Bye Week Comes at Favorable Time for Brett Hundley, Packers
Whatever remedy is capable of curing the Green Bay Packers' ailing woes, the bye week could certainly be one.
Entering their first week eight bye since the 2011 season, the 4-3 Packers are trying to soldier on without quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is sidelined on injured reserve with a broken collarbone for an eight-week minimum. Brett Hundley, former UCLA Bruin, is the man in charge now.
With Rodgers at the helm, the Packers were 7-2 after their bye week during his starting career which began in 2008. Monday night's date with the division rival Detroit Lions will be the first time the Packers venture into battle following a bye without Rodgers, and evidently, the week off couldn't have come at a better time.
After throwing 25 times for less than 90 yards and an interception in a less than inspiring performance from quarterback Brett Hundley against the New Orleans Saints, he and coach Mike McCarthy have a chance to mesh and figure out what works.
They'll have to figure out what doesn't work, too.
Completing just five passes to the Packers' top-three receivers -- Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Randall Cobb -- doesn't work. That was a point of emphasis made by McCarthy on the "Mike McCarthy Show" last week.
"We have to get the ball to our playmakers, and that's the focus," McCarthy said. "We got a dynamic receiver group, tight end group and a stable of good running backs, too. we got to make sure we get the ball distributed. That'll be our focus and Brett [Hundley] will get that done."
Hundley was ultimately thrown into the fire against the Minnesota Vikings when Rodgers suffered his injury in the first quarter and finished the game with three interceptions to his credit. While his aerial attack hasn't been much to write home about, his legs have been one bright spot in an otherwise bleak abyss.
McCarthy incorporated read-options into the gameplan against the Saints, giving Hundley a chance to show off those running abilities that helped him rush for over 1,700 yards in three years at UCLA.
There's a chance there will be even more creativity involved against the Lions, and if the Packers want any chance at salvaging their season in hopes of a mid-December Rodgers return -- which hasn't been ruled out of the cards -- they'll need to stay afloat by playing into Hundley's strengths.
Trailing the 6-2 Vikings, who now lead the NFC North, the Packers are just two games behind in second place. Minnesota has also yet to have its bye week, creating somewhat of a distorted image of who the division leader rightfully is. However, there's no sugar-coating it: the Vikings look like a well-rounded football team.
It's why this bye week may seem more significant than in year's past. Playing from behind with a quarterback who has yet to be groomed in an offense that has become so dependent on a generational player won't create a favorable ending for the Packers.
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (40)
TarynsEyes
October 31, 2017 at 04:02 pm
The bye week means nothing when players are not practicing. No matter if McCarthy stayed all week to put together a game plan since what will and will not work is found this week of practice like any other week.
Guys may heal from some injuries but that's all.
dobber
October 31, 2017 at 06:55 pm
At least there are no ADDITIONAL injuries...that we know of...
SpudRapids
November 01, 2017 at 09:43 am
How do you know that "what will and will not work is found this week of practice like any other week."? You don't think an extra week of coaches evaluating Hundley on film for 2 games will pay off and allow the coaching staff to better prepare. What you don't realize for your armchair is the staff doesn't have to prepare a practice schedule, travel schedule, meetings, pre game preparation, etc... all the logistics that go into a game week. Instead they can solely focus on player evaluation and crafting different schemes to match Hundley. It's a gross assumption to just say that extra time doesn't matter...
Thegreatreynoldo
October 31, 2017 at 04:15 pm
Some of these trades are something.
Kelvin Benjamin: 3rd + 7th
Marcel Dareus: 6th rounder
Jay Ajayi: 4th rounder
dobber
October 31, 2017 at 07:02 pm
Duane Brown...a couple other lesser players. More player movement at the deadline than I can ever remember...
flackcatcher
October 31, 2017 at 08:07 pm
Looks like some of teams were moving vet players to clear cap space. Or get rid of some of their 'problem children' under the radar. Last, but not least, some teams have decided to copy New England on future draft choices, or they have gone completely nuts and have taken the Cleveland route. (Hey, it's the bye week. I can throw 'stuff' out there with the best of them :)
dobber
November 01, 2017 at 08:31 am
This MLB/NBA/NHL approach to the trade deadline is very curious to me. MLB is usually about prospects for players...as is the NHL (although we usually see more pro-level players move in the NHL and NBA). Draft picks have less value in MLB and the NHL (or are less-traded as a commodity). Extensive developmental systems in MLB and NHL make projecting the prospects dealt a little more tangible.
