Cory's Corner: Jordan Morgan's Chip Is Growing
The Packers' 25th overall is out to prove why he is Green Bay's next left tackle. And I love it.
The Packers have a knack of mining guys with chips on their shoulders.
Call it a gift.
First round pick Jordan Morgan was ranked as one of the top guards in the draft, but he is out to prove that he is much more than a guy with arms that are shorter than 33 inches.
“I get that a lot – the short arms stuff,” said Morgan, who started 37 games at left tackle from 2019-2023 at Arizona. “It’s like you obviously haven’t watched film. I use them pretty well. I move people off the ball. I pass set really well, protect the quarterback. You see the stats. That doesn’t bother me, though. I’m just gonna prove everybody wrong.”
I have to admit, I wasn’t overly thrilled with the Packers taking Morgan with the 25th overall pick. There were plenty of great picks still on the board — namely Graham Barton, who went one pick later to the Buccaneers.
But after hearing that, I am starting to change my tune. Granted, it is still rookie minicamp and we are a long way away from the season opener sometime in September. (The 2024 schedule hasn’t been released just yet.)
Morgan is the highest Arizona player drafted since 1999. He has already proven that he can be a very good left tackle. His pass blocking grade last year was 87.3 according to Pro Football Focus.
“I’m trying to show that I’m a true left tackle,” Morgan said.
So go ahead and doubt him. All he’s done is prove everyone wrong up until now. He’s obviously heard the arm argument when colleges were doubting him. Many college coaches obviously didn’t want to give him a shot because his arms didn’t meet the specified length requirement.
Morgan is a perfect fit for this team because of the other Jordan. You know, the one that Morgan is tasked to protect. Not many people gave Jordan Love a chance to be successful.
They thought that he was a wasted pick when Aaron Rodgers was still on the roster. That’s when his chip was formed. Then he never even suited up his rookie season. The chip doubled in size. Then he had a passer rating of 69.5 in his one start in 2021. The chip became a sledding hill. Then he closed out 2023 with four-straight 100-plus passer rating games. By now, the chip is the size of Rib Mountain.
And look at Love. He has arguably the most potential of any returning quarterback. People are expecting him to close out games and be the magician that throws at weird arm angles.
So also, Morgan will succeed. And it’s not simply because of his skill. It’s because of the humongous chip that never leaves his shoulder. Even if Morgan does well, he will be criticized because many will likely say that it was just rookie minicamp.
The Packers took Morgan knowing full well that every time he lines up at left tackle, he will be criticized.
And the chip continues to grow…
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__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (73)
PackEyedOptimist
May 04, 2024 at 07:12 am
It's clear on the tape that Morgan has GREAT feet. He keeps himself between the defender and the ball carrier (whether QB or RB), even against the highest-quality opponents. That's all you REALLY need to do as a blocker.
It would be nice to have some line-of-scrimmage-moving "hogs," but highly-efficient pass blockers are what is more important in today's NFL.
The "chip on the shoulder" is a nice narrative, but ANY motivation works. I think the combination of competition and "leadership traits" and "love of football" are what Gute really pursues, because that combo is more consistent. Guys who are only motivated by a "chip" can be immature and lower quality teammates. Getting all FOUR motivations is nice, though!
porupack
May 06, 2024 at 07:11 am
Thank you, PEO!! I would have said the same thing but less eloquently~. The chip on shoulder, indicates immaturity, if that is how one summons motivation. Its mostly a journalist story. Cute take. Builds interest in the player. I get that for what it is. Teammates probably roll their eyes, and the professionals just work hard regardless.
TKWorldWide
May 04, 2024 at 07:40 am
As long as he turns out to be a blue chip O-lineman, he can be motivated by whatever he wants. Maybe he’s mad because he’s the only one who believes in the Easter Bunny.
Regarding the arm length thing: what is the data? Is it simply something like” 96% of the starting tackles in the NFL have arms at least 34 inches long”?
dobber
May 04, 2024 at 08:08 am
What about the Easter Bunny?
TKWorldWide
May 04, 2024 at 08:25 am
Oops, that was a typo. It was supposed to be “Easter Bully”; you know, the greasy haired, leather jacket wearing ruffian who goes around the neighborhood on Easter morning giving unsolicited lawn care advice…?
GBjohnny
May 04, 2024 at 10:53 am
Classic line from We Bought A Zoo. Well done.
