Cory's Corner: Green Bay's Wideouts Are Better Than Many Think

Don't mistake unproven for pedestrian, because Green Bay's wideouts are anything but that. 

The national media has loved to have fun with the Packers wideouts ever since Davante Adams left.

More and more people have taken shots at Green Bay’s receiving group. The Packers are asking Sammy Watkins to have over 50 receptions for the first time since 2019. They are asking Randall Cobb to maintain his career 69.9 catch percentage. They are asking Allen Lazard to have a breakthrough season with 70 catches in his fifth pro season. They are asking Christian Watson to understand NFL concepts and pro speed while playing alongside a perfectionist at quarterback. 

All those things are true. Which is why ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote, “This might be the worst group of receivers.”

Now come on Barnwell. When was the last time an Aaron Rodgers’ team was pegged with the unfortunate moniker of worst group of receivers? In Rodgers’ first year starting in 2008, Greg Jennings (1,292) and Donald Driver (1,012) both topped 1,000 yards. That trend continued until it was broken in 2010 when Jennings was the only 1,000-yard receiver. And the reason that happened was because James Jones and Jordy Nelson started a combined seven games. 

In 2011, Nelson (1,263) was the only 1,000-yard receiver, with Jennings missing it by 51 yards. That 15-1 team scored 35 points a game, with 38 of Green Bay’s 51 touchdown receptions coming thanks to the wide receivers. 

The next time two Packers receivers notched 1,000 yards in the same season was 2014 with Nelson (1,519) and Cobb (1,287). The 2015 team might be Rodgers’ worst collection of wideouts because nobody notched 1,000 yards and Jones (50.5) and Adams (53.2) had miserable catch percentages.

Last year, Adams racked up 1,553 receiving yards — that’s 50.3 percent of all receiving yards by wide receivers. And his 11 receiving touchdowns were 40.7 percent of all receiving touchdowns by wideouts. 

Those are Paul Bunyan-sized shoes to fill. And yes, I get the argument that this Packers group of wide receivers is unproven. But that doesn’t make them the worst band of receivers in the league. 

I mean, the Bears are trotting out Byron Pringle, Darnell Mooney and Velus Jones, Jr. The Falcons have Bryan Edwards, rookie Drake London and Olamide Zaccheaus. Those are just two examples and Green Bay’s wide receiver room is much better than both of those. 

But the main reason the wide receivers will be better than many people think won’t be because of the wide receiver’s athletic ability or Rodgers’ slinging the ball all over the place. Nope, the reason this group will succeed is because of the Packers running game. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon will cause so many problems up front that the unproven receivers won’t have a choice but to win one-on-one matchups.

On the surface, the wide receivers may look scary now, but give it time. The running game is going to carry this offense and don’t forget about the added sprinkle of play-action that tends to give wideouts even more space.

Just as a side view mirror says, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear,” so also, the Packers wideouts aren’t nearly as wretched as many people think. 
 

 

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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

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7 points
 

Comments (54)

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

July 23, 2022 at 06:37 am

I think the real determiner is going to be the success (or not) of the offensive line.

If this year's line blocks well for both the run and the pass, these WRs will have plenty of big plays. The AJs will keep defenses honest, Aaron Rodgers wants to win a Super Bowl AND prove he's great without Davante Adams, and Matt LaFleur wants to prove he can get this team to the Super Bowl.

I think Christian Watson could lead the league in YPC, like MVS did, and the rest of the WRs will keep the chains moving. If Romeo Doubs comes along, this passing offense will surpass last year's.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 23, 2022 at 07:01 am

Call me a homie!

In my opinion the Packers OL will be significantly stronger than last year. 2nd year for Nijman (terms of playing time), Royce, and Myers in 2nd year. A 3rd year for Runyan Jr. Now throw in Bachtiari and Jenkins return and stud newcomer in Sean Ryhan.

The TE position will be stronger with a healthy Tonyan. J. Deguaria knee is 100% going into year 3 and he has more experience. How about Tyler Davis? Certainly better depth.

RB' should be as good or better than last year possibly with better depth.

At QB, Rodgers is Rodgers and barring injury will have another good year.

WR's is the only question but I believe the Packers will be fine here with the veteran WR's until such time Watson, Toure, and Doubs develop and contribute better later in the season.

