Cory's Corner: There's Value To This Game
The No. 1 seed and a bye are locked up — but keep your foot on the gas.
We made it to the final game of the season. For many teams around the league, this game represents a shot at a playoff berth.
For the Packers, it’s just another game on the schedule as they already have the No. 1 seed in the NFC wrapped up. But therein lies the problem. Do you rest your notable players or let them play?
“I know that you can look at it a million different ways and there's never a right answer unless it works out,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday. “If somebody goes in there and gets injured then, ‘Well, why’d you play your guys?’ But if you go out there in that first playoff game and you lay an egg,’'Well, why’d you rest your guys?’ So there’s not a right answer.”
The starters are going to play at Detroit on Sunday and I completely agree. What has LaFleur’s philosophy been since he got here? All gas and no break. Even if that means that Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Kenny Clark, De’Vondre Campbell and Adrian Amos play about one quarter or maybe a little more, it’s still important for the starters to play.
If the starters sit, they wouldn’t get game action until Jan. 22 or 23. Rust is a real thing, especially for the offensive skill guys that depend on rhythm and coordination — things that can be improved with increased reps.
Yeah, I am mildly interested in Jordan Love getting playing time, but I’m not sure what it’s going to mean. Even if Love struggles and throws a couple of picks and doesn’t look very confident in the pocket, I don’t think it will be right to judge him. He has started one regular season game and this game will be geared toward Rodgers’ skill set.
Even though this is basically a meaningless Week 18 game, it isn’t a preseason contest. The Lions are going to come after the Packers. And even though Detroit is 2-13-1, that team has played hard under first-year coach Dan Campbell.
It really is a delicate balance, but this is a game that the Packers should still try to win. The last thing you want to do as an athlete is go out there with the mentality to not get hurt. Because when you do that, it seems like injury just finds you.
Put your foot on the gas and treat this game like any other regular season game. Same mindset: play to win.
Just because there’s nothing to play for in this one, doesn’t mean that the playing to win mentality should be placed on the backburner. That is how every team should approach every non-preseason game.
It may appear meaningless on the schedule, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t matter.
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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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Comments (49)
SanLobo
January 08, 2022 at 06:27 am
It’s like Lazard said in his presser yesterday, “Three weeks rest is too long.”
The Packers have worked all season to establish their identity as a tough, physical and aggressive team. LaFleur knows he needs to stay true to that identity. He will do everything he can to step on the Lions throat and beat them down with his ones to reinforce just who this team is. Once he’s satisfied the point is made, he will bring in the twos and threes.
NitschkeFromTheGrave
January 08, 2022 at 08:48 am
STOP !!!
Stop looking ahead, we all know what happens when you look past a weak team or meaningless game.
On the other side of the coin, all the questions about starters not playing or starters playing is great mind warfare against the Lions, not to mention the head scramble for odds makers and better's on the game.
"Keep your foot on the gas." Didn't need to read anymore than that.
Go Pack Go
Johnblood27
January 08, 2022 at 07:40 am
If you are a competitor you WANT to compete. If you are a competitor that is also a winner, you NEED to win. It is who you are, you cannot turn it on and off. No artificial motivational tools needed. NFL teams are composed of a huge percentage of competitive winners, along with some very physically gifted athletes that contribute on the field, but whose mind sets do not help team motivation. All team members have to bring something or they end up cut, the TEAM is the composite of those individual characteristics.
Some competitive winners love to win, others hate to lose. Those are two very different mindsets and teams are made up of both types. This week is a "hate to lose" type of game. Lets see how many of those guys we have.
Lphill
January 08, 2022 at 07:40 am
Starters need some playing time , how much I guess will be decided Sunday.
Guam
January 08, 2022 at 08:04 am
Local Wisconsin newspaper had some good news today: (1) Josh Myers will play against the Lions; (2) Bahk will likely play some snaps; (3) Alexander will not play as he is just coming off the COVID list and did not get enough practice time this week; (4) Cobb will not play as he did not get enough practice time; (5) Turner will not play until some time in the playoffs; (6) Z. Smith's status is still unknown.
I was surprised at the Josh Myers news and happy to see the Packers get Myers and Bahk back before the playoffs. The O-line has performed very well, but was lacking depth. Getting Myers and Bahk back will fix that concern.
It also sounds like Alexander will be back for the playoffs. It also sounds like Z may not be back this season and given the cap, maybe never.
