A complete breakdown on Special Teams stole a victory from the defense on a cold and snowy night at Lambeau. The defense deserved this victory. They kept the 49er offense out of the end zone, limiting them to six points. The first 49er field goal could be blamed on the 50 yard kickoff return allowed by the Packers. The difference in the score can be placed squarely on Mason Crosby’s blocked field goal and the blocked punt of Corey Bojorquez. These three plays swung the score in favor of the 49ers.
During the season the Packer Special Teams continually faltered but the Packers still led the NFC in wins. On a chilly night at Lambeau there would be no miracle last second defensive interception, no 4th quarter drive by the offense, there would only be failure.
The offense opened up with a quality drive that mixed pass and run ending with a driving burst by A.J. Dillon into the end zone giving the Packers a quick 7-0 lead. The defense walked off the field at halftime forcing four punts and an interception. The defense was not finished coming up with what seemed like a game sealing 4th down stop with 6:14 in the game, preserving a 10-3 lead. But Aaron Rogers and the offense failed to gain a first down and the punt team gave a touchdown and the momentum to San Francisco. With just over four and a half minutes left in the game the offense would again fail to gain a first down. The quick punt after two incomplete passes gave the 49ers time to gain three first downs and 44 yards to allow Robbie Gould to kick a 45 yard field goal as time expired.
This game may go down as the worst failure in Packer playoff history. And it was sadly foreseeable. The Packers think they spend enough time, effort and strategy on Special Teams. They do not. This has been a failure many years in Green Bay. Blame could be pointed in many directions but one point is clear. Their entire approach has failed and needs to be changed.
There’s no question special teams shit the bed. After a huge stop on 4th down with 6 minutes left in the game and a 7 point lead, the Packers get the ball. Aaron Rodgers gets a couple of first downs and it’s game over. He can’t do it. He gets the ball back, the game tied with 4:30 left. Time to be the hero Aaron. Once again, he can’t do it. Jimmy Garapolo gets the ball with 3 minutes left and puts together a game winning drive. With the game on the line, Jimmy G comes thru while little Erin lays an egg. Just like last year. If Aaron Rodgers is the “Michael Jordan” of the regular season. Then he’s the “Kirk Cousins” of the playoffs. It’s time to move on.
Someone cue Chicago Bears fans who’ll undoubtedly start trolling Rodgers by saying, “the 49ers own you Aaron, their whole life they’ve owned you!” It happens when your an arrogant, pony tail wearing, ass hole. And little Erin and his 0-4 playoff record against San Francisco fits the bill. Sure glad we got home field advantage. It made all the difference in the world.
We all knew that special teams has been a dumpster fire for years.
So, who’s to blame ?
Gutz for not getting better players for special teams ?
Or, LaFleur for poor coaching ? And not addressing this year after year ?
Rodgers may own the Bears, but the 9ers certainly own Rodgers. Time to move on. I wish him the best elsewhere, but I think we’ve clearly established his limit in Wisconsin. There will obviously be an immediate drop-off with Love but at least there’s potential beyond where we are now with whoever is QB1. Let’s face it, McCarthy and the front office wore Rodgers down to the nub while riding his coat tails. All that was left for MLF was a disgruntled, jaded veteran whose physical gifts had finally lost out to his arrogance, leaving us with the Rogan-acolyte, “free thinker” that he is now. So sad to see a Packer hero and one of the most gifted NFL athletes ever go out like such a chump– even worse than Favre, in my opinion (maybe that’s healing of time talking there).
Side note– calling him Erin is so clever! Did you think that up during recess? I bet all the other 5th graders find that hilarious.
We knew special teams was going to be an issue. The defense played extremely well, much better than anyone expected. What we didn’t expect was the reigning MVP to throw inaccurately, take sacks and miss open receivers trying to snag his highlight reel completions.
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Stop blaming Gutekunst, a guy who picked up Rasoul Douglas and DeVondre Campbell for peanuts, guys who will sign $5-10 million contracts in the off season, just not with the Packers.
Until you get a team full of guys with gigantic balls this is whats going to happen. Ive said this many many times. Playoff football is all about how big your balls are. Its not about one seed or two seed. Its about balls. You dont go in and play puss ball this time of the year like the Packers want to. Just ridiculous that we have to constantly go through this shit year after year after year. I said it was over a year ago. I truly believe that. The only way to get better is to get rid of the pussies on your team regardless of how good they are. That should be Gutes number one objective this off season, finally. Get rid of the pussies on your staff and on the field of play and you will see better results in the playoffs.
Blame LaFleur for ST. You think Holmgren in the 90s just goes, “well, special teams is what it is. We cant change anything about it now.” Fuck no! Holmgren would have fired everybody and replaced players to send a message. LaFleur is a pussy who in the playoffs waits for opposing coaches to outsmart him so he can have a press conference saying he messed up, its on him. Yeah, no shit. Stop being a pussy and start taking names. This aint the ice capades.
Rodgers goes, “I didnt play well.” Like we’re all supposed to nod our heads and be okay with that answer. LOL. Seriously as great a talent he is hes one of the dumbest fucking great qbs off all time. Maybe number one. Guy completely lacks any awareness. Like, oh we lost this big game and i wasnt great and we had some other issues but we hey we tried and gave it a good fight. As ive said the mentallity isnt there. To be great you have to want it!! Like Brady! You have to eat, sleep, shit and fuck football 24/7. Rodgers isnt wired that way. He loves his off seasons of smoking weed and doing LSD on a beach with Woodley.
