Packers Stock Report: Is the Sky Falling?

Who's rising and falling after a Week 3 loss at Washington?

After a week of some fans complaining that a tie “might as well be a loss,” Green Bay suffered its first actual loss of the season Sunday, prompting plenty to call for almost everyone to get fired, traded, benched or asked to retire at halftime.

And while there are some criticisms that are absolutely valid at this point, it’s important to remember that the season is only three games old. The sky is not falling. Even just in the McCarthy/Rodgers regime, the Packers have overcome worse, so a 1-1-1 start—leaving them half a game out of the division lead—is far from a disaster.

That’s the good news.

The other side of the coin is that it feels like this year is unfolding almost the exact same as every Packers season post-2011. Slow starts—both in games and in the season as a whole—have plagued this team in recent years. Defensive backs can’t find the ball. Modest offenses look dazzling against a defense that was touted as much improved. McCarthy is sticking with his guys. The injuries are starting to pile up. Stop me if you’ve seen this before.

Many fans are frustrated, not because they think the Packers are a genuinely bad football team or can’t win anything this year. No team is perfect. Most are frustrated that the Packers’ weaknesses never seem to change. That said, it wasn’t all doom and gloom from Sunday.  

Stock Rising: Buy! Buy! Buy!

Aaron Jones: McCarthy said the second year running back would be incorporated slowly after his two-game suspension, and at least we can give him points for honesty. Jones played 17 of a possible 69 snaps Sunday, the least of the running back trio, but he did make his mark while he was in the game.

Jones was the Packers’ leading rusher with 42 yards on six carries, including the long rush of the day for Green Bay, a 17-yarder. At this point it’s become clear to everyone watching that Jones is the most talented runner on the roster. McCarthy and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin can’t possibly keep Jones on the bench for long.

It appears Jones still is the third option on passing downs, and a quick 14-0 deficit Sunday put the Packers in a tough game situation to commit to the running game. But as the season goes on, not even the most stubborn coaching staff could deny that Jones brings an extra level of upside and explosiveness to the running game that Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams just can’t provide.

Geronimo Allison: Allison has been so consistent so far this year it’s easy to forget how unlikely his rise has been. He was an undrafted player whose talents were suppressed on a series of woeful Illinois teams in college. He’s slowly gained Rodgers’ trust and is now a vital part of the offense in his third year.

It was fair to question if Allison was ready to be a starter on the outside entering this season, and some advocated bringing in a veteran like Dez Bryant. But if the first three games are any indication, the Packers are just fine at wide receiver under the current circumstances.

Kenny Clark: The young nose tackle continues to impress in an unheralded role. It even feels weird to call him a nose, given his athleticism and pass rush skills. While there are plenty of fans who aren’t surprised by Clark’s play, the fact is that not all promising young players continue to improve, or even maintain a level of play. Regressions occur all the time. Clark, however, has picked up exactly where he left off as a disruptive force inside, and he’s become very fun to watch.

JK Scott: Although his passing skills grade out as “below average,” Scott has become a symbol for real change in Green Bay. It feels like forever since I’ve had confidence in the Packers’ punter, but Scott appears to be the real deal.

Stock Falling: Sell! Sell! Sell!

Run Defense: Three games is the minimum sample size for identifying trends, so there’s still plenty of time for improvement, but the run defense is officially a concern now. Opponents are rushing for 124 yards per game so far against the Packers’ defense, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. All this comes against a lineman rotation that was—and probably still is—the strength of the defense.

Some fans have suggested that the run defense is suffering because defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is forced to give as much help as possible to an ailing pass defense, and there’s probably some truth to that. The run fits improved in the second half, but Washington was still able to tick away time and capitalize on a few mistakes to seal the victory.

Overall numbers aren’t the most telling for any defensive statistic in today’s NFL. What really matters is being able to stop the run late in close games. Pettine’s crew failed that test against Chicago in Week 1, and was bailed out by a few curious play-call decisions. It’s yet to be seen if they can improve enough as the season transpires. Making Adrian Peterson look like his former self, however, is not a great sign.

Guarding Tight Ends: This one felt all too familiar, as veterans Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed each had big plays on Sunday. Alex Smith completed six of his nine pass attempts to Davis and Reed, totaling 135 yards. The bottom line is that the Ted Thompson regime devalued inside linebacker and, to a lesser degree, safety, and these are the results. And, of course, it would help if a certain first-round pick at safety lived up to his draft slot.

While it’s impossible to invest first-round picks at every position, the Packers have too many specialists in the middle of the defense, and flexible offenses, armed with run-pass options, can easily seek out undersized run defenders or throw on thumping linebackers and struggling safeties.

The Watch List: Let’s see what you’ve got, kid.

