Cory's Corner: There's No Stopping The 'Blistering Bison'

The Packers have the NFL's next great offensive threat. 

Versatility is the name of the game in the NFL. 

And it’s also a main ingredient  in Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst’s winning recipe. 

“It’s hard to think about another player who goes from being kind of a here and there minimal production to a go-to type player, home run player,” said Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Packers beat Chicago 28-19 on Sunday. “Pretty special.”

Is Watson the NFL’s Swiss Army knife? It was just last year that Deebo Samuel sliced through the Packers defense — both as a running back and as a receiver. 

Now the Packers have something better than just a No. 1 wideout — they have a home run hitting running back as well. 

I know the Packers are sitting tied for 10th in the NFC playoff picture with a 5-8 record but Green Bay has Samuel 2.0. I know that Samuel is a workhorse and looks for contact, while Watson is a shiftier jitterbug that can run circles around most defenders. 

Watson is the ultimate X-factor for the Packers because he gives the Packers another dimension. He now has eight touchdowns, which is the most by a rookie in a four-game span of any rookie in the last 35 years. Watson is the first since Randy Moss. 

Think about that for a second. While Packers fans are nervous about the future of facing Justin Jefferson twice a year for the next few years, the Packers have Randy Moss right under their nose. Watson has scored seven touchdowns on 17 touches. 

That is nothing short of amazing. 

“I definitely feel like I have a lot of growth, a lot of potential, as well,” said Watson. “I was in an offense that was really successful at what we did and if I only needed to run three or four routes for us to be successful and win championships in college, then that’s exactly what we were going to do.”

Watson was the seventh receiver taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. Romeo Doubs was 19th and Samori Toure was the last and 28th receiver taken. 

This season we have learned a lot of things. We have learned that Joe Barry should not be a defensive coordinator if you’re going to have a spineless scheme. We have learned that the Packers offensive line is not as good as it has been a few years ago. We have also learned that the Packers don’t just have a No. 1 receiver, they have a genuine offensive threat. 

Many were concerned because Watson is from North Dakota State. The small school product belongs 0n the big stage and continues to prove it why. 

It seems the only thing that can stop this guy is health. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound receiver will continue to go up, around and past defenders because nobody has figured out how to slow the "Blistering Bison."
 

 

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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

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2 points
 

Comments (103)

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

December 06, 2022 at 06:39 am

Another great article, Cory.
The part I'm not sure I can agree with is "Brian Gutekunst’s winning recipe".
While a number Gutey's drafts can be questioned, at least this year's picks are looking pretty good so far.
But then there's a defense sporting seven first round picks, and they can't stop a snail.
Gutey's (Winning) recipe box had damned well better have about a dozen recipe cards with the names of 'the next great' defensive coordinator(s) in it, and the Packers should be scouting that position every day.
And then, if indeed it's MLF making the 'final' coaching decisions and he wants to keep Barry, it might be best to have another section in that same recipe box for 'Potential Head Coaches'.
Enough is Enough!

7 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:51 am

Remember; Gutey has only been our GM since 2018, and here is a list of all of his first round picks:
Jaire Alexander (hit)
Rashan Gary (hit)
Darnell Savage (had some great years with Pettine but has struggled under Barry; maybe Ha-Ha Clinton Dix 2.0?)
Jordan Love (we don't know yet)
Eric Stokes (we don't know; had an amazing 2021 but a bad 2022 that was cut short)

One thing I will NEVER understand, though, is why he chose Josh Myers, who has been okay, over Creed Humphrey, who now leads the NFL in pass block win rate.

If MLF is keeping Barry, he should go. We need coaches who have more guts and leadership then that.

Here are a couple of candidates that I think could be our next DC:
Vic Fangio (former Broncos HC
Ejiro Evero (Broncos DC)
Brandon Staley (current Chargers HC; if he gets fired, which he may)
Mike Zimmer (former Vikings HC)

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CoachJV's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:47 am

With our record, we do not need to make a DC change during the season at this point. That time past us up already. The best thing to do now is keep Barry till the end of season to help us improve our draft pick... Fire him at end o season, better pick. I believe that's the plan going on here.

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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:06 am

That is what I am thinking. I am talking about candidates to replace Barry at the end of the season

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Houndog's picture

December 06, 2022 at 06:00 pm

Coach,
I agree with keeping him through the end of the season, in-season firing make it harder to hire.
But then, that's it, he should be gone before they finish cleaning the locker room.
At 68 years old I can't remember any defense with so much talent playing like this, on any team, in any year. DB's playing 15 yds back on 3rd and 8?
The Bears were playing with what, I think 3 rookies as DBs on Sunday and made fools of the Packers' D? It's inexcusable!
Barry's scheme in my house is spelled "Schream"!

