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Green Bay Packers Thread (3 Viewers)

So, the Packers seem relatively healthy heading into the game.  A Few question marks, but basically hope for all to play.  I hope that turns out to be the case. Wear surgical masks on the flight. Wash your hands and butts.  Go Pack Go!

 
Man, I'm so giddy about today's game. I've missed this anticipation leading up to a high-stakes game in late January. Even more, and I know I'm wearing rose-colored glasses, I'm just happy that this team crawled out of the dumpster they were in for the past few years. I was genuinely concerned this team was heading towards years of irrelevancy, but this year has shown me they still have a few more runs left in them before Rodgers hangs it up. 
 

Now let's get fired up and go book another trip to the Super Bowl!!!

 
Glad to see Raven Green activated. He played very well prior to his injury. Not sure  how much he will be involved first game back, but seemed like they had plans for him before that injury. 

 
So much bad in this game.  But got out physicalled and outran all game.

49ers the better team...but it was a blowout because of playing dumb at times...the unforced mistakes (fumbled snap, shanked punt) and awful tackling.

Still nice getting that far.

I know people live offense and receivers...but to me front 7 on D and OLine is where the Packers were outclassed tonight.

 
So much bad in this game.  But got out physicalled and outran all game.

49ers the better team...but it was a blowout because of playing dumb at times...the unforced mistakes (fumbled snap, shanked punt) and awful tackling.

Still nice getting that far.

I know people live offense and receivers...but to me front 7 on D and OLine is where the Packers were outclassed tonight.
It looked like a Mike McCarthy team tonight.

 
Good news is that their are no free agents that we need to bring back. Let Bulaga walk. Under no circumstance should Blake Martinez be brought back.

The good news, despite the horrendous showing yesterday, is these problems can be fixed.

 
Two things that I took away from yesterday (other than our d forgetting to show up):

I like Lazard. Guy plays hard both as a blocker and receiver. 
 

Darnell Savage was an unmitigated disaster. Scared of contact, slow to fill, horrible angles. When you stick out on a defense that got absolutely demolished, that is not good.

 
Good news is that their are no free agents that we need to bring back. Let Bulaga walk. Under no circumstance should Blake Martinez be brought back.

The good news, despite the horrendous showing yesterday, is these problems can be fixed.
Now I believe that Jimmy Graham's contract has run out, so no cap hit from losing Graham.

With a few good free agent signing, and a good draft, Green Bay should be improved.

Some receivers to help Rogers and Adams would be nice, maybe an offensive tackle too.

A good middle LB and run defenders would definitely help (Clark can't do it by himself).

 
I think E. St. Brown can help out next year. He could be the # 2. I think putting him on IR for the season for a high ankle sprain was a dumb move.

 
I think E. St. Brown can help out next year. He could be the # 2. I think putting him on IR for the season for a high ankle sprain was a dumb move.
He needs to make a huge leap. Hands were suspect and appeared to make mental mistakes.

Adams and Lazard are a solid 1-2. But need a fast slot receiver and a number one tight end.

Geronimo, MVS, and every other receiver can be replaced. Seemed like every pass Rodgers had was either a 25 plus yarder or a 2 yarder. They need to address the mid passing attack. 

 
Sternberger could be something in Year 2. Had some moments blocking and finally getting catches as we all saw.

I’m hesitant to let Bulaga go unless a fat contract lures him elsewhere. He was a warrior this year and the replacement is who, Alex Light?

This is the least a playoff loss has ever bothered me, I guess because my expectations were so low. The amount of deadwood eliminated from the roster within the past 2 years is so significant (I will continue my previous post series on some future slow day) that I’m excited to see what they do next.

 
I don’t know what Pettine’s contract situation is but wouldn’t be surprised either way if they keep or move on from him. Going into his second year LaFleur will know whether this is the guy he wants as DC.

