2016 Green Bay Packers thread (1 Viewer)

[Sabertooth]

Saber, I am bummed too but man... nothing compared to you. 

I think many of us can agree, the Randall pick was a head scratcher at the time (at least for me) and it was a mistake. He is in over his head. He may be a good dime CB someday.

This isn't on Dom Capers. He did the best he could with the team he was given. Injuries caught up to us big time. We finally got to the point where we ran out of bodies. 


Looking forward to the offseason, I'd love to see us sign a big name CB just for the sake of finally having a shut down CB... probably for the first time since Al Harris. I won't hold my breath. Shields has to go. I'd like to see TT also draft a CB in the early rounds. Not a project. Not a S to be converted to CB. A CB. I'd actually be quite pleased if we spent our entire draft on the defense again. 
That being said... I am pretty sure we will have Randall and Rollins as our two starting CBs next season...  :X

I'm not really bummed. It impacts my life nothing whether the Packers win the next 10 Super Bowls or close up shop.  I'm a fan, but not a fanatic.  

Dom Capers, well I think his body of work in Green Bay is terrible.  He did the best he could with what he had, and it wasn't much in either case.  He did a terrible job with terrible pieces.  But to be honest, I don't think he does much better with better pieces.  He's run the same defense for a long time.  No 3rd done is safe against his D.  I hope the move on, doubt they will.  

The upshot of keeping Ted Thompson is that he's whiffed on so many picks lately, he's almost certainly due to hit one.  Just law of averages. 

 

[Sabertooth]

Let's talk about Clay Matthews.  Over the past four seasons he's averaged 7.5 sacks per year.  

He's 15.2MM next year.  

Worth it?  No way.  But what can they do about it.  He simply isn't very effective and is only getting older.  He's no where near an elite pass rusher at this point in his career.  He's not really that great at anything (nobody on this defense is).  

 

[Interseptopus]

I'm not really bummed. It impacts my life nothing whether the Packers win the next 10 Super Bowls or close up shop.  I'm a fan, but not a fanatic.  

Dom Capers, well I think his body of work in Green Bay is terrible.  He did the best he could with what he had, and it wasn't much in either case.  He did a terrible job with terrible pieces.  But to be honest, I don't think he does much better with better pieces.  He's run the same defense for a long time.  No 3rd done is safe against his D.  I hope the move on, doubt they will.  

The upshot of keeping Ted Thompson is that he's whiffed on so many picks lately, he's almost certainly due to hit one.  Just law of averages. 

I agree 100% with the bolded. I woke up this morning and my patients and office are all gloomy and I'm just thinking, wow I really don't care one bit about this. How great that feels. 

I would agree also that Capers has run the same system for a very long time. I think he and McCarthy are tied together, so I think he comes back unless he wants to retire. I would like to see what he can do with some good players who have more than 3 years of experience on average (I don't know what the number really is, but man there are a lot of 1-2 year guys on that defense). Like McCarthy and his offensive play calling, I would like to see a little more evolving with the times. I think McCarthy really did that more this season in the second half of the year than in previous. I think Capers' problem was he was running basic coverages and blitzes because these younger guys were just trying to get wind of the speed of the game. Hard to really be creative when you're trying to teach this week's starter the basics. If we had a shut down corner and a decent second corner, and with our safeties, I think Capers worries less about pass coverage and gets a little more creative and ballsy with the blitzing up front. I remember in 2011 week 2 we played the Panthers and just blitzed the hell out of them. It was very impressive. I remember thinking, wow Capers is going to bring it this year! We did have a very good season, but after that week our defense became very predictable and basic. It was disappointing

 

[Interseptopus]

Let's talk about Clay Matthews.  Over the past four seasons he's averaged 7.5 sacks per year.  

He's 15.2MM next year.  

Worth it?  No way.  But what can they do about it.  He simply isn't very effective and is only getting older.  He's no where near an elite pass rusher at this point in his career.  He's not really that great at anything (nobody on this defense is).  

I would argue that has more to do with:

1. he has very little in front of him creating space
2. offenses keying in on him

Yes, good players make plays regardless of the above. I make an effort to try and watch him every play I can and he gets good pressure and is frequently held to be honest. Without a dominant DL in front of him it's easy for offenses to shift attention just to Clay. Worth 15 mil, no, but we will end up paying him. I'd like to see him be a Packer for life but he is one of those that may slip into mediocrity and never really come out. 

