Packers will reportedly part ways with Ron Zook

ESPN reports the Packers will hire a new special teams coordinator

Pour one out for a legend. 

 

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__________________________

5 points
 

Comments (88)

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

January 10, 2019 at 11:45 am

Surely not!

3 points
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Turophile's picture

January 10, 2019 at 05:58 pm

I saw it posted that he was going into the broadcast game.........if true he landed on his feet very quickly. He seems like a nice guy, but the Pack needed a change there. Good luck to him in his new endeavour.

9 points
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Swigganz's picture

January 10, 2019 at 11:45 am

Yaaaaasssss!!!!

1 points
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jeepingmakooi's picture

January 10, 2019 at 11:50 am

Maybthe football God's smile down upon Green Bay as we send him away lol

1 points
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dobber's picture

January 10, 2019 at 11:58 am

I think this might have been the first problem on LaFleur's "Coaching 101" Exam.

13 points
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Handsback's picture

January 10, 2019 at 11:59 am

Green Bay hasn't had solid ST play for a long time. I know Davis got hurt which destroyed the return game, but still has to be a coach out there that can take this rag-tag group of players and make them play disciplined football on return and kickoff teams.

6 points
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Hawg Hanner's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:55 pm

I'm sure Zook didn't turn stupid over night but even with the high turnover of ST players he has to be held accountable. He doesn't tell them to block in the back or hold. Moore should never field another return, that is for certain.

0 points
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2
Bure9620's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:11 pm

Make sure you run into the punter full speed after the kick is away

1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

January 10, 2019 at 07:12 pm

Zook in a presser a few weeks ago when responding to "why all the block in the back penalties?"

Zook, with a straight face: "Well, last year the officials were not calling those penalties."

0 points
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TheBigCheeze's picture

January 10, 2019 at 08:37 pm

......or Tramon Williams

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:06 pm

Nooooooooo

6 points
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Razer's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:21 pm

Ha, ha

0 points
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Bearmeat's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:19 pm

This just in:

Water is wet.

5 points
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Bure9620's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:23 pm

That's fake news Bearmeat

0 points
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dblbogey's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:33 pm

That depends on what the meaning of "is" , is.

3 points
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Bure9620's picture

January 10, 2019 at 05:47 pm

No, it doesn't

0 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

January 11, 2019 at 05:53 am

Nothing is, but what is not.

3 points
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Lare's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:45 pm

Best of luck to Zook and wishes for a long career. Just not in Green Bay.

13 points
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SoCalJim's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:02 pm

Good luck, Coach Zook. I’d suggest seeking employment in Minneapolis, Chicago, or Detroit.

21 points
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Rebecca.S's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:48 pm

I liked Nolan Cromwell as ST coach - have we had a good one since then?

6 points
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albert999's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:49 pm

CLEAN house !!! Yeeeaaahhhhhh

3 points
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Razer's picture

January 10, 2019 at 12:57 pm

Mike McCarthy would still be at the helm if it wasn't for his:

- Slocum to Zook stupidity
- Reluctance to hand off to a modern OC/playcaller

In two days the Packers rectified both problems.

9 points
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SoCalJim's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:05 pm

Yep.

Rob Demovsky reported that WR coach David Raih has been told he’s free to pursue new employment.

7 points
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Ziff Davis's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:43 pm

Not surprising after seeing Mcginn article ripping him a while back

2 points
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albert999's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:05 pm

LOVE IT

1 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

January 11, 2019 at 05:54 am

@Jim: he was great in The Office!

1 points
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TheBigCheeze's picture

January 10, 2019 at 08:39 pm

....the list is a WHOLE lot longer than that.

-1 points
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Chris Vachio's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:11 pm

I'm not a religious man, but PRAISE JESUS!

4 points
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BradHTX's picture

January 11, 2019 at 06:31 am

So apparently Murphy and Gute had a “Come to Jesus” meeting with Zook, and Zook didn’t, but you did! Nice.

0 points
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zoellner25's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:13 pm

Special teams are not a problem until they are a problem, and then then are a big problem. Bye Ronnie!

