Packers Question of the Day: Damarious Randall's Status
The question, "Given up on Damarious Randall?" was asked over two weeks ago for my "Question of the Day."
I'm going to ask it again.
After he allegedly got into an argument with one of the position coaches and was sent into the locker room by head coach Mike McCarthy during Thursday night's win over the Chicago Bears, where do you stand with Randall? It's safe to say his performance as of late doesn't provide a platform for him to defend himself.
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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].




Comments (44)
dobber
October 02, 2017 at 08:45 am
Let the coaches figure it out. I'm done worrying about him.
Mr. Hawkins...you're up!
KenEllis
October 02, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Don't think the Green Bay Packers are going to give up on a 2015 first round pick anytime soon. Just not how things are done in GB under TT.
With Rollins already sent to the bench, not giving Randall additional opportunities to prove he was worthy of his first-round selection would pretty much be admitting that TT's 1st & 2nd round 2015 picks are busts.
And if Randall & Rollins are indeed busts it might lead some to conclude the principal reason the D was so putrid against the pass in 2016 -- when Dom was expected Dom to win after week 2 with a top trio at CB of Randall, Rollins, and Gunter, was due to TT's failures not the failures of the defensive coaches.
Should be interesting to see if Randall's mediocre to poor play and blatant insubordination continue to get rewarded with extensive playing time.
freddisch
October 02, 2017 at 01:31 pm
Time for TT to admit that he blew it regarding Randall and Rollins. Keep TT away from the defensive draft board. Plus TT is weird
dobber
October 02, 2017 at 02:49 pm
"Don't think the Green Bay Packers are going to give up on a 2015 first round pick anytime soon. Just not how things are done in GB under TT."
As we look back over the last 6-8 years, who realistically compares to Randall in this regard? Sure, Datone never made the impact they hoped and turned out to be JAG, and Sherrod had that horrific injury and never played well aside from that. But all other first rounders since Matthews/Raji (retired, or would likely be playing) are all playing important roles on this team.
First round picks once you get past the first 10-15 guys tend to be gamble on measurables guys. That's essentially what Randall was. If you don't give them a chance, you miss out on a Nick Perry who plays a premium position.
The key difference, of course, is the attitude with the coaches. I haven't heard anything about "blatant insubordination". I haven't heard any reports of him refusing to do anything...except cover receivers, of course.
flackcatcher
October 02, 2017 at 07:41 pm
dobber, he played well as a rookie. He was up and down playing thru injury and surgery. Mentally, it must be driving him nuts to be blamed for all the blown coverage on his side of the field. Frankly, he needs to stop listening to the media, and focus on his job. Video always tell the tale. The touchdown last Thursday night was not his fault. Brice blew his coverage on the over the top. He does that a lot, young player still learning the pro game. What got him replaced was his reaction on the field. Pointing at, and gesturing at Brice isn't done period. And blowing up at Perry on the bench. In pro football, that is a firing offense. Whitt pulled him based on his reaction on the field, he had become a net minus to his teammates. By all accounts, Randall is a good team guy, so this was out of left field. He made a bad play on Brice's part, into his own personal nightmare. He needs to grow up a bit, that's all.
Grandfathered
October 02, 2017 at 09:56 pm
According to Leroy Butler and Tom Silverstein, Randall was cheating to the inside where his help was, and should have been ready for the outside. So it was Randall's fault, not Brice. T hey also said that a CB is gonna get burned a lot, and how you react matters.
flackcatcher
October 03, 2017 at 05:20 am
I talk to an defensive coach that night who told me that it was Brice's fault on that coverage. Randall had the inside, and Brice was suppose to shade to the boundary. Packers like all teams change up from game to game. He called it a rookie mistake, one that Brice is not likely make again. (we hope) What shocked him was Randall's reaction after the touchdown. Packers had no choice but to pull Randall after that meltdown on the field.
Point-Packer
October 02, 2017 at 08:55 am
Dump him and hope the Vikings pick him up.