It certainly didn’t help that the offensive coordinator
and quarterback coach were off interviewing all week.
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Distracted.
The bottom line is The ST failures are on LaFleur. Everyone wondered why LaFleur would hire the assistant to the previous failed ST coordinator? It was like Drayton had no input into the previous seasons ST failures?
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The blocked kicks were on two specific players. Lancaster on the blocked field goal should have blocked from the inside out. Lancaster let the inside man go free. You always pay more attention to the inside rusher first as he has the closest path to the kick. No doubt Wertel was pushed back on the blocked punt. SF had been getting a push over the snapper on earlier punts, but there was a middle protector doing his job. The problem on the blocked punt was Black was the middle protector and for some reason Black lost focus and left his responsibility for no obvious reason. Again on kicks you protect from the inside to the outside. The real problem is Drayton is a bad ST coach. He still doesn’t have his players using sound ST fundamentals and rules by the end of a 17 game season? It was a huge mistake by LaFleur to hire an assistant to a very bad ST coordinator. LaFleur was the biggest failure as it relates to this years STs.
I agree with you Howard on the blame should be cast on LaFleur for the debacle that was the STs’. However, I read something a while back that LaFleur wanted Darren Gizzi, who eventually wound end up in New Orleans as their Sts’ coordinator. Gizzi was MLFs’ choice guy for Sts’ but Gizzi was low-balled by management, (money); and he went to N.O. But still, LaFleur hired from within (Drayton); and I wouldn’t doubt that Murphy was behind that move. Murphys’ best saying is;;;;;;; “we take care of our own”. Problem is, they take care of their own; whether that person, player or coach is competent —– or not! As always Howard, I enjoy your posts!
So much to digest. I appreciate the honest feelings and opinions being expressed on this thread without a lot of over the top craziness. Everyone makes some great points.
I struggled with Arod after 2020, I really felt he was just a numbers Diva and not really into caring about Super Bowls or any of the big game stuff. Then in 2021 he played the regular season so well. He really was playing at a high level. I bit my tongue and got back on board.
I posted before Saturday that no matter what happened with the defense (and to my credit i thought they would do well) that Arod was not going to lose to JimmyG this point in his career. Not with the year he has had. Ugghh. I couldnt have been more wrong.
I went to the Packers Forum online, the main forums for Packers fans. I couldnt believe the amount of people defending Aaron. I mean it was only 25% but I couldnt believe it was that high. 1/4 fans on that site said “dont blame Aaron, he didnt have a chance..” Im sorry but your HOF Qb put up 10 points at home against an OK defense. I dont know how many times I saw Aaron zero in on Adams and not even look over the field. It was like watching a rookie college QB zoom in on his one decent offensive player., I hate to say it but Aaron is such good buds with his man Adams that he is willing to sacrifice the good of the team to feed him the football.
I found it funny the people defending Arodge talking about the pressure he was under…..did anyone watch the earlier game? Joe Burrows was sacked an NFL Playoff record 9 times! But you know what, he found a way to win.
Someone else here posted that if this had been Brady as the Packer QB this game wouldnt have been close. I have to agree. Give Brady the defensive effort the Packers D gave today and he wins 100% of the time.
I dont want to watch a losing franchise again. I endured it through the 80’s as a kid and through most the early 90’s. And I have little faith in Love. All that being said the Aaron Rodgers experience is over. Its time to unload our QB, out ST, the guy who thinks he should be the #1 paid WR in football (give me Chase anyday) and a bunch of others on this roster.
Time to take a new approach in GB. Lets build a winning Defense and then compliment it with a really good Offense. No HOF QB needed for that.
Oh and I have to agree with what has been said on other posts in this thread: Our HC deserves major criticism for playing buddies with his ST coach instead of halfway through the season doing what should have been done. Our ST should have been fired 8 weeks ago. Lafleur is going to have to learn that being a “good guy” in the NFL only gets you fired….
Correction^^^^^^ I meant to say Darren Rizzi was the STs’ coordinator for New Orleans—— MY BAD!
The issue with Aaron Rodgers is it’s always about what he doesn’t have and never about what he does have. He doesn’t have a second WR, he doesn’t have a good enough defense, special teams is a disaster, McCarthy’s offense is dated. Last night the defense gave up two FG’s. That’s it. Special teams gave up the 49ers only TD and had a blocked FG. If your the greatest to ever play the game like all the fanboys say, then you find a way to overcome that. You’ve got the best WR and the best RB on the field and you can’t get it done? Brian Gutekunst has fixed the defense. You’ve got Davante Adams AJ Dillion and Aaron Jones. And Rodgers let’s Jimmy Garapolo out play him? How much more of this do we have to see? Some guys are clutch and win big games and others collect stats and awards and validate themselves that way. It’s painfully clear which player Aaron Rodgers is. When Rodgers needed to show up and make a play, he couldn’t do it. It’s been that way since 2010 and it’ll be no different no matter where he goes. I’m not convinced Jordan Love is the answer. But I know Rodgers is not. It’s time to move on.
