What The Alex McGough Signing Says About The Packers Offense
New Packers quarterback Alex McGough has some exciting highlights, but the really interesting part of the signing is what it says about the Packers offense.
By BruceIrons
The Packers officially announced the signing of quarterback Alex McGough on Wednesday.
McGough bounced around the NFL for 4 years, from the Seahawks, to the Jaguars, to the Texans, then back to the Seahawks. Most of his time in the NFL was spent on practice squads, but he found his rhythm in the USFL.
In his first year with the Birmingham Stallions, he was a part time starter who came into the championship game and led the team to a title. In his second season, he led the league in completion percentage, touchdown passes, and quarterback rating in the regular season (winning league MVP honors along the way), then threw 8 touchdowns and 0 interceptions over 2 playoff games to lead the team to another title.
Is it possible that, after bouncing around the NFL, he finally hit stride and in the USFL and is ready to take the NFL by storm?
Maybe, but it’s not likely.
What is more interesting about this move isn’t the miniscule hope that he will become a superstar, it’s what it says about the Packers offense.
When watching McGough's highglights, the biggest thing that jumps out is that he has a lot of mobility and good torque power when throwing on the run.
His Combine speed of 4.62 was solid, but it's his mobility, more than his running, that defines his game. He runs designed rollouts and excels in the scramble drill because he squares his shoulders on off-platform throws (in some ways looking like a Brett Favre wannabe) without sacrificing accuracy.
You know who else that sounds like?
Jordan Love.
Mobile throwing was a key element of Jordan Love’s success in college.
He only timed 4.74 in the 40 yard dash at the Combine (which really isn’t anything special), so he doesn’t blow past guys with raw speed.
However, Love impressed scouts with his ability to flick deep balls while running, and using his athleticism to buy time. Much like Alex McGough.
But that's not all.
The Packers also drafted Sean Clifford this year. His scouting report listed "talent to throw on the move" as a top strength. And Danny Etling, a first year quarterback held over from last season, has stuck around in large part due to his ability as a mobile passer, despite lacking elite speed or field vision.
It’s no coincidence that every quarterback on the Packers is a mobile passer, despite none of them having the ability to blow past defenders.
This is an indication of the kind of offense they are going to run.
It won't be an offense where the quarterback needs to take off and run more than 10 times a game (that formula can earn you the worst record in the league), but it will be one that takes advantage of the quarterback's mobility.
When a quarterback can move around and play in space, he can manipulate defenders, buy time for receivers to get open, and cause defensive backs to have to creep up and cover the threat of a run, leaving more space for receivers to get open.
The Packers previous starter used to be a master of manipulating defenses with his mobility. Last year, with an aging veteran quarterback who had diminishing mobility, the Packers offense stagnated, particularly in the red zone, where teams often ran a flood zone, expecting a pass and not respecting the quarterback's ability (or willingness) to run.
Earlier this year, I discussed how quarterback mobility was holding back the offense and could be a reason to move to a new starter.
Since then, the Packers named a more mobile starter and added two more quarterbacks whose strengths center around the ability to throw on the moving.
There is no question that Matt LaFleur is building an offense that will take advantage a quarterback that can move around and throw on the run. It's just another way that opposing defenses will be challenged by a new-look Packers offense.
Look for more concepts on offense that take advantage of quarterback mobility in 2023.
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Bruce Irons has played, coached, and studied football for decades. Best-selling author of books such as A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft, A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap, and A Fan's Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits And Misses, Bruce contributes to CheeseHeadTV and PackersForTheWin.com.
Follow Bruce Irons on Twitter at @BruceIronsNFL.
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Comments (94)
stockholder
July 21, 2023 at 06:18 am
You're reading to much into this signing.
If anything, It's to give Love some rest.
His arm strength must stay strong.
They're not going to let anyone crowd him.
He's the starter. The rest are just back-ups.
The different looks will be for
those who can make the roster.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 06:37 am
stockholder, I thought the same, giving backup QB little attention. Yet, I can’t argue against having the best backup you can find & acquire in case of injury. You don’t need one until you really do.
