Confessions of a Polluted Mindset: A Packers Brain Drain
Random thoughts swimming around in the Packers' section of my brain.
By JerseyAl
DeShone Kizer: I was pretty happy when the Packers traded Damarious Randall, seemed like a locker room problem. While not particularly a Kizer fan, I thought it was a good roll of the dice to get a player drafted in the second round back for Randall. Plus Hundley had pretty much proven he was not an NFL QB. Unfortunately, the die came up snake eyes. Next!
Wide Receivers: Not specific to the Packers, but remember when receivers dove for passes with two hands? They're all convinced they can make one-handed grabs now - few can.
Davante Adame: I'm sure it didn't take more than 20 minutes after the start of the game for Adams to get over his disappointment of not being able to play and go for the Packers' receiving record.
Clay Matthews: Two minutes left in this disaster and Matthews is still running around and trying his hardest. Maybe the results are no longer there, but you can't question his effort. If this was the end for him in Green Bay, at least he didn't dog it on his way out.
Too Many Coaches?: As the Packers are said to be interested in interviewing a couple of New England coaches, I find it interesting that the Pats only have 14 assistant coaches on their staff, compared to the Packers 21. Was there too much delegation and too many voices in the room for Green Bay?
Josh Jones: Early in the season, when Ha Ha was still making us laugh with his play at safety, so many people were clamoring for the Packers to play Josh Jones. Well, when Clinton-Dix was shipped to DC and Brice got injured, you all got your way, and I hope you now understand why he wasn't playing. He looks lost most of the time (does he understand his assignments?), takes bad angles, is easily blocked downfield and when he makes a pedestrian tackle 10 yds downfield, celebrates like he just stopped you behind the LOS on fourth and one. Just reinforces the fact that physical ability is not enough.
Josh McDaniels: Since the hot rumor has Josh McDaniels as a prime candidate to be the next Packers' coach, you should find the video below to be interesting. A lot of comparisons of situational play calling by Mike McCarthy versus Josh McDaniels from the teams' game earlier this season. Situational play calling and game management has always been my biggest complaint about McCarthy so this video really hit home for me. There is a ton of commentary in there contrasting how NE-McDaniels offense does things versus how the McCarthy-led Packers did things, but my favorite might be this one: They didn't just march Tom Brady out on the field and say, "OK, go make some insane throws and win the game for us." They helped him with a game plan. They adjusted when things didn't work and they schemed their weapons to be wide open in as many clever ways as they could. It was about as vintage a Josh McDaniels performance as you will ever see.
Note: When you start the video, you'll be told you have to watch the video on youtube, Just click that link or you can go directly there by clicking here.
Happy New Year: Since there's little about 2018 to celebrate with respect to the Packers, let's all raise our glasses and toast to 2019. It couldn't be any worse, could it? Well... could it?
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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.
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Comments (122)
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 05:17 am
What FAs are Packer fans hoping wear the Green and Gold in 2019? My top 3 are:
1. Jadaveon Clowney DE
2. Landon Collins S
3. Maxx Williams TE
NickPerry
January 02, 2019 at 05:46 am
Dee Ford is another FA but I doubt he gets out of KC with the team the have and over $42 million in cap space. BUT there are some FA who the Packers could target and make their team better.
Sportac.com breaks down all the FA by position for 2019. LOTS of good football players still in their mid 20's.
Bure9620
January 02, 2019 at 08:29 am
Rodger Saffold, he could be a bit pricey, but we Need better guard play, he would a huge instant upgrade on the right side.
Doug Niemczynski
January 02, 2019 at 11:42 am
Do you really honestly and truthfully believe that Gute is going after any of these players?
The answer is no. It won't happen.
Next suggestion please.
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 02:06 pm
Yes I do believe Gute will go after these players he went after a ton of big name FAs in 2018 with limited cap space. We now have 44 mil roughly. In 2018 he landed Graham and Wilkerson as the big names along with Breeland and others. He went after Mack, Fuller, Robinson and others. Gute has shown he's looking to make the Packers the best roster possible through any means neccessary.
Next Suggestion: Shut up Doug and actually contribute for once!
Doug Niemczynski
January 03, 2019 at 10:04 am
I have to be the voice of reason.
TKWorldWide
January 03, 2019 at 08:54 pm
Man, the apocalypse came sooner than anyone expected.
“Voice of reason”; good one!
LeotisHarris
January 02, 2019 at 02:56 pm
I don't think our beliefs deserve this level of scrutiny, Doug. We can believe if we choose to do so. We can even really believe. Some of us may go so far as to really, honestly believe. And, for those of us who want to stick it back in your face, we're gonna really, honestly, and truthfully believe and there's not a gosh darn thing you can do to stop us!
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 08:58 pm
Disliking this little slice of levity does not make sense.
