2016 Green Bay Packers thread (2 Viewers)

[massraider]

Pretty much a hit piece, I think.

The implication is that the only way to be a leader is as a rah-rah type, and Rodgers' relationship with his family is harming his game.  It's been proven time and again that leadership comes in many forms, and I'm not seeing any correlation with the family thing.  The timeline doesn't match up, Dunne doesn't point out any changes in Rodgers' practice habits, no current players talking about he prepares differently, or acts differently.  He just throws out the juicy details, and let's the reader assume the worst.  I don't mind him writing it, if it's true, that kind of stuff is fair game, I guess.  I wish it wasn't, but hey, if I know Tom Brady's diet regimen from his nutritionist, then this is news-worthy.  But if Dunne is going to make his family problems the centerpiece of the article, then he should connect the dots to the current struggles.  

That article really gives a pass to the rest of the organization as well, and pretty much lays it all on Rodgers' feet.  You want to write an objective article about ''what's wrong'' with the Pack/Rodgers, you need to point out the shortcomings elsewhere.  

The Finley thing was pointless.  When they weren't friends, Rodgers was kiling it.  So what's the lesson here? Ignore Jermichael Finley and have the best seasons of your career?

 

[Houston turmOiler]

No problem...I just thought the whole thing was interesting how close they were in wins.

Rodgers aided by rules better for offense and the weapons he had.  Hurt by overall defenses

Favre aided by better run game, Oline for most of his career, and some damn good defenses to start out.

For both its a shame we have only seen 1 SB title each.

Oh to have this debate here in Houston. We get to debate the merits of David Carr, Matt Schaub, and now Brock Osweiler. Somewhere mixed in there we had Brian Hoyer and the Sage Rosenfels "Rosen-copter" play. What a proud history. Ugh.

Sorry to hijack just thought I'd try to make you Pack fans feel a little better. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

Pretty much a hit piece, I think.

The implication is that the only way to be a leader is as a rah-rah type, and Rodgers' relationship with his family is harming his game.  It's been proven time and again that leadership comes in many forms, and I'm not seeing any correlation with the family thing.  The timeline doesn't match up, Dunne doesn't point out any changes in Rodgers' practice habits, no current players talking about he prepares differently, or acts differently.  He just throws out the juicy details, and let's the reader assume the worst.  I don't mind him writing it, if it's true, that kind of stuff is fair game, I guess.  I wish it wasn't, but hey, if I know Tom Brady's diet regimen from his nutritionist, then this is news-worthy.  But if Dunne is going to make his family problems the centerpiece of the article, then he should connect the dots to the current struggles.  

That article really gives a pass to the rest of the organization as well, and pretty much lays it all on Rodgers' feet.  You want to write an objective article about ''what's wrong'' with the Pack/Rodgers, you need to point out the shortcomings elsewhere.  

The Finley thing was pointless.  When they weren't friends, Rodgers was kiling it.  So what's the lesson here? Ignore Jermichael Finley and have the best seasons of your career?

Greg Jennings has also said how difficult Rodgers is too get along with.  And Donald Driver didn't exactly have kind words either.  One could be a fluke, but when multiple former teammates from his offense keep coming out and saying this stuff, you have to believe a lot of it is true.  Even with Rodgers was killing it and being the best QB in the league for years, he always had that look on his face on the sidelines.  He just looks like a guy who'd be really arrogant and hard to get along with. 

 

[massraider]

Greg Jennings has also said how difficult Rodgers is too get along with.  And Donald Driver didn't exactly have kind words either.  One could be a fluke, but when multiple former teammates from his offense keep coming out and saying this stuff, you have to believe a lot of it is true.  Even with Rodgers was killing it and being the best QB in the league for years, he always had that look on his face on the sidelines.  He just looks like a guy who'd be really arrogant and hard to get along with. 

I really couldn't care less how he  looks on the sideline. Come on.

