Gut Reactions: Packers beat Chiefs 27-20

Aaron's gut reactions from the preseason finale. 

  • The backup QB battle was not decided tonight. 
  • Mostly because I thought Kizer did some really nice things. 
  • That was one hell of a hit to cause the Summers interception by Markus Jones
  • Nijman had some really nice reps at left tackle to go along with some not so nice ones. 
  • Fog horns. Flashing lights. Just play better football. 
  • Mason Crosby, I'm just going to pretend I didn't see that. 
  • Tray Matthews followed up a good showing in Canada with another strong night. 
  • Keith Ford is a battering ram. 
  • Brutal fumble by Darrius Shepherd. Still think he's a practice squad guy. 
  • It is now officially Bear Week. 
  • Go Pack. 

 

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__________________________

5 points
 

Comments (102)

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

August 29, 2019 at 10:13 pm

why would we keep Crosby? why? he's average at best and is the highest paid kicker in the league. just let him go and save a few mil.

Ficken can't be so much worse that he's not a viable option. if its close, give it to Ficken or make Crosby take a pay cut. can't afford to throw away millions on a kicker who isn't top notch

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Daren726's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:16 pm

He’s the Packers all-time leading scorer. I don’t know how you can say he’s mediocre at best. He’s one of the best kickers in the league.

5 points
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Muy complicado's picture

August 29, 2019 at 11:25 pm

Ok so let's look at this rationally. What I see from is that Crosby was asked to make more 40+ yard field goals than anybody else last year. He missed only one from under 40 yards and was really good from over 50, but was 11-15 from 40-50 yards which killed his average. That game in Detroit is what really hurt him.

But, it's true he's not elite. He's a pretty average kicker who had one terrible game last year and was kicking above average lengths. We should move on from him if you have somebody better. Is Ficken better? I've got no idea. But you could do worse than Crosby too, he mostly looks average. And we pay him what, same as Lane Taylor? We're not breaking the bank for him.

It's not that hard. :-)

8 points
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Fastenerpuller's picture

August 30, 2019 at 03:59 am

He’s perhaps overpaid, but I don’t think he’s average. Especially if you write off the DET game as a fluke. Cutting him to save money sounds like a great way to anger the football gods. “What could go wrong?” A lot.

9 points
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Oppy's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:32 am

This isn't me saying Crosby is a great kicker, however...

One always has to remember that Crosby isn't just a kicker, he's a kicker in Green Bay.

It's an outdoor stadium in one of the colder NFL markets. To top it off, Lambeau Field is notorious for having swirling cross winds at the end zones that make judging the wind difficult- the flags atop the goal posts don't tell the whole story.

4 points
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murf7777's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:02 am

Thanks for the info...what that told me is what a clutch kicker he is. In the last 3 playoff seasons he is 14 out of 15. Keep em this year and if has an average year Then keep looking or pick up a top one in FA if available. Rickenbacker hasn’t proven he’s any better.

2 points
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murf7777's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:03 am

Sorry, should say Ficken...

0 points
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Big_Mel_75's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:18 pm

Remember when we cut Jon Ryan and signed Jeremey Kampenios? Is Crosby the best kicker in the league no. Do we know what we are getting with him? Yes. We know he can kick game winners and in the brutally cold games in Lambeau. Ficken we don't know if he can kick game winners and how he will hold up in the windy, cold Lambeau field. If it is close I take the veteran experience.

17 points
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real some guy's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:21 pm

its not just about "experience". the guy costs too much. he isn't worth it. look at the stats the last 4 years. this isn't hard.

average at best and yet his cap hit is almost 5 mil this year. that's insane

-7 points
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JerseyAl's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:25 pm

you sould like me about 6-7 years ago. lol.

3 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:31 pm

Just imagine the Pack as Minnesota last year, or Chicago over the past few years. Average might be better than the alternative.

8 points
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real some guy's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:44 pm

I remember MAson failing when he had a chance to beat the vikings in week 2

i remember Mason destroying any chance to win in Detroit

I remember Mason failing to tie the game against Arizona.

Why are people so afraid to let this guy go...

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

August 30, 2019 at 06:53 am

Detroit. That was all on Zook. Short memory's do not help your case here. New long snapper.(take a look at the IR list for the Packers before the game), green holder and no practice time. Mix together and you get DETROIT! Bonk Bonk BONK BONK! But special teams was the cheery on top of a awful game by QB1 which killed the team in the first half. The Detroit game killed the season, cost McCarthy his job and showed Aaron Rodger as a total self serving Jerk. So bad on so many levels....

