Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Everybody's Talkin' at Me...
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
... I don't hear a word they're sayin', only the echoes of my (polluted) mind.
After a couple of weeks of near radio silence coming out of 1265 Lombardi Ave,.suddenly the words were flowing out of Packers' employees' mouths.
Matt Lafleur spoke to the press last week and the overriding theme was his wanting a fast, high energy and relentless style of play. Of course, we've heard this from him before, and certainly the fact that it never happened with anything approaching a certain level of consistency is why Joe Barry is no longer running the defense. Additionally, it was likely a big factor in choosing the replacement for Barry. "Agressive" is the main word that's been bantered about regarding Jeff Hafley. "Adaptable" with regards to letting his player' abilities determine the scheme is another. Will LaFleur and Hafley be a match be in heaven? If words meant anything, we could give it a definite yes. But we'll have to wait and see if it's all talk or they walk the walk.
Lafleur kept the theme of high energy alive when discussing the new assistant coaches that have been brought in. The most obvious example is Anthony Campanile, my foul-mouthed paisano and Jersey boy. There's no way he's going to accept meh play from the Packers' linebackers. There's a new sheriff in town
And then there was Hafley himself. He said a lot of things that should be music to our ears (I'm paraphrasing here):
With past experience in different schemes we'll develop the best scheme to maximize our players' abilities.
We want to make it simple so our guys can play fast.
Down and distance will dictate when you have to get exotic to pressure the quarterback.
Wait, our defensive coordinator is saying exotic blitzes is a tool in his toolbox? Am I in a dream, here?
Back to Campanile, Hafley revealed that he tried to hire him on two previous occasions so he made sure he did a better recruiting job this time around. He also called him one of the best football coaches he's been around. As for his fiery demeanor, I suggest Moms attending training camp practices buy earplugs for their little ones.
There was a funny moment (to me, at least) when Hafley reacted to several mentions on press man from the reporters. After Jason Wilde asked him about it, Hafley reacted with "Why? Why does everyone like press so much?" Oh Jeff, you have no idea of the psychological damage Packers fans have experienced watching cornerbacks line up 8 yards off the LOS on 3rd and three. Or watching safeties start 25 yards deep (and drop some more on the snap) on third and 10s. All we want is for opposing receivers to not be wide open on "get off the field" downs. We don't care how you do it Jeff, just get it done.
Hafley informed us all that his schemes are based on "vision and break." Less matchup based where guys' backs are to the quarterback. I don't interpret that to mean the type of soft zone Barry favored. I do believe a goal is more interception opportunities and it will help with quarterbacks taking off and running for large gains (Chicken cutlets anyone?) He went on to explain, "Our zone coverages are based off vision and break, said Hafley, "the essence of vision and break is when the ball is thrown you have 2-3 guys going 100mph to the ball carrier." This is my first time hearing the term "vision and break," so I'm anxious to see it action and what it really looks like.
Note: A big thank you to "ColdWorld" who pointed us to this article in his comment that discusses "vision and break" . I'm inserting it here so you all see it.
Then yesterday we heard from the man that wasn't afraid to draft a quarterback "before they really needed one." Brian Gutekunst talked about that and expressed that he wants to continue doing it, as Ron Wolf did in his time with the Packers. Wolf turned a few of those QB draftees into better draft picks via trades after developing them for a couple of years behind Brett Favre. We should all be on board with this plan and refrain from complaining about it, as many did last year when they took Sean Clifford.
Gutey was asked bout some prospects electing to skip cognitive testing Gutey's reply was, "We don't so much use it as an evaluation tool on whether we are going to choose a player or not, but more about what are the best ways to support that player once he's in the building. What are his strength, weaknesses, how does he learn best, etc." I never thought about it that way myself, but it makes a lot of sense.
Finally, he indicated the Packers would use multiple ways to rebuild their safety room (free agency, the draft, waiver claims, etc.). And God knows he'll have to. It takes a large pair to let the majority of the safety room walk out the door and basically start over. We'll see how that works out,
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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 (104)
BradHTX
February 28, 2024 at 06:21 am
Always my favorite morning of the week. Thanks, Al, for your ever-brilliant polluting of my Wednesday.
“Wait, our defensive coordinator is saying exotic blitzes is a tool in his toolbox?”
When I first read this, Al, I swore it said “exotic blintzes.” I know you’re from the NY area, but you always struck me as more of a cannoli guy…
SicSemperTyrannis
February 28, 2024 at 10:03 pm
Onward Blintzen, and Cupid and Donner?
TKWorldWide
February 28, 2024 at 06:46 am
I also noticed Hafley’s “Why does everybody love press-man so much?” remark, but I ALSO thought, “He was really never told about Barry having his corners play ten yards off on third and short?”
I was eagerly anticipating Hafley’s intro presser and he sure didn’t disappoint. With this new, aggressive approach, I think we’ve gotta be prepared for a few things: more pbu’s, more INT’s, more 3 and outs, but also more pass interferences and some times when the D gives up an explosive pass. Can we handle that? Or will there be immediate calls to fire the new DC?
