You left out QB drama`s ...... well maybe we might have small growing pains but i look forward to it .

Stenovich as OC somehow just doesn’t convince. Hopefully that’s skewed as a result of my disdain for personnel usage and overall offensive design last year. Perhaps that was partially forced on him by others and partially the product of inexperience. I think it’s also how he speaks, but I do have regular flashbacks to his wholesale changes to the OL that arguably cost us a Championship and certainly made us much worse. It also bothers me that Butkus made so many baffling decisions as his subordinate in Stenovich’s prior role: that’s not a sign of good management.

The best thing that Stenovich had to say in my view is that Tom will be competing as C and RG. That’s a tacit acknowledgment that Runyon and particularly Myers need a challenge. He’s also competing at RT, but I don’t think that’s an ideal match as a long term berth. Personally, I hope he grabs the C role now, although he may end up at LT longer term, though they may move Nijman back if another emerges. More immediately, it’s a sign of acceptance that Myers and Runyon have a lot of room to improve. They do. Tom at C starting the season is my preferred outcome.

I’m not going to comment on Barry, save to say his confidence seems largely an act to me. He just doesn’t seem to have a clear vision. However, he never has come across as any different, so that’s nothing new. If he does, he will show it and it’s just that he’s not a good communicator. Perhaps LaFleur can work on that with them, but results are what matter at this point. Thus year LaFleur and his staff likely make or break their careers in GB.

Great stuff Al. Out of all this, I like that GB bolstered their DL in April’s draft the most. They had to, being ranked #32 v. RUN. Karl Brooks my biggest wish for the Packers on Day 3! Thrilled they added both he & Wooden.

Gotta add Van Ness at EDGE here, the most effective RUN STOP in the EDGE class. That was our #1 team need.

I think Gutekunst not drafting an OL tells us more about his many under the radar signings: these are the players he wants at their given positions. Very pointed signings.

Delance, Filiaga, Telefort, Jones, Rhyan, Tenuta, Walker. All are not jags. They’re dynamic talents who need development.

There’s been a lot of referencing jags in discussing these players. Maybe the guy really knows what he’s doing as a GM.

We’ll see.

1) 30 teams will have to travel further over the course of the season than the Packers.
-I can't remember what it was last year, but I believe Green Bay was one of the most traveled teams. I could be wrong about that, but I just know they had 5 games in 5 cities last year and that part of the schedule was brutal.

2) You can make the argument that Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert are the only two elite quarterbacks the Packers will be facing and both games are at Lambeau Field.
-Is Herbert truly elite? He is a good QB. But what Tier would he be in? I'd say probably Tier 2? Definitely behind Mahomes.

3) I believe the relatively early week six bye is advantageous for a young team. If things are going badly early, it's the perfect opportunity to evaluate, adjust and reset if needed. If things are going well, it's a time to reinforce or expand on concepts the youngsters have been given so far.
-I hate the early bye's. But week 6 is manageable along with the mini bye later with the thanksgiving game.

4) They play on Thanksgiving! Not everyone will like that, but I have such fond memories of watching Packers-Lions while enjoying the best food day of the year. And it was always at my house, so there was no doubt what would be on TV.
-I don't like games on holiday's. But if I had to choose which holiday I would prefer to watch the Packers play on, Christmas or Thanksgiving. I'd choose Thanksgiving. For me Christmas especially is about family time. The game took away from that. Thanksgiving is still family time, but its a smaller group of family, so its not as big of a deal to me. That's just my personal take on it.

Offensive Line -
I believe our starting 5 will be Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Tom. Yosh will be the swing tackle. Newman the swing guard. I don't know what they will be doing at backup OC. I could see possibly where Tom would be the back up OC and they would put Yosh at RT if that were to happen.
Like you said there are some sleepers that could push for that RT spot. Walker, Jones, Tenuta all could slide into that RT spot.
I believe the Packers view either Tom or Yosh as the replacement for Bakhtiari next year. But i wouldn't be surprised if he came back next year as well. They are just waiting to see how he performs for the whole season and make sure he is healthy.

