Packers Question of the day - C.J. Spiller en Route to Green Bay?
The Packers are on the fringes of a visit from former Bills and Saints running back C.J. Spiller, likely in an effort to provide some firepower to the offensive side of the ball. An area that has been the key focus of numerous struggles dating back to last season.
To put this in perspective, remember when Cedric Benson came to Green Bay for a short-lived tenure? He was 29-years old, and truthfully, he brought a spark to the running game that was facing evident struggles for the third season in a row at the time. Spiller? He turned 29 last month. Whether or not he'll be staying for the long haul has yet to be seen.
Can signing Spiller fill a minor void in the Packers' offense, or much like the Kellen Winslow visit not long ago, will the experiment be on a path to nowhere?
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (55)
egbertsouse
September 21, 2016 at 09:19 am
Ted, instead of getting a RB that will ride the bench all season, how about getting a WR that can get open once in awhile.
KenEllis
September 21, 2016 at 09:59 am
Would ARod TRUST a new receiver enough to actually throw him the ball even if TT did the unthinkable and acquired a top-flight, veteran receiver?
And where would Spiller play in MM's static offense? Lacy gets too few touches the way it is now.
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 11:10 am
Exactly. Another skilled player we wouldn't use much til next year. Gottta work him in, build trust, bring him along nonsense.
jeremyjjbrown
September 21, 2016 at 07:31 pm
ARod throws to Davante all the time. How much trust could he possibly require?
Since'61
September 21, 2016 at 09:29 am
Zach - unless the Packers are going to bring back Hornung and Taylor or Jim Brown and Gale Sayers and run the ball 80% of the time, no one is going to help this offense until they get Rodgers figured out and playing well again. I'm not a fan of Spiller in any case and I don't think that he is any better of an option than any one else on the roster at this time. He may even add to the team's problems. It would be of much more value to the team if they worked on solving Rodger's mechanics and their communication problems. Maybe bring back Philbin as a consultant to help this team of OCs figure out how to get a play called before we waste more timeouts. If it were me, I would have one OC and I would let Rodgers call the plays. At least with that approach we could establish a baseline of communications that would be simple and easy to fix if necessary. It would also eliminate any rumors over Rodgers being unhappy with MMs play calls. There is an old adage in business, "when everyone is in charge, no one is in charge". That certainly seems to be a symptom (at least) with the Packers offense this season. It's also easily fixed. Put one person in charge and make them accountable. In this case let AR call the plays. Won't happen I know. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 11:25 am
"I would have one OC and I would let Rodgers call the plays"
Oh God please, yes.. I'm convinced MM constipates the Offense. Been downhill since Philbin and the sad irony is we have so many more weapons now.
stockholder
September 21, 2016 at 02:21 pm
Another recipe for disaster. That would only get MM fired. Why do you think MM took the play calling over again. And why would you want A-rod calling the plays, when he can't complete a short pass. Not to mention him being on the decline. Remember the John Hadl trade? These guys need to start catching the ball. That changes any game plan. As long as A-rod keeps running around like a chicken with his head cut off. This team will go downhill.
ray nichkee
September 21, 2016 at 11:53 am
Philbin has a gig with the colts. We will see him on the other sideline this year.
carusotrap
September 21, 2016 at 01:04 pm
Actually, I think the problem may be that Rodgers IS calling the plays. He comes to the line and changes the play to one of those back shoulder timing things that worked in 2014 but that opposing coaches and players have pretty well scouted by now.
croatpackfan
September 22, 2016 at 03:56 am
It is interesting (in positive way) idea to ask Joe Philbin to take consultant job. I can imagine that he has a lot of new ideas which he may implement in this situation...
I do not think that idea of giving Aaron responsibility to call play is good. It is not unimportant that Aaron said in one interview how it is not possible for QB to call plays as calling plays holds more than just picking the plays from play book. You need to call right personel to the field, you have to be informed about player status (possible injury, exhauston, not readiness to play for any other reason). There is no time for QB to arrange all from LOS (just 45 seconds for coming to the new LOS, picking players, explaining plays - 1st, 2nd, 3rd option, audible counting and snaping the ball). Also, QB can not be concentrate on all field and execution of all players once the ball is snapped, what coach on side, or better to say, play caller is able to overview and make necessary adjustments... To complicated and to overhelming situation...