-4 points
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carlos's picture

August 30, 2019 at 07:54 am

I have the answer. Score TD’s instead of FG’s. I know- easier said than done. Go Pack.

2 points
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Tundraboy's picture

August 29, 2019 at 11:30 pm

Yup. No time to try a new kicker.

2 points
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Gianich's picture

August 29, 2019 at 11:24 pm

You mean Derrick Frost...?

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:08 am

Yes, I do remember kickers released. That said, Crosby missed a PAT and, perhaps more importantly, his leg strength on kick offs seemed to have further declined.

I went from being pretty much blasé about his retention before last night to suspecting that there is a reason why the Packers have been reluctant to commit to him that is not primarily cap related.

1 points
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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:39 am

Coldworld, I totally agree.

I have also been firmly in Crosby’s camp and started breaking out of that hard line of thinking last season.

Ficken is good. Great leg and he’s shown solid accuracy. Crosby is the NFLs highest paid K, but the guy is barely mid-teir in terms of performance over the past 2-3-4 years.

The time is now.

Viewing responses to this argument is a real eye opener to the notion of how resistant people generally are to change.

0 points
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Unglued's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:33 pm

You keep Crosby because you can't find someone better. Kickers are the most underappreciated players when you have a decent one, and one of the most over valued players when you don't have a decent one.

Crosby has been a good kicker, a good kicker is exactly what you want, you do not want to have a season where it is a turnstile at that position where you hope the next guy can hold it together.

9 points
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real some guy's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:42 pm

this line of thinking is how you end up keeping randall cobb and clay matthews far too long and burning through cap space that could have been used on younger, more productive and cheaper players

Mason Crosby has had 1 above average season in the last 5 years. This isn't an opinion. its a fact. i linked to the stats above. look for yourself.

he's the highest paid kicker in the league. How do you reconcile that?

The packers overpay their own far too often for mediocre results. Russ Ball gets way too much credit.

This is simple stuff guys

-3 points
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Unglued's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:58 pm

Look, if there is better guy, or girl : ), out there than Crosby and that is what the personal folks believe, then yeah, you can move on, but there are likely teams hoping Crosby gets cut, so they can bring a veteran in, and not have to groom some kid that may or may not have what it takes.

I will say this, given that Packers are probably looking at next couple of years to try and make real run (anything can happen and maybe things gel this year, but not reasonable to expect that), I could see moving on from Crosby as a long term play at the position. We'll see, I've been a Packer fan for a long time, bad kicker years are annoying. I'm not talking about Crosby have a bad game or two over the years, I'm talking about changing kickers several times during season situation because can't find someone you can trust at all.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 29, 2019 at 11:22 pm

Crosby hits the game winner in Dallas and they move on to Atlanta for an unexpected spot in the NFC CH. How much more money does the team make? Probably covers his 4.5 M salary, which is average for a vested veteran. Make the move and end up like Zimmer and the queens. If anybody would move a star to save cash it would be low ball russ.
Atlanta just signed a guy 44 years old. That's desperation. You have a guy that is a point producer. He is not a guy sitting on IR all year pulling in 10M.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:10 am

The point is will he. A lot assume that Crosby 2019 is the Crosby of prior years. Watching last night I am not so sure he has the leg he did even a year or so ago.

0 points
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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:49 am

Hello???!!!! What was that? 3 years ago? 4?

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

August 30, 2019 at 03:43 am

So you want to add a kicker who's been on his 5th team in 4 years. If not for an injury to the Rams kicker he'd never had played in an NFL game.

Speaking of NFL games Fricken is 3 of 6 in his FG attempts in NFL games. Is Crosby perfect? No, but neither is anyone else especially Fricken.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:14 am

Not sure that’s a real argument. Kickers bounce around a lot typically before they cement a spot and there are circumstances around his prior record. Bottom line is what can they do now. Packers have seen Ficken, so prior record should not be the main driver. Crosby is also aging. He may not be who he was in prior years. Had a poor game with his PATs and short kick offs.

One way or the other, I am pretty sure that this is Crosby’s last season in GB even if he is our kicker next week.

0 points
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Fastenerpuller's picture

August 30, 2019 at 04:04 am

I say let go of your Cobbs and Matthewses when you’ve got their replacement on the roster. Sam Ficken does not equal Z’darius Smith + Preston Smith.

Let’s draft a kicker or bring in a proven FA. We’ve got enough money it’s not grocery shopping.

1 points
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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:51 am

Who won the Kicking competition? Who?

Tim Ficken.

