Cory's Corner: The Packers Can Experiment In Finale
Detroit, of all teams, separates the Packers from home field advantage.
The Lions always have a knack of making games especially odd. The Packers escaped with a 23-22 win in October thanks to some weird hands-to-the-face calls on Trey Flowers.
And now the Packers go to the site of the 'Miracle in Motown.' The improbable 61-yard Hail Mary with no time left to Richard Rodgers beat the Lions 27-23 in 2015 and caused a green and gold mosh pit in the end zone.
For this game, the Packers want to avoid the weird. They want to be methodical, play their game by moving the chains on the ground, pressuring rookie quarterback David Blough and getting chunk plays with Davante Adams, Allan Lazard and Jake Kumerow.
There is no reason the Packers shouldn't double up Detroit because the Lions are just trying to get to the finish line. After getting out to a 2-0-1 record, many thought this was the year the Lions would actually make some noise and make their first playoff appearance since 2016.
However, the wheels quickly fell off the bus. Matthew Stafford has only played eight games and the Lions have now lost eight straight.
The Packers shouldn't take home field advantage for granted. Some might say that the Packers are just 3-4 at home in the playoffs dating back to 2004 and that Lambeau Field doesn't have the same magic that it used to.
I think this year is different because they are more determined to run the football, not just with Aaron Jones, but the Packers have proven that they can move the sticks with Jamaal Williams as well. That's a huge benefit in the playoffs on third-and-short when defenses just cannot tackle late in ballgames in subzero temperatures.
This year is different as well because the defense is finally starting to peak. The front seven looks unreal, led by the herculean efforts of Kenny Clark. He is double-teamed a lot, but he is still able to get in the backfield and cause plenty of problems.
So you may look at the schedule and roll your eyes, but this is the perfect time for the Packers to give "All gas and no brake." Throw the football down the field, perhaps experiment with some things. Throw an inside screen to Williams or split Jones out wide and see what his separation is off the line of scrimmage.
This game won't be a problem for the Packers, because most of the Lions don't think they can win. That's why it might be best for LaFleur to try some new things to give upcoming oppponents something else to worry about and also to add another wrinkle to an offense that has desperately been in need of a wrinkle or two.
Don't simply play Week 17, play with the mindset for the future.
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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 (39)
murf7777
December 28, 2019 at 07:09 am
Why take the risk or show other teams new plays? This is a big game and a must win so we have a bye the first week. Keep doing the plays that have taken us this far. I love the say’in on the tee shirts(the north is not enough ) which shows Coach Lafleur isn’t taken the Lions lightly.....”any given Sunday” is what a team needs to prepare for.
mamasboy
December 29, 2019 at 09:12 am
I agree murf. Kind of a dumb article.
ShooterMcGee
December 28, 2019 at 07:45 am
It looks like Jamal will be out so Cory must be referring to Dexter Williams. It will be interesting to see Dexter play and what he can do in limited action. Swervin Ervin might get a chance to spell Jones as well. He ran a jet sweep toss for 6 yards against Minny, lets see him do more. I'm not sure how much they need to experiment. I prefer they play with rhythm getting the timing and tempo correct. If we win and Rodgers delivers accurate balls on time, we'll be dangerous.
Dagger
December 28, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Really like the Swervin Ervin reference...LOL
Lphill
December 28, 2019 at 08:16 am
Vitale can get some carries too plenty of options with no Williams.
Bure9620
December 28, 2019 at 08:32 am
Vitale has a knee Injury, likely out as well
PeteK
December 28, 2019 at 10:36 am
I believe he's also injured.
Bure9620
December 28, 2019 at 08:37 am
I would like to see Dexter Williams get touches this week, he may or may not be ready. Watched him at Notre Dame, he has a very similar running style to Ryan Grant. He is one cut and vertical. It will be important for him to be ready as well, in case Jamal and/or Vitale are out into the playoffs.........or Aaron Jones.
mrtundra
December 28, 2019 at 09:35 am
Whomever carries the ball for the Packers, I hope they protect the ball when they have it. Many of the fumbles vs the vikings were due to viking players punching the ball out of our WRs or RBs hands. The vikings LB, Barr, even tried punching the ball out of Davonte's hands when he was down on the turf, after the whistle was blown. Protect the ball!