Handsback
October 02, 2017 at 09:15 am
Until the Bear game, I could't wrap myself around the reason why Randall wasn't playing better. He's got the athletic components, he's played press coverage (I know as a safety vs. CB but ASU press coverage appeared to be the same) and maturity from playing some pro baseball.
Now we see that the issue is attitude and between his ears. That I'm not sure you can ever fix that unless he's willing.
Finwiz
October 02, 2017 at 10:47 am
MATURITY = TIME.
RCPackerFan
October 02, 2017 at 09:16 am
I'm not ready to let him go yet, but that being said, he needs to turn it around. He is getting closer to thin ice.
Randall seems to be a bit of a headcase. Whenever he gives up a play he always looks like he is blaming someone else. Time for him to take responsibility.
Right now I would keep playing Hawkins ahead of Randall. Until Randall earns it I would keep him lower on the depth chart.
al bundy
October 02, 2017 at 09:17 am
First, to the fans in the stands and the fans on this post, great job last week standing up for your beliefs and not joining hands for something you do not agree with.
I say that as a football observer and not a true fan of any team. Packer fans are a class act just ask my wife.
I for one, may be in the minority, but was never impressed with Randle or Rollins from day one. First the top dbs dont go at the end of round one or into round two.
Weve waited three years now for both to mature and I say, if they aint got the talent in year one, two more years dont make them faster. Cut bait with Randle.
J0hn Denver's Gavel
October 02, 2017 at 11:36 am
Sam Shields and Dick Sherman were not 1st rd picks
CAG123
October 02, 2017 at 12:23 pm
Josh Norman and Chris Harris Jr. we're undrafted....just a few more examples of you not knowing what you're talking about
dobber
October 02, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Brent Grimes, too...not the player he used to be, but he was a feisty one.
Michael Grunewald
October 02, 2017 at 05:50 pm
Agree with you 100%. Didn't like either pick a lick, had project written all over them. They had the feel of a reach for need, rather than the proverbial "best player available." Their rookie seasons were okay - and only okay. Neither had the feel of a future shut down for corner.
Packer_Fan
October 02, 2017 at 09:52 am
There seemed something else wrong with Randall other than injuries. Out of position or not prepared at the snap to bad attitudes. Looks like MM has let something out of the bag per se. If they dump him or Rollins which is unlikely because TT likes his draft picks, they should pick up a veteran DB. Or perhaps when Beigel comes back, they release Randall or Rollins to make room. I don't care much for either because the Pack won't win a Super Bowl with them. But please prove many of us wrong, Randall, get your head right and win the Super Bowl.
daveinTX
October 02, 2017 at 10:11 am
'Randall has some growing up to do.'
That is the strongest negative statement I can recall M3 making about a specific player. I will be surprised if Randall ends the season on the Packers 53. And shocked if he is a Packer next season. TT has to be looking to trade him asap. If not, Randall will be a distraction. A week ago TT might have been able to get some team's 3rd or 4th OT or maybe a 5th or 6th draft pick for him. Now, he'd be lucky if he could trade Randall for Gunter. Carolina has an injured starting CB ... maybe they view Randall as an upgrade over Gunter. He is listed at the bottom of their depth chart.
Not claiming Gunter is great but, he is no worse than some of what we have seen from Rollins and Randall. Additionally , he does know the system, and isn't a head case, as far as I know.
cuervo
October 02, 2017 at 10:32 am
I think a trade is more than probable, assuming you can find a partner. I wouldn't expect anything more than a 6th or 7th rounder at this point.
Once a player has entered this realm with his current team, there is no coming back. Trading him would be the right thing to do for the Packers and for Randall. He's damaged goods as long as he stays here.
croatpackfan
October 02, 2017 at 11:40 am
Who is McArthy?
dgb454
October 02, 2017 at 11:56 am
Paul McArthy. He was the lead singer of the Beathels.
dblbogey
October 02, 2017 at 04:38 pm
Nobody is going to give up a player or a pick and trade for Randall.
