Cory's Corner: All Thanks To Brian Gutekunst

You've probably heard it ad nauseam all day: "We've got a defense," said Aaron Rodgers after the Packers upset the Bears 10-3 in the season opener in Chicago on Thursday night.

Rodgers is probably the happiest person in the state of Wisconsin right about now. That win validated to him that he doesn't have to throw for 270 yards and three scores in order for the Packers to win. The best defense on the field was supposed to be Chicago with Khalil Mack as the best player on that side of the ball. Green Bay allowed just 46 yards on the ground and halted Chicago to just 3-for-15 on third down. That unit also made Mitchell Trubisky, the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, look like a high school sophomore. After the game, Trubisky was befuddled, confused and clearly overmatched.

The person to thank is general manager Brian Gutekunst. Remember when everyone was upset when the Packers didn't land Mack via trade a year ago? This past offseason, he upgraded at each level of the defense by signing free agents Adrian Amos, Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith as well as drafting Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage. Personally, I would rather have those five guys wreaking havoc on opposing offenses as opposed to just Mack trying to do everything himself.

Gutekunst had a plan. He knew that the defense needed a shot in the arm. That's why Nick Perry and Clay Matthews are no longer in Green Bay. That unit needed to get faster and more athletic and the first thing that had to happen, was he needed to cut the fat. Perry couldn't stay on the field and Matthews hasn't been a dynamic player for several years.

Then Gutey brings in the Smiths. Many were skeptical because Za'Darius only started 16 games in four seasons in Baltimore and Preston averaged 6.1 sacks as a regular starter with Washington the last four years.
Yet, both looked amazing in their Green Bay debuts. Preston played 99 percent of the defensive snaps, while Za'Darius played 92. Jaire Alexander and Tramon Williams were the only ones that played more -- all 73 of the defensive snaps. The Smiths had three quarterback hits apiece. Za'Darius had the penultimate hit on third-and-8 and Preston followed suit the very next play with a sack to ice the game with 1:09 left.

Then there was Amos. There was numerous chatter in the offseason comparing Amos and former Packers safetyand now Bears safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Both played well, I was shocked that Clinton-Dix tallied five solo tackles. He had five or more solo tackles seven times last year, but only did it once as a member of the Packers. Amos looked the part of the veteran safety. And with the Bears on the Green Bay 16, Amos read Trubisky perfectly and picked off a pass intended for top target Allen Robinson.

How good is this defense? It's hard to tell after just one game, but Gutekunst gets a passing grade on his free agent additions. That side of the ball was sorely lacking in juice and the Smiths and Amos have stepped up in a big way.

Obviously, the offense is a completely different deal. That's going to take until Week 3 before Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers have all of the wrinkles ironed out. That's why the defense had to come out of the gate strong.
Remember how the offense was always used to winning games and propping up the defense? Right now, that is other way around. The defense is going cause plenty of problems and will win at least another game for this team.

 

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__________________________

Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

__________________________

5 points
 

Comments (74)

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

September 07, 2019 at 06:36 am

Not everyone was upset when the Packers didn't trade for Mack! For sure one game does not define the entire season but it was a refreshing change to see the defense set the tempo of the game. And in a battle of both defenses, the Packers come out on top. If the defense was this good in game one just imagine how good they will be if they all remain healthy and improve. On to the next game. Savor the win, but prepare for the next game. Never under estimate the next opponent.

9 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

September 07, 2019 at 06:44 am

I was disappointed until I thought about the price tag. Not just the cap space, but the draft capital. One season-ending injury to Mack and that whole deal looks foolish. Even with him playing the holes of losing the top end of a draft class is going to start showing up.

8 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:20 am

Macks contract the next few seasons

2019... $11.5 million
2020...$26.6 million
2021...$26.6 million
2022...$27.1 million (at 32 years old and still with $12 million in dead cap money)

The Packers, on the other hand, are paying BOTH Za'Darius Smith & Adrian Amos about the same in 2020 as the Bears are paying Mack OR paying BOTH Preston Smith & Amos LESS than the Bears are paying Mack.

Like Mark when you consider the money Mack received AND all those draft choices they gave up it was just too much. Plus you KNOW trading all that draft capital will come back and bite the Bears. In the Salary Cap era, NFL teams HAVE to have those high early-round picks to supplement the roster. Between trading up for Trubisky and trading for Mack the Bears gave up two 1sts, three 3rds, one 4th and one 6th. Now the Bears get back a 2nd and a conditional 5th from the Raiders next year but that's still way too much when you consider the money too.

