Packers Need to take a Hard Look in the Mirror

Mirror Mirror, on the Wall, who's the most disappointing of them all?

Of all the platitudes in all the world trotted out by Mike McCarthy after an embarrassing loss, “we just need to clean some things up” was always the one that would dial the acid reflux up to 11. 

Captain Pad Level was unshakable (and still is) in his belief that fundamentals and individual execution win games, which isn’t completely wrong, but is only half right. And so the game continues to pass him by. 

Merely cleaning things up ignores taking a good look in the mirror, which is what the Packers need to do right now. To be sure, Matt LaFleur is nothing like McCarthy, and there’s no reason to think he won’t come to the Sunday night table with a more prepared and focused squad, which ought to be enough to tame the newly named Chicago Swimming Bears.

But it would not be nearly enough to get past at least five teams in the post-season. Yes, the mess in Minnesota was just one game, but for as much as LaFleur has injected a modern-football scheme into the Packers, his version of it is looking a bit stale and predictable.

The game is evolving at an ever-faster pace, so the goalposts are always moving. Which is why it’s so critical to stay ahead, to dictate and not follow, and to rely heavily on the element of surprise. When the opposition has no clue what to expect, it’s pretty hard to compete.

If you’re not sure what this looks like, please fire up the Chiefs game from last Sunday and watch Andy Reid give a master class in new looks, advanced deception and creative play-calling. These are the things that separate good, talented rosters from other good, talented rosters. These are the things that help get you to the Super Bowl. 

Personnel makes a difference, of course, and it’s hard to utilize a full playbook when you’re short high-quality receivers and a couple of all-pro offensive linemen. But the inverse is also true: a clever scheme can mitigate personnel shortcomings, especially if you have the vision to utilize the players you have in unexpected ways.

A lot has been made about how the Packers didn’t adjust to what the Vikings were doing on both sides of the ball, and stubbornly stuck to what wasn’t working. It was unforgivable, but it should be an easy fix. Green Bay needs to go further, and look at a big reason Bill Belichick has been so successful: He isn’t afraid to do new, creative installations week-to-week, tailored to his opponent’s vulnerabilities. McCarthy never trusted his players enough to do that; LaFleur must, because it’s hard to imagine Green Bay scaring many opponents these days. LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers and Co. need to get in the lab. 

And speaking of Mr. Rodgers, he needs to look in that mirror, too, and notice all the scowling faces he makes and the body language he exudes during games. No specialist in organizational dynamics would endorse this as a way of keeping a team motivated, never mind fired up. Rodgers is the absolute leader of this franchise, and he needs to better understand the impact he has. When you throw iPads, and it seems like everyone around you is in your doghouse, and you wander around looking like someone just dropped your iPhone in the Gatorade, it brings everyone down. We might not need a rah-rah Philip Rivers type, but we do need a leader who encourages and inspires, in whatever way is most comfortable for him. Tom Brady pushes his teammates hard on the sideline, but without the gloom. For the Packers’ sake, Rodgers should try it. 
 

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__________________________
Jonathan Krim grew up in New York but got hooked on the Packers — and on hating the Cowboys — watching the Ice Bowl as a young child.  He blames bouts of unhappiness in his late teens on Dan Devine. A journalist for several decades who now lives in California, he enjoys trafficking in obscure cultural references, lame dad jokes and occasionally preposterous takes. Jonathan is a Packers shareholder, and insists on kraut with his brats. You can follow Jonathan on twitter at @Jkrim.

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14 points
 

Comments (134)

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

September 16, 2022 at 06:36 am

funny how I missed the plays where Rodgers couldn't cover Jefferson and when he was getting blown back on the offensive line, but I guess its all Rodgers fault.

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Savage57's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:47 am

Congratulations.

You managed to inject both a straw man and red herring logical fallacy into your rebuttal.

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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:25 am

He's a renaissance man.

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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:38 am

Cookie for Dobber!!! Thanks, Since '61

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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:40 am

I'm a cookie-whore...

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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2022 at 05:53 pm

Yes, but it's glorious! Thanks, Since '61

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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:41 pm

Looks like cookie jealousy is rampant

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Tundraboy's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:25 pm

Aren't we all really. Chocolate Chip!

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kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:11 am

He's not perfect, but he's light years better than Jordan Love. you're going to sit here and critique a back to back MVP. What else do you want? You sound spoiled. He's much better than any other option we have. Teams would kill to have had Rodgers as their QB. Just wait until he's gone and you can deal with Green Bay being a ghost town like the 70s and 80s with Jordan Inaccurate & Turnover Love.
You want Rodgers to guard Jefferson too bud? You want Rodgers to call plays and run the ball too bud? You want Rodgers to waste draft picks on Amari Rodgers, Jordan Love, and Deguara bud? LOL. You are spoiled and your perspective is off buddy.

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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:28 am

If you think anyone on that offense (and coaching team) should be immune to scrutiny after that performance then I don’t know what perspective you come in with.

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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:33 am

I think it's pretty clear what perspective he comes in with.

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kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:03 pm

I think you have a stupid ass profile picture. And I think you are a delusional packers fan who thinks Jordan Love is good. Just wait. You are blind!!!!!

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HawkPacker's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:58 pm

R-E-L-A-X

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dobber's picture

September 17, 2022 at 06:30 am

He just wishes he had a cookie...

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Untylu1968's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:28 am

If you are unable to recognize any failures in Rodgers play, you, my man, are blind. I totally agree on the D, needing to be better, but so does 12! #somepeoplesGOAT

2 points
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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:41 am

I'll point out that Jefferson caught six 20+ yard passes on Sunday. The Vikings scored on every drive he did (that's four drives). On every drive he didn't make a chunk play, the Vikings punted...Jefferson played on those drives, too, of course. Beyond Jefferson, the Vikings offense was pedestrian.

Admittedly, game flow might have changed how the Vikings approached their play-calling, especially later on (I don't think they passed more than once on their final possession), but in the modern NFL 23 points is not a spectacular offensive display--it's around a league average scoring output...7 points is awful. The QB always gets more blame than he should when the offense is lousy and more credit when it's good---that's usually magnified by the size of the contract the QB has. ARod's contract and cap hit will always be measured by how the offense finishes drives, puts points on the board, and wins football games.

3 points
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kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:05 am

You are absolutely right. The fact that this has 10 dislikes goes to show how delusional Packers fans are. Without Rodgers this team is nothing! This team would be like the Packers of the 70s and 80s. Green Bay would be a ghost town.
I will take 4 MVPs, and probably the most talented thrower ever and bad body language over Jordan Love.
How about Matt Lafleur running the ball. Lafleur is overrated coach. Gutenkust is an overrated GM who killed us with the Jordan Love pick when we could have Claypool, Higgins, Pittman, and our draft picks that we traded away. LOL. For the most part Packers fans are stupid and spoiled. Just wait until Rodgers is gone and you have to deal with below-average QB play. I'd love to see the comments.
"Well we went 4-13 this year, but at least Jordan Love had good body language. I'm okay with that."