Doug Niemczynski
January 03, 2019 at 09:59 am
The proof is in the pudding and our record confirms my findings. Dream on.
Doug Niemczynski
January 03, 2019 at 10:01 am
Tut tut
TKWorldWide
January 03, 2019 at 08:56 pm
I have conducted a thorough examination of said pudding, and have turned up nothing.
Doug Niemczynski
January 03, 2019 at 10:01 am
I do contribute, but you don't listen, so that is why every year us the same and that is called insanity.
[email protected]
January 02, 2019 at 03:10 pm
Hey Doug , if he wants to keep his job he will .
Minniman
January 03, 2019 at 12:04 am
Objectively, with the gaping holes at Edge and Safety and Gute's previous activity in the FA and trade market and I would agree that it's more likely than unlikely that Gute is going to take a swing at quite a few players at those positions.
Re Maxx Williams. I'm surprised that he's not had more of an impact in the pros. The catches that I saw him pull in for the Golden Gophers had me thinking that he'd have a future in the NFL attacking the seam....on the downside, he's taken some knocks in his short NFL career and is regularly dinged up (which TE's aren't!).
JonathanSpader
January 03, 2019 at 10:23 am
Minniman,
Gute's previous activity in GA was 1 season. I feel like we've been exposed in 2018 for the gaping hole we have at EDGE and safety and that's why I believe Gute will adress thise needs in 2019. He tried to address EDGE with Mack and came up short. He should have taken more tries. At safety he had to clean up the position before he added to it. I would have traded HHCD sooner and signed Reid and moved Randall to safety but that's me. Gute has more $ for FA in 2019 than he did in 2018 I remain hopeful but skeptical.
I completely agree when it comes to Maxx Williams he reminded me of Decker when he was a Gopher. That's why I remain hopeful that Maxx will have an Ebron like turnaround with a new team and I want that team to be the Packers. Go with youth and upside instead of overpaying washed out has beens like Bennett and Graham. Players with their arrows pointing up not down.
TEs are regularly injured every NFL player is. Look at Hunter Henry, Gronk, Jordan Reed, Jared Cook. The list goes on. Hell Graham broke his thumb.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 03, 2019 at 12:45 am
Best Offensive linemen available
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 05:42 am
Al,
Thank you for posting the link to Brett's review of the MM offense. It really put into words a lot of the frustrations I've felt with the Packer offense. I hope the new HC/OC is able to keep things simple and not place our success solely on Rodger's back.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2019 at 05:46 am
Um, there have been several folks questioning CM3's effort, willingness to tackle, and suggesting he played not to get injured. I can't say I noticed one way or the other. Some also suggested that he has slowed, but that is counter to my opinion.
JerseyAl
January 02, 2019 at 05:48 am
I fully disagree with those people. He's not what he once was, but not because he's not trying.
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 05:52 am
CM3 has lost a step he is continually getting to the QB right as they release the ball. He has not lost effort he continues to play to the end of the whistle. He's just not the game changer he once was and wasn't utilized well off the Edge. I'd rather see Clay inside with a straight shot to the QB look what Pettine did with Morrison vs Detroit. That guy isn't fast either but Pettine schemed him perfectly. Something I wish we could have seen from MM in 2018.
Bure9620
January 02, 2019 at 05:59 am
His effort was awful the last 2 weeks, he looks like a guy about to hit free agency.
JerseyAl
January 02, 2019 at 06:18 am
You're wrong.
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 07:10 am
I'd love to see an Andy Hermann breakdown in CM3's effort lvl in 2018. My memory is telling me he tried hard and it wasn't enough. Definitely worth a closer look!
Bure9620
January 02, 2019 at 08:30 am
It's possible
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 09:01 pm
I don't know, it looked to me that there were a number of plays where as soon as the QB was no longer in front of Clay, his own personal whistle blew.
I won't say it was the whole game, but I didn't see a whole lot of back side pursuit of the ball carrier.
NickPerry
January 02, 2019 at 06:21 am
I know it's not the popular choice here but I for one hope they offer a contract AND sign McDaniels Friday.
McDaniel's strength is to be able to take ANY set of players and devise a game plan specific for that opponent. Matter of fact I can't help but giggle with joy at the thought of what he could do with RB's like Williams and Jones in the receiving game.
With those two, Adams, MVS, and ESB and say a TE like Maxx Williams who Mr. Spader suggested above, this offense WOULD be a joy to watch again. Well as long as Mr. Rodgers was to buy in.
EDIT... My second choice just for fun would be Adam Gase. Actually the MORE I think about it, the more I like Gase ...Period. The guy had the Dolphins in the playoffs in year one. Lost his starting QB in year 2 but his 3rd year, this year, he had the Dolphins in the playoff race until week 16 or so. Lets not forget Tannahill was his starting QB without even one WR close to Adams.
