Why the Packers Aren't Done Making Tough Decisions
In the few days since the end of the regular season, the Green Bay Packers have made some bold moves. The organization has made some difficult decisions and has more to make in terms of hiring the next general manager.
Yet, the difficult decisions don’t end there. Whoever the new GM is, he is going to have to make some tough calls. The fact is, the Packers are probably nearing the end of the window for this particular team.
It’s now time for the Packers to enter their third era of Aaron Rodgers. The first came with guys like Nick Collins, Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson. Clay Matthews and Jordy Nelson were part of the both. But the latter also included Mike Daniels, Morgan Burnett and for a time, a pretty good Eddie Lacy.
The first group won a Super Bowl championship. The second era under Rodgers produced two NFC championship game appearances. However, if the Packers want to give their quarterback a chance to reclaiming the Lombardi Trophy, then they need to rebuild for one final 5-6 year run with Rodgers.
I know that rebuild can be a dirty word. But when you have Aaron Rodgers, you always have a chance, so it’s more like reloading. Really, the group that needs to be rebuilt is the defense and for the kind of improvement needed there, no word is too strong.
There is a decent core of players to build around. Daniels is a premier player and Kenny Clark is on his way to being one too. Dean Lowry is also solid and having a good defensive line is a nice start.
At the second level, Blake Martinez is coming off a breakout season and Kyler Fackrell showed flashes. Clay Matthews had his moments, so did Nick Perry, but neither was healthy or consistent.
On the back end, Morgan Burnett also couldn’t stay healthy, while Ha Ha Clinton-Dix had his worst season as a pro. Damarious Randall made a lot of big plays, but gave up some too and rookie Kevin King showed potential, but injuries wrecked his first season.
On offense, there are also question marks. Quarterback and running back looks solid. Wide receiver is also in decent shape of the re-signing of Davante Adams. The Packers can’t pay Nelson and Randall Cobb both what they did last season, so at least one will have to go or take a reduction.
Tight end has turned into a disaster and the offensive line needs more depth and maybe another starter. If Bryan Bulaga can bounce back from injury and if Kyle Murphy can do the same, Green Bay would probably be fine. But that’s not really something you can count on, so draft picks and maybe a free agent or two is required.
With Rodgers healthy, the offense won’t be the problem, it always has been and probably always will be the defense. A new defensive coordinator will help, but that guy is going to need better players. He needs guys that can get after the quarterback and who can cover.
Right now, there aren’t a lot of those guys on the roster and that’s the biggest problem. Despite drafting three cornerbacks in the first or second round the last three years, the position still needs reinforcements. Randall is good in the slot and King can start outside, but can either remain healthy?
I’d say the Packers need at least two more, and they can’t simply depend on late-round picks and low-level free agents. Let Burnett walk, and ask Matthews to take a pay cut. He’s not an $11 million player anymore. He’s a decent pass rusher, but he’s not what he used to be. Green Bay has to stop pretending he’s something he’s not.
Burnett and Matthews have both been good players, but keeping two guys who are past their prime on a defense that was already average at best, doesn’t seem like sound strategy.
Go get a guy who can play in free agency and then attack the position again in the draft. The first pick doesn't have to be a defender, but it does need to be an impact player. Wide receiver is possible, but other than that, safety, corner, and pass rusher should be the focus.
The Packers have to get better at defending the pass and they have to get back to forcing turnovers. They need to get faster and more explosive and in terms of acquiring personnel, they need to get more aggressive.
Aaron Rodgers will have five or six good years if the Packers are lucky. They have wasted too much of his prime, so whoever takes over for Ted Thompson, needs to take bold action to make sure that doesn’t happen anymore.
__________________________
Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru
Comments (167)
digitaldean
January 04, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Jordy disappeared when Rodgers went down. Cobb wasn't fantastic either. They both had issues with man to man coverage. Adams was the only consistent WR. They may have to cut one and the other take a pay cut or be released. Agree re: Matthews and Burnett. Both are a shell of what they once were.
Bearmeat
January 04, 2018 at 12:30 pm
There's a lot of cold personnel decisions that absolutely need to be made this offseason. I hope we hire a GM with the balls to make those choices.
CM3, Randall, Jordy all need to take pay cuts, and they all just may need to go. Perry and HHCD need to be put on notice. Burnett will walk I'd guess. We need upgrades/young talent at OLB, WR, CB and the right side of the OL.
Gonna be tough.
Tundraboy
January 04, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Spot on.
jh9
January 05, 2018 at 05:46 am
Bear... You gotta add a TE to your list.
x24
January 05, 2018 at 09:26 am
And #2 QB...
splitpea1
January 05, 2018 at 01:30 pm
Desperately need a TE!!
canadapacker
January 04, 2018 at 01:58 pm
Unless one watches the coaches tape - one does not see if they are open or not. So I wouldnt say that it was their fault. There seemed to be a lot of open guys when Hundley was panicking and not going to his second and third reads, stepping up in the pocket or just plain running. He also couldnt throw guys open or do the back shoulder thing as well as AR. So I dont think that they disappeared as much as were undertargeted once Hundley fell in love with Adams. But both still are and can be productive, just not at the price that they may want or the team can afford. Also when there is a faster and more dynamic tight end then that opens it up for especially Cobb.
Bearmeat
January 04, 2018 at 05:22 pm
You wanna see proof in the pudding? Tell me, when is it good to be last in the NFL in anything? Read the article, my friend. Then look at the list.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/sports/football/nfl-speed-leonard-fou...
Thegreatreynoldo
January 04, 2018 at 09:04 pm
Brilliant post, Canadapacker. James Jones gained 890 yards (17.8 yd. ave) because he became AR's favorite target (by default). He was out of football the next year. RR caught 58 passes for 510 yards in the same season, also by default. RR is not a receiving TE by any stretch of the imagination.
Some of Adams' success is due to that same phenomenon. The difference is that I see Adams break the ankles of DBs, and run good routes. RR and JJ aren't good, but Adams is. Maybe not 4th highest paid good which ought to mean elite, but really good.
Finwiz
January 05, 2018 at 01:41 pm
Damn - you keep posting stuff that really opens eyes.
That's really interesting, and very pathetic (from Packers perspective) at the same time. Last in the league in receiver speed - by A LOT!
Nice job Thompson, nice job.
Go back to sleep now you old fart.
Unfortunately, not much is going to change on the Packers with Russ Ball in charge. What a joke. And to think Murphy is making a show of it, just to fool people.
baldski
January 05, 2018 at 02:24 pm
I read the same article. Explains a lot. Arod goes down and receivers are exposed as slowest in the league. We may have to draft some speed at wide receiver.
badaxed
January 05, 2018 at 06:31 pm
That proves what i believed all year the packers receivers did not have enough speed to get open, thus Rogers had to hold on to the ball too long.
NWPackersfan
January 04, 2018 at 12:28 pm
This is a difficult season to say the defense wasn't good based on Hundley accounting for 13 turnovers.
If we just figure that AR avg. 9 a year in give aways the defense would have been in the plus column this year take aways.
Just a thought...
We need a DC that can get the most out of the players we have. Just think if we would have kept Peppers and Hyde and Hayward?