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PeteK's picture

July 23, 2022 at 12:18 pm

That's why I'll be a bit nervous next week as I await to see if Bak is on the PUP list. If all goes as planned, we could have a great and deep offensive line. This could propel our offense to turn defenses into ground chuck.

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LLCHESTY's picture

July 23, 2022 at 04:40 pm

They announced 9 players for the PUP yesterday, Bakhtiari wasn't one of them. The big names were Crosby, Lowry and Watson. Reasons weren't announced.

***Well I spoke(wrote) too soon. He was put on the PUP list today. Damn.

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Gee's picture

July 24, 2022 at 10:58 am

Yep the news on Bakhtiar sucks, hopefully the extra time (how ever long it is), he will come back healthy.

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Savage57's picture

July 23, 2022 at 07:39 am

What people who are prematurely judging the outfit as inferior are saying can be summed up in two words. "We don't know many of the names, so we'll just say they'll be bad."

The guy throwing the ball is pretty good at it, and he's kind of a taskmaster when it comes to his receivers knowing what they're doing. The guy designing the offense and calling the plays has shown he's got a clue what makes an offense click in the NFL. Two of the WR's are veterans with something to re-prove, one's looking to make bank with his second contract, and at least three, if not more, are undertaking the challenge of establishing their bona fides as legit NFL talent.

To your point, Cory, about the running game, there's that, but there's also Aaron Jones as a receiver. It's not a stretch to envision him having a Marshall Faulk/Roger Craig-like season where he double-dips the 1,000 yard mark as both runner and pass catcher.

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LLCHESTY's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:36 am

"It's not a stretch to envision him having a Marshall Faulk/Roger Craig-like season where he double-dips the 1,000 yard mark as both runner and pass catcher."

That definitely is a stretch. The most receiving yards he's had in a season is 474 yards and you want him to more than double that and get 1000 yards rushing with Dillon on the team? I think a whole lot would have to go wrong for Jones to approach those numbers.

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Savage57's picture

July 23, 2022 at 12:38 pm

It's a function of an unproven WR corps with a dearth of players Rodgers has a history with.

I recall when Faulk and Craig did it, it was unexpected at the time as well, but both of their teams wound up Super Bowling.

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LLCHESTY's picture

July 23, 2022 at 03:52 pm

Craig had 71 catches for 675 yards and Marshall had 86 catches for 908 yards the year before they went over 1000 yards. So maybe unexpected but not out of the realm of possibility.

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Gee's picture

July 24, 2022 at 11:08 am

I'm still on Jones having close to or above 1000 receiving yards. With the Quadfather and him we all know those two are going to be the focal point of the Offence, i just see them having the ball in their hands a lot. I have faith in the wideout core, but I remember I believe it was Baltimore Pack on Acme pointed out, that Rodgers only had Adams, that really got open for most of the year. My hope, is that run game will help them out to create separation,, but barring that I see a lot of dump offs to Jones or Dillion.

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PeteK's picture

July 23, 2022 at 12:25 pm

He doesn't look pretty doing it , but Dillon is a solid receiver. He could leave a field strewn with mangled DBs in his wake.

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Gee's picture

July 24, 2022 at 11:10 am

Yep every time Dillon can get a head of steam in the flats, every db out there, is going to have to make a "business decision". LOL

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Johnblood27's picture

July 23, 2022 at 07:04 am

Better Than Many Think - that sets the bar pretty low these days...

No controversy here Corey, I expect so much more from you!

While lacking a Stat Monster in the WR room, there is quite a bit of talent and a LOT of 'potential', which along with $5 gets you a cup of Joe at Starbucks.

'Many' have a low opinion of the GBP WR room, but with the OL, QB and running game that GB can trot out there, success will be generated by the WR this season.

I have confidence in Watkins (he needs to stay healthy), Lazard (he needs to be Alan Lazard and not try to be Davantae Adams), Cobb ( he needs to do Cobby things vs duh bares!), and over the course of the season Watson, Doubs and Rodgers will grow out of talent and necessity.

With Winfree, Taylor, Toure and even Davis there are solid #7 and PS candidates (ST dependent).