Montravius Adams: With veteran Muhammad Wilkerson suffering a gruesome ankle injury Sunday, it looks like Adams’ opportunity has come. While the unheralded Dean Lowry will likely get a bigger bump in snaps to fill in for Wilkerson, one would think the team will rely on Adams more now than originally planned.

The second-year Auburn product was plagued by injuries last year and barely saw the field. After a celebrated training camp, it’s now time to show a little production. Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels are still difference-makers up front, so Adams simply needs to do his job and stay on the field to be considered a success. Let’s hope he can meet or exceed those expectations.

(P.S.: Credit to CheeseheadTV reader Minniman for the idea of adding a Watch List. As always, we appreciate you reading and listening, and we love to hear your feedback.)

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

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Comments (42)

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Point-Packer's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:09 pm

Stock Falling: Sell! Sell! Sell!

Mike McCarthy: Another pathetic start to a game and a season. Both of which are staples of the McCarthy era post 2011. Offense is as predictable as ever, even after bringing back Philbin. Lack of focus, once again a problem. If there was a game-plan against WA, I'm not sure what it was. Get behind early and chuck it all over the field?

Similar to Ted, the game has moved past McCarthy. Should have happened a couple years ago, but this highly successful football coach needs to be shown the door. May happen by season's end..

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TheVOR's picture

September 27, 2018 at 07:15 am

I've been one of the biggest Mike McCarthy supporters for his tenure here. The Seattle playoff debacle started the cracks in it for me. Then you start watching all the bad game decisions starting to creep in.

Running back by Committee! Not much is happening on the ground, and when he finally inserted Aaron Jones into the lineup, he was like night and day lightening in a bottle. Had like 17 yards in 2 touches.

Here's the part I hate, you never saw Jones again until the game was basically out of hand. Its stuff like this that has me believing we probably need a coaching change. He's so insistent on his stupidity in Running Back by committee, that it's going to start costing him games/wins. That pretty much did it for me, I can't defend coaching like that. A genuine coach would have left Jones in the game, and pumped the ball to him 20 more times. As the day ended for Jones, I believe he averaged 7 yards a carry. Problem is, I think it was 6 touches. That spells coaching that's out of touch with the actually results on the field.

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MarkinMadison's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:29 pm

I still blame TT. This team is running a 3-4 defense that is lacking in talent at the linebacker position. TT apparently thought any old ILB would do. One of them (Martinez) seems to have panned out. The rest, not so much. And I know the draft hasn't placed a premier pass rusher in their laps since CM3, but, oh, wait a second, they passed on Watt. Yeah. Uh. Guess that excuse doesn't work. So we're back to: if you are going to run a defense that features linebackers making plays you might want to prioritize drafting linebackers that can make plays.

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MITM's picture

September 25, 2018 at 01:45 pm

Been saying for years about how you cant run a 3-4 without being 2 deep at every LB position with legit players, and little drop off between your 1's and 2's. The Ravens and Steelers, the first 2 teams that come to mind when you think of 3-4 are CONSTANTLY restocking the LB spots with high picks. Clay was a first rounder almost 10 years ago now and Perry was first rounder not long after that. You cannot get by ignoring the position the way we have. And here we are

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KenEllis's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:39 pm

Stock Down?
How about the GB media's constant refrain that Ted Thompson was some sort of wizard who created a deep and talented roster?
Other than Rodgers there is nothing special about this team. Nothing.
And with the holes at outside linebacker, safety, the offensive line, etc., Gute has a lot of work to do.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:43 pm

'Packers Stock Report: Is the Sky Falling?'

Nope. Way to early for that.

Stock Rising -

Aaron Jones - He showed why he IMO is special. His first run 10 yards with a great spin move. His 2nd was an 8 yard run. He also had a 17 yard run. 6 carries for 42 yards (7 yards average).
I'd like to see him get the ball in space more with the passing game. Use his speed and shiftiness in space!

Allison - The most consistent WR so far. He has been terrific!

MVS - He has been great on special teams. He is playing more on offense. Time to see what he can do on offense. Get him and his speed more involved!

Stock Falling
Lance Kendricks - He has had trouble catching passes back in preseason and had his biggest drop in this game. What would have been about a 35 yard gain, he drops it. With Lewis and Tonyan looking to get more playing time Kendricks should be concerned.

Kentrell Brice - He has been missing tackles, he has played 2 balls in the air very poorly. So bad both went for TD's. With Josh Jones looking to find a way back on the field Brice better start playing better.

Players to watch -

I already mentioned Josh Jones, Tonyan and Lewis as guys looking for more playing time. I will also add Montravius Adams and Oren Burks to that list.

