Five Key Takeaways From Packers OTAs

The Green Bay Packers are holding voluntary OTAs this week as most of the roster was on the field together for the first time as they prepare for the 2021 season. Here is a look at five key takeaways from the first few days of OTAs:

1. Jordan Love Is Getting Valuable Work

While so much of the focus was on the absence of Aaron Rodgers, what was often overlooked was the valuable reps that Jordan Love was able to get.

We all know that Love has yet to take a snap in any NFL game since there was no preseason games last year. There were also no in-person OTAs.

So, with Rodgers not present, Love got to work with the first string offense and got most of the work in at OTAs.

While workouts without pads or contact in May can tell us only so much, the coaching staff will be able to see how much work Love has put in over the offseason and how much progress he has made since January when the Packers playoff run ended.

It will also give them a chance to work with him and teach him directly and examine his arm strength, thought processes and gave him a chance to show his teammates what he can do.

Over the long run, having Love get this much work will be beneficial for Love and the Packers organization regardless of how the Rodgers’ drama plays out.

2. The Top Five Wide Receivers Were Not Present

These were voluntary workouts so no veterans needed to be present, but it is curious that the Packers top five wide receivers were all not at OTAs this week. That meant no Davante Adams, no Marquez Valdes-Scantling, no Allen Lazard, Devin Funchess or Equanimeous St. Brown.

Certainly, players like Funchess and St. Brown, who will be fighting for roster spots, would benefit from being present.

Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated he spoke to each of the five absent receivers but none of them mentioned any coordinated effort on their parts to miss the sessions.

The absence of the top five receivers does reduce the benefits to Love slightly as he is not able to work with many of the players who will be on the field come opening day.

The extra reps went to rookie third-round pick Amari Rodgers, Malik Taylor, Reggie Begelton, Bailey Gaither, Chris Blair and Juwann Winfree.

3. A First Look at the Offensive Line

The Packers got a first look at how the 2021 offensive line may look without the departed Corey Linsley and the still injured David Bakhtiari who may not be ready to start the season after suffering a serious knee injury last December that required surgery.

The first team offensive line featured Elgton Jenkins at left tackle, Jon Runyan, Jr. at left guard, rookie Josh Myers at center, Lucas Patrick at right guard and Billy Turner at right tackle.

Obviously, this is far from a final depth chart listing, but it does give fans an idea of where the coaching staff is right now when they try to figure out how they would like the line to look.

This lineup keeps the entire right side of the line intact from last season and provides continuity there. Of the other guard candidates, Runyan has the most experience having filled in at guard during several games last season when injuries struck along the offensive line.

The versatility of Jenkins is a big asset to the offensive line. He is likely the team’s best option at left tackle until Bakhtiari is ready to return.

Obviously, injuries, poor or strong performances by players in training camp and other factors will determine the actual line up on opening day, but this is where the o-line is right now and it is on paper, a solid unit with the potential to get even better once Bakhtiari returns.

4. The Packers Restructured Dean Lowry

Many people expected DL Dean Lowry was a candidate to be released after June 1st because of his high salary and lower production, but the Packers restructured his deal instead.

The Packers announced they had converted $3.11 million of Lowry’s 2021 salary into a signing bonus which saves them roughly $2.488 in cap space this season. Of course, this kicks more of Lowry’s cap hit down the road to 2022.

Had they waited until after June 1st to release Lowry, the team could have chopped approximately $4.8 million in savings.

The Packers had Lowry lined up with the first string defensive line during drills this week, an indication that for now, he maintains his spot in the lineup.

5. The Packers Are Trying to Ignore the Rodgers Drama

The Packers are trying to concentrate on the task at hand and not to be distracted by the soap opera-like atmosphere that is surrounding the reigning NFL MVP.

LaFleur addressed the team and told them to concentrate on the task at hand. “That is something we did talk about briefly with our team,” LaFleur told reporters on Tuesday. “I think you've always got to address any of the noise that's out there. The message is … try to be the best player each and every day, attack it with the right mindset, a great attitude, great energy and just try to get better as a player.”

Defensive lineman Kenny Clark added, “We've got to leave that situation to the organization and Aaron. We're going to go about our business.”

The biggest fear is that the longer this saga goes on, the more it could be detrimental to the team regardless of whether Rodgers comes back to Green Bay or is playing elsewhere this season.

 

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You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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16 points
 

Comments (93)

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

May 27, 2021 at 12:31 pm

As usual, concise and well-stated in both fact and opinion. Thanks Gil! -JQ-

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GilMartin's picture

May 27, 2021 at 12:47 pm

Thanks, JQ, I appreciate the comment and the kind words.

