Key Battles: Packers vs. Raiders

As I sit here in Sin City in my hotel room overlooking the Raiders new stadium, I'm thinking about how this is supposed to be the dress rehersal preseason contest and how in all likelihood it won't be.  With Aaron Rodgers health still in question, other first team players will probably see the minimum amount of reps and give way to the players on the 90 man roster who are fighting for a spot on opening day.  

As the Packers get ready for their third preseason game in Winnipeg, here are SOME of the key battles I will be watching over the next week.

Key Battles for Preseason Week 3:

1. How Will the Battle at the Wide Receiver Position shake out?

Right now, I believe the top four positions are all accounted for with: Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison, Marquez-Valdes Scantling, and Equanimeous St. Brown.  Now, it becomes a battle between Jake Kumerow, Darrius Shepherd, J'Mon Moore, Trevor Davis, and Allen Lazard for one or two positions (probably two).  J'Mon Moore continues to make misstep after misstep, and now that has carried off the field after being sighted for driving too fast on state route 29.  

Personally, I believe Jake Kumerow has secured the fifth spott and the battle will come down to Darrius Shepherd and Allen Lazard.  The question now becomes whether the Packers can find a way to keep both Shepherd and Lazard on the fifty-three man roster.

Either way, I will be watching both Lazard and Shepherd intently to see which player provides the most versitility and value to the team.

2. Will the offensive line be able to protect the quarterback and provide running lanes?

I am most interested to see whether the Packers starting unit can neutralize the likes of Clelin Ferrell, Arden Key, Jonathan Hankins, Maurice Hurst, Brandon Marshall and Vontaze Burfict.  David Bakhtiari, Corey Lindsley, and Brian Bulaga need to set the tone by stalling Ferrell and Key to win at the point of attack.  Once these three stalwarts nuetralize the pass rush, the line will be able to get down field and create lanes in the zone blocking scheme which will give the running backs room to run the ball.  

I am looking for the line to be a force in week 3.

3. Will the Packers Defense Clean up Their Act?

The preseason hasn't been overly kind to the Packers defense as they have given up 26 points in each of their first two contests.  With first team players set to see a majority of in-game reps, I will be looking to see if the revamped front seven can pressure and sack the quarterback.

In addition to pressuring the quarterback this defense needs to show an ability to make routine tackles.  I will be looking for the missed tackle number to be cut in half for week 3.  

4. Aaron Rodgers Health:

I know this has been a cause for concern but at this point in his career, I no longer need to see Rodgers play a down in the preseason.  The team's main focus should be to have Rodgers 100% by September 5th against the Bears.  

5. The Backup Quarterback Situation:

DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle need to prove that they belong in the NFL.  To this point, neither has shown consistency or the ability to make basic throws that a compitent backup quarterback needs to make.  If their poor play continues Brian Gutekunst should look to upgrade the position before the season opener.

We will see how everything plays out tomorrow night and whose stocks will rise based off of their week 3 performances.    

-------------------

David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave 

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Comments (84)

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

August 21, 2019 at 04:18 pm

To me Lazard and Shepherd are about as different as two receivers can be. It seems more likely that Shepherd is against Davis. While I am a Shepherd supporter, I doubt we should rule Davis out at this point. One of those two will be the returner. I don’t see both making it unless they seriously view Davis as a perimeter player-at his size I doubt that.

Lazard only makes it if there is a trade or they keep an extra receiver. He doesn’t return and he can’t do what either of the other two do as WRs. His most obvious rivals would be Kumerow and EQ unless Moore has a break out for the ages.

I don’t see the defense cleaning up their act except in that they will not be facing a mobile QB. We have pretty much been told that it will be the same vanilla unschemed diet. I do hope to see better tackling!

Looking to see which of the already-written-off steps up and causes a rethink and to seeing Jones run behind our line, and whether Hill or Ford get more of a look. Like to see more Nijman too.

