Confessions of a Polluted Mindset: A Packers Brain Drain
Random thoughts swimming around in the Packers' section of my brain.
By JerseyAl
Packers roll: So are we saying it WAS all McCarthy's fault?
Winston Moss: If there was any doubt that Moss was a veritable wild card that did not fit in the Packers' organization, his recent flurry of appearances in the media will tell you all you need to know. I think it's obvious that McCarthy for many years was overly loyal to a coach who was loyal to him and as soon as MM was out of the picture, the Packers' organization rid themselves of Moss and resultingly have one less headache to worry about. As someone in the comments here noted, it's no longer a given that Moss decided to not talk to the Packers beat reporters. It's entirely possible the Packers told him to zip it, afraid of what he might say.
Packers' 1st Drive: It was a thing of beauty. No flirting with the time clocks, three-step drops, quick passes, a slant, two runs, march down the field, score a TD. It looked so easy. The only oddity was Williams starting at running back instead of Aaron Jones.
Rodgers Happy: I don't think there is any doubt Rodgers was thrilled to be out from under McCarthy's shadow. AR looked like he was having fun out there for one of the few times this year. After the game, he praised the play calls and the resulting flow of play. He also praised Philbin for taking control right away and leading a great week of practice.
Tony Brown: The Packers may have found themselves a real diamond in the rough with Tony Brown. The athletic ability has always been obvious and a 4.35 40 is a nice thing to have in your pocket. There were questions about his coverage ability causing him to go undrafted, but he reminds me of another speedy undrafted DB the Packers did well with - Sam Shields.
Jason Spriggs: I hate to keep piling on this guy, but damn he is a bad offensive tackle. While I usually point out the lack of physical ability, I'm going with the mental aspect this time. Rodgers' first sack on the second offensive series was a case of Atlanta baiting Spriggs into looking inside where there was no one to block and never seeing Desmond Trufant run right by him on a cornerback blitz. Ok, so you get fooled, you make a mistake, you file it away and know better for the next time. Well on the next series, only two plays removed from the sack, the Falcons run the same blitz and Spriggs again never sees it. It didn't result in a sack this time as Rodgers recognized it was coming again and got the ball out quickly to Graham. So he can't block AND he's clueless. Wonderful.
Jimmy Graham: I'm not going to kill him for drops if he's playing with a broken thumb, but his route running has been abysmal and he looks like Richard Rogers after the catch. Letting Jared Cook go is now quickly moving up near the top of the list of bad Ted Thompson (or Russ Ball) decisions. Cook already has 61 catches and 6TDs this season playing on a very bad team.
Bashaud Breeland: I'm looking forward to watching his play over the next three weeks. He's been uber-productive when he's actually been on the field. If that continues, he could earn himself a nice new contract from the Packers.
Playoffs: As was laid out here, the Packers are still alive in the race for the playoffs and it's not quite as impossible as I originally suspected. Washington, Philadelphia and Carolina have to lose one of their last three games. I would call that highly probable. Next, the Vikings have to lose two of these three games: at home against the Dolphins and Bears and at Detroit. That's where it gets a bit sticky, but the Vikings' offense is imploding, they've fired their OC and it's certainly possible, Finally, the Packers have to win out and that's where the improbable comes in. Despite all the feel-good that came out of Sunday's win against an awful Falcons team, I can't see my way to a Packers win in Chicago next Sunday. In my mind, this is the biggest part of the playoff math that just doesn't add up.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (128)
TKWorldWide
December 12, 2018 at 05:51 am
The game against the Bears will be a huge indicator. Time will tell.
Hematite
December 12, 2018 at 06:10 am
Spriggs should start the next three games, if there's no improvement it's time to cut bait.
I just hope Rodgers doesn't get annihilated in Chicago.
Daren726
December 12, 2018 at 06:17 am
Cut bait then what?
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 06:38 am
Draft a replacement, bring in a stop gap FA or 2 to compete.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 06:45 am
Pick one or two guys from this list:
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/all/offensive-line/
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 06:50 am
Hank,
Not Marshal Newhouse PLEASE
It'll be interesting to see who gives Erik Flowers a chance.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 07:20 am
Agree to passing on Newhouse. And Byron Bell.
JerseyAl
December 12, 2018 at 09:13 am
James Carpenter would be a very nice addition...
TKWorldWide
December 12, 2018 at 09:01 pm
Former first rounder out of Alabama chosen originally by Seattle?
JerseyAl
December 13, 2018 at 10:03 am
yes. He was one of my "sleepers" that draft - wasn't expected to go before Round 3 but the Seahawks surprised everyone. He's had a good NFL career, plays every game, only 29 yrs old.
Mojo
December 12, 2018 at 10:12 am
The Pack just gave one of their PS players a raise and added him to their roster. If they like him enough I say put Pankey in instead of Spriggs. Can't be any worse. Else try Alex Light and have Spriggs ready as a backup.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 10:48 am
Leery of these older FA's, we've been burnt a few times. I would use 2nd first rounder on a lineman.