HawkPacker
January 08, 2022 at 08:25 am
I am disappointed that Alexander won't play. I know he only practiced yesterday because of Covid but are they thinking that because of that he could be injured? If it is any other reason, I say let him play one series anyway just get some game time before the playoffs. Then he won't be coming in cold when he does come back.
Guam
January 08, 2022 at 11:05 am
It may not be about injury, just lack preparation about the defensive assignments that is holding Alexander out. One practice session after being out most of the season is likely not enough to have him prepped for this game.
HawkPacker
January 08, 2022 at 11:24 am
I thought he had been practicing before he got Covid?
Guam
January 08, 2022 at 03:19 pm
My understanding was that Alexander was working out individually for the most part and not participating in the team practices (probably conditioning work). I don't think he had many actual practices.
Coldworld
January 08, 2022 at 08:25 am
I’m fine with the concept of getting the starters in for a time. The rest of it is fluff. Just like a preseason loss after the starters exit, what happens later is irrelevant to the team and the players.
Get out with no injuries to key against a physical team after setting the tone early and we will have momentum regardless of the result. Lose a Campbell, Douglas, Adams or any other core piece and no score line will compensate.
Expect a couple of series and then the backups to carry as much of the load as possible (LaFleur has conceded as much by saying that every active player will play). No team/coach/player is going to publicly state that a game doesn’t matter. This is a commercial league and the teams and league have a financial interest in attendance and viewership.
The wish for a run out is natural, but recall that the same players weren’t perturbed by going into the season without one. A certain amount of common sense and reading between the lines is required here.
The value here is in giving depth players opportunities to learn and settle in their O or D roles. We may well need some of them in the playoffs and for others the payoff relates to development for next season and off season decisions.
Since'61
January 08, 2022 at 10:54 am
Coldworld, I think your post is spot on. Losing a key player to an injury in this game means that the game is a loss regardless of the final score. A few series and get them out. Besides our backup players need the reps in case they are required to play during the playoffs.
I'm hoping that the Lions fans have sold their tickets to Packers fans and we can have a semi-home game.
Priorities should be no injuries and to see what Love and 2nd stringers can do. Thanks, Since '61
LambeauPlain
January 08, 2022 at 10:14 am
The Lions will treat the game as their Playoff game. Packers better be ready. When you look past an opponent, bad things happen.
Coach Matt is building a Winning culture in GB and expecting to lose the next game is not in his DNA.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 11:03 am
Maybe play the starters, maybe not.
It just seems so strange after this past preseason. After several months off from football prior to training camp, Aaron Rodgers tells us the offense doesn't need any preseason games to get ready for the season opener.
Apparently, what he's been telling us is that the offense can get its rhythm in practices. No need to risk injuries in preseason games, even if it's only for a quarter or two on the field.
However, now apparently three weeks is too long for the offense to rest, even though they've had 16 regular season games just finished to get into a groove. A little time on the field against the Lions this Sunday will make a huge difference in two weeks for our first playoff game. Huh?
***
Also, what about the precious little toe of Rodgers that has been so sorely injured and so much in the headlines for the past month or more? The slightest jolt to that toe could mean surgery, right? Yet we're going to risk it all against the Lions. Hmm?
***
The Lions have every reason to play hard this weekend against a division rival. It's their grand finale.
Meanwhile, it's going to be hard for the Packers starters to get fired up for this game, no matter how hard they try. It's about as meaningful as a preseason game -- except for individual statistics, that is.
That combination of differing motivations for the two teams is a huge risk of injury for the Packers starters -- or so it seems?
***
One more factor: Over the years, it seems the Lions play the Packers tough, especially at their place. I seem to remember Rodgers getting significantly injured in one of those games.
Last week, announcer Cris Collinsworth seemed to say the Lions of this season may not be all that good, but they're physical. He seemed to take it for granted that Rodgers would sit this one out.
***
So, it seems to me, Rodgers should sit the entire game against the Lions. So should Adams and Jones.
Perhaps the starting offensive line plays, especially if someone coming back from injury means it's good for the entire unit to get some synchronicity. Perhaps some defenders get some playing time.
I don't know, but it all seems so inconsistent -- perhaps even selfish on the part of some of our players, and perhaps even wimpy on the part of our coach.
Perhaps others could help me to understand any errors of my thinking.