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

August 29, 2019 at 11:32 pm

Yes. Another year maybe. Not this one. Go with the known cold weather kicker.

5 points
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murf7777's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:54 am

Agree, this is an easy decision....keep Crosby!

1 points
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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:43 am

I disagree.

Crosby WAS a good kicker. I love Crosby. However, his failures over the past 4 years have been trending hard in the wrong direction.

We don’t have to look for a good kicker. We have one in Tim Ficken. He has won the job, clearly, based upon his performance.

0 points
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Swisch's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:42 pm

Crosby!
Even if they were making the same money, Crosby!
Even though Crosby is actually making more money, you don't scrimp on kickers (or offensive linemen) -- and Crosby is a proven top kicker.
Just about all kickers have lapses at times in their careers, but Crosby is solid, dependable and clutch.
(Remember the amazing display of two 50-plus yarders late in the game to beat the Cowboys in the playoffs -- and actually it was three if you count one make negated by penalty.)
In five years, after the Packers have won another Super Bowl or two -- it will still be Crosby helping the Packers to get a leg up on the competition.

4 points
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carlos's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:08 am

He’s also a good presence in the locker room. An established veteran and seems well liked from what I observe from my position.

2 points
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stockholder's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:22 am

I'd put Crosby on the trading block first.

5 points
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blondy45's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:53 am

I have been on record all pre season that Crosby must go. Ficken may not have the best NFL record, 3-6 in field goal attempts. He also has had to jump onto new teams without familiarity with each team's snapper-holders. I hope Crosby is on the trading block now! Crosby has a weaker leg, not as accurate as he once was, and costs WAY too much. Packer fans get used to how a player "used to" perform. Fans, remember players like Sitton, Favre, Jordy Nelson, Cobb, Clay Matthews, and so many more aging "once great" Packer players. They were used up and did not perform like they did when they were in their younger years. As for TRUST in cold weather, experience, or leg strength, Crosby is no longer in his younger years. Cut bait now. I believe Ficken is NOW better than Crosby. If Ficken is not the answer, and does not perform, get someone new. He could be the next PK in Green Bay for the next decade too. We do the same with all the positions on the Packer's roster. This Packer's new organization has shown that it will keep players who perform, not players who are a high draft pick selection, are fan favorites, or players of the past that are used up.

-1 points
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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:53 am

Well said, blondy! Totally agree.

-1 points
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ricky's picture

August 30, 2019 at 12:08 pm

So, you want him kicking with the Bears or Vikings? Because that is what would happen. Remember when Vedvik was the new "hot" kicker? So, Minny trades for him, and he now officially stinks. So, sure, get rid of Crosby, and hope that Ficken can make clutch kicks under extreme pressure.

3 points
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cnordeen's picture

August 30, 2019 at 10:52 am

2 reasons why you keep Crosby.
1. Have you seen the Bears and Vikings cycle through kickers? It’s not easy finding someone who is reliable. I know Crosby was off last year. And I don’t trust him as much as previous years. But last year for both the Bears and Vikings was horrible. We don’t want that.
2. Either the Bears or Vikings will pick him up. Guaranteed. Which, considering their current situation, makes them better. We don’t want either.

3 points
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blondy45's picture

August 30, 2019 at 12:50 pm

........So we keep Crosby, cut Ficken. Then Min or Chicago picks up Ficken. Who has the potential to be the PK for the next 1-5 years? Not Crosby, he is gone next year even if he is our PK this year, and at an overpriced wage. Save the money to resign Blake Martinez. Come on Guke this is not rocket science, I would try to trade Crosby if I could. If nobody wants to trade for him, he must NOT be as good as many of you Packer's fans thinks he is. Not at his current price anyway...... Now if Crosby gives a team discount deal at a lower price, great.

0 points
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blondy45's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:23 pm

No swirling winds at Detroit last year. Crosby's misses recently were not weather related. SAM (not Tim) FICKEN has proven in the most recent preseason that his leg IS stronger, his kick offs do not go out of bounds, except out of the back of the end zone, and accuracy has not been proven worse than Crosbys. I am done, Go Pack Go. Thanks Gary.

-1 points
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albert999's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:14 pm

Boyle looked good
Special teams still needs serious work
Great punting
Bring on the teddy bears

0 points
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albert999's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:16 pm

I thought they stopped going after the ball to create fumbles completely in 2nd half

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:24 pm

Kizer beat out Boyle, or maybe Boyle beat himself.

Markus Jones is our 5 th best OLB, but will he make the team?

Williams nearly got Kizer killed. Can’t have that with Rodgers. It sucks because he sure can run.