It also seems to me that to play press man on the outside with a post safety behind them, that safety has gotta be AT LEAST an average NFL player, if not a top ten stud. I do not think that guy is on the roster right now, so it’ll be interesting to see how GB goes about that. I think many of us expect a vet FA signing and a day two draft pick.
As to cojones, BG showed us last year he’s not afraid to go young either. Receiver and tight end, anyone?
All the more reason to stay tuned to this offseason.
GPG!
BradHTX
February 28, 2024 at 07:04 am
“Can we handle that? Or will there be immediate calls to fire the new DC?”
The answer to both of those questions is yes.
Tundraboy
February 28, 2024 at 09:25 pm
No, the first cry will be for not signing a then available free agent. Lol
Razer
February 28, 2024 at 08:44 am
For me it goes all the way back to 4th and 26 in Philly. Arrrgh! All DCs that followed had their version of this defense.
Tundraboy
February 28, 2024 at 09:26 pm
And the $64,000 question will always be why?
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 07:15 am
It was a good press conference for Hafley, though I didn't take much from the "vision and break" comment. I don't see how that's different from any other type of zone coverage. And if he's going to play more man coverage, there will actually be less of the "vision and break" thing, won't there?
Agreed that was an interesting comment from Gutekunst about cognitive testing. It's good to know that they are thinking about players in that kind of depth.
Kudos for the Nilsson reference in the title. ("Everybody's Talkin'" was written by Fred Neil but was a hit for Harry Nilsson on the "Midnight Cowboy" soundtrack.)
HawkPacker
February 28, 2024 at 07:28 am
Greg, I immediately thought of 'Midnight Cowboy' when I read that as well!
Coldworld
February 28, 2024 at 08:39 am
As I read it, he was saying that you don’t have to play man to challenge receivers and that we shouldn’t expect as much man as some have speculated and that doesn’t mean a less aggressive intent. At the same time he’s pointing out that zone Ds can be aggressive and pressure the catch point.
Barry’s in the last 2 years very much wasn’t, but Hafley is saying that we will see zone but it will be very much more focused and
structured on competing and shutting down at the point of the catch and going for the takeaway. There is link in my comment below that goes into the concept in some depth as Ohio State conceived and implemented it, including while Hafley was there.
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 12:21 pm
Thanks Coldworld, I read that article you linked. It's good to know that there is some substance behind the phrase "vision and break."
PeteK
February 28, 2024 at 08:43 am
I remember an interview with Johnson and Belichick on Jimmy's boat where both of them agreed how important it was to draft players that can think on their feet.
jannesbjornson
February 28, 2024 at 11:00 am
Smart athletes Win games.
Tundraboy
February 28, 2024 at 09:31 pm
And dumb ones sure as hell lose them.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 08:57 am
Agree on the presser and zones. People seem to be hanging on that, although it seemed that he was saying "this is what to expect when we do run zone concepts" as opposed to "we're going to play mostly zone".
You can see the "salesmanship" and the media savvy in Hafley...you can't be a college coach and not be able to mug for the camera a schmooze.
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 12:14 pm
Yes, Hafley was very "coachy," which is a good thing of course, but there's no way to tell if this quality will lead to better results on the field. I don't remember if I watched Joe Barry's press conference when he was hired. He must have had one. I should look it up on YouTube and compare it to Hafley's press conference. It might be interesting considering that Barry's defense ended up looking quite similar to Mike Pettine's.
Razer
February 28, 2024 at 07:28 am
More change and action from the Packers front office than we have seen in a while. Once the team moved on from Rodgers the attitudes seemed to change on so many fronts. I think that LaFleur came into his own and we are seeing his vision of the team. Gutekunst nolonger has to check the bank balance and worry about keeping Rodgers' buddies on the roster. Losing Rodgers has given our GM a fresh start at his team. Rebuilds can be a good thing. Lots of promise and hope in Green Bay these days.
Turophile
February 28, 2024 at 08:03 am
This....
Tundraboy
February 28, 2024 at 09:32 pm
Likewise!
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:02 am
I think there were a lot of crossed fingers, maybe all the way through Halloween. We'd definitely be whistling a different tune if the wallowing that we saw through that point continued.
It's easier to be emboldened when it looks like your decisions are panning out. It looks like they're not glorying and standing on where they ended the season--as you say, plenty of changes underway to keep building and make this thing better. THAT'S what we all like to see and that's in part what's energizing this fan base.
NickPerry
February 28, 2024 at 07:29 am
The more I read and hear about Hafley the more there is to like. I really like the idea of Hafley bringing in some new coaching assistants. God knows this staff NEEDED some changes. What the Packers need more of is interceptions. They had 7 interceptions all season which is a joke. Hell, Woodson, Williams, and Collins would get that many EACH most seasons. They HAVE to be better creating interceptions and TOs period.
IMO Gute will make every attempt to fix the safety position the same way he did fixed the "Edge" position with The Smiths, both Za'darius and Preston in FA and then drafting Gary a few years ago. I think he HAS to try and go out and sign a quality safety if possible and then throw a pick or two at the position.