At this point, it’s as much about who gets playing time and when as it is about performance unless that performance is stellar or dreadful.

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TheVOR's picture

August 21, 2019 at 05:24 pm

This recurring Mantra that somehow EQ is ahead of Kumerow is amusing! I get that EQ has had a decent camp and has decent size and athleticism, yet when push really comes to shove, the guy getting balls thrown his way is Kumerow.

There's a decent true saying at this time of year regarding teams, roster spots, and decisions. I goes like this: "don't listen to what they're saying, watch what they're doing!" What they're doing is constantly throwing the ball to Kumerow because he's open all the time.

The guy I'm really wondering about is Allison. He might in fact be a great trade at this point! He's in a contract year, and with Kumerow and then EQ, Shepherd playing well, and the others who are genuinely chasing a roster spot? This is a trade the Patriots would make sending the guy out for a draft pick or a different player! To get absolutely anything out of Allison would be a win win for the Organization.

Now it is the Packers we're talking about, so I could see them just riding the wave for this season, and watching him walk next season if he has a reasonable year. My 2..

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Packer Dave's picture

August 21, 2019 at 07:02 pm

Totally agree with this. Kumerow is wr2 right now if you are being completely objective about the depth chart thus far.

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dobber's picture

August 22, 2019 at 08:07 am

I think you'll be surprised when they actually line up against the Bears in two weeks.

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Tedlyflyfisher's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:22 pm

Agree about the ridiculous elevation of ESB.

Totally DISAGREE though about Allison! G-mo and MVS are 2a and 2b. I look for both to be key contributors this year!

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sbransbottom's picture

August 22, 2019 at 03:24 pm

Took the words right off my keyboard. Allison will stay and if he excels in the slot, which I have truly believe will happen, then he will get an extension as well.

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mrtundra's picture

August 22, 2019 at 09:25 am

I think Lazard and Shepherd make the team and ESB gets demoted to PS, as does Moore. Adams, Allison, MVS, Davis, Kumerow, Lazard and Shepherd are the WRs. ESB comes back if an injury occurs to any of the WRs. I'd also look at who I like better regarding Allison or ESB. ESB could get the nod over Allison, especially if Allison gets injured or isn't 100%. Davis and Shepherd split return duties. Moore comes off the PS if an injury occurs to either Davis or Shepherd.

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dobber's picture

August 22, 2019 at 02:47 pm

I guarantee you that ESB never makes it to the PS.

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SCLI's picture

August 22, 2019 at 04:58 pm

ESB would be grabbed in a hot second.

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stockholder's picture

August 21, 2019 at 04:35 pm

Battles: Wr 1. Adams, MVS, Allison, St.Brown, Kumerow. Battle; Davis is the 6th WR. Not worried about the IR. ( Fact; Fast & Sure Hands on punts.) Trade Bait? 7th Wr. Due to concussions! Moore must produce this game , Shepard in the slot, and will still push Davis. Lazard PS. 2. OL 1. If Jenkins continues to not allow pressure. Taylor will be cut. 5 mil cap savings. 3. Defensive Missed Tackles. Starts with the play of the DL. Moving the wall gets teammates pumped. If this DL doesn't improve. The Tackles will be missed. 4. A-Rod, You play like you practice. He sits. 5. Back-ups, Ints. will get them cut.

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dblbogey's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:41 pm

Wouldn't cut Taylor. Awfully valuable back up at both guards, and he'll probably be needed at some point.

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stockholder's picture

August 21, 2019 at 09:50 pm

I just don't see them paying a guy 5 mil. to sit the bench.

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holmesmd's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:55 pm

If Lazard is on the PS, he will be poached quickly. No way he’s not. He’s had a great camp, is huge, runs great routes, and makes contested catches. If Rodgers mentions your name in an interview, that’s probably a bit of a clue that the guy is a baller.:)

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:15 pm

We have 10 ballers at WR then ..,,

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 22, 2019 at 12:57 am

Bears media types think they have 5 legitimate WRs competing for 2 WR spots on the roster. I wonder if every team does?

