Packers Stock Report: At Least We Have Kyler Fackrell

What a season. We trust Kyler Fackrell more than Mike McCarthy...

OK, so that one hurt. There was a feeling that if the Packers could have just survived a tough road game on a short week against a rival team, a “run the table” situation could have unfolded.

Maybe a win at Seattle could have galvanized the team and generated some momentum. Maybe a different result could have finally been reaped from all the better-than-average individual performances.

Instead, it was more of the same. The Packers mismanaged the game, lost the lead, placed their playoff hopes in dire straits and got injured in the process.

Given how aggressive Brian Gutekunst has been in overhauling this roster in just a few months, one more loss may effectively end an era of Packers football, jeopardizing the futures of the likes of Mike McCarthy, Randall Cobb, Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Bryan Bulaga and plenty of other long-time staples.

But for now, this team remains an enigma, and I think I finally would feel good about the team moving on from Mike McCarthy. I know many Packers fans have been in that place for a while, but this team has finally convinced me that a change in leadership would be beneficial.

The number of players playing well individually simply doesn’t add up to the poor record. The Packers are No. 8 in offensive yards per play but 12th in points scored per game. They’re 13th in yards per play allowed on defense but 17th in points allowed. Somehow this team has become less than the sum of its parts, and I can’t think of a better argument for a coaching change.

That isn’t to say that McCarthy shouldn’t be regarded as one of the greats in Green Bay history. He’s had a very successful tenure and won a title. It’s revisionist history to take those accomplishments away from McCarthy, or to diminish them because the Packers employ Aaron Rodgers.

Stock Rising: Buy! Buy! Buy!

Kyler Fackrell: I’d just like to use this space to gush about Fackrell, who was vilified by his team’s own fans as much this preseason as any player I can remember. I can’t recall hearing a single dissenting opinion on Fackrell this offseason, either.

Fans and analysts alike wrote him off as a bust. He simply couldn’t play NFL football. Outside linebacker was a clear area of need and Gutekunst failed to address it sufficiently in the draft. Everyone thought it was reckless to not draft pass rush help, and perhaps it was. Very few thought Fackrell would survive preseason cuts, and no one thought he would be the Packers’ best outside linebacker through 10 games.

Here’s the thing, though: it’s not that all of us were wrong in our evaluations. Fackrell put some of the worst reps on tape over the last two seasons. Before this year, he had played in 29 games and showed almost none of this quickness and tenacity. He has been a special teams contributor making next-to-nothing in salary, so that had value, but your eyes didn’t lie to you. He wasn’t any good on defense.

But someone entirely different has taken the field this year wearing No. 51. He’s fast, decisive and relentless. I’m not sure I expect him to get almost a sack per game going forward, but I’m no longer shocked when Kyler Fackrell makes a big play. Who would have thought we’d be saying that, just three months ago?

Robert Tonyan: TONYAN! This isn’t as much of a stock purchase as it is an excuse to watch this video again.

Stock Falling: Sell! Sell! Sell!

Mike McCarthy: There’s very little that I can say here that hasn’t already been said. As I mentioned at the top of this piece, I’ve finally admitted that it’s time to move on. I’m often very slow to call for job changes. I’m conservative with these things. But I’ve finally gotten here. Aaron Rodgers still has a few good years left in him and Brian Gutekunst has displayed some sound judgement in his first year. It’s time to let him staff this team to his liking and trust in Gute plenty.

__________________________

Matt Kelley is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter via @hustleandheart1

3 points
 

Comments (60)

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

November 17, 2018 at 12:18 pm

Kyler Fackrell...The Mackerel Maker

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Jonathan Spader's picture

November 17, 2018 at 03:48 pm

Something about that sounds fishy...

3 points
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Bearmeat's picture

November 18, 2018 at 07:20 am

Groan...

1 points
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dobber's picture

November 18, 2018 at 01:34 pm

He just didn't say it right.

2 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

November 18, 2018 at 06:58 pm

All about that delivery.

2 points
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Cartwright's picture

November 18, 2018 at 09:33 pm

Exactly, he's making mackerel out of QB's hence he's a mackerel maker, never mind, whenever you have to explain a joke it's no good.

1 points
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Ferrari Driver's picture

November 19, 2018 at 03:11 am

Never thought I would use a nic like "Killer Kyler" for Fackrell. A very pleasant surprise.

0 points
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Bearmeat's picture

November 17, 2018 at 12:19 pm

"one more loss may effectively end an era of Packers football, jeopardizing the futures of the likes of Mike McCarthy, Randall Cobb, Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Bryan Bulaga and plenty of other long-time staples."

