Gutekunst Hoping Rodgers' Season Makes Up For All The Drama
Long offseason of discontent finally over.
By KenLass
It’s finally game week for the Packers. Brian Gutekunst probably thought it would never get here. For Green Bay’s general manager, this had to be the longest offseason of his life.
Gutekunst has spent the last five months taking a public relations beating from the national talking heads. Though it had been simmering privately for years, the rift between Gutey and quarterback Aaron Rodgers exploded out into the open on the day of the draft in April. That’s when ESPN’s Adam Schefter stunned the sports world by proclaiming that Rodgers was frustrated with the front office and has decided he is done playing for the Packers and wanted to be traded. This just three months after Rodgers, following the loss to Tampa Bay in the NFC championship game, had stated “I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t be back.”
Though his initial report was over stated, Schefter’s scoop proved to be essentially true. Rodgers confirmed his discontent when he spoke to the media upon reporting for training camp in late July. “The organization looks at me and my job as just to play” he said. “ In my opinion, based on what I’ve accomplished in this league, the way I care about my teammates, the way I show up in the locker room, the way I conduct myself in the community, it should tie myself to a little more input. Rules are the same for most people, but every once in awhile there are a few out liars, you know, guys who have been in an organization for seventeen years and have won MVP’s, where they can be in conversations at a higher level. I’m not asking anything that any other great quarterbacks across the last few decades have not gotten.”
Rodgers eloquently explained that he just wanted to offer his services to the organization as a recruiter and have some input on free agent personnel decisions in the offseason. “I think we can all understand Green Bay isn’t a huge vacation destination. People come here to play with me, to play with our team and knowing that they can win a championship here. And the fact that I haven’t been used in those discussions was one I wanted to change moving forward. And I felt, based on my years and the way I can still play, that that should be a natural part of the conversation.”
The national media and players around the league quickly lined up to take Rodgers’ side and blast Gutekunst, expressing amazement that the general manager could let his star signal caller’s relationship with the team deteriorate to that point. Rodgers ran off a list of former players he claimed weren’t treated with the respect they had earned. A list that included Charles Woodson, Jordy Nelson, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, Randall Cobb, James Jones, John Kuhn. Brett Goode, TJ Lang, Bryan Bulaga, Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde.
Gutekunst had to swallow his pride and resist the temptation to point out that there was solid logic behind the departure of all of those players, based on salary cap issues, deterioration of play, or the acquisition of new talent. To say nothing of the fact that some of those decisions were made by his predecessor. As leaks critical of Green Bay’s dealings with Rodgers continued to flow all summer, Gutekunst tried his best to stay on the high road, reiterating that Rodgers was highly valued, and that the organization was committed to him for 2021 and beyond.
He had to defend Green Bay’s reputation for treatment of players. “One thing I will push back on. There’s a perception out there somehow we don’t treat our players well” he told the media. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. We’ve always treated our players well here.”
Gutekunst also denied that Rodgers’ voice wasn’t heard in team discussions. “Aaron’s had kind of the same input he’s always had, which has been a lot. He’s earned a place at the table.”
In an effort to put an end to the drama, Gutekunst and other team officials flew to California to try to make amends. They offered Rodgers more money and a contract extension, which he rejected. They lopped the final year off his contract and restructured it in a way that, in effect, gives Rodgers control over whether he stays at the end of the season. They traded draft capital to reacquire Randall Cobb, a player they didn’t need, solely to appease Rodgers’ wishes. Finding a way to get QB12 back into the fold for this year dominated Gutey’s offseason.
Was it all worth it? We begin to find out on Sunday. So far, Rodgers has been everything you could ask for. The perfect team player. He hasn’t said anything disruptive, has reassumed his role as team leader and mentor, and by most all accounts, the quality of his play in practice has been outstanding. At the end of training camp, Gutekunst indicated even his personal relationship with Rodgers was working, right down to consulting with him on the roster cutdown to the final 53. “I’ve had really good conversations throughout camp with Aaron” Gutey remarked. “I think the communication has been really good. Everyone involved in that has been aware of what was going on and why we were doing what we were doing, so I feel really good about that and the conversations that I’ve had with Aaron have been excellent.”
