Some of us have been belly-aching for years that when selecting their top draft choices, the Packers need to obtain collegians who are ready to become starters right away. My personal argument has been that in doing so teams can control their payroll, as those four-year rookie contracts are such a bargain.
In his fourth year as Green Bay’s draft leader, Gutekunst finally jumped on this bandwagon. His three top picks should all see plenty of playing time almost immediately. All three might well become starters by mid-season.
The sure-fire way to pick draftees who are ready to play at the pro level, as opposed to requiring years of development, is pretty simple: pick guys who have been on the field for three or more years on teams in the Southeast, Atlantic Coast, or Big Ten conferences. Better yet, look for players from perennial powerhouses, such as Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and the like. Such teams have the best coaches and training personnel – the development has already been done.
For extra credit, in the early rounds go after players who can fill positions of need, who man the skills positions, who are highly athletic, who have no lengthy injury histories, and who are without “character” issues. The Pack’s general manager has marked all the boxes in his fourth year on the job.
With the 29th pick, Gutey acquired Eric Stokes, who has spent four years (counting a red-shirt season) honing his skills in Athens, Georgia, where he often faced off against the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and LSU. His progression has been steady – in 2019, he was named second-team All-SEC, and in 2020 he earned a berth on the conference’s first team.
Late in the second round, Gutey chose Ohio State center Josh Myers. His progression goes like this: high school All-American in 2016, second team All-Big Ten in 2019, and then first team in 2020. With the departure of Corey Linsley, this was a position of need for Green Bay. Some project that Josh will be a starter from the opening game of the upcoming season.
With his late third-round pick, Gutey went with wide receiver Amari Rodgers, another four-year collegian – who spent much of that time lining up in the slot. Once again, his progression has been steadily skyward: 19 catches as a freshman, then 55 (for the 2018 national champs), then 30 receptions in 2019 despite incurring an ACL tear during spring practice, and finally with 77 receptions, for 1,020 yards and seven TDs in his senior year. Amari topped off his college career by being named first-team All-ACC.
He was quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s favorite target en route to the QB becoming the first player chosen in this year’s draft. In the three years Lawrence and Amari played together, the Tigers recorded 34 wins and two losses. You might say that Rodgers was Trevor’s secret weapon.
All-conference credentials are the best a team that chooses 29th in the draft can realistically hope for. It’s much easier to pick off All-Americans if you’re the Jaguars’ general manager.
The GM’s New Challenge
Other than letting Jordy Nelson go before it was time, the only bone I’ve had to pick with Brian Gutekunst is his eclectic draft choice selections – but he’s been rock-steady during this draft. Otherwise, he has earned not only my praise, but my respect for the way he has handled himself at a difficult job.
I was particularly impressed by how well Brian responded to questions from the press regarding the Aaron Rodgers’ blow-up. In his public relations dealings, he has always been open, available, forthright, and honest. He said all the right things when asked the tough questions, and did so respectfully and responsibly. Rather than fanning the flames, or attacking or criticizing the MVP quarterback, Gutey repeatedly, and effectively, made the case that, while he’s made mistakes as GM, he has always acted in the team’s best interests.
Gutekunst’s humility and business-like approach to his job is in stark contrast to the way Rodgers and his surrogates have gone about establishing their narrative. One Rodgers supporter went so far as to over-dramatically claim that Rodgers has reaches his “breaking point” with the team’s front office. Sorry Aaron, but you have been acting like one would expect of a pampered, idolized, and self-obsessed multi-millionaire.
I’ve glanced at a few hundred fan comments regarding the crisis, and I can tell you that the Packers’ front office is handily winning the public relations battle. The rich and inspiring history of our Green Bay Packers will continue regardless of the maneuverings and plotting of one ego-driven player.
It’s ironic that a man who has cultivated and nurtured such a pure-as-the-driven-snow public image is suddenly coming across as self-centered and manipulative. He’s following in the steps of the quarterback he replaced – this isn’t the first time Packers fans have had to endure a superstar quarterback who turned into a Diva.
I stand fully behind the Packers’ front office in this dispute, and the early returns indicate that so does most of Packer Nation. Aaron has three years left of a four-year $134 million contract that he freely agreed to – he needs to honor and comply with it. I view the timing of his campaign, and the resorting to innuendo, rumors, and threats, and to surrogates to push his agenda, as stabbing close to 100 of his teammates, coaches, and trainers in the back. If the reports are true, it’s mutiny.
All season long Rodgers had been saying he was never happier or more at peace. What’s changed? Rodgers needs to step up and personally and publicly address this issue – right away.
If this crisis truly revolves around the drafting of Jordan Love in the first round of 2020, Rodgers needs to apologize for thrusting an innocent teammate into the role of villain. Love, by the way, has quietly and responsibly gone about his business since being drafted a year ago.
How can Rodgers so easily forget what he had to endure back in 2005 when he was drafted to become the heir apparent to a living legend?
Man up, Aaron!
Good article Rob. I agree with most of what you stated above. However, let’s not forget that just because Gute is handling it with class when in front of the media, doesn’t mean he’s doing it with Rodgers or his agent. Yes, Rodgers has an ego, but Gute is also arrogant and in some ways;;;;;irresponsible.. This reminds me of an opposite end of the magnets,,,, meeting each other. This could get nasty.
“Other than letting Jordy Nelson go before it was time, the only bone I’ve had to pick with Brian Gutekunst is his eclectic draft choice selections”
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So you thought Graham was a good signing?