SteveCheez
October 02, 2017 at 04:51 pm
We could probably get Brock Osweiler for him...
Grandfathered
October 02, 2017 at 10:03 pm
Growing up is something a young corner can do. If McCarthy said "he needs to get faster", that would be a real problem. I hope/think that Randall will improve.
Bearmeat
October 02, 2017 at 10:30 am
I'd be perfectly content at this point to put him in the "Jarrett Bush" role. Let him play special teams and sit his butt on the bench as CB5. Maybe deactivate him for several games in a row.
Handsback
October 02, 2017 at 10:48 am
That may be an idea Bearmeat, to put him on KO and P, PR teams and make him earn his spot back. My issue is I'm not sure Hawkins is an answer. I'm not too much of a film junkie so I don't know if Hawkins is making it or not. Can't judge the Bears game so we'll see when this plays out in Dallas.
dobber
October 02, 2017 at 12:42 pm
Hawkins has speed, competes, and has shown well the last two camps. I think he can be at least as good as Randall at this point...it pains me to write that. If House comes back, Hawkins only needs to fill the 3rd or 4th CB role (I think Rollins is still getting his shot), which isn't such a big deal since the Packers tend to use safeties ahead of reserve CBs.
SpudRapids
October 02, 2017 at 10:43 am
Here is how I feel. I have no idea what is going on with Randall but I do know I trust McCarthy and staff to do the right thing and put the right players on the field. Time will tell but I agree that Hawkins moves ahead on the depth chart and we will see how Randall responds.
croatpackfan
October 02, 2017 at 11:43 am
I said what I think and feel. But your suggestion sound very reasonable...
lou
October 02, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Yes, take the reasonable approach going forward, based on the number of injuries, even a disgruntled and me first player that is in his 3rd season in Caper's system can't be cut after a quarter of the season. When he arrived and was talking like Deon Sanders, I intend to be the best in the league some day even though you admire the goal he has set, so few would actually tell that to the press and that put up a red flag in my mind. Even after watching how far he played off the line and not being lined up at the snap I was willing to give hm the benefit of the doubt last year because a core lower body injury when you are a boundary corner would make anyone nervous. His attitude has to effect the guys that just made the roster and are making minimum salary and he has collected some huge dollars in bonus money as a former #1 pick. But, let it play out.
SpudRapids
October 02, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Looks like it might be getting blown a little out of proportion... "A source told ESPN on Friday that Randall did not leave the stadium during the game. He remained at Lambeau Field until well after the game had ended, the source said."
An argument with a coach on the sideline is something that happens in the NFL from time to time. Peterson just yelled at Sean Payton last week. I think sending him to the locker room was the coaching staff showing that this type of behavior will not be tolerated during a game.
Gianich
October 02, 2017 at 01:28 pm
Pipkins!!!!!!!!!!
Spock
October 02, 2017 at 11:55 am
I defended Randall this off season because of the injury. Now.... not sure what to make of him. Seems like a head case. Can he "mature" out of this? I don't know. I'm very disappointed in his season to date.
CAG123
October 02, 2017 at 12:16 pm
I said this before Randall has a real maturity issue dating back to last year any time he hives up a big play he's always looking around as if it were someone else's fault with his hands on his hips. The thing that gets me is the talent is there if he can at least get to the level of play he had during is rookie year there wouldn't be a fuss. This is the same guy that locked up Dez when Shields went out in 2015, this is the same guy that went toe to toe with Amari Cooper yes I'm aware that Cooper had some good yardage that game but every catch was contested and he was never out of position. Where the hell is that Randall? Did the groin injury and last years play do that much to him?
Curt
October 02, 2017 at 01:44 pm
Randall reminds me of Terrell Buckley in attitude and at least to date, in performance. TB had a pretty good career after GB gave up on him (just not a good as he talked) so I don't have a problem giving Randall a little more time - he may just not have fortitude to give up big plays and not have that frustration effect play and attitude. Sherman gets beat and he is still is just as cocksure as ever - has that short memory required of a CB in the NFL.
