The Packers' Passing Attack Will Be Better Than Most Expected

Who thought that was even possible back in May?

It has been pointed out, debated, and written about (including by yours truly) ad nauseam throughout the entire offseason – the Green Bay Packers are trotting out a brand-new starting quarterback for the first time in 15 years and surrounding him with young and unproven receiving options, a recipe that likely will result in far more headaches than jubilant cheers from those donning the green and gold, both inside and outside of the building. The regular season is still weeks ago and preseason results shouldn’t necessarily be treated as the end-all-be-all, but allow me to dust off the hot-take machine and predict that the team’s passing attack will be better in 2023 than most expected. 

Through two preseason games, quarterback Jordan Love has completed 12-of-18 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns, with a passer rating of 124.8. He has not thrown a single interception, which is particularly noteworthy after he led the NFL in preseason interceptions in 2022 as pointed out by Bill Huber. I am sure there are some throws that Love would like to have back, such as his errant pass to tight end Luke Musgrave on third down against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, but the Utah State product has also had several “wow” throws in team practices and games that prove the 2020 first-round selection is gaining more and more comfort with each snap. 

The rookie receiving weapons have had plenty of opportunities in the team’s first two preseason games to showcase their skills, and for the most part, they have made the most of those opportunities. Musgrave may turn out to be the best of the bunch when it is all said and done as he is a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses due to his elite speed for a tight end and strong ball skills. 

Wide receiver Jayden Reed produced a below-average Relative Athletic Score during the pre-draft process, but thus far he has displayed an innate ability to make tough catches all the while possessing blazing-fast speed. Barring something unforeseen, he will open the season as the team’s WR3. 

Wide receiver Malik Heath, who went undrafted out of Ole Miss, has not only proven to be a more than willing and able blocker, but his receiving prowess was on full display throughout Saturday night’s action. He led the team in targets (5), receptions (5), and yards (75) and showed off his athleticism on one particular play that caused an uproar from the crowd. He also finished with a Pro Football Focus grade of 89.3, which is considered “High Quality/Elite.” That figure was second-best on the offensive side of the ball, behind wide receiver Romeo Doubs (91.0). 

Speaking of Doubs, even though he has played sparingly, he found the end zone against the Bengals and made an outstanding 42-yard catch along the sidelines Saturday night that catalyzed Reed's touchdown reception in the closing minutes of the first quarter. 

I have yet to mention Watson, who could be in store for a breakout sophomore season.

Altogether, there are guaranteed to be growing pains for the passing attack. But there will be plenty of fireworks, too, something that was hard to fathom and comprehend a few months ago. 

 

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__________________________

Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild). 

__________________________

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12 points
 

Comments (65)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
T7Steve's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:16 pm

Great work, Rex.

I like the way the QBs are slinging it. Exciting.

That said, these plays prove what any NFL QB can do with blocking and NFL receivers "catching" the balls.

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coolhand's picture

August 22, 2023 at 10:08 am

I thought the 1st string O line was outstanding, except for the wild snap by Myers, the blocking was excellent. And that was without Bakh at LT as well

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egbertsouse's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:17 pm

I’m having deja vu back to last preseason when I was reading in CHTV and other fan sites that the passing attack was going to be waaaaaay better without Davante Adams.

How did that work out?

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GregC's picture

August 21, 2023 at 01:28 pm

I don't remember anybody saying that. The standard take was that they were going to be slow out of the gate, so the defense would have to carry the team for awhile. There was hope that they would eventually figure things out, and the passing attack would be adequate. That's about it.

9 points
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CheesedDeadHead's picture

August 21, 2023 at 04:35 pm

Greg, it's called a straw-man argument. Cory often uses them in his columns. Egbertsouse might have a M.S. in SMA, but I think it was a terminal masters as it was clear he wasn't going to get his PhD.

4 points
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Bitternotsour's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:49 pm

CDH - this humor is probably too subtle for most, but it totally worked for me.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 22, 2023 at 02:33 am

I remember it being said, though I don't remember if it was on this site. The theory posited that AR would not be able to laser focus on Adams, meaning the ball would be spread around more.