TKWorldWide
December 12, 2018 at 09:00 pm
If there is one worthy of the selection, I can’t see anyone questioning such a move.
Daren726
December 12, 2018 at 06:22 am
Giants beat the bears, then bears hammer the rams. Which team will show up? I’m sure they will be there with their A game this week. Only hope is to score a lot quickly and get takeaways from trubisky overthrowing everyone to keep their offense off the field. Let’s hope they don’t eat spriggs alive.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 06:49 am
It's a rivalry game in December right next to Lake Michigan. Anything can happen from 2-0 to 34-31. I expect the Bears to win. But as you noted, this Bears team lost to NYG when they had no business doing so. They still have Mitch Trubisky taking snaps.
dobber
December 12, 2018 at 08:15 am
Trubisky didn't play against the Giants. Not that Trubisky is all that, but he's better than Chase Daniel.
carlos
December 12, 2018 at 06:30 am
Moss appeared on the Colin Herd show and Herd was expecting some revelation of how Rogers was uncontrollable in Green Bay. Incidentally, Herd doesn’t like Rogers and is always putting down Green Bay, like “Who would want to live there they do have a store.” It gets not only annoying, but sickening. Any way Moss didn’t say anything really bad about Rogers, but kept telling Collin to let him finish. Collin was disappointed and Moss was somewhat embarrassing. Moss couldn’t come up with a whole lot of negativity about the Packers. Just they could use a few more players as leaders.
TKWorldWide
December 12, 2018 at 06:46 am
Cowherd and Bayless. What a pair.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 07:40 am
Both of them follow the business model that any publicity is good publicity. They say things that they cannot possibly believe just to spark outrage among listeners. That outrage factor drives their audience.
It is a sound business choice on their part that has enriched them far beyond their talents would take them if they picked a different path. We're a nation that loves to hate, apparently.
dobber
December 12, 2018 at 08:17 am
"They say things that they cannot possibly believe just to spark outrage among listeners."
Not only that they can't believe, but that they can't really substantiate. As you say, it's how modern media functions. I stopped listening to both of them ages ago.
Skip greenBayless
December 12, 2018 at 01:17 pm
So true dobber. The media makes up shit than discusses the shit they made up and claims everyone is "outraged" and then stupid people believe it. Rinse and repeat. I quit listening to "the news" about 4 years now.
marpag1
December 12, 2018 at 10:17 am
I don't have time for either of them, but Cowturd is nowhere near as bad as Ball-less, IMO.
PortlandMark
December 12, 2018 at 07:04 pm
I live in Portland, OR, the place where Cowherd got started with his babbling crap. In my opinion he is equally annoying as Bayless. If either of them come on the radio or TV I'm diving at the tuner to change station just like Woodson diving for a fumble. When I used to hear Cowherd he would often predict what would happen in a series or a single game and do it in the most arrogant way. When he was dead wrong he never back held himself accountable. The last time I heard him was in 2011. After the Packers won the Super Bowl he was interviewing Tony Romo and telling him that the Cowboys would be there next year. The Onion had a great article about how Jerry Jones paid Romo $108 million to watch the playoffs every year. https://sports.theonion.com/cowboys-award-6-year-108-million-extension-t...
carlos
December 12, 2018 at 02:31 pm
I agree with you guys. Getting big money to put people down and give them what they want to here. I just thought Moss would reveal some crazy insight and when he didn’t Herd was obviously disappointed.
carlos
December 12, 2018 at 02:55 pm
Hear
TKWorldWide
December 12, 2018 at 02:41 pm
Not Jenny (867-5309)!
She loves to LOVE!!
jeremyjjbrown
December 12, 2018 at 09:31 am
If they didn't do that stupid people wouldn't watch them. So that means nobody would. They are the Sport World version of Mory.
Johnblood27
December 12, 2018 at 09:44 am
Maury
Avid Skip and Colin listener?
jeremyjjbrown
December 12, 2018 at 07:29 pm
Nope, just don't care how it's spelt.
carlos
December 12, 2018 at 02:33 pm
Guess I’m one of the stupid people. Oh well. I just get a kick out of it.
Savage57
December 12, 2018 at 06:35 am
The Bears have existed on turnovers this season, turning five of them into defensive TD's.
Remember, this is a team the Packers hung 24 on in week 1, overcoming a quarter and a half of Kizer time, two turnovers and a pick 6.
Take care of the rock, run the ball.
LambeauPlain
December 12, 2018 at 11:34 am
And scheme ways to get AJ the ball in screens and short passes to get him moving up field.
And get him running off tackle. MM was stubborn with running AJ between Center/Guard and taking away some of his skills....vision, balance and ability to create in the open field.