1 points
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Houndog's picture

December 06, 2022 at 06:53 pm

Packy,
I said some of his drafts might be questionable, and you're looking at only 1st rounders, you might want to look a bit further.
And Yeah, he's only been GM since 2018, so, 5 years at the helm so far, but he was there under Thompson since what? 2006 maybe? And he inherited a reasonably good team.
Ron Wolf stated with next to nothing in 1992 (actually late 91) and won a superbowl at the end of '96.
And then, Gutekunst did accept Murphy's watered-down version of a GM, the same kind of 'who's in charge' bullshit deal Wolf turned down when he was offered it in 1987. So, yeah, maybe you're right, with Murphy really in charge maybe we can't blame Gutey, but then he did accept a job that was originally intended for men with two testicles.
As for DCs?
Evero ain't goin' nowhere! He'll be Denver's next HC, maybe sooner than we think.
Fangio and Zimmer are too old school (see Evero, above)
Think young and hungry (see Evero, above)
And, if MLF decides to stay married to Barry, Sean Payton would be my first choice to replace him (unless Bill Cowher wants to un-retire)! :)

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:19 pm

Offer Leonard some serious cash to turn the ship around. Look to the college game for innovative DCs.

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CoachJV's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:13 pm

Nah... I still think MLF will be better without Arod. But if we did need a new HC, he's already on staff... Rich Bisacca. But Yes to college on DC's

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NickPerry's picture

December 06, 2022 at 06:49 am

The play call on Watsons TD, THAT play was a thing of beauty. I've been part of the beat the hell out of MLF gang this season, but I also have to give MLF credit for a beautiful play call / design. Rodgers stuck the ball in his gut so quickly as Watson ran left and most of the team went right. My eyes followed to the right originally until I realized Watson had the ball. By the time he was GONE!

My hope in the offseason this kid eithers STAYS in GB and catches 1000 balls on the JUGS machine a day, or buys his own JUGS machine and him and Doubs wear that sucker out catching balls from it.

13 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:04 am

Look how good that play will be down the road. A little play action or (a healthy) quarterback keeper. All sorts of stuff I'm not qualified or able to think up. Early in the season however, that's all they tried with the kid after his first dropped pass.

Another exciting thing to come out of this season.

3 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:22 am

I'm with you on that Nick!

I am also hoping that Watson and Doubs success rubs off on Toure pushing him to want to be special and keep up with them. Toure has the talent but just needs to have the desire to be special.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:29 am

By all accounts Toure has learned from the “Captain Casual” moniker Rodgers gave him in camp. Certainly, Rodgers has said so very clearly when telling the story. Mark Tauscher has said several times that Toure has been lighting it up on the scout team in practice for most of the season. Now I think what he needs is a proper opportunity.

It’s easy to forget that playing is both a motivator to many but also a great source if self realization about what one needs to work on. A lot of players coming up from college don’t realize just how good a bad pro opponent is, or how demanding the schemes. That’s part of what makes rookie seasons tough.

Just as Watson’s background screamed give me a deep crosser to get me going, so Toure’s screams give me a go route. Each was not just good at doing those but excellent. Let Toure show off his balm tracking and body adjustment skills. Challenge him to be better, but do it in a way that uses known skills.

The same was true of Doubs: just don’t put him a yard from the line and make him run through ten defenders. He showed he’s elusive, but let him show that he can make the blinding catches he did in college. Then keep doing it until they know it deep inside and, as importantly, so defenders. Those are the reasons he was drafted. Design your O to make use of skills to the greatest advantage, not for the least risk and hope they bail you out or against type/experience because that’s simpler for you. Do so and you get more from your players and more from your team.

At some point it’s better to have players that can do but maybe won’t than to have players that can’t but are reliable. One is a losing strategy, the other has risk but may turn into a winner. This coaching staff is, across the board, terrible at that. It starts with LaFleur.

5 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 12:46 pm

Do you mean they should design the offense around their abilities not make them play to a set system? What a novel idea. Must be why that coach in New England has had a little success. That and taking away what the other team does best. Make them have to search for another way.

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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 04:43 pm

I think that is a great idea.

1 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 07, 2022 at 05:34 am

Excellent comment CW... Goes back to what I said when MLF was hired... His coaching staff originally hired was the "Who's who of who the hell are you" type guys.

Now, after losing Hackett, Getsy, and Otten they once again either hired who in the hell are you guys or promoted guys who had NO business being promoted in the first place.

2 points
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mrtundra's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:07 am

A freaking thing of beauty!

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:51 am

Rodgers is a Master of Play Action football. He admitted his hand was keeping him away from direct snaps under center. The shotgun stuff, RPO bullshit hindered the running game and Watson's play pushed the safeties away from the LOS.

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T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 06:57 am

I was going to comment on "the winning recipe", but Houndog did it for me and probably better. Thanks for the nice article, Cory. It's good to have something positive come out of this season. For the whole team get out of the season reasonably healthy, is the goal now. All the snaps are learning chances for next year for all the guys on rookie deals.

7 points
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Houndog's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:19 am

Thanks for the comment Steve.
I'm so pissed off about the defense (and have been screaming for Barry's head since last year) that I forgot the article started about Watson.
I'm thinking all of Gutey's WRs in this year's draft could be a big part of our future, let's hope I'm right.

