Cory's Corner: Brian Gutekunst Has Made All The Right Moves
The Packers playoff hopes would be on life support if not for the Malik Willis trade.
Where would the Packers be without general manager Brian Gutekunst?
They would be trusting the efforts of Sean Clifford and would likely be 3-5. The fact that Gutekunst had the foresight to trade for Malik Willis before the season really shows how good of an evaluator he is.
And now the seventh round pick the Packers sent to the Titans on Aug. 26 seems like the best trade the Packers could’ve ever made.
You can criticize Gutekunst for drafting Anders Carlson with a sixth round pick in 2023, but he realized his gaffe. He brought in a slew of kickers in training camp, including former pro Greg Joseph. Brayden Narveson ultimately won the job, but after missing five field goals, he exited stage left.
Gutekunst saw enough and brought in Brandon McManus, who has won the last two games with game-winning kicks, including Sunday’s 30-27 win in Jacksonville.
But wait, there’s more. Gutekunst opted to not bring back Aaron Jones and instead brought in the workhorse back Josh Jacobs. Most importantly, the defense needed a dynamic leader and Gutekunst signed safety Xavier McKinney from the Giants.
Gutekunst has made all the right moves. And because of that, the Packers have a legitimate shot to beat the Lions on Sunday. It’s a big division game and just because Green Bay is starting a backup quarterback doesn’t mean the Packers will be laying down.
Willis has started two games this year and is completing 74 percent of his passes. The 25-year-old isn’t just playing to put the Packers deep into the postseason, but he’s playing for a starting job. This is a tryout. The Titans didn’t think he could do the job anymore and instead drafted Will Levis, who doesn’t look suitable for the NFL.
“What he’s been able to do, I’ve never seen something like this,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur in September on Willis’ success.
Willis has been remarkable, not just because he’s been able to win, but because the offense hasn’t skipped a beat. And he’s not just beating teams with his arm but he’s doing it with his legs as well. He’s been a transformative, dynamic quarterback that teams have to prepare for.
Most importantly, Willis is a winner. His teammates trust in him. His coaches trust in him and his confidence is probably at an all-time high. Jordan Love could miss several games with a groin injury, and now it’s Willis’ time to take the reins and be the leader.
Gutekunst knew that the Packers didn’t have a suitable backup quarterback. And with 17 regular season games, NFL teams need someone solid in the bullpen.
Gutekunst gets plenty of criticism but the Packers are one of the best teams in the NFC and they still haven’t played their best ball.
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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 (81)
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 07:32 am
Where would they be?
My first response is = super- Bowl champs.
But the past is the past.
Still it seems to me.
Gute has taken the trial by error approach.
He knows the rebuild is over.
And while it took a lot of bitching by all of us.
The peanut gallery hit his nerves.
His drafts are with errors.
His visions of glory now rests with Free Agents.
And the product on the field is just enough,
to direct the pressure to MLF.
Your solution of praising Gute is not mine.
But it does beat losing.
And as long as Gute finds cast-offs that keep us winning.
He'll get praised for being a genius.
Instead of a Gm who built champions.
LeotisHarris
October 29, 2024 at 08:42 am
Once again, not a popular take, but you are consistent and there is something to be said for that, I guess.
Can we talk more about what the genius of John Lynch? Or maybe discuss the dynasty Howie Roseman built in Philly?
I'll bet you peed a little when you read Cory's headline.
MooPack
October 29, 2024 at 09:32 am
"you peed a little"
Thanks Leotis for some early morning actual shoulder heaving laughter.
tonyorth
October 29, 2024 at 09:02 am
Your purple-prose argument would be stronger if your 'take' was that Gute kept Aaron Rodgers too long, rather than not long enough, as it has been. You still seem to hold the view that if only Gute had been better at surrounding Rodgers with weapons we would have more championships. The outcomes suggest otherwise. The Jets are a smoldering barn fire of a team and Rodgers was clearly the problem with the Packers, not the solution.
There are zero GM's whose judgement is flawless, but that this team is 6-2 while your boys - AR, Lazard, Adams - are 2-6 is incontrovertible evidence for Gute's good judgement. Good judgement in team building is not just drafting and acquiring the right free agents, but in cutting ties with players who can be replaced with better, cheaper, younger alternatives. Cold, hard business where sentiment should play no part but often does.
Maybe the Jets GM can build a better team around Rodgers, right? I for one will enjoy watching the Jets complete their implosion knowing that a leader of very sound judgement like Gute is keeping a constant eye peeled for talent for this team.
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 09:11 am
Like I said. The past is the past.
I didn't bring up Rodgers.