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:10 am

Funny, I remember many Packer fans saying the same thing when they traded Favre. They pushed the same doomer fear porn about the 70s and 80s. And then they won a super bowl 3 short years later. Its almost like the professionals know what they're doing. Have a little faith in this organization. The Packers were great before Rodgers and will continue being great after he's gone.

3 points
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kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:17 am

Last time I checked Jordan Love threw 4 interceptions in the preseason with a 55% completion rate and 63 passer rating. You sure you want that? That's preseason buddy.
How about you get real with the times. THIS IS A PASSING LEAGUE. Surround your qb with receivers in the first round and not bad backup QBs. Surround your QB with people who can catch the ball and run the right routes.
It's almost like you're delusional and have no idea what you're talking about. The mindset and thought process that you and many other Packers fans have is the reason we haven't won a super bowl since 2011. Not to mention that 2011 receiving core was stacked. (Jennings, Nelson, Driver, Jones)
Wake up buddy.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 01:05 pm

You know what Rodgers' numbers were prior to his relief appearance against the cowboys in 2008 which was midway through his 3rd season? 15 of 31 for 111 yards, 0 tds, 1 int, and 3 fumbles. He didnt have an entire season basically gutted by a pandemic. They ran two a day practices back then. And they had 4 preseason games each year back then. And he was still really f'n bad until his 3rd year. If it was up to fans like you, he wouldve been declared a bust and traded because emotions.

4 points
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fordguy's picture

September 16, 2022 at 04:49 pm

Haven't you heard it's Rodgers job to babysit the other 52 professional NFL players and motivate them to do their jobs and earn their paychecks. It's also Rodgers fault that Bahk's not back yet because he's also in charge of the rehab and to motivate them to get back sooner. Everything is Rodgers fault. He also had to much spin on the ball and that's why Watson dropped the ball.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:54 pm

From what ive seen the last few years, hes the only one on this team who requires babysitting, on and off the field.

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kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:59 pm

Amen. Let's blame our QB who has saved this franchise from being a horrible team. These Packers fans are so delusional. When he's gone maybe then they will understand.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:07 pm

Saved who from what? This organization saved him. If you dont believe me, go back and look at just how bad he was early in his career. If he ended up on some crap team with no plan for development, he likely plays right away and becomes nothing more than a footnote on a long list of 1st round qb busts. Very few qb's are fortunate enough to be drafted by a team who a) actually knows how to develop qbs and b) are actually patient enough to ride out all the bumps in the road. The Packers literally created him. And now hes become an autonomous cancer holding this franchise hostage. But even besides that, this team can run the ball and play defense with anyone anywhere. Its a playoff team with or without Rodgers regardless of how good Love is. Your fanboyism just wont let you see just how good the rest of this team really is and just how badly Rodgers is holding it back from reaching its full potential.

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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:32 am

The one thing that is certain is that this team will be without Rodgers shortly. Whether that is after another Super Bowl or not is heavily dependent on many things, including Rodgers. You seem to believe that all other things need fixing but Rodgers is perfect. He isn’t and wasn’t and he is going to have to improve. It’s fair to say that might not be enough, but it’s is sure as hell essential.

By the way, Jordan Love has a better record after 2 preseasons than Rodgers had. That’s no guarantee that Love makes the strides Rodgers did after that, but I think it’s kind of helpful to get some perspective.

5 points
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kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:01 pm

Let's see Jordan Love win an NFL game and put up more than 7 points in an NFL game. Until then shut your mouth. Because the alternative couldn't beat a Kansas City team with a bad defense and barely out up 7 points. You sound stupid!!!!

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Coldworld's picture

September 17, 2022 at 10:54 am

I’m just going to conclude that you are a troll deliberately attempting to rile, rather than just a poster with an irrationally powerful sensitivity to anything that you consider a sleight on your hero as you seem to intend to portray.

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MainePackFan's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:59 pm

With this crowd, it's always his fault. They don't like their QB.

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kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:04 pm

This fan base is so delusional and crazy it makes me not want to be a Packers fan anymore.

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13TimeChamps's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:19 pm

Bye...don't let the door hit you on your way out.

2 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:09 pm

Dont let the door hit you in the arse.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm

You will not be missed. The Bears, Lions or Vikings sites will be happy to have you. Moving on...

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Savage57's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:41 am

Whatever happened to the "Illusion of Complexity" LaFleur talked about when he came into the Head Coach position? Did it die on the game planning table?

And your last paragraph regarding Rodgers mien during games when things aren't going well is spot on. As their leader goes, so goes the team.

12 points
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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:28 am

Same as a year ago: Packers ran a very vanilla game plan against the Saints--at least as long as scheme and game-plan mattered--and we were left wondering, as Slim Pickens in Blazing Saddles said, "What in the wide-widew world o' sports is a-goin' on here?"

So far, we're working with a single data point in 2022, but this is starting to look like an LaF trend: his teams don't do well after an off week (or to start the season). It makes little sense compared to conventional wisdom...but LaF teams always seem to rebound. I'm expecting to see a different team on Sunday. They can't afford to go 0-2 in the division, and they open with 3 straight NFC games. They've heard a lot of crowing about their performance against MN...they need to put up on Sunday night or the wolves will begin to howl in earnest.

10 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:36 am

We had a highly effective and efficient O in 2020. That was the high point of evidence of the “illusion of complexity”. After the MVP and ructions last year we saw a huge retreat from that and a decline in efficacy. When LaFleur admitted that 80percent of the scheme went through Adams, he was just repeating what every opponent had realized.

The relationship between the existence it otherwise of the illusion of complexity and effectiveness isn’t one to one simple probably, but the Adams ball approach effectively looked more late era MM: it’s premise was that you know what we are going to try, but we are betting that we can beat you anyway.

Last week looked like Adams ball without Adams: remarkably redolent of late era MM sticking players out there and insisting they just beat their man without too much schematic assistance or unpredictability.

Ironically, for that to work a team needs extremely talented and experienced starters. We tried it with two old and slow (on the day at least) veterans and a couple of debutants who have the talent but were largely ignored for 50 percent of the game. Probably the least promising combination of approach and resources one could come up with.

6 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:31 pm

Ah rooo. Ah rooo!

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:30 am

Rodgers killed the illusion of complexity with his holdout last summer. Trading for Cobb wasnt their only act of capitulation. Rodgers is now the GM, HC, and OC. The Green Bay Rodgerses.

2 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:52 am

"Mr. Rodgers, he needs to look in that mirror, too, and notice all the scowling faces he makes and the body language he exudes during games."

Your Goddamn right he needs to look in the mirror and if he can't LaFleur needs to STOP being his buddy and start being his Head Coach. Rodgers has never been the rah-rah type guy which is fine. But someone made a comment yesterday about Rodgers looking like Jay Cutler which I must say is pretty right on the money. NOTHING Rodgers does on the sideline, at least what we get to see, is stuff that makes his teammates want to run through a wall for him.