12 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:46 am

The Bears were in a different position since they weren’t paying an elite QB contract and had a lot of good talent that Mack improved. That said, the price was still to high.

Either they pay Trubisky or they are back on the QB hunt and develop train through Mack’s contract. Moreover, those around him are going to be in demand: holding onto them becomes harder to envisage. Meanwhile their ability to retool affordably through the draft took a big hit.

The Packers did not need one player in D, however good, they needed a P Smith and a Z Smith type and an influx of additional talent while retaining Clark and paying Rodgers. Having Mack would be great, but in the real world, for the Packers, ultimately self defeating. The jury is out even in Chicago as to whether he will lead them to the promised land or, with hindsight simply made them a better team but capping their upside.

3 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:48 am

Your right in that I like what they have now. If Gary develops they can wreck total havoc with 4 guys.

We just didn't know BG would be able to pull off Amos, and the Smiths. And there is no doubt that Mack is a sure thing.

3 points
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Rak43's picture

September 07, 2019 at 10:04 am

I never wanted Mack JJ, I knew from the beginning the price tag would be too high. Two first rounders, on top of that huge new contract for Mack, no thanks. I don't think any defensive player outside of Aaron Donald and possibly still JJ Watt are worth that kind of money. Donald and Watt are the only two defensive players that can dominate a game regularly like a QB.
Players like Mack and Fletcher Cox can be dominant in small stretches. But not every single game like Donald or Watt at his best. Once FA started Preston , Za'Darius Smith and Amos were on my top 7, Veteran FA wish list along with Shaq Barrett, Anthony Barr, Earl Thomas, and Markus Golden. Must admit I never knew about Billy Turner and had never even heard of him. I was super elated however when Gute brought in 3 of the top 7 FA I had on my wish list, I would've been happy with 1 or 2 but all 3 was the move and much better and smarter than giving up so much for Mack.

6 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 07, 2019 at 11:46 am

It seams better now that's for sure. The Smiths and Amos just seam like low bust factor guys.

Here's to it staying that way. I like beating the Bears.

2 points
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Guam's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:54 am

Another article noted that the Bears are already over their 2020 cap with their existing players/contracts (mostly due to the Mack contract) and that is without adding in their 2020 draft choices. And their Bears will have to pay Trubisky in 2021 so their problems won't end after 2020.

The Bears are going to lose a number of quality players over the next two years because they simply don't have the cap space to keep them. They have to win it this year.

Packers 10, Bears 3

Go Pack Go!

5 points
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dobber's picture

September 07, 2019 at 10:02 am

" And their Bears will have to pay Trubisky in 2021 so their problems won't end after 2020."

Maybe they'll choose not to...

3 points
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Guam's picture

September 07, 2019 at 11:08 am

Fair point Dobber, but unless Trubisky absolutely craters, I suspect they will keep him versus searching for another QB. The Bears have a long history of poor QB play and know how painful that can be. If Trubisky is adequate, they won't dump him.

2 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 07, 2019 at 11:48 am

If Trubisky crators they will have to pay someone else anyways.

The best case scenario might be that he is middling, and they will have no choice but to overpay.

1 points
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murf7777's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:06 am

Hard to say how that’s gonna work out in the end as you know Gutey also wanted Mack. More importantly is the Vikings and the Bears according to Over the cap in 2020 the Vikings have a -5,000,000 in the Bears have 1 million in Space. While the Packers have 17 million. It’s only one game but I like where were heading. Now let’s see what they do to the Vikings next week. If we can win next week we are looking good in our division, but our year end schedule is mostly away games and will ultimately decide our fate. I really like our chances if our defense can keep us in the games early on as our offense continues to have time to work together with our new offensive schemes. 6-2 start would be a great start and help us propel to a 10+ Win season which is what I predicted pre season and bet through Vegas. So, my money is where my mouth is!

0 points
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The_Justicar's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:18 am

Agree. And packers were not in same boat defensively as the bears when they traded for Mack. Bears already had a stout defense at all 3 levels and Mack was huge boost to an already tough unit. Adding just Mack to the packers would not have been enough to make that unit elite. Needed additional bodies at all 3 levels. Which we would not have been able,to afford in cap space or draft position if we traded for Mack.