This is going to be any ugly off season, probably worse than the 2007-2008 off-season. Given Rodgers comments after the game, the fact that even Stafford looked good after he left the Lions, and the fact there’s no way the Packers can keep both Adams and him, he’s going to do all he can to make it so that the Packers will do anything just to get rid of him, including giving him away for peanuts like they got for Favre. I’m hoping the Packers can at least get a first round pick for him, but if he goes to say, the Broncos that first round pick won’t be a very good one.
Yeah. If I’m Gutenkunst, do I have faith bringing Rodgers back for another year? On the one hand, it makes sense because Rodgers is very talented and the NFC North isn’t very good. They can probably win it again and get a wild card even with losing some players. But Rodgers playoff resume is poor. As you say, he kind of is what he is at this point. He isn’t a team player. Allen Lazard was open on the third down where he forced it to adams. For some reason, Rodgers focused on adams the whole game and ignored everyone else. I can’t explain why.
I have to say that I’m in total disgust after this game. At first, it was the special teams. But now that the game is over, it’s on Rodgers. The defense had one of the best games I’ve seen in the playoffs. The offense ruined it. And Rodgers went three and out twice on the last couple drives. How is that MVP? Again, you can’t say it’s because he didn’t have good players. Lazard was open. It’s Rodgers playing bad. Plus, how many more conditions have to be right to win? The Packers had homefield twice the last two years. Rodgers also went three and out on multiple drives in the 4th quarter against the Buccaneers. This year the Packers were supposed to have the advantage because of the cold. They got the cold and Rodgers still plays bad. There’s never going to be perfect conditions. It would’ve been nice to have Bahktiari, but next year players could be hurt again for the playoffs. There’s never going to be some perfect condition. This last two years were as close to that as you can get. 2020 had homefield and no major injuries. This year had serious injuries and homefield, but they had the guys to beat the 49ers.
I don’t see the point bringing Rodgers back. It’s probably going to be harder next year. If he can’t win this year, how is he going to do it next year? Gutenkunst would have to do some serious salary cap magic to keep the team together and for what purpose? Lose again? I’m tired of playoff losses.
Whatever happens this off season, bringing Adams back will be a mistake. Without Rodgers to force him the ball, his stats will plummet and he will be disgruntled. $27 million plus for a guy that potentially won’t be accruing the same stats he enjoyed under Rodgers. That’s money well spent (NOT) while waiting for the Packers to address their QB situation. And IF that means Rodgers somehow stays, Rodgers will have to target someone other than Adams. I don’t know where this trust shit manifested itself from. When Rodgers took over for Favre he used to routinely hit 9-10-11 different receivers a game if memory serves. What the hell happened?
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Holdovers like King have no business being re-signed under any circumstances. If they are going to blow it up then blow it up without re-signing the liabilities on the cheap that are “familiar with the system”. I’d rather see them take their chances and growing pains without the “known” commodities because at least then I’d believe they were trying to actually improve the team rather than maintain the status quo. Build around Clark, Gary, Alexander, Stokes, Douglas and Campbell. Offensively they may as well gather some guys that can grow together as this team re-invents itself into whatever they next become.
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Seriously glad the Rams didn’t completely shit the bed against that asshole Arians and Tampa Bay. Would have loved to seen a Bills/Bengals AFC title game just for the sake of change. Anyone but the 49ers and that other asshole Shanahan, Kyle. Knowing the 49ers somehow got back to the Superbowl while denying the Packers 4 times over the past 11 years just wouldn’t sit right.
Last year Matthew Stafford was traded before the Super Bowl. Brian Gutekunst needs to do the same and trade Rodgers before the media circus starts. The market has been established. Denver, Pittsburgh, Washington, New Orleans, Cleveland, among others all need a QB. With no sure-fire college prospect this year, that will help Rodgers value. Don’t prolong this. Do it and get it done. The most likely landing spot being Denver. Where two first round picks and Jerry Juedy seem reasonable. This will be the perfect year to start Jordan Love. Where they’ll be two first year head coaches and second year Justin Fields starting and possibly a rookie QB in Detroit. By November you’ll finally know what you have in Jordan Love. If he’s the answer, great, you continue to build around him. If not, you take your first round pick and the additional first round pick you got from Rodgers and you move up to get the hot QB prospect in next years draft. See 49ers and Trey Lance and the Bears and Justin Fields. They’ll be some dead money in this years cap. The price you pay for going all in on this year. But the core players will remain and after this coming season the cap will be fine. Davante Adams will not get the franchise tag. This game was necessary for closure. Even Rodgers most ardent supporters struggle to defend him now. Even they can’t turn a blind eye to what the rest of us have been see for years now. Change is necessary.
Tom M January 23, 2022
The issue with Aaron Rodgers…..
Is my obsessive hate for him in every post i comment in.
Can anyone remember a post i made where i wasn’t bitching and whining and discussing my contempt for Erin?
Neither can i, it’s all i know how to do.
Does that make me a twat?
Maybe, but it’s just who i am.
“Rodgers goes, “I didnt play well.” Like we’re all supposed to nod our heads and be okay with that answer. LOL.
Seriously as great a talent he is hes one of the dumbest fucking great qbs off all time. Maybe number one.”
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I feel ya man….i hate a QB who takes responsibility.
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“Dumbest fucking QB’s OFF all time, maybe number one”
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Stay in school kids.