This draft is going to be HUGE moving forward for the Packers. Just imagine if Gutey had another draft like last season? Hell, even a draft like the 2022 draft would be pretty damn good too. My point is if Gute has another class like he had the previous two years and also can use FA to help shore up the weaknesses, the Packers SB window is WIDE OPEN and it will be for a few years.
Move over Mahomes, Love is coming and the Packers are LOADED.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:10 am
" What the Packers need more of is interceptions. "
Imagine where this team would have been last season if they'd been at least average in forcing TOs. Love might have gotten a few fortuitous breaks in INTs, but he's shown he can take care of the football. If they can be top third in TOs in 2024, it will make that challenging schedule much more manageable.
T7Steve
February 28, 2024 at 10:38 am
Think if just the interceptions that were in their hands and dropped were caught, or even half of them? How many game changers were those? How 'bout just against the 9ers?
jannesbjornson
February 28, 2024 at 11:05 am
Those Players will be replaced.
Leatherhead
February 28, 2024 at 03:05 pm
I've sure seen a sharp decline in interceptions in my lifetime. In the 80s, most QBs threw for 20-25-30 interceptions. The WCO came into play, "possession passing" meant high % passes and fewer turnovers. And the QBs got better.
It used to be if you watched a game you'd be likely to see a couple of picks. Now, we only threw 11 picks in 17 games....less than one a game.
Then you add in the fact that if a guy is fast and can catch, you put him on offense, and if he's fast, you put him on defense. That starts in way back as a teenager. And I'm pretty sure their college coaches and pro coaches have worked with these DBs, trying to improve their skills, but the bottom line is.....if they could catch, they'd be on offense. If the plan is "I'm going to teach these guys to catch better...." , then we might want to prepare ourselves for disappointment.
Coldworld
February 28, 2024 at 05:04 pm
I think it’s more the change to the rules than a change in offensive systems. It’s simply harder for defenders to gain advantage at the catch.
It doesn’t change the fact that we’ve been less good than the league or that getting a turnover or a stop on downs has been an issue for us recently though.
Leatherhead
February 28, 2024 at 05:26 pm
An interception is a big play, but it isn't really any bigger than a strip sack or a stop on 4th down or a missed FG. It's a turnover.
T7Steve
February 28, 2024 at 07:35 am
"It takes a large pair to let the majority of the safety room walk out the door and basically start over. We'll see how that works out,"
That had me laughing Al, till I realized the room IS empty and it isn't a joking matter. Realistically, the room was empty last season too. Mainly played with depth pieces.
I don't know where exactly this D is going to go, but I'm pretty confident it can't regress from where it's been.
We weren't sure about how the offense would progress last season and were willing to let it take baby steps as long as they were in the right direction. Maybe I'll let the D do it this year and trust that MLF has the right stuff. I think he proved it to me last season. I wasn't too sure about him with his last DC pick and allowing the one from the previous HC to continue when he first took over.
Coldworld
February 28, 2024 at 08:54 am
Is the safety room any emptier than the WR room was last year or the TE room? Many felt the QB room as empty then too, though Love has since disproved that.
I’d also say the Safety room isn’t much emptier than last year either. Savage was terrible in the prior year and other than Ford the rest assembled for the summer were essentially low cost one year outsiders, a late 7th and a UDFA (I don’t count STers listed as S).
To win in this league the worst thing one can do is accept inadequacy. Gute seems to have realized that. That means taking risks and thus the chance of failure. FA is a way to mitigate that risk though and we appear to have at least some opportunity to use it again this year. The S class is much weaker than the WR and TE pools last year, so I fully expect us to be looking to use a blend of FA and draft at S.
Ultimately, GMs don’t survive by mediocre. They have to try to beat the odds and the curve. That’s a tough ask, but Gute seems to realize it and prepared to go out on those limbs.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:15 am
It seems an almost certainty that Campbell will be cut loose, so the lack of established guys up the middle in this defense is pretty daunting.
Leatherhead
February 28, 2024 at 05:16 pm
'''I don't know where exactly this D is going to go, but I'm pretty confident it can't regress from where it's been.''''
We were the #10 scoring defense in the league last year. It absolutely can regress. If we gave up fewer points this year, I'd be elated, but if I were going to place a bet, I'd bet we'd give up more.
T7Steve
February 29, 2024 at 06:55 am
#10 isn't a number to be very proud of. If we can't do better than that, we're going in the wrong direction.
It's not just the points you give up. It's when you give them up. If you're up 28-24 then give up 2 quick TDs in the 4th, that's bad. If you're up 42-10 and give up 2 TDs in the 4th and use up the clock, it's not so bad.
PackEyedOptimist
February 28, 2024 at 07:35 am
One of the things I find interesting, is the apparent oxymoronic pairing of "We're going to play ___ defense" with "We're going to design to our players' strengths."
So what happens when a starting player gets injured? Does Gute have to stock the roster with players who have the exact same strengths?
Inquiring minds want to know.
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 09:34 am
It's a delicate balance for sure, between specialization vs. players with varied skillsets. I guess the bottom line is that we don't really know what it's going to look like until the regular season begins.