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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

May 27, 2021 at 12:45 pm

Big, versatile offensive line and a thunder and lightning backfield. That will take a lot of pressure off a young QB.

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GilMartin's picture

May 27, 2021 at 12:49 pm

Both of those will help any QB especially a less experienced one as you said. I still hope it's 12 under center but it's comforting to know the Pack may be prepared to help whoever may be his replacement if it comes to that. Thanks for the comment, Irish_Cheesehead.

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jannes bjornson's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:48 pm

A dominant defense takes pressure off a newbie QB, just ask Big Ben. That is the minimum wage question, will this defense improve and find a bad ass equilibrium?

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 27, 2021 at 12:58 pm

Stating the obvious
1) Love will get valuable snaps.

He better be because when the FO used the 1st rd pick+ on him.

2) Top 5 WR's not present and MLF says none mentioned collusion.

Would you tell your HC that you're colluding? It kind of goes against the reason to collude.

3) First look at the OL. Assumes as starting.

First look at one of the possible lineups for the OL

4) Lowery restructure.

Nothing to do with OTA's

5) Packers trying to ignore the Rodgers drama. MLF speaks to players to concentrate on doing the tasks at hand.

Why does MLF or the FO need to have this said, Isn't this the issue with Rodgers and the FO with the FO saying mind your business?

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LambeauPlain's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:53 pm

It seems your only objective for reading an article about the Packers is to pick the author apart, and be negative. Your glass is usually a 3/4ths empty exercise.

LOL...Lowry's restructure was indeed about OTAs because it happened during it, when many expected he may be released after June 1st to even greater cap savings. Gil adroitly pointed this out...and it showed me the team perhaps values him more than most fans thought.

I actually enjoyed the article.

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13TimeChamps's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:33 pm

Just her usual sunny disposition on display.

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LambeauPlain's picture

May 27, 2021 at 04:43 pm

Her? I don't know that. Could be a man posing as a woman to try to get more attention.

The pessimism while witty at times is mostly grating...manufactured negativity. If he/she is posing as a Packer fan, I think that is manufactured too.

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Crankbait's picture

May 29, 2021 at 05:18 am

You can be a Packer fan without being a cheerleader give him a break.

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TheVOR's picture

May 27, 2021 at 07:57 pm

Once again, your logic is too much for the Blinded Packer Faithful that doesn't know what losing football players look like. If Rodgers isn't back here taking snaps for the Packers in 2021, the two head clowns need to get whacked. Jordan Love? How is he supposed to look? What, he's a #1 draft pick competing against already proven to be Non-NFL QB talent, as will Jordan Love be proved to be shortly.

I almost hope Rodgers walks, because when he does, the "Great Illusion" that this team is anything without him, or that the GM and president know how to build a winning franchise will be dissolved quickly, like a snowball thrown into a volcano.

How do you have a MVP QB in the NFL, knowing you have to have a QB to compete for a SB, and you find a way to absolutely screw that up? What a couple of incompetent @$$ clowns we having running this organization.

Get ready Packer fans to stand behind your future Presidents and GM's, new coaching staffs like a turnstile.. When Rodgers leaves GB, the Jordan Loveless era begins, he'll be out of football in 3-4 years. I hope you like pulling for a crappy organization that's been propped up by QB play for3 decades!

For anyone stupid enough to "NOT KNOW WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE", We had the best two QB's this team will see in decades, in the rear view mirror. Wouldn't want to be Jordan Love if my life depended on it, he's going to be nothing in this league, playing on a team of players who once again, CAN"T WAIT TO ESCAPE GB...

ENJOY!

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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 08:33 pm

Settle down, Francis. I’ve seen enough winning and losing football since the early 60s to know the difference just fine, as have others here. No need to be tossing all of your stupid, weak assed bullshit in attacking others.

Which “incompetent assclowns” are you referring to, exactly?

Ron Wolf & Mike Holmgren?
Ron Wolf & Ray Rhodes?
Ron Wolf & Mike Sherman?
Ted Thompson & Mike McCarthy?
Brian Gutekunst & Matt LaFleur?

There are TWO trophies amongst that group.

It took Ron Wolf 6 years as GM before he won a Lombardi Trophy. It took Reggie White 4 years in Green Bay before he won a Super Bowl with the Packers.

Gutekunst has been on the job for 3 years. LaFleur is starting year 3.