Defensive Candidate is still Vic Fangio.
albert999
January 02, 2019 at 06:58 am
Great choices!
Community Guy
January 02, 2019 at 07:08 am
i sense a lot of character red flags with McDaniels.
after watching the Holiday Bowl on New Year's Eve, i have to admit that i was impressed with the way the Northwestern Wildcats responded.. i think Pat Fitzgerald may be an exceptionally good coach.
PeteK
January 02, 2019 at 06:34 pm
Yes , he's a very good coach , but a college defensive minded guru would not fit in. My overwhelming choice is McDaniels. He's a more mature and experienced this go around. 1 prima donna + another = success (I don't fully believe that but couldn't resist-sorry) lol
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 09:03 pm
Why couldn't an exceptional, defensive-minded HC come in and exceptionally coach, and make his first exceptional coaching move the hiring of an exceptional OC who has full reign over the offense and Aaron Rodgers?
PeteK
January 03, 2019 at 06:51 am
If we were in a total rebuild then that would be fine. Instead of hiring two exceptional coaches why not just hire one, McDaniel. We tried that with Favre and it did not go well.
Minniman
January 03, 2019 at 12:20 am
In that vein, I wonder if Mc Daniels would be one of the only HC's that Rodgers' ego couldn't conquer (or dare too).
Remember that first drive this year in the Pats v Packers game? Isolating the rookie Packer DB's and ILB's and playing up-tempo to keep them on the field. Scheme and execution symphony!
I'm not sure how the social dynamics would work, but maybe an offense-centirc Mc Daniels GB HC would make Pettine viable as the DC - it's not like Mc Daniels is going to want to call defensive plays.
PeteK
January 03, 2019 at 06:57 am
I would love that scenario, Minn. Also, Pettine's experience as a head coach would be an added bonus.
RCPackerFan
January 02, 2019 at 08:01 am
Pretty much all of the candidates will have questions about them.
Gase I think could be a great choice if he was the guy. He worked with Peyton Manning and helped Cutler have one of his best years as QB. Miami was a tough team the last few years and a lot of it is because of Gase.
I would be ok with McDaniels but the first thing I would like to know is why did he change his mind on the Colts job.
What I would like about with McDaniels is like you said. He knows how to include the RB's in the passing game. I said it below but imagine Aaron Jones as a James White.
And think of McDaniels offense with a talented WR like Adams. Also add in the talent of St Brown, and MVS. He has talented players to work with. The cupboard isn't bare.
dobber
January 02, 2019 at 09:15 am
I thought the Packers would be on Gase like ugly on prom night, but there are hints that he struggled with his locker room. Some players have accused him of playing favorites (keeping in mind that a couple players, like Jarvis Landry, were shown the door), and as a team that had to deal with the 'accountability' word the last year or two, that might be enough for the Packers to pass.
Still, I have a hard time believing--in a coaching market that seems narrow and with a team that really needs the right guy--that the Packers wouldn't at least kick the tires on him.
Bure9620
January 02, 2019 at 09:53 pm
Like Ugly on prom night......I may be stealing that dobber
Big_Mel_75
January 02, 2019 at 08:57 am
Can't sign McDaniels till after his season is over
NickPerry
January 03, 2019 at 04:09 am
Good point...Lets hope the Pats are one and done this year. But I also think McDaniels WON'T do what he did to the Colts last season again. It's a valid concern just because it happened once but IMO it would RUIN any credibility McDaniels has. I would think if it happened again there wouldn't be to may assistant coaches lining up to be on his staff. Something I've heard some coaches were already starting to do earlier in the season with just a possibility of McDaniels coming in and McCarthy going.
[email protected]
January 02, 2019 at 03:16 pm
Totally agree Nick McDaniels should be hired immediately ! Best fit for what the Packers need . And attention Packer fans please remember we are not choosing a Pope here . Winning is the total object of the profession . This is not the Miss America contest !
dobber
January 02, 2019 at 04:38 pm
" we are not choosing a Pope here ....This is not the Miss America contest !"
OK...there are a couple real winners here, but I'm way too close to taking a lightning bolt most days the way it is, so I'll let others take their shots.
Minniman
January 03, 2019 at 12:27 am
So if we see white smoke emanating from the Hutson center then they've hired a HC... and if it's black smoke...... then it's just Aaron Jones lighting up a doobie!
PeteK
January 03, 2019 at 07:01 am
Hahaha I think the whole team was sparking up this season, especially glassy eyed Zook.
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 09:06 pm
I kinda like the idea of actually interviewing more than one guy before hiring someone to a multi-year, multi-million dollar job as important as the role of Head Coach of the historic Green Bay Packers is.
