Hello Wisconsin: How to Turn This Season Around
How the Packers can turn it around, beer of the week, children's books and more.
By TimBackes
On Monday I spent my column venting about what was wrong with the Green Bay Packers and how it’s looking pretty bad at the moment for this team’s 2022 prospects.
Today it’s time we look toward solutions.
If this team is going to have any prayer at all of turning it around and living up to preseason expectations, what are the things that are going to have to happen?
1) Something needs to turn around with the offensive line.
Perhaps more concerning than anything else on the field is the play of the offensive line. Simply put, the unit has been miserable.
The right side of the line needs the most work. Royce Newman is unplayable. He should see the bench immediately. Elgton Jenkins has been bad at right tackle and needs to be placed back in his natural guard position.
The simplest solution here would be to send Newman permanently to the bench, kick Jenkins into guard and put Yosh Nijman at the tackle spot. Nijman has been a solid player in relief of David Bakhtiari and deserves a shot at the starting spot. Jenkins at RT clearly isn’t working out, and so the Packers should bring him back inside, where he became an all pro.
If the Packers want to keep Jenkins at RT for whatever reason, the very least they could do is take Newman off the field and bring in Zach Tom, who played well all preseason in the guard spot. It was unthinkable when, during the game, the Packers benched Royce Newman in favor of Jake Hanson, who is even worse than Newman.
Josh Myers is still a work in progress. He has moments of clear improvement and other moments where it’s clear he’s still a young player who didn’t have a full rookie season. David Bakhtiari is still working his way back from injury and the jury is out on whether he’ll be the same player. Jon Runyan, Jr. is the only stalwart on the line at the moment–he’s played good football this year.
If the line doesn’t get it figured out, it’s going to be a long season.
2) Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur need to get on the same page about what they want the offense to be.
This week, there were a lot of raised eyebrows when Aaron Rodgers said the Packers needed to simplify their offense and specifically pointed to removing a lot of the pre-snap motion the team does.
This pre-snap motion is, of course, a staple of LaFleur’s offense.
Rodgers’ desire to be rid of it and go back to a much more static, McCarthy-like offense is an indication of a clear philosophical rift between what he wants out of the offense and what LaFleur wants out of the offense. So long as that rift exists, the Packers will not be successful. If Rodgers isn’t subscribing to what LaFleur wants to do on offense, that means there is much more likely to be more freelancing happening, which will lead to more hero ball.
As to why Rodgers wants to simplify the offense, it’s hard to say. I’m sure part of it is the inexperience of his pass catchers. But this is the same offense that returned Rodgers to MVP-level ball for the last two years, and especially in 2020, when he saw a major career resurgence.
So not only does Rodgers need to play better, but he needs to get on the same page with his coach about the structure of the offense.
3) The gap between the defense’s talent and the defense’s play needs to close.
The amount of talent the Packers have on their defense would/should be a source of jealousy for most other teams in the league.
Despite that, the talent is either a) not being used properly, b) not playing up to that talent or c) some combination of both.
Clearly the Packers have seen a dip in their cornerback play this year, as well as the play of key inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. Darnell Savage has, for the second year in a row, not taken the steps forward many had hoped for out of him, and at this point he may never do so.
The defensive line is playing well (more on that in a bit) and the Packers are getting incredible production from players like Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark, and Preston Smith is still doing good work as well. But otherwise, it’s been a whole lot of disappointment from this defense.
Joe Barry certainly holds a lot of blame here. As a defensive coordinator, you can’t ask for a much better situation to work with in terms of talent. For whatever reason, it feels like he’s still not utilizing players to their strengths and is still calling soft, scared game plans on defense. When was the last time you saw the Packers defense dictate to opposing offenses and not the other way around?
Whatever the solution, there should be nowhere near this discrepancy between talent and production on the Packers’ defense. That gap will have to shrink if the Packers have any hope of turning it around.
4) Start winning the turnover battle again.
The Packers under Matt LaFleur have been outstanding at taking care of the football, but this year they’re losing the turnover battle and it’s not even particularly close. The defense isn’t taking the ball away, and the offense is being uncharacteristically careless with the football.
I mean, this is just football 101. If you’re losing the turnover battle, you’re going to lose games more often than you’re going to win them.
5) Get the ball to Aaron Jones.
It is absolutely unforgivable that after the game in London, Matt LaFleur still managed to keep the ball away from his best offensive player for most of the game against the Jets.
I will never understand how you can have a player of Jones’s caliber, pay him what you’re paying him, and simply refuse to use him effectively. If the running game isn’t working, get him more involved in the passing game! Get creative with how you’re using him in packages! My goodness, he’s by far the team’s best offensive player at this point. If you’re not looking to get him the football, you’re doing exactly what the opposition wants.
LaFleur needs to stop saying “we need to get Aaron Jones the football” and start actually doing it. It’s just absurd at this point.
Wisconsin Beer of the Week
If you read this column regularly, you know already that my favorite brewery is 1840 Brewing Company here in Milwaukee. Everything they make is outstanding, and they do a much wider variety of beer than most other breweries you’ll find in the area.
One cool recent beer they did that’s only available was on tap is their Before the Barrel version of Neon Knights, an English porter.
Basically, 1840 created this porter as the base beer for what will eventually become Neon Knights, a barrel-aged porter, in about 18 months. It will sit in Elijah Craig barrels where it will get a nice boozy flavor to it. They used what they had left after putting it into the barrels to create a “before the barrel” version for patrons to sample on tap in the brewery’s tap room.
Now, this is already a pretty potent porter, coming in at about 11.2 percent ABV, but you wouldn’t know it from drinking it. It’s got a very smooth, clean taste with a lot of depth of flavor. It’s already basically a perfect porter, so I can only imagine how much it’s going to improve when it comes out of the barrel in about a year and a half.
A role reversal on the line
For most of the last decade-