 

[grateful zed]

Top 10 Aaron Rodgers Plays

 

[The Kerminator]

Greg Jennings has also said how difficult Rodgers is too get along with.  And Donald Driver didn't exactly have kind words either.  One could be a fluke, but when multiple former teammates from his offense keep coming out and saying this stuff, you have to believe a lot of it is true.  Even with Rodgers was killing it and being the best QB in the league for years, he always had that look on his face on the sidelines.  He just looks like a guy who'd be really arrogant and hard to get along with. 

It's in-depth analysis like this why I come here. Where else can you get "he just looks like a guy . . . "

 

[Pipes]

Even with Rodgers was killing it and being the best QB in the league for years, he always had that look on his face on the sidelines.  He just looks like a guy who'd be really arrogant and hard to get along with. 

I completely disagree.  He used to be all smiles and throwing that championship belt around all the time.  His demeanor has changed ever since that 2014 NFC championship game loss to Seattle. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Greg Jennings has also said how difficult Rodgers is too get along with.  And Donald Driver didn't exactly have kind words either.  One could be a fluke, but when multiple former teammates from his offense keep coming out and saying this stuff, you have to believe a lot of it is true.  Even with Rodgers was killing it and being the best QB in the league for years, he always had that look on his face on the sidelines.  He just looks like a guy who'd be really arrogant and hard to get along with. 

I don't remember Driver saying anything negative.   ???

 

[The Kerminator]

Greg Jennings has also said how difficult Rodgers is too get along with.  And Donald Driver didn't exactly have kind words either.  One could be a fluke, but when multiple former teammates from his offense keep coming out and saying this stuff, you have to believe a lot of it is true.  Even with Rodgers was killing it and being the best QB in the league for years, he always had that look on his face on the sidelines.  He just looks like a guy who'd be really arrogant and hard to get along with. 

I don't remember Driver saying anything negative.   ???

Well, Driver may not have said anything but he just looked like a guy that would say something

 

[Ghost Rider]

Hey now, I have been a big Rodgers fan for a long time; love watching the guy play.  But his arrogant demeanor has always stood out to me, and it's becoming clear now that he rubs a lot of people the wrong way.  And yeah, if he is playing well, then who cares, but his play has dropped off in the last year plus, so it stands out a little more now.  That is all I am saying.  

 

[Sabertooth]

I want my QB to be arrogant.  That said, he needs to play better.  

 

[C-Bound]

How big is Matthews return today?  I need Cousins to keep rollin'!

 

[Sabertooth]

How big is Matthews return today?  I need Cousins to keep rollin'!

Best player on the Packers D comes back?   I think he definitely has an impact.   Cousins is going to find spaces to throw though.  The Packers d backs range from decent to poor.  Corners are susceptible.  

 

[sho nuff]

How big is Matthews return today?  I need Cousins to keep rollin'!

Pretty big.  The defense has historically taken big drops when he is not in there.  How that translates to this year though...who knows.

They have not been creating pressure without him...and now without Ryan, will he see time at MLB or are they going to trust Joe Thomas.

Check the weather too...hearing high winds tonight?

 

[Sabertooth]

Yikes.  If there was any doubt before, it's gone now.  This team is the worst we've seen at 1265 since Ron Wolf arrived 25 years ago. It's been a good run but the chickens are home to roost.  Bad drafts.  Players stagnating after promising rookie performances. Shunning free agency, and just an overall sense of comfort within the coaching ranks have driven this team low.  

Now they will rally just enough to get the 20th pick instead of the 10th.  Although I don't see a path to 8 wins for this #### show.  

If we eschew BPA and decide to reach for need as we have done the last 5 or 6 drafts, sign me up for LB, CB, RB, OL, or WR.  Or DL or Safety.  Pretty much anything but a punter and it's a need pick for this squad.  The Emperor has no clothes here.  This team is just bad.  It goes well beyond Sam Shields.

What I laugh at is people acting like Randall is some kind of upgrade over the garbage in the secondary.  He's just as bad.  Nobody coming to save these sad sacks.  