Just once I'd like to see Rodgers go up to a young player who just dropped a sure-fire 75 yard TD with a smile on his face and let the KID know it will be okay. Let him know you'll be coming right back to him. Don't go sit on the bench by yourself and look like you just took a big bite of a shit sandwich.

For the last 11 seasons Rodger's way hasn't worked when it matters most, and in 2022 he doesn't have a Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Jones, or Adams on his team. He doesn't have someone he really trusts who's still in his prime. But he does have a couple of young rookies who have a damn good chance to be really good, possibly great. I can't help but think what an arm around Christian Watson, a pat on the ass, and Rodgers telling him, "Be Ready, I'm coming right back to you" just may do. Rodgers needs to understand THIS IS the WR group he has to work with and HIS time is running out. Do whatever you can to make it work!

23 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:15 am

Spot on NP! Leadership is not easy (or everyone would do it), but a great leader is what the Packers need right now. Rodgers is entirely too wrapped up in himself to provide leadership to this team which is unfortunate because he is the de facto team leader. I think leadership is an overlooked reason why Brady has a half dozen Super Bowl rings and Rodgers has one.

4 points
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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:51 am

Time and again, when things got rough or money became an issue, the Packers have chosen ARod. They chose him over Favre. They chose him over McCarthy. They chose him last off-season in the pissy stand-off, and capitulated in bringing back Cobb--who looks washed up. They chose him this last off-season over Love or at least over trading him and moving on. Count up the fat contracts and extensions. Tell me, if you're ARod, what kind of message are you getting?

10 points
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Savage57's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:31 am

"I'll do whatever I want, and they'll like it."

5 points
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Savage57's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:31 am

Double up

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:26 am

Bingo, Dobber. All the front office has done is enable him. Its pretty sad tbh. He's like a runaway freight train and nobody's even trying to slow him down.

5 points
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Guam's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:41 am

While your point is well taken Dobber, many great leaders are catered to and yet don't capitulate to their egos. Great leaders are still able to understand their role and lead with humility despite the temptation to revel in their success. Unfortunately, Rodgers has not risen to that level, nor do I expect him to in the future.

7 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:58 am

One thought on ego that is always a good self-caution and possibly apt here is that “ego isn’t a real thing, it’s just the unexamined mind.” Thibault.

However the one that I think is perhaps truly prescient is that “The walls of pride are high and wide, can’t see over to the other side.” Bob Dylan. In this case the other side may be a Super Bowl. Ego here is the enemy each must tackle to be better as a whole.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:58 am

Duplicate

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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:53 am

As a result, the team is going in a different direction. Instead of investing cap in veteran WR and trying to win with a slightly better than average defense and blowing teams out of the water, they invested in defense and are challenging 12 to elevate his receivers. The argument seems to be that they are trying to win based on what they think they'll get out of him--almost in spite of him--rather than by feeding him. I give them credit for not trying the same ol' thing (definition of insanity?) over again...even though in this case, Adams chose it for them.

7 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 17, 2022 at 06:09 am

Unfortunately, the word and action of humility reside NOWHERE near Aaron Charles Rodgers.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:59 am

By they, I think you mean Murphy. This team was heading to a post Rodgers scheme in 2020 and has been roster wise till the present. I think LaFleur is a guy who will follow the winds from above not one who will fight for his vision. I think it’s clear that Murphy is all in on Rodgers to end their careers.

7 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:14 am

That reminds me of Lafleur's end of season presser where he said, and this is an exact quote, "You will see a better version of us next year." I cant prove this, but I truly believe he thought Rodgers would be gone and he would finally be able to implement his philosophy but as you mentioned Murphy overruled him.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:53 am

They were ALL given Extensions. Same M.O. in Packertown, LLC.

2 points
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T7Steve's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:46 am

Not only put an arm on his shoulder, sometime tell him sorry I put that in a bad place. My Fault.

He's done a little in the past, but, I'd like to see him STANDING on the sideline rooting for the D too and giving high 5s to guys coming off the field, good play or bad. That stuff goes a long way through a locker room.

OK! I'm done with my Jennings impersonation for the day.

Let's beat the BEARS!

2 points
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marpag1's picture

September 16, 2022 at 04:52 pm

"Yo, Christian. Hey man, sorry I bounced that big ol' football right on to your f&ck!ng hands. My fault, bro. I gotta be better."

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:47 pm

Yes, he could do that. Probably cutting off his nose to save his face though. As I read it that’s what the thread above is wishing he’d realize, it’s better to win than to be right all the time.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:11 am

Nick, well said. People very often forget that leadership does not start nor ends with just doing your job "perfectly" or above average. Leadership contains lot of small things. One of the important thing is to feel your team energy and if it is not good you should try to change it. Sometimes is to shout out to the team to wake them, sometimes to forgive somebody's mistake, sometime to say any kind of joke, just to lower possible tensions produced by failure. Offering advice might be helpful, too.

That are the things real leader knows and have sence for it.

Selfloved person very often do not understand others, so that person lacks leadership qualities. He might be statistically almost perfect or by far the best of the rest, but that does not make him leader of the men. It makes him leader of the personal stats.

1 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:20 am

Spot on NP.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:47 am

But when one looks in the mirror, what does one see? The physical world is illusion. It’s what the inner eye sees that reveals and the path is one with that vision.

0 points
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dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:36 am

Truth is all relative to perspective.

-2 points
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marpag1's picture

September 16, 2022 at 04:56 pm

LLOOLL... what in thee hell are you wannabe Kierkegaards yammering about?

3 points
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Littlejim51's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:41 am

Right On

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:34 pm

This is so on point NP I'm speechless. Your finest hour.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:38 am

Rodgers was in play -off mode. The rest of the team wasn't. Just stop with the Whiney Little Bitch stuff. And putting this on LeFluer.
The OL sucked. The Defense had No Life. And IT never went into the Beast animal. ( It was hyped too.)
The Vikings Dominated this game. It wasn't what we expected. But it was what Rodgers knew would happen.
Why? Too many new faces. New Coaches. New Rookies. New challenges. Same problems in the secondary.
We lost 3 players on the OL. Experienced players. No RT. A RG that had No business starting. And veterans milking their wounds.
So forget about a MVP QB looking in the mirror. Where's the wall to protect him? If I'm Rodgers, He's seeing a Rebuild!
Something he wanted NO part of. And with these new coaches. Its job protection first. Rodger's second.
LeFlueur does need to step in. And challenge his coaches first. Or this will be a re-building year, most of the bashers want.

-5 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:59 am

SH, we finally agree. Rodgers was in playoff mode which is why they only scored 7 points while looking nervous and uninspired.

8 points
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stockholder's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:33 am

No.- The reason they only scored 7 points was because of the OL. You can't play shuffle the deck with Rookies, who shouldn't be in there, without a veteran presence. This has been a make shift OL since Corey Linsley left.