This year, one theory is that the Packers will finally use the entirety of the LaFleur offense, that Love will use the middle of the field more, throw to the open receiver rather than his favorites, and take what the defense gives. We shall see.

3 points
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Guam's picture

August 22, 2023 at 07:42 am

"We shall see" is the right approach TGR although I have noticed a lot more motion in the last two preseason games than I saw any time during Rodgers' tenure in Green Bay.

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greengold's picture

August 25, 2023 at 08:12 pm

He’s probably thinking about the mentions of how we won all the games Davante was out injured … back in 2020? 2019?

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Since'75's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:12 pm

I'm always entertained, one way or another, even in the pre-season.

What is the pre-season about, anyone remember?
What's it's purpose?
EVALUATION to see who makes (fills) the roster.
Now, more than ever with the reduced practice time negotiated by the NFLPA in it's last two contracts.
To me....pre season games are merely an extension of training camp to evaluate players on the fence

It's not an indication on how the 1st team offense will do in real games against another teams first team defense.
That isn't determined....until they play in real games.

Almost half of teams players who play in the pre-season, will soon be finding real jobs, or trying to get signed to someone's practice squad.
*****************
I can remember, back in 2015 so many Packer fans crowning Brett Hundley based on his pre season performance.
I remember it like it was yesterday. Some fans even wanted Hundley to start over Rodgers.
Hundley was the "MVP of the Pre Season for some Packer fans.
There was a lot of kool aid drinking going on.

Was Hundley's performance and his 129.7 pre season passer rating indicative of his future playing career?
NOT IN THE LEAST.

I don't want to rain on Jordan Love's parade, but some common sense, critical thinking, and voice of reason has to enter the room occasionally.
*******
Root for the Packers, Jordan Love, drink the kool aid, Carry the G.....
I get it, but lets not sound like we're living in Fantasy Land.
**************
As in the business world....

Under promise, and over deliver.

Not the other way around.

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T7Steve's picture

August 22, 2023 at 08:46 am

Some people deliver on their promises. You have to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Only takes one broken promise to have someone not taken seriously anymore.

Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.

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Since'75's picture

August 22, 2023 at 10:34 am

I think you may have missed the point.

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T7Steve's picture

August 22, 2023 at 10:59 am

Wouldn't be the first time. LOL

Doesn't take much to go over my head.

I think you made a good point, but promise is promising.

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Since'75's picture

August 23, 2023 at 11:29 am

Fair enough my friend

Rock on.

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mnbadger's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:18 pm

Much to be excited and nervous about!
A very refreshing group of young and talented players. Exuberant even.
They play with a real joy for the game, no fear.
GPG!

7 points
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Since'61's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:23 pm

It should not be forgotten that our RBs are part of our receiving corps as well. They only add to the threats and matchup problems which our WRS and TEs will cause opposing defenses.

I think that early in the season the Packers passing game will take the league by surprise. The real test for our receivers will begin once the league has gathered film on our receivers after the first 4-5 games of the season.

Bottom line, so far so good for our young receivers. They will have their ups and downs during this season but they should improve as the season goes on. Looking forward to how they evolve and how they look towards the end of this season. Thanks, Since '61

11 points
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Esquetoi's picture

August 21, 2023 at 03:07 pm

On the over the middle clip of #18, #31 was clearly coming wide open running to an open area with a path for a throw and run. Film and more film will show the possibilities. The last regime, it was required that the WR and also the QB win their battle. This time, it's rinse and repeat with all sorts of options.

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Qoojo's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:24 pm

Preseason is showing that they have potential and that the Eagles game last year was not a fluke. But I would temper expectations for early in the regular season as teams are resting a lot of starters or playing them for one series during preseason.

3 points
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stockholder's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:29 pm

Let's Compare- LOL
2019 roster besides Adams and MVS.
1.Darious Shepard
2. Trevor davis
3. Geronimo Allison
4. Jake Kumerow
5. Allan Lazard
TEs
Jace Sterberger
Jimmy Graham
BobTonyan
Mercedes Lewis

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

August 21, 2023 at 01:05 pm

And how many of those guys were Rodgers' buddies? Who throws a fit over Jake fricken Kumerow?