MarkinMadison
December 12, 2018 at 06:37 am
Yeah, I watched that Rams-Bears game. The Bears' offense was not good, but they dominated time of possession. The Packers are going to have to find a way to keep Rodgers from getting killed. I joked the other day about punting on 3rd and long. I watched Chris Kleiman do it my freshman year of high school. Maybe too hoaky for the NFL, but seriously, the Packers are going to have to be careful, pick their spots, and trust their defense to hold Chicago down. Rodgers ain't getting any younger.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 07:00 am
3 step drop and the ball coming out will defeat the best pass rush. Doing so at a quick tempo early will kill their legs late.
They ought to use a 3 second timer in practice all week. Ball is snapped, 3 second later a bullhorn sounds. The ball needs to be out before the horn sounds.
dobber
December 12, 2018 at 08:20 am
The Bears offense isn't all that great. They get staked to short fields by the defense, but for all the innovation and creativity (read: gimmicks) people attribute to Matt Nagy, that offense struggles to maintain long drives. If you watch Trubisky, he's still frequently only playing half the field. If the Packers aren't turning the ball over, they'll be in this game.
Skip greenBayless
December 12, 2018 at 01:31 pm
Tribusky is a lot like a young Favre. A great arm, He can be spot on or wildly over throw a pass for an interception. He's a wild stallion. You don't know what you are going to get but he makes more great plays than bad plays plus he has Howard and Cohen to hand the ball off too. I actually love watching the Bears play this season. Fun team especially offensively. Never thought I would say that.
As others are saying the Packers on offense need Rodgers to get that ball out quickly. If this guy does the same shit standing back in the pocket looking looking looking looking he's going home in a body bag. If Spriggs is out there he's going to get Rodgers killed against Mack. All it takes is one play. I don't trust Spriggs to pass protect and I don't trust Rodgers to get the ball out quick. If the Packers by miracle beat the Bears Philbin could be our next head coach. This is his super bowl. Will be a great game to watch.
carlos
December 12, 2018 at 06:42 am
This is a disappointing year. King out hurts as do the long list of injuries. That should be seriously studied. There are injuries on all teams, but year after year is too much. Draft players who can block, tackle and have a history of being durable. Graham is so disappointing. Spriggs on the field is down right scary. Need to get some quality OL next year. Obviously many more needs, but I was expecting the playoffs as a sure thing this preseason.
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 06:50 am
That's what makes the NFL entertaining Carlos. There is no sure thing. Who saw Henry having a 200 yard day against the Jaguar defense this preseason. We get glimpses and ideas but it changes midseason. In preseason Rodgers to Graham in the end zone looked easy, Adams and Gilbert looked like upcoming stars.
carlos
December 12, 2018 at 02:35 pm
U nailed that Johnathan
TKWorldWide
December 12, 2018 at 06:48 am
History of durability = Future of durability?
I have my doubts.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 07:09 am
"That should be seriously studied."
No doubt it has been studied over and over. The notion that a NFL team is not seriously exploring every avenue toward keeping their players healthy is silly. Football is too big of a business to think they leave that important area to chance.
One of MM's pet phrases was "accountability and availability". I know many think that only lip service was paid to those two buzzwords. But I'm not one of them.
jeremyjjbrown
December 12, 2018 at 09:36 am
Heh, there are hundreds of Sports Medicine departments at Universities all over the country, full of graduate students and doctors trying to figure out hownto keep football players healthy.
It must be simple.
carlos
December 12, 2018 at 03:01 pm
Hank, I didn’t think for a minute that they don’t have top notch trainers and up to date info- it’s just frustrating to see so many on IR. Some guys are just more durable. Football is a tough game, I realize that.
dobber
December 12, 2018 at 08:21 am
"Spriggs on the field is down right scary. "
I think we see more of Marcedes Lewis on Sunday than we've seen all season.
Tundraboy
December 12, 2018 at 10:15 am
If not now, I doubt we ever will.
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 06:43 am
Al,
What do you think about the Packers bringing Wilkerson on another prove it deal in 2019?
Guam
December 12, 2018 at 08:50 am
Part of that answer is whether Pettine is back or not. At least in part, Wilkerson came here because of the previous success he had with Pettine. If Pettine is gone, I think Wilkerson tries the open market again or even follows Pettine to his next assignment. If Pettine remains, then the Packers could well resign him at a reasonable price (prove it deal).
JerseyAl
December 12, 2018 at 09:02 am
I would be for it, but as Guam states above, it likely depends on Pettine.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 10:55 am
Lets see if Lancaster and Adams keep improving.
Minniman
December 13, 2018 at 09:21 pm
To me one of the major disappointments of the season was Mo going on IR prematurely. He was just starting to find his feet in that defensive front. Other than the Pettine factor, I also wonder how well he's recovering from that ankle injury? If he's lost a step of quickness (or 2... or more) then that may actually be the biggest determinant.
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 06:57 am
In the 2018 offseason here at CHTV we debated endlessly about cutting Cobb or Nelson. Hindsight is 20/20 I understand why the Packers kept one of the 2. Looking back I think the best decision for 2018 would have been cutting both. How do you guys feel about it?