Rodgers needs a running game. Rodgers needs a new coach. Rodgers needs a defense. The Packers need to spend money on free agents. All excuses that we have heard for the past 10 years as to why the Packers can’t get back to the Super Bowl. Yet, the Packers are EXACTLY where they were after all these changes were made. Except now the Packers are $45 million over the cap next season and have no chance of signing Adams, Campbell, MVS, Tonyan and others and will likely have to get rid of the Smiths, Bakhtiari, Cobb and maybe others. After making all these changes, the results were exactly the same, a season ending with a bad performance by Rodgers.
Full rebuilds are possible in 2 seasons. Look at Cincinnati. Look at their last 2 drafts and hire the GM. Starts with a QB though and Green Bay does not have one at present. Rodgers has gone from questioned to beloved to misunderstood to cringy and unhinged. Sad.
Deepky’s post says it all.
One thing I remember about games in which Adams didn’t play a/c injuries, the offense was diverse and productive. Why? Because it forced Rodgers to scan the field and distribute the ball to the guy that was open. During the Niners game I was paying attention to Rodgers on his drop backs, and noticed more often than not, he didn’t take his eyes off of Adams. First of all, Adams was constantly double teamed, and #2, the DBs’ see this and know Rodgers does this and can easily read his eyes. The same thing happened in the NFCCG against TB. I recall twice when Adams was targeted and double covered, where other guys were wide open. One involved St. Brown, and the other one was Lazard. Both could have, maybe been a quick six points. I don’t really know if this philosophy is Rodgers being given too much freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage, calling his own plays; or LaFleur not being assertive enough to to make Rodgers abide by La Fleurs offense. Either way, the play calling was shit, and we all expected more; especially after that 1st drive. The defense played a hell of a game, but St’s were a disaster, as they have been all year. But, this loss is on Rodgers and LaFleur. Both even admitted it in their pressers. Now, I agree that Rodgers is a hell of a talent, as far as throwing the rock; but his decision making is what’s hampering this team. I blame Rodgers for a lot of his putting too much trust in Adams, and I blame LaFleur for not forcing the issue in stopping it, or at least changing Rodgers mindset. I think there is no way Rodgers changes his ways. If the coach and the QB can’t observe how much more fluid this offense operates without Adams in the lineup; then maybe, big changes need to be made.
It’s entertaining listening to all the Rogers critics after the inevitable Packers exit from the playoffs. He deserves much of the criticism with his often average play in the playoffs. However, without Rodgers the Packers wouldn’t even be in the playoffs. Maybe they should do a better job drafting impact players. Most of their free agent signings have resulted in over paid and underperforming players. Maybe they should hire a decent DC and STC who can improve these always underperforming units. The defense played a decent game Saturday but anyone who thinks this unit is even a mid pack defense is delusional. The special teams has been at the bottom of the league for the last 10+ years. These issues fall on the head coach and even more the upper management.
The Packers should have traded Rodgers to San Fran last year if there was any validity to the supposed trade rumors. I don’t think they will get anything this year near what they could have gotten for him last year if they decide to trade him. Once you use a #1 and #4 draft pick on a QB who you don’t need and is a reach at best you’ve committed to a rebuild. There is no all in at this point to win a super bowl because you didn’t fill other glaring needs on defense or offense. Do you have faith that Gute is going to make the best draft picks with whatever they can get for Rodgers? I know I don’t based on what he has done so far.
It’s time for the Packers to make some changes. It’s obvious what they are doing now isn’t going to get the job done if you are serious about winning championships and not just games. Hire a decent DC (Fangio?) and find a new STC outside of the organization. Enough of this promoting from within or hiring my buddies from an old team I coached with. Time for MLF to prove he is a good coach without Rodgers. With Love as QB we will see how good the MLF system is. After all, I keep reading comments on hear that it is the system, not Rodgers that makes the team successful. In the mean time get ready for 70’s and 80’s era Packer football.
I’m happy for everyone who gets to unload on Rodgers.
I know it may take years, but get it all out, enjoy yourself.
Something tells me Rodgers gives no fuck what you think.
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I think Rodgers should call it a day (if that’s what he wants), he has had one hell of a career.
Anyone that doesn’t agree with that, has no clue what they are watching.
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Rodgers is often compared to Tom Brady in here by some viking nimrod..
News flash D. F.!!!
There is only one Tom Brady.
If Rodgers comes in 2nd to Tom Brady, then so be it.
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I’ve said it almost from day one…..
I’ll ride with Rodgers until the end, without wavering.
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The Green Bay Packers and Packer Nation should feel blessed they’ve had him under center for as long as we had.
He’s a generational talent.
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Go ahead…bitch, whine and complain about Rodgers, continue that good long cry.
What are you going to do for fun when Rodgers retires…
Kick your dog in the head?
Beat your wife?
Tell your therapist your Mother didn’t love you enough?
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As a Packer fan, i’m damn proud Rodgers wore the green and gold.
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3 decades of Packers HOF QB’ing may soon be officially over.
Packer fans under 40 years old don’t know anything different.
This much is inevitable….
Soon, reality will rule the day at 1265 Lombardi Ave.
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Maybe some of you wish we had someone different at QB.
Be careful what you wish for.
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V.O.R.
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PF4L
Complete football teams. That’s all it is, that’s all it’s ever been.