Ford looked like the most complete back who might gain yards, but barely got a chance, though he still had the best run of the night. Why was that?

I think Nijman is too good to put on the PS. He had a good night at LT.

Crosby missed a Pat and his leg strength looks to have declined. Maybe it is time after all.

Redding might have earned a PS berth.

Matthews may be able to back up Greene at 3rd safety/LB

Keke is a find.

6 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:35 pm

I agree about Nijman. You got a potential player at LT, can’t take the risk.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 30, 2019 at 12:53 am

CW, I agree on all points. Nijman or Pankey, not both of McCray/Patrick. I gather Patrick did not play, but I don't know for sure if he was a healthy scratch.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:25 am

I think Patrick is Guard 3 and Center 2 to start the season, thanks in large part to them having focused Jenkins elsewhere with the ones and Rodgers. Patrick is, I suspect, a lock. Pankey to the PS if he is eligible. I think McCray loses out because of the backwash elevating Patrick and because Nijman is too good at a the second most premium position to let slip even though he isn’t ready yet.

-1 points
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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:37 am

Yay Dude!

How about Yosh, Summers & Markus Jones? Wilkins looked good too. Dexter can really run.

Not sugar coating anything, but those 5 players showed immense promise for the future.

Yosh gave up 4 pressures by my count, but zero sacks. One pressure did lead to an INT. However, he looked really solid for the most part, and his run blocking was impressive. You could tell he was worn out towards the end of the game, but, he nearly played the entire game. Most reps ever for him as a Packer, and I believe he won a roster spot tonight.

Summers played fairly well. Missed a tackle or two, but was in on a lot. Missed some holes. Had a great pick 6 off the deflection by...

Markus Jones. This dude can play, and I believe both he and Summers won roster spots tonight as well.

Keke was and is a lock.

Wilkins, a QB with a career 136 passer rating at Arizona State, looks to be the best backup to Aaron. He just commands confidence in the huddle, and the pro game doesn’t look too big for him, at all. Imagine him behind our #1 OL, with Davante, Geronimo, MVS, Kumerow, Graham...

Dexter missed his block on Kizer’s INT, but, his ability to run really shows, and sets him apart. They can teach pass pro, and he is big enough to handle it.

1 points
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Cubbygold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 06:10 am

Wilkins is playing against 4th string guys. He hasn't experienced the pro game yet

0 points
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carlos's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:16 am

I do like what I see in Wilkins. Not sure if he’ll get to practice squad. Going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:28 am

Markus Jones has flashed since he arrived. Last night he caused the turnover that led to Summers score, among several other plays and created regular pressure. In my opinion, he is clearly the 5th best OLB that we have and should make the team given that only Fackrell is a pure OLB type of the others.

0 points
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lucky953's picture

August 30, 2019 at 02:35 am

Nijman had an end blow by him twice for pressures. His feet seemed stuck in mud.
Sheldon struggles to get off blocks, but he's pretty quick laterally. It's going to be tough to stop the run with rookie ILBs.
Kizer's more athletic, but the pick was awful. I don't trust him not to make those bad throws in dangerous places.
Kansas City's offense is light years ahead of the Packers

1 points
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fthisJack's picture

August 30, 2019 at 07:19 am

Nijman whiffed and almost got Kizer killed. he still has a long way to go.

1 points
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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:29 am

You must watch again, then you will see Yosh Nijman maintained his blocking assignment well, but Dexter Williams whiffed on his assignment.

Just because there was a jailbreak from the right side of the KC defense doesn’t mean it was Nijman’s fault.

Believe me, as I watched it over & over to make sure. And, yes, the rookie who played LT did give up 4 pressures while playing nearly the entire game.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:32 am

One of those at least was Williams failing to pick up the extra player as on the Sack of Kizer. Nijman is potential, nit finished by any means, but he is potential at a position where teams can’t find adequacy. Gold dust.

I wasn’t particularly impressed with Kansas’ O. Most of their points were in the second half, at which point, like the week before, we had no line protection and thus not much possession.

0 points
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imnion's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:20 pm

Seems like whoever Tray Matthews hits, they go down. Great tackler. Crawford? Not so much.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:22 pm

I think Crawford is behind Sheldon now.

4 points
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Gianich's picture

August 29, 2019 at 11:25 pm

Crawford is terrible at finish anything.

2 points
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fthisJack's picture

August 30, 2019 at 07:21 am

Crawford can't tackle. send him on his way and keep Sheldon.