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 07:16 am
I was ok with their choice at the time but looking back, it is tough to make a case that keeping Cobb was the right choice. Although, he was key to getting that week 1 win, which was the high point of the year. For both him and the team, it was all downhill from there.
Coldworld
December 12, 2018 at 07:24 am
Cobb being injured has really meant that we never got to see the wisdom or otherwise of retaining him.
Ultimately losing Cobb and Allison removed the 2 receivers other than Adams with whom Rodgers had a rapport and who adjusted during plays. This didn’t help.
That being said, Cobb has been over paid. When fit he is a good slot receiver if he has 2 outside threats. He can’t carry a team like Adams. I don’t see him securing a big contract again from any team.
dobber
December 12, 2018 at 08:25 am
I think cutting both would have been perceived as throwing in the towel on 2018 before it even started, assuming they didn't sign another FA receiver for less coin. That wouldn't have played well with the fan base and might have further alienated #12, making it harder to get him to resign.
I understood keeping one of the two, but I would've kept Nelson as he grants more flexibility to the offense. He's played a lot of slot in recent years. I think they kept Cobb in part because a good season on his part might have meant a better chance for a comp pick when he walked.
marpag1
December 12, 2018 at 10:44 am
I get the whole "hindsight" thing, but I think we also know that when we ask questions in hindsight we are asking questions that are inherently unfair. We can only judge by the info that is currently available. At the beginning of the season, I was glad they cut Nelson, and I thought they should hold on to Cobb. In hindsight, my Nelson opinion looks good and my Cobb opinion looks bad. But AT THAT TIME, at the beginning of the season when the Packers still had playoff aspirations, it would have been insane for the Packers to cut Cobb and go into the season with Adams, Allison and virtually nothing else. No one knew much of anything about the rooks, and Graham certainly wasn't lighting the world on fire. The only way they could have cut Cobb is if they took a big chunk of Cobb's money and used it on a stopgap veteran WR to replace Cobb, and even then there would be no guarantee that the stopgap dude would have been any better than Cobb.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 10:58 am
I was shocked that Nelson was let go especially since he was willing to negotiate his contract and his great chemistry with Rogers. He's having a solid season with a terrible team.
Spock
December 12, 2018 at 03:58 pm
PeteK, "He's having a solid season with a terrible team." Nelson barely had any catches with the Raiders and RETIRED a while ago.
EDIT: My apologies PeteK as I said below I fell for the retirement story rumors. Consider me red-faced and embarrassed.
LambeauPlain
December 12, 2018 at 11:41 am
Someone should tell Jordy because over the last 2 weeks had has caught 16 passes and has 41 on the year and just under 500 yards with the Raiders.
He hasn't retired. He's making pretty good money too. LOL.
JerseyAl
December 12, 2018 at 01:16 pm
Spock, the "retirement" thing was just a dumb internet rumor. Jordy is alive and well.
Spock
December 12, 2018 at 03:56 pm
Oops, My bad. I saw the "report" a while ago and didn't know it was a scam/rumor. I knew Jordy wasn't getting many touches and fell for the rumor. My apologies for my comment. :(
marpag1
December 13, 2018 at 01:10 am
It's true obviously that Jordy is still buckling up the chin strap on Sundays, so he is "NFL alive" but I'm not sure I'd say he is "well." He's been virtually invisible and non-existent in all but two games this year, and his sub-500 yards at this point in the season in no way justifies his 7 million dollar salary - especially when there's no way he can be counted on as a part of the Raiders future plans.
I love Jordy, but he fell off a cliff his last year(s) in Green Bay, and landed hard.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 04:38 pm
No problem, I heard that too, but then looked him up to make sure.
RCPackerFan
December 12, 2018 at 07:17 am
"Packers roll: So are we saying it WAS all McCarthy's fault?"
Obviously...
"Winston Moss:"
What a train wreck. No clue what the situation is here but there is definitely something going on.
"Packers' 1st Drive:"
This definitely was true. You could see that their game plan for the scripted drive was to get the ball out fast and almost go to a hurry up.
I think they simply used Williams because they wanted to pass most of the way down the field and with 3 starting OL out they decided to have him as an extra pass blocker.
"Rodgers Happy:"
There definitely was a different feel this week with Rodgers. No idea if it is purely that McCarthy is gone. Maybe his role changed and he liked the change? Whatever the case Rodgers simply looked better.
"Tony Brown: "
I really like Brown. He could be a terrific find. He has the right amount of energy/cockyness for the position. While he has some learning to do, if this defensive crew stay intact I think he could really develop next year.
Another guy that I'm intrigued with is Natrell Jamerson. Watching him at UW he has some skills. And at UW he played in a defense very similar to what Pettine runs. After all Jim Leonard played for Pettine. This could be a good pick up!
