last year's GB team. I still think rookies taking on starting roles is pretty hit or miss, especially early in the season. Should be fun!
GPG!
LLCHESTY
May 14, 2025 at 01:24 pm
LVN was better vs the run as a rookie. He might have been too focused on generating pass rush last year.
Packers0808
May 14, 2025 at 10:29 am
Where did I say cut him now? Was referencing at end of rookie contract. Take note in what I said, LONG HAUL.
Cheezehead72
May 14, 2025 at 11:20 am
Sorry you said cut bait and admit to a mistakes and nothing about after his contract. I read that as get rid of him now.
Packers0808
May 14, 2025 at 11:46 am
What does long haul mean to you?
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 10:46 pm
Me too
T7Steve
May 14, 2025 at 08:30 am
He's a youngster with allot of football ahead of him. There's no reason even to think of him as a bust. He's just coming into his own and I believe will surprise you this season. Keeping all the D-line fresh all season is not an easy task and won't be helped by giving up on anyone they've drafted. It's not an "admit" thing.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 10:49 pm
Exactly. Although this is pretty much a "prove it" year for LVN. If he plays like the Luke Ness MONSTER we hoped he'd be when drafted, it's still promising for a long and lucrative career. If not, he'll probably play out his rookie contract in GB, then get shipped off somewhere else at a mid-tier level player; snaps, pay, and opportunities.
Of course I'm hoping for the best ...
dobber
May 14, 2025 at 08:42 am
They'll have to start thinking about LVN's fifth year option before long. He needs to be more of a playmaker this season. Every team needs play-hard DE who can set edges and generate some pressure--so I think LVN will play a while in the league--but doing it at a 5th year option level is different.
Leatherhead
May 14, 2025 at 08:59 am
He's off to a better start than Aaron Kampman and some others. He's 23. Three systems, three different OCs in the last three years.
I guarantee you that he's a stronger, smarter, better player than he was when he was drafted.
Coldworld
May 14, 2025 at 09:48 am
Kampman was a 5th round developmental pick who
Played a limited role for his first two years. He didn’t really start to break out till his 4th year and truly do so till year 5. He was in cheap contracts till his 6.5 sack year in 2005, his 4th in the league. After that his contracts took off as did his production till the change in defensive front 4 years later. Hardly the same proposition.
Leatherhead
May 14, 2025 at 11:54 am
The POINT is that these 21 year old defensive ends need some time to develop,whether they're taken in the first round or Day 3. They aren't mature physically yet, at least not as mature as the 27 year old OT they're going against.
LLCHESTY
May 14, 2025 at 01:27 pm
Will McDonald must be really physically mature for his age. Hard to.make excuses when the guy taken two picks later with the Packers original pick has twice as many sacks. Two 3rd round Edge picks from that year have twice as many sacks also. I guess they grew up quick.
WestCoastPackerBacker
May 14, 2025 at 02:20 pm
Van Ness was known to not be ready for prime time coming into league. He needed development. Yet he posted a promising 4 sacks as a rookie playing limited snaps behind Preston and Rashan. His second year he did not produce as much. But then all of the pass rushers had a down year. This includes Gary, Clark, Brooks and Smith fared so poorly he asked to be traded. And then they fired the defensive line coach and brought in a new guy. Maybe this isn’t all LVN’s fault. Why not give him another year in this new scheme with a new defensive line coach who can hopefully unleash his athleticism for a productive season.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 10:51 pm
Also his pec injury, I'm sure he was never at full strength after that last season.
HarryHodag
May 14, 2025 at 09:13 am
Only two months until training camp opens and they begin real football.
Here's an unlikely, but curious, thought. The Packers have an abundance of tackles. Looking to 2026...
Jenkins is let go rather than sign a new contract. Tom moves to center. Rasheed Walker(too large of a market value to resign) leaves replaced by Belton. Morgan moves to right tackle.
2026: Belton, Banks, Tom, Rhyan(resigned) Morgan.
All a mind game at this point. The Packers will be tight to the salary cap next year.
WestCoastPackerBacker
May 14, 2025 at 02:25 pm
All possible. We are so used to having Packers play right and left tackles that have been long tenured with the team. But if Morgan and Belton can play those spots well enough to protect Jordan and open some holes in the run game, it could happen.
barutanseijin
May 14, 2025 at 03:48 pm
Ugh. The “Move Tom to Center” chorus begins anew.
It makes no sense to move the best tackle to center, and Tom
is unlikely to be happy getting center pay. Fuggidaboutit.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 10:54 pm
Yup, but I think it's more likely that they keep Tom at RT and bring in someone else at C; be that Monk, someone else already on the roster who's a capable C? Those are the most likely options I think, at least early 26 season. For someone not in the building now to take over even mid-season would be difficult. Experience counts!
NFLfan
May 14, 2025 at 09:13 am
Love likely has difficulty critiquing his receivers because he has not been performing at top level either.
Rodgers threw accurate balls and thus had more authority to hold receivers to his level.
13TimeChamps
May 14, 2025 at 09:37 am
I know it's hard for you to accept, but Aaron Rodgers doesn't play here anymore.
NFLfan
May 14, 2025 at 09:16 am
Morgan, Belton, Hopper, Lloyd, Golden, Williams are unknown 'quantities'-best not to over-project their contributions yet. Reside in reality which will unfold soon enough.
LambeauPlain
May 14, 2025 at 11:47 am
Asking Jordan Love to be someone he is not rarely works. And my belief is in praising publicly and reprimanding privately.
The one of the best Packer examples is when Lombardi chewed out Starr during a team meeting for a mistake he made on a play. After the meeting he met with Lombardi privately and chewed HIM out! Bart asked Vince how he could except him to lead the team when embarrassing him in front of them...so don't ever do it again! Lombardi apologized and never did it again.
Jordan Love's demeanor is not like Rodgers, nor Favre...I do see similarities to Starr. Let Jordan be Jordan.
Tundraboy
May 14, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Great thoughts as always this week , but Death Stare. That was perfect , lmao.
Tundraboy
May 14, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Re: Cooper. I will gladly settle for whatever it is that he did last year for this defense. Cant wait for the season to get here!!
SicSemperTyrannis
May 15, 2025 at 10:56 pm
I expect Cooper to continue to improve ...
Major Snafu
May 14, 2025 at 03:43 pm
thanks Al. Looks like a tough challenging season. Could be feast or famine I see no easy wins here
Dragon5
May 14, 2025 at 04:06 pm
Understand Love for what he metaphysically is: a 4 life path Earth Tiger Scorpio...
born on the 2nd, diplomacy should be no stranger
hard worker that loves to battle
craves structure / order / accountability
he is not, nor will be, a brash, arrogant leader
he will lead in subtle fashion with his body of work doing the talking
Decision-making and improved accuracy proliferating Ws, particularly in clutch moments is all I care to see. He is paid a top QB rate; let's see it on the field, consistently.