Burks coming back played 8 snaps. He had some good moments. Getting him on the field more will really help! Our defense needs his speed.

Adams should get a lot more playing time with Wilkerson done for the year. Can he come in and give the defense a boost?

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:51 pm

I posted the info you asked for about internet watching.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:56 pm

Thanks Taryn, I will check it out.

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sardog's picture

September 25, 2018 at 02:05 pm

RC you're spot on about GMO..he's the lowest paid receiver-$830k (Cobb 12M Adam's 10M) but consistently gets open. Yes he has some drops but is already as good as the others. All but one of the CBs make more than GMO.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:50 pm

MM will stick with Kendricks, though he has done very little the last two years. He's as stubborn and unsophisticated as they get.

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Christopher Gennaro's picture

September 25, 2018 at 05:13 pm

how did you get a thumbs down?

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Monsmoy's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:48 pm

You guys can be somewhat dismissive of players in these articles, in this case belittling Adams. If the four D linemen rotate, as they should, and he plays really well, I am sure your tone will change from just "staying on the field to do his job". He is a good player, so how about positive remarks until otherwise proven?

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mkelley's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:14 pm

Didn't intend to be dismissive. But let's be real. He was promoted from the 5th DLman to the 4th DLman, on a team that only has two or three on the field at a time. He's got athletic upside and I wish him all the best, but my expectations are modest.

On what grounds are you summarizing that he's a "good player?" He's barely seen the field.

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PatrickGB's picture

September 25, 2018 at 12:59 pm

Tonyan is better than Kendricks, Lewis belongs on the right side to help out. It’s adjustment time. Let’s see if MM can get over his stubbornness and make the needed changes. Oh, and Gute needs to find a player or two to plug in.

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2018 at 01:23 pm

Why did they sign Lewis? We have a lot of young guys all the time who don't see the field. I find it harder to relax. It's my own fault, I have to curb my expectations at the start of the season. I honestly thought the offense would be unstopable with all the rules favoring it.

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egbertsouse's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:39 pm

Why do the GMs (both Ted and Gutey) continue to go after FA tight ends when McStubborn won't play more than one at a time and trots out his tired, old 11 personal group 70% of the time? Why does Mc Stubborn continue to play a LB centered defense when the GMs won't give him decent LBs? Why does Ball give a QB $98 mil in cash and then Gutey gets a bunch of bargain basement stiffs as OL back-ups? Why doesn't Murphy forget about his sledding hill and hotel and get all these guys on the same page? Oh yeah, I forgot, the Packers are making a fortune. They are so popular that any random homeless dude off the street could take over and make a huge profit.

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Lare's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:52 pm

You're not going to win many games starting and playing guys like Kendricks, Spriggs, Brice, HHCD, Perry and Matthews.

If better players aren't playing because of someone's stubbornness or inability to do their job, then they should lose their job.

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TheBigCheeze's picture

September 25, 2018 at 01:36 pm

Kendricks is absolute TRASH!!!........should have been cut.....

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johngalt's picture

September 25, 2018 at 02:05 pm

Calling a guy "trash" is a bit harsh. It might feel good for you, but keep it together man. It's a game.

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egbertsouse's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:42 pm

He may be a wonderful human being. In fact, all UW alumni are wonderful human beings. I'm one, so that proves my statement. However, as a player, he is a waste of a roster spot, as I would most definitely be.

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dobber's picture

September 25, 2018 at 07:10 pm

I'm a UW alum and, frankly, I'm kind of an ass.

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splitpea1's picture

September 25, 2018 at 08:07 pm

Agreed, except for some of these referees.

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BELIEVER's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:47 pm

He needs to go, really. I can’t remember anything to justify a roster spot.

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MITM's picture

September 25, 2018 at 01:48 pm

Its 2018, new D coordinator new GM. And yet we are still being killed by an UDFA starting at safety. We still have yet to add talent at LB in round 1 in almost 10 years of running a "3-4".

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Lphill's picture

September 25, 2018 at 01:51 pm

I guess miracles dont happen in one season so lets see how things develop and hope Rodgers hangs around long enough for the payoff.

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Lare's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:58 pm

Not sure how effective Rodgers will be when he's 50.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 26, 2018 at 08:38 am

"McCarthy said the second year running back would be incorporated slowly after his two-game suspension"

But err why ??? From the looks off how everyone else started game 1, he can't possibly be that far behind, and as evidenced in the game yesterday he certainly isn''t behind the other players.

Only other thing I could think of was ,because he was behind in the Playbook, but why should he be? Did MM not incorporate them into the Playbook already? I don't know. I don't see what's new about the Playbook to begin with.

