Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Still Owning Chicago

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Thank You - Tell the truth. How awful did you feel in the first half when the Bears had a 13-point lead? Like me, were you thinking that this would be the ultimate embarrassment, getting spanked by your division rivals sporting a 3-9 record and missing a bunch of starters?  Oh, the horror... the horror. But then two things happened; Christian Watson and Fields stopped running the ball. It's not the first time a Bears team (under various coaching staffs) has looked really good early against the Packers, only to get completely away from what was working for them and have it all spiral downward. Thanks, Chicago!

Not Ready - Another thing that crossed my mind in the first half - I truly am not ready to accept that in the not-so-distant future, the Packers will no longer be the best team in the NFC North every year. I know it's coming, and I've prepared myself for the end of the Rodgers era, but having the Lions or Bears be better than the Packers - I'm not ready for that if it happens.

Fields Day - Justin Fields is as competitive as they come, one reason why I said the Bears may have finally drafted the right guy when they picked him. He needed some work passing-wise, but his work ethic is second to none and he's determined and obsessed with being great. Whether that ever happens, we'll see, but with another high draft pick and about 100M in cap space in 2023, the Bears figure to get Fields some legitimate weapons. I'm not afraid to admit that causes me some concern.

It's Sammy! - Well, it's nice to know that the Packers got something out of their bargain basement investment in Sammy Watkins. Of course, if you guessed it would be two big blocks to help beat the Bears, consider telling fortunes on the boardwalk.

Why? I have no idea how many times I've complained in this space about the Packers taking deep shots on third and short (sorry). And it's not the fact that they do it - sometimes you have to and sometimes the game situation makes it fine. But when the Bears have had their way with you for most of the first half, you score a TD to narrow the lead and you have the ball to start the second half, is that the right time? Or is it the right time to continue the drive, keep momentum in your favor, hopefully close the deficit, and send the message that it's going to be different from this point on? Of course, everything eventually worked out, but I think it was bad situational football. 

Major Tom in Ground (and Air) Control - It's a pretty good feeling when your All-Pro left tackle is out and you have a fourth-round rookie who can step in and pretty much not miss a beat. 

Having the Stones - Sorry to bring World Cup Soccer into this, but if the Portugal coach can tell worldwide meg-superstar Renaldo he's not starting in a win-or-go-home World Cup game, why couldn't the Packers have the cohones to tell Rodgers he needed to sit out for a game and let the thumb heal? Or, in the possibly meaningless near future, tell him he needs to sit and give Jordan Love a chance to play a few games from start to finish. (BTW, Renaldo's 21-year-old replacement scored three goals. You just never know...)

A Long December -  As the New Year approaches, that Counting Crows song comes to mind: "A long December and there's reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last."  Whether it will be a long December for the Packers or if 2023 will be any better is unknown. If you're into sports betting, however, this could be a great opportunity to place some bets. If you're not sure which way to go, you can go here to get NFL betting strategies from experts.  Regardless, one thing is sure: December in Green Bay is the reason AJ Dillon is a Green Bay Packer.

 

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__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

__________________________

7 points
 

Comments (83)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
T7Steve's picture

December 07, 2022 at 06:17 am

I'm glad Tom had a good game. If DB can't play, we'll see what how much he's progressed against a Rams' D front.

I really like Jordan Love and don't think it's possible that we can have a drop off in play after this season. How could it be any worse?

No more drama (from the Packers side at least). Just let Rodgers play as much as he wants to. Love will get his shots and be just fine.

2 points
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BradHTX's picture

December 07, 2022 at 06:22 am

Major Tom has really made the grade.

8 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 07, 2022 at 06:22 am

The season has not gone as expected for sure but thank goodness for CCTV, the writers, and all my fellow posters to help get me through it. I am already looking for next year as I believe with the right moves the Packers may surprisingly be competitive.

9 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 07, 2022 at 06:26 am

Just like Jay Cutler would always throw us (The Packers) the ball, the Bears coaching staff will always stop doing what's working. Not just that, this past weekend Justin Fields did his best Cutler impression by throwing 2 picks himself. I love how the Bears always are consistent, even if the Packers can't be.

3rd and 1 deep shots will ALWAYS be part of the game as long as Rodgers is playing.

Zack Tom looked really great, as a matter of fact I was thinking of that yesterday, ANOTHER 4th round OL gem. Obviously I have to temper my expectations a little bit since he did it against one of the worst DL fronts in the NFL. BUT, he has looked pretty good IMO in the time he's played. A little more weight in the ass and a offseason in the weight room should do it. He'll start next year SOMEWHERE on the O-Line. Since Yosh Nijman is an RFA, the Packers should put a 2nd round tender on him and let someone sign him. Another 2nd round pick is never a bad thing. ESPECIALLY if they keep David Bakhtiari. If that's the case then move Tom to RT until DB is gone.