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Crankbait's picture

May 29, 2021 at 05:26 am

Be careful, many here will nick you for being too negative....
I am right there with you on your assessment of this cluster F
that management got themselves into . They damn well knew all about Rogers ego before this all went down and I'm not standing up for Rogers. It's just that they knew … And should've known better.

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Guam's picture

May 28, 2021 at 07:55 am

Very much agree with point #2 TarynsEyes. The WRs have no reason to tell MLF that they might be colluding as it would expose them to criticism from those who oppose Rodgers' stance and from the Packer FO. Silent support for Rodgers is a safer path for them although at least ESB and Funchess may regret missing OTAs when cutdown time comes.

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CoachDino's picture

May 28, 2021 at 05:29 pm

I mean one does have to agree, they are obvious. personally I often would like to see something that isn't- the whole adds value thing.

That said, This IMO, is just a case of the most obvious being the key things so I actually appreciate someone not trying to create something instead of just stating the most clear takeaways.

1)To me the OL 1st team was the most interesting. We all had our theories but now we have a look into what the packers are thinking and can make evaluations based on it.
2)Lowerys restructure to me isn't an OTA takeaway but then again it did happen during OTAs but more than that he was out there with the starters. What was the complete DL 3-4 Base? Was keke out there?
3) love getting all those snaps is huge. I heard it was him alone, not sure it stayed that way. With the Ar situation all eyes are on Love and as limited as it was, at least we were able to see Love throw/practice with the 1s.
4) WR story - TarEy is right what else is the coach going to say but no matter how you slice it its a big deal.
5) ignore the Ar drama - OK I get it its the biggest impact on the success of the team but It is sooo obvious maybe it is a given.

Something for us to keep in mind, us fans that are on here all the time might have a different view of what's obvious to those who aren't. I find myself overly critical of writers and posters at times when I should probably understand where some of this is coming from.

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Rebecca's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:02 pm

Excellent article, Gil. So the OTAs were basically uneventful and with nothing to add to Packers news. The Rodgers media shit show has more legs and drama, but is click worthy at best.

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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:41 pm

wtf is your problem, Rebecca? Have you been to a practice? OTAs are remedial at best. First look at players who are not really expected to do too much. Nothing more. They are merely getting their feet wet with a first set of drills without pads. Not sure what you're expecting...

I appreciate Gil's sharing of info here, in this time when not a hell of a lot is happening.

If I'm misunderstanding you, I apologize.

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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:59 pm

I also appreciate the update here. As you point out, seldom a great deal to be gleaned from OTAs but a few interesting tidbits.

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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:11 pm

You're not kidding Coldworld. I mean, you pretty much look to see how the rookies appear, are they ready, or not, and how the veterans look or may have changed physically during the offseason.

For OTAs? OTAs???!!!

I wish to hell I could hear Allen Iverson say that!!!

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CoachDino's picture

May 28, 2021 at 05:37 pm

LOL when reading OTAs? OTAs?!!! AI is exactly what I was thinking then I saw the last line....

To me, to the points made, for what its worth, it's seeing how they line up and who is out there as the 1s is always very interesting.
Who is/isn't out there that has been injured is another one.
Any change in basic formations
What the coaches can be heard/seen focusing on and with who. Anyone getting an earful? love that stuff...Get on him Coach!!!
Then just how guys look in uniform (AJD, Preston & T Slayton this year)
of course how guys looked in the drills, just because I'm a GBP junkie as I realize it's really very limited in opportunity to do an evaluation of any real worth.

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greengold's picture

May 28, 2021 at 06:14 pm

Funny. I cannot wait for practices that are open to the public.

I go up every year, and COVID took that away last year. Always kind of magical seeing the new players, and those talents that make them stand out, make them unique.

When I’m there, no one else matters. I find myself scanning every position group, trying to see who is doing well, who might need more instruction, who looks like they really belong, how they are working, what’s the effort.

I do have favs that draw more interest, or battles that are hotter than other groups. Can’t see everything, but I really do try. Stretching. Drills, 7 on 7 s... Some of the exchanges & screwing around. But, man, does that time fly.

Jordy was one of the funnest players ever to watch practice. Man, did he have fun, and he LOVED turning on and off the burners. That dude was fast, fast, fast, and he’d be whooping it up and laughing his ass of while he was juking teammates, etc. God, I miss him. Ha-Ha was the biggest fuck off. Always half assing his stretching... always, every year too, every practice. Wow, remember those hammy injuries? Whoosh. I really dig seeing how the coaches coach too.

I usually take no notes, for fear of missing anything. Eyes wide open, trying to see all of it as best you can, head on a swivel. Holy crap. I might have to stretch before these things this year. Ha.

