Cory's Corner: Matt LaFleur's Role As A Fireman

Putting out the Aaron Rodgers fire will be LaFleur's biggest challenge yet. 

Matt LaFleur has been one of the best coaches over the past two seasons. 

That’s not an opinion, that’s a fact. He has led the Packers to a sparkling 26-6 regular season record and has made the Packers more efficient on offense. In Mike McCarthy’s final season in 2018, the Packers were 14th in offensive points scored and this past season, the Packers were No. 1.

This team has turned into an offensive juggernaut. Last year was the first time the Packers scored 500 or more points in a season (509) since the 560-point explosion in 2011 when the Packers went 15-1. 

Aaron Rodgers clearly loves and respects the job that LaFleur has done. He has taken the pressure off Rodgers by employing a solid running game, while taking advantage of his wizardry through the delicate use of the play-action. 

But LaFleur is also caught in the middle. He must answer to general manager Brian Gutekunst who traded up to draft Jordan Love in 2020 and now the head coach that is entering just his third season as an NFL head coach has to quell the flames of distraction that could run rampant at any moment. Especially now that Rodgers is currently in Hawaii and didn’t want to show up for the voluntary organized team activities. 

Which has forced LaFleur to get a longer look at the still-green Love. 

“We’re excited about  some of the progress we’ve seen with him, but certainly there’s a long way to go there,” LaFleur said on Tuesday. 

LaFleur handled the pandemic beautifully. It wasn’t easy having meetings via Zoom. There are a lot of coaches that may have had the technology chops to sidestep COVID-19, but didn’t possess the communication skills to be able to lead a team digitally. LaFLeur orchestrated both to an absolute tee. 

Make no mistake, this Rodgers situation is a distraction. There are receivers that are siding with No. 12 instead of going to OTAs. LaFleur must take all of this in stride and be able to make a reasonable decision on Love’s progress. 

And he must do all of those things while knowing that Love is walking into a situation that no quarterback would necessarily want. Granted, Love is finally getting the coveted reps that he has wanted, but what do those reps actually mean?

“Each individual in here is focused on the things that they can control,” LaFleur said. “And we need everybody to be at their best to progress as a football team.” 

I thought last year was LaFleur’s biggest challenge. He had to tiptoe around health regulations and protocols while making sure that everyone was getting better — mainly at a distance. Well, I was wrong. This will be LaFleur’s biggest challenge because he cannot let Rodgers polarize the locker room and make teammates uncomfortable about their role and place on the roster.

LaFleur could easily say that he didn’t sign up to be a fireman but he fought plenty of fires last year and now he’s got one with the team’s biggest star and best chance to win. 

 

 

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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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3 points
 

Comments (121)

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

May 29, 2021 at 06:26 am

While this will be a big challenge for MLF, it may be time for him to make his mark as an NFL Head Coach without the overhanging shadow of Aaron Rodgers. Coaching the team to a winning record with Love as his starting QB may be his biggest accomplishment in his career thus far.

14 points
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Savage57's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:27 am

It's the 'may be' part of your comment that has everyone looking around for some reassurance it'll all be OK.

What I don't get is why AR's so unsettled, so convinced that even if he keeps playing at a high level, he's toast. Go be Aaron Rodgers and consign Jordan Love to trade bait status. Put the histrionics, the contract retrading and the need for assurance aside that you'll be the man in Green Bay until YOU decide not to be, even if it turns out you aren't. Studs don't need guarantees.

The Packers showed their good faith when they reupped you. They also showed their team stewardship when they drafted someone who could possibly be, but wasn't assured of being, your replacement.

Get your butt into training camp in July after your extended holiday and show the world all that character you accuse the front office of lacking.

17 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:26 am

That is a perceptive, and I think critical, question. There is no good answer that’s rational for both parties.

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NickPerry's picture

May 30, 2021 at 03:17 am

"Get your butt into training camp in July after your extended holiday and show the world all that character you accuse the front office of lacking."

THIS....This is the single best sentence I've read regarding this situation since draft night. It's about "The People" right Rodgers? Yet you're letting down every teammate, coach, and fan in GB....You know Rodgers, the PEOPLE!

4 points
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Postman's picture

May 29, 2021 at 06:38 am

This whole article is sad but true. AR signed a contract and was paid $69M in the first 9 months of his contract. He seems to have forgotten he is in the NFL (Not For Long) and he wants job security for himself. If he truly loved the Packers and their fans he should realize that the Packers brought in Love just like they did when he was drafted. The GM was looking out for the good of the Packers not their super star QB. AR has been coddled by the Packers front office when they Fired McCarthy. Now he wants the GM and President fired for slighting he him. No one player is bigger than the team they play for. It is time for AR to CARRY the G instead of stepping on it.

24 points
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Savage57's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:33 am

That last line is pure gold.

9 points
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Since'61's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:25 am

Savage57 it's good to see you back here on a regular basis. I've always enjoyed your posts. I hope that all is well with you and that you keep posting here. Be well. Thanks, Since '61

5 points
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blondy45's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:55 am

Super comments Postman and Cory's article is spot on. Some tend to blame the Front Office for not communicating their choices to certain members of the Green Bay Packers. Some blame the Packer's failure to win the Super Bowl because of a lack of talent on the team. Some blame the most recent loss to Tampa Bay due to poor individuals on defense.

I believe we must recognize the great job MLF has done. Two 13-3 seasons, with a talented roster provided by the Front Office. The highest scoring offense in the NFL last year, an improving defense loaded with proven veteran talent. We have replaced our defensive coordinator and special team's coach with hopefully better outcomes this year. We drafted in areas of need this past draft.

So now "MLF" is the leader of the Pack. He must now be the fireman too. He has to put out the blaze that the media and the arsonist has set afire. Rodgers is throwing fuel on the fire which he set. The arsonist is watching with glee as the media runs to the scene of the burning building fire at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. The best way to extinguish the blaze, is to use the tools needed to put out a fire. 1. Take a way the source of the problem. That would be Rodgers. 2. Take away the oxygen that fuels the fire. That would be the media. 3. Make it hard for the fire to rekindle. That would be keep winning.

MLF has the tools to continue to build up the Green Bay Packers. He has the know how to work with the players to keep his system working. He has the support from the Front Office to supply the team with great players with great attitudes. He has great coaches to aid him. He should also have the support from the fans. I support MLF to put out this "camp fire". Packer Nation should too. The frozen tundra is no place for a fire to spread.

10 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:34 am

The test for LaFleur is to out prepare other coaches in key games and then out coach them in game. That’s the part yet to be demonstrated. Also needs to show that he’s made good choices at coordinator.

9 points
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dobber's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:43 am

This becomes even more important if #12 is no longer under C.

5 points
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RedRight49's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:14 am

Agreed 100 %!

MLF has already made coaching changes showing he is holding his coaches to a standard commensurate with a high quality team and having high expectations for their respective responsibilities.

3 points
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Rebecca's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:36 am

Hyperbolic nonsense. Now Rodgers is an “arsonist” and he and the media need to be “taken away”. Sounds like censorship. Sorry your feelings are hurting, but being a fan these days is grueling work being so upset.