Don't the Giants AND the Commanders have to lose out the rest of the year for the Packers to have a chance at the Playoffs? Whatever the case may be I'm hoping what small percentage exists today for the Packers playoff chances is gone by next week when Jersey Al is writing his next Polluted Mindset. PUT Jordan Love in and let him play. Design gameplans that cater to HIS abilities and lets REALLY see what the Packers have.

It is a "Long December" which IMO followed a long September, October, and November. I also have a feeling it will be a looooong offseason as we begin another season of "Rodgers Watch"... UGH!

9 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 07, 2022 at 06:53 am

I thought they used to only try the deep shot on 3 and 1 when they were going to go for it one 4th down if they didn't connect? Hate it when they play desperate when they don't have to.

The next game the Commanders play (after their bye) is against the Giants. Maybe they can tie again? Maybe some of you researcher/history types can tell me if there's ever been 2 teams that tied twice in a row?

0 points
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Guam's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:33 am

I would trade Bahk and keep Nijman. Bahk is not getting any younger and his slow healing after the ACL has me worried about longevity. Keep Tom and Nijman for your tackles and get the second rounder for Bahk.

3 points
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BradHTX's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:46 am

While I agree that Tom and Nijman are the future, not Bakhtiari, if you can find a team willing to part with a second round pick for an old tackle with a bum knee, you should absolutely be sending your resume to:

Green Bay Packers
Attn: Mark Murphy
1265 Lombardi Ave
Green Bay, WI 54304

3 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:20 am

Hey Brad...It's been a while since I saw you comment here or maybe I just missed them... Anyways good to see you back!

BTW... They should ABSOLUTELY be sending that resume to Murphy. Hell, I'd vote for REPLACING Murphy.

3 points
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BradHTX's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:30 am

I’ve been around, I just find I don’t spend as much time on the comments when the team is doing poorly. I don’t find dwelling on the negativity makes me feel any better when things are sucking!

2 points
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Guam's picture

December 07, 2022 at 04:29 pm

Fair point Brad, but then again I still do not believe the haul Denver gave up to get Russ Wilson. Or what the Packers once paid to get John Hadl. Or what the Vikings once paid to get Herschel Walker. As PT Barnum said, "there's a sucker born every minute".

2 points
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wildbill's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:20 am

After rewatching the game it seems like the Packers D/L, in the second half, concentrated on containing Fields. Especially in passing plays they seemed to try to make him a pocket passer more than going for the sack. Now that would mean Barry made a half time adjustment so I’m not really sure

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

December 08, 2022 at 12:42 am

Can't we keep Yoshi, NP? ?

0 points
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nygary's picture

December 07, 2022 at 06:35 am

I want to see Love play the rest of the season. Those reps would not just let the team evaluate him but give him the experience that's so important. Rodgers salary is going to kill this team for the next 2 years. I would like to see if we could trade him in the off season. I thought the goal each year was to win a super bowl. Rodgers with all his MVP'S has only won 1 SB. And with his salary eating up so much of the cap we will never win another as long as he's here. Remember 1988 the Pack went into the last week of the season with a meaning less game and if they lost would have had the 1st pick in the draft. Instead we won the game and the Cowboys got Troy Aikman HOF QB, and we got with the 2nd pick Tony Mandarich. Please Gute stop the BS we don't owe Rodgers shit. He gets payed very well each year. TIME TO MOVE ON.

8 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:05 am

As long as he's getting the big bucks, let him take the hits and save Love's legs. If he's the man next year, the whole offense will have to be geared for him. This year it would be just wear and tear, although it would be fun for us, if he wins, it might cost us some draft capital.

-2 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:50 am

I'm with you nygary. Stupidity is to pay player for his play in past, or to pay him when he is not delivering for what he is paid off.

Saying that it should be taken in consideration that every player on the field is expected to deliver level of playing that corresponds his salary. But, to be able to do that every player needs to have team mates playing on the level that makes him able to answer to demands. In football game there is no one who can play exceptinal while most of his team plays lousy.

Also, and not less important, is to have coaches who can produce game plan and play calling that suits players strengths and cover their weaknesses.

For me, that is the main problem Packers has this season (I'm looking at you Joe B). MLF is surely not HC Packers need, but all problems we see in the games we do not know if we can attribute to MLF, because there is no clear info how much QB changes play calls and forcing his will during the game. We suppose that happens, making conclusions on the way QB and HC public announcements and occasional outburst between them. But nothing is sure at the moment.