Then I go to Kroll’s. Hunker down, and just start writing every single little detail that I can recall in order.

It’s pretty fun to do. I usually share that with my friends in other parts of the country. Will pop what I can in here somewhere along the way. I know when I lived in the desert, reports on TC were like pure gold.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:12 pm

Why isnt there something somewhere about how Love is looking in OTA's?

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packer132's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:27 pm

I've seen a couple of reports though not any great details. Packers Wire had this:

https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/25/packers-qb-jordan-love-off-t...

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:34 pm

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

Not what one should want or like to hear. Apparently not enough progress to cut the distance Love has in front of him.

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Guam's picture

May 28, 2021 at 08:21 am

TE: For better or worse the Packer FO is still trying to negotiate Rodgers' return. Given Rodgers' hyper-sensitivity it would serve no purpose for the Packers to hype Jordan Love right now. The media did report on Love and it was favorable, but I expect the Packers to slow roll the hype for Love until the Rodgers situation resolves itself.

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CoachDino's picture

May 28, 2021 at 05:47 pm

TE, you just finished stating what else is a coach going to say when referencing the WRs being missing - Then you turned around and are spinning this statement into a negative.

Its coach Speech, Expectation management, player motivation and whatever point one wants to make about not trying to take a shot at AR.

Could you imagine how ridiculous it would of been for him to say, even if true, which its OTAs so one can't say good or bad..."Love looked fantastic, Worthy of our day 1 QB if AR doesn't get back and beat him out. heck end the statement after "day 1 QB". No coach talks like that about an QB that hasn't taken an NFL game snap.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:30 pm

The silence on Love should be worrisome, for all.

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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:02 pm

Oh, FFS. We've had 2 OTA practices???

wow. Yeah. Super worried - that there aren't more stones here amongst the fan base. The sky isn't falling. Jordan Love is a good QB. Give him a chance.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:25 pm

All the other players that come to GB that were considered talented got reports every day. Why is it wrong to expect the same about Love? He might be the starter. I'd expect daily reports on how he scratched his ass, whether OTAs or August camp. We got endless hype/reports/pics of Dillion's legs, but expecting something on the 'future' QB is a wrong expectation because it's the 2nd day. Give me a break. Is he even throwing the ball toward the net. Is Bortles hitting the net more often? Is he just standing around or sitting on his helmet? He has to be doing something to shorten that long wat to go, right? Every day something is being done or not, It should be in the report, no matter how minute. He's the future!!!

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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:39 pm

I see where you're coming from. No worries. It could be we are misunderstanding some of the scope of the offerings here. Not everyone gets the press credentials to roam the sidelines during OTAs.

From what I've read from Demovsky and a couple of other sources, Love looked pretty good.

Demo said during individual drills:

"Love found the trowing nets more often than he did last season, and zipped the ball with a higher velocity. The highlight during those periods was a throw that traveled 35 yards in the air and landed in the outstretched hands of TE Robert Tonyan."

"In the 7 on 7 periods, Love completed 14 of 20 passes. Most of them were shot-to-medium throws often working through progressions."

Demovsky went on to say "Love's favorite target might have been rookie third-round pick Amari Rodgers."

It's early. Hope that helps TE!

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Since'61's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:50 pm

Taryn the problem is that all we will get between now and the first game of the regular season is hype/speculation/fantasy about all of the Packers rookies including Love. We see this movie every season and then as we go through the regular season reality bites, some rookies end up on the PS, others play on STs and are mediocre in those roles, a few others get on the field and wander around aimlessly, some are injured and fortunately a few like Alexander, Savage, Gary and Jenkins actually show that they belong in the league.

The only question until the regular season is who will be the preseason MVP. That is important only because it means the kiss of death for whichever player is given that distinction. In the past we've had Scott Tolzien, Kizer, Brett Hundley, and Seneca Wallace. Each of them ended up on the NFL scrap heap before their season ended.
So if Love earns that meaningless honor we could be in deep trouble, however at least we have Blake Bortles to save our season. Thanks, Since '61

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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:02 pm

Really? That is such an awful thing to throw JL's way. You're giving him ZERO support, regardless of any success he might realize.

Seems pretty damned unfair.

Some people who call themselves fans might want to take a look in the mirror. Jordan Love possibly realizing success in TC is not fitting your narrative of Aaron Rodgers riding in on his white steed to save the day?

"So if Love earns that meaningless honor (Preseason MVP) we could be in deep trouble..."