The McGough signing looks more like a coup to me. Being able to adeptly run all your concepts if your starter goes down has value. He looks like an absolutely perfect fit.
Competition at QB2 just ramped up bigtime.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:25 pm
Coup?
With as much as we have invested in JL10, I don't think there's any danger to his starting role so I wouldn't call this a coup. A 3-way battle for the #2 position for sure! And I expect Mr Magoo to win that.
Clifford can take it in his second or third year and by then maybe we'll have the "problem" in the QB room that San Fran has now? Rather than a coup, this gives JL10 additional motivation to be excellent from day 1 and on every play :)
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 03:11 pm
A coup in getting his services here in the green & gold. Not as a threat to Love’s position. Sorry for not being more clear there.
ReaganRulz
July 21, 2023 at 06:45 am
I don’t think anyone is saying that this guy’s going to be the starter. Of course he’s just another arm. It’s a plus if he is anything more than that. Low risk signing like an unsigned free agent.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:28 pm
RR, won't surprise me if he takes the #2 spot. Although I'd prefer he had more time to learn the playbook. If he's seriously more talented than Etling maybe week 1 sees Etling at #2 anyway? Then rearrange that depending on who shows more promise, Magoo or Clifford.
Coldworld
July 21, 2023 at 09:01 am
Two points immediately come to mind reading this. The fact that Etling is also extremely mobile and Clifford not so much is one that suggests there’s a false inference here as Clifford was the one drafted.
The other is that never discount the potential for a player to be different given a true opportunity or added maturity. One of these older QBs could really surprise: Etling did me last preseason. It’s not the probable outcome, but it’s possible enough that the competition with Clifford for the back up spot is going to be a be lot of fun.
mnbadger
July 21, 2023 at 12:40 pm
IMO - now it's clear that Clifford will start and likely finish the season on the PS. Nobody will be snatching him away.
I can't imagine he'd be better than Etling and he doesn't have the physical tools or experience to beat out the new guy.
I'm not so excited about the new guy that I'll commit to his name just yet, sorry.
GPG!
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:30 pm
Mr Magoo is a fun name, I just hope it's not Clifford the big red dog. I wouldn't expect a rookie QB to go anywhere but our PS anyway.
dobber
July 21, 2023 at 09:56 am
"If anything, It's to give Love some rest.
His arm strength must stay strong."
We don't agree often, but I agree with you on this.
Clifford--Etling--McGough...lots of young pass-catchers who need work means a lot of wear on arms. 10 will get plenty of reps even with 3 other QBs on the practice field.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:33 pm
Dobber, back in 2020 I was looking at the biggest problem being giving all the receiving talent enough reps without creating a repetitive stress injury for AR12. Nobody got enough reps, hopefully that changes this year!
jannesbjornson
July 21, 2023 at 11:21 am
At least they're not wasting money on retreads. Detroit snagged Mims, but he's not another Kadarius Toney who was a coup for Veach to put them over the top. Still looking for the veteran WR to fill a spot on the 53.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:34 pm
"Play the youts"
Save the money towards next year's cap, we'll need it ...
jannesbjornson
July 21, 2023 at 06:26 pm
Play to Win Games, not save a few bucks because they overpaid stiffs and gave Savage the fifth. They have plenty of cash for CAP gymnastics/accounting. Packertown has extra picks coming down the road to secure a bonafide WR with a trade, or pick up a guy at cut-downs.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 06:29 am
How was this guy just sitting there for the taking? As subjects in discussions turned to backup QB in recent weeks, I lost interest… until the Packers signed Alex McGough and his highlight reel.
Couldn’t be a more perfect addition at this juncture. Value.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:35 pm
Have you seen what he's getting paid? I have not but I'm assuming it's nothing big.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 03:14 pm
I have not. Sorry.
Untylu1968
July 21, 2023 at 06:41 am
A poor man's Colin Kaepernick? Remember, Sternberger looked like a player in this minor league level, too. He's a Packer, so as always, I'll root for his success and wish him well..
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 06:49 am
Curt Warner enters the chat.