As an example: In the press conference Hafley talked about the special qualities that he would like to have in his "post" safety or deep safety. Then this morning I read that Brian Gutekunst said that the nickel CB and BOTH safeties need to be pretty much interchangeable. To be fair, Hafley was responding to a question from a reporter, but still, it can get a little confusing. I guess we just need to take these comments with a huge grain of salt.
Coldworld
February 28, 2024 at 01:19 pm
In any system there’s going to be a need to move players. For one thing we will be playing zone not just one high: that was what Hafley was telling us yesterday.
In reality it’s rare to have multiple players of equal ability in any given role but you need depth able to function for injuries and adjustments, in game as well as between them. Game day rosters require some interchangeability.
I don’t really read this as startling at all, just a desire to have a strong deep active and (more restricted) game day roster. That’s pretty much always the goal of any franchise. It doesn’t mean that we won’t be looking for a lead Slot or Post, just that we need to have viable alternatives too and an ability to move them around positionally without a massive weakening as health or game play requires.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 29, 2024 at 10:10 am
Ja called Rashan Gary Superman. We need Superman to play S for us. I just hope it doesn't prove that his name was Rasul Douglas, because I don't think we'll be getting him back. He certainly did part of what's needed at the new position, how many turnovers and disruptions did he cause?
Hopefully Gutey brings in a few gems, and the new staff coaches them up with excellence. As pivotal as last off-season was, this one can be, just as much. All our speculation and angst won't end on week 1 of the regular season, they will all continue developing throughout the season, hopefully playing their best in the playoffs.
It's a good time to be a Packers fan!
packerbackerjim
February 28, 2024 at 07:36 am
From your lips to God’s ear, I look forward to the players on defense playing to the their potential. I am curious to see if there will be more quicker rotations/substitutions, particularly on the front four.
Razer
February 28, 2024 at 08:51 am
...I am curious to see if there will be more quicker rotations/substitutions, particularly on the front four...
To your point, I think we need another stud in our DL mix. Kenny Clark is our heart and we play him a ton. When he leaves the game (or, heaven forbid, gets hurt) there is a drop off in trench play. Got to keep these guys fresh and got to get another "big guy" difference maker.
HarryHodag
February 28, 2024 at 07:41 am
This time of the year it's all...'blah..blah...blah'.
It's bit like hearing sweet nothings on a date-lots of candy and flowers. Reality hits in March and April. It will be hard to sustain the momentum the team gathered unless Gute hits it out of the park in the draft and possibly free agency.
As of right now, here's the list of players likely to be missing soon...
Offense:
David B.
Runyan
AJ Dillon.
Deguara
I'm not sure that if a top center/guard is available they won't pick him high. I'm not sure they're set on Myers or Newman.
Defense:
Campbell likely gone.
Savage
Ford
Owens(might be resigned if price is right)
Enegbare out so another edge rusher needed.
Those are quite a few changes on a team that made the playoffs. It happens to all teams but Gute will need to step up to keep things going.
Turophile
February 28, 2024 at 08:09 am
HarryHodag. The only issue I have with your post is Gute needing to step up.
He has already stepped up the last two seasons, now he has to do something that is very, very difficult to do.............maintain that level.......
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:34 am
Not just maintain--they've got to get over the hump. They couldn't do it during all those 13-3 seasons.
With all the roster turnover and retooling on defense, the challenge is still very real. The Packers have re-entered "the window" and Gute's got to step up to this very different challenge.
jannesbjornson
February 28, 2024 at 11:10 am
He and LaFleur will be in the spotlight. They have to move it forward, or the next Contract will not be forthcoming. They cannot settle for status quo.
Turophile
February 28, 2024 at 11:47 am
Given how games can hinge on one or two things which can change the outcome, it's all about getting the chance..........then the chips fall as fate decides. They have to get to the playoffs first. For a lot of teams, like the Lions this is a big thing - for the Packers not so much (at least not in the last 30 years or so).
If the Packers offense is the equal of how it was late in 2023 and the defense tightens up a bit, that might be all that is needed to get to the big one (not to mention injuries and luck being a significant factor too).
Turophile
February 28, 2024 at 11:49 am
@jannesbjornson
You know what, status quo might be enough to get them to a superbowl, as they only missed by inches this last year.
As for 'moving forward' which I assume means sacking LaFleur, why would you even contemplate that at this time. At least wait until he has been really disappointing before making that kind of projection.
You do realise that a change could and probably would, put the Packers in a worse position than they are at now. Don't subscribe to the grass is always greener on the other side of the hill until you have to..............and at the moment, they don't.
Some people have no appreciation of just how hard it is to even maintain the current end of season level.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 12:15 pm
"You know what, status quo might be enough to get them to a superbowl, as they only missed by inches this last year."
I keep thinking this is a very sunny interpretation of what happened. They missed by a possession and then a whole game. We seem to want to dismiss those 60 minutes of football.
Leatherhead
February 28, 2024 at 01:13 pm
Yes, but I think that many of us think we'd have beaten Detroit, just like we did on Thanksgiving.
Missing by a possession....and a missed FG. This was a very close game that we had a chance to win with 1 minute left.
Water under the bridge. But this Packers team enters 2024 as a leading contender in the NFC.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 29, 2024 at 10:14 am
Sunny interpretations, polluted mindsets - it all blends together here. Lol.