2 points
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4zone's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:21 pm

Its never fun losing a job. We see ST performance, but there are people and families behind those titles. Sometimes change is needed but I hope we do it in a first class way.

8 points
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SoCalJim's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:02 pm

Rob Demovsky reported that Zook, and most of MM's staff, were under contract through 2019. If true, Zook has a year's salary paid for by the Packers as his golden parachute. That'll ease his exit nicely.

6 points
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Demon's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:25 pm

I just hope Zook lands somewhere in the division. Let the Pack be the beneficiary of his terrible coaching instead of the victim.

2 points
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SoCalJim's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:03 pm

Bears next defensive coordinator, perhaps?

-3 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:30 pm

I'm honestly going to miss him. I thought he deserved another chance to prove himself that he wasn't worthy.

Dash

-5 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:59 pm

One day your well of sarcasm will drown you Mr. Riprock.

11 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 11, 2019 at 03:06 pm

I think the humor eluded 11 people, and counting.

I would make the following recommendations regarding special teams:

1) Fair catch every punt and prevent successful, fakes, penalties, and injuries that occur on returns. Stop the freakin' fakes, try to pressure a hurried kick, and fair catch the damn punt.

2) Down every kickoff return in the endzone if possible, and give the ball to our offense on the 25. Avoid the penalties and injuries.

3) Punt less and kick fewer field goals. It's it's less than 4th and 5, go for it unless a successful kick virtually ices the game or you're inside your own 35. Go for TDs more often instead of settling for FGs.

4) Have Crosby drill it deep into the endzone …..none of this directional stuff. Do at least one onside kick/game. Onside kicks that do not occur in desperation scenarios have a surprisingly good recovery rate. It's like a takeaway, and LaFleur wants more takeaways. IF it's unsuccessful, it's like a pretty good run back.

5) Always go for two after a TD unless 1 wins the game.

0 points
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kevgk's picture

January 10, 2019 at 01:33 pm

"Pour one out for a legend."
Oh you know I will. He made me drink to forget, and now drink to celebrate.

3 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

January 11, 2019 at 05:56 am

The opposite of a catch-22.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

January 10, 2019 at 08:18 pm

LaFleur has already improved the team by chucking Zook. Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
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Samson's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:07 pm

Zook obviously needed to board the bus out of GB. -- He should have gotten on the same one as Mikey.

On another note: Looks like more & more info is coming from 1265 Lombardi Ave. regarding the rift & fault involving AR & the disposed HC called MM. -- Seems most are now pointing the "finger" at MM. -- Complacency is always a killer, especially for a HC. Didn't MM say --- "Let's just state the facts: I'm a highly successful NFL head coach."

A year off & an OC job may be the best he can hope for from this point on.

0 points
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SoCalJim's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:18 pm

"Let's just state the facts: I'm a highly successful NFL head coach."

My all-time favorite Packers quote.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:34 pm

At least my all time favorite MM quote. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
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Tundraboy's picture

January 11, 2019 at 08:31 am

Add this to his collection.

"I'll be locked and loaded and ready to go for next year," McCarthy said.

My favorite is " We just have a few things to clean up."

0 points
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Trapped-in-MN-BUT-GB-fan's picture

January 10, 2019 at 04:16 pm

Toss up between that and “it’s the pad level.”

3 points
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BradHTX's picture

January 11, 2019 at 06:34 am

Certainly top 5. I think “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE?” is tops.

0 points
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pacman's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:19 pm

re: MM. Most were saying that he will be in high demand after GB. I called it after his firing that I would not bet that he would coach next year. And now he is not. Seems that the league noticed he let a HOF QB and pretty good team grind itself out of contention and nobody is interested.

He has plenty of money to retire on so I don't feel too bad for him after letting us down. Maybe he, Capers and Zook will open up a restaurant somewhere. Let's make it a contest - who can come up with the best name?

-1 points
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Lare's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:35 pm

Three Stooges Bar & Grill.

3 points
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Since'61's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:37 pm

There’s a winner!!! Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
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Since'61's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:39 pm

Double post. Sorry.

