Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Camping out
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Head and Shoulders:
So yesterday's practice featured shoulder pads in addition to their helmets, but no leg pads. Have they done this before? Is this a new thing?
Most Popular:
Reading observers comments across the web, a few names stand out as getting multiple mentions.
Rashan Gary - While Marshawn Lynch can keep "Beast Mode" on offense, it appears Gary is on his way to appropriating that moniker for defensive players. "Unblockable" is the word I've seen used most often.
Juwaan Winfree - Forgotten about by most people (including myself) when talking about the Packers' crowded WR room, he has garnered more positive mentions than any receiver not named Davante. If it continues once the real hitting starts, a couple of pretty good WRs will be looking for new work.
Darnell Savage - Sounds like the upward trajectory he got on over the second half of last season is continuing. I've seen a lot of "Savage breaks up a pass" mentions, especially in goal line a two minute drills.
Honest Preston:
I found it refreshing to hear Preston Smith say he accepted a contract downsizing since he did not have a good year last year. Not too many players would use those words. Hopefully, the motivation and energy he showed two years ago on the field returns. Either way, I think this is likely his last year in Green Bay.
Retirement Party:
Two very young players decided to end their NFL dreams early this camp. I had some hope for Stepaniak, but the recent OL drafting frenzy likely moved him down near the bottom of the position group. And while Bailey Gaither's pure speed was enticing, he just does not have an NFL body and likely realized that - even before the hitting started.
Kicking the Can:
My friend and CheeseheadRadio co-host C.D. Angeli is a closet capologist. He has whined non-stop over the last year or two about the Packers just "kicking the can down the road." However, when it became clear the Packers were going all-in for a "Last Dance," he was all over wanting in. That prompted me to tell him you have to pick one or the other. You can't be allowed on the Last Dance train while simultaneously bitching incessantly about 2022 and "kicking the can." Do you agree?
Should you be allowed to be all-in for the Last Dance if you keep bitching about kicking the can?
By JerseyAl
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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 (63)
SanLobo
August 04, 2021 at 06:31 am
Schizophrenia seems lIke a requirement to be a Packers fan. Fans both simultaneously hate and love their QB. They berate the FO one day, and defend it with their lives the next. Going all in and whining about the CAP is just another delightful piece of the GB Fan experience. These are all just small contributors to the reputation GB fans have earned as experts in the joys of microbrews.
porupack
August 04, 2021 at 06:38 am
Ha, great take SanLobo. But we can still pile on each other if the "bitchin" side of the fan base was wrong, because that too is a true GB fan. We can taunt them, like ask them to focus on the draft while we watch GB in the superbowl?
NickPerry
August 04, 2021 at 06:46 am
"Schizophrenia seems lIke a requirement to be a Packers fan. "
Hmmm...Fan = Fanatic...HELL Yes!!!
I can only speak for myself but personally I think Schizophrenia is a bit harsh don't you? I'll admit I can love and hate Rodgers, MLF, Adams, or any other Packers player from one play to the next. So, I think I may be a bit off perhaps or like many Packers fan a FANATIC, but no, not a schizophrenic...
Well at least that's my hope!
2021...Go Rodgers!!
2022 Trade his ass!!!
Bearmeat
August 04, 2021 at 08:05 am
I’ve been pilloried here and other places before for saying that I want Rodgers to do well, because I want the Packers to do well, but that I also won’t be upset to see him get his @$$ kicked on the field this year.
I just think he’s a POS human being who desperately needs someone to tell him “NO” and “You’re $#!T stinks too, Mr. Rodgers.”
dobber
August 04, 2021 at 08:17 am
If it's OK to love your team and have favorites, then it's OK to love your team and think a couple guys need to get their heads on straight.
Likewise, it's OK to want to do what it takes to win an SB, but also be concerned about the long-term consequences of what that entails.