WTF is going on here? I find this disappointing...

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wsn's picture

May 28, 2021 at 12:42 pm

I don't take it as awful. just stating the obvious that Love is unproven and could end up not amounting to much. Your position is clear on Love, albeit a bit too early to declare him "a good QB" in my opinion, but I do sincerely hope your speculation is spot on.

nothing good for packer fans comes from Love not being good. Doesn't take away that many still feel there is cause for wait and see and odds are better with 12 than 10 this year.

I really hope this whole topic gets resolved soon. I can't imagine if Rodgers shows up and this is unresolved and here we are again next year having this same conversation.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:35 pm

We have had some backups that weren’t any good, and that’s the truth.

Which is why I was happy we acquired Love. It’s the most important backup, and if the starter gets hurt then he’s the most important player.

@61, when I see language like “kiss of death “ and “scrap heap”, “meaningless honor” and “deep trouble”, it really kind of seems that you’ve worked your way from Denial to Depression in the last couple of weeks. Good. There is only one step remaining, and that’s Acceptance. You’ll be there soon.

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murf7777's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:41 pm

What are you talking about?! there hasn’t been much news coming out of the OTA’s for anyone including Love so far. Although, GG gave you a few examples of Love. Just maybe covid (less media at camp) has something to do about that.

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LambeauPlain's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:44 pm

Nah, just for a negative personality ^^^^would the word "worrisome" be used.

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dblbogey's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:51 pm

Forget your pills today?

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GilMartin's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:34 pm

It's tough to say much about a set of non-contact drills without pads. Overall, the coaching staff is saying they like what they see, but these drills are difficult to reach much of a conclusion about how a quarterback looks. Thanks for the comment, KnockTheSnotOutOfYou. When more info comes out, I will certainly discuss it.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:51 pm

Is Love at least getting the ball in the net?

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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:26 pm

Yes. Rob Demovsky remarked on that very thing. It is laughable this even needs to be discussed.

It is SO early, TarynsEyes. Let's just take a step back and give Jordan Love a fair shake. Way too early to be making judgements on him at this point.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gil!!!

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Rebecca's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:07 pm

Only you want to see through all the haze of fandom, the rest like to hang on the hopes of thunder and lightning and that Love is the second coming of Mahommes. Aaron Rodgers is the story. And so far he’s having the first laugh, at least until the paychecks are lost

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PeteK's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:55 pm

I'm glad he finds all of this funny because in my view he has lost a lg amount of his luster even if he does come back. However, some of the shine might back after a few wins. LOL

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murf7777's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:36 pm

“However, some of the shine might back after a few wins. LOL“

I agree, but I’d say Most if not all of his shine will be back if he brings wins. IMO, this is negotiations and a lil of Rodgers pay back for last years draft embarrassment. in tough, sometimes nasty negotiations feelings get hurt. How this all affects the Packers is anyone’s guess, for me it’s just sit back with 3 fingers of Bourbon and R-E-L-A-X.

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PeteK's picture

May 28, 2021 at 09:47 am

Oh yeah, just discovered two good ones- for smoothness Widow Jane , for robust flavor Jefferson aged in wine barrels. I have moved on from my decades of drinking Old Grandad.

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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:06 pm

Go hug your Rodgers fathead or learn a little about football

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PeteK's picture

May 28, 2021 at 09:52 am

Go put a propeller bennie on yours. hahahaha

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blondy45's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:21 pm

I do not believe Rodgers is laughing. He is getting support from the media. Do you think the NFL or the big TV networks want to not have last year's MVP not play this year? Of coarse they do. Wait and see if Rodgers does not report. You will see a gigantic shift in opinion about Rodgers then. The Packer front office will not be the demon. Rodgers not honoring his contract will turn many more against Rodgers quickly. Rodgers is not laughing , the front office is standing their ground, not caving in. Rodgers does not have as much leverage as he had hoped he would. Stay strong Gute & company. Life will go on with or without Rodgers. Football is still a team sport, not just one player who makes all the difference. A team's weakest link is it's weaker players. Get the best 55 on the roster, develop, teach, and win.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 27, 2021 at 07:02 pm

Gil,
It is about pad level!

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dobber's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:13 pm

Because OTAs don't really do anything to showcase the QB. It's about installing the playbook, getting guys used to playing together, etc.

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Since'61's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:52 pm

Agree Dobber. The OTAs are essentially non-events unless a player suffers a serious injury for whatever reason.
Other than that it's a snoring festival. Thanks, Since '61

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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:09 pm

Touching wood (thick skull) on that one.