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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:34 am

Not the Vikings and a number of others.

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mrtundra's picture

August 22, 2019 at 09:17 am

I agree! Put either ESB or Moore, or both on the PS.

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stockholder's picture

August 22, 2019 at 04:14 pm

Looking at the stats of the WRS. They are missing the deep completions. Short gains and short avgs. So I still see both ESB and Moore in it.

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flackcatcher's picture

August 22, 2019 at 01:25 pm

Right. Cut a starter who swings on three and four if necessary on the OL. Look, I get that Jenkins is the bright shiny object at the moment. But he has flaws in the run game that have to be ironed out. Can the Packers coaching staff resist playing 'their guy' too early before he is ready. What I believe is like most young players, Jenkins is being brought up to play the pro game at a starters level, and will start at some point. (More likely as contracts run out, that is the new reality of the NFL today.) But not today, and not this year. (Of course if I'm wrong, I'll pretend I even wrote this at all -:)

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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:25 pm

Well said Sir.

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LeotisHarris's picture

August 21, 2019 at 04:41 pm

If Moore was sighted for driving too fast on Hwy 29, I will be watching intently to see if the Packers air on the side of caution and give the second-year receiver, and 4th Round draft pick out of the University of Missouri ,the boot off the receiving core.

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Norm's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:01 pm

I think their gonna weight and see how this plays out in quart and if he’s found guilty maybe trade hymn to the Bares.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

August 21, 2019 at 11:43 pm

Norm that was classic. Well done.

4 points
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porupack's picture

August 21, 2019 at 09:29 pm

I sped on highway 29 once. But I can't match Jmon's speed on the field.

3 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:45 pm

Did the Packers cut Letroy Guion ? Did they resign Johnny Jolly after he was released from prison? Did they cut Andrew Quarless? It's a SPEEDING TICKET who the hell cares? Quit with the Moore hate the guy gets open and has a case of the dropsies. So did Adams so did Finley so DOES Graham.

9 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:37 am

I think Moore has talent in spades. That said, I also don’t think he is mentally in a place where he is ready to contribute. Do we manage to get him on the PS. Really that’s what he needs.

I will watch the returns tonight. We may learn more about Shepherd and Davis from those than anything else.

5 points
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Rossonero's picture

August 22, 2019 at 11:50 am

My thoughts exactly Jonathan. I don't get everyone freaking out about a speeding ticket either.

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Ferrari Driver's picture

August 22, 2019 at 01:13 pm

My sentiments exactly. I get at least two a year and that hasn't affected my ability to catch a football; I still can't get that thing to stick in my hands.

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Swisch's picture

August 21, 2019 at 04:53 pm

Why play the starters at all if Aaron Rodgers isn't going to play? By the way, he probably shouldn't be allowed to drive a car, either, or chop vegetables, or use stairways,
The starters are used to playing with QB1, so why force them into the awkward position of playing with backups -- and then judging their performance with this unfair juxtaposition?
Plus, if Rodgers doesn't need the preseason reps, why should they?
And why should they risk injury in the preseason if he isn't willing to do so?
For that matter, why should the first stringers on defense have to play on this brutally hard, treacherously dangerous field in the vastness of the Canadian wilderness?
***
I'd like Rodgers to play the first quarter and get rid of the ball so fast there is almost no chance of him being injured.
I want him to play as if his leg was injured in the way it was against the Bears in the first game of the regular season last year.
***
If any of our guys don't want to play a little football tomorrow night, then give the guys who want to be out there the opportunity.
I want to see if I'm right in my enthusiasm for Lazard and Shepherd both making the team.
I want to see lots of our guys, young and old, who love the game of football and look forward to getting their uniforms dirty in pursuit of their childhood dreams.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:25 pm

I think it’s like this....the game doesn’t count. It’s a rehearsal and not even dress rehearsal..