CWolf
January 08, 2022 at 11:15 am
Adams said something about that that made sense to me: Preseason games are not the same, since no one wants to put their playbook on film, so the scheme is very vanilla. The other thing is, at that time they come out of training camp, which means lots of padded practices, which they have very little (if any) late in the season. So, they prefer to rest after training camp with all of the regular season ahead.
I also thought that what Kenny Clark said made sense, about keeping the same routine, keeping the body in a rhythm.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 11:37 am
Except, the Packers aren't likely to show any pizzazz to their offense against the Lions to give away secrets for the playoffs.
Except, the Packers have just had a grueling 16 real games in 17 weeks. Also, wouldn't it be better to go ahead and have a couple of padded practices in the next two weeks rather than to risk injury playing against the Lions?
Except, we're told the players can get their rhythm simply from practicing. Plus, they could keep the same routine but not play on Sunday.
***
Actually, CWolf, I appreciate your good points, which may be valid. I may wrong.
Again, it just seems so inconsistent. I don't remember the starters asking to play in the preseason the get their rhythm for the regular season.
I guess if the players were to say that they would handle the next preseason differently and beg to play in those games, I may be convinced.
As it is, I'm wondering if the players are providing a reasonable rationale for playing against the Lions, or a self-serving rationalization.
CWolf
January 08, 2022 at 12:43 pm
They're not my points, Swisch, they're things I picked up from press conferences, that seemed to make sense to me. I can understand a player feeling differently about even a "meaningless" W18 game than about preseason. Would it be better to have padded practices? Maybe, I really don't know.
The part about "showing offense" was about preseason games, not the upcoming Lions game, just to clarify.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 12:56 pm
If the points made by players make sense to you, then it seems that they're your points, too. It's quite alright to take into account what the players have to say.
As far as showing offense, I was saying that the Packers aren't likely to reveal much against the Lions that they plan to use in the playoffs.
There are a lot of things I don't know. I'm glad to get other points of view.
A final thought: Even if the players are more motivated to play tomorrow than in any given preseason game, is it still the right decision for them to play given the risk of injury? Are the players willing to sacrifice their personal preferences for the good of the team?
It seems to me the risk of injury is greater in the game tomorrow than it would be in a preseason game, when defenses are more likely to be vanilla, too, including less blitzes.
Coldworld
January 08, 2022 at 01:03 pm
Adams and co, want their stats and they aren’t ever going to say there’s no point in playing. Tellingly, none have suggested that we test this like a normal game, just that they want to suit up and get some action. It’s a balance between personal goals, league expectations and not wanting to get injured. Furthermore, momentum for the starters is not the same as needing to win if they are mostly supplanted. Any key injury threatens the dance and their income in future. They all know that.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 01:52 pm
Okay, so are you saying they're playing almost exclusively for themselves, maybe just a teensy bit for the team?
That doesn't sound like a championship attitude to me, especially if it's from our superstar quarterback in all of his supposedly admirable forthrightness.
***
Out of all the teams in the playoffs, it seems the Packers would have the best chance of winning the Super Bowl -- at least until this issue came up about the starters playing a meaningless game tomorrow against the Lions.
Now, I'm considerably less confident the Packers have the character to win it all.
***
Neither player nor coach nor fan has thus far been able to allay my concern about player selfishness in playing against the Lions.
If the players weren't seemingly so strident (or acquiescent) about not playing in the preseason, it may not seem like a big deal to play tomorrow. However, the contrast between then and now is just too stark in appearance.
Has our superstar quarterback -- so outspoken publicly on all manner of issues -- been so courteous as to explain this apparent conundrum to dull fans such as myself?
I'm waiting for his venerable wisdom, his stellar leadership, and his earnest concern for teammates to put me at ease with sound and soothing words of assurance that all is right, all is well.
Oh, who will relieve these gnawing doubts of mine, and ease my inner anguish?
jurp
January 09, 2022 at 09:47 am
You're not mentioning how the starters laid the mother of all eggs against NO this season after not playing for the three weeks of preseason. I suspect that MLF and the team DO remember this, however, which may be part of the impetus to play the starters at least a quarter or so.