So week one is upon us. If Rodgers leads the Packers to the Super Bowl, as he looks poised to do, all the drama, public criticism, travel, negotiation, concession and cajoling will have been worth it. To be sure, another firestorm is likely coming for Gutekunst after the season. But for now, the 4th year front office boss can take a deep breath, cross his fingers, and confidently state “I feel good about this team.”
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (55)
Since'61
September 06, 2021 at 06:07 am
If the rest of our players can play their respective positions as well as Rodgers plays QB it’s going to be a great season. Rodgers is the last player Gute needs to be concerned about. GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61
croatpackfan
September 06, 2021 at 07:09 am
Do you say that the other players should call their plays by themselves? Or that other players should deciding what play they want to play related with coverage, for example? Or all the other players should receive contract same or similar to Aaron Rodgers'? DO they stay there on the field and wait Aaron to throw the ball to Davante? Or should they get out of the field? Why they should try when Aaron has all rights to call the plays how he likes, no matter what call comes from the side? What is the purpose of the other players if they try hard to play the best, just to see how someone ignore them?
We were discussing after the 2020 NFCCG why MLF called for FG? Maybe because AR decided to put away plays he called and tried to force the ball to Davante?
Yes, there is concern will QB follow the play calling by his HC or will he try to outsmart everybody, especially himself, and continue to overturn play calls comes from side. We all knows that AR has the right to overturn the call from MLF, but not every call and not in the crucial time of the game.
You may be mad about my attitude toward Aaron Rodgers. But that does not change the facts you are trying to avoid. I truly believe that Aaron Rodgers is unique talent at the position, maybe the largest that ever play that game, but at crucial moments he is outsmarting himself by his arrogance, believing he is the smartest guy on the field and on the sideline. Because, when you see that 3 players covers your favorite target, what is the first what should comes to your mind. If that is the game 11 on 11 there must be at least one player who is uncovered. In the real game (2020 NFCCG), there was 2. That fact you'll never be able to change and that failure is not on FO or Mike Murphy or MLF. That failure is completely on Aaron Rodgers.
As excellent as he is, he has (as all other humans) flaws. Smart person would recognize own flows and will not allow them to become disturbance in the most important moment for himself.
Why Aaron Rodgers led Packers to victory in 2010 SB? Because he was not yet 197,9% sure that he is the smartest man in the universe. It is simple as that!
mnbadger
September 06, 2021 at 11:47 am
you may be laying it on a little heavy, but the basic argument to be disciplined and move through progressions is NFL qb 101 stuff and he fails miserably. Saved only by his arm talent occasionally. I'm afraid that it may get worse this year with DA up for a new contract. At least he'll give RCobb a look, but he'll also be double covered during the big plays. GPG!
MainePackFan
September 06, 2021 at 06:41 pm
So many negative folks on this site, including Ken Lass. You are correct, but of course you will have to deal with a chorus of boos for stating the obvious.
Archie
September 06, 2021 at 06:24 am
We all feel good about this team, both for the upcoming season as well as for the future, with or w/o QB12. And who has brought us to this point? Gutey.
The only problem I see for this season is that the best laid plans of men and mice often go awry, especially in the NFL. The expectations of now or never for this team is an added pressure. It could be a positive in focusing everyone on the urgency of now or it could be a negative if the team stumbles along the way. Like all Packer fans, I'm hoping for the best. Getting a win against the Saints this Sunday in Jacksonville is the first step of the journey. Buckle up!
As far as JLove is concerned, I think the current analysis of him is spot on i.e., he is a work in progress but has shown everything I was hoping for (and expected) at this early juncture. His first season as a starter may be a bumpy one just because it usually is for every QB, just ask Peyton Manning, but beyond that, I am optimistic that he will have a great career in GB. Add to that the great players Gutey will acquire with the draft picks he gets in the Rodgers trade and the future for GB is very bright.
As to Davontae Adams, if the Pack gets out of the gate slow, he could be traded by the trade deadline. Otherwise the Pack will get a R3 compensatory pick at best for the NFL's top WR in his prime. He is worth two#1 picks. Now if things are humming along, of course they will hang on to him for a title run. I see little chance of Adams re-upping with GB because of his huge salary demand - he thinks he is entitled to approx $25 M/yr and he intends to get every penny of it from someone.