And thank God for that. It is PAST time for this to happen. Cobb is old and bad. CM3 is marginal and overpaid, but there's no place for him on the team with Burks needing to get reps and Pettine's use of a SS as chase ILB on 3rd down. Nick Perry cares more about money than football. Good riddance. Bryan Bulaga has no joints left below his hips. And MM? Well, MM has done nothing of note since 2014. And no, I don't count the end of 2016 - that was ARod just going on a legendary run. MM kept Capers about SEVEN years too long, and HOW MANY BOGUS special teams coordinators.

It. Is. Past. Time.

Fire MM. Fire the entire offensive coaching staff and special teams staff. Restore a traditional President-GM-Head Coach dynamic. Get a coach who will rein in ARod.

The end.

9 points
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Lare's picture

November 17, 2018 at 12:34 pm

Can't disagree with anything in this post. This team and management structure are way too dysfunctional to go anywhere this season.

0 points
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fastmoving's picture

November 17, 2018 at 02:46 pm

has nothing to do with management structure. bet you dont even understand the structure, who has like everything, pros and cons.

but these days some people like to blame stuff on something. make them feel better. even its has nothing to do with it. nothing is too strange. logic and brain is the enemy of some people

next thing is its Danicias fault (a Bears fan) or the lack of milk for AR or TT still pulling the strings…..whatever.

-6 points
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Barnacle's picture

November 18, 2018 at 04:31 am

Fast

You make assigning responsibility (blame) sound like a bad thing. If MM isn’t responsible for anything, why do we pay him $6,000,000/year?

I think “logic and brain” may be your “enemy”?

GB definitely has a bad management structure and there are several managers getting very poor results.

3 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 17, 2018 at 01:20 pm

And with your wisdom who do they hire? Easy to complain from behind a computer but with no ideas everything rings hollow and I don't mean just you.

-12 points
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Bearmeat's picture

November 17, 2018 at 01:42 pm

That's a straw man and an ad hominem attack in one post. Impressive, indeed.

Regarding "my wisdom" as you so sarcastically put it - it doesn't matter. I am a fan. I pay their bills, along with millions like me. My job with the Packers is to butter their financial bread and my "rights" as a fan in that transaction is to see a product I am rewarded in.

Regarding who to hire - there are plenty of qualified people out there. The only boxes I really want to see checked are someone who keeps Pettine and who can rein in ARod.

7 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

November 17, 2018 at 11:44 pm

Yes!
I just got done posting about reining in 12 in another thread. Now I look at this one and see you beat me to it.
(Great minds?)

3 points
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Lare's picture

November 17, 2018 at 01:43 pm

If you're replying to me, my first choice would be Bruce Arians. I think he has the pedigree that would demand respect from Rodgers. Other than him, I'd interview other DC's with successful offenses such as Todd Monken, Josh McDaniels or John DeFilippo.

I'm sure there are many others out there worthy of consideration, and I have to believe many of them would be better than what we have.

2 points
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Bearmeat's picture

November 17, 2018 at 02:15 pm

No, I wasn't. And while I don't want Arians, your post was well reasoned and respectful. I was responding to the post after yours.

1 points
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Cartwright's picture

November 18, 2018 at 09:49 pm

Why fire him and get nothing. Somebody would give us a draft pick for him, don't you think. He's under contract until after next year. Bet Gutey's been on the phone entertaining offers.

1 points
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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

November 18, 2018 at 04:22 am

b bb.. but you can't fire McCarthy because I don't pay enough attention to football to suggest the name of his possible replacement! He must stay!!

2 points
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WilsonMaywick's picture

November 18, 2018 at 10:53 am

Preach it brother.

0 points
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wildbill's picture

November 17, 2018 at 12:28 pm

Keep Pettine as DC!!!

7 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 17, 2018 at 01:21 pm

And who says he will stay without McCarthy?

-5 points
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Lare's picture

November 17, 2018 at 02:08 pm

And who says he won't?

5 points
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Since'61's picture

November 17, 2018 at 02:19 pm

Maybe the new HC will bring Capers back as the DC? How's that for irony!
Thanks, Since '61

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SoCalJim's picture

November 17, 2018 at 03:41 pm

Don't scare us!

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dobber's picture

November 17, 2018 at 07:19 pm

By all accounts the two really didn't know each other prior to Pettine's hiring. I don't know that he has a tremendous amount of allegiance to MM...but it could also be that whatever HC they covet most will only take the job contingent on being able to bring in his own staff: including defensive coordinator.

2 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 18, 2018 at 11:33 pm

I've been thinking about this. The best head coach that would fit with Mike Pettine is also someone who doesn't take shit from anyone including Aaron Rodgers. He has major ties with Mike Pettine. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the new head coach for the Green Bay Packers. Please give a warm welcome to Rex Ryan!! There I said it!!

