Rodgers, LaFleur in the process of ironing out the details -- and that's okay

No, seriously, it's okay. 

-- It wouldn't truly be a summer break for teams across the league -- including the Green Bay Packers -- without an overdramatized and overanalyzed look into comments made by Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers, in the midst of learning a mostly new offense at the spry age of 35, spoke to former Sports Illustrated columnist Mike Silver last week, apparently speaking in such a manner that would leave the less-informed scrambling to their Twitter accounts to nitpick on every last word.

"I don't think you want me to turn off 11 years," Rodgers said, referring to the last decade in which he was given full control at the line of scrimmage while at the helm of Mike McCarthy's offense.

McCarthy was fired on Dec. 2nd after an embarrassing home loss to the Arizona Cardinals, leaving offensive coordinator-turned-interim head coach as his successor for the team's final four games. Just about a month later, McCarthy's full-time successor, Matt LaFleur, was hired on to become the franchise's next head coach.

LaFleur, only 39 years old and just four years Rodgers' senior, has undergone similar treatment throughout the offseason, i.e., outside skeptics taking overdramatized, overanalyzed views into just how the dynamic is going to work between quarterback and head coach.

"Is he too young?"

"Rodgers is a diva who got his last coach fired, there's no way LaFleur is going to survive."

"Sheesh, that introductory presser was horrible. The guy couldn't even finish a sentence without stuttering."

Young, offensive-minded gurus seem to be a trend around the NFL. Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, Sean McVay in Los Angeles, Matt Nagy in Chicago. LaFleur, like Shanahan and McVay, all stem from the Mike Shanahan coaching tree while all four once shared a coaching staff together with the Washington Redskins.

McCarthy spent 13 seasons with the Packers, 11 with Rodgers as his starting quarterback. While the pair once reached the pinnacle of the sports world with a championship in 2011, complacency settled in with its stranglehold and, along with the failure to adapt to a rapidly-changing NFL landscape, ultimately may have caused a widely-documented rift between them.

While McCarthy may have served the Packers well, and he certainly did, the call for change was a necessity.

And, well, as far as pressers go, when you're a young pup being introduced as the 15th head coach in the proud history of a franchise such as this, nerves are expected. It may be troubling -- and possibly even newsworthy -- if those nerves weren't there and LaFleur was robotic. I'm looking at you, Adam Gase.

Since then, LaFleur has spoken publicly several times and grown more comfortable in front of the myriad of cameras and faces.

These things didn't need to be debunked. Whether these criticisms are fallacies or not will remain to be seen until the regular season -- but until then, the Packers have a new offense to learn. Doing so is going to have its trials and tribulations, especially for someone such as Rodgers who has been playing his game the same way for a majority of his career.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but no one ever said anything about making those new tricks as easy as possible for that old dog to learn.

That's the primary goal behind the concepts and verbiage that Rodgers and co. are trying to master in LaFleur's scheme. Fewer opportunities for Rodgers to play backyard football, and more opportunities for Rodgers to hit a wide open read that was schemed open into a particular spot.

But will this require Rodgers to give up his share of pre-snap control?

"There's stuff that not many people in the league can do at the line," Rodgers said. "That's not a humble brag. That's just a fact."

For years, Rodgers' elusiveness, trickery and ad-lib ability have made him a headache for opposing defenses. Subliminally, it's the things Rodgers does at the line of scrimmage that has created so many of these trademark plays throughout his career.

The freedom to opt out of a call based off of what the defense is offering, being able to alter a play call in a particular situation, just taking matters into his own hands when he feels the moment calls for it. Under this new regime, there's a chance that could change, even if just slightly.

Outside optics will eat this up, simply dubbing Rodgers as "uncoachable" and discussing how Rodgers is already walking all over his new coach -- while this new coach allows himself to be a doormat -- and undermining his authority. But Rodgers is right: he can do things that other quarterbacks can't. Relinquishing that control, on top of altering his playing style to better suit the new offense, may seem hasty.

If LaFleur has been anything these last five months, it's mindful. Mindful of his players' thoughts, feelings, attitudes, etc. There's a difference between stripping a player entirely of his duty and minimizing that aforementioned freedom while still acknowledging him to be the architect behind what you're trying to accomplish offensively.