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 08:49 am
Right, it’s not either or, there is a future, but it is OK to genuinely go all in as long as you have a plan for extraction afterwards. In this case, going for it in an a year with unprecedented cap shrinkage takes some balls. I think the escape route has been solidified by Rodgers and the cap downshift and brought forward a year. When you have a really good roster and QB, then it’s the right thing to do, knowing there will be a price to pay after. Better than just cautiously hoping as key players and your QB age. I’d take the hangover if I know we are really going to paint the league red or die trying and believe we can.
CheesyTex
August 04, 2021 at 01:56 pm
Right again, but the way he did it still rankles and IMO he damaged BOTH.
Going "all in" ends up being about $, and whether we like it or not Rodgers commands 20% of the cap this year and now an even greater % next year. With the Covid cap shrinkage, the Packers have little to no flexibility now and for the near future. Rodgers, smart guy that he is, realized he had them by the ying-yang.
As to 2021, t's tough enough to just be in the Division Championship game let alone the Conference or the Super Bowl. Call me a pessimist, but I just don't see how a team can come together under a disgruntled QB that wants out and was unwilling to restructure his lion's share contract in a manner that would benefit his team and teammates under the reduced cap (all take, no give).
LeotisHarris
August 04, 2021 at 08:18 am
It's all good. Bearmeat. I get it. He's an asshat, but he's *our* asshat.
I hope 12 enjoys an injury-free season, and we all celebrate a Super Bowl victory.
Philarod
August 04, 2021 at 08:20 am
Maybe, it's you that has these issues, not him!
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 09:19 am
It never ceases to amaze me that idolizing a sports star can lead people to not tolerate any doubt over his or her off field persona. Whether you are right or not Phil Arod, the knee jerk lash out at a commentator tells me that it will be through luck not objectivity.
Philarod
August 04, 2021 at 10:07 am
I don't idolize anyone - in the sports world or otherwise.
My reply was intended for Bearmeat who wrote this, ".... I just think he’s a POS human being who desperately needs someone to tell him “NO” and “You’re $#!T stinks too, Mr. Rodgers.”
I don't know him, you, or AR personally, but dismissing him as a "POS human being" tells me that the one who made the comment has some issues.
Nate-1980
August 06, 2021 at 04:40 pm
Remember cold world is the smartest man in the room that think just because you don’t hate Rodgers he’s a god to you.. Oh and also reads people’s minds and can speak for them as well, almost forgot about that one..
Nate-1980
August 06, 2021 at 04:40 pm
Remember cold world is the smartest man in the room that think just because you don’t hate Rodgers he’s a god to you.. Oh and also reads people’s minds and can speak for them as well, almost forgot about that one..
PeteK
August 04, 2021 at 10:24 am
POS ???
dobber
August 04, 2021 at 10:42 am
Pint of Stroh's
PeteK
August 04, 2021 at 10:46 am
hahahaha or pint of shanties, it's still summer.
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 11:33 am
Shanties can be quite fruity
PeteK
August 04, 2021 at 01:31 pm
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 03:44 pm
Depends on the sailor
WestCoastPackerBacker
August 04, 2021 at 11:45 am
Did you ever watch his Tuesday appearances on the Pat McAfee show? I find him to be really likable overall. If feeling slighted goes along with the incredible competitive drive he has, then hey I take the good with the bad. I've not seen anybody do what he can do on a football field and I've been watching since the Bart Starr days. It's not just him that feels the front office was dismissive or poor communicators with departing players, which is a completely separate issue from deciding when to move on from players. He's taken responsibility for his mistakes many times during his career, and seems to be well liked by current and former players (with the exception of Greg Jennings). He's got talent, leadership, and is one of the smartest guys in the league. I don't get why you would think he's a POS.
dobber
August 04, 2021 at 03:50 pm
The fact that when he had pull, instead of looking for a guy who would have a large impact on this team--maybe a DE/DT or an ILB--he picked someone to acquire who would rub mud in the face of Packers brass. THAT wasn't making this team significantly better, that was saying, "jump, little GM, jump!" That's not about leadership or competitive drive, that's coming up small.
splitpea1
August 04, 2021 at 04:41 pm
Though I agree with the sentiment, Rodgers dabbling in defensive personnel would be exponentially more outrageous.
