Aaron Rodgers on the Packers Situation and 2021 Season – Training Camp
When Aaron Rodgers reported to training camp last week, he finally aired his displeasure with the front office and general manager Brian Gutekunst. Clearly a work in progress, Rodgers and Gutekunst have been seen at least once talking. However, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will the relationship between Rodgers and Gutekunst.
From the very beginning, Rodgers had nothing personal against Jordan Love, who the Packers drafted last season. In fact, Rodgers has reached out to Jordan and is taking his mentorship professionally and seriously.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said last week that the coaching staff would have to get Rodgers caught up on changes to the offense. Of course, the longtime signal caller for the Packers doesn’t agree with everything in the playbook, but he learned to pick and choose his battles.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) participates in training camp at Ray Nitschke Field, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Rodgers appeared to have not missed a beat from his MVP season last year. Although working out at home, he didn’t have receivers to throw to, but was sharp from the very start of camp, not to the surprise of wide receiver Allen Lazard.
Speaking of the receiving group, Rodgers knows there is a battle going on. Four or five receivers are likely a lock to make the roster, but there are still spots to be won at the bottom of the roster and the practice squad. Rodgers has taken notice that there are “a lot of guys in the mix.”
Rodgers noted specifics about several players in the mix. Devin Funchess, who is back after being off last year, is a “big, strong, talented guy who has played at a high level before.”. Rodgers likes what he’s seen out of Juwann Winfree, adding “he has had a really nice offseason. He looks, body-wise, differently.” Rodgers also noted that Malik Taylor and Equanimeous St. Brown made the roster last year and made strides and expects continued improvement.
The locks for the team should be Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, and rookie Amari Rodgers. With an extra game this season and expanded practice squads, the Packers could keep upwards of seven receivers.
Unlike many other NFL teams, the competition at wide receiver for the Packers could be more intriguing and competitive. Breaking down the candidates on the bubble, Funchess is a second-round pick with 165 career receptions. It will be interesting to see what he has in the tank after missing the majority of the last two seasons(the last of which was based on his decision to skip the 2020 season because of COVID).
St. Brown and Taylor made the roster a year ago and have at least a couple years of experience in LaFleur’s system. Originally a sixth-round selection by the Denver Broncos, Winfree has been with the Packers for over a year and jumped out during workout programs in the offseason. At the bottom of the list, but still competing for a spot on the practice squad, are Chris Blair, DeAndre Thompkins, and Reggie Begelton.
After having talks with Gutekunst for greater input on the roster, Rodgers may just get his way as to which receivers make the team.
Rodgers clearly indicated what he intends to see out his receivers:
- alignment and the assignment
- understanding the game
- do one thing great
- has to be something they do exceptionally
- maturity on the field
- secure with themselves
- professional and prepared
There is a little more than a month before the start of the 2021 NFL season. That gives all receivers time to prove they belong on the same field as the “professional thrower”, as mentioned by Lazard.
Quotes are via ESPN and USAToday
14 Comments
What Are Your Thoughts? Comment Now! *No Registration Required*
Recent Posts
I’m fairly certain Rodgers and Gute can co-exist for a season. the writings on the wall.
But still i wonder, why is this an everyday day topic? Especially on sports talk shows.
.
I’m back listening to The Fan when i’m forced to report back to my desk. Same shit, different year, different month, different week, and day.
Bitch bitch bitch…they invent shit to complain about (literally) ….hypothetical situations, and what would Rodgers do or say if it happened, and if he said a certain thing how would the fans react, how would the players react…lol, just stupid.
The shit doesn’t stop either i swear..every day lol…new hypothetical situations, fills about 2-3 hours of air time a day.
.
Rodgers was seen talking to Gute at camp, wooo spooky….lol…what does that mean?…Lets talk about that for an hour under different hypothetical scenarios….lol
.
As far as the team, i don’t put much stock into training camp reports when the players are in shorts and no contact, but sometimes i listen to them anyway like any other fan.
.
We’re 9 days away from seeing live action and Jordan Love under center. Again..it’s pre – season and blue chips don’t play much if at all, but it’s a taste.
.
People can say what they like about Rodgers,
But i see someone who is honest, doesn’t bullshit and blow smoke, and who has extremely high character.
I say that partly because of what he means to the QB room.
Based on everyone who speaks on it from the Packers from the top down, including the rookie QB’s.
There may not be a finer veteran QB in the NFL to learn from than Rodgers.
By all (every) account, he is exceptional when it comes to working with the young QB’s.
