Cory's Corner: It Could Be A Lot Worse
Be happy with what you have in Jordan Love, because things could be a heck of a lot worse.
It’s fair to say that the Vikings guessed wrong at quarterback.
Just a year ago, Sam Darnold threw for 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns and a passer rating of 102.5 to lift the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season record. All the purple happiness was replaced by purple sadness when the Rams blew out Minnesota 27-9 in the NFC Wild Card.
The Vikings let Darnold go to Seattle and he’s got a 105 passer rating as he has led the Seahawks to a 7-3 record in a very tough NFC West.
In Darnold’s place was J.J. McCarthy. He was who the Vikings took 10th overall in 2024. He came to Minnesota with a lot of promise after learning at the knee of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.
However, after five NFL starts, McCarthy still doesn’t look sure of himself. He is shaky in the pocket and his accuracy is atrocious.
Transitioning to the Packers, I have heard so many people complain about Jordan Love and what kind of a quarterback he is. Granted, I thought he was the guy after the Steelers game, but clearly that isn’t the case. His footwork remains iffy and he still throws 50/50 balls when he doesn’t have to.
But the Packers are in a much better spot than the Vikings right now. Love has shown that he can be very good to great while McCarthy is still trying to keep his head above average. McCarthy’s best game as a pro was last week when he went 13-for-20 for 143 yards, two touchdowns, a pick and a passer rating of 98.5.
If the Vikings beat the Packers on Sunday, it will be in spite of McCarthy, not because of him. And Love has proven that the Packers can win because of him, which will be the case this week with Josh Jacobs likely sidelined.
The entire NFC North is separated by only three games with the Packers playing division games the rest of the way.
“Everybody’s kind of got similar records and we’ll be playing everybody here at the back half, so definitely some games we’re going to have to go out there and win,” Love said. “But the NFC North is wide open.”
He’s right, the division is wide open. And in 2023, Love went on an epic run from Week 11-17, where he threw 18 touchdowns and only one pick. There’s no reason to think that can’t happen again, but without star tight end Tucker Kraft and a banged up offensive line, it’s going to be a tall order.
So the next time you want to wish that Love wasn’t in Green Bay or if you don’t think he’s the guy, just know that things could be a lot worse. You could be wearing purple, listening to a silly horn and watching a quarterback airmail his receivers.
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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 (82)
Coldworld
November 22, 2025 at 06:46 am
As you say, McCarthy has 5 starts. That’s a little early to form a final assessment. The reason for the focus on him is less his struggles, but how others have done who left while he stayed. At the time of writing, Darnold for one may be at his peak of repute as well. I was not a fan of McCarthy going into the draft, but he’s done more thus far than Caleb Williams had after twice as many games.
Yes it could be worse, but it could be better too. The current Packers are masters of above average consistency marred by repeated similar failings year on year. If that’s enough, then it indeed could be worse. Of course that could just as well be described as respectable futility. Good effort Lads! Well do better next year!
egbertsouse
November 22, 2025 at 07:42 am
McCarthy has a good coach. Williams had Eberflus, a dumpster fire of a coach. This year under a competent coach Williams looks a lot better.
KenEllis
November 22, 2025 at 09:39 am
So if the Packers have done it so right at QB and the Vikes have done it so wrong, time to break the 2-game losing streak and for MLF to improve on his 2-4 record against Minny since Love became the QB and KOC became Minny’s coach, right?
NickPerry
November 22, 2025 at 01:51 pm
Sounds about right to me Ken.
Packerpasty
November 22, 2025 at 03:02 pm
lets just not make JJ McCarthy into a star tomorrow, please not one of those "best game as a pro" events...seen that a few too many times....Love is a "good" QB and could be better with better coaching and game plans....like the talking heads at ESPN say, "when is MLF going to take the training wheels off of Love"....I think he's afraid too...
Starrbrite
November 22, 2025 at 11:29 pm
Yes—we always seem to play the unlikely candidates who play like HOFers.
dblbogey
November 22, 2025 at 09:27 pm
I ran across the full game on you tube - the 1977 snowstorm in Green Bay vs. Minnesota. Dickey was out hurt, David Whitehurst played his usual fine game, 35% completion, 2 picks. 6 total points. Packers finished 4-10. See, it really could be worse.
