Cory's Corner: Leadership Will Overcome Composure
The player in the most important position is also the Packers' most impactful leader.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a joint practice? I think of pushing, shoving and trash talking. Basically, I think of fighting.
“There’s going to be competitiveness, there’s going to be chippiness, but can you keep your composure?” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur before the Packers took on the Broncos in a joint practice on Friday ahead of Sunday’s preseason game in Denver. “I think that’s part of the beauty of the game. When you’re in a real-life game situation, it does get chippy, it does get testy. Guys start to talk. But can you keep your composure?”
That’s a great point by LaFleur. Controlling emotions by this group has been an eyesore in the past. We’ve seen outbursts, explosions and unnecessary aggression. Who could forget linebacker Quay Walker pushing Lions team physician Sean Lynch, which turned out to be Walker’s second ejection of the 2023 season.
This team knows it’s going to be very good. Many — including myself — have the Packers as one of four NFC teams that can compete for a Super Bowl. The reason why that’s amazing is because the competitive arc has happened so fast. The fact that Green Bay went into Dallas and blew the doors off the Cowboys and then went to San Francisco and nearly beat the 49ers for a shot at the NFC title game.
But just because this team isn’t experienced doesn’t mean it can't act appropriately. This will force leaders to be pushed to the surface.
“Yeah, I think a lot of guys didn’t really see it and know what happened,” Jordan Love said after a melee ensued between both teams. “We make it a big point to stay away from the quarterback, so they might’ve thought the D-lineman hit my arm or something like that, which I don’t think happened. But guys just didn’t see what happened.”
The Packers were upset because they thought that Love’s arm was hit by Denver outside linebacker Nik Bonitto. Love took the leadership reins and downplayed the entire situation. What looked like a meltdown on a Friday afternoon was quickly squashed by the perfect guy.
The Packers aren’t just paying Love to throw touchdown passes and avoid the pass rush. They are paying him to be the team’s mouthpiece. What is Love thinking? Whether he likes it or not, he’s going to have to give his two cents about every single thing.
That’s what $220 million guarantees — a mic will be in your face any and all of the time. Is that fair for a guy entering his second season as a starter? Probably not, but I think he waived those fairness rules when he signed his name on the dotted line.
Leadership is the one thing that I want to see this year. This is still one of the youngest teams in the league and that means that they all need to rally around each other and trust each other.
The perfect person to bring them together is Love.
All you need is Love. (It’s too easy.)
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (35)
Renllaw
August 17, 2024 at 07:39 am
Sooo... Yes Im old.
But I prefer the leadership style of Brett Favre grabbing Warren Sapp's face mask and jawing at him after late hits. It fired up the entire team. Since Farve's exit, this team/org has developed the label of being soft. This is a sport of aggression and will. Lesser talented teams can upset favorites by taking it to them physically. I want to us to be the bully. I want teams to think. "Ah sh*t its gonna be a rough day" when they play the Packers. Do you think the 49'ers care if they address the scuffles with words of diffusion? The Ravens? The Lions? I say impose your will, protect your team mates, and own it.
DoubleJ
August 17, 2024 at 08:19 am
What Favre did would be considered taunting now and hurt the team with a 15 yard penalty. Best way to make teams know it is going to be a long day is to be physical. You know run the ball, tackle hard (but legally), have multiple guys taking down the ball carrier, etc... I think this coaching staff, at least on D, is going to bring that mentality. I know it was only one preseason game but the D looked faster last week. They hit hard, wrapped up, and gang tackled. That will make opposing O's think a lot about what is going to happen.
LambeauPlain
August 17, 2024 at 09:22 am
My opinion, as another high mileage Packer fan, is the "tough" label comes less from the QB (although Favre was the very definition of it), more from the Defense.
During the Favre MVPs era, the Packers Defense was TOUGH, let by Fritz...& Reggie, Gravedigger, Dotson, Jones, Simmons, LeRoy.
Since then, the Packers Defense, in spite of incredibly prolific Offenses, have been soft...mostly bottom half of the NFL.
I am seeing signs this will change this season.