I always suggested a veteran QB.
As Gibbs knew how to win with one.
I referred to his drafts.
The fact is we needed a Kicker.
Think priorities! Not Rodgers.
packer132
October 29, 2024 at 09:28 am
You are an angry old man who doesn't know squat about football or how it is run. The real Packers fans are enjoying this season with all the young players and teamwork. Did you know that there are 32 teams trying to get a Super Bowl? There also are 12 teams without a Super Bowl win. I find the good in the team and play and enjoy it. You will always have a black cloud above you, I guess. Sad for you.
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 09:48 am
I'm all for young players and defined rolls.
The draft is the best way to Win.
But there will be Zero chance of winning a super-bowl.
As Long as we let Gute keep the door revolving.
TKWorldWide
October 29, 2024 at 10:29 am
Crescent right out of the oven, warm enough to melt butter; YUM!!
(That’s how I define a sublime roll, baby!)
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 12:08 pm
"His drafts are with errors."
Name a GM that doesn't have drafts with "errors." The draft is far from a sure thing. I don't think there's a whole bunch of GMs out there doing that much better than Gutey. It's hard to be competitive in this league. Powerhouse SF is struggling, Ravens are up and down, but GB is one of the winningest teams in the league. And that with a starting QB missing 2+ games. Name another GM who is doing better??????
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 05:46 pm
Actually I'd take KC, Philly, or Baltimores.
The packers are coming off the playoffs.
Give the credit to MLF. Not Gute.
Boneman
October 29, 2024 at 07:45 am
Good points all, Gute is clearly riding a wave of good team building right now. The only criticism I would have of his tenure was the last couple of years of knuckling under to Rogers culminating in the absurd last contract. When Rogers himself forced his way out of GB the proverbial weight was lifted off of Gute and the now prevailing optimism and challenge took over. One needs only look at other teams to really appreciate the Packers winning culture and commitment. Those who knit pick specific draft picks don't get how the real effort is in organization and culture.
T7Steve
October 29, 2024 at 07:48 am
That wasn't BG's job. He had nothing to do with the Rodgers contract. In fact, he precipitated moving on by drafting Love. He saw the writing on the wall and sold the lake front property to the Jets.
LambeauPlain
October 29, 2024 at 09:35 am
One day we will know what happened the year the Broncos under Rodgers idolizer HC Hackett was offering up all the Denver Gold to the Packers.
I believe Gutey had a deal worked out but it was vetoed by the Football Committee chaired by Murphy, the Acting GM.
I expect, after Murphy's retires after next season, new President Ed Policy will make him the General Manager of the team and not just GM of Player Personnel.
greengold
October 29, 2024 at 02:09 pm
Yup.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Remember, he was "knuckling under" the reigning MVP for the previous two seasons. He gave a massive deal to the guy voted the best damn player in the league. I don't think there is a GM anywhere that would have traded the 2-time reigning MVP vs paying him and going for a ring.
Gutey isn't perfect by any means, but he's handled things masterfully (not without mistake though) since #12 was shown the door. Other teams lose their hall of fame QB and go years without even making the playoffs or have a one and done (NE, NO, PIT, DEN).
greengold
October 29, 2024 at 02:17 pm
And yet, trading AR was the smart play all along.
MVP is a bullshit award when the numbers are gamed. AR chose to chase that instead of a Super Bowl. He gamed it, by taking the least amount of risk in attempting -only- the highest percentage throws, to veteran WRs he knew best. No care for multiple WRs he hadn't adorned with his acceptance running wildly open in instances too numerous to count. AR also chose to pad his passing TD stats at times where percentages for success called for running it in.
AR turned himself into an ass clown. I have zero respect for him. He could not have evolved into a more disingenuous individual to play the QB position in Green Bay, IMO. I'm thrilled that he's gone.
BumbleF McMurph chose to chase dollars and merch revenue over the ultimate prize any true football fan holds dear. Truth. As a result, we wasted years, knowing deep down inside watching ever game that this was true... as we lost, again, and again, and again, etc. etc.
We, as Packer fans, were incredibly fortunate to have Woody Johnson's greed take that turd off our hands. I don't care anymore. Yes, I will always remember the good years with Jordy, Jennings, Driver... but, wow. I've never seen such self destruction from the highest peaks. It makes me sad that he's gone so far over the edge. We all witnessed everything in real time. I know I'm not the only one. Now look at him, and what he's done... wow.
"TRADE HIGH" is a thing.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 04:24 pm
"And yet, trading AR was the smart play all along." Only in hindsight was it the "smart play." I don't think Jordan Love was ready yet and by giving Rodgers one more season, they got Love ready and then began one of the fastest "rebuilds" imaginable, making the playoffs and winning against the 2nd seed in the new QB's first year starting. I don't see how Gutey did anything awful.