All that has been talked about since January is how the relationship is going to work -- how will these two get along? This is how. Meshing these ideas and concepts is part of the learning curve in a working relationship such as this; finding a sense of comfortability in what fits where, who fits where and what is passable.

It's also almost worth mentioning that it's June. The Packers' mandatory minicamp slate just wrapped up and there's a long summer break before the team reconvenes for training camp next month. Any major on-field step taken between these two likely won't be able to be broken down until the team practices in pads.

For now, find solace in the mayhem.

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

NFL Categories: 
4 points
 

Comments (64)

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

June 17, 2019 at 10:30 am

I've made my feelings on Rodgers quite clear before: He (like almost all star QBs) has plenty of diva in him. He signed with GB last year, despite not knowing if the upper admin and coaching staff would ever put together a Lombardi worthy roster. (That jury is still out btw).

Rodgers knows he needs to win in the playoffs to cement his legacy more. He's going to be motivated to do what the coaching staff says.

Where I hesitate is wondering if the team starts poorly. Say...2-6. Will ARod still play team ball at that point, or will it be 10 passes to Adams, to every run for Jones again? What will MLF do if that happens? For that matter, what will Murphy do if that happens (as he is the one who is really the shot caller at 1265).

That's the question that is before us IMO. Winning cures all, and I expect GB to do their fair share of that...

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Samson's picture

June 17, 2019 at 12:14 pm

You're over analyzing based on the typical media over analyzing. -- There's nothing wrong with letting everything play out.... You know... let the games begin. -- Then analyze.

5 points
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ShanghaiKid's picture

June 17, 2019 at 05:13 pm

There’s also nothing wrong with looking forward and asking the what if questions. It’s plausible the team struggles out of the gate. What is Rodgers reaction, does he stay on course or does he deviate and do his own thing? That’s what these boards are for, discussion. So taking the devils advocate stance and asking the tough, “what if” questions is perfectly reasonable.

4 points
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Bearmeat's picture

June 17, 2019 at 09:17 pm

High five.

1 points
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Qoojo's picture

June 17, 2019 at 10:56 am

Hardest part of the year. Only baseball and offseason drama. 1.5 months to seeing what this new offense looks like on the field. I imagine it's going to look pretty rough for the first couple of preseason games. Then Rodgers and MLF will talk a lot about how things should work.

Then the first game comes, and the bears are running in circles with no idea how to stop the offense, as HaHa gives up big play after big play, even though this is his superbowl.

3 points
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Rak43's picture

June 17, 2019 at 03:44 pm

It would be really nice to see the offense take off and click on all cylinders, but I find that to be unlikely once the season starts.Too many moving parts that have to get acclimated to one another. Imho the Packers defense is going to have to hold down the fort for the first half the season until the offense gets it's legs under it. I don't expect a high flying offense out of the gate so 20-22 points a game would be nice if the defense can hold teams to 17 or less they should win 5-6 of their first 8 games and by then the offense should be ready to open it up. And if the offense can open it up and start scoring 28-30 points a game by mid season that will afford Pettine opportunities to take more chances with the defense and not have to play it so close to his vest for a playoff push down the stretch.

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Qoojo's picture

June 17, 2019 at 04:08 pm

Yea, expect a month or so of growing pains. How much of an offense did the Packers really have the last two years? Like last year, it seemed like it was mostly designed for Rodgers to hold onto the ball until someone comes open.

On paper only, the new offense appears to be designed to get WRs open and at least mask the intent of the play + plenty of motion. When I paid attention to the details, MM's offense seemed simple with many of the WR routes easily predictable. 5-10 yard straight ahead and turn around routes. On occasion you would see some motion, and Cobb juke a guy to get open.

This year we get to see if it was the offense or the player failing to get open in the past.

4 points
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splitpea1's picture

June 17, 2019 at 08:22 pm

I sort of think the opposite for the first few games of the season. Opposing defenses will have to plan differently for our new-look offense and its freshness might give us a little edge. Our defense is still an unproven commodity with a lot of new players but should show much improvement as the season progresses. If they could hold teams to 17 or less, that would be fantastic! I'm not trying to be pessimistic, but our defense has been subpar for so long that I'd have to see it to believe it. One thing that has to be working right out of the gate is the special teams--I wonder how long it'll take for the first fake punt to be tried against us. I think Mennenga needs to be a bit of drill sergeant to get this unit off on the right foot.