Defensive Line -
I was expecting the DL to be a higher priority. I thought if they traded back in the first round they were going to use the extra pick on a DL. They lost 2 starting caliber players last year. I was expecting them to reinvest into the position. But I wasn't sure how they would attack the DL when they took Van Ness. He could slide inside in passing downs and offer that as an option. But I really like that they got Wooden and Brooks. I think both guys should help the pass rush. I was thinking they maybe were going to look for a big DT that is hard to move. They didn't add one of them, so I could see them looking to add a guy like that yet. Maybe Ford will surprise in that area this year. They redshirted him for a reason.

Ya think? -
I swear if I may not have a tv the first time I see this happen this year. I definitely will be throwing something when i see that.

Competition is a kick -
I did not see this move made. I saw they claimed an OT yesterday but didn't see the punter.

Nice as always Al.

More or less I agree with what you write. I have only one thing to add. For me, the most general outing was from Joe Barry. Both Stenavich and Bisaccia had some details shared on press questions, nothing to specific, but enough to explain some details around position (Bisaccia), or player competition (Stenavich), or players acquiring (Bisaccia). That general tone of Joe Barry's press conference was very disappointing to me, especially when he was asked few direkt questions...

Lets hope that was for tactical reasons, not because confusion in his head and fear of telling something someone can catch him later when those words would not be supported by his future acts...

Early Bye...Normally I hate an early bye week, especially that week 4 or week 5 bye. I'm sure it's happened at some point but I can't remember a Packers season with a week 8 or week 9 bye. But this year week 6 sounds good for the EXACT reason Al mentioned.

Thanksgiving...I'm not a fan of Thursday games myself and the Packers play the Lions TWICE on Thursday this year. That's a bit odd isn't it? Either way the Packers get Dan Campbells Lions in front of national audiences and NEED to beat them. As of today the Packers have now lost 3 straight games to the Detroit Lions...I mean WTF is going on out there!

O-Line...I think it comes down to WHERE Zack Tom will play and if the Packers think Meyers is still one of the best 5. IMO Zack Tom is probably the 3rd best O-Lineman on the Packers behind only Bakhtiari and Jenkins. Will it be Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Meyers, Runyan, and Tom, with Nijman as the swing T, or will it be Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Tom, Runyan, and Nijman with Meyers out? Barring injury I think it's one of the two line-ups on the O-Line.

D-Line... I liked what Gute did in the draft on the D-Line. I think they've added more flexibility. They have a lot of options with how they want to play. Hopefully Barry keeps things a bit more simple and just focuses on keeping the opposing offense from gaining 10 yards on 3 plays, and not just GIVING it to them. It really is that simple Joe!

I would just soon fire Adam Stenovich.
I agree with your prediction on the OL.
I just can’t see him screwing Runyan.

DL- Brooks- Is going to replace Reed.

My polluted mind dump:

I think the Pack has about 7 games where they have a good chance at winning due only to the level of QB play of the opponent. We will need the defense to lead in those games.

I like playing on Thanksgiving day. At lease get a game I can watch. Or... road trip to Ford field for a live game.

I agree with Gute not to pick a OL this year. Next year pick an OL in the first few rounds.

Are the Packers changing the DL players to lighter and quicker ones? The two DL picks this year are not the big brutes like previous years, That's the thought I have. Will be interesting to see this year.

I was viewing the schedule as much more favorable this year. Al reinforced that notion with the QB observation (only Hebert and Mahomes as elite) and his take on the early bye.

Good to see Steno is looking at Tom's primary opportunities at RG and C. Good. Also tells me Yosh is going to get every opportunity to man RT.

Barry's recent comments were as expected...concerning.