3 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:45 am

Or they couldve tried running the ball more. They averaged 6 yards per carry but threw twice as many passes. i've been saying it for years now that this is a running team. Its how Gutekunst built it and he hired a coach whose offense begins and ends with the run. Instead of realizing this and playing to their strength, the qb is still trying to show the world how great he is and when it fails its everyone else's fault but his. There's absolutely no self-awareness on his part. If he cared about winning, he would be pounding the table for these running backs to get more carries but he cares more about his stats, awards, and legacy.

2 points
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stockholder's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:54 am

Or they couldve tried running the ball more. I agree with that! But don't Bash Rodgers. Because he is great. Self awareness? Try pocket awareness. There was No pocket!

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:43 am

For starters, there was quite a few plays where guys were open and he just never looked at them. But besides that, you know how to prevent a pocket from collapsing? Run the damn ball. Then run it again. And again. When theyre good and tired and start cheating to stop the run, then you hit them with the deep shot. Thats how you play to your strengths. Remember how little Mike Pettine emphasized stopping the run during his time with the Packers? He enphasized stopping the pass and has akways had great pass defenses. So what does Rodgers do? Throws 34 times and abandons the run for all but 1 drive. Like i said, lack of self awareness. How many more seasons does he have to waste with this stupid offense where he relies too heavily on pre-snap looks and matchups while depending on receivers beating man coverage every single play before people see whats happening here? No balance. No creativity. No imagination. No heart. If hes going to pass, why cant he let the coach scheme guys open for him? Hes even publicly complained about that. He doesnt want "pre-defined reads" like its some kind of slight against his godly prowess as a qb. You saw what the Vikings did on offense. Kevin Occonnell is a Mcvay disciple just like Lafleur is. Thats how the Packers offense is supposed to look. Balance between the run and pass followed by playaction and schemed up passing game with bunch formations and screens and rub routes. Its a thing of beauty that we should be seeing from our team every sunday but cant because the qb is too damn stubborn. I get that you dont want to criticize Rodgers, but you cant be this blinded either. Its literally the same offense as in 2018. New coach, mostly new roster, same soft and gimmicky offense cuz the qb refuses to learn from his mistakes.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2022 at 12:08 pm

Yes, indeed, run it right through the gaps created by Hanson and Newman...

4 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 01:16 pm

6 ypc says they did just fine in the run game. This might be earth shattering news to you, but simple physics dictates that its significantly easier for 300+ pound men to move forward than backwards. But lets just keep doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting a different result. Einstein's definition of insanity to the T.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:50 am

“Rodgers was in play-off mode.” Unwittingly astute. It’s certainly true that it reminded me of the last two championship games. Not least the death by a yard forcing it to a double covered player.

8 points
8
0
stockholder's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:59 am

The Wall. Thats the KEY! The Wall. A QB has to have pass protection. Regardless of the game-plan.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:40 am

He does. As you know, I’m more focused on the issues I see with the coaching and, among them, baffling personnel decisions are one of them. But the end result is exacerbated because Rodgers is not countering his tendencies. That LaFleur is putting him in positions that amplify those or allowing him to is not an excuse for Rodgers not learning either.

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2022 at 12:27 pm

No Bhaktiari, the presence of King and inadequate RTs reminded me of the past two playoff skirmishes.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:58 am

Preach it...

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

September 17, 2022 at 06:06 am

So forget about a MVP QB looking in the mirror. Where's the wall to protect him? If I'm Rodgers, He's seeing a Rebuild! Something he wanted NO part of.

And yet he TOOK the money and signed didn't he? These veterans "Milking" their wounds.. Who, Bakhtiari? Jenkins? It's not the player taking themselves out, it's the medical staff. They don't want to risk Jenkins, he's waaaay to valuable. Bakhtiari will be lucky to play another snap in the NFL. IF he does, I highly doubt he's close to the same LT. Maybe he'll still be better than most, but the man has has 3 surgeries.

0 points
0
0
Packers0808's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:54 am

Said yesterday on here Rodgers right now more of a detriment than a help with his attitude and scowls. He has to get that prima donna shit look off his face and start mingling with the other players and push them with some encouragement rather sitting on the bench looking like he is better than the rest of the team and in some other worldly ass world!

4 points
8
4
Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:54 am

Rodgers can win this for us. But to do so he has to change. If he can’t or won’t then this marriage was a disaster. He has to play to what he has, not what he thinks we should have. His coach has to ensure that he does if they both want to win. That’s always been the pivotal question once they resolved on bringing him/him agreeing to come back with the roster and cap constraints that applied.

2 points
3
1
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:03 am

Its never been a question of whether he CAN do it or not. The question is if hes willing to do what is necessary to win i.e. trust his teammates and coaches to help carry the load. He plays like a guy who has to do everything himself when he really doesnt have to. He needs to keep taking ayahuasca until he learns to trust the people around him before its too late.

-1 points
1
2
Razer's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:56 am

Flat out of the gate doesn't instill much confidence or enthusiasm for the team or the season. I truly believe that there is enough talent on this team to get deep into the playoffs. I am not sure about the coaching ability to organize that talent into a championship quality team. I am also unsure of our ability to grow beyond Aaron Rodgers. Both Rodgers and LaFleur have defined the limit of what this team can accomplish. Maybe the Packers have over achieved but I tend to think that that we fundamentally get out-coached and teams zero in on Rodger's tendencies. Might need to be thankful for winning seasons and leave it at that. Sorry - losing to the Vikings is a tumbler.

7 points
7
0
mrtundra's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:09 am

The Chicago Swimming Bears! There was so much water on Soldier Field, I half expected to see the Bears swatting salmon swimming upstream to the North Endzone. I blame the loss on the coaches, mostly, and then on Rodgers for failing to get rid of the ball, when he was behind that OL and for not going to his young WRs more often. The coaches got away from running the ball. The DC did not allow Jaire to cover Jefferson, until after he burned us. The vikings were not dominant. If we had scored on all the muffs and whiffs we had, we'd be only down by 2 points, assuming that our scoring meant the vikings scored, too. This loss was all on the Packers. IMO. So onto the Bears and lets show them how real football is played. GO PACK, GO!!!

3 points
3
0
croatpackfan's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:21 am

Johnatan, very insightful article. Congratulation.

I was saying for years that AR can kill young players just with his faces during the game and his uninterest of what is happening in the other game phases. Very clear indication that he does not think others jobs are important to him. Another prove of that is putting his OL in bad position by waiting the very last moment to snap the ball. There is no guessing from opponent D when they have to react.

He found few years ago that offside or neutral zone infraction can give him free opportunity for "hero" ball, so he dialed himself in that possibility almost like he is not allowed to snap the ball earlier.

It will be interesting to know what is his successn of producing free plays by seasons. I believe that dramatically lower by his stuborn snaping at the last second.