WestCoastPackerBacker
July 21, 2023 at 04:53 pm
Yes; it's Kurt, but that's the ceiling and Manziel or worse is the floor.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 04:59 pm
Blow it out your Rodgers lovin’ piehole, Mr. Spelling Police.
LeotisHarris
July 21, 2023 at 08:40 am
Yeah, or maybe an extra medium-sized Fightin' Joe Callahan with tattoos. Either way, good on the kid and I hope he makes the most of this opportunity.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 08:47 am
Dammit that's funny! Thanks LeotisHarris. Again!
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:36 pm
"Extra medium"
Lol
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
July 22, 2023 at 03:40 pm
Leo,
Can always count on you for a laugh from time to time.
Lphill
July 21, 2023 at 06:41 am
the Packers" previous starter "," an aging QB", CHTV can't even now mention Rodgers by name? that aging washed up QB who with a broken finger and a receiving group that led in drops last year still finished ranked 15 th in the league? you guys show your immaturity in sports journalism almost daily now. yes Love is our QB but you guys love kicking former players to the curb.
Untylu1968
July 21, 2023 at 06:56 am
#8 in his camp interview, says he's happy to be in a place with high expectations, with a lot of positivity. I'm sure he didn't get any of that in Green Bay? Bottom line he didn't want to be a Packer anymore, so until his playing days are over, he can suck it!
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 07:08 am
Bravo!!!
T7Steve
July 21, 2023 at 06:58 am
They're just trying to move on. Enough already. Rodgers is going to be on the ring of honor with his number retired someday. He'll get his due (as he deserves) then.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 07:13 am
Players responsible for 13 of the Packers 23 dropped passes in 2022 are no longer on the team.
6 Lazard
2 Cobb
2 Watkins
1 Winfree
1 Lewis
1 Tonyan
Players responsible for 10 of those drops remain on the 2023 roster:
9 Doubs
1 Watson
Doubs having spent time in 2 offseason workouts with Jordan Love this year lends confidence in this area.
For perspective, the much heralded Davante Adams had 7 drops last year with the Raiders. He also had 7 drops with the Packers in 2018. 16 drops in his last 4 years in Green Bay. Not a rookie.
Untylu1968
July 21, 2023 at 07:24 am
And I'm sure the other ten drops were 100% the receivers fault? Thanks for throwing good info on the table, even if people don't want to see it!
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 07:36 am
A pleasure, my friend. Lolz.
It’s laughable. There’s always going to be drops, especially with rookies. Personally, I found Watson’s low total impressive.
I’m confident Doubs will turn that around. He’s been diligently putting in the work.
dobber
July 21, 2023 at 09:47 am
"For perspective, the much heralded Davante Adams had 7 drops last year with the Raiders. He also had 7 drops with the Packers in 2018."
Yeah, but Adams also had 180 targets. 169 targets in 2018. After early career issues, his number of drops per target is really pretty low. Watson and Doubs were both in the mid-60s in targets. That makes 9 drops for Doubs a real point of concern.
coolhand
July 21, 2023 at 11:14 am
I remember in Adams' second year in GB, he had so many drops that many were calling him a bust and that the team should move on
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 03:17 pm
This is very, very, very, very true.
jannesbjornson
July 21, 2023 at 11:31 am
Adams had 47 more targets than Watson and Doubs combined. Doubs will have to detail his concentration looking the ball into the mitts and securing it. Too many key drops to keep the chains moving from the whole group in '22. The TEs coming onboard should pick up the pieces as they replace the fossils.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:40 pm
GG, I didn't realize Christian Watson only had one drop. Couldn't put it under a bigger microscope, but still it's ONE drop.
That's very encouraging! It also puts Simore in maybe a more favorable light?
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 03:35 pm
Yeah. He’s a special player, and we’ve only seen his rookie offerings. He’s going to continue to grow and improve. Of that I have no doubts.
A single drop his rookie season is, indeed, impressive.
HawkPacker
July 22, 2023 at 09:54 am
Would that drop be the first pass of last season against the Vikings?
GregC
July 21, 2023 at 07:39 am
Bruce probably would've hurt your feelings even more if he had mentioned Rodgers by name. Maybe he was trying to go easy on you.