My conclusion is that Packers owes nothing to ACR, because it might be that he would never became QB we knows, if there was not Packers coaching and patience with his development (after all ACR said by himself several times that). I red and heard many times from very respectful persons connected professionally to football that you should never pay for past performances. And I agree with that. In every relationship there is both sides who should take responsibility in good and bad. Never ever only one side.

3 points
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jlc1's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:35 am

Everybody gets paid for what they did in the past, everybody. This is true but in capital letters in sports. Do you think Belichick is earning his salary this year or is his salary what it is now because he won a boatload of SBs? In the past. Like I said everybody gets paid for what they did in the past..

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:12 am

You do not pay for past. You pay for future expectation, probably. But when you pay for future, you are not pay the whole sum as guaranteed. You structure contracts based on future performances through incentives, stimulus, etc. It is stupid, especially in sport to pay for past. There is very simple logic - you build team for future not for past!!!

2 points
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Packerpasty's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:15 am

exactly, everyone especially in sports gets paid for what they have done the past season or seasons...common sense, which is lacking here at Cheesehead TV with many of the wanna be GM's and coaches...

-6 points
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nygary's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:46 am

You don't pay a 37 year old QB for his past without high expectations of his future. If you believe packerpasty that the Packers should follow what other franchises do and get caught up in cap hell, then paying Rodgers and Bak was a smart move. To me those moves have really worked out great so far. I almost forgot we have 5 wins and cap hell for the next 2 years. Great logic Pasty.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 01:20 pm

The past sets future expectations in part. You pay for those, not past performance . A Rule 101 of good football and other management. You are as wrong as could be on this.

2 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:54 am

JLC,
Let's take this scenario and let's see if you still agree.

Rodgers with whatever his motivations might be (I could go down a really deep rabbit hole) continues to play, so Jordan Love gets no to a very little bit of playing time the rest of the year. Come May 1 the Packers exercise his 5th year option escalating his salary to about $20,000,000. In this scenario I would say one might argue Jordan did not get paid for what he has done in the past. Let's hope this scenario doesn't play out.

4 points
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4thand10's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:15 am

The real killer is Barry Sanders was sitting right there. This upcoming season for sure Id like to see a TE drafted highly, and possibly another Defensive End or edge. Lowry and P. Smith wont be the same players next year or even an improvement. Not to mention a QB in case Love doesnt work out.

1 points
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wildbill's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:24 am

Aikman himself has said it would not have went well in Green Bay. He stated that he doesn’t throw a wet ball well and wonders how playing outdoors, in bad weather, would have worked out.

2 points
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Johnblood27's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:27 am

Thanks for the polluted thoughts Al!

on the bares... this just in... duh bares STILL SUCK!!!

on Zack Tom... he has earned snaps ever since TC. early in the season it was a crime that he was riding the pine while hanson and newman frittered the season away with their horrible play in game after game. the last 4 games are a chance for Meyers to show he has SOMETHING, or else I would put Tom in as starting center in 2023 and build the rest of the line around him. maybe meyers can be a swing guard or long snapper or waterboy or something... shoulda drafted Creed...

there are not even pebbles in the GBP admin (coaching and FO) let alone actual STONES. The pampered diva gets what he wants when he wants it and he can insult management all he likes, there will be no repercussions. He will start and continue to drag this franchise down with him right up until the day that his sycophant fans and GB management put him in the ring of honor and kiss his ass on his way out of GB back to California. I say buh-bye...

I am excited for December... if only the GBP would accept the season for what it is and is not, I would LOVE to see the young guys, Love, Dillon, Tom, R.Walker, Watson, Doubs, Toure, Wyatt, Slaton, Q.Walker, Enagbare, Ford, Abernathy mixed in with the starters and let's see what we have in some of these "jars on the shelf".

IT IS TIME!!!

6 points
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BradHTX's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:51 am

“…it was a crime that he was riding the pine while LAFLEUR AND STENOVICH frittered the season away with HANSON AND NEWMAN’S horrible play in game after game.”

FTFY

5 points
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Razer's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:53 am

I watched, at times, reluctantly. Started to breath 10 minutes into the 4th quarter when we took control. One thing that struck me was the non-throwing success on offense. Dillon's run and Watsons sweep took that game away from the Bears. This was not about Rodgers threading something to Cobb or a deep bomb to break the game. Even with the O-line giving Rodgers all day, he wasn't the throwing engine that ruled the day. I wonder if that will persist.

Curious about Rodgers' post game comment when asked about the bright future with the emergence of Christian Watson. His reference to not returning to Cal with Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson is classic cryptic Rodgers bullshit. Give Watson his due and be positive about the team. I want to cheer for the guy but man he makes it hard.