Like Mahomes/Kelcey, Rodgers/Adams is a great, if not unstoppable, duo. As Packer fans we need to enjoy the two of them together for one last dance.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 06, 2021 at 07:26 am
2021 is probably AR's last in GB. That said, winning a super bowl conceivably could be the grease needed to quiet the squeaks. Short of that, I don't see it.
If severe misfortune befalls the team early, Adams could be traded. In that scenario, it would behoove the team to trade as many players as possible whose contracts terminate in 2022 prior to the 2021 trade deadline. That means Adams, Z and P Smith, Turner, Amos, Lowry, but not Clark or Bakh. I could go either way on Aaron Jones: it would depend on the offer. Edit: The team could trade Aaron Rodgers - I should have listed him first.
I have tried to write an article on how to handle the 2022 cap. So far, I've crumpled several drafts into the waste can.
PatrickGB
September 06, 2021 at 08:51 am
I can understand why you you crumpled them up. That would be a major undertaking. But thanks for considering it.
Archie
September 06, 2021 at 10:02 am
W/o Rodgers, Adams, Turner, Z, P Smith and Amos (and others), doesn't the cap problem go away? The first two are essentially dictating their exit from GB and the others (our big FA class) are not likely to still be around in 2-3 years under any scenario. By the end of 2021 all eyes will be on 2023 and beyond. Anyone not part of the longer term solution will be jettisoned as the teams reloads for their J Love future. So I see our 2022 cap "problem" as an illusion. Whether by design or by happenstance, the "transition" from Rodgers/Adams et. al. will instantly rid us of our cap problem in return for added draft capital. We will still have a strong nucleus and we will have the money to re-up Gary, Savage, Jaire and Jenkins while paying Bak, Clark and the new guys we draft i.e., it appears that our problems will solve themselves.
HawkPacker
September 06, 2021 at 10:29 am
Not sure I totally agree with your trades. I believe we got a very fair deal with Aaron Jones. Also, if Jenkins does well at left tackle, we would be much further ahead with trading Bakh based on age and high salary.
flackcatcher
September 06, 2021 at 01:08 pm
WAY too many unknowns for the Packers on the Cap. It will clear, but could take a while. Other GM and front offices are taking a wait and see approach too. In that respect, Gutekunst and his front office are in good shape knowing what must be done for next season. But like every team in the league, not knowing how to get there. Going to be an interesting off season that's for sure. So don't worry about it TGR. We'll have to see how the league plays it as a whole.
Since'61
September 07, 2021 at 02:01 pm
No worries TGR. I'm confident that you will come up with a well written, informative article as always. One approach may be to break the salary cap issue into 2 or more pieces rather than trying to deal with it all in one article. Honestly I'm not sure if that's the correct approach but it may be alternative. Or maybe if you break it up it will help you put it back together into one article.
In any case I will be looking forward to whatever you deliver as always. Be well. Thanks, Since '61
murf7777
September 06, 2021 at 07:48 am
In order for trading to start happening that stumble would have to be massive, like starting 2-5. Not going to happen unless, of course, Rodgers has a season ending injury early in the season. Even if they start 3-3 or 3-4 with Rodgers on the team and all the talent surrounding him they still would have a decent chance of making the playoffs and making a run. Even thou its a tough schedule, if you go thru the games one by one, there are only 2 or 3 games where they currently would be rated as an underdog.
Archie
September 06, 2021 at 09:46 am
True, anything approaching 500 near the trade deadline would be reason to see it through to the end with Adams, absent, as you say, losing Rodgers for the season. If the team gets off to a 2-0 start, as it should, it would take a lot of major injuries to derail us to the point of trading away Adams. That said, it still sticks in my craw to lose Adams for a mere compensatory pick. But what can you do - you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Gutey will know before the trade deadline if there is no chance of reaching agreement with Adams.`It would be interesting to watch Adams finish his career in GB with Love throwing to him but we shall see.
TheVOR
September 06, 2021 at 10:36 am
I don't feel good about the future without Rodgers at QB. I saw nothing in the preseason to make me comfortable that we remain a winning franchise under the backup QB's. Unlike the eternal optimistic Rah Rah Packers fans that just stand behind anything Green and Gold, we're seeing a once in a generation talent in Rodgers at QB. When that's gone, so will be the dominance this team has exhibited for 3 decades.