Spawny
December 29, 2019 at 09:58 am
It is time to see if MVS has woke from his hibernation. If he stubs his toe, so be it. There is nothing funnier than a wide out pigeon hopping through his routes. Wait, I stand corrected. A wide out who pigeon hops through his routes with alligator arms is funnier.
porupack
December 28, 2019 at 08:42 am
I agree w Corey, there is opportunity to run a few experiments, wrinkles. The # 1 goal is win at Detroit, and the other #1 goal is hit the next game at full preparedness, all 8 cylinders, all gas, no brakes.
So if GB needs to do a few experiments; like trying Ervin, or other designs and personnel, or no-huddle, then do it. Has GB run no-huddle this season?
Better to try new alterations now than try it when facing a Playoff opponent. Better to try and refine than to not try and not refine out of fear of showing tape to playoff opponents. Show NO FEAR, because to HAVE no fear.
Spock
December 28, 2019 at 09:04 am
I'd rather see the Packers work on their timing on offense. Experimentation for plays -no. If we get a big lead and want to try utilizing some players more I'm fine with that. On defense, if we have a comfortable lead, get Rashan more playing time and give the Smith brothers some off time. I just want the Packers to go into the Playoffs with some momentum.
NickPerry
December 28, 2019 at 09:10 am
There's several players on both Offense and Defense I'd like to see some of. Now I don't want MLF to break out anything new which hasn't been put on tape nor would I expect that. I think MLF is a pretty damn bright guy. But there are a few we've seen very little of this year I'd like to see get some playing time this week.
On Offense more Dexter Williams, Tyler Ervin, and Ryan Grant. More Williams and Grant than Ervin simply because the Packers HAVE to keep Ervin healthy. Get Aaron Jones his 1000 yards (because I think it's important to him) and get him out of the game. Ryan Grant would definitely be a guy I'd like to see some of though, especially in the slot.
On Defense lets see MORE Kingsley Keke and Ty Summers, maybe even some more of Josh Jackson. Obviously seeing any of these guys for more than a snap here and there depends on the Packers building a lead which should happen by the 3rd quarter. All week long we've heard this team is in playoff mode and has been since last week really. Take care of business early, BURY these guys on the scoreboard early, and get out HEALTHY.
After that it's easy. Go home or go hang with your teammates and watch some Sunday Night Football. Go watch those Seachickens beat the crap out of the 49ers and secure that 1st round bye and homefield advantage.
Bure9620
December 28, 2019 at 01:45 pm
Yes, more Keke, Williams and Gary. In addition, will Oren Burks play linebacker this game? It seems he is not trusted by Pettine, if he cannot get on field this game, that is quite concerning for a 3rd round pick this deep into year 2.
NickPerry
December 28, 2019 at 07:43 pm
OMG Bure...I completely forgot about Burks...Good call... YES, more Burks, lets see him get some quality snaps and hopefully build a little confidence. I know we've made a lot of excuses for his plays this year. Maybe REASONS is better than excuses due to injuries in each preseason. But he needs to start to show something.
Hopefully Gute doesn't do what Ted did and overpay a guy like Martinez this offseason like Thompson did Perry. Personally I don't think Gute would do it but I guess we'll wait and see. Regardless I'd still like to see something from Summers and/or Burks to show there's at least something there.
jannesbjornson
December 28, 2019 at 08:42 pm
Burks is not an NFl player.
Bure9620
December 29, 2019 at 06:08 am
Yeah he overpaid Perry because he was desperate for pass rush. TT and Gute both do not value ILB like other positions. Neither does Pettine, he even says he is focused on stopping the pass first. I think it is a near zero percent chance Martinez is in Green Bay next year. They will draft an LB or grab a bargain vet FA, a la Morrisson or BJ Goodson. They simply want a guy that is a sure tackler whom can play downhill. Burks was drafted to cover RBs on 3rd down. This is looking less promising......
Leatherhead
December 28, 2019 at 09:31 am
You had me at methodical.
Hang onto the ball. Execute. Punt if you have to and play good defense. Don’t let anybody get close to the QB.
I think we might see Gary with a lot of snaps. Maybe Keke.
PeteK
December 28, 2019 at 10:44 am
Absolutely, don't take this game for granted. We're on the road against a division rival.
Swisch
December 28, 2019 at 09:45 am
To me, the headline here at CHTV today would be the travesty that Bart Starr was left off the NFL All-Time Team as one of the best quarterbacks ever.
We hear all the time that championships are what really matter in the measure of players; and while that can be taken too far, the greatest standard for a quarterback is getting the most out of his team. It is in this way that Starr is actually the best quarterback of all time -- the only one with 5 championships in 7 years, the only one with 3 in a row.
