Cory's Corner: It's time for roster clarification
Aaron Rodgers brings out the best and worst of the Packers. He makes everyone else around him much better, but at the same time, we really can’t gauge if that player’s success was due to Rodgers or if it’s because that player was highly skilled.
An injury to Aaron Rodgers wasn’t just the worst thing that could happen to the Packers, it’s one of the worst things that could happen to the NFL.
“He will be out a minimum of significant amount of time, potentially the season could be over,” said Packers coach Mike McCarthy reflecting on Sunday’s 23-10 loss to the Vikings. “He will have surgery here in the near future and after we see how that goes, we will focus on getting Aaron healthy. That’s all that really matters right now.”
It was so serious and shocking that the news of Rodgers’ injury was like a death throughout the league. Its premier passer broke his throwing shoulder collarbone on a play that didn’t have to happen.
Rodgers brings out the best and worst of the Packers. He makes everyone else around him much better, but at the same time, we really can’t gauge if that player’s success was due to Rodgers or if it’s because that player was highly skilled.
Now we will know. With Brett Hundley stepping in for Rodgers with 6:57 left in the first quarter, it was hard to get a true read on who Hundley will be. The third-year pro saw three offensive linemen get hurt during the game and consequently, was pressured on 16 of 38 drop backs.
“I got to do a better job,” McCarthy said. “I got to get into a flow, we got to get our offense into a flow.”
McCarthy is right, because right after Rodgers went down, the offensive game plan went into the fetal position — when the game was still in the balance. Most of that is because the backup doesn’t get many practice reps compared to the No. 1 quarterback, but if there’s a backup you can trust, it has to be a guy that has been in your system for three training camps.
This is Hundley’s team now. Does that sound weird? Oh yeah it does. But there’s also an added twist here. Hundley isn’t a free agent until 2019, but if he plays well he could spark potential trade talk for quarterback graveyards like the Jets, Bengals, Browns and Jaguars. It’s in Hundley’s best interest to play at a high level, not just to help out the Packers and win the NFC North for the sixth time in seven years, but to get himself starter money.
This is also a contract year for Davante Adams. His worth on this team is going to be highly scrutinized if he packs it in and pouts over losing his favorite passer. We’re also going to find out more about Aaron Jones. Did he rack up all those yards in Dallas because of Rodgers or because he’s a hard-nosed running back that attacks the hole like an 18-wheeler going downhill? And then there’s the defense. Can this defense, which has Clay Matthews, Nick Perry and Mike Daniels accounting for over 19 percent of the team’s payroll step up when it matters most?
Those questions are about to be answered now because players cannot hide behind Rodgers anymore. The next 10 games will decide who goes and who stays.
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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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Comments (103)
MarkAlan
October 17, 2017 at 06:26 am
will 9-7 be attainable ? ?
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 07:11 am
yeah.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 08:01 am
by the dislike, I guess i should have said no...
jeremyjjbrown
October 17, 2017 at 08:24 am
If Hundley's not capable of going 5-5 then they should bring in a veteran. But, I think he is.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 09:51 am
But how many weeks do you give him? By the time you find out, it's too late. If it's about winning games, they either hitch their wagon to him for the long haul or make an immediate change.
Finwiz
October 17, 2017 at 12:42 pm
Didn't you hear the press conference? They aren't making a change, and will "roll" with what they have.
Sink or swim with Hundley.
If he can't play, it will be, 'wait till next year'.
If he can, they'll make the playoffs, or get close, and get a nice draft choice when they trade him.
It's really pretty simple from here on out.
They are prepared for failure and will ride with the consequence if that's where it goes.
porupack
October 17, 2017 at 01:01 pm
Well said Finwiz. Its pretty simple from here out. TT went 'all in' with Rodgers at QB knowing the team was playoff caliber. But it really isn't anymore, so its sensible to play for respect, but its about next year at this point. Think about developing young players, trial and monitor some incoming 1-year vets, saving wear and tear on the older vets, experiment with formations, and don't drive up the stats (and consequently the price) of the contract-year players such as DAdams. Ride with the whatever Hundley can do and call it a year. I'm ok with that.