MLF is seemingly unconcerned that in Barry's in 6 tries with 3 teams, he has never succeeded as a DC. And like last year, his second year was worst than the first. Maybe 3rd year is the charm.

Barry sounds like he is not sure what he needs to do different. "We need more consistency." Wait. Isn't consistency the primary reason MLF kept Barry? SMH

Barry seems to believe his coaching was OK...just need 8 first round draft choices and pro bowlers to play better...especially in "situational football". SMH, as expected.

I hope Bicassia is meaningfully involved in the D. Will he be? I think the players and even some coaches are not buying what Barry sells.

I believe the D will determine the success or failure of this season more than anything...more so than even Love.

McCarthy's stubbornly kept Capers around when excellent DC candidates were available. History repeats. Can you imagine Brian Flores coaching the Packers young, talented D?

The Packers very likely will have 2 first round picks next year. When the time comes, this gives them lots of options. Could be 2 good players, or package them and move up for a (“can’t miss”) blue chipper.

Offensive Line: I just don't see Tom as a RT. He lacks the strength and physicality needed at that position and his quick feet and athleticism play better at center or LT. I expect him to compete at center or be the reserve LT this year. Bahk is one of the best LTs in the game (assuming they don't trade him) and Nijman is the best run blocking RT in the league. I think the Pack need to find a reserve RT behind Nijman and may well have candidates in Walker or Jones. IOL needs some competition. I hope Rhyan or Tenuta or others challenge Runyon at RG and I hope Tom challenges Myers at center. Both spots need to be better.

Defensive Line: I suspect it will take the rookies awhile before they are ready for significant playing time in the NFL. I think Clark, Slaton, Wyatt and Slayton will be carrying the load most of the season. Which should be fine since the Packers often only play two DL. The OLB rotation with Smith, Gary, Enagbare, Hollins and Van Ness should be a good one and provide plenty of firepower off the edges. I am not worried about the front seven this year.

Thanks Al. The travel analysis was interesting. I never really thought of that before. Also interesting that there were no NFC Central Teams on that list either. But I guess it makes sense with the close proximity of the teams in our division.

Gutey said that one of the reasons that he didn’t draft an OL was that they would have a hard time making the roster with the current roster of OL. This is more reinforcement that they feel good with what they have for now and in the future.

Myer’s is a big dude. Can he only play center? If Tom is better, could Myers be developed for another position on the line? Maybe he doesn’t have the measurables or skills to play G or T. I don’t know…just a thought.

Watched the video on the first two draft choices...both only played around 2 years of college football.

Musgrave size and speed jump out. His routes are solid as are his contested catches...that's his ball! But what impressed me more was his blocking. Not only can he do it...he wants to do it. HIs highest ceiling is blocking. Kraft will likely get more snaps early because he's more well rounded...but Musgrave is going to play a lot. 12 personnel is going to be fun.

Van Ness is really raw. He has one move now...bull rush. He struggles getting off blocks, especially inside, hand down. He has the athleticism, and from what I have read, football smarts to add to his pass rush repertoire. I think he is a project, and not an instant impact player like CMIII was. Gary wasn't either.

"Schedule - There are a lot of things to like about the 2023 Green Bay Packers schedule."

I tend to agree. They get plenty of time to start to develop a rhythm or identity before they hit higher end opponents. I think the first really stiff test will be week 3, but I think more of the Saints than a lot of people do. Maybe that's just their history with Payton lingering, but they'll score points with Carr and their receiver group this year...I think they'll run away with that really poor division.

Opinions on the positioning of the bye tend to reveal how people view the competitiveness of this team...in May.

"Offensive Line - Here's my way too early prediction of how things work out: I was disappointed that the Packers didn't select an offensive tackle in the first few rounds of the draft."

I was very surprised, too. I think the assertion you make about how they view their OL room makes sense, but a day 2 OT would've displaced someone. I find it hard to believe that a day 2 OT wouldn't make this roster--which casts some doubts about maybe how realistic they are in their assessments of their guys. Hang tight, it will be a ride!

