Green Bay Packers Thread

[CletiusMaximus 8,862]

Quote

ProFootballTalk

@ProFootballTalk

Per source, Packers signed LT David Bakhtiari to a new contract just before midnight last night. Four-year extension.

Bakhtiari's deal has new-money value of $23 million per year. That makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in league history.

 

[sho nuff 16,560]

48 minutes ago, CletiusMaximus said:

 

Wow that was unexpected.  Glad they have him locked up.

Means good bye to Aaron Jones, likely bye to Linsley...King may stay as his injuries are making his price come down.  And Jamal just depends on how much he seeks.

[CletiusMaximus 8,862]

Quote

Andrew Brandt

@AndrewBrandt

As I've told people for 20 years, @packers ARE aggressive with free agents. As long as they are pending free agents on their own team..

 

 

[Mr.Pack 2,561]

3 hours ago, CletiusMaximus said:

 

I don't know. Seems like they handcuffed themselkves here

[sho nuff 16,560]

4 minutes ago, Mr.Pack said:

I don't know. Seems like they handcuffed themselkves here

Signed the best tackle in the game to protect Rodgers going forward or in a few years protect love.  Was it pricey?  Yeah...but the guy is a flat out stud and you keep studs.

[CletiusMaximus 8,862]

18 minutes ago, Mr.Pack said:

I don't know. Seems like they handcuffed themselkves here

Maybe. I’m not really able to follow the business side of the game. I’m an OL geek and have enjoyed watching #69 play the past couple seasons, so I’m happy tonight. 

 

[Mr.Pack 2,561]

6 minutes ago, CletiusMaximus said:

Maybe. I’m not really able to follow the business side of the game. I’m an OL geek and have enjoyed watching #69 play the past couple seasons, so I’m happy tonight. 

 

Oh i don't disagree at all, he's great. I just think they really handcuffed themselves with the huge salary.

[gruecd 7,089]

@CletiusMaximus, the Bucks mortgaging the future and going all-in right now for Giannis is exactly how I'd like the Packers to operate. Don't play it safe to be consistently very good; take a risk in order to possibly be the best.

[sho nuff 16,560]

28 minutes ago, gruecd said:

@CletiusMaximus, the Bucks mortgaging the future and going all-in right now for Giannis is exactly how I'd like the Packers to operate. Don't play it safe to be consistently very good; take a risk in order to possibly be the best.

Meh...Im not so sure you can really compare to basketball draft picks...the value isn't nearly the same in basketball.  In addition, its a sport where one player makes that much of a difference vs. football.

 

Edited November 17, 2020 by sho nuff

[Balco 285]

This is the type of move the Packers should have been making all along.

This team goes as far as Rodgers takes them. He has 2-4 years left of great play. Signing an all pro left tackle to a four year deal is smart. Drafting a qb and running back in round one and 2 is not.

You play for championships. Rodgers is a championship player. Now is not the time to build for the future - its time to build for present.

The smart move when Rodgers retires - take cap hits and clear cap room with an eye on a 2-3 year rebuild. Team will be horrendous but that is okay. 

Love this signing. Next up should be Aaron Jones.

 

[skillz 252]

If Alexander plays this weekend will he likely cover Hilton or Pittman?  

[sho nuff 16,560]

28 minutes ago, skillz said:

If Alexander plays this weekend will he likely cover Hilton or Pittman?  

Not sure he will shadow either this week.  But if I had to guess...just based on size...they would put King on Pittman and Jaire on Hilton.

 

[Aznflyer14 117]

I'm sure Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is now kicking himself for trading up in 1st round to draft Jordan Love when he could had taken Tee Higgins.  And then take ILB Willie Gay instead of AJ Dillon to fortify his team defense.  

 

[KingPrawn 1,656]

He's probably kicking himself for not getting his crystal ball fixed before the draft

[Alex P Keaton 3,775]

35 minutes ago, KingPrawn said:

He's probably kicking himself for not getting his crystal ball fixed before the draft

He didn’t really need a crystal ball to guess that neither guy would contribute much this year.

[sho nuff 16,560]

9 hours ago, Aznflyer14 said:

I'm sure Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is now kicking himself for trading up in 1st round to draft Jordan Love when he could had taken Tee Higgins.  And then take ILB Willie Gay instead of AJ Dillon to fortify his team defense.  