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TarynsEyes's picture

June 17, 2019 at 11:07 am

"I don't think you want me to turn off 11 years,"

"There's stuff that not many people in the league can do at the line," Rodgers said. "That's not a humble brag. That's just a fact."

If all is OK there would be no reason to say either.
Come August they may very well walk hand in hand onto the field and everything is great and both have accepted understandings of each. It may also be a total disconnect between a 1st year HC and an 11 year ego,diva QB who feels his way is what he needs to reassure his legacy. And let's not be naive here, Rodgers expectations was multiple SB wins or at least SB appearances and the Division Titles and playoff appearances simply don't hold the same amount of water as to evaluating legacy of such prior expectations. Many convinced themselves this would become reality,myself included by proof in my user name.

Naturally this will be argued by the lovers of stats which are merely the way of defending and accepting the failure to meet expectations regardless of the hype.

Again...
If all was fine/OK, then saying all is fine/OK would be sufficient.

But Rodgers made it a point to leave a hanging chad of doubt for 6 weeks before the beginning of truth is witnessed by all.

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Samson's picture

June 17, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Again --- you're drawing possible conclusions based on sparse information. -- Wait for TC, preseason & then the real games. --- Then your posts (and your opinion) would be much more valid. -- Now.... they're only thoughts in your head put into a post....... with little validity.

4 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

June 17, 2019 at 01:26 pm

I drew no conclusion but simply countered the articles writer saying all is fine. Isn't the writer drawing a conclusion based on sparse info then also?
I also said we'll see the truth come August when games are played or did you just purposely ignore that part?

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Samson's picture

June 17, 2019 at 01:42 pm

The implication of your entire post is that "something is not right" with AR & MLF otherwise why did anyone have to even say anything. -- The media asks questions & those asked oftentimes respond. -- That's how it works.
Sorry, but, I have a tendency to "skim over" your looooong posts because you have a tendency to c.y.a. with all possible scenarios. -- It's an old trick.

8 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 17, 2019 at 01:46 pm

Well said Samson. This is manufactured angst.

3 points
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Lare's picture

June 17, 2019 at 02:53 pm

Some people need angst about other things in order to feel better about themselves.

1 points
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Big_Mel_75's picture

June 17, 2019 at 11:48 am

We are in shorts and helmets. Lets get some pads on and preseason games played before we worry. To think this season is going to be easy is crazy. Lots of unknowns and we need to let things play out before worrying that a super bowl winning QB forgets what he has done the last 11 years...

5 points
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Ken Parrish's picture

June 17, 2019 at 12:03 pm

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the uncoachable Aaron Rodgers!

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Tundraboy's picture

June 17, 2019 at 09:56 pm

Uncoachable players don't throw 22 TDS to 2 tipped interceptions. He's ok in my book.

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Barazinho's picture

June 17, 2019 at 03:46 pm

The full quote, which many are selectively parsing and then making a worst-case interpretation of.

"It's a conversation in progress," Rodgers said. "I don't think you want to ask me to turn off 11 years (of recognizing defenses). We have a number of check-with-mes and line-of-scrimmage stuff. It's just the other stuff that really not many people in this league can do.
"That's not like a humblebrag or anything; that's just a fact. There aren't many people that can do at the line of scrimmage what I've done over the years. I mean, obviously, Tommy (Brady) can do it, no doubt. Peyton (Manning) could do it. Drew (Brees) can do it. (Patrick) Mahomes will be able to do it. Ben (Roethlisberger) has called the two-minute for years. ... It's kind of second nature. And that's just the icing on the cake for what I can do in this offense."

MLF has made comments to the same effect - about how he hasn't had a QB able to make calls at the line, and wants to exploit that to benefit the offense.

7 points
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Lare's picture

June 17, 2019 at 01:40 pm

I think you're hitting on what most people are missing. That is that this isn't all about egos and people getting their own way, it's people are just doing whatever they think is best to win games.

Of course, playing to win is what everybody does so there's no drama in that.

5 points
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Samson's picture

June 17, 2019 at 12:24 pm

Please.... PFT is the "drama king" of the media.... They compete with the Nat. Enq. for non news items.

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Lare's picture

June 17, 2019 at 01:43 pm

If PFT, Silverstein and Dunne can't find any factual conspiracies to write about, then they just make something up.