We open at Chicago and then host Minnesota. It would be fantastic to win in Chicago but losing on our home field to Minnesota would be worse than losing in Chicago.

So Chicago is dress rehearsal for Minnesota, which is the more important game. If we hold at home, we could still be 3-1 at the end of September.

The goal is to keep our key guys healthy so we can compete in December. No reason to play our main dogs in Winnipeg in August. Use the last exhibition to line up your starters and play them into the 2nd quarter.

4 points
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Swisch's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:21 pm

Old School, it seems that somewhere in between not playing at all and playing the whole game is a sweet spot for getting our starters some playing time to be ready to go in the regular season.
There does seem to be a way of thinking that established players don't need preseason games at all -- which is possible, but I tend to doubt it. The best way to handle preseason does seem a topic for good discussion.
As for me, I get somewhat impatient about Rodgers' seeming lack of interest in playing at all in the preseason -- leading his teammates with some enthusiasm and getting in rhythm with them.
Seems important, even with a measure of risk involved for injuries.
I could be wrong, though, about Rodgers, and about the value of preseason games.

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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:39 am

One reason to play our O line would be to get Jones some reps (and I don’t mean six inside runs).

1 points
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mrtundra's picture

August 22, 2019 at 09:37 am

Nerved up about the start of the regular season. Facing the bears and the queens in the first two weeks doesn't make things any easier.

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Cubbygold's picture

August 22, 2019 at 03:48 pm

Yup, either the risk is worth it, or it isn't, and it doesn't make sense to play some critical starters but not others.

I believe there's value to playing at full speed with the risk of getting hit. Especially with a new offense. The first two weeks are critical games that will have meaning on the outcome of this season. Week 1 matters just as much as week 17, but it seems like week 1 is considered a feeling-out game.

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JHitTheB's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:19 pm

The man played 15 1/2 games on a fractured leg last year. I'd say he's more than earned the right to sit out some meaningless preseason games.

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Lare's picture

August 21, 2019 at 05:46 pm

IMO, some veteran players that need to step up:

Taylor- Didn't look very good last season. Jenkins was drafted to replace him.

Allison- Is he really better than Kumerow, Shepherd & Lazard?

Davis- Is he better than Shepherd?

Fackrell- He's looked pretty bad this pre-season. Needs to set the edge and quit ducking inside every play.

Lewis- Looks like a one-trick pony on the roster.

Carson- Can't get any yards by dancing in the hole.

Jones- Wants out, below average player. Let him go.

Kizer- Has happy feet, questionable decision-making, marginal passer.

4 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 21, 2019 at 06:20 pm

Here are some answers:

Taylor played through injuries and was still an above average LG most of the year. This is a good offensive lineman. If he's you're worst offensive lineman then you've got a pretty good line.

Allison received a 750K signing bonus from Gute. So why would Gute just give him that money if he just wanted to cut him a few months later? Does Gute have a hole in his marble bag? Or maybe....Gute made a solid move by bring this dependable vet back.

I think we spend a lot of time here talking about the 5-6-7-8 WRs when the top 4 are going to get the targets.

And yeah, we should quit playing games and cut Jones. The MOST we could hope to get in a trade is a 7th round conditional, just to avoid having to get in him waivers. The season starts in two weeks...….I don't give a crap about him anymore if he can't help us beat the Bears in two weeks.

4 points
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stockholder's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:15 pm

You don't pay 5 mil for a bench warmer. Allison got the bonus because Shepard, and Lazard weren't on the roster. I can see them keeping Jones yet. He's been sick. Special team guy.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:47 am

Sick but present at practice? Maybe so, maybe not. As to Special teams, depending how the roster looks, Summers, Lazard and some of the others are also good in Jones’ roles. The fact is that he hasn’t shown much all camp.

As far as receivers, I believe we will try to trade at least one of Allison/Kumerow/EQ. They are similar skill sets. Maybe two if they truly believe in Lazard or Shepherd I can see one if Davis or Shepherd being bait too. Which depends on teams looking, if any and what players they might have surplus that we like as well as any pick.