7 points
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Freezn's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:56 am

I believe that the packers defense will be a more rounded defense that will be able to come after the quarterback from a lot of positions. Quarterbacks will have to have their head on a swivel as they will not know where the pressure will be coming from

3 points
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Minniman's picture

September 07, 2019 at 01:10 pm

I think that the Packers have\are following the Philly roster building playbook from 2 years ago - build the depth over individual brilliance. Mitigate the single "abject liability player" from the rotation that opponents can pick on and get some respite from. Build pressure and the mistakes will come.

2 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 08, 2019 at 09:09 am

PAP,
I was never upset about not getting Mack. The price tag was too much. What I would have been upset about would have been if Gutey didnt have a plan on how to improve the defense if it didnt include Mack. The fact Gutey did have a plan and acted on it obviously has been the best of all worlds.

1 points
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GB Jacker's picture

September 07, 2019 at 06:35 am

There was a lot of heat from some people on here when MLF and BG got hired. Early signs are very positive though and if all three of the defensive free-agents keep close to the level of play from Thursday night then Gutey hit it out the park. Also thought Savage and Jaire look like phenomenal mid-late 1st round selections, and what a luxury to have Gary able to take his time developing behind the Smith bros.

This team has been completely rebuilt and I think 10+ wins is likely.

Texans must be gutted that they could have had BG and ended up with BB as their GM.

2 points
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GB Jacker's picture

September 07, 2019 at 06:37 am

The best sides in the NFL tend to be stacked on both lines, have an above average QB play and quality in the secondary. All boxes checked for this team.

3 points
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Freezn's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:50 am

This is going to be a fun ride as I said during training camp our defense and Mike Pettine will be running over offensive lines and Quarterbacks. We finally have speed and talent on this years defense. Aron and the offense will get it going and the packers will be a scary team to play.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 07, 2019 at 12:27 pm

Early returns on Gute look very positive.
Early returns on Mike Pettine look very positive.

Early returns on LaFleur don't look positive. That actually seems inarguable, except to say that it is much too early to judge.

All subject to change.

-1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 07, 2019 at 01:38 pm

Well, it was the worst offensive first quarter for the Packers in 25 years. That's historically bad.

2 points
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Fastenerpuller's picture

September 08, 2019 at 01:28 am

Now keep in mind that MLF is not the offensive coordinator, he’s the HC. In my mind, he is responsible for this win as well. Even if the offense doesn’t look together yet, we should give him some credit for getting this roster to gel. There are so many new people in systems in GB that this very easily could have looked way worse.

Gutey for president.

1 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 07, 2019 at 01:42 pm

GB may be the perfect fit for Gary. That doesn't guarantee success, but he's in a situation where he's got everything working for him to achieve his potential.

3 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

September 07, 2019 at 06:36 am

I think it is going to take more than three games to iron out this offense. The Packers will see a progression of QBs as they move on from Trubisky to Cousins/Flacco to Wentz to Prescott (on the road). The good news is that most of those games will be in Lambeau. Hopefully they will keep rising to the occasion.

6 points
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4thand1's picture

September 07, 2019 at 06:50 am

3 weeks seems to be the timeline for a team to gel. I see this team getting better each and every week, and hopefully peaking in December. There are new sheriffs in town and this is a hole different culture and attitude.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:47 am

With s new coach and system? 3 months would be closer.

2 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:50 am

That's a whole season almost.

I'm gald they are front loaded on home games. I expect Rodgers to be rolling on or about game 4.

6 points
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4thand1's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:56 am

Ok coldworld, lets add up ota's , mini camps, and training camp. They've been preparing for longer than 3 months.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 08, 2019 at 08:34 am

No, let’s not pretend that those equate to real action. Those are about roster evaluations and learning the base system, not about playing together, which the O never did once in a preseason game.

0 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 07, 2019 at 01:47 pm

Agreed. I expect 3 steps forward, 2 steps back until week 12 or so

0 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 07, 2019 at 01:49 pm

But i expect better results. That was the most difficult game of the year for the offense... First real game, new system, bears defense. Every game from now on will be easier than that.

4 points
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murf7777's picture

September 08, 2019 at 10:31 am

I would say, week 8 or 9, but you might be right with 3 months. As long as the D is top 5 or 10 we still should make the playoffs and by that time the O will gel together and make a run for the SB.....nice story, eh?

0 points
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CoachJV's picture

September 07, 2019 at 06:54 am

Can you imagine the confidence that our D has after holding the division champs to 3 points??? Imagine....

How intense will our D be next week when the Queens come to town???

I wouldn't want to be Cousins... and Zimmer has a nightmare on his hands...