Grandfathered
October 17, 2017 at 08:36 pm
Um, No, any good businessperson knows that you still have to put your best product out there. NFL is a sports entertainment biz. "Don't drive up stats" ; "saving wear and tear"; and "ride with whatever" are exactly the wrong attitude. You got stockholders and fans and paying customers who deserve the best football product that can be fielded. Packers need to show that they will play hard and protect the brand.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 18, 2017 at 05:40 am
The Green Bay franchise isn't like a normal business. Its revenue is largely insulated from the quality of the product it puts forth.
flackcatcher
October 17, 2017 at 08:48 am
You tell the truth and get THIS! People like to hate....
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 09:05 am
It's easy to be very negative right now...
I believe this counts as the understatement of the thread.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 10:01 am
You should have seen my twitter timeline this morning.
When Pro Football talk said that McCarthy said the hit was dirty and Zimmer said it wasn't.
I replied with it wasn't a dirty hit, but felt it was an unnecessary hit. That driving Rodgers into the ground wasn't necessary.
And the comments following that... Seriously, there is way to much hate in the world...
Finwiz
October 17, 2017 at 01:05 pm
I'll bet there's a lot of "what if's" going on in McCarthy's head.
What if I hadn't called that roll-out?
I haven't really understood that naked roll-out bootleg, with the TE leaking out after the chip.
It used to work with Favre, maybe because they had better TE's, even Bubba Franks.
But lately whenever Rodgers tries it, there's a LB within 3 steps of him that hasn't been impeded at all, and is closing rapidly.
A very high risk play that I'll bet he wishes he would never have called.
I'll bet you don't see that play much, if ever again in 2018, when Rodgers comes back. It hasn't been very effective.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 01:52 pm
What rollout? ARod wasn't injured on a rollout...it was him improvising.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Di7m4oyBt4
That's clearly not a called rollout.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 02:05 pm
The only thing I wonder is if Rodgers throws the ball faster. Gets rid of it faster and doesn't take that hit.
Finwiz
October 17, 2017 at 02:08 pm
You're splitting hairs because I called you out on the other thread.
Whether he moves out of the pocket intentionally or not, he's rolling out.
I'm a product of the 60's and that was called a "roll-out".
Go have a cookie and some warm milk, you'll feel less argumentative.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 02:14 pm
"I'll bet there's a lot of "what if's" going on in McCarthy's head.
What if I hadn't called that roll-out?"
Look at your own words, dipshit.
MM--"What if I hadn't called that roll-out"
I don't care if people call me out. I'm all for it. That's what happens in blogs.
He may have scrambled on the play, or you can CALL it a roll-out if you want, but the play was NOT a called rollout. That's what I called YOU on. I don't know why MM would be having buyer's remorse on that play call.
There ain't enough cookies and milk on some days...
Finwiz
October 17, 2017 at 02:24 pm
Oh, so you were in the huddle, genius?
What's with you lately, you're acting all emotional about this Rodgers thing.
Maybe you need a shrink?
They run plenty of different options on various plays with Rodgers able to read the defense after the snap and move accordingly.
It was all over the news that Bennett didn't get much of a "chip" on anyone before leaking out, whether it was Barr or someone else.
Putting some amount of the blame on 80 for lack of execution.
He moves out of the pocket, I call it a rollout.
You call it something else, and have language all your own.
Congrats - you're a legend in your own mind.
LASVEGAS-TOM
October 17, 2017 at 02:35 pm
Finwiz & dobber, I'm on my 3rd glass of Champagne. Why Argue about what it is? What the Hell is the difference? Go down to the bottom of this thread, & read my Post. Tell me if I've had to much to Drink, or I should open a New Bottle?
LVT
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 02:40 pm
All well and good. My mind needs more legends.