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Untylu1968's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:46 pm

WTF is your point that you're trying to make??

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bjkdad44's picture

August 21, 2023 at 08:34 pm

I agree

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calabasa's picture

August 21, 2023 at 10:30 pm

Players shouldn’t have personnel input.

1 points
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splitpea1's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:32 pm

There was a lot of opinion before the preseason that the Packers would have to rely heavily on the running game and our defense to win football games. I know it's preseason and we're trying to get our rookies as much work as possible, but it looks like we might be mostly capable of going full speed ahead in the early part of the season. Three yards and a cloud of dust was never going to get it done, anyway... Very impressive so far, especially the pass to Reed and the connections over the past two games with Doubs.

9 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 21, 2023 at 12:57 pm

This is the epitome of judging a book by its cover. In this case, the book is being rated a must-see with a lot of will happen. Let's read the first 8 chapters of this 17-chapter book first, and perhaps the cover won't make the story as great as one believes without reading it.

The first chapter speaks to this.

Vanilla Defenses are still vanilla Defenses in the preseason. Yes, the young guys have been good and offer a right to be excited, but they still need to show up against first team Defenses for entire games.

I never read the prologue of books, because it can ruin the story by saying too much one way or another. I always find tit better to read the book, figure out what happens in it, and then read the prologue because sometimes the prologue is better than the book. Hype wise anyway.

I hope the overexcited crowd won't have to conjure up excuses when preseason expectations aren't met. One chapter at a time. Let's not jump ahead looking for the good parts, as you never get the whole story that way. Like highlight reels.

3 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

August 21, 2023 at 01:04 pm

No excitement allowed.

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greengold's picture

August 21, 2023 at 02:19 pm

WOW! You are so all knowing. Color me impressed.

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Untylu1968's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:50 pm

Why even be a fan, if you can't seem to find any good or optimism out of your team?

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Oppy's picture

August 21, 2023 at 07:15 pm

She's a "realist"

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 21, 2023 at 08:25 pm

That I am.

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porupack's picture

August 21, 2023 at 09:01 pm

Two kinds of realists, optimistic and pessimistic ones. Neither predict accurately, but one generates more support as a fanbase than the other, and in turn, becomes the fanbase that players want to play for if other things were at par.

2 points
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greengold's picture

August 21, 2023 at 08:27 pm

“Cla-a-ss… Cla-a-ssss! SHUT UUUUUP!!!!”

“Thank you.”
— Sr. Mary Elephant

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 21, 2023 at 08:24 pm

Perhaps some here need to stop eating Frosted Flakes to put an end to screaming "They're Great" about every player.

I did say the young guys looked good, however.

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greengold's picture

August 21, 2023 at 08:38 pm

Some people have studied the players, and had a sense of what they could bring to the team, if Gutekunst were to draft them.

Are you seriously going to tell me Karl Brooks isn’t a great pick? At #179? Wooden? Reed? LVN? Clifford? Wicks? Valentine? Carlson? Musgrave? Did DuBose fail to meet your expectations? Heath, as a UDFA? Cox Jr.?

Sorry if that offends you, but… TFB.

You’re the intolerant one, because you can’t accept fans being fanatics, which are one and the same. Some are more reserved and don’t share much. Others really enjoy having a community of others who share their ideas and enthusiasm.

You be you, which I’ve respected completely, and please consider reciprocating in kind.

I don’t need the snarky Frosted Flakes BS. Neither do you. But, if you’re gonna be an _______ …

Don’t give us this “Whoah, there’s going to be hell to pay,” garbage. Puh-lease…

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Oppy's picture

August 22, 2023 at 03:17 pm

I saw a few days ago that you said the Packers roster had a lot of "Interesting" players, and I actually raised an eyebrow and felt like, 'That's the closest thing to optimism I've ever seen from Taryn, and I'm happy for her to allow herself to find them interesting.'

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 21, 2023 at 11:48 pm

" I always find tit better"

Me too.