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 05:19 pm
In hindsight trading him to Denver was the smart thing to do, not issuing that hideous contract that we are only now out from under and only thanks to what appears to be a Hadl level miscalculation from the Jets.
T7Steve
October 29, 2024 at 07:45 am
Willis doesn't have to play like Jordan Love. He just has to play better (and will) than Jared G. of the Lions who our front 7 are going to bring back to the Earth which is the NFC North.
Mister Chievous
October 29, 2024 at 09:56 am
I'm waiting for Jordan love to play like Jordan love.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 12:12 pm
Those TD throws in the game against HOU were pretty Jordan Love - like. Lazer to Kraft; TD to Doubs where only he could get it? That's #10 right there.
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 08:33 am
I believe Gute has done a pretty good job, but the way things are turning out, it looks like Hafley would love to have Douglas. Hafley is playing so much zone and off coverage and our CBs other than Jaire just aren’t great at off coverage in terms of athletic profile or performance. Now Gute doesn’t hire coaches, and Hafley wasn’t yet with us, but not going more versatile at corner is still one area I’d criticize.
The OL is another where I felt we desperately needed another IOL early. Had we got one we now might have Morgan with a summer at T and as a swing and have upgraded at C either with the draft pick or Jenkins. Myers is currently rated 55th out of 56 qualifying centers in the run game by PFF and by going with Jacobs we placed more reliance on opening holes. To be fair to Myers he’s 11th in protection but so bad is his run contribution that he’s still only 46th overall. That is in line with prior years and doesn’t seem a rational cohabitation despite Jacobs’ valiant efforts/moving on from Jones.
How much better would Jacobs’ production be with just average blocking in the center of the OL and how much better would our red zone conversion rate be? Of course Gute still couldn’t force the coaches to challenge incumbents, which I still see as a potential problem, but better options would strengthen that argument. Thats not to say that Monk and others won’t be good in future after a year in the weight room, but they don’t demand a starting role yet and Morgan is still a work in progress to fill a need that could/should have been deliberately addressed with a player anticipated to be ready now.
Finally, in going to a 4/3 hindsight looks like we needed to go out and get variation in the rush options. The DL/DEs just aren’t getting results that are needed. That includes Clark, and Gary, but extends to all except Wyatt.
Of course some of this could be Hafley doing things differently at least to his public comments (corner usage) or having excess faith in his D line options or simply not using them effectively schematically, but I think one has to accept that Gute could have preempted some of these issues. It could be a function of imperfect alignment between coaches and scouting visions and understanding.
It is also an assessment that I make while acknowledging he completely resurrected the safety room and may have laid the groundwork for the ILB one to break out too. It’s not as if we didn’t have some significant needs, but we could have gone a different direction with the Oladapo and Hopper this year. I liked both picks for the future at the time, but we may have been better served going IOL or CB now, for example. Those positions did have depth that is contributing now on other teams.
T7Steve
October 29, 2024 at 09:13 am
It wasn't bad enough being worried about the injuries, now you've succeeded in getting me totally depressed. You've been on a roll for the last couple days.
When you take the chance of getting me started on the O-line it's a big step. Rated 11th in pass blocking isn't up to where I think our center should be either. I thought the center they drafted would push him more this spring and I believe he has to be a better run blocker which would help out the right guards.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2024 at 10:50 am
Steve, don't fall for the trap of looking at a tree and not seeing the forest.
What THE FOREST has accomplished is our QB isn't under very much pressure AND there obviously has been good enough blocking for one of the best running games in franchise history.
11th, out of 32, is still better than average. And I challenge you to watch the replays of the entire game and tell me how many times a failure by our center results in a negative play. I have done exactly that, and it's not that common.
Next year,Myers will be getting paid good coin to start for somebody else. We're already paying Jenkins, and we're going to have to clear money if we want to keep Tom, Walker, or Rhyan around. Right now, other than Jenkins, everybody is on a rookie deal and I think that's the way it almost has to be, because it's too expensive to keep more than 1 or 2 guys on their second contract.
I do have a question. If we replaced Myers with a superduper Center, how much would that improve our run game? We're already a Top 5 running team....would it improve us to Top 3? Top 2? And we're already Top 5 in protecting our QB. Again, how much of an improvement are we really going to see?