I won't argue this any further. I don't keep score...and I apologize for the name-calling.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 18, 2017 at 05:53 am
It clearly was not designed to be a roll-out. AR stays in the pocket until Bulaga gets beat around the edge. However, Linsley and Evans provided a place for AR to step up and scramble towards the sideline. The crossing pattern or drag route has been very effective. AR moving out of the pocket forces a LB to charge forward to provide contain and pass rush, making space available for the receiver. We'll see it next week.
rdent
October 17, 2017 at 06:41 am
It is quite apparent that Aaron Rodgers carries this team on his shoulders. If 2013 is any indication, where they went 2-4-1 in the 7 games he missed with a broken left collarbone, this team is in trouble, not only in trouble of not winning the NFC North and missing the playoffs but being exposed as an average or below average team. Granted I believe their backup QB situation is better than it was in 2013, we are now going to see how good of job Green Bay's GM Ted Thompson has done in the last 6 or 7 years in drafting and bringing in the talent needed to remain competitive.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 07:11 am
There is a huge difference between this season and 2013. Just in the back up QB situation. 2013 they had Wallace as the backup QB and he got hurt on the first play of the next game that he started. Then Tolzien came in. Then the final break glass decision that year was to bring in Flynn. So after Rodgers went down in 2013 they used 3 backup QB's.
Hundley is a LOT better then those 3 QB's.
But the difference in 2013 is that the the 2013 OL was healthy and a lot better then the current one. I would feel a lot better about Hundley if he had a better OL in front of him.
Bearmeat
October 17, 2017 at 07:33 am
Yeah. Hundley is better than those 3 QBs. And that gives us a chance. But in 2013, you're not mentioning the big piece: Eddie Lacy before he got out of shape. Not to mention some healthy CBs who could actually play (in addition to the OL issues you mentioned).
This team is really going to struggle, RC.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 07:59 am
True, but at that point Lacy wasn't proven either. He was a rookie that year. We have Jones and Montgomery who aren't proven either, but I think are very good.
The biggest problem right now is the OL. I mean missing 3/5ths of your OL, is a huge issue. It was bad enough when they were missing 2/5ths.
The team will struggle with the backups. If and when the rest of the starters get back to play I think we will see a better team.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 01:54 pm
An interesting take from JSOnline regarding how the Packers might best use Hundley. It would help with the fractured OL, too.
packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/baranczyk/2017/10/16/analysis-brett-hundleys-blueprint-success-packers-qb/769061001/
RobinsonDavis
October 17, 2017 at 10:18 pm
By the way Tretter has played all games for the Browns thus far. How ironic is that for those that did not want him back this year? Here's a "what-if" thought, what if the Browns are thinking about a sale? Pending the expectations for return of our existing linemen, why not reach out to see if Tretter is available for a draft pick, receiver, or RB, and absorb his contract? He knows the scheme and will instantly add depth, regardless of need on the line.
NickPerry
October 18, 2017 at 06:08 am
Lacy had run for about 400 yards and scored 2 TD's in the previous 4 games leading up to the Chicago game where Rodgers was injured. In the game Rodgers was hurt he gained another 15 and 1 TD. I'd say he had proven himself pretty well.
Your point about the O-Line is right on. With THOSE back-ups I think the phrase I'd use is "Through with Money". BUT if McCarthy actually coaches for a FULL 60 minutes EVERY game Hundley can be somewhat successful while the O-Line gets healthy.
RCPackerFan
October 18, 2017 at 06:54 am
Rodgers broke his collarbone in week 9 in 2013. Lacy was basically the starter from day 1. Lacy had 6 games under his belt before Rodgers got hurt. So I guess technically he was more proven. More then Jones/Montgomery.
The weeks after Rodgers injury Lacy struggled. He averaged 3.0, 1.9, 4.4, 1.6, 3.3 yards per carry in the following 5 games. That has more to do with the QB situation then Lacy.
This time though we have Jones and Montgomery.
Aaron Jones didn't get meaningful snaps until week 4 and only had 1 game of starting before Rodgers got hurt. Jones is less proven, but talent wise I think he has ton of it.
The thing with Jones and Montgomery though is that they can be used as a weapon in the passing game which will really help Hundley.
Handsback
October 17, 2017 at 07:38 am
Exactly right about the injuries. In 2013, the Pack at least had most if not all of their linemen available, but not now. Even with Rodgers still upright, this team isn't going anywhere until players come back from some of their injuries. Teams will not load up the box because they don't expect the Packers to be able to sustain any kind of running attack. I don't care if you have Jim Brown back there......without holes a RB isn't making a lot of noise. If the injury situation stays like it is currently, maybe the Oline will improve enough to be able to open some holes after the bye week. It takes time for them to work together as a team, and frankly for some of these players to improve as professional football players. It doesn't come without a lot of snaps and hard work which is what they are going through now.