Preston has proven to be good value?
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By eclectic…do you mean failed?
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“I view the timing of his campaign, and the resorting to innuendo, rumors, and threats….”
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I don’t think it was a threat at all. I think Rodgers and his agent asked to be traded some time ago.
How is that a threat?
It’s been reported that Rodgers turned down an extension by the Packers. That gives more credence to him simply asking to be traded.
This whole situation (story) didn’t just develop Thursday Rob, it’s just the first we learned about it.. It’s been ongoing…quietly, and in secret. When i say in secret…that means professionally, out of the public eye.
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“I’ve glanced at a few hundred fan comments regarding the crisis, and I can tell you that the Packers’ front office is handily winning the public relations battle.”
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It’s a public relations battle? And you’ve declared a winner in a day and a half?
I could be alone…and that wouldn’t change my view about Rodgers.
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What’s next….should we get rid of Davante Adams and so we can give Janis more touches? Or have you covered that already?
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What’s next…Should we blame the head coach and QB for hating Janis so much that they want to ruin his career? Or have you covered that already?
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I appreciate people expressing their opinions, that’s their right.
But at the same time, i feel certain fans don’t deserve having a player of Rodgers caliber on the team.
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Gute admits mistakes with how he has handled communications with Aaron Rodgers.
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You acknowledge that, but you put no blame on him…because your too busy ripping Rodgers a new ass.
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I’ll stay tuned for your next article on Rodgers hating Gute so much, that Rodgers is out to ruin his career.
In your comment about this Rodgers vs. management rift, I believe you are right about it starting long before the 1st day of the draft. When Murphy was about to announce the hiring of M. LaFleur as the new coach, he PUBLICLY warned Rodgers not to be the problem. That should have been done in private. No one wants to be embarrassed in public, and knowing that Rodgers is a big public figure; let alone a prideful man, it had to sting. Then, 3 months later they select his replacement; showing even more dis-respect. Murphy and Gute were over-zealous in finding Rodgers replacement; thinking that Rodgers was in decline, and predicting that Rodgers wasn’t going to mesh with LaFleur. Before that draft, Rodgers made a public statement about hoping the Packers would draft some help at receiver, since they haven’t drafted a receiver in the 1st round—– since 2002. With that being true, and most agree with him; that also should have been kept — in house. We don’t know what was offered to Rodgers by management since the end of last season, but so far, apparently wasn’t good enough. The relationship between a teams QB, coach and GM, should all be pulling in the same direction. There is dis-respect here on both sides, finger pointing, and egos bruised, and arrogance on both sides, which is fueling the rift. Problem is, like in any other relationship; when there is dis-respect on both sides;;;;;;;;;;;; usually ends in an ugly divorce.
Finally an intelligent article and all you Rodgers fanboys are spewing your nonsense. Aaron Rodgers is like the little kid at the store. Mommy I want candy, mommy I want ice cream, mommy I want a new toy. Aaron Rodgers: I want a new contract, I want a new coach, I want to call my own plays, I want to be traded to a California team. At some point daddy has to put his foot down and say no. And that’s exactly what Brian Gutekunst has done. Gutekunst, like Ted before him, has taken the high road. But if you read between the lines what Gutekunst and Murphy are telling Rodgers is this: you’ll play for us or you’ll retire. Those are your options. Fear not girls, your boyfriend won’t retire. He’ll play next year. This was leaked to the public by Rodgers to put pressure on management to trade him to the 49ers, his favorite team. It didn’t work. And now Rodgers is back pedaling. I love the Packers, I love the fans. No you don’t. He never wanted to be here. But Rodgers is smart. He knows if he pushes this too far the fans will turn on him just like they turned on Brett Favre. Well, except the clueless fanboys that post on this site. Let me ask you girls. Do you get a free pair on knee pads when you join the Aaron Rodgers fan club?
Great article and Tom M great response! I agree totally. Most of the fan boys on this site are Rodgers fans, not Packer fans. They have made that crystal clear. Personally after this little charade I hope Mr. West Coast is gone after 6/2.
God, you are absolutely clueless PF4L. Commenting on Jordy Nelson has absolutely nothing to do with Jimmy Graham or Jeff Janis. It’s like you bringing up your grandma and your niece. It has nothing to do with what everyone is taking about.
The author brought up Jordy Nelson….ass wipe.
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I was speaking to Rob…not you Tommy.
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Reading skills, just isn’t really your thing is it Tommy.
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Tommy, if i’m speaking to you, you’ll know it.
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Because you’ll hear a “clink”…when i put a nickel in you.
Anyway Tommy…welcome to the site, we welcome…”new (cough) readers”
And I’m speaking to you directly. There is absolutely no correlation between the author bringing up Jordy Nelson and you implying it has anything to do Jimmy Graham. Nothing! If you post it’s fair game. Otherwise keep your stupidity to yourself.
AWE :(….I’m sorry Tommy
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How about i get your approval before i post anything…Tommy.
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Maybe to soothe your feelings, i could take you out for an ice cream cone…would you like that Tommy?
Why
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do you
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separate
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your comments
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with periods?
AWE :(….I’m sorry Tommy
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Mint chocolate chip with sprinkles…double scoop?
Aaron deserves to be freed from this fanbase. I realize his 40 time isn’t what it used to be Rob, but I have a feeling the league MVP will work out better elsewhere.