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 17, 2018 at 12:31 pm

Rodgers play this season overall for most, ( less the stat sheet lovers ) , and his again missed throws,open receivers on chain moving plays, his 3 yard short miss on a 6 yard out leading to a 4th and 2 decision,etc,etc...certainly has his stock down.
The " The ball stuck to my hand" excuse is one more suited to the mid level QB than that of an elite QB,and one who should but fails to take accountability to extent he should be doing.
Trust in Rodgers to use Jones on short 3rd downs and NOT audible to a deep pass is of concern and wonder if that isn't a reason MM punted.
The chess match of ego's between MM and Rodgers appears to be more urgent than either/both attempt to imply they're doing for the team...separately.

4 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

November 17, 2018 at 12:33 pm

Stock up:
Tony Brown - fast & physical he should be a Special Teams standout and back up DB for years to come.

Trevor Davis - Davis had a few nice returns and showed why he is a top gunner also. It was good to see him back.

Stock down:

Aaron Rodgers- seems disinterested, 5 sacks on 3rd down? Take what the Defense gives you Diva

McCarthy- obviously is losing this team. Punting on 4th and 2 with one timeout, 4 minutes left and a decimated defense. Inexcusable!

5 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 17, 2018 at 12:47 pm

" Punting on 4th and 2 with one timeout, 4 minutes left and a decimated defense. Inexcusable!"

Better chance of stopping Sea from 33 yards away from EZ or better chance of stopping them going 80 yards.
Yes the defense failed after the punt but that proves Sea would have gone up 10 if no punt.
Many can blame MM for punt but the real blame is on Rodgers for forcing that decision...Ball stuck in his hand...bs...bs...bs... it almost seems premeditated to rave against MM by Rodgers with that throw.

2 points
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Johnblood27's picture

November 17, 2018 at 01:00 pm

OK, I will break my own rule and reply.

33 vs 80 yds?

Do you know anything about football?

Did MM school you on situational play at the end of games?

The point wasnt about stopping a LONG drive. The point was to NOT surrender 2 first downs. That would effectively end the game.

A FG woulkd NOT have ended hope, a GB TD after a Sea FG (should that happen) would have given us a 1 pt victory.

MM should have gone for it on 4th and played D if we missed the 1st down. That gives GB 2 TWO chances to be in a game winning scenario, as it was he put GB in a 1 chance only. A Defensive stop from an injured and gasping D.

Bad choice, wrong decision.

MM really needs to go.

His decision making at that point did 2 things. It tried to place all the pressure on Pettine and the GB D, deflecting the pressure from the GB Offense and MM. It also deprived AR of 2 chances to be the "hero" and gave AR maybe 1, IF the D couyld have gotten a stop.

MM just tried to deflect responsibility with that piss poor decision. If you understand situational football you get it.

9 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 17, 2018 at 01:17 pm

First, please don't break any rule on my account.
Second, you honestly believe that Sea would have been held to a FG and not score a TD and go up 10?
Third, the chance of the defense getting a mistake from Sea is greater on a 80 yd field than a 33 yd field.
Fourth, the odds of GB not getting the first were larger than holding Sea to a FG and since we seen how the defense was gassed anyways, Sea likely could/would have run the clock out anyway and still get a FG/TD.
Fifth,based on the play of Rodgers the second half, this game was over on that last possession and a failed 4th and 2 more likely.

Last, stick to your convictions -rules...I' hold no grudges...it's all opinion here and I voice mine always, regardless of your like or dislike. Reply, don't reply...couldn't care less.

-3 points
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Since'61's picture

November 17, 2018 at 02:26 pm

It's not a matter of where Seattle gets the ball. All they to do is make one first down and get to the 2 minute warning with the ball, which they did.
They don't need to kick an FG or score another TD. With one TO the Packers could not get the ball back. Once the Packers used their final TO and Seattle made a first down it was game over. That is why MM should have gone on 4th and 2.

I would have run Williams on the 3rd and 2. If he didn't make it then go for it on 4th and 2. Let Rodgers roll out and either keep it or throw it for the 2 yards. Stupid play selections and stupid decisions, again. Thanks, Since '61

6 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

November 17, 2018 at 03:03 pm

Agree

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 17, 2018 at 01:24 pm

It is almost like Rodgers is doing this shit on purpose for ego reasons to get rid of McCarthy!

-4 points
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Lare's picture

November 17, 2018 at 02:51 pm

Somebody has to do it.

2 points
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dobber's picture

November 17, 2018 at 07:22 pm

If he's going to be that petty, I don't want him around.

0 points
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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

November 18, 2018 at 05:09 am

33 vs 80

the Packers only had enough time on the clock to allow the 'hawks to get 2 first downs before the Seahawks would just run the clock on the game BC we had only 1 TO. So what does it matter if they go for it on their own 33?