Boneman
November 22, 2025 at 07:01 am
Way too early to call McCarthy a bust. I feel he would have been far better off sitting another year. It's shocking how immature this guy is. Lost season for the Vikings even though they spent money in FA like drunken sailors on leave. I expect Love to have a pretty good game and for the Pack to cruise to victory, albeit closer than necessary.
murf7777
November 22, 2025 at 09:17 am
I agree, starting five games doesn’t make anyone a bust, whether they sat out a year or not. I think fans often lack patience, and the media pushes narratives just to have something to discuss. It’s the same with wins and losses—perspectives can shift dramatically after just one or two outcomes.
dobber
November 22, 2025 at 09:32 am
Five meh games doesn't make someone a bust, but in today's NFL talent evaluation can be a pretty fickle thing. Tennessee didn't give Malik Willis much more leash than that, and we can come up with several other QBs selected higher than Willis who didn't get much more run, either. In the case of some of these QBs, changes in coaching staff and the GM can lead to those guys falling out of favor pretty fast--as you said, perception is really important.
That said, McCarthy has been statistically bad, but has played well enough to allow the Vikes to beat Detroit, come back to beat the Bears, and ALMOST finish a comeback to beat the Bears again. He was just plain bad against the Ravens and Falcons. Just about every starting NFL QB has enough in the tank to play credibly if an opponent lets him. The Packers just can't let him.
Coldworld
November 22, 2025 at 04:28 pm
Malik Willis as a rookie was visibly woefully unready. One could say the same about that franchise. Willis needed time and preparation he never had. He’s a good example of a guy who shouldn’t have been starting but who did have the caliber to win NFL games in him. One could argue that the decision to bench him was the best outcome for him in the long term. The mistake was not having an open mind to register his improvement.
I remember an old Tedford QB who was a huge project as a rookie. He too visibly needed time and a lot of work but proved more than capable and worthy of the investment as well. In his case, we never saw him start as a roookie, fortunately.
dobber
November 23, 2025 at 07:56 am
Very true, but we come back to what the CBA has done to contact time and player development--especially QBs. MM's famed "QB Camp," which helped rebuild ARod, disappeared. Admittedly college QBs are leaving school far more advanced now than they were even 15 years ago--many are using the transfer portal and are seeing multiple systems, staying in school longer, and getting more coaching.
mrtundra
November 22, 2025 at 07:36 am
I don't care how bad/good McCarthy is. We still have to beat him. Concentrate on beating the vikings and putting some distance between them and us, in the North standings.
Packerpasty
November 22, 2025 at 03:03 pm
exactly...
stockholder
November 22, 2025 at 07:46 am
Your way off Cory.
Gute is not a genius for taking Love.
The wait since Rodgers, is pathetic.
The number one issue; is time of possession.
Something Love doesn't seem to comprehend.
We're far from the high powered offenses
of Favre and Rodgers.
And as long as Love doesn't show that killer
instinct.
No one should be happy with the results.
Emotion Cory ! -
Robots are for the assembly line.
LambeauPlain
November 22, 2025 at 08:58 am
Hoping for failure,
Love disappoints you most games.
Schadenfreude eludes.
Bitternotsour
November 22, 2025 at 10:16 am
You sir, get an A. You are clearly paying attention in class.
barutanseijin
November 22, 2025 at 12:15 pm
For the full stockholder effect you need to use periods sort of like commas and throw in random other bits of punctuation.
He means. Possibly, for it: to be read. Kind of like William Shatner delivering. Cap’n Kirk lines;
stockholder
November 22, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Captain Kirk is playing for Atlanta.
Bitternotsour
November 22, 2025 at 05:20 pm
It may not be immediately apparent but that reply was in Haiku.
I have long maintained that Stockholder is a deconstructivist poet
joejetson
November 23, 2025 at 10:33 am
He's dead, Jim.
Packerpasty
November 22, 2025 at 03:05 pm
well the contrast from Favre, Rodgers and Love is easy to see, the first two showed lots of emotion both good and when things were going bad, Love, not so much...is he calm natured or just doesn't get into football that much??