Regarding Spiller, I may say one thing - there is the reason why other teams pass the opportunity to sign him...
Since'61
September 22, 2016 at 06:55 am
Croat - there was a time in the NFL when QBs called the plays. Granted, offenses and defense were simpler then. However, recently Peyton Manning called his own plays as well as audible at the LOS. Rodgers in effect is calling the plays since he can change any play at the LOS based on his read of the defense. If the OC wants to change personnel or send in a play he can send a play in with a player change or through the current helmet communication. It would likely mean that the Packers could not use the no huddle offense as much as they do but that would not be the end of the world. The point is poor communications has been an issue with the Packers offense and this is a possible solution. Also, it would establish Rodgers as the unquestionable leader of the offense which may restore his confidence which appears to be lacking. Try to imagine McCarthy without his play card which seems to be getting larger and is nearly as large as he is. Thanks, Since '61
Klincker
September 21, 2016 at 09:23 am
We are only carrying 2 RBs on the active roster, and 52 players. If the price is right, why not get him here. He's a different type of back that we currently have and can be used on 3rd down. Use him like Sproles.
Big_Mel_75
September 21, 2016 at 09:29 am
What is the point if you don't use the monster in Eddie Lacy? CJ has been cut from how many teams? If he was a difference maker he wouldn't be looking for a job week 3 of the season. Hey TT swallow your pride and get a real punter in here... Or how but another NT as gioun is hurt..... Oh that would make sense...
jeremyjjbrown
September 21, 2016 at 09:37 am
Honestly, who cares?
They've got whales to fry and this is a minnow.
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 11:27 am
Best post of year.
Handsback
September 21, 2016 at 09:44 am
If they didn't want Burks, and he's one heck of a blocker, then Spiller doesn't make sense. He doesn't block that well, doesn't seem to have the speed he used to have and if NO doesn't use him...what can he bring to the table? I wonder if it's time to take a hard look at Starks. He doesn't seem to have that explosivness.
rdent
September 21, 2016 at 03:24 pm
They waived Crockett and put him on PS then picked up Pressely and promptly waived him,they don't seem to know what they want to do there
rdent
September 21, 2016 at 02:17 pm
I believe it would make more sense to bring one of those two back,Pressely has speed
Finwiz
September 21, 2016 at 09:48 am
I seriously doubt they're going to sign Spiller. It isn't the Thompson m.o. The Benson signing was an aberration that didn't work terribly well. I think they are just kicking the tires looking for some speed in the backfield. What they're really missing is speed.
dobber
September 21, 2016 at 09:57 am
Jhurrell Pressley had speed to burn, but they cut him loose. I'm not sure what they're looking for at this point...
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 11:12 am
Yes and picked up by Vikings. Didn't even get to see what he brought. Really thought we had something there.
rdent
September 21, 2016 at 02:22 pm
I would have liked to see what Pressely could do,I guess TT couldn't stomach keeping another teams FA
dobber
September 22, 2016 at 07:51 am
Can't get comfy if you're in the bottom 1/4 of the roster. Clearly, he was. My expectation was that they cut him expecting to elevate someone from the PS...likely a DT. It just hasn't happened yet, has it?
NickPerry
September 22, 2016 at 06:28 am
I'm starting to wonder if Thompson knows what he's looking for and even if he did McCarthy wouldn't know how to use him. Lacy is in much better shape, whether he's still "Fat" is pointless at this juncture. Lacy and Starks basically split snaps vs the Vikings, Lacy hasn't received at least 18 touches yet, and the Packers running game isn't producing. When Lacy gets at least 18 snaps good things happen. Look at the week one game vs Jacksonville when they went for it on 4th down.
Rodgers was under Center, Ripper was in to block and Lacy was lined up deep. The Result? A nine yard carry for a 1st down.