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It’s why I bitched about the Packers giving fuck-all about the MLB position for years. You can have all the talent at “premium” positions you want, but a smart head coach will take advantage of your weakest area, and you’ll lose. Look at the difference Campbell made to the defense this year.
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It’s no different with special teams. It was obvious, to all of us, how weak ST were this year. People can bitch about Rodgers having a bad day (and he did), but Rodgers didn’t lose this game. It’s a complete failure of the organization from the top down that such incompetence was tolerated the whole season.
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Here’s a quote from Kyle Shanahan (who looks like a dude who beats his dog), from just a few days before the game. “ My number one goal is to not lose on special teams. It means I’m not just going into games trying to dictate the flow games through fakes. I usually want depend on offense, but special teams, the starting point is to not lose it, to not turn the ball over, to make sure we get the ball back.”
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Complete football teams win games. See y’all next year, we’re in for a rough offseason. Stay healthy everyone.
Good points Arch! No, I’m not confidant in Gute making great use of the picks if Rodgers is traded. I say that because of recent history—– learning from TT. Also, this organization sure hangs on to average players too long, just doesn’t like to admit draft mistakes by keeping them, and then extending them. They take too long developing some players, and often times; those same players never make a meaningful contribution, or can’t be dependable. Also, I and many others in here have repeatedly mentioned the never ending importance of upgrading the STs’. It’s 1/3 of your team! All of this is an oversight of management, scouting, and coaching. And, this promoting from within isn’t getting the problems solved. If they trade Rodgers, rumors are the Packers can possibly receive 3 1st rounders in the deal;;;;;; fat chance! Considering his age, arrogance, and his thinking that he’s smarter than the coaches; (sometimes he is); and been accused of being aloof, IMO there isn’t a team that will part with 3 number 1 picks. But then again, disfunctional organizations do disfunctional things. If you listened to his post game presser, it’s the same message he sent last year, only different words. Granted, those comments were made with no time to reflect after that embarrassing loss. But, the way he kept thanking for the opportunities he was given, his admiration for the organization, the fans, the love of the game,,,,,etc; it seems he realizes his time has come to either retire, or seek a trade. This organization has to sit back reflect, study what’s wrong and look in the mirror. And I mean from Murphy on down!
Arch Stanton what “talent” was missing on offense? Top WR, one of the Top 3 running backs. 2 of the best OLineman in football. Dillon as a second back…..Um thats more than Tom Brady EVER had on offense. So what the hell are you talking about? The argument that the Packers didnt give Rodgers the tools to win is about 3 years stale bread.
Last year it was “ok now he needs a defense..” after we re-signed AJ and Dillon showed he was going to be a difference maker. Well our defense wasnt superb this year, but they were still part of a team that won #1 seed. Then they followed it up with one of the best defensive performances the Packers have had since the 2010 SB.
I agree with PF4L in that we should absolutely be thankful that we got to have Aaron Rodgers as a QB. But that doesnt mean the guy gets a free pass on his playoff failures. Not after we invested so much to bring him the team he needed.
I would have liked to have seen a Monday story that Mo Drayton’s key card wouldn’t work for him this morning at 1265 Lombardi.
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In another post I mentioned reactions, and overreactions. As I recall the 4th and 26 and the aftermath of that, I think that was an overreaction by the Packers. This time it is different, there is a long term body of work to look at and there is looming salary cap issue to look at.
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This off season should present opportunities for some thoughtful articles and some reasoned posts about what maybe should be done at this point. I could care less for the “Erin” bullshit, anything to do with inoculations, vaccines, and the like, or for that matter what is on someone’s bookshelf. Early in the year when the – will he or won’t he drama – was going on I said I wanted Aaron Rodgers on this team. This team had the best chance of winning with AR under center. The season long win loss record and first seed into the playoffs proved that to be right. He’s one of the greatest to play the game ever and GB has been damn lucky to have him here. I’m not welded to an idea yet but is it time for change? That’s just a legitimate point of conversation in the whole big picture of where the team stands at this point.
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I’m not advocating for anything more than some good conversation about Rodgers and the whole roster for that matter. Who stays, who goes, what makes sense moving forward, what is the cost/benefit analysis of certain decisions. Rodgers says he wants no part of a rebuild but unless he donates his time next year, it will have to look like a rebuild based on whomever else has to go.
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Should the team go into a rebuild mode the shiny veneer of MLF will wear quickly. His overall coaching record which now looks historic, is going to take some hits with predictable losses if you go to game day with Jordan Love, or some Nick Foles type vet who gets picked up in the interim for help. Maybe when looking at what is going on in the rest of the division the time is actually right to roll the dice and make it happen. MLF without Rodgers at helm will be real the test for MLF coaching style and game planning/management.
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Trade capital diminishes the longer this gets strung out. That applies to not just Rodgers, but any other high value and unaffordable player you have to shed from the roster. When you look at some of the players the team missed because of injury this season, were they really missed? The team still won a lot of games with the absence of some very key players who command a lot of cap. That could make the decision to move on a bit easier on a couple.
