Cory's Corner: Time To Speed It Up
We've waited all of August. We have sat through a pedestrian preseason.
What form is this new and improved offense going to take?
The Packers faced one of the best defenses in the league in Week 1, but didn't show glimpses of the high speed style. This week, Aaron Rodgers will be wearing a laminated wristband that is usually reserved for high schoolers and rookie quarterbacks.
Whatever it takes to get this offense humming again. Rodgers is tied for 20th with a third down completion percentage of 33 percent. His company in the third down basement is Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan. Two of the most important things that quarterbacks are judged on is third down and red zone efficiency and the Packers could not move the sticks at all last week.
The best way for Rodgers to get a leg up on the vaunted Vikings defensive line is to own the tempo. Remember when he would bait the defense into an offsides penalty with a hard count? That hasn't happened in a long time because the ball isn't getting snapped until the play clock has nearly melted away.
I realize that coach Matt LaFleur is waiting until everything is ready, but there is something to be said about thinking too much. When Rodgers runs a two-minute drill, he's running on instinct and adrenaline. He is getting the ball out quickly and most importantly, the defense has their hands on their knees from exhaustion.
That's how you beat a team like Minnesota. Dictate to them what you're going to do. Snap the ball within 10 seconds of the previous play ending. After a string of completions, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer will call a timeout and try to regroup.
But in order for that to happen, Rodgers must be accurate. He underthrew Marquez Valdes-Scantling on their 47-yard hook up. If he hits him in stride, that could've been six points. Rodgers also had a few balls dribble in the grass.
This will be an even greater test than Chicago only because it's going to take more than 10 points to win. Minnesota's offense is solid, led by arguably the best running back in the NFC right now in Dalvin Cook.
Rodgers needs to keep that Minnesota front four off-balance. And if left tackle David Bakhtiari cannot go because of a bad back, it's even more imperative that he get the ball out in three seconds and snap it in 10. That's going to take some discipline, especially for the big boys up front that will need to hustle to get set.
So much of the quarterback play now is predicated on timing. A quarterback expects a receiver to be in a certain place at a certain time. Now if the quarterback owns the timing and the defense is playing on their heels, the odds of the defense making a big play are muted.
But if the Packers continually let the play clock bleed down, then Green Bay is allowing Minnesota to get comfortable and think about a counter to the formation that they see.
The Packers win this game with a quick tempo. Kirk Cousins, who only attempted 10 passes last week, isn't going to be able keep up with a faster speed. Especially now that he's facing a defense that is starting to resemble a Top 10 unit.
.@AaronRodgers12 goes DEEP to Marquez Valdes-Scantling! #GoPackGo
https://t.co/VF2AxoC5r2 pic.twitter.com/SKYdKe5DwT— NFL (@NFL) September 6, 2019
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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 (64)
Packer Dave
September 14, 2019 at 07:11 am
Agree. This is why our own run game has to get going and why I keep posting about Vitale being an asset.
Lots of 2&5 and third and shorts would make the up tempo game fly.
Barnacle
September 14, 2019 at 07:43 pm
Our multimillion dollar QB is screwing up our advantage by dilly dallying until the last second to start our plays. I think our QB thinks he is out smarting our opponent , but he is giving them the advantage of knowing exactly when the ball must be snapped which is a big help to them. I think he learned that “tricky” stuff from MM.
NickPerry
September 15, 2019 at 04:26 am
I'd like to see more Vitale in the line-up too Packer Dave. Vitale was a great receiving RB coming out of Northwestern, he's a pretty good blocker for Jones to run behind, but most importantly I don't think the Packers are tipping their hand (run or pass) when Vitale is in the game. The Packers HAVE to have some success on 1st down this week.
EddieLeeIvory
September 14, 2019 at 07:31 am
They're a great defense.
Our OL needs to play well.
And 12 has to key on Harrison Smith.
If that guy creeps into the box to take away Aaron Jones, we need to hit them early over the top to MVS.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 08:19 am
Put Kumerow in slot all day and run quick slants
John Galt
September 14, 2019 at 10:22 am
That's a good idea so it won't happen.
CoachJV
September 14, 2019 at 08:23 am
I think we should adopt the "Hurry Up Offense" on a full time basis. Back in our last Superbowl year, we did a lot more hurry up than we do now.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 08:38 am
Hard to do with new head coach/play caller and new offense
Maybe in 2nd half of season
John Galt
September 14, 2019 at 10:22 am
So when they are 4 and 4 or worse you start doing it?