Also he's been hurt, which I am shocked at given he is incredibly flexible in his hamstrings (can get his knee to his face) but somehow still pulls it all the time. 

 

[Mr.Pack]

I like this up until the last sentence.  The Pack absolutely cannot go into the season with Randall and Rollins as 1a and 1b or even Gunter for that matter.  I really hope you're wrong about that.

I'd like to see what Gunter and Randall can do. Gunter without having to be on an island alone against the top WR's every week with no help because of all the injuries. Remember this was only Gunter's 2nd year, and first as a starter.

As for Randall, he's been hurt all year and he just couldn't keep up. Would like to see him play at full strength with a whole off-season and training camp as a starter. He was also pressed into duty because of injuries. When you don't have trustworthy help from Safeties who are new too because of injuries, you can't help but look bad, especially injured.

 

[Sabertooth]

I would argue that has more to do with:

1. he has very little in front of him creating space
2. offenses keying in on him

Yes, good players make plays regardless of the above. I make an effort to try and watch him every play I can and he gets good pressure and is frequently held to be honest. Without a dominant DL in front of him it's easy for offenses to shift attention just to Clay. Worth 15 mil, no, but we will end up paying him. I'd like to see him be a Packer for life but he is one of those that may slip into mediocrity and never really come out. 

Also he's been hurt, which I am shocked at given he is incredibly flexible in his hamstrings (can get his knee to his face) but somehow still pulls it all the time. 

I tend to think he's off the juice.  Occam's razor and all that.  He's been mediocre since he was about 28.  He'll be 31 going into next season. 

 

[Sabertooth]

I'd like to see what Gunter and Randall can do. Gunter without having to be on an island alone against the top WR's every week with no help because of all the injuries. Remember this was only Gunter's 2nd year, and first as a starter.

As for Randall, he's been hurt all year and he just couldn't keep up. Would like to see him play at full strength with a whole off-season and training camp as a starter. He was also pressed into duty because of injuries. When you don't have trustworthy help from Safeties who are new too because of injuries, you can't help but look bad, especially injured.

Ok, we saw what Gunter can do.  It ain't much.  He might, might be able to do tweener duty as a safety/corner ala a slower Micah Hyde.

Randall was not pressed into duty.  He was annointed the starter in early August.  He cannot stay healthy.  He's poor when he is healthy.  Please no, I don't need to see any more of what he can do.  He seemed plenty healthy enough to run that ball out of the endzone a few weeks back.  What he can do is lose the Packers football games every single time he plays.  Please release him, Ted.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This definitely has some merit. However Heyward wasn't terrible, he was ranked by PFF in the top 10 at CB. He was asking too much, but turns out the $15 million over 3 years he got, wasn't too much at all.

I can't believe Heyward was rated anything above average for 2015, his last season with the Packers. He started well as a rookie, but by the end of last season the rookie Randall had taken his spot. McGinn gave him a C- in his year-end grades, and predicted he'd be gone. I don't think many of us had any problem with the team giving Randall and Gunter a shot this season. Of course, they both failed and I suppose if we have to point fingers on that its spread among the players, the coaches and the GM.

 

[Sabertooth]

I agree 100% with the bolded. I woke up this morning and my patients and office are all gloomy and I'm just thinking, wow I really don't care one bit about this. How great that feels. 

I would agree also that Capers has run the same system for a very long time. I think he and McCarthy are tied together, so I think he comes back unless he wants to retire. I would like to see what he can do with some good players who have more than 3 years of experience on average (I don't know what the number really is, but man there are a lot of 1-2 year guys on that defense). Like McCarthy and his offensive play calling, I would like to see a little more evolving with the times. I think McCarthy really did that more this season in the second half of the year than in previous. I think Capers' problem was he was running basic coverages and blitzes because these younger guys were just trying to get wind of the speed of the game. Hard to really be creative when you're trying to teach this week's starter the basics. If we had a shut down corner and a decent second corner, and with our safeties, I think Capers worries less about pass coverage and gets a little more creative and ballsy with the blitzing up front. I remember in 2011 week 2 we played the Panthers and just blitzed the hell out of them. It was very impressive. I remember thinking, wow Capers is going to bring it this year! We did have a very good season, but after that week our defense became very predictable and basic. It was disappointing

I was over the Packers game by the end of the second quarter.  Had no hope at any point during the second half.  They could have played perfectly on offense, wouldn't have mattered.  