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I’ve said before that I have issues with talent evaluation at times with Gute and company. Sometimes they’ve done well and sometimes they’ve confounded us, really confounded us. If this team goes into a rebuild type mode, these are the people who get to pick the new players. I guess if they can hit on 50% of the picks that could be faith enough for some. They scored on some good free agent acquisitions so there is that. A rebuild could be mostly done in a couple seasons without sending the team back to the 80s (but it won’t be like the last 30 years). This is the NFC North after all.
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For what it’s worth, as the playoffs continue I hope Matt Stafford sees a ring. Watching him for all those years I really felt for the guy. I always thought he was a good tough player and he was hobbled being on a suck team for so long. He’s paid his dues in the league and although I don’t even care for the Rams at all, I’d like to see Stafford get it.
Tom Brady had one of the best game planning game day coaches ever in the NFL. Tom Brady had a top ten defense on almost all, if not all of the Super Bowl teams he played on. He won several Super Bowl championships (3?) scoring less than 20 points. Tom Brady won many games where his performance was sub-par. It pays to have a competent coaching staff and team around you. Tom Brady deserves the recognition he gets because he was a key component on teams that won. Would he have won those games without a top notch defense? Would he have won those championships playing for the Packers? Can’t really answer that because he never had the bad defense and special teams the Packers have had for the last 10+ years.
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What happened to that stellar line play and running game against San Fran. Rodgers sacked 5 times and constantly under pressure. Don’t recall seeing the running game doing much of anything. Does Rodgers have focus on getting the ball to Adams too much? Absolutely! This loss was on special teams play. The 7 points Rodgers scored on the opening drive would have been enough to win this game if special teams showed up. It’s a complete organizational failure for the lack of Packers success in the playoffs. Remember, teams win championships, not the quarterback.
* meant to say winning super bowl teams
I’m happy for everyone who gets to unload on Rodgers.
I know it may take years, but get it all out, enjoy yourself.
Something tells me Rodgers gives no fuck what you think.
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I think Rodgers should call it a day (if that’s what he wants), he has had one hell of a career.
Anyone that doesn’t agree with that, has no clue what they are watching.
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Rodgers is often compared to Tom Brady in here by some viking nimrod..
News flash D. F.!!
There is only one Tom Brady.
If Rodgers comes in 2nd to Tom Brady, then so be it.
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I’ve said it almost from day one…..
I’ll ride with Rodgers until the end, without wavering.
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The Green Bay Packers and Packer Nation should feel blessed they’ve had him under center for as long as we had.
He’s a generational talent.
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Go ahead…bitch, whine and complain about Rodgers, continue that good long cry.
What are you going to do for fun when Rodgers retires…
Kick your dog in the head?
Beat your wife?
Tell your therapist your Mother didn’t love you enough?
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As a Packer fan, i’m damn proud Rodgers wore the green and gold.
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3 decades of Packers HOF QB’ing may soon be officially over.
Packer fans under 40 years old don’t know anything different.
This much is inevitable….
Soon, reality will rule the day at 1265 Lombardi Ave.
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Maybe some of you wish we had someone different at QB.
Be careful what you wish for.
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V.O.R.
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PF4L
Sorry for the double post.
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Well….If the site loaded comments correctly i wouldn’t have to……
Hats off to the defense for stopping the SF running game — too bad the O and ST stunk it up.
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I think Arod will either be back in GB or retire — just to piss of tom :-)
Well said Arch, I watched the game again today and the o-line got there ass kicked all game. They only blitzed a handful of times and were getting constant pressure will rushing four and sometimes three d linemen. Seamed like we were alway’s starting from inside our twenty and they were starting from the forty.
#77 got his hat handed to him last year against Tampa and the same this year. #12 was under constant pressure all game. I’ve been a Pack fan since the 60’s, watched every game in the 70’s and 80’s, I swore if I ever saw Kevin Butler from the Bears I’d sucker punch that bastard. LOL.
My money is on #12 being a Bronco next year. And sad to say if he goes I’m looking for a broncos hat.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, The Packers brass were more into building a amusement park instead a football team.
We should of had at least two more rings with this guy at QB. WHAT A WASTE OF TALENT
Well said Arch, I watched the game again today and the o-line got there ass kicked all game. They only blitzed a handful of times and were getting constant pressure will rushing four and sometimes three d linemen. Seamed like we were alway’s starting from inside our twenty and they were starting from the forty.
#77 got his hat handed to him last year against Tampa and the same this year. #12 was under constant pressure all game. I’ve been a Pack fan since the 60’s, watched every game in the 70’s and 80’s, I swore if I ever saw Kevin Butler from the Bears I’d sucker punch that bastard. LOL.
My money is on #12 being a Bronco next year. And sad to say if he goes I’m looking for a broncos hat.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, The Packers brass were more into building a amusement park instead a football team.
We should of had at least two more rings with this guy at QB. WHAT A WASTE OF TALENT
I watched the game again today and it seemed like we were always starting inside the twenty and they were alway’s around the forty. With that being said the D played good.
There d-line produced constant pressure with only four and sometimes three.
#77 got his ass handed to him just like last year against TB in the NFC championship game. Why was he there? Rodgers had no time at all.
I’ve been a packer fan since the 60’s. Seen about every game in the 70’s and 80’s. I always said if a ever saw Kevin Butler form the Bears I’d sucker punch that bastard. LOL
My money is on Denver hiring Nathaniel Hackett as head coach and #12 finding a new home.
For all you people bitching about Rodgers, you better watch what you wish for it just might come true.