Coldworld
May 04, 2024 at 10:58 am
A 2013 PFF analysis found that just under half of NFL tackles had arms under 34 inches. It went on to find no correlation between arm length and performance.
The prime reason arm length matters is twofold: keeping the rusher away from your body and widening the edge. Strength and hand speed and technique are also a big part of the former and wingspan is the real dimensional determinative measurement of the width of edge, adding shoulder width.
The arm length measurement at the NFL Combine is done by measuring from the end of the bicep or shoulder to the tip of the middle finger with the arm extended horizontally away from the body. Wingspan is measured with both arms extended horizontally with the distance from tip to tip of both middle fingers.
Clearly foot speed is a critical. The faster you can move the longer your effective shield extends. A smaller wingspan slower footed tackle is a bad bet. Most larger men have comparatively less mobility. It’s finding the sweet spot combination that is the key, not arm length or foot speed in isolation.
TKWorldWide
May 04, 2024 at 12:10 pm
NOW we are getting somewhere! Thank you!
AZ
May 04, 2024 at 10:17 pm
Absolutely fantastic post Coldworld!
porupack
May 06, 2024 at 06:43 am
Yes, I like that they all have opportunity to give the middle finger to the statisticians.
dblbogey
May 04, 2024 at 01:16 pm
The arm length thing seems like silliness to me. I remember when Brian Bulaga was drafted, they made a big fuss because his arm length was 1 1/4 inches short of the "desired" length. The man could obviously play and when healthy was an outstanding RT. Silliness.
HarryHodag
May 04, 2024 at 07:41 am
In our numbers nuts world many folks forget one very important element: can the guy play football?
Long arms are ideal but there's been a whole bunch of people who had long arms but couldn't get the job done. If he can play LT Walker is likely to move to right tackle and Zach Tom to guard, my prediction.
Foot movement and balance are far more important than arms in a pass block though you do have to keep the defensive end/linebacker from getting his hands on you. Arms are less important in run blocking, though placement is key.
I think the o-line should be much deeper than a year ago even though they lost Runyan.
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2024 at 09:13 am
Morgan is going to start practice at LT and I think he is going to take the job.
Once that becomes evident in training camp, many permutations for the best 5 can happen.
But Love's left flank of Morgan and Jenks could be best tandem since Bakhtiari and Sitton.
Coming to the Packers, the two men are carbon copies in size, athleticism, college production/leadership, standout performance on video, ... and quiet confidence.
If Tom moves, he's going to C, in my view. I would love to see him there, but also understand if he remains at RT.
I am going to watch Monk's progress. He is going to be a top challenger for C or RG with Myers and Rhyan.
cdoemel
May 04, 2024 at 01:02 pm
And with how much experience Meyers and Rhyan have they’ll be great backup depth.
Guam
May 04, 2024 at 09:36 am
I don't particularly care if Morgan starts at LT, RT or RG as long as he starts somewhere within his first two years and then has a long career at that position. First round draft choices need to contribute and the Packers can certainly find room for him on this O-line.
Coldworld
May 04, 2024 at 12:31 pm
I think they tried to start as many as possible yesterday at their prior positions in order to minimize thinking. Things will evolve.
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 07:57 am
Everything is always changing in GB.
There was No doubt we needed OL.
And Jordan Morgan will be starting somewhere.
Granted, Lt seems to be a No Brainer.
And hopefully now, we won’t have to have A TE help him.
I don’t really care what Pff says.
My concern is the knee.
This is the NFL. OL get injured.
And one injury can change a player.
And also change the chances of a team.
I don’t doubt him.
It’s the longevity of the knee.
I won’t criticize Morgan.
But after the packers declined Eric Stokes
5th year option.
How can you not question Gute's decision making.
packer132
May 04, 2024 at 08:24 am
What? What are you trying to say? Linemen get injured? Of course they do as well as other position players like RB, LB, WR, etc. Its football. What did Gute do wrong now? He declined to guarantee paying Stokes on his 5th year after two injured riddled seasons? I would say that saving $12 million is a good move by Gute. I guess you don't. SMH
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2024 at 09:19 am
It's his schtick. Needs attention. It is more important to him than the team he supposedly is a fan of.
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 10:32 am
It wasn't about savings-
It was about drafting a CB instead.
The OL is the most injury prone
of any position in the NFL now.
Had Brian used his picks wisely.
Back-up OL were available in the 3rd.
And he could have gotten rid of that injury
prone stokes and been the better for it.