For the heck of it, these were the main candidates McCarthy looked at before adding Pettine two seasons ago:

Darren Perry – was hired by the Packers to be the safeties coach in 2009 and was let go after the 2017 season. He had reportedly been a candidate to join Mike Vrabel's staff in Tennessee but Perry hasn’t returned to the NFL at this point. He had a job lined up with Birmingham in the Alliance of American Football which… didn’t work out so well.

Joe Whitt Jr.  – had been with the Packers staff since 2008 and in 2018 was promoted to defensive passing game coordinator. He was let go along with much of the staff after the end of the 2018 season. The Browns hired him as secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator five days later. But life with the Browns has a way of going screwy. No worries though, Whitt was hired by the Falcons as secondary coach earlier this month.

Winston Moss – joined the Packers way back in 2006 and by 2018 had risen to assistant head coach/linebackers coach. Moss was fired two days after McCarthy in December 2018, following tweets he made which were critical of Packers management. Moss is now head coach and general manager of an XFL team, the Los Angeles Wildcats.

The less likely external candidates, I don’t think these got as far as a formal interview for DC:

Vic Fangio – stuck around in Chicago as DC in 2018 then was hired as head coach in Denver in 2019 where he went 7-9 (losing to both the Packers and Bears).

Gus Bradley - McCarthy asked for permission to speak with the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. I think the request was denied. Either way, the Chargers gave Bradley a three-year contract extension in January 2018 and he remains DC there.

Patrick Graham - McCarthy spoke with Graham about an open position on GB’s staff but I'm not certain it was for DC. At that time Graham was the defensive line coach for the Giants. The Giants have a new head coach for 2020 in Joe Judge, who has promoted Graham to DC/assistant head coach.

 
Two things that I took away from yesterday (other than our d forgetting to show up):

I like Lazard. Guy plays hard both as a blocker and receiver. 
 

Darnell Savage was an unmitigated disaster. Scared of contact, slow to fill, horrible angles. When you stick out on a defense that got absolutely demolished, that is not good.
Savage, amongst others, had a terrible game last night but I like his talent.  Hopefully we see a jump in year 2.

 
Put me in the camp of bye bye Blake.  I would put inside LB along with WR as 1a and 1b the biggest offseason needs.  Followed by defensive line (big bodies and not some LB/DE hybrid who's physically gifted but an underachiever), TE and offensive line.  I'd love for the Packers to have a dominate inside LB commanding the defense and thumping guys.  Bringing an attitude to the defense.  That's been a weakness of this team as long as I can remember.  Pack had a better season than I ever anticipated and I'm looking forward to the offseason.  Just no more stupid 1st round picks Gute.

 
I think E. St. Brown can help out next year. He could be the # 2. I think putting him on IR for the season for a high ankle sprain was a dumb move.
I don't know I think he's a JAG.  I don't think they IR him for the year if he was anything special.  He can be a contributor but he'd be a weak #2 imo.

 
A quick look at Contributing Packer’s Unrestricted Free Agents:

Blake Martinez: Packers need to let him walk. He was not a difference maker, when you watch him on the field he is an average Inside Linebacker. Love his intensity but not worth an extension.

Bryan Bulaga: Unless he accepts a very team friendly deal (unlikely in this market) he needs to go to. Creates a hole but is he reliable?

Mason Crosby: Bring him back.

Geronimo Allison: Goodbye

Marcedes Lewis: Retiring most likely - shouldn’t be back either way

Tramon Williams: wonder if he hangs them up. If not would be fine with him coming back. Veteran leader.

Kyler Fackrell: will get a nice contract somewhere. I like him as a situational pass rusher but will cost too much.

BJ Goodson: If price is right they should re sign him. I like Goodson, plays downhill.

 
A quick look at Contributing Packer’s Unrestricted Free Agents:

Blake Martinez: Packers need to let him walk. He was not a difference maker, when you watch him on the field he is an average Inside Linebacker. Love his intensity but not worth an extension.