7 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:47 am

Just keep the James Lofton tape rolling in the film room and LaFleur will have Watson's paradigm complete. Not a RB play, per se, a flanker reverse. The issue this year was a depleted O line and it cost the Pack a chance to win during the Fall session. They had to snag an OT in the second. Water under the storm pipe. The defensive secondary was a let down as it has been since King's meltdown.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:40 am

Take the top off a Defense. The packers needed someone to do it for years. Watson is finally that "guy."
But if we want this Offense to be really impressive. Draft another! BPA..@#1. Never let your opponent have a game changer!
Wrs get hurt. The guys with legs are the key. Very impressed with Watson. And the results.

4 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:27 am

Jermaine Burton of Alabama is a good deep-threat prospect. I could also see the Packers drafting more of a gadget, Deebo Samuel-type player as well. Jonathan Mingo of Ole Miss is one who fits that bill.

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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:58 am

Need a guy in the second Rd. I will still push Cedric Tillman, but he may move into the first. If Porter is there in the first you need to bag him and fortify the perimeter opposite Jaire. I would move picks from 2024, if necessary to stock the second round. There should be trades made and some comp picks to fill out the fourth and fifth round. Two TEs at minimum. Tonyan and Lewis are out the door.

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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:19 am

Just looked at Tillman. He looks like a guy the Packers would love. Good contested catch ability and open field running not to mention he's 6'3 and 215 lbs. Looks like a mid-2nd rounder from the scouts.

Personally, I would not use premium picks on CB; we still don't know if Stokes can go back to his 2021 form or not. Maybe a 4th-5th pick, but with many other positions that need much more, I wouldn't commit to CB. Also, the CB class this year isn't sensational.

I agree that we should make trades for 2023 draft picks. I think expensive veteran players would be the best to trade. Here are some hypothetical trades I could see:
Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets for a first and a fourth round picks
Aaron Jones to the Miami Dolphins for a third round pick
Preston Smith to the Cincinnati Bengals for a fourth round pick
Elgton Jenkins to the Pittsburgh Steelers (via the franchise tag) for a second round pick
Kenny Clark to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a second round pick (this trade would be a maybe)
Rasul Douglas and Darnell Savage to the Las Vegas Raiders for 6th and 7th-round picks.

We will also have a 5th round compensatory pick for MVS.

I see us spending a premium pick (first or second) on TE in 2023, and a later round pick as well. The 2023 TE class is exceptional.

Tonyan will be gone next year. I could see Lewis returning, as he's said he wants to play for one more year, he would be affordable (likely on a 1-year deal near the veteran minimum, which is 1.12m), and his locker room presence and leadership and his veteran experience (especially in blocking) would be very valuable, especially with so many young players and (I'm presuming) a completely revamped TE room in 2023 mostly full of rookies.

-3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:25 am

Joey Porter,Jr is already Better than Stokes. The whole Penn State secondary has been exemplary the past couple seasons. Cory Trice from Purdue will move up. Tillman will move up into the First as he's now healthy. Best WR in the SEC. As with last spring's draft, there is a lot of TE talent in this draft. Mayer is over-rated, not much foot speed, but a post up guy like Chumura. Lewis has reached his limit. Check out Spann from the Gophers. Donnell Washington is a big guy, but lumbering. He didn't block well in the SEC CH game. Schoonmaker, Kincaid, Kraft and all the Big Ten guys can play the Pro Game. Last year, the brain trust let Bellinger, Otten, McBride, and Ferguson whizz past them while they salivated over Rhyan. There needs to be accountability.
I wouldn't go all Al Davis dealing blackjack in Vegas. I believe in reloading, not rebuilding.

-1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:02 pm

Porter may be better in college than Stokes, but we can’t say how he will transition to the pros. Even if he is better than Stokes, we have other, bigger needs, like TE, WR, OL, and DL. We can always draft another good corner in 2024.

I have looked, and many scouts consider Tillman to be a 2nd round prospect. If he tests well he could bump up into the first. There was not lots of TE talent in last year’s draft; it was pretty meager, actually, compared to, for example, this years class. Daniel Bellinger of the Giants and Cade Otten of the Bucs look like the only good picks at TE so far, but Bellinger is out indefinitely with an eye injury. I do not blame Gute for not addressing TE last year especially with the 2023 class being so good. McBride of the Cardinals looks like a bust.

If I were drafting, I would have gone safety over Rhyan in the 3rd round. Nick Cross of Maryland (Colts) and Kerry Joseph of Illinois (Lions) were available at our pick, and both have had promising starts to their careers.

I mention bringing back Lewis not because of his pass catching ability but because of his blocking and off-the field impact, and because of how cheap it would be to get him back.

I can see what you mean when you say Mayer is overrated. I completely disagree with you about Washington though. If you watched the SEC championship, he dominated for the most part edge rushers B.J. Ojulari (#18) and Ali Gaye (#18), both of whom are 2024 draft prospects. He is a phenomenal blocker, and he runs a 4.63 40 at 270 lbs and 6’7! That is incredible. If you watch him, he is an amazing playmaker that is tough to bring down and has great ball skills. His frame is mostly lean, and he can get going, too. He also contributes to every play, whether blocking downfield or near the LOS or acting as a receiver. Watch this link to see Washington in the SEC championship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3qRGVAzXXE

I think Spann-Ford would be a nice late-round depth pick for a #2 TE.