Coldworld
November 22, 2025 at 04:35 pm
Not everyone is outwardly demonstrative. In fact some of the most determined and daunting leaders I have known are not overtly demonstrative or vocal, particularly in public. I don’t know Love, so I can’t say if he’s that, but the word blowhard exists for a reason.
TKWorldWide
November 23, 2025 at 06:03 am
I will say that.
You can’t hurry Love.
You’ll just have to wait.
Packers'Dynasties6of16-5of7-next....
November 22, 2025 at 03:19 pm
"Robot" - sad to say but that is the perfect description of Jordan.
Jordan is way over his head - would have been a 4th round or 5th round draft pick without "Gute" having selected him.
Watched his college games - find the Wake Forest or LSU or Wyoming games - you can watch them on Youtube - LSU is the full game.
Jordan plays now just as he did in college - Jordan has not progressed - Jordan does not scan the field. Jordan's going to go with the play he has in his mind regardless of any change in the defense.
And throw a little pressure at Jordan and the brain turns off - Jordan will JUST THROW THE BALL UP FOR GRABS - same as in college - he will throw off the back foot with defenders arms in his face. He will even throw while falling to the ground.
The outcome more often than not is not good.
That's why Lafleur has scaled Jordan back - there is no mystery.
Gutekunst screwed the Packers since at least 2017, no doubt he was at the center of the draft and free agent signings and cuts of Packer veterans even before he received the GM spot in January 2018.
Coldworld
November 22, 2025 at 04:38 pm
A landslide of doubt over Gute’s pre GM role in the defacto Ball era. Sounds like you are saying Love is Favre with out the now questionable off field habits. Favre was pretty damn good and exciting to watch. I’m not sure he’d be so much in this offense, at least if he kept to it as called.
BabeParilli
November 22, 2025 at 05:46 pm
Been watching the Packers since before most people were born.
If I wanted the "excitement" that the POST 1998/post Holmgren Favre brought and that Love brings every week with his BONEHEADED decisions/choices I will go to the CIRCUS where I have no emotional stake in the outcome.
I want Super Bowl wins.
Favre playing under control -the 1994, 1995, and 1996 Favre was the only Favre that was capable of winning a Super Bowl. Jordan will never be capable of that,
Jordan does not have the tenacity or pain threshold or courage that Favre and Rodgers showed nor the FOCUS/CONCNTRATION that Rodgers showed for his entire career and Favre showed for that brief 1994 through 1996 period and for the 2007 Packer year and 2009 Viking year until he lost it again vs. the Giants and Saints.
If Gutekunst did not fuck up the Packers, the Packers would have been at the brink of or in the Super Bowl since at least 2017. The stupidest move was the drafting of all of college football's leading thrower of interceptions and then trading Rodgers.
mjbrogno
November 22, 2025 at 08:19 am
In defense of McCarthy our QB got to sit and learn for three years, he has not , I’m shedding any tears for him. Love is still learning but, has what it takes for the Pack to bring the Lombardi trophy home
Packerpasty
November 22, 2025 at 03:07 pm
still learning??? And how many years has he been on the team under the same coach??? Come on man...he is what he always will be...its not terrible, its not top tier either...he's good enough that they should be winning more winnable games and that on his head coach....
Coldworld
November 22, 2025 at 04:41 pm
Under the same coach and within this offense may be a good part of the problem
bjkdad44
November 22, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Not shedding any tears??
Leatherhead
November 22, 2025 at 08:32 am
Only Coldworld would consider perennial playoff appearances and division titles as "failings"
murf7777
November 22, 2025 at 09:00 am
I think he's one of many who believe it’s Super Bowl or bust, but I’m not one of them. I’ve been a fan since the ’70s and ’80s, so I know what it’s like to start the year with hope, only to realize halfway through that the playoffs are out of reach and end up looking forward to a better draft pick next year—then the cycle of hope starts all over again.
In the past few decades, though, the feeling at the start of the year has been that we’re a top-10 contender, destined for the playoffs with hopes of making it to the Super Bowl. Win or lose, I’ve found these years far more enjoyable than the earlier decades.
For me, it’s about enjoying the ride. Making the playoffs has given me countless memories with family and friends, and that’s what matters—not bragging about how many Super Bowls my team has won. That said, fan how you want to fan, were all different and it's what makes the world go around and more interesting.