The NFL has no developmental league (well, it does: it's called college football), so really the only commodities it has to trade are pro-level players and draft picks. Player for player trades are still relatively rare. This change in the mentality of GMs (taking a shot--in-season--by dealing picks for players) is largely untested in terms of how teams will hold up over the long term. I'm curious to see what happens.
flackcatcher
November 01, 2017 at 07:14 pm
Dobber, what limits most GM's in the league is the time factor. Most successful NFL players have at most 6 years in the league tops. Knowing that your team, is at best, going to turn over 50% of it roster within 5 years, makes long term planning a wee bit difficult. While I was joking about the Cleveland approach. It is trying to do what both New England and Green Bay have done successfully for over a decade now. Stock draft choices to stabilize their rosters. Pro Football by its nature is unstable, so the teams that can control turnover have the best chance to be winners over the long term. TT is considered by his peers to be a genius in the league, for his ability to keep the Packers in the elite level of the NFL. I think Cleveland is being foolhardy at this point. But it could work, but the league would have to change at minimum both the CBA and roster size for the MLB approach to have a ghost of a chance. With these owners, I don't see that happening anytime soon.
Tundraboy
November 01, 2017 at 08:33 pm
What choice does Cleveland have? They have tried everything else.
gary g
October 31, 2017 at 04:37 pm
Packer's brought in 2 free agent's for a look. Both were cut this year from their former teams. TT would never try and improve the Defense with a trade . He literally has no balls. Draft and develop has led to a great QB and little else after him. Without Rodgers the Packers are sub 500 team. When TT exits the building i hope Capers is going with him.
HankScorpio
November 01, 2017 at 06:57 am
Why would the Packers trade away what looks to be their highest draft picks in years to shore up a season that is a lost cause? Are they suddenly going to shore up the defense under Capers to the point that Hundley can lead them to the playoffs and then Rodgers can take them the rest of the way? That sure seems like pie in the sky fantasy to me. It will still be Capers leading the defense, after all. He could turn 11 Pro Bowlers into a disorganized, confused, poor tackling unit.
In 1.5 games, Hundley has yet to crack 40 in QB rating. That's more than just bad. That's historic stink. Another game or two like that and we may begin the Joe Callahan era. No amount of defense and run game is going to cover that up. I'm normally pretty optimistic about the Packers but I can't see them going better than 7-9 and even that seems like a stretch. McCarthy's game plan vs NO demonstrated quite clearly that they have little actual faith in him, despite their public proclamations.
So they are looking at picking in the top half of the draft for the first time since they took Raji & Matthews. Giving up any of those picks for a problem-child another team is looking to dump seems like a very bad idea to me.
stockholder
November 01, 2017 at 08:10 am
TT won't trade. I really don't mind that. The players that really could help; are going to be signed, and not available. The players on a decline only get a second look. Some just need a change of scenery. (Example Peppers) But there just are not enough players like him. And he really was not as fast as when drafted. But my Bitch is how many times TT could have traded up. How many times could he have taken a better player, than a long shot developmental player. Regardless of position. He's staying to need and developmental for depth. Seems TT likes the work out warriors more now. The biggest Decline in TTs drafting; is drafting to fill a free -Agent possibility. As opposed to drafting a greater player, for depth, and NEED later. Example the DL. When the strength of a draft is the best in years. He drafts the potential free agency loss. Say WR. /LB. TTs failure is not taking the top player , regardless of position now. And he should of traded up in several of his earlier drafts. Hence so many busts.
SpudRapids
November 01, 2017 at 10:03 am
I'll disagree as TT as always stuck to the mantra of best available player. Trading up is risky.. you give up two picks for one without any guarantee of the player being worth both picks. For example, Jason Spriggs... will he pan out? They gave up a pick to move up and take him and in doing so you have to evaluate the opportunity cost of doing that. They gave up a 4th rounder and a 7th rounder... that's a potential Mike Daniels or David Bahktiari... both 4th rounders.
stockholder
November 01, 2017 at 10:32 am
Best player for position of NEED. Not Best player available. Spriggs was a gamble. He kept him from the Bears. But others passed on him. The problem is we needed a ILB more. He could of Had Jones of Atlanta. The fastest ILB in years. And I would have taken two NTs that year. AND SIGNED BAHK before the draft!!! Same with Adams. Same with Davis. Same with how many got pushed down the draft board because of injury concerns. Or just plain character. If you have extra picks you can gamble. TT has not been the winning gambler. Instead we cry for FA's now.