I would say the defense will hold the fort until the bye...but they have lost too many good players as well. This is one crippled team.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 10:17 am
If our OL was intact, I'd feel much, much better.
You are correct. this is one crippled team.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 06:55 pm
There's some degree of morbid curiosity when it comes to tomorrow's injury report. I wonder if there will be a "page 2" link at the bottom of the list.
rdent
October 17, 2017 at 09:03 am
RC, did I not relate the fact clear enough that I believe the backup QB situation is better than in 2013? SMH.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 10:03 am
I was mostly agreeing with you. I just added my take to it...
Not sure why you got a dislike for it.
GBPDAN1
October 17, 2017 at 07:02 am
This next game will be tough due to all the injuries. I would think that after the bye, a lot of starters will return. Hopefully the whole O-line will be intact. Let's see how Hundley , Jones and the rest of the players perform with a full roster around them.
Then again, I'm probably being to optimistic. The way this season is going, we'll probably have 5 more players drop out during the Saints game...... wha, let's hope not!!
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 07:20 am
I completely agree.
The next game will probably be the toughest, but I think after the bye we will see a better team. The biggest problem right now is all the injuries on the OL.
The attention is on Rodgers getting hurt against the Vikings, but they finished with 3 less starting OL in that game as well...
Razer
October 17, 2017 at 08:28 am
... The biggest problem right now is all the injuries on the OL...
Aside from Rodgers and his replacement Hundley, this is the crux of the problem. If our O-line is healthy, Hundley has time and options. As it stands, he hasn't got a true tackle playing front of him and everbody else is playing beside a stranger. Not like the Dak Prescott debut.
I'll add the secondary as the next biggest concern. In a passing league, with Drew Brees coming to town, you need your corners playing at a high level. Hell, we don't even know who our corners are at this point.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 08:50 am
well the injury to Rodgers goes without saying that its the bigges issue.
I agree to that the secondary is the next biggest issue. That being said, if we get King back, that goes a long ways to helping. And if House can that would also help.
lou
October 17, 2017 at 09:49 am
You are right Razer, the O-Line is the key, even if Rodgers was healthy, there is only so much majic he could provide every week running for his life. To win the game you have to score and we cannot expect the defense to score like Lovie Smith's teams did regularly. To score offensively everything starts with the O-Line. Remember, McCarthy worked miracles with Flynn at QB, everywhere else he played they dumped him but he won in Green Bay. If the O-Line can get healthy quick, give Huntley his chance as well as McCarthy to design an offense that fits him. It would be nice to see" Jermicheal" Bennett add to that offense by catching some balls that have been hitting him in the wrong place, his hands, Richard Rodgers didn't get deep but he caught everything in reach.
Finwiz
October 17, 2017 at 12:47 pm
I don't think they will have a game this year where ALL their original starters are playing at the same time. If someone comes back, another will go down. It's the way of the league this year. No continuity.
I expect us to be in the top 15 of the draft this year, and that's not all bad.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 06:56 am
'Hundley isn’t a free agent until 2019, but if he plays well he could spark potential trade talk for quarterback graveyards like the Jets, Bengals, Browns and Jaguars. It’s in Hundley’s best interest to play at a high level, not just to help out the Packers and win the NFC North for the sixth time in seven years, but to get himself starter money.'
This could make the Packers very rich in the near future. If Hundley can play very, very well down the stretch he could give us multiple high picks. To add to the teams you mentioned some other teams that might be interested in trading for Hundley: How about the Giants? How about the Cardinals? Those 2 teams could be looking for a non rookie QB to come in.
The better that Hundley does the higher the asking price goes. We have seen what desperate teams looking for even a decent QB will do. Texans signing Osweiler to a huge contract. Bears trading away a ton of picks to move up 1 spot.
Packers already have a ton of picks in next years draft. If they could get another 1st or 2nd round pick they will be able to completely load up on players.