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#freeaaron
I’m a diehard packer fan since 1956. I’ve always been a fan of Rodgers. But the truth is Aaron will never win a 2nd SuperBowl .He,s not a clutch performer! He,s a choker in big games. Just watch his mannerisms late in big games. He acts alot like Mike McCarthy. He clearly tightens-up in big moments! A great thrower of the football but not a cold blooded killer towards the opposition. It’s too bad. We need to build this team around Jordan Love and we need the cap space that Rodgers takes up. This is the trend in the NFL and we don’t need the 2nd coming of Lebron James.
Mood lightner….
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PF4L April 28, 2020
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Some people can’t deal with that amount of truth.
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John Jacobson April 28, 2020
You want answers? I want the truth! You can’t handle the truth!
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PF4L April 29, 2020
We live in a world with sports websites son, websites that need comments to survive. who is going to make those comments, you John?
I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom!
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:)
Yes, I agree that #12 is losing the PR battle amongst the diehard packer folks in the Green Bay area. The timing is what ticks people off — hard to know for sure who leaked it on draft day though imho.
As of mid-Saturday, Mike Tirico of NBC Sports spoke to Rodgers at the Kentucky Derby, but Aaron declined the opportunity to be interviewed; he merely expressed disappointment that the news of the rift has emerged, and added that he loves the city, the fans, and the team. Tirico did go on to add that “it’s too late for [Rodgers] to try to walk back” what has been leaked.” Tirico also commented that “the most significant twists definitely didn’t come from the team; they came from Rodgers or his representatives.” Rodgers has never been known as a forceful vocal leader, and he very seldom engages in matters that involve controversy, so I’m not surprised he turned down the opportunity to speak, Still, I view this as a missed opportunity.
He might have went to the Derby with his friends to get out and enjoy his life.
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So i’m not real surprised he didn’t want to do an interview with Tirico. But lets read something into that.
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I saw video of Rodgers walking, he seemed to be favoring his right side…that usually means he’s hiding something.
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Well i guess if Tirico says the leaks didn’t come from the team, then it must be 100% true.
Tirico must be like God…all knowing.
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For arguments sake lets say it came from Rodgers people…So?
The SEC leads all conferences (as of 2019) with 339 former players; the Big 10 is second (255), and the ACC is third (215). The PAC-12 (189) and the Big 12 (122) round out the top five. As for individual colleges, Alabama leads with 56 former NFLers, while Ohio State is second (45) and Georgia is eighth (29). Other players from football powers just chosen in the latter rounds include: Royce Newman (Ole Miss), Tedarrell Slaton (Florida), Cole Van Laanen (Wisconsin), and Kylin Hill (Mississippi State).
Have no fear. Aaron Rodgers has always been all talk. Sound and fury and no substance. He will knuckle under meekly, fully cowed and will be ready to give his all for his masters. He knows they are smarter than him and his capitulation will prove it once and for all. They’ve been playing him just right, master manipulation, getting the most out of him, wringing his useful years out and keeping him off-balance and motivated to serve “to prove them wrong” by being “so excellent.” It’s a master class on how to control your QB.
” It’s a master class on how to control your QB”
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Nothing gets by you, it seems to be working out well for them.
Actually what controls your QB is the contract Rodgers freely signed. It’s working out just fine for management. He plays for the Packers or he forfeits 37.5 million this year. All because the Packers drafted Jordan Love. Oh, my! Whatever will he do? Assuming you work PF4L, you think you boss cares if you like him or not? Well, neither does Gutekunst or Murphy. Just come to work and do your job Aaron Rodgers.
Nothing gets by you, it seems to be working out just fine for them.
“Actually what controls your QB is the contract Rodgers freely signed” – tommy
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Aaron Rodgers controls Aaron Rodgers.
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Aaron Rodgers controls the fate of the current Green Bay Packers, as he has for 13 seasons..
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Contract?……Rodgers can buy and sell Murphy, Gute, and your Trailer Park.
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Contract…lol
Aaron Rodgers has a choice to make. He either honors the remainder of his 134 million dollar contract or he retires because he got his vagina hurt over the Jordan Love pick. He knows now they’ll be no trade. Even Aaron Rodgers isn’t as stupid as you are. He’ll be at camp saying this was blown out of proportion and it was all a big misunderstanding. Sure it was.
Do you think Rodgers didn’t study the Favre exit in detail? He’s had a plan for an exit for a long time. Since he has not said “No, I’m not leaving”, this tells me this is all part of his plan. He will hold out and force a trade, much like Favre did.
There’s a fine line Rodgers has to walk here. He wants out of Wisconsin and to play for a California team. He loves Hollywood and wants to be apart of all the glitz and glamor in some way. We know this because he wants to be the host of Jeopardy, he’s had a cameo on “The Office”, he was an extra on the “Game of Thrones”, he worked out of the set of whatever Marvel movie Olivia Munn was in. He dates D list celebrities. He’s even got a Malibu mansion where many in Hollywood live. He’s always been a California hipster working in a state with midwestern sensibilities. A fish out of water. Now, I do think he’s grown to appreciate Wisconsin but I think the Jordan Love pick is the excuse to try and leverage his way out. But your right, he clearly remembers the Brett Favre fiasco. And he saw how the fans turned on their beloved QB from Mississippi and they’ll turn on Rodgers too. And then not only will he not be traded he’ll lose his most of his fan base. So he won’t retire and he won’t be traded. In order for you to be current and relevant in Hollywood you have to be popular and get your name in the media. You have to be talked about. Rodgers does that by playing football. Nobody will talk about you when your retired at home sulking because you didn’t get what you want. And then there’s the money. All 37.5 million of it for this season alone. He’ll play….
