Packers avoided a season with no road wins by defeating the Jets this past weekend. The defense took a break but it looked like Aaron Rodgers was firing on all cylinders. The 44-38 shootout was actually a lot of fun to watch which was surprising as I went into that game with low expectations. Also worth mentioning was the performance by rookie Jets QB Sam Darnold. We are going to hear that name a lot more in the future. Even Rodgers had positive things to say about Darnold. The trade-off was some spots in the draft but it may be best in the long run for the team to end on as high of note as they can to help morale.
Rodgers said after the game that among the motivations was to the players’ love for Philbin — “We want to play for Joe and give him the best opportunity possible” to get the job permanently — and despite the Christmas Eve holiday on Monday, Philbin still had the players in for a morning workout.
Interim coach Philbin had the following to say after the game:
Everything you do, matters. We try to tell the players every week, your preparation matters, what you do in the weight room matters, what you do in the training room matters, what you do in the meeting room, on the practice field. And it correlates to the game, your performance. And I think when you start distinguishing this is important and that isn’t, I think you lose sight of (that), and you’ll never get to where you really want to be.
Davante Adams is one catch away from beating Sterling Sharpe’s franchise record of 112 receptions in a season
Read: (Packers.com)
For the curious, McCarthy and the Cardinals might be a possible match
Read: (CBS Sports)
Kenny Clark goes back on IR
Source: the Packers have placed Pro Bowl DT Kenny Clark on injured reserve. He finished 2018 with 55 tackles and 6.0 sacks.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 25, 2018
Rodgers playing against the Lions
Read: (Packers Wire)
The season comes to an end with the upcoming Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers at Lambeau. Will be interesting once again to see if Rodgers will play all four quarters. The team management still seems focused on winning – even at the risk of injury. We’ll see how that strategy plays out.
Last updated on January 23rd, 2019 at 10:03 pm
Ive already called it. Unless they lose to Detroit I have feeling Philbin is going to have the interim tag removed next week and at least be the HC for next season. There is no other options out there. Works out perfectly for Rodgers. Philbin does the logistics of managing a team during the week and Rodgers gets total control of what plays he wants to run on gamedays.
Sounds kind of like the Jim Caldwell/Payton Manning situation with Manning’s last few wasted years in Indianapolis.
I dont like the thought of Rodgers not having a coach to push him, as well as Rodgers having full autonomy over the offense. Let’s be real, Philbin will be a hands off guy that will basically let AR do what he wants. Which is probably why Rodgers is advocating for him.
True, and I cant decide if that’s a good or bad thing with Rodgers getting all that freedom. But If they are interviewing guys like Caldwell and Pagano then you might as well just keep Philbin. Seriously there is nothing else out there this year. Maybe just keep the interim tag on Philbin through next season and just tweak the staff around him. That sounds ridiculous.
If they hire Philbin, then they should have just left McCarthy in place until season end. There is absolutely no benefit or jump start to finding the next coach if they pick Philbin. As much as I like Rodgers, if they are doing anything to placate him, such as hiring Philbin or keeping Randy Cobb around, then this team is truly fucked and the run is over.
Mark Murphy knee jerk reaction again.
Please don’t hire Pogano, or I might want to give-up
I would love Philbin compared to Pogano
I want to see a head coach that is not the offensive or defensive play caller. Philbin fits that mold. I don’t think Philbin would be the offensive play caller if head coach.
One of the biggest problems I have with Philbin is the coordinators he selected during his time as the dolphins Head Coach.
One of the reasons to interview Caldwell and Pagano, and several other potential head coaches (besides the Rooney rule) is to try to see whom they would try to get as coordinators and position coaches. If the Packers hear the same name(s) over again from several potential head coaches you may look at those individuals for coaching positions with the team.
I think that Lincoln Riley would be a great fit. We would get a new, fresh progressive look and play from a team that so desperately needs it. It would be something that the Pack haven’t seen in many years.
Murphy is probably going to hire an outside firm to help with the coaching search so in the end they can hire Philbin. Just like he did with the GM who isn’t allowed to do his own job. How long before Murphy starts to take away coaching responsibilities and put them on himself? How long after the GGT regime is over will it take for guys to start talking about what a mess this place was with communication silos and everything else?
If they do keep Philbin who does he hire as OC? Will Rodgers be ok with whoever it is? If they hire someone else as HC do they keep Philbin as OC? I would assume not but you never know, and if so, who calls the plays since Philbin said himself he hasn’t called plays in a very long time other than the past few games.
Also, Davante Adams is no where near the talent of Sterling Sharpe. Adams reception count this year isn’t surprising given that he’s about the only guy Rodgers throws to. Not to mention all of dump off passes and terrible WR screens that go Adams way.
By the way, congrats on your first 1,000 yard season Davante. You only had to break the franchise reception record to get there.
I agree with you. Someone put out a highlight real of Sterling Sharpe on Youtube which reminded me just how good he was. Pass after pass Sharpe has 3 yards on the defender and is streaking down the field. Sharpe ran routes better and was much faster. He could get open any time he wanted. He’d catch it and suddenly he looked like a running back able to take hits and break tackles.
Adams can’t get open like Sharpe, he may have better moves than Sharpe, but he can’t break tackles.
I dont think anyone is arguing that Adams is as good as Sharpe. Adams is a great player. I am glad he is on the packers. Sharpe was arguably the best receiver in the NFL during his time besides maybe Jerry Rice. If he played a full career who knows where he would stand on all time lists.