The cupboard is not bare and the potential to be well above average in production over the course of an NFL season is solid.

No need to whistle as we walk past the graveyard of WR past...

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marpag1's picture

July 23, 2022 at 08:05 am

Neither the quarterback, nor the offensive line, nor the running backs make the wide receivers to be "good" or even "better." This isn't hard to understand. Geez...

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Johnblood27's picture

July 24, 2022 at 04:46 pm

wait... you mean that more time to get open via the OL blocking well, or throwing to the open player via scheme or throwing a WR open doesn't happen with great QB, or that a good running game doesn't influence the defense to benefit the WR and the passing game to include the play action game?

Nowhere was it stated that the WR talent would increase from these factors, but the PRODUCTION of the WR can most assuredly influenced by extraneous factors such as Ol performance, QB play and Running game success.

You are just simply rxextxaxrxdxexd - mistaken. Get a clue, just a little one.

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marpag1's picture

July 24, 2022 at 05:35 am

You cannot take production generated by a superior offensive line and give the credit for that production to receivers who suck… as if the receivers were somehow “better” or “more productive” because the offensive line plays well. The production – obviously and self-evidently – comes from the superior offensive line, and not from receivers who suck.

You cannot take production generated by a superior quarterback and give the credit for that production to receivers who suck… as if the receivers were somehow “better” or “more productive” because the quarterback plays well. The production – obviously and self-evidently – comes from the superior quarterback, and not from receivers who suck.

The reason that you suck as an evaluator of NFL talent is that you take production generated by one player or position group and you inexplicably credit it to an entirely different player or position group that in no way deserves that credit.

Barnwell said, "This might be the league's worst group of receivers." Note, if you will, the word “receivers.” When Barnwell says receivers, this means… wait for it… receivers. Just FYI, it does not mean quarterbacks. It does not mean running backs. It does not mean offensive lines. It does not mean offensive play callers. It does not mean the offense as a whole. It means receivers.

If you are not sharp enough to understand these things, as obvious as they are, you might want to be careful about who you call “retarded.”

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Johnblood27's picture

July 24, 2022 at 10:25 am

Its called a TEAM for a reason.

Statistics that record yards gained by a position player take no factors for blocking into account. There is no accounting for the actions of the other 10 players on the field that impacted the outcome of the play, such as fakes and manipulating coverages and run fits.

As much as the fantasy warriors would like to reduce the game of football into a war of statistics it cannot be done.

When all of the parts of a TEAM work together, production is very possible even when one part may not be the most talented in the league.

Even Lombardis Packers didn't have the most talented player in the league at every position. Belichicks Patriots teams didnt have a whos who of All-Pro players at every position. They both played as TEAMS! and won games and Championships and had production in spite of other rosters containing some players more talented than their own.

If fantasy warriors and stat mongers want to try to reduce the TEAM sport of football to an exercise in player ratings and statistical evaluation, they will be left wondering how the SB Champ ever made it that far. Rodgers would have 5 or 6 SB if statistics and rankings determined championships.

BTW, I apologize for calling you retarded. There are better choices of descriptive terms for what I was trying to convey, most of which are far less insulting.

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marpag1's picture

July 24, 2022 at 11:19 am

It's all good, buddy. I should apologize as well. You may have noticed I can be a bit of a jackass now and then. ;)

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Johnblood27's picture

July 24, 2022 at 04:23 pm

Peace

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10ve 💚's picture

July 23, 2022 at 07:37 am

"On the surface, the wide receivers may look scary now, but give it time"

I sure hope they are scary... to the opposing DEFENSE! 😁😁😁

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10ve 💚's picture

July 23, 2022 at 07:44 am

"All those things are true. Which is why ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote, “This might be the worst group of receivers.”"

As far as the passing game is concerned, the Packers have been considered to be elite for many years (with a hiccup here and there).

Against that backdrop, the talking heads talk. So, when they say "This might be the worst group of receivers", teams like the Bears are not even in the comparison list. What they actually mean is "This might be the worst group of receivers among the top 10 teams"... or something like that.

I for one am optimistic. I have a great feeling about this team as a whole. Last time I checked, this was a team game. Probably the same "team game" applies for this upcoming season 😁.