2 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 22, 2023 at 08:26 am

Should you have adult children it would be interesting having a conversation with them.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

August 21, 2023 at 01:07 pm

All gas and no f****** brakes. T-minus 3 weeks until the reign of terror begins. The NFL aint ready.

3 points
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cdoemel's picture

August 21, 2023 at 05:23 pm

Hahahaha. I’m excited too bro, but c’mon. Lol

3 points
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Untylu1968's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:51 pm

LFG!!🍻

1 points
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jont's picture

August 21, 2023 at 01:55 pm

Allow me to channel my inner Tom Clements and say that the wow pass to Jaylen Reed was more of a wow catch. That ball was a foot or two too high.

As I mentioned the other day, in my amateur opinion, Love has looked good out there. That said, he has been a bit high on several passes. It'll help us, I believe, to keep in mind that he's a work in progress.

2 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

August 21, 2023 at 03:04 pm

The ball was placed where only the receiver could get it. It was a dime.

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DoubleJ's picture

August 21, 2023 at 03:07 pm

"That ball was a foot or two too high."

The ball was helmet high which allows for an easy hands catch. Dropping the ball a foot or two places it into an area that makes a catch and run harder since the ball was lead in front of the receiver.

2 points
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greengold's picture

August 21, 2023 at 04:07 pm

DoubleJ, I kid you not - at first I thought you were talking about Myers' shotgun snap to Love...!!!

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 22, 2023 at 08:28 am

I watched Rodgers all last season & he was all over the place. What do you call Rodgers?

No QB is always going to be perfect because too many players involved will dictate how a play turns out.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 21, 2023 at 02:17 pm

I’ve been saying for several months that our offense will be better.

2 points
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greengold's picture

August 21, 2023 at 02:43 pm

According to PFF, the Packers OL gave up just 1 QB hurry in 23 pass plays to NE on Saturday night.

Enagbare had 8 pass rushes, resulting in 2 sacks, 2 QB Hits, 1 FF and 1 FR.

Love had a QBR of 137.5
Clifford 89.1
Zappe 77.3
jones 81.7

In other news, Aaron Rodgers was sacked in a joint practice with Tampa Bay last Wednesday, SIX TIMES!!!

Imagine if Love were sacked 6 times in practice last week.

Today, ardent Jets fan, Rich Eisen is goofing on AR's latest interview where he stated that he wants to play for the Jets for the next 3 years, then hand the reigns over to Zach Wilson for a 15 year run...!!!!

Eisen: "Does he know we completely sucked last year?"

ROFLMAO

3 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 21, 2023 at 02:47 pm

Nice job Rex!

No surprise here whatsoever! I have been saying forever (pre-draft 2020), and ever since here on CCTV Jordan Love was/is the real deal. Last year, the Packers hit gold with Watson, Doubs, and quite possibly Toure. This year, the Packers did even better with the drafting of WR's, and TE's. I beated the drums non-stop pre-draft about Musgrave, or Kincaid, and what it would do for the Packers passing game, as Love would actually utilize the middle of the field. The passing game (including RB's) is absolutely stacked with talent. With a solid offensive line as I have maintained since last season the passing game will exceed last year's. Can't end without stating....amazing the difference when QB1 comes to all organized Packer activities, willing to connect with receivers on and off field, as well as have offseason practices.

6 points
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EnemyTerritory's picture

August 22, 2023 at 12:19 pm

Oh but QB1(8) did attend all preseason OTAs and camp and will play in preseason. He gave his club a 30 mil cap relief also! Just another middle finger to the flyover country fans…

1 points
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mnbadger's picture

August 22, 2023 at 08:10 pm

Knock . . . it’s also refreshing and productive passes to the first open receiver in the progression.
Keeps his jersey clean and his team playing hard.
Can't wait to watch it unfold.
GPG!

1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

August 21, 2023 at 05:08 pm

If the D doesn't stop the run, it will be a long year...even if Love and Company are scoring in the other end zone.

Last year Barry Ball was designed to play with a lead, not hold serve, let alone dominate and win games. I hope the DC plays finally plays a defense that attacks his opponents with his players' strengths. We will see.