LeotisHarris
August 17, 2024 at 10:29 am
Warren Sapp did a great job of baiting Farve into losing composure in order to benefit Sapps' career. By engaging Favre in that manner, Sapp elevated his own status, and it worked until the NFL shut that sh*t down. There's a venue for that kind of behavior in "sport", it's called the WWE.
Leadership is about respect, and respect is earned. You do that by kicking the other guys' azz, an act that doesn't need to be accompanied with trash talk and gestures. The ability to keep a cool head and not react to trash talk and taunting allows players to focus on what matters. I don't think that makes a team soft.
marpag1
August 17, 2024 at 08:49 am
Leadership will overcome composure? What the hell does that even mean?
Coldworld
August 17, 2024 at 09:20 am
The descent into madness? A epitaph for the likes of the Manson family? 1930s Europe?
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 04:56 am
It's like unburdening what has gone before.
You just need the right tongs for that salad.
NFLfan
August 17, 2024 at 09:50 am
@Mp1-I guess it means Favre overcame composure.
TarynsEyes
August 17, 2024 at 10:02 am
Leaders cannot be pacifists, and a good leader knows when his followers need to defend him and themselves.
Being a girl, my father instilled in me the same thinking as my brothers. If you don't show the aggressor that they will not leave the fight unscathed, expect to be hurt all the time, and others will take note and do the same to you. Never let a pacifist control your defense of self or someone you need to protect, even if he is the pacifist. It isn't about winning, it's about instilling a fear in the aggressor that they will suffer also every time.
A football game incident is small, but the mentality must remain with a suitable response, and it isn't 'do-nothing'.
Leatherhead
August 17, 2024 at 10:47 am
"""Leaders cannot be pacifists,"""
OK, you're going to need to explain Gandhi to me. While you're at it, you could also explain Martin Luther King Jr., or maybe even Christ. All of these EXCEPTIONAL leaders preached and practiced non-violence.
Of course, they were all murdered, too.
TarynsEyes
August 17, 2024 at 11:50 am
Why ask a question that you already had the answer to.
Talking passivity is one thing, but eventually you'll need to fight or...die, as your examples prove.
It's the largest belief based on naivety, that peace can be obtained by humans. If you look at history, the most destruction of man has been in the name of peace/religion, that offers only being dominated by another. Humans are the most destructive species on the planet, and thinking peace can be achieved is the cause of its progress into more effective ways to destroy faster.
Nobody practices what they preach, even the three mentioned.
However, you have expanded this article's premise, and my comment to another area.
Leatherhead
August 17, 2024 at 01:14 pm
Well, they died for what they believed in. I'd say they all won. I would also argue that religion is not the main cause of destruction, thinking it's no better than 3rd place behind Greed and a Lust for Power.
We are not a naturally peaceful species, I'll agree with that. Throughout history, all over the globe, we've seen examples of that. But we've also seen examples of coexistence, like the Soviets and the US in the Cold War....not friends, not friendly, but not killing each other, either. Korea. Taiwan. We can coexist when we choose to.
In any event, non-violence has worked. I would argue that it takes a better leader to lead non-violently than it does to lead with violence. The best leader the Packers ever had was Bart Starr, and doesn't really fit the picture we're trying to paint here, does he?
TarynsEyes
August 17, 2024 at 04:52 pm
Your second paragraph describes passive-aggressive warfare. Co-existing doesn't erase the hurt that each are trying to inflict on each other by actions each do, though not directly violent. Non-violence is a short term thing, as has been proven by the constant happenings in the Mideast. Nobody can maintain a treaty, and that includes the USA. You cannot force co-existence, as is proven now with DEI, because those who support it can't stop demanding more from others while not earning it through the policies they want enforced, until the total eradication of those, and theirs is put in place as the rulers of all. Just look at all the stupid policies put into place since Covid that have come from the party of DEI. This country is more fractured than ever in its history.
The three you mentioned were able to get a large following, but in the end, none were able to achieve their goals. India is a disaster, religion starts fights and wars, and the other simply sold his followers out to the Democrat Party for some welfare at the expense of one of the things that he preached, the family unit. I think they all knew failure was inevitable, but rode the wave of infamy until their END. Actually, they did more harm than good in their quest for peace, love, and harmony among the multitudes of the different, not better.