TarynsEyes
September 14, 2019 at 11:29 am
That allows for the ' if only ' reasons to blossom.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 12:25 pm
If only you were right
TarynsEyes
September 14, 2019 at 12:52 pm
I am...I am!
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 02:02 pm
And humble too
TarynsEyes
September 14, 2019 at 02:18 pm
Humble is overrated.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 05:44 pm
So are u
TarynsEyes
September 14, 2019 at 07:11 pm
Not in my eyes.
Leatherhead
September 14, 2019 at 08:49 am
Old dog, new tricks.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 08:57 am
Oh and get the ball out of Rodgers hand quicker to avoid the sacks and holding calls
Thegreatreynoldo
September 14, 2019 at 09:08 am
AR took the 2nd longest time to throw last week, and that was against Chicago, of all teams. Whether that is on the receivers (WRs, TEs, RBs) or on AR is subject to debate, but few would argue that the time AR takes to throw has to be reduced towards the median time.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 09:22 am
More of an AR problem just look at the last few years
Brady and Brees have both adapted much better to getting the ball out quicker for all reasons
John Galt
September 14, 2019 at 10:23 am
He;s too busy with making commercials.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
September 14, 2019 at 09:12 am
WeneedtogoasfastaswecanalldaylongDontwastetimewithanythingunnecessary.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 09:22 am
Funny
Ferrari Driver
September 14, 2019 at 09:19 am
Cory, your article was spot on!
PatrickGB
September 14, 2019 at 09:47 am
I agree, it’s spot on. I like that the team is working on getting the play in faster and hope that results in a quicker game plan. I thought that the newish scheme on offense was to identify the defense by presnap movement and not have to have Rodgers stand there and try to identify what the defense until right before the snap. Opposing teams often disguise their defense anyway, so why not just run with what the presnap movement shows and let it rip from there? Also, throw the quick pass in order to set up the run.
jannesbjornson
September 14, 2019 at 02:59 pm
With Alexander out and Hughes doubtful their nickel defense is stretched thin. Run 3-4 WRs and spread them out. Attack fast and furious and bring in the running game and counter motion.
JohnnyLogan
September 14, 2019 at 09:46 am
I've set records I think for dislikes with my continuing rant that this team has no receivers aside from Adams. So let me continue to oppose everyone here. Rodgers does hold the ball but the reason is that we have crap receivers who can't get open. Often his first look is to Adams, who is routinely double and triple-teamed. No one in this league is worried about Geronimo Allison and MVS. They are easily single-covered, and they still CAN'T GET OPEN! In every discussion now someone meekly suggests we need to insert Kumerow or Davis or, or... Why?... because we don't currently have a #2 receiver and haven't for a few years. That's why Rodgers game has fallen off. MVS has some value on the edge but Allison is not quick enough for the slot. Minkah Fitzpatrick is available for a #2 pick. Why hasn't Gute jumped at the chance to acquire a guy who would cement this defense as top five for years?... because he needs his top picks to acquire a WR. Even with Adams, a top five receiver in the league, we may have one of the worst receiver groups in football. It's just the way it is and you can all deny it as much as you want. Blame the OL, blame Rodgers... but how is it possible that with the pass rush the Bears put on there wasn't a single quick throw to Allison in the slot? Because he was smothered, by LB's. I also love the "run the ball argument." Why wouldn't every defense, including the Viking defense this week, just play to stop the run when they know there's really no danger of a passing game? First down will be impossible to run. MLF needs to establish the pass first to make the running game go. And he needs to replace Allison and at least see if Davis or Kumerow can handle the slot. Adams is getting frustrated, you can hear it in his interviews. He knows what you all don't, that he's the only legit receiver on this team.
fastmoving
September 14, 2019 at 11:02 am
Thats ridiculous, we may have a top ten WR group and even AR admits it. End we have some TE and RBs with decent hands too.
Your post is just the opossite of the truth and against all facts. But hey, maybe you should run for something with this kind of alternative reality. It already worked once.
Facts and stats and even the eyeball test are way overrated.
JHitTheB
September 14, 2019 at 07:47 pm
A top 10 WR group? Seriously??? Pass whatever you're smoking on this way please.