It's the forest. The Oline is doing an outstanding job and probably will continue until people get hurt. Every year, going back a while, a guy who starts the season as the 7th, 8th, 9th, offensive lineman ends up playing in our last game of the season. Last year, it was Nijman who was on the field instead of Tom, which led to Bosa pressuring Love into the season ending intercept.
Just once, I'd like to go with best guys. All those years of missing Bakhtiari, or Jenkins, or Myers, and then losing a close playoff game has made me want to have really good backup Olinemen.
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 11:09 am
46th overall Isn’t, let alone his last but one run grade. Then again you rolled out the same “look at the results” mantra about Love having the 3 least time in the pocket of all QBs last week.
Everything for you has to be rosy it seems. You argued the same about Dean Lowry for years too. Sometimes one has to see weaknesses and accept them to get better. As talking heads, we can’t improve them, but to talk sense, we still need to see them.
Teams don’t get better with reliably weak links. Lowry showed what his real talent level was very quickly after we finally let him go. Myers is a very strong candidate to do the same.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2024 at 05:49 pm
You need players like Lowry, and you never understood that, and Dean Lowry was not the reason we didn't win a Super Bowl. I know that you're bright enough to understand that there's a thing called the Bell Curve and you will always have people on the low slope of that, but you need them, nonetheless.
When you replace a weak link, another link automatically becomes the weak link. It's a never ending process.
Lowry, by the way, is still in the league and he's getting paid $2.5M. He's made about $34M in his career. I guess that's his real talent level.
It's interesting that you brought up Myers. About half the starting centers are on their rookie deal. That would mean that every year, only about 4 Centers are resigned to a second or third contract. It would also mean that every four years, about 8 teams are either going to resign their own (Humphrey, for example) or they're going to have to find one in FA or they'll have to spend a Day 2 pick on one
Most centers do not sign a second contract. Spotrac ranks him 6th by AAV, and although he's the youngest of the six, I wouldn't see any compelling reason to choose Myers over any of the other ones. I don't think Myers is going to be like Runyan, who got a $30M second deal, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him signed.
T7Steve
October 29, 2024 at 11:29 am
I just don't want to settle, LH, and don't think we should. "Ok " is not just ok.
Who won the Superbowl the last two seasons and is undefeated this season so far?
Andy R. and the Chiefs prioritize and pay their O-line more than any other group.
Without the best O-line in the league, how can you ever be the best? Like you pointed out when we had one of the best, they got hurt at the worst times. For them and the team.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2024 at 05:53 pm
The Chiefs are the standard right now, and they do pay for their Oline and of course, they pay for Mahomes. I kind of wonder how they're making their budget stretch, and where they're conserving.
I do want the best Oline. I just think that most of the guys will have to be on rookie deals.
greengold
October 29, 2024 at 04:00 pm
Eh. The OL isn't doing an outstanding job, LH. Josh Myers posted a 38.1 run blocking grade Sunday via PFF. At the same time, giving credit where credit is due, Myers did post a 78.6 pass blocking grade v. JAX.
Myers posted a 79.6 pass blocking grade v. HOU and a 61.9 run blocking grade the week prior. His numbers pretty much sucked v. ARI (54.4/59.5), and were worst v. LAR (56.3/35.7). He also had low numbers v. TEN and PHI, while showing better run blocking numbers v both IND (80.9) and MIN ((72.7).
Myers is the # 50th ranked C Overall in the NFL per PFF. At G Sean Rhyan ranks #48 Overall, and Elgton Jenkins ranks #53 Overall. At Tackle, Zach Tom ranks #8 Overall, and Rasheed Walker ranks #67 Overall. Our OL could stand some shoring up, big time, especially in run blocking.
Pass Blocking? At G, Jenkins ranks #5 at 81.7, while Rhyan ranks #30 at 69.6. Jordan Morgan has a 64.8 mark. Amongst Centers, Josh Myers hits #11 Overall at 71.4. At T, Tom ranks #15 at 81.8, while Rasheed Walker #26 with a 76.8 grade.
Run Blocking? Elgton Jenkins ranks #82 with a 56.8 grade. Sean Rhyan ranks #72, with a 58.2 grade!
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 04:28 pm
Really, are we really whining about the center again? With something like the 4th best rushing offense in the league? We need to whine about the center? GB drafts for pass blocking, not run blocking.
Why continue to whine about Josh Myers. He's a serviceable center, not a star but he's certainly not holding back the GB offense. Not every player at every position is going to be top 10 in the league. GB has such amazing talent at so many positions and fans want to while about every player that isn't one of the best. Get over it.