 

What would be the point of a middle line backer...Pettine would just fail to actually use him.

This game yesterday was an all around cluster f that they still had a good chance to win.

The first half was nearly masterful as an offensive playcaller from LaFluer (even with the turnovers from Rodgers who played well outside of that in the first half)...the 2nd half the exact opposite.  Similar to the Minnesota game...they got run on all game...but they were up or tied like then until a few three and outs by the offense and the D couldn't then stop anyone.  The run game had nice moments...so they just went completely away from it...that after a brilliant first half.  I was stunned at how inept they were in the 2nd half.

We saw the ups and downs of MVS...the huge catch to move the ball on the last drive...and that fumble.

Darrius Shepherd should not see the field again returning kicks.  Just awful all day yesterday.

Pettine should have been made to ride a bus home...that was a pitiful performance.  That he continued to run dime defense while getting run on (again) is pathetic.  And he had no excuse about injuries as he had the full compliment of his personnel.  They have the corners and safeties that they should not need 5 and 6 defensive backs to cover that group of receivers.  Yet...even in nickel and dime they weren't covering anyway...and did he bring pressure?  Nope...stuck with a 4 man rush that wasn't exactly getting home.  When they bring Kamal Martin in with Kirksey...oh look, run plays don't go for 8-9 yards...lets pull him off the field again. (especially fun when Indy brings in Brissett who wasn't going to be out there to throw the ball)  And the insistence to stick with Preston Smith playing that many snaps despite playing terribly (while Gary seems to be playing much better yet coming off the field a ton).  Its nuts.  Just absolutely nuts.

 

[Balco 285]

9 hours ago, Aznflyer14 said:

I'm sure Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is now kicking himself for trading up in 1st round to draft Jordan Love when he could had taken Tee Higgins.  And then take ILB Willie Gay instead of AJ Dillon to fortify his team defense.  

 

I don’t like to get in to who he could have drafted. Easy to name players after season is underway.

I don’t think anyone will dispute, however, his choice to draft a qb and a Rb in first two rounds was beyond dumb.

[Balco 285]

I am using my eyes and have not looked at any analytics but man does it look like Preston Smith’s play has dropped off a cliff.

This team isn’t sniffing the super bowl which is a shame - the defense is an embarrassment.  
 

Run over by San Fran in NFC championship game and do nothing of substance to address d. They should do Rodgers a favor and trade him in the offseason, he deserves better.

[sho nuff 16,560]

17 minutes ago, Balco said:

I don’t like to get in to who he could have drafted. Easy to name players after season is underway.

I don’t think anyone will dispute, however, his choice to draft a qb and a Rb in first two rounds was beyond dumb.

QB yes.  RB, no.  I disagree given contract situations that it was an awful move on its own.

[Balco 285]

1 hour ago, sho nuff said:

QB yes.  RB, no.  I disagree given contract situations that it was an awful move on its own.

Could have drafted a running back in 2021 or signed a complimentary back (they are not expensive).

Aaron Jones should have been re-signed prior to this season and should still be re-signed.

running back in the second round was an absolute waste due to the fact The window is closed in 2-3 years.

[sho nuff 16,560]

44 minutes ago, Balco said:

Could have drafted a running back in 2021 or signed a complimentary back (they are not expensive).

Aaron Jones should have been re-signed prior to this season and should still be re-signed.

running back in the second round was an absolute waste due to the fact The window is closed in 2-3 years.

Aaron Jones will cost a ton...a ton they don't have.  He would have still costed quite a bit coming off of what he did last year.  Not sure he is worth that type of money if he wants Dalvin Cook/McCaffrey money.

And yeah...could have could have could have.  sure.  Or you could use this year for what it is...a redshirt given what they were thinking then of maybe not even getting to play...and have a guy ready to step in next year.  I just don't fault RB as much as I do QB then...

 

[jurrassic 224]

1 minute ago, sho nuff said:

Aaron Jones will cost a ton...a ton they don't have.  He would have still costed quite a bit coming off of what he did last year.  Not sure he is worth that type of money if he wants Dalvin Cook/McCaffrey money.