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Tough to watch more Packers down on the field.  In a game they had to win and had to get out of with no further injuries they did neither.  A very disappointing year.

 

[Sabertooth]

Tough to watch more Packers down on the field.  In a game they had to win and had to get out of with no further injuries they did neither.  A very disappointing year.

Yeah, this team was ill prepared to weather the storm that has been this season.  Just not going to happen this year.  I hope the personnel issues for this season are addressed.  But to be honest, the whole team is playing like crap.  It's like watching the Bears out there.  

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Injuries have devastated this team.  Coming out of training camp I had reservations about carrying only two R.B.'s and I had concerns about the depth of the defensive line, particularly with the suspensions, but I was confident the Packer's had enough depth in the defensive backfield and on the o-line. Turns out they did not have enough depth at either.  That said, what team would?  There is a numbers game and you can only carry so many guys.  The number of injuries has just been too many.  Still, even with the injury excuse, and it is a good one, I must say I am disheartened by the lack or fire and urgency I have watched.  At this point I am hoping to take all of the pain in this painful year.  I don't want to see a meaningless rally falling short of the playoffs, or just sneaking in.  I want them to take all of their losses this year, get a draft slot that produces immediate help next year and builds for the long term.  Get the young guys some more experience to see what they have and don't exacerbate injuries by rushing guys back, it is now too late for that.  If Bacteria is injured at left tackle get him out before he makes it long term.  If Clay needs to have a hamstring transplant do it now, not late in the off season, If Lang needs new shoulders get him two, preferably from a cape buffalo. Buy Peppers a nice parting gift.  Let Lacy know that he screwed up his contract year, he is welcome back, but only if he can make weight.  As for Arrogant Rodgers, get him some counseling.  Poor guy never smiles anymore.  I remember when he did. Now his eyes dart around like a guy moments away from a psychotic break.

I was impressed with Cook right up until the fumble.  I did like the kid from Indiana filling in at guard.  Datone Jones embarrassed himself and he embarrassed me as a fan.

They do have some great pieces still.  I'm hoping the puzzle comes together again quickly, next year, when it can do some good.  in the mean time I hope they defend their home turf, nothing more.  That is one thing they can begin to re-establish right now.

 

[Sabertooth]

Hope springs eternal.  But I largely agree with what you wrote.  They've been snake bitten by injuries so many times that the excuse becomes old.  

The defensive backfield is bad.  Just bad bad bad and everything stems from that.   When a team can just roll causally down the field in crunch time for a month straight, nothing else really matters.  Ted has spent a huge amount of draft picks on defense.  .  I think they need to broom all of them, especially the corners.  

As for running back, Lacy can come back on a cheap deal but he's almost done.  Time to bring in another 2nd round talent and let him fight for his job.  

As for Rodgers.  He just looks mostly disinterested.  He seems like a guy who isn't surprised to see his receivers fail.  No fire.  Not much of anything really.  Just looks like he's going through the motions.  

Ted has spent 17 draft picks on defense since 2013.  Last night you saw what that has gotten us.  Might as well be a bunch of guys off the street.  Just a turnstile.  

 

[Sabertooth]

Would you be in favor of releasing Gunter today?  They could easily just pull somebody in off the street or a practice squad to replace his "performance".  Just to show the team that there is some modicum of responsibility here.  What's the worst that could happen?  

He's such a disgrace to the 36 jersey.  Heck get Leroy back there.  He would be better than Gunter.  

I said it before and I'll say it again....Charles Woodson could be signed today and he'd be the best defensive back on the team immediately.  I'll never understand letting him go like they did.  

Can anyone name a singel true "Leader" on this team.  Peppers maybe.  Can't think of another one.  