4 points
6
2
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:21 am

The free play gimmick has gone into semi-retirement as the NFL made it a point of emphasis to call plays dead in those scenarios. Never liked it anyways. Always felt cheap and gimmicky to me. Its like trying to steal instead of earning it like a man. May have cost them a shot at the super bowl in 2014 when Rodgers threw a pick in the endzone and the refs didnt call the offsides.

3 points
5
2
egbertsouse's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:36 am

I may have said this before but once , just once,
after a bad play I would like to see Rodgers point to himself and say, “My bad.” Or go on McTankTop’s show and spend 30 minutes explaining how he can improve his performance rather than throwing everyone else under the bus.
A mentor of mine used to say, “ You want your employees to go to the wall for you? Distribute the credit for success and absorb the blame for mistakes.”

12 points
14
2
dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 08:57 am

I don't agree with you very often, but I do here.

1 points
3
2
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:10 am

McTankTop made me spit my drink all over the wall haha. On a serious note tho, for someone who talks so much about trust and accountability, wtf is he doing to earn trust and be accountable to his teammates? How would he feel if one of his teammates went in front of the media and said 11 years without a super bowl just isnt up to our standard and the qb needs to be better? Someone needs to remind him that Green Bay is Titletown, not MVPTown, not HighestPasserRatingTown, not IOwnTheBearsTown, and not LegacyTown. This aint about him. This is about the team accomplishing its goals and his personal shit needs to take a backseat. He needs to learn to be one of the guys again.

Edit: growing up in the burbs of Chicago, I've always been a Whitesox fan (Sorry guys, I'm a FIB). And what I remember most about the Ozzie Guillen years (besides the '05 World Series) is how he ALWAYS did what he had to do to take the pressure off his players. Whether it be on the field or in the media, he always stuck up for his guys whether they deserved it or not. Best example of leadership in sports that I have ever witnessed in my life. It almost became a spectacle in itself cuz people never knew what he would do next to take the heat off his team. But no matter what, Ozzie always had his guys backs. I get it that Rodgers isnt a coach, but for all intents and purposes, he is the center of the Packer universe and he has all the power to be what this team truly needs. To quote Gene Hackman's halftime speech from the movie The Replacements: "We need heart. Miles and miles of heart."

1 points
4
3
croatpackfan's picture

September 17, 2022 at 09:30 am

RTS, nice observation: "that Rodgers isn't a coach".

I will say he is. It is not written in his contract but it is accepted by Mike Murphy and (I believe) very unwilling from Brian Gutekunst and MLF. As Packers Diva has, also, approval to mess with personnel job and scouting and player evaluation. He also do not have that in his contract, but, whatever...

We all know that the main culprit is Mike Murphy. I agree completely with Coldworld in that . He took additional power after TT resigned and problems with Mike McCarthy. He did not pick TT successor. He wanted the last decision belongs to him, great Mike Murphy. He ruined his legacy as will Diva. Wait few years and you'll see...

0 points
0
0
Littlejim51's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:45 am

Rodgers has only a few years to play. He should start to reverse this piss poor attitude and embrace the situation with his life blood WR’s

3 points
5
2
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:03 am

Agree with mostly everything you wrote except the shade thrown at Mccarthy. The guy has won 140+ games, won a super bowl, helped develop Rodgers from a deer-in-the-headlights rookie into a first ballot hall of famer, He's 1 of only 4 coaches ever to make playoffs 8 years in a row (Belichick, Noll, Landry) and even has a street named after him in Green Bay. His teams were always disciplined and always fought hard till the bitter end. I can only hope Lafleur accomplishes as much in Green Bay. I know the current narrative is that Mccarthy is some kind of putz, but it couldnt be further from the truth. He built a winning program here that lasted for over a decade. Give the man his due. He's a hall of famer in my book.

1 points
6
5
T7Steve's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:39 am

I suppose you're right. He inherited Bret then moved on to Rodgers (I'll give him credit for that). What coach in the NFC North wouldn't have looked good with that? You could say that Detroit had Stafford, but, that just shows that we have a front office.

2 points
2
0
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 12:15 pm

Yes he did inherit Favre, but he also inherited a team that went 4-12 the year before after Sherman's ineptitude as GM destroyed the roster. The team went 8-8 his first year then went 13-3 with an NFC Championship Game appearance in year 2. He immediately changed the culture of that team which led to immediate positive results on the field. Mccarthy is not only an excellent gameplanner but also a leader of men. Bill Belichick raved about him after the Pack beat Belichick's Patriots in 2014. "I got pencil whipped today" was how he described it. Belichick rarely praises coaches like that. But to put it in perspective, he has an almost identicle resume to Sean Payton but nobody ever criticizes Payton. He literally walks on water in most people's eyes. Why? He hasnt done anything Mccarthy hasnt done. Just silly media narratives that form how people view things. I will always think highly of Mccarthy and he absolutely should be in the hall of fame some day. Hes the only coach I can think of whos criticized regularly for having great qb despite the fact that he literally developed said qb. Its a damn shame tbh.

4 points
4
0
Packerlifer's picture

September 17, 2022 at 10:49 am

MM got coaching PTSD from the championship game loss in Seattle. He's not been the same since but he should be better remembered and regarded for his first 9 season in charge of the team.

1 points
1
0
barutanseijin's picture

September 16, 2022 at 03:35 pm

Yes, he inherited, Favre, but he inherited a Favre that had been playing extremely poorly. Many thought Favre was done, but McCarthy got him to play smarter. He developed Rodgers, too — and Rodgers was not a sure thing. Even Thompson second guessed himself by drafting Brian Brohm early in Rodger’s career.

4 points
4
0
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:04 pm

100% correct. There were even rumblings that Thompson was thinking about drafting Brady Quinn to replace Rodgers as the heir apparent to Favre cuz there was very little faith Rodgers would turn the corner. Rodgers even said he had heard the rumors leading up to the 2007 draft.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

September 17, 2022 at 11:09 am

Brian Brohm was pretty overtly drafted to hedge against Rodgers’ not developing in 2008. It was not just comments from the team: many in the national media thought he was signed to replace Favre and Rodgers.

Todd McShay famously said during the draft ““Brian Brohm, two years from now, could be the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. … I think Brian Brohm’s upside is greater than that of Aaron Rodgers.” ESPN’s Merril Hoge said he liked Brohm better than where Rodgers, who hadn’t played much in his first three seasons, was at that point in his career.

The following 2008 pre-season, Rodgers third, was really the first time that he started to show visible promise. In contrast Brohm so poor that he was beaten out by Flynn as well as Rodgers. Far from being the next Payton Manning, as the Sporting News had claimed, Brohm was a total bust, but the intent and rationale were there and their wasn’t much subterfuge about it.