Still, I yearn for another title, and a little ribbing wouldn't hurt:)
dobber
November 22, 2025 at 09:17 am
Hear hear, Murf!
We wouldn't be posting here and reading all the content day after week after year if we didn't want this team to win titles. We all engage at different levels. Some buy into the "SB or bust" mindset--and that's fine for them--but at the end of the day, professional sport is an entertainment industry.
My wife was a big fan of "The Year I Became Pretty" (or something like that) and apparently when the storyline turned so that they put the wrong two characters together (according to fans) there were death threats...to the actors. Over the storyline of a fictional narrative. Entertainment folks. Are you laughing at that and shaking your heads?...find the connection...
barutanseijin
November 22, 2025 at 03:24 pm
Mostly agree but some are here for a chance to say “told you so.”
dobber
November 23, 2025 at 08:00 am
Everyone has their own "told you so". After a win, ugly or pretty, there are those who are very active posters and some that fade out. Then we get to the end of the week and most settle back in. The active groups tend to reverse after a loss.
KenEllis
November 22, 2025 at 09:15 am
Some fans remember when Green Bay was considered Title Town and wish it still was, other fans look at going on 15 years without a single Super Bowl appearance and still consider the Packers to be a “success” over that period of time.
I am in the former camp, but do not begrudge the fans who view things differently.
LambeauPlain
November 22, 2025 at 10:58 am
"...but do not begrudge the fans who view things differently."
How very big of you!
I have been a Packer fan since a kid watching Vince's men win most games. Lambeau set the standard for winning most games. As the only publicly owned team in the NFL's smallest city, the 538,967 stockholders insist the winning standard is followed.
The Packers have been a winning team for the most part (.572 all time), and have one of the best balance sheets in the NFL. Investments in the team are nonstop.
Is Green Bay Titletown? You bet. Many Championship Titles, Conference Titles, Division Titles. That's why most people call Green Bay... "Titletown."
And if some disagree, we simply do not care.
KenEllis
November 22, 2025 at 11:36 am
Got it.
I have been a Packer fan for over 50 years and simply do not care about the team having "one of the best balance sheets in the NFL" ... unless it leads to success on the field.
If you want to celebrate Mark Murphy sliding down an artificial snow hill and get "enjoyment" watching other NFL teams play for the Lombardi Trophy the past 14 years and counting, have at it.
LIS, some fans want the Packers to compete for Titles and some fans are content with winning the NFC North (most recently 4 seasons ago).
dobber
November 23, 2025 at 08:01 am
That's OK. He posted the "not begrudging" thing, then shit on those who settle for less than SBs in the next thread. Whatever.
Coldworld
November 22, 2025 at 09:47 am
Ha ha. You are just happy treading water basking in the heat of “perennial” early playoff exits and divisional championships.
By the way, you may not have noticed, but we haven’t won the North for the last half of LaFleur’s tenure.
2024: Detroit Lions (15-2)
2023: Detroit Lions (12–5)
2022: Minnesota Vikings (13–4)
2021: Green Bay Packers (13–4)
That’s hardly perennial is it. Not since Rodgers,. Not since the Lions returned to relevance. In fact, the only Divisional team that hasn’t won since we last did is Chicago. They are currently above us in the standings. They’ve scored more points than us also. Or perhaps it’s more apt to say we’ve scored less than them (and the Lions) as it happens. Last year we lost 5 of 6 games against divisional foes and won the only one on a fluke having been outcoached in all 6.
Only you could find enough warmth to bask in so little success so cheerfully. If anything we are at best treading water and probably going backwards. If that is the height of your ambition then I guess just focus on the fact that the Packers are now financially sound to an incredible extent and you will be happy every season.
dobber
November 22, 2025 at 10:06 am
" Not since the Lions returned to relevance."
A "return" would imply they've been relevant in the Super Bowl era....
Sorry. Just had to get my dig in.
Packerpasty
November 22, 2025 at 03:09 pm
I'm not happy with treading water....time for MLF and Love to advance in the playoffs and win more winnable games during the season....
Packers'Dynasties6of16-5of7-next....