EdsLaces
October 17, 2017 at 07:12 am
"In his best interest to play at a high level " ...you think he wants to suck?
croatpackfan
October 17, 2017 at 07:20 am
RCP just rewrite sentences written by Cory... Your comment should go to Cory!
Just sayin'..
CoryJennerjohn
October 17, 2017 at 08:35 am
What exactly are you saying?
croatpackfan
October 17, 2017 at 09:35 am
That EdsLaces comment should be as reply to your article, not to RCP...
And I just sayin' this, too...
Btw, I agree almost completely with your view given in this article.
CoryJennerjohn
October 17, 2017 at 05:29 pm
Ha ha. I agree.
rdent
October 17, 2017 at 09:08 am
Agree! Silly statement RC.
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 10:19 am
Wasn't my statement... That was apart of the article. Just as Croat noted.
Johnblood27
October 17, 2017 at 06:11 pm
any chance we have a better drafting GM by then?
Donster
October 17, 2017 at 06:59 am
Well, the team must get healthy before a real judgement can be made. The only way this team will be able to stay in games now is if the defense rises up and plays like a good NFL defense can play. For the past few years they have not. Unless Hundley morphs into Aaron Rodgers, it isn't going to happen on the offensive side of the ball.
Razer
October 17, 2017 at 08:32 am
...Well, the team must get healthy before a real judgement can be made...
In a nutshell!
croatpackfan
October 17, 2017 at 07:22 am
I say if team will find a way to win the game against Saints, we are good. No matter how that win would look.
If we lose, than it depends how we lose...
I can not help myself, but I have some kind of strange feeling that Packers will be able to reach 11-5 mark. I feel that the next game will be pleasent surprise for all of us.
But, it might be just my wishes...
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 07:44 am
For me its all based on the health of the team. If the OL can get remotely healthy, I would definitely feel a lot better about playing with Hundley. They still have all the offensive weapons. Hundley is a good QB, he will get to prove it now.
Just watching other teams in the league play with the QB's they have, we can win games with Hundley.
But we can't keep playing with backups to backups.
cuervo
October 17, 2017 at 07:31 am
This will prove just how good of a coach McCarthy is. He needs to make the adjustments to the offense that are required because we don't have a miracle worker back there anymore.
We truly have no idea how how good or bad Hundley is. He has had 1 good preseason and 1 mediocre at best preseason. Talk of him earning us ANY draft picks is premature. Also, after the Osweiler and other QB trade debacles, teams are much more careful before throwing away money or picks for an unproven product.
If this team can go 5-5 the rest of the way, I would consider that a plus.
CoryJennerjohn
October 17, 2017 at 08:34 am
I think Mike McCarthy was an excellent coach when Aaron Rodgers went down in 2013. The game keeps coming back to mind is Matt Flynn rallying to win in Dallas. McCarthy kept it together and the Packers scratched and clawed for an NFC North title.
cuervo
October 17, 2017 at 08:42 am
The went 2-5 and 1 I belive without Rodgers. The fact the rest of the divison sucked, we started 5-2 and Rodgers came back before the season ended allowed us to win that title. That's not great coaching....that's pure luck. (granted he had Tolzein for a few of those)
Green Bay wins 1.5 games out of 5 without Rodgers, let's hope MM can improve upon that.
flackcatcher
October 17, 2017 at 09:11 am
No. Cory's right on this one. MM reverted to the Packers 2011 offensive package with Flynn. Two of games lost were on last second calls, the home game against PITT on a non interference call in the end zone. (Galls me to this day) For all the carping about MM and Capers, we know these guys can coach. The real question, is who will they have to coach?
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 10:08 am
How do you win 1.5 games?
cuervo
October 17, 2017 at 11:28 am
"How do you win 1.5 games"
It's called an average.....simple math.
rdent
October 17, 2017 at 09:14 am
Cory, it was said in an article here that after Rodgers went out MM and the offense went into the fetal position. He admitted as much after the game. It seems too many times MM realizes this after the game and doesn't during the game.
Johnblood27
October 17, 2017 at 06:14 pm
I think he meant FECAL position...
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 08:38 am
I'll be honest: the way things are setting up, it might not matter how good the coaching staff might be. This team is just too beat up in too many places at the moment for them to have much of a chance against anyone decent.