Constant improvement is necessary, and I'm very happy to see this FO pursuing that instead of just being content.
Turophile
February 29, 2024 at 10:38 am
Pushing to be better is fine. All front offices should do that.
However, no team in history has just kept getting better, at some point they all regress, so constant improvement is a mirage, unsustainable in the long term.
What I am doing is looking at where (I think) the Packers are now, which is pretty high up on the list of strongest teams. I believe their first objective is not to fall below what they were at the end of last year and on its own, that is difficult, EXTREMELY difficult to achieve.
Our team was the odd bounce, the odd play, the odd twist of luck away, from beating the 49ers - many people thought the Packers were the better team on the night.
Too many people take for granted that this team will carry on as they did at the end of 2023, while I am hoping they can be as good, because if they are, it only takes a rather small element of luck to win these matchups..............and luck always ALWAYS plays a big part in the result when closely matched teams meet.
Sure you can dream about a future where the Packers have the number 1 Defense and the number 1 Offense. How often do you think that happens, once in a lifetime across the league ? Well, we have already had that with our team, once back in 1996.
If the Packers can get better, great, I'll applaud them, but at least I appreciate how very hard it is just to carry on in 2024, like they were at the end of 2023.
If you can stay among the top teams, you should get many shots at being one of the superbowl contenders....seasons won't always end happily, but that is why you want to be able to have multiple shots, because the ball should bounce your way sometimes.
Bitternotsour
February 29, 2024 at 11:53 am
Too true. Too often the ball bounces off Bostick's hands, a critical player goes down, or the ball drifts wide right. And yet we are competitive annually. There has been hope for the coming season for 3 decades running. What an amazing run of good fortune and wise management. Take nothing for granted save our good fortune.
Guam
February 28, 2024 at 08:19 am
I also thought the Packers were going to have a number of holes they would have a tough time filling. However the revised cap numbers (additional $13 million) have given Gute more latitude than everyone thought he would have. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Owens and Runyon were resigned as depth pieces and Campbell was retained under a new deal (see my comment below). That would bring the turnover down substantially and leave only the Safety room as a serious hole.
The draft is not strong at Safety, so Gute still has work to do, but maybe he still has more magic left.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:38 am
Remember that everyone else's caps have gone up, too, and agents know teams are "flush with cash". The asking prices are all going up, too.
There are some guys who as core ST players (Owens, Wilson, etc.) and depth pieces on the two-deep will have their spots, but I'm hoping they go looking for the next (or improved) Runyan and/or Campbell rather than puttin' the band back together.
Guam
February 28, 2024 at 10:05 am
I don't mind Runyon or Campbell as backups in the short term provided the price is right. Gute can fill only so many holes in one year through the draft.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 12:17 pm
"Gute can fill only so many holes in one year through the draft."
Fully agree. Have to be strategic in terms of which holes they use their cap to fill, and which others they create for the sake of getting a healthy cap.
Bitternotsour
February 29, 2024 at 11:55 am
And they have been strategic for the last 30 years. The Packers are Berkshire Hathaway. A few blips here and there, but really sound management throughout.
PeteK
February 28, 2024 at 08:54 am
I could argue that the players you mentioned especially on D had minor impact on the success of this past season.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:39 am
I agree. Most of those are roster spots that either suffered due to injury, reduced performance, or just not meeting expectations. Those are almost all spots on the 53 that we can be hopeful for improvement and higher ceilings.
dblbogey
February 28, 2024 at 11:24 am
If Newman is on the roster next year, we're in trouble.
Alberta_Packer
February 28, 2024 at 01:39 pm
So close - yet so far - relative to all the work that still must be done in order to make that one final leap - which may be the most difficult of all. Historically, the Packers have not done it well during the Favre and Rodgers eras - with only 2 SBs. However, they seem closer this time and with greater resources - so...?
Guam
February 28, 2024 at 08:03 am
Local Wisconsin newspaper (Wisconsin State Journal) had some interesting Gute quotes about De'Vondre Campbell this morning. Gute said they want Campbell back but not at his present cap hit and that they were working on some things to see if they could make that happen.
It sounds like they are trying to renegotiate Campbell's contract a la the Aaron Jones redo of a couple years ago. Have no idea whether Campbell is interested, but I am fairly sure he wouldn't get his current contract if he is cut and hits the free agent market. That would provide incentive for him to redo his deal with Green Bay. I also doubt Gute would say this publicly unless he was fairly confident he could get some deal done.
Campbell may not be the goner most (including me) thought he was.
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 08:19 am
I'm fine with them bringing Campbell back at a reasonable price if they think he has a decent chance of staying healthy. The team knows a lot more about his physical condition than we do. It would probably be a one-year deal. With the new defense, LBs are needed. They still need to get a couple through free agency or the draft, but Campbell might still be good to have around.
Untylu1968
February 28, 2024 at 08:50 am
Give him a contact full of incentives on his performance. Otherwise, let him go.
I personally thought he quit on the team last year..?