But if we had kept those guys maybe we would still have Capers and no major shake ups....HUMMMM
4thand1
January 04, 2018 at 06:32 pm
We didn't keep Peppers, Hayward, Hyde, hence the departure of Ted. Did Capers go to Ted and demand he sign any of these guys? Apparently Dom had no pull, or he didn't think they were worth the money. Either way they both f-ed up big time, now they have more time to think about it. You won't see any team beating down Dom's door for a job. Well, maybe Cleveland.
mrj007
January 04, 2018 at 08:14 pm
Great post
Bearmeat
January 04, 2018 at 01:18 pm
I'm not sure that we are going to see more change.
Today MM said that he "doesn't anticipate" any more firings. Well, that sucks! The CB, Safety group and OLB group has been awful for years. And yet, we're holding on to Perry, Whitt and Moss! Why? The ONLY areas of the defense that were good were the guys that MM fired - DL and ILB!
Frigging great.
Further, what does that mean in the search for a new DC? To me, it says that one of those 3 remaining holdovers is going to be promoted. Again, WHY? If you force half of his position coaches on him, NO qualified candidate who will have other offers is going to want to coach a defense needing a lot of help under a head coach that may be gone after 2018!
Frigging great.
On the offensive side of the ball, I'm hearing that Philbin is expected to sign on as OC, and that Bennett has been invited back to be the WR coach. I can't see him wanting to do that. So... we're going back to the coaching staff we had on offense in 2011. No innovation. No fresh ideas. Backwards.
Frigging great.
Further yet, I'm reading more and more that Ball is considered TT's right hand man and is a shoe-in candidate. Oh great, so we're planning on hiring someone who is in the mold of TT - Tight lipped, tight fisted and risk averse. And he has little to no scouting experience! And we'll probably lose Wolf and Gutekunst the second that they're not hired. They both will get GM jobs elsewhere. So Ball will have to completely replace the upper personnel department and will also have TT whispering in his ear?
Frigging great.
I really hate the way this looks right now. If this is the way things turn out, we can expect more declining talent and ARod to get fed up and leave.
Frigging great.
Tundraboy
January 04, 2018 at 12:44 pm
God let's hope none of this happens. Philbin being a possible exception.
Bearmeat
January 04, 2018 at 12:54 pm
Unfortunately, those are the tea leaves I'm reading from JSOnline and profootballrumors.com.....
Hope they all turn out to be not true. Even Philbin. We need fresh ideas in titletown. Not more groupthink. There's been enough of that going around since 2009.
Tundraboy
January 04, 2018 at 05:30 pm
Groupthink. That's perfect.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2018 at 01:12 pm
I really have no idea what they are going to do for a DC. But the Lions interviewed Moss today. That should speak to the quality of coach he is. He will not get HC interviews if he isn't thought of that highly.
We have no clue how any of those 3 will be as a DC. But everyone has to start somewhere. If those 3 are ready for the job, they should get a chance to prove themselves.
The positive about Philbin is when he was here he challenged McCarthy. Having an OC that challenges the head coach would be a really good thing. I dont' know if Philbin will come back, but could see McAdo do.
I think Bennett is a really good position coach. Maybe he wasn't ready for the OC job? If he goes back to being WR coach that would help a ton!
I really wonder about the Ball speculations. We keep hearing about it, but is he really the guy or is that what some people think?
You hate how what is being handled? That Murphy said he hired a guy to help him find the best candidate possible? That he started interviewing Wolf today for the job? That he is interviewing 3 internal candidates?
We have no idea what is going to happen. Right now everything is all speculation. No point of over reacting to it until we get the final answers.
Bearmeat
January 04, 2018 at 01:21 pm
That's true RC. It's all speculation at this point.
But knowing what you and I both know about the way the franchise has been run since TT came on board in 2005, would you really be surprised if this is the way things turn out at GM? I would not. The firm that is advising Murphy is only advising on the candidates Murphy has identified. Not finding candidates. That's a big difference. That firm only agrees to do full 1 GM search per year - which is the Texans.
Also, I'm sorry, but our defense has SUUUUUCKED since 2011. I want no part of any coach on any part of Capers staff. No part.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2018 at 01:55 pm
Its easy to overreact right now. But honestly no one but probably a couple of people inside of 1265 really know what is going to happen.
I find it really interesting that the only one of the 3 candidates was scheduled for an interview. Wolf's interview is today. His was scheduled 2 days ago. Why haven't Ball or Gutekunst interviews been set? Perhaps they are now, but nothing has been mentioned of it. Why was Wolf first? I find that as interesting as all the Ball speculation.
At this point the only thing that would surprise me is if they went outside of their current staff to get a GM.
Yeah, our defense has sucked. But who's fault was it? The assistant coaches can only coach what they were given. Whitt for example had a lot to do to get Williams, Shields, Woodson, Randall and others to all play better.
The last 3 years he has had to deal with a lot of crap to be honest at CB. Hyde a natural safety playing CB. He has gotten a lot out of the quality of players he has had, which hasn't been great.
And then the players he coached had to play what Capers called. Which we have discussed wasn't great.
If one of the guys on the current staff gets the job, lets give them a chance to see what they can do.
OrganLeroy
January 04, 2018 at 03:47 pm
I think you're over thinking the scheduling of the interviews and all this ranting and speculation is out of control. What's worse is how many fans think they know how to run this franchise and worse yet, who's qualified and who's not. It's fine to say, 'I like this guy or that guy' but to claim that you know this one will be better than that one, ridiculous, you have an opinion, fine, but some fans need to stop representing their opinion as actual qualifications and expertise in identifying which candidates are qualified to have those jobs.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2018 at 04:01 pm
I said I found it interesting.
All the talk lately has been about Ball. When the only person that got scheduled to be interviewed (that we were told about) was Wolf. We have known for 2 days that Wolf's interview was being held today. That was announced by Ian Rappaport and others. I haven't seen anything about Ball or Gutekunst. Other then they were going to meet with them at some point.
Might mean something, might mean nothing. I just found it interesting.
4zone
January 04, 2018 at 04:18 pm
RC, I think you want to be the last interviewer instead of the first as long as you know all interviews are guaranteed. You get to leave the last impression which is usually the strongest.
Having said that, they 'could' be so impressed with Wolf they hire him immediately. That would say a lot.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2018 at 04:35 pm
I look at it 1 of 2 ways. You want to be last to leave a lasting impression, or you want to be first so that everyone has to be compared to you.
Like I said it may mean nothing, but I found it interesting that he was scheduled already when the others weren't announced. Maybe it means that they didn't think he was ready and wanted to see what he had to say. Maybe it meant that he is their pick and he is getting the first opportunity. Who knows. I just found it interesting.
Bear
January 04, 2018 at 06:23 pm
Amen!
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 07:48 am
i will be very surprised if Ball is named the next GM. he's too good at what he does now to get a promotion into a job he has no experience at. i think your concerns are unfounded.
also, have you forgotten how the Packers offense hummed under Philbin as OC? i would not be disappointed to give him another go in GB.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:25 am
I'll be honest...how likely is Ball to run away from the Packers if he doesn't get the GM job? How likely are Wolf or Gutekunst to leave if they don't get the GM job? I think if you hire Wolf or Gutekunst, you'll get to keep at least two of the guys you really covet.