 

[Interseptopus]

I tend to think he's off the juice.  Occam's razor and all that.  He's been mediocre since he was about 28.  He'll be 31 going into next season. 

HGH IMO. Guys on juice or HGH when they go off of it they often have frequent tendon injuries as a side effect of the medication. Too much steroid will weaken ligaments, tendons, and even muscles. So you'll see a lot of strains, tears, etc. I think you hit the nail on the head

 

[Sabertooth]

I can't believe Heyward was rated anything above average for 2015, his last season with the Packers. He started well as a rookie, but by the end of last season the rookie Randall had taken his spot. McGinn gave him a C- in his year-end grades, and predicted he'd be gone. I don't think many of us had any problem with the team giving Randall and Gunter a shot this season. Of course, they both failed and I suppose if we have to point fingers on that its spread among the players, the coaches and the GM.

I've been beating the Randall drum since November 2015.  He's just gotten worse.  And he's the worst kind of bad.  He doesn't think he's bad.  He thinks he's good.  He's not.  Hope they demote him to about CB4.  

And to be honest I think they kind of already did demote him.  He was mighty scarce in a few games, did not start some.  Just seemed like he was a guy who got on the field because of injuries to other players as the season wore on.  If they bring in one viable corner, I'm betting Randall loses his job before Gunter or Rollins.  All three healthy, I think the pecking order should be Gunter, Rollins, Randall in the battle of tallest midgets.  

 

[cockroach]

 CB4.  

fantastic film

 

[Sabertooth]

fantastic film

I wondered if anyone would jump on that

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I was over the Packers game by the end of the second quarter.  Had no hope at any point during the second half.  They could have played perfectly on offense, wouldn't have mattered.  

Perfect defense wouldn't have mattered either.  I was told the Falcons had a worse defense than the Cowboys, but it was midway through the 3rd quarter when the Packers first scored.  For most of us, the game was essentially over by halftime, but if there was a real "dagger" moment, it was that 11 second 3/out drive to start the second half.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Dom Capers, well I think his body of work in Green Bay is terrible

2009- Rank 31

2010- Rank 28

2011- Rank 1

2012- Rank 22

2013- Rank 8

2014- Rank 18

2015- Rank 18

2016- Rank 11

Not terrible, but adequate. All the injuries this year and to still be ranked #11 overall, is impressive.

That said, I think they might benefit from a change, a change in scheme and philosophy. But also a change in health status goes a long way as well

 

[Mr.Pack]

I've been beating the Randall drum since November 2015.  He's just gotten worse.  And he's the worst kind of bad.  He doesn't think he's bad.  He thinks he's good.  He's not.  Hope they demote him to about CB4.  

And to be honest I think they kind of already did demote him.  He was mighty scarce in a few games, did not start some.  Just seemed like he was a guy who got on the field because of injuries to other players as the season wore on.  If they bring in one viable corner, I'm betting Randall loses his job before Gunter or Rollins.  All three healthy, I think the pecking order should be Gunter, Rollins, Randall in the battle of tallest midgets.  

Josh Norman could be a Packer and if he had a couple bad games, you'd be calling for his head. Dude, we know you like a book.

 

[Sabertooth]

Perfect defense wouldn't have mattered either.  I was told the Falcons had a worse defense than the Cowboys, but it was midway through the 3rd quarter when the Packers first scored.  For most of us, the game was essentially over by halftime, but if there was a real "dagger" moment, it was that 11 second 3/out drive to start the second half.

The start of the game was very odd.  You have Crosby missing the kick and the Rip fumble.  I agreed about the start of the second half.  It was pathetic.  

 

[Sabertooth]

Josh Norman could be a Packer and if he had a couple bad games, you'd be calling for his head. Dude, we know you like a book.

Nice straw man.  Couple of bad games?  He's been terrible for over a year.  

A guy has one good game in a sea of #### and you think he's the next Charles Woodson.  He's garbage.  The only thing he's got going for him is that he's young.  That's it.  

 

[Interseptopus]

Josh Norman could be a Packer and if he had a couple bad games, you'd be calling for his head. Dude, we know you like a book.

