2019 Training Camp Review & Superlatives

Andy Herman reviews his notes from the nine days of practice that he attended and gives his full breakdown of camp.

In the blink of an eye, the public portion of Packers’ training camp has officially come to a close. No more Dream Drive, no more TBLS (if you know you know), no more railbirds, and ultimately no more open practices.

While this mostly felt like a fairly standard training camp, there was definitely a different feel to this years’ experience. There was just so much to watch for, that at times, it was a daunting task just to keep track of everything that was going on.

Of course, this was Matt LaFleur’s first training camp as head coach. Aaron Rodgers was coming back from injury and learning a new offense. Green Bay signed four key free agents who are all expected to start. They drafted two players in the top 25 of the draft. Everyone was clamoring to know how the 2018 rookie class looked and if anyone would make the ever popular 2nd year jump. And all of those were just the tip of the ice berg.

You had the usual underdog stories in Curtis Bolton and Darrius Shepherd, the surprise cut before camp in Mike Daniels, more Kevin King injury problems, struggling backup quarterbacks, Touchdown (or Whitewater) Jesus, an almost entirely new coaching staff, loud music, the Houston Texans came to town, and so on and so on. Again, there wasn’t exactly a lack of topics to cover through the course of the past month.

But now as camp comes to a close, what were the important takeaways? That’s what I’ll try to tackle today as I review my training camp experience, including nine days that I was in attendance for practice.

The MVP

Let’s start with the best of the best. The crème de la crème. The training camp MVP was a bit of a kiss of death during Mike McCarthy’s tenure, so hopefully I’m not cursing anyone here, but by far the standout of camp to me was Za’Darius Smith.

Smith was a terror throughout camp from wherever he was lined up. He won against the first team, second team, or really anyone that he had in front of him. He held up well at the point of attack against the run, played inside and outside, left side or right side, and no matter where he was the offense never really had a great answer for him.

Most importantly, Smith was constantly in the backfield. He used his quickness, strength, and active hands to win one-on-one battles and was menacing inside when used on twists and stunts. Brian Gutekunst and friends paid a premium price to bring Smith over from Baltimore, but so far the returns have been impressive. If Za’Darius can perform in games like he has in practice, Smith will have a legit chance to be a Pro Bowl edge rusher for Green Bay.

The Coach

I’ve said over and over again that we won’t know next to anything about how good of a coach Matt LaFleur will be until we see how the team performs in games and how he coaches when faced with adversity. We’ll find out what happens when the 2019 Packers get punched in the face at some point this year. That will be a much better determining factor for just what kind of coach Matt LaFleur can be.

But if I had to grade him based on his performance to date, knowing that there’s been very little adversity (besides a torn achilles), I’d give him a rock-solid A so far. I could not be more impressed with how LaFleur has handled just about everything this offseason.

His coaching staff has been impressive both with the players and with the media, his practices have been mostly crisp and to the point, his attitude towards the length and style of practices has thus far helped to avoid any major injuries, and his organization and attention to detail has been on point.

I had a fairly high level of concern with going from Mike McCarthy to any young, rookie head coach because McCarthy was very tuned into the details and had a sound structure and a very firm foundation for how everything ran at 1265. The results were judged accordingly and it was time to move on from Mike, but there was a lot to be respected for how he ran the team as a whole.

But Matt LaFleur has come in and instituted his system, his scheme, and his philosophies and the transition has been near seamless. Yes the offense hasn’t been remotely close to hitting on all cylinders, but the offense has rarely had the starting unit on the field at the same time which has really been the bigger issue.

Coach LaFleur has somehow delicately balanced the line between being a players’ coach and coming down hard on players when need be. He’s not been shy to call out the team or callout players when they aren’t performing the way they should and this week he went off on Dexter Williams for missing an assignment on the first play of team activities.

Lastly, the way that LaFleur has handled questions regarding himself and Rodgers, specifically in relation to the practices with the Texans, was almost masterful. He took a tough question from Aaron Nagler and made it look easy. Giving a strong basis for why he made the decision he did while also reiterating that he always wants to hear from his players and noted how Rodgers was dead-on about having concern over live special teams periods. It was awesome to watch him respond so perfectly.

At the end of the day the verdict will remain out and the results will speak for themselves, but Matt LaFleur seems to be 100% on the right track and I’m excited to see how he handles the rest of the 2019 campaign.

