Cory's Corner: The Packers Don't Know Who They Are

Inconsistencies fall at the feet of head coach Matt LaFleur. 

I’m going to start by saying that I respect Packers head coach Matt LaFleur a lot. He walked into a tricky situation in 2019 after Mike McCarthy was fired and promptly went 13-3. Then he won 13 games two more times and broke George Siefert’s record for most wins in three seasons. 

LaFleur has a 42-12 regular season record, coupled with a 2-3 playoff mark. Those are impressive numbers, but something is missing this year. 

“We have yet to put together a complete game as a team,” said LaFleur after the Packers suffered a crushing 27-22 loss to the Giants in London on Sunday. “It’s like every game is one good half.”

LaFleur is 100 percent right. This team has been a microcosm of inconsistency — and that falls squarely on LaFleur’s shoulders. The Packers barely squeaked past a New England team that was quarterbacked by third stringer Bailey Zappe and now the Giants, who were without two starting corners, their best defensive lineman and a quarterback that was nursing a bad ankle.

Just how inconsistent are things in Green Bay? Well, the Packers are averaging 13 points in the first half, but a terrible 5.8 in the second half. That tells me that the Packers don’t adjust well to what the defense does. 

The Packers ran the ball eight times in the second half on Sunday and dropped back to pass 18 times. At some point, you have to realize that this team is not built to do that. And I know that many are screaming from the mountaintops that Aaron Rodgers is a four-time MVP, but let’s face the facts: this is a running team. 

The best position group aside from the quarterback is easily at running back — a position that may likely have the best tandem of backs in the league. And let’s not forget that the wide receivers are excellent run blockers. 

I’ve been saying for awhile now, that the recipe for victory for this team is if both Jones and Dillon combine for 30 touches. They are running backs by trade but they are also capable pass catchers. On Sunday, Jones had 15 touches and Dillon only had six. 

That’s not enough. Rodgers always wants the ball in his hands and when he starts slinging it all over the place it looks more like hero ball than a team that held a 17-3 lead early or a 10-point lead at halftime. 

“Let’s face it, the further you throw the ball down the field, the less percentage it is that it’s going to be complete,” LaFleur said on Monday. “And you’d always like to throw the perfect ball on every play. That’s not going to happen all the time.”

Nope, it’s not. Which is why LaFleur and Rodgers need to have an honest conversation and really understand what this team is and what this team isn’t. I still think this team can be really good, but right now this team is just average because it cannot get out of its own way.

I said a couple weeks ago that it was completely realistic for the Packers to be 6-1 when they head to Buffalo. But after the Jets dropped 40 points on the Dolphins, the Packers could be swept by the entire city of New York and looking at a 4-3 record before the showdown with the best team in the NFL. 

The Packers are lucky because there is a lot of season yet to play.

But that only matters if they realize who they are. 

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

__________________________

4 points
 

Comments (76)

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

October 11, 2022 at 06:58 am

"The best position group aside from the quarterback is easily at running back — a position that may likely have the best tandem of backs in the league."

"I’ve been saying for awhile now, that the recipe for victory for this team is if both Jones and Dillon combine for 30 touches. They are running backs by trade but they are also capable pass catchers."

Yup, but will we ever see it? Personally, I don't think MLF has the heart to stand up to Rodgers, and if he did does it even matter? Gute has built a team MADE to run the ball. He drafted a QB, a slew of O-Linemen, kept Aaron Jones, and drafted AJ Dillon and could have set this franchise up for the future had he traded away Rodgers last winter.

Now we're stuck with a $50 Million a year QB, a HC who couldn't or is too scared of his own QB to make an adjustment, and a DC who is last year's, Mo Drayton. Nothing will be done. Another season wasted, and maybe worst of all, still have NO IDEA who Jordan Love is.

Thank you Mark Murphy!!

10 points
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GVPacker's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:34 am

Well Said Nick Perry!

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PackyCheese500's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:36 am

Yes...the way we've been drafting and the way we've been playing contradict each other; MLF is just Murphy's puppet, and Murphy isn't on the same page as Gutey.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 11, 2022 at 01:32 pm

I think the factions are Murphy/ Rodgers on one side and Gute/Lafleur on the other. Murphy didnt want to deal with the ups and downs of a young qb so close to his mandatory retirement age so he gave Gute and MLF their marching orders to bow at the alter of Aaron.

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Coldworld's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:12 am

I predicted this as the probable outcome as soon as we knew that Adams was gone and made (to me) the baffling decision to mortgage the future to bring Rodgers back with no cap left as a result and only Lazard and Cobb.

I said then that the issue wasn’t whether Rodgers was still good enough to win. I believed he could with an appropriate roster. However I did not feel that Rodgers could adapt to what he would have here. I’m saying that I made it clear that LaFleur was, in my view, a coach unable to develop and sell a vision to his team and to Rodgers to effect a change in approach. In fact I stated that I think LaFleur had surrendered completely to Rodgers way of doing things and that this would be a disaster.

For that reason I wanted Rodgers traded, for the value that was clearly on offer from Denver. In fact I was amazed Rodgers wanted to return. I saw it then and now, as only explicable if his perception of self worth is stratospherically overblown.