Nice straw man.  Couple of bad games?  He's been terrible for over a year.  

A guy has one good game in a sea of #### and you think he's the next Charles Woodson.  He's garbage.  The only thing he's got going for him is that he's young.  That's it.  

This is disappointing to see... We know Saber is always there to dog on Randall, but he has been from the beginning, and it's not like Randall was suddenly no good. I don't take Saber as one of those never satisfied fans, and neither should we have this kind of a discussion. It doesn't accomplish anything. 

 

2009- Rank 31

2010- Rank 28

2011- Rank 1

2012- Rank 22

2013- Rank 8

2014- Rank 18

2015- Rank 18

2016- Rank 11

Not terrible, but adequate. All the injuries this year and to still be ranked #11 overall, is impressive.

That said, I think they might benefit from a change, a change in scheme and philosophy. But also a change in health status goes a long way as well

I'm actually quite interested if there is a DC with a better resume over the last 8 years. Averages 17 overall, which isn't bad. However, that is in yards. Hooper or whatever his name is in the Seahawks thread made a good point that points allowed should also be taken into consideration.

For points allowed (using NFL.com because I can't seem to figure out how to get it on ESPN)
2008: 22
2009: 7
2010: 2
2011: 19
2012: 11
2013: 24
2014: 13
2015: 12
2016: 21

Avg: 16 (so about the same)

Interesting though. With an offense like GB has I think points allowed is a better indicator of defense because if they are allowing less points they are probably winning more games. Easy to see that this was one of the worst years defensively with points allowed.
Also interesting that 2010 (SB Champs) they were ranked 28th in yards but 2nd in points allowed. Goes to show that points per game is probably a better statistic to use... 

 

[Sabertooth]

I wish I could give this post 1000 likes.

The bolded is his biggest flaw and the main reason this team will never be great.

Hellova post and sums everything up perfectly

It is a big flaw.  But Ted could really mitigate this flaw by simply hitting on those picks he values so much.  I agree he needs to attack free agency.  However I doubt he does.  He can however start hitting on his picks and turn this battleship around slowly.  I just think hoping Ted becomes a player in free agency is a bridge too far so I'm hoping for other avenues of improvement to pan out.  

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Jared Cook was a pretty good FA signing. His contract has to be a top priority this Spring.

 

[Sabertooth]

Jared Cook was a pretty good FA signing. His contract has to be a top priority this Spring.

Jared Cook totally changes this offense.  Lock him up! 

 

[jurrassic]

I'm pretty concerned this team could slide into mediocrity fairly quickly.  With the current FA's and missed draft picks, this team could be pretty devoid of talent in the next few years if Ted doesn't sign free agents.  They aren't that far away from being the Saints.  Perennial 8-8 team with a great qb, good offense and terrible defense. 

 

[Interseptopus]

2017 FA:

J Peppers: Sign him to a reasonable 1 year deal if he would like to continue playing. 3 mil? 

TJ Lang: I'd like to see him back, but he will be 30 this year. Can our depth take on this loss? Sitton was good to let walk. Lang made 5.2 mil last year, he would certainly want this to be his last contract so make it big? My vote is let him walk

Nick Perry: Lock him up (can we? not sure if we can afford it. Might have to say bye)

Jared Cook: Lock him up

Datone Jones: Not sure we can afford him... last year of his rookie contract so he's not earning a whole lot and he would certainly want to earn more I imagine? I owuld say let him go. He doesn't really fit this defense

Brett Goode- Shouldn't be hard to resign him

Eddie Lacy: Some good debate here I'm sure. I honestly think we can get him back for 2-3 mil with incentives, which is a bargain. 1-2 year deal. I think we need to bring him back we cannot go in 2017 with Ty Montgomery and a rookie and/or C-Mike 

C-Mike: Speaking of. Let him go

Barclay: If we can bring him back that'd be nice. Otherwise I wouldn't object to making room for a rookie

Tretter: Need to resign him

Hyde: Need to resign him

Pennel: who? Bye felicia

We are currently 35 mil under the cap. I would anticipate they would cut shields, giving us 43 million under the cap. That doesn't include salary cap increases (10 mil last year). I am not sure how much we typically set aside for draft picks, but it seems like we have quite a bit to play with. 