-2 points
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Packerpasty's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:13 am

so arod is in the "not for long" and wants job security, isn't that exactly what he is pissed about?? seems like it too me...if he just had a normal year last year instead of MVP type play then Gutes probably would have traded him and thats what he is pissed about...job security...people better realize that superstars are rather important to their franchise, they bring in a lot of money in many ways...its not all on Rodgers, others have faults here too, unless your still in 1965 and rule with an iron fist over players....

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

May 30, 2021 at 02:04 am

All you need is Love....

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Turophile's picture

May 30, 2021 at 05:31 am

You are asking a man who, although exceptionally intelligent, looks at things subjectively, and you want him to be objective about his situation. That's unlikely.

It's not some kind of evil (that some fans make it) for him to try and control his situation, but the way the NFL works, that is hard to accomplish.

As for "if he truly loved the Packers and their fans" this is more a fan perspective than a players perspective. It's a job for him, not an optional choice to follow something, that a fan has.

Many people give a nod to religion, though it doesn't really change their life choices or who they are, I'm guessing Rodgers is like that with the team and fans - he'll usually say the right things in front of the cameras, but at heart he is who he is, cerebral, calculating, things that make him so good on the field.

5 points
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PhantomII's picture

May 30, 2021 at 11:54 am

Religion is a bad word. It's about "RELATIONSHIP" and you should always be trying to change for the better and praying before making choices. You have to spend time to grow in a committed relationship. That is where most fail. Love and Respect. If you don't have a great amount of appreciation for your Creator that has given you your first breath and last and everything in between and do not understand that the One who spoke everything into being and got down on his knees and scooped out earth in the outline of His image and brought it to life in the form of mankind. That is Personal....that is Love. He wanted a Relationship with US. If you don't have God, you worship oneself or some other idol. God Bless you ALL.

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Turophile's picture

May 30, 2021 at 01:05 pm

YOU take religion seriously, and that is fine if you do...............but to many it is just a lipservice thing and THEY were the ones I was making a comparison too. I'm not religious at all, but that's fine too..............to each their own.

1 points
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PhantomII's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:23 pm

We are all at a different point in life. Everyone has warts and free will. We judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions in order to look better in our own eyes. We're all finding our way thru life at a different pace. We are human. We let people down on any given day.

0 points
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badaxed's picture

May 30, 2021 at 10:34 am

Ron Wolf's famous quote: "You walk through a graveyard, and you see a lot of important people who never thought they could be replaced."

0 points
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Guam's picture

May 29, 2021 at 07:31 am

MLF may be a fireman or he may be a bystander in this fracas as the FO seems the more likely candidate to resolve this issue - one way or another. I think MLF may be a reason Rodgers stays in Green Bay as the pair are clearly a highly productive team, but I think the resolution has to come between the people who are not working well together - Rodgers and the FO.

6 points
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blacke00's picture

May 29, 2021 at 07:32 am

It is a shame that MLF is being put in this position. But it is what it is and we (the fans and MLF) have to put up with it. I do wish that the media and many of the posters on this site would please learn a little football and realize that this is still a game played by 11 men on offense. Yes, the QB is important and it's hard to win a SB without a star in that position. But the other 10 guys are incredibly important as well. Let's give MLF his due and start moving on from all the Bulls**t!

8 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:39 am

Matt LaFleur is a bright, bright bulb. 26-6 as a HC in his first two years. We all, as Packer fans, are fortunate to have him guiding us through. He’s diligent, committed, hard working and a great communicator. Seems dedicated to keeping the Packers current, innovative & competitive.

I really haven’t been as confident in a Packers Head Coach since Mike Holmgren.

Matt LaFleur has many of those same quiet, confident leadership qualities, like those required to handle any and all player matters. I think we’re in great hands there.

11 points
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Archie's picture

May 29, 2021 at 07:47 am

The sooner the GBP realize that the Rodgers situation can't be fixed short of firing Gute and MM and trading away Love, the better. Currently, they have an opportunity to get great trade value for AR, not to mention great cap relief. They had better seize that opportunity before it begins to depreciate.

Start Love now and allow him to take his lumps for a year or two i.e., on-the-job training. If it's clear he is in over his head, switch to Bortles for a while and then try Love again. Rinse/repeat as it's paramount for this organization to find out what they have in Love ASAP.

btw - I remember draft night 2020 and I remember the excitement of MLF when the Pack trade up to draft Love - he was ecstatic. So, this wasn't just Gute's idea, MLF was in on it all the way.

4 points
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HawkPacker's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:01 am

Agreed. MLF should have been ecstatic as it was good for the organization! They felt that they got the best player available, as a first rounder, with the selection of Love.

Yes, I wish they could have waited a year or two to find the heir apparent to Rodgers but when you have the opportunity to get a quarterback like that when you are picking late in the first round, you better take advantage of it.....and they did.

10 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:16 am

AR was in decline for two years prior to GB taking Love, a player the HC and other coaches met with multiple times prior to the 2020 draft. They knew Jordan Love, wanted him and took him.

Therefore, we must fire the GM and CEO of the Packers. Really? One word: FUTURE.

Murphy, Gutekunst & LaFleur all knew the significance of what they were doing by taking him.

9 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:07 pm

Agreed. The President, GM, and HC knew the significance. So did AR.

3 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:21 pm

No doubt, TGR!!! He saw the writing on the wall. That’s why I’m not busting AR’s balls on this. He wants to keep playing. If not in GB, that could shock a lot of fans. I understand if he wants out. I’ll understand if he wants back in too, but have doubts...

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

May 30, 2021 at 02:10 am

TGR, again: "All you need is Love..." - that was written long time ago...

-2 points
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flackcatcher's picture

June 02, 2021 at 02:53 pm

Brian Gutekunst has followed Ron Wolf's/Ted Thompson draft philosophy from day one. Rule number one: If a starting level QB becomes available, take him. To this day I'm surprised that folks on this site ignored that Packer base principal. Love was the right choice at the right time. And that was regardless of how Rodgers played last season.

0 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 29, 2021 at 07:56 am

This latest event is all part of MLF journey and growth as an NFL Head Coach. He has been more than up to the challenge so far.

I have 100% faith in how he will face this challenge.

It will only make him stronger and more well rounded as he deals with mega egos of mega rich athletes.

MLF has got this!

9 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 07:57 am

Totally, totally, totally agree, nostradanus! Well said.

2 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 29, 2021 at 11:58 am

Right on GG

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

May 30, 2021 at 02:13 am

But you have to remember one important fact: While there is a lot of bitter towards Mike Murphy and Brian Gutekunst, they are still 2 persons who decided to hire the "fireman". One of the reason why I will put both of them over the whiny Diva on the other side!

0 points
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Since'61's picture

May 30, 2021 at 12:21 pm

croat, They are also the ones who agreed to pay the "whiny Diva" on the other side but more importantly if Rodgers leaves and Love busts they are not going to take the fall, MLF will be the scapegoat and there will be no fireman for him if the losses pile up. Murphy and Gute are part of the cloister. MLF is an outsider to them and the perfect fall guy if it comes to that. Gute and Murphy are protected at least as long as Murphy is there. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

May 31, 2021 at 08:45 am

Since, I agree, Murphy and Gutekunst decided to pay whiny Diva showing him all the respect they were able to and that payment was wrapped gift (gift was cutting Mike McCarthy). Now, whining Diva feels he is not respected. Also, do not forget that that "contract" came after not so good Diva's season...