Spiker
August 04, 2021 at 11:25 am
damn, i threw up in my mouth with that go rodgers comment
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 04, 2021 at 07:00 am
Well said, SanLobo!
davekenya
August 04, 2021 at 11:05 am
Not quite sure how this jibes with Packer fans being described as 'winsome' by Vic. Embrace our multiple-personalities?
Our beloved Bucks won their first championship in 50 years and we have a Packer team 'in the discussion' about a deep playoff run. Lots to be thankful and hopeful for no matter what the future brings. I'm trying to simply embrace that.
NickPerry
August 04, 2021 at 07:06 am
Should the Packers win the SB this year which I think is a definite possibility with a little luck on the injury front, I think they can keep a large portion of this team intact without completely dismantling it.
Trading Rodgers will take about half of that amount the Packers are currently over the 2022 cap limit. I would imagine ZaDarious Smith would be next on the front offices list to hopefully give an extension and rework that deal. Perhaps a 3 year extension would help spread out most of that $28 million cap hit into 2023 and beyond. Just doing those two things will help alleviate much of it. I'm most curious about Davante Adams. If he REALLY wants Hopkins money which averages what, $27 million a season I say Bye-Bye Davante. THAT much money for a 30 year WR is absolutely nuts. Hopefully he tempers those expectations a bit.
Hearing both Savage and Gary are picking up or even better than at the end of 2020 is awesome. IF Gary is truly "Unblockable", and Savage continues his rise up the Safety ranks, just those two could help push this D into a top 5-8 unit.
All you Gute haters are going to have to eat a shit load of crow if the Packers win a SB. THIS is a really DEEP, and TALENTED roster. The fun thing is you could keep adding in names each day who could really help make a difference.
mattgsx
August 04, 2021 at 08:05 am
Agreed. I think this is the last ride for Aaron, Preston, Lowry, Turner, and Cobb. Depending on how camp plays out, the Packers may attempt to trade Turner after Bahk comes back since Jenkins can play tackle and we have a ton of guards that could slide into his spot. I agree the Packers should try to get a new deal with Z going to lock him up for a few more years. It's also possible the Packers try to extend Jaire at the end of this year vs. having him play on his option year to reduce his cap hit. Beyond that, I'm not sure how much more the Packers would need to trim to be able to resign some guys they will want to keep without losing a current starter that doesn't have someone already on the roster ready to start. Patrick, maybe?
Bearmeat
August 04, 2021 at 08:35 am
The diva and Adams will be gone. Hopefully they trade 12 for 3 1st rounders and franchise/trade Adams for another 1st rounder. P, Turner, Lowry, Campbell, King, Jackson, and other vets besides Bakh and Jenkins on the OL will probably also be goners.
Alexander is a must re-sign.
Z will hopefully get restructured/extended, but I can see a scenario where he’s gone after this year.
2022 is going to look very very different, Super Bowl or not. 50 mil over the cap and the QB and FO can’t get along.
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 08:56 am
If we lose both the Smiths, our OLB group is Gary and nobody of note. No obvious talent coming through. For that reason you keep him or look for the next Z in FA. That’s no given: keep him. Other positions look to have plausible pipelines.
dobber
August 04, 2021 at 09:01 am
I think the fundamental problem will be the jettisoning of contracts required just to get to the cap limit. There's still not going to be a lot of money to sign new players even after many of those guys are gone.
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 09:20 am
I agree, which is why I’d consider trading as long as there is decent depth. Z is perhaps the one exception.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 04, 2021 at 09:48 am
GB made Clay Matthews do it mostly by himself for a few years. Really until Peppers came along.
2010: CM: 13.5 sacks, Cullen 7, Raji 6.5
2011: CM: 6, Bishop 5, Walden 3. CM played 15 games
2012: CM: 13, Mike Neal 4.5, Desmond Moses 4
2013: CM: 7.5, Daniels 6.5, Hawk 5, Neal 5, Perry 4.