And yeah...could have could have could have.  sure.  Or you could use this year for what it is...a redshirt given what they were thinking then of maybe not even getting to play...and have a guy ready to step in next year.  I just don't fault RB as much as I do QB then...

 

I have no doubt that they will resign Aaron Jones. This roster will look very different next year as they cut or avoid resigning Linsley, King, Preston Smith, Kirksey, Amos, etc. to stay under the cap. 

My biggest issue with AJ Dillion is not that they drafted him, but that they don't use him. How many times are they going to pass on 3rd and 1. Rodgers refuses to run sneaks and they won't bring in the 250 lb rb to gain a yard. 

Edited November 23, 2020 by jurrassic

[sho nuff 16,560]

1 minute ago, jurrassic said:

I have no doubt that they will resign Aaron Jones. This roster will look very different next year as they cut or avoid resigning Linsley, King, Preston Smith, Kirksey, Amos, etc. to stay under the cap. 

My biggest issue with AJ Dillion is not that they drafted him, but that they don't use him. How many times are they going to pass on 3rd and 1. Rodgers refuses to run sneaks and the won't bring in the 250 lb rb to gain a yard. 

Agree on some of this...but I don't think they resign Jones...I think Jamal gets an Ekeler type deal and its he and Dillon next year.

Preston can go...he has been a disappointment all year and yesterday sealed that...he was flat out awful...yet always on the field.  I just couldn't get over how stubborn they were to try to change yesterday.  Keeping him on over and over...and sticking with nickel and dime defense that wasn't working.

I wonder if the reasoning behind not sneaking was using Jenkins at C vs having Linsley out there.  Then Jenkins still got beat by his guy which forced a quicker throw.

[jurrassic 224]

Just now, sho nuff said:

Agree on some of this...but I don't think they resign Jones...I think Jamal gets an Ekeler type deal and its he and Dillon next year.

Preston can go...he has been a disappointment all year and yesterday sealed that...he was flat out awful...yet always on the field.  I just couldn't get over how stubborn they were to try to change yesterday.  Keeping him on over and over...and sticking with nickel and dime defense that wasn't working.

I wonder if the reasoning behind not sneaking was using Jenkins at C vs having Linsley out there.  Then Jenkins still got beat by his guy which forced a quicker throw.

I just can't see them not bringing back Jones. He has been too productive and too dynamic to this offense. I agree he may not be worth the price, but maybe they front load the  deal. I think Jamal walks and they draft another back in the middle rounds. I could be wrong here. 

I considered Jenkins at center being a factor. It's just frustrating watching them pass out of shotgun on 3rd and 4th and short. The entire narrative around drafting Dillon was how ineffective they were in short yardage last year. 

Edited November 23, 2020 by jurrassic

[Alex P Keaton 3,775]

22 minutes ago, sho nuff said:

Agree on some of this...but I don't think they resign Jones...I think Jamal gets an Ekeler type deal and its he and Dillon next year.

Preston can go...he has been a disappointment all year and yesterday sealed that...he was flat out awful...yet always on the field.  I just couldn't get over how stubborn they were to try to change yesterday.  Keeping him on over and over...and sticking with nickel and dime defense that wasn't working.

I wonder if the reasoning behind not sneaking was using Jenkins at C vs having Linsley out there.  Then Jenkins still got beat by his guy which forced a quicker throw.

Thought I read in here somewhere that they’ve been using Preston in coverage more this year.

[jurrassic 224]

Just now, Alex P Keaton said:

Thought I read in here somewhere that they’ve been using Preston in coverage more this year.

He got worked by Burton on that td catch

[Alex P Keaton 3,775]

11 minutes ago, jurrassic said:

He got worked by Burton on that td catch

Yeah.   But the coaches mis-using him isn’t his fault.  Put him on the edge and let him get at the QB.  He’s being mis-used this year.  It’s odd.

[Balco 285]

2 hours ago, jurrassic said:

I just can't see them not bringing back Jones. He has been too productive and too dynamic to this offense. I agree he may not be worth the price, but maybe they front load the  deal. I think Jamal walks and they draft another back in the middle rounds. I could be wrong here. 