There is proof that the Packers management, Gute the Bad likely, is expertly managing Aaron. It sounds like word of the rift or dispute did not come from the Rodgers camp. Well, who does that leave? The Gute the Bad camp. Sure, they would leak it. Fans (like Rob) will always take upper management’s side and not the player’s because player’s are here and gone but they want to act like they are the organization and want to stay as fans as they self-identify with it.
So, they leak it and the public pressure mounts and the public does their work for them to make Aaron utterly knuckle under. As well, he is forced to prove that he is still trying his hardest and so they get the very best and most out of Aaron during his final year. Brilliant. All it took was a phone call by the Gute the Bad side (Gute or Murphy).
There is even a history of this, at least by Murphy. Do you recall the conversation by phone he had with Aaron telling him to not be the problem when Lefleur took over? Well, there were two people on that conversation and there is no way Aaron is going to be broadcasting that and putting it out there that they even look at him that way.
So, history and predictive effect leads to the only reasonable conclusion that Packers management put this out there to force Aaron to give in, do as they want, and give his very best in his final year. Brilliant.
Aaron is playing tic tac toe and they are playing chess.
It must be exhausting wishing to be a fan of a team that has won something…4 times. I understand it a little I guess after all the years of 8-8, 9-7 and disappointment.
Lol …and who can forget the 5-0 start. Ah…Good times.
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Don’t forget the guy who got his face cut up…..defending his inflatable blow up viking doll…lmao.
Couldn’t agree more. Perfect. Man up, aaron!!
You’ve got the right idea Ivan. Gutekunst is showing us something here. I’m the boss, I call the shots, your under contract. It’s time for daddy to give little Aaron a time out….
Ivan…welcome to the site, we always like to have “new (cough) readers”.
You have got to be kidding. We (I’m a shareholder) have had two first ballot HOF quarterbacks for over 20 years and only two Championships to show for it. Eli Manning also that many in less time. If you think those result are admirable and defendable you would be better served by reporting on the Bears. We are talking about the GREEN BAY PACKERS, the 13 time World Champions. Considering the team makeup he had to start with Ron Wolf’s one Championship is noteworthy. Since then the team, in spite of their HOF quarterback play has greatly underperformed. Except for a sixth seed that went on an “end of the season run” all the way to their 13th Championship, LEAD BY Rodgers the front office, gm, and coaching staff have not lived up to the standard set by Lambeau and Lombardi. Starr did not win 5 Championships in seven years without help. Where’s Jack Vainisi when you need him.
Don’t be the problem…lol
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Funny statement coming a guy who is President and CEO….
But utterly clueless about the inner workings of his football team he’s paid to watch over.
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2016…”Ted will tell me when he wants to retire” – Mark Murphy.
2017…..No Mark..the BOD’s will tell you when you need to “start doing your job” and remove Thompson.
You have 2 back to back HOF QB’s who were/are both approaching the end of their careers, they both experience drama with the Packers.
Is that a isolated problem, or now a pattern?
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What is the common denominator between the two QB’s?
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Mark Murphy was President and CEO for each QB.
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If the man ask to be traded…then just thank him for his service and trade him and avoid the drama. Reap the benefits, improve your team, you already have his replacement. DON’T BE THE PROBLEM.
If Rodgers doesn’t want to be here, why would the Packers want him there….trade him and avoid the drama.
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The drama…was self induced by the team, not Rodgers.
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DON’T BE THE PROBLEM
It is a pattern. It is a pattern of the Packers front office trying to be better prepared for the QB transition and not finding themselves in a cycle of QB drafting/rebuilding.
KILLER May 1, 2021
Have no fear. Aaron Rodgers has always been all talk.
Except when he’s smashing NFL records, or being regarded as one of the best QB’s ever. Or when he’s not winning the Super Bowl, the SB MVP. Or when he’s not being named First team All-Pro, or voted to countless Pro Bowls. Or winning 3 MVP’s.
Other than that, he’s all talk.
Stay tuned for my prediction of the likelihood of the Vikings winning the Super Bowl this season. You’ll have to wait for the details but i can tell you this, it’s looking good!!
And all that just makes him a stat whore. At the end of the day he still has the same number of super bowl wins as Joe Flacco and Trent Dilfer. Win me Super Bowls and then we can talk. The rest is just individual awards for his trophy case.
Stat whore?
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For some reason, i don’t think he’ll be introduced as such, when he is inducted into the HOF.
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So tell me Tommy, does that mean Trent Dilfer and Joe Flacco were as good as Rodgers?
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Maybe your simple mind is not yet able to comprehend that a QB alone can’t win a SB?
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Ben Roethlisberger was a SB winning QB with a passer rating of 22.6.
123 yards passing, 0 TD’s..2 interceptions. How did he win Tommy?
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Think of today’s lesson as a learning opportunity Tommy.
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You’re welcome
I guess that’s the difference between you and me. I’m a Packer fan and I value SB wins more than I do a players individual stats. While you Jack off to Aaron Rodgers photo every night. To each their own.
Ouch. Even I felt that BUUUUURN.