2014: CM: 11, Peppers 7, Daniels 5.5, Neal 4.5.
2015: Peppers 10.5, CM 6.5, Daniels 4, Neal 4.
Sacks aren't everything, and that 2010 defense was pretty loaded. Just not with a bookend pass rushing OLB.
Still, I think you are right. [Not sure why I felt the need to interject - I am even in a good mood as I wrap presents for my son on his birthday because I think he is going to like one or two of them a lot.] Teams can help one OT, but it is hard to help both sides, so having two good pass rushers and a force on the DL is a great idea if GB can swing it for 2022.
EddieLeeIvory
August 04, 2021 at 09:55 am
I'm just here for Jersey Al's stuff.
Agree about the scenario but it's harder than hell to win a Super Bowl.
Can we franchise Davante 2 times or has that rule been collectively bargained out?
Bearmeat
August 04, 2021 at 03:26 pm
We can but year 1 of tag is average of top 5 contracts at the position. Year 2 adds 20% to that. Year 3 adds 40% to year 2. So by year 3 it’s ridiculous and by year 2 it’s not great.
Lphill
August 04, 2021 at 11:28 am
And imagine if Cobb catches the game winning TD in the Super bowl, should we thank Gute?
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 11:36 am
Depends on all the plays that got us there and who threw it too.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 04, 2021 at 04:25 pm
No. The responsibility for Cobb's presence is crystal clear.
Not to worry, our fellow fans will have no trouble suggesting that whichever WR gets cut would have done the same for a lower cost. And if DL is the problem, even less suggesting that a DL would have been a better UFA to bring in than a WR. Hell, I agree with that now.
WestCoastPackerBacker
August 04, 2021 at 11:49 am
I'm not someone that thinks Gutey has to win a Super Bowl with Rodgers or he's not a good GM. I'm not someone who thinks Rodgers has to win a second title in order for his career to be considered a success. Watching him and Adams and Aaron Jones and Lazard and Tonyan and MVS run this offense last year was true entertainment. Heart breaking that they didn't finish when they most needed to, but that doesn't take away the joy I had in watching those incredible plays all season. I'll enjoy the ride this season whatever happens. I won't hang my hat on Super Bowl or bust. I won't hang my heart on Super Bowl or bust. I will enjoy talented players at the top of their profession playing their hearts out.
Guam
August 04, 2021 at 07:43 am
I was sorry to hear Stepaniak retired as I had high hopes for him taking one of the guard spots. He was a pile mover at Indiana and I thought he would be a good fit for MLF's zone blocking system. However if your heart isn't in it, it is time to move on.
Razer
August 04, 2021 at 07:58 am
I am with you. At least we can move on and invest in new guys starting now. Sooner is better in the 'develop' side of things.
Razer
August 04, 2021 at 07:55 am
I am not a fan of having a QB running the front office and designing the team. The price of bringing back Randall Cobb will be cutting young, cheaper guys like Juwaan Winfree. We want more speed and quickness at the WR position not somebody's friend. Going into training camp the biggest loser has been Gutekunst, who had to take a back seat to the actress's boyfriend.
My biggest hope for the Packers coming out of training camp is that the Aaron Rodgers distraction dissolves and the players can gel as a team. My second hope is that Jordan Love can show enough to get a clear picture of the next steps.
Since'61
August 04, 2021 at 08:07 am
All In!!! SB or Bust! Kick the can as far as possible. It’s only money.
The pieces are in place if the team stays healthy. We have the QB, we have weapons and a solid OL. Defense is improving. Gute has his draft picks. No excuses, worry about 2022 when it gets here. Get to the big game and bring home the Lombardi where it belongs. End of story.
Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61
SanLobo
August 04, 2021 at 08:35 am
Saw an argument on Facebook about whether it was Rodgers pushing or a decision by the FO that got us to going “all in.” One guy had a good take on it, “It appears to me Murphy and Gutenkunst decided to go ’all in’ for 21. Maybe it was Rodgers pushing, or maybe they are as tired as the rest of us seeing Lombardi going to the wrong house at the end of the season. Either way, this year should be a fun ride.”