Against Minnesota Rodgers is in shotgun, Starks right next to him, and the Vikings stop him short. I was excited when they signed Pressley, 106 yard KO Returns just don't happen preseason or not. The Packers don't use Lacy right, use Starks to much, and have NOTHING behind them. But hey, we have 7 WR's and use 3!
dobber
September 21, 2016 at 09:57 am
Sorry...double post.
rdent
September 21, 2016 at 02:23 pm
I just did that,oops
stockholder
September 21, 2016 at 02:38 pm
I know Spiller would catch the ball. And thats what they don't have . (A RB out of the backfield that can Catch.) This is more than kicking the tires. TT doesn't like to sign players because they take away from the draft and development. He had to have peppers. He had to have James Jones. He should have signed Kuhn, if he was going to cut Sitton. He should of drafted a Punter too. He needs a Rb who can catch. And lots of people knew that before the draft. (J Prosise comes to mind) Lacy's still to fat to run downfield. And Starks has lost a step. Crockett got cut. Why do you think Cobb is in the backfield.
WKUPackFan
September 21, 2016 at 08:30 pm
1. Suggesting drafting a punter should result in at least a one week ban from commenting; and
2. Cobb is in the backfield for a change of pace and, more importantly, to set up situations and plays in later games. Cobb played quite a bit of RB at UK.
stockholder
September 21, 2016 at 08:59 pm
1. Was thrown in for fun. Mainly because I didn't agree with the change. 2. I agree with you on change of pace. But I can't say thats how it looks now. Yes he did play there a bit. But if he goes down. It could be last year all over again with the WRs.
dobber
September 22, 2016 at 07:54 am
What has Cobb done so far? Not a lot...but you can say that about any pass-catcher not named Nelson. I don't think losing Cobb would tremendously hamper this offense...at least, not hamper it further. Still, I'm in agreement: I don't like WR playing out of the backfield too much. It subjects them to big hits from front 7 guys and leaves them to have to try to work through the trash (which they don't normally have to do) without turning ankles or knees.
NMPF
September 21, 2016 at 10:02 am
Pack has needed a scatback in the mold of Sproles/Woodhead for years now. Not sure if Spiller can fill that role but if the price is right maybe they should kick the tires.
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 11:18 am
Can we also drive the car.
croatpackfan
September 22, 2016 at 04:00 am
Yeah, someone like Johnathan Franklin actualy...
NickPerry
September 22, 2016 at 07:14 am
Oh Croat, what I would do to have Franklin on this team still. I thought he would have been the RB of the future for the Packers even as good as Lacy was the first 2 seasons. I really wonder if McCarthy would have used him at the end of the day though.
RCPackerFan
September 22, 2016 at 07:28 am
Honestly. I think we would have the best pair of RB's in the league if Franklin was still here. Him and Lacy were a great thunder/lightning pair.
I love Lacy and what he has given us. I do wonder though if Franklin would have ended up being the better RB.
I wish Thompson would try finding the next Franklin though.
4thand1
September 21, 2016 at 10:17 am
Adjustments, it comes down to making adjustments. MM has been horrible at making adjustments, especially halftime ones during a game. It takes weeks for this team to figure shit out, sometimes years. ST's, running game, TE's, d-backs, ilber's, etc, etc. MM lets a Eddie get grossly overweight and waits till the seasons over to address it. They praise Adams for his great practice and off season work for 2 years now. They get Cook and can't figure out how to use him. Right now MM sucks really bad and isn't improving. The head coach gave up play calling to oversee the team and then took it back. He is losing this team and maybe has lost it. Another loss and his seat should be on fire.
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 01:16 pm
"It takes weeks for this team to figure shit out, sometimes years. ST's, running game, TE's, d-backs, ilber's, etc, etc. MM lets a Eddie get grossly overweight and waits till the seasons over to address it."
That is what kills me the most.. Im glad Im working this Sunday and cant watch live. Even if they blow out the Lions and everything falls into place, I'll still wonder if they will go away from it the following week. Never thought we would have a team with this much talent underachieve the way they do. Hell the 70s teams had better play calling and were more enjoyable to watch. and got all they could out of some mediocre talent.
carusotrap
September 21, 2016 at 01:09 pm
Yes, a little dose of John Brockington and Donny Anderson would be good right now. Except, Brockington would be on the bench and Anderson would lineup in the backfield.