2 points
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ScaryGary's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:21 pm

boyle is a nice guy. but i would be anyone who would take it 100 bucks kizer is number 2

0 points
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4
RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:21 pm

This game was entertaining!

Most 4th preseason games are painful. This one was fun to watch.

I think Williams is RB 3. He looked good catching the ball. Carson is jag.
After that run Ford should be invited to the PS.

Wilkins...with the hurdle! I don’t know if he can play QB, but he’d be great to develop.

Marcus Jones looked really good! Though he has to change his number.

The next 2 days are going to be interesting to see who makes it and who doesn’t.

Do they keep 3 true S? They have been cross training CBs to play S. Perhaps they keep Sullivan over a 4th S. Also Campbell will return at some point.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they get an ILB from another team.

3 points
3
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Coldworld's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:28 pm

I would like to see Ford over Carson. Not going to happen but I am frustrated that he hasn’t had a proper shot. Williams is the best pure runner but Ford would handle protection and bring offensive potential.

5 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

August 30, 2019 at 07:09 am

i'm just not impressed with Carson. He is JAG to me. Ford maybe JAG too, but he at least showed me something pretty awesome last night. Williams also could be JAG.

But Williams has an explosiveness that you can't teach. He has a ton of potential. Needs work but out of those 3 I think he has the biggest upside.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:34 am

Agree totally on the upside. I just would never trust him to keep my QB healthy. Given that we have Rodgers at QB, that means he would never see the field at this point in reality.

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

August 30, 2019 at 10:41 am

Yeah, I agree with you on not trusting him to keep the QB healthy. But there are ways they can hide his pass blocking issues. if he can run, and pass catch, they can find ways to still use him, if needed.

With a new coach, he might find ways to use guys' strengths more.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

August 30, 2019 at 07:14 am

Gute has said it's the best 52 for this team. Not the best players. I think we all need to keep this in mind as the mass cut day is almost upon us fans. There is going to be a churn all season as Gute evals the bottom third of this roster, Even if this team has a winning season, this GM and his front office is still treating this team as a hard rebuild. If Gute decides to change to a soft rebuild or even a reload depends on how healthy and how well this team and coaching staff handle this season. Bring on the regular season!

3 points
3
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Daren726's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:22 pm

Kizar had a couple of good drives also. We’ll see who they choose for the 53 man roster

4 points
6
2
sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:45 pm

Could be “none-of-the-above.” Mullens? Going to have to trade for him.

1 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 30, 2019 at 10:50 am

Given SFs recent bad luck with QB injuries I don't see how they part with a game tested backup that knows their system.

Our week 1 backup is probably on the roster. By the trade deadline there will be some veteran QBs that could be moved, but they're going to come at a premium, as Indy could still be QB shopping, as could any team that loses a starter and needs more depth.

The most likely candidates I see for a mid-season trade right now are Keenum (he is expendable once McCoy is healthy and Haskins is starting), Kevin Hogan, Joe Webb, and Matt Glennon. Of them, to me, Keenum and Webb are the only ones I see that offer upside over our current roster

1 points
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ScaryGary's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:24 pm

conspiracy theory; coaches told sheppard to fumble so they can keep him on practice squad, have u ever seen an easier strip?

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:31 pm

Actually, looked like a perfect punch out on replay. Ball held high ant tight.

3 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:50 pm

Oddly plausible theory. Wouldn’t it have been easier to fake an injury?

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:30 pm

Kudos to the guy we signed today, Dejon Allen, who blocked for Ford on the big run.

Maybe he is a PS possibility.

0 points
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albert999's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:41 pm

Didn’t catch that
Good call

0 points
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albert999's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:43 pm

Folston looked good especially on the sack

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:37 am

I was impressed, though obviously late in the game. To me he showed more than I have seen from Ramsey but not to the level of Markus Jones.

I believe Jones should make the roster. If so, Folston to the PS is a possibility. Ramsey seems JAG to me.

0 points
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Unglued's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:46 pm

I think Sullivan was playing some Safety tonight, I wonder if he sticks on 53.

Dexter Williams becomes an intriguing decision, my guess is he makes 53.

With Gilbert trade, Ramsey has a shot at 53, imo.

Anyone catch Blake's interview with Kuhn during game, talking about who is going to play in middle with him, and Blake pumping up Greene in that context.

Possible surprise around cutdown, how about keeping only 5WR after EQ to IR? Not saying this will happen, but not crazy if go heavy RB/FB and TE.

3 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:54 pm

MLF was over 50% running plays in Tennessee. Need RB’s and blocking TE’s for that. May see Dexter and a 4th RB. They were trying to acquire one via trade this past week!