The Disappointment

There could be an argument made for a few players on this list, including DeShone Kizer, Jimmy Graham, and of course Jason Spriggs, but the player that continues to have the most frustrating camp is J’Mon Moore. Moore actually had a really nice day today including a spectacular catch in the end zone for a touchdown, but those plays have been few and far between for Moore and his lack of confidence continues to plague him.

He’s had significant drops in both preseason and in camp and just hasn’t found the ability to take his game to the next level and perform on a consistent basis. And with just about every other receiver on the roster having a really strong camp, it puts Moore well behind the 8-ball, to the point where it would be a fairly major surprise to see him on the 53-man roster come September. The talent is there for Moore, but the results have not been.

The 2nd Year Jump

There were a lot of people, myself included, who hoped this award would go to Marquez Valdes-Scantling or maybe even Josh Jackson. Equanimeous St. Brown would have been another nice pick or even Oren Burks or the aforementioned J’Mon Moore. But there’s one second year player that’s stood out well above the rest in making that jump and that’s cornerback Tony Brown.

Brown was a player that quickly caught my eye on tape a season ago because of his willingness and ability to play aggressive press man-to-man coverage. He has natural coverage ability and the perfect mentality to play the position but just needed to put everything together. While he certainly hasn’t perfected his craft yet, he continues to be a bright spot this offseason and he is making a strong case to be the fourth cornerback on this team ahead of 2018 2nd round pick Josh Jackson.

Simply put, it’s getting harder and harder to keep Tony Brown off the field and every time he’s on it he’s seemingly making plays and doing his job at a high level.

The Superlatives

Most Impressive Rookie: Kingsley Keke / Elgton Jenkins

Most Disappointing Injury: Kevin King

Best Underdog Story: Curtis Bolton

Dumbest Storyline: Rodgers/LaFleur relationship

Biggest Surprise: Mike Daniels’ Release

Biggest Step Up in Leadership: David Bakhtiari / Davante Adams

Second Best Quarterback: Tim Boyle

Time to Move On: Josh Jones

New Cult Hero: Danny Vitale

In the Dog House: Dexter Williams

That does it for me for training camp. Thanks to those who followed along on Twitter and on the podcast. It promises to be one heck of an exciting season moving forward. Go Pack Go!

 

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__________________________

Andy is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and owns & operates the Pack-A-Day Podcast. Andy has taken multiple courses in NFL scouting and is an Editor for Packer Report. Andy grew up in Green Bay and is a lifelong season ticket holder - follow him on Twitter @AndyHermanNFL!

__________________________

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7 points
 

Comments (55)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
RCPackerFan's picture

August 20, 2019 at 09:49 am

I think Za'Darius Smith will absolutely impress people this year.
I also think that people will be really impressed with this defense. I think our pass rush defense where we put Za'Darius, Preston, Gary and Clark in at the same time will really impress people.

Overall so far LaFleur has been really good IMO. I really want to see what our offense really looks like this year. I know they have ran very vanilla stuff, but I really am curious to see what our true offense looks like. At that point, that is when we can really get a feel for what the offense will look like.

I agree about Moore being a disappointment. I hoped for him that he would take a step up this year. He hasn't. Infact 2 UDFA's have surpassed him on the draft chart. Shepherd and Lazard both have passed him.

2nd year jump - There are a lot of candidates. This might be one of the best groups of 2nd year players the Packers have had in quite some time.
Alexander- If he becomes a true shutdown CB he could become the most important player on the defense.
Jackson - we will have to wait and see as he has missed a lot of practice time.
Burks - He got hurt but before that he was one of the most improved 2nd year players. We will have to wait until after he comes back to see how he does. He could be a difference maker for the defense.
MVS - is a clear choice as he could become a huge weapon this year.
EQ - hasn't had the wow moments yet but consistently plays well.
JK Scott - could also make a big year 2 jump. He can be a weapon as a Punter if he becomes more consistent.
Tony Brown - so far he has improved the most so he does deserve the award.
Fadol Brown - We haven't seen him in games yet, but he is a guy that flashed some last year. He could become a top player in the DL rotation.
Lancaster - is another guy that could make a huge difference in year 2. He is like an anchor in the middle of the DL. He just doesn't move.
Tonyan - We don't know yet but he could have a huge role in the new offense. Could he be this years George Kittle?
Light - The hope is he doesn't play, but he may be the backup swing OT. He could be a very important player this year.
Greene - We aren't sure how he will be used in the defense but he could have a big role in it.