Since'61
August 04, 2021 at 08:58 am
"Success demands singleness of purpose." Vince Lombardi.
I translate that as stay focused on the goal. Forget the past, don't worry about the future. This season is all that matters. Go all in and give it everything you have even if you go down in flames. Once you have the trophy they can't take it away, no matter what happens next season or beyond. GPG! Thanks, Since '61
PeteK
August 04, 2021 at 10:50 am
A 38, cap heavy, HOF QB, would dictate an all in attitude and then a new direction because older athletes' ability tend to drop swiftly. 2022 could go from cap hell to stability with numerous high draft picks. It's a gamble I would take. If the youth on the O line develop this season, it will go a long way to future success.
Spiker
August 04, 2021 at 11:36 am
But 1st, Mr Ego has to win an NFC Championship game. He needs tpo open his damn eyes to other receivers instead of getting Davante eyes, And I have a feeling he is going to look to Cobb too often also
LambeauPlain
August 04, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Rodgers has been an impediment to going "all in". The FO reworked several contracts in can kicking fashion to "keep the band together" and Rodgers tossed a self centered wrench into the gears.
His reworked contract isn't much of a rework. It is still quite similar to the deal he signed with smiles in 2018 with huge gratitude to the FO. Sure, there is now a void year in 2023, but in reality, he knew then, as he knows now, that 2022 was his Waterloo in GB, unless he agreed to a new, team friendly deal. Which we now know he will NEVER do. Needless drama and questions ensued from his offseason of goofy malcontent.
We now know his "I love the Packers...the team...the fans" are just BS talking points. His "stick to the FO" demand to trade for Cobb as a one year rental will mean some good young talent at WR will be playing elsewhere this year.
I expect him to play well this year...yet I can see his malcontent, grudge holding character sending the team South if the season hits bumps and frustration during his "out the door" season.
RCPackerFan
August 04, 2021 at 08:36 am
Head and Shoulders:
I could be wrong but I thought they did this last year.
Most Popular:
Reading observers comments across the web, a few names stand out as getting multiple mentions.
Rashan Gary - I have seen the words "Best player in Camp" used with Gary.
Juwaan Winfree - Winfree is making the WR battle for the remaining 1-2 spots really interesting. Funchess, EQ and Winfree all appear to be the front runners for the final spots.
I have seen comments about both of those guys looking good as well. I'm excited to see what Winfree does in the preseason games.
Darnell Savage - Sounds like the combination of Savage and Gary are poised for a huge breakout season this year.
Some other names I have seen mentioned..
Jenkins - He could be a pro bowler at all 5 spots. Remember when people were upset they took Jenkins over Metcalf. I don't think anyone is complaining now.
Myers - Under Gutey as GM, he has drafted 2 OL in the 2nd round in his 4 drafts. Jenkins being the first and Myers being the 2nd. While we have yet to see Myers in full pads and game action, hearing the early praise for him is a very good sign.
Hill - I have seen his name mentioned more then a few times. A lot still say, that we have to wait and see what he looks like when the pads go on, which I agree, but if he continues he will most likely be our #3 RB.
Side note- In 2019 Gutey's first 3 picks were Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage, and Elgton Jenkins. If Gary and Savage do take a huge 3rd year jump like it seems they may do, this maybe Packers best 3 picks in any draft. Also, in this draft they took Sternberger, Keke Kingsley, Ka'Dar Hollman, Dexter Williams and Ty Summers. Kingsley has been a good player. I look forward to see him this year. Summers has been a good special teams player, and has filled in well when he has played. This was definitely a good draft for Gutey.
Honest Preston:
Prestons career -
2015 - 8 sacks
2016 - 4.5 sacks
2017 - 8 sacks
2018 - 4 sacks
2019 - 12 sacks
2020 - 4 sacks
This is an odd year which means Prestons year to have 8-12 sacks.