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:09 am

Zimmer will have the TEs heavily involved in his scheme with Kubiak calling the shots. Stop their running game and double Thielen. The Pack has the safety play now to neutralize Rudolph and Irv Jr.

2 points
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Lare's picture

September 07, 2019 at 10:13 am

Zimmer has the benefit of having one week's worth of game tape to study for both the Packers offensive and defensive schemes with the current personnel. He'll have his team as prepared as they can be.

1 points
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murf7777's picture

September 07, 2019 at 12:01 pm

True Zimmer will be ready but I would have to say we saw only a little bit of the playbook on O. In addition, we will be home with another week of practice. I love the two TE sets and Jimmy G looked good stretching the field and using his body on the TD.

0 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 07, 2019 at 01:52 pm

Good thing GB saved all the plays that work for week 2

0 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:04 am

The beauty of it all is the youth of the D. First-round choices Clark, Jaire, King, and Savage who all look like Pro Bowlers already are babies. The two Smiths and Amos are still young. The depth is young; Gary and Keke and M. Adams. These guys will learn together and only get better. It's exciting to think that if Rodgers and LaFleur figure out the offense this could be one powerful team for years to come. Good on Gute.

8 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 07, 2019 at 12:32 pm

Agreed. Nothing like actually hitting on some first-round picks, and probably the 2nd-rounder as well.

1 points
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Mark Gaedtke's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:11 am

I think we need to temper our enthusiasm. I am thrilled at our first win, going into an extremely tough venue and taking charge against the defending division champs. Let's savor this one but remember Minnesota offers its own set of challenges. Hopefully our defense can continue to carry the load until the offense gets going. If we can be patient I believe in time, once MLF's offense really kicks in, we will be able to beat anybody. . .

13 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:39 am

The D isn't going to average three points a game. But they look like they can average 20. If they do and Rodgers/MLF do their part this will be a very good team.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:55 am

If our O is no better this year than last ( which I doubt given time), this defense is significantly better equipped to challenge better offensive teams. How much so remains to be seen and progress may be uneven.

For too long the Packers were a sieve against which any moderate passer had time galore to pick holes. That is not likely to be so. We made bad QBs look good and good ones look great. It remains to be seen how well our D can do against an elite O, but I think the days of elevating average QBs reputation are past.

With that cones more opportunities for defensive snaps and better field position. Add in even average Special Teams and even last years O would have been better. That is a foundational base for returning to being a real contender.

5 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:34 am

"Clinton-Dix tallied five solo tackles. He had five or more solo tackles seven times last year, but only did it once as a member of the Packers."

That's because he was loafing when he was here. He just didn't think he had to put in the effort tackling if he had some ints. Thank God BG doesn't play that game. If we had TT HaHa would probably still be here.

6 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 07, 2019 at 12:56 pm

Can't wait to see him when they play in GB. If he makes it that far.

1 points
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murf7777's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:52 am

Gutey gets it......defense wins championships. Yesterday Cowherd Stated it perfectly. He said two years ago in the SB Brady threw for 500 yards and lost last year he played a substandard game in the Super Bowl and won. Which do you think Brady liked the most? Brady is great but mostly because he’s had a top 10 defense year in and year out. Now give Aaron Rodgers a top 10 defense and you will see him back in the Super Bowl occasionally. The last time the Packers had a top 10 defense they beat the Bears 10 to 3 and won the Super Bowl.Hail Gutey for sticking his neck out and bringing in some defense to the packers. Let’s give some love to Murphy for hiring Gutey.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:14 am

Murphy wanted low Ball in there. When Gutekunst went to Houston, Murphy was in panic mode after MM laid a broadside into the Russ Ball discussion. He's very lucky the Texans didn't get to BG sooner. All is well in Packertown for another week.

1 points
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murf7777's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:21 am

A lot of assumptions there....success and failures for all types of companies start from the top. Not easy making decisions that owners and presidents of companies have to do day in and day out. The Packers over the past 25 years have been highly successful company and much of the credit goes to the people that have run it over that time. Sure you can make an argument that they’ve had some of the better quarterback’s but keep in mind those are the people who hired the people who drafted or traded for those quarterbacks.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

September 07, 2019 at 12:14 pm

Not as many as you think. Gute confirmed for Jason Wilde on the air the events of his hiring. What is not known is the input from Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson. Neither have spoken on the record about the events of Gutes hiring. Retired Packers President Bob Harlan has spoken on the record about the night. So there is a picture which is pretty complete on the Packer side. Short view. Packers Board of Directors ordered Murphy to hire Gute. When the Board was tipped off that Murphy made no move. The Board overruled the current President Mark Murphy and made an offer to Gute at the airport, and the rest is history. The one question that everybody at 1265 refuses to answer on the record, is why Murphy let the most important position in the Packer front office vacant for three years, before the board forced BG hiring. Given what we know, I suspect it is not one of the prouder moments in Packer history.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 08, 2019 at 09:18 am

Flack,
Very interesting! Didnt know this but not surprised one bit. Thanks!