And I’ve said this before, the Packer brass was more interested in building a amusement park instead of a football time.$$
What a waste of talent.
How about this…. Rodgers has been a choke artist in recent years…but he’s still one of the best to lace em up and Jordan love hasn’t been able to complete a pass over 7 yards in enough game action where he should have been able to complete at least a pro level completion. Rodgers fails the eye test with his shitty demeanor and shelling up at times but love fails it every time he throws the ball.
At this point If rodgers willing to come back…you take it 10 times out of 10. Unfortunately I don’t see that happening though because they won’t be able to keep adams. I was bummed out after the nfccg but frankly I’m not ready to move on. When Favre was at the end I couldn’t wait to move on because we had Rodgers…who passed the eye test imo…waiting in the wings. This Is not the same and peiple are right…..if Rodgers goes this could be ushering in the dark ages. It’s hard enough to get players to come to gb or want o be a part of it WITH an all pro qb…
Tell me then, what do we do here? Bring Rodgers back only to do this all over again? Start planning on who to blame? Last year it was Kevin King’s fault. This year special teams. Most of you had absolutely no confidence we’d win anyway. I thought Rodgers would at least outplay Garapolo then lose the NFCC game. Matthew Stafford took a flawed Rams team and did what the back to back MVP winner could never do. He beat Tom Brady. Patrick Mahomes has carried a below average defense and is one game away from going to his third SB in a row! No one has ever done that . Mahomes is not yet 30. Rodgers couldn’t do that in his wildest wet dream. If your content with doing this year after year. Ready your excuses and prepare to be disappointed for the next 3 to 5 years. Aaron Rodgers looked like Brett Favre in his last game as a Packer. That to was a playoff loss at home against a young Eli Manning. He looked old and tired. You can fear the future by saying we’ll return to the 70’s and 80’s or you can embrace it. It’s time to embrace the future.
We hear comments about Rodgers playoff record and i’ll be the first to say it’s a part of the problem.
But that can stem from a number of various factors, that some fans (should) already know.
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That is NOT giving Rodgers a pass. As a QB who touches the ball every play, he assumes a shared responsibility as everyone else.
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Look at Favre’s playoff numbers after 1998…trust me, it isn’t pretty.
Look at Garoppolo’s playoff numbers…they suck!…but he has won 4 games and lost 1..He’s a (cough) winning playoff QB?
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How does Ben Roethlisberger win a SB with 123 passing yards, 42.8% completion percentage, 0 TD’s and 2 interceptions and a 22.6 passer rating?
Is that even possible?
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You “ladies” catching where i’m going with this?
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It’s a team game you viking rockhead, if your team is strong enough, they can overcome some weakness.
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Teams….win Championships, top down.
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V.O.R.
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PF4L
All that’s well and good PF4L but doesn’t answer the question. Your GM, what do you do? Bring Rodgers back or trade him? It’s going to cost you 40 to 45 million per season to keep him. He’ll demand top dollar. Which combination of your core players do you sacrifice to keep him? Alexander? Jenkins? Savage? ZaDarius has already twitted his goodbyes. Is Rodgers worth that kind of money just to lose year after year in the divisional round of the playoffs? He’d insist on bringing Davante Adams back just like he did Cobb and his 28 catches. That leaves you with a 30 yr old WR and a 38 yr old QB and no cap room for much else. If he couldn’t get it done this year with a loaded roster, he sure won’t do it next year without it. And he’s already said he doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild. Or do you trade him? Get what you can. Keep your core players and move on. Let someone else deal with the constant drama. The answer here is painfully obvious. You don’t hear Murphy or Gutekunst come to Rodgers defense saying we want him back, assuring fans they’ll make that happen. Quite the contrary. Silence is golden. Gutekunst is fielding trade offers as we speak. This is exactly why you draft Jordan Love. Because this is what Rodgers does year after year. It’s time he takes his traveling circus to the next town.
Let’s look back to 2011 and every year since then, when the Packers made the playoffs. What is the common denominator that this team has been weak at. DEFENSE, and STs. Most of those years, the offenses were good enough to win it all. In 2 of those years, (2014 and this year); STs’ blunders have ruined the day. When was the last time GB had a defense that was rated in the top 10? This is football in December and January, in Wisconsin, snow, and possibly wind hampers the aerial attack, and SF and TB came in with rough defenses and completely shut down the Packs’ offense. There are a lot of reasons GB lost this game, as we have all commented on. Injuries, poor offensive game plans at the worst times, shoddy tackling, not making adjustments during games, and on, and on. Even though Rodgers deserves some of the blame, no one should expect him to have 120 QBR every game he plays; that’s not realistic. The decision makers on this team don’t realize that you are shorthanded with only one 1st round pick on the DL, and only one 1st round pick at LB. Look at SF, TB, who have multiple high picks on their front seven. I’m not saying to have all 1st rounders on the front seven, but rarely do you upgrade specific areas of obvious needs in the 5th, 6th or 7th rounds. Ditto for UDFAs’. That’s poke and hoping. I don’t know who stays, and who goes this off season, but until they weed out expensive, players who they’ve had for a few years and have contributed very little, or can’t seem to show any progress; expect the same results in the future, if they don’t change things up. They have a lot of star players on this team, but; a lot of weaknesses too. As far as STs’ go, that is a tough nut to crack for some reason or another. But, having only 10 men on the field for the final FG, with the game on the line; is a basic coaching snafu! If the STs’ coordinator isn’t given his exit papers, and quickly, management should be held accountable. We’ll see what happens down the road, stay safe friends.
