How They Changed, Part II: A Look at the Opponents
In part two of this series, we take a look at the Packers' "second quarter" opponents in 2017.
By dnicholson
Part two of this series takes a look at the next four opponents on the Packers' 2017 schedule: Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans and Detroit. A lot can change in a single offseason. For some, continuity is key; for others, a shakeup is in store.
Week 5: Dallas Cowboys
The offseason story for the Cowboys is one of continuity on offense and a sea of change on defense. Dallas lost a pair of corners, Morris Claiborne (Jets) and Brandon Carr (Ravens), as well as safety Barry Church and linemen J.J. Wilcox and Terrell McClain. Those five players combined for 3,306 snaps in 2016.
Offensively they brought back three of their own: receivers Terrance Williams (on a very respectable, team-friendly contract) and Brice Butler (a quality No. 4), and re-signed former first-round pick Jonathan Cooper, who is a good scheme fit and swingman along the interior line.
In an attempt to plug in replacements on defense, they added veteran corner Nolan Carroll from Philly, but he’s not an upgrade over the two players they lost. Nose tackle Stephen Paea took about half the market value to reunite with former coach Rod Marinelli. Paea adds instant value as a run stuffer. To free up needed cap space, the Cowboys restructured deals for Sean Lee, Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick. Those restructures can come back to bite teams if they don’t keep a clean sheet in the next few seasons.
Dallas drafted heavy on defense and there’s a lot to like about first-round pass rusher Taco Charlton and second-round cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, an athletic, instinctive playmaker who figures best fit in the slot. Third-round Jourdan Lewis would have gone earlier if not for a domestic violence charge. This doesn’t buck any trend for the Cowboys, who two offseasons ago welcomed Greg Hardy, a terrible human being. Sixth-round Xavier Woods is an athletic playmaker and could end up being amazing value considering how late he was taken.
Lastly, the Cowboys got another weapon for Dak Prescott by adding Cole Beasley-clone Ryan Switzer, the diminutive slot receiver from North Carolina.
Week 6: Minnesota Vikings
Goodbye Adrian Peterson; hello Latavius Murray and Dalvin Cook. Minnesota’s run game was non-existent in 2016, forcing Sam Bradford to carry the load – and behind a dangerously bad offensive line. Murray is a reliable-if-unspectacular player who runs with some toughness; Cook is a bonafide first-round talent who made it to pick No. 41. One should expect Minnesota’s run game in 2017 to be more productive.
On the offensive line, Matt Kalil signed with Carolina for about $20 million more than he’s worth, while the Vikings brought in former Lion Reilly Reiff and ex-Panther Mike Remmers. Neither are spectacular, but collectively the represent an improvement.
Two other key departures: slot cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, a reliable veteran, and wide receiver/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson. The Patterson departure is a head scratcher, because the Vikings have been so patient with him – and in 2016 he seemed to finally settle in to his niche. He was a solid third option behind Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, and he remained one of the league’s best return men.
Minnesota had an impressive draft outside of Cook, adding an instant upgrade at center (or guard) in Ohio State’s Pat Elflein. Then in the third round they added Hawkeye Jaleel Johnson, a high-motor interior lineman in the mold of a young Mike Daniels. Top on extra interior line depth with Miami’s Danny Isidora and a reliable inside backer (who reminds me of Jake Ryan), Ben Gedeon. Wide receiver Rodney Adams adds return ability and speed. Tight end Bucky Hodges is crazy athletic for someone 6-foot-6 and could become a favorite of Bradford’s.
Week 7: New Orleans Saints
The Saints have a three-headed monster at running back (Adrian Peterson, Mark Ingram and draft pick Alvin Kamara), turned the Brandin Cooks trade to New England into a starting-caliber tackle in Ryan Ramczyk, and added instant value at a major need by drafting Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore.
They did little to address their pass rush. Cameron Jordan would benefit from a complement on the opposite side of the line. Nick Fairley and Sheldon Rankins have ability inside. New Orleans did sign Alex Okafor and draft Trey Hendrickson, so the production opposite Jordan figures to come in the aggregate.
Second-round pick Marcus Williams is athletic, instinctive and rangy – he could win the starting spot at free safety. Third-round linebacker Alex Anzalone is incredibly talented but could not stay on the field in four years at Florida, during which he played in just 18 games.
Week 9: Detroit Lions
If Detroit gets out of its own way, it’s not out of line to imagine the team back in the playoffs. To help Matt Stafford, the Lions replaced the departures of Larry Warford and Reilly Reiff with T.J. Lang and Ricky Wagner. The latter represent an upgrade, and Lang in particular will be a welcome addition because of his pass-blocking prowess.
In free agency, Detroit also added cornerback D.J. Hayden, linebacker Paul Worrilow and defensive tackles Jordan Hill and Akeem Spence. Linebacker and cornerback were definite weaknesses a year ago. First-round Jarrad Davis flew up the draft boards. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a sideline-to-sideline presence to replace oft-injured DeAndre Levy, who remains unsigned.
Davis’ Gators teammate Teez Tabor, on the other hand, saw his draft stock plummet after poor combine and pro day 40 times. If he’s just fast enough to play in the NFL he represents good value where they got him. Jalen Reeves-Maybin was a late-round selection who brings excellent coverage skills for a linebacker and slid because of durability issues.
Detroit also added wide receiver project Kenny Golladay, who has a 6-4, 220-pound frame to go with 4.5 speed. Golladay helps fill the void of losing Anquan Boldin.
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Comments (9)
TKWorldWide
May 29, 2017 at 06:16 pm
I got some Pledge and tried to clean up around the house, but it didn't work, so I guess....dust stayin'!!
worztik
May 30, 2017 at 07:01 pm
There was a time when Big Bad Bullies did it to a person's face! Nowadays, weasels do it on social sites... and TK you are a WEASEL!!!! Just jump on your Harley and take your comedy show on the road , which may lead you to Karmaville... its right next to whoop ass, BOY!!! And don't quit your day job... your as funny as an ingrown toenail!!! And yes... I'm just sayin' that you are an ass!!!
TKWorldWide
June 04, 2017 at 01:51 pm
In light of recent events, I must admit this was a particularly ferocious case of cyber bullying.
dobber
June 04, 2017 at 09:01 pm
Let's be honest: he was recently calling people "snowflakes" and other much less savory things while going after their masculinity. His "signoff" here, which he posted in more than one place, is not particularly dignified...not really making any effort to rise above anything. More than a little irony in it...
TKWorldWide
June 05, 2017 at 06:21 am
Agreed. You know I yank people's chains on here. (Pretty good naturedly, I'd say as well. )
This started by me making a Seinfeldesque joke about the uselessness of the phrase "just sayin'" and then I made some silly rhymes. The big W responded with all kinds of name calling, profanity, and wished bodily harm.
To quote the movie Tombstone: "He was just too high strung."
worztik
May 30, 2017 at 10:01 am
Whatcha sayin'? Just askin'...
MarkinMadison
May 30, 2017 at 12:14 pm
The Cowboys' defense is why I think they will take a step back this year.
Daren726
May 31, 2017 at 06:25 am
The saints will be tough on offense. They had our number in NOLA a few years ago. Our only chance might be to out score them, but it would be nice if our pass defense could show up.
dobber
May 31, 2017 at 08:37 am
That offense is a completely different unit on the road than at the Superdome, and even more impacted on grass. There's little about that defense that's scary, either. You're right: it might be a shootout, but I'm not too worried about NO at Lambeau.