November 22, 2025 at 03:54 pm
Yep not since Rodgers.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2025 at 08:33 am
So now the goalposts have moved to 'the last half of LaFleur's tenure", meaning the last three years.
The Big Picture doesn't seem to hold much appeal to you. The Packers, under LaFleur, have been one of the most successful teams in the league.
dobber
November 22, 2025 at 10:08 am
Way to go.
Now you've got people getting their "bigger Johnsons tape measure" out to see who the better fan is.
Put 'em away and zip your flies, folks!
TarynsEyes
November 22, 2025 at 12:09 pm
Please, most men today carry tampons, not tape measures.
PearlyBakerBest
November 23, 2025 at 10:34 am
Looks like you could use one
TarynsEyes
November 22, 2025 at 10:39 am
I'm going out on a limb here, but, it sounds like you were always asked to be a chaperone at the school dance, standing there thinking you succeeded by doing the same every year. Rarely getting to dance, but making sure the path for the others is cleared.
Perhaps you were a doorman, happy to hold open the door for others to go through and feeling successful.
The Packers have been lucky to finagle an invitation to the playoffs, especially since Rodgers left, but nobody there seems to worry about them, especially since the dynamic dual of MLF/Love connection.
Time is going by faster than you think, and the chances for the Packers is growing doubtful with every passing season. This cheese simply isn't aging good enough to bide time.
PearlyBakerBest
November 23, 2025 at 10:35 am
Time is only running out for you. Too bad it’s taking forever
PackerBackerAZ
November 22, 2025 at 03:09 pm
He's certainly not alone. If, after six years, a coach doesn't get his team to the Super Bowl, it's total failure. People believing that getting to the playoffs without going to the Super Bowl over and over is a good thing are settling for second best.
When was the last NFC North Division title the Packers held? When was the last NFC Championship game the Packers were in?
I will hold the Packers to the highest standard of winning a Super Bowl. I could care less that other NFL teams have had less winning than the Packers. The Super Bowl is the only acceptable finish for a team in year six of a head coaches tenure. Playoffs, without a Super Bowl in six years, is cause for firing.
LambeauPlain
November 22, 2025 at 08:42 am
For over 3 decades, the Packers have diligently prepared and developed the best NFL QBs to start for the first time and play successful, winning football for years and years.
Only 3 successful, starting QBs over 3 decades. One in the HOF. The Second a lock for the HOF. The Third looking like he can become a lock for the HOF.
What other NFL team has followed this successful path? It is quite remarkable.
KenEllis
November 22, 2025 at 09:23 am
Philly has had at least 3 different starting QBs over the past 9 years.
Philly has been to 3 Super Bowls and won 2 of them during the last 9 years — the same as the Packers over the past 32 years since Favre became the QB.
Green Bay has been to 1 Super Bowl this century and to just 1 SB the last 27 years.
The amount of praise the organization gets while failing to compete for Lombardi trophies year after year is quite remarkable.
But yes if it makes Packer fans feel better the team has been more successful than the Bears, Lions, and Vikings over the past 3 decades.
murf7777
November 22, 2025 at 09:34 am
Ken, you’ve compared us to one of the best teams of the past decade. Now, take our NE and KC and stack us up against the other 27 or so teams for a more balanced comparison.
KenEllis
November 22, 2025 at 09:56 am
Philly, NYG, Carolina, TB, Seattle, LA Rams, SF, NE, Pitt, Balt, Indy, KC, Denver have all been to more SBs than GB this century.
Chi, AZ, Atlanta, New Orleans, Cincy, LV have been to just as many - 1.
NE, Balt., Pitt, Denver, KC, Philly, TB, Rams, & NYG have all won 2 or more SBs over the past 27 seasons compared to GB’s 1 and New Orleans, Seattle, and Indy have as many SB wins as GB.
Packers are hardly the dregs of the NFL, but when it comes to competing for championships there has been nothing remarkable about the Packers for a long time.
murf7777
November 22, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Conveniently used 27 years to make your comp. How about using 30 years and where does Green Bay stand. If you don't remember it is 3 with 2 wins. Now, redo your list.
dobber
November 23, 2025 at 08:07 am
Turns out that the W/L numbers for the Packers are way superior to the Eagles, who are barely a .500 team since 1992. Same number of SB appearances, about the same number of NFCCG appearances, same number of SB wins.