Sadly this off season saw no bend in Rodgers and no grasp from LaFkeur. We made no effort to change, to go beyond to work with the rookies, to develop schemes to get them out there with plays designed for a fast launch. We continued to do the whole route tree thing and focus on vets.

Then we broke all that for Watson, who missed all of camp and is the least NFL ready receiver. Left Toure in the bench, essentially dumped any illusion of complexity still around and approached games almost exactly as we did last year, itself a big step back in efficiency on O and, essentially just what Rodgers likes with a roster completely unsuited to that.

Rodgers wanted more Cobb. Cobb has played well and is healthy. That’s fine to an extent until you start using him as a deep threat (he wasn’t in his pomp). The fact is though, that it just indicated the extent of Rodgers denial. More Cobb will make a few more plays, but it won’t change this O. In fact it arguably just reduces run plays as much as other receivers targets. It shows the complete absence of leadership and influence from LaFleur very clearly.

The way we are playing was predictable in May. LaFleur is essentially irrelevant and has ceded all pretense of leadership and Rodgers still believes that he is so good he can get any roster to the Super Bowl just being him. The failings of the last 3 years were obviously on others, if they’d just live up to his talent and vision.

Sadly, Rodgers is a great player but a poor self-analyst. LaFkeur doesn’t help, he effectively reinforces through acquiescence. The only improvement in this team is RB, who seems to have enough status to get things done his way. LaFleur turned Pettine from a guy who rushed first to a passive one by stipulating that the first priority was to stop the big play. Barry now seems to be following the same path. This is despite LaFleur regularly saying of both that this was unacceptable after games, only see it repeated. The only time it changed was when Z and co. intervened, for a week or so.

It’s pretty clear that LaFleur doesn’t have much control over more than just Rodgers. It’s pretty clear now that he has no strategic plan for this season (even if anyone would listen). We all know he gets out planned before games regularly and out thought in them even more often.

We are stuck with this roster and Rodgers. The only chance of improvement is to remove LaFleur and give Rodgers an ultimatum. Play this way or sit. Or, keep LaFleur and start Love for now. Personally, I’d go and make Payton a lot wealthier and challenge him to see if he can get more from Rodgers. That would be a true career statement. Payton may decline. In that event, I’d start the Love era and return to the illusion of complexity. Get the youth out there and develop them. That’s perhaps the one other source of upside this year. Upsetting Rodgers at this point risks nothing: wholesale attitude change is the only thing that saves him and this team from itself.

As predictable as this was, this summer Murphy self-congratulatorily announced extensions for LaFleur and others. The whole atmosphere around this team and in camp is of a group who knows so much more than not only we fans but the league. That’s come crashing down. The responsibility for that is Murphy’s. Since TTs decline he’s overseen this team getting more and more self-reinforcing and divorced from reality. The only exception might be Gute, who was the least effusive about the return of Rodgers and who has built a team seemingly for the post Rodgers era.

This team reflects the organization and that’s rotten. Don’t expect Murphy’s successor to be better, Murphy will hand pick him as he did LaFleur. This organization will do nothing. Rodgers is in a last and partially self-inflicted ugly swan song and LaFleur will linger to oversee further decline. The 80s are here. They’ve been coming. We failed Rodgers by reinforcing his worst traits and then just hanging on his coat tails.

This will perhaps get howls of derision from those who a pure Rodgers fans, from those who can’t bear to see how disastrous Murphy had been or the idea that Lambeau isn’t Camelot regilded. I’m sure there are some who will choke in the notion that Love might be a better option (he’s not a better QB) and there are a few still crushing on pretty boy LaFkeur too (maybe). The good news for them is that the Packers will do nothing. Thus situation came about through years of massive hubris and with that comes blindness.

They will babble platitudes and continue down the path to oblivion obliviously. They know better, as some here love to say. No, at some point the real world speaks and it is and has been telling those who would listen for some time where this is heading. The malaise is deeply ingrained in all facets. We may now be past the point of no return. In the meantime we can get fired up about Barry and other symptoms and ignore the disease.

My apologies for length and the refusal to sugar coat, but I could have been harsher. At some point it’s time to just speak out. Optimism requires dramatic change.

-2 points
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mnbadger's picture

October 11, 2022 at 12:23 pm

CW, I agree and have stated all of the above, though less eloquently, over the past 18 months. I took many a down vote, but was convinced that I was right.
I wanted to trade AR well before the last extension. I think Gutey did too, but MMrfy lacked the stones to do it.
LaF is a very handsome young man. Probably has many very positive personal and coaching characteristics. However, he has the strength of conviction of a bright eyed newspaper boy.
When told to put it all of the way inside the door, by AR, he says "Yes Sir"
No stones.
NFL rosters are full of MEN who have heard a lifetime of rah-rah, only thriving under true leadership. All of the great coaches, in the history of the game, have been leaders first and x's and o's second.
mlf needs to go to D2 to hone his coaching skills and leadership skills, in an environment where he's the biggest fish in the bowl. Right now he's prey for ar12 and every other HC and coordinator in the NFL. Shit.
GPG!

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croatpackfan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 01:12 pm

I sign all you wrote Coldworld. We are on the same page here.

There was signs last season that ACR is in decline. Not so often, but still visible that he lost his precision. Especially on long passes. That decline may be accelerated by his 2 injuries on both clavicules. Repaired tissue is not the same as original, if that that injuries comes behind around age of 30s, or even earlier what depends on genetics.