 

[Mr.Pack]

TJ Lang: I'd like to see him back, but he will be 30 this year. Can our depth take on this loss? Sitton was good to let walk. Lang made 5.2 mil last year, he would certainly want this to be his last contract so make it big?

If healthy. I read today he's having hip surgery.

 

[Pipes]

Jared Cook was a pretty good FA signing. His contract has to be a top priority this Spring.

That's what's so frustrating when he does dabble they usually hit.  It's weird they seem to end with guys that no one wanted like Woodson and Cook. 

 

[Sabertooth]

That's what's so frustrating when he does dabble they usually hit.  It's weird they seem to end with guys that no one wanted like Woodson and Cook. 

Peppers too.

 

[jurrassic]

Lang is interesting because he's clearly the best FA they have but he also plays a position they have traditionally not been willing to pay top dollar for.  The only 3 guys I see them definitely bringing back are Tretter, Cook and Goode.  Based on the current roster construction, I would think there is a good chance both Perry and Hyde are back as well.  

 

[Pipes]

I'd really hate to lose Lang.  He's one of the few tough guys on the team.  They really need more guys like him on the team.  

 

[jurrassic]

Peppers too.

And Pickett

 

[Pipes]

I think a big problem with the make up of this roster is there are way too many nice guys on this team.  You think if Brady takes a shot to the head like Rodgers did yesterday, penalty or not, there wouldn't been a number of guys ready to throw down?  Ryan's scrambling free and no one lays a finger on him.  I'm not saying to cheap shot him but they needed to knock him down and send a message. This team is way too soft across the board.

 

[Interseptopus]

Lang is interesting because he's clearly the best FA they have but he also plays a position they have traditionally not been willing to pay top dollar for.  The only 3 guys I see them definitely bringing back are Tretter, Cook and Goode.  Based on the current roster construction, I would think there is a good chance both Perry and Hyde are back as well.  

I agree. I think they let Lang walk (history would say). Tretter Cook and Goode will be back. Hyde I think is back for sure. Perry it depends what he is looking for; he made almost 5 million this season, he's 26 years old. Surely he is looking for his "big" contract. I'm not exactly sure he's worth 5 mil TBH

 

[jurrassic]

I agree. I think they let Lang walk (history would say). Tretter Cook and Goode will be back. Hyde I think is back for sure. Perry it depends what he is looking for; he made almost 5 million this season, he's 26 years old. Surely he is looking for his "big" contract. I'm not exactly sure he's worth 5 mil TBH

Perry is tough because he has the history of injuries.  That creates concern from a re-injury perspective but also from the fact that there really isn't that large of a body of work.  Is Perry rising or did he just play out for a contract?  

 

[Interseptopus]

For those who look up mock drafts, I like WalterFootball's mocks. He is very informed for each team's needs and problems. 

He has the Pack taking a CB, RB, OL/DE, G. I actually think that is quite reasonable given our needs. Without getting too much caught up in individual players he predicts they take: 

Round 1: CB, Sidney Jones. This is a deep CB class from what I read. I think we have to go CB here unless some ungodly talent falls
Round 2: RB, Jeremy McNichols. Even if they resign Lacy they could draft a RB early. This is a very deep class, I'd be surprised if they pass on a RB in the first 3 rounds. 
Round 3: OL/DE, Hasson Reddick. I'm kind of tired of us drafting these hybrid players (Perry, Jones). Just give me a good DL. or OLB. Not a hybrid. Just been burned too much. 
Round 4: OL, Scott Quessenberry. I like this. I think we have found some nice gems in the round 4-5 range at the OL. I'd be happy with an OL here.

He doesn't have round 5-7. Many of these guys don't really do too much. I would anticipate if we go OL round 4 then that's the last offensive player we take. However, as I pointed out much earlier, TT always drafts a WR... so I think we can expect a WR to be drafted somewhere here. Which might be reasonable given Jordy's age, Cobb's contract expiring. 

 

[Sabertooth]

Just draft somebody who is a natural at his position.  No more tweeners or "versatile players".   We have the most versatile defense in the world.  They are all equally #### at multiple positions.  

 

[Interseptopus]

#NotMySuperBowl

 

[sho nuff]

I'm pretty concerned this team could slide into mediocrity fairly quickly.  With the current FA's and missed draft picks, this team could be pretty devoid of talent in the next few years if Ted doesn't sign free agents.  They aren't that far away from being the Saints.  Perennial 8-8 team with a great qb, good offense and terrible defense. 