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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:01 pm

ESPN, SI have a few comments, but it’s hard to tell much. He was going through drills but nobody knew the exact objective, mostly short passes, looked better than last year and hit the net a few times from distance.

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Roadrunner23's picture

May 27, 2021 at 01:25 pm

Thanks Gil

*Aaron Rodgers did the Packers a solid by not showing up: There is really no reason for him to be there and Love needs the work obviously. This is a chance for Love to show off his skills and build camaraderie with his teammates. Rodgers will most likely not show up until mid-preseason, by then the Packers should have an idea of what they have in Love.
Also, if Rodgers does play for the Packers this season and gets injured (which often happens after holdouts) Love will have gained valuable experience as the #1 in the MFL Offense and may be able to win a few games until Rodgers returns.

*The fickle five: The reason these guys are no shows is:
A. Adams is the leader in the room and is Rodgers buddy, they are following his lead.
B. The group is showing solidarity with their Hip Hawaiian musician and estranged leader.
C. The group is showing solidarity with the NFLPA.
D. All of the above.

*I am very excited about the Offensive Line moving forward, they may have a few hiccups to begin the season, but this is going to be an excellent group with an excellent OL coach moving forward!

*Lowery is a good guy, a hard worker and a solid player. He's an average talent but a guy you can win with. You can't have All Pro's at every position, the salary cap won't allow it. Lowery is a good solid Packer, i'm ok with that.

*Rodgers drama: I don't know about y'all but this Rodgers B.S. is F'ing wearing me out!
You know it has to be wearing out his teammates and i'm sure some are questioning his leadership.
Magnify that X100 for the front office who has taken a major hit from the media and the perception nationally that the Packers are NOT the sweet, small town, well run organization everyone believed they were!

How Murphy, Ball and Gutekunst handle this moving forward will define the Green Bay Packers for decades to come, let's all hope they make the most prudent decision for this legendary franchise!

GO PACK 4EVER!!

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Since'61's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:57 pm

Nostradanus, we should note that 3 CBs did not show up for the OTA this week either. Alexander, Holman and some guy named Samuels. Are they part of the WR conspiracy or do they have their own separate conspiracy? Maybe they don't like Barry or his new defense. Maybe they are upset that they weren't consulted before Gute drafted Stokes. Why aren't we and the media going nuts over the 3 delinquent CBs? Oh the tragedy of it all. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
4
2
packer132's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:30 pm

61: Probably because it was not the entire group of starters like the Wr's. Alexander doesn't need to be in camp yet, and who knows about Holman or Samuels. If I was a player on the fence, I would be the first guy in to work. I would guess that all will be there on June 8th except Rodgers (barring a trade next week). It's a voluntary training but with most roster spots open, I would think average players would attend. Funchess and EQ better play with their hair on fire to make this strong team. It should be a year to remember!

1 points
1
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murf7777's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:23 pm

I agree the Rodgers BS is just that. But, isn’t it the media who are driving this? Yes That’s true, it is also true that Rodgers seems to fuel the fire from afar, by his silence and cryptic innuendos that remains unsettling for us fans. Personally, I don’t listen to the media anymore when Rodgers name pops up.

3 points
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Crankbait's picture

May 29, 2021 at 05:53 am

Seems like It is smart not to listen to any type of media for truthful reporting be it sports or otherwise.
Real Journalism is dead in this country and has been replaced by jackals profiting off of clickbait. just throwing shit out there to see what sticks and keeps everyone on pins and needles.
This site is so awesome because it does not tow the corporate line for the most part and it allows its viewers to hash things out together.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

May 27, 2021 at 05:35 pm

Short and concise. There is a story here, but it's one between the owners and the union. Basically, the veteran players want OTA gone. Of course that's not going to happen, but the older players want every advantage they can get. Football is a young man's game after all. Father time wins in the end. (says the man with the ice pack on his back... :-)

6 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:10 pm

Haha

0 points
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stockholder's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:35 pm

!. Give Love the job. They can't afford Rodgers and they know it. 2. No Rodgers,= Funchess and St.Brown are done here. Time to move on. 3. Linsley will be harder to replace then the packers think. First looks are just that. 4. Lowrey restructure. Anyway you cut it, he's overpaid. The love for Lowrey, told me a long time ago. Gute has his head up his butt more then people realize. 5. Ignoring Rodgers has been the FO problem since 2010. Even when the defense failed; he was told to shut up. So what difference does it make now? About 30 mil. bucks; that they won't come up with to pay him now, or later. The biggest question still exists. Do you think were stupid??