His inconsistency on long passes shows that muscle memory is still there, but the strength of his arm is variable.

I suppose he do not want to admit himself that fact. His very often talk about retirement shows that he feels that there is difference from his earlier himself.

Unfortunately, his arrogance prevent him to adjust himself to new reality. Peyton M did and he won his 2nd title.

I do not see possibility that Packers fire any coach before ACR announce retirement, because I can not imagine any NFL coach will take the position under the conditions from Mike Murphy (and Ball). Especially not Sean Peyton.

Mike Murphy was shown on tv with the face of lost man. He knows he made horrible decisions, but he can not plug the shithole he opened to please ACR. He knows that if he bring experienced HC now, he will open the gates of hell because ACR will become huge PR problem for him and Packers.

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SanLobo's picture

October 11, 2022 at 01:49 pm

I think this is just a silly rant. Rodgers knew it was going to be a tough year going forward but stuck with the pack thinking that at least he would have Adams. Now the only real top third players on this offense are him and Jones. We just don’t have the developed talent to be a top tier team yet. Who knows, maybe Watson and Doubs will stop missing routes (Doubs doing much better than Watson). Maybe Tonyan, Jenkins and Bahk will all get 100% back from their ACL injuries and we see them play at that amazing high level again. Right now we have an inconsistent O-line, an inconsistent receiving corps, and from what we saw in NY, an inconsistent Defense. There are still 12 more games and 13 more weeks to go in the regular season. Maybe it’s better to stop complaining about that past and look forward to the future and what can be.

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Oppy's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:32 pm

You missed inconsistent QB in your inconsistent list.

2 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:45 pm

If the receiving corp is weak, why are they throwing 39 times vs only 19 runs in a game they were leading by 14 at one point? This isnt about the lack of receivers. Its about the insanity of Rodgers and/or Lafleur. When you're weak at something, dont make that position the difference between winning and losing especially when the strength of the offense (running backs) are playing well. Let them win us some games for a change.

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:35 am

The Packers' Defense will never be good with Barry as their DC. He is stuck in his own imaginary world of "zone philosophy." Gutey should just tell him straight up to change his plan, play more man, adjust more, and be more flexible, or get fired. If this defense does not seriously bounce back against the Jets, get Barry out of here. Jerry Gray should be out interim DC.

MLF has not been much better, although he has a history of good bounce-back games, but if he can't be consistently good then Gutey should just say, "run the ball more or get fired." MLF also needs to have a backbone and stand up to AR if that's the cause of all this passing.

7 points
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HawkPacker's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:45 am

Last year I thought Barry did a better job than I expected based on his history. This year he needs to make some changes such as rushing the QB. We have this 'great' secondary' so we should be able to take some chances with them going one on one when we blitz. Come on, take advantage of our studs.

Quite frankly after watching this last game, it is starting to get boring watching the Packers. They are so bland on both sides of the ball. I watched the Monday night game last night and they were fun to watch. Buffalo is fun to watch. Come on GB, do something exciting, take some chances.

9 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:46 am

Agreed...definitely more blitzing needed

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murf7777's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:24 am

Isn’t it the HC job to tell the DC how to play defense? I don’t think Gutey has anything to do with it.

The zone philosophy is prevalent with most all, if not all teams in the NFL. I’m not defending Barry, but it is also on the players to play a lot better. Just because you are playing zone doesn’t mean average receivers should be running across the middle wide open. I think the biggest problem is the play of the backfield, their egos are much bigger than their play. I also feel playing more aggressively when warranted, but’s it certainly isn’t the end all be all answer.

2 points
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dobber's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:30 am

"Isn’t it the HC job to tell the DC how to play defense? I don’t think Gutey has anything to do with it."

Agreed! I don't want the GM or the Board Chair dictating what's happening on the field. This needs to be LaF's boat to steer. He's got to take the rudder and drive with more purpose. Give someone else the play-calling responsibilities and run the TEAM.

8 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:31 am

He did the former a long time ago. He’s never shown any capability to do the latter.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:31 am

He did the former a long time ago. He’s never shown any capability to do the latter.

1 points
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gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:42 pm

Good call dobber. Bull Halsey once said, "if you're in command, command". If Gutes and MLF are truly in command, make changes. Don't listen to dinosaurs like Murphy who thankfully will be forced into retirement soon. "Better to ask for forgiveness than ask permission" with such a weak CEO!

2 points
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HDbikerguy's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:02 am

People used to say we were wasting Rodgers career without WR help..... how about we're wasting SIX first rounders plus 2-3 pro bowl caliber players with Barry's bullheadedness.... the top three CBs excel at press man cover and with that and the speed....we should be very aggressive... especially against back up QBs and depleted WRs groups......Pettine got fired for this kind of defensive play.... AND, overall.... Barry has better players....

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:31 am

I don't want to say that it will never be good with Barry as DC. I don't like the word never. But I do question if he is willing to make the changes that are needed.

They have to start playing more aggressively. Playing off coverage as much as they do, is too easy for offenses. They need more aggressiveness and willing to

I do wonder if Barry is on the hotseat. There are comments LaFleur has made that makes me wonder that. I don't know if he would make a move, but I wonder if that may happen.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:33 am

LaFleur wouldn’t fire Pettine after many such statements. He wouldn’t fire Drayton after much worse and more consistent incompetence.