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marpag1's picture

July 23, 2022 at 08:09 am

No, actually. Barnwell definitely does not mean worst among the top 10 teams. Cory's ... ahem... 'quotation' is not actually a quotation. What Barnwell actually wrote was, "This might be the league's worst group of receivers." And the title of Barnwell's article was "NFL wide receiver, tight end, running back rankings for all 32 teams in 2022: Stacking best and worst offensive playmakers"

Barnwell could be right. And the fact that other position groups in GB may be able to compensate for the state of Green Bay's receiver group is irrelevant to what Barnwell actually wrote.

The fact that previous Packer seasons included one or more 1000-yard receivers is equally irrelevant.

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Coldworld's picture

July 23, 2022 at 08:31 am

We do not have an established number one receiver or TE (initially, probably), Arguably we have an established 3/4 in Lazard, an aging role player in Cobb with availability questions and Watkins, who is a player who has been unable to stay on the field for almost a decade and a guy who was a huge disappointment last year. Then we have rookies and PS types. We have an offense that ran through a guy that’s no longer there. Look at it that way—how most “experts” do—and it’s definitely one of the most unproven passing offenses.

For most talking heads that is a synonym for bad these days. Up to LaFleur to prove them wrong. That’s going to depend on how LaFleur uses the pieces and integrates the RBs, TEs, H Backs and rookies into an overall offense and how willing Rodgers is to run with that and with some inexperience among his weapons. I think it can be successful as the season progresses, if they practice and play together in camp. Will it be? Well I think that’s the test of the wisdom in paying Rodgers again and of the real acumen of LaFleur.

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marpag1's picture

July 23, 2022 at 08:47 am

Fair enough, and I think most everyone agrees. But on a scale of 1-10, if your WRs are a 3, and your RBs are an 8, and your QB is a 10, then the sum of your parts might make an effective offense. But none of that changes the fact that your WRs are still 3s.

Of course it's possible that Barnwell is wrong. In this case, I doubt it.

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Coldworld's picture

July 23, 2022 at 09:25 am

I think the answer to your point is it depends how the offense operates. If the bulk of an offense is through RBs and TEs then certainly the importance of the WR core diminishes in relation. Yo overall success of the offense.

For us though, I don’t see us seeing a rush or RB passing led offense to that extent this year. For me, success will depend on using more variety, confusing defenses and being willing to use players in specific roles that suit their current skills/readiness. That means more formation changes, more deception and differing formation/player usage percentages.

Can LaFleur and Rodgers do that? I think they have to to make this work. If we just throw heavily to Lazard, Watkins and Cobb, as some suggest, I don’t think Jones and Dillon will be able to carry it and I fear it will be Lazard and rookies too often through injuries. I’m not convinced that Rodgers and LaFleur can get together to change that much. I hope I am wrong.

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10ve 💚's picture

July 23, 2022 at 10:07 am

Right now, Barnwell is wrong. The Packers have not lost a single game yet. 😁

In mid-October, if the Packers's receivers suck, and the tally is 5-1, I will take that any day over having an awesome WR group and a 3-3 result.

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marpag1's picture

July 23, 2022 at 10:24 am

Barnwell did not say anything at all about how many games the Packers will win. Nor did he say anything at all about how efficient the Packers offense is likely to be overall. He said that the Packer receivers might be the worst group of receivers in the league.

People need to focus on what the dude actually said.

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PeteK's picture

July 23, 2022 at 12:52 pm

You forgot a possible 7-10 offensive line.

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PeteK's picture

July 23, 2022 at 12:46 pm

Totally agree with team game comment. All facets affect each other. Pats had some success with less than very good WRs.

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mrtundra's picture

July 23, 2022 at 08:06 am

I rarely listen to the national media when it comes to talking about the Packers. They do not know the team as well as team members and coaches do nor as well as Packers' fans do. All the talk of losing Davante Adams, "the best WR in the game," is just talk. We won every game that Davante sat out, due to injury, etc. last season. Davante cannot be replaced by a single guy. The Packers are going to replace his production with several guys. I am excited to see what this team brings to the table, this season. Training Camp is just around the corner, so let the games begin! GO PACK, GO!!!

3 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

July 23, 2022 at 10:27 am

"Davante cannot be replaced by a single guy. The Packers are going to replace his production with several guys."