"Jimmy Graham:"
I have brought up that letting Cook go was a huge mistake. He would be in his 3rd year with GB. For Rodgers it takes time to build trust/timing whatnot with him. I am pretty sure Cook would have that by now. This season could have went completely different had we still had Cook.
"Bashaud Breeland: "
I really hope they resign him. I heard next year the cap is going up 10 million. The Packers without releasing anyone I have heard will be around 40 million under. Add the 10 and should be about 50 million under. They have room to resign Breeland. Next year our CB's could be Breeland, Alexander, Jackson, King, Brown and someone else? I like that group!
"Playoffs:"
Packers do have a chance at the playoffs. Sometimes thats all that you need is a chance. Once you get in, anything can happen.
I will just say this. IF the Packers were to get in, they will have won 4 games in a row to end the season. They would be one of the hottest teams entering the playoffs and would have to be feeling really good about themselves. Teams like that are very dangerous going into the playoffs!
But before that lets just see how Sunday goes.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
December 12, 2018 at 09:33 am
“Teams like that are very dangerous going into the playoffs!” I seem to remember one year where the Bears won the division and the Packers (on a roll) sneaked in on the last minute of the season. It ended rather well.
jeremyjjbrown
December 12, 2018 at 10:55 am
"For Rodgers it takes time to build trust/timing whatnot with him."
This is the reasoning for keeping Graham one more year and avoiding 7 mil of dead money. He was open a lot last game. But his hand and Rodgers timing issues. (They are Rodgers issues if he's having them with everyone except Davante) severely limited his productivity.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 11:07 am
Yes , I hope that happens ,but he still lumbers all over the field. Surprised he doesn't have more TDs in the red zone because of his height.
jeremyjjbrown
December 12, 2018 at 01:07 pm
That height is an advantage mostly in the middle. Where AR won't because of his precious INT ratio.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 02:51 pm
Rodgers throws into tight spaces all the time and certainly was forcing the ball to Graham last Sunday. He can only do so much. Graham is not holding up his end of the donkey.
He doesn't make stupid throws like the last QB did. And that's a very good thing.
jeremyjjbrown
December 12, 2018 at 07:32 pm
Go look at the spray charts of Rodgers and compare to the leagues best QBs right now. It's not good.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 04:43 pm
Hahahaha You just made me picture Rogers acting like Gollum , "my precious". Oh well I amuse myself.
stockholder
December 12, 2018 at 07:43 am
Sign Breeland , keep Brown. The Cbs really have shown they have upside. I only wish I could say the same thing about the safeties. Was Philbin that good? Rodgers would praise Philbin. (Don't look at me I'm the same) That way he can tell the next coach off. I still want to renegotiate his contract. If you think Perry will take a pay cut your wrong. Moss should have been fired before Capers. Cut Spriggs now. Graham is still your TE next year. This is a business first, the playoffs are a Christmas wish.
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 08:03 am
Let's all wish for a Packer playoff run when we sit on Santa's lap.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 08:11 am
"The Cbs really have shown they have upside. I only wish I could say the same thing about the safeties"
Join the revolution on the front end. Stop thinking about CB and Safety. Just think about playing 5-6 DBs. It won't be long before some creative DC thinks that way. Then the copy-cat effect will take over. Before long, Safeties will go the way of Fullback...used only in specific situations, if at all.
Unless the NFL loosens up their stance on hitting and fines (particularly), it is just a matter of time. A guy on a rookie min deal is risking paying more in fines than his weekly check for doing nothing more than flying in to break up a pass---once referred to as "playing defense". Now it is a fine-worthy offense. Fines that increase for repeat offenders. As things stand, the only guys that can afford to play Safety consistently well are guys on big $$ 2nd contracts.
And there won't be any big $$ 2nd contracts given to guys that can't play the position the way it was meant to be play under the current way defenses are designed. So a re-design is inevitable. :)
dobber
December 12, 2018 at 08:27 am
"Join the revolution on the front end. Stop thinking about CB and Safety. Just think about playing 5-6 DBs."
Same thing with WRs, TEs, and RBs. Think of them as pass-catchers.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 08:30 am
Exactly. Viva La Revolution!!
Johnblood27
December 12, 2018 at 09:53 am
welcome to todays NBA with an oblong ball...
Swisch
December 12, 2018 at 03:34 pm
So, we're all in with moving Jamaal Williams to tight end?
Lare
December 12, 2018 at 04:03 pm
Most high school teams have a TE that's bigger than 6" tall and 213 lbs. Maybe they can move Tony Brown to TE, he's about the same size and would be the fastest TE in the league.
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 04:06 pm
I think Williams moving to TE has as much chance of happening as Mike McCarthy getting an interview to be HC because a search firm reports he is the most qualified candidate.
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 10:02 pm
If winning % is on their list of criteria for the interview than he's by far the most qualified candidate.