5 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:48 am

Very true. But if he continually isn't doing what he is asked to do. That might be a reason for a a change.

I agree though that the odds of it are very low.

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Coldworld's picture

October 11, 2022 at 11:09 am

The same was true of Pettine and for longer. That makes me wonder if LaFleur has a different tone away from the media or whether he really just never had the control one assumes any HC would have.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:53 pm

Zone isnt even the problem. Theres ways to play zone while still playing aggressive and physical. The 49ers' DC Demeco Ryans and Jets HC (and former 49ers DC) Robert Saleh both run defenses similar to the Legion of Boom's cover-3/cover-1 defense that was so dominant for so long. They do it by pressing the receivers a ton and almost always having 8 in the box. Thats how theyre also able to stop the run. The Packers have the talent to run this kind of defense. Still baffles me why they dont.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:41 am

If you want to know why the Packers offense has been inconsistent you can look at many factors. But lets start with the OL.

The OL has been juggling Bakhtiari and Yosh at LT. I get their reasons behind it, but how do you get consistency when you are rotating them? Runyan has been good at LG as Myers has been at OC. Newman has not been very good at RG. He has given up the most pressures on the OL this year. Jenkins at RT is basically playing a brand new position and he has been a bit rusty. He is starting to shake off that rust and is starting to feel more comfortable at RT. The OL is a young and inexperience group as a whole. The OL will take some time to gel. Until then expect some inconsistency's with the pass protection and run blocking.

The WR's have been very inconsistent. A lot of that is because they have not had the same group for the whole season. Lazard missed the first game. Watson has missed a few games. Watkins has been out. Watson and Doubs are rookies. Rodgers has been MIA. Toure has yet to make it onto the gameday active list.
The only thing consistent is Cobb and Lazard since week 1.

Some other reasons for inconsistency. Tonyan is coming back from a torn ACL. He is regaining form. Its going to take him time to feel more confident in his knee.

These are some reasons why they have been inconsistent in the passing game. The problem with the offense though is they are not utilizing 2 of their best weapons enough. They are not using their stud RB's nearly enough. They are not running the ball enough and not using the RB's in the passing game enough. Once they figure out that the RB's need to be more involved, the sooner they will find their identity on offense.
I think they have a tendency to overthink things too. What I mean is just because the defense puts an 8th man in the box doesn't mean we have to abandon the run. When your best offense is a strong run game, enforce your will on them!

I think this offense will become more consistent once the OL gels and the RB's are more involved in the game plan for the whole game.

8 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:53 am

Fair perspective...

-1 points
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Oppy's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:33 pm

Why is everyone's inconsistent list missing #12?

1 points
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Handsback's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:55 am

I stand by what I said in a previous post that the Packers have to find their mix of run verses pass in order to advance this year.
When the Titans made a run 2 years ago I realized that GB had the right mix to dominate teams running the ball and setting up the pass.
Might not be in Rodgers DNA, but definitely built into the team.
When they get there....they will dominate, until then hope and prayer.

3 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:08 am

Who thinks we should hire Mike Zimmer as our new DC (lol)....

2 points
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croatpackfan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:52 am

I'll prefere Vic!

Vic Fangio... For a year.

-1 points
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Handsback's picture

October 11, 2022 at 11:05 am

You understand that Fangio learned under Capers? Not saying he didn't add any new tricks, just his philosophy is same as Dom Capers.

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 01:18 pm

We all knows how stout Denver D was under Vic Fangio. And those D from low Bears...

1 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 11, 2022 at 01:40 pm

Yeah but Fangio made defenses dominant. So whatever tricks he did learn, they actually worked.

2 points
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gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:01 pm

I'll take Zimmers' grumpy old puss ANY DAY over the inept Barry!

2 points
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Renllaw's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:09 am

I think Mark Murphy's structure change is starting to show up. I posted earlier that the front office and head coach are not on the same page. The obvious explanation is that LaFleur doesn't report to Gute. This is just my own speculation, but Gute seems to be aggressive in the draft, and free agency. He also seems to be drafting and acquiring aggressive players. So I just cant see him buying into the Barry hire. I also think LaFleur IS calling more run plays. I didnt watch the game back, but I can recall a ton of "RPO" moments where the line is blasting off the ball but Rodgers slings it to a WO, That became less successful as the game went on. Decent D coordinators are going to see that and adjust. One last observation/question... Why is the staff so slow to admit a mistake. Royce Newman is the weak link on the line every game. Why not give Zach Tom a shot?

9 points
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gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:07 pm

Typical corporation. No one knows who has what authority to do what? I have totally lost any confidence that Mark Murphy can enact any level of meaningful change on this team. He should be ashamed of himself. A team with no identity and weak leadership, starting with him! Too bad s*** flows downhill...

2 points
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jont's picture

October 11, 2022 at 04:22 pm

On the RPO point, remember the #1 objective of every defense: take away the offense's best weapon.

Running plays are called but the opposing D is looking for Jones and Dillon.

We all believe GB should run a lot more. I know it, you know it, and everybody in the stadium knows it. The 8 men in the box know it too.