There was a link posted in another thread of Dusty breaking down exactly how GB's WRs aren't open. Did you watch it? I'm guessing not so here it is again. How is that for truth, facts, reality and the eye test?
https://twitter.com/All22Talk/status/1172373483638050817
CAG123
September 14, 2019 at 11:37 am
Why the hell would the Packers trade for another safety? MF has already made it known that he doesn’t want to play multiple positions and safety is his natural position and we’re good there. So that means either putting him in the slot and putting Williams on the bench.
JohnnyLogan
September 14, 2019 at 11:46 am
CAG, what a terrible problem to have 3 great safeties. MF wants to play safety, fine, so maybe Savage goes into the slot or they alternate, or Amos, who cares, three potential pro-ball safeties is a problem?... As to Tramon?... Really, that's your worry, that he will be replaced by the younger, faster, harder-hitting top 11 pick from last year. Tramon as a backup for this year is fine. Next year he's gone anyway. Don't get this argument at all.
CAG123
September 14, 2019 at 11:58 am
Did I say putting Williams on the bench was a worry? That’s more of a solution and I didn’t see too much hard hitting or speed when he was getting burnt like toast against the Ravens. Would having MF be a great idea sure but to make a big rant about receivers then go to suggest they trade for a safety as if that solves anything is ridiculous.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Meekly suggest Kumerow in the slot? Your Hugely wrong.
They've never tried it so why not.
Cobb seems to be fine in Dallas catching everything because Dak gets the ball out quicker and I hate the cowboys but it’s a fact Rodgers always looking for a bigger play. Get Dez Bryant cheap and he’s still a big threat and will definitely take double and triple coverage off Adams.
Run TEnds in slots and slants they don’t have to be quick because they are big
JohnnyLogan
September 14, 2019 at 01:51 pm
albert, don't know what hugely wrong means. I'd love to see them try Kumerow in the slot, I think he's better than Allison. Davis might be even better or play him wide and slot Adams, like Jordy was often slotted. The key is finding a guy who can get open quickly on those slants. Cobb was able to do it and is fine in Dallas now because he's healthy. He was fine in Green Bay too when he was healthy. I was all for resigning him. When he had Cobb and Jennings Rodgers got rid of the ball fast because those guys could get open. The current guys can't.
dobber
September 14, 2019 at 05:05 pm
"Cobb was able to do it and is fine in Dallas now because he's healthy."
Cobb, 2019 week 1 for Dallas: 4 catches, 69 yd, 1 TD
Cobb, 2018 week 1 for GB: 9-142-1
JHitTheB
September 14, 2019 at 07:55 pm
I'm pretty sure the Dallas OL gives Dak a lot more time than AR gets lol. Also, Dallas played the Giants last week so I'd take any big offensive showings against them with a grain of salt.
NickPerry
September 14, 2019 at 12:48 pm
I absolutely agree with you on your point regarding other receivers on the Packers. I wouldn't go as far as you to suggest the Packers have no one other than Adams, but they DO NEED WR help.
The reasons for it are really quite simple as well. Just too many bad draft classes in Thompsons final years as GM. Gute has done a masterful job rebuilding on the fly because that's EXACTLY what he's had to do. Gute in his first draft went out and drafted 2 CB in the 1st and 2nd rounds. This after Thompson just spent a 1st and THREE 2nd round in the 2015 & 2017 drafts. Of those 4 DB's selected just ONE is still a Packer. 14 of the 18 picks Thompson made in 2015 and 2017 are NO LONGER ON THE PACKERS. This isn't a bashing of Ted Thompson...I don't need to do that. I'm just merely pointing out what a challenge Gutekunst had when he took over as GM.
With that said the Packers aren't that far off. Do they need help at WR, TE, and even RB...YES. But they have some good players now who are going to continue to develop. A FA here, a few higher draft picks there, the continued development of what they currently have on the roster now and we're right there. The question is how much they can develop this season?
Since'61
September 14, 2019 at 01:06 pm
Excellent post Nick. As I posted on another thread, during the upcoming offseason Gute needs to do for the offense what he has done for the defense this past off season.
I’ve been posting since last season that we need help at WR, TE and RB. This season we’re looking at 9-11 wins and most likely due to our defense. Rodgers can’t do it all and years of defense first drafts have depleted a once lethal offense. 2 weapons, Adams and Jones, are not enough plus a shaky interior OL, while learning a new offense is going to require patience from all of us.