6 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:06 am

Razer,
I believe there isn't a Packer fan on this board who hasn't been a staunch Rodgers fan over the years, but yes....his continued behavior and act is hard to put up with after awhile regardless of his immense talent. I simply want a good GBP QB who plays football, supports his teammates, the GBP's & fans, and steers clear of politics, controversy, and drama.

4 points
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Razer's picture

December 07, 2022 at 12:19 pm

I hear you. Rodgers the celebrity is increasingly hard to take.

Michael Jordan described himself as very coachable and attributes his success to this characteristic. I wish I saw more of that from Rodgers and a lot less of his McAfee shtick.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 02:04 pm

The less I hear of the social life and of players’ personal views or non football perspectives, the happier I am.

7 points
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Rarescope's picture

December 07, 2022 at 03:03 pm

Even more importantly I think the less I hear about other people's opinions about players' personal views the better. Which begs the question what the heck am I doing here? I just read a quote from Rogers saying great things about Watson so I'm not sure what the OP is talking about him not giving Watson his due - rhetorical question, please don't answer that :D

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

December 08, 2022 at 12:50 am

Me too. Play the young guys and watch them turn into something. it's time, and I'm ready for the ride until we get rid of the Murphy guys.

1 points
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dobber's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:54 am

Tom--The things that impress me most about Tom are his competitiveness and his athleticism. He's underpowered and undersized, yes, but he's able to win reps by limiting those liabilities. He just doesn't get beat very often and has the ability to recover if someone gets the upper hand. The Packers appear to have three capable LTs (Bakhtiari, Nijman, Tom...and Jenkins could be in that group, but needs to show he's recovered) which means that Bakhtiari is playing his last season in GB. Bakhtiari's PFF metrics were good when he's played this season, but he needs to get back on the field to up his trade value...any pick in return is better than just getting cap relief through a cut.

Long December--there are pieces on this roster--regulars--who clearly won't be back in 2023 (Watkins, Lewis, Reed, Crosby, Cobb, Lowry) and several who probably won't be back (Amos, Savage, Tonyan, Lazard, Bakhtiari) due to expiring contracts or cap constraints. ARod and AJones are pieces that will be interesting to see how the Packers handle them. So how do you balance playing time, development, and trying to win football games? Do you stick with your plan? Many of the young players the Packers have are on developmental trajectories--there's no need to hurry them into place if they're not ready. What's more, if they're not ready, they negatively impact the play of those around them. But there are enough opportunities due to injury and poor play to look at some of the pieces they have and still be competitive--player assessment is more meaningful when you're competitive, and trying to play situational ball to win games. We've seen a team that's finally starting to come around...they need to take advantage of that.

The Packers need an honest, 360 assessment. Just how close are they? The roster has a couple old pieces (ARod, Crosby, Bakh, Lewis), but is mostly young or in its prime. How much difference does a coordinator make? JImmy Leonhard is now back on the market--he's going to coach the Badgers' bowl game, but then is a free agent (he declined the offer to join Fickell's staff--which isn't a huge surprise)--maybe he's not the next DC, but we've come to the conclusion that most of the choices out there would be an upgrade. How close is the offense? I don't think this is a "tear it down to the studs, fire-sale lots of pieces, and rebuild" team. They don't have the draft capital and they don't have the cap space for that--and a big chunk of the cap is going to go into resigning guys coming off rookie deals.

7 points
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Tingham's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:31 am

Hi Dobber,

Good post as always. I don't live in Wisconsin and I'm only a casual Badger fan. I basically just see them in bowl games. But when I look at their record this year I see scores that look a lot like a Joe Barry defense. Gave up 34 to Illinois, 34 to Michigan State, 24 to Purdue, 24 to Iowa, 23 to Minnestoa, and 52 to Ohio State. I did not see any of these games so I confess my ignorance but what makes him special other than he was th previous first choice for DC.

Thanks.

3 points
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Guam's picture

December 07, 2022 at 04:37 pm

Leonhard had a little les talent to work with this year, but more importantly he was dealing with an offense (QB) that turned the ball over deep in their own territory too often. Tough to stop a team scoring when you consistently give them short fields.

1 points
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dobber's picture

December 07, 2022 at 05:33 pm

He had a LOT less talent to work with...AND issues with an inconsistent offense.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:06 am

When I think about Tom I cannot help think of Scottie Wells....

1 points
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stockholder's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:54 am

Gutey needs to have more options if we want to duplicate his last years draft.
The call for Love to play, can only drive up the value. To trade him! Love is Blind mans Poker. The Bluff is on. Before we pay him.
If Tom keeps improving. Bahk is another Trade option. The games he keeps missing because of his health. ( MEANS MOVE-ON ) Dependability, accountability, whatever. Because the packers are losing money, No matter how you look at it.
The Packers are committed to Rodgers. But that doesn't mean you're committed to the players around him. Or Coaches!