My additions to the superlatives-
Most Impressive Rookie: Add Kadar Hollman
Most Disappointing Injury: Add Josh Jackson, Oren Burks
Best Underdog Story: Add Darius Shepherd
Second Best Quarterback: From what I have seen (in games on tv only) I say Kizer.

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Bear's picture

August 20, 2019 at 01:56 pm

RC, since you have been able to watch some practices please help me regarding Burks. What little I’ve seen in preseason games Burks looks good in pass coverage but seems to have problems getting thru blocks.

Is this analysis off base? What do you see?

2 points
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Johnblood27's picture

August 20, 2019 at 05:08 pm

Really?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 20, 2019 at 08:21 pm

Just to be clear about the 2nd year jump part of your comment, RC, your list is of the players it would have been nice to see take a 2nd year jump, NOT players who actually did make a second-year jump. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

The connection between AR and MVS has yet to be established. I don't see a 2nd-year jump from MVS, although it might still materialize. I consider Allison to be the #2 WR at this point, despite a fairly quiet camp from Allison. I am going off of last year. Can Kumerow (insert favorite WR: Shepherd, ESB, Lazard, Davis) do what Allison did last year? IDK.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 21, 2019 at 07:42 am

Correct. This list is guys who could make 2nd year jumps.
At this point we really don't 100% know who is taking a 2nd year jump. So this list is more of the players who either have already taken a jump or could take a big jump in the 2nd year. About mid season we will officially know who has taken a 2nd year jump.

I honestly don't think it will take long for Rodgers and MVS to connect. I will admit there is some concern there but I don't think they are that far off either. And I do think LaFleur may find different ways to get MVS the ball. Whether its on reverses or jet sweeps or whatever, I think we will see him getting the ball more.

I agree that Allison is the number 2 right now. Allison is highly underrated as far as Packer Fans go. Kumerow probably could do what Allison was doing because he has some experience. The others, I don't know for sure. But I still like those other guys.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 20, 2019 at 07:54 pm

Nicely done!

1 points
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Since'61's picture

August 20, 2019 at 09:53 am

For me the biggest question for the Packers is whether they should chuck Jimmy Graham. I realize that as of now this depends on the status of Jace Sternberger.

But if Sternberger is ready to go and Tonyan continues to improve what is the point of keeping Graham? He still looks slow, his blocking is occasionally OK, and he has rarely shown anything either in practice or during a preseason game.

The Packers could use the cap space they would pick up by releasing Graham. Cap space that could be used to sign a legit backup QB, or an ILB, or OL, or even another RB.

As for MLF, he is a bright guy. He is learning as he goes and it sounds like he has been making the right moves. There is a long way to go but so far so good. Thanks, Since '61

5 points
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ShooterMcGee's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:09 am

If we move on from Graham what are the cap ramifications?

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stockholder's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:19 am

WE won't move on from Graham. Lewis yes. Graham No.

6 points
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dobber's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:26 am

Unless he's hurt, I think Lewis makes this team. He provides something that they don't get from any other TE--or player in general--on the roster. Something that they're going to need if they're going to run and utilize play action like LaF and others are saying they want to. He might not make many flash plays catching the ball, but that's not what he's there for at this point and you're not going to get his blocking out of any other TE on the roster.

7 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 20, 2019 at 12:56 pm

Lewis has apparently blocked well to the extent that he can in practices. In reality, his role isn’t going to show up outside games. Are we going into the season without a good lead blocker/ pass protector? Looking at last week, I hope not. Vitale is OK, but he isn’t a plus blocker. Other than Lewis, the only one with that record is Bohanon.

I don’t know if the team thinks Vitale can fill the blocking role. If they do, maybe Lewis gets released, but I think classing Lewis as part of the catcher equation missed the point. Even if they did cut him, it’s not impossible that they keep Bohanon or Johnson instead of a receiver/TE.

I have to wonder if Sternberger is headed to IR. The concussion protocol should be progressing, but the jaw injury could be more serious. If he comes back, I doubt he will be heading for activation even if he makes the 53 based on what they have and where he was.

Post Script: Thankfully, Sternberger returned to practice today. Hopefully he can continue where he left off as he was just starting to show.

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Leatherhead's picture

August 20, 2019 at 02:06 pm

I agree on Lewis. Once we start running over people and Lewis is getting his guy blocked then it's going to be apparent why we signed him again.