Not looking forward to watching Love, or any other growing pains options. Those growing pains sometimes last for decades, before another competent winning QB comes thru town.
I think the Packers are a very talented roster, but without any NFL QB, they're Middling football team. With Aaron Rodgers, they're competing for Championship runs. That simple really.
Oppy
September 06, 2021 at 11:59 am
Even if the Packers field an average to just above average QB, the Packers have the offensive scheme, plus the type of talent at all offensive positions (OL, TE, WR, RB) that fits this scheme and should allow us to control clock and score points.
That's why I'm optimistic about the future w/o Rodgers. It just so happens that I also feel the Love does have the arm talent to be a very good NFL QB (Although maybe not elite). We'll have to see how he looks when the bullets are live.
Luckily, if he runs the playbook how it will be called from the sidelines, the pressure on him will be entirely manageable, and he'll still have his shots to show off the big arm on PA.
CheesyTex
September 06, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Do you feel good about a Packers future with Rodgers at QB?
With all the player cuts from this year's squad necessary to keep #12 (Packers are projected to be something like $50 million over next year's 'cap limit and -- correct me if I'm wrong -- that does not include Adams who will be a free agent) the Packers will lose several other key players from this year's "...very talented roster..." .
While Rodgers can shoulder a lot, it wouldn't make sense for him to risk his last remaining years with a decimated roster.
Johnblood27
September 06, 2021 at 07:46 am
In the interest of maintaining "good communications" between Gutey and Aaron, I wonder if Gutey regularly has conversations with Aaron concerning his play on the field?
Why did you move the team into that play?
Why was your footwork wrong for that throw?
How could you NOT see TWO open receivers and then throw into triple coverage?
Do you know how your "leadership" is perceived when you publicly admonish your teammates for their on-field errors?
and... Why the disheveled hippie-boy look when you are a multi-millionaire, NBA team owner and 3 time NFL MVP?
Communication indicates a 2-way street. I wonder, does AR realize what that means in terms of how Gutey COULD communicate with him and tell him how to do HIS job like AR wants to do to Gutey?
Respect is not given, it is earned. Respect is not a byproduct of intimidation. That's fear. Respect is an award for living virtuously and taking personal responsibility for ones own actions. ...and - Respect is often a 2-way street, to get it you must give it.
Swisch
September 06, 2021 at 11:00 am
Wow, good stuff, Johnblood!
***
Another question I'd like to have asked to Rodgers: How many times did you overrule your head coach in play calling in that 4th quarter of the championship game against the Bucs?
Let's go through it play by play, and tell us what you were thinking?
Why not more running plays to Dillon?
Were there other pass catchers open that you missed on some of these plays?
In any case, the offense sputtered in crunch time. What went wrong? How will it be different if there is a next time?
***
For a guy with only one Super Bowl ring, and that more than a decade ago, Rodgers sure seems full of himself.
Just two or three seasons ago, it seems he wasn't playing at anywhere near the level of an MVP. I wonder if his coaches and teammates may have helped to elevate his play last season just a little? Those would be people put in place by his general manager, right?
***
We talk about guys missing a couple of games if they get COVID as being a bid deal.
Well, wasn't Rodgers ready to throw away this whole season by holding out for reasons that seem rather petty?
I'm not sure his reasoning was all that on target, anyway? I highly doubt the front office has been anywhere near as cruel and calculating as portrayed by Rodgers, or that other quarterbacks have a lot of say in how their teams are managed.
***
Even if we win a Super Bowl, I don't know if it'll be worth it in having to pander to Rodgers.
The only way this works is if Rodgers gains some self-awareness and has some remorse for being by far mainly the person in the wrong,
As he hosted Jeopardy and vacationed in Hawaii and put his hair up in a bun, he was casually and callously threatening to ruin the season for teammates and coaches and fans.
When he came back, he trashed the reputations of the front office based on weak evidence -- and reputations are a precious thing professionally and personally. It was not only a cheap stunt, but a slyly savage attack to hurt real people.