LambeauPlain
November 22, 2025 at 11:10 am
Comprehend much? Where in my comment did I mention the Super Bowl?
I was referring to the Packers successful approach to preparing NFL QBs when so many teams rush them to the field and see them fail.
Since you brought it up: With those 3 well prepared QBs, they rarely had a top Defense. The 3 times those QBs led the team to a SB, they had a top Defense. Wolf's top two needs: A great QB. Then surround him with a top Defense.
KenEllis
November 22, 2025 at 11:44 am
My apologies, when you wrote "What other NFL team has followed this successful path? It is quite remarkable", I thought you were contending that the Packers were a "success" and I illogically equated that to mean getting to and winning Super Bowls.
I was unaware that what you really meant by the Packers being remarkably "successful" ... had nothing to do with Ws and Ls.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2025 at 08:41 am
You think that Good is the enemy of Perfect. It's not. It's better than the Lions, Vikings, Bears, Cowboys, Commanders, Cardinals......How many teams in the NFC have won more than one Super Bowl this century? Eagles, Giants, Bucs.....that's it. They've each won twice, as opposed to our once.
How do you say "Entitled" without actually saying it?
PackerBackerAZ
November 22, 2025 at 03:13 pm
Favre shouldn't be in the HoF. His unbreakable interception record, coupled with his many big game failures, should have prevented him getting in. The only reason the Packers went to two Super Bowls with Favre was Holmgren and the Packer D.
barutanseijin
November 22, 2025 at 03:17 pm
Big game failures? Hello Aaron Rodgers & Fran Tarkenton
PackerBackerAZ
November 22, 2025 at 06:08 pm
Favre would end too many games with one of his multitude of interceptions. I think Rodgers has many problems, from earn my trust to I'm immunized, but he would get the lead in many games only to have the defense give up the winning score.
SinceLombardi
November 23, 2025 at 06:30 am
Sonny Jorgensen and Joe Namath both have losing playoff records. Jim Kelly was 0-4 in the biggest game. And Payton Manning had a 14-13 playoff record.
Favre made the Packers competitive and it took a few years for the defense to catch up.
dobber
November 23, 2025 at 07:49 am
Most people don't seem to get that the majority of QBs--and coaches--who make the playoffs end up with losing playoff records.
pantz_bURp
November 22, 2025 at 09:26 am
Ultimately, I have always appreciated everyone's passion and the time they invest in posting and/or reading opinions on CHTV and other forums.
Remember (and I am looking at myself when I say this...I like looking at myself in the mirror for long periods of time), that this is still entertainment. My hope is that it enriches your life and doesn't soul-suck it.
Also, I never liked trying to prop oneself up by belittling or degrading another...just to make your existence more secure.
Pad level and heart and talent and THE WANT TO is where it's at and has always been.
Sloppy kisses and super sweaty hugs,
Pantz
*if you aren't the person you want to be yet, don't give up. Keep on trying. Maybe find a role model to emulate. I give you permission to use me. Walk a yard in my cleatz.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
November 22, 2025 at 03:41 pm
Pantz, you inspire me. I will work on pad level the rest of my days.
pantz_bURp
November 23, 2025 at 08:37 am
Especially when sneaking up in them there trout. :)
NFLfan
November 22, 2025 at 10:11 am
If we continue with the status quo-same GM, Head Coach and excuse their recurrent foibles, we should land on the 'slightly above average' rung on the ladder. This is where Green Bay currently resides, no matter how it is sold.
I don't need a SB but I do need an honest appraisal of recurrent mistakes and a heart-felt correction of those mistakes.
KenEllis
November 22, 2025 at 10:21 am
Agree with everything.
And while I agree "I don't need a SB" there are only 16 teams in the NFC so expecting the Packer to at least play in 1 SB every 16 years is hardly an unreasonable ask.
2026 will be 16 seasons since the last SB appearance.