When you're trying to win before the Aaron Rodgers window closes, it just doesn't make very good sense to get rid of good players who can help you win this year like Graham.

My expectation is that Tonyan and Graham are the receiving TEs, and Lewis is the blocker. IF everybody is healthy. I would not expect to see much of Sternberger unless somebody else is injured. We have stashed guys on the IR before.

With Lewis on the field, we've got six pretty good blockers, meaning they'd better have six pretty good defenders or we're going to run them over. Then they need a 7th guy to tackle, meaning only 4 pass defenders to guard against Adams, Graham/Tonyan, and our #2 WR.

I'm actually expecting a big play offense. I'm not seeing dink-and-dunk ball control. I'm seeing us getting the numbers in our favor and hurting teams with big plays.

3 points
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dobber's picture

August 20, 2019 at 04:40 pm

"With Lewis on the field, we've got six pretty good blockers, meaning they'd better have six pretty good defenders or we're going to run them over. "

I still wonder how MM never caught on to this last year...

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 20, 2019 at 06:08 pm

Because it's boring.

In 2003, we lined up a tackle...Kevin Barry...as a third TE. It was called the U -71 Bacon formation. Then we would hand the ball off to Ahman Greene.

Boring as hell and really effective.

3 points
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4thand10's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:14 pm

I didn’t think it was boring. I liked that U-71 package. Especially against 3-4 defenses....they just simply did not have enough big bodies to stop it. Football at it’s finest...no gadgets, no tricks. Kevin Barry could even catch a pass once in awhile :-). Up until Pettine came to town the Pack really struggled handling double tight end sets. He at least changes it up and sticks an extra DL in there when teams are running heavy . All those articles about eliminating the FB position and passing league bla bla bla And next thing ya know...we are probably keeping a FB and running the ball more.

2 points
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dobber's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:01 am

Watching the team you like grind an opponent into the turf is never boring. ;)

2 points
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McFly's picture

August 20, 2019 at 04:42 pm

Old School, I actually agree with you for once... on everything you stated above. Spot on assessment sir.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 20, 2019 at 07:59 pm

I realize most will disagree but I see Tonyan not only be a better blocker than Graham, but barring injury Tonyan will easily have more yards at end of year than Graham.

The future is NOW!

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 21, 2019 at 07:35 am

The dead cap money is over $12M this year. They basically committed to Graham for this year when they gave him the $5+ roster bonus in March. If they were going to dump him they would have done it before paying him. Whatever he is for the Packers this year they have already bought and paid for it.

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

August 21, 2019 at 03:45 pm

According to OTC, the cap savings on Graham would be a paltry $333K. Releasing him next year frees up $8M in cap space.
I haven't read or seen anything that makes me think Jace Sternberger is ready to be counted upon - and I don't mean that as a knock on the rookie.
I agree with those who believe Tonyan will be the best TE on the roster this season.

0 points
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cheesehead1's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:52 am

I’m with you Since ‘61. I never liked the Graham signing to begin with. His best days are long gone.

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Coldworld's picture

August 20, 2019 at 12:50 pm

But the team does. If we are talking roster I don’t see him going anywhere if healthy.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 20, 2019 at 08:01 pm

Probably wont go anywhere but will not be the #1 receiving TE on team by mid season if not sooner. Tonyan!

1 points
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PackfanNY's picture

August 20, 2019 at 11:56 am

With all the time Sternberger has missed, I don’t think he can be counted on much this season. My guess is they allow him time to develop behind Tonyan and Graham.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 20, 2019 at 07:17 pm

The cap savings would be $3.75M in 2019, and GB would have to take a $3.666M dead money hit in 2020. Cap savings in 2020 would be $8M. Total is $11.75M in cap savings if cut today.

Keeping him means we use $12.666M in cap space this year on him and save $8M next year if cut in March. Essentially, is Graham's play in 2019 worth his roster spot plus $3.75M in cap space? Is there some other player who can be a big receiver and so-so blocker? Lazard is big, but he can't block like a TE at all, can he?