Instead, the voters of this All-Time Team tended toward the superficial by favoring statistics and awards over team play and championships.
By the way, even with regard to statistics and awards, Starr turned himself into an excellent passer who won the NFL MVP for the 1966 season, plus the MVP awards for the first two Super Bowls. In 10 career playoff games, Starr was 9-1 with 15 touchdown passes and only 3 interceptions.
What seems to set Starr apart, though, are all the little, subtle, selfless things that go into great quarterbacking: to motivate teammates and outsmart opponents; the artistry of fakes and deceptions; the precision of screens and swing passes; and especially the calm confidence and determined competitiveness to execute effectively in the big moments.
At a time when Packers fans are asking Aaron Rodgers to sacrifice gaudy statistics for team glory, it is a horrible message to put the likes of Brett Favre and Johnny Unitas and Dan Marino on the all-time team ahead of Starr.
The more deserving quarterbacks are multiple champions such as Joe Montana and Otto Graham (and maybe Tom Brady, although the past cheating of the Patriots as a team, as well as the suspicions surrounding Deflategate, should be taken into consideration, and perhaps further investigated).
The greatest winner of them all, however, is Bart Starr. Even in his greatest glory of the Ice Bowl, it was the little things that drove the Packers in frigid adversity to the triumphant touchdown -- the climax of the Lombardi Era, a single drive as a symbol for supreme team achievement.
CHTV should be at the forefront of defending the legacy of the Packers from lesser claimants to royalty in NFL history, especially from the bias of the latest thing (and, by the way, did I miss any tributes to the terrific Zeke Bratkowski after his recent retirement from this life?).
I'm not saying we should make extravagant claims about the Packers and their players as rabid, reckless fans. But right is right, and we have to defend the honor of our guys in their quiet dignity and distinction.
I'd really like to hear from Starr's old teammates about all of this, as well as Jersey Al and those at CHTV, including the fans who contribute comments at this site. Please, are there none angry at this slighting of Bart Starr? To the degree that we are passionate about sports, are we not indignant about this as an outrage?
Let's remember and reward the humble who rise to great heights. In that spirit, while there is room for sincere debate, to me Bart Starr is not only among the Top Ten quarterbacks of All-Time, he is simply the best of the best.
wildbill
December 28, 2019 at 10:27 am
Also I think Starr still holds the all time playoff qb rating, and he played in an era that didn’t favor the passing game. Lost his first playoff game and then never lost another one! Nuff said
Since'61
December 28, 2019 at 11:21 am
Swisch, Bart Starr is one of my all-time favorite Packers. I watched him play for nearly his entire career as Lombardi's starting QB. However, I don't think that he is in the top 10 all-time QBs. He. is close, very close, maybe #11 and maybe even #10 at best.
Remember that Starr played on a team with 11 other HOF players. He played behind the best OL of all time and had one of the greatest if not the greatest backfield of all time his ground game. On the other side of the ball Lombardi's defense had 6 HOF defenders. In 10 post-season games that defense allowed a little over 10 points per game. (Note I am not counting points that were scored against the Packers via turnovers, such as the 10 points the Cowboys scored off of turnovers in the Ice Bowl).
Starr was an accurate passer but not a great thrower of the football. He was definitely one of the smartest QBs to ever play and he never hurt the team with poor decisions or poor ball security. To be fair, you need to look at Bart's career before and after Lombardi's tenure in Green Bay. It's not very good. In fact, Lombardi tried to trade him twice before the 1961 season when Starr was given the starting QB role.
Bart's success proves that QBs alone do not win championships. I'm not knocking Starr at all, he was a great player and a great Packer. However, to say that he was a better QB than Unitas, Marino, Montana, Elway, Favre or even Rodgers is to say that you have not seen them play. For example, Starr on his best day never had the mobility or accuracy on the run that Rodgers has. Unitas basically created the modern QB position while he was playing by creating route trees for receivers and the first to run the 2 minute drill. Montana was undefeated in SB play and ran the WC offense perfectly. I could go on and on with other examples.
Terry Bradshaw won 4 SBs in the 70s and was never considered the best QB ever and that was before Montana, Brady, and others.