Bitternotsour
October 29, 2024 at 07:23 pm
The line is the sum of it's parts. PFF is a bullshit metric and that people don't see effective line play is a testament to their lack of understanding of football. Watch those runs that break and see Myers making plays on the second level. Honestly, who gives a fuck what PFF or some 90 IQ film analyst on this site says about anything. Packers racked up 170 yards on the ground last week and over 400 yards of total offense and 30 points and Myers sucked? Jesus. People need to get over themselves.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2024 at 06:54 pm
Please help. From my earliest days, it was always blocking that made plays work. Receivers didn't make great catches, and RBs didn't make great runs, unless the guys up front are getting people blocked. And yet here we are, with a rocking ground game and one of the least pressured QBs in the league.
How is that not a real good result? And how is that accomplished without people being blocked?
IMO, it's more important to look at the end result of the unit than it is to micro-examine the pieces using what ultimately are subjective rankings.
I remember the 2003/2004 line, and that was pretty good. But as far as results.....dude,we're moving the rock and scoring points. I don't see how that happens without blocking.
LambeauPlain
October 29, 2024 at 09:54 am
Hindsight is perfect vision, CW. And what you point out I agree with. But the Packers did get unexpected IOL help for THIS season with Morgan. Maybe Monk will supplant Myers, but he seems to be Steno's fair haired boy. I still maintain the Packers play their favorite 5, not the best 5 on the OL.
Far from a perfect roster, I would argue the Packers are the best AND youngest roster in the NFL. What team is younger and performing better?
Can they make a solid run to into and through the Playoffs? I think so. So far so good.
But the evidence is Gutey has assembled young talent very quickly once he felt Love ready to play and Rodgers needed to go and needed to shed the cap monster investments that never paid off.
Last year they were 3-5 after 8 games...6-2 now is big jump and instead watching games slip away...they are finding ways to win.
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 10:20 am
Hindsight is wonderfully clarifying. I’m a supporter of Gute, but in the context of making “all the right moves” I thought some perspective was called for. Cory goes to the extreme for a reason.
No GM is perfect, and I suggested that some of what he expected from the coaches when drafting may not have materialized as anticipated too.
I’m not a believer in ignoring the imperfections even if they are outweighed by triumphs. Coach or GM, we improve by being honest not through uncritical adulation. Of course, he’s not reading my screed, but I think it helps to see the warts as well as fans too.
It makes for more interesting discussion than Gute/LaFleur is the root of all evil/ or the reincarnation of Lombardi/Wolfe I think. I appreciate your considered reaction.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2024 at 11:04 am
'''I’m not a believer in ignoring the imperfections even if they are outweighed .....'''
I'd love to hear your analysis of the Mona Lisa. Or babies. I'll tell you this, as a married man of almost 40 years, IF your wife has any imperfection, you'd be well-advised to ignore it.
I don't expect football to be perfect. I'm never disappointed when they do imperfect things.
As far as the reincarnation of Lombardi/Wolfe, I think you could fall short of that and still be very good. MLF has the highest winning % of any active coach. He is 10th on the all-time list, between Shula and Halas. At his current rate, by the end of next season, he'll be about #50 on the all-time win list. Only 44 coaches have won more than 100 games and he's already at 62. By any objective measure, the Gutekunst/ LaFleur era has been good for the Packers.
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 11:16 am
My analysis of the Mona Lisa is, from seeing it up close several times, that she’s slightly creepy and I don’t want it on my wall (bank vault happily).
You are definitely the glass is always full, even when its bottom fell out. Now you are upset because I question a few things Gute has done? I’ve long been in Gute’s camp, but just because I think he’s done a very good job doesn’t mean that he’s perfect or that there aren’t lessons to learn. For me being a fan is about wanting us to get better, not about continually convincing myself that we already are.
Bitternotsour
October 29, 2024 at 07:30 pm
Ron Wolf hired Ray Rhodes. Ron Wolf did not hire Andy Reed when he was ready. Ron Wolf handed the GM job to Mike Sherman. Mike Sherman. Just a few of his greatest hits.
Your assessment of the warts of the team does nothing to improve the team, it simply makes your viewing unpleasant. Nothing you do improves the team. Dark vision, light vision, whatever. You're just happier being miserable. This season, hell, last season is a gift horse. You want to look it in the mouth, I'm happy to celebrate the gift.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2024 at 08:34 pm
I can't imagine what about the Packers would make me think of the bottom coming out......we're putting a fine,competitive product on the field. If we can manage a home win over the Lions this weekend we'll become Super Bowl favorites at midseason. The glass isn't half-full, it's most of the way full. And yes, I'm an optimistic guy. I wasn't always, but it's strange what a capital M Miracle will do to your thinking.
"Mona Lisa is creepy."-- Coldword. I'm going to put that in my memory vault.