 

[jurrassic]

Yes, injuries are an issue.  Some of that is just bad luck.  That said, some of it is terrible roster construction as well.  I am sure Thompson will get a free pass, and we have debated his "acumen" a lot in this thread, but this roster just isn't that good from 1-53.  Most of their backups are ill-equipped physically to play their positions.  Look at the defensive secondary.  Gunter, Hyde, Goodson are not outside corners.  None of them.  At best they are slot guys.  Yet, Thompson has misevaluated and miscast them on the roster.  I'm all for "getting the young guys some playing time" but these guys do not have the necessary speed, agility or hip movement to be NFL defensive backs.  Additionally, not to re-hash the Sitton release but you see the complete lack of depth on the roster at guard.  Barclay has been terrible his entire career in Green Bay, yet there he is again getting worked for sacks and holding penalties.  They finally pulled him in the second half and put in the classic "swing" lineman Ted loves so much in Spriggs.  A rookie OT who has never played guard.  That didn't work either.  Add to that the constant drafting of OLB to be DE or DE to be OLB and the problems just compound themselves.  If this team insists on being one of the youngest in the league, which it does, they have to draft guys that actually are capable of, or have experience playing, their positions.  Hell,  3 of their top 5 db's going into camp had more college experience playing another sport than football.  

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I was hoping Randall and Rollins would progress this year.  they still might.  I think they are going to be all right, but with the lack of healthy playing time they have lost that year to progress.  Ryan and Martinez were making strides, but lack of playing time due to injuries also has them maybe losing some development.  Frackrell, I don't know.  I like what I have seen of Kenny Clark and Spriggs.

Leader, who knows.  Daniels has tried to take the mantel of vocal leader, but he needs to do more on the field.

I do not want to see Peppers, Janis, or Starks back next year.  I do want to see the draft produce in the 8 to 10 hole, an impact Defensive player in round one, Dalvin Cook or Nick Chubbs in round two, a speedy W.R. who can outrun Janis in round three, but this time one with thumbs and who understands there are routes and that getting them right, on time and for depth matters, and then the rest of the rounds beef, offensive line beef, defensive line beef, even potentially some linebacker beef.  I want guys who are not projects and who do not have an injury history, I want beef, with a bit of an edge to them, that or fast large corners not afraid to tackle and who do not have egg shell skulls.

Lacy and Cook would give us a running game, enhanced by Montgomery lining up there on third down.

I would also like to see the D.B.'s coach get his guys to hold, tackle mutilate W.R.'s who beat them on a double move.  Drag the guy down before the ball is in the air.  Trailing behind the W.R. by 2 yards as they catch a T.D. of over 50 yards is no way to get beat.

 

[Phenomena]

Extremely impressed with Rodgers after last night. Some of the throws and plays he made show why he's one of the best QBs of all time.

But you can't win in today's game fielding 3 practice squad-level players in the secondary, losing two pro-bowl guards, best RB, list goes on. Just too many injuries this year. 

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Rodgers the leading rusher again, on top of 350/3

Unfortunately he is arrogant or doesn't show emotion or something, so everything is his fault.

Mike Florio, who would slap his own mama for pageviews, will surely have some trenchant insight.

 

[Sabertooth]

Yes, injuries are an issue.  Some of that is just bad luck.  That said, some of it is terrible roster construction as well.  I am sure Thompson will get a free pass, and we have debated his "acumen" a lot in this thread, but this roster just isn't that good from 1-53.  Most of their backups are ill-equipped physically to play their positions.  Look at the defensive secondary.  Gunter, Hyde, Goodson are not outside corners.  None of them.  At best they are slot guys.  Yet, Thompson has misevaluated and miscast them on the roster.  I'm all for "getting the young guys some playing time" but these guys do not have the necessary speed, agility or hip movement to be NFL defensive backs.  Additionally, not to re-hash the Sitton release but you see the complete lack of depth on the roster at guard.  Barclay has been terrible his entire career in Green Bay, yet there he is again getting worked for sacks and holding penalties.  They finally pulled him in the second half and put in the classic "swing" lineman Ted loves so much in Spriggs.  A rookie OT who has never played guard.  That didn't work either.  Add to that the constant drafting of OLB to be DE or DE to be OLB and the problems just compound themselves.  If this team insists on being one of the youngest in the league, which it does, they have to draft guys that actually are capable of, or have experience playing, their positions.  Hell,  3 of their top 5 db's going into camp had more college experience playing another sport than football.  