I considered Jenkins at center being a factor. It's just frustrating watching them pass out of shotgun on 3rd and 4th and short. The entire narrative around drafting Dillon was how ineffective they were in short yardage last year. 

If the Packers were say the Jaguars and far away from competing then they should not resign Jones because it wouldn’t make any sense to.

But Packers have a small window. You get creative with the cap now and pay the consequence when Rodgers retires. When you have a player like Rodgers at the end of his career you play to win now.

when Rodgers retires take all the cap hits in a two year span and stink for two seasons to clear cap and get good draft picks.

Packers are doing exactly what you shouldn’t do.

[Balco 285]

1 hour ago, Alex P Keaton said:

Yeah.   But the coaches mis-using him isn’t his fault.  Put him on the edge and let him get at the QB.  He’s being mis-used this year.  It’s odd.

To be fair he has been abysmal in every facet on D. He looks totally unprepared out there. Huge drop off from last season. 
 

 

[Balco 285]

2 hours ago, sho nuff said:

Aaron Jones will cost a ton...a ton they don't have.  He would have still costed quite a bit coming off of what he did last year.  Not sure he is worth that type of money if he wants Dalvin Cook/McCaffrey money.

And yeah...could have could have could have.  sure.  Or you could use this year for what it is...a redshirt given what they were thinking then of maybe not even getting to play...and have a guy ready to step in next year.  I just don't fault RB as much as I do QB then...

 

They have the money and Jones is an elite back. They need to let Jamal walk and pay Jones. 

In a normal year I would be livid at the money Bakhtari got but this is it - the closing of a small window. Have to maximize cap now and pay the Piper down the road.

[Chicago Hooligan 868]

If I go back far enough will I find you guys saying Ted Thompson should be fired for not trading for Larry Johnson?

[Alex P Keaton 3,775]

34 minutes ago, Chicago Hooligan said:

If I go back far enough will I find you guys saying Ted Thompson should be fired for not trading for Larry Johnson?

Lol.  Probably.

Hopefully you would find people saying he shouldn’t have selected “low motor” players like Derek Sherrod and Justin Harrell.

[sho nuff 16,560]

5 hours ago, jurrassic said:

I just can't see them not bringing back Jones. He has been too productive and too dynamic to this offense. I agree he may not be worth the price, but maybe they front load the  deal. I think Jamal walks and they draft another back in the middle rounds. I could be wrong here. 

I considered Jenkins at center being a factor. It's just frustrating watching them pass out of shotgun on 3rd and 4th and short. The entire narrative around drafting Dillon was how ineffective they were in short yardage last year. 

I can...not sure they value RB at that price.  When they can keep Jamal for much less plus a rookie contract for Dillon.  I think it was the plan when they drafted Dillon.

They weren't in shot gun for 4th and short though...he was under center...Id have preffered shot gun to that play action mess.  I think he gets a much cleaner throw at it that has worked quite well in short yardage at times.

But yeah...frustrating that they have him and won't use him in short yardage ever.  Just as it is frustrating to see Kamal Martin play well...yet rarely see the field even when they are getting steamrolled by the run game of another team.  Im quite tired of the Pettine keep it all in front of you D that gives up long plays on 3rd and 20 just to see a team then go for it on 4th and 3-5.

[sho nuff 16,560]

4 hours ago, jurrassic said:

He got worked by Burton on that td catch

He did and Amos screwed the pooch jumping to the other TEs off the line leaving it one on one with Preston.

Game was a complete cluster of bad defensive calls...getting outplayed/coached on special teams...and the offense puking in the 2nd half.

[sho nuff 16,560]

2 hours ago, Balco said:

They have the money and Jones is an elite back. They need to let Jamal walk and pay Jones. 

In a normal year I would be livid at the money Bakhtari got but this is it - the closing of a small window. Have to maximize cap now and pay the Piper down the road.

They have the money?  Not sure where you are seeing that.  They were already up against things pretty good and just gave Bahktiari a big pay day (granted...much of his is backloaded).

And have King and Linsley up in free agency too.  Id put Linsley as a bigger priority than Jones.  And I love Aaron Jones.