In the end, it has to be about who is best suited to do the job with a goal toward putting the Packers in the SB every year (whether ARod plays or not)...and not about who you can keep beyond your choice, who has paid their dues, or who plays canasta with the Murphy's on Friday nights. Which guy is gonna do that?
4zone
January 04, 2018 at 03:56 pm
Moss was a Rooney Rule interview for Detroit.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2018 at 04:13 pm
Probably. Either way he got that interview.
jeremyjjbrown
January 04, 2018 at 04:29 pm
For all we know Moss has been arguing for a simpler scheme for years and Capers declined. This is the rough part of being a smart fan. No real info.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2018 at 05:17 pm
Exactly! We have no idea what happens behind closed doors. For all we know All 3 of these guys or any of them have been going to McCarthy letting him know we need to do this or that which is opposite of what Capers did.
It is tough. We have no info on any of this stuff. I personally like the draft because I can self scout some of the players. I can see what they look like on the field. All of this coach and GM talk, I have no clue how good any of them are, outside of what media has told us.
I will say though that I would play for Whitt. His passion and energy pumps me up every time I hear him talk. He could be an energetic DC.
sonomaca
January 04, 2018 at 07:39 pm
The chatter is that the defensive position groups weren’t well coordinated. This was the DC’s responsibility.
dobber
January 04, 2018 at 06:56 pm
Not necessarily. They satisfied the Rooney Rule when they interviewed Teryl Austin.
mrj007
January 04, 2018 at 08:21 pm
This is why McCarthy also probably needs to go. I heard him say too much that is really untrue. Let Hill walk. Stubbornly stuck with Hundley who wasn't prepared. Overpayimg Matthews, Cobb, and Nelson. Whatever play calling was done in 2017 was poor. And all you hear is "we'll fix it", or "we had a really great practice ", or"clearly, obviously, frankly and definitely" used in every other sentence. How about a ciach who actually makes correct decisions? Not sure MM does and the whole team is just a house of cards.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:24 am
" Overpayimg Matthews, Cobb, and Nelson."
Why would this be on MM?
MB8830
January 05, 2018 at 05:44 pm
This posting is so absolutely on point that I was nearly cheering out loud while reading it.
Defensively, the CB's, Safeties and OLB's have been continually out of position and/or "confused" since 2011.....and I don't really care what Woodson says, Whitt is a clown. Great players don't necessarily make good coaches nor can they necessarily spot good coaches.....the proof is in the pudding, and GB's DB's are consistently torched and are soft as a down pillow.
Offensively, it does not matter who is brought in as the OC until the play-calling duties are taken out of McCarthy's hands....he has been, is and will continue to be the real OC in Green Bay.....and I want new blood on the offensive side of the ball.....new blood committed to the run, a combination route-based passing tree and an offense that moves in rhythm. I want to get back to a true West Coast offense (3 step drop, get rid of the damn ball).
As regards Ball.....wow, what a mistake that would be......a bean counter in charge.....because that works so well in corporate America.
This whole scenario is sounding and looking a lot like the Chicago Bears.....all a bunch of "group-think" and "collaboration-based" decisions where no single person has any defined role and no single person is ever really held accountable for their actions (until it is way too late).....I am not liking the way the Packers' "structure" is shaping up; let's just hope that McCarthy is shooting his mouth off while the organization is in reality tightening the noose around his neck.
Irish_Cheesehead
January 04, 2018 at 12:29 pm
More difficult decisions to come for sure. All the more reason we need a new GM and DC sooner rather than later. It's certainly going be interesting to watch.
Razer
January 04, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Yeah, I thought that football was over for a while. This is suspense and entertainment rolled into one. Still, would rather watch a Packer playoff drama.
Razer
January 04, 2018 at 12:38 pm
I don't know how confident I am about this team improving beyond Rodgers returning healthy. McCarthy was blowing a good wind at his presser but he is the guy that was asleep at the wheel while his coaches and schemes failed to get results. As head coach he needs to hold the coaches and players to account and address performance failures. We have lived with a poor defense for half a decade, poor special teams and inconsistent offense over the same period. He is a head coach who oversaw this.
His one year extension is an indication of the endorsement that he is getting from team management. Just enough to show improvement or shown the door. I hope that MM rights the ship because I really don't want to drain the tub and start filling it again. His insistence on continuing to call the plays while now looking for a new OC tells me that Mike still doesn't get it. MM may be the next GM's first major move in a year or two.
Tundraboy
January 04, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Now that you put it that way, maybe MM should just leave now. Need more solid news.
Bearmeat
January 04, 2018 at 12:55 pm
I think MM should have been fired, and I really didn't want Ted around at all anymore - especially if he'll have input into a GM weak on actual player acquisition.
jh9
January 05, 2018 at 08:12 am
This regime change was long overdue. Capers should have been gone at the end of the 2013 season and MM should have been replaced after 2014 when he blew a 16-0 lead at halftime against the Seahawks in the NFCCG.
All TT's best draft picks and players were under contract for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. So now we have a problem. Not only do the Packers have to find better coaches and executives, they have to find quality players for OLB, CB, S, OL, WR, and TE.
By not moving soon enough, the Packers have created a much bigger problem for themselves. Call it for what it is. The Packers are in a rebuild mode now, and they could easily lose AR in the process.
I hope this organization is up to the task and we don't lose, arguably, the most gifted QB to ever play in the NFL. It would be a real tragedy to have only won one Lombardi Trophy with him.
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 07:59 am
i think Eliot Wolf is going to be the next GM and that he is going to want to start molding the roster in his own way which ,i believe, means much player attrition and lots of new faces. also, maybe a big time FA acquisition or 2 and a few surprising trades.
i hope he makes the final decision on OC and DC and not MM. MM has scrambled the coaches over the last 7 years and put them in unfavorable jobs. he has lost much credibility as a coach in my opinion.
bring on the new GM!!!
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:30 am
I have a feeling--based on nothing more than gut--that if Ball is named GM, the roster will turn over more slowly than if Wolf or Gutekunst are named to the spot. I have a hunch that Wolf or Gutekunst will not necessarily clean house, but that they've likely been waiting in the wings thinking, 'I wouldn't have done it that way' for so long that when they get the chance, they'll want to make their mark right away.
The GM always has final say on coaches and personnel, but TT has been loathe to overrule MM and I suspect that the new GM--especially if it's someone in-house--will continue that tradition. Besides, these GMs don't know know coaching, they know scouting. If they're going to undermine the HC in this way, it might drive MM closer to leaving. That might not bother many people here, but it might impact their ability to attract that next HC when they hire that next guy.
Tundraboy
January 04, 2018 at 12:36 pm
"Quarterback and running back looks solid." QB?
sonomaca
January 04, 2018 at 07:41 pm
Will be very interesting for Packers at #14. Do you take a QB if one is still there?
Tundraboy
January 05, 2018 at 09:05 am
Who knows, I prefer WR, if not a Pass Rusher with the 1st pick. Either way time to cut losses with Hundley.
packer132
January 04, 2018 at 08:44 pm
I would try to get an older QB free agent and draft one in the 4th-6th round. I think an impact player is needed at #14 which could be DE, LB, CB. Hard to say but it is great to wait and watch. Go Pack!
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 08:10 am
no...no at 14. develop him and then lose him?
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 09:16 am
I agree: the only way you pick a QB at 14 at this point is if you're seriously thinking about moving ARod, letting him go at the end of his current deal, or extending him, but not filling out the duration of that contract.