Your mileage may vary.
dobber
January 03, 2019 at 07:31 am
Well...they've already interviewed Pagano, Caldwell, and Philbin.
Could be the next guy will look like gold after that.
Kb999
January 02, 2019 at 05:55 am
Happy New year!! This year's draft has got to be better than last year. A lot of holes to fill.
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 06:52 am
What was so bad about Gute's 1st draft? He got an game changer in Jaire Alexander hall of a 1st round pick and picked up an extra 1st round pick in the process. He got a developmental project in Josh Jackson who I think like Randal would make a better safety than a corner. Oren Burks is TBD but was a disappointment in his rookie year.
Moore showed he has physical attributes but drops the ball too often and couldn't pick up MM's offense the way MVS and ESB did. MVS and ESB have flashed and showed they both have a lot of potential. With the trio at least 1 of then could step up and be WR 2-3.
I don't blame Gute for the Cole Madison situation and hopefully can get his life back and come play RG for the Packers. Scott has shown a big leg and inconsistency I'm hoping he'll play better when the ST coach isn't named Zook. Lancaster has flashed at DE and even though he's raw has great measurables.
Drafts could always be better or worse. We still have a lot of holes to fill but what the hell did you expect from year 1 in Gute Kb999 for him to wave a magic wand and instantly fill ALL of the holes TT left on this roster? Not possible for any GM. Look what kind of ammo Dorsey had with the Browns and how many holes his roster still has. Give Gute some credit I thought it was a solid 1st draft and he has WAY more ammo in year 2 with cap space and still plenty of picks.
Bure9620
January 02, 2019 at 08:38 am
He could have something in Tony Brown as well.
dobber
January 02, 2019 at 09:20 am
People are critical of the fact that there aren't any Saquon Barkley-type rookie splashes in this group, yet. Cole Madison was the only player in the draft class who didn't end up on the active roster in 2018 (yes, I recognize that's a specious argument). There's room for these players to grow into regulars and some could be impact players. From the one-year point, it looks like a good draft.
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 09:11 pm
Some other guys that the Packers drafted other years who fans didn't believe amounted to a hill of beans their rookie seasons:
-Kenny Clark
-Davanate Adams
-Mike Daniels
-David Bakhtiari
etc and so forth.
It's great when you get that guy who immediately looks like a star from day one, but so much more often, it is a bit of development before you see the final product.
PeteK
January 03, 2019 at 07:07 am
I thought Clark did well in his rookie year and Bakh. , I believe became the starter after preseason camp. A great 4th round Thompson find.
JerseyAl
January 03, 2019 at 10:41 am
I would have disagreed with said fans.
Oppy
January 03, 2019 at 04:39 pm
The only guy on that short list I didn't see coming was Bakhtiari.
Even after a couple years, I thought he was a decent LT, but at one point I thought LT was the only position that really needed upgrading. The packers handed Bakh an extension and I was skeptical, boy did he prove me wrong.
The other three I was pretty vocal about from the get-go.
flackcatcher
January 02, 2019 at 02:10 pm
This was always going to be a 2 year process at best. The drop off behind the starters/core players was too steep to fix even using free agency. Now with the coaching uncertainty, that alone could add an extra 2 years depending on who is hired and what schemes he brings to Green Bay.
PeteK
January 02, 2019 at 06:56 pm
We certainly got playing time from most picks, lets hope it flowers in year two. I like the undrafted Lancaster, I guess Fitzgerald gave Murphy the inside scoop on him.
JonathanSpader
January 03, 2019 at 10:29 am
Flackgiver,
It could just as easily have the opposite effect. We saw the change Pettine had on our defense right away. With the right HC/OC and Rodgers returning to form we could just as easily see the rebuild timeline escalated instead of delayed. That's the scenario I'm hoping for even though the scenario you laid out is more likely.
Packer_Fan
January 02, 2019 at 06:40 am
Great video. That is exactly the issue. Or maybe issues. Only a coaching change will fix that. Reset Rodgers and teach something new to fit the player personnel.
And yes, we can get more depth in the OL, pass rushers and such. That will minimize things like poor pass protection.
Community Guy
January 02, 2019 at 07:15 am
i had had hopes for Brice and Josh Jones at safety. maybe those guys didn't get good coaching in GB.. each of those guys has demonstrated ability, yet, as Al has commented, "out of position", poor tackling, etc. not good safety play. at least with Jones, i would attest it has not been lack of effort (btw, i have noticed good special teams play from Jones). it has been so frustrating that that defense has not been able to put it all together.
stockholder
January 02, 2019 at 07:15 am
I say the packers still end up playing the 3-4-4. Which means they offer Mathews a 3 year contract like Peppers.(Option 3rd year) I say they sign Ryan again, and Morrison goes. Breeland leaves! And Wilkerson leaves with Pettine. (To Bad). They won't sign any big name safety. Perry Comes back for his last year. The packers aren't going to over -pay anyone. It's on the new coach and Rodgers. We drafted CBs. They stay the course. I see trading down again. It's safety, DE, OL, And then trading away 2 picks for draft crush again. The nut doesn't fall far from TTs tree. They don't listen to the fans. They have Rodgers.