At any rate, I think it's apparent that throwing while on the run is not going to be a strong suit for a 39-year-old QB.
coolhand
July 21, 2023 at 11:15 am
I'll give Rodgers credit, in his early years I thought he was one of the best ever at throwing on the run with velocity and accuracy. Not so much the last 2 years.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 03:21 pm
Hey, me too! I don’t deny Rodgers’ great moments nor his abilities in his prime, nor what he has to offer now.
BruceIrons
July 21, 2023 at 05:57 pm
I had the option of using his name and being told I was using his name for clicks and couldn't move on, or framing the situation without his name and being called immature.
I chose the latter.
Leatherhead
July 21, 2023 at 06:35 pm
You can’t please everybody, so you’ve got to please yoursel.
Are we going to have a better offense in 2023? I think so.
LambeauPlain
July 21, 2023 at 07:49 am
Bruce Irons is immature because he doesn't adhere to your need to keep lighting candles to your hero in his articles?
Come on. Bruce is a fine writer and this article is another example. He's forgotten more football knowledge than I can ever hope to know. And he has seen many former Packer greats depart. Some leave with class, some leave dragging grudges with them like Jacob Marley's chain.
Bruce, per usual, analyzed what he sees on the current team and his forecast is for mobile QB play in front of a solid OL that can buy time to find the open receiver...maybe in the middle of the field for a change.
The MVP is gone...but the O may be better. It could be a lot better.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:42 pm
LP,
very succinct! :)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
July 22, 2023 at 03:43 pm
Great job Lambeau!
mnbadger
July 21, 2023 at 12:58 pm
Lphill, I'm so tired of hearing about past qb1's broken finger.
If it was truly the reason for his poor performance, he should have done the team a solid and stepped back 3 or 4 games let it heal and give the team a better chance at success.
He didn't get thrown to the curb.
He never got on the TEAM bus. That's why I soured on him.
I'm glad to read that he took players responsible for many of those drops with him to the swamp!
With past qb1, it wasn't about team success. It was about kissing his tail and singing from his playbook.
I wish he would have been honest and privately asked for a trade due to the fact that his environment had grown stale for him.
I would have been very disappointed, but I would have greatly appreciated honesty from a veteran leader. I would say he even earned the right to ask for a trade.
Instead we got middle school head games and BS.
His GB legacy is yet to be completed.
When we learn what really happened over the last three years, then will I be able to judge his whole body of work.
Today, I'm very heavily influenced by recency bias. In other words, the BS.
And I'm glad we left him on the curb as the TEAM bus is picking up speed and a very talented group of riders (players, not so much coaches) is moving toward our next Super Bowl!
GPG!
GPG
Lphill
July 21, 2023 at 01:37 pm
I am behind Love 100% my point was just call Rodgers by his name how do you not give him that respect, I didn't dwell on his hairstyle, girlfriends, family issues etc.. like many here did I just appreciated him playing football , is all .
Packers0808
July 21, 2023 at 06:21 pm
I wish he would have just retired and saved all the drama. Have a gut feeling he will not be anywhere near the savior the Jets HOPE he will be!
WestCoastPackerBacker
July 21, 2023 at 04:58 pm
Yeah, I'm very tired of folks, whether in articles or on comments constantly bashing, dissing, or throwing shade on a guy that won 13 games per season 3 of his last 4 seasons here. The 4th, he had a broken thumb, no TEs, a bunch of rookies with drops, and a couple of retreads in Lazard and Cobb. And still was middle of the pack, so to speak. I hope Rodgers' has joy and a resurgence and a great season in New York. He gave me so many, many seasons of relevant, fun, winning, watchable football. I will never forget the back shoulder throws, the tight windows, the Hail Mary's and much, much more. I'm behind Love but not as a comparison to one of the all-time greats. Just sorry he lost his joy in GB. I think when Hackett left, he lost the enjoyment, along with his disagreements with the front office. We shall see what the Jets coaching staff can get out of him at age 39. Favre had one of his best seasons at that age, and Rodgers has taken much better care of his body.