SMH
Oppy
May 04, 2024 at 11:21 am
Brian Gutekunst is far better at actually being a NFL General Manager, than you will ever be at pretending to be one.
jannesbjornson
May 04, 2024 at 11:44 am
He hit on the best LT in the draft. I agree on the CB, but in round two.
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 02:49 pm
CB would have been the wrong move in rd. 2.
I know Morgan is your guy.
But Alt still went ahead of him.
And Walker should be given every chance to stay
at LT.
jannesbjornson
May 05, 2024 at 09:14 am
No, CB with a two pick. The best players were available during rd two for the CBs. Man-cover guys with some size.
If Stokes doesn't come back strong and Jaire hits the trainer's room for a month, you have problems in the secondary. Alt went where he was projected, trained by his old man. Morgan was taken where he was pegged in the order. Walker will have every chance to compete with Morgan, but he will end up on the right side, eventually.
You act as if this was a primo O line, performing last year.
Z-Smith
May 04, 2024 at 12:08 pm
So your argument is that the injury risk at o-line is too high so we should have taken a corner because they don't get injured and we can replace the last corner we drafted in the first who's constantly injured? Am I missing something?
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 02:52 pm
Yes your missing - Common sense.
The fastest/ best CBs were RD1
The best safeties were rd. 2.
The best back-ups for OL development.
Were 75 - 124.
Coldworld
May 04, 2024 at 04:17 pm
Are you still going in about the 6’2 173 pounds when wet Wiggins? The tall guy who lacks strength, has short arms just because he’s fast? Sounds a bit like a more fragile less lengthy Stokes, who is also fast and much more physical and a better, more willing, tackler. Dubiously suited to press due to to lack of length and leverage issues too.
Yes, Wiggins, if he can take the pounding, is a talented corner, but one very questionably suited to what we now play. That’s par for the course with you. No understanding or context. No, Wiggins for us was not the answer. Barry is no longer here. We don’t play off and zone predominantly. Good for Stokes, bad for Wiggins as a Packer which, fortunately for both, he isn’t.
AZ
May 04, 2024 at 10:24 pm
Stockholder is my comic relief far too often. To quote Christmas Vacation:
“He worked really hard…”
“So do washing machines!”
dobber
May 04, 2024 at 01:40 pm
"The OL is the most injury prone
of any position in the NFL now."
Actually, no. RB has been cited repeatedly over the last 15+ years as the most injury prone position. WR, TE, and LBs have been increasing over that time. OL tends to actually have FEWER serious injuries than most other positions, and they play more snaps. Actual info:
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2010/7/7/1467728/which-nfl-position-groups...
https://en.as.com/nfl/what-nfl-positions-are-most-injury-prone-n/
https://www.profootballlogic.com/articles/nfl-injury-rate-analysis/
AGAIN: quit making shit up.
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 02:40 pm
I'm not making it up.
I'm sure there are certain things that change ,
what was correct.
As for the 15 +years. Not buying it.
I know what I read as it appeared in an article.
Depends on the sources and how they came up with it.
Coldworld
May 04, 2024 at 04:32 pm
You make things up constantly.
There’s a thing called checking your theories. A tool called the internet. There’s quite a lot of information in it, if you bother to read through it. Try this, it’s not the only source with similar findings but it is authentic and comprehensive. In short your entire argument is based on a false premise. So be thankful Gute and his team aren’t so cavalier with facts as you are. Then again, Mat Millen and GM Sherman weren’t either:
“Wide receivers had the highest all-cause injury rate (30.28 injuries per 100 TGPs; 95 % CI, 27.90-32.82), followed by tight ends (27.44 per 100 TGPs; 95 % CI, 24.26-30.91), defensive backs (23.60 per 100 TGPs; 95 % CI, 22.11-25.17), running backs (21.90 per 100 TGPs; 95 % CI, 19.88-24.07), and linebackers (21.48 per 100 TGPs; 95 % CI, 19.84-23.22). Quarterbacks and kickers/punters had the lowest all-cause injury rate out of all positions (12.09 per 100 TGPs; 95 % CI, 10.02-14.47 and 4.88 per 100 TGPs; 95 % CI, 3.60-6.47, respectively.”
You can check out the full definitions and summary here:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Frequency-of-injuries-in-the-Nationa...,)%2C%20and%20linebackers%20(21.48%20per
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 07:46 pm
I'm talking serious injury.
All Cause? -
Coldworld
May 04, 2024 at 12:37 pm
If he’d taken up the offer at 12 million, I would have questioned him and so would you. So why are you questioning him not picking it up? Stokes has to show he can stay healthy, is the same player athletically and then play well.