To care about Rodgers is to not feed into his delusions of grandeur, but to give him a kick in the rump -- if we are truly concerned about him as a player and a person.
I genuinely hope and pray he has an epiphany, and pulls himself together, and grows. Without that, everything seems to be just a fragile charade that can fall apart in one second of adversity.
Even if the Packers do somehow win the Super Bowl, a season of continuing superficiality would make it seem rather hollow.
I don't think even Vince Lombardi believed that winning is everything if it's not accomplished in the right way.
dobber
September 06, 2021 at 11:45 am
"In the interest of maintaining "good communications" between Gutey and Aaron, I wonder if Gutey regularly has conversations with Aaron concerning his play on the field?"
This kind of discussion probably accurately mirrors BG's thoughts on ARod's input into personnel...
LambeauPlain
September 06, 2021 at 01:42 pm
Correct. That would be like Mark Murphy making the draft selections.
Oppy
September 06, 2021 at 12:05 pm
To dobber's point, the GM has no real business discussing on field performance with the players unless he's at the table negotiating a new contract, just like a player really shouldn't have any input on personnel decisions besides perhaps having the ability to voice his opinion.
Coldworld
September 06, 2021 at 08:16 am
Since most of the listed grievances were before Gute and while there were a number of others above him, the continued characterization of Rodgers v Gute may be convenient but it doesn’t stand up. This is Rodgers v Team and based on some interesting apparent assumptions as to role and acuity. Moreover, this obviously ballooned after his early off season statement for reasons unknown, which would be pretty critical to understanding what occurred. I really don’t see the point in reviving this discussion.
murf7777
September 06, 2021 at 09:58 am
CW, your right on….Rodgers issues came up after he made the statement, “I want to retire a Packer”. This statement was made right after the NFC Championship loss.
SpikeHyzer
September 06, 2021 at 11:58 am
Great take, as is almost always the case for you.
SanLobo
September 06, 2021 at 09:27 am
Not exactly sure why we decided to pick at scabs today, but hey, OK.
Gutenkunst was blind sided by this situation. Not because he’s deficient in some way, but because he was relatively new as the GM. Rodger’s perceived this through the lens of a starting QB for the last 15 years. Fair or unfair, he viewed the Front Office as the entity ‘Front Office’ for all those years. Gutenkunst steps in, is probably instructed by Murphy to build the transition from Rodgers as a priority, and he does. No doubt he thought Rodgers was sanguine in his role. After all, they had great seasons and Rodgers appeared to love the coaches and fellows players.
Suddenly (in Gutenkunst’s eyes, but not to Rodgers) Rodgers tells the Front Office he wants out. Gutenkunst has done exactly what he should have done. Let Rodgers realize he is locked in to Green Bay, that he does love his teammates and the coaches and that he still loves to compete at the highest levels. Gutenkunst has also started investing time and energy in talking to Rodgers. Gutenkunst is no dummy and knows a happy Rodgers is good for the team. I haven’t seen big changes to how the Front Office does business, but I have seen both Rodgers and Gutenkunst saying positive things about the relationship. Yes they brought in Cobb, but after Texas kicked in $3M and his contract was restructured, the impact on us isn’t that huge, especially considering the alternative. And none of us know what is being said in the Gutenkunst/Rodgers conversations, but they appear to be working. I suspect Gutenkunst is probably explaining the logic of his actions, and listening to Rodgers input, since both appear to be walking away happy.
So yeah, the off season sucked, but Gutenkunst handled the whole thing pretty well, and now we have a team postured about as ready for a Super Bowl as any. All we need now is a little luck and good health amongst our players. So, maybe let’s leave the scab alone for awhile.
Oppy
September 06, 2021 at 12:09 pm
I don't know about both walking away happy. If I were happy, I wouldn't decide to use the podium after the first day of training camp to publicly shit on my franchise for the world to see.
TheVOR
September 06, 2021 at 10:40 am
By the way, this article is a rehash of what we already know. I read the title and thought to myself, oh great, what's the next stupid thing Gutekunst has said in the media to hack off the MVP.
In other words it's kind of a click bait article. We're all ready to see what this product is. The least of my worries is Aaron Rodgers, other than him being able to stay on the field behind an OL that probably needs to gel.