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 08, 2019 at 09:19 am

Flack,
Very interesting! Didnt know this but not surprised one bit. Thanks!

0 points
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Houndog's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:11 pm

I'm sorry, but I need to argue with you just a little bit Murf.
Up until his retirement in 2008 Bob Harlan was the guy that brought the Packers back to life by first hiring Ron Wolf and then later Ted Thompson, the man who hired Mike McCarthy. All of them are now gone.
Thompson did a good job early on by drafting Rodgers and signing Woodson (and some of the others) and won us the Superbowl in 2010 despite doing nothing to help the defense as so many fell to injuries. His drafts were often questionable and sometimes disastrous and his attitude on Free Agency has been well documented. Since that Superbowl the team has seen a steady decline.
Through that spell from 2011 through last year Mark Murphy sat back and did absolutely nothing to correct anything, until (I believe the Board of Directors and) the fans had had enough.
So NO! It's not the last 25 years of management, there's a 9-10 year window there when the front office (led by Murphy) just plain sucked.
I love the job Gutey has done this far, and I hope LaFleur succeeds. Go Pack

-1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 08, 2019 at 09:20 am

HD,
One hundred percent in agreement! Great post!

-1 points
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EricinGB's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:56 am

Packers-Bears opening: what a great notice to all players in the league that the Packers are on an upward path. With a great new positive culture on display. This should open the door for free agents to want to come to Green Bay...or for players to resign with Green Bay. Would love to see Rodgers renegotiate his contract (think Brady) to make more cap room available to resign core players next year. Winning and a team first culture perpetuates winning and creates opportunities for greater income outside of NFL contracts. Players see themselves as brands to be marketed...nothing markets be better than a wining brand...way to go Green Bay.

-1 points
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murf7777's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:14 am

Don’t hold your breath on Rogers changing his contract. I cannot think of another quarterback that has done what Brady has done contract wise. That being said if Rodgers plays to the standard he has set The money won’t be a problem as his contract continues to be less money than what others are paying quarterbacks right now. Even the Cowboys will be paying more for their QB When they sign Dak for another term. Contracts for Dak, Zeke and Cooper oh my It’s going to hurt Dallas’s defense in the long run. No Super Bowl for Jerry’s world:)

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:18 am

They will be paying Brady's contract well after he retires.

3 points
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murf7777's picture

September 07, 2019 at 11:50 am

That’s true but he still played at a discounted rate based on performance.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

September 07, 2019 at 12:22 pm

And it will still be cheap at the price when he retires. But Brady is treated like a member of the family, unheard of in today's modern sports.

0 points
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Lphill's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:18 am

I am excited as the next guy but we all knew the Bears offense was not the best we will face, so although a positive victory there is not much to say about the Packers offense right now except work in progress . Let’s see after at least 3 games how the offense is coming along .

0 points
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UnculturedBarbarian's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:22 am

I wasn't one of the people who was clamoring for them to sign Mack. When Bill Micheals was throwing his temper tantrum last season, I posted on his stream that they wouldn't be able to pay both Rodgers and Mack, and they had holes they had to fill on both sides of the ball. I'm cautiously optimistic that this defense will surprise some people.
.
Last season, you could see what Pettine was trying to do, but the defense was riddled with injuries, poor performers, and bad attitudes. They changed that around and it seems to be working. It's all a work in progress, but I liked what I saw.

4 points
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Cubbygold's picture

September 07, 2019 at 02:00 pm

For sure. The defense had some bad luck but there were signs of improvement. Between the matthews bs penalties early on, the injuries, trading away a below average saftey to start a dumpster fire of a saftey and the complete lack of depth elsewhere... Their performance was understandable. I couldn't believe people wouldnt want pettine back

3 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

September 07, 2019 at 08:23 am

We all know Rodgers plays with a chip on his shoulder. As happy as he is to ha e a defense he also hates getting carried. I can't help but wonder if being carried to a win instead of doing the carrying will push Rodgers to play better.