Great post and spot on.  I never understood grabbing college DEs and putting that at LB either.  Of course they are going to stink at it.  They did  the same thing with Aaron Kampman and basically ruined his career.  They did it with Julius Peppers too.  And don't get me started on the versatile lineman.  

They did it with Randall too.  He was a college safety right?  

 

[Sabertooth]

Rodgers the leading rusher again, on top of 350/3

Unfortunately he is arrogant or doesn't show emotion or something, so everything is his fault.

Mike Florio, who would slap his own mama for pageviews, will surely have some trenchant insight.

Rodgers is .500 over the last two seasons (give or take a game I lose track).  

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I didn't have time to fully unload on that Tyler Dunne article either.

"Unnamed sources" - go work for TMZ, dude.

Finley - not that I can say who was and wasn't a good teammate but Finley was benched for saying and doing dumb stuff. Also claimed he was purposely left out of the team photo in 2010.

Jennings - I never would have expected this guy, out of so many ex-Packers, to become such a passive-aggressive wiener. Left town for the money he thought he deserved and basically ended his own career. Really unfortunate as I used to love cheering for him and his 2010 season was fantastic.

 

[Sabertooth]

All that #### is just soap opera.  I'm not really interested in that part of the game.  Rodgers might be a tool.  So what?  Doesn't mean you should take this route off.  Or miss that tackle. Or, oh I don't know, cover a guy from 10 feet away.  

 

[jurrassic]

Great post and spot on.  I never understood grabbing college DEs and putting that at LB either.  Of course they are going to stink at it.  They did  the same thing with Aaron Kampman and basically ruined his career.  They did it with Julius Peppers too.  And don't get me started on the versatile lineman.  

They did it with Randall too.  He was a college safety right?  

Sure was

 

[Sabertooth]

With Randall they were like "Oh #### this guy won't hit anyone....try him at corner."  

 

[sho nuff]

Yeah, this team was ill prepared to weather the storm that has been this season.  Just not going to happen this year.  I hope the personnel issues for this season are addressed.  But to be honest, the whole team is playing like crap.  It's like watching the Bears out there.  

No team is prepared.  It is not why they are not a great team...but it is why they went from a 9-7 team the way they may have been playing to a sub .500 team

 

[sho nuff]

Injuries have devastated this team.  Coming out of training camp I had reservations about carrying only two R.B.'s and I had concerns about the depth of the defensive line, particularly with the suspensions, but I was confident the Packer's had enough depth in the defensive backfield and on the o-line. Turns out they did not have enough depth at either.  That said, what team would?  There is a numbers game and you can only carry so many guys.  The number of injuries has just been too many.  Still, even with the injury excuse, and it is a good one, I must say I am disheartened by the lack or fire and urgency I have watched.  At this point I am hoping to take all of the pain in this painful year.  I don't want to see a meaningless rally falling short of the playoffs, or just sneaking in.  I want them to take all of their losses this year, get a draft slot that produces immediate help next year and builds for the long term.  Get the young guys some more experience to see what they have and don't exacerbate injuries by rushing guys back, it is now too late for that.  If Bacteria is injured at left tackle get him out before he makes it long term.  If Clay needs to have a hamstring transplant do it now, not late in the off season, If Lang needs new shoulders get him two, preferably from a cape buffalo. Buy Peppers a nice parting gift.  Let Lacy know that he screwed up his contract year, he is welcome back, but only if he can make weight.  As for Arrogant Rodgers, get him some counseling.  Poor guy never smiles anymore.  I remember when he did. Now his eyes dart around like a guy moments away from a psychotic break.