-1 points
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Slim11's picture

January 10, 2019 at 03:09 pm

My reaction too.

When Gase was hired by the Jets, it seemed pretty clear he was sitting out the 2019 season. It seems even the Jets figured how this “highly successful NFL head coach” really is. If the Jets can figure it out, what are McCarthy’s chances realistically.

-1 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 10, 2019 at 05:12 pm

Pacman:

McPuffy Bakery specializing in turnovers!

-1 points
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Hematite's picture

January 10, 2019 at 06:48 pm

MMgood

2 points
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Lare's picture

January 11, 2019 at 03:27 pm

Frankly, considering the fact that all three are gone my first thought was "Cheers".

2 points
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GoldenRetriever's picture

January 10, 2019 at 11:04 pm

Mike McCarthy is a good man and the father of two young children. I would hope that he takes a year off to focus on his health and his family. He’s not the first HC to put on a great deal of weight during his tenure. It’s a high-stress, all-consuming job that leaves little time for “self-care.”

7 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 11, 2019 at 03:21 pm

No one said MM wasn't a good man or a father of 2 GR R-E-L-A-X. For your self care argument there are plenty of thin HCs around the NFL. Rex Ryan was bigger than MM and lost weight during the season. If you couldn't come up with a fun restaurant name that's ok. Just throw out a bad one and have a laugh you might enjoy it. McArthy publicly body shamed Eddie Lacy.

1 points
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Johnblood27's picture

January 11, 2019 at 11:43 am

Chuckleheads Bar and Grill

Same folks, same stools...

Cmon in and squat n gobble...

0 points
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albert999's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:14 pm

MM might be HC of Giants or Redskins next year?

2 points
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SoCalJim's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:17 pm

Possibly, but I wouldn't put any money on it.

0 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 10, 2019 at 05:14 pm

Giants tried Ben McAdoo I think that really hurts MM chances landing their HCing job.

2 points
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Demon's picture

January 10, 2019 at 02:59 pm

Well since theres already a Fatboys pizza in Bloomer WI, Ill have to come up with a different one.

-2 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 10, 2019 at 05:15 pm

Fudgienuckles Sportsbar is also taken.

1 points
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tobinrote's picture

January 10, 2019 at 04:05 pm

ya the coaching left a lot to be esired to say the least, but what you going to do with a team with no safeties that should even be in the nfl, no lbs inside or outside, no right guard, and a qb who really looked like a middle tier qb this year. only bellichek among coaches could take such a talent deficit to the superbowl.

0 points
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FAN24583's picture

January 10, 2019 at 04:06 pm

Yes MM already has the menus(play call sheet) printed he was studying it during the games for the last few years.

-1 points
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MikeS's picture

January 10, 2019 at 04:29 pm

Best cast scenario, Zookto Bears, or Vikes.

0 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

January 10, 2019 at 04:33 pm

About time. And his assistant should go to. Far as I am concerned, Zook should have been shown the doir at the same time as McCarthy

-1 points
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1
Swisch's picture

January 10, 2019 at 04:57 pm

I wonder if a big part of the problem on special teams is that players feel like they have to hit someone to do their jobs, and to get noticed in a positive way -- thus often causing so many exasperating penalties for illegal blocks.
Perhaps the players have to psyche themselves up so much for the apparent violence of special teams that they are disappointed if they don't get a good hit in.
Whatever the case, it seems that half the time the best block on special teams is just getting in the way of a potential tackler.
Although it wasn't a special teams play, a good illustration is Randall Cobb's long touchdown catch-and-run for a huge touchdown in the opener against the Bears. Ty Montgomery effectively blocked two defenders downfield while barely touching them, or not at all. He was probably ready to throw a block, but it turned out to be more effective to just get in the way.
It seems one of the great challenges of football in general is to play hard but also to play smart. It's difficult to be ready to hit hard, but then to be disciplined enough to lay off at times for a better overall result.
The key to special teams seems to be a controlled ferocity. Not easy!

3 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

January 10, 2019 at 05:06 pm

I think there's a lot of truth in what you said Swisch. Not an easy job for a young player trying to establish a name for himself.