Andy Herman told us that Marcedes Lewis wasn't a good blocker last year. IDK if that was due to MM's scheme, but I am not according to Marcedes the status of being a good blocker until I see it in a game.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 20, 2019 at 09:01 pm

As for Graham, check out the link below. Ben Fennell notes that Graham can handle backside blocks (cutting a player off in space) but is poor on 1 on 1 blocking, that is, moving a DE or LB at the point of attack. Link below (add the h in the beginning).

ttps://twitter.com/i/status/1163833482096893954

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Since'61's picture

August 20, 2019 at 09:04 pm

TGR - thanks for the cap space information on Graham. He might be worth $ 3.75 million but he is not worth $12.666 million if we keep him for this season.

If we have Tonyan, Lewis and Sternberger ready for Week 1 I would be OK with releasing Graham and going forward without him. The 3.75 could be used to sign an ILB, or an OL, a backup QB or put towards an extension for Martinez or Clark or another player. We’ll see what happens on cut down day. Thanks, Since ‘61

-1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 20, 2019 at 09:54 am

Seems pretty spot on to me, Andy.

You've put your neck out there with the "100% right track" stuff. Time, as always, is going to tell.

There is not a single rookie on offense that we're counting on as a starter or significant contributor, unless Jenkins has to play. That's good. Veterans make fewer mistakes than rookies.

Defensively, we're going to be lining up quite a few first round picks......Savage, King, Alexander, Clark, Gary...… It's imperative that Savage has a good season, but we don't need a major contribution from Gary this year unless people get hurt.

This is a pretty good group, at this point, but Chicago and MInnesota are good too. Losing on the road in the opener is no big deal as long as we don't get embarrassed, but that Week 2 game at home against Minnesota is one of our biggest games of the year. If we can't hold our homefield against division opponents, then we're not going to finish over .500.

Biggest Achilles Heel? Rodgers age/health and the lack of an NFL QB behind him. If Rodgers doesn't start and finish just about all of the games we'll be drafting in the Top 10 next year.

8 points
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dobber's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:22 am

"This is a pretty good group, at this point, but Chicago and MInnesota are good too. Losing on the road in the opener is no big deal as long as we don't get embarrassed, but that Week 2 game at home against Minnesota is one of our biggest games of the year. If we can't hold our homefield against division opponents, then we're not going to finish over .500."

I think you've summed this up very nicely. There's no shame in losing to a good team on the road, but good teams win their home games--especially against division opponents.

5 points
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IceBowl's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:25 am

Bad sign, Both back up QB's named as the best back up. One from Andy, one from commenter (RC).

I really thought one would step up hard.

2 points
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dobber's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:31 am

I think if the Packers needed the roster spot there would be no harm in cutting Boyle. I think he'd make it to the PS (and he does have PS eligibility). In the end, we seem to be begging for a better option than either of these guys, so--except to protect yourself until another QB gets up to speed--why worry about either of them?

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 20, 2019 at 12:49 pm

Agreed. Boyle is not going to start for any team or be anything but a number 3. He is a year to two years away if he continues to improve.

It was very telling when Gute said that he didn’t need to see him against better opposition. Contrast that with Lazard, Shepherd, Hollman, Brown and so on. He isn’t going to be our number 2 this year absent injury. Gute effectively told us that yesterday.

Could a team scoop him up on promise? Maybe, but is that risk and associated talent loss deemed greater than the positive value of his roster spot? That’s a tough question this year where there is so much young potential elsewhere on this 90 man roster.

4 points
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dobber's picture

August 20, 2019 at 04:43 pm

I think there are a lot of Tim Boyles out there and many of them are about to get lanced.

5 points
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MWendlandt's picture

August 20, 2019 at 06:30 pm

That quote is very telling. I like the potential that Boyle has, but he's been so overhyped this season that it's starting to get to be too much. He hasn't been better in games than Kizer and the team clearly agrees since Kizer is getting all his reps ahead of Boyle.

2 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

August 20, 2019 at 10:23 am

Great work again Andy.

I can't wait for 9/5.

1 points
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4zone's picture

August 20, 2019 at 11:13 am

I think we will end up keeping 7 WRs. Still gonna lose one that we wish we kept but I don't think J'Mon is even in the discussion. Question is who gets sent packing, Shep, Davis, Laz or EQ? It's a good dilemma to have.

-2 points
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ILPackerBacker's picture

August 20, 2019 at 11:52 am

Tie a couple together. Daniels was certainly the surprise and that changes the most disappointing to Dean L who had been not merely disappointing but dominated at the LOS.

-6 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm

Still represents an upgrade over a player who came into camp with a nagging injury and would be unlikely to suit up anyway.