Some might say "trade that QB from pick #14 to get more picks later", but...
1. How's that working out for Hundley?
2. How does that help to take advantage of #12 while he's still ARod?
3. They have to be thinking about how that player is going to shape the roster BEYOND ARod, because his second contract will likely make him a focal point for the team after #12 is gone.
Coldworld
January 04, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Not sure I agree on Burnett. I thought he played pretty well but I do question his ability to play a full season as a linebacker in all but name. Of course we won’t necessarily be playing a similar scheme now.
The problem was the role not physical decline in my view, coupled with continuation of disfunctional secondary under Capers. I would keep Burnett unless the price gets out of hand.
We are changing the coordinators. Part of the reason is to get more out of individuals and better use and coordination of them. I have hope for most not over the physical hill in 2018, particularly on defense.
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 08:13 am
i don't want to see Burnett turn into another Hyde or Heyward. sign him if its a reasonable contract. he's still fairly young and has played good football when healthy.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:53 am
When healthy is the key. Over the last 4 seasons, he's missed an average of over 3 games per year, and how much has he played dinged or less than 100%? I think Burnett would be a guy who would be easy to overpay for, and I don't think you can let Hyde or Hayward dictate how you handle your current guys. What the next DC wants to do should have a significant impact on whether they keep Burnett.
Lphill
January 04, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Reasons also why the Packers did not return to the Super Bowl , letting Jenkins , and Woodson walk . So I would be careful with Clay . I don't think he is done yet .
lambeau66
January 04, 2018 at 10:03 pm
I 100% AGREE!!!!!
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 08:14 am
but i would say he needs to take a pay cut.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:50 am
The Packers likely have more power in the CMIII situation than they do with Cobb or Nelson. CMIII knows he could easily be back on the open market at any time. The Packers can extend him a year or two, get him some guaranteed money, and help cover a position that is so thin that they can't afford to lose a guy like CMIII--slipping or not--for next season.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 05, 2018 at 06:21 pm
I am not following your logic, Dobber, perhaps due to different views of CM3's current value? If GB cuts him, CM3 will command a two year contract with some guaranteed money, no? I am figuring he'd command 2 yrs/$14M with $5M guaranteed. There would be a chance he doesn't earn that 2nd year, or course. Might be better to stick to his guns and refuse to take a pay cut. I am not interested in seeing Perry (when he is healthy), Biegel and Fackrell. I liked what I saw from Gilbert, but he can't yet be relied upon. Maybe GB lands a pass rusher in Rd. 1 and/or 2 and 3, but maybe the draft doesn't fall that way for us.
Bottom line for me is that a team has leverage over an underperforming player if there is talent in the pipeline. The cupboard at OLB is pretty bare. Zero dead money doesn't matter much.
Brilliant structure by Ball, terrible execution by TT.
stockholder
January 04, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Tough Decisions. HUH? You got that much money to blow on Perry and Adams. And you can't honor contracts, or make a decent offer to Burnett? Pretty sad!! No more Firings.= The Lions are trying to get Moss in Town. I hope he does leave. If Moss becomes the new DC, that would sabotage ever thing they've done.
stockholder
January 04, 2018 at 01:08 pm
I wondering about all the Ball rumors. Is he the only man that won't fire TT? ( like he did to Sherman when he got the job)
Razer
January 04, 2018 at 01:31 pm
I think too much is made of TT's role going forward. I would be surprised if Ted makes it to training camp. He has a lot of scouting in his head as we approach this draft so he is being kept to inform and advise. The new GM will use Ted as a resource then get him out of the building - either retired or remote scout.
ChrisPeterson
January 04, 2018 at 01:50 pm
I do think there could still be a spot for Burnett at the right price. Also he needs to be the ILB or safety. He played too much nickel CB. That's another issue. CB depth will allow him to play his natural position.
Razer
January 04, 2018 at 02:08 pm
Been checking out the 'Coaches' page on the Packers website. After McCarthy's PS, they modified it to only show 4 coaches left on the defensive staff. Still a full house on the offensive staff. Yet, I thought that Luke Getsy was gone. Maybe I misheard his college position?
marpag1
January 04, 2018 at 02:33 pm
A few incoherent ramblings. Flame away.
1) I think we give the offense too much of a pass. It's so easy to say "With ARod at the helm..." except that they haven't really looked DOMINANT even when ARod was in there and they were winning. Too many squeekers and comebacks and such and not enough blowouts. They just don't look dialed in. They look gimpy. Untrustworthy.
2) I'm afraid that the WR cupboard is actually pretty bare. From what I saw this year, we have Adams. If we didn't love Nelson, but just evaluated him from a pure performance point of view, people would he calling for his head. And Cobb was nothing better than a JAG this year... a ten million dollar JAG. Maybe they can rebound. But if I'm GM, that's a big problem for a team that wants to win in the latter stages of ARod's career. I'd be looking long and hard at WRs at the top end of the draft.
We need more athleticism at that position. Let me ask you,... when you look at Nelson and Cobb from an athletic point of view, how many young corners can Cobb and Nelson just physically outrun, outquick, outjump or overpower? Forget all this crap about "ARod can throw them open." If ARod can throw old, slow receivers open, then he can do even better with young studs who might even get open by themselves.
3) In the front office, the thing is looking more and more precooked to me all the time. Everyone says that Russ Ball is the guy. I hope not.
It seems to me that if Russ Ball is the guy, then nothing has really changed. The only thing that really happened is we lose all our premium talent evaluators. If Ball is GM, then the guy who runs the draft and free agency is...... Ted Thompson. And Wolf and Gutekunst etc will be gone.
I dunno. Maybe they've got some big succession plan cooked up where they already promised Wolf he'll get the reins in x-number of years. I'm almost forced to think that way, because I just can't see how the Pack would name Ball GM and lose everyone who knows how to scout.
4) I still have hopes for the defense. Love the D-tackle combo. That's huge. I think King and Randall are players, but like the author said, we need one or two more there. ILBs look good and are likely to get better.
5) Burnett will be back, and I'm OK with that. He's only 28 years old, and fears of him being injury prone are overstated. He's averaged 14 games per year over the past seven seasons. Burnett's return is probably even more important given that Dix kinda sucked this year.
6) Probably just have to cut Matthews, and then offer whatever you think he's worth. I can't see him voluntarily taking a pay cut. He only comes back to GB if GB's reduced offer is still better than anyone else's. That makes a pretty big hole to fill, and I'm a long ways away from saying that Kyler Fackrell is the solution.
7) As far as position coaches are concerned, I'm not unhappy with any of the dismissals. I've been giving Edgar the stink-eye for a few years now. And probably the replacements that are hired won't make a hell of a lot of difference, with the one exception of the Defensive Coordinator. I don't see McCarthy backing away from the offense no matter who gets hired as OC.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2018 at 04:24 pm
"4) I still have hopes for the defense. Love the D-tackle combo. That's huge. I think King and Randall are players, but like the author said, we need one or two more there. ILBs look good and are likely to get better."
I agree! I think they have the makings for a pretty good defense.
Really good duo at DT. They have a good ILB. They have good safety's. Josh Jones is a versatile player. King should be a lot better after an offseason. Biegel and Adams might be able to contribute after injuries derailed their first season.