Oppy
July 21, 2023 at 05:55 pm
It's gonna be weird figuring out how Rodgers is still winning games for Packers while he's playing for the jets.
T7Steve
July 21, 2023 at 06:55 am
A camp arm with an upside. Can't hurt to have him in the room. He's played a bunch of football this year so there might be some wear and tear too.
NickPerry
July 21, 2023 at 07:04 am
"It won't be an offense where the quarterback needs to take off and run more than 10 times a game (that formula can earn you the worst record in the league), but it will be one that takes advantage of the quarterback's mobility."
And the Packers offense will take advantage of this. Love CAN throw while on the move, it's a strength. I don't know a thing about Clifford other than a few nuggets I've read since he was drafted. I know as much about McGough as I do Clifford...Not much.
IMO it's all pretty clear. The Packers offense will REQUIRE a QB who is mobile, who can make throws while on the move. That skill had almost diminished entirely from Rodgers but Love, Clifford, or McGough can all do it and do it well we hope/think.
The question NOW is who will be the Packers #2? My money is on Clifford if for nothing else Gute normally hangs onto a draft choice for at least a year. But I love the idea of signing McGough. It shows Gute is looking EVERYWHERE for talent, just like Ron Wolf did.
Once upon a time ago the Packers had Brett Favre, Kurt Warner, and Mark Brunell all on the roster, in camp at the SAME time. I'm not saying Love, Clifford, and McGough are Favre, Warner, and Brunell...BUT you never know.
mrtundra
July 21, 2023 at 07:51 am
I agree on Clifford being the number 2 QB. Gute loves his draft picks and won't want to see him on the PS, if it can be helped. Clement has a lot to work with, in this QB room. Let him work his magic and develop these young guys. GO PACK, GO!!!
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 09:29 am
Nick, everything you've said here is spot on. Agree on GB most likely wanting to keep Clifford rostered.
This Alex McGough signing may have shifted their 53 man roster a bit. How many QBs do the Packers keep? I can't see GB trying to stash Clifford on the PS, because they had to have had some intel telling them another team wanted Clifford, thus using the R5 on a player many thought would go undrafted. Interesting.
This upcoming TC/preseason will definitely be filled with great battles for positions. As dobber said in another thread, the cuts might be very surprising.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:47 pm
Nick,
I think these three have quite a bit of talent. Hopefully no QB has to scramble this season, but we can't expect ANY O line to be that dominant for an entire season. Hopefully they're dominant enough to keep JL10 injury free all season, however long it goes ...
LLCHESTY
July 21, 2023 at 08:09 pm
"Love CAN throw while on the move, it's a strength."
Are you serious? Love's ability to throw accurately on the move is his biggest question mark IMO and why I think he'll throw more INTs than Rodgers did last year. This is unrealistic homerism.
Packerpasty
July 23, 2023 at 09:49 am
exactly ...that was the knock on him especially when he led college football in int's one season...throwing on the run not a good idea for Love..
greengold
July 23, 2023 at 10:46 am
Do you really think you’re being fair with this comment?
Jordan Love had a new HC, Gary Andersen no less, and a new system installed along with it, MINUS MOST OF HIS STARTING OL & WRs in his last season at Utah St.
What exactly do you think happens with ANY QB under such conditions?
The season prior Jordan Love was arguably the most efficient QB in all of college football. 13 G, 267 Comp, 417 Att, 64.0 Comp%, 3567 yds, 9.4 Y/A, 32 TD, 6 INT Rate 158.3
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
July 22, 2023 at 03:46 pm
Home run Nick!
GregC
July 21, 2023 at 07:20 am
Good take, Bruce. I think you are onto something here. When Jordan Love came into that Philadelphia game, there was a noticeable increase in energy, with his ability to move around. And he runs mostly to improve his throwing opportunities, rather than just to run. I remember seeing a video of Love practicing during the off-season, and he was moving around a lot while making his throws, in spite of the absence of defenders. It's not easy, though. From what I read of the minicamps, Love's accuracy while throwing on the run is something that needs to improve.