Sorry Rob, but this site has always been the anti-homer Packer site. Almost anywhere you go Packer related on the internet, the overwhelming sentiment of a majority of Packer fans is ALWAYS blindly siding with the powers that be at 1265. The public relations battle should be taken with a grain of salt due to being skewed by homer bias. If Rodgers decides he’s done with Green Bay, those fans that never lived through the atrocious teams of the 70’s and 80’s are gonna be in for an abrupt, rude awakening. Rip the bandage off that is Rodgers and let all of them see how successful they are on their own merits. Let’s see how well Gutey and Murphy deal with the stigma of no longer having a HoF QB for job security. (Did anyone get a look at the Cowboy draft? Kind of mirrors some of the Packers previous drafts. I wonder why that is? Haha!)
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Watching the Packers lose yet again, this time to Arians and those bunch of assclowns in Tampa, I really don’t see anything changing. I’m a diehard Packer fan but this is the first year where I didn’t get excited about the draft or anything off season. Looking back at one of the previous articles where someone wrote down all the draft choices over the past 11 seasons is pretty telling. Color me shocked when I saw what they drafted in the 1st round AGAIN. What the Packers do year after year is considered the definition of insanity. The Packers at this point are our very own version of “Groundhog Day”. And how does a 3rd round draft choice this year make up for missing out on all the WRs in last year’s draft? So much wasted time where the front office just can’t get their shit in a pile or are inept. If not inept then certainly disingenuous.
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Let’s get to the real drama instead of blaming the one guy (Rodgers) that’s held up his end of the deal. LaFleur better be prepared for the fallout when he is saddled with a team that no longer has a HoF QB to disguise some of the warts the front office is providing him with. When the GM is saying the team is better with Kevin King than without him, there should be mandatory drug testing involved. They haven’t quite mastered addition by subtraction yet. How much anyone want to bet the defense regresses this year under the new DC? But the excuses will be new system blah, blah, blah instead of an underwhelming and, based on his body of work, previously unsuccessful choice for defensive coordinator. I have visions of the Keystone cops out there with Benny Hill theme music in the background.
Actually I lived thru the 70’s and 80’s. Your too young to remember when we had a QB by the name of Jerry Tagge. Yes, we were truly awful then. Management has made its share of mistakes along the way to be sure. But Aaron Rodgers is far from blameless. He scores at TD in the 4th quarter of the NFCC game and we go to the SB. He did not. You cannot proclaim yourself to be the GOAT and then fail to win a game like that. Yes, it would have been difficult but the truly great ones fine a way. While lesser QB’s pad their stats. Your assumption that we would return to the dark days of the 70’s and 80’s without Rodgers isn’t accurate by my estimation. First, we have far more talent on this roster right now than we ever did the entire decade of the 70’s. Secondly your assuming Jordan Love can’t play. We don’t know that yet. I can’t tell you he can play anymore than you can tell me he cannot. We simply don’t know. Just remember Aaron Rodgers threw for 48 TD’s last year. That’s more than he ever had with the likes of Jordy, Jennings, Jones, Driver, and Findley. WR isn’t the issue.
Good points Tom; mistakes by both sides here. My biggest problem with this team is, their talent scouting. The biggest problem I have is not putting more emphasis on the teams need. They are stuck in the pick the best player available mode, which is OK if the rest of the team is set. This team is not, and hasn’t been for quite a while. Tampa Bay has a strong roster at just about every position on the field. In the Bucs’ case, yes, the team is set, no glaring need, that’s when pick the best player available makes the most sense. Yes, we have more talent on this team than what was on the 70s and 80s teams, but if you don’t have a capable Q-back—–well; I’m pulling for Love to succeed.
“But Aaron Rodgers is far from blameless. He scores at TD in the 4th quarter of the NFCC game and we go to the SB. ” -Tommy
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So Tommy? Let me get this straight. If he scores a TD, that’s it? Packers are in the Super Bowl?
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Ummm…Tommy? Wouldn’t they still need to convert a 2pt conversion? Or is that automatic?
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Umm Tommy?.. If they score a TD, and a 2pt conversion…..,,then they go to the Super Bowl?
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Ummm Tommy?…wouldn’t they still have to win in overtime, or would the Bucs such forfeit the game at 31-31?
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You aren’t the brightest bulb in the room are you Tommy.
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Think of this as yet another learning opportunity Tommy.
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You’re welcome.
It’s time for basic arithmetic. We lost by 5, 31-26. A TD is 6 points with a PAT makes 7. 7 points is greater than 5 points. Are you following me here or did I lose you? There’s no need for a two point conversion. Reread it again if you need to.
Ouch. Even I felt that BUUUUURN.
Maybe you kids didn’t watch the game….
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It’s time for basic arithmetic
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The Packers got the ball and were down 23-31 with 4:33 left in the 4th quarter. Last time i checked, that means they were down by 8 points.
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Are you following me here or did i lose you?
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There is a need for a TD and a 2 point conversion. Then overtime
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Reread it again if you need to. Just do it slower this time and maybe a light will go on.
Again….you’re welcome.
This is about the time Tommy is saying to himself…”OOPS..oh yea, i did that wrong, PF4L was right, again”.
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This is also about the time that killer just wants to go put on a dress and hide in the closet.
Take your time kids, math is hard.
One more time. At the start of the 4th quarter we were down by 5. After exchanging FG’s in the 4th quarter we lost by 5. Had your girlfriend put together a TD drive at anytime in the final 15 minutes, which is an eternity in football. We win the game. I’m not taking just the final drive. God knows that would have put too much pressure on your girlfriend even though he’s the self proclaimed GOAT. The great QB’s rise to the occasion when faced with adversity. While others win meaningless awards.