-6 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 01:53 pm

You can’t be committed to everyone. Ultimately, if players demonstrate they can play and are approximately as reliable/effective, you have to play them or trade them.

If there is a surplus at one position, then you leverage that to free cap and/or acquire others where there is a deficit. That’s true whenever, more so though when we have to cut cap anyway.

The question is which one do you trade? The answer is not Tom if he holds up this year. Neither are good RT builds, so there isn’t that. Alternatively, one could move Tom to C, but Myers isn’t going to get much. We could trade Jenkins, but he’s started to come into his own and, to me has more long term value if that holds.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 07, 2022 at 05:01 pm

Jones.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 08, 2022 at 11:08 am

And?

0 points
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Spock's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:04 am

Al, as always, this is one of my favorite columns. I have to agree with every point. It's been difficult for me, personally, to root for an Arod led Packer team. His "smartest man in the room" stich has been difficult for me to accept in the last three years. Each off-season I hoped that the Packers FO would trade him and I'm hoping for a miracle and that happens after this season. Rodgers is the most TALENTED quarterback I've ever watched, but he is, to me, also the most ARROGANT. All the post season losses seem to point to a non-team outlook. I'd love to see Love play, but also, at this point, wish Rodgers can look like his old self just to get us a better trade (unlikely as the FO seems to be under his thumb). Anyways, will always love the Packers, just maybe a little more once Arod is gone. :)

0 points
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egbertsouse's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:11 am

I got news for you, Jersey Al, the Packers are already not the best team in the North. The. Time. Is. Now.

They could have traded Diva last year and shortened the rebuild but now, thanks to Gutless Gute, they can look forward to being the Lions for about 6-7 years.

1 points
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jlc1's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:38 am

The Lions play with real heart and have a ton of early picks coming up. Might not be so bad to be the Lions the next few years. Except it's the Lions.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:26 am

Beat me to it. That time is well and truly here already. Yet a win over the Bears and that realization seems to have been rescinded by many. We face an off season where we either shed veteran talent or we hamstring further years to keep older players around despite this young core of the roster being a couple of seasons out and no cap to spend and a very dubious coaching staff.

The era has ended. There is no way this staff and this cap and a 49 year old QB make sense to get the most of this roster. If we don’t face that head on, we will need to get used to the fact that the Lions have started to read end from their clear out and the Bears are about to have a chance. Both could yet screw that up, but the chances are that one won’t.

Personally, I think that Fields may well be the false dawn that undermines the Bears. He’s just not that good when not running. That’s likely a skill that is of limited duration. The chances are that, by the time their roster is competitive, that window will have closed. If the Bears decide to stick with him they could be the authors if they’re own undoing, unless he improves as a passer and decision maker dramatically. He got his highest rating if the season against us, and his most yards in the air and yet still probably lost them that game with 2 interceptions despite all day to throw.

This is likely to be viewed as a watershed season and post season in retrospect. Will we face up to reality or continue to ignore cap and roster dynamics, recent history and Rodgers age? I can’t say that I have much faith in this leadership to face up to the hard choices. If we don’t then maybe a brief weak uptick will result (depending on who we can retain), followed by a period of an ascending roster and a declining QB and more absolving of very poor coaching. It’s not a winning recipe if a Super Bowl is the objective.

Am I the only one who finds the Major Tom references somewhat fate tempting? I hope for a much better long term outlook for Tom. I think he should just play out the year at LT now. Let’s see him against multiple defenses. Interestingly, Jenkins seemed to have his best all around game last week. That could be the opponent, but he’s starting to look like himself consistently and Tom didn’t seem to affect that, which is a further positive indication of Tom’s competence.

8 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:18 am

I have to say that you were, at least here, the first to advocate for using Tom as LT, instead of other OLs and still not recovered Bakh.

I doubted him because of his relatively light body, feared of possibilty to be injured because of that, or that he will not be able to stop bull rush. I was wrong. His technique alows him to overcome those scenarios. Bow to your good eye!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 02:00 pm

Tom has, to be honest, held up much better this year than I expected, but LT is a place where a guy with technique and leverage has the best shot if he’s a little undersized or powered.

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:15 am

Thank You -
Honestly, I really wasn't worried. In my heart I just knew it. What did I know you may ask yourself. What I know is that the Bears Still Suck!

Not Ready -
Our best hope for this not happening is for Jordan Love to be our next Favre-Rodgers. While we have no idea what is going to happen at QB this next year, we do know what the future of Jordan Love will be. But our best hope is that he could be the next QB. He definitely looked good in his last performance.