If you tink that new contract (basically extention) came at least year to early, I'm with you, agree on that. But it was done and what? What rights whiny Diva believes he has? As I understand law and "about people" he can fulfill contract or retire. Or he can try to blackmail organization and be traded. That is all. Where is the leverage there?

You have experience in running company. And you knows that there is good, bad, excellent and very bad years. Business as usual. We might looking to bad year, so what. If you ask me, I would not trade him, I would bench him and keep him inactive on game days. Than, my business advisor would push me to change the decision and to trade him and I will listen them after some time...

If Love is bust, than you have bad record and pick high next year, where you may pick much better QB.

Honestly, I believe Aaron Rodgers knows Jordan Love is not bust and that is why all of this drama started and continue. Love might not be ready yet, but, in my opinion, he is far more advanced, Aaron Rodgers knows, he was in his 2nd year in NFL.

One decade is long time and I understand all unpatience fans feels. Last NFCCG showed me that Aaron Rodgers chokes when it is important. He got 4 times ball back after last Tampa Bay score and his was leading offense was doubtful with culmination on his last 3 throws. He will never ever win another SB, no matter which team he will running. Same situation was 2014 NFCCG. He got so many opportunities and he was flat. 2017 Packers scored just 21 points, 2019 Niners ruined Packers and that was not completely on Aaron Rodgers. But this last NFCCG was his defeat, despite very good team Packers summoned.

That is my opinion. If aaron comes back and win SB, I might change my opinion. I do not like Tom Brady, but if I would need "clutch time" QB, I would pick him...

1 points
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greengold's picture

May 30, 2021 at 12:46 pm

“Fireman,” or “firewall?”

Ha! Actually, I see them as a very tight group. I really think 26-6 is magical, for the first two years on the job. With one draft, save for Kamal, NOT contributing at all. Remarkable.

Just want to wish you all a Happy Memorial Day weekend, and to thank all of our veterans, along with those actively serving our country. Cheers, to you!

3 points
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Since'61's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:21 pm

All the best to you and yours greengold. GPG!
Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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HawkPacker's picture

May 29, 2021 at 07:57 am

I, like a lot of packer fans, think about the Prima Donna Rodgers saga quite a bit. Even after he was on ESPN recently, I really do not understand what his problem really is all about. He made the statement that since he won the MVP this past season, that has thrown a wrench into things. I believe that either way he is under contract through 2023 or 2024? Not sure why he should be like any other player under contract. If you play up to your contract you will be fine and if not you could be shown the door.

So I don't see what difference that makes. Does it mean that he deserves more money than the contract he signed a few year's back since he won the MVP? What I don't see is him having his salary reduced so GB can have the necessary Cap to sign some veterans to get the packers over the hump to the Super Bowl much like Tom Brady has done.

I used to be a huge supporter of Rodgers but have to admit that I am very disappointed in him and this continuing saga. Also, if he does come back to play for the packers, many of us will not forget this saga and will have somewhat tainted our feelings for this quarterback.

16 points
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porupack's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:18 am

Exactly my sentiments!! One has a right to make an effort to bargain for a long term extension, but how it is done shows character or lack thereof. And even if he started by asking for a trade (fair enough), going beyond and seeking Gute to be fired, and other things were bad, bad reflection on Rodgers. I lost my respect for #12, though if he works at repairing the relationship, all can be quickly forgiven. Everyone has times they lost perspective and would do a do-over.

8 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:53 am

One problem: that would require Shailene to move to GB for around 170 days per year.

He’s. Not. Coming. Back.

3 points
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NickPerry's picture

May 30, 2021 at 03:41 am

No offense friend but if ANY OF THIS is about Shailene's reluctance to be in GB for a few months a year at the end of her future husbands career, then that takes selfishness to an entirely different level...

Hmmm... Perhaps they were made for each other.

3 points
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SanLobo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:30 am

The new CBA requires teams to make a decision to extend a player’s contract for a 5th year during their 3d year. Essentially, GB needs Love under center in his 3d year to make a decision on his 5th. And for Love, that 5th year contract will be around $18M. GB needs to know taking that 5th year option is worth $18M. Rodgers knows the clock started when Love was picked. Rodgers assumed GB planned to jettison him after 2020 or no later than 2021. Rodgers also realized his greatest leverage would come after 2020 if he could prove he can still ball as an elite QB. Obviously none of us know what Rodgers is actually asking of GB nor do we know what GB is offering. But speculation is running rampant and much of it probably nothing like what is true. The one point Rodgers brought up in the Mayne interview that bothers me the most was his reference to character. That tells me in Rodgers mind, someone in the Front Office lied to him. Again, I said in Rodgers mind. But when employees feel that their employer can not be trusted, that can be a very tough sticking point to get past.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:55 am

If Rodgers was playing on this contract and at a similar level Love’s contract would be happily collateral damage, unless Love really started to blow up the field in practice.

3 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:58 am

SanLobo, you’re pointing to MANY great points here.

1. Tectonic plates appear to be shifting in how long a team is realistically going to be able to keep a generational talent at QB on their roster.

Some teams draft the young QB and hope for the hit. Others draft elsewhere, and take those veteran talents sloughed off by teams no longer able to afford them.

Seems we’re right in the thick of it now.

2. Rodgers saying he won’t play again for GB, for his own personal reasons, is his only leverage. It forces either a trade or his retirement, and he’s gambling GB will not want to walk away empty handed.

3. Speculation is running rampant, but, recycling pretty much the original statements put out by both sides.

No one knows what AR wants on terms with GB, because his last stance was he’s out. The team has held the whole way to one statement about AR, that they want him, and one statement about Love, that he has a long way to go.

Those are both trade posture statements. Don’t read into them. They probably don’t want AR back. Conversely, Love probably looks ready to them.

16 years is a LONG TIME with one player. Rodgers is clearly still extremely capable, as he won the MVP. Couldn’t be a more perfect time to trade him, especially if MLF & AR aren’t seeing eye to eye.

4. Rodgers pointing to “character,” and “the people,” was rich. Clearly intended to assign blame for his not wanting to be in GB on the Front Office, deflecting attention away from his fiancée’s refusal to live in GB.

It’s not personal, Green Bay. It just doesn’t work out for them.

Seems like the symbiotic solution is to trade him & possibly others to DEN to get something out of it.

3 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

May 30, 2021 at 02:51 pm

"Rodgers pointing to “character,” and “the people,” was rich. Clearly intended to assign blame for his not wanting to be in GB on the Front Office, deflecting attention away from his fiancée’s refusal to live in GB."

And you know this how? And who says she would have to "live" in GB anyway? But I would love to know your source that she has refused to live in GB?

0 points
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bjkdad44's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:51 am

Agree 100%!

-1 points
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dfarmer's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:04 am

I thought Packer structure had BG and MLF each reporting to Murphy???