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Coldworld's picture

June 17, 2019 at 02:50 pm

There is virtually nothing to write about. OTAs and minicamp tell one almost nothing and those are the highlights of the last few months with hopefully no news coming out till the start of camp other than maybe the odd back of roster tweak.

Everyone is signed, just hope they stay out of trouble and thus no news of note occurs till Camp.

2 points
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Samson's picture

June 17, 2019 at 01:55 pm

Exactly. --- No news is basically good news until TC. -- Then the real football begins. -- I'm hyped.

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Qoojo's picture

June 18, 2019 at 12:20 pm

PFT just trolls nfl fan base rivalries, like the articles about Haha and putting a packers tag on the stories. Florio made a career out of pulling stuff from his nether regions. He went from a nut with a website to getting actual airtime. It generates clicks and viewers, and that's all they care about. Just be right some of the time, and everyone will forget about all the bull**** misses. You just have to have lack of integrity in your reporting.

1 points
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fastmoving's picture

June 17, 2019 at 02:54 pm

Well-written piece, Thanks. Just interesting and easy to read. No big news but a good article about the status quo and better than the most.
And if the ugly girl has to complain about it, as one of the biggest contraindicators in the universe, it most likely just right.

But it seems that its not so easy for the mostly really good writers on CHTV. For some the story may be to optemistic, for some to negativ, the next one looks for conspiracy theories behind everything. Too long, to short, without new facts or with the wrong sources, too much or too less drama and way too much speculation or not enought speculation. I really wonder if those people, who know everything better, can write better articels? I like the most stuff (from the writers of course) here, very well and if I dont I just fly over it or dont read it at all. No big deal and always better as most of the permanent cry babies stuff. But ist more than good enought and the reason I spend a lot of time on CHTV!!

2 points
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Since'61's picture

June 17, 2019 at 03:17 pm

Rodgers and MLF are two professionals and they will work these issues out over the course of the season.

As an HC you want to utilize Rodgers experience and talent. You especially want to leverage his knowledge of playing against our division opponents. A QB like Rodgers needs to be allowed the flexibility to call and/or change play calls at the LOS because defenses are adjusting their look and their personnel on almost every play.

One question that I have is how much will the Packers continue to run their no huddle offense. If that remains their modus operandi than Rodgers needs to call the plays. If not, it doesn't matter who calls the plays as long as the team is winning their games. In the end it comes down to execution regardless of the play call or who called the play. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
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Rak43's picture

June 17, 2019 at 03:59 pm

From what I've read about the system and how LaFluer applies it, is that he will generally call two plays before the snap, one main play and another to audible to if the look isn't so good for Rodgers. I have a feeling that the system will expand some and there will be multiple plays for AR to audible into. It may not be as free as McCarthy's system was in letting Rodgers call audibles but I think it will expand to more like 6-10 plays he will be able to audible into and out of at the LOS. I'm also sure LaFluer will set some restrictions and set forth conditions that will have to be met first but it will allow Rodgers to use his intellect and experience at the LOS while making sure Lafluer is in control and everyone is following his lead.

4 points
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Since'61's picture

June 17, 2019 at 04:46 pm

Rak - I agree. I think it will work out very similar to what you describe and I’m confident that the audibles will be discussed and reviewed during the weekly game planning sessions.

Rodgers will no doubt give his input against our division rivals since he knows them well. He is 41-18 - 1 against the division, a .695 winning %, since becoming the starter in 2008.

I think Rodger’s issues with ego, being a diva, etc. have been significantly overblown by the media. What I see is what you want in your starting veteran QB, and that is a very confident, competitive, professional player who expects everyone on the team to be playing at a high level and striving for excellence on every play. And a leader who lets guys know when they are not meeting expectations.

The media calls Rodgers behavior egotistical or being a diva, but where I come from we call it confident, competitive, leadership and being a professional. Thanks, Since ‘61

5 points
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albert999's picture

June 17, 2019 at 09:01 pm

It also helps,to be one of the guys and not separate yourself to far from the men in your huddle

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

June 18, 2019 at 09:25 am

Perfectly stated Since 61. Classic case of people who want to find fault and bring Rodgers down exactly because of how great a player he is. Some can't handle the truth. Is he perfect, no,. Noone is,but he's the guy I want leading my team and playing that position.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

June 18, 2019 at 11:05 am

Agree Tundra. Good post. Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

June 18, 2019 at 03:00 pm

Thanks my friend.