As for the NFL 100 team they didn't include players like Ray Nitschke or Herb Adderly either which I don't believe is accurate but more recent players, coaches etc. often get the nod because the fans and judges and others can relate better to current era players than the past eras. One final note about Starr; when Lombardi went to Washington and he watched Sonny Jurgenson during training camp he said, "If I had Jurgenson in Green Bay we would never have lost a game." Again this is not a knock on Starr just an observation by the greatest coach of all time.
Remember, no one is knocking Starr, least of all myself, but he was a very efficient quarterback and a critical piece on the greatest team of all time. If he did not play for Lombardi's Packers we may have never heard of him. Thanks, Since '61
CAG123
December 28, 2019 at 11:01 am
All that and not a single one of those Olinemen or def players made that list the only other packer was Don Hutson and Brett. If you're giving the Packers the greatest offensive line of all time then Emmitt Smith played behind the second greatest line of all time and he made the list and those Dallas teams were loaded on both sides of the ball as well. This list honored other players from the dark ages that don't hold a candle to what the athletes are doing today. Bart should have made this list.
jannesbjornson
December 28, 2019 at 11:14 am
Forrest Gregg is on the list.
Since'61
December 28, 2019 at 11:18 am
Correct. And Lombardi is there as well! Also, many of Lombardi's players like Adderly, Nitchke, Willie Wood and others were finalists. Thanks, Since '61
Swisch
December 28, 2019 at 03:21 pm
Since '61, you get a sincere like from me even though I continue to respectfully disagree.
One could say with real sincerity that Lombardi owed almost as much to Starr as Starr did to Lombardi. It was Starr who called the plays on the field, and I sense that his influence on the team on gameday as far as stability and strategy was perhaps even greater than that of Lombardi.
After my initial comment, I read again (after several years) a part of Keith Dunnavant's biography of Starr (pages 317-20) in which he cites a couple sources in making the case for Starr as the best all-time at quarterback -- including some surprising statistical superlatives. (Perhaps CHTV could print an excerpt in exchange for the renewed promotion that would be given to that book, and maybe even selling it online).
It is Starr's averageness that makes his greatness all the more compelling. It's understandable that Lombardi was slow in appreciating what he had in Starr, but there was a lot more to this quiet and humble man than met the eye at first glance -- unsuspected talent, but even more all those intangibles that seem like clichés but are really essential ingredients to set apart the all-time greatest from many worthy nominees.
That's why Starr won over Unitas and those hugely talented Colts teams. (I seem to remember Don Shula saying that as the new head coach for the Colts, Unitas deliberately disobeyed him by calling a different play -- which resulted in a dramatic victory, and also with Unitas then telling Shula that he was the one who called the shots ultimately. Not the way to achieve championships, though, to my mind.
That's why Starr's luster is so much brighter than Favre's. Starr seemed to get all that he could out of the Packers all the way to the end (although his last years were perhaps hindered by age and injuries, as well as the deterioration of the team around him); while the latter part of Favre's career seems somewhat of a letdown due to undisciplined, even reckless, play -- indicating a possible resistance to being coachable.
(As a big fan of Favre to this day, I do appreciate that he seemingly changed his ways to a great extent during his final season with the Packers of 2007 -- leading the team to unexpected success with a division title and a playoff win. Sadly, he relapsed in overtime of the NFC Championship against the Giants with a crushing interception.)
Highlighting the relevance of the Lombardi Packers to the Packers of today would give added stature to CHTV and likely set it apart from other Packers forums. It would also show CHTV as superior to the shallow voters who neglected so many of the Lombardi Packers in the All-Time NFL Team by neglecting what is most important in sports, and in life -- substance comes before style and statistics.
After all, we want Aaron Rodgers to finish with the understated but elegant artistry of Starr in all of its glory. May all of our current Packers see in their legendary but real predecessors of the Sixties a model of team excellence needed to make obscure Green Bay the focus of the NFL as Titletown again and again and again.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 28, 2019 at 05:30 pm
What if you get an answer you don't like? I can make a very good argument for Starr on his statistics and efficiency, and most particularly on his playoff dominance. I think Elway and Staubach are iffy selections at QB. Favre is iffy but he probably was the best QB for 3 seasons.
Otto Graham, in my opinion, was the greatest QB of all time. He was the NFL MVP in 3 of his 6 NFL seasons and won 2 more MVPs in 4 seasons in the old AAFC. I can make a case for Sonny Jurgenson, who I thought was a top 3 QB for many of the years he played, and for Brees and Rodgers. I think there should be just 5 QBs: Graham, Unitas, Montana, Brady, and Manning. Add Baugh if you include being a CB and being a top punter.