0 points
0
0
PyschoDad3's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:46 am

Hit the nail right on the head. Say what you will about Tom Brady, but he's with his teammates on the sideline, and if you were underperforming he'd be all over you, Our guy? Not so much. I'm not seeing any signs of change, and I'm not holding my breath to see if Rogers changes. He's been doing things his way for this long, and will likely continue to run the offense the way he does on the field. We've seen the results and It is likely the Packers will be predictable as ever. The rest of the league has seen this for years and figured out how to defense it. For sure, there are a lot of other things on this team that require attention (defense, O-line), But unless Rogers has some kind of epiphany, or LaFleur steps in and takes charge, I think it is going to be a long season.

5 points
7
2
kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:59 am

As if its all on Rodgers. LOL. Go ahead and put Jordan Love in and see what happens. You want 5-12?
I'll take the best QB in Packers history with 4 mvps, 1 super bowl, and bad body language any day if it makes the playoffs (which he has 11/13 years as QB.)

0 points
5
5
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:54 am

You take Rodgers and ill take AJ Dillon and run him right down your throat ad nauseum. Before you know it, youll team will be down multiple scores and 12 will be pouting on the sideline thinking about who he'll blame this time.

-1 points
3
4
jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2022 at 12:34 pm

4th and Goal.

2 points
2
0
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 01:28 pm

Shotgun rpo instead of lining up with tight ends and a fullback and punching it in like a man. RPO's are all about Rodgers having to have his option to pass. He gets cute every chance he can. Lets also revisit the late 4th and 1 where he threw it deep into double coverage like an idiot. Just like the final play of their 2021 season. If Lafleur were actually calling the plays, RPO wouldnt even be in the playbook. Only Rodgers would demand changes to an offense that helped him produce one of the best seasons of his career and one of the best offenses ive ever seen. That garbage was installed last year after Rodgers heldout all summer for more control over the offense. His buddy Nathaniel Hackett studied the inner workings of it and installed it at Rodgers insistance. Nowhere else Lafleur has been have his offenses featured an RPO like that. That was all Rodgers cuz he has to have control over everything. AJ Dillon should never get a handoff out of shotgun or lined up wide and catch slant passes. He should be getting the ball in formations with the qb under center where he has momentum at the mesh point so he can actually put his freakish 250 pound frame to good use. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is stopping him from getting a yard that way.

1 points
1
0
GPG1985's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:52 am

It’s like Rodgers is the old surly guy at the company, who thinks if you don’t know all the tribal knowledge he knows he doesn’t have time for you. Get around your young guys on the sideline and in practice and help coach em up.

He has a high expectation of what he wants so communicate what the hell you want. Stop thinking your the smartest guy in the room and be a leader. Make the people around you better and instill confidence.

Been saying for awhile he needs to invite the skill guys over and have a few beers, watch some tape, and throw around the pigskin. The culture starts with him and time isn’t on his side, so go get it! Can’t have everyone walking on eggshells around you.

6 points
10
4
Razer's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:12 am

Totally agree. At this point in his career, I doubt that we are going to see a new Rodgers other than the celebrity talk show surfer dude.

5 points
7
2
kobebryant69's picture

September 16, 2022 at 09:55 am

Well, all Packers fans must come to the realization that Matt Lafleur is an overrated coach. He is 2-3 vs Kyle Shanahan including 1 win vs Nick Mullens and 1 win from Rodger's miraculous throws. Matt Lafleur must be treated as an above average coach. He is good but not great. If Jordan Love was our QB right now we would win maybe 6 games. I'd take the under on that.
Second, Aaron Rodgers should be held accountable for bad body language but other players with poor performances should be held accountable. Joe Barry should be getting hammered for his inability to adjust at halftime when Jefferson was already killing us. And above all, Matt Lafleur should be held accountable above any person in the organization for not getting his team ready, for not running the ball despite 6 yards a carry, and for not adjusting to the shell 2 Minnesota was playing.

2 points
7
5
dobber's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:50 am

"Joe Barry should be getting hammered for his inability to adjust at halftime when Jefferson was already killing us. "

Data:
Jefferson numbers overall: 11 targets, 9 catches, 184 yd, 2 TD
First half numbers: 7 targets, 6 catches, 158 yd, 2 TD
Second half numbers: 4 targets, 3 catches, 26 yd, 0 TD

First half team numbers: 36 offensive plays, 257 yards, 17 points
Second half team numbers: 28 offensive plays, 123 yards, 6 points

No excuse for allowing Jefferson to run wild in the first half. He did not run wild in the second half, and neither did the Vikings.

9 points
9
0
canadapacker's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:03 am

Boy oh boy - I wonder what this article would have been like at the end of last season's first game againsts New Orleans? Probably twice as caustic. I said at the start of the season that Lafleur needed to fix the red zone offense and I would have preferred more of a running offense down there because of no Adams and 2 good backs. He hasnt to date and that is on a relatively limited sample. Everybody has said that we have a great defense that was going to win games alone - never mind all of our rookie receivers - but that was before even one game as played and of course not many starters played even one snap in the preseason. I wonder if any team is going to start playing more starters in preseason ( down to only 3 games ) after how sloppy almost every first game was this year. Or maybe just expect that since there is one more regular season game - the first game is the get the kinks out game and it doesnt matter in the big picture unless you get your QB hurt ( Dallas) and it could have happened to us. So I am not ready to be whining or pointing fingers and doing the sky if falling thing until at least after next game or really after the Bucs game.

0 points
2
2
TarynsEyes's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:09 am

Rodgers recently stated, he won't change the way he plays, which should have many accepting that MLF's Illusion of Complexity is still, by choice, eluding Rodgers, and why the Illusion is an illusion to itself.

Yes, the Packers will roll the Bears, and the Illusion will be seen as being real through self-convincing, a mirage that many will use to rejoice and yell, that's what we're talking about, until it isn't the Bears on the opposing side of the field, and the same old non-illusion appears in clear view again, though most strongly in the playoffs where the ticket to it is already punched regardless whether the mirror is looked into by Rodgers, MLF or anyone this week, next week or whenever.

Rodgers likely has no mirrors at all, because he is now embedded in himself, and he's convinced he needs no reflection to justify who and what he is, or what he does.

5 points
8
3
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:08 am

The illusion of the illusion of complexity lol. Thats how we end up with the illusion of super bowls.

5 points
5
0
Fubared's picture

September 17, 2022 at 10:19 am

Rodgers threw two total passes more then 20 yards in the game. Rodgers for sure probably audibled the run at the one, he hates trying to throw into an endzone loaded with defenders, heaven forbid they intercept him.
Hey we could have blown out Seattle in the playoff game and gone to the SB, with first down on the 7 yard line and up like 24 zip, we could have put the ball away, and we run three times in a row not trying to pass once. Settle for three and give the game away. Rodgers called those runs.

0 points
1
1
Since'61's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:17 am

Good article Jonathan. I'm hoping that the Packers used this week to re-evaluate their players and the decisions that were made in putting the starting OL together and in creating the offensive and defensive game plans against the Vikings. Both sides of the ball looked like they were playing vanilla football as they would during the preseason. Newsflash to everyone, the preseason is over!!!