1 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 30, 2019 at 12:42 pm

Barring surprise cuts from another team I think the week 1 roster will have 3 RBs, 2 FBs, all if whom were on the roster as of this morning. Downhill running RBs are plentiful enough that they're a safe stash on the PS, and Vitale has shown enough in camp as a pass catcher that they may lot to split him and J. Williams as the traditional third down back.

0 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:46 pm

They need help at ILB.

0 points
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albert999's picture

August 29, 2019 at 10:56 pm

Folston

-1 points
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ThxJackVainisi's picture

August 30, 2019 at 12:57 am

I'll be surprised if Gutekunst doesn't claim at least one player from the waiver wire, maybe two. ILB & perhaps RB could be the positions targeted.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:43 am

I think they found it in Jones at OLB. Overall, I think Summers and Sheldon can help inside. Crawford isn’t making the team. Martinez is our fixture. Both Summers and Sheldon are fast and have improved.

One of Burks and Bolton will be back soon, but I think we can cover till then as well as we would if we brought in a cover type who needs to learn the system and I will take the speed over a thumper if we play a few 2 more traditional 2 ILB sets.

Matthews emergence means we have someone behind Greene who can tackle too. That has been a pleasing and necessary surprise with Campbell not off PUP.

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Swisch's picture

August 29, 2019 at 11:04 pm

After a month or so of preseason practices and games, I wonder if this game will do much to influence the coaches regarding Kizer and Boyle. I hope the coaches have already been seeing the potential for something special in at least one of them.
With the same perspective, it's hard to think that one fumble would lower the possibility of Shepherd making the team.
On the other hand, perhaps two guys who did make a final push to better their possibilities of staying with the Packers (at least on the practice squad) are Redding and Ford (although still in the context of the last month of overall work).

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PackersPlanet's picture

August 30, 2019 at 12:12 am

Flashing lights tonight. It was pretty cool. But I would make the drum line mik’ed up way louder. Also just tell the crowd to stand up and get loud. Stop beating around the bush. Stand up and be f———- loud!

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Qoojo's picture

August 30, 2019 at 12:17 am

The 3 backup QBs combined are good enough to lose a game. I sure hope they don't devote more than one roster spot for backup qb. I would keep D Williams over any of the other backup RBs.

Just happy preseason is over and we get to see 1st stringers finally. No idea how good they actually are.

3 points
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Johnblood27's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:10 am

players and coaches all say that pep talks do not work at the pro level.

why would a screaming crowd do anything.

this noise is just for the crowd, especially in aan open bowl. Just not a thing.

this is a complete non-issue and MLF or whoever has decided to create artificial enthusiasm is a moron and cheapens the stadium experience.

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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 08:47 am

Casual fan perspective? I hate that the marginal fans dominate sports entertainment but that’s the $. One would think that the Packers could have stayed above that of all teams. Curious why we think this is a coaching thing though. I would have thought that was a Murphy business type consideration rather than Gute or LaFleur?

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stockholder's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:09 am

Ever play cards and not get what you need? We needed a back - up QB. I saw nothing. Crosby still is a discard. The DL needs a wild card. Jenkins is an Ace. Play him. Summers is a hold. You never know with a Joker. And instead of keeping 7 Wrs. I suggest 7 CBs instead. This game changed the 53 completely. So - What must be thrown away. There's a saying about Lady Luck . Moore just ran out of it. While Rodgers has the winning hand. He must keep it Hot. I believe are king would do better with 4 Tes. Lefluer can't bluff his way anymore. He can't play losers. Gute must beat the odds. He still needs better back-ups.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 30, 2019 at 07:43 am

SH,
I tend to disagree a little with your thoughts pertaining to the backup QB's. I thought Kizer looked the best I have seen from him since being a Packer. He looked more confidant not only in managing the huddle and line of scrimmage, but his play within the pocket. His throws looked strong. His deep pass under pressure to Redding was better than Rodgers frequently throws. Unfortunately Redding dropped it but Redding did impress during the game. Definitely a PS member!

While none of us know 100% but it sure looked to me that JMon stopped his route short on the INT. Just don't know what to make of JMon not only in his on field performance but his interviews. Possibly put him on the PS but if only one WR on PS it needs to be Redding or Shepherd over JMon.

I'm really liking this Ty Summers! Good looking dude and athletic. You can see he lives and dies football. He is going to be a good player for the Pack for a long-time. No way he doesn't make the 53. Also liking this Sheldon guy with some potential.