McGough's skill set and career track are similar to Danny Etling's, so I think this signing will make it much more difficult for Etling to get the backup QB job. He was probably running behind Sean Clifford to begin with. It's a big deal. Many starting NFL QBs, if not most of them, get injured at some point in the season.
RCPackerFan
July 21, 2023 at 07:56 am
What this signing did was made me question the current backups Etling and Clifford. Previously LaFleur had said that he didn't want 4 QB's as it is hard to get enough reps for all 4 guys.
So it made me wonder if they are not sold on either of those 2 guys, and/or if one of those 2 guys is maybe hurt.
As far as system goes, I agree that I am expecting more movement from the QB's this year. Just because they are younger and more athletic. I am expecting them to use that a bit more. Probably more read option type of stuff as well. So mobile QB's are definitely a prerequisite.
GregC
July 21, 2023 at 08:22 am
Yes, it does call into question the quality of the current backups--or at least the coach's confidence in them. Not as much as signing a veteran QB would've done, though. This could be just a case of leaving no stone unturned. My expectation is that after a week or two of training camp, either McGough or Etling will be cut.
RCPackerFan
July 21, 2023 at 09:21 am
yeah I am wondering if it is an injury and they need a camp arm kind of thing. Or maybe they just wanted someone else to push Clifford and Etling too. But I did think about the no stone unturned type of thing.
If they do indeed go into camp with 4 QB's, I agree that they won't have 4 for long.
T7Steve
July 21, 2023 at 09:34 am
Sounds like they need more camp legs. The arms will just be along for the ride.
dobber
July 21, 2023 at 09:34 am
"Previously LaFleur had said that he didn't want 4 QB's as it is hard to get enough reps for all 4 guys."
Just looking around the league, somewhere between a third and a half are carrying 4 QBs at this stage. Some coaches go on record as saying they want to have enough vital arms to not wear out their starter in practices. With all the young pass-catchers, they might be wanting that extra arm at this stage.
"So it made me wonder if they are not sold on either of those 2 guys, and/or if one of those 2 guys is maybe hurt."
You might be right. This also might have just been an opportunity. They're likely to have two active QBs and one on the PS, so they're looking toward that as well: competition to raise that bar. I would think that signal would carry more weight if they'd brought in a veteran with starting experience, though, rather than a guy who hasn't been able to stick on a 53.
"As far as system goes, I agree that I am expecting more movement from the QB's this year."
With motion offenses and getting defenses to move pre-snap and try to communicate/hand-off coverage, rolling out a young QB tends to simplify his reads by cutting the field in half (or a third) and can create big gaps in coverage. It can also jam defenders on one side of the field, too, but it's a way to help a young QB find his pass-catchers against aggressive defenses.
It also can signal a QB who just can't process the whole field fast enough--ahem, Mitch Trubisky.
There were several times the last couple years where the Packers OL was having some issues in protection where they really needed to roll out 12 to give defenses something new to look at, but they just didn't do it very much (if at all). Once upon a time 12 was one of the most dangerous QBs on the move in NFL history. He still moves OK...he just doesn't do it hardly at all anymore, and I think that's his choosing.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 09:45 am
“This also might have just been an opportunity.”
I believe this hits the mark dead on. Alex McGough is an enticing signing at the stage of our offseason. Looks like some dynamic competition added in the chase for that QB2 spot.
Great stuff on what a mobile QB with young legs can do in the right system, dobber.
dobber
July 21, 2023 at 09:51 am
He has something on his resume the others don't: he's won football games outside of college in the last couple years.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 09:53 am
2 Championships in a row at that. Plus League MVP. I don’t care that it was USFL. It says something about the player.
You can see the “it” factor from a mile away watching this kid.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:50 pm
RC, I'll agree that this tells me the organization is underwhelmed with both Etling and Clifford :(
I'll add C as a position I was hoping to see Meyers more seriously challenged. Hopefully we don't need to test the depth at either position.
Oppy
July 22, 2023 at 07:52 pm
Nobody should be sold on Danny Etling.
That's a player you'd want to upgrade from if possible.