Johnblood27
January 08, 2022 at 02:03 pm
timing for the regular season is not nearly the same as timing for the playoffs.
the regular season is not one and done, the playoffs are.
the regular season is a marathon vs all levels of effort and talent, the playoffs are one game or go home vs playoff caliber teams.
not even close to the same thing.
pre-season games do not result in any significant financial rewards, game 17 has a lot of $$$ available to many of the players for incentives. having your preferred teammates out on the field with you can impact the incentives. as a teammate i would expect my peers to come to play.
bakh tore his acl in practice last year, not in a game. there is high level risk at all activities at all times, trying to predict where someone will get hurt is akin to timing the stock market, just not gonna be a consistent thing.
play when the opportunity presents itself and protect yourself accordingly by being an aggressor and not the tackling dummy.
i sure wish jaire was getting some snaps this week.
im glad to see myers available as depth although i doubt he is the best option to start the playoffs.
very happy to see bakh getting reps this week.
cobby will be fine for the playoffs
z-smith has fallen to below bum level to me. i think he has sandbagged the entire season. guh-bye!
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 03:06 pm
So, a little action against the Lions is going to make a significant difference in how the Packers play in two weeks?
Meanwhile, playing a little in the preseason would harm the players physically and mentally going into the long regular season?
***
It seems to me that injuries in practice are less likely; injuries in preseason games are a little more likely; and injuries in regular season games are most likely.
***
Here's a scenario of a player interview that may be at least somewhat familiar to fans a million times over:
Gee, it's all about winning. That's all I care about.
The personal statistics, the personal money, mean nothing compared to winning.
I spit on the personal rewards. I trample them underfoot in disdain. I crumple all the personal rewards into an ugly ball and thrust it into the depths of hades to be burned in its fires of selfishness.
I banish all thoughts of myself so as to attain a championship ring. I make any sacrifices necessary for my teammates, my brothers.
Don't for a millisecond besmirch my integrity and honor by implying that anything else has my attention other than winning the Super Bowl.
***
My best to you, Johnblood27, and a beer if I could with a friendly slap on the back.
I disagree with you robustly in attempted good humor, and a sincere spirit of camaraderie.
TarynsEyes
January 08, 2022 at 11:35 am
Play or don't play the starters, MLF will need to find the balance that can keep this team in motion which isn't predicated on the need to win the game, since there is no loss in a loss.
Will playing Love matter to this season's playoffs, only if Rodgers doesn't play for whatever reason. The only issue this team or rather the FO has besides the quest to win the SB is whether to extend Rodgers with another 5-year deal and trade Love or trade Rodgers and move on with Love. They can't keep both, and keeping either ends the others time in GB and should. Each will bring draft capital to the FO, which they need to figure out how much draft capital do they need to best hold together the team that will undoubtedly need some rebuild or refortification if that sounds better for some. There are enough teams in need of a QB next season and whether Love plays this week for the sole purpose of game tape, I don't believe it matters as there's always one team that will give a lot for an untested QB, even if drafted in the first round under reasons that have been severely scrutinized, the consensus from the so-called experts is the QB this draft doesn't have a true first-round talent and the fact that Love was, regardless of why is an advantage to get a good return from his trade. Play Love 1/2 or 3/4 of the game and hope he increases his value, you know, rope-a-dope.
stockholder
January 08, 2022 at 11:41 am
I don't know how you move on from Rodgers; when Love hasn't established that he can "back up" Rodger's first.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 12:21 pm
We'll have to move on from Rodgers someday soon, whether or not we've established a replacement. We've seen that even a bad pinky toe could sideline a quarterback if it were to sustain further deleterious tweaking. After all, Rodgers has barely been getting by as far as being able to be on the field in his hobbling.
Indeed, it's hard to establish a replacement in any season in which Rodgers is still playing, with any possible successor stuck on the bench.
***
As far as I know, Tom Brady is the only quarterback to succeed as a regular starter on a high level into his 40s. Even he threw three picks against the Packers in last season's NFC Championship Game.
Is Rodgers another exception to the rule?
Given Rodgers huge salary, perhaps one-fifth of the entire payroll, can we afford to keep an aging quarterback likely to decline as in the cases of Roethlisberger and the two Mannings?
Also, how much do we want to risk on Rodger's temperament? Remember, with all the excitement that we've enjoyed this season, he was quite ready to throw it all away before it had even started.
***
I'm open to keeping Rodgers and trading Love, but only if Rodgers has had a significant change of heart and attitude.
I doubt that's happened, but I'd be glad to be wrong.