I also have to question MLF’s judgement for hiring the new DC and STC. I mean, come on, you promote an assistant from the last two terrible STC’s staff and expect better results. You hire a DC with a best 28th ranked defense from his previous DC jobs. Or maybe he is forced to hire these guys because upper management isn’t willing to pay what it takes to get guys with a proven track record. You tell me which one it more than likely is. You want to run a Fangio style defense? I hear the man himself could be available so go do what ever it takes and get it done. The STC should have been fired after the Bears debacle.
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Gute and MM decided they were moving on from Rodgers when they drafted Love. Rodgers should have been traded to San Fran last year when they had the chance at getting the best bounty for him. Or maybe they didn’t trade him because of the realization that Love is looking like a bust. MLF wants to keep Rodgers because he knows he can kiss his 13 win seasons and getting into the playoffs goodbye without him. Going 5-10 isn’t nearly as fun and you may not be around for long if that continues. As MMSUCKS and PF4L have been saying for many, many years, this organization needs to change starting from the top on down. Don’t change and you’ll keep getting the same results. And remember, Murphy wanted to hire Ball as the GM. The one good thing McCarthy did before he left was put a nix on that.
Reading Arch’s post is like reuniting with an old best friend from your childhood.
It’s good for the soul.
Because…he gets it.
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As a Packer fan, i take great pleasure reading a post from someone who is so on top of it.
MMSUCKS and myself being mentioned has nothing to do with his overall message.
His message is…..the truth.
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I used a word describing this team many, many times in past years…
BROKEN.
It’s as true today as the first time i typed it.
The disease is still in the building.
Teams win Championships.
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Very well spoken Arch.
Tom…i just read your post.
Please….a year from now, remind me again why they drafted Jordan Love.
Just for shits and grins of course.
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The Packers are in a rock and a hard place concerning roster talent and the cap.
No question about it. A lot of it self induced.
I’m not going through it piece by piece because this post would turn into a novel.
I think most informed Packer fans know how they got to this point.
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I have a feeling Z Smith knew he wasn’t coming back 8,9 months ago.
Still not sure exactly what the drama was there, but the Packers restructured his deal (twice), providing him less guaranteed money and i believe a more desirable exit for him cap wise…i’m guessing that’s where the train went off the rails in that relationship. But that’s just an educated guess.
What i’m pretty damn sure about…is Z Smith can be an impact player for some team, especially if his heart is in it.
Why?…Because that’s all he’s been when on the field for the Packers…a playmaker.
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You mentioned loaded roster.. let me say some things about that.
First…Gute gets credit for picking up some players on the cheap that contributed…that credit can’t be denied.
Secondly…they need a clear, real #2 receiver…point fucking blank.
Also, enough paying Mercedes Lewis millions each year for an occasional good block…he misses his share also.
I felt this way before the fumble.
If we can’t find a tight end who can block, and be more productive than a 37 year old, maybe we should stop pissing away 3rd round picks on tight ends.
I mean fuck…Lewis last 4 seasons he’s averaged 129 yards, and 1 TD a season.
For that we paid him 10.6 million?
I get he’s a good locker room guy.
But what’s wrong with that return on investment?
Lastly…”Loaded rosters” only gets a team so far.
In the case in Dallas, it got them a 1st round wild card loss.
It isn’t just about talent. It’s about making it all….work.
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As far as Rodgers, Adams, and the cap situation….
They pushed “all in” after last season restructuring everyone else and pushing even more money to the 2022 season as a “last gasp with Rodgers and Adams.
So i think the writings on the wall.
It’s not just Rodgers contract,
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Deepsky mentioned, this off season might be uglier than 07-08.
I strongly disagree. Very, very different storyline. Vastly different.
I think Rodgers cares deeply about his relationship with the Packers, and his place (legacy) in it’s future.
He knows Gute and Murphy will be long gone soon.
He’s far too smart not to learn lessons from the Favre debacle.
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I can’t read the Packers mind, or Rodgers mind.
But i can venture a guess about future plans.
I lean towards the Packers, and even Rodgers (in their own mindset) moving on.
I think there are still strong feelings from the last two years (right or wrong).
I say this with some confidence because of how the season ended.
I say there is a chance Rodgers retires, but we’ll see.
Hard to gauge him because he wants to play and is so competitive.
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Could Rodgers stay? I guess it’s possible under one scenario in my mind.
The Packers don’t feel Love is the answer…and, Rodgers took a pay cut.
The salary cap is in way too much of a hot mess the way it is.
But, hard to save face drafting Love, if you never give him a season before his 5th year option has to be declared after his 3rd season.
Yes…that’s a real thing.
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With that said…also figure Adams gone (somewhat obvious).
This is his last chance at another huge contract, and i don’t see him taking any home team discount (even for Rodgers).
Make no mistake about it, if/when Adams signs with another team, he will get paid….big.
Maybe not the 27 million/year number tossed about ( a phony figure). But 20 million plus, a few bucks.
Maybe 22-24 million/year average….idk.
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V.O.R.
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PF4L