Bitternotsour
August 17, 2024 at 06:15 pm
I call bullshit on you being a woman. You're far too testosterone driven - like an incel. You also have that weird "debate me" energy. I'm guessing you're a homeschooled incel, still living with mom and dad.
TarynsEyes
August 17, 2024 at 08:11 pm
And now you prove my point to why peace and harmony will never exist for humans. You simply couldn't say, I have an opposite viewpoint, you needed to be passive-aggressive, but aggressive nonetheless. You, sir, are the problem with the world's society
Leatherhead
August 18, 2024 at 12:38 pm
Taryn, you are correct that you cannot force coexistence; it has to be chosen.
BNS…..I , too, am the problem with the world. Maybe we can be roommates at the Reeducation Camp.
Bitternotsour
August 20, 2024 at 02:48 pm
Women don't talk like that. I know women. I spend time with them. I prefer their company. Taryn sweetie, if you want to play a woman on the internet you need to dispense with the "you sir" which as they say, is a tell.
but yes, I am the problem with the world, I'm all too aware.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 05:01 am
Football is a violent sport.
I'm not a fan of all the rule changes, but I do appreciate the attempt to reduce injuries.
Avoidable penalties do not help win games.
This is not deeply philosophical.
Since'61
August 17, 2024 at 10:58 am
Leadership controls the circumstances before the circumstances control them. Composure is a factor of leadership. I would say that Leadership overcomes a lack of composure. Composure itself is a good thing and is necessary for good leadership. Thanks, Since '61
TarynsEyes
August 17, 2024 at 11:52 am
Composure helps keep fools from rushing into situations, but it cannot be used as a tool to prevent what needs to be done/achieved.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 05:06 am
'61's re-write of the title is better.
Composure certainly CAN be "used as a tool to prevent what needs to be done;" doing that would obviously be a mistake, but certainly it's possible.
Avoiding unnecessary penalties is still better than committing them. Quay Walker has not been ejected from a game since his rookie year, for example. Regression there wouldn't help.
NFLfan
August 17, 2024 at 11:14 am
According to Cesar Millan, the 'Dog Whisperer' it's about calm, assertive energy-pack leader energy. Hollywood cool guys exhibit that energy. I think players respect and respond to it, but one has to be on top of his game to pull it off, though.
Leatherhead
August 17, 2024 at 11:26 am
According to Chuck Norris, you just stare at people until they do what you want......
Seriously, love Cesar Millan. Fan of his for 20 years. I think he's Moses.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 05:08 am
The sun only rises if and when Chuck Norris allows it ;)
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 05:07 am
Dogs and NFL players might have some differences.
Cubbygold
August 17, 2024 at 11:52 am
Looking for some help!
I was born in Chicago, but raised a Packer fan through my Grandpa who lived in Winter. Have only been to one game in my life and it was the 2017 win over the Bengals - Geronimo Allison caught a pass from Rodgers for 71 yards in OT and Crosby sealed the win in the hottest game in Lambeau history. Now I live in MN and am working hard to keep my three young kids from turning into Viking fans, but I'm heavily outnumbered by my in-laws. My son and I painted his room packer colors last weekend and he asked about going to a game, so I just picked up tickets for next Saturday against the Ravens.
So... looking for any and all tips on how to make this upcoming weekend a blast. Any young kid oriented activities around the field before the game? Any restaurants that are a hit? They're too young to appreciate a hall of fame or anything like that, but just thinking that if there was a band/cheerleaders/pep rally my daughter would love it, or if there was a jet flyover 20 min before the game I'd want to make sure my son was in his seat to experience it. Thought about a stadium tour, but we already have tickets so not sure if that would add any value.
Appreciate your help keeping these three away from the dark side!
LeotisHarris
August 17, 2024 at 04:15 pm
It depends upon how old those kiddos are, Cubby. I can't post a link to the Titletown District, but if you google "fun places to visit near Lambeau Field", you'll get there. Very kid friendly, but also very busy on game day.
The stadium tour is very cool, and gives you an opportunity to come out of the tunnel to field level. Great spot for family pics! There is quite a bit of walking involved, again, age of the kids will be a deciding factor. Visit the Pro Shop early and let them pick out an item that won't require a home equity loan to purchase. Core memories.