Alberta_Packer
February 28, 2024 at 01:44 pm
Multiple and concurrent injuries can do that to a person. The mind may be willing but the body is not.
jannesbjornson
February 28, 2024 at 11:20 am
He is the best cover LB. He was playing with a bad wheel and a stinger. He should be restructured. Like the front four needing eight bigs, the LB corps will need Six guys, suiting up. Sp Teams will benefit.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:51 am
As you say, I think Campbell has to know he's not a high-end commodity on this FA market if he gets cut. It's hard to say what he'd be able to command in terms of a contract with the richer caps. After a couple seasons where he was in the training room more than you'd like (even though he'd been durable prior to that) and is now on the wrong side of 30, I'd hope you could go younger and do as well. It doesn't help that he went on a social media rant midseason.
Guam
February 28, 2024 at 10:01 am
If this draft were deeper in LB's, I would agree with the "go younger" idea. Unfortunately this draft will have to fall right for the Packers to get good linebackers and that may not happen. Campbell would be a good insurance policy if the price is right.
I discount some of the midseason rant to disaffection with Joe Barry. When Jerry Gray left and Jaire and Campbell both stuck their foot in their mouth, you knew something was wrong in the defensive room.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 01, 2024 at 12:09 am
I think we agree. A lot of fans took his rant to heart and judged his performance unfairly. My own view is that Campbell was mildly above average.
Coldworld
February 28, 2024 at 08:19 am
Vision and Break is a concept developed at Ohio State in
Part during the time Hafley was there but not specifically by him. It’s a little more involved than just rush to the ball but designed to get over the potential passivity of the Barry version of zone as well as a way to add additional uncertainty for the O.
For those who really want a deeper insight into what it means, this is a good place to start:
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/film-study/2020/02/11...
Guam
February 28, 2024 at 08:26 am
Thanks CW. Very informative.
JerseyAl
February 28, 2024 at 08:34 am
Thank you for this! I'm going to insert it in my post so hopefully more people will see it.
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 08:48 am
Great stuff, they go into quite a bit of detail.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 09:56 am
You can see how this kind of defense would be useful against modern catch-and-run offenses.
UnoMyName
February 28, 2024 at 09:58 am
CW, thanks for sharing. I found it very informative.
Alberta_Packer
February 28, 2024 at 01:29 pm
Somehow the "Vision and Break" concept - prompted the "Seek and Destroy" song by Metallica (1983) for me.
Handsback
February 28, 2024 at 08:30 am
The SB showed the football world two different ways to play defense, one was to offer umbrella coverage on 3rd down and long. The other was to pressure the QB with different blitzes they hadn't seen to stop the completions. You already know who won that battle. You also know how GB played defense the last few years...so there will be a big difference in what we watch this year when the Packers have their defense on the field facing a 3rd and 7 play. Hopefully we will see a lot of it all the way to a SB game.
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 12:26 pm
You might be reading too much into the Super Bowl outcome. Let's remember that the game went to overtime, which means it could've easily had a different outcome with one play that went differently. Also, the 49ers lost two defensive starters to injury during the game, and the Chiefs have one of the best QBs ever to play the game while the 49ers have a very good but not great QB.
LeotisHarris
February 28, 2024 at 08:41 am
Fine, Al, I stroll in here with my guard down and end up with an earworm. If Harry Nilsson morphs into Glen Campbell my day is totally screwed. It's a very short fall to Can't Live, then a stumble into Wichita Lineman.
GregC
February 28, 2024 at 08:51 am
And the Wichita lineman...
Is still on the liiiiiiiiiine!
Glad to help you with that one.
Bitternotsour
February 28, 2024 at 09:23 am
Spending a few hours in the Glen Campbell songbook is no sacrifice. Exquisite guitar, amazing arranger, and a unique voice. Harry Nilsson was damn near operatic. The Point, A little touch of Schmilsson, so many great pop songs. Sort of a soundtrack of an era.
I'll ask Alexa to travel down that road later this morning...
Leatherhead
February 28, 2024 at 01:15 pm
I love The Point. I told this story to my students for years.
LeotisHarris
February 28, 2024 at 03:54 pm
"I'll ask Alexa to travel down that road later this morning..."
A real American would still have it available to them on vinyl. Carry on.
jannesbjornson
February 28, 2024 at 10:16 pm
8 Track...
Packer_Fan
February 28, 2024 at 08:43 am
Well, they are all saying the right things. This is something that we didn't hear before. I just don't think that Barry could be aggressive in anything he schemed. And after three years, Lafleur finally figured it out.
OK, here is my rub. The Packers could have and should have won the Super Bowl last year. And to finally get it that Barry was not the guy to help out. I would say again that the Chiefs won because of Spagnolo and not only because of Mahomes. You need the defense to close out or keep your team to have a chance. Barry rarely ever did that.
Otherwise, good article.
Bitternotsour
February 28, 2024 at 09:37 am
The Chiefs won because SF has a limited QB, not because of Spagnuolo. Purdy wasn't up to the task, he had guys open he couldn't hit.
