Cory's Corner: Let The Big Dog Eat

Marcedes Lewis should be rewarded on Sunday. 

He's the Big Dog, but he barely gets noticed. 

Ever since Marcedes Lewis was signed by the Packers to a one-year deal on May 24, 2018, I instantly knew that he was going to make an impact. 

Granted, in 12 seasons with Jacksonville, he averaged 31 catches, 375 yards and nearly three touchdowns a season. His high water mark was his Pro Bowl season of 2010 by tallying 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. But the best asset for the 6-foot-6, 267-pound tight end has been his blocking ability. He has always been one of his position's better blockers. And the Packers have sorely missed a solid tight end in quite some time. 

"Being here has kind of rejuvenated my love for ball even more," said Lewis. "Like I always tell you, I'm just in gratitude every day. You never know what's going to happen tomorrow. That's why I'm always in my moment and I'm immersed in the moment. We'll worry about the rest later."

And his love for the game really shined in 2018 when he played less than 10 offensive snaps five times. Yet, you didn't hear anything from him. 

"He's a pro's pro," said Packers coach Matt LaFleur earlier this season. "He does everything the right way. He's just a great mentor for everyone around here."

Compare that to this year, where he has not played less than 20 offensive snaps in any game this season. Lewis is perfect for LaFleur's play-action style because he has been willing to continually put team in front of self. 

"He is a premiere Y in this league," LaFleur said. "I don't think there's anybody that can block better than him. That definitely gives us a lot of flexibility, not only in the run game but in the pass game. Everytime we've called his number in the pass game, when we're releasing him, he's come up for us and he's made some key plays for us. You can't have enough Marcedes Lewis-type player on your football team."

All those glowing adjectives and Lewis found out that he was being released from Jacksonville by watching ESPN. He says that's all water under the bridge now, but seeing how that chapter ended for him, it would be even sweeter if he got into the end zone when the Packers host the Jaguars on Sunday. 

Lewis would never say that, so it's time somebody else did. 

 

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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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9 points
 

Comments (13)

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

November 14, 2020 at 08:17 am

Lewis has been a quality addition on and off the field as far as I can see. There is value in a savvy, professional veteran in both contexts, in addition to his blocking prowess.

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NickPerry's picture

November 14, 2020 at 09:19 am

I always thought Mike McCarthy was a quality HC in this league but I never understood how he hardly used Lewis on the field. Even after a play when he sprung Jones or Williams for a big run, or helped Rodgers from being hit, Lewis would be on the bench again just sitting, waiting to go back in. MFL has shown us how to use a TE EVERY week, something McCarthy just never understood after Finley.

Learning you've been released by a team you've played for 10 years on ESPN not only sucks but is classless. My guess is "Big Dog" gets a TD reception, maybe 2 or a TD and a key 1st down because Rodgers will make sure of it. Rodgers loves Lewis and has mad respect for him. Get ready for a few F-You plays by Lewis Sunday.

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 14, 2020 at 11:00 am

Mc Carthy was never a good fundamentals guy. Ignored much of the west coast scheme's reliance on the RB/FB interplay with the TEs. His 1:1 concepts work as long as the O line was a group of pro bowlers. Four man rush and flood the zones stymied his plan. Lewis for a couple TDs would be an even better reward.

-1 points
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Spock's picture

November 14, 2020 at 01:13 pm

The weird thing was that MM was a tight end himself when he played and always complained he didn't have enough TEs. Then when he DID get them he didn't use them much!

1 points
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Blood-McNally's picture

November 16, 2020 at 11:48 pm

Sean Payton wanted the Packers head coaching job and was being considered for the position along with McCarthy. At the time, I prefered Payton, but liked McCarthy as well. Having a chance to be a Monday morning QB, it now appears that Payton is better able to make adjustments better as the game evolves. I would also include an old timer, Andy Reid, as a head coach who is able to modify his approach to coincide with changes.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

November 14, 2020 at 10:26 am

I thought Merceds Lewis should retire. He's an old guy, that didn't fit into a passing system. I preferred a OT if its about blocking. Save the Bucks. But the more Lewis has played. The more my opinion changed. Trey Junkin was the oldest TE to play. Seems old guys do have their value. Lewis has helped. But let the big dog eat? I get it's Jacksonville. But lets not over look we have youngsters. Lewis isn't about the future. He's a veteran who's on his last legs. Who's earned RESPECT. The can do guy. And you just don't try to do to much with him. So No; don't make him out to be something he isn't. Let him contribute where he can. And he will.

0 points
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Lphill's picture

November 14, 2020 at 11:28 am

I think Lazard spent time on the Jags and was released , if he plays he may have a chip on his shoulder.

0 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

November 14, 2020 at 01:04 pm

He was they signed him as an UDFA in 2018 and qfter they cut him the Packers scooped him up. Same year we brought on Hackett. Thank you Jaguars never change.

0 points
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Thegravedigger's picture

November 14, 2020 at 02:40 pm

Let him eat defensive ends. Thats what he wants to do. Thats what he does.

0 points
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Thegravedigger's picture

November 14, 2020 at 02:41 pm

Let him eat defensive ends. Thats what he wants to do. Thats what he does.

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 14, 2020 at 05:48 pm

Lewis is solid like the Rock of Gibraltar, is there but hardly noticed!

2 points
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marpag1's picture

November 15, 2020 at 03:57 pm

LOL.

Well I did notice him giving up the bad run by getting blown up on the failed 3rd and 1 that would have iced the game. Other than that...

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