They have to upgrade the pass rush, and add to CB. But don't be surprised if in the first round they would maybe go another direction.
A player to really watch in the draft process is Roquan Smith - ILB. He would be perfect in GB. He is a complete ILB and playing next to Martinez would give them a set of ILB's they really haven't ever had. Some of the best defenses in the league usually have great ILB's. Packers have Martinez, but getting a guy like Smith would make the duo very, very good. I think Smith will be a top 10 player, but maybe they trade up some picks and take him.
If they can stay healthy, and add a few players I think the defense will improve.
marpag1
January 05, 2018 at 01:09 am
Obviously, the draft can fall in unexpected ways - "Hello, Aaron Rodgers!" - but if I'm picking for defense in D1 based on team needs, my priorities are as follows:
Pass rusher, Pass rusher, Pass rusher, Pass rusher, a rusher of the pass, Pass rusher, Pass rusher, QB killer, Pass rusher, Pass rusher, cornerback.
If I'm looking at offense in D1 then it's WR.
Turophile
January 05, 2018 at 06:31 am
Your draft needs made me smile marpag1. I also liked most of your original comments.
I do agree the WR situation needs one quality (starter level) player, only a pass rusher is more important, so I project one being taken in round 2. Round 1 is reserved for........guess what. The WR drafted needs to play outside, not in the slot.
I also think that because the cupboard is bare at TE, there needs to be one added, a guy with decent talent. My guess at where he is taken, is one of the 3rd rounders (Packers should have 2x 3rds). Which 3rd round pick depends on how fast other TEs go. Someone like Fumagalli or Gesicki (very different from each other) would be nice.
Now you have one high(ish) pick left to spend, on any other position (the other 3rd rounder). I'd go CB with that, but I could also see an underrated pass rusher double dipped there. However, CB is the position that has the best chance of being filled with a decent veteran, imo. Maybe TE is second. That would ease the pressure on the first four picks.
I do not agree that Russ Ball (if hired as GM) would make no difference. Yes he is a friend of TT (who has put a lot of trust in him), but he could have totally differently ideas. He is certainly smart enough to plough his own furrow, rather than wander along in someone elses. He has also spent many years training himself for this position, so I would be pretty surprised if nothing changed, he'll put his own stamp on things.
As for your comments on loving the D line duo, so do I. I also love the idea that Adams can grow into a beast, giving the Packers a three headed monster of a line. That would allow Lowry to be what (I think) he should be, a solid backup that can spell both DEs.
RCPackerFan
January 05, 2018 at 06:41 am
What I'm hoping is that with a new GM we actually use Free Agency to find some of the players we need. A pass rusher being one of them.
The draft you have to take the best player. In all honesty for me, if they get either a stud CB or someone who is a terror in the front 7, that is what I want.
I agree that the offense needs new WR's. If they fill some needs in FA, then they could actually get a stud WR at 14 if they were the best available.
It will be fun and exciting and interesting to see what happens in this next draft. The first one without Thompson calling the shots.
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 08:25 am
CB Jackson from Iowa would look good in a Packer uniform.
Dave Hanner
January 04, 2018 at 02:20 pm
Couldn't agree more that we can't move forward with Burnett. Doesn't seem to make plays. Matthews still has talent but he no longer warrants his huge contract.
Finwiz
January 04, 2018 at 02:50 pm
Burnett is just a guy, and not worth big money in free agency.
Biggest no brainer of the offseason is to just let him walk.
It was a tougher call on Hyde, because he at least occasionally made plays.
Only time Burnett made plays was if the ball was thrown right to him.
dobber
January 04, 2018 at 07:00 pm
While it was hard to tell, I thought the defense was better with Burnett on the field than without him. It might be what he does for the defense, or the fact that he replaces a much lesser player. Some observers said that he was in part why the defense was at least credible in covering TEs this season (at least, until Greg Olsen tore them apart).
Whatever the case, the Packers could be a bottom end defense without him just as easily as they were a bottom end defense with him. Could be that the choice of DC and that person's plans could have a lot to do with whether the Packers make any effort to sign #42.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 04, 2018 at 10:52 pm
I don't have any doubt that Burnett is a noticeably above average safety who also offers some versatility as a hybrid ILB and slot corner. I have no doubt that our defense is better with Burnett on the field.
The issue is the same as we faced with Sitton and Lang. Good players who are starting to get older, get injured more even if they play through those injuries. Burnett turns 29 in a few days.
The concern is age, injuries and probable high salary versus uncertainty due to those issues about how well he will play in 2018, '19, and '20. I think he is worth $9M AAV. It is a tough call at that price: contract structure would decide the issue for me. 70% of the guaranteed money has to come off the books in the first two years, and I would live with 4 years while preferring 3. I've seen suggestions that Burnett will command $11M AAV. If so, I don't see how that could work for us, so I'd take the comp pick in that case.
Tundraboy
January 05, 2018 at 09:50 am
Very sensible approach.
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 08:28 am
thats what TT and many thought of Hyde last year. wouldn't give up on Burnett if he accepts a reasonable contract. let him go and there is another hole to fill.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:56 am
But if they kept Hyde, paid him what he got from Buffalo, would he have produced as he did with Buffalo? Likely not. So what have you done besides overpay a player for how he's being used and how he produces in your system?
They've got players who can play in Burnett's spot if they let him go. They can likely find a SS on the open market for less who can do most of what Burnett does, but might have a track record of being more durable. Don't get me wrong, I like Burnett, but I think the Packers can suck defensively with him or without him.
Tundraboy
January 05, 2018 at 09:51 am
Agree.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 05, 2018 at 06:42 pm
Agree, DoIbber. I'd rather pay a prime time CB (Malcom Butler?) $13M than Burnett $9M.
Also, I still think GB made the right decision on Hyde.
jeremyjjbrown
January 04, 2018 at 02:48 pm
Burnett is the only safety on the roster that can be counted on to preform when healthy. Brice free wheels it, Jones has no clue where he should be and Dix is stealing money.
lou
January 05, 2018 at 10:22 am
Agree that Burnett if paired with another solid safety is starter quality you can win with if the team can produce a pass rush next season. Based on his age and limited splash play history I don't see many good offers in free agency the Packers have to compete with. Also agree on Brice, his over agressive playing style and his slight build lead to injuries. Also agree that Dix stole money last year and Jones did not know what area code he was in. Jones however has the size, speed, and physicality to be developed which is not the case with Rollin's for example. We need to know if Jones issues were more coaching than self awareness. Hayward and Hyde as rookies did have an unusual amount of awareness right out of the box for comparison. All of these players roles though can not be defined until the new DC arrives, the sooner he is in place the better we can prepare for next season.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 11:02 am
If Rollins isn't mostly in the safety room starting in OTAs (and not in the CB room), I'll be at least mildly surprised.
TXCHEESE
January 04, 2018 at 03:18 pm
I like Burnett, he's a willing tackler. Something Dix has proven not to be. I'm hope Brice or one of the other young ones pushes him hard or leapfrogs him next training camp.
As far as wide receiver, good points made concerning the lack of athleticism in Jordy and Cobb. I still think Cobb could be an above average slot guy, just not a 10MM a year slot guy. I hope Davis can develop in to that guy that can stretch the field, or they get a burner in the draft.