Hard to score when your pro bowl RB and your All-pro LT is out and TB knows you have to pass and sacks led to punts in the 4th quarter….
Never said it’d be easy. Just don’t go on podcasts and say your the GOAT when your lobbing to win the MVP award just to stick it to Brian Gutekunst. It was right there in front of him. Contrast that to the SB the year before. Patrick Mahomes was down by 4 to the vaulted 49er defense with a mere 5 minutes left in the game. It had not gone well for the Chiefs up to that point. But Mahomes had had enough and took the game over. And won going away. It can be done. I’ve seen others do it.
(Mahomes looked worse two weeks later without BOTH of his starting tackles.) I agree with you that GB could have won that game; however, I think they needed to win the first 3 quarters because as you already pointed out, #12’s win % when down in the 4th is about 50/50. I’d rather have a QB like #12 that does not throw picks, gets way ahead and coasts, then have to QB that throws picks, gets behind and then has to preform a miracle to maybe win.
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A point that needs to be said is that GB with Bak at home wins that game with TB +55% of the time, imho. In other words, GB had the talent to win the SB this year even though they drafted Love and no WRs last year. I was not a fan of drafting Love and no WR last year; however, no one they could have drafted last year would have helped as much as Bak against TB in last game, imho.
I could get on board with that, but back at the first game during the season, that line was being shoved back consistently, with Bakh in there. It was brutal.
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They actually gave a little better showing in the NFCCG.
Holy shit Tommy…..THINK…..
“At the start of the 4th quarter we were down by 5.” – Tommy
Games aren’t won or lost at the start of the 4th quarter Tommy
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The Bucs scored a field goal to take an 8 point lead 31-23 with 4:42 left in the 4th quarter.
They are down by eight, eight points…isn’t 5 points.
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This is what you wrote….
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“Had your girlfriend put together a TD drive at (anytime in the final 15 minutes), which is an eternity in football. (We win the game).” – Tommy
So, in the final 4 minutes if the Packers score a TD, we win the game?…being down by 8?
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Listen close Tommy…… a TD, a 2 pt conversion and a stop…puts the game in overtime on a tie 31-31.
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Math is hard Tommy.
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Stay in school kids.
Fun fact: Jerry Tagge came to our Cub Scout meeting and described to us how the Packers ran their offense.
I would have loved to have been there! I always liked Jerry Tagge. The Packers didn’t give him much to work with. Those were some lean times.
Empacador are you kidding me? We had one of the best offenses in football last year, so what magical WR in last years draft changes that for us? Great QB’s win Super Bowls, multiple SB’s. I watched many a Patriot team with less talent than GB win several SB’s. You know why? Tom Brady. Other than the year he had that ass clown from MN name a WR he ever had in all his SB titles that were better than Adams is today? You cant. Aaron had Adams and one of the top OL’s and RB’s in football last year. Couldnt get the job done 3 straight drives in the NFC Title game at home. Thats on him.
This is why a part of me wants Aron to retire…..
It’s Rodgers fault!!
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News flash: Without Rodgers you aren’t in the NFCCG, or the playoffs.
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I’m cool with Rodgers retiring….bring on Jordan Love!!
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smh…lol
The Matt LaFleur/Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay offense is this generations West Coast offense. It works and QB’s love to run it. Jordan Love doesn’t have to be Aaron Rodgers. He just has to be able to run this QB friendly offense. He certainly has the skill set to do so. That by no means is a guarantee he can. He was a draft and develop player at the teams most important position. If you can take the emotion out of the equation it makes sense. Many cannot.
No rebelgb, you missed the point. Rodgers has been clamoring for skilled offensive players to be brought in for how long now? Draft picks higher than what he’s been provided. We’re at the point in Rodgers’ career where we will never know how things would have turned out had the Packers selected some skilled players higher than they did. So they weren’t constantly having to plug holes and maybe shored up some of their offensive weaknesses by investing a little more in the offense to overcome the shitty defenses. The Packer draft strategy can pretty much be summed up as “best player available – at a position of need”. Gutey was wetting himself over the selection of Rodgers in the 3rd round this year. Great. Not like it is 2-3 years too late. That guy better be the second coming of Sterling Sharpe. I know what the offense looks like and accomplished. The offense is better when it isn’t Adams-centric. Kinda like that 2010 team became better once Finley was lost for the season and they had to make due without him. I don’t see the Packers offense having nearly the success they had last year with Jordan Love at the helm. Because they still have turmoil and a suspect defense, so if anything it will be harder to replicate the “success” of the last 2 seasons, not business as usual.
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No Tom M, not too young to remember the 70’s teams as I was born in the 60’s. I can tell you Jordan Love will not approach the level of play we’ve seen from Rodgers in the next few years, so not sure how they will be better on offense. If I’m wrong I will readily admit it and eat crow. Not worried about finding any delicious crow recipes at the moment. Double digit interceptions will become the norm again. And while the front office is learning how to field a competitive team post Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay will once again be a place players are threatened to be traded to. The perpetual circle jerk is coming to an end sooner than people realize. What a waste of 30 years making excuses how hard it is to make Superbowls when you have back to back generational QBs. But summer’s coming, koolaid is right around the corner.