Moneyball- "We can replace him in the aggregate."

I don't think that works the same in football, though it may keep the Division Title in hand if the division rivals remain fodder.

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PhantomII's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:39 am

Sure, but the sheer quantity of throws to DA...Did not work and was OVER THE TOP in every extreme. When you can cause an offense to fail with harassing one receiver....Your game plan is poorly thought out. How about expecting that to happen eventually and you already have plays in hand to take advantage of this. That was the problem...Now our Coach will have to try other approaches for ultimate success. I hope less TE presence and more dual RB with one filtering out for pass and one for run threat on a majority of plays and rotate more RB's onto the field throughout the year for overall depth at that position for the playoffs. DA was a great WR for us.
AR had to throw amazingly accurate passes to him to get the job done because DA did not have 4.4 speed but was twitchy and had Elite hands and short area quickness. It's time for Elite speed and hopefully good hands from here on out and a better RB pass % in games this season.

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

July 23, 2022 at 04:13 pm

Care to explain why the Rams, that had better depth at WR than the Packers, targeted Kupp 22 more times than Adams? Diontae Johnson, Justin Jefferson, Diggs, DJ Moore and Hill all had within 10 targets of Adams last year, and Jefferson is the only one I'd take over Adams.

Maybe instead of taking the copout that Adams was targeted too much take a look at the suspect depth at WR. If the offense is better this year it will be because they finally spent some money and draft capital at the position. Pretending the team is better because they lost an all Pro is silly and tiring.

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PhantomII's picture

July 23, 2022 at 09:03 pm

OTHER TEAMS YOU MENTIONED PASS MORE THAN RUN IT. AR TRIED TO GET DA PAID....AND HE DID...RIGHT OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS AND ONTO ANOTHER TEAM. WR DEPTH...DEFINITELY...JEFFERSON AT #20 I HAVE MENTIONED MANY TIMES...THAT WAS THE PICK...NOT LOVE.

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LLCHESTY's picture

July 24, 2022 at 08:10 am

Every team in the league passes it more than runs it. Buffalo, Minnesota and Carolina all had less passing yards than Green Bay. Carolina was 29th in passing last year.

The fact remains the Rams had a deeper group than the Packers and they still targeted Kupp 22 more times than Adams, and won a SB. But yes, the Rams did have 607 passing attempts to the Packers 593 so I guess you're right.

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PhantomII's picture

July 24, 2022 at 12:02 pm

2020 Packers pass attempts: 526......2021-593....+67 more attempts. Kupp got open more in the playoffs for the Rams. Even though AR swore SF would regret not picking him #1 overall....AR has enormously underachieved in the playoffs...especially against SF.

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Since'61's picture

July 23, 2022 at 08:44 am

First MLF's offense is designed to go through the RBs. In the Packers case this means Jones and Dillon. As long as the OL executes well those are 2 very good RBs for any defense to deal with. As long as the ground game is effective the Packers play action passing game will be effective as well. That will be the key for the Packers offense this season. Run the ball, play action, passes to the RBs and TEs.

There are reasons for concern however. The first is how good will the OL actually be? Especially if Bak can''t go and if Jenkins is out until mid-season.
The second issue is When will Tonyan be ready to go? He is critical especially for those 3rd and short passing plays in the MLF offense.
The third is Rodgers. Going back to the MM days Rodgers evolved into a QB who is always looking for the best one on one matchup against the opposing defense. (Remember that MMs offense was based on the WRs winning their matchups). This is why he runs the time clock down so often and why he calls time outs if he doesn't see a favorable matchup on a particular play. It is also the reason for his Davante vision over the years. He would read the defense and realize that Davante was his best matchup even if Davante was double covered.

With the new receiving corps it will take a few games at least for Rodgers to figure out who will have favorable matchups against the Packers opponents. This is good on one hand in that Rodgers will need to throw to different receivers as he works that out and it will be negative on the other hand because it may make Rodgers hesitant until figures out who can win their matchups. Cobb, Watkins and Lazard should be the go to guys early in the season while the new guys learn and earn their playing time. I see Rodgers throwing more to the RBs and possibly Tonyan if he's ready to go early in the season, with Lazard and Watkins blocking for them.