Bryan Bulaga: Unless he accepts a very team friendly deal (unlikely in this market) he needs to go to. Creates a hole but is he reliable?

Mason Crosby: Bring him back.

Geronimo Allison: Goodbye

Marcedes Lewis: Retiring most likely - shouldn’t be back either way

Tramon Williams: wonder if he hangs them up. If not would be fine with him coming back. Veteran leader.

Kyler Fackrell: will get a nice contract somewhere. I like him as a situational pass rusher but will cost too much.

BJ Goodson: If price is right they should re sign him. I like Goodson, plays downhill.
Where is Jimmy Graham?  Isn't his contract finished now?

 
Yeah not good with Graham. Am I reading it that cutting him would cause an 11,000,000 hit? Or is it a little over 3,000,000.

He needs to be gone next year regardless.

I am fine with Jace Sternberger as the second tight end. I think he is scheme versatile and can line up in a lot of different places. But the Packers absolutely have to sign a lead tight end. Number one on my list is Hunter Henry as I think he will come cheaper than Austin Hooper. But Hooper is a close second. 

 
I would also extend Kenny Clark in the offseason. He is a tremendous young player, just wish they could reduce his snaps a little to keep him fresh.

 
Yeah not good with Graham. Am I reading it that cutting him would cause an 11,000,000 hit? Or is it a little over 3,000,000.

He needs to be gone next year regardless.

I am fine with Jace Sternberger as the second tight end. I think he is scheme versatile and can line up in a lot of different places. But the Packers absolutely have to sign a lead tight end. Number one on my list is Hunter Henry as I think he will come cheaper than Austin Hooper. But Hooper is a close second. 
My understanding is if GB cuts Graham, it will cost them 3.6 mil.

 
After tight end, interior defensive line should be a focal point. They need two inside linemen that can stuff the run. Doesn’t need to be a stud three down player, just rotational lineman that can hold the line. 

 
My understanding is if GB cuts Graham, it will cost them 3.6 mil.
That $3.6 million charge is on the 2020 cap whether Graham is cut or not so it shouldn't affect whether they keep him.  They will save $8 million in both cash and salary cap by cutting him.  I honestly don't understand why they didn't cut him a year ago.  If he were a stud blocker with his now middling receiving skills, it could have been easier to justify keeping him.  I wondered last year if Gutekunst kept him because he couldn't admit that it was a poor signing to begin with.

 
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That $3.6 million charge is on the 2020 cap whether Graham is cut or not so it shouldn't affect whether they keep him.  They will save $8 million in both cash and salary cap by cutting him.  I honestly don't understand why they didn't cut him a year ago.  If he were a stud blocker with his now middling receiving skills, it could have been easier to justify keeping him.  I wondered last year if Gutekunst kept him because he couldn't admit that it was a poor signing to being with.
Probably.  Tough to admit a mistake.   Justin Harrell comes to mind.

Graham made a huge 3rd down catch vs Seattle, and had a nice garbage time long ball vs SF.  He didn’t do much else the past two years.  Horrible signing.   Total waste of money.

 
Yeah not good with Graham. Am I reading it that cutting him would cause an 11,000,000 hit? Or is it a little over 3,000,000.

He needs to be gone next year regardless.

I am fine with Jace Sternberger as the second tight end. I think he is scheme versatile and can line up in a lot of different places. But the Packers absolutely have to sign a lead tight end. Number one on my list is Hunter Henry as I think he will come cheaper than Austin Hooper. But Hooper is a close second. 
Jace is the type of 3rd rd pick that needs to take a step forward much like an Austin Hooper did in ATL. Allows for resources to be used in other areas. That they used him to the extent-granted it was moderate but increased-that they did after coming back from IR tells me they have big plans for him. IMO dumping big money on a TE would be a poor allocation of funds