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 01:17 pm
Lol painful as it is.
croatpackfan
September 22, 2016 at 04:06 am
Sure, MM is so stubborn that must be pure luck that Packers was so good despite MM is HC. Of course, all those guys who make living from football are so stupid when they talk with respect about stubborn MM who can not adjust even his cap on his head, so how how he will make adjustment team needs to...
Sorry guys, again we are in the area of "I am much better coach than Mike McCarthy, just I did not have the chance", because you know exactly what is the problem, but MM can't see...
I'm not buying that!
Donster
September 21, 2016 at 10:34 am
You have two RB's on the team that don't get the ball enough as it is. Why add another? Granted, if you could use Spiller like Forte, that could work well. But he is not going to know the offense. That will take time. I'd say forget about signing him. They need D-line help more.
rdent
September 21, 2016 at 02:30 pm
How long is Guion gonna be out? hopefully they get by till Pennell comes back
Tundraboy
September 21, 2016 at 11:17 am
We have loads of firepower. Unfortunately the committee of coaches is stumbling along and hasn't figured out how to put them into a game. Sick of exclusive hurry up. Free Abby, Ty, Davis, Rip, and of course Lacy. 12 snaps, puleez.
Denise Chanterelle
September 21, 2016 at 11:20 am
Cutting Sitton the way TT did, and MM coaching style might be affecting morale in the locker room. AR might have an attitude problem about this. Only pure speculation on my part for now. The team needs to show what it can do against Detroit on Sunday. We need a solid offense output. If we lose that game, speculation is justified. Go Pack!
StvHld
September 21, 2016 at 12:52 pm
While I'm not against signing Spiller on the cheap, wouldn't it make more sense to bring in a DT or CB? With Guion & Shields out they are thin in both areas.
Colin_C
September 21, 2016 at 03:34 pm
I wouldn't be opposed to it, but I just want them to fill that available roster spot.
cuervo
September 21, 2016 at 01:40 pm
Agree with many of the posters here... they can't figure out how to use the weapons we currently have, what good would adding another be? Besides, McCarthy has no desire or ability to use anyone in a 3rd down/change of pace back role anyway. They've had guys in that possibly could and they've cut all of them.
Having more time to think about this teams offensive issues, I've come to the conclusion that it's probably time for McCarthy to be let go at year end, and then we'll have a year to see if it's time to move on from Rodgers (something I never thought I'd say).
After I first posted this I found this little nugget. Even i didn't realize it was this bad....it isn't going to get fixed this year folks.
http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/how-did-aaron-rodgers-go-from-mvp-to-...
MarkinMadison
September 21, 2016 at 03:33 pm
Thanks for the link. But before we start calling for the Packers to fire McCarthy or trade #12, just remember that you can't replace something with nothing. And they might fix it this year. This offense was too good from 2011-14 to have simply been a case of luck. These are smart, talented, dedicated people.
John30856
September 22, 2016 at 07:31 am
Righgt on Mark!!!!! the rest of you may as well pick another team, whew
dobber
September 22, 2016 at 07:56 am
As I always say: if you ask for change just for change's sake, you might get what you ask for!
cuervo
September 22, 2016 at 08:56 am
True they have been great in the past, however we now have over 1 seasons worth of games to analyze, and the same problems have been evident and haven't been fixed. McCarthy stated earlier this year that he's not changing anything....so why would anyone think it will be "fixed". Couple that with the awful play of #12 over the last year and you have an uphill battle.
I hope they turn it around, really do, but there is nothing currently that gives any hope that the offense will return to the way it once was.
Free agent
September 21, 2016 at 07:13 pm
Waiting impatiently for draft and delusional Ted to retire. Hopefully he leaves the team before Eliot Wolf does. It's Time!
John30856
September 22, 2016 at 07:30 am
MY god you guys take a chill pill. We've lost 1 game. Whew
Point-Packer
September 21, 2016 at 08:30 pm
Heard Jeff Query was available.
dobber
September 22, 2016 at 07:57 am
He's probably still driving that hideous yellow pickup.