Coldworld
February 28, 2024 at 09:49 am
A bit of both in my view.
dobber
February 28, 2024 at 10:00 am
Purdy's limitations have been exposed more than once. You can say the same things about Goff.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 29, 2024 at 10:23 am
I can't say GB "should have won the SB" last year. I can say they finished much better than I expected, having suffered through the 4 game losing streak. Many want to pin that final loss on one player or one play, but there were missed opportunities throughout that game, from the first play to the last.
Losing sucks, winning fixes everything. Hopefully everyone returns hungry, and having worked their hardest all off-season. This team is on the verge of greatness ...
RCPackerFan
February 28, 2024 at 09:31 am
I'm just looking forward to seeing what Hafley does with the defense. Everyone you hear from says he is going to be a great fit in GB. Listening to Hafley you can easily see why.
A few things that he said really stood out to me.
One of the things that really stood out to me though was when he was talking, he was talking about how good of HC LaFleur was. Considering on this website all we saw from the comment section was how they needed to get rid of LaFleur because he was a bad coach, it was refreshing hearing someone saying he was a good coach.
Another thing that stood out was when he was talking about putting the players in the best position to succeed. A lot of coaches say that, but at the end of the day they end up just running their scheme. It felt different to me with Hafley. It felt like he is really going to get the players in the best positions to succeed. And he will adjust to what the player strengths are.
I can't wait to see what the defense looks like this coming year.
T7Steve
February 28, 2024 at 10:55 am
"Considering on this website all we saw from the comment section was how they needed to get rid of LaFleur because he was a bad coach,"
I think we all thought he was a good OC and wanted to see how his O would look post Rodgers.
What we had issues with was his not inserting himself in the rest of the team and holding people accountable. He tended to drag his feet on change. I think it was in the middle of last season that he made this change in himself.
Did he get a warning from above or did he see the writing on the wall? Did something just push him over the edge and make him say "Enough is enough!"?
RCPackerFan
February 28, 2024 at 11:28 am
I get people being skeptical of him and the offense with Rodgers. But no one gave him credit for helping Rodgers either. Rodgers put up some of his best stats with LaFleur and the record stands for itself. I get some of it, but to put all the credit with Rodgers, and give none to LaFleur simply wasn't fair to him.
I get people being mad about the defense. It was a mistake he made. I get why LaFleur kept Barry but I said all along it was a flawed decision. He was banking on late season success and continuity as reasons to bring him back. However the flaw was that Barry was simply not good. He is not a good coordinator.
His other flaw is putting faith in guys when he shouldn't have.
I don't think he got a warning but I wouldn't doubt if the people above him basically told him he needs to let Barry go.
Coldworld
February 28, 2024 at 04:15 pm
There won’t be excuses now. If LaFleur is growing as a HC and is the OC many think, this season he’s got an offense that he should be able to do wonders with.
On D I give him credit for not just replacing Barry but seemingly realizing that improvement needed a change of philosophy and that the scheme shouldn’t limit the choices. He now has a guy who, if he can deliver, seems to hold the promise of a big step up in February.
We will all see what LaFleur can do this year but we all agree he’s made his big defensive hire that likely defined him and that this offensive roster provided him with the weapons to light up the league. Now he, like Hafley, just has to do it, though in Hafley’s case we need a few more new pieces, obviously.
One interesting and surprising bit of news from the NFLPA players survey came out today. For those that think LaFleur has is good at communicating and leading his players. While 92 percent of players thought LaFleur was efficient in how he uses their time, the 15th highest rating, he ranked 26th in terms of players’ believing he was willing to hear their voices. They cited him as only “moderately willing to listen to the locker room.” What that means is debatable, but it surprised me.
NFLfan
February 28, 2024 at 10:31 am
I just don't know enough about Hafley to form an opinion. He is comfortable speaking extemporaneously, though, which is refreshing as LaFleur and Gute are somewhat inarticulate. Sometimes smooth talkers, though, can be disappointing in reality. I'll just have to wait & see.
Alberta_Packer
February 28, 2024 at 12:48 pm
With MLF - it's almost all coach speak - which I usually bypass. Agree - that Gutekunst is not scintillating but sometimes we can read between his lines - to mine a nugget or two of useful information. While, I think, that Hafley is just naturally more transparent - which, at least, makes for good discussions.
Alberta_Packer
February 28, 2024 at 12:12 pm
The beginning of the Hafley era is in strong contrast to the beginning of the Barry era - which was underwhelming (to say the least). With Barry - there was always doubt whether he could successfully optimize the D (which he could not). With Hafley - there is an emerging belief that the D may become a top tier (5) one.
Ferrari-Driver
February 28, 2024 at 12:17 pm
Hey "Big Al", I loved your take regarding Hafley.
When you were talking about Hafley and his adapting his scheme to his players abilities, it reminded me of the retired Miami coach Don Shula who retired with a game winning percentage of .665 which may still be the highest. When he had Marino, he was putting it through the air and later when the team had Larry Csonka and Jim Kick, he would try to run it down their throat. I can just see Hafley using the Packers defensive players in a similar fashion. If the guy looks like he has the safety skills, he is a safety under Hafley; if the guy looks like a good down lineman, he is a down lineman. Too many times we have coaches that have a scheme and simply will not deviate from that mindset. The more I've heard about Hafley, the better I like him. I love your articles; keep up the good work.