0 points
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Nerd's picture

November 17, 2018 at 12:55 pm

I like Raven Greene too, not to jinx him. Josh Jones too, knock on wood.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

November 17, 2018 at 02:29 pm

Raven Greene's stupid and unnecessary PI penalty gave Seattle a 48 yard gain and eventually led to the deciding TD. Not only that but he prevented Alexander from making a play on the ball which could have resulted in a game saving TO for the Packers. I would chuck him for unbelievable stupidity. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
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porupack's picture

November 18, 2018 at 11:16 am

I agree Since61 that Greene had inexcusable stupidity. But...he wasn't the only one...and that starts to implicate the coach. He should be benched for much of rest of season at least.
MM teams have lacked discipline and situational awareness for a decade. Fire MM 3 years ago.

0 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

November 17, 2018 at 03:05 pm

Ravens play was a bang-bang pIay. He made a play on the guy....Haha would have just stayed "close", hoping for a gift tipped Int.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

November 17, 2018 at 03:49 pm

I think Kyle Frackwell just made Perry expendable/trade = UP. Arron Rodgers Down. Linsey - Down Graham Down

-2 points
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SoCalJim's picture

November 17, 2018 at 05:39 pm

It might be hard to find a trade partner to take on Perry and his remaining contract.

0 points
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Lare's picture

November 17, 2018 at 05:52 pm

The Packers can save around $4 million in cap space by cutting Perry after the season.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

November 17, 2018 at 05:54 pm

True- But is Fackwell long term? He could be. If Not Trade him for a one? Package and move up in the draft? Dump Perry and sign two young safeties with speed.

1 points
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Lare's picture

November 17, 2018 at 06:06 pm

The Packers would never get a #1 pick for Fackrell, and they'll never get anything in return for Perry. Cut Perry & Matthews, keep Fackrell & Gilbert and get two new OLB's through the draft and free agency.

The Packers can keep Williams, Jones, Greene and Brice at safety (that can be decided by performance over the rest of this season) and/or pick up another couple through the draft and free agency.

1 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 19, 2018 at 08:57 am

Matthews is an FA anyway. No need to cut him.

0 points
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Aubrey's picture

November 17, 2018 at 06:19 pm

I can't see anyone giving up a lot for Fackrell. On the other hand, you could take Jon Gruden to the cleaners for Perry.

-1 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

November 17, 2018 at 06:25 pm

Why do people think you can take Gruden to the cleaners who have the Raiders traded FOR? They traded away Cooper and Mack and cut Irvin...

3 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

November 18, 2018 at 01:50 pm

I’m assuming it was tongue in cheek.

1 points
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Demon's picture

November 17, 2018 at 06:51 pm

You do know other teams have tv's right? I am so very pleasantly surprised that Fackrells light has come on! He literally came back from the dead. If you think any team is going to give up a 1 for Fackrell, i feel an intervention is in need here. You sir have a terrible drug problem!!

0 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

November 17, 2018 at 11:49 pm

Not tv’s; directors of pro personnel. I highly doubt there are many secrets out there.

1 points
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Pauly's picture

November 17, 2018 at 03:58 pm

I want to see Tonyan on the field as the 3rd receiver or 2 TE sets more. He never dropped a pass in preseason...

0 points
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Lare's picture

November 17, 2018 at 06:09 pm

I agree, they should also consider adding Kumerow to the roster and bid adieu to ESB, Moore or Allison.

Tonyan & Kumerow simply perform. Let them do so and get rid of those that do not.

-3 points
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stockholder's picture

November 17, 2018 at 06:29 pm

Esb makes great catches. But his penalty block may have screwed him. I have seen Jordy Nelson do that same thing when he came back from injury. Still I think they'll push the route running like Janis. Arron has his way here.

-2 points
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Samson's picture

November 17, 2018 at 09:07 pm

No doubt Fackrell has surprised but I'll wait for the present season to play out & see what happens in season 2019. -- He deserves the reps at this point but he still has some ways to go to be deemed a consistent impact player. (6 sacks in 2 games & 2 sacks in 8 games)

1 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

November 17, 2018 at 11:09 pm

I said I'd need another 3 sack game before I became a Fackrel believer. Call me a believer...

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 18, 2018 at 01:48 am

GB better not waste Fackrell's prime!

[Okay, I stole that line from MCAction.]

3 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

November 18, 2018 at 10:24 am

Excellent.

2 points
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porupack's picture

November 18, 2018 at 11:20 am

Not a believer yet on Fackerall. Now that offenses know his name, let's see if he can now beat OTs who mark him.
But....I sure hand kudos to him for his effort and overcoming a very slow beginning to his career when people wrote him off.

1 points
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