Tundraboy
November 01, 2017 at 08:41 pm
You said it HS.
gary g
October 31, 2017 at 04:51 pm
On the bright side, with AR back in QB meetings. I think he can accelerate Hundleys progress more than MM can.
TarynsEyes
October 31, 2017 at 06:00 pm
Hasn't Rodgers and Hundley been in the QB meetings all along?
gary g
October 31, 2017 at 07:04 pm
Yes my friend. But know that Rodgers isn't playing he can concentrate on helping hundley, Instead of preparing for himself.
gary g
October 31, 2017 at 07:06 pm
Isn't that just common sense. Or do you need more detail Tarynfor12
TarynsEyes
October 31, 2017 at 11:21 pm
Yes, please give me your insight to how Rodgers can do more than what he has been for three seasons for Hundley or perhaps Rodgers executed his inner Favre and told Hundley. ..it isn't my job to teach you.
HankScorpio
November 01, 2017 at 07:39 am
I don't see much common sense in thinking one week, or 10 more weeks, is going to do what 3 years have not done already. I see that is wishful thinking.
RCPackerFan
November 01, 2017 at 06:42 am
I think Rodgers can help Hundley see what is happening on the field better. Coaches can tell a player what to do or what to look for, but the QB's eyes see things differently. Rodgers can help Hundley see things better.
TarynsEyes
November 01, 2017 at 09:56 am
You can teach someone what to look for but you can't make them see it.
Hundley, after three seasons hasn't shown he sees much. This is the issue for QB'S that run...they don't see fast enough, process fast enough so they use their legs but that only gets you so far.
Culpepper,
V. Young
Jackson
Wallace
Newton
Vick
Kiser,
Taylor
Etc, etc
Don't accuse me of bias as every black QB relies on his legs or ahem,athletic ability to offset the failing of the pocket presence.
Believe it, deny it but history speaks truth.
You'll get cheers during games but most end with boo.
SpudRapids
November 01, 2017 at 10:05 am
You mean 3 season of not playing any meaningful games? So experience doesn't matter at all?
TarynsEyes
November 01, 2017 at 10:34 am
All I mentioned above had experience and the end result result for all is nearly the same with minor degrees of separation. They all started for teams, they all got demoted for the inability to master the pocket presence and ran themselves to nothing accomplished and every team that took a chance on them and those of the same playing style got the same end result. ...nothing...except wasted time and looking the fool for thinking they can change/teach the pocket presence to them and limit the running.
baldski
November 01, 2017 at 03:26 pm
Add to your list Kaepernick. He can run too, but his biggest problem is reading defenses.
al bundy
October 31, 2017 at 07:09 pm
My gutt says it's shut up or no put of time for hundley. Wouldn't it be a bitch to find after three years we got a guy who can't read defenses and is Mr pick off.
I'm not going to lsten to mm's excuses.
MarkinMadison
October 31, 2017 at 07:54 pm
I'll give Hundley a few more games to get it figured out before I start ripping on him. Certainly, he hasn't had the type of performance that Rodgers put up against Dallas in 2007. Hopefully, McCarthy has figured something out over the bye.
MarkinMadison
October 31, 2017 at 07:54 pm
I'll give Hundley a few more games to get it figured out before I start ripping on him. Certainly, he hasn't had the type of performance that Rodgers put up against Dallas in 2007. Hopefully, McCarthy has figured something out over the bye.
Donster
November 01, 2017 at 07:23 am
From the GB Press Gazette:
"Hundley remained in Green Bay throughout the bye week as he and McCarthy continue acclimating themselves to each other. McCarthy said Hundley spent extra time at Lambeau Field in the middle of last week and believes the time off was beneficial."
After 3 years they are not acclimated to each other? Kind of throws a monkey wrench into the works of draft and develop if you haven't worked or "acclimated" yourself to your backup QB in 3 years.