Retirement Party:
I don't know why either player decided to retire, but that was their choice. They did what was best for them at the moment. I was looking forward to seeing Gaither. He was one of the players I had seen talked about making a big to noticeable play every day.
Kicking the Can:
I just go with ALL in means you do whatever you absolutely can for that 1 year without any regard of the future. Packers have always paid closer attention to the future, and this year they are paying closer attention to the present. This year is different. They have went all in on this year.
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 09:09 am
I was pleased to see us pick up a young but freakishly athletic large DL yesterday: Josh Avery. He’s raw but big and strong as an ox. Despite his athleticism and having to work his way into even a small school, he ate blockers and was not called on to use his athleticism to penetrate. Can that be unlocked? Potential at least. Surprised that we found that kind of athlete (thank Covid in part and Seahawks picked him up last year but released due to an NFI).
Not much out there on him but here is some “An athletic freak at nearly 330 pounds, Southeast Missouri defensive tackle Josh Avery is a disruptive force in the middle who oftentimes swallows up multiple bodies on each snap, allowing his teammates to make plays. Somewhat of an unsung hero, his performance hasn’t been overlooked by NFL scouts, as nearly every team has been to campus to check in on the Nashville native. Blessed with great strength, Avery owns a 30” vertical jump, can squat 530, bench 465 and clean 325 pounds. In 2019, he registered 20 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.“ collegiatenflpa.com
Some more info here: https://www.southeastarrow.com/story/2776569.html
It is good to see us looking for big DL prospects still. We need them and we need ones that have the upside to develop. I like this pick up.
Coldworld
August 04, 2021 at 10:39 am
Well, it looks like at least one person isn’t happy we signed another DL. Hopefully that’s not you Mr. Barry!
dobber
August 04, 2021 at 09:12 am
Regardless of what the Packers do in 2021, they are going to have to make 2022 go on the power of their draft picks. They'll get some extra clout in the 2022 draft thanks to dealing #12, but there will be virtually no cap space to sign new players because they'll need to re-up some of their own (MVS, Alexander)--and that's AFTER they let the likes of Preston Smith, ARod, Billy Turner, and others are cleared.
I wouldn't be surprised if there's a lot of good looking young depth if the Packers try to proactively deal a couple veteran players--maybe even before the end of camp--rather than having to cut them this off-season or being unable to re-sign them to make cap limits and get nothing in return but cap space. Lucas Patrick, Dean Lowry, maybe even Billy Turner--those are all guys who could be moved for 2022 draft capital, which will be the main way for at least a year to rebuild this roster going forward. With other teams also hard-up against a reduced cap, that's a tough sell, though.
CheesyTex
August 04, 2021 at 02:26 pm
Sobering, if not prescient.
Covid has certainly altered Plans.
Ferrari-Driver
August 04, 2021 at 10:04 am
I fully support "Going All In" with the hopes of bringing home another "Lombardi Trophy". How many people talk about all the Lombardi Trophies the Vikings didn't win when they were close?
Packers0808
August 04, 2021 at 11:03 am
I really wonder if Rodgers is going to want out of GB after this season! It could very well be that his contract again can be redone so he stays especially if core players can be kept for next season by redoing his deal! Don't forget about Rodgers self love and way to big ego!I really doubt from the inconsistency you read about Love that he is the answer or he will be ready to take the reigns next season. Sounds from what you read about the depth we have in this team has makes you wonder with Rodgers love of himself will he go to an inferior team where possibility of his image will be tarnished! You hear about Denver always but they have cap problems as well to an extent! Packers as far as can be seen will have a great team this year and the makings of a possible short term dynasty group if can be held mostly together! Hope we go all the way this season. We don't need or want 2nd fiddle again!