I actually like Rodgers. To like a person doesn't mean not questioning him. Actually, we need friends who are honest in a firm but kind way.
I think Rodgers may actually be a top quarterback for three more seasons, good enough to help the Packers challenge for Super Bowls if there are good players around him.
***
The ongoing question of mammoth proportion is whether or not we can afford to field a competitive team around Rodgers while still paying Rodgers.
Would Rodgers -- recognizing that his age naturally comes with increased risk of injury or just some significant degree of diminishment, and in the interest of being a real team player -- gladly take a salary of $20 million per year guaranteed for the next two seasons, but not any seasons thereafter?
***
All of this is not to be against you, stockholder, but to further the discussion in the spirit of a pub-like camaraderie. Your comment was a good one. I'd be glad to buy you a beer.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 11:53 am
After reading Taryn's comment and giving her a thumbs up for good discussion material, I'd like to add a fun exercise for a Saturday afternoon:
As of today, would you trade Jordan Love for Trevor Lawrence?
***
Some possible considerations before answering:
Is the struggling Lawrence already a bust as a quarterback in the NFL, or does he need more opportunity?
Whatever your answer about Lawrence, what does it say about the meaning of this game for Love -- whether he shines or flops or is somewhere in between?
Are there relevant lessons to be learned from the careers of past quarterbacks such as hall-of-famer Steve Young, former MVP Rich Gannon, and other late bloomers in Vinnie Testaverde and Doug Flutie?
Starrbrite
January 08, 2022 at 12:09 pm
I watched Lawrence in several games this year(NFL ticket) and he appeared to lose more confidence each game. He was nearly always late getting the ball out of his hands and threw several interceptions.
That said (although it will never happen), I would trade Love for Lawrence in a New York minute. I have absolutely no confidence in Love.
TarynsEyes
January 08, 2022 at 12:14 pm
I would absolutely trade Love for Lawrence. Lawrence didn't have a chance to succeed this season and it was guaranteed with the hiring of Urban Meyer, which proved again the dysfunction of Khans' front office.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 02:02 pm
Okay, Taryn, another thumbs up.
Also another question: If Love were to throw a couple of interceptions tomorrow and generally struggle, would that mean much to you in your evaluation of Love?
(I'm also glad for Starrbrite and others to weigh in).
TarynsEyes
January 08, 2022 at 02:56 pm
INTs for the team is bad but not so much for Love depending on why the passes were intercepted in the first place. Not all INTs are equal as is noted by the automatic placing of them under the QB stat. Trevor Lawrence, I believe, has thrown 15-17 INTs this season and I'd bet that close to half, if not more, were due to WR catching issues, miscues on routes run. This is not to say Lawrence didn't create his own, but I'd venture most weren't on his play, ability to throw the ball. His low TD number is proof of his WR group being sub-average while not excluding other groups of the team as being as awful.
Love needs to show awareness in and out of the pocket with emphasis on in the pocket, make confident throws to whatever area of the field, and if his mechanics have gotten better, stagnated, or look worse. Win or lose is of no matter for Love as like the team here, it would be about Love giving confidence to the FO, as to the Rodgers decision whichever path that takes.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 03:18 pm
What you said about Lawrence should apply pretty much the same to Love.
Even if the Packers starters are better, Love may not be playing with them. Even if the Packers backups are as good as the Jaguars starters, Love hasn't been on the field with them in regular games. Lawrence has more experience in college and the pros.
If we're going to make excuses for Lawrence, we should make the same magnitude of excuses for Love, even if the excuses are somewhat different.
It seems we as fans should give Love every support for his success.
I'm not putting this upcoming statement on you Taryn, but it seems players can be ruined by the rash negativity of fans.
At least the players can be ruined as far as playing for the Packers; they may go on to have success with another team with fans more open and welcoming.
TarynsEyes
January 08, 2022 at 04:36 pm
You misread or misunderstood my comment. I'm not making an excuse for Lawrence nor did I not offer the same for Love if he has a couple of INTs against Detroit. The importance of Loves play is more of the other aspects needing to be seen and evaluated. INTs off the WR hands, for example, are of no matter, as long as his delivery, awareness, mechanics, and throw were correct.
croatpackfan
January 09, 2022 at 04:58 am
Only statement we are not agreed at, TarynsEyes are trading Love for Lawrence. Only college tape I was watching Lawrence at was his college finale, where he was outplayed, I believe by Justin Fields (or it was Zach Wilson, not sure) heavilly. Comentators were talking how Lawrence is 1st round 1st pick and I was wonder why. He played poor. So it was NOT NFL game. It was not bad receivers or bad team. It was his team outplayed heavilly.