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fastmoving's picture

June 18, 2019 at 03:58 pm

For me, the truth lies somewhere in between. And even if its clear that the "media" needs interesting stories and clicks, its not like they dont making a lot of good work. Like everything there are a lot of different sides and people involved but generally they are way better than they got credit for.
But hey, I know its trendy to blame the media. you can never be wrong with that right now.

For me AR has some diva in him and maybe sometimes that is not a bad thing, to be confident even you dont have a lot of reasons for it. But he has his good and his bad sides for sure, like everyone else. He was the best QB on he planet in some years but never the greatest leader for me. But that is ok, I like that we have him, but its strange to pretend like he has no flaws.

0 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 18, 2019 at 04:18 pm

fastmoving,

No. You say ...."But hey, I know its trendy to blame the media. you can never be wrong with that right now."

Nooooo! The media deserves blame for not reporting "facts and quotes, in context" The speculative crap is not reporting, but just hearsay.

I would say you are walking into a maze if you are supporting/accepting baseless, unverified stories.

I am happy to hear "real" stories, and give reporters major props for them.

As I have said before, neither MLF or ARod have said they have any issue with each other or with their positions/duties.

Maybe not trendy, but I will accept what they say before a speculating reporter.

AR a diva? Sure. Have you ever heard of R Moss, T Owens, A Brown, L BeLL etc, etc, etc? It's the NFL, just different levels.

1 points
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fastmoving's picture

June 19, 2019 at 06:28 am

I dont agree with that, "the media" is the same like always, but today everyone has his own take and knows it better. Most guys are hypercritical even the majority of the journalists doing a good job. We just getting the stories we are like to read on the long therm. If the wig looser got nothing together but he did his part in the general suspicion of the media. but if most guys dont like it anymore it will change over time and you will get what you want. even to know you should carefull what you wish for. what I read its mostly good, thoughtfull stuff. the opposite to Cowheard and Bayless typs......most of the time.
Some want to get all the sources listed, just to know a lot of them want not to get metioned. Otherwise they wont tell you the facts. Just a normal thing, if it comes to citical stuff. Or they just discredit the known sources because they discruntled or something. Or too old or too dumb. Next time on a presser the local media its too nice with here question but the national writters are to hard and making something up. So in the end nobody can do it right for some people and I wounder how it would look like if the were a journalist. But then I decide that Id rather would not think about it.

And I dont know whats wrong with playing with possibilities and thoughts, espacially in a smart way. Thats a big part of sports. The scores are fast told and not much of debatting there. The team with the most points got the W. End of story. So no need for comparing, speculating and sites like this overall? 80% of sports are our emotions, our hopes, our fears and the 1000 stories and declaration tries what happend (at and apound the game) and why.

Other than that, Zac story was just a feel good one. "seriously, its ok" and nothing but normal that the both have disscussion like that. No overanalyzing or overdramatizing, just a good piece like the things are right now. And it was just that. But since the Dunn story it seems everyone is afraid that something bad about the Pack comes out and every try to right something gets at least 10 "oh, 40 day till TC" or "someone is making up something" comments. Just dont get that. You dont have to read it, if you dont wont to hear anything. Im , on the other Hand, are just here on this site for this.

For AR, like everything is relative and everyone has his own definition of "diva behaivor". You are right if you ask "compared to who". Maybe he is, compared to Kuhn and not, compared to Moss. But for me he is for sure a little bit and that stuff started really early in his NFL life. Even before he was drafted. And its not a big deal, but its the way it is. And a reason why he is as good as he is sometimes. But its stand in his way other times as well. The difference compared to the Owens guys is for me that he is way smarter about the whole thing, his image and how he comes over. but that does not mean he is way lesser such a guy. Did not like his indirect shoots at his pressers at other people (MM) and thats just one of the things everyone can see.
But if you want to see him as the nicest guy in the world, without flaws and misstakes, go ahead. For me he has more than enought of them, but maybe that what him makes the great QB in the end. I dont know. But I would give Brady, Starr and Brees some highter score on the "not beeing a diva" meter. Maybe even Favre too.
Dont know for sure but it seems to me that all this stuff was a big reason Starr was so a special guy and even better human beeing for most of the people.
But yeah, its just my take over the last decade.