Excellent, I for one; am old enough to have witnessed, and suffered through the 70s and 80s of Packers’ football. For those who haven’t; think present day Lions and Bengals football. Yes, that is a fact! When Rodgers leaves, by anyway he chooses; or how ever it happens, we’ll all see how mis-managed the drafting of players on this team really is. The warts will become very obvious once the HOF QB has left. For years, I’ve questioned the priority on how this management team goes about the draft. To come out and say —- we aren’t happy with the ILB, DL, and DB play this past year; then resign those same players with very limited cap space available, is also the definition of insanity. Some of those players that they aren’t happy with, got an extension—– even after 4 years of below average performance; it’s just stupid! I feel bad for LaFleur and also for J. Love, if this shit show continues. Neither one of those guys; or the rest of the team ,for that matter, deserves this disfunction.
Imagine the free agents we can sign with the 37 mil this will free up! Plus all the draft choices and possible young talent that we can acquire by trading our cry baby! This isn’t bad news its a great opportunity to strengthen our team much as Tampa Bay has done!
Ummmm David?
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If traded, that 37 million doesn’t just disappear. Are you related to Tommy by any chance?
Aaron Rodgers has been scheming for a long time. At the end of McCarthy’s career, Rodgers didn’t tank it, but made sure he played exactly the McCarthy offense and didn’t bail McCarthy out. The holding onto the ball and sacks, largely due to guys not getting open in the McCarthy offense, forced the front office to look at McCarthy’s offense. Net result: McCarthy gone. This was Rodgers doing. The Love pick made Rodgers furious with Gutekunst, but he couldn’t leave last year because he had a couple down seasons trying to get rid of McCarthy. So, he played to his ability last year, which netted him MVP. He knew after the Love pick he was going play well for one year and then screw over the Packers, as he can now go to any team he wants in the NFL. He’s done as a Packer. Get used to it.
If you recall Brett Favre threw a tantrum demanding he be traded to the Vikings to be reunited with Darren Bevell his old QB coach. Ted said no. Now we have Rodgers wanting to traded to the 49ers and Gutekunst saying no. With Rodgers also throwing a tantrum. At some point management has to draw the line and say this is as far as you can push me. Both Favre and Rodgers went right up to that line. We as fans love our players but the team will always come first.
You seem to make things up as you go along Sparky.
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Rodgers didn’t asked to be traded to Minnesota, what he asked for was his full release, and the Packers rightfully said no, because there were rumors that Bevel and Rodgers were talking.
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After that was declined, then Favre wanted to be traded.
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Like the Packers would trade Favre directly to the vikings? Nobody would even request that because it’s ludicrous on it’s face.
Trade him to a team in the Division?….lol….Cmon Man!!
Well what do you know, you actually got something right. But whether traded or released Favre wanted to go to Minnesota. Ted said no. And it’s been your boyfriend’s life long dream to be a 49er and Gutekunst said the same thing. No. And little Aaron threw a fit. Give the baby his bottle….
Ok…where do you live?
I agree with most everything you wrote about the Rodgers/Gutekunst situation. I do think you are putting way to much of the blame for Jordy’s release on Gutekunst. I have commented on this before.
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Ted Thompson had just been forced to step down as GM. The search was on for a new GM. It appeared that Russ Ball was the guy Murphy was going to select. In stepped McCarthy (thankfully) and strongly indicated, in part that McCarthy had a say in the matter. Ball was not selected and Gutekunst was. Make no mistake that McCarthy did not want to see what happened to Sherman come into play with him.
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The silos were torn down and Murphy was the final say on matters of contention. You know McCarthy went to Murphy and said this is what/who I want, and who I don’t want in order to make this team better (protect my job). There is no question in my mind that McCarthy wanted a TE. McCarthy said so every year even though he did not use them well. McCarthy was also trying to find a scape goat for Hundley’s failure. The failure could not be on McCarthy. To me McCarthy put part of Hundley’s failure on Jordy slowing down, and not being on board with Hundley as a QB. McCarthy was wrong, but McCarthy had Murphy’s ear.
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Gutekunst was tasked with finding a TE. I’m confident Gutekunst had a list of free agent TEs and ones that might be available to obtain in a trade. Gutekunst probably also had a $ value assigned for each of those TEs with medical and character reports. It is my firm belief that McCarthy selected the TE he wanted. Ball negotiated the contract. Gutekunst was then tasked with cutting Jordy or getting Jordy to accept a low ball offer. The money part is Balls responsibility so I have no doubt Ball told Gutekunst this is the amount we will pay Jordy. Gutekunst did what he was paid to do as the GM (with a different power structure than what he thought he signed on for) carry the news to Jordy.
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Another situation that shows McCarthy was getting what he wanted that year in free agency. DIx and Randall both had made some disparaging comments about Capers. Dix was praised by McCarthy. Randall was reprimanded. Gutekunst was tasked to try and get what you can for Randall or cut him. Dix was kept around as McCarthy wanted, until the decision was made that McCarthy was not going to be retained another year. Dix was then traded. Gutekunst finally gained some of the power a GM should have.
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I have commented before that it was a very, very, very, big mistake for Gutekunst to trade up to draft Love. To me Rodgers is now making the mistakes. I can kind of see Rodgers wanting to give Gutekunst an elbow to the ribs at the start of this years draft. To carry it further than that is just plan vindictive, and mean spirited on Rogers part, not just to Gutekunst, but also to his teammates and coaching staff.
Very well said.
Anyone who believed the concept that Jordy was the problem with Hundley, has no business receiving a paycheck from a NFL team.