It won't matter, though. The bottom line is that you've got to win and, even if the deck is stacked against that, coaches and management will only be judged on the journey's end, not the journey itself.
At this stage, if the team goes 5-5 the rest of the way it might be nothing short of MMs best work as a coach.
rdent
October 17, 2017 at 09:15 am
5-5 would be a plus.
RobinsonDavis
October 17, 2017 at 10:33 pm
Soooo, Agree!
al bundy
October 17, 2017 at 08:16 am
Going into the game the Vikes had three injured, including their starting qb. We had that many on the o line and another 3 or 4 on defense.
Ted has a pencant to grab all those injury prone guys. Can't just be condtionng or bad luck. This has gone on for years now.
Bearmeat
October 17, 2017 at 01:00 pm
Side Note: I went to dailynorseman.com just to see the headlines this morning. And I got angry reading them. I didn't click on the links.
Man. Vikings fans are dickheads.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 09:55 am
Why would you do that to yourself?
Bearmeat
October 17, 2017 at 12:59 pm
I dunno. I'm still really salty about it and I wanted verification that my feelings were accurate?? :(
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2017 at 03:45 pm
You should seriously see my twitter timeline today...
This one guy was being a dick and I finally had enough.
His one response to me saying that the hit wasn't dirty that he didn't have to drive him to the ground. It was unnecessary.
His response, "get out of here. And ya I bet you had fun watching the vikes win".
I responded with "I didn't realize that it was your cheerios that I pissed in this morning...'
His next response "Nope, thats just my vikes pissing all over you and the rest of the packers. I see a lot of L's in your future. good luck with that."
My response to him. Well you are adapt to seeing L's.... I suppose the only real chance your Vikings had to making it to the playoffs was taking Rodgers out. Congrats. You may have a chance now.
I'm sick of Vikings fans....
The funny thing is, the Vikings didn't win easily and that was against the Packers B string players...
jeremyjjbrown
October 17, 2017 at 08:27 am
I think Hundley is capable of going 6-4 and getting this team to the playoffs. If Rodgers can come back for the playoffs in 11 weeks then this team has a chance in the playoffs. If that doesn't happen, well it will be entertaining.
CoryJennerjohn
October 17, 2017 at 08:31 am
I agree. The only question mark is the OL. If Hundley struggles is that a reflection of him or an oft-injured line?
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 08:41 am
I disagree: if the secondary continues to be beat-up and porous, and the pass rush is passe, game flow will force Hundley into game situations where his inexperience will get him in trouble. There are a lot of factors right now--especially with the Saints and Lions on the horizon, two teams that can score--that are playing against Hundley finding even footing early.
Bearmeat
October 17, 2017 at 08:32 am
I hope you are right. Man. That would be awesome.
flackcatcher
October 17, 2017 at 09:18 am
Only if you take the voodoo doll out of Jerry Jones cold dead hands.....
Razer
October 17, 2017 at 09:43 am
Jerry Jones cold dead hands - priceless.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 10:44 am
I give you my cookie.
flackcatcher
October 17, 2017 at 09:39 am
This can not be said often enough. The NFL is a passing league. It is the reason both FB and ILB are endangered positions, the birth of the hybrid/slot DB and why O linemen are now getting 10-16 million on the free agent market. If the Packers had their preferred starters in the secondary and O line, then even with the lost of Rodgers this club is still a playoff team. Bottom line. As said many times on this thread. The Packers have to find a way to get healthy, or Brett Hundley will soon be joining QB1 on the sideline.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 10:06 am
The Packers had evolved into a ball-control passing team. ARod could make that go, and the receivers were good at getting initial separation even if they couldn't run away from coverage. The staff has to assess whether or not Hundley can do that. If not, teams are going to press the Packer WR at the line and force #7 to make mistakes.
The Packers are going to have to control the ball by being effective running from here on. They might not have to be a 1970s throwback team, but they've got to threaten on the ground even against the loaded fronts they're going to see.
Curt
October 17, 2017 at 09:42 am
Its premier passer broke his throwing shoulder collarbone on a play that didn’t have to happen.