That is why I will never trade younger QB for Trevor Lawrence, because there is many info about Jordan Love which tel us he may have in himself what is need to be succesful NFL player. Just need some more time.
I do not know is there some good new young QB grows at any college, so Packers would gladly waiting for him few years. Maybe there is. That would make sense to wait for him by extending AR for 3 to 4 years, for good or for bad.
I will surely leave that decision to more qualified people who are paid for that job.
TarynsEyes
January 09, 2022 at 10:06 am
"I will surely leave that decision to more qualified people who are paid for that job."
You do understand that this is a forum where fans DISCUSS opinions and are aware that we have no part in the actual decisions made by the FO, right?
This statement is why I gave you a downvote because it's the most ridiculous way to end your comment.
As to Lawrence being outplayed in the Championship game, you're right, but I believe it was Joe Burrow and LSU, and certainly not Wilson or Fields. It's also obvious that you didn't watch Lawrence play his three years in college or you wouldn't even attempt to make the choice of Love over Larence. LSU was a monster team that year and Lawrence had already played three monster years with a Championship and playing in two total against the big boys and started as a freshman, wher Love was doing what he has been in the NFL, watching the better play.
PhantomII
January 08, 2022 at 01:00 pm
Teams pick high for a reason. They have poor coaching, normally cheap owners and a GM that cannot see his draft slots and players available fit into a cohesive unit and function as a Team. Even with all the good players the Browns have, they still don't have a good QB and are missing a #1 and #2 WR. They have a pretty good Defense and good OL and plus run game. They are close to getting there, but need a few pieces at the top of the salary structure. I don't watch the Jags but Lawrence played well with a supporting cast when in college. No telling how many years they will waste of his career before they get the right mix. Rodgers came up following a HOF QB and a very good team. An easy transition for any QB with talent. If love had the legit talent, he would transition to a good QB within a couple years.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 01:08 pm
The Packers were 6-10 in Aaron Rodgers' first season as a starter after going 13-3 the previous one (and that was after an apprenticeship of three seasons behind Favre).
One might think that this huge drop off would be blamed on Rodgers. He would be considered a bust and promptly traded for whatever late-round draft pick we could scavenge.
To me, that's a caution for fans not to bash Jordan Love anytime soon and tear down his confidence.
***
In my opinion, this game against the Lions probably wouldn't tell us much about Love good or bad as far as his future success as an NFL quarterback.
I'd like to see him play, though, as a step in his development.
Plus, our season is hanging by a pinky toe as displayed to us by literally by Rodgers himself in a dramatic moment for television.
Surely, at least he should sit out, even if no one else does. Right?
TarynsEyes
January 08, 2022 at 01:52 pm
I don't really think the question is whether Love will succeed in GB as much as it is whether to chance Rodgers accepting a lame-duck season and knowing Love won't get a game start. less an injury or benching of Rodgers. Either they extend Rodgers or trade him, and that opens up more issues for the FO as I stated in my other comment.
Swisch
January 08, 2022 at 02:05 pm
It does seem a good idea to trade Rodgers or Love this offseason, that is if we want either one to be our quarterback beyond next season.
Coldworld
January 08, 2022 at 05:00 pm
Major change is coming due to the cap mathematics. Even with a huge burst of altruism on pay from big names, this roster won’t hold together. It’s no longer what we or the team would ideally like to do, but what is possible that will shape the personnel strategy and, with it, shape the Packers for the next half decade.
If Rodgers goes, it won’t be because of Love but cap reality. That is the crucial point here, because, unlike Rodgers/Favre, this is not saying Love has become too good not to play. If Rodgers goes, it’s entirely possible that the Packers draft or sign competition. There is no anointing here.
If Rodgers stays, Love remains a cheap back up. The question is, who else is around at that point and can the Packers leverage Love for a good draft pick. My guess is that will require a lot more preseason games and be more likely in 2023, if it occurs. By which time, we and other teams may have a little better basis on which to appraise Love’s potential.