People have said this for how long now?

 

[sho nuff]

2017 FA:

J Peppers: Sign him to a reasonable 1 year deal if he would like to continue playing. 3 mil? I disagree...bye Julius...thanks for the few years.

TJ Lang: I'd like to see him back, but he will be 30 this year. Can our depth take on this loss? Sitton was good to let walk. Lang made 5.2 mil last year, he would certainly want this to be his last contract so make it big? My vote is let him walk Sign him...he has't been as banged up and unavailable as Sitton.  Typically will play through it and still play well.  We don't have the depth this time.  Looks like Spriggs is RT depth preparing to let Bulaga walk after his contract is up?  THey kept putting Barclay in.

Nick Perry: Lock him up (can we? not sure if we can afford it. Might have to say bye)  Can we afford to?  I like Perry and think he has come on...but if he is commanding playmaker $$s for inconsistent production...Im not so sure.

Jared Cook: Lock him up  Priority #2 or 3 (He and Lang I go back and forth on)IMO

Datone Jones: Not sure we can afford him... last year of his rookie contract so he's not earning a whole lot and he would certainly want to earn more I imagine? I owuld say let him go. He doesn't really fit this defense  Seems like he will be the type we let walk...and if he does not find anything we sign him for Ted's price.

Brett Goode- Shouldn't be hard to resign him  Agreed

Eddie Lacy: Some good debate here I'm sure. I honestly think we can get him back for 2-3 mil with incentives, which is a bargain. 1-2 year deal. I think we need to bring him back we cannot go in 2017 with Ty Montgomery and a rookie and/or C-Mike  If we can get him back for that...yes.  Not sure people will be pressed to give him a lot of money.

C-Mike: Speaking of. Let him go  So much potential...seems dumb as a box of rocks.

Barclay: If we can bring him back that'd be nice. Otherwise I wouldn't object to making room for a rookie Id rather see a rookie at this point.

Tretter: Need to resign him Priority #4...Lang #2 or 3

Hyde: Need to resign him Priority #1...secondary depth and gives them more versatility with he and Burnett back there.

Pennel: who? Bye felicia  DIdn't they basically already let him go.

We are currently 35 mil under the cap. I would anticipate they would cut shields, giving us 43 million under the cap. That doesn't include salary cap increases (10 mil last year). I am not sure how much we typically set aside for draft picks, but it seems like we have quite a bit to play with. 

My thoughts in bold.

 

[Interseptopus]

My thoughts in bold.

Yeah we are almost on the same page. 

After looking at the salary cap situation, I would ammend my statements a little.

I would expect Thompson go to sign a top CB. He has to. There is no excuse not to; the CB market is very deep. I'd actually like to see CB sign a tier 1-2 CB and draft one round 1.

I would change my thoughts on Peppers just because I think 3 mil is steep for an older part time guy. We can pay a young guy that same money and probably get similar production. I would just really like to see Peppers win a ring... but that's no reason to bring him back unless he is going to sign for peanuts, which I don't think he would. But I don't think we can bring in a top CB and spend a decent chunk of money on an aged DL

I really like this article:
5 Things Pack need to do in the offseason
Although I don't really agree with the very end of this article where they mention some top WRs... that makes zero sense. 

I would agree with you:
Lang, Cook, Hyde, Tretter, Goode should all be must resigns. 

I would say let Lacy go unless we can get him for our price. Draft a RB round 2. 

 

[sho nuff]

Few thoughts on the game and season.

First off...ATL.  

Just could not get off the field on third.  Not sure how healthy any of the secondary was...as Dom stayed in zone all game limited maybe by what he had out there.  This was picked apart as there was zero pass rush.  (I know its Wisconsin homer but I keep coming back to wanting to see TJ Watt opposite of Clay)  That lack of pass rush killed them.  We can bag on the secondary all we want (and there is plenty reason to).  With no pass rush...they were going to put up a ton of points.