I was impressed with Cook right up until the fumble.  I did like the kid from Indiana filling in at guard.  Datone Jones embarrassed himself and he embarrassed me as a fan.

They do have some great pieces still.  I'm hoping the puzzle comes together again quickly, next year, when it can do some good.  in the mean time I hope they defend their home turf, nothing more.  That is one thing they can begin to re-establish right now.

Agreed all around...Cook looked very good and Spriggs did at guard far more than he did at tackle when he has had to fill in there.

 

[sho nuff]

Yes, injuries are an issue.  Some of that is just bad luck.  That said, some of it is terrible roster construction as well.  I am sure Thompson will get a free pass, and we have debated his "acumen" a lot in this thread, but this roster just isn't that good from 1-53.  Most of their backups are ill-equipped physically to play their positions.  Look at the defensive secondary.  Gunter, Hyde, Goodson are not outside corners.  None of them.  At best they are slot guys.  Yet, Thompson has misevaluated and miscast them on the roster.  I'm all for "getting the young guys some playing time" but these guys do not have the necessary speed, agility or hip movement to be NFL defensive backs.  Additionally, not to re-hash the Sitton release but you see the complete lack of depth on the roster at guard.  Barclay has been terrible his entire career in Green Bay, yet there he is again getting worked for sacks and holding penalties.  They finally pulled him in the second half and put in the classic "swing" lineman Ted loves so much in Spriggs.  A rookie OT who has never played guard.  That didn't work either.  Add to that the constant drafting of OLB to be DE or DE to be OLB and the problems just compound themselves.  If this team insists on being one of the youngest in the league, which it does, they have to draft guys that actually are capable of, or have experience playing, their positions.  Hell,  3 of their top 5 db's going into camp had more college experience playing another sport than football.  

Psst...Hyde is a safety, Gunter and Goodson are #4 and #5 guys.  Of course when they are out there as #1 guys they won't looks that good.  You must have watched a different game with Spriggs...he looked much better at Guard than he did at tackle and a marked improvement over Barclay.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

It's worth losing a game if it means Barclay never gets into the lineup again.

 

[Sabertooth]

No team is prepared.  It is not why they are not a great team...but it is why they went from a 9-7 team the way they may have been playing to a sub .500 team

I think sub .500 is generous.  Over the last month they are the worst team in the NFL north of Cleveland.  

 

[Sabertooth]

Psst...Hyde is a safety, Gunter and Goodson are #4 and #5 guys.  Of course when they are out there as #1 guys they won't looks that good.  You must have watched a different game with Spriggs...he looked much better at Guard than he did at tackle and a marked improvement over Barclay.

Hyde is a "safety" in the sense that this is his natural position.  He's not a very good safety either.  He lacks the athletic ability.  He's smart enough but just isn't NFL starter material  Never will be.  

 

[Sabertooth]

Agreed all around...Cook looked very good and Spriggs did at guard far more than he did at tackle when he has had to fill in there.

Cook looked very good right up until the part where he lost that fumble.  I literally said "and there it is" when that happened.  I shut the TV off.  

 

[sho nuff]

Hyde is a "safety" in the sense that this is his natural position.  He's not a very good safety either.  He lacks the athletic ability.  He's smart enough but just isn't NFL starter material  Never will be.  

They want to use him as a Hybrid...with 3-4 corners down, they can't do that.

 

[sho nuff]

Cook looked very good right up until the part where he lost that fumble.  I literally said "and there it is" when that happened.  I shut the TV off.  

Not going to knock him that much...great play by Norman punching it out.  Sure...he has to secure that better.  But we saw the athleticism and how he can create mis matches going forward.  Stuff we had at times with Finley.  Definitely better seeing him than Richard Rodgers out there.

 

[Sabertooth]

Hybrid implies he will be effective in two or more roles.  He's not effective really in any roll.   He's the beige of defensive backs.  A poor man's Mike Prior.  