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In the first 5 games with Rodgers Jordy scores 6 TD’s passes. Yea..Nelson’s the problem…lol. Hundley liked to scramble out right emulating Rodgers, you think Hundley can make those passes over to the left side to Nelson?
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McCarthy had a scapegoat for Hundley. When he fired Alex Van Pelt.
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“,,,and McCarthy made it clear that he doesn’t think the coaching staff did its part to make sure he was prepared..
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“Brett Hundley wasn’t ready for what he needed to be ready for. That’s something that we have to learn from,…”
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Which was also yet another sticking point with Rodgers
Like i said a year ago, Hundley has a foot outside the NFL door.
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He has thrown completed 5 out of 11 passes for 49 yards since 2017
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I don’t think there is a QB coach who can do anything with him,
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Currently his is an available free agent likely out of the league.
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He isn’t known for much other than shooting a deer and getting Alex Van Pelt fired.
Well said Howard. A very eye opening view of what goes on behind the enclosed gates of the organization that the public seldom sees. It’s called office politics, pissing contests, or whatever you want to call it. Problem is, that kind of crap resonates throughout the whole organization, and it’s irritating; much like a kid who gets one candy bar; when everyone else in the room gets a bag full!
Aaron Rogers supposedly wants out of G/B, Russell Wilson out of Seattle. If Rogers can’t work out his differences with management, would this be a realistic or even possible trade?
Just you wait, Aaron will baa baa as he mosies calmly into his sheep stall (training camp). Then he’ll baa baa as the Packers organization sheer his wool (his not-quite-too-old playing skills). Then he will gently, ever so gently baa baa as they slaughter him for mutton (trade away for draft picks).
Rodgers is a good sheep who has no idea he is just stock to be used and abused freely and without consequence.
Ouch. Even I felt that BUUUUURN.
The only way Rodgers is staying is if davante and bak talk him in to one last season with them. That’s it…period.
This is ugly, messy, not the way anyone wants to see this end…..
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But…at the end of the day when the dust settles….Rodgers has nothing to prove. He’s proven it all and then some
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Gutekunst on the other hand still has everything to prove, and it all relies on a 22 year old kid..
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The team even has something to prove…they need to prove they can win without a HOF QB.
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I see Rodgers sipping some scotch out by the pool at Favre’s house wondering how much his investments have made him that day, While Brett smokes a cigar and they all laugh and joke with some mutual friends before they turn on the Packer game, while their trophy wives are frolicking in the pool in their bikini’s.
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It’s good to be Aaron Rodgers. he’s a Baaaad Man!!
This reminds me of chats from years gone by, it wasn’t unusual back then to have articles with 90 plus comments.
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The intensity, the passion among Packer Nation.
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Love it!!
I’ll also say this….i haven’t been to a lot of other Packer sites…but, this site has the most intelligent fans BY FAR. I mean everyone, not just those who agree with me. It’s everyone that makes it work.
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It’s full of vision, fan loyalty, history, dedication, critical thinking, passion, and surprisingly high football acumen across the board.
Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all smarter Packer fans that have learned something or another, from everyone here.
It’s also sometimes raw, and that’s ok, because it’s human nature, were all human.
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I myself owe gratitude because of some things i can’t control that effects me. This place is a great diversion for me, and i’m thankful.
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In a nod to JP for keeping it running and all the writers who devote a lot of time and effort into writing articles even though some of us (playfully) abuse them. they are the straw that stirs this drink, and most importantly, even though i don’t like speaking for other people. they are all appreciated.
I’ll second that! I’ll open up another can of worms; what does everyone like /dislike about the Packers draft?
(LIKE)…It looks like he genuinely tried to draft starters and players who could contribute
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(DISLIKE)…Does it matter at this point? If he is now going to finally draft to win now, like Tampa did. He’s a lil late to the party.
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As we noticed, Gute drafted another triple play. 3 O lineman.
Out of the last 2 drafts, exactly 1/3 of the picks selected were dedicated to the O line
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Howard spoke about Stokes, he claimed that Stokes should play on the perimeter not in the slot.
My first reaction was just play him, get him on the field and when he he is better than King…start him.
Once again, Howard is probably correct.
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I watched some game video of Stokes on short to intermediate routes.
OMG…i almost fell out of my chair.
Damned if i wasn’t watching Kevin Kings clone. It was eerie.
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This is not to dump on King, or Stokes, but it’s uncanny.
They talk about Stokes having great recovery speed when playing deep
But the word “recovery” means you got beat initially off the snap.
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Still…you have to give the rookie some time to get coached up.
It doesn’t get easier in the NFL, but you start with a clean slate.
If he ends up being better than King, it’s a win. If he doesn’t…..
Ya, and then they added 2 more OL in UDFA. In another year or two; they could have a whole team of OL men. Now that’s what I call going all in,,,,,,,,LOL (That’s our man,,,,,, Gute the great!
“I don’t see this ending well” – Shannon Sharpe
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0SSqxH20Bo
AR acted as employee which recognized he is not anymore in future planes of his employee. He is looking for new opportunities for himself. Nothing wrong there. Everyone of us would do same.
AR responded properly l to GB message when they drafted Love. He played as MVP. he did not acted arrogant. He simply played to show his best. He also said he wanted to play in GB till end of career. But he was nto awarded with extension.
Role of management is to manage employees especially if it is leader of the team. Any GB failed big time there.
But it looks they even made bigger mistake if they overestimated Love that he can play in NFL as proper QB.
Otherwise replacing AR with Love, this year instead of next, would not be problem.