The IL position has to get more speed. Martinez is an awesome run defender, but he's a liability in coverage. Getting faster there eliminates the need to bring down safety sized players to play linebacker, exactly how Burnett got hurt in the first place. Moving Matthews there permanently would help that somewhat, then OLB becomes a need. Perry HAS to stay healthy. That kills any depth we might have. I was pleasantly surprised with Gilbert when he was in there.
Qoojo
January 04, 2018 at 03:32 pm
For me, the most disappointing news of the day regarding packers is that the current assistants will get first shot at DC job: Moss, Perry, and Whitt. This was a story on espn.
4zone
January 04, 2018 at 04:01 pm
Q, I hear that multiple people with the Packers want Moss gone. It seems Whitt is the leading candidate of the three. Not sure who they are considering out of house.
Chuck Farley
January 04, 2018 at 03:33 pm
Lets be honest here and recognize MM carries a hell of a lot of weight in packer land.One problem with that is he hates change because it means training in new guys and personally I think he hates to practice. He wants people around him who 'know the system', the one he never changes.
Thus, he didnt fire people but gave them new jobs. he came out today and defended Hundley saying how much the guy improved this year. Ya he doesn't want to train in a new QB.
A lot of the log jam on this team is Mike and his goofy system.
Hell when I read from article from a dback on another team saying they know the pass routes of the packers better than the packers receivers and love playing them because it never changes, that says a lot.
I hope the new GM has football smarts, is from the outside and takes real charge and tells mike get an offensive minded guy and stop the play calling, manage the dam game and let the d and o coaches do their jobs. That would change a lot
Finwiz
January 04, 2018 at 03:59 pm
I can't believe he'd actually come out and defend Hundley.
That right there is a big red flag and puts him on the hot seat, IMO.
Something not right there, as it makes no sense, unless he wants to adopt him or something.
Makes me very seriously question his competence if he actually thinks Hundley can play QB for the Packers, let alone anywhere in the NFL.
4zone
January 04, 2018 at 04:03 pm
I'm liking Philpin for our new OC. He has familiarity, success and has been outside the organization for a few years. Problem is, I think MM wants to maintain control of the play calling so that almost erases the need for a real OC entirely.
BradHTX
January 04, 2018 at 06:25 pm
"Lets be honest here and recognize MM carries a hell of a lot of weight in packer land."
Let's be honest here. MM carries a lot of weight everywhere he goes.
*rimshot*
Sorry, that was a cheap shot, but you have to take the low-hanging fruit.
Chuck Farley
January 04, 2018 at 03:45 pm
You said bold moves but Dom was the only one fired. One assistants contract came up and he wanted to leave and the other were or will be re assigned so in fairness, they did squat. Maybe worse.
Seems they the top brass want to make the fans think big changes, but if Ted t is in charge of the draft and player personel, and Ball does the finance crap and one of the assistants take over for dom, nothing changes at all really. SNAFU all over again with people playing different parts.
For loyal packer fans I hope I am dead wrong of its going to be a miserable year. You will feel like the Pit of Misery before the end of next season.
Just think of the old Frankenstein movie where the towns people chased the monster out of town with torches. You guys may want to stock up on torches this off season, just in case. LOL
jeremyjjbrown
January 04, 2018 at 04:33 pm
What if MM does not hate to practice but doesn't get enough because of the CBA? Most of your implications are similar.
4zone
January 04, 2018 at 04:09 pm
Our two best FA's are already under wraps. If Evans wants to go another year, I'd sign him. Burnett, at worse is a solid backup which we don't have at the moment. I don't think he will cost us much. Brooks I wouldn't even consider, way too many mistakes. House, again, at worst a decent backup and should be able to sign cheaply. RRogers is sadly the best TE we got, we have to sign him but again, not for much.
In reality, there isn't a lot of money any of these guys will warrent so I'm not too concerned with any of them. IF, our new GM gets agressive in the FA market, all bets are off.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 04, 2018 at 11:01 pm
Burnett is going to cost big bucks. Over/under is $10M AAV. I'd say just a bit under.
lou
January 05, 2018 at 01:46 pm
Anywhere near $10 million for Burnett ? There is a better chance Bulaga after recovery from his 2nd ACL tear runs a 4.5 40 yard dash, you must be joking. He may get $10 million over a 3 year period if he is lucky.
Finwiz
January 05, 2018 at 01:57 pm
Yup.
Burnett is, well.......a yawner.
Notgonnahappen.
freddisch
January 04, 2018 at 04:46 pm
Sounds like GB is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Same old retreads from past years being brought back into key roles. MM states that he is going to be heavily involved in selecting the new GM. Who the hell is running this operation, Murphy or MM??? If MM is making the calls nothing is going to change. That's why MM should have been shown the door along with TT and DC
4zone
January 04, 2018 at 05:31 pm
Like the analogy.
Tundraboy
January 04, 2018 at 06:10 pm
"MM states that he is going to be heavily involved in selecting the new GM. Who the hell is running this operation, Murphy or MM???"
How is that possible. Picking your boss.
dobber
January 04, 2018 at 07:05 pm
"How is that possible. Picking your boss."
Happens all the time in many industries. They're called search committees. I essentially did that this last fall (picked my boss).
Tundraboy
January 04, 2018 at 08:08 pm
Wow I feel old.
TKWorldWide
January 04, 2018 at 08:23 pm
But I’d wager you did it LIKE A BOSS.
marpag1
January 05, 2018 at 05:40 am
"Happens all the time in many industries."
Yup, including the NFL. One situation for sure was Pete Carroll, who was hired BEFORE John Schneider and had significant input in Schneider's hire.
But it DOESN'T necessarily mean that "because I was a part of the search committee, that guy will not be my boss." No, you might have a say in hiring him, but once he's chosen he can still fire you.
HankScorpio
January 05, 2018 at 05:47 am
Not every team structures power the same way. It's been widely reported that Carroll has final say on the roster, which effectively makes him the GM under the way the Packers do business. I seriously doubt that Schnieder can fire Carroll given that.
Wilde is reporting that some are speculating the Packers can lure Schnieder away with the "promotion" of giving him final roster authority and thus avoid the need to compensate Seattle for taking their "GM".
marpag1
January 05, 2018 at 06:29 am
Yeah, what I wrote was unclear, Hank. I didn't mean to suggest that Schneider could fire Carroll. I just meant to use Carroll as an example of a coach being part of a "search committee" for a GM.
Also, as a general rule, being a part of the search committee "doesn't necessarily" mean that the person you hire cannot fire you.
If you want to speak specifically about the power structure in Seattle, I would go farther than you did. I would say that Schneider definitely cannot fire Carroll. Here's one quote:
“If someday there’s a dispute between these guys and there’s a coin toss, were going to build the team around this man (Carroll) and the players,” said Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke. “And that was an important thing he signed on. Pete wins the coin toss.”
So I would agree that the Packers could very well argue that they are offering Schneider a promotion. I'm just not sure I'm really sold on Schneider, unfortunately.
HankScorpio
January 05, 2018 at 06:49 am
I'm not sold on Schneider, either. He's a little too aggressive for my tastes. The Harvin and Graham trades cost them a lot and really didn't work out. Seattle has got some serious cap issues and a perpetually horrific o-line. Maybe that is more on Carroll than Schnieder but I would need to feel some assurance that was the case.