If the Packers run game can establish dominance early in the season that will open up the passing game for the WRs and enhance the evolution of the new receivers and the passing game. Is this a great receiving corp? No, but it will be good enough if complimented by a strong Packers ground game. By season's end rookies like Watson and Doubs may be ready to be factors in the playoffs. I'm hopeful that our receiving group will look different and better towards the end of the season than they will early in the season. Thanks, Since '61

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Grandfathered's picture

July 23, 2022 at 10:02 am

Good point about the OL. People assume that the RB s will thrive on talent alone and make the receivers better. But they need run blocking, which was not a strong suit last year with the loss of Lindsley and then injury to Bak and Jenkins.

Except for the loss of Turner and Kelly, the packers have the same veterans. The additions are all rookies - Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones, Michal Menet, George Moore, Cole Schneider. I am wondering where the upgrade in run blocking is going to come from.

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LLCHESTY's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:47 am

Patrick was the worst run blocker last year so taking him out of the equation could help some. Myers and Newman settling into their roles should help a little and Nijman looked more comfortable run blocking in the latter half of the season, with some nasty down field blocks occasionally. Tom and Rhyan should provide competition at C and G if they are left in one spot. There are many avenues for improved run blocking. Whether it comes to "pass" is something we'll have to wait and see. If the passing game starts slow and they struggle to get deep early the average per carry could go down if teams creep closer to the LOS because they have no fear of the deep ball.

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PhantomII's picture

July 24, 2022 at 12:09 pm

ML offense is designed to FAIL against better teams with a good DL and fast Backers. GB OL is not stout enough particularly with extended injuries...forcing more TE's blocking instead of running routes...then ML abandons the run game when 1 RB gets dinged up also and doesn't even use them for passing game. It all starts on the OL not being road graders. Our season hinges on either injured players return to form or rooks stepping up big time...
Defense is gonna be really good if our offense doesn't keep 3-n-outing them to the oxygen mask.

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LLCHESTY's picture

July 24, 2022 at 06:19 pm

"It all starts on the OL not being road graders."

You know they mainly run outside zone right? That comment is ridiculous. You don't run zone with road graders, you run Baltimore's offense with road graders. They've been real successful lately, maybe the Packers should mimic them?

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PhantomII's picture

July 24, 2022 at 10:15 pm

That's why the SCHEME sucks. Wrong player type on the OL NEEDING TE's to block every play because they can't ram it straight ahead for 1 yard most of the time. Running the rock sideways loses against fast ILB's and against good DL's most of the time. It's the reason we have yet to get past the NFCC game with a "W". I like the Defensive draft and ST pickup at Coach. Maybe it will be enough to get past a run sideways scheme....If ML does not abandon it like the last 3 post seasons.

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PhantomII's picture

July 24, 2022 at 10:10 pm

They have the better coach and have won more SB than GB lately. They don't have a future HOF QB...and didn't when they won SB's either.

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NickPerry's picture

July 23, 2022 at 04:01 pm

Thank you Cory this is one of my favorite articles you've put out in a while. Personally, I've ALWAYS enjoyed ANYTHING Cory or any of the writers put out, but this one is so dead on you MUST give it a thumbs up! I just really enjoyed it because IMO it's SO true.

The "AJ's" are going to rule this year Aaron Jones is still only 27, but even dating back to the MM years Jones's workload has always been managed. He had his most touches in 2019. He ran the ball 236 times and caught 49 passes. That's only 285 total touches in the regular season. I mean common, some of these running backs in the NFL have that before Thanksgiving!

With Jones and Dillon, I think people REALLY need to get their popcorn ready!!

BECAUSE of Jones and Dillon, a QB named Aaron Rodgers, and a play caller like MLF who IMO is FINALLY going to get to show more of his offense and what it's really capable of. Screw what Barnwell says, who CARES what he says. The WR room is going to be fine. We may not have a WR with numbers like Adams had last year but that's a GOOD THING.

THIS offense is going to involve everyone and kick team's asses in different ways each week. One week it might be Dillon and Jones. The next it may be Lazard, Watkins, Watson, Doubs, Cobb, and the TE room who kick the opposing team's ass. BUT the one constant is going to be a one of the best defenses in the NFL but thats for a different day.