2 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 19, 2019 at 12:56 pm

fastmoving,

"the media" is making up this apparent conflict/difference between MLF and ARod. And that is not, as you say ... " "the media" is the same like always."

Neither MLF and/or ARod. have said or even indicated there is any rift/difference/or they are on different pages on anything.

They have answered questions that try to stir the pot and make it look like there is some authority issue.

The media is not using "facts" and "quotes, in context," to write their stories. (I don't mean this article, or this site even). So that is not "the same like always." Hearsay and speculation are not facts.

What veteran QB doesn't audible?? So because ARod does, the media portrays him as a malcontent or defiant?? That is just stupid and the media not portraying the truth to make a story.

0 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

June 17, 2019 at 09:45 pm

"I think it will expand to more like 6-10 plays he will be able to audible into"

I hope it's based of specific reads and and it's all planned out exactly what the audible is based on the defensive look so he can't just audible out of runs and quick passes the whole game. I don't know for sure if he was doing that with MM, but it sure seamed like it at times.

2 points
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Rak43's picture

June 18, 2019 at 01:56 am

That's what I meant J.J when I said some restrictions and conditions would need to be met. Let's say Lafuer and Rodgers come up with 12 audibles for the week with a run and a pass play off 6 different formations. Those 6 formations probably would be the main ones the Packers operate from that week, and some of those audibles, most likely while set for a specific defensive formation just very well may work on other formations if certain criteria are met. If those criteria are met on field then Rodgers can audible into another one of a few specified calls. Whichever one he deems to work best.

2 points
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Point-Packer's picture

June 17, 2019 at 04:28 pm

This is the worst time of the year to be a Packer fan. Endless nit-picky speculation about nothing intensified by the new coaching staff. Rodgers will still be able to audible, perhaps the process will be different on the field, but I guarantee he's still going to have a great deal of influence at the LOS.

3 points
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Since'61's picture

June 17, 2019 at 04:47 pm

Agree, no question. Nice post PointPacker.
Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

June 18, 2019 at 09:26 am

As he should.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 17, 2019 at 04:36 pm

On a different note, looks like we picked up another TE: Michael Roberts from the Lions

0 points
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Since'61's picture

June 17, 2019 at 05:21 pm

I’m not sure why we would pick up a player who failed his physical. Maybe we’ll keep more TEs than WRs. Thanks, Since ‘61

-1 points
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Point-Packer's picture

June 17, 2019 at 05:09 pm

Donnie Barclay still available?

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 17, 2019 at 05:45 pm

Another blocking TE, big, around 260, with great hands limited athleticism. Very similar to McKeever.

-1 points
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Since'61's picture

June 17, 2019 at 06:23 pm

That works for me but I’m a little concerned about why he failed his physical which nullified his trade.
Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

June 17, 2019 at 06:37 pm

At the this point in his career, I suspect money and freeing up a roster spot were more important to the Lions than his actual physical condition. Teams cut players all the time using the failed physical standard. I bet by NFL standards he's borderline, like most of the veteran players in the league.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 17, 2019 at 06:41 pm

Could it be the plan is to pup him for in season or IR for the future?

Has some upside though clearly the Lions moved on, he did have pretty good blocking and receiving ratings from PFF before going on IR last year. 9 receptions including three red zone receptions for TDs.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

June 18, 2019 at 04:14 am

All we know so far is Belichick rejected the trade based on Robert's medical evaluation. He was on the street and may well be there again next month.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

June 17, 2019 at 06:27 pm

Come on guys, it's GM Gute and his front office doing their due diligence. Packers probably had him on their board when he was taken by the Lions. You know, checking the wear and tear etc....

0 points
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wildbill's picture

June 17, 2019 at 05:45 pm

Hmm, maybe he is a very good STer or a very good blocker. At Lewis’s age, and salary, I am sure they are always looking for a cheaper version.

3 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 17, 2019 at 09:08 pm

I'm late to the party, but who says MLF and ARod have a problem?? They haven't.

Is this just a BR hangover?? And just a media take off on a poor, fantasy/fake write up.

I saw/read nothing to indicate ARod and MLF had any issues during the past camps/installs/training.

3 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

June 17, 2019 at 09:48 pm

I'm not a fan of Rodgers recent comments. But, I agree with you that they are not proof that the sky is falling already.