Lowry made some splash plays last year as a situational player. I'm confident he will find his footing in an every down DL role.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 20, 2019 at 02:16 pm

You are off target with Lowry.

He was 2nd to Clark in tackles by a DL. He was 5th on the team in tackles for loss. He was 10th on the team in total snaps. Not a situational guy, a core guy, and that's why Gutekunst resigned him to a multi-year deal the day after he released Daniels. Unless you think Gutekunst is the kind of guy who gives situational guys big contracts.

0 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 20, 2019 at 03:02 pm

I didn’t realize Lowry played that much last year (it was pretty hard to sit and watch most games last year), but everything you said reinforces my point. He made the most of his opportunities and will be able to grow into an expanded role.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 20, 2019 at 03:15 pm

Obviously, Gutekunst agrees and that's why he got paid. He's a core guy, not a situational guy. He'll be part of our core for the next several years. Hopefully we'll get Clark locked up too.

1 points
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Oppy's picture

August 20, 2019 at 08:30 pm

I haven't seen anything notable about Lowry.

He's a nice player, nothing wrong with him. But It is my opinion that if he retired tomorrow he would be replaced in short order without a hiccup. Relatively easy upgrade.

0 points
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dobber's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:06 am

Gotta choose where to spend your money. Big, available, reliable, and playable bodies are hard to find. You need to have a bunch of Lowry's so you can have the ARods, Adams, and Smiths.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 20, 2019 at 12:53 pm

In one game? Lowry has looked good for the rest of the time really. One game, particularly one preseason game is a pretty flimsy reason to write a player off, even more so when he has performed in the past in real games.

3 points
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Lphill's picture

August 20, 2019 at 11:53 am

"we wont know anything until we see how the team performs in games," exactly !

0 points
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Handsback's picture

August 20, 2019 at 02:20 pm

Everything is looking up, but the guy who drives the car has to stay healthy. He wasn't last year and if he gets injured this year it will be another losing season. The Pack has no back-up QB on their roster. Everything else is window dressing, nice window dressing but still just superfluous.

1 points
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powell.david1's picture

August 20, 2019 at 02:25 pm

Thanks Andy! One nitpick, LaFleur tore his Achilles, not his ACL

1 points
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PatrickGB's picture

August 20, 2019 at 03:02 pm

I really don’t think that the team will keep 7 WRs this year. Two, three or maybe even four of those young fellows making plays in preseason will be cut. I also think that one or two of them will make the practice squad. I also agree that other teams in the NFC north look good yet remain quite beatable. However, if tackling problems remain then I will start to worry.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 20, 2019 at 03:22 pm

I'm with you, Patrick. When you can only activate 21 offensive players you've got to make some choices.

Frequently, teams opt for 5 WRs, 2 QBs, 8 offensive linemen, 3 RBs and 3 TEs. That's 21. You can have 4 more guys on the 53 who are inactive. Usually, that'd be a back, a lineman, a WR and a TE, but it can be anything.

So where do you cut back to keep 7 WRs? I just don't see it. We'll hope we can get one onto the practice squad, or maybe somebody will stub their toe and we can put them on IR for the year.

Given that age isn't likely to be a factor for our WRs for a while, I don't see lots of openings unless guys get hurt. I think this unit is largely set for the rest of Rodgers' career.

2 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 20, 2019 at 04:18 pm

I think 5 to 6 (including a primarily-ST guy) is probably the max. Which is about right when you consider 3 of our TEs are basically big receivers, and at least half the RBs will taking an active role in the passing game.

The only way I could see taking more is any of the guys are standing out on punt and kick coverage teams. A WR who can be a gunner and also return kicks is basically guaranteed a roster spot, and being able to actually run routes is a bonus.

0 points
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sbransbottom's picture

August 22, 2019 at 11:09 am

Yes and we are definitely keeping at least 1 FB so that's another spot taken. I'm excited to see how this all plays out.

0 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 20, 2019 at 04:30 pm

well said Andrew Herman..

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 20, 2019 at 04:32 pm

Tonyun we will replace Graham by the end of the year and then it is bye bye Jimmy G.

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 20, 2019 at 04:33 pm

T. Davis and J. Moore both will be cut.
Sheperd and Lazard make the 53

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BoHunter's picture

August 20, 2019 at 08:05 pm

I sure hope you’re right Doug, Sheperd and Lazard get my vote!
Bo Hunter

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