Coldworld
September 06, 2021 at 10:56 am
Gute really said nothing in public to hack off anyone. Murphy made a couple of questionably wise but largely bland at root statements. As to the real drivers in February, we do not know what they were and aren’t likely to find out. For that reason, picking at this sore is indeed click bait.
dobber
September 06, 2021 at 11:51 am
We can look at the CMIII instagram "joke", too, to figure out just what's happening behind closed doors. ARod knows anything he says or does is immediate news. He's smart enough to know how that would've been construed. Who's doing the trolling? I have a middle-school aged daughter, and this is the kind of stuff those kids do...
The recognition needs to be that the relationship between 12 and the Packers is just a marriage of convenience at this point, and fans need to know that all three of these guys are not for long in Titletown. And not just because there's virtually no cap massaging that will keep them in town.
PackerAaron
September 06, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Gutekunst never said anything as dumb as calling this a clickbait article. *shrugs*
LambeauPlain
September 06, 2021 at 01:55 pm
I side with CW on this article. Good informational writers on CHTV reporting Packer "news". This article was a rehash of old news. It does fire up the the fan debate though, again.
Alberta_Packer
September 06, 2021 at 12:06 pm
I'm hoping that *As The Football Spins* - starring A. Rodgers - is nominated for a Daytime Emmy as the best drama series of 2021.
Together with the Covid crisis, and, the void that is the NFL off season - this melodrama was a great bit of cheap and authentic in-home entertainment. It also served as a PSA - for men's pre-midlife crises. So, in short, an entertaining and educational off season! Thank you! And now to our Feature Presentation...
* Title credit - "Swisch"
mbpacker
September 06, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Sort of reminds me of the soap opera a few seasons back called," Bret Goes to New York".
Alberta_Packer
September 06, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Yes! Although that turned into more of a graphic novel for Favre.
dobber
September 06, 2021 at 01:01 pm
It's time to go back and dig up a few episodes of "All My Packers"...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iYyc-cMfrM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhw0ft4plao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4EbIHZNxqQ
Alberta_Packer
September 06, 2021 at 04:19 pm
Awesome!
Swisch
September 06, 2021 at 03:38 pm
Thanks much for the credit, AP.
If you'll please excuse a slight and polite correction, I think it was, "As The World Spirals."
My memory could be wrong, though.
It's all pretty close to the same sense of good humor.
***
Perhaps a subtitle could be, "The Fancy Passes and Passing Fancies of Aaron Rodgers."
Our QB always adds an element of mystery and intrigue with his cryptic remarks slyly delivered.
Add to that the pre-midlife crisis featuring a hosting role on Jeopardy, a manbun, and a new relationship with a Hollywood actress -- and we've got ourselves an engaging melodrama.
Of course in this soap opera I do truly root for Aaron Rodgers to win in the end, professionally and personally.
If I was in his prominent position on on the field and off, I'd probably get carried away with myself, too. Actually, I tend do so even in my obscurity.
So no hard feelings to Rodgers, and all the best to him, although my serious concerns continue.
After all the plot twists, may there be a happy ending to all concerned.
***
Also good stuff by mb.
Perhaps a tagline to hype Brett's spinoff sitcom in New York, then Minneapolis (kind of the opposite of "Rhoda"): "A celebrity quarterback wanders Favre from home, but does he find himself?"
Alberta_Packer
September 06, 2021 at 04:21 pm
Thank you for the correction. I remembered "spirals" but wasn't sure whether it was "football" or "world." I sense a sequel - perhaps a mini-series - "The Passing Fancies of Aaron Rodgers" - narrated by Brian Gutekunst or Mike Murphy or Morgan Freeman?
Like you, I will miss Rodgers - mostly on-field but a little off the field as well. Tell me if there was a better drama series on Netflix or Prime this year than "As The World Spirals." Plus, it didn't cost us $7.95 per month.
As for the opposite "Rhoda" spin-off - perhaps a call to Jenn Sterger - as one of the lead characters?
Not much happening during the off-season? Never!
Swisch
September 06, 2021 at 07:01 pm
It may have been, "As the Football Spirals."
My lapses of memory, or at least uncertainties, are disconcerting to me as I approach 60.
Oh well, I'll try to keep a sense of humor about it.