I hope that we finish the season with the retiring Mark Murphy hoisting the Lombardi trophy with LaFleur. If that doesn't happen, then at least I'll enjoy the ride until it's over.
ricky
October 29, 2024 at 08:55 am
Gutekunst tried to fix the kicking gap through the draft. How much the drafting of Carlson was influenced by Bisaccia (who had developed his brother) is unknown. But it would make sense that when it came to adding to ST's, he'd ask for input from that unit's coach. Though right now, even that hire, which I thought was a great idea, has turned into a pumpkin. Has he hit every draft pick? No, but he has vastly strengthened the OL, the TE group and LB, not to mention apparently solving the long drought at safety. Perfect? No. But certainly among the better GM's in the league.
Mister Chievous
October 29, 2024 at 10:05 am
Carlson is looking like the golden carriage in San francisco
ricky
October 29, 2024 at 11:25 am
So is it the player, or the coaching?
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 04:30 pm
Carlson has already missed an extra point in SF. Not so golden there.
Mister Chievous
October 29, 2024 at 09:10 am
Jacobs isn't better than Aaron Jones. plus, Jones epitomizes everything you'd want a Packers player to be....a great player and a great man.
p.s. Carlson hasn't missed a kick yet playing for the niner's.
Bitternotsour
October 29, 2024 at 09:39 am
Jacobs is better than Aaron Jones, and the Packers are improved by having him on the field. P.S. - Carlson missed an extra point for the niners.
Mister Chievous
October 29, 2024 at 10:06 am
Jones is averaging more per carry than Jacobs and has twice as many receiving yards.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Yeah, Jonesy has more receptions, but GB doesn't need that from Jacobs. Not with its receiving team and Tucker Kraft. And Jones is 4.8 YPC while Jacobs is 4.2. So Jacobs is getting the job done and with 667 yards and 3 TDs on the season, to 501 yards and 2 TDs for our dear Jonesy who we love and miss.
But they are using Jacobs much more. And in this week's games Jones had 19 carries for 58 yards against the Rams , while Jacobs had 25 carries for 127 yards against the Jags, so I like the way things are trending with Jacobs.
LambeauPlain
October 29, 2024 at 10:19 am
"Jacobs isn't better than Aaron Jones." Really?
Jacobs...Ranked 4th in the NFL with 667 rushing yards...4.6 avg...5 runs over 20 yds...84 yds/game.
Jones...Ranked 14th with 501 yards...4.8 average...2 runs over 20...72 yards/game.
To date, yes he is better. You know, facts and stuff.
I would also argue Jacobs has been a model teammate in his own right. Jones was a great Packer. Was.
Starrbrite
October 29, 2024 at 06:35 pm
Yes!!
GregC
October 29, 2024 at 10:24 am
Not better, but he is more productive. He is also three years younger and is more likely to stay healthy. I've heard nothing but good things about Jacobs as a teammate and a person, so I think we are fine there. Of course it was a bummer to lose the guy who had been such an important part of the team for several years, but I like having a more productive RB as a centerpiece of the offense.
Brockrice99
October 29, 2024 at 11:06 am
Anders missed an XP his first week with the niners, get your facts straight bub.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 12:17 pm
Well Jacobs has more carries, more yards and more TDs than Aaron Jones so far this season, so "better than" is an opinion for sure. But stats show Jacobs is more productive so far this year. Maybe Carlson hasn't missed a kick for SF but McManus hasn't missed one for GB either.
GBZEALOT
October 29, 2024 at 01:58 pm
Maybe Gutey was right about Carlson after all. The problem is/was in coaching. Bisaccia is a blowhard bust. Special teams are not terribly special, Bisaccia is failing and needs replacement NOW.
GregC
October 29, 2024 at 09:15 am
Whoa Corey, it's not certain that Jordan Love won't play against the Lions. My guess is that his chances are less than 50%, but we just don't know.
Willis has been a great backup QB, and getting him for a 7th round pick was a steal. If he plays more, it will be interesting to see if he can develop a more diverse skillset. He still seems to be either throwing the ball to his first option, taking a sack, or running. So far he has been able to put up enough points with this style of play, but it may not be sustainable.
Guam
October 29, 2024 at 09:54 am
MRI showed Love did not sustain a serious injury. LaFleur said Love will be a game day determination.
Mister Chievous
October 29, 2024 at 10:08 am
I'd like to see Willis run a little more. he has been a little hesitant instead of trusting his speed and shiftiness
LambeauPlain
October 29, 2024 at 10:25 am
I don't see Willis becoming an option QB. Matt has not and will not coach him to be focused on running. He will run when the pass targets are covered and his quickness and speed provides escape routes.