[sho nuff 16,560]

Can't read too much into that game other than...the Bears still suck and Trubisky is still Trubisky.  So on this holiday weekend I am thankful the Bears moved up to take him and passed on QBs who are far better from that draft.

What can we take from the game?

-the D still does suck...I just have zero confidence in Pettine at this point.  I keep watching and don't think its all personnel.  I think its scheme and a lot of what Blake Martinez talked about with the OLBs allowed to do about whatever they want and hope the middle linebackers can clean it up.  They rush outside and lose containment...they jump and are almost overagressive in their run assignments leaving big holes and cut back lanes.  Disappointed thus far in Kenny Clark...was happy to see him get paid but he has been invisible much of the time.

-Positives of the D...Martin getting hurt but being able to come back...I think they need to stay in more 2 MLB sets to try and slow people's run.  Now with King and Jaire both on the field you don't have to shift to so much dime defense.   Jaire is really really good.  Nice to see Savage have an impact again.  Gary is coming along well too...definitely a ton of talent in him.

-Elgton Jenkins is freaky good.  To be able to move around the line the way he does and handle it all so well as a 2nd year guy...they better be sure they lock him up as soon as they have a chance.  And Runyan is working out nicely as well.  The whole line is solid.  Hate to see Linsley get hurt again...looked bad.  Hoping he can get back and not sure they can afford him for next year but would be good to keep much of the line intact.

-Davante still so so good.  Lazard hopefully will be ok as he definitely adds a lot to have that reliable #2 WR.  EQ actually making plays was nice to see for once.  Can't count on him though.

-Rodgers is in complete control and he and Lafluer seem to be on the same page well...not sure what was going on last week in the 2nd half...but they made that Bear defense look average (helps having Hicks out...but we have seen an injury or two so that excuse doesn't work for me).

At this point...stay healthy...hope you can get through the last few games...hope NO loses again and maybe get the #1 seed.  I don't think this is a great team...but the QB playing this way gives them a shot against almost anyone.  Can the D stop anyone good?

[sho nuff 16,560]

Sounds like they don't think Linsley's injury is season ending (indicating sprain MCL maybe...vs ACL?)

[CletiusMaximus 8,862]

Remember when the Packers were all dumb as rocks for signing Billy Turner?  This OL is such a pleasure to watch.

 

Quote

Peter Bukowski @Peter_Bukowski

All 5 of the #Packers offensive linemen are top-10 in their position in ESPN's Pass Block Win Rate.

Billy Turner is #1 among OTs

David Bakhtiari is #3 among OTs

Corey Linsley is #3 among C's

Lucas Patrick is #9 among G's

Elgton Jenkins is #10 among G's

 

 

[sho nuff 16,560]

11 hours ago, CletiusMaximus said:

Remember when the Packers were all dumb as rocks for signing Billy Turner?  This OL is such a pleasure to watch.

 

 

Liked hearing Rodgers talk about Jenkins...saying it as a compliment that when you see him play each position you think it may be his best position.  That he can just slide pretty seamlessly around and produce at a high level.

Love him at LG...but with Linsley out a few weeks C it is for now...will he end up making that permanent allowing them to let Linsley walk?  Runyan hasn't played all that bad as a rookie.

But yeah...the OL has been a consistent bright spot for the team for sure.

 

[sho nuff 16,560]

Tavon Austin signed....meh.  I mean its good that it gets Darrius Shepherd off the field (and well, now he is gone).  Good depth while Ervin is hurt.  Maybe he can run some jet sweeps and bubble screens (so MVS isn't taking anymore of those screens).

Im wondering why Kenny Stillsl has sat out there and cleared Waivers.  Id take him in an instant over Malik Taylor and EQ.

[CletiusMaximus 8,862]

The Packers have now won 7 of the last 10 NFC North Championships (Vikings 2, Bears 1) and are the NFC #1 seed today. They have won 14 division titles since 1995, the second-most in the NFL in that time (New England, 19). They have won 10 games or more in 10 of the last 14 seasons.  Matt LaFleur's NFC North record is 10-1.

Looking back at the 2019 NFL Draft after 18 months, we can confidently say drafting Gary, Savage and Jenkins in the first 50 picks has a floor of being a great draft and a ceiling of being a home run draft.