Skip greenBayless
December 12, 2018 at 11:43 pm
You sign Jeff Janis and move him to tight end. I think it was his true calling. I just hope somebody hears the call.
marpag1
December 13, 2018 at 01:43 am
I hope this is sarcasm.
Razer
December 12, 2018 at 08:26 am
Spriggs is a big disappointment. Should be his last chance to show something. Will definitely be drafting another tackle this year.
Would love to see more passing to RB's out of the backfield. Most teams are going to cover us deep so Rodgers/Philbin need to take advantage of the underneath/crossing stuff. Mix in a bunch of Jones and Montgomery delay stuff. Oh wait, we got rid of Montgomery because we didn't need another pass blocking back.
Not sure what to say about the TE's. Never used them for most of McCarthy's time and still try to use them to run sideline, toe-tap routes. If Rodgers would use the middle of the field and quick crossing stuff, we might get value with our TE's. While we paid too much for Graham, he has shown more grit then most give him credit for.
Winston Moss is gone and that is a good thing. McCarthy handicapped Pettine by keeping Moss. It took less than a week to clean up something that McCarthy let drag on for a decade.
LambeauPlain
December 12, 2018 at 11:47 am
I agree Moss wasn't let go just due to the stupid, impetuous tweet. They showed he does not have much between his ears.
I will venture Pettine called Philbin on Sunday night after the Cards game and said "now can we get rid of Winston? He's is a cancer on my staff."
Swisch
December 12, 2018 at 03:37 pm
Would Spriggs have a better opportunity to play well if he was moved back to guard?
JerseyAl
December 13, 2018 at 10:13 am
What do you mean, "back" to guard? He's always played tackle going back to High School. He would not work as a guard, doesn't have a strong enough base.
Swisch
December 13, 2018 at 11:47 am
Thanks for the reply. I'm glad for the knowledge.
Somehow I remember, perhaps incorrectly, that when Spriggs was drafted he was thought to be a guard for the NFL. I actually thought he's played guard for the Packers.
Anyway, glad for corrections, sincerely. I'm a huge Packers fan going back to 1971 -- (I envy Since'61, because I was too young to enjoy the Lombardi years except for later reading and documentaries) -- but there's still a lot I don't know.
I'm hoping to increase my knowledge here at CheeseheadTV, and hoping for patience from more knowledgeable fans. Thanks.
Justarealist
December 12, 2018 at 08:39 am
C, mon man , Al I guess Ross and you watched a different game on Spriggs. Ross just a couple articles ago after further review said Spriggs played well. I think it was actually ‘ Spriggs had a very good game’ They say everyone has 2 things and one of them is an opinion. Spriggs has shown that with reps he shows improvement, so give him the opportunity. If you focus on anyone as much as you focus on Spriggs you can find that one play, that’s the game, both sides of the ball get paid to win. Al , Spriggs must not have chose to ride your bike for you at camp which justifies the one sided review.
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 09:08 am
Justaopinion you're also giving a 1 sided review saying Spriggs doesn't deserve to be cut based off of Ross's article. Spriggs has been a disappointment. I see the Packers giving him preseason 2019 to show he belongs. OL take awhile to develop in the NFL. Al's point was it's been years and we see basic mental lapses from Spriggs which is incredibly frustrating to watch when he has the physical tools. I hope Murphybis back or a draft pick makes him expendable but I don't see the Packers cutting him at the end of 2018 personally.
JerseyAl
December 12, 2018 at 09:08 am
Well, I didn't review Spriggs' entire game did I? If I did, I would trust my opinion on what I saw - OT is the one position I feel very comfortable evaluating. This column is a bunch of random quick-hitters and I was just pointing out something I saw that was particularly egregious. Take it for what it's worth.
flackcatcher
December 12, 2018 at 11:13 am
Ironically, both Newhouse and Spriggs suffer from the same defect. Their technique falls apart when the game is in it's later stages. As you say Al, it's mental. Newhouse's last season with the Packers you could see him losing confidence in his footwork in the third quarter of games, then he would fall apart completely. Spriggs is nowhere at that level yet. His main problem is, he does not trust his body is healed enough to do the job. Spriggs has grown by leaps and bounds to where he was when drafted. Underweight, little to no understanding of the pass pro game combine with two major injuries in the past three years. At this point, the only major negative in his game is maintaining mental focus as the game grinds into the later quarters. If he overcomes that, you have a starter. If not he becomes a journeyman like Bell and Newhouse. We'll see.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 11:15 am
He doesn't get run over like he used to. Now he at least gets in the way. A high draft Disappointment .
Lare
December 12, 2018 at 03:19 pm
Cole Madison is a draft disappointment, at least Spriggs shows up and does his best. Time to move on from both of them, the Packers must do everything they can to improve the OL next year
Swisch
December 12, 2018 at 03:40 pm
Wasn't Spriggs drafted as a guard? Would he do better blocking inside?
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 04:45 pm
No tackle
Thegreatreynoldo
December 12, 2018 at 05:53 pm
Agreed, PeteK. I'd go further: Spriggs is a pure tackle.