I happen to think that if he’s fully recovered, Stokes will have a very good year, but I certainly wouldn’t gamble a fully guaranteed 12 million cap hit next year on that when I’ve no earthly reason to.
Of course, nor would you, but that never stops you from pursuing your obsession over the corpses of reason and logic.
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 02:59 pm
I'm glad you see it my way.
cdoemel
May 04, 2024 at 01:04 pm
Why in the world would they pick up the 5th year option on a guy in his situation?
dblbogey
May 04, 2024 at 01:17 pm
i no longer waste my time actually reading Stockholder's junk. I just downvote and move on.
NitschkeFan
May 04, 2024 at 01:19 pm
Stock is the same idiot who kept complaining that gute did not draft LB Payton Wilson. The guy with 3 shoulder and 3 knees surgeries (in fact in The Athletic they said he has had "double digit surgeries", we will see if Stock realized how many that is). So I guess linebackers don't need their shoulders or their knees.
According to Stock, Gute was an idiot for drafting Morgan because he had 1 surgery, and and idiot for NOT drafting the LB with 10 surgeries.
How can anyone take anything you write seriously?
stockholder
May 04, 2024 at 03:10 pm
Did we need a LT?
Or a LB more?
The SS would have been my choices.
Dejean was the pick!!
It's called find a spot for a game changer!
I get you want to change my argument.
But Payton Wilson would not have been my
Choice until later. Especially if parts of
a knee are really missing.
We just don't know the medical reports.
But that should not stop any GM
from finding the right time to take one.
stockholder
May 05, 2024 at 08:37 am
I'm not wrong on Payton Wilson.
Gute was!
And then there is Kitan Oladapo
showing up with a boot on.
So that explains why he didn't go higher.
beerandbrats
May 04, 2024 at 08:47 am
Great job of misdirection by the Packers! The whole world knew we needed LBs and DBs! The whole world knew we wanted Cooper Dejean! In fact, the Lions even jumped ahead of the Packers to get one of the top DBs! But then Gute fooled us all in the first round by selecting an OT! Good trick and good pick! There's going to be some fierce competition in camp for a starting spot on the OL this summer!
Nicely done Gute!
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2024 at 08:41 pm
Exactly :)
There are so many who should be competing for a starting role, and so much riding on that + the depth ...
Doug_In_Sandpoint
May 04, 2024 at 10:10 am
Jordan Morgan to his mom: I love you thiiiis much.
Jordan Morgan’s mom: that’s not very much.
LeotisHarris
May 04, 2024 at 10:36 am
Nickname was "Stubby" all through elementary and middle school. Shifted to "T-Rex" in high school. Poor kid never took up fishing because of his inability to successfully sell the length of the one that got away. And now this shaming from his own mom. Sad. Just sad.
TKWorldWide
May 04, 2024 at 02:04 pm
Poor guy is unable to do a single “regulation” pushup because even at full extension, his chest is still in contact with the ground.
Another mystery is how he maintains over 300 lb bodyweight when he can’t even reach his mouth with a spoon or fork. Personal assistant, I guess.
Bitternotsour
May 04, 2024 at 11:06 pm
you do not want to see him eat
TKWorldWide
May 05, 2024 at 06:36 am
Oh, and his dentist is far from thrilled too.
Alberta_Packer
May 04, 2024 at 10:17 am
Morgan has quickly grasped the essence of the LT position - with his repeated mantra "protect Love." If it is so - that we move in the direction of our most dominant thought(s) - then with Morgan's mindset and his physical abilities - I expect that one day he will be the starting LT for the GBP.
LeotisHarris
May 04, 2024 at 10:40 am
There's a Papa Geppetto joke somewhere in Jennerjohn's lede, but I'm not going to dig it out. TK?
What if the dude had one giant hand, like a garbage can-sized left hand and a normal right hand, instead of short arms? Would we be able to let that go? What would that do to his RAS?
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2024 at 10:53 am
"Hellboy" Morgan!
I like it!
TKWorldWide
May 04, 2024 at 02:06 pm
He had strings
But now he’s free
There are no strings on him (nor me)
GregC
May 04, 2024 at 10:50 am
Is there any NFL player who DOESN'T have a chip on his shoulder? It's such a tired narrative.