4 points
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jont's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:59 am

Right. There was a lot of talk about this arrangement (GM and coach each reporting to the pres rather than the GM picking the coach) when it happened-- much critisim or, at least skepticism, because it almost never done.
This is why I look unfavorably on Murphy. He set this up, so he's got to police it. The (unforeseeable) problem of a serious conflict between the GM and a star player has now put the coach in a hard spot; one problem hasd grown to two because MM has both GM and coach report to him.
Why would he want it this way in the first place?
And why now, in Homgrem's formulation, did he allow the problem with 12 to grow? And why can't he fix it or at least resolve it?
All we get from MM are platitudes. Where's the leadership?

2 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:11 pm

jont, don’t forget Holmgren has a little diva to him too. He probably loved being interviewed for his thoughts on this.

Favre & Rodgers are competitive to a T, brilliant football minds in the passing game, and love to throw. Both are phenomenal passers. Both are divas. Otherwise, they are nothing alike.

Holmgren is too far removed to know if maybe Rodgers is dug in, and it’s non-negotiable. Nor if the FO is quietly embracing a QB change.

As for Murphy, I didn’t care for him much, but think I might have been wrong.

Murphy’s a former player, unlike Bob Harlan. Former player have a different Love for the game, and like to be involved.

Firing a former SB winning HC with a street named after him had to have been tough. Getting the next HC decision right was paramount. He did that. I’m sure stipulating Pettine’s retention was a nicety he felt Pettine was owed, since he was only hired the year before, Murphy probably realized that was a mistake. We’re all fallible. Murphy acquiesced. LaFleur has his guy.

If they get this right, transitioning AR out & JL in with real success? We could be set up for another decade or more. Murphy seems to be letting Brian handle the personnel, and Matt to handle the team pretty well. I can’t think of Murphy meddling in player dealings at any point in his tenure.

I think this AR thing called for all hands on deck. Murphy knows his career in GB is now riding on this, maybe unfairly if this was all AR’s doing.

Speaking of divas... David Lee Roth once said, “I paid you for it. What the fuck?” Packers front loaded AR’s 5 year deal, and now, 3 years later...

Can’t wait to find out the real skinny...

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:44 pm

Interesting insights. That said I think the main point was being missed. Murphy is the boss not the GM.

Does anyone really think that Murphy didn’t know that the Packers list of elite targets that year did not include at least one QB, that the Packers were willing to trade up for the last player on that list, and that there was a chance that would be a QB?

Murphy isn’t going to retain respect in the organization when the outcome was one he would have had to bless in advance (and maybe before the trade too. I assume Rodgers knows that, but I suppose he thought Gute was an easier target.

I’m coming to the view that you are right Greengold, that the demands Rodgers made were deliberately set to be impossible for the Franchise to meet. That his real message was simple, I don’t want to be here.

The rest is designed to shift the blame for the cut and run to protect his persona. He wants out for non football reasons but he wants enough to believe he’s the victim, despite there being no intent to start Love whatsoever at this point and a carefully reassembled roster just requiring some shifting around of his contract.

The evidently self-defeating nature of the guarantees he seeks has been puzzling, but, if they were never really desired to be accepted, it all makes sense. He doesn’t want to be in Green Bay on any basis but doesn’t want that to be seen. You might just be the savant here.

3 points
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greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 04:21 pm

I appreciate that, Coldworld, but was doing nothing more than removing myself, the fan, and looking at the actions, timelines, what was said and how, to try to see the problem and the solution.

Problem: Aaron became engaged to Shailene & living in Green Bay won’t work for their future together.

Solution: Trade Aaron Rodgers.

Usually you can watch actions and not listen too much to words, but this is a completely different case, on both sides there.

AR likes to carefully craft his message sending. Every word matters, often through others.

The Packers, were immediately forced into these 3 messages to help them gain the greatest haul for the current MVP:
1. We want him back and are hopeful for his return.
2. We will not trade him.
3. Jordan Love has a long way to go.

All three statements are trade posturing statements, they haven’t changed nor have they been added to in 4 weeks, and they likely feel the opposite on all 3...

Their real leverage is they already have the QB to win, and they can afford to make him sit. When the only word around the league is “Will the Packers make him available?” there is something to that, especially out of DEN GM Paton’s mouth...

Too many things lining up. We’ll see.

How many people here want to see Kyle Fuller at the star, and Bradley Chubb working with Gary, Z, Preston, Kenny & TJ, and a pile of picks? Maybe they can get Surtain ll...

0 points
2
2
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 04:20 pm

Could be. Woodley probably needs to live in LA. That would be a perfectly normal reason for any employee to want to leave.

Still, I don't see how it is still not a long-distance relationship with AR playing in Denver or Las Vegas. I don't think the easier airline connections are sufficient to explain this behavior.

They are still long-distance for OTAs, TC, and the regular season and post-season. She presumably shoots movies all over the world - there is the off chance a movie is shot in Denver or Las Vegas but it seems small even if the chance of shooting a movie in GB is close to zero.

2 points
2
0
jurp's picture

May 29, 2021 at 06:44 pm

Airline connections to Denver from pretty much any large city are simple and involve single flights that have first class seating; flights to GB must be through Chicago or Minneapolis (and maybe other cities), involving at least one layover at those airports, and with small planes into GB. Travel time is significantly longer (on the order of several hours in some cases) getting to GB than to Denver (or to LV) from anywhere on the planet. In addition, there is no privacy (or first class seating) on the connecting flights to GB.

Presumably, one could use a private plane, but that's pricey.

I think this qualifies as a reason for relocating to Denver or LV (and isn't Ms. Woodley from Boulder?).

-1 points
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1
greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:16 pm

Hey TGR, she’s from Boulder, CO. Her whole family is there. They spend a lot of time there too from what I read in comments from Aaron.

Makes way too much sense.

0 points
1
1
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 30, 2021 at 05:16 am

New information - thanks. It could be. And I knew Denver is a major hub (lots of flights for Las Vegas, too) but didn't really consider Shailene coming to GB so much as the other way around. But I suppose to make it not a long distance deal, she'd have to come to GB and then leave for auditions and shooting movies. She's pretty prolific. Hmmm.

I watched Shailene on the Craig Ferguson show (link below). He's usually offbeat enough to get an idea of the guest's personality. Can't say I liked or disliked her. She was okay. I am very sensitive to voice so she would have been a no for me back in the day. My wife had a wonderful speaking voice - I figured I'd have to listen to a spouse for a long time so it might as well be a pleasant experience as opposed to listening to a shrill or grating voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBn-ZsfuOA

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:33 pm

Apparently, Murphy tossed his bit on the fire by telling AR not to be the problem. OTOH, looks like Murphy hired Gute and LaFleur, possibly kept Pettine and McCarthy, so a little up and down.

1 points
1
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Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:45 pm

That comment was over LaFleur and his system I thought, not over a Gute related matter.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:58 pm

I responded to Jont. His or her comment was mostly about Murphy.