This means tight man coverage outside. Just half a step of separation and 12 puts it low and away, and it's a positive play. But our receiver corps is an old guy, a good blocker, a still a bit gimpy TE, and some rookies with about 20 catches between the lot of them. None can get that 1/2 step, it seems.

So do they run into the 8 man front anyway?

I think that when Rodgers and Lafleur and Clement and Stenovich have their regular and frequent and honest conversations they go back and forth on this. It's just not an easy problem to solve.

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:04 pm

You know what i see when theres an 8 man box? 1 broken tackle away from daylight. And considering Jones and Dillon are 2 of the best in football at breaking tackles, I think they should run on at least some of the 8 man boxes they face. But instead, defenses know exactly how to force this team into passing. Just line up with a heavy box, Rodgers will audible to a pass (if hes not passing already) and then the defense just drops everyone into coverage. You see what I'm getting at here? Just cuz theres 8 in the box doesnt mean theres a run blitz called. You have to call their bluff at least some of the time just to keep them honest or else youre just allowing the defense to dictate the terms every single play. Rodgers has become predictable.

1 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:58 pm

Barry was 100% a Lafleur hire. They were on the same coaching staff with the Rams.

1 points
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T7Steve's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:12 am

Cory, your premiss that they are only playing one half this year is faulty. They're playing less than a half this year. In 19, 20 & 21 they were playing only one half at best (see preseason comments). In 20 especially they scored enough to get by.

This team has trouble spots all over that could be addressed by coaching and schemes. Why do they come out every week and think that this week the same thing will work? Or, if it doesn't work why don't the insert something else? Don't you agree that other teams try to do what works not try to keep doing the same thing till it works?

The O and D need time to gel but, have the talent to get by sub-par teams if they play together.

3 points
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SinceLombardi's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:12 am

The offense will continue to struggle if Joe Barry has them sitting around for eight minute intervals.. Barry is Mo Drayton. Fire him or have a nine win season.

9 points
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Untylu1968's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:04 pm

Couldn't the same be said, for the D struggling, as long as the offense keeps going three and out?? Pretty sure the defense being out there for long periods, is more detrimental to them, than the offense being on the bench for long periods.. Fuck it, fire everybody!!

1 points
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gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:09 pm

Amen Since!

0 points
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murf7777's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:14 am

I’m not defending anyone in the Packers Org because there are many concerns with this team right now. Do I think there needs to be adjustments on this team, YES. I think the defense needs to play more aggressively and take more chances to create turnovers. The offense is a work in progress with injuries on the OL and young WR’s.

Based on info I heard during last nights game, this year thru 5 games have had the most 14 point deficit come back for a win by a quite a large margin. I haven’t verified this info. This tells me a lot of teams are losing leads and struggle to play 4 good quarters. I’ve witnessed a lot of that including last night with the Raiders.

I believe there isn’t any dominating team in the NFC, even thou Dallas and Philly look very good right now. Parity is at its highest in the NFL. This is just the beginning of the season so I’m not going to over react and assert doom and gloom forecast. The team has the talent and they need to start playing that way. The coach’s need to plan better and make adjustments during the game better. Stay tuned, its early.

-2 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:16 am

1) Joe Barry is a crappy DC, always has been.
Big mistake by MLF, almost as big as the Mo Drayton hire, almost.
2) The packers offense is being run by a declining Aaron Rodgers. Again MLF coaching failures are starting to show up. Without prime Rodgers, MLF looks like a below average HC.
3) Brian Gutekunst, the packers haven’t had a legitimate return man for a decade. Why you would do everything to fix special teams but not find the best returner possible is going to bite you in the Azz!
4) The main problem however is not talent, the packers have plenty to compete. The issue is the players are reading their own headlines about how great the defense was going to be and how Mr. Zen is the 4 time MVP.

Conclusion: TIME TO GET YOUR BIG HEADS OUT OF YOUR BIG AZZES AND PROVE IT!
NOW GET OUT THERE AND PROVE IT!

Go Pack……that is all

9 points
11
2
croatpackfan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:55 am

Shhhhh., Dont call ACR Mr. Zen. That is immature...

-1 points
2
3
Since'61's picture

October 11, 2022 at 09:24 am

The Packers do't know who they are because their HC doesn't know who he is or if he does he is not communicating his vision effectively to his team.

Overall the Packers need to play more physically on offense and more aggressively on defense.

They need to run the ball more often and get the ball to their RBs via the pass as well. The question is whether the OL can play physically in the run game. Maybe the Packers should be using Deguara as a lead blocker more often. Maybe should be a lead blocker for Jones. The offensive should become more focused on the run and more focused on taking what the defense gives us in the passing game. Get the TEs more involved in the passing game.

At this point in the season neither our OL or our receivers are good enough to succeed in the deep passing game. Yes, the Packers need to take a few deep shots but those shots need to come in the correct situations, which is after play action can be effective and our receivers can get separation on the defenders. Look to get Jones one on one against an LB.

Most importantly Rodgers needs to make better decisions when changing plays at the LOS and to which receiver he throws the ball. He also needs to stop playing for penalties and throwing the ball deep in attempts to get DPI or defensive holding calls. Doubs and Lazard need to run their routes much better than they have.
Get the ball to our RBs in space and enable them to make plays.