It could be fun for the kids to tailgate in the lot. Pick up an easy to-go meal somewhere and hang out, throw a football around. Preseason games have a lower incidence of drunkards ruining the vibe, so you're likely to meet friendly families. There's a lot to see before the game, too. Would they enjoy watching the players warm up?
Have a great time!
Bitternotsour
August 17, 2024 at 06:13 pm
If you take a link and put in a space to break the hyperlink you can still post it. The recipient will have to fix it in their browser.
Like this https://www. titletown .com/
Cubbygold
August 18, 2024 at 05:08 am
Appreciate it! Definitely willing to nudge their fandom in the right direction with some gear, so pro shop will be on the to-do list. Think they'll enjoy the park/hill over in title town so we'll hit that up too.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 05:16 am
Make the most of it! Plan lots of extra time, it's a big place and the crowd might slow you down. .
No way can you do everything in one trip, so you'll have to come BACK ;)
Tuesday's Training Camp is free, both admission and parking. Scheduled to start at 2:30, you'd need to arrive 2 hours early to guarantee a good seat. Often a fun vibe in the stands, a newspaper full of player and coach details to read through; these are all things to help your youngins not get infected by silly purple uniforms.
NFLfan
August 17, 2024 at 11:36 pm
The gift-shop is extensive with some interactive games. You may want to buy him a jersey so he can identify with a favorite player. Jaire has a lot of personality or Love. He could display the jersey on his newly painted walls.
There is an extensive ball-cap selection as well.
We thought about moving to MN several years ago and we couldn't talk about the Packers, people got testy. It was weird as we're from CA
and there is only mild, friendly rivalry here. Aaron really agitated some.
Stadium tour might be boring for a younger child, though they do teach you how to scream 'Go-Pack-Go' and it reverberates back.
Good luck
Cubbygold
August 18, 2024 at 05:12 am
It's an odd rivalry. Grew up in Chicago during the urlacher led bears days when that rivalry was still more even, so I joked with minnesotans when I got here that I wasn't aware the Vikings packers rivalry was all that strong. Think that pissed them off.
Will definitely allow for some extra time to play games in the pro shop, appreciate it!
barutanseijin
August 18, 2024 at 10:43 am
Good work dissing those purple people. That was way better than an overt put down.
You have a critical mission here. The last thing you want is to sit through Packer-Purple games with your kids yelling skol. Ugh.
To be honest, i don’t know what works best. For me as a kid, going to the games was the biggest draw. I was already a diehard and wasn’t going to complain about the weather or the Packers losing (highly likely in those dark days). College games were probably more fun for me than Packer games. The weather was better and there was more crazy college stuff going on during halftime and on the sidelines.
Be warned that with “kids these days”, it’s very possible that they grow up indifferent to sports in general.
LeotisHarris
August 18, 2024 at 03:20 pm
That agitation goes much deeper and further back than Rodgers. The Vikings were established in 1961, and had Norm Van Brocklin as their head coach. Bud Grant took over in 1967. Neither Grant nor Van Brocklin had good relationships with Lombardi, and Grant's teams always played the Packers tough. Packers vs Vikings, Badgers vs Gophers carries longstanding animosity from both camps. The fact the Vikings are 0-4 in Super Bowls, and have suffered numerous heartbreaking playoff losses adds to their collective trauma/agitation.
The Vikings fortunes took off in the late 60s as the Packers long dark teatime of the soul began. The Vikings owned the old NFC Central Division from 1970-1980 (with the exception of the 72 Packers and 1979 Bucs). So much is made of the Packers-Bears rivalry, but there is true hatred for the Vikings carried by Packers fans from western Wisconsin. The Favre incident still stings. The fact they exists bothers many of us. The rivalry has never been friendly. I don't expect that to change anytime soon.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 19, 2024 at 05:22 am
When I first moved to WI I wound up working in MN during a GB-MN game. Never have I experienced a rivalry where announcers are wishing DEATH upon the opponents like this "rivalry."
It's beyond intense, and beyond sportsmanship. And I'm a hockey player.