As frustrating as Dexter Williams has been my oh my his athleticism on the 22 yard pass/run was obvious. this guy is going to be a real talent for the Pack once he fully matures and develops. No way you keep him off the 53. Guy has potential star talent like Aaron Jones. Think back on how Aaron looked his first pre-season.

Bayles is definitely a PS player and looked very good. Without question he should make the 53 over Sternberger as he looks significantly better but Jace due to drafted in 3rd round will make it over him. It is my hope Jace is put on IR if possible as it is obvious he physically is not ready to compete game in and game out. He needs a lot of time to work on developing his body for the NFL. Big Bob will be the #1 TE before season is out. I see Bayles and eventually Jace being the top 3 TE's next year. Honestly, I would cut Lewis this year (they won't) and put Bayles on the 53. I like this kid!

The WR's is just a condundrum. What will they do with ESB? I see him as their #4 WR with upside. Do they go all in this year and keep him on 53 and then put him on IR, or do they simply put him on IR for season? I see Lazard making the 53 over Shepherd with Shep hopefully making the PS along with Redding. Davis has simply out performed Shepherd.

The Packers DB's and Safety positions have a number of good young players with potential. How those spots play out will be interesting along with the WR's. Some good young development guys in all three spots will end up on PS.

OL looks good! Glad they are keeping Taylor for the extra depth he provides on the OL even if he is the starter. Interior line depth looks good but still concerned as I am every year about backup Tackle position.

Crosby will make it but leaning towards cutting him a year early is better with a young kicker with a much stronger leg.

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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:01 am

I agree with virtually all you say except Shepherd versus Davis. The two are not in competition because they would have very different roles.

Davis (and I took a while to see this) is going to be used to stretch the D with his speed as a second deep threat (after MVS) but, more significantly from a schematic perspective, laterally through sweeps and end around and the like.

That’s his niche and it opens up the playbook as Dusty has explained. Shepherd is s classic slot with agility and short area quickness who has the magical ability to find ways to read the field and get open when a play breaks down. I hope to goodness we have both on the roster. Kumerow can handle pretty much any other duty. Also, despite the fumble, I would have no problem calling on him as a returner in the event Davis is dinged. Nice to have. He is a natural catcher of kicks and punts.

Adams, MVS, Allison, Kumerow, Davis, Shepherd. That’s a lot of variety to exploit and ST is well covered within 6 WR spots. With Tonyan or a RB, 5 receiver sets could be supported.

Lazard and maybe Redding to the PS. EQ to the IR. If they really like Lazard, then maybe just IR EQ. High ankle sprains can take a long time to really get back to full fitness as opposed to on the field.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:24 am

Regarding Mason Crosby...

I believe he is nice guy. I believe he wants to help Packers. I believe that

It is interesting. 80% comments agreed that he is average kicker (hell, he has problem to place kick-off in the end zone!), but many of you are OK with that. Why should we change anything? Why we are not satisfied with our back-up QBs. They are average guys. Or, why we wants any player on the team to be excellent. If we have good (average) guys why to change? You can always got worse guy instead!

Ridiculous....

I remember same discussion when Packers released Tim Masthay . Your arguments against release was that he is good holder, he is average, but you know what you have etc...

Do you remember Tim? Well, Packers get 2 average guys instead of Tim and finally found better punter.

Whatever the decision comes I will support that decision. I truly believe that Gutekunst and coaches will make the best for the team. Cut Mason, trade Mason or keep Mason. At least Ficken has much stronger leg and he has ability to score FG for 60+ yards. Mason is limited to 55 as the longest you can expect...

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CAG123's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:32 am

Somethings wrong if you’re setting for 60 yard FGs. You keep Mason because you know you have an average kicker at worst. You saw a team like the Bucs struggle after taking a kicker in the 2nd round a few years ago and now that kicker isn’t even on the roster, the Bears are struggling, the Vikes are struggling all because they under valued their decent to good kicker over a bad stretch. The Vikes released that kicker 3 years ago after he shanked the game winner against the Seahawks and still haven’t found a replacement. So until you know you have the next guy you keep the current guy you have.

4 points
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stockholder's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:53 am

Crosby is gone next year regardless. He's been terrible on artificial turf. Holding onto him, has a lot of pros and cons. He's to hot and cold now. XPs should be automatic. Trading him for what you need now, is better then nothing.

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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:11 am

That does sound like an argument for mediocrity. If Crosby’s leg has declined then how average is he now?