Vikings will take away Adams and bring pressure up the middle. I hope they put Adams in the slot to try to create favorable matchups for him and also hit Jones with passes in space.
Hopefully we get a better tempo this week, move the sticks and keep Cousins and co. off the field.
Thanks, Since ‘61
jannesbjornson
September 14, 2019 at 03:05 pm
Pretty accurate assessment, once again, JL.
Befuddled
September 15, 2019 at 09:54 am
New Orleans comes to mind when talking about receivers. Aside from one guy who does Brees have? They were one missed call away from the Super bowl with just one great receiver. They use the running backs more in the passing game. New England is similar. 100 plus receptions by the backs last season.
Spiker
September 15, 2019 at 10:48 am
How does that explain open guys 3-4 yards out, but Rodgers is always looking down field for the big flas play. That boy gotta listen more and drop his ego
Pierre
September 14, 2019 at 10:24 am
Coach LaFleur needs to have Rodgers practicing with the 2.5 second clock to release passes after each snap. His mindset is to hold the ball longer to wait for a receiver to get wide open rather than lead him and hit him in stride right away. Last week he showed throw a few times, but then pulled the ball in, and just took the sack.
So I do agree, unless Rodgers demonstrates he can get the ball away more quickly the offense will remain stagnant and unproductive. Holding the ball too long puts undue pressure on the Oline leading to more holds and sacks. This league is all about efficient QB play and converting 3rd downs in drives to TDs. Time for Rodgers to get this offense in gear especially now that he has a stellar defense to support him.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Have him watch tape of Brady and Brees
JHitTheB
September 14, 2019 at 08:15 pm
Have you seen the pocket Brady gets? Untouched, rarely pressured. The Steelers sacked him a whopping 1 time and had a whopping 1 pass defended last week. NE WRs were WIDE OPEN just about every play. And by wide open I mean there wasn't a defender within 3-5 yards.
NE has 2 good RBs. Josh Gordon talent-wise is easily a top 5 WR if he can get his head straight. He's big, he's fast and catches everything. Edelman is awesome in the slot and like Jordy and Cobb is really, really good at knowing when to break off a route and come back to get the ball. Belichik is the best ever at exploiting mismatches too. And now defenses have to worry about AB as well. It's really not even fair.
Brees is pressured and sacked more than Brady but he is also throwing to a top 3-5 WR in M Thomas, a decent WR #2 in Ted Ginn and has a top 3-5 RB in Kamara (depending on who you talk to) with another really good RB (L Murray) to work with. He also has Jared Cook as a safety blanket.
The comparisons are moot really. AR isn't going to force the ball to guys who aren't open and risk turning the ball over for no reason. I asked this in another thread but I will ask again:
other than Davante Adams, which GB WR has
A) demonstrated the ability to consistently beat their man 1v1 or even get a release off the LoS
B) demonstrated the ability to catch the ball in traffic or make contested grabs
C) demonstrated the awareness to break off a route and come back to the ball if a play breaks down
D) has established themselves as a reliable 3rd down or endzone target
Lphill
September 14, 2019 at 10:25 am
So after one game you have decided the Packers have no receivers after Adams ? Wow you should be a GM with those skills Johnny , you sound like a Vikings fan like many who troll these sites because of their disdain for the Packers , always posting negatives in the hope that will somehow become reality.
JohnnyLogan
September 14, 2019 at 11:38 am
Two ridiculous points on your part; the first is the oft used line "you should be a GM" by people who don't refute an argument just react to other's arguments and name call. This is a comment forum. You made comments about my post, although not very detailed ones. You obviously believe the opposite of what I believe. What qualifies you? Are you a GM?... Second point... one game? Allison and MVS have entire college careers which ended with Allison not being drafted and MVS drafted in the fifth round. Apparently, they didn't show that much in college (yes, yes, I know, Driver, Brady, late round picks...). Both Allison and MVS have had a little success in the NFL, about what most receivers who make NFL rosters can claim. But in reality not enough to identify either as a solid #2 receiver. All we have is hope based on small sample size. And I hope along with you. I just don't believe with the same intensity based on what I see. Last year it seemed like Rodgers threw more balls into the fifth row then he did to his slot receivers. And sure enough, first game, new scheme, and not a single throw to slot receiver, the position manned by Allison. New scheme, same old. You think it's Rodgers fault I guess, or the new scheme, or the OL... you must think something although you don't tell us what. Maybe you don't think, you just react to what other's think. Try thinking on your own, it's liberating. I think it's the WR's, particularly Allison. I predict Allison is replaced within the next few games. You likely don't. Neither of us will ever be a GM. But one of us will be right.