Packers0808
January 02, 2019 at 07:46 am
Why would you want Breeland and Morrison gone, unless I misunderstand what you say/mean?
stockholder
January 02, 2019 at 07:55 am
Breeland will get more money if he does leave. He also won't be fighting Williams, King, Alexander, Jackson and Brown. Morrison cannot get sideline to sideline. He filled in. And thats all he did. Ryan is better then Morrison. I see them matching offers on Ryan . He stays.
Packers0808
January 02, 2019 at 09:01 am
Sorry disagree with everything you say especially Breeland!
dobber
January 02, 2019 at 09:27 am
I tend to agree: they get everything from Morrison that they were getting from Ryan...and he's not coming off ACL surgery. He's going to be cheaper.
You've got to be 5-6 CBs deep, and I wouldn't be surprised if they take another in the top 100 picks in the upcoming draft (with an eye toward moving Jackson to S at some point). It's going to be a matter of how the new defensive staff wants to play...it could be that they don't value Breeland very much. Still, if he's willing, it might be a good partnership.
stockholder
January 02, 2019 at 10:51 am
Morrison and Ryan- Sorry but I still see Ryan. The packers made that mistake with Zombo. Remember him? Morrison was a fill in. I still have the packers drafting a ILB in this draft. But if they sign Mathews, they still move him around. Ryan understood that too. Ryan was on a mission before he hurt his knee. He's their draft choice and a good 3-4-4 LB. Morrison gave up to much with the lions. Gone! Morrison will get more money than Ryan on the open market. No CB top 100. Try safeties! Jackson isn't going anywhere. Except Back-up. The packers finally figured it out. Make up Speed , and Height. Breeland would be good. Money still talks. Gone! The Cbs will not get Joe Whitt Back. He was promoted under MM. His loyalty is with MM, and he knows it. Goodbye Witt and I'll bet Campen goes too. To bad so many people dislike the truth of what could happen
flackcatcher
January 02, 2019 at 02:06 pm
Zombo started and help win the Packers a Superbowl in 2010. He still is playing and is a starter and core player in KC. not to bad for a "fill in".
PeteK
January 02, 2019 at 07:03 pm
It seemed as if Breeland played sparingly in the last game which surprised me.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 03, 2019 at 02:50 am
Tony Brown: 73 out of possible 73 snaps
B. Breeland: 70 snaps
J. Jackson: 45 snaps
PeteK
January 03, 2019 at 07:11 am
Thanks Rey, surprised because didn't see him involved in too many plays ( 2 tkls).
RCPackerFan
January 02, 2019 at 07:16 am
This seems fitting that this article (currently my favorite) is the first one I post in on in the last few weeks. Sorry I have been off of work on vacation and busy with my kids.
My thoughts on the each piece...
DeShone Kizer: I also liked the trade of Randall for Kizer. Here is my take on this. Will Kizer be better in a new offense? An offense like what the Patriots run or something similar. Where guys are schemed open more then told to get open in 1 on 1 situations? I like his talent, and he does make young mistakes. But my question is will he be better in a new scheme?
Wide Receivers: Great question about laying out with 2 hands. Don't see many around the league doing that. Everyone wants the highlight real catch.
Davante Adams: It seemed like Rodgers was trying to get Adams the record last week. Almost like he knew Adams wasn't going to be playing.
Clay Matthews: I know I'm in the minority, but I would like Mathews to come back. No he isn't the pass rusher he once was. But he is a better run defender and still makes plays. He needs help around him. Honestly I would like it if he was our 3rd/4th option.
Too Many Coaches?: This really surprised me when I learned this. This is a great question. While I didn't look at what all teams have, maybe there are to many voices inside the Packers coaching staff. Maybe this is causing some miscommunication?
Josh Jones: I think Jones was drafted to be an ILB type of player. That hybrid ILB/S. And with Pettine he hasn't really been used that way. So I don't know what the answer is there.
Either way they need new Safety's.
Josh McDaniels: This is the hot name to be the next GB coach. There will be pros and cons to anyone who is hired. IF McDaniels is hired we need to give him a chance. Same with anyone else.
One thing that I like about McDaniels is how he runs his offense. And he knows how to get the RB's the ball. If the Packers run an offense similar to the Patriots, think of Aaron Jones as James White.
Think of Jimmy Graham as Rob Gronkowski. (Not in player compared to player but in how they would be used).