I think reloading rather than rebuilding is a good strategy if you are a few pieces away from SB contention. That is not the case with the currently 5-8 Packers; we’d have to overhaul several positions, but we will be over the salary cap also in 2023. That does not seem like a contender to me. The problems with the current Packers are numerous, and it will take a rebuild to fix them. If all goes well, we can be back as true SB contenders in 2024. I think this is preferable to trying to put band-aids on a depleted roster to try to vainly pursue making the playoffs, let alone winning a playoff game, let alone winning a super bowl. A rebuild is the smartest option, the more responsible option, and the path that gives us the best chance of winning a championship in the next 5 or so years.

0 points
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rstain99's picture

December 07, 2022 at 07:20 am

There was some though in that Cheese, would be sorry to see Clark and Jenkins go, still somewhat young, Savage just doesn't get it. Douglas in wrong scheme. (Joe Barry) Ajones just love his toughness would be tough to send away. Love would certainly have a tough welcome to starting lineup. MLF needs to put away feelings and get a new DC and also stop the screen plays throw the f.. ing ball down the field.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:54 pm

SH,
You have a little Al Davis in you?

0 points
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Untylu1968's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:41 am

I'm seeing on espn this morning, Gutey saying they want Rodgers back for 2023. Just wonder if the improvement of our younger receivers, could maybe change Aaron's approach to the off season? Maybe be a little more inclined to be involved with some OTA and in general team bonding activities. I know, I know, he's a veteran and doesn't need to, but maybe he does??

5 points
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EnemyTerritory's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:43 am

And interrupt the tea and hiking? Not happening. Time to trade him for whatever we can get even if we pay much of the salary. Any team, any conference. He’s 39 and has a short shelf life.

5 points
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Untylu1968's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:02 am

I'm with you, unfortunately I just don't see a change coming. Right or wrong, I think he'll be here until he decides he's done with us.

5 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:10 am

I think after 17 years in the league and back to back MVPs, it's okay to miss the non-required t-shirt and shorts portion of the off season, when the new WRs don't even know the playbook yet. Hard to get any meaningful work in that early when the guys catching the balls don't know the routes yet. These rookies were coming along fine with Rodgers; the biggest issue has been injuries (to the WRs and to the thumb), not what did or didn't happen in April.

2 points
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CoachJV's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:55 am

There's much more to the chemistry than the rookies learning the playbook. If Arod goes to the off season stuff, he can pick up on certain "tells" and body language things that QBs read in their Receivers. It's also great for leadership for the guy throwing the ball to be there telling them what he expects from the jump, rather than coming in after they've been doing it a certain way for a month and then throw a wrench in it all. Don't blame the thumb. We all know Arod doesn't like rookies or throwing to them.

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:56 am

If anyone looks at themselves in the mirror and says I could have done more then they didn’t do enough. If they don’t even look in that mirror, then I think one can be sure that they did not do enough. If they incorporate as much self-worship as you give them, then it’s pretty much a given that they won’t go that extra mile.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:19 am

All I know is that I wouldn't kick Earth of Blu/Sky of Yellow out of the sweat lodge.

1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:30 am

This is what ESPN said, I believe,

"Well, certainly that's an offseason-type kind of decision, but surely, yeah," Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday when asked if he wants Rodgers back next season. "I mean we want all our guys back. We made a big commitment to him this offseason, so that was obviously something that was really important to us. But like we've talked about in the past, this is something we'll sit down with him after the season and it will be something we do together and move forward that way."

That sounds to me like it is a decision to be made in the off-season. I read somewhere that Rodgers' contract was intended to be a year-to-year matter with his future up in the air (with retirement and whatnot). Hence, there is a huge option bonus Rodgers gets each year of the contract that he is on the roster by the start of that regular season.

I am with you. Time to turn the page and hit the reset button. The problems in this organization run deep, and a rebuild is the only way to fully fix them and not just put band-aids on.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:27 am

What was he supposed to say: “We aren’t sure Aaron”?

Until Murphy decides it’s over, Gute, LaFleur are going to tow the line. Murphy won’t do that until forced. Gute actually caveated himself sufficiently to mean nothing anyway. He really said that of course we love Aaron, look what we are paying him, but this is really something we won’t get into before the post season.

Did we think Murphy would just roll up and admit he screwed things up royally? This leadership made this mess, led to this coaching, clings to Barry, refuses to adjust personnel. They are going to spin this as merely bad luck, a blip, injuries. Sadly it seems many will rush to buy that. That’s the attitude that hit us cap hogtied and ineffective.

We beat the Bears. We beat a team that knows and the league recognizes, is in the pit of a tear down and, in top of that, was missing key starters in both sides of the ball. We did so largely on 2 interceptions late by individuals on a D that looked wobbly against an almost non existent O. Yes, Watson is very exciting, but this offense still struggled mightily against a team with no pass rush and fill ins all over their D.