JohnnyLogan
September 14, 2019 at 11:39 am
Did I make you cry?
Lphill
September 14, 2019 at 06:37 pm
Say what you want but nobody can evaluate the talent level after one game, only you seem to have that ability, let’s give them several games before we declare any receiver not named Adams a bust.
JHitTheB
September 14, 2019 at 08:22 pm
It isn't just 1 game though. It's been every time Jordy/Cobb were injured. Now they are both gone and lo and behold...no one is open. How about all of last season? Golly gee whiz I wonder why that is? Could it be maybe the talent level just isn't there?
BELIEVER
September 14, 2019 at 10:58 am
Delvin Cook is not the best running back in the NFC. Not even close.
Samson
September 14, 2019 at 11:11 am
Did I miss a few games somewhere along the line??
No...wait... the Pack have played exactly one game.
The impatience of some fans borderlines on ridiculous.
jeremyjjbrown
September 14, 2019 at 05:07 pm
I've seen you be pretty darn impatient more than once
Adorabelle
September 14, 2019 at 11:41 am
How many years have we waited for the Packers to play faster? How many years have we said "gee they always look so good when they play faster." and how many years have we watched Rodgers continue to snap the ball as the play clock changes from 1 to 0? The Packers moving consistently at a fast pace? I will believe that when I see it.
LayingTheLawe
September 14, 2019 at 01:35 pm
On the one hand you have a coaching staff going tempo, tempo, tempo. On the other hand you have the first ballot hall of fame quarterback believing he can outthink the defense and wants to use every second to dissect the play. The bottom line is that Packers fans better remain used to seeing the clock change to 0 as the ball is snapped.
TarynsEyes
September 14, 2019 at 02:27 pm
Fast is not in Rodgers mental makeup...Fast takes away his pre snap reading of defense...He relinquishes much of the right to audible...Must accept the call(s) sent in... These are all plausible,possible,likely but not definite. The wristband use makes this hopeful... but still need to see it.
LayingTheLawe
September 14, 2019 at 03:18 pm
I agree. The reason the packer offense doesn't go fast is because the quarterback wants to see the defense, analyze it, and then make his call. Fast will always be just a change of pace for Rodgers.
jannesbjornson
September 14, 2019 at 03:24 pm
What was the fast break offense he ran with Jennings, Nelson, JJ and Driver i called? The O line has been getting stunted to death inside. The WRs have to get separation and hit the open spots in coverage Fast while Adams is doubled. Have to go back into the Walsh game plans to free Adams, but Bill had John Taylor as the #2 WR, Roger Craig and Rathman running the ball and Jones at TE. Players not plays.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 05:46 pm
He’s not gonna use the wristband because he thinks it’s below him
JHitTheB
September 14, 2019 at 08:30 pm
So I'm guessing you didn't see all the times AR was giving MLF the "hurry up" motion to get the play in or all the times he was covering his ears trying to hear the play?
You probably missed the interview where MLF admitted he needs to get better at getting "getting the play out of his mouth and into his QB faster" too right?
Yeah. It's all about being able to audible though. /endsarcasm
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Rodgers has to change. He says he embraces it and does the same ole shit every game starting again with last week.
Arrogance,Ignorance or maybe he can’t and has become that one dimensional?
ThxJackVainisi
September 14, 2019 at 08:34 pm
"He says he embraces it and does the same ole shit every game starting again with last week."
He has played exactly one game in LaFleur's Packers offense with LaFleur calling the plays. So, he's done the "same ole shit" once in the new offense.
jeremyjjbrown
September 14, 2019 at 12:58 pm
I'll believe Rodgers is going to pick up the tempo and throw the ball on time when I see it.
We all know he is capable, I just have no reason to believe he is willing.
stockholder
September 14, 2019 at 01:07 pm
You give the horny dicks to much credit. Rodgers must take time to get the offensive PLAY right. This is a new offense. Hurry the play and turn-overs will happen. HIGH PERCENTAGE THROWS, and a OL that can open a hole, will beat the vikings. Expect another low scoring game. Don't expect anything different.
albert999
September 14, 2019 at 02:12 pm
Yup
Take the under boys
GO PACK GO