Couch Cleats
October 02, 2017 at 02:06 pm
I think TT was looking for the next Woodson hybrid type do it all guy when he drafted Randall. He was looking for it in Hyde too. Hyde has the brain for it but not the speed and Randall is probably the opposite of that. Maybe Josh Jones is finally the closest thing if he keeps developing.
I think Randall needs a shrink. Every rookie has that slap in the face moment when they realize that every player in the NFL is as good as the best players they competed against in college. Randall seems like he just hasn't been able to adjust to that reality.
I think he has the tools to be more effective than he is right now, but I think it's gonna take a fresh start somewhere else for him to grow and show it. I dont know his background or personality but his reactions on the field make him seem like a kid that didnt get enough tough love when he underperformed growing up. NFL coaches give nothing but tough love and I think he just doesn't know how to deal with that yet.
LASVEGAS-TOM
October 02, 2017 at 03:11 pm
Hey Tarynfor12, Hope you're Safe!!
LVT
Ferrari Driver
October 02, 2017 at 05:24 pm
he has speed and is certainly worth keeping on the roster as a backup for insurance against an injury or perhaps as a rotational player.
However, I hope he could become a key special teams player with his decent speed. He seems like a potential gunner or at least valuable on punt and kickoff return teams.
I am disappointed in his actions on the sidelines and hope that it's just a lack of maturity and he will overcome it.
Since'61
October 02, 2017 at 08:10 pm
Randall played himself out of his starting CB role with poor play. He has not been effective through the first 4 games this season. He was either out of position or just simply beaten. He often looks like he doesn't know his assignment which was the case on the TD he allowed at the end of the first half versus the Bears.
What happened after he was benched only made things worse. MM sent him to the locker room to keep his poor attitude away from the rest of the team during a game.
The question is where do we go from here? I doubt that Randall is mentally tough enough to come back and help the team. Not if he is looking to blame his team mates whenever he gives up a TD or significant pass play against him. If House is ready to come back this week I would consider not having Randall dress for this week's game and see if he begins to figure things out.
The Packers may feel like they need Randall for depth at CB but I would rather give Donatello Brown or Pipkins a shot. The Packers have given several players a second chance so my guess is that is what they will do with Randall. While I would prefer they release him I'm OK with giving him a second chance as long as that doesn't mean he gets to start before Hawkins or House. The Packers will probably chuck Randall after the season if not sooner. Thanks, Since '61
flackcatcher
October 02, 2017 at 09:40 pm
I agree, at this point it's all in his head. The physical tools are there, the belief in himself is not. Randall is still one of the top DB on this team if he can pull his head out of this funk. Otherwise, the Packers will be forced to let him go after the season.
Grandfathered
October 02, 2017 at 10:29 pm
When Burnett plays the slot, Rollins is out in favor of Hawkins on the outside. But Rollins plays special teams, and is hardly "benched". Rollins is more likely to be a Jarrett Bush type
dobber
October 03, 2017 at 01:08 pm
Rollins is usually the gunner playing opposite Janis, yes.
22Cayden
October 03, 2017 at 05:16 am
Wow, it is hard to believe how short some folks memories are. The last Super Bowl the Packers won players were dropping like flies throughout the season., and on Super Bowl Sunday defensive backs Charles Woodson and Sam Shields both went down in the first half. Jarrett Bush, a favorite fan and blogger whipping boy came off the bench and delivered a critical interception. Randall is a part of the 2017 team, his job is to keep working and developing and Whitt's job is to keep teaching and preparing him for the next time his number is called.
WinUSA
October 03, 2017 at 01:04 pm
Everybody in the world new the only play on that TD was to the corner...it was even announced by Romo before the snap. Everybody ACCEPT the million dollar Randall!!! I have to replace a window that cracked when I loudly screamed obscenities after that play!!!! He was one lonely dude when he looked around and he was standing by himself. I've said all along that he was over rated. Good tackler when the opponent is standing still, but let someone come at him with some steam and he folds like a paper plane. It's time to let him find another roost to crow on.