"This is why I look unfavorably on Murphy. He set this up, so he's got to police it. The (unforeseeable) problem of a serious conflict between the GM and a star player has now put the coach in a hard spot;"

1 points
1
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stockholder's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:11 am

MLF hasn't tip toed around anything. Tell the players where you stand, and they will follow. Management will use up MLF, just like MM. When he sides with the players, he will be shown the door. They told Rodgers right where they stood when they hired MLF. TT told him to keep quiet about the Defense, when they were trying to fix it. And now they are telling him to Retire, or come back and be their escape goat. Does Rodgers want to play? Thats the only thing that people will see. Not the underlying Malice, that has come with the salary cap. Not the fact: that the CEO and GM, have done their job poorly. This goes back to Favre and TT. It's control what you can, and make money. ( And rule #1 is control your best player.) That winning the super-Bowl is " not" the primary mission in Green Bay. When did Green Bay become an amusement park? When Murphy became CEO. When did we lose site of the super-Bowl? When Gute became the GM. When will Rodgers come back? He shouldn't. He must right this ship. And get back to why Green Bay was called Title town.

-8 points
4
12
Savage57's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:53 am

Two consecutive trips to the NFCCG indicts your " lose 'site' of the Super Bowl" charge against Gute. And the facets of being CEO of a professional football team in the 21st century, and the need to develop local, unshared revenue entails a scope and depth which appears to outstrip your understanding.

As Ketchman's fond of asking, what you're really want to know is, "Why didn't they win?"

6 points
7
1
greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:00 am

I was watching a special on John Madden last night.

For a number of years, Madden couldn’t get his Raiders past the Steelers to play for the Super Bowl. Remember “The Immaculate Reception?” His own player helped create it. The Assassin, Jack Tatum. 4 times in 6 seasons they lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champion.

Madden said, “You’d be disappointed, but dog gone, we’re close! We’re good. We’re good. We’re as good as they are!”

They kept pounding on the door, and eventually they knocked it down.

Getting rid of Gutekunst is stupid talk. He’s been on the job a little more than 3 years. It took the great Ron Wolf 6 years to win a Super Bowl.

6 points
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1
PhantomII's picture

May 29, 2021 at 01:06 pm

Gute was handed a pretty poor team with aging vets on offense and defense who we loved, but were past their prime. The defense was particularly poor in talent. He has managed to work through that and with $ and a ton of picks on defense has gotten us close to the dance. This includes replacing MM with ML and completely changing the offense run/ pass mix and a big part of the OL. Nearly all of the defense. The thing that drives me bat shit crazy is when he refuses to make a trade at the deadline for a WR or DL, starting CB for a draft pick....too rich he says....but we don't make it through the playoffs. Then in the draft he doesn't trade up far enough for a premier WR like Jefferson or consolation WR in Claypool. Hell I'm no scout but I can see they've got the next level goods.
ML offense as good as it is needs a premium WR to complement Adams if we become one dimensional in a playoff game against very good defenses. Our road grader OL changes and Hbacks will help get us by without the WR improvements and I like Amari in the Slot. Gute is making 90% of the right decisions, it's the last little bit that are nipping us. Maybe our new ST coach and fresh players and replacing Pettine get us through. The next part is now an upset Vet QB. 2 choices how this goes. Short term bad and Long term good. We are built to win now though.

0 points
2
2
blondy45's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:07 am

And #1 rule is control your best player. That is called a contract.

1 points
3
2
dobber's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:38 am

"When did Green Bay become an amusement park? When Murphy became CEO. "

When it comes to the things Murphy and the board have prioritized outside of the team itself, it's keeping up with the Joneses. This type of capitalization on fan spending through "amusement parks" and other venues is now commonplace in sports. It's how teams continue to build revenue and stay competitive, and it's particularly important for a team like the Packers who have a smaller market--and no deep-pocketed owner--to build on. This kind of view of the fan-centered venues around 1265 is myopic and fails to see the realities of modern sports.

4 points
5
1
stockholder's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:33 am

It's a distraction from the product. From winning. Is football an amusement? It doesn't take a Park to interact. It will cost more in upkeep then bring in. Especially, when the product loses.

0 points
4
4
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:48 am

It’s a necessary source of additional revenue. Whether it proves wise or long lasting is a real question, but I agree with you that every franchise has to attract develop revenue sources to finance capital projects and it is much more difficult in a conurbation the size of Green Bay.

I’ve no problem with that aspect of the franchises endeavor conceptually, but I do have issues with Murphy and his structure. I think we are seeing some of the dual or simply occluded responsibility issues implicated in some of the current goings on. Although not the root cause, they complicate.

It shouldn’t have any aspect of distracting from football unless it’s draining money needed for that, which it isn’t. It’s run by completely different people, except Murphy.

3 points
4
1
Since'61's picture

May 29, 2021 at 01:38 pm

Dobber this is a situation where the Packers being a non-profit organization helps the team financially since they are restricted on how they can use their profits. More revenues help to maintain the cash flow for a team like the Packers.

On the other hand it also mitigates a sense of urgency to put the best possible product on the field. We've seen this through the TT years and now early in the Gute era. We went years without good safety play. Then we went without RBs for a few seasons. Under Gute we still have weak position groups at DL and ILB. The salary cap cannot always be an excuse since the FO gave Rodgers his current contract and signed the Smiths, Amos and they resigned Bak and Clark.

Add to the cap issues is the fact that the stadium is sold out for decades and the new TV deal will significantly increase league revenue sharing not to mention the increasing revenue coming in from legalized gambling. The Packers should remain fine financially.

In fact if they were a for profit organization and our shares of Packers stock were actually worth anything besides being glorified thank you cards the price of our shares would be dropping significantly during this squabble with Rodgers since if he leaves via trade or retirement the quality of the on field product will drop drastically for at least a season or 2. Investors fear uncertainty and that is rampant in Packer Nation at this time. Even trading Rodgers for picks would not help because picks do not provide guarantees until they produce results.

If we had an owner in a privately held organization he could take money out of the organization and dilute the on field product through greed and negligence. Fortunately the Packers FO is only guilty of committing one of the Cardinal sins of management, which in their case, is failure to pay attention to their most valuable asset. But they'll recover. MLF will be fine in handling the team and the communications. It's one of his strengths. The communication failure took place in the Murphy, Gute, Ball triumvirate. Thanks, Since '61

5 points
5
0
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:00 pm

It’s supposedly one of Gute’s strengths too. Have you noticed that many of the beefs have been with persons other than Gute? Sometimes predating him too? Yet Gute is the one called out? Seems to me that calling out anyone is in fact failing to call out Murphy. Rodgers is hardly ignorant of the structure.

It also seems to me that these shifting and nebulous cultural issues are nothing of substance except as an excuse. There is a time to appease and a time to realize appeasement is just oil on a fire. I don’t think any GM could have kept Rodgers happy because Rodgers wants out without saying so. Maybe Rodgers could have moved target, but he just needs a sacrificial lamb to justify his desire to be gone in my book.

The choice of a not-the-boss suit is a logical one. One doesn’t go after the man who will make the decision personally. You go close enough to try and pressure him to give you what you want.

2 points
2
0
Since'61's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:54 pm

Coldworld I think it is a shot at both Murphy and Gute. At the least Rodgers has lost trust in Gute and he probably does not know where he stands with Murphy. They have both claimed that Rodgers is in their plans for the next few seasons but there is no doubt that he is aware of the trade rumors as well and without a guarantee why would Rodgers take their word.