LambeauPlain
July 21, 2023 at 08:03 am
McGough has been a journeyman 7th rounder four years in the NFL. But he was good enough to stick around.
Being the MVP in the USFL is a fine achievement and earned him another shot in the NFL, on the Packers. This does not happen to the vast majority of USFL players. He must work very hard work and has to be very determined.
Seems like a Packer guy to me. He makes the QB room better...plus being the same age as the other QBs should make him a good fit.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 09:02 am
I agree, LP!
In the end, it doesn't really matter where you get the player, just that you get the player. 7th Round. UDFA. USFL... Arena League...
Donald Driver a 7th Rounder.
Willie Wood a UDFA.
Kurt Warner a UDFA.
John Randle, Antonio Gates, Warren Moon, James Harrison, Drew Pearson, Larry Little, Nate Newton, Donnie Shell, Rod Smith, Joe Jacoby, Lou "The Toe" Groza, Willie Wood, Dick "Night Train" Lane, Adam Vinatieri, Priest Holmes, Wes Welker, Jason Peters... and more. A whole pile of HOF players in there who won multiple Super Bowls. All of them UDFAs.
I love how the Packers first message to their new players every year is, "It doesn't matter where you're from, draft/UDFA. All that matters is that you're here."
LambeauPlain
July 21, 2023 at 10:48 am
"All that matters is that you're here."
Spot on G&G. And I would add what they do while here.
I expect this young man had interest from other teams. But Green Bay is earning a rep as an NFL destination team if you want to focus on football with a team that invests heavily on player development, health/diet, training facilities, safety and a first class football venue.
Or as Vince said: God, Family, and the Green Bay Packers, in that order.
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 11:44 am
Love it, LP.
At some point, LaFleur will hopefully be making a much bigger name for himself too. I do foresee this 2023 Packers team blowing the doors off the rest of the NFL. I just do. There looks to be too much talent in all the right places.
Look no further than to all the pass rush/run stop added to our DL & OLBs, and receivers galore. More under the radar talents splashed around all over this roster this offseason.
I mean, here we are talking about a backup QB, but then, so much more. There is a winning energy pervading the Green Bay airwaves right now. Everything left to prove as we head into TC, preseason and the regular season, but I really like the players assembled from a pure talent standpoint, and the energy of this Packers team & staff.
Not a bad way to kick off 2023.
GPG
mnbadger
July 21, 2023 at 01:04 pm
can't wait to get it going.
GPG!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
July 22, 2023 at 03:50 pm
LP,
I think any journeyman QB trying to make it in the NFL along with their agent when looking at each team quickly would say GB offers an excellent opportunity. Inexperience & many unknowns!
HarryHodag
July 21, 2023 at 08:20 am
Anyone who spent any time looking at the roster realized the Packers couldn't go through the long season with a first year starter and and deeply inexperienced back ups.
I thought the signing, on paper, is brilliant. The other aspect is you have a hungry player would wants to get a nice sized NFL contract at some point in the future. Good place to be for him.
What this also shows is, as Bruce points out, maybe a return to the offense that MLF likes to run without having to filter it through His Darkness first.
PackEyedOptimist
July 21, 2023 at 09:00 am
I’m just here to say I’m jumping onboard the Mr. MaGoo hypetrain!
His USFL highlights are downright awesome!
mnbadger
July 21, 2023 at 01:06 pm
I love the sound of "Mr Magoo" for a handle for the new guy, but then I get the visual.
Look it up - Mr. Magoo is not exactly the sharpest tool in the box.
Can't wait to see him play in preseason.
GPG!
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:55 pm
Mr Magoo vs Mr Irrelevant in the NFC Championship game! Lol
PackEyedOptimist
July 21, 2023 at 04:04 pm
I appreciate that you don't think I'm that old, but I grew up watching Mr Magoo in the early 60's! :-D Magoo wasn't really DUMB...he had terrible vision, was very old (so naive about newer things), etc. He also was INCREDIBLY lucky--and luck always beats skill! :-D
I'm sure McGough has had to deal with it his whole life, but I think it's fun, and would/will be great for posters/memes etc.