0 points
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dobber's picture

August 22, 2019 at 02:49 pm

Actually, Lazard was.

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Cubbygold's picture

August 22, 2019 at 03:52 pm

yeah that sickness is definitely just an excuse to keep him off the field

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 22, 2019 at 07:22 am

Trade be damned! Think a trade would be too good for Jones.

The Pack invested a lot in Jones and he hasn't appreciated it and returned their level of commitment. Should the Pack wait and cut him on the 31st where he isnt able to show case his talent and land on a teams 53 this year....well....too bad for Mr. Jones! Maybe sitting out a year would be good for Jones.

0 points
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ShooterMcGee's picture

August 22, 2019 at 01:24 am

I like your assessment of the players. Just would like to add that the trick Lewis has no other TE on the roster has. If they want to run the ball he will be valuable. Also if they could trade Fackrell he will never be worth more coming off a 10 1/2 sack season.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:48 am

True on Fackrell if any team believes

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PackinApunch9521's picture

August 21, 2019 at 06:52 pm

I think the Packers have too many talented receivers. It creates great competition but the brutal fact is they will lose a quality player. I'd like to see them trade for a position of need, maybe inside linebacker.

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dobber's picture

August 22, 2019 at 08:17 am

I think we need to look at it this way: you can only keep so many players and the WR depth chart looks pretty good. Any extra WR you keep takes away depth at other positions, even though teams tend to use their depth at WR. Movement after cuts isn't nearly as high as we seem to think, and a WR who hasn't played in someone else's system isn't nearly as valuable as a WR who has.

Take a shot at trades, but keep the ones who fit your offense best and give you the best chance to win. Let the others go. Do your best to keep those others that you like on the PS, but if they go, know that you kept the guys who are going to play. Don't look back.

3 points
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flackcatcher's picture

August 22, 2019 at 02:25 pm

With mass cut downs after the last preseason game, the Packers roster could see a good deal of change at the bottom what? 5-10 players. So I don't think we will see trades, unless they are core players, and that is usually contract related. This team is very slim at key slots (QB, LB ) and Gute still wants to cut cap, so this roster will be a work in progress. As to the WR, I only have three locks (Adams, Ge-Mo and MVS) one preferred (ESB) and the rest in GM/coaches call. Much will depend on injury history, prior performance and yes, contract for the veterans. As for the rookies and UDFA, not a clue. Just going to wait and see on what the coaches decide. There is one wild care in all of this. The NFL rules changes has so altered the game, that GM and coaches are only beginning to catch up. One only has to look at the cutting of Mike Daniels and the drafting and signing of Hybrid DL players like Gray to understand that the Packers defense is going to be different animal this year. How that effects the roster, is also an ongoing question for this team.

0 points
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Cubbygold's picture

August 22, 2019 at 03:55 pm

Feels like fans are always over-valuing GBs WR depth. Wasn't too long ago that Yancy and Dupre were guys we were going to regret letting go.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

August 21, 2019 at 07:25 pm

Talented receivers?... Only one has been really good in actual games, the rest?... potential. Every team has Allisons and Kumerows and Shepards and Lazards. We have no clue what our receiver corps is like. No matter who they keep, this position group is still a question mark.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:50 am

Allison, Kumerow have looked good in games. This argument is how you end up giving away a Favre once in a while. Got to trust your pro evaluators, not just rely on history, especially with rookies where there is none.

2 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 22, 2019 at 07:25 am

JL,
Get your point but disagree! GMO, Kumerow, MVS, and ESB have demonstrated they are NFL caliber in games. Kumerow to lesser extent.

1 points
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John Galt's picture

August 21, 2019 at 07:36 pm

Who cares - losing season coming up.

-8 points
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ThxJackVainisi's picture

August 22, 2019 at 11:11 am

If you don't care, why do you bother reading and posting on this site?