But I don't see any changes to how he has been coached to play this season...why change what is working?
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 10:35 am
You may be right, though in his second win it was fairly evident that Willis was going through at least some progressions and fairly quickly. The answer is we won’t know until we test him just how far he can go beyond what he’s been asked to do so far. It’s pretty clear he’s not been used to his limit yet.
Ideally we would not have to, but a healthy Love may not be available and we saw how limited the O was in the first half last weekend. We also saw that had an impact on the running game too.
If Love can’t go at close to full mobility at least in the pocket, then it’s time to use Willis’ feet and to put him to the test. Who knows, we might not win this one with a healthy Love, but we might just win it if Willis is let loose.
It’s not likely, but it’s possible, I remember a game where a former 7th rounder came in with just as low expectations. Flynn put up 480 yards and 6 TDs, against the Lions that day. Still one of my favorite games.
CJBauckham
October 29, 2024 at 11:34 am
If I recall, Rodgers did some play calling that day. Perhaps the game that got him thinking he knew best in that regard!
~~~
pacman
October 29, 2024 at 09:35 am
All the right moves? Hardly. But some good ones.
I don't know how the interaction between GM and HC works but we kept Barry for 3 years while preforming dismally and dumped Jones who was a great player and Packer. And now we have a coach who performed magic with the backup QB, but not as much with our #1. And who's responsible for the kicker mess that might have cost us a SB?
I'm not yet convinced Love will get us to the SB. He's still a bit new so time will tell. But we paid him a crazy amount of $ for 1/2 of a good year. The first half was bad.
I'm not a fan of MLF as he's had a lot to work with but hasn't put it all together yet. He's not a bad coach but calling him a genius seems a bit much.
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 10:07 am
Your first line was perfect!
I see more bad ones than good ones.
Especially with the drafts.
And when I watched Payton Wilson start last night.
Just another head scratcher.
And now comes more talk of sitting Walker.
This isn't MLF fault.
It's poor timing and falling in Love with picks.
Then Gute brings vets to erase past failures.
Mister Chievous
October 29, 2024 at 10:27 am
I agree is was a bit hasty to shower love with a couple hundred million for a good half season. he's missing a lot of throws now and 9 picks in 5 1/2 games is just poor play. I hate when writers call him a gunslinger. that's romanticizing what in reality is a propensity for making stupid throws that cost us games. that's unacceptable, I still feel the sting of favre and his never-ending stupidity and all that it cost the team. with that bazooka arm and big heart we should have a couple more super bowls to show for it during his time. the reality is favre was not a smart guy and never learned from his mistakes. love better learn from his.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 29, 2024 at 12:33 pm
They had to pay Love; either pay him or lose him. And then what? He was 2nd in the league in TDs his FIRST year as a starter, with some poor WR play and poor o-line play to start the year. If you can't see Jordan Love is worth the money, then I don't know what QB you are watching. If you don't pay him, he's not going to stick around in GB; he's going to wait for free agency and someone else will pay him. He's got a rare sill set; arm strength, accuracy, mobility, able to read defenses, and a natural leader. He's everything you want in a franchise QB, so whey in the heck would you not pay him? Just because GB made him sit for 3 years on his rookie deal? He balled out his 4th year, so had to get paid. It's a timing thing.
LambeauPlain
October 29, 2024 at 10:06 am
"Gutekunst opted to not bring back Aaron Jones..."
That is not accurate, Cory. He offered Jones a contract he and his agent refused, to instead play for the Ugly Purple for about a $million more.
Perhaps Jones and his agent were deeply insulted at the offer, but it he seemed giddy getting another $mil from those guys. Jones decided to leave. He did not have to refuse Gutey's offer.
I actually believe Jacobs and Jones could have been a two headed monster...and the arrangement could help extend Jones' career of a 10-15 carry/game workload. Wearing the Purple will take a toll.
Mister Chievous
October 29, 2024 at 10:31 am
gute didn't have to cut jones' salary in half either. if love is worth $55 MIL than Jones is worth at least 8
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 10:44 am
Did he offer Jones? Thats not in his area of authority per Murphy. Resigning and contract negotiations are handled by Russ Ball who is supposedly his coequal, not his subordinate.
If Ball cut off negotiations then Gute would come up with an alternative. Thats what happened with Jared Cook, so at least Gute did better this time.
It’s possible that the balance of power has changed, but the structure remains in place. I am not at all sure if Gute made the call to give Jones a take it or leave it figure or was just told he might need a plan B. Then again I don’t know if plan B was plan A all along or, if Jones had agreed, Gute hoped we’d now have Jacobs and Jones.