JerseyAl
December 13, 2018 at 10:14 am
He's played tackle going back to High School.
marpag1
December 13, 2018 at 01:18 am
I saw Ross' comments too... and did a double take. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if it's a battle between Ross and Al on the Spriggs debate, then I'm on Al's side. Spriggs hasn't shown me anything to make me think that he has a legitimate future in the NFL. At best, he'll be sweating bullets every year on cut-down day.
Roadrunner23
December 12, 2018 at 08:42 am
*The reason the Packers started Williams over Aaron Jones was simple. Protect the franchise!
With three new O. Linemen in there Philbin was smart to let his O. Line settle in and keep his best blocking RB in for protection.
*Re-sign Breeland now? Yes please! Dude is going to get expensive, sign him now, good corners don't grow on trees.
*More Tony Brown? Yes please! Dude has that "take no prisoners attitude", at worst he will be a Jared Bush special teamer. Good get by Gute!
*Spriggs? Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane. You would think they could somehow just simplify things for this guy. A high draft choice at this position is in order!
*Jimmy Graham? Clearly on the downside of his career, but with one more season of Jimmy (due to a fat contract and cap hit if cut) and a healthy dose of Big Bob Tonyan me thinks they will be OK at TE next year.
*Rodgers Happy? I would be too with 130 million! We will see how happy he is next season with Harbaugh yelling in his ear, now wouldn't that be interesting to watch haha!
That is all...
JerseyAl
December 12, 2018 at 09:11 am
with regards to Williams / Jones, pass protection has been the ongoing theory, yet Williams was only kept in to block once on that first drive and picked up a blitzing linebacker. . On the second drive (only 3 plays), Jones was kept in to block and also nicely stoned a blitzing linebacker. I see very little difference between the two in terms of pass blocking.
Roadrunner23
December 12, 2018 at 09:14 am
Noted Al
HankScorpio
December 12, 2018 at 09:21 am
I have no doubt that Williams is a better pass blocker. But the difference is not big enough to keep Jones off the field given all the other things he does so much better.
flackcatcher
December 12, 2018 at 11:21 am
Better in between the guards as a runner. Picks up blitzes far faster the Jones, knows the playbook. With weak guard play, Williams should have been the starter from day one. But McCarthy and Rodgers never committed to the run in any case, and it cost this team, and McCarthy his job.
LambeauPlain
December 12, 2018 at 11:51 am
I agree Jones is blocking just fine. What we may see more of is Williams and Jones both behind Rodgers....and Williams blocking for Jones.
But the drop off in blocking is not nearly as great when Jones is on the field.
The drop off in run production when Williams is on the field, is huge.
PatrickGB
December 12, 2018 at 10:50 am
“Big Bob Tonyan”? He is 236lbs. We have sixth round WRs close to that weight. To quote an old song.” He ain’t big he just tall, that’s all. ;-)
I think that we need to draft a real TE. Not a converted QB/WR. Or maybe another one gets cut or is available next year. I see a lot of successful TEs in the league this year and I wonder why we can’t seem to find a good one.
dobber
December 12, 2018 at 12:47 pm
That was his pre-draft number. Packers.com is terrible for changing any information that's public. As I understand, he's around 245 now.
TXCHEESE
December 12, 2018 at 08:47 am
"Cook already has 61 catches and 6TDs this season playing on a very bad team." So you're saying he could do the same for the Packers? LOL. The game was not televised in our market, and I didn't make any effort to watch it, but if the Packers we're so laser focused in practice this week and had so much positive energy on Sunday, what was stopping them from doing this earlier in the year? I'm happy for the win and especially for Philbin. He was put in a difficult position, and led well. Maybe he is the guy to hand the reins to for the future. If he is, I hope he goes out and finds a progressive OC.
Oppy
December 12, 2018 at 09:35 am
Rodgers still throwing inaccurate passes, still looking deep and foregoing check downs (Packers still going for shot plays on 3rd & short, too), still winding play clock to near zero before the snap, still little motion.
Not a lot of change.. much of the same mechanics and issues, better results last sunday.
JonathanSpader
December 12, 2018 at 10:35 am
The Packers didn't shoot themselves in the foot other than 2 bs missed challenges that didn't ruin the game for them. On offense there was more rythem than we shaw under MM especially in the 1st half. Atlanta helped Packer offense with a lot of stupid penalties which really helped the Packer offense in the 2nd half. I liked Williams as Jones' lead blocker.
There were issues with Rodgers throwing away the ball, taking the play clock down to 1 second still. Those are looking like they're on Rodgers not MM or Philbin. There was change Oppy try looking for what's new instead of what was the same does wonders.
LambeauPlain
December 12, 2018 at 11:55 am
While agree with you there was not much change....I did not expect Philbin to turnover the play book with 4 games left. Just do not have the practice time to do complete new play installs.