Our coaching is a mess. It’s still a mess. It was again on O and D. Yet Lombardi is taking up Watson as if it makes that all better. We are still playing worse than we should. PFF requires a grain of salt, but here’s an illustration of but one problem with our coaches. It’s top rated performers on D:

1. DL Devonte Wyatt: 87.7
2. CB Keisean Nixon: 83.5
3. CB Rasul Douglas: 79.0
4. DL TJ Slaton: 76.8
5. CB Jaire Alexander: 76.5

Two players on that list played minimal snaps and again performed well above players in front of them. Wyatt and Slaton. That has now happened several times our they are still hardly getting snaps (rather like Toure, Ford and Nixon for weeks before them). No rational team suppresses talent for average or worse consistently. We are still rolling out old and slow on O, plus Watson. We are still essentially running ultra conservative plays with periodic chucks to Watson and nothing in between.

We are a team that is led by people who believe in their own wisdom regardless of the actual results. That’s not a leadership that is likely to start taking steps to make us better next year, but is focused on making them look less incompetent now. Stick to the fallacy with conviction. Then let the emergence of one young guy dazzle the fans and hope that they overlook the colossal screw up we’ve made. Forget about the holes, the cap nightmare, the mantra is now Rodgers plus Watson and us was a great strategy, we just need more time.

If we collectively buy that BS, we are well on our way to wasting Watson’s prime too. Wake up, open eyes and do not buy the spin: trust eyes and reason not reassurances from this bunch. I think more of the Packer fans I know than to buy into a win against a dreadful bears and an end around as reassurance that all will be well.

I hope I’m right, because this draft just keeps looking better for a couple of years out. That’s when we need to be starting to peak. Wyatt is starting to show too, Tom continues to despite needing the weight room. Enagbare looks good and Doubs and Toure look like keepers. Rhyan aside, with the exception of Walker (T), whom we haven’t seen, the rest are contributing on STs at least. That’s a home run draft for the ages if it holds course. Now the team should be pivoting to focus on capitalizing on that, not pretending that this season was bad luck or unpredictable.

That starts with playing Love, Wyatt and others and looking hard at their coaching. We need to have any and all information to help make tough cap decisions this winter. That starts with seeing Love play against teams still competing, with a designed game plan and youth around him on O and D. We won’t miss resting Cobb or Lazard in any meaningful sense, or Lowry etc.

Gute recently implied we know what we have in him, but he did so in face if attempts to use Love to shed light on Rodgers. I will go with TT in saying that one can’t know till it’s seen on a field over real games. Of course, we all know that deep down, if we don’t allow ourselves to be caught up in fandom or hype from team connected mouthpieces.

What we have in Love is something we’ve no excuse to be guessing at. We need to get it right whether he’s traded or becomes a fixture here. That decision will be critical, perhaps the biggest of the decade. That’s not one to take even the slightest chance on. If he’s not the answer, we need to move to develop another, if he is we need to decide how he fits and how we finance/persuade him. We certainly will never get enough picks to justify a Favre type trade if the sort Atlanta made.

Gute knows that too given his background and mentors, which is why his comments suggest he’s towing the Murphy line. That line is dangerous. We stand at a critical juncture in this Franchise’s history. It’s time to accept that this leadership is shaping up to it making decisions out of weakness and hubris. We may not be able to stop it, but we don’t need to encourage or pat them on the back as they do it. The Bears win changes nothing, don’t let them lull you into their trap.

3 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:55 am

I do not understand why we don't have more Wyatt, Slaton, and even Heflin over Lowry and Reed. The latter two aren't even that good!

We should look to the future, and trade away our veteran players or expensive players for 2023 draft picks. The 2023 draft class is expected to be exceptionally good. If we could have two amazing drafts worth of young, cheap, talented players, that would be an incredible foundation to build the next era of Packers football on.

-2 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:20 am

blah, blah, blah, blah

-2 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:15 am

Remember the old procedure? They used to draft a quarterback every year to develop behind their MVP quarterbacks. Taysom Hill, Mark Brunell, Matt Flynn to name a few. These worked because you need a backup to be a game manager. You have to have a successful offence that only requires a game manager. The MVP is supposed to take you over the top. The Packers have failed for the last decade. Then a decade before that with a different MVP. Sad. It's a losing season for the Packers if they don't win a championship. So, let's use the rest of the year to get better and healthy. Winning all the way will help with learning too.

2 points
2
0
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:47 am

I dont think we can really take anything away from this comment. They're never gonna say anything other than they want Rodgers back. Just like the Seahawks did with Wilson up until the moment they traded him. You dont burn the bridge till after youve crossed it.

6 points
6
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:25 am

Gutey didn't even say that he wants Rodgers back. He said that he'll discuss and decide in the offseason

3 points
3
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:05 am

He knows the Game. They probably have a refi set up and keep Love onboard. We don't know? I fell asleep thinking NOLA had the Win, but woke up and read the news, Brady pulled off another come from behind victory.
It is not like the Old Days. The QBs are protected now. Head shots are verboten, unless they smack Watson.
These guys train better and take care of their multi-million dollar bodies. If these rules were in place Favre would have played until age 45.