Morgan will have a real battle on his hands as he tries to beat out Rasheed Walker at LT. I hope the competition makes both of them better. If I was a betting man, I would pick Walker to win that battle. Players who are taken late in the first round are not automatic starters. Lukas Van Ness was taken 13th overall last year, and he didn't start. And that's okay. Maybe the Packers will rotate some of their O-linemen again. It seemed to work just fine last year.
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2024 at 11:12 am
Lukas had to get by Preston and Mr. Gary with a sophomore jump from Enagbare. I hope Lukas's offseason was as determined and useful as Kingsley's was.
I am not a fan of rotating the OL and most teams don't do it for the same reasons QBs are not. QB and OL are the two most complex in football in terms of knowledge, understanding and wisdom to be effective.
And OL requires the most "team" play of all positional groups on the field. Communication, trust, familiarity, and consistency in practice and in games create powerful synergies for the unit that makes the O go.
My money is on Morgan at LT. Like Jenkins, he may not start in week one, but he's likely to start early in the season. But if Walker holds on at LT, I am good!
LLCHESTY
May 04, 2024 at 01:08 pm
Agree on Walker. He was a top 10 pass blocking T by the end of the year. If he works hard this off-season I think he keeps his job. Earlier in the year he made some glaring mistakes in the running game but cleaned that up and by the end of the year was doing much better, especially on outside runs.
His technique is better than Morgan's, who has fast feet but isn't technically sound. People wanting to hand Morgan the job because he was a 1st round pick seem to have forgotten how well Walker played in the last few weeks and playoffs.
https://twitter.com/ReallyRichx2/status/1761826661006291431?t=WPaqJBMgwI...
GregC
May 04, 2024 at 02:55 pm
I was thinking that if anyone has a chip on their shoulder, it might be Walker. After playing really well down the stretch last season, he's heard over and over that he needs to be replaced and how the Packers have a "gaping hole" at left tackle after the retirement of David Bakhtiari--as if Walker never existed or was just a stopgap. And now they've drafted his possible replacement.
Coldworld
May 04, 2024 at 05:28 pm
Any more chips and they will all be falling over.
As I see it, having real competition at T can only be a good thing. In addition to injuries, at least 2 project to play elsewhere. That’s a statement that we darn well ought to be better if we handle our resources wisely.
Both Walker and Morgan have some technical issues. I hope we see both make strides. Personally, I think Morgan starts but where depends more on others than on Walker or even Morgan. The best 5 as a unit this year, that’s the objective.
Turophile
May 04, 2024 at 05:35 pm
Player 'X' has a chip on his shoulder is a very tired narrative. I heard it a zillion times regarding Rodgers and that was a zillion times too much.
Morgan only needs a situation where he gets egg on his face to go with the chip on his shoulder and he'll turn into a greasy-spoon cafe's Breakfast Special.
The point I am not doing well in making is that it's what happens out on the field that matters, words spoken beforehand win nothing.
A great many players play with high intensity (which visually looks the same as playing with a chip), because that is what got them as far as the NFL to begin with.
Ferrari-Driver
May 05, 2024 at 09:48 am
I'll drink to that. Fully agree.
golfpacker1
May 04, 2024 at 11:06 am
I was a fan of Morgan from the start of draft season. Barring trading up, which I hate, most of the top OL were going to be gone. I never was a fan of the Barton pick scenario of him moving inside to play OC mainly, or OG. He only played 6 games @ OC, which is a small sample size. It seemed like he was being a choice mainly because he could play multiple positions, but only being solid, not special at any of them.
Originally everyone thought we could move back in the first and still get a player like Morgan, but everything I have read suggested he wouldn't have lasted many more picks. He will be a valuable addition at OT or OG and it's a way better problem to have multiple good choices at the OL spots than to be short of talent.
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2024 at 11:21 am
I agree Barton likely moved up draft boards for his value having effectively played all 5 spots. I liked him, primarily for his potential to upgrade the IOL.
Ironically, It may be the Packers got the more valuable Duke O lineman, for them, in Monk.
It may be the Packers have two rookies starting on the OL with the M&Ms Morgan and Monk. Maybe not by game one...but early in the season.
My prediction for the OL sometime during 2024: Morgan, Jenks, Tom, Monk, Walker.
HawkPacker
May 04, 2024 at 11:54 am
Based on what I know at this point, I have no problem with the starting 5 that you outline. However, Gute know more than us and the FO will make the right decision on which 5 to start and where!
LambeauPlain
May 05, 2024 at 10:01 am
Hold on now! Are you implying Gute and the Coaches know more about who to start on the OL than me? With all my years as an Armchair GM? Well, thanks a lot...