Please tell me about how "dumb" the Packers are for drafting for the future, why they should go all-in on big name free agents and plan to suck for a couple years while rebuilding, or how the front office settles for mediocrity and "doesn't want to win."

 

[KingPrawn 1,656]

At one point in today's game the TV announcer said "Rodgers has so many options." He must not follow this thread or listen to any Packer fans. Seems they complain about how the front office fails to get Rodgers any weapons. Maybe they know what they already have. MVS had a really good game and show promise if he could be more consistent. Tonyan is looking to be solid.

[Mr.Pack 2,561]

On 11/23/2020 at 11:17 AM, Alex P Keaton said:

Thought I read in here somewhere that they’ve been using Preston in coverage more this year.

Exactly. They're using him differently this year and thus his production is down.

[Alex P Keaton 3,775]

6 minutes ago, KingPrawn said:

At one point in today's game the TV announcer said "Rodgers has so many options." He must not follow this thread or listen to any Packer fans. Seems they complain about how the front office fails to get Rodgers any weapons. Maybe they know what they already have. MVS had a really good game and show promise if he could be more consistent. Tonyan is looking to be solid.

MVS had a really good game today.  Tonyan looks awesome.  Chmura part 2 minus the hot tub.

[Alex P Keaton 3,775]

38 minutes ago, CletiusMaximus said:

The Packers have now won 7 of the last 10 NFC North Championships (Vikings 2, Bears 1) and are the NFC #1 seed today. They have won 14 division titles since 1995, the second-most in the NFL in that time (New England, 19). They have won 10 games or more in 10 of the last 14 seasons.  Matt LaFleur's NFC North record is 10-1.

Looking back at the 2019 NFL Draft after 18 months, we can confidently say drafting Gary, Savage and Jenkins in the first 50 picks has a floor of being a great draft and a ceiling of being a home run draft.

Please tell me about how "dumb" the Packers are for drafting for the future, why they should go all-in on big name free agents and plan to suck for a couple years while rebuilding, or how the front office settles for mediocrity and "doesn't want to win."

 

Love to see them playing as a team.  Exciting to watch guys like MVS, Savage and Gary step up.

Really glad to be wrong anytime I’m negative about this team.

[Mr.Pack 2,561]

14 minutes ago, Alex P Keaton said:

Love to see them playing as a team.  Exciting to watch guys like MVS, Savage and Gary step up.

Really glad to be wrong anytime I’m negative about this team.

Agreed, but Pettine still needs to go, like last week.

[KingPrawn 1,656]

9 minutes ago, Mr.Pack said:

Agreed, but Pettine still needs to go, like last week.

Still a couple of teams worry me in the playoffs.  I think the Rams with their combination of offense and defense gives us problems. Seattle could be a shootout. Saints the second time around could be a problem if Brees is healthy.

[Mr.Pack 2,561]

7 minutes ago, KingPrawn said:

Still a couple of teams worry me in the playoffs.  I think the Rams with their combination of offense and defense gives us problems. Seattle could be a shootout. Saints the second time around could be a problem if Brees is healthy.

Agreed 100%

[Willy 139]

Man, Henry is going to run for a gazillion yards on this D in 2 weeks.  

They sure get after the pass though...

[sho nuff 16,560]

On 12/13/2020 at 7:25 PM, KingPrawn said:

At one point in today's game the TV announcer said "Rodgers has so many options." He must not follow this thread or listen to any Packer fans. Seems they complain about how the front office fails to get Rodgers any weapons. Maybe they know what they already have. MVS had a really good game and show promise if he could be more consistent. Tonyan is looking to be solid.

I think they know what they have on Tonyan...MVS...I think they know he has talent but still hasn't put it all together.  This past week was a nice sign for him...but will he keep going.  That was not the typical MVS game of 2-3 catches one being a deep ball.  He was catching the intermediate stuff...making contested catches...and gulp, a back shoulder TD.  Hell, two back shoulder balls to WRs the other day when we have not seen all that much of that since Jordy left.  That doesn't mean they still should not have improved the weapons around Rodgers IMO.

Also...Schlereth was pretty crappy all day as an announcer.  From not understanding multiple times that players going out of bounds does not always stop the clock...to his continued calling Matt Stafford elite.