2 points
3
1
EnemyTerritory's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:41 am

Watson could be special. No doubt. Just not willing to crown him yet after a hot four game stretch. Moss and others including Jefferson ( so far after almost two seasons) produces consistently on a sustained basis. Fingers crossed.

7 points
9
2
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:32 am

Yes...hopefully he isn't Chase Claypool 2.0; having a great rookie year but dropping off after that. I have faith from what I've seen, though, and he is immensely talented.

3 points
4
1
egbertsouse's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:58 am

Another nonsense article written to appease delusional fanboys. He did everything but tell you to call Canton and order the gold jacket.

3 points
9
6
T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:16 am

There's a lot to be said for looking at the glass half full. It's better than snide and spiteful comments no matter how true.

5 points
7
2
HarryHodag's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:19 am

Watson has a chance to be special. But like Randall Cobb we will see whether he can stay on the field because of injuries. Only the real special ones make it a long time in the NFL.

6 points
7
1
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:34 am

We don't want him Chase Claypool 2.0; having a great rookie year but dropping off after that. I have faith from what I've seen, though, and he is immensely talented.

We have to give him credit for what he's done so far, but it remains to be seen if he can keep it up. I have a good feeling...

Canton is a bit extreme, I would sat

1 points
3
2
Untylu1968's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:43 am

But the Canton thing, has become a favorite go to phrase, every time we get excited about a young guy showing promise! So even though nobody actually mentions canton, some of you must be thinking it? So stop it!!

-1 points
0
1
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:30 am

That many scores in that short of a time span, matching or exceeding rookie records, is NOT nonsense. It's exciting. It's damn exciting. Get with it man. That end-around was a thing of beauty, as have been several of his recent catches. If he stays healthy he could be the next best thing. Despite not playing in a couple of games this season, he not only leads the rookies in scoring, he's tied for 4th overall in the league. More than guys named Jefferson, Kupp, Lamb, Hill and Metcalf.

5 points
5
0
Lphill's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:01 am

a lot of Watson is a bust talk earlier in the season, also some blamed Rodgers for not spending more time with the young receivers in the pre season yet Watson was not available, now if Doubs returns to form the receiver group not looking to shabby, Watson , Doubs, Lazard , Toure possibly, no need then to draft a receiver in the first round , a tight end which I think would be more of a priority like Michael Mayer would be fantastic.

12 points
12
0
HarryHodag's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:20 am

Watson might still be a bust. He is showing potential. Lest we forget Sammy Watkins, he was a high first round pick. Now he's a smallish blocker in the passing game and nothing more.

-2 points
4
6
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:44 am

The comparison I would make for what you are trying to say is Chase Claypool. He had a great rookie year but dropping off after that. He wasn't a bust, but isn't among the league's elite. I think Chicago overpaid to get him from Pittsburgh.

1 points
3
2
T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:23 am

Too early to decide Claypool is a bust. It just proves how a quarterback counts and improves or hinders players. Look at Devante and Carr early this year. No comparison to how they're doing now.

1 points
1
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:27 am

I explicitly said "he isn't a bust," I just said he isn't elite. That could change, but for now, that is the case

2 points
2
0
T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 12:32 pm

Sorry, I was combining some previous comments with yours. I hope the best for the guy (when he moves on from the Bears). A rookie needs years to be totally evaluated, but at least he had a good start. Not like we had to go through with Amari. Wonder how he's doing down there?

1 points
1
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 04:44 pm

no problem.

1 points
1
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:08 am

take away message?

beware of clemson wide receivers!!!

2 points
2
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:57 am

I would take a receiver in either rounds 2 or 3. Mayer would be amazing, although here are 3 other TE prospects I would be happy with also:
Darnell Washington of Georgia (probably mid-first)
Dalton Kincaid of Utah (probably early-mid second)
Tucker Kraft of South Dakota St (probably mid-second)

2 points
3
1
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:03 pm

LP,
I'd still want another WR to go with a TE in either the 1st or 2nd round. Injuries happen and I'd like for WR to be a strength when Love is at the helm.

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:23 am

Watsons is special. Plain and simple!

Is he perfect? No. No player is. But he has provided a big time playmaker that we have been missing. His speed is legit. The second he turned the corner on the jet play I knew he was gone. The only player in the league right now that I think can compare to speed wise and what he does with the ball in his hands is Tyreek Hill.

I can't wait to see Doubs with Watson on the field again. Also I want Toure to get more looks.

While I really like Watson and Doubs, I really hope they keep investing into the WR position. They need to keep adding more speed and playmakers to this team.

7 points
7
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:42 am

He has done the speed multiple times with his speed. Look at his last TD at the Eagles game. I don't even think you can compare him to Tyreek Hill - Hill is 5'10, 198 lbs. Watson is 6'5, 220 lbs. He truly is one of a kind.

I think Doubs and Watson will form a great pair because of their contrasting playing styles and strengths. Watson has his speed and athleticism, and Doubs has his contested-catch ability and route-running. Toure should get more looks in the slot, too - his route-running and hands have looked amazing so far when he's been given an opportunity.