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Roadrunner23's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:19 pm

Lets face facts; this is a re-building team with a great but aging & injured Quarterback. I hope the Packers let Gute
build this team and not muddle it up. We all know McCarthy likes "his guys" which is why he kept Capers and Slocum around way too long and he's been the same way with players and adjustments.
The Packers have holes on the Offensive Line, Outside Linebacker, Safety and Inside Backer. Talent and depth is badly needed and it won't be arriving this year.
So after a very disappointing tie with the Vikings, a loss in DC, as well as frustrating killer penalties and injuries. It is now time to just center, breath and enjoy the wins but expect crushing losses will be part of the equation. Oh by the way, I'm talking to myself here as Packer therapy but sharing it with you. Namaste'

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jlc1's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:29 pm

Can't stop the run or guard tight ends? We're looking at you Packer linebackers.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:29 pm

Falling...long snapper? Did anyone else see how his snaps seemed to make Scott reach way to his right to field? May not be around for long if he cannot do the one thing he is paid to do. Also, not sure what the problem was on the 60 yarder before the half. Was it the snap?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 26, 2018 at 03:25 am

The snap looked a little low, and a little inside (to the right from behind the line of scrimmage). I rewound it a few times. It wasn't a horrendous snap, and one Scott probably should handle more often than not. It was damp. I don't remember if it was drizzling at the time.

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PAPackerbacker's picture

September 25, 2018 at 03:51 pm

The sky isn't falling yet. The season is young but if the Packers continue the trend they set so far the sky will fall. Quit starting the game sluggish and play 60 minutes of football, not 30 minutes. Do not take any team lightly. Don't give up on the running game when you get 5 yards or more on first down. Get Jones involved in more than 6 plays in a game. The talent in the backfield is there. Use it. And get the TE's involved in the game plan more. And stop committing penalties, especially in critical situations!! There is a lot to clean up to get back on track. It will take a commitment from everyone. But it can be done. It's not to late to turn things around. It has to be a team effort. Stay focused and play hard for the entire game. Go! Pack! Go!

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EdsLaces's picture

September 25, 2018 at 04:22 pm

It's hard to stop the run when you have 37 dbs on the field. And .....bringing in CBs? What about a safety ????? Pass rusher ????

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4thand10's picture

September 26, 2018 at 12:09 am

Or another DL.....

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Demon's picture

September 25, 2018 at 04:43 pm

Theres an old phrase that states "the fish rots head first"

Didnt Murphy say that he was going to be in the game plan meeting too? He must have like what McDonuts had dialed up for the first 3 games.

Contrary to what this reported wrote this is not knee jerk reactions because of a loss. Many of us have been saying for years that McCarthy needs to go.

I can not imagine how he keeps his job honestly. I wonder if he used the " pad level" or " We'll get that cleaned up" lines to Murphy after Ted got canned last January.

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Tom Greeley's picture

September 25, 2018 at 05:57 pm

Agreed, the fat man has to go. Maybe the board should consider cleaning house like what was done in thearly 90’s.

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Lare's picture

September 25, 2018 at 06:24 pm

I think they need to start with Murphy. He's the one that stuck with Ted for three years too long and is supposedly now involved in every decision.

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dobber's picture

September 25, 2018 at 06:25 pm

The board should stick to building theme parks, running their own businesses, and philanthropy.

The board is part of the reason why the Packers were so lousy through the 70s and 80s.

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pilot67's picture

September 25, 2018 at 04:45 pm

Bye MM. He is said to run a great QB school. He is SO LUCKY to coach Rodgers. That is his meal ticket not his predictable coaching.

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Turophile's picture

September 26, 2018 at 04:43 am

With all the sarcasm and blame, aimed at each of your favourite whipping boys, I say it's time to RELAX.

We are three games in to the season, lots and lots still to play out. The overall results of this team, going right back to when Favre first started, are better than almost every other team. That's almost thirty YEARS.

Long-term success has made many of us hyper-critical. It looks like it is going to take a bunch of losing seasons before the criticism gets back to a more normal level.

Lets face it, there is a very good chance the Packers take a big fall, post Rodgers, so while none of us enjoys a poor result or two, there is still the time for many good things to happen before we get to the post-Rodgers era.

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Tom Greeley's picture

September 25, 2018 at 05:25 pm

When does the stupid president of packers realize he has to do something like GETTING RID OF THE STUPID HEAD COACH.8

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Cartwright's picture

September 25, 2018 at 07:24 pm

They say the first four games are still preseason. I'll assume that's the case and where still gellin', still developing an identity, especially on defense. Patience is a virtue or are we just going to see this, another McCarthy coached season play out like all the rest, in which case we're just wasting our time. He took us to the promised land once so he knows how to get there. I will remain patient.

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