NFLfan
November 22, 2025 at 11:31 am
It just won't happen. @ least for the next 4-5 years. Ed Policy is a Murphy protege and very immersed in Titletown. (I have listened to several telling interviews-I recommend you listen to as many as you can find).The Packer team's needs and interests have not to date (under Murphy) and likely will not be foremost and are being folded into the 'greater Titletown' endeavor. I don't think any of the 'players' are looking for a new, strong GM who may challenge the current status quo by insisting on greater autonomy and more resources and team focus.Unless Policy makes a bold move and extricates himself, I don't think he will change up very much. Gutekunst seems to have a very strong lobby which shows itself by a lack of GB media in-depth reporting and heavy push-back by his 'supporters' on this site and others. Though Murphy is 'retired' I doubt he is retired from Titletown and gives Gute just enough to keep him loyal. My guess is Gutekunst will remain and MLF may be sacrificed. Ed Policy was chosen by Murphy as were MLF and Gutekunst. The primary trait he was looking for was compliance. He could suss it out in one meeting, which he did with MLF and Policy. He already had Gutekunst's number.
Brewcity_BearsFan
November 22, 2025 at 10:31 am
5 games is a terrible metric to measure a a QB.
Right now there are multiple guys at QB who previous teams gave up on.
Baker Mayfield (Cast aside by both Cleveland and Carolina)
Mac Jones (Cast aside by New England)
Daniel Jones (Giants and Minnesota)
Sam Darnold (Jets, Panthers, 49ers, and Vikings)
There are two highly regarded franchises in there, and several who are perpetual top 10 pickers.
Coaching and stability matter. Being a Bears fan, I know damn well how instability can ruin QBs.
O'Connell has shown himself to be a good QB coach. Vikings need to give him the rest of this season, and maybe all of next before they can judge him. However, their skill position players scream win now, so McCarthy will likely be replaced before next season.
dobber
November 22, 2025 at 10:54 am
Admittedly, Jones came into MN after they'd selected McCarthy, and with Darnold in place Jones probably never comes to MN. You're right though: coaching staffs and GMs often have "their guy" and when there's turnover--and that's often connected to poor QB play--those QBs often fall out of favor pretty fast when a new regime moves in.
I like to poke at 'McPonder' just because it pisses off Vikings fans...when he was drafted there was a lot in him that reminded me of Ponder. It's true that the sample size is just too small to say what he'll eventually become, but in an era where INTs have decreased and owners/GMs are under pressure to turn out wins most coaches have a short leash with QBs who throw a lot of picks.
LambeauPlain
November 22, 2025 at 11:29 am
All 4 QBs you mentioned were drafted in the first round and rushed into starting roles as rookies. All 4 flopped post inauguration and for years after. Will any become HOF candidates? Could they have been?
Brewcity_BearsFan
November 22, 2025 at 12:02 pm
Of the ones I listed, Mayfield may end up with the best possibility, but he isn't yet.
dobber
November 22, 2025 at 10:57 am
Clearly we need to get to game day--win or lose.
LambeauPlain
November 22, 2025 at 11:17 am
I well get there tomorrow, sitting in the Lambeau Shrine.
Every week, two teams must win, the Packers and whoever is playing the Ugly Purple...and at least twice a season it is the same team.
Love. Great Defense.
GPG!
NFLfan
November 22, 2025 at 11:37 am
I bet they give you a special place for all the work you do.
barutanseijin
November 22, 2025 at 03:43 pm
What do you get from your incessant whinging? The troll’s satisfaction of annoying people? That smug sense of superiority you get when you’re able to say “told you so “?
dobber
November 23, 2025 at 08:08 am
Shhh...maybe she'll regale us with more tales of the wonderful Rams.
bjkdad44
November 22, 2025 at 09:59 pm
The Packers are playing a subpar Vikings team… with a subpar qb… therefore… they will play DOWN… and JJ will have a career night!!! MMW!
TKWorldWide
November 23, 2025 at 06:12 am
I thought McCarthy was overrated coming out of Michigan, but I also realize my pool of knowledge is about 1 cm deep.
The league is littered with QB’s who took much longer than 1 or 2 (partial, whatever) seasons to figure it out. The NFL is hard.
I think we all object to being told by anyone how to fan.
I mentioned this previously, but it bears repeating: it is the job of every NFL fan to be unhappy (or unsatisfied.)
But I think we all agree on GPG!