 
Jace is the type of 3rd rd pick that needs to take a step forward much like an Austin Hooper did in ATL. Allows for resources to be used in other areas. That they used him to the extent-granted it was moderate but increased-that they did after coming back from IR tells me they have big plans for him. IMO dumping big money on a TE would be a poor allocation of funds
Agree on Jace. I think he takes huge leap in year two, I really do. But I disagree on spending big on tight end - Lafleur’s offense utilizes two tight ends quite a bit. Having an elite tight end would really make this offense hum. It’s honestly priority number one for me, then slot receiver. I am a huge Hunter Henry fan, would love for Packers to scoop him up. 

As for slot we need a dependable hands guy, someone who Aaron can look to on 3rd and 4 and know he will get open and make the catch. If they go with speed as the number two opposite Davante I would have zero problem with them signing a guy like Danny Amendola. I said before I wish they would call Jacksonville to inquire about DeDe Westbrook because I think he would be a star in this offense.

 
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Packers need a D.T. in the first, an O.T. in the second, a MLB in the third, a T.E. in the fourth.
I think this draft they can draft best player available with their pick in the following positions - D Line, O Line, Wide Receiver.

i have a feeling it will be receiver because there is some top end talent that will be available with their pick.

 
I think this draft they can draft best player available with their pick in the following positions - D Line, O Line, Wide Receiver.

i have a feeling it will be receiver because there is some top end talent that will be available with their pick.
To me, receivers are such a dependent position that we do not really know what they are coming out of college.  Top programs and top Q.B.'s can skew our impressions.  Conversely, guys who have great talents may be overlooked based upon Q.B. play and offensive philosophy.  In short, I think their are plenty of diamonds in the rough and I think drafting receivers in the first round is a waste.   Give me an Offensive or Defensive tackle.   I'm a build through the trenches kind of guy.  Still, you may be right.  Lots of folks want weapons for Rodgers and the draft is reputed to be replete with W.R. talent. 

 
With some time to digest that game...

Im not calling for Pettine to be fired...but also wouldn't be surprised or hurt if they did let him go after that game.  They were embarrassed by Mostert and had no answer.  Be careful what you wish for and have to have an idea of where to go next for a coordinator if you are going to make that move.

Martinez...I think you still make him an offer, but he will likely get more on the FA market.  He isn't showy, he isn't great...but a solid player.  But he will get paid like top talent and for that, he can walk.

Bulaga...not sure his age and injury history will lead him to big $.  I think he would stay for a decent discount.  He was the glue on the line this year...but they have to make sure they have him backed up.

WRs...I like Lazard...he may not be fast, but seems to run decent routes and make good catches and his size is there.  The rest (obviously, outside of Adams)...not sure we see a lot of them back much.  MVS gets another camp and offseason and thats probably it.  Kumerow may be some fan's favorite...but average at best.  Allison just never emerged as much of anything.  I can see them wanting a quick slot guy most seem to think they need...I think they need more for MVS to emerge or someone else to come in and be a take the top off burner and you can use Lazard and Adams as possession guys.

TE...bye Jimmy.  Some nice catches the last 2 weeks...but not worth the salary.  Was hoping we would have seen a little more of Sternberger in the 2nd half...but he has shown a few flashes where you see some talent there.  Build on him...draft or find an ok free agent.  Im not one that thinks you break the bank on Hooper or Henry (especially not Henry with his injury history).  Lewis...good blocker...but likely an end to his career with age.

Rodgers has to play better...whether its age or just the wear and tear from injuries...his mental clock isn't what it used to be.  The first strip fumble he just never even recognized the blitz.  The first INT was just an awfully thrown ball...and I don't care if its his fault or the Center...you can't mess up the snap under center when finally putting a drive together.

Needs on O....Oline Oline Oline...and yes a quick or speedster WR.

Clark and Lowry are a good start in the middle...but they need more and that was obvious Sunday.