There are probably too many RBs. I don't know what to do with the RBs who were the best for 3 seasons. Marion Motley probably shouldn't be in the top 100. Every year Emmett Smith was a pro bowler he also had at least two OL who were also pro bowlers: often he had 3 OL pro bowlers and once he had 4 OL pro bowlers. Some of them were all pros. The exceptions were 1990 and '91 when there were no pro bowlers. Very hard for me to separate Smith from his OL. Ahman Green had Marco Rivera for two years as a pro bowler and one year Flanagan was also a Pro Bowler. Otherwise, Green had some good OLs but not great ones.
I don't think Fitzgerald belongs in the top 100, not even close. Largent would be the last WR I'd put in. Very good, very consistently good.
It actually seems short on LBs and safeties. After all, every team had 3 or more LBs.
Swisch
December 28, 2019 at 06:18 pm
I'm glad for good debate, Thegreatreynoldo, and recorded a like for your comment, too.
I'd be interested in what you think of Dunnavant's arguments in favor of Starr as the best quarterback ever.
In any case, these matters are open to disagreement among sincere fans. It would seem appropriate for Packers fans to give our heroes at least some rigorous consideration in such comparisons, although without blind loyalty -- and it would make sense for CHTV to lead the way.
Again, though, if we're talking championships in the NFL -- which seems to be the continual refrain among the paid pundits of the sports world -- we're talking Starr as the best ever. Actually, as I wrote, I think the champion thing can be overemphasized; and that it's more a matter of a player helping his team to its fullest potential.
So let the passionate but respectful debates continue.
I'm truly glad for all of the comments here thus far in regard to the legacy of Bart Starr.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 28, 2019 at 09:11 pm
First, I was a Chicago fan during the Lombardi years, though only the last few years of Bart's career form part of my memory. I am not old enough to remember much before 1966 or so. The Lombardi years mean nothing to me, so I am the wrong person to undertake this task.
I thought QBs called plays until the seventies.
Heck, I thought Tarkenton was really good. He's got an MVP, 8 pro bowls, and one All pro. Starr has an MVP, 2 SB MVPs, 4 pro bowls and one all pro. I thought Jurgenson was probably a better pure passer and more prolific. Starr's efficiency might be hurting him. A nice story: when the controversy arose over Billy Kilmer and Jurgensen, Sonny always helped Kilmer. Long after they retired, Kilmer would stay with Jorgensen.
I don't know what to do with Len Dawson. 2 time first team all pro, another two years he was second team (all per AP), but a couple came before the merger. 7 pro bowls. Career passer rating is right there.
Sorry, I am out of time. I certainly always thought of Starr as one of the top 5 QBs or better. Chicago usually played GB tough, but went 2-6 from 1965 to the end of the Lombardi years. I only remember losing tough to Starr's teams despite being an above ,500 team those years.
Since'61
December 28, 2019 at 10:53 pm
Swisch - I've read Dunnavant's book and a few other Starr biographies along with Nitschke, Hornung and Lombardi bios. Therefore I believe that not being named to the All 100 NFL team does not diminish the accomplishments of any of the Lombardi Packers. In fact 11 of Lombardi's players were named as finalists, include Lombardi a and there are 12. 11 players is half of Lombardi's starters and in those days starters stayed on the field for every down and every play. Many starters played on STs as well. No nickel or dime defenses. No situational packages on offense, just the 11 starters on offense and 11 on defense unless someone was injured.
Half of Lombardi's starters made the finalists, think what that says about that team. Beyond that remember that the SB trophy bears Lombardi's name. People hear Lombardi they think Packers. The modern NFL was built upon the foundation of Pete Rozelle, Johnny Unitas, Vince Lombardi's Packers and the emergence of television. Watching the excellence of Lombardi's Packers on TV made me a long distance lifetime Packers fan from the Bronx, New York City.
No matter what teams they name and how they choose them that foundation is there and will always remain. To me Nitschke and Adderley should be on the team but they were among the finalists. Regardless I know what I watched back in the 60s and I know what they accomplished and how well they played. I knew back then that when the Lombardi dynasty ended I would never see another team like Lombardi's Packers again and I haven't.