0 points
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Rossonero's picture

August 22, 2019 at 11:51 am

He's just a troll. Ignore him.

1 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:20 pm

From past history I would say the Packers keep 7 WR

1. Adam's
2. MVS
3. G. Allison
4. J. Kumerow
5. ESB
6. Shepard's
7. Lazard

5 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:24 pm

What I mean by past history is how banged up the WRs get and not the # of WR they have normally kept on the roster which I believe is 6.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:53 am

LaFleur has also run some 5 receiver sets in practice. Even if one is substituted for a RB/TE/FB, if 4 receivers is a possibility we need at least 6 and our returner is going to be a WR as well.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:02 pm

No Davis? Remember Allen Rossum? Big mistake. In Fact I think Davis has more return on a Trade, then Allison. Even though Lazard may have gotten a good word from Rodgers. He's just pushing the Wrs. (Meaning Moore! )

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:55 am

Would you give Davis a new contract next year? I think Shepherd is on the inside track and is more versatile as a WR. I have said elsewhere that one of these WR returners is possibly one they are looking at trading.

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Cubbygold's picture

August 22, 2019 at 03:57 pm

agree 100%

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bad-y's picture

August 21, 2019 at 08:26 pm

David, you didn't give more than a passing mention to Davis in the WR battle although by most accounts he has had a good camp, at least according to Lafluer and Rodgers.

Was Ja'mon Moore seen driving to fast (i.e. sighted) or was he cited (received a citation)

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 22, 2019 at 07:27 am

Cited

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canadapacker's picture

August 21, 2019 at 09:32 pm

What I would like to see is a reduction in penalties. Especially stupid penalties. I dont know what the coaching mantra is - ie dont let the qb get hit tackle the guy if he looks like he is going to get by you - or is eh coaching mantra that you better get the job done correctly and if you get caught holding that is a bigger mistake than getting beat? The problem is that there are some pretty bad penalties in the first two games - and will it result in some guys not making the team because of penalties. Especially away from the play holding penalties and some away from the play defensive holding penalties. If these are 3rd or 4th stringers no problem they are gone but it needs to be cleaned up MM never really got it cleaned up IMO>

2 points
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Curt's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:10 pm

Don't put much stock in driving too fast for conditions citation - if it is raining and you hydroplane, you get cited even if actually under the speed limit.

Question is can he catch and hold the ball?

1 points
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Tedlyflyfisher's picture

August 21, 2019 at 10:30 pm

Answer—NO, he can’t!

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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:57 am

He can: his catch in the last open practice was possibly the most difficult of the preseason. So far he just can’t do the simple stuff.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 22, 2019 at 07:30 am

He was driving a Mercedes (I believe) no doubt with new tires. Powerful car with lots of testosterone behind the wheel. If I was the injured driver in pickup I'd be very upset and it sounds like he is.

0 points
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Wendell Stamps's picture

August 21, 2019 at 11:02 pm

A really important battle will be Kevin King's supporters vs confirmation bias. At some point we have to acknowledge that trading out of taking Watt or Ramcyzk was a franchise altering bad move, right?

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 06:58 am

I will concentrate on things that we can change, not an individual draft choice of a former GM.

5 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 22, 2019 at 07:31 am

Let it go!

Look forward! Lots of promising things taking place!

3 points
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Cartwright's picture

August 22, 2019 at 05:20 am

If Sheppard shows up at punt returner believe he gets the the nod over Davis just on that alone. Don't trust Davis back there, seen him on too many occasions make the wrong call with the ball. Think Sheppards lack of height and quick shift will make others miss and makes him better suited as a returner as well. I can see the TD run now.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 22, 2019 at 07:02 am

Shepherd is listed at 5.11, Davis at 6.1. Both weigh the same essentially as listed. Not a lot in it, but Shepherd is not as willowy and looks like he has plus awareness. In the slot it returning that us a huge asset since both seem to have good hands.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 22, 2019 at 08:40 am

Davis might be having flash moments on camp, but hasn't taken a single snap in a PS game, yet. He's got a lot riding on these last two games. I'll be guilty of the "Davis has had his chance and shown he can't be depended on to stay on the field" bias, here, and willing to give Shepherd his chance to do the job. I realize it's the beast we know vs. the one we don't. There are plenty of WR of Davis's build in the NFL. Very few of them are high-end guys. I don't think they lose much of anything by making this change.