As bad as the defense was...the offense shares some of the blame.  0 points in the first half.  Missed FG...fumble..punts and mistakes galore.  At least 3 times I saw a player (Cook once, Michael once, and don't recall who it was the third time) catch a ball and already have 3-4 yards...if they turn up field and just fall they get about 5...all 3 went backwards trying to make a big play and ended up with only a gain of 2-3 yards total.  Sloppy mistakes like that (including Rodgers and the Oline missing some blitz pickups and adjustments that they usually get pretty well)...stuff they had not done in weeks sunk them.  This had to be a shootout to win...and the Offense had to play near perfect and they laid an egg.  IMO the only bright spot on O (maybe a couple on the Oline) was Jordy.  Maybe Cobb.  But the guy with broken ribs was playing his ### off and making plays even though it was hurting him bad.  Just one of those guys that becomes your "favorite Packer" for doing stuff like that and just being a good guy.  WIll go down as one of the best Packers like Driver and others before him that were so liked not only for skill level...but how they played the game and how they carried themselves off the field as well.

Crosby picked one hell of a time to miss a playoff FG.  

Overall...I said the same before the game...it was disappointing to lose and sucks getting killed...but was an enjoyable run they went on this year.  Would have loved to have seen them get 2 weeks of rest and a shot at Brady vs. Rodgers.  But a team that was 4-6 made it to the NFC Title game.  Got to excorcize some demons in the Giants...and take a playoff win at Dallas (oh what I would have given for at least one of those in the 90s).

 

[sho nuff]

Yeah we are almost on the same page. 

After looking at the salary cap situation, I would ammend my statements a little.

I would expect Thompson go to sign a top CB. He has to. There is no excuse not to; the CB market is very deep. I'd actually like to see CB sign a tier 1-2 CB and draft one round 1.

I would change my thoughts on Peppers just because I think 3 mil is steep for an older part time guy. We can pay a young guy that same money and probably get similar production. I would just really like to see Peppers win a ring... but that's no reason to bring him back unless he is going to sign for peanuts, which I don't think he would. But I don't think we can bring in a top CB and spend a decent chunk of money on an aged DL

I really like this article:
5 Things Pack need to do in the offseason
Although I don't really agree with the very end of this article where they mention some top WRs... that makes zero sense. 

I would agree with you:
Lang, Cook, Hyde, Tretter, Goode should all be must resigns. 

I would say let Lacy go unless we can get him for our price. Draft a RB round 2. 

Id have to look at the CB market.  Not sure about "top" guy.  The reason being...look at the history of that position and guys signing.  Other than high dollar moves in Norman and Revis...it has flopped so very often.

Draft wise...Im with Saber (I think it was him)...draft a guy that fits in his position.  Draft smart players.  NE is that example.  They aren't the most physically gifted guys...but damn they are smart and just don't make mental mistakes.  They draft similar to TT in that they want to acquire as many picks as possible and know that about half will work out.

1st round...IMO as much as I want best availalble...thats hard to just stick to.  Id say best available out of a few positions.  Biggest to me is between CB and OLB.  Obviously corner is a need...and I agree on FA needs to be brought in.  Id think more than one free agent.  Is there a pass rush guy available in FA?  Some of them seem to have a better track record than corner as far as working out.

Now...much of this will hang on Capers.  Does he retire...do they let him go.  Then do we go with someone from withing and stick with 3/4 or who do they get.

 

[Interseptopus]

Id have to look at the CB market.  Not sure about "top" guy.  The reason being...look at the history of that position and guys signing.  Other than high dollar moves in Norman and Revis...it has flopped so very often.

Draft wise...Im with Saber (I think it was him)...draft a guy that fits in his position.  Draft smart players.  NE is that example.  They aren't the most physically gifted guys...but damn they are smart and just don't make mental mistakes.  They draft similar to TT in that they want to acquire as many picks as possible and know that about half will work out.

1st round...IMO as much as I want best availalble...thats hard to just stick to.  Id say best available out of a few positions.  Biggest to me is between CB and OLB.  Obviously corner is a need...and I agree on FA needs to be brought in.  Id think more than one free agent.  Is there a pass rush guy available in FA?  Some of them seem to have a better track record than corner as far as working out.

Now...much of this will hang on Capers.  Does he retire...do they let him go.  Then do we go with someone from withing and stick with 3/4 or who do they get.

I like your idea on Watt opposite Matthews. That'd be fun. 