That Lombardi team carried me through the 70s and 80s and carries my Packer fanship to this day. "It's not just the winning that matters, but the will to win, the will to excel, that is what endures long after the events which occasion them." Vince Lombardi. That quote has kept me a long time, long distance Packers fan and has also helped me through much of my personal and business life as well. That is the legacy of Lombardi's Packers, not some arbitrary selection for some fantasy team. Thanks, Since '61
Swisch
December 28, 2019 at 10:31 pm
It's fortunate to have Since '61 and Thegreatreynoldo here as fans making comments.
4thand1
December 28, 2019 at 10:08 am
Lets see AR play like the Raider game. The whole league knows if AR is hot going into the playoffs the Pack will be almost impossible to defend. Ball control with accurate deep shots and putting up points early and often. Experiment with a Boyle mop up in the 4th quarter.
stockholder
December 28, 2019 at 10:32 am
The packers shouldn't take this game lightly. The lions would rather go out winners then losers. This is the game for the Tes to make their mark. Graham should be Rodgers target. I know how the Love has faded for Graham, Allison, and MVS. But to keep others from injury. These three and Rodgers have to happen. Think of the confidence boost! And a little more Vitale couldn't hurt. I'm pulling Clark and Smith. This is Frackwell and Gary's time. Were at game 16. No Rookie should be considered a rookie. Just hit and win.
CAG123
December 28, 2019 at 10:51 am
Can we experiment with some TE production please? Seeing guys like Dallas Goedert and Darren Waller burst onto the scene while the Packers continue to get minimal impact from TE's aside from blocking. Lets see what Jace Sternberger can do he actually got open on two big plays against Chicago can we get him more involved?
PatrickGB
December 28, 2019 at 02:30 pm
IF we get ahead by a good margin, then, maybe experiment some with new plays or players. But win the game first and foremost. I like the idea of seeing what the bottom half of the play sheet looks like but NOT at the expense of losing the game. It’s taken the whole season just to be able to refine the plays that we already have. Pundits have said all season that we win”ugly”. It’s a new system and the team is still learning it. So my vote is that the team stick to the play sheet with, perhaps, a few plays that have been in the system but the offensive have yet to use much.
Since'61
December 28, 2019 at 02:30 pm
This game will be a fine line between playing to win and getting out clean to keep our team healthy for the playoffs. I'm hoping that the Packers can open up a 2+ score lead and rotate our starters out as soon as possible. Playing for the first round bye is critical but not at the expense of losing key players before the playoffs begin.
The Lions will be playing fast and loose and trying anything. Fake punts and FGs, going on 4th downs and maybe all out blitzes on Rodgers. Run the ball, move the chains with Dexter Williams and Vitale. Keep Rodgers clean. Build a lead with time consuming drives.
Then let guys like Keke, Fackrell and Gary take over. Hopefully the Lions will be playing for the highest draft pick possible, which could be the #2 pick. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
michael562
December 28, 2019 at 03:08 pm
I don't think that Vitale is going to play, as he's doubtful...
LeotisHarris
December 28, 2019 at 04:12 pm
That's kind of judgmental, michael, but I can see where you're coming from. Not all players are confident, and coaches often will leave those who doubt their own abilities on the sidelines. I've always thought of Vitale as thoughtful, and certainly capable. I hope he overcomes his doubts.
I agree with Cory. It's time to experiment! We all regret the loss of Taysom Hill to the Saints. It's time to put Tim Boyle on special teams, and work him into the offense as a receiver. No one controls the A gap like Kenny Clark, so why not give him some snaps at center, and have Linsley hold for extra points and field goals. I know Jeff Janis has a tire business in Michigan. If Gute was astute, he'd sign Janis and Jared Aberdaris to one-day contracts and run a triple reverse with MVS. Martinez has been much-maligned on this forum this season. With Vitale filled with doubt, I'd say Blake has earned the opportunity to run the football. Martinez at fullback, yessiree! Let's open with an onside kick, too.
Seriously, this is no time to trip on our dicks. I hope we crush these guys from the get-go, and have them thinking about golf by halftime.
Go Pack!
PackfanNY
December 29, 2019 at 09:01 am
I don’t think the Packers should be thinking about experiments. That is nothing more than fan talk. I am pretty certain the Packers are concerned about winning. They realize that they can lose any game at any time in professional football. This game is for a buy which means rest and a “free” pass to the 2nd round and possibly home field. It’s also amusing how some fans think teams are holding back some magical look or plays for the playoffs. That is ridiculous. Coaches will try and use anything that works as soon as possible. Hopefully the Packers are sharp and all business today and get another “W”. All that matters.