We'll know if there is a trade soon enough however the Packers may have boxed themselves in as far as a trade is concerned. Why trade valuable picks for Rodgers when the Packers might release him for cap space if the Packers and Rodgers don't reach an agreement and Rodgers holds out.

The NFC teams, especially the NFC North teams, will be happy not to face Rodgers for whatever the reason. The AFC teams who are interested will make their best offers and one will sign him without giving up anything. If Love plays well why would the Packers hold on to Rodgers. It could well be worth it for teams to wait and see how this plays out and keep their draft picks.

We don't know if Rodgers has spoken to Murphy or not about his situation. But if he hasn't then he probably wants out. If Rodgers wants to stay in Green Bay he should go directly to Murphy to achieve that. As far as we know he is working through his agent who is working with Gute and/or Ball. Bottom line when you want/need a decision you go to the decision maker. At least that's what I always did.

If a trade is done then Rodgers is just waiting for the final word and none of this matters. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

June 02, 2021 at 03:09 pm

I've become quite amused at some commentators here pretending the Executive Committee doesn't exist. The unseen hand that pushed Murphy off the pro football side of the house. Which was a huge decision no matter how it played out. And for the bashing of Murphy, he has done a fine job in securing the local revue flow as Packer President. Which has been his primary mission from day one. And the same reason why the EC removed Murphy from pro football operations, it wasn't his job. Sometimes it helps to see the whole picture.

0 points
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porupack's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:21 am

Rodgers and this discount double check? A new version, indeed. Wonder how that commercial will be aired.

1 points
1
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Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:42 am

Rodgers and the unexpected hidden fee?

0 points
1
1
porupack's picture

May 29, 2021 at 08:26 am

Cory, well stated. MLF has a tough role to keep the focus, damper sentiments and statements to de-escalate the distractions. That provides an environment that the GM and #12 can refocus on solutions. MLF cool, direct and somewhat humble disposition are great characteristics to maintain this fireman role as you say. Big challenge, but lots of faith in him.

2 points
2
0
Lphill's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:07 am

I think Rodgers likes Love , I just think at the time like most of us he was expecting a pick that would contribute right away, either the best offense or defensive player available, that pick did not show an all in attitude , and being a playmaker away two years in a row proves that point .

2 points
4
2
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:53 am

We were hardly a playmaker or two away in 2019 in my view. This year the 2020 and 2021 drafts seem set to contribute, but Rodgers isn’t? Seems a pretty empty premise to me except as a smokescreen.

2 points
3
1
SanLobo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:10 am

A generally good article. I do believe LaFleur is one of the single best things to happen to GB in a long time. His creativity is refreshing, the players love him and his people skills are impressive.
A couple nitpicks, we don’t really know why the top 5 receivers did not show up for voluntary OTAs. Ascribing it solely to a show of solidarity to Rodgers may be a stretch. Second, it was my understanding that LaFleur answers directly to Murphy, not Gutenkunst.

3 points
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0
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:56 am

He does, they both do. Murphy is the man who chose LaFleur and Gute and Ball doesn’t answer to either of them either.

0 points
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0
SanLobo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:47 pm

Not sure I would be good with that arrangement if I were the GM of any organization…especially not having the money guy at my fingertips. Probably very tolerable with MLF because of his personality. Don’t know anything about Ball’s personality, but money drives the train and it’s extremely difficult to plan, execute and do post-execution analytics without the bean counters in your pocket.

0 points
0
0
Rebecca's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:30 am

I do believe, ahem ahem, what wasn’t impressive was Lafleur’s coaching at the most critical time of the NFC Championship game.

2 points
2
0
Since'61's picture

May 30, 2021 at 12:33 pm

First there was inadequate preparation for the NFCCG and that was compounded by poor decision making throughout the game by the coaching staff. The results were poor execution at critical times in the game by the offense and the defense.

The Bucs were better prepared and they played at a higher level of intensity and a stronger sense of urgency than the Packers. Lack of intensity and a sense of urgency has been missing from the Packers play since the 2010 SB victory but it has been consistently missing since the Wolf/Holmgren era.

Back in the Lombardi era if you didn't bring intensity and sense of urgency on every play you just didn't play and that showed in the results. In this era it's "pay me" first and maybe I'll have some intensity and a sense of urgency. So, here we are. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:30 am

When it comes to commenting on ARod, LaF should be--and likely will be--the most boring interview in town: " ARod's a great player, we'd love to have him here, but I can only coach the players who are here and have them ready to play." If #12 is genuine in his assertion that his spat has nothing to do with the coaches, this is all LaF needs to do...and it appears he's figured this out. In this sense his role as "fireman" is relatively straightforward.

6 points
7
1
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 12:26 pm

Even if their relationship is more as Rodgers portrayed it last year than rosy, LaFleur isn’t going to say anything other than he has.

2 points
2
0
NickPerry's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:44 am

This is a bit off topic but still has to do with Rodgers. I heard a Podcast yesterday where the podcaster was talking about the percentage of the salary cap Rodgers salary currently takes up. Then he went on to compare the QB's of the SB winning teams for the past 11 years I believe it was and compared that percentage to Rodgers.

Rodgers is currently taking up 19.98% of the Packers salary cap for 2021. Since 2011 the QB of the teams who won the SB each year didn't even come close to that percentage. I believe the highest percentage a QB took up was around 14%. Now I understand because of COVID and a reduced cap number Rodgers percentage is higher than it should be but still.

Gute rolled the dice and brought everybody back. He resigned the best LT in the NFL. He resigned one of the best DT in the NFL, AND he brought back Aaron Jones at less money than he could have gotten somewhere else. Then on the night of the draft where one of the top 3 teams in the NFL were about to put some finishing touches on the 2021 team and future teams their QB, the one who signed his own extension which made him the highest paid QB in the NFL at the time of the signing 2 years ago, kicked Gute, Packers fans, teammates, and the organization right in the guts.

IMO Gute went ALL IN in 2021. He was hoping to win a SB THIS year because next year the Packers are screwed. They're already $30 million over and that's BEFORE signing any of their FA's, draft picks, or anyone else which brings me to MFL

MLF IS going to have to be a fireman but my hope it's because the Packers traded Rodgers ass it Vegas, Denver, or where ever for a boat load of picks and at least 2 starters. IMO the Packers hired the PERFECT HC and I have no doubt he can handle the storm this Summer because after we trade Rodgers and his DIVA attitude, the Packers will be looking at sunny days for quite a while. Hey we may not win in 2021 without Rodgers but this team is LOADED with young talent and an excellent coaching staff. The Packers will be in the hunt by 2022 and Denver or Vegas or whoever trades for Rodgers is going to be stuck with a malcontent, overpriced, OLD QB who will NEVER win a SB if he leaves GB...

5 points
8
3
jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:21 am

13.1% Steve Young in the first capped year 27 years ago.

0 points
0
0
HawkPacker's picture

May 29, 2021 at 12:20 pm

Hey NP, why don't you tell us how you really feel?

Seriously, I do agree with most of what you are saying. I also alluded to AR's high salary above as well.

1 points
2
1
NickPerry's picture

May 30, 2021 at 04:25 am

LOL...I just SO tired of this BS HawkPacker...Just like everyone else I'm sure.