No matter who is the next head coach I hope they keep Pettine. I give Pettine a lot of credit for Fackrell having 10.5 sacks on the year. While Fackrell did it by winning matchups, some of it was scheme related.
But give Pettine some really good players to work with and watchout! I like how he ran the defense, and hope he continues to do so!
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 08:06 am
RC you can't use Grahan the way NE uses Gronk. Gronk when healthy is an elite TE. He has the weight to back up the height unlike Graham. He can catch a football and rumble for 20 yards with 3 guys hanging off of him. He can pass block. Graham is a glorified WR who can no longer hold onto the football.
Daniel's would have more success in my opinion using Mercedes Lewis as a poor man's Gronk. Otherwise Maxx Williams could be a younger poor man's gronk. Tonyan has shown potential and if he can improve his blocking he is also an option. Graham should be a Redzone nightmare. He should be used for a 3rd down safety blanket for Eodgers once his thumb heals and he remembers how to catch the football.
Aaron Jones is a much better athlete than James White. He can run through the middle or catch the ball on a dump off. I can only imagine what an offensive mind like McDaniels could do with him as a weapon. I imagine McDaniels using Williams the way NE used Blount. Short yardage situations and pass protection... you know what Williams is actually really good at.
I'm not disagreeing with your points RC I agree with everything you said. Just trying to pry a bit more into your vision of a McDaniels Packer offense!
RCPackerFan
January 02, 2019 at 08:53 am
Graham and Gronk aren't a great comparison because they are 2 different types of players.
But Graham could be used how Gronk is more. Spread out wide more often. Used in various ways. And yes a redzone nightmare. I honestly think in a new schemed offense he would be more of a redzone matchup nightmare. Now Graham dropped way to many contested passes this year. For what reason, i don't know. Maybe he is done and we should move on. I dont know.
I completely agree that Jones is a much better athlete then White. But imagine Jones being used in similar ways that White is used. As a weapon out of the backfield! As a weapon in the passing game!
New Englands offense has been able to take players and maximize their ability. If McDaniels can do that in GB imagine what he could do with guys like MVS, Jones. Guys that are uber talented and if he can find the right ways to use them, look out!!!
The one thing that the Packers offense will need if McDaniels is the guy is a quick slot WR. Cobb could be good in this offense if healthy, but may not be back. They need to get another quick/fast slot WR!
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2019 at 08:59 am
Jimmy Graham had a 42% success rate on contested catches, and he had a fair amount. Gronkowski 33%, Kelce 44.4% (lot of chances), Burton 66.7% and Ertz (42.9%).
I am surprised that Graham apparently did as well as most TEs.
playerprofiler.com/nfl/jimmy-graham/
RCPackerFan
January 02, 2019 at 09:32 am
Wow. I honestly wouldn't have guessed that.
Doug Niemczynski
January 02, 2019 at 11:46 am
Graham was supposed to be a red zone nightmare and it never happened.
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 05:11 pm
How pathetic the Packers looked in the red zone gave me nightmares does that count?
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 09:17 pm
Gronk isn't just elite when healthy..
He's the most productive TE in the NFL. Ever.
His numbers are ridiculous. As in, off the charts. They dwarf all the modern day greats at the position.
He gets silly with it.
JonathanSpader
January 03, 2019 at 10:32 am
He has played when injured Oppy and been taken completely out of games. He is the most productive TE ever and the best I've seen when he's at his best he's unstoppable like JJ Watt when he is healthy. Injuries happen to players who push themselves to the level Grink does. He's missed a lot of playing time and has played through numerous injuries and even those aren't always enough to stop him.
Oppy
January 03, 2019 at 04:44 pm
A month or two ago someone here made a comment about how Jimmy Graham should be putting up 120 yards a game, and I compiled a list of HoF TE's best seasons in terms of average yards per game. Gronk's career AYPG was a good 20 yards more pg than the handful of other TE's AYPG they've ever had in a single season. I knew Gronk was good, but I never really realized just how good compared to the best.
PeteK
January 02, 2019 at 07:10 pm
RC, Jones did play close to the line of scrimmage and his reaction to plays were poor.
Tundraboy
January 02, 2019 at 07:17 am
21 Coaches. Does that include spiritual advisors? Yeesh.
Since'61
January 02, 2019 at 07:29 am
IIRC Vince Lombardi had 8-10 assistant coaches. Whatever all these assistant coaches are doing it is certainly not producing better play or results on the field. Thanks, Since '61
Johnblood27
January 02, 2019 at 09:00 am
IIRC Lombardi had 4 - four coaches.
and only 30-something players on the roster.
Since'61
January 02, 2019 at 10:01 am
That was true in the late fifties, teams had 33 players on the rosters. But the rosters were expanded during the 60s, up to 43 I believe, and a few more coaches were added as well.