6 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 08, 2019 at 09:24 am

Jonathan,
That is an interesting twist but I think true! Makes total sense. Rodgers has always been the man and likely will want to retain being the face of the organization.

0 points
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Spock's picture

September 07, 2019 at 11:14 am

Jonathan, Thanks for the link.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 07, 2019 at 07:30 pm

Great article, and the links in the article are great, too. And of course, I agree with the general premise so that’s a bonus.

1 points
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4thand1's picture

September 07, 2019 at 09:52 am

Spending money on a franchise QB.
Spending money and signing FA's.
A defensive beat down of the bearsstillsuck on opening day in their house.
PRICELESS!!!!!!!

4 points
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Samson's picture

September 07, 2019 at 10:17 am

Gute's abilities & aggressiveness have put the Pack in an ideal situation for season 2019. He's hasn't been afraid to use absolutely all the avenues to better the entire 53. Finally, the dreaded "D&D" of the past has been relegated to its proper place in roster building. -- No more waiting to watch a draft pick fizzle out of the NFL after 3 inept years as a Packer.

The "D" will have to carry the Pack to their next 3 home game victories. ... The "O" will slowly but surely improve with MLF & AR leading the way.

4 points
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michaelturi's picture

September 07, 2019 at 10:33 am

I am very glad for a win. The defense was amazing. However, the offense struggled. I'll give a offense a few weeks to get it together, but the play calling was awful as was the execution.

-4 points
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murf7777's picture

September 07, 2019 at 11:54 am

You should try calling plays against the Bears and see how that works out. Not after the play but before. Teams averaged below 20 points last year. They made quite a few coordinators look bad! In addition as the team Works together longer some of those places will work better.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 08, 2019 at 08:50 am

It is easy to underestimate the Bears’ effectiveness on D. They really are very hard to run and pass on and, as you point out Murf, that has been shown over a period and against multiple teams.

Does that mean our offense looked effective? No. But it was effective enough because we had a D. That’s the difference here. If a team manages to get a couple of scores up on the Bears, then they have a real problem because their O is one RB, one scar back and one vet receiver martialed by Trubisky. Remember their field goal drive started well inside Packers territory. That’s why they needed Mack so badly.

A small improvement in consistency and coordination might have yielded that second score. Even with a conservative game plan, it’s clear that there is a lot of room for improvement from things that can be expected from regular game action. Unseen offensive wizardry or development, if it occurs, will be a bonus.

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stockholder's picture

September 07, 2019 at 11:50 am

It was All aboard the Gute train. After a year of changes. It's All Thanks be To Brian Gutekurst? Ok, Thanks be to Gute for bringing in the fantastic four, per this year's Free Agent class. But your getting confused with Mack. And while his first draft gave us Alexander. I still wouldn't call it overwhelming. Considering the holes he has filled, I can see some Praise. But The praise can't be short lived. Clarke must be resigned. LeFleur must keep winning. And back-up Qb to grow. The priorities should be simple. And whatever is left is in Le Bag.

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Samson's picture

September 07, 2019 at 03:30 pm

Most fans are just happy that Gute appears capable & is making the effort.... I doubt anyone expects the Pack to be in the next 5 SBs or have another 60's run.

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Since'61's picture

September 07, 2019 at 12:09 pm

I had posted prior to the game that the Packers defense would hold down the Bears offense but I never expected it would be down to only 3 points.

The Vikings have better offensive weapons than the Bears but their QB is not as mobile as 2bitsky. Stop the run game and pressure Cousins and we should be fine again.

On offense our guards need to be better. Every DC in the league is going to send their pressure at the interior of our OL until our guards prove they can protect Rodgers. If not we’re going to see Rodgers running for his life and taking numerous hits. Also without effective play from our guards we’ll won’t get the ground game going which is key to enabling MLFs offense to succeed.

We’re long past Lang and Sutton and it shows. Hopefully we’ll see improvement from our guards by our next game.

As for the defense I’m confident that Pettine with 10 days to prepare will have an effective game plan for the Viqueens. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61

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PackfanNY's picture

September 08, 2019 at 05:12 pm

Excited as I am heading up to GB for the game with Barney’s team. Actually, going to spend Thursday in Chicago and drive on Friday to GB. Make the trip every year usually from Milwaukee but bigger plans this year. Can’t wait.
Need to continue to play good defense as I think Cousins with some pressure will turn it over. Must slow down Dalvin Cook. He can be a problem. Looking for some steady improvement from the offense as they have a couple of extra days to game plan. Go Pack!

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