Stenavich's comments (read in whole) certainly imply that they think that Tom is either one of, or in the conversation as one of, their 5 best OL, and the company line has always been to find ways to get their best 5 on the field. The left side is locked down, but open competition on the right side is a good thing. Two of that top group (Runyan and Nijman) need new contracts, and Bakhtiari is likely in his last year in GB. It may be a wholly different unit in 2024. I agree in that I think Tom is always going to be more of a finesse guy and belongs at LT.

Their desire to push Myers makes me wonder if his ability to handle all the responsibilities of a C on the NFL level--maybe mentally--just aren't there, or don't seem likely to get there.

"Defensive Line - Going into the draft, I did not expect the Packers to address it as often as they did (Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks)."

Neither of those guys were premium picks, and their evaluations were all over the place. Neither really fits in that preferred DL physical profile the Packers typically seek, but both are active, athletic, and get pressure on the passer. I think Brooks has a lot of Javon Hargrave in him...he could be a steal. I'm a little more concerned about Wooden and how they plan to use him...he seems to look mostly like an end on obvious passing downs early on.

"All, by the way, are at least 6'4", with Whelan topping the group at 6'6" so you now know one of the Packers' new thresholds for specialists."

I think it's all about physics--it's easier to generate leg speed and leverage if you have longer levers.

This season of 2023 is the Year of the Coaches in Green Bay.
Especially LaFleur, Barry, and Stenavich have to show that their past experience has brought them to the point of being top coaches in the NFL, capable of leading the Packers to the Super Bowl title.
Bisaccia has the delicate task of assisting these coaches without stepping on their toes. If he handles this challenge well, with both tact and toughness, he would seem to be in line for a job as head coach somewhere in the NFL.
With the roster so young, the Year of the Players is 2024.
***
As we may be seeing in the NBA, my impression of coaching in the NFL is that there is a new emphasis on being able to think on one's feet, to make quick adjustments within a game (in addition to adjustments from game to game).
All of the team building and game preparation are still hugely important, but there also has to be that seemingly rare ability to change tactics in the tumult of a heated contest, in order to put players in the best positions to succeed.
The coaches who can do this are the ones who will have staying power in the NFL, winning championships, or at least bringing out the fullest potential in their teams.

It will be one of the more interesting preseasons in all the 50 plus years that I have been following the Pack. There will be many solid competitors in numerous positions. Out of all of this a good team should evolve. However, my prediction confidence took a big hit last season as I thought we would have a top 5 D.

On another note, USNews voted Green Bay, WI the No. 1 city in the US to live for 2023-2024. Gotta love it! GPG!

We needed those DLs. Both, especially Wooden, can get pressure on the inside once they develop. Starting off with Van Ness on the outside seems like the logical approach.

Newman and Rhyan as the swing guards sounds a little dicey right now, as right now the latter is a total mystery.

Maybe once P. Johnson and Wright were off the board, Gute turned his attention to more immediate needs knowing he already had at least an adequate solution at LT.

I'm glad Stenovich hinted there may be some competition at center--not giving up on anyone, but we need some improvement there.

Let’s try 2+2. We only face one or two top QBs, but half of the QBs we face had a better season than Rodgers. What does that equal?

Frankly, the DLine concerns me. GB has been sh** against the run for a long time now. Do you want, faster more athletics interior DLine guys or bigger bodies that are tougher to move inside? I don't know the answer to this question in my "polluted mind". But one thing I do know - that Barry is the BIG question mark! If he can finally get aggressive on early downs against the run and then press more on passing downs, this D might get better. But I just don't have ANY confidence that Barry can change!

It seems that Jalen Hurts and Trevor Lawrence might approach elite status by the time we play them toward the end of the season (depending on development of course). I suppose the flip side is that the Packers defense has been most cohesive late in the season the last few years.