Alberta_Packer
February 28, 2024 at 12:59 pm
Like a good DB who needs to pivot quickly and run - so should a DC.
SinceLombardi
February 28, 2024 at 12:50 pm
With the increase in the salary cap I don’t see how the Packers couldn’t get some improvement at safety.
stockholder
February 28, 2024 at 12:56 pm
I really liked this =
From the highlights to the new Sheriff in town.
I must say I'm skeptic.
And as far as Safety-
We've had Amos and Savage.
And if it doesn't work out -
It's MLF head and not Gutes.
Starrbrite
February 28, 2024 at 01:19 pm
It seems we all like fiery coaches—me included. I will say this however, their energy can sometimes wear on you—anyone ever worked with folks that are constantly pressing the gas pedal?
I do believe our new LB coach is at this moment what we need, but if you have too many hollar dudes…?
I’m reminded of baseball manager Billy Martin—high energy—fiery. He went from team to team and seemed to always obtain immediate success, but by year three, the magic was quickly disappearing.
The key is to have some of both —high energy and others with steady temperament.
Y’all likely recall when Lombardi as GM in’68 —he said, “someone has to be an SOB”—and I believe that, but not everyone. LaFleur appears to be the opposite of the “hollar”guy. I think that may be a good thing?
Minniman
February 28, 2024 at 01:39 pm
"It takes a large pair to let the majority of the safety room walk out the door and basically start over. We'll see how that works out,"
No, no it doesn't - Gute just needed to watch (or re-watch) the 49ers Divisional Playoff match.
Like he did the year before with Rodgers and the WR's in the "win and in" Detroit game at Lambeau field.
For whatever reasons, that group, as a whole, for some reason, had reached their ceiling - and Gute knew that it was mediocre (at best).
Slight change of tack - I do hope this off-season that everyone in the secondary is doing extra-extra work with a Jugs machine (the dropped interceptions last year were a killer) and on the wrestling mat (improving their positioning and attack angles).
Leatherhead
February 28, 2024 at 03:13 pm
Thank you for reminding me that our safety room is empty, and you'd want to have about nine or ten on the 90 man roster.
One premium draft pick, one holdover from last year, one premium FA. That's 3. We have to dress at least 4. I can't believe we'd start a pair of rookie safeties, but we might put a veteran FA out there with a rookie.
Minniman......do you think that other coaches haven't tried to improve the ball catching skills of these DBs? I'm pretty sure they have. But some guys just aren't good catchers, particularly under duress. And some guys are, and they play offense.
Minniman
February 29, 2024 at 12:38 pm
Fair call LH - I'll agree, in a split second these guys need to switch from a pre-conceived plan to defend at all costs, to attacking and catching the ball......... and the hierarchy of play options that they are coached are 1) eliminate the route, 2) eliminate the ball, then 3) intercept the ball.
However, as professional athletes, that doesn't mean that they don't use their away from team time to continue to work on deficiencies - the league is full of Day 3 and UDFA solid players that just needed an extra couple of years to reach their potential.
The players are (almost) unbounded who they can work with - go and learn to juggle or play volleyball or practice tennis serves ???? , who knows, think outside the box!!! - it may just hone that eye hand coordination in a different neural way to unlock that part of their game. But, DON'T be stagnant, that's professional fatalism and suicide.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 29, 2024 at 10:31 am
Al, most important here is the Joisey humor; it was flying here in WI for all of about 20 seconds. Hopefully that attitude from the NJ coaches brings about a noticeable improvement next season, and opposing teams DREAD having to come to Lambeau Field ...
croatpackfan
February 29, 2024 at 12:56 pm
Well, if you are reading or listening what many players and coaches talk about Jeff Hafley, we should be excitet for upcoming season. I really do not think that transfering 3-4 D in 4-3, or 4-2-5 D should be problem. As I remember many of Packers OLB were playing DE in previous franchizes or on college - only 2 true OLBs at the moment with Packers are injured Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr. Or others, including Preston and Rashan were playing DE position (Preston in Washington, Rashan in college). For me, it looks logical to try to convert true OLBs in pure LB with idea to play Sam. Clark & Wyatt are true 3 technique DT, Slaton & Ford (?) are NT and others - Karl Brooks & Colby Wooden looks to me as 5T or DE. Add to that Preston, Rashan & Lucas and I believe Packers are good at DL. Of course, every addition to DL will be good, but Packers might need only one addition, either NT or DT.
As I see I think the biggest need for Packers D would be S and ILB/LB. Of course that every depth piece on any position would be welcomed.
For O I expect 2-3 picks in later rounds. I see Packers taking OL early only if the best C of this season class fall to them. And there is the question of RB. TE and WR position are no need, so only if they are able to pick later player they think is worthy to be develpment piece. As Brian Gutekunst said, QB is not out of option in later rounds on day 3.
It will be interesting to see shaping new Packers team for the upcoming season. I can not wait...
Thegreatreynoldo
March 01, 2024 at 12:44 am
Denuding the team of safeties was a gutsy move. Was it wise? We shall see. I know I made a pitch for Savage in the article on Making the Case for the Void year guys.