I would be interested in exploring how Gruden's expected arrival in Oakland impacts the availability of Reggie McKenzie, tho.
zeke
January 04, 2018 at 11:00 pm
Or maybe, just maybe, McCarthy is overstating what his role will be and they have done nothing more than tell him that he will be "in the loop" with the hiring process. Which makes perfect sense.
Coldworld
January 04, 2018 at 07:27 pm
The nightmare scenario is that Mike Ted and Mark are all so on the same page that the objective is not change but a contusion of theirs very comfortable arrangement even through Ted is drawing back.
If that is so the fault would fall at Murphy’s door. He is there in large part to prevent the senior personnel from perpetuating an ineffectual self preservation society.
Sometimes it sounds like all this is window dressing for ensuring more of the same.
TKWorldWide
January 04, 2018 at 08:24 pm
How can a contusion be very comfortable?
Doug Niemczynski
January 04, 2018 at 08:16 pm
These are ALL pieces of crap that are or were in the packer org.
WE ARE GETTING ALL THE SAME CRAP AGAIN. WHAT A CRAP ORGANIZATION
MORE OF THE SAME B.S. DONT EXPECT ANY THING DIFFERENTIN 2018. MCARTHY NEEDS TO BE FIRED AND SO DOES MARK MURPHY TT,AND RUSS BALL !
Offensive coord.
. Top candidates include former Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, former Giants coach Ben McAdoo and current offensive line coach James Campen.
Quarterbacks: Open.
Jeff Blasko, considered a rising star, finished his first season as Campen’s assistant
Offensive perimeter: Filled
McCarthy created this position for Raih last offseason but never really defined his role. He appeared to spend more time
Defensive coordinator
Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt and safeties coach Darren Perry likely are the top two internal candidates, but expect McCarthy to interview Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and other experienced coordinators.
Vic Fangio was under Dom Caper.
WHAT THE HELL. THIS IS NO SHAKE UP. THIS IS MOVING SOME PIECES AROUND. SCREW GREEN BAY.
Doug Niemczynski
January 04, 2018 at 08:29 pm
Wow! These are really tough decisions. Lets bring back all the coaches that were failures in other organizations that left Green Bay!!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!!!!!!!!
This is insanity !!!! Insanity! !!
Doug Niemczynski
January 04, 2018 at 08:35 pm
Lets fire the trainers and hire the trainers that trained them..ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!
Looney Tunes!!!!
Bure9620
January 04, 2018 at 08:33 pm
Did anyone find McCarthys press conference slightly weird? Never seen him that reflective, that "emotional." Like he is selling himself? "I'm involved"? Oh to help hire your new boss that could fire you first thing?????? Not a power struggle? Which you need to be involved and find a guy you mesh with???
This leads me to believe He could be talking about a possible pending exit or firing and Murphy does not hire Russ Ball?
Also, why not just interview Highsmith while he is still in the building, if nothing else, to atleast satisfy the Rooney rule? Murphy could have made that happen if he really wanted to. This smells fishy to me. I am nervous for the the future of the franchise with Murphy at the helm. Seems to be a Yes man Administrator with no backbone like a college Athletic Director.
Point-Packer
January 04, 2018 at 08:33 pm
WR is not solid. If you believe otherwise, you're full of utter shit.
Bure9620
January 04, 2018 at 08:42 pm
I believe milk comes from the Udder
Johnblood27
January 04, 2018 at 08:40 pm
I agree with the contusion...
Bure9620
January 04, 2018 at 09:11 pm
I was not aware bruises had opinions.....
Doug Niemczynski
January 04, 2018 at 08:43 pm
Mike Mcarthy Sucks !!! Fire him now !! HE MAKES ME SICK !!!
TKWorldWide
January 04, 2018 at 09:23 pm
It might not be MM that makes you sick.
I’d blame it on the liquor.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 10:06 am
MM will be fired at the end of 2019. Then the Packers will really clean house and then we might win because Rogers will be 37 in 2020.
Doug Niemczynski
January 04, 2018 at 08:45 pm
Aaron Rogers needs to leave Green Bay. I guarantee if he leaves he will take that other team straight to the Super Bowl !!!!
Doug Niemczynski
January 04, 2018 at 08:47 pm
Green Bay has made BOLD moves? Who in the hell are they fooling. Is anyone believing this crap?
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 08:47 am
why don't you wait until the dust settles and then rant like its 1999!
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:58 am
I think his Kool-aid is more tequila than Sharkleberry Fin.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 09:58 am
And what are you going to do wait till next year and complain again while all these guys sign huge contracts and you got another five or six years of bad coaching. Then Rodgers is gone then you can complain again and they'll do some more shake up and go hire some Packer coaches . Hey let's go find Ray Rhodes and Mike Sherman again!!
We don't have time for the dust to settle cuz when it settles and rains were going to be in the mud again
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:46 pm
I guess you told me...
dobber
January 04, 2018 at 08:52 pm
I can't believe how people are getting bent out of shape when there's no real new information. Let the process unfold and then get bent out of shape when you actually have something concrete to get bent out of shape over.
TKWorldWide
January 04, 2018 at 09:16 pm
Ever intrepid, the TKstinator prefers to get bent INTO shape.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 09:00 am
Shape of...an ice linebacker! (old SuperFriends reference there...)
TKWorldWide
January 05, 2018 at 08:47 pm
Form of...me laughing!
Bure9620
January 04, 2018 at 09:12 pm
Adam Shefter reports I will be coaching inside linebackers, I have extensive experience on inside blitz packages in Maddens 8 through 18. Blew McCarthy's mind in my interview when explaining my defensive sub packages I called Super Nitro, Nitro storm, Mega Nitro and Nitros Maximus. All of my success has been on ALL MADDEN, none of that All pro sissy stuff.
I look forward to the introductory press conference.
TKWorldWide
January 04, 2018 at 09:17 pm
As do we all.
Handsback
January 04, 2018 at 09:18 pm
Outside Bure9620...most of us haven't a clue how good the players performed this year. On what we saw ...it was pretty pathetic. MM is doing a lot for the start of off-season to change what he can. I would wager that the only two he really wants to keep is Whitt and Perry on the defensive side of the ball.
Bure9620
January 04, 2018 at 09:56 pm
Not Moss?
Handsback
January 05, 2018 at 07:32 am
According to to reports, if they are at all accurate, if Moss doesn't get the Lions job, he'll probably be let go at Green Bay.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 08:59 am
I have a hunch that he associate HC position (or whatever its called) will be used to retain Edgar Bennett in the same way they kept Moss.
fthisJack
January 05, 2018 at 08:49 am
no mas!
TKWorldWide
January 05, 2018 at 08:50 pm
Roberto Duran.
