Is Ted Thompson still running the show?
The Green Bay Packers had a devastating practice on Monday, with safety Kentrell Brice and linebacker Jake Ryan going down with what appeared to be serious injuries. It appears Ryan will be lost for the season, while Brice’s status remains unknown.
There isn’t a lot of depth at either position. Rookie Oren Burks is the top candidate to step in for Ryan. Second-year player Josh Jones is likely to step in for Brice.
So could, should the Packers add some depth?
They could and they probably should, but it appears they won’t.
#AsExpected, Oren Burks gets Jake Ryan’s reps at inside linebacker and Josh Jones on the field at safety where Kentrell Brice had been. #Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said this morning they were going to be patient with young guys and not go after vets at those spots.
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) July 31, 2018
The potential veteran acquisitions are pretty clear.
Eric Reid is the top safety on the market. He’s a former Pro Bowler and first-round pick. He also kneels for the national anthem, which is likely an issue for the Packers.
At inside linebacker, there are two former Pro Bowlers available. NaVorro Bowman and Brian Cushing.
Will the Packers sign any of them? It appears not.
And that seems stupid.
Coach Mike McCarthy has talked up the competition that is happening at pretty much every position during training camp. And all of a sudden there isn’t competition at inside linebacker and safety.
We’re just going to go with the next guys on the depth chart…
Starters by default.
Didn’t earn the job. Just got thrust into it.
Seems like a fantastic idea, doesn’t it?
Where the hell is Aaron Nagler!? Please! Anyone! Fired? Banned again? This fucking sucks!
“GM Brian Gutekunst said this morning they were going to be patient with young guys and not go after vets at those spots.”
Did Ted Thompson change his name to Brian Gutekunst?
How long does it take to build a Championship defense? Ask Green Bay….forever.
Idk, guys are thrust into starting roles all the time. Some end up being key players on playoff teams. Some end up making a lot of money. See Keenum, Case. Bowman and Cushing arent on teams for a reason. The smart move here is to not make a rash decision, wait and see what you have with young players, and see who becomes available with cuts at the end of training camp.
I think Kato is right…but if i’m a player or two away from being a real strong contender in the Super Bowl, hell yea, i’m bringing in guys and taking a look. Are the Packers a player or two away?….c’mon man!
Bowman and Cushing? Can we stop setting ourselves up for failure, One is a malcontent, the other is a PED druggie, and both of them haven’t had a good year since 2015. Like Kato said, there is a reason they are sitting at home, no one wants them.
Usually i’m just worried about the defense, Now i’m even concerned about the offense. As far as special teams, i just assume they are going to suck, because they’ve earned it.
Sorry for the lack of optimism, but that also has been earned.
When i see something good, credit will be given.
I mean, I dont want to see another Ahmad Brooks type signing. On the other hand, if those vets can be had for a bit above vet minimum, meh, what’s the worse that’s going to happen
Well that’s the thing about free agency….There are two parts to it…
Ted learned the 1st part last year by signing some free agents. The second part gets tougher, it’s signing free agents that will help your team.
We’ll see how Gute did soon….at this point i’m not sure if T Willy was signed to play, or coach the rookies for 5 million per. That’s all i hear about him, teaching the young guys. Some will probably say he was signed to do both, we’ll know soon enough. Does anyone know who our #1 corner is? Neither do i.
I will take packers cornerback for 200 Alex…..
Maybe it’s T Willy, PFF had him ranked 9th among corners last season(apparently).
But what confuses me is that he had 2 picks and only 9 passes defended. Not exactly Pro Bowl worthy numbers, So i don’t really get that.
Oren Burks = Ray Lewis – the murder charges.