Fields Day -
If Fields gets some legit weapons he could be a very dangerous QB. That could be scary. He is a special athlete and will be very hard to defend once the game slows down for him.

It's Sammy! -
That honestly was the first time I saw him in the game. I was thinking in the previous drives when I saw Toure in there, that he must have taken snaps away from Watkins. When I finally saw him in the game, he made a tremendous block that sprung Watson.

Why?
situational football. There are times to take shots. There are times to not. The deep shot to Cobb on 4th down, was not the time to do it. Sure if it works, its genius. But when the deep throws didnt' work all day to that point, why try it there.

Major Tom in Ground (and Air) Control -
Tom is so damn good. Sure he doesn't have prototypical size. But he is a great player. He is really good when he is on the move. He isn't going to bowl a ton of people over, but when he gets moving in space he is pretty damn good.

Having the Stones -
I have a feeling we will see Love play. Probably the last game of the year. I'm looking at this differently. Any chance that Rodgers saw what the rest of us did and saw that Love looked pretty damn good for the first time. And that there was no way he could let Love play to continue being the guy? Is that why he was so adamant on playing?

A Long December -
I want GB to prepare for next year. Meaning getting the young players as much playing time as possible. And I want them go on a winning streak to propel them into the offseason. A team finishing hot can be good for the future. Why not go on a winning streak.

-1 points
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stockholder's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:43 am

Do we know what we have in Love? The Administration does Know.
The Administration wouldn't draft anybody behind Love. TT Did.
The Administration gave him the pre-season snaps.
The Administration gave Rodgers the extension.

-4 points
3
7
RCPackerFan's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:38 am

We don't know. The Administration thinks they know, but don't really know.

The part they don't' know about is real game. How he will be in real games. They got a taste of it. But need to see more.

They gave Rodgers the extension for a reason. Clearly they didn't think Love was ready. But he definitely has developed. We shall see what the future holds.

5 points
5
0
HawkPacker's picture

December 07, 2022 at 12:11 pm

I believe they extended Rodgers since he is one of the best QB's ever and they clearly want a chance for a super bowl at his direction. Love not being ready is part of it but even if he was ready, he will more than likely never be as good as Rodgers. If you have a star QB, hold on to him as long as possible.

I was all for trading him a year ago but was okay that they did not.

-1 points
2
3
Leatherhead's picture

December 07, 2022 at 01:13 pm

He had just won the MVP, for crying out loud. How many times in NFL history has a guy won the MVP and then gets traded ? I was in favor of trading him, too, but I was persuaded that the Packers probably had a better chance in 2022 with Rodgers than Love, considering he was the MVP. I would have liked the haul of draft picks we'd have gotten, and our record probably wouldn't have been much worse.

IMO, Love is ready. I've seen enough. He'll have another full offseason and I'm totally willing to go to war with him at QB next season. We need a stronger offensive line around him. Tom, for example, probably started about #9 or #10 and now he's in our starting 5, so you need to start the season with plenty of capable linemen....not a bunch of projects and UDFAs.

Keep Jenkins, Keep Nijman, return Tom with Runyan and Myers. Hope Wallker and Jones and Rhyan are better. Add beef.

5 points
5
0
Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 01:32 pm

Gute towed the line saying that they believe they’ve seen enough but admitting playing time would be valuable. No telling Rodgers he wants him off the field, not saying the team has no clue about Love but accepting there’s benefit to playing him. The sort of comments that could be said to apply till math rules us out. After that, the admission of value in playing Live becomes relevant. Yet still in tune with the Murphy spin that they are still in contention.

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:46 am

Wyatt has been looking good for a few weeks now, if one doesn’t blink and miss his snaps. Slaton has too, again if one doesn’t blink. Both have made plays others aren’t. Neither are perfect, but nor are the starters, particularly Lowry. So why so few snaps baffles me. They won’t get better on the bench. We are unlikely to get better without change either and we need to. It makes no sense, and the same issue extends to both O and D (arguably to STs too with Rodgers/Nixon). I have to believe it’s a result of LaFleur’s management philosophy.

2 points
2
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:40 am

I agree about Wyatt and Slaton. Wyatt had a great run stop. He needs more snaps. I'd like to see a trio of Wyatt, Slaton and Clark.

Maybe towards the end of the year we could see Ford get some playing time as well.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 07, 2022 at 05:15 pm

Draft Benton from the Badgers in the spring.

0 points
0
0
nygary's picture

December 07, 2022 at 01:40 pm

Coldworld you are right on the money. The young DL could gain such important experience. One member wrote this week that Lowery is the highest rated DL on the Packers by PFF ratings. I watch every play of every game and Lowery flat out sucks. Take away his snaps and start the future now.