Thanks, Since '61
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 08:07 am
After the Packers 2018 season a spiritual advisor is what got me through that awful performance!
dobber
January 02, 2019 at 09:50 am
It was PBR for me...
LeotisHarris
January 02, 2019 at 01:30 pm
I'd like to see TK offered a position in the new regime. I think he'd thrive in an Assistant Head Coach - Quality Control, Direct Deposit/Lunch role. Murphy might need to step in because of the administrative nature of some duties, but I see this as an opportunity to scaffold successes, not just for TK, but for CHTV.
TKWorldWide
January 03, 2019 at 06:35 am
I must say, I see it the same way. All Mark would have to do is see “lunch expert” (I’ve been eating lunch like almost every day for 52 years, so how I could I not be an expert?) on my resumé and I’d be in!
Once in this lofty position, I will definitely remember all my amigos here at CHTV, and bring yall on board first chance I get!
Since'61
January 02, 2019 at 07:27 am
Al - thanks for the video. Just points out many of the problems with the Packers offense this season. Also it highlights the fact that it was time for MM to go and that not all of the Packers problems were on Aaron Rodgers.
Hopefully this offseason we hire a new HC who does not put everything on Rodger's shoulders and we draft/acquire some talent that can actually support Rodgers on offense and on defense. Thanks, Since '61
Packers0808
January 02, 2019 at 07:48 am
I don't lie McDaniels, after what he did to Indy seems to be a snake in the grass no matter his FB knowledge! What you folks think, Mason Crosby back next year? Don't see anything about him.
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 08:09 am
How extensive is McDaniels knowledge of Facebook? I see the Packers bringing in competition for Crosby. I also see the Packers replacing Zook.
Packers0808
January 02, 2019 at 09:03 am
Zook is a no brainer, McDaniels Facebook?
JonathanSpader
January 02, 2019 at 10:30 am
It was a bad joke 0808, FB often is the abbreviation for Facebook instead of football.
Tabattttt
January 02, 2019 at 08:01 am
Why is damarius randall looked at as a locker room cancer? He still seems like hes friends with a lot of packers players. Doesn't seem like a problem at all with browns.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2019 at 09:02 am
I wonder if Randall got tired of not getting help from HHCD/Brice, particularly when he thought he could provide better coverage help had he been playing his natural position of safety. Probably that attitude wouldn't make him popular with the other safeties. Of course, this could be my massive bias against HHCD on display again.
Rossonero
January 02, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Reports out of the Packers locker room were that a Council made up of veterans on the team wanted Randall out so badly, they wanted him cut.
What happened, we will probably never know unless someone writes a book about it, but there weren't any reports saying how great of a teammate he was and nobody stepped forward to stick up for him either.
Lare
January 02, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Randall's most serious offense may have simply been openly criticizing McCarthy, Capers and Zook and their stale ineffective schemes.
If so, his criticisms were probably justified.
HankScorpio
January 02, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Maybe his criticism was justified. But making them in public was not. You don’t ever take sides with anyone against the Family. Ever.
If he doesn't know that, I doubt that was his only "offense" against the team.
More likely is that his eventual fate was sealed when he tapped out of playing vs Chicago early in 2017. It was shortly after that reports emerged about the "player council" telling MM that Randall needed to go. But those darn "silos" had built up between the team and personnel dept.
Johnblood27
January 02, 2019 at 09:04 am
I dont really know, but with all the exit interview drama last year and the HaHa ass kissing that went on, Randall and Dix were fueding and the Packers chose Dix as the right guy.
Oops...
stockholder
January 02, 2019 at 11:49 am
And you can look for a trade down for a safety again. Deionte Thompson Alabama. Saints Traded Pick; Noah Font TE Iowa. Second pick- Jaquan Johnson. SS, So much for blue chips. Third/Damien Harris RB Third./ #2 3rd Paris Campbell Wr
splitpea1
January 02, 2019 at 11:37 am
The video just reinforces what we've been seeing for many years: the offense looks so difficult that only a wizard QB can execute it. It doesn't and shouldn't have to be this way. The offense needs to be simplified with more high percentage plays whether it be via pass or run. I would think that would be the first thing any new potential head coach would bring up during the interview process since it's so obvious.
Doug Niemczynski
January 02, 2019 at 11:44 am
It looks like the choice of a new head coach is going to be slim, in other words not many to choose from.
stockholder
January 02, 2019 at 11:50 am
Welcome to the choice of evils.
GLM
January 02, 2019 at 11:55 am
There's a lot of talk about Clay Matthews, but no one has brought up (near as I can tell) how much an effect those lousy roughing penalties had on his season.
Three times, he was flagged for a legal hit! Give me a break....he can still get the job done, as long as his hands aren't tied behind his back.