Who cares WHO does it as long as it's getting done. I have the utmost confidence in MLF and Rodgers and I also LOVE the move of Steno to OC. THIS is going to be a fun, fun year.

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TarynsEyes's picture

July 23, 2022 at 10:42 am

Your optimism is unsurpassed here at CHTV and likely on many other fan sites, but everything about this team isn't a 'Free Pass' do not stop at 'Go' and collect your Trophy. Sorry, the dice need to be tossed and this team isn't tossing out a run of sevens with their position groups. I beg you, try to have a smidgen of reality. Don't worry, the copy/paste followers will still copy/paste your sentiments and give you all the 'likes' you desire through your bloviating that all is well.

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13TimeChamps's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:05 am

NickPerry might be the ultimate homer, but he seems like a much happier person than yourself.

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TarynsEyes's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:22 am

I'm ecstatically happy in my reality-based world, and you're upset with why you can't understand how I can be, and why I won't become like the 'others'.

Optimism is good but needs to be controlled, or else one overdoses and loses all sense of what is obtainable.

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NickPerry's picture

July 23, 2022 at 04:14 pm

Thanks, 13TimeChamps... But don't bother, it's not worth it. You can always count on her for any negative based comments and optimism is not in her vocabulary. She'll find and HAS found things wrong win the Packers win big. It's all good bro!

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NickPerry's picture

July 23, 2022 at 04:10 pm

LOL... Thank you TarynsEyes.

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stockholder's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:20 am

This is not a well oiled machine. Who plays where; has yet to be determined. Especially along the OL. And if the packers start out bad. The finger will be pointed at the offense. The problems with the WRs, is "projection". The calls for a possible trade has always set the Rumor Mill in motion. = Age And Cast -offs, always will get the thumbs down. And the bigger mistake would be over-paying them.
The RBs better start Hot. Because a slow start is obvious. We have injured players. Dealing with change, won't make this offense efficient.
And as much as Cobb and Lazard have that chemistry. It still will take separation from the Wrs. ( Isn't that really why; the experts have been calling for a Wr to be drafted? )
I get the thinking that we're in good shape. But come the play-offs. The talent and strength of your opponent, has been well documented.

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Packers0808's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:27 am

Wouldn't be surprised to see Jones as a pass catcher as a WR or slot on some plays with Dillon one back set! Sure with the inexperience of WR there will be some kind of these adjustments!

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Packers0808's picture

July 23, 2022 at 11:29 am

Deleted.

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LLCHESTY's picture

July 23, 2022 at 12:46 pm

They weren't on the field together all that much last year but the offense was pretty good when they were, averaging 7.4 yards per play. Jones did split out quite a bit last year:

"Most of Jones’ production in the passing game has come out of the backfield, with just under seven percent of his snaps the last three seasons coming from the slot and 13 percent coming from out wide, according to PFF ($$). However, that could change as well with the emergence of AJ Dillon, who had 1,016 total yards in 2021 with seven touchdowns."

https://dairylandexpress.com/2022/06/08/uncertainty-wr-packers-look-aaro...

The problem is efficiency, Jones averaged 7.5 yards a catch last year while an average WR like Lazard averaged 12.8 YAC. Jones averaged 9.7 YAC in 2019 but teams quickly wised up and stopped covering him with a LB.

Using Jones split out situationally with Dillon on the backfield can work but if it's used too much the offense will be less efficient. Defenses in the NFL these days are all about containing big plays and forcing offenses to sustain drives. Using Jones out wide too much more than 20% of his snaps are playing into their hands. Jones' volume of touches definitely increased in the games Adams missed but he should still see an overwhelming majority of his targets from out of the backfield.

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PackfanNY's picture

July 24, 2022 at 10:29 am

The “National media” is comprised of incompetent morons who need to generate clicks. Talking about Aaron Rodgers, the Packers and receivers does just that. What were we expecting them to talk about? The Lions 🦁 the Vikings or the Bears 🐻 . Come now. But I digress.

Ok I’ll bite and break it down for these guys. Here it is. The Packers will have a really good offensive line. Having a really good offensive line means RUN…the BALL. Running the ball will set up Rodgers to throw. He will find receivers and they will thrive. Just watch.

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