On defense get more aggressive with blitzes. Put our CBs at the LOS and disrupt our opponents receivers before they get into their routes. Soft zone and 8-10 yards off the LOS makes it too easy for the QB to pick us apart which they are doing.

Can we please use Dillon or Jones to pick up 2 yards on 3rd and/or 4th down. Play smart football. My message to MLF ad the coaching staff "pull yourselves together and figure it out." Thanks, Since '61

11 points
11
0
jlc1's picture

October 11, 2022 at 05:10 pm

Right now I don't know if they can run the ball. NYG put all of NY in the box and said until you can throw it you will have to move a lot of big men to run the ball and that would be really hard. Everybody is likely to do the same. Maybe MLF could go the Belichick way and put in an extra lineman. that would be some pretty cool win it in the trenches football.
MLF has always said you win by establishing the run but when he was in Tennessee he absolutely underutilized Derrick Henry. So I have my doubts that he knows how to make the most of the talent at this disposal to make that thought actually work.
This week the Pack goes up against a Robert Saleh coached team. He was one of the minds behind two absolute embarrassments against SF in recent years so I think we can expect some D looks that MLF once again can't adjust to.
Now that I'm done dumping on the coaches, well, the players - yeah what you said Since'61.

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

October 11, 2022 at 09:33 pm

jlc1 - I think that the Packers can run the ball. They need to stick with the run and not abandon it prematurely.

Jones and Dillon are good RBs. We may need to go with a 6th OL in short yardage and goal line. The rest of the time we have Lewis who is probably as good as our 6th OL and is still a threat to catch a pass. It's a matter of execution by the OL and commitment to the run game and our best offensive threats. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

October 11, 2022 at 09:28 am

How can the Packers, a team with a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, figure it out?? Maybe they won't with two mediocre coaches in MLF and Barry...they simply haven't been very innovative in their schemes and neither one has shown growth...Barry wasn't a great choice to begin with...MLF is starting to sound like a broken record with his post game comments and is starting to get defensive about his game plans, which fall apart and he can't make an adjustment mid game...one or two more years he will be gone, bet on it...

3 points
4
1
murf7777's picture

October 11, 2022 at 09:32 am

I will also say if you want to help fix the offense go sign OBJ. I know many won’t agree with this, but those who don’t will probably change their opinion upon his signing. No that won’t help in the short term, but this team is a playoff team and you need to have him up to speed come December thru the playoffs. Is it a risk, yes of course considering his ACL injury, but the bigger the risk the bigger the gain possibilities. I assume he will receive a reasonable contract for the remainder of this year. The Packers need to start taking some risk and stop playing it safe. Time clock is a ticking.

-3 points
0
3
13TimeChamps's picture

October 11, 2022 at 11:58 am

I think the last thing this team needs is ANOTHER player coming off of an ACL. We already have that in Bahk, Jenkins and Tonyan. To think (hope) all these players are going to magically revert back to their pre-ACL level of play is somewhat naive I'm afraid.

Plus, after playing in the bright lights of NY and LA, I question whether he would have any desire to come to Green Bay. I'm assuming he'll get his fair share of offers from other teams.

0 points
2
2
murf7777's picture

October 11, 2022 at 02:41 pm

Hmmm, I wonder if people said that about Adrian Peterson, who came back after 4-5 months and played great. As I said, take the risk, if he doesn’t play well than don’t play him much.

0 points
0
0
13TimeChamps's picture

October 11, 2022 at 02:58 pm

You're referencing probably the biggest outlier example there is for a post ACL recovery, hardly the norm. And that was what...11-12 years ago?

But if the Packers feel it's worth the risk, so be it. That doesn't change the fact that there is more to it than just going out and signing him. There will be other teams interested as well. I'm sure he'll go to the situation he deems best for himself.

Personally, I don't see it happening, but if they can pull it off and he ends up helping the team, it'll be great. We'll see.

0 points
0
0
gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:19 pm

Part of me says "take a chance on OBJ". He has the skills and would take Rodgers excuse away that he doesn't have enough veteran WR talent. On the other hand, we've already taken a chance on often injured Sammy Watkins and we are already getting his injury history after 2 games! It's a tough question...

1 points
1
0
Oppy's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:36 pm

I'd rather we take a risk on Doubs, Watson, and maybe even Toure.

0 points
1
1
Booner's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:20 am

Our head coach and his DC our not pulling their weight! Hey Murphy time to huddle up with Gute and make some changes before the season gets away from us!

1 points
2
1
CHEESEHEADDALLAS's picture

October 11, 2022 at 02:44 pm

They both need to go any idiot that has the chan

0 points
1
1
gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:23 pm

It will NEVER happen Booner. Murphy makes all those decisions and he is neither bold nor decisive! Gutes in the only decent manager in the GB organization and I am sure he doesn't have the authority. But he should.

2 points
2
0
HarryHodag's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:20 am

I'm one of the last people to criticize a coach. Many times I've defended the coaching staff in the face of the usual folks who want everyone fired when something goes wrong. I was watching NFL Live yesterday and was thunderstruck when Mina Kimes made a solid argument that the Giants are far over-performing given the talent level currently on the field. She gave credit to Brian Daboll who has crafted a team in his image.