-9 points
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fastmoving's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:07 pm

Dont know who "we" is but for you the answer is YES,YES,YES you are!!!!! Like always and thats positiv stated.....

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:08 pm

When you are happy and you know it,
and you really want to show it,
clap your hands ...

-1 points
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stockholder's picture

May 27, 2021 at 05:41 pm

You inspire me.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 08:29 pm

You need some of that

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:23 pm

Biggest take away for me right now that could show us what the start of the season may look like is the OL. With Bakhtiari possibly out the greatest question is who would be LT and RT. In the first practice open to reporters it was Jenkins that moved to LT with Turner playing RT. And then at LG it was Runyan, and Myers at OC. This could very well be our starting 5 on opening day.

3 points
3
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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:49 pm

Change is often difficult to take. Not sure how much us Packer fans can take right now, judging from some stuff I've gotten in offering ideas about what might be occurring with a possible AR trade.

One thing to maybe keep in mind is how close AR and Bakhtiari are, and the potential for a package deal including both, should there be a trade. I should note here, DEN lost their starting RT for the season to a freak injury recently.

Us fans might want to get used to an idea that Elgton Jenkins could wind up being our permanent LT moving forward. That, or maybe Yosh Nijman proves in TC he's ready to assume that role. All I know is we have stacked a ton of players who can play OG...

Just a thought.

1 points
2
1
Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:15 pm

It’s early yet, but I see the most significant thing being Myers. I believe that they will want to get a stable center and QB partnership going. The others could move around depending on individual training objectives and performance, but I think Myers and Love is potentially indicative of the intended starting pairing.

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 27, 2021 at 04:08 pm

Myers was a surprise for me. I didn’t think they’d move Jenkins, I thought they’d draft a tackle and use Runyon until Bakhtiari returns, but maybe they didn’t want to run the risk at LT with anything less than our best. Myers is a good addition, and so is Runyon, but we’ve lost guys . It’s a versatile group but it’s not real deep.

0 points
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blondy45's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:39 pm

I believe the Pack has a lot of versatile interior offensive linemen. I still wish they would draft an OFFENSIVE TACKLE to be an OFFENSIVE TACKLE. We have 6-7 guys who played Tackle in college, but are better at Center-Offensive guard in the NFL. We have 6 very good OG's, and only 2 starting positions available! Trade some younger OL talent for an ILB or DL. We have too much depth now at interior OL.

1 points
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HawkPacker's picture

May 27, 2021 at 08:14 pm

Based on the last two drafts, I don't think the FO agrees with you.

0 points
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packer132's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:21 pm

Greengold: It will be good to see what happens on June 2nd with all the speculation. I can see your Denver trade going down, and there would be positives coming out of that. Rodgers and Bakh to the Broncos would give Green Bay a huge boost in cap relief. I am still torn between starting the Love era and one more year with a Super Bowl shot with selfish Rodgers. Packers have the strongest team in years, and I can't wait until week #1, with or without the diva.

1 points
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greengold's picture

May 28, 2021 at 06:36 pm

All of this so well said. I just want what’s best for the Packers team. Always. Should be fun next week if they decide to deal.

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:52 pm

After the season, Larry McCarren had a video on Runyon and he was very impressed with the young man. The Rock said while he was already a polished blocker in the run game.(road grading for Michigan for several years), Runyon was also showing great technique in pass pro.

Hoping Runyon turns out to be a late round steal.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:16 pm

Just don’t tell PFF.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 27, 2021 at 11:01 pm

Or the Packers' coaches.

0 points
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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 03:18 pm

Man, that is great to hear, LambeauPlain! Thank you for sharing that.

Jon Runyan from R6, pick #192 in the 2020 draft could be one hell of a steal for Gutekunst. Yet, another of many.

1 points
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porupack's picture

May 27, 2021 at 02:55 pm

And Rodgers is doing his discount double check. Or double cross.

9 points
9
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jurp's picture

May 27, 2021 at 05:01 pm

Discount double-cross. I love it. Thanks for making me laugh!

0 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

May 28, 2021 at 11:36 am

porupack, Great use of words.
Loved it!

0 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:04 pm

First Reaction(s):
For fans who thought that Rodgers is somewhat egocentric - shame on you! He selflessly did not attend the OTAs - so as to give Love all the first team reps. - while allowing the Packers to save $500,000 on the salary cap. Is this a team player - or what?

No collusion with the 5 WRs not attending the OTAs? I expect that MLF would rather have his hair set on fire and his eye poked with a sharp stick before he would have speculated on any subversive activity. The dude just wants to coach - that's it.