Starrbrite
January 08, 2022 at 06:26 pm
After watching Jordan, limited as it has been, he inspires absolutely no confidence imo. I’ve been critical of his accuracy from day-1 and when I see him at the line of scrimmage, he turns his his left and right so fast, I feel like I’m watching the Exorcist. How can he possibly see anything the defense is doing when your head is spinning like a top.
Fact is, he maybe our QB of the future, whether we like it or not.
I say trade him if ARod returns.
TarynsEyes
January 08, 2022 at 01:30 pm
"If love had the legit talent, he would transition to a good QB within a couple of years."
Therein lies the problem. Love sat in street clothes his first year behind Boyle. He hasn't been afforded the game time this season, even in mop-up duty, or extended time in any game likely due to the games never being such to allow it, which gives pause to the defense. Unless Rodgers is traded, and at this moment with Love still not able to play in games, less tomorrow, if the FO signs Rodgers to an extension of 4-5 years which Rodgers would want, it's likely Love never plays a game as a starter in GB, and Rodgers has no intention of being a 'lame-duck' but would then compel a trade where he has the leverage since he has stated retirement would be likely if traded to a bad team regardless of how much that team gives GB for him, making those type of teams think twice or take themselves out of his market possibilities. Does the FO want to 'BE' the fool who let Rodgers walk? The salary cap plays a big part and that question is whether signing Rodgers and Adams, while losing many quality players of need, wouldn't simply sabotage any forward hopes, by believing those two alone would be enough to reboot/rebuild before Rodgers really is done or retires.
Personally, I don't see or believe in Love enough to move on from Rodgers, and I can't see Love wanting to sit for his entire rookie contract. One must go and it needs to be Love unless winning anything ends with this season for a long time.
flackcatcher
January 08, 2022 at 02:03 pm
Right now, the Cap rules all. Even with a huge Cap increase most teams will still be over next year. Rodgers understands his leverage may not be what he thought it was last season. So all this talk is mostly for Rodger's prepping for another year, then FA when his contract ends in a much more favorable market. Problem is the Packers can not afford Rodgers, even with the Cap increase. (That does not include the coming rebuild) I guess this all depends on how far Gutekunst and the Executive Committee want to go in the money hole. Tough call for Gutekunst, glad I'm not him...
Coldworld
January 08, 2022 at 05:10 pm
Several teams have a ton of cap. There’s plenty available for some big splashes and teams that are probably looking to make them. Doesn’t mean Rodgers gets something he’s interested in, but there is no universal cap famine.
Johnblood27
January 08, 2022 at 02:12 pm
I dont see the question as strictly current rodgers talent vs current love talent, or simply as qb projections.
i see mlf and his scheme and coaching as a very large part of determining success from the qb position.
i have confidence that love can develop into a fine qb for the mlf system.
i would like to see rodgers for a few more years in gb, however i am not afraid of starting the love era either.
bring it on!
Pierre
January 08, 2022 at 04:23 pm
The Packers will be playing to win this game, regardless of playoff standings. I think Rodgers wants to cement the MVP award in this game and will play aggressively to do so. One more win also gives Coach LaFleur the best all time NFL record for total wins in the first three years as head coach. The starters have to play just like it is a playoff game, while they are in there, to help prepare for the real tough teams starting in two weeks. This is the season Rodgers needs to lead this ‘complete’ team to a SB victory - no excuses. I think he will.
jurp
January 09, 2022 at 09:25 am
MLF already has that most wins in three years record, and he did it in 48 games, so no asterisk for an "extra" game in a season. And even if he were still tied for that record, I strongly believe that, although I'm sure MLF takes pride in his accomplishments, he's not willing to put the team's post-season at risk by chasing a record for himself. Professionals don't do that.
GregC
January 08, 2022 at 06:01 pm
I, for one, am VERY interested to see how Jordan Love plays. How could you not be? He needs game experience, and he needs to build his confidence after that rough outing in KC. He very well may be our starting QB next year. Obviously you don't want to judge him too harshly if he struggles, but at some point you DO have to make value judgements, at least tentatively, based on how he plays. And the KC game was not a good one for him.
jurp
January 09, 2022 at 09:26 am
How is outplaying Mahomes in his own stadium while being blitzed like crazy NOT a good game?
GregC
January 09, 2022 at 10:48 am
Because Mahomes played like absolute crap in that game, and Love didn't outplay him anyway. They both played like crap.