1 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 17, 2019 at 10:42 pm

jeremyjjbrown ,

If you read/hear his complete speech, there is nothing there to indicate any problem with MLF or anyone.

Some here, some there want to create a "mess" that does not exist.

I am almost out of words (ha ha,I bet you wish I were) trying to get this point across.

There is no indication, no validation that ARod and MLF have issues.

There is plenty of media nonsense, and hence, groupie nonsense that doubles down on "nothing" news. Ignore it/ understand it for what it is. But that hearsay crap surely deserves no credence.

3 points
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Adorabelle's picture

June 17, 2019 at 10:25 pm

I agree. Given the Bleacher Report article everything Mr. Rodgers says and does will be overanalyzed to death. People will like to believe that he was the off the reservation character that article portrayed him to be and that he was telling receivers to do what he said and not what the coach said. So then they can get into the how will the new coach handle this like its still happening.

0 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 18, 2019 at 03:47 pm

Adorabelle,

We agree on this one.

-Some reporter... " I say there is a rift between "X" and "Y". Now that there is this (my) "problem" what can "THEY" do to fix my problem. Will they work against each other?

Geeze, how do media sensitive (us) fans get sucked into such baseless crap? I can agree about talking about something, but giving nonsense any amount of credibility makes no sense.

Facts! Quotes, in context! Not hard at all.

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

June 18, 2019 at 09:28 am

Yup. Just trolling for controversy,and a story.

-1 points
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fastmoving's picture

June 18, 2019 at 04:15 pm

Nobody was trolling, dont know what you read into it. It was just a cool story. Just like the situation is, thoughtfull and well writen, not even a lot of controversy.
and by the way, its the most normal thing in the world if AR would like to keep his freedom and MLF wants to have as much controll as possible. In the end it all will work out one way or another…….

1 points
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Adorabelle's picture

June 17, 2019 at 10:20 pm

So Aaron Rodgers may or may not stick to the plays. The new offense may or may not be good. I may or may not like this article.

1 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 17, 2019 at 10:51 pm

Adorabelle,

You say ... '"So Aaron Rodgers may or may not stick to the plays."

Is that what you want?? ARod just sticking to the called play?? No matter the D he faces?? Well, that, is a big time waste of a pro QB that has broken down just about any D the NFL can throw at him. The Pack is very lucky to have a QB that can break down the D.

I may or may not like this response, but it is mine.

4 points
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Adorabelle's picture

June 18, 2019 at 02:38 pm

You missed the point. It was sarcasm. The Packers have not played yet so no one knows what will happen with the new offense yet. It may be great or it may not but this article covers itself either way. Aaron Rodgers may have a great year - or he may not, there now I am right either way.

Its like a psychic telling me "I see a man in your future. He's a blonde, or brunette or maybe a redhead" Way to cover your bases there hon. LOL

But I was just listening to the sports radio in my car and the dude was all over the uncoachable Aaron Rodgers narrative. So nationally they think it is true. I don't - but this guy thinks it was a given that Aaron Rodgers was already whining about having a lack of choices in the new offense.

2 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 18, 2019 at 03:54 pm

Adorabelle ,

Yes, I saw the sarcasm, but I didn't stop there. Sorry.

We all want ARod to be the best he can be. That will include changing plays.

LOL, that sports radio dude needs substantiation, not speculation. But they don't care anymore. Just stir the pot. (ratings) Just cuz he's on the radio does not make him right. I think you get that. Same as that BR hearsay.

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

June 17, 2019 at 11:02 pm

I've been critical of Rodgers in the past but not this time. You have to read Silver's whole article and put the comments in context. I think this is much ado about nothing. Many of us have been begging for more pre-snap motion and more scheme to get receivers open for a while. There is a price tag to that - lost time. There will be less time in many situations for #12 to change the play at the LOS. Rodgers and LeFleur are going to have to figure out when and if there will be situations where they will do something different. No need to dramatize this so much.

2 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 18, 2019 at 01:37 pm

MarkinMadison,

I agree.

I've also criticized ARod (for holding the ball too long and not throwing to open receivers in particular) He's got to do better there.

And you say ..... " Rodgers and LeFleur are going to have to figure out when and if there will be situations where they will do something different. No need to dramatize this so much."

So true. Pretty much the same as any new coach/QB/O has to figure out. Nothing new here. Just learning.

0 points
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