Leatherhead
July 21, 2023 at 10:17 am
I never thought The Plan was to start the season with a Day 3 rookie as our backup QB. I mean, can you imagine in the meeting at 1265 Lombardi, this conversation taking place:
Gute: We're going to draft the best QB we can get in the 5th round and he'll be the guy running the show if Love gets hurt.
MLF: Yeah, that sounds like a great plan
Ball: It's cheap.
Murphy: Ok, then, it's settled. Is there anything else? No? OK. Good. Let's do that.
Yeah, I don't think that happened. I think they looked at all the options and decided to go with McG, the USFL MVP. If he has to play, it looks like he can make things happen by running and he certainly throws pretty well off platform, and that's useful to a guy who might just get thrown into a game.
This is not to diminish Clifford in anyway. I think taking him in the 5th was a good move, and that at some point in time, he could be a real good backup for us.....but not when the season opens in Chicago. We're going to need somebody who can do the job until Clifford is ready, whether that's later this year or next.
As I've mentioned before, since Ron Wolf came to town, the Packers have had very few seasons where they started the year with a rookie at backup, and I don't think thats a coincidence.
LambeauPlain
July 21, 2023 at 11:00 am
Clifford may be ready, but NFL snaps in live action is so critical for the most important position.
However the positive is the Packers have 2 veteran back ups now and a rookie that has played more game snaps (for a top team in a top conference) in college than probably all the other Packer QBs have combined in the NFL (including Love) over the same timeframe.
The QB position is shaping up well.
Camp is going to be very competitive and fun to follow.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 21, 2023 at 01:59 pm
LH,
I agree with your thinking here completely. That's why I initially didn't like the Clifford pick. Then I watched him play and I LOVE the Clifford pick! Man what a skillet for a dedicated backup QB here.
Same with Mr Magoo, watching his highlight reel changed my tune in a hurry. Any word on what he's getting paid?
greengold
July 21, 2023 at 03:45 pm
Solid. My thinking is Gutekunst’s Pro Personnel Scouts were all over Alex McGough, and Gutekunst couldn’t be sure they could actually sign him until he agreed.
My guess is now the Packers will be dedicating 3 roster spots to the QB position, if Cliff shows in TC.
That can have an effect. I had GB keeping just 2 QBs. Maybe we do see a return to developing our backup QBs as potential trade commodities ala Wolf/Holmgren..?
Oppy
July 21, 2023 at 06:20 pm
Packers went into 1993 with first year player Ty Detmer (a 9th round selection) as the backup with a rookie Mark Brunell (5th round selection) as #3.
I don't think there's anything crazy about relying on youth gaining experience, especially in year 1 of a starting QB transition.
PackEyedOptimist
July 21, 2023 at 10:25 am
Agree with everything you said LH.
Oppy
July 21, 2023 at 06:06 pm
Often you bring in guys to kick tires and see what they have in person, not because you're planning on keeping them around, but because you want to get to know them, know the person, see the skill set, and then go your separate ways.
That way, if during the season an emergency comes up, you have an informed opinion and rapport with a player who may be a street free agent that you might need to bring back into the fold for a few weeks while someone heals up.
For what its worth, this move is 100% about Danny Etling. He's not an active roster talent. If McGough sticks with the Packers (I'm not sure he will), Etling is odd man out, without question.
LLCHESTY
July 21, 2023 at 08:15 pm
It's pretty funny that many who were singing the praises of Clifford a month ago have discarded him for the new shiny thing.
Diogenes
July 21, 2023 at 09:53 pm
Oh Magoo, you've done it again!
jdewey
July 22, 2023 at 06:41 pm
A common trait with McGough and Clifford is their success with tight ends. Clifford often played with two tight end sets at Penn State and McGough threw most of his TD passes to former Packer tight end Jace Sternburger in the USFL. Lafleur likes multiple tight ends, drafted two high in the draft, and likely wanted camp arms with experience throwing to them. Musgrave and Kraft should get ample looks in preseason when Love is on the sideline.
Oppy
July 22, 2023 at 07:50 pm
Great take.