It hit me that the Packers are also the image of Matt LaFleur, and by extension tacit coach/gm Aaron Rodgers.
MLF has a group of mostly under-performing talent. Kimes said talent-wise Green Bay has far more good players than the Giants. But the Giants were smarter and more motivated. I couldn't disagree.

LaFleur should take Aaron Rodgers behind the woodshed(he won't). I'm still struck by watching Rodgers poke fun of LaFleur a few weeks ago. Something a buddy would do, but not your alleged boss.
LaFleur's innovative offense lasted one or two seasons, but like McCarthy's predictable offense, the other teams have figured it out. The hiring of Joe Barry is also starting to show a bad choice. High paid and with many draft picks, they get plowed over week after week.
Only special teams have improved, again with a motivated coach who pushes for proper execution.

If MLF doesn't get hold of the situation and get this team off it's collective dead hind end then there should be a change whether Aaron Rodgers likes it or not. I would rather see them work hard and lose than struggle when they have so much talent available.

3 points
4
1
croatpackfan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 11:04 am

It is not forbidden that boss and his employee be pals. What they need to understand is that to devide their personal relationship from business. If your subordinate does not treat you as his boss, other employees will become undisciplined. That is the rule. You'll lost your respect with them. So, I believe that you might be on something serious.

0 points
1
1
TarynsEyes's picture

October 11, 2022 at 10:46 am

I don't buy into this, 'They don't know who they are' take at all. They know who they are, they just can't pull it off because of issues we all seen in preseason, and expectations of repeat play from players that over played their ability, especially on Defense. The DC is who many said he was, and he has proved it every week this season. MLF has hit his ceiling in his 2nd season, with the repeat of the first two in the 3rd season. The elevator is now going down, however slowly, but a loss to the Jets or even Wash the following week, could see a free-fall before some big boy games on the schedule

10 points
10
0
croatpackfan's picture

October 11, 2022 at 11:05 am

ACR disagrees with you. LOL.

-1 points
2
3
jont's picture

October 11, 2022 at 04:35 pm

This is right.

I am not as negative about the 'elevator going down' part, though, at least with the offense, because a good part of the struggles are due to young receivers. They'll get better with experience (unless they're all Amaris) so we should see some better production through the air which would get the LBs and safeties to back up which should give Dillion and Jones some room which should... etc..

What concerns me more is the defense. GB lost the time of possession to the Giants 32-27, but it seemed worse than this because of the 19-11 second half. NY closed the game with drives of 9, 14, 14, 16, and 8 plays, all scoring drives, if I recall.

Complementary football (last year's buzzword) includes the way defenses help the offense by getting the ball back. Yes, we see too many 3 and outs, but giviing up long drive after long drive is killer.

0 points
0
0
ricky's picture

October 11, 2022 at 12:22 pm

The problem is that the Packers decided that having Rodgers back was more important than anything else. He runs the team, he runs the offense, and if Lafleur doesn't like Rodgers' decisions, too bad. If Rodgers retires after this year, the Packers will have a dead cap hit of $68 million. And if Rodgers decides to defy the coach, what are the consequences? Being benched? When pigs fly. McCarthy, to his credit, made Favre accountable and got him under control after being hired by the Packers. But LaFleur has no choice. He is stuck with Rodgers, due to the front office making him the highest paid QB in the league. What to do? Hang on this year and next, because the dead cap becomes a more acceptable $27 million after next season. Until then, Rodgers will, indeed, play "hero ball". And the rest of the team and organization can only sit back and watch.

1 points
2
1
vin0770's picture

October 11, 2022 at 12:29 pm

Time for grown up leadership MLF! Four years of empty words like falling on the sword…”I’ve got to be better “ are meaningless. Actions not words is what you’re about. I believe you’ve been telling us who you are for four years and I think we should believe you by now. Empty words nothing changes.

ACTIONS vs WORDS

Joe Barry replaced NOW because he’s just like you and has shown us how he wants to play defense even after you had an empty word meeting with him…how did that ST coach improve during last season go for you while hanging on to him?

Code word with AR when you send in a run play that he can’t change it to a pass. You say you need to run the ball more and nothing changes so either your words are empty to you too, or AR has got to quit changing them to pass plays.

MLF…Grown ass leadership isn’t easy which will be tough for you because you genuinely seem like a nice guy.

-2 points
1
3
gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:28 pm

And nice guys never make Coach of the Year. And nice guys never win Super Bowls.

0 points
0
0
jlc1's picture

October 11, 2022 at 01:23 pm

They and we know who they are because it is still true that you are what your record says you are. They are average or slightly better. You can argue about if it should or could be different but that is who they are, borderline playoff contenders.

1 points
1
0
PackyCheese500's picture

October 11, 2022 at 02:04 pm

As far as next week, the Jets will be far from a walk in a park against us in this state. MLF has had a history of bouncing back, look at week 2 after the flogging in Minnesota (where we ran the ball a lot), an other instances from '19-21. He's never lost consecutive games. However, I don't see Barry the Mule adjusting at all, and because our team is designed to be more defense reliant, I think this is where MLF's streak ends. MLF figures out the offense, but Barry doesn't change the defense. Jets win, 33-31.