I KNOW the best chance the Packers have winning a SB is with Rodgers behind center but at what cost. IF the Packers were to give Rodgers an extension the money would need to be BACK loaded on a new deal, when Rodgers is in his 40's. Next year the Packers Cap is in HORRIBLE shape. Personally I don't want a $45 million cap hit for a QB in his 40's who's 0-5 in his last 5 NFCCG.

5 points
5
0
HawkPacker's picture

May 30, 2021 at 07:31 am

Yeah I hear ya.

After awhile, my head is spinning with all the what if's and maybe's as it applies to what is going down with AR.

I guess the best way to look at it is to realize that 'let the FO handle it as best they can' and let's move on.

Be well my friend.

1 points
1
0
greengold's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:01 am

Nick & Hawk,
Yeah, the BS has been insane to deal with. Without a doubt. I hate tweekers.

Have to share with you, Nick, I feel very differently with Love under C vs. Rodgers. I think our Packers might actually have an easier time winning a Super Bowl with Love at QB, because he’ll listen to LaFleur and follow his instructions. He can do all that needs to be done at the position, and I think Love will surprise many.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 12:29 pm

And Rodgers wants that cap percentage higher over the next 4 years at least and guaranteed. That’s why it’s a totally self-defeating objective. So much so that one wonders if it’s intended to be so unpalatable by design.

2 points
2
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:35 pm

AR's % of the cap is indeed higher because of Covid. It is also higher due to the sheer presence of Jordan Love on the roster: if Love hadn't been selected, Gute would have restructured AR's deal to push him down to about 13% of the actual 2021 cap.

It seems likely that Gute knew long ago about the issue with AR. Gute decided to restructure all those players and to re-sign Jones with that knowledge. I was sure something was up on March 20 when GB paid AR's roster bonus. I thought it was GB's desire to be able to move on from AR after 2021, but now it is reasonably apparent that AR said no and that despite all the media reports, GB needed AR's approval and couldn't auto-convert it.

@CW - I don't know what AR wants in his contract. We've heard media reports but I am shying away now from believing all I read. If he wants $40M per year, that is something GB cannot really do other than on a new 5-year deal, and even then it might be tough.

1 points
1
0
stockholder's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:47 pm

Rodgers percentage is higher than it should be but still. Correct. The Malice! How can you blame Rodgers after his friends were cut, and he won the MVP. Gute played hardball with him./ $$/ Remember the pictures of him in the back of Bahks truck. (Prior to his demands.) This is on GUTE! How does MLF win a bully fight? When the DL and ILB has been avoided by Gute? Yea, Gutes done a great job getting guys who can't win a street fight. Or big Games. Cowards Run. Monsters win. Bottom Line: Gute does not know how to negotiate. As I've written more then once.

-1 points
2
3
TarynsEyes's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:49 am

Coaches coach and players play. Any questions posed to MLF about Rodgers he should direct them to those who can make the changes needed to agree to the divorce or reconciliation.

7 points
7
0
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:59 am

That’s likely Murphy, but Rodgers friends avoided that.

1 points
1
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 29, 2021 at 09:58 am

"Matt LaFleur has been one of the best coaches over the past two seasons."

Well if you listen to a lot of folks 80% of the Packers success is Aaron Rodgers and the Packers would be bankrupt without him, Lambeau Field would be condemned, and there is zero chance that they could have drafted another good QB. They are sure of this even though though in 2018 (the year before LaFleur) Rodgers was arguably not even a top 10 QB. If I had to make a choice between LaFleur and Rodgers, I'd keep LaFleur.

6 points
8
2
SanLobo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:09 pm

According to PFF, Rodgers was the 6th ranked QB overall in 2018. To be fair, he played that season on a broken leg.

2 points
2
0
greengold's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:38 pm

Totally agree with you, Jeremy!

1 points
1
0
Packerpasty's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:16 am

lots of management lovers showing up, I bet none of you are in unions of any kind..

0 points
3
3
jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:20 am

If Unions charters are to make sure everyone gets their share of the pie, then wouldn't they be against a single member trying to take a huge percentage of the say and pay? Rodgers is not doing this for the good of his teammates and coaches, this is all about himself.

9 points
9
0
Coldworld's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:10 pm

You mean Rodgers isn’t emblematic of the typical worker ground down through de facto dependency on a self-enriching group preventing his betterment by siphoning off the fruits of his labor?

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:47 pm

True. There does not seem to be any sympathy for the WRs who did not show up per the instruction of their union. I do think it is fair to say that their absence is in solidarity with AR and not due to union solidarity. If that's the cause, then the lack of sympathy by fans is understandable.

Looks like the union's instruction about a virtual OTA fell mostly on deaf ears league-wide.

2 points
2
0
Rebecca's picture

May 29, 2021 at 10:27 am

There’s no fire to put out, and he’s not in the middle either. Obvious love note to Lafleur, but nothing here deals with the Aaron Rodgers/Packers distraction.

2 points
3
1
Duneslick's picture

May 29, 2021 at 12:05 pm

Greenbay has a choice let Rodgers be the GM or trade him at some point.

-3 points
1
4
Bure9620's picture

May 29, 2021 at 12:25 pm

I almost never say this as the National pundits are mostly clueless idiots putting out whatever nonsense sells. However, I agree with Colin Cowherd here. This situation is quite simple. If Jordan Love can play, this becomes a non-issue......I for one, liked the draft pick because I thought Love had the most upside of any QB in that draft. So take a swing, I like it. Now having to go through the most unorthodox season and more importantly offseason and preseason, we do not know if he actually can. Even I thought it would be 2 years (though most on here thought I was wrong). Now it could be this season. What if Love tears is up in camp? And plays well into the season? And Rodgers is nowhere to be seen? Then the Packers have their QB and Rodgers owes them money......I would actually like to see a trade...Get a team to mortgage their future to get him. Rodgers isn't backing down, the relationship is over I say move on now......Where I do fault Gute is you made a move to get the Kid, meaning he WILL start! EVERY 1st round QB starts for that team, you may as well collect the draft capital now after June 1 and rip the bandaid off...let the Love era begin as it was destined to anyway...The half measures from the FO are annoying. This is only area where I do feel Rodgers has a point...You made a plan now act on your plan Gute, I'll make it easy on you. Look, if Love is a bust...Gute is fired anyway....let the kid get the experience now. I expect year 1 to have high highs and low lows but that is a young QB.....Gute needs to stick to his conviction the way he sticks to his draft board.

1 points
4
3
Alberta_Packer's picture

May 29, 2021 at 12:44 pm

Much more difficult to be a fireman - when a member of the brigade is an arsonist.

"Aaron Rodgers clearly loves and respects the job that LaFleur has done." - I think is bit of an over-reach. I recall in MLFs first year - Rodgers did not exactly embrace the MLF-Hacket offense. There was a little 'kicking and screaming' from him. Also since the announcement as Rodgers as MVP - he hasn't exactly tossed many, if any, bouquets or accolades MLFs way - in the contribution of his success. Such is the "beautiful mystery" that is Rodgers.