For me the OL was the biggest disappointment since they did play during the preseason but they weren't prepared to play at all. This was yet another game where the Packers seemed to play with no sense of urgency with the exception of a few players (Clark, Walker, Gary, Jones, Dillon and Nijman bing the exceptions).

It was see Andy Reid come in the article. I have believed that he is the best HC in the league especially in terms of preparing his team and his play calling. He often reminds me of Mike Holmgren. I had hopes that at some point the Packers would bring him back to the HC in Green Bay but the timing just wasn't right.
If so we would see a well prepared team and a QB with an excellent attitude. We would also see a much more dynamic offense and an aggressive defense. And yes, the STs would play well. Reid is focused, expects excellent play in all phases of the game and does not enable excuses. He is an excellent NFL head coach.

As for Rodgers he needs to be more supportive of his team mates whether he does it publicly or privately.

It's been a long week of over reactions to the first game of the season. This has become a normal pattern for NFL fans. It's only one loss. the season is not over.
Let's give the team a chance and see how they respond this week and in the games going forward. One week, one game, one series, one play at a time.
Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

4 points
5
1
Leatherhead's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:19 am

"For me the OL was the biggest disappointment "

We kept 10 on the 53. Three of the top five were unavailable after Runyan got hurt, so we had three backups in, including our #8 guy. We still had Rhyan in reserve, and Walker, and we just called up Mt. Caleb. He's our #11 guy. These guys are in water over their head against good, veteran players like Hunter and Z.

Although I expect improvement, this isn't going to magically get better by this week's game against Chicago, who also has some good, experienced players on their defense who will give this line all it can handle. Our focus should be on dialing it down and keeping our QB protected. Unless we help them, Chicago is going to have a difficult time getting to 20, so we don't have to score on every possession, we just need to protect the ball and score on a few of them.

-1 points
0
1
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:31 am

So give them some help by staying balanced. Its hard enough to block NFL pass rushers when they dont know what play is coming. When they know its going to be a pass nearly every play, its nearly impossible to block them up. This team has to run the ball. They have no choice at this point.

5 points
5
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 16, 2022 at 12:22 pm

His GM selected Humphrey and Trey Smith in the 2021 draft, replaced Hill with veterans. I always watch line play both sides of the ball, the Pack was not getting the job done. Watson snags the long ball and it is a different game. Not using Jones was inexcusable.

2 points
3
1
Littlejim51's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:39 am

Totally agree with you
Rodgers is the face/ leader of the franchise!
His attitude reflects leadership
He should go right to his WR’s and express his frustration and encouragement to the player. Go into the blue tent but something needs to transpire

2 points
2
0
iamiz's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:01 am

Anyone else starting to get the feeling that LaFluer isn’t the guy?

He’s at least not the guy we thought he was.

Sure, credit him with motivating the complicated fella, but short of that, he looks only slightly more innovative than MM, and that’s a low bar.

All gloom and doom could be attenuated by getting the ball to our RBs, moving our WRs horizontally, and playing press-man coverage.

But what do I know?

2 points
4
2
Fubared's picture

September 17, 2022 at 10:14 am

People have to understand what LeFleur inherited coming here. It wasn't the Detroit Lions with a QB named Goof. He knew from day one he had a huge advantage inheriting a world class qb and a fairly decent team. Bring along his rams play book and he looks the genius.
You get rid of Rodgers and put Love in and his won loss record aint gonna look so good in three years.
Take a lot at the great coaches and they had a raft of great players to.

0 points
1
1
Leatherhead's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:09 am

Well, this is just way too many wadded panties for me to wrap my head around on Friday morning.

It was ONE GAME. ONE. On the road against a better than average team that played very well. 49ers lost a game just like that....should they look at themselves in the mirror? The Rams lost at home....do they need a mirror?

It happens. Did anybody seriously think we'd go through the season undefeated? You did? Oh, that's precious.

Here's the deal/prediction: Packers beat the Bears. We'll look better, especially on defense, but not necessarily because we've "fixed" anything. We'll be playing at home against a weaker offense. A few days from now, The Bears, The Packers, and the Purple will all be 1-1 with 15 games to go.

Seriously, I expect a certain amount of hysteria but this is just out of all proportion to one loss, on the road, to a better than average team that played really well that day.

-1 points
3
4
Coldworld's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:15 am

When you find yourself passing the same landmark for the umpteenth time it’s not just the last circuit that’s the problem. The only thing certain is that without change you will be back in the same spot again.

6 points
6
0
TarynsEyes's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:44 am

It isn't hysteria, if the issues are repeated, again, and again, or in the words of Yogi Berra, Déjà vu all over again, which replaces hysteria with soothing calm, but does nothing to resolving the repetitive issues.

It doesn't matter if it's week one or whichever week, it's the same issues since MLF became HC and Rodgers expected to change. The injuries are things that must be dealt with as they happen yearly, and should not be an excuse for what isn't happening with MLF and Rodgers.

7 points
7
0
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 12:18 pm

Now youre dropping Yogi Berra? Will you be my new best friend???

1 points
1
0
Rebecca's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:09 am

Good take on the current situation. I don’t expect much to change this year. It largely depends on QB-Aaron and HC-LaF. Rodgers lives in an alternate reality from the rest of the team and LaFleur is stuck with that plus an offense that needs some help in the trenches and the receivers. We’ll see.

1 points
4
3
splitpea1's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:32 am

I thoroughly agree that the Packers need to dig deeper and add new entries to the playbook, but they're going to need the AR seal of approval before we see them on the field. It's not an endorsement, but that's unfortunately the way things are. When MLF and AR eventually make their way to the lab, the first thing they need to work on is the red zone and goal line offense; a little trickery, unpredictability, and deception would go a long way here.

The Packers would need to figure this out in their own way, because while we may have some talent on the offensive roster, it does not compare to what the Chiefs have--they're a tough act to follow; and that extends to the coaching staff. Mahomes is also obviously younger and more mobile than Rodgers at this point in his career.

2 points
4
2
pacman's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:56 am

Glad to see lots of people joining the "there's something wrong here" club and get on MLF's case. Between not fixing special teams soon enough, too many dud games not prepared for (Justin Jefferson!!) and not being able to adjust - it's all on MLF and his record is covering up his faults.
From my post yesterday on the other MLF article:
As far as I'm concerned, he's a failed coach (for not getting AR/team back to the SB). You would have to be a bad coach to not win most of your games with the players he's had. So he's a mediocre failed coach.

AR has some issues but that's not what has been stopping us from getting to the SB again. And to be fair, I do recall some receiver (I think it was Jones) talk about AR saying just that (I'm coming back at you) after he said he was sorry for a drop. And I have seen him pat his chest - saying 'that's on me'.