Cbs available from that article I posted above:
Stephon Gilmore BUF (26yo, 3 mil 2016) 
Trumaine Johnson LA (27, 13 mil 2016) Market value 4 yrs 52 mil, 13 per year
AJ Bouye HOU (25, 1.6 mil) Market value 5 years 58 mil, 11.7 per year

Brandon Carr DAL (30, 10 mil) Market Value 3 years 10 mil, 3 mil per year
Morris Claiborne DAL (26, 3 mil)
Dre Kirkpatrick CIN (27, 2 mil)

I'd love to see Gilmore or Bouye in a Packer uniform next year. Claiborne can disguise a hold pretty well. How great would it be to have Carr and Bouye for basically the same we are paying Randall and Shields!?! 

 

[sho nuff]

Was Gilmore the guy I watched get toasted often early in the year?

Bouye seems like a good player...

 

[Interseptopus]

Was Gilmore the guy I watched get toasted often early in the year?

Bouye seems like a good player...

Not sure. He's one of the bigger names, pretty solid, but I'd much rather have Bouye- I really think he's something special. I think it's real eye opening when you realize Randall is scheduled to make 2.1 million and Shields 12 million. 

Bouye and Carr would be about 750k more than the two of them combined and probably one of the best defensive backfields in the NFC. 

We can't cut Randall... would actually cost 1.4 mil more to cut him than to keep him next season. However it doesn't mean we can't bump him down to CB4. Sign 2 CBs or sign 1 and draft 1 Round 1-3. One of those two scenarios has to happen. Rollins as your nickle guy. Gunter/Randall as your dime. I think that'd be pretty solid. I don't know how we can all see how realistic it is but Thompson will keep his thumb up his butt while these guys sign elsewhere and we will end up some C-List CB. 

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Cook was a big upgrade this season but it would be easy to put together a lowlight reel of drops and lazy routes. Maybe a season of Rodgers barking at him in practice would improve his consistency but remember that this is a guy who has always, always underperformed. Very leery of giving him a big contract. Make it 2 years.

Clay Matthews is the worst player in the front 7 at this point which is pretty sad. Hope it's only the injuries.

 

[sho nuff]

Cook was a big upgrade this season but it would be easy to put together a lowlight reel of drops and lazy routes. Maybe a season of Rodgers barking at him in practice would improve his consistency but remember that this is a guy who has always, always underperformed. Very leery of giving him a big contract. Make it 2 years.

Clay Matthews is the worst player in the front 7 at this point which is pretty sad. Hope it's only the injuries.

I think it was the injuries with him...and even still don't think he was the worst.

On Cook...definitely...guy had drops (first drive of the 2nd half...didn't he have 2 in 11 seconds?)...but I think still such a huge upgrade.  And read the article he wrote about how happy he was to be there and in the playoffs and made me think...something else to look at when in FA or guys who have been cut too.  Find these guys on teams that have been pretty bad or mediocre...Cook talked about how much better it was playing with Rodgers and on a team with that winning culture.  Has to be huge for some of these guys that have been playing hard only to have a team suck.

 

[Interseptopus]

Really neat article from Jared Cook: Only in Green Bay

Jared Cook without a doubt wants to stay in Green Bay

I don't think there's any reason he won't be back

 

[Mr.Pack]

Nick Perry: Lock him up (can we? not sure if we can afford it. Might have to say bye)  Can we afford to?  I like Perry and think he has come on...but if he is commanding playmaker $$s for inconsistent production...Im not so sure.

Signing Perry is a MUST sign. He may command some bucks, but Green Bay NEEDS an Edge Rusher and he's proven when healthy he can be a beast. Make it incentive laden if needed, but get this guy signed.

 

[Mr.Pack]

I like your idea on Watt opposite Matthews

Watt is too light to play on the Edge. Same height as JJ but 50lbs lighter. He's an OLB in the NFL

 

[Sabertooth]

Signing Perry is a MUST sign. He may command some bucks, but Green Bay NEEDS an Edge Rusher and he's proven when healthy he can be a beast. Make it incentive laden if needed, but get this guy signed.

They need an edge rusher.  He's the closest thing they have.  But he's not elite at all.  A beast when healthy?  Maybe.  I see a guy who has 23.5 sacks in 5 years.  Never had more than 4 before his contract year.  Where was this beast in the Atlanta game?  Same place the rest of the defense was, in the crapper.  

To be honest, if this was Yahtzee, I'd keep the two safeties and Neal, and roll the dice on the rest.