I find this statement extremely appropriate and I'm still amazed that the hit was considered "legal" by the FOX crew. Jahri Evans' comments are right on - Barr intentionally made the hit even though he could had let up but chose to "send a message". I think the league needs to "send" Barr a message. Dropping your helmet after the ball is clearly gone and driving a defenseless guy into the ground is inappropriate! It would not have been allowed if it had been a receiver after a dropped pass and should not have been allowed here. The lack of penalty is not the issue, the mindset of the defenders has to change!
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 10:02 am
You can't tell me his teammates weren't lining up to buy him a beer after the game. If it were Brady, we'd all be saying, "Awww, too bad, so sad!" Maybe we'd tsk tsk over it. Maybe not. The bottom line is that even though #12 is out, there were a lot of players and coaches out there exchanging high fives on Sunday afternoon because this bad break just opened up the door to their flawed teams.
Was it NECESSARY? No. Was it unusual or out of the ordinary? No. Defenders are told that if they can get a legal hit on a QB, they need to take it. It's not necessarily about injuring, but getting into the guy's head. In this case, ARod fell hard and awkwardly, and that was it. In a day when defenders have more and more taken away from them, I understand why Barr hit him. I also understand that Barr left the game with a concussion...
flackcatcher
October 17, 2017 at 03:12 pm
On a high hit that was borderline right when the play ended. No whistle or flag there either. My complaint is the referees don't know how to manage gameflow in today's NFL. Another gift of the current commissioner. (He who shall not be named)
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 03:55 pm
I don't think their job is easy...they get crap for blowing whistles too soon. They get crap for letting plays go too long. All the stopframe footage that's now available means every call or lack thereof is scrutinized to the nth degree even though they have to make calls in real time. 40 years ago, they could miss a call but the gray area still pretty much existed. A lot of that gray has gone away. Hell, each network has former officials ready and waiting to scrutinize everything. It's gotta get into your head.
TXCHEESE
October 17, 2017 at 10:19 am
I'm going to give the Pack a hall pass until after the bye. Once they get some starters back, they have to compete and win. Other teams deal with injuries and still win, though right now, the Packers are just really beat up. Given a healthy OL and secondary, McCarthy can get these guys to the playoffs.
Pack204
October 17, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Mccarthy is going to really earn his money now. Well see how much of this offense was just #12 pulling a rabbit out of his hat.
I think Hundley is in a position to be succesful because he does have good skill position players around him and he did make some nice throws last game for a guy who got thrust into a top 3 d on the road with no practice reps.
The o-line is a different story at the moment but have a look around the league and notice that good defense and a solid running game still get you wins. Qbs are winning games throwing under 20 passes with maybe 10-15 completions. Its time to adapt to what we have and get the most out of it.
Time for the defense to find another level somehow hopefully a better pass rush maybe more blitzes to not give qbs soo much time to pick apart the inexperienced secondary that is just soo injured right now.
stockholder
October 17, 2017 at 12:33 pm
{ it’s one of the worst things that could happen to the NFL.} Thats not what I'm hearing. The LIons are Happy. And the Vikings didn't play like they were sad. I saw smirks. And my lion buddies are going OH yea. With Snickers. The league just got tighter. Tv revenue will go up. The black and Blue will be a "never give up"now. A-rod commands respect. And the packers just lost it. The Packers must prove they are winners! Even if the face of the franchise isn't playing.
LASVEGAS-TOM
October 17, 2017 at 01:26 pm
Ok, Here's how I see it. I don't think this game will be Won or Lost with our Offensive Line. If they can put together something Respectable, they can Game Plan around it. Not saying that will work, but they have No Other Choice. This game will be Won or Lost in the Defensive Backfield. That's where the Problem is. The Saints Win & Lose on the arm of Drew Breeze. I can't believe I'm saying this. There is some Good News here from a Betting Stand Point. The Money is Finally off the Back of Green Bay. I kind of like the 6 pt's, & it will go higher.
If GB can put together a Successful Short Game, by that, I mean, Run The Ball, Short over the middle passes, An occasional Back Shoulder, & Most Important!!, Mason (Cross Bar) Crosby needs to make every attempt he get's, GB can then concentrate on stopping the Passing of Drew Breeze. How they do that, I don't Know. That's why they get paid the Big Bucks!! If GB can cut his production by 50%, or at least cut down on Easy Long TD's, I think we could have a shot here to win. The key here is stopping Drew Breeze, not our Offensive Line. My Opinion.