I think the Packers should invest one round 2-3 pick in the WR position in 2023. I don't think it is their largest need, so I would wait until one of those rounds to address it. Here are some of my favorite prospects:
Jermaine Burton of Alabama is a fast, deep-threat type of player. Jonathan Mingo of Ole Miss is a Deebo Samuel-like gadget player. A.T. Perry of Wake Forest is very much like Allen Lazard in that he is 6'5 and thrives on contested catches, but has the additional deep-threat element as well. I know the Pack likes big receivers.

2 points
3
1
RCPackerFan's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:02 am

And for the record I'm not comparing Watson to Hill. They are completely different players. I'm just talking about their speed. I can't think of another player that has ran away from people like Watson has done except for Hill.

I agree about the Duo of Watson and Doubs. I really like the pair! I hope we get to see them together the rest of the season. I think our offense really opens up the last few weeks when Doubs is back as well.

I just hope they keep investing into the position. They did that early in Rodgers career if they did invest into the position. They drafted Jennings, Jones, Nelson, Cobb. Then eventually Adams. But since Adams they haven't invested much into it.

No matter what happens with our QB, we need more weapons. With Rodgers getting old he needs more options to throw to. With Love being a young QB he needs more options to throw too.

3 points
3
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:17 am

I want them to keep investing too, it will have a great group of pass catchers for whoever is out QB the next couple of years. I think, though, they should do that in the 2nd-3rd rounds, as they did about 10 years ago, because other positions, like Tight End, Defensive Line, or Safety, are bigger needs. A good TE would also add to the pass-catchers too.

1 points
2
1
RCPackerFan's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:33 am

They definitely need to invest into the TE position. They are lacking that explosive TE presence. Tonyan clearly hasn't returned to pre injury form. Maybe never will. But either way they need to get a bigger threat at TE. That could put our offense over the top next year.

3 points
3
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 12:14 pm

They have not invested much in the position because they had to restock the cupboard after whiffing on so many high picks from 2017 onward. They patched the dike with some FAs, but these guys did not get them into the Big Game. TEs in play this year. DTs, OT, CBs a couple of WRs. Same as usual.

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:56 am

Hutchinson is a guy like Lazard and plays for Iowa State. Brock Purdy did pretty well last Sunday, didn't he? A lot of loose lip fans that read the "scouting reports" from the journalism crews, trashed him last spring. He was a guy who should have been in the 3-4 range....

2 points
2
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 04:45 pm

I think all of the QBs in the 2022 draft fell a lot. Hutchinson is a prospect I could see us being interested in

0 points
0
0
baldski's picture

December 06, 2022 at 02:03 pm

The Bear Cornerback, Blackwell, that tried to catch Watson, ran a 4.36 forty at the NFL tryouts and could not catch him.

4 points
4
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:04 pm

Agreed!

0 points
0
0
Charvid's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:45 am

After watching Utah vs USC in PAC-12 Championship Game, I say get Utah’s TE, Dalton Kincaid. What a BEAST!!

3 points
3
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:55 am

Kincaid is a great prospect; he's an elite receiver and an ascending blocker. He's one of my 4 favorite TE prospects. The other 3 are Michael Mayer of Notre Dame, Darnell Washington of Georgia, and Tucker Kraft of South Dakota St. Next year's TE class is supposed to be one of the best in a long while.

4 points
4
0
Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:10 am

That’s a pretty good list. A good dual purpose TE will have more impact on this O than any other skill position at this point, in my view. There are very few who can come out and be that immediately at TE though, which means we must start now as we need our skill players to be ascending together while we can still keep them.

2 points
2
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:29 am

I assume by dual purpose you mean receiving/blocking.

In that case, Darnell Washington would be the best. He is far and away the best blocker in the 2023 draft class, and probably in many past draft classes. At 6'7, 275 pounds, he can take on edge rushers with ease. Watch him dominate LSU's B.J. Ojulari, a 2023 first-round edge rusher prospect, in the SEC Championship. Washington is also a great pass-catcher, having excellent contested catch ability and hands. His frame is mostly lean muscle, which gives him exceptional YAC ability and great playmaking ability in space. He is a nightmare to tackle, and often goes about an extra 4-5 yards before being brought down. He has a brutal stiff-arm, and smaller players won't be able to bring him down.

Washington could likely become an immediate contributor as a blocker, and hopefully as a pass-catcher, though. The most pro-ready prospect, though, would likely be Notre Dame's Michael Mayer. He has exceptional route running, hands, and general receiving skills. Mayer can get behind the secondary and be a deep-threat at TE.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:53 am

Yes. That combination is the key to doing much more. I’d love a real move type two, perhaps more than another WR, but we need a guy who can do both effectively to really unlock this O and to go from there.

1 points
1
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:33 am

Yes. All of the 4 prospects I mentioned I think would be great for the Packers. I REALLY hope we get one of them in April, as in if we don't then I have serious questions about our GM. That is how bad our TE group is in 2023. Josiah Deguara is the only guy we have under contract in 2023, and he is not even a real TE; more of a Fullback or off-ball TE.