3 points
3
0
croatpackfan's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:50 am

"Any chance that Rodgers saw what the rest of us did and saw that Love looked pretty damn good for the first time. And that there was no way he could let Love play to continue being the guy? Is that why he was so adamant on playing?"

You hear that reason from me first. ACR did not make any significant noise when Jordan was drafted. He was surprised, but he claim that he understand move. After just one year as 3rd QB, and just before Jordan Love's second season he made that low announcement through Shaefter just in the eve before draft started. That post season we saw all he had to say about franchise which gave him the chance to be QB and developed him with patience forming one of the best QBs ever in football.

He saw what some fans here do not want to accept. Jordan Love has a lot of talent. And, at that moment he started his game with MLF, BG and public (fans) to prevent Jordan Love to become better than him (as possibility) the same way he did that to Brett Favre. ACR knows he is done. He recognize the signs of father time with himself. Yes, he still can throw amazing throws, but not on regular bases.

That "thumb" injury and that "ribs" injury he rise to the as high level as he can. Suddenly, when that rib injury showed as problem to prevent him of playing, everything came out good. Not even a bruise. And he "showed" how tough he is! Oh, just to mention that he was in pain after that hit vs Eagles. Probably because he fall on his elbow (it happen to me once, when I felt from bycicle. It was painful to breath, but that was short term problem - 1 to 2 hours. Nothing broken. Just tissue reaction on sudden strike. It was painful next day to cough, but even that diminish quickly.

Cman people. Put everything together. It is just the game of manipulation, like his "immunization"!

-1 points
2
3
HarryHodag's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:38 am

I think it's time to take a deep breath and say....da' Bears? You have to beat the teams you should beat, but this Bears team might have a hard time beating Ohio State.

I've watched Packers football for 61 years and this might be the most confounding team I've seen. At times(Cowboys) they play like a champion. At other times(look at any of the 8 losses) and they look like Lindy Infante's pathetic Packers.

Owning the modern version of the Bears is like you're the toughest guy in the nursing home.

10 points
10
0
Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:57 am

If the Bears are bad, at least they are owning it. The team seems to me to have accepted that this is a clean out year. Get picks, slough off cap hangovers, see what you’ve got and approach this off season as year zero. The interesting thing is Fields. I’m not sure he’s a guy they will plan around. I see what they have been doing as getting the most out of him now rather than long term enthusiasm. I wouldn’t be shocked if they take a QB early as opposed to betting on his development as a passer. The leadership there is in a position to be ruthless.

2 points
2
0
BirdDogUni's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:39 am

We can only hope duh bares draft another QB @ #2 overall. Hope it's another Ohio State QB too...

4 points
4
0
Leatherhead's picture

December 07, 2022 at 01:15 pm

The Bears are not the feeble weaklings you portray them as. Hell, they average more points/game than we do. They've scored over 30 several times.

0 points
0
0
HarryHodag's picture

December 07, 2022 at 02:06 pm

If the draft was held today the Bears would have the second overall pick. I think that says enough about their ability.

4 points
4
0
Ferrari-Driver's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:47 am

Al, I agree that we still own the Bears, but to put it in economic terms, I feel like we are in a recession. However, I feel it is a mild one and feel optimistic that we may pull out of it by next year. This years draft class looks good and I'm impressed with the development of our new receivers. I know I tend to be optimistic, but I have a good feeling about this one.

2 points
2
0
Packerpasty's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:17 am

groundhogs day at cheesehead TV..."let Love play so they know what they got"...haha...they do know what they got and no one is going to trade for Rodgers or Bak and both will "most likely" be back next year...get over it...move on...

-11 points
3
14
Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 10:12 am

There are teams who would want, could use and get value from both. The primary payback is not picks or players, it’s cap help at this point. Whether this leadership will trade Rodgers for its own political reasons is a legitimate question, but both could be moved. We just won’t get a haul in return. That ship has sailed.

We got the 83rd pick the following year for Favre ( I think used to move up for Matthews). It could have been their first rounder if the Jets made the playoffs with Favre playing. That would be about the right ball park for a 2024 pick. I’d suggest a similarly productivity driven deal for Bakh.

You can hide behind the impossibility, but it’s false. The real benefit would be in future ability to add FA talent sooner and on a bigger scale. Whether our leaders have the internal fortitude or awareness to move on from Rodgers regardless remains to be seen, but they can, it’s on them if they don’t. Bakh is, I think, a very easy call if Tom holds up. If Tom doesn’t then he may stay, but that depends on the other options to reduce cap.