Sure, he's not as dominant on the edge as he once was, but he can still play.
Lare
January 02, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Matthews is tied for 272nd in the NFL in total tackles this season and tied for 118th in sacks. Kentrell Brice has more tackles this season than Matthews.
PeteK
January 02, 2019 at 07:29 pm
A SS will always have more tackles as he usually plays to the strong side and has a wider range and so will have more opportunities. Clay was the leading tackler of all our OLBs. He is worth resigning to a 5 mill guarantee offer.
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 09:23 pm
Clay at $5M would be great.
The problem is, Clay would have to accept a $5M offer.
He's a OLB 3-4who is set to test free agency. Teams will reach and overpay for pass rushers in free agency, almost without fail.
Some team is going to pay CMIII more than he's worth, and he'd almost assuredly have to take a hometeam discount to remain in GB.
Maybe I'm misjudging him, but do you think CMIII seems like the type of guy to take a reduced contract to stay in GB? I'm not so sure.
PeteK
January 03, 2019 at 07:17 am
If he wants much more than that, it becomes an easy decision for us.
Oppy
January 03, 2019 at 04:45 pm
100% agree.. And I'm pretty sure he will.
ILPackerBacker
January 02, 2019 at 12:57 pm
In case you missed it CM3 still wears 52, disgracing it. He quit a couple of weeks ago, he did NOT put out effort.
Here is what real reporters report, because they actually watch:
1 tackle in 52 snaps...nothing says hustle and effort like dominating nothing....and he put multiple plays you can REWATCH where he literally walks away from plays that are still on going
"in the passing game than Clay Matthews (52), whose double rate of 6.3% was his second-lowest of the year. RT Rick Wagner and Decker both have been vulnerable against speed and power but in 15 solo rushes Matthews’ only hurry came on an inside charge"
JerseyAl
January 02, 2019 at 01:10 pm
Reciting stats does not mean you watched a thing, whether you're a "real reporter" or not. In the final minutes of that disaster, he was still out there trying. The fact that you got blocked and didn't get any positive results does not mean you didn't try. The end.
lou
January 03, 2019 at 09:37 am
I have been watching the Packers teams growing up as a kid in Preble near the original City Stadium and played the game on the high school college, and military levels and can spot a "quitter" easily. It is hard to use the word NEVER but I have never seen Mathews "quit" even on a single play pre-season or regular season. In his prime that aggressiveness several times lead to not holding the edge but the overall end results were Pro Bowl worthy most seasons. At a reduced rate, and used like Pepper's he could still be a valued Packer for several seasons, his NFL genes (grand father - father - uncle number of seasons played) are on his side.
JerseyAl
January 03, 2019 at 10:44 am
thank you.
ricky
January 02, 2019 at 02:02 pm
Could it be worse? Sure, the Bears could win the SB. But at least it won't be the Vikes. But it would have been fun to watch them make the big game, and have Cousins do his usual choke job in a big game.
4thand10
January 02, 2019 at 09:01 pm
I’m more than comfortable with the Vikings being average. Same with the Bears and Lions.
4thand10
January 02, 2019 at 09:03 pm
Good video... kinda reaffirmed that this isn’t solely on a Rodgers decline. Play calling and no receivers past Adams had plenty to do with it. Cobb doesn’t count, because of his availability the last couple seasons.
Oppy
January 02, 2019 at 09:25 pm
I think a lot of the called plays were never ran at the LOS, and the idea that there's no WRs beyond Adams is, IMO, a false narrative.
TheBigCheeze
January 02, 2019 at 02:09 pm
the video highlighted how the offense underperformed all season...however....the biggest flop this season was special teams....
Ken
January 02, 2019 at 05:08 pm
Josh McDaniels has been a big Packer fan from when he took the Denver job. He traded Cutler to the Bears and Cutler was always good for 2 interceptions a game versus the Pack!
PatrickGB
January 02, 2019 at 05:56 pm
I don’t care how many coaches we have, I care more about how good they are as coaches.
We could actually improve with two less. Raih and Zook come to mind.
PeteK
January 02, 2019 at 07:36 pm
Video does an excellent job of summarizing the offensive woes of this season as it accurately lays blame on many facets. However, O line would move higher on my list.
Gman1976
January 02, 2019 at 09:36 pm
Al,
Every week I longed to read your insightful (and yes, at times humorous) articles. From all the posted comments, I am not alone. Thanks also for all your insight and help in understanding the game and the players. You are a joy to read. Hope you'll be able to keep it up at least until the Pack wins another Superbowl. Thanks also to your fellow Cheeseheadtv writers who are grinding out some insightful articles.
JerseyAl
January 03, 2019 at 06:57 am
Thank you for those kind words. The team has worked hard to bring you interesting and entertaining content.