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 11:58 am
He pissed down his back and told him it was raining.
Yes- it's from Joey Wales.
Coldworld
October 29, 2024 at 05:39 pm
I assume you mean Josey Wales?
The point you never seem to grasp is it’s not Gute’s call to negotiate contracts. Thats Russ Ball who reports only to Murphy in the published structure and that was the case with Jared Cook. Ball ended discussions. I don’t know if that’s still the case now, which was the thrust of my point.
Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie?
LeotisHarris
October 29, 2024 at 05:47 pm
Not many people saw The Outlaw Joey Wales. Kinda fell flat with William Frawley in the lead role, but I think it did well overseas.
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 06:05 pm
The executive committee is in charge.
But Gute has the final decision on all
negotiating and signings now.
Policy will be taking Murphys job.
Coldworld
October 30, 2024 at 12:14 am
Do you have a source for that? I’d be very happy if that change has been made. I’ve not heard that Ball had been demoted.
Ferrari-Driver
October 29, 2024 at 11:28 am
Cory, I feel you penned one of your finer articles and echoed my sentiments to a tee.
It's a great feeling that after the Packers get in the end zone I actually feel confident that our kicker will put the ball through the uprights for an extra point.
A New Era
October 29, 2024 at 11:29 am
We have stellar backup quarterback in Malik Bratkowski!
Major Snafu
October 29, 2024 at 12:17 pm
Gutt is the dumbest Gm in football IMO. Alexander and Stokes, neither could cover or tackle an old lady with a cane in a cross walk and they were one picks. Gary only shows up when he can play against a rookie linemen who isnt very good. Thats why you see him going missing in games, O linemen handle him easily. Just like the analyst pre draft said. Another one pick for Gutt.
Wyatt barely got to play first year yet he was a freeking one pick. Walker is got awful but they play him because Gutt picked him in the first. Cant make Gutt look bad.
Ditto Musgrave who was picked before Kraft. They said at the time Kraft needed work but Musgrave was the guy. Is he even on the team anymore. Ya he is probably hurt again but we know which of the two is better but only by injury.
No Gutt fd up big time when you consider the talent he could have had on this team that he passed over.
Even Love, he has 9 interceptions and is heading to tie or beat his 17 he had in his senior year.
Ferrari-Driver
October 29, 2024 at 02:08 pm
"Gutt is the dumbest Gm in football IMO. Alexander and Stokes, neither could cover or tackle an old lady with a cane in a cross walk and they were one picks."
imapayne, that is simply untrue...and that is nicest way I can think of the state my opinion.
greengold
October 29, 2024 at 03:16 pm
No.
stockholder
October 29, 2024 at 06:25 pm
Your right.
Every year cheesehead TV publishes a draft guide.
Every year the draft gurus publish their choices.
Every year Gute's done the unexpected.
And if your guess is correct.
It's because he helped the team behind more.
So like Sherman.
Free Agency makes up for insanity.
WD
October 29, 2024 at 12:48 pm
I think we will wait until after the game to give mid term grades. I agree that overall Gute has done a great job.
GBZEALOT
October 29, 2024 at 02:12 pm
Am an Aaron Jones fan big time. Felt the Packers ignored his leadership impact and community presence. Then I tried to find the uniform number of leadership and community bonding.
Jacob’s is 3 years younger, is outperforming Jones and has had a very favorable impact upon the locker room. Injury risk is substantially less than AJ.
Despite his oversized contract would have preferred GB to keep him despite the financial liability. Would also prefer Jimmy Taylor and Paul Hornung.
That said, Jacobs is the clear choice for now and the next 3 years. He’s the AJ Dillon that Dillon wasn’t with a break away move and gear. Like Dillon as a person, but couldn’t find likeability’s uni number either.
CheeseEdWest2
October 29, 2024 at 03:13 pm
Jones is the one who decided to hire a very aggressive agent in Rosenhaus. I can't help but think this got in the way of the kind of amiable conversation Jones would respond to.
greengold
October 29, 2024 at 02:59 pm
I appreciate the moves that he has made, 100% to this point. Was hoping for more bolstering of OL talent after investing so much in Josh Jacobs. Hoping to see a trade of significance that will increase efficiency of both run & pass blocking for GB.
IMO, we as fans are fortunate to have him as our GM. He appears to be a noticeably ascending talent over these last 3 years.
GBZEALOT
October 30, 2024 at 11:50 pm
Think the O~Line is in the house. Just a matter of snaps for 2024 draft picks and some further line shuffling.