HawkPacker
May 06, 2024 at 06:33 am
Sorry LP. I should have noted you as the exception to my comment. Have a great day buddy.
madtowntom
May 04, 2024 at 11:58 am
Perhaps Morgan becomes the starting LT, perhaps the starting RG or the swing tackle. So many possibilities for the final starting five on the line, especially considering whether or not Meyers sticks as the starting C. Whatever happens it will be fun to see how it unfolds during training camp!
Leatherhead
May 04, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Happy Star Wars Day.
All speculations aside,the Packers used their first pick in the first round to draft a guy that can be our starting LT for the next four or five years.....the Love Window. We'll either have won a Super Bowl by then or there'll be different people running the show.
If the Packers don't shuffle around any more players, that makes Walker a pretty good backup. Remember, this line was good enough to score in the playoffs, and if Morgan isn't an improvement over Walker then it was a bad draft choice. I think he's going to be a real good player for us for some of the best years in the history of this franchise.
GregC
May 04, 2024 at 12:54 pm
"...if Morgan isn't an improvement over Walker then it was a bad draft choice."
That's one way to look at it. But maybe it is a testament to how good this team has become, that they could afford to spend a first round pick on a player who may not be able to win a starting job. Of course it was also due to the lack of first round talent at their biggest positions of need, safety and linebacker.
I expect Morgan to work his way into the starting lineup, whether at tackle or guard, at least by year two.
Leatherhead
May 04, 2024 at 01:49 pm
I think that spending #25 on a guy who might be a starting guard in a year isn't part of the plan. The Plan, IMO, is that he'll be the starting LT. Along with Tom at RT and Walker as a backup, that improves our situation at tackle quite a bit.
dobber
May 04, 2024 at 04:42 pm
RG is the weak point on the OL--moreso than C--at this point but mostly because Rhyan lacks experience. He couldn't displace Runyan, but the Packers felt strongly enough that they could either find an adequate player in the draft or that Rhyan could do the job.
He seems to be the likely candidate to sit with the addition of Morgan, it's really just a question of how they juggle the pieces to make it work. Every one of the Packers returning 2023 starters can play guard...including Walker, who has taken snaps at both tackle spots and at G in each of the last two preseasons. If I had to guess, I think Morgan and Walker are playing tackle when they open in September, but who knows which is playing which spot.
Don't sleep on Travis Glover. He needs coaching, but he's a college LT/RT (with some LG experience) who has a power element that's lacking in several of the other Packers OL. He might be OL #9 at the end of camp, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's a starting G at some point in the not too distant future.
Leatherhead
May 04, 2024 at 07:43 pm
Is there a better spot for a weak link than RG?
Bitternotsour
May 04, 2024 at 11:01 pm
Punter?
Bitternotsour
May 04, 2024 at 11:12 pm
On a more serious note, right guard is a critical piece. good guard play improves the center. it's a unit, not individual pieces. many of the perceived struggles of Myers were directly attributable to Jenkins not being fit at the beginning of the year, and the right guard play thru the entire season. I'll die on that hill. Get the guards set, Myers is a solid pro.
Leatherhead
May 05, 2024 at 08:11 am
Yeah, but in a group of 5 people, one is the weaker link. On an offense, where do want your weakest link? At QB? WR? No.
Of course it's a unit, and of course all the pieces are critical. But as Ron Wolf noted, "you can get a guard anywhere". Guards are guys who can't play tackle in the pros. The RG is your the best lineman you have left after you've filled the other four spots. This isn't Lake Woebegone and we don't get have above average players at all spots.
I also think you're correct about Myers to an extent, but hey, he had Jenkins and a $30M guard on either side of him for much of the season, and he was a solid pro during that stretch. And he'll be a solid pro there this year, too.
Bitternotsour
May 05, 2024 at 08:58 am
my point is the first 8 or so games of the season Jenkins wasn't Jenkins, due to his recovering. Add to that Bakhtiari wasn't anywhere at all. But sure, he had a $30 M guard on the right side and as you say, he was a solid pro during that stretch...
i hope you'll acknowledge that some guards are transcendent and get paid like tackles. there are guys you can build an offensive system around. (we don't have one).
TKWorldWide
May 05, 2024 at 01:36 pm
I hope the Packer equipment guy can get Morgan a jersey with extra short sleeves. It would be nice if at least his fingertips could poke out through the bottom.