5 points
6
1
Packers0808's picture

May 29, 2021 at 01:10 pm

Call a spade a spade LaFleur has become unwittingly a BABYSITTER! Yes, of course still the head coach and a damn good one so far, but the baby bottle nipple has stuck it itself in Rodgers crying mouth! {Maybe Rodgers needs a PACIFIER!}

-1 points
2
3
wildbill's picture

May 29, 2021 at 02:34 pm

I do think MLF is a very good coach but I guarantee you both Shanahan and McVey feel they win their Super Bowls if Rodgers is their QB. MLF came into a great situation and has taken good advantage of it. Lombardi lost his first playoff game and said it would never happen again as he didn’t like his decision making during the game. And, of course, he never lost another one! I feel MLF made some poor decisions during our last loss and ,coupled with some poor individual play, was a strong contributing factor in our loss.

The key will be if he learns, as Lombardi did, and grows as a coach going forward which will be very hard with no AR at QB. I am hoping for at least one more year of AR as I feel with him this team can be special.

7 points
7
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HawkPacker's picture

May 30, 2021 at 07:40 am

I certainly agree with you on your post wildbill.

Also, remember that AR also made some mistakes down the stretch in that game as well. If you take away the coaching blunders (both MLF and Pettine), the mistakes made by AR and the mistakes made by Kevin King, the Packers win going away. We were that close!

2 points
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Dragon5's picture

May 30, 2021 at 10:17 am

Wouldn't leave out Adams TD drop, Jones fumbles + injury. Collectively the team did everything it could to gift the game to Tampa. I must say the fine line between seeing an individual or team rise to the occasion vs the one / group that falters, to borrow a phrase from Rodgers, is "one of life's beautiful mysteries," perplexing as it may be. Seeing WI pro sports close out instead of perfecting their choke act would be a much welcomed sight.

Appreciate the Lombardi nugget wildbill...love to hear those legendary moments.

3 points
3
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greengold's picture

May 30, 2021 at 12:13 pm

Yeah, Dragon5... both NFCC failures back to back had a lot of helpers to make them failures, instead of Ws. Both years needing only 2 more Wins to be Super Bowl Champions.

We have to keep fighting the good fight. Keep knocking on the door. We’ll knock it down.

wildbill, totally agree with you as well. I think we’re very fortunate, and as Packer fans, we’re in for a treat this season.

1 points
1
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Rory Austin's picture

May 29, 2021 at 05:04 pm

Some, perhaps unpopular/Minority view Thoughts to consider: 1. If The packer brass had selected a rock star wide receiver in the first round last year… They wouldn’t be in this mess right now…2. It appears that the only organization in pro football without an owner… May not have the Oversight pressures to WIN NOW ! .... That profit motivated owners would impose 3.Hindsight being 20/20.… Is it possible that there’s an arrogance by management with less communication to their stars ... when they themselves won’t be held accountable, in the short term? The media likes to stir up the fans against the superstar players....To hate and talked tough on.... But the question I have is being a good team ,enough?… It seems to be by the draft choices over the years… (Been a fan since 1962 by the way.)....And the Packers have one of the most loyal fan bases is in the country… And the management doesn’t have any pressure to win now since there’s no owner… So they make enough profit to be comfortable for the Corp ....And avoid tough decisions that might risk mortgage in the future… But it’s a serious question… Is barely making the playoffs most years… Good enough? On the question of is Rogers coming back or not… I for one would love to see him back he’s a great playerHowever... and his sudden loss likely sees us back 2 years..... I doubt it because look at he’s not in playing shape… He’s down 15 or 20 pounds in weight… And the muscle is much less… I know many here like to groupthink and bandwagon and it’s popular to blame Rogers for everything… For the Packers neglect, consistently neglect selecting first or second round wide receivers…It could be argued that their choices in the middle grounds are as good as any team and they have been great at developing players… But from where I sit.....They are one of the worst draft in teams in the league in the first and second rounds..... Just one mans view.... Go Pack Go...

0 points
1
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jurp's picture

May 29, 2021 at 07:08 pm

1. If Rodgers' desire to be traded to Denver is due to his engagement, as it very well may be, then the 2019 draft is irrelevant.
2. Profit has nothing to do with a desire to win a championship. The Packers' executives have the same oversight pressures as other teams' executives, although they probably have it easier than most since there isn't an unreasonable or stupid owner looking over their shoulders and making dumb decisions.
3. The AR situation really has nothing to do with the team's communications with AR - he's making shit up, as is obvious with his comments on ESPN last Monday.
4. You need to re-learn any English grammar you once knew because your post is damn near unintelligible.

4 points
4
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Rory Austin's picture

May 29, 2021 at 11:00 pm

Haha ... having a bad day?.....relax, cheers

0 points
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HawkPacker's picture

May 30, 2021 at 07:51 am

GMGG I don't agree with your assessment. I do not believe there was a Rock Star Wideout available when they picked. Even if there was, you can't expect the rookie to make a difference that first year....won't happen.

A lot of people make a big deal out of winning now. I remember when TT was the GM, and I had thought many times 'why doesn't he make a trade or pursue free agents to get us over the hump'. I don't remember all the crying about it that time.

Look at what Gute has done when he became GM. He signed 4 FA's right away!

To me, there is a fine line between trying to win now and trying to stay competitive in the future. You have to manage this process. Have faith in the FO.

2 points
2
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Difer's picture

May 29, 2021 at 06:08 pm

Mostly agree with the above post. It looks like the Packers will have to go with Bortles/Love. What I don’t understand is why “Gutey” went all in for Love when most informed observers classify him as a “project”. Another first round bust.

-2 points
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2
Pizzadoc's picture

May 30, 2021 at 12:04 am

I feel like one of these new people is Dash.

3 points
3
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Rebecca's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:39 am

Rogers is the story this year. Everything else is a distraction. Every Ridgers12 tweet, every eye-roll, and every day that goes bye without a resolution will be the story. The plot will only thicken , and the anger and frustration we feel now will not go away until it does.

1 points
1
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Dragon5's picture

May 30, 2021 at 09:55 am

Packer Franchise, Murphy, LaFleur, Hackett...all GOATS = burning building

Gute the OX is the flame

Expires 02-01-22

-1 points
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badaxed's picture

May 30, 2021 at 10:32 am

Ron Wolf's famous quote: "You walk through a graveyard, and you see a lot of important people who never thought they could be replaced."

2 points
2
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jhtobias's picture

May 30, 2021 at 03:05 pm

Just a general question .. Do you really believe that the NFL is going to let Aaron Rodgers sit out the the upcoming NFL season ? If he will not return to the Packers under any circumstance, and if the Packers absolutely refuse to trade him Don't you think Rodger Goodell will get involved ?

The NFL cannot have one of it's biggest stars sit it out especially after the Covid 2020 season ? I bet Goodell let's murphy know that you need to trade him because we are not having the NFL MVP sit out this year ..

Just a thought

-1 points
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NickPerry's picture

May 31, 2021 at 06:10 am

Le'veon Bell sat out an entire season and I'd say at the time of his holdout he was one of the NFL's biggest stars...

0 points
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HawkPacker's picture

May 31, 2021 at 09:05 am

I agree NickPerry. And look at him now. He just is not the same talent.

0 points
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