 

[Sabertooth]

Not going to knock him that much...great play by Norman punching it out.  Sure...he has to secure that better.  But we saw the athleticism and how he can create mis matches going forward.  Stuff we had at times with Finley.  Definitely better seeing him than Richard Rodgers out there.

I said to my brother after the long play down the right sideline "File that under plays Richard Rodgers will never be able to make in his life."  

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I said to my brother after the long play down the right sideline "File that under plays Richard Rodgers will never be able to make in his life."  

Richard Rodgers is an outstanding T.E. 3, a slightly better than average T.E. 2, but is not a T.E. 1 and never will be.

I hope the BPA available to the Packers in round 1 is a Corner, A Luke Kuechly type Middle Linebacker, or the most awesome guard to ever come out of the draft.  That said, if a Gronk quality T.E. is there and can make Cook our #2 and Rodgers our #3 I would be ecstatic.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Yes, injuries are an issue.  Some of that is just bad luck.  That said, some of it is terrible roster construction as well.  I am sure Thompson will get a free pass, and we have debated his "acumen" a lot in this thread, but this roster just isn't that good from 1-53.  Most of their backups are ill-equipped physically to play their positions.  Look at the defensive secondary.  Gunter, Hyde, Goodson are not outside corners.  None of them.  At best they are slot guys.  Yet, Thompson has misevaluated and miscast them on the roster.  I'm all for "getting the young guys some playing time" but these guys do not have the necessary speed, agility or hip movement to be NFL defensive backs.  Additionally, not to re-hash the Sitton release but you see the complete lack of depth on the roster at guard.  Barclay has been terrible his entire career in Green Bay, yet there he is again getting worked for sacks and holding penalties.  They finally pulled him in the second half and put in the classic "swing" lineman Ted loves so much in Spriggs.  A rookie OT who has never played guard.  That didn't work either.  Add to that the constant drafting of OLB to be DE or DE to be OLB and the problems just compound themselves.  If this team insists on being one of the youngest in the league, which it does, they have to draft guys that actually are capable of, or have experience playing, their positions.  Hell,  3 of their top 5 db's going into camp had more college experience playing another sport than football.  

First off, Gunter, Hyde, and Goodson would not be playing outside were it not for the injuries to Shields, Randall, and Rollins. These players were not miscast. They are bottom of the roster DBs that can play special teams. They were forced into their current roles. To say otherwise is just not accurate.

There is not a complete lack of depth on the O line either. Linsely and Tretter have both missed time. Now TJ Lang. David Bakhtiari playing at less than 100%. And everybody loves to bring up Sitton, but he's been no healthier in Chicago. I count four starting caliber O lineman that have missed time. Add that to two running backs. Add that to three defensive backs. Now two starting inside linebackers.

We can all sit here an say "injuries are an excuse." Yes, one or two injuries and huge drop off would be an excuse. But we're talking way more injuries than that. It has impacted the product on the field. 

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

With Randall they were like "Oh #### this guy won't hit anyone....try him at corner."  

Actually not true. He was a great athlete too small for safety that needs to learn how to cover at the next level. I know he insulted your family or something, but I'm not willing to write a guy off after really only one season of being on the field. 

In that one season, he was OK.

30. Damarious Randall, CB, Green Bay Packers

2014 PFF College grade: +14.4 (10th-highest safety in class)

2015 PFF NFL grade: -1.0 (63rd-highest CB in NFL)

Randall switched from safety to cornerback as he entered the NFL, and held his own for much of his rookie season. He gave up 738 receiving yards, but also came away with three interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

They want to use him as a Hybrid...with 3-4 corners down, they can't do that.

Exactly. That was supposed to his role. Now it's a luxury they can't afford. I don't understand why people can't see guys are being forced into roles that don't play to their strengths .The reason for that is injury.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Hyde is a "safety" in the sense that this is his natural position.  He's not a very good safety either.  He lacks the athletic ability.  He's smart enough but just isn't NFL starter material  Never will be.  