ILB is a mess...Goodson may be ok...but they need talent here big time.

OLB solid...but rely so much on pass rush that a game like Sunday just killed them.  Bad angles and getting wiped out by every block.  Fackrell likely getting paid somewhere else.  Gary was invisible this year...that has to change.

Secondary...can never have too many guys and with uncertainty with Tramon at his age...likely need a slot cover guy or someone who can kind of hybrid safety/corner and play against TEs.  Keep building with King and Jaire...Savage had a brutal night though Sunday.  But he has the talent and showed flashes early in the year.  Not too worried about safeties other than depth.

Needs on D...I think ILB is the biggest by far...then DL...probably going veteran (if Tramon leaves) and/or later round draft pick for the secondary.

On that game...sucks losing...but most of us figured we were outmanned.  What hurt was just being embarrassed int he first half.  Had they kept it a little closer and SF pulled away late, that would not have been so crappy.  But even when they scored in the 2nd half...it was like...so what?  Too many mistakes again doomed them to the fate of getting blown out early.

 
Although inconsistent I think Savage can be very good. Has speed and can cover - but man, was he avoiding contact on Sunday. Got trucked one time and then took horrendous angles. I think he had the worst game on defense and that is saying a lot.

 
I’m hoping Gary can turn into an edge setter, we really need to see him improve. It’s crazy watching him, he has an amazing first step off the ball for a guy his size. But then. . . Nothing. Needs to learn a pass rush move or two. He gives effort but needs to finish plays.

 
I’m hoping Gary can turn into an edge setter, we really need to see him improve. It’s crazy watching him, he has an amazing first step off the ball for a guy his size. But then. . . Nothing. Needs to learn a pass rush move or two. He gives effort but needs to finish plays.
Im optimistic that working with the Smiths will help him develop.

 
Im optimistic that working with the Smiths will help him develop.
He would be learning from two of the best in the business. I would love if he could develop into peak year Nick Perry. A force on the edge against the run and an underrated pass rusher. He has the talent to be more.

 
sho nuff said:
Im optimistic that working with the Smiths will help him develop.
I'm not.  Guy was an underachiever at Michigan so I'm not sure why it would change in the NFL.  I like Gute a lot but that was a terrible, terrible pick. 

 
I'm not.  Guy was an underachiever at Michigan so I'm not sure why it would change in the NFL.  I like Gute a lot but that was a terrible, terrible pick. 
I think we are a ways off from knowing that...hindsight after a year looks really really bad (especially with the Smiths breaking out).  Underachiever for sure...but has the body and talent and that is what coaching helps with.  Hopefully...it works out.

 
My thoughts line up with many of yours in terms of Pettine as well as positional needs.  A couple thoughts:

Cory Littleton (LAR) is a UFA.  I say spend the money it will take to get him to fill ILB need.

I think we can also get help on the D-line through FA.  Doesn't have to be anything too fancy, but a solid player. Draft one to help supplement/grow.

O-line, this is not a strong draft class and FA is pretty barren.  I like @Ditkaless Wonders suggestion of 2nd round pick, that feels right to me as well (1st is too rich).

WR is similar in terms of FA.  Not a whole lot out there I would want GB to spend much on.  Personally, I would definitely be okay taking a swing on a WR in the first round.  There should be plenty of very good options available. 

For TE, I worry about Hunter Henry's durability, but I'd be fine making an offer to Austin Hooper.  Not a ridiculous one, but a strong one.  Otherwise I think taking a chance on Tyler Eifert wouldn't be a terrible idea.  He also has injury concerns, but good upside.

 
I think talent wise Hunter Henry is the best tight end available by far. And will come cheaper than Hooper (who will likely get 9-10 mil per season)

he is a solid blocker and a fantastic receiver. His versatility is perfect to match with Jace at tight end.

he is priority number one to me. This is a tight end based offense it’s time to get an excellent tight end. He is 25 years old too.

 

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