OldTimer
January 04, 2018 at 10:20 pm
Seems like a lot of panic over nothing out there. To me the new D.C. Is the most important thing. Defense is the biggest problem, so a new leader and scheme changes on that side of the team could go a long way to getting things fixed. I really think a lot of our defensive injuries are due to the current scheme. Too many players spread over long distances and trying to make up ground. Defensive backs having to take on players running full steam. Poor tackling form all over the secondary. Not enough quality depth to rotate players and keep everybody warmed up and fresh. The right guy can really have a major impact.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 10:35 am
Seems like a lot of panic out there? you lose in 2011 you lose in 2012 you lose in 2013 you lose and 2014 you lose in 2015 you lose and 2016 you lose and 2017 yep no problem here winning is a habit unfortunately so is losing set a remind you of a quote that somebody might have said long time ago maybe a guy named Vince Lombardi
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 10:37 am
You're not a Packer fan you just wanted to watch a good game yeah we went 13 and 3 this year he went 11 and 5 is good enough for me yeah well the LA Rams haven't even been to the playoffs in this you're going to go to the Superbowl and win
croatpackfan
January 05, 2018 at 01:52 am
Nobody is talking about excellent TE, which is, by my opinion utmost Packers need... Maybe Kendricks can become that guy, but I doubt...
Pass rusher - yes. CB? Not so in need. If we believe Joe Whitt, there is Herb Waters (Whitt call him new Sam, Shields) waiting for his chance... So, Kevin King, Randall, Rollins, Wawkins, Pipkins, Waters... They may need additional CB, but not high in draft...
Priorities are pass rusher and TE. I would like to see Pass rusher in the 1st round, TE in the 2nd round and pass rusher again in 3rd round. All other position after that!
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 04:20 am
We need a WR !!! Better get one 1st rd. TE 2nd rd. I
Or go get Jarvis Landry or jimmy graham in free agency
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 09:54 am
Oh that's good will draft a pass rusher or another defensive tackle or maybe even a cornerback.let's get all defensive players yeah that's what we'll do screw the offense we don't need any wide receivers we have Jordy and we have Davante and we have Randall Cobb these guys are all getting too freaking old Cobb's going to be gone when they tell him he's got to take a pay and Jordy only has 2 years lefr. Who are you going to get to replace them it takes two to three years to develop a wide receiver. You don't have any tight ends you can give a crap less about that and who cares about the right tackle position we got broken down Buluga. Yeah we're going to get a defensive end or a fast linebacker and we'll get a good receiver and tight end in the 4th or 5th round and they will get some other good guys in the 6th or 7th and we will be fully loaded again what kind of freaking Dreamworld are you people living in this crap has been going on every single year drinking the Kool-Aid.
Oh but we have Aaron Rodgers he can pass to Davante and Jordy and we can win with Aaron Rodgers and he'll cover up all our mistakes we won't give him any weapons to pass the ball to it's just magically going to happen.
4thand1
January 05, 2018 at 04:49 am
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Some people need to relax. Fire everyone, when most get fired or demoted, people still not happy. Get rid of everyone, everything start from scratch with an exspansion team, WTF.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 09:48 am
Dude this guy has been falling for the past six or seven years and now when people realize it that the Sky Has Fallen now you're saying the sky hasn't fallen you people live in such a dream world. Yeah well I'll be laughing my a off when the Los Angeles Rams win the Superbowl are you Packers just sit at home.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 10:08 am
You don't get it. MM is still devoted to Dom capers..Hundley will still be on the team and mcarthy has loyalty to all previous coaches. This is the WRONG attitude to have
OldTimer
January 05, 2018 at 10:08 am
The new GM has to be able to balance the talent and the costs. He is going to have to free up some current player costs to ultimately get better depth built into this team. On offense the only real savings that can be generated are probably Bulaga, Jordy and Cobb. On defense you have Clay and Burnett. Hopefully you can get some of these guys to sign team friendly, performance based deals that extend their playing time and give them another shot at a ring. Some will have to be let go. After that you are just basically trying to find better talent overall for the same amount of money. It is out there. If he can stick to the tasks and not get caught up in over paying popular players or imagining skills that aren't there, this team will come roaring back.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 10:28 am
Since we don't know how to draft players we got to go get free agents we have holes all over the place we can't fill them up all through the draft! Well we'll get a hundred year old safety for one year deal for 1.25 million and we got ourselves a draft pick and we just signed the 99 year old Right Guard he's still got a little life in them sign him to a one-year deal also for 1.2 million that's the way we do things in Packerland
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 10:29 am
We got to stay under that tap you don't care about no Super Bowls we just care about winning
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 11:03 am
Sometimes I have no idea what you're talking about.
If you're talking about Jahri Evans as the "99-year-old guard"...he wasn't the problem with this football team this season. Under the cirucmstances, he was a very shrewd and cost-effective signing.
You've got to quit just shotgunning your comments and focus, dude.
"We got to stay under that tap you don't care about no Super Bowls we just care about winning"
????
WKUPackFan
January 05, 2018 at 11:23 am
That's OK, Doug has no idea what he's talking about either.
dobber
January 05, 2018 at 01:58 pm
I've decided that Doug is really a spy, and he's sending coded, covert messages to his contacts through CHTV.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 03:56 pm
Yes .but he is retiring now.
Doug Niemczynski
January 06, 2018 at 03:47 am
HOLES! And lots of them!
TKWorldWide
January 05, 2018 at 08:30 pm
More keyboard diarrhea.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 03:57 pm
Another source also told McGinn that McCarthy told his staff Thursday that he “planned to leave Green Bay for another job” should Ball ascend to the GM seat.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 10:25 am
Go get Adam Zimmer somebody different my Lord now we're probably have that Vic guy from Chicago Bears same guy that runs the same plays as Dom Capers and we'll get more of the same just under a different name
WKUPackFan
January 05, 2018 at 11:27 am
Doug, You forgot to take your meds this morning. Take two, then post more coherently in a couple of hours.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 03:57 pm
I took 2.
Finwiz
January 05, 2018 at 02:57 pm
Word is being "leaked" that McCarthy has told his staff he will leave if Ball is hired.
It's all pointing back to Aaron Naglers theory from a couple weeks ago regarding MM not being happy with the talent TT provided, and didn't blame Capers for the problems on D. Now it all makes sense.
This is a very precarious situation for the Packers. I don't know who you're going to get if McCarthy leaves. Is he the best coach, no, but he's better than what's out there. (IMO)
I'm starting to really question whether Murphy knows what he's doing with the good ole boys network up there in GB. This guy looks really bad in all of this, with his charade of an executive national search for a GM. Doe's he really think fans are that stupid? I guess so.
Biggar
January 05, 2018 at 03:27 pm
I have said it before. Time to call Dorsey and make a deal. Now I am in the dump mm camp. What's happening in GB does not make sense. Hc picking the gm. Are you kidding. Look at what gettlemen is doing in NY. Need outside gm not a mm choice
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 03:44 pm
Another source also told McGinn that McCarthy told his staff Thursday that he “planned to leave Green Bay for another job” should Russ Ball ascend to the GM seat.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 03:55 pm
That's what you call a smooth transition of power nope there's no sky falling in Green Bay
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 07:32 pm
Its reported thay If Russ Ball is in, Mike McCarthy may be out
Per
Mike Florio....
Packers better take all things into consideration when making there decisions !!
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 07:37 pm
This was reported 1 hour ago.
Doug Niemczynski
January 05, 2018 at 07:42 pm
I may not be a huge fan of mcarthy, but as of right now i do not want to lose him as head coach. Most of our issues have been on the defensive side and feel that our failure was due to Dom Capers being too stale, the packers being too conservative when it came to getting free agents and if course always having the 25th to 28th pick in the draft every year is not that easy to get the top talent you need to be successful.