Hyde doesn't have to be a starter, that was/is not the role they envisioned. Rated above average last season.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-2016-cheat-sheet-green-bay-packers/

Morgan Burnett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Sam Shields, Micah Hyde, and Quinten Rollins all graded out above-average a season ago, while rookie first-round pick Damarious Randall was right at average. 

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Richard Rodgers is an outstanding T.E. 3, a slightly better than average T.E. 2, but is not a T.E. 1 and never will be.

I hope the BPA available to the Packers in round 1 is a Corner, A Luke Kuechly type Middle Linebacker, or the most awesome guard to ever come out of the draft.  That said, if a Gronk quality T.E. is there and can make Cook our #2 and Rodgers our #3 I would be ecstatic.

Corner I agree, Shields is done.

Their inside backers are fine. I thought Ryan was starting to come on strong before the injury. Martinez has flashed at times, but is still a rookie. Maybe a middle round backer, but I wouldn't prioritize that position.

And I'm ready to move on from Richard Rodgers. He can't block, and he's slow. The only thing he brings are sticky hands. Don't matter much if you can't get open though.

 

[Sabertooth]

Richard Rodgers is an outstanding T.E. 3, a slightly better than average T.E. 2, but is not a T.E. 1 and never will be.

I hope the BPA available to the Packers in round 1 is a Corner, A Luke Kuechly type Middle Linebacker, or the most awesome guard to ever come out of the draft.  That said, if a Gronk quality T.E. is there and can make Cook our #2 and Rodgers our #3 I would be ecstatic.

Also if you can snag us a Reggie White clone, and maybe a Julio Jones, I'll be happy.  Lol.   I don't even give a #### what the position is.  Heck if Aaron Rodgers 2.0 is there, pick him.  But they really needs to quit whiffing on these early picks.  

Realistically it looks like they probably end up 6-10 or 7-9.   This will probably put them somewhere in the 10-18 range.  

Looking back through the drafts and I hate the Datone pick even more.  Leave aside the fact that DeAndre Hopkins was the next player selected.  They also left Alec Ogletree on the board.  Also Darius Slay and Travis Frederick went within the next 5 picks.  Ouch.  It's like a mini-Mandarich situation.  Ted should be ashamed of that pick.  Good lord.  

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Great post and spot on.  I never understood grabbing college DEs and putting that at LB either.  Of course they are going to stink at it.  They did  the same thing with Aaron Kampman and basically ruined his career.  They did it with Julius Peppers too.  And don't get me started on the versatile lineman.  

They did it with Randall too.  He was a college safety right?  

Randall moved to safety in college because the coaches needed him there, and he was their best athlete. That was the word on him out of college, per the coaches back at draft time.

 

[Sabertooth]

First off, Gunter, Hyde, and Goodson would not be playing outside were it not for the injuries to Shields, Randall, and Rollins. These players were not miscast. They are bottom of the roster DBs that can play special teams. They were forced into their current roles. To say otherwise is just not accurate.

There is not a complete lack of depth on the O line either. Linsely and Tretter have both missed time. Now TJ Lang. David Bakhtiari playing at less than 100%. And everybody loves to bring up Sitton, but he's been no healthier in Chicago. I count four starting caliber O lineman that have missed time. Add that to two running backs. Add that to three defensive backs. Now two starting inside linebackers.

We can all sit here an say "injuries are an excuse." Yes, one or two injuries and huge drop off would be an excuse. But we're talking way more injuries than that. It has impacted the product on the field. 

Truth is, we don't know this team would be any better with the starters intact.  You'd assume they would be but they had most of their starters when they squeaked past Jacksonville.  The only player of note who missed the Minnesota game (the one where Diggs looked like Jerry Rice) was Shields.   

So they were a .500 team (against a combined opponent strength of 8-12 (MIN and JAX) to start the season.   

Once Shields went down, this defense unravelled.  That's one player.  You need to be deeper than 1 player.