I know field goals are the key metric, but watching him fail to reach the end zone on a warm, calm summer night is alarming. It looked like a game from before they moved the kick off location. That might not matter if we had a demon special teams coverage unit, but we don’t. We may improve, but his short kicks are a game tilting positional risk at this point.

Finally, other teams doubt their choice at kicker due to missed PATs. Certain irony in the fact that Crosby also missed one in perfect conditions.

I came in last night not expecting to care or think about the kicking implications. I left thinking that Crosby to the Bears being something that might be addition by subtraction. The current visuals haven’t looked good.

I am wondering if there is any connection to the mysteriously short kick distances seen in practice now. I hope we make a decision based upon actual current capabilities.

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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 02:11 am

Gotta chime in on Crosby.

He is THE highest paid K in the NFL, but, now he is really average, at best.

We need a really good, young K to replace him eventually, and it looks like the time is now. I believe Ficken just won a roster spot.

Can’t wait to see how he handles Winter conditions at Lambeau. Trust he can handle it. Seriously. Mason has not been consistent for a while, really. Most accurate K in NFL over last 10 years I believe, but not even close the past 4 years, I mean, insanely average. Time to cut bait. Better to release a high priced vet a year too early rather than a year too late. I’m afraid if we keep him, we’ll be on the wrong side of that. Ficken is GOOD!

Add, a willingness to put up with the high number of Crosby misses he’s been trending, but an unwillingness to allow the same or fewer to a young, talented, more accurate K with a stronger leg as he learns the ropes at Lambeau in Tundra conditions makes ZERO sense to me. Crosby is trending in the wrong direction, and I love the guy, but, it is plain to see.

As for the rest, add Summers, Nijman, Markus Jones, Manny Wilkins and Dexter Williams. Possibly Matthews at S. Possibly Dejon Allen at OG. Really, really, really like Deon Simon. What the hell, add all 9. I think they will really help this team in their reserve roles with Summers a possible starter now. Man, that kid bought a ton of reps this preseason.

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Streeter87's picture

August 30, 2019 at 04:27 am

If you want Crosby gone fine, but the only really sane way to do that is to do some serious scouting and draft one. Even that is not guaranteed success, but it’s still better than waiver wire hoping and praying...

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Cartwright's picture

August 30, 2019 at 04:28 am

The presesaon is for rookies to shine and for veterans to get the rust out and fine tune their craft. I want to believe Crosby is getting the rust out and making his mistakes now. He's waning but is too clutch to cast off. Would hate to see Gute make the change only for us to say at the end of the season why did he make that fricken pick. No need to take chances, want to believe Mason's just rusty and that's all.

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Lphill's picture

August 30, 2019 at 05:37 am

My concern about Crosby is that will he be able to get a touch back when facing a dangerous kick returner in a close game or will he drop it right in their lap and allow a big return , I don’t remember many touch backs last season. You have to figure his leg strength has declined , I guess they keep him until someone better comes along but other teams are hurting for a kicker as well .

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Coldworld's picture

August 30, 2019 at 09:17 am

They have been pretty close in camp in terms of accuracy. There is a tendency to assume Ficken is a scrub. I am not sure that the Packers or other teams agree.

Are you all really sure that the Bears etc would prefer an aging Crosby? I’m no longer convinced. I would love to see the Bears letting our returners start in motion from the 5 yard line. I don’t want Patterson doing that next week.

1 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 30, 2019 at 01:07 pm

Depending on how the rest of the roster shakes out 2 kickers could be possible. It's not optimal, but if they don't trust Mason's kickoff strength, don't trust Ficken's in game accuracy on FGs, and don't trust Scott to not shank balls out on kickoffs, that could be where we end up. Scott was the kickoff man in college, but he hasn't shown he can do it yet in game action.

It has been several years, but IIRC Dallas rolled into the season with two kickers for a similar reason.

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greengold's picture

August 30, 2019 at 03:50 pm

Pretty simple argument, really. Who do you want going to the Bears? Or to the Vikings? Both need Ks.

Do you want to give them Ficken, a young, accurate kicker with a powerful leg that could possibly be there for years, and possibly be a nemesis to GB for years, or, do you want to give them Crosby who is clearly declining in accuracy and leg strength who may only last one or two more years at best?

This is no where near Robbie Gould like stuff. Crosby is showing a steady, declining trend for the past 4 seasons. No where near the top 10, struggling to be top 15 I would guess.

Matt, 2 kickers is apt to destroy the confidence of both.

Can always add another next year or midseason if it doesn't work, but you'll never know if you don't try.... But, I do think GB was prudent to open the job for competition, and I think they found their replacement in Ficken.

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