Dash

0 points
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4
Coldworld's picture

January 10, 2019 at 07:16 pm

If that were true then it would be on the coaches for failing to explain what is a positive and what isn’t.

0 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 10, 2019 at 05:18 pm

The worst part of special teams is the referees. It's just 1 part of the NFL game they've completely ruined.

8 points
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Swisch's picture

January 10, 2019 at 06:25 pm

I appreciate getting your thoughts, Dash and Jonathan.
I guess this all comes back to putting a lot of emphasis on special teams -- including the hire of an excellent coach to motivate guys to play with ferocity, but also to teach them to play with smarts and under control.
This includes learning how to adapt to any questionable refereeing.
Perhaps it is true, or nearly true, to say that special teams are one-third of the game, equal to offense or defense.
One example is the key role of Desmond Howard and his blockers in our 1996 Super Bowl triumph against the Patriots.
The teams that don't get this are maybe some of the same ones wondering why they lose so many close games, and fall just a game or two short of a championship.

3 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 10, 2019 at 11:08 pm

Zook had a good quote in his time as a ST coach. He said offense & Defense get 3 or 4 downs. With STs you have 1 chance to make it work. I think there's a lot of truth to that. In 2018 there were 3,484 penalty flags thrown...

2 points
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CoachJV's picture

January 10, 2019 at 04:58 pm

I always hate to hear about a person losing their job... but this was most definitely needed. So.... Oh thank god!

0 points
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cheesehead1's picture

January 10, 2019 at 06:12 pm

I’ve always enjoyed a great discussion from all Packers fans about our team, but please keep politics out of this. Hope the moderators of this site will ensure that we have a civil discussion about our Packers and nothing else, especially politics.

5 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

January 10, 2019 at 07:21 pm

The STs cost the Packers 2, maybe 3 games and helped them to lose several others.

If ML wants a short journey back to the playoffs, he needs the D to continue to improve and the STs to be competent.

Pettine...check.

Adios Zook the Goof...check.

Now, get a staff of great communicators, teachers and leaders on the O and on STs.

0 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

January 10, 2019 at 08:21 pm

Christ, John Krik and Ron Zook freaking GONE in the same week. Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.

5 points
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CoachJV's picture

January 10, 2019 at 09:01 pm

And don't call me Shirley

3 points
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Johnblood27's picture

January 10, 2019 at 11:51 pm

I just want to say...

We're all counting on you...

1 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

January 11, 2019 at 06:07 am

I wonder if Ron likes movies about gladiators.

2 points
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BradHTX's picture

January 11, 2019 at 06:38 am

Well, pretty sure he’s hung around a locker room after the game.

“Airplane!”... The gift that just keeps on giving almost 40 years later.

3 points
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dobber's picture

January 11, 2019 at 07:42 am

To the tower! Rapunzel! Rapunzel!

1 points
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Daren726's picture

January 11, 2019 at 05:52 am

Hallelujah!

0 points
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marpag1's picture

January 11, 2019 at 06:36 am

Well, you could retain the services of Ron Zook, or you could retain your credibility as a NFL franchise, but you can't really do both.

I'd say the Packers made the right choice.

0 points
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4thand10's picture

January 12, 2019 at 08:46 am

I agree, they did. I’m wondering on what’s happening to special teams across the board....it seemed like there was sooo much miscommunication, responsibilities etc... a real mess on the Packers.

But as far as the rest of the NFL I don’t quite remember so many kickers missing so many field goals. I mean early in the the season, it seamed like they were all missing kicks.

0 points
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4thand10's picture

January 12, 2019 at 08:48 am

Double

0 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

January 11, 2019 at 06:42 am

With one move, Matt LaFleur becomes one of my favorite Packers coaches of all time.

2 points
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PAPackerbacker's picture

January 11, 2019 at 09:19 pm

Looks like the new coach has made a positive decision already.

1 points
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KingPacker's picture

January 12, 2019 at 03:56 am

Thank God the torturous clown show is over!!!

0 points
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