4 points
4
0
T7Steve's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:27 am

There's also Caleb Jones as an option. I have to be honest, I didn't see Tom as an NFL left tackle but, have been proven wrong (at least so far). If he doesn't work out, I'd really like to see more of Jones. What a beast!

Don't know what mono did to him for this year. I know he has trouble with his weight and if mono would make him gain or lose, but it still must have got him out of shape.

-1 points
0
1
Coldworld's picture

December 07, 2022 at 02:11 pm

More likely sapped his conditioning. He’s training, let’s see if they pull the trigger or let him recover longer rather than rush this year.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 07, 2022 at 05:35 pm

OT in the first or second round. Get Better.

0 points
1
1
Coldworld's picture

December 08, 2022 at 11:15 am

OG/C but likely not that early. Our issues are in the inside I think—unless Rhyan rebounds—we have no depth at all there.

0 points
0
0
barutanseijin's picture

December 07, 2022 at 03:28 pm

Oh look, you’re here too, pasty ol’ pal, mumbling the same brain dead Aawin Wodgers is the bestest evah nonsense you always do.

2 points
3
1
x24's picture

December 07, 2022 at 09:24 am

After watching the pre-season, I'll never understand how Hansen got the start over Tom

3rd and short hero ball- a man's pride will kill him. It's past time for Rodgers to accept his limitations and focus on his strengths. Watching Love last week was a shocking contrast. Rodger's veteran football IQ is certainly superior, but physically? Damn. It's like Love was playing twice as fast

9 points
9
0
splitpea1's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:36 am

Not ready: You may not be able to pencil in the Packers as division champs every year like in the past, but there's no reason why they can't be in the mix--that's if they hire some better coaches and tweak their draft focus in the first three rounds toward plug-and-play types instead of athletic prodigies. A stronger division makes for more entertaining games, at least from this fan's viewpoint.

5 points
5
0
Lphill's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:49 am

I watched Brady and Mahomes this past week take deep shots on short yardage third downs, its not just Rodgers.

2 points
5
3
T7Steve's picture

December 07, 2022 at 01:08 pm

It's ok to do that, I think, if you plan on going for it on 4th down. So far this year we can't buy a yard. Another reason I think the line has a long way to go.

5 points
5
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 07, 2022 at 05:42 pm

They repeatedly stretch the field, it's football. I was waiting for the church ladies to spil the coffee when Brady went long to Julio, off target, to the end zone.

0 points
1
1
LeotisHarris's picture

December 07, 2022 at 06:00 pm

Steady hands in the Martha Circle. Some say it's the decaf.

2 points
2
0
Alberta_Packer's picture

December 07, 2022 at 02:16 pm

Owning Chicago may be the saddest consolation prize to this season. Even then it was an uninspiring and uneven game for the Packers - which has been their form all season. It is apparent that Rodgers can only play a half a game of competent football - which does not augur well for the rest of the season (and beyond?). However there is a silver lining in continuing to trot Rodgers out for games, i.e., intentional tanking will not be necessary. Ironically, a high draft choice may be Rodgers greatest contribution to the team this year.

6 points
7
1
T7Steve's picture

December 07, 2022 at 02:30 pm

Maybe they can start platooning Love in on 3rd/4th and 1 and goal line situations? Have the best of both worlds. Someone here wrote when the last quarterback sneak was run by Rodgers, but I can't remember the last time (excluding Bart Starr's). Quite a weapon to have to give up that the opposing D doesn't have to defend.

1 points
1
0
Alberta_Packer's picture

December 07, 2022 at 03:41 pm

I would be excited to see Love get more reps in the remaining games. Actually, I would have been over the moon to have Love be the starting QB for this season (due to trading Rodgers). However, what I've seen of Rodgers is that he does not like to share his toys with others. Each game is "The Rodgers Show" - Episode___. It would behoove management to play Love. But as we have all witnessed - Packers management = Rodgers

5 points
6
1
x24's picture

December 07, 2022 at 04:14 pm

Didn't happen when we had Taysom Hill, and it won't happen with Love

-2 points
1
3
Alberta_Packer's picture

December 07, 2022 at 04:37 pm

So Taysom Hill - Exhibit 1

0 points
2
2
jannes bjornson's picture

December 07, 2022 at 05:45 pm

That was limited to the pre-season. Ted. let him slide for McCarthy's guy, Callahan.

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

December 08, 2022 at 12:27 am

"Of course, everything eventually worked out, but I think it was bad situational football. "

Since about 2012 I think I've seen more bad examples of situational football by our dear Packers to last a lifetime. It literally could fill an entire textbook on what not to do. Sadly I don't think it will change until Rodgers and his ego leave.

1 points
1
0