Let's not be satisfied with crushing the Bears. (God forbid is we lose.) Keep the pressure on and keep pointing out the bad habits and stop excusing things with 'burn the tape' comments. I would like to see more wins by 20+ points and not backing off after getting ahead by more than 10 points.

0 points
3
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 12:19 pm

You act like this started in the lafleur era. This began long before his time in Green Bay. Whos been the constant? Start with that guy. The guy whos been holding this team hostage for years.

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canadapacker's picture

September 16, 2022 at 02:34 pm

Who TT??? He passed away a few years ago. Are you saying it is AR? back to back MVPs and 26 wins - or Guty or are you blaming Murph? Lafleur is what 39-6 in his first 3 years with the team. How many other new coaches come into the league and start with 13 wins? And this is with a lousy defense and absolutely horrible special teams ( a Green Bay tradition). Does he need to fix things and adapt damm right. Especially the bad trend of poor red zone that was very apparent last year. Last game was last game and it kind of tied into the playoff loss - in that we have holes in the Oline due to a bad injury recovery to the highest paid guy and then also losing his replacement. But the pieces are there if they get healthy. But talk about a bunch of whiners after one game - dont believe it - and once again = Tampa in Tampa will be the measuring stick whether we pull a Stinker against the Bears or not.

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barutanseijin's picture

September 16, 2022 at 04:14 pm

MVP =\= Championship

Rahhjerz can rack up stats & steal an MVP. What he can’t do is get his team to the Super Bowl, even when he is spotted a boatload of Russell Wilson INTs.

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canadapacker's picture

September 16, 2022 at 04:42 pm

You got to get to the dance in order to have a chance - be bery bery careful on what you wish for.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 10:35 pm

I'm absolutely blaming Rodgers. Sure Thompson had some bad drafts at the end, but he cant be blamed for Rodgers usurping the offense by playing backyard football most plays and running Mccarthy, the guy most responsible for his NFL success, out of a job and out of town. I remember back in 2016 and 2017 watching the Rams light up the NFL with their juggernaut offense that featured a heavy dose of running the ball and playaction. I remember thinking, "man, if only we could get Rodgers into an offense like that he would be unstoppable." Well the Packers went out ans got a coach who runs the same damn offense but Rodgers wants nothing to do with it. Since the moment Lafleur was hired, all Rodgers has done is resist Lafleur's offense while lobbying for more control over said offense. What do you think his holdout was really about? Theres a reason the offense looked completely different in 2021 than the dominant offense we saw in 2020. Here's a hint: Lafleur didnt just up and decide to scrap his entire offensive philosophy after a wildly successful season with a historically great offense. Its beyond ironic that Rodgers pushed Mccarthy out the door but refuses to give up the offense that Mccarthy taught him. You literally cant make this shit up. And miss me with the MVP's and regular season wins against crap teams. This is Titletown dammit. This is about winning championships, not coddling an arrogant diva who is unwilling to adapt or accept the help hes being given. This team could literally wipe every team in football clear off the map but Rodgers is holding them back. People just dont like hearing the truth, especially when it comes to their idols.

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Since'61's picture

September 16, 2022 at 11:48 pm

Given your comments about Rodgers and his resistance to LaFleur's offense why is Rodgers still on the team and why did the Packers give him one of the largest contracts in NFL history? He should have been traded but LaFleur wanted him to remain with the team. Why?

What does LaFleur and Packer management expect by retaining and paying Rodgers? If Rodger is holding them back why is he playing? Is it about championships? Or is it about keeping jobs? Or do they know Rodgers is their best chance for a championship and to keep their jobs? If this team could wipe every team off the field let's put Love or Etling at QB and move on. What are we waiting for? Thanks, Since '61

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croatpackfan's picture

September 18, 2022 at 08:18 am

Since, Coldworld explained many times why. It is Mike Murphy who wants to ride to the twilight of his life as one responsible for 2 SB and he is the one who insisted on keeping Diva no matter what it cost.

Many of the people do not understand dynamics of the process. I'm sorry, but it will be hard to predict how things will change this season. Maybe this discussions will be ended after few games from today. But, if Packers lose todays game or win but with bad playing where win will come more from luck or even on last second FG in game with low score (eg 15 points or less for winner). For me it will be strong indicator that Aaron Rodgers is pushing MLF out of the town. He does not like his offensive philosophy, as that philosophy is to make wins through the team effort, not through hero player, he found this summer under the influence.

If that is the case, and MLF will be fired at the end of the season, he will stay at least one additional year where he will install his will to offense. If not, he will retire. However, he said he will make his decision after the season, very "quickly" and on time for the team.

He hold Packers hostage, by blackmailing Mike Murphy on his decision. I suppose this sounds like thriller, but what he can get with another SB. Nothing. He is first ballot HOFer, both for Packers and for Canton, he will considered the best QB ever played for Packers, he can not win more SB than Tom Brady or Bart Starr anymore, comparing to Brett Favre, he will retire as Packer, playing for only one franchize, he has the best stats in the NFL (playing further he may ruin his stats).

His whole life tells us that he can not be disturbed with nothing else, only with things that makes him to look less perfect he is. And his mistakes are, actually somebody others mistakes, never his.

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jont's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:11 pm

Good session today, guys. Lots of pent up anger and resentment released. Never good to keep it locked in. Don't you just feel that heavy load falling away? Big thanks to Jonathan for hosting the group therapy session today. It is tough to get the super bowl loss behind us-- sorry, one viking game-- behind us, but, hey, baby steps, right?

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:10 pm

The way things are looking, week 1 may have been the Packers super bowl. With the bears feeling confident, and the bucs and patriots the following 2 weeks, this season could get out of hand real fast.

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Ritzy's picture

September 16, 2022 at 07:39 pm

Boy, this brings back bad memories of the McCarthy era, with all the admonitions about keeping your pad level, never telling us what a proper pad level is. As for Rodgers, the piece raises some good points about his character. He seems to be a good leader when the game is going well, but when it isn't, he acts like your average 3-year-old who just had their favorite toy taken away. Great leaders inspire under all circumstances, and Rodgers has to learn that, even in his 18th season.

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Fubared's picture

September 17, 2022 at 10:10 am

You are right on. My impression of Rodgers is I dont think he cares as much about winning as he does not losing due to interceptions and dropped passes. He cares more about his own image then victory. Its really all about him and always has been since he got passed over in the draft. His ego was broken then and still is.

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Fubared's picture

September 17, 2022 at 10:07 am

Lets look at it differently. KC is hot and in mid season form already. There are other teams like the Vikes with all new coaches and a raft of new players who looked well oiled.
The only thing I can attribute the difference between them and the Pack status: coaching, practice and quality of players.
If you have quality skilled players who are easy to coach, learn quickly, perfrom their duties in the game as coached and are in shape it shows up in games. Thus, there is a lot not going on for the packers and it involves the team and coaches.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 17, 2022 at 07:03 pm

Been thinking and saying the same. Tired. Frustrated that no one on the coaching staff has the guts to call him on it during the game.

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