LVT
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 02:42 pm
There's a lot of sense here...but Ingram and Kamara have both been very good in the run game. Very versatile. Maybe more important than their WRs in keeping that offense on the field.
LASVEGAS-TOM
October 17, 2017 at 03:05 pm
dobber, If we can't contain their Running game, we have 0 Chance here. Our only chance is to make them 1 dimensional. We need to at least cut down on the yardage of Drew Breeze to have a chance here.
LVT
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 03:21 pm
'struth.
LASVEGAS-TOM
October 17, 2017 at 03:32 pm
dobber, I think I've had Too Much to Drink. I don't know what that means???
LVT
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 03:56 pm
It's an abbreviation a student introduced to me for "That's the truth".
Finwiz
October 17, 2017 at 02:45 pm
You can keep drinking, because it hasn't impaired your judgement.
Your guess is as good as anyone's.
My guess is, it's more likely the offensive line will pull it together, than the DB's suddenly "morph" into all-pro's and are able to cover .
I put it more on the DB's whether GB can win or not, and that's not a comforting feeling.
It's too early in the day to drink champagne, but by all means, carry on.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 02:47 pm
"It's too early in the day to drink champagne,"
We agree on something!
LASVEGAS-TOM
October 17, 2017 at 03:08 pm
Finwiz, I pick more Winners on Champagne. You're both wrong, It's NEVER TOO EARLY too Drink Champagne. At least you stopped arguing.
LVT
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 03:22 pm
The only champagne I can stomach comes with a pull-tab...
Finwiz
October 17, 2017 at 03:26 pm
I have a collection of Pinot's and Cabernet's, a lot of various vintages of Sea Smoke Ten and Southing.
Champagne is...well......not good. I avoid it now. Used to drink it. Waste of a good grape.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 03:34 pm
Had too many bad experiences with champagne breakfasts back in college. An old farm kid like me is better off drinking something that has grit in the bottom of the bottle.
billybobton
October 17, 2017 at 01:40 pm
by "WE" you mean new age reporters and people who don't actually watch the game, right? because jennings, jones and company all are on board with you
"we really can’t gauge if that player’s success was due to Rodgers or if it’s because that player was highly skilled."
Qoojo
October 17, 2017 at 05:16 pm
I think the article overstates the effect of losing Rodgers on the league.
The best thing going for Hundley is the bye week is coming up soon, so more time for OL to heal, and for him to starter reps.
Johnblood27
October 17, 2017 at 06:27 pm
OL - MASH
DB - MASH
no exzcuses, but the talent level does drop with each injury.
DL - WTF?
Daniels was all world vs seattle, he comes back and gets rolled every play. WTF?
Montravious Adams? We spent a roster spot on this slug? WTF? where has this guy been? injured for a couple games, then he is Ok to practice and he is Claude Rains.
Dean Lowry - WTF? Is this guy's pic on milk cartons? He needs to wake the F up and play some ball.
RJF = WTF. pretty invisible too, and dont try to tell me that we Dial-ed up any benefit with this other SF reject either.
Clark has been a stud. One DL cannot help vs 5 Ol. This man needs some help.
Fix this with these HEALTHY guys (better effort and results) and maybe we can see some improved results from our MASH DB.
dobber
October 17, 2017 at 07:02 pm
I'll admit to not have been watching Daniels all that closely, but it could be he's still hurting. That, and if you're an OC, you're probably double-teaming him pretty much every play. Can someone help me out with what they've been seeing?
Thegreatreynoldo
October 18, 2017 at 06:33 am
Daniels had a very good game, Dobber. Couple of run stuffs, couple of hurries. Clark too. Lowry has been meh, much to my surprise. No one should have expected a rookie defensive linemen who missed all of TC to play well early in his season.
Razor
October 18, 2017 at 09:40 am
“I got to do a better job,” McCarthy said. “I got to get into a flow, we got to get our offense into a flow.”
Really - just figured that out - what an idiot.