Should Myers successfully transition to a starting center in his first year - there is the makings of an excellent line (again) - even to start the season without Bakh. But I see Myers as key to the most optimal line combinations.

No! Lowry is coming back! (And I've defended you Gutekunst!). It is my belief that the Packers would be far better-off cutting him after June 1 - take the 4.8 m in savings - then rummage around the free agent and veteran cuts discount bin for a replacement.

On Rodgers - Packers existed long before Rodgers, and, they will long after. Rodgers is a Packer - the Packers is not Rodgers.

13 points
13
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LambeauPlain's picture

May 27, 2021 at 04:28 pm

The fact Lowry was given a vote of confidence from the Packers tells me I, as a fan, do not know the total value he had on the DL the last half of the season. I read DL coach Montgomery lauded Lowry for how he finished the season and cautioned he cannot again start it so slow.

That was a good coach being honest with a player saying "we let Daniels go because we believed you were more dependable and productive. But you let us down until the last half of the season. Keep showing us you belong here."

5 points
6
1
Alberta_Packer's picture

May 27, 2021 at 05:43 pm

There must have been someone advocating for Lowry (confession - it wasn't me). But you bring up Daniels - which is I think is important - because when he did not return to the Packers it exposed Lowry as a rather pedestrian DE. However by then he had signed his large contract (not really Lowry's problem). I think there is little argument that Lowry has performed far under his pay level - which on average is just below 7m per year. So I wonder by cutting-him, applying the cap savings of 4.8 m - who is there on the open market that may be better than Lowry? There must be someone!

4 points
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greengold's picture

May 27, 2021 at 08:04 pm

Sheldon Richardson.

1 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

May 27, 2021 at 10:28 pm

Lowry for Sheldon Richardson - deal!

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 27, 2021 at 07:57 pm

Dead center. Lowry never misses practices or games and he has signed three contracts with the team, so I’m going to assume the organization likes this guy and wants to keep him here.

1 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

May 27, 2021 at 10:31 pm

Except his reliability is only surpassed by his mediocrity. And for 7m/yr. - it would be nice to get a better r.o.i.

2 points
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packer132's picture

May 27, 2021 at 06:13 pm

Alberta; I agree with almost all of your posts, and this one you make good points again. The only thing I wonder about is Lowry. I also thought the Packers should cut him June 1 and save about $5 million. They must see something in him, or with Barry's new scheme that he is valuable. I thought the same thng about getting a vet this summer for way less money. Maybe Lowry surprises everyone and has a solid year.

2 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

May 27, 2021 at 10:26 pm

Perhaps a new scheme, a new coach ...? But he's been between below average to average the last 2 years. Personally, I think he's got incriminating photos - Gutekunst drinking an imported beer.

2 points
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greengold's picture

May 28, 2021 at 06:43 pm

Almost every single one of us if left wondering what the hell did Pettine do with Lowry to make him disappear?

0 points
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Turophile's picture

May 27, 2021 at 05:39 pm

Informative piece, Gil.
Those WRs that ARE at camp and Love must be rubbing their hands. Among the fringe WRs, Amari Rodgers should get plenty of reps early on and the others will get waaaay more than they normally would, which helps them get better and helps coaches decide who gets a PS spot.......or even an unlikely spot on the final squad.

Of course, with so many WRs missing I'd guess the TEs and RBs get more reps too and get to be a pass target more often. RBs like Kylin Hill (round 7) are meant to have good hands, so they might have more than one rep to prove it.

For the line that protects the QB, the line of Jenkins (at LT), Runyan, Myers, Patrick, Turner seems ok, but a later setup with Bakhtiari back could easily be Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers (which should be a darn good trio) with Turner still at RT and RG a bunfight between Patrick, Stepaniak and Runyan. It all looks pretty solid.

3 points
3
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

May 27, 2021 at 05:35 pm

Gil, one other thing to consider with St. Brown and Funchess is that we have some tight ends who are up and comers. I could easily see the packers going heavy on the TE's and either the top 5 receivers with both St. Brown and Funchess winding up on the outside looking in. Both had better hope there is no vindiveness in Gute who may want to send out a message.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 27, 2021 at 08:35 pm

Funchess is really a move TE who has been used as a pure receiver

0 points
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Billyk24's picture

May 29, 2021 at 03:30 pm

The team may be gaining valuable cap space with each and every day the QB is not there. Something to think about especially when the team is going to be $30 million over the 2022 cap as of this date.

0 points
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