TarynsEyes
August 04, 2021 at 10:24 am
I disagree with many FO decisions and have dismissed the yearly SB chants of others often, but I always hope they win the SB. Yes, you can ride the hope train and still be upset with things the FO and players do and don't do. It's what keeps delusion and reality separated. This season is the Packers' last best chance to win it all under the QB that many have been waiting for and have failed to achieve for reasons other than the guy they now seem to hate, and once rejoiced endlessly no matter what.
PeteK
August 04, 2021 at 10:58 am
That's why we go all in now. Hope springs eternally for most good teams because the future is uncertain. I don't agree with the negativity towards the FO because they have constructed a team that has been to the championship the last two seasons and have cleverly planned for the future.
LambeauPlain
August 04, 2021 at 12:02 pm
So Al, once the team makes a decision to go all in for the "Last Dance" while some fans are very concerned about the cap hell that awaits, you must then stop being a fan for 2021? How does that work?
Gutey has publicly acknowledged 2022 is going to be a blood letting. Facts are stubborn things. Decisions made must be lived with. Winning a SB is the goal every year. Tearing down the roster to meet the NFL cap is also an unfortunate goal if you kick the can.
Enjoy it while it lasts. As a kid, when Lombardi stepped down from HC to only be GM, I knew a rough patch was coming. Let's just hope the next rough patch will not last over 2 decades. And actually, with the deep, mostly young roster, I think the Pack can quickly rebuild.
13TimeChamps
August 04, 2021 at 03:25 pm
Look at the Packers of the late 60's compared to this current team. That team was old and trying to live on past glory with no plan for the future. The front office was run by local yokel nincompoops. Even Lombardi, who obviously was a great coach, as a GM not so much. Most of the HOF players from that era were already on the roster when he arrived.
I think this current team is run much more professionally, and has a much younger, deeper roster. Losing Rodgers and Adams will be challenging. But no way do I see a repeat of the 70s/80s on the horizon.
PeteK
August 04, 2021 at 06:52 pm
Good pts and as I said before the O line might blossom into something special.
Ferrari-Driver
August 04, 2021 at 11:02 pm
13TimeChamps, you are correct in stating that most of the HOF players were on the roster when Lombardi became the Head Coach at Green Bay.
Jack Vainisi was a scout and the Director of Player Personnel from 1950 until 1960 when he died of a heart attack while only 33 years old. He drafted/acquired eight hall of fame players during his time as the Director. Most all teams used the media as their draft guide at that time, but Vainisi implemented a system where he enlisted college coaches to provide not only scouting reports on their own players, but also opposition players. Vainisi was also instrumental in attracting Lombardi to the vacant head coaching job in Green Bay. It's a shame he never had the opportunity to see the success of his achievements when he died so young.
stockholder
August 04, 2021 at 01:32 pm
Most popular////. Seems Geronimo got all the looks too. But is Winfree showing us something else. How we should deal with ADAMS. Is he worth $ 27,000,000. I always heard: That something isn't worth anything more; Then what someone is willing to pay for it.
Minniman
August 04, 2021 at 03:02 pm
Is there such a thing as a measured “last dance” that doesn’t involve blowing up the franchise for 5 years after the “dance”. We all know that these voided years and back-ended contracts are predicated on Rodgers’ own cap number filling these gaps, so the “last dance” number just can’t exceed Rodgers’ number. There has to be an understanding that the money eventually comes from somewhere
Expanding this all out further (and on a bit of a tangent , sorry) What price does having ‘a seat at the decision table’ have? If players want to ‘sit at the grown-ups table and be respected’ then they need to understand that they then cede the right to petulantly and ignorantly state “I want to be the highest paid player at my position” and be completely dismissive of the salary cap and their actual role value in the team…… I personally don’t think that many (if any) players can handle that truth - they’ve predominantly been conditioned to be selfish and ruthless their entire teen and adult sporting life. It’s predominantly only when life starts taking back its gifts to you (speed, youth and health) that one truly learns charity and humility.
jeremyjjbrown
August 04, 2021 at 08:47 pm
"Should you be allowed to be all-in for the Last Dance if you keep bitching about kicking the can?"
I don't have a problem with oscillating between reasonable positions.