I hope Hundley is successful and the team can get even with the Queens until Rodgers can come back. But my hopes, even with offensive success, aren't to high with this defense. As it has been the pass 5 years or so.
HankScorpio
November 01, 2017 at 07:36 am
Just more whistling past the graveyard from 1265.
I admit to being duped into believing in Hundley by all of the previous happy talk about him. The game plan vs NO clearly demonstrated they have zero faith in him. I won't buy any more words. I'll need to see it before I believe it. Given that he can't break into the 40s in QB rating to date, I'm not holding my breath.
SpudRapids
November 01, 2017 at 10:09 am
Look you people aren't getting that McCarthy and Rodgers drive the bus in that QB room and have for years. Yes Hundley has been there but do you think he spent the same time as Rodgers in one on one's with McCarthy? Being a backup and being a starter have completely different roles on an NFL team and for both the coach and new QB it will take time to feel each other out. Think of the things McCarthy doesn't have to say into the headset e.g. down and distance, situational football. McCarthy now has to focus on making sure his inexperienced QB processes that stuff during game time. You don't know what Hundley will or will not process with a full plate against a prepared NFL team.
HankScorpio
November 01, 2017 at 07:28 am
Hundley has yet to crack 40 in QB rating. I can give him a pass for the Minny game. There is no such excuse vs NO..at home with a week to prepare and a run game that produced 180 yards. Think about the name of the worst QB you have ever seen. I bet that guy put up better than 40 at least once, especially at home with 180 yards rushing.
If Hundley improves that number by 100%, he's still in the low 70s, which is going to lose most NFL games. He needs to improve it by more like 150% just to give the Packers a realistic chance. And even that assumes a defense that is the very least competent. With the effort they showed vs NO, Hundley must improve by more like 200%...or more.
I don't see how a bye week fixes much. I hope I'm wrong. If I'm not, the Packers are looking at 3-6 or worse the rest of the way. The silver lining will be a top half of the draft rookie class and (hopefully) a new DC for 2018 when Rodgers returns.
Handsback
November 01, 2017 at 10:07 am
We don't know how good or bad Hundley is right now. Like every player who starts at any position, you need enough tape (film) on him before you make that judgement. At the end of the season... everyone will know his limitations and proable ceiling. So everyone can have an opinion, but I think it's way to early to speculate his value. He's a work in progress until the season ends and you have 9 games to review.
My opinion is that he's going to be very good by the end of the season.
HankScorpio
November 01, 2017 at 05:36 pm
You're right that there are 9 more games in the season but unless he picks up his game significantly, those 9 might not see Hundley playing in all of them.
I think the QB rating if a guy throws every ball into the dirt is 39.6. Hundley has been worse than that in 2 out of 2 tries. The Packers might as well be playing Randall Cobb there and running the veer if Hundley can't do better than he's done so far.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
November 01, 2017 at 10:36 am
All that matters is McCapers using the right guys the right way:
1. Bench or cut Williams. Activate Mays for a Mays-Ripkowski backfield in short yardage situations.
2. Don't ease Biegel in. This team has no pass rush. 15+ snaps, bringing some burst.
3. The O-Line is healthy, so release one and activate Michael Clark for a redzone threat.
4. Blitz Josh Jones 5-8 times.
5. Far more 3-man fronts on defense. Stop getting worn down.
6. More press coverage. Allowing a few deep plays is better than getting eaten alive underneath and worn down.
Will McCapers do any of this? No. Just like the insane decision to hold Aaron Jones back while wasting games with Jamaal Williams, McCapers must be forced through injuries to do any intelligent thing.
I have no confidence in McCapers.
Tundraboy
November 01, 2017 at 08:57 pm
Would love to see all that happen,but I also have zero faith or confidence in McCapers. If even one of those items happen, I'll be shocked. That would make too much sense.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 02, 2017 at 03:26 am
You've turned into a doom and gloomer, Tundraboy.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
November 02, 2017 at 09:24 am
I think watching a coaching staff consistently make poor choices turns us all into gloom and doomers.
Tundraboy
November 03, 2017 at 05:32 pm
Yeah I know., MM is getting to me. I'm just so frustrated that we are holding back some of the young guys. With no Rodgers I want to see MM let it fly. Get these guys some real game experience, can't hurt and we'll be that much better next season.