***
With Brett Favre, I was thinking of that song from, "The Dukes of Hazzard" adapted to him -- Just a good ole boy, never meaning no harm . . .
Even though Kiln, Mississippi and Green Bay are poles apart geographically, they may have been kind of similarly folksy. However, when Favre caught on as a celebrity nationally, that may have been a lot for a young guy to handle.
So from Kiln Kountry and Green Bay over to New York may be a good fish-out-of-water story with lots of opportunities for humorous social commentary.
***
I'm still a big Brett Favre fan, but his latter years with the Packers left something to be desired. He took the fun gunslinger image and overdid it into reckless shots downfield.
One would hope that Rodgers would learn from watching Favre as an apprentice to not get too big to be coachable. That seems to be a problem for Rodgers in general, and may include him overriding the coach too often in play calling.
I'll probably always be an Aaron Rodgers fan, too, but would say he has a better chance of getting his second Super Bowl if he gains some humility.
SpikeHyzer
September 06, 2021 at 11:59 am
Oh it will, it will be a season for the ages for #12.
He's never less than motivated to be the best, which IS why he's the best QB in history.
mbpacker
September 06, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Everybody ready for some football? GPG!
canadapacker
September 06, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Gutey is probably hoping beyond hope that this season is firstly the biggest success that the Packers have had over the past 2 seasons - ie Superbowl or bust. As I have said before I dont know why Gutey had to think that to do this little bit of move up because Love was this tremendous talent. When AR fell to TT – it was because he was predicted to go Number 1 overall – when San Fran took Smith – the next 14 teams didnt need/want a QB with their first round selection – so TT got a real steal. There was absolutely no consensus that Love was that type of guy. There was also no real consensus that AR was in total decline. And one needs to factor in that AR has had 3 years less wear and tear on his body than others - Brady/Mannings/Favre/Brady. So the only thing that Gutey got was a PO’d AR, the lack of help for the team immediately with a quality first round. So now he is trying to make Love into something that he is probably not going to be. Not saying that anybody picked in Love's place would have put us in the Superbowl last year - but maybe this year? Finally - It ( from a little bit of a preseason this year) hasnt shown from Love's performance that he is anywhere close to being the "player" that Gutey drafted. And remember this - when KC drafter Mahommes and sat him - he LOOKED ready to go near the end of the season and that is why they dumped Smith. So Gutey better be crossing his fingers and toes that everything works out for the Best. I still dont think that our D and special teams are improved just by coaching changes. But until one really sees ones versus ones - ONE never really knows.
Since'61
September 06, 2021 at 01:30 pm
Good post Canada Packer. The bottom is that Gute and to lessor degree MLF are all in for this season and they're betting/hoping that Rodgers can cover up all the weaknesses one more time and the Packers can win the SB. If that happens Gute and MLF buy themselves at least 5 more seasons and maybe longer ala MM & TT. I'm not yet sold on Barry, the defense, Drayton or the STs either. We begin to get answers this Sunday.
They can jettison Rodgers and the other heavy cap hits and rebuild around Love with numerous draft picks and hope get back into contention by 2023 -24. If the plan doesn't work out by 2025 it will "Bye Bye Love, Bye Bye MLF, Bye Bye Gute, Bye Bye SB Bye Bye." Start the GM, HC, QB carousel. Maybe Murphy gets chucked as well.
Time to be all in for 2021. The off season is over, pre season over, worry about 2022 and beyond when they get here. GPG! Thanks, Since '61
Johnblood27
September 06, 2021 at 08:44 pm
Hey 61, Murphy is 66 now, by 2025 Murphy will be on the automatic retirement at 70 game plan.
Buh Bye!
Since'61
September 06, 2021 at 11:08 pm
That’s a good point Johnblood. I’m not sure if that is set in stone however. I think the Packers Board can override that rule if they would want to. Maybe not. It’s worth checking out.