Bold prediction: MLF learns from his mistake with Drayton last year, and, after the defense gives up 33 points and 4 TDs to the Jets, Joe Barry is fired (I really hope so; we're going nowhere with him!)

3 points
3
0
gpt999's picture

October 11, 2022 at 03:32 pm

Agreed. This team needs to hit bottom before meaningful change is possible. Good thing I am not a shareholder of this poorly run business that sells an underwhelming product.

1 points
1
0
stockholder's picture

October 11, 2022 at 04:12 pm

The Packers do know who they are. It's #12 Rodgers! But let's not accuse anybody first! The Packers have their own scheme.
And it's got everything to do with "protection" ! We know this OL isn't Good. And RT has been a problem since Bulaga left.
But money has been the issue first. So the revolving door has caught up to it. Rodger's isn't Blind. He needs Time!
And until they find the right pieces to stop the ups and downs. Everyone has to accept it.
The Defense has new players. And it's been patched constantly. Too much! To "Change" the outcome of the game.
Defense wins championships. Yet we still can't stop the opposing TEs from making plays. And oh those costly penalties.
The 2 lost games are on this defense. They just didn't step up. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.
I get any good offense can beat a good Defense now. But the " How do you Do" is lacking. The heroes have not come out this year.

1 points
1
0
Oppy's picture

October 11, 2022 at 07:38 pm

Gah. The other half of the "Rodgers is without fault" club.

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:23 pm

Well, at least our beloved Packers don't have that malicious bully and sore loser, Devante Adams, on the roster as they search for their identity. Did you see his heinous act last night after his vicious no-count Raiders lost? Pushing a timid, waif of a photographer to the turf as if he were just so much waste in his way? Good riddance to such a bad actor, I say. No room for you in Titletown!

++++++++++++++++++++++

As our beloved Packers search for their identity, I hope they will not push photographers, or any other helpful personnel, on the sidelines before, during, or after games. I have thought long and hard, and I cannot for the life of me recall Boyd Dowler, Carrol Dale, or Bob Long ever making even the smallest threatening gesture toward a photographer. I believe there is public record of Billy Howton scaring a reporter for the Green Bay Press Gazette by sneezing in his direction, but it was an accident, and all was forgiven after the gridiron great apologized. Those were the days when men had integrity, something sorely lacking these days.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I am hopeful our team, the team we all love, our beloved Packers will pool their collective resources and gel as one unit with vim, vigor and verve. These special young men are all truly upstanding citizens worthy of our support (except for a certain QB who is a selfish, greedy, narcissist) and we should all root for them with all our hearts.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Then again, it's more likely the illusion of complexity was an illusion of competence, and the slide ol' Murph built in the Titletown District could be more symbolic of his legacy than anything else he's accomplished.

Can we handle the Jets? If not, will Riverboat Ron mercifully deliver the death blow to the LaFleur Era? Fall is really in the air. I can feel it!

1 points
2
1
murf7777's picture

October 12, 2022 at 07:28 am

I think using the word Heinous act regarding Adams is wrong. How was his act heinous, which means evil or wicked or utterly odious? Was it wrong, absolutely. Was it pre-meditated, NO. It was done due to his high negative emotions built from losing a close game to their rival, being 1-4 and the person cutting him off as he walked thru the tunnel. Still not a right move and he knew it and immediately apologized and showed remorse.

From my knowledge, when Adams was in Green Bay all I heard was he was a great teammate and a very good human being.

1 points
1
0
LeotisHarris's picture

October 12, 2022 at 08:54 am

Hyperbole (noun) - exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

0 points
0
0
canadapacker's picture

October 11, 2022 at 08:29 pm

Probably going to say what others have said - but if you dont know who you are you dont play to your strengths. It is easy to say that we have the best running back duo - but if the Oline doesnt block then they are not the best duo on any given night. And it is obvious that Dillon is not getting the holes to get a head of steam. The only reason that Jones has some big runs is because he can move in the holes. But mostly he gets stopped as well. So our strength is not on our running back duo. Our receivers are no longer our strength - other than Lazard and Cobb making some plays - but eventually the other teams tighten up on them and we stall out. The new guys could be some strength but other than Watson running the odd jet sweep - we are not using them well either - outside of Doubs having a few good plays - not using him well. Tonyon is coming along but still doesnt get the YAC or get open in the middle like he did a year ago. So he is not being a strength. On the Defense side - our linebackers are what we thought they were - weak. Ok we have had a few who played great last year but we are not playing to our strength. If our Dbacks are so great - why are they playing off so much? And if we paid guys like Douglas - why is he allowed to take stupid penalties - playing tight is one thing but ridiculous holding and PI - and Campbell is not playing up to snuff but himself - so maybe the D scheme needs to be updated. Big runs should not be occuring if you are playing off - get up and tackle.
So the last bit of last season with the Red zone issues and so far this year with both red zone and overall lack of emphasis on game planning - this all falls on Lafleur - not Rodgers - Playing to the strengths - with a weak Oline and until Watson and Doubs can take the top off - needs to be more motion more swing passes to the backs and Cobb and the like. March downfield slowly and hopefully the Oline will gain traction - otherwise move the pieces around until holes for the backs. Getting them going is a two step process - spreading out the other teams defense with motion/ short passes and getting the Oline efficiently blocking.

0 points
0
0