4 points
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greengold's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:01 pm

Agree. Losing De’Vondre Campbell with his injury (ankle? foot? leg?) has been noticeable. The depth at ILB is hopefully getting a boost with the signing of ILB Marvin Pierre.

If you don’t know of him, congratulations. You have a life!

0 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:17 pm

So we're getting Pierre. Or are we getting Marvin?

1 points
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greengold's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:35 pm

It’s a two-fer! Marvin Pierre is 6-1.5 222, 4.57, 40.5 vertical! 9.08 RAS.

I guess we also signed a CB, Elijah Hamilton from Vanderbilt.

Regardless, I’ve never had buy-in on McDuffie, Eric Wilson does some nice stuff, then eh… Jimmy Phillips seems to have made some plays, in my eyes. Carpenter? I liked the idea of what they wanted to do with him, but have yet to see much.

-1 points
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Since'75's picture

August 23, 2023 at 11:53 am

" Pierre was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023, but was released in early June.

I understand you get all jacked up over his vertical.

But here's my question...how excited are we when the 4-13 Cardinals cut him after 3 weeks?

I guess we're taking the Cards rejects now.
******************
Hamilton was a 2022 UDFA, signed and released by Miami.
Then spent some time in the XFL.

At this point in pre-season, think potential practice squad for these guys, at best.

TVOR

0 points
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Since'75's picture

August 23, 2023 at 11:39 am

Good post LP.....

Those are two big important 'IF'S' you spoke first of.

And even better observation about Barry's defense.
Top 5 defenses usually have one thing in common, they are the aggressor.

0 points
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ReaganRulz's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:23 pm

Ahhh…can’t wait to see what these forums sound like by Week 8 or 9. Will it be…”see, I told you that our front office are a bunch of morons and we suck!!” or “see, I told you that we had the right pieces in place and GPG!!”

0 points
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Bitternotsour's picture

August 21, 2023 at 06:56 pm

pretty safe to assume it will be both. some people love to complain. it's a wisconsin tradition, deeply rooted.

2 points
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Since'75's picture

August 23, 2023 at 11:41 am

On behalf of Wisconsinites.

Kiss our asses.

0 points
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Since'75's picture

August 22, 2023 at 09:35 am

Reagan nailed it, great vision.

Personally, if i'm wrong, i'll admit it and give credit when it's due.

Am i wrong sometimes, unfortunately yea, i'm human.

But it isn't very often. I don't say that to sound arrogant. I say it because it's the truth.

TVOR

-1 points
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Since'75's picture

August 22, 2023 at 09:54 am

*Caveat....

There is at least a fair chance the Packers have a better record at week 8, then the Jets.

Before the Packers bye week, they have 5 winnable cupcakes (teams) vs what the Jets have. Plus the Packers have a far superior off. line.

Concerning Murphy and how he said the Packers would know what they had in Love at week 8.

I don't buy that, not one bit. You give Love the season, maybe even into next season based on 2 solid reasons.
1) It is Loves 1st year starting.
2) Gute didn't exactly give him experienced productive proven weapons sans Aaron Jones.

It's one thing to be a first year starting QB, but most of his pass catching weapons are rookies, sans 2 sophomore receivers who are not yet fully proven themselves.

-1 points
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HarryHodag's picture

August 22, 2023 at 08:03 am

Friends,

It's only preseason. We'll have a better idea after the Bears game.

P.S. The Bears will be better this year. They will be last year's Lions.

1 points
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Since'75's picture

August 25, 2023 at 07:51 am

The Bears had the NFL worst defensive scoring.

Only way to go is up.

0 points
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Coach Cleve Steamer's picture

August 25, 2023 at 06:40 pm

I’ve been saying every year at the end of preseason that I expect a Super Bowl Trophy and no less. I feel confident that we can win any game, against any opponent. I’m the best, most confident fan.

1 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

August 25, 2023 at 07:55 pm

Impervious to the soft bigotry of low expectations, *and* humble. ::fistbump::

2 points
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