Thanks, Since ‘61
flackcatcher
September 06, 2021 at 01:36 pm
Short answer: Three sub par seasons prior to MLF hiring. Leaking stories to cut Mike McCarthy's authority as HC, and injuries and age taking their toll. Add into that toxic mix a contract which crippled the Packers Cap, and one can see why the Packers Executive Committee (IE: The Owners) would hire Brian Gutekunst as GM. Besides, Rodgers knows how Gutekunst operates, seeing as he was the understudy of both Ron and Ted, he knew the handwriting was already on the wall unless he made some major concessions. He made it clear that was off the table, period. And, we all know the rest...
canadapacker
September 06, 2021 at 04:38 pm
You are correct about the poor seasons but some of that came from MM not evolving his offense and some can be traced back to keeping Capers for too long. As well TT did not draft well with too many misses at the top end of the draft. AR was a factor as MM's play calling left too much onus on him and the big play. Green Bay was too predictable in MMs last years
croatpackfan
September 07, 2021 at 03:50 am
Well, we do not know for sure, but maybe Aaron Rodgers decided to change plays, because he did not love what MM was calling? Who knows, there was more than once where you can see angry and upset MM on the sideline when some plays were fail. On the other occasion he did not produce that emotion after fail plays...
I suspect we will never know how much was on Aaron Rodgers and how much was on MM...
stockholder
September 06, 2021 at 01:16 pm
Gute caused the split when he drafted Love. Why go to California? If their right. Their Right! Were in the middle of a PR war. Rodgers spilled his Guts. They only needed to avoid another #4 scenario. And they did. I get Rodgers. He's the MVP of the NFL. Protect your friends. But I'm going to say this. Gute is the GM. He only had to protect his MVP. Not anyone else. He lied to him self, and Rodgers. Nobody is asking for an apology. Either he knows talent and can process it. Or we need a new GM. You can't sign everyone. I get that. And The Team comes first. But whats BEST for the TEAM --- spending money? Drafting a replacement? Or just using a little common sense.
Since'61
September 06, 2021 at 01:39 pm
Actually all 3 approaches in your final sentence should be utilized as approaches to building the best team.
Speaking for myself the wild card is Murphy. He chose to hire MLF, maybe he pulled the string to select Love and maybe he pulled the string for Gute to patch up with Rodgers. We'll never know, but since Murphy returned from building Packer World he has been a source of reorganization and disruption. Now that reality begins this week I hope that he stays out of the way and let's the coaches coach and the players play. Thanks, Since '61
flackcatcher
September 07, 2021 at 02:28 pm
The open question on Murphy, is how much power does he have in pro football operations. That's never been answered by 1265 since the hiring of Gutekunst. We can only infer by the actions taking by the Executive Committee since Guekunst's hiring.
LambeauPlain
September 06, 2021 at 02:11 pm
Rodgers is an arrogant man.
"Players come here to play with me, to play with our team and knowing that they can win a championship here."
Cobb? Yes. M. Bennett. Sadly yes. Who else?
Who did not stay in GB to play with Rodgers and win a Lombardi? Linsley? Bulaga? Williams? TJ Lang? Hyde? Hayward?
All, according to Rodgers opinion, should have taken just a little less $ to play with the Packer magnet and get a Ring. They didn't. They took the money.
And that is fine.
Just don't overstate what Rodgers has personally done to "keep the band together. That is Gutey and Ball. And it has been a slog to keep key players with Rodgers huge salary and cap.
croatpackfan
September 07, 2021 at 07:05 am
The truth is underappreciate on this web page. By many, LambeauPlain. Basically, lot of people here lives in the past. Lives and thinks how it was, not how it is now.
That is why they are not willing to oppose the facts, but they are willing to praise the One who they think is able to bring them trophy...
But that is their right. And I have no hard feelings for them. I understand them...
Gman1976
September 06, 2021 at 03:22 pm
I am so glad that we have Gute as our GM. He has really done a great job with his roster during his term, His churning of the roster tells us that he is constantly trying to get the best on the field. His work with A.R. is also to be applauded as well. While Gute & A.R. aren't perfect (under the magnifying glass of both the media & fans), they are both here, motivated, & taking another run for the Superbowl. What more could we realistically ask?
Fubared
September 06, 2021 at 04:40 pm
Unless he has a change of heart, I think this is his last season in GB. Getting to playoffs and stallng is old. I hope Gutt spends his time looking at college film and preparing for the rebuild. His drafting has been questionable at best. If he thinks love is the answer, then fans may be going the path of the Lions, perpetual losers.