1 points
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Slim11's picture

August 22, 2019 at 12:05 pm

I agree.

IMO, the biggest knock against Davis is his decision-making as a PR. I have seen too many questionable decisions from Davis when catching punts inside the 20, even inside the 10.

If Shepard is comparable as a PR, keep him over Davis.

If the Packers keep 10 WRs/TEs, the "Alien Lizard" (what a nickname!) might stay if three TEs are kept. If it's four TEs, Lazard will probably be the odd man out.

1 points
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BradHTX's picture

August 22, 2019 at 08:52 am

“As I sit here in Sin City in my hotel room overlooking the Raiders new stadium...”

Uh, David? You do realize the game tonight is in Winnipeg, right? You’re about 1,600 miles off if you’re there to cover the game in person.

Just sayin’...

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DavidMichalski's picture

August 22, 2019 at 02:39 pm

Yea, I mentioned they were in Winnipeg tonight. I was just saying my room in Vegas overlooked their new stadium.

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Rossonero's picture

August 22, 2019 at 11:55 am

The WR battle is the most interesting to me. I just hope guys like Kizer and Moore don't make the roster by virtue of Gutekunst's ego: it was his decision to spend a 4th rounder on Moore and to trade away Demarious Randall for Kizer. If those were the wrong moves, then swallow it and move on.

Let's have the best guys on the roster that help this football team win games, not guys who get special treatment. That said, I really hope Moore pans out. Kizer is a dud; I think Brett Hundley is better than him.

My hopes for the game:

1. Get out healthy.

2. Better tackling.

3. Less penalties.

4. Better back-up QB play (although I don't have much faith in Kizer)

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flackcatcher's picture

August 22, 2019 at 02:42 pm

Not much choice for Gute on the QB front. Veteran QB backups are costly, and GM Gute has little cap space, what he might had this year was taken away by the Rodgers signing before he was hired by the organization. I joke about it, but even signing an old retired guy like Matt Flynn would be too costly for the Packers this year. Maybe the Packers can pick up someone on countdown day, But I really doubt it. Kizer and Boyle are it for this team.(UGH) Let us hope the O line plays well and stays injury free this season. For us fans, it's Rodgers or bust.

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flackcatcher's picture

August 22, 2019 at 02:44 pm

edit: cut down day. ( I like countdown better though)

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Rossonero's picture

August 22, 2019 at 08:59 pm

Unfortunately you're right. We're cap strapped to the point where we have to hope and pray Rodgers doesn't get hurt. He could stand to run around a little less too.

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Hawg Hanner's picture

August 22, 2019 at 04:36 pm

I see Davis making it an Shepherd on the practice squad. Moore is a cut. Can't see why the first offensive unit with Rogers doesn't run a series or two. Someone is already after Gutekunst's ego. I think the Kizer experiment was worthwhile. Randall was poison. Kizer is just not that good.

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Oppy's picture

August 22, 2019 at 10:25 pm

Weird phenomenon that has cropped up over the last few seasons:

Football fans talking about player trades at cut-down time as though they are regular occurrences right before the start of the season in the NFL

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Oppy's picture

August 22, 2019 at 11:23 pm

.

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Oppy's picture

August 22, 2019 at 10:29 pm

I hate to see ESB go down with injury. I guess the silver lining is we now get to carry another young wr with potential into an NFK season and see how they do under the bright lights.

Hope ESB recovers completely and quickly. I am surprised by how many don’t seem to see his potential. He did a lot of nice things last season.

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