.
It seems like he may have issues with Murphy and Gute…but Rodgers doesn’t allow it to go below that as far as being a teammate.
.
I don’t know if anyone caught Gilbert Brown on The Fan the other day, but he may not be asked back anytime soon. He wouldn’t fall for the hypothetical complaint sessions over Rodgers. He wasn’t having it, and he let it known.
I hear ya, PF4L! The Rodgers vs Gute feud is mellow for now. But, I’ve been around long enough to know that the moment things start going awry; (if it goes awry); the media will be all over the feud story—– like stink on shit. What ever happened to reporters, reporting the story? They are supposed to REPORT THE STORY: not fabricate it! Hate is word I don’t like to use with full meaning; but, I hate the main-stream media- period.
In the immortal words of Harvey Keitel in “Plup Fiction”, “ let’s not all start sucking our dicks just yet”. The Rodgers/Gutekunst marriage is putting on a happy face now for the kids. We get a rash of injuries or at two game losing streak things could get ugly in a hurry. Nevertheless, it’s difficult not to get excited for the coming season. And those that want Rodgers back in 2022 better pray to the football gods for a SB victory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArSLNJNUEIM
Was hoping for a Pulp Fiction clip, but you let me down
Ok Tiger :)
I thought we’d have an article about Family Night, so i guess we’re even.
.
Maybe, i just don’t play well with others. Especially when the other keeps bringing up male on male oral gratification, or doing other readers Moms and sisters, or asking another reader who’s better, his mom or his sister
.
I’m guessing there are other websites that specialize in homosexual and incestual subject matters.
But hey… if you don’t have a problem……..
Wait…i found it.
cheeseheadtv.com/blog/pack-a-day-podcast-episode-1110-packers-family-night-recap-632
Funchess gave us all something to talk about but I got shit to do.
Perhaps you could give us a Tyson Farms/COVID-19 update then….
Jason Parker, you at least understand the reference without the clip. While most of the simpletons that post here prefer cartoon clips that cater to their educational level. The Rodgers fan club will tell you it’s all rainbows and butterflies now that he’s back. The biggest obstacle I see for the coming season is Aaron Rodgers. Does Rodgers, assistant GM, also take on the mantel of assistant HC? Thereby ignoring his HC’s game plan. Calling his own plays. Forcing the ball to his buddies Adams and Cobb. Ego is a powerful thing Jason, and he’s done it before. How long before NFL defenses get wise to such a one dimensional offense? We know Rodgers cannot be blamed. He can only be praised. Fault always cast to others. Much of his MVP season was due to the fact he ran MLF’s offense. Will he continue? Or will his ego get the better of him? I don’t have the answer. My enthusiasm therefore tempered. But rest assured your followers won’t allow Rodgers to take responsibility for anything negative. PF4L, you don’t need a new article to post a five paragraph, stat filled, tirade on how wonderful and awe inspiring Aaron Rodgers is. Just stare at your Aaron Rodgers poster on your ceiling and the inspiration will come…..
Yes!! Forget all us simpletons who prefer cartoons that cater to our educational level.
.
Lets all listen to the wise, educated, real men who speak to their extremely high educational level.
.
Tom M July 30, 2021
Sure, just as soon as I’m finished with you mom….
.
Tom M July 30, 2021
I’m moving there with your mom. Hope you’ll come visit! And yes, you can call me daddy!!
.
Tom M July 31, 2021
Now don’t get jealous cheesy. I’ll get around to your mom next. Or maybe your sister. Tell me, which one is best?
PF4L, if you find the talk here so offensive. You might want to go over to the “Food Network” blog. Where you can exchange recipes and the latest Megan Markel gossip. Let us talk of manly things here at “Total Packers.” The way you quote me, I’m not sure if you need a time out, or if Aaron Rodgers should be jealous. All this attention, I’m flattered!!!
“Let us talk of manly things here at “Total Packers.” – Tom M
.
Tom M July 30, 2021
Sure, just as soon as I’m finished with you mom….
.
Tom M July 30, 2021
I’m moving there with your mom. Hope you’ll come visit! And yes, you can call me daddy!!
.
Tom M July 31, 2021
Now don’t get jealous cheesy. I’ll get around to your mom next. Or maybe your sister. Tell me, which one is best?
What? No cartoon link? No admonishing readers to stay in school? You’d be wise to take your own advice in reference to continuing education. In the immortal words of “Dean Wormer” from “Animal House”, “fat, dumb, and stupid, is no way to go thru life son.”