I think what he can do is rewrite the calling. MM would run some in the first half then go to 80% pass in second half with a lot of them to the perimeter.
Colin_C
December 12, 2018 at 10:01 am
I'd really like to see us run more sets with both Jones and Williams on the field. Handoff to Jones with Williams as the lead blocker, Williams stay in for pass pro while Jones catches a pass out the backfield, both stay in for max protection. The possibilities seem endless.
LambeauPlain
December 12, 2018 at 12:01 pm
I have been calling for this all season but MM was just too stubborn or unable to see strengths in his team and utilize them.
After the 2014 season, MM became a disciple of analytics. That's fine. He was convinced 1-2 "chunk plays"/quarter would project to wins like 70-80% of the time. Chunk plays by passing for 30-40 yards to the perimeter to protect against INTs.
But he didn't have the players to execute the strategy this year. And as the injuries piled up, the long developing plays exposed the interior line's pass blocking problems.
But they are good run blocking O line and have Lewis and a stud RB in AJ...but MM mostly ignored all of them this year.
Since'61
December 12, 2018 at 10:41 am
The Bears will be playing for the division title this weekend plus they are playing at home. That is 2 big plusses in their favor.
The Packers have been a mess on the road this season. Could be the prefect reason for the Packers to upset the Bears, maybe? hopefully, we'll see.
If the Packers can find a way to sustain drives against the Bears defense they have a chance. But the OL will need to play their best game of the season. Is there any chance that Bulaga will return this week? Maybe we turn the tables on the Bears and our defense gets a few turnovers. Cobb has made some big plays against the Bears, maybe he has one left in him. go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
splitpea1
December 12, 2018 at 11:13 am
I think we can trust AR not to throw 4 interceptions like Goff did against the Bears last game. Now if he can manage to get sacked less than 4 times, we might have a shot to win this game. But easier said than done.
PeteK
December 12, 2018 at 11:30 am
Winning makes everything look great. I could just imagine the blow back MM would have received if he used up his replays in the first quarter. I'm just glad we have a relevant game this Sun . Key will be stopping that running game , Trubisky include.
Fire_Gute
December 12, 2018 at 11:38 am
Winston moss said Rodgers has been the real coach for 9 years. Was he the coach last year when he wasn't playing and the offense looked earily similar to the first 12 games this year? Dude isn't doing himself any favors for getting a job next year, maybe he wants to go with the be loud and annoying and get a job on an opinion show host route.
Spriggs sucks. It doesn't bother me as much as most of Tt's busts because he actually was a ot in college at a big school and he wasn't injured constantly like most of his busts, but he sucks.
I really need to see more of Breeland to have an opinion
I hope Jimmy Graham and Nick Perry share an Uber out of green bay in 3 weeks.
Lare
December 12, 2018 at 03:26 pm
Winston Moss will get a shot at coaching again on Rex Ryan's next coaching staff.
Skip greenBayless
December 12, 2018 at 11:56 pm
Moss has no connection to Ryan. He'll be coaching in Cleveland next season with Mike McCarthy. MM and Moss will get another super bowl ring in only two more years and probably two to three more after that. Cleveland right now is 1991 Dallas. Just waiting to explode. Whoever gets that job is a dream job of a lifetime with Baker Mayfield.
Demon
December 13, 2018 at 03:26 pm
Maybe MM will convince Cleveland to give up a 1st round pick for Boyle then. Obvioulyafter seeing him in training camp, MM must agree with you that Boyle is a franchise QB also.
Win win for everyone.
Skip greenBayless
December 13, 2018 at 04:44 pm
Maybe
TKWorldWide
December 13, 2018 at 06:37 pm
@Thebears: Are you just trying to pump up the value of your Uber stock?
4thand1
December 12, 2018 at 11:42 am
The bearstillsuck will do everything possible to knock the Packers out of the playoffs. Remember 2010/11, they had the div but played everyone to keep GB out. The season still depends on the queens to lose 2 games even if the Panthers, Skins, and Eagles lose 1. I see the Jets and lolions tanking to keep their draft status. Stranger things have happened and I for one would love extra Packer football. We have a GM that will pull the trigger on FA's and had a really good draft already.
LambeauPlain
December 12, 2018 at 12:04 pm
A win in Chicago would be how Lovie Smith used to define a successful bare season by beating GB.
Beating the bares would help salvage some important success on a dismal Packer season.
These games are always a war.
TheBigCheeze
December 12, 2018 at 01:19 pm
....call the right offensive plays....Rodgers roll outs with quick, short passes....RB sweeps.....win the game.....and yes.....it's that easy.....
KevinGibson
December 12, 2018 at 08:53 pm
Nailed it, Al.
albert999
December 12, 2018 at 09:24 pm
screens screens screens!
TKWorldWide
December 13, 2018 at 06:40 pm
But not on submarines!
albert999
December 12, 2018 at 09:24 pm
slants slants slants