Brevyn Spann-Ford of Minnesota is an intriuging late-round prospect at TE who could develop into a good #2 TE. Kemore Gamble of UCF is another late-round prospect at TE who is extremely athletic. Ben Sims of Baylor is another guy we could get in rounds 6-7

0 points
1
1
LeotisHarris's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:54 am

Talented young player, for sure. Personally, I don't look for the "Blistering Bison" nickname to get much traction.

5 points
6
1
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:59 am

I like it, though.

How about calling 7th round rookie Nose Tackle Jonathan Ford this nickname:
Jonathan"the Ford" Ford. At nearly 350 lbs, he's build like a Ford.

0 points
2
2
Johnblood27's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:12 am

...and our safety-special teamer Ford?

is he the Fiesta?

2 points
2
0
coolhand's picture

December 06, 2022 at 12:16 pm

We can call him F350!

2 points
2
0
Untylu1968's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:19 am

Blazing bison, maybe?

3 points
3
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 06, 2022 at 03:08 pm

Who's ever in charge of baked goods these days, please get this poster a cookie.

0 points
0
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 06, 2022 at 05:12 pm

Make it phonetically correct spelling...

Blazing Bizon

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 12:21 pm

Well, Pack-a-lope has been taken...

1 points
1
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 06, 2022 at 03:07 pm

That's more like it! Could you reach out to the Pack-a-lope, jb? I know he's been banned (or at least his headgear has) from Lambeau for safety reasons. Maybe he'd relinquish the rights to Pack-a-lope in exchange for some liquid refreshments and savory meat products?

0 points
0
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 06, 2022 at 05:13 pm

careful how you throw around that JB moniker...

0 points
0
0
Rebecca's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:58 am

Chris is tall, cute and DREAMY! He can catch and run and learn to block. Yuen we can name him the next GOAT. HK, he’s a potential season changer at the rate he’s going.

0 points
0
0
pantz_bURp's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:18 pm

Reb, you want dreamy...? Try looking into Cobbs or Alexander's eyes for a split second.

1 points
1
0
stormin's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:25 pm

When Rodgers is gone, I can 't wait to see all you whiners and spoiled clowns drown in your tears as this great Era of Packers football comes to an end !

-3 points
2
5
pantz_bURp's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:40 pm

We need calm before the stormin......

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 06, 2022 at 02:54 pm

It's good to something to look forward too, stormin. Hold tight to your dreams, and let no one pry them from your sad, empty heart.

2 points
2
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 06, 2022 at 05:19 pm

ya kno he's right...

the GB franchise never won any games before AR and they damn sure will not once he is gone.

I started crying the day he became the starter becuz I knew that one day he would be gone...

0 points
0
0
Untylu1968's picture

December 06, 2022 at 03:06 pm

What in the hell is there to cry about? Nobody here questions his great career, it's undeniable! The question is, how long do we hold on to a aging, and declining legend? Sure,he can still look great at times, but at what point do we cut the cord? The end came for Starr and Favre, and it's coming for Rodgers. Like it or not!

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 04:56 pm

Yes, I will miss this season like you missed that bus.

0 points
0
0
Johnblood27's picture

December 06, 2022 at 05:20 pm

Yes, I will miss this season like you missed that bus.

lemme fix dat fo ya...

Yes, I will miss this season like you missed that SHORT bus.

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:17 pm

Geez....let's see Stormin over the past 6 seasons (since 2017) the Packers with Rodgers have won 59 of 92 games with one tie counting regular season and playoffs with no Super Bowl appearance. I'd hardly consider that great! In this timeframe Rodgers has gone from 34 years old to 39 years old with Adams playing with him every year but this one. Whether any of this was a great Era of Packers football is debatable. I'd say overall it was good but fools gold. Hardly what I'd consider great! The 1960's now was a great Era of Packer football.

1 points
1
0
PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:20 pm

It was great because it produced 2 SB Championships for us. Just like the early Rodgers era, from 2009-2011. Success is measured in Championships, not Wins. The former is what you will be remembered by.

1 points
1
0
jlc1's picture

December 06, 2022 at 04:35 pm

Watson=Moss=Samuel=next great entire NFL threat. Easy there tiger. Could be but this team has been so pathetic this year that Watson's flashing may look like a super nova comparatively. But he sure has the goods the FO thought he had so now does the coaching staff have a way to use him effectively in a game plan? That's a huge if.

1 points
1
0
jont's picture

December 06, 2022 at 05:51 pm

The 'Blistering Bison' has to be one of the worst nicknames in the history of nicknames.

2 points
2
0
13TimeChamps's picture

December 06, 2022 at 06:28 pm

Right? I'm envisioning a herd of bison running around with blisters popping all over the place.

1 points
1
0
13TimeChamps's picture

December 06, 2022 at 06:30 pm

On second thought...referring to the Dallas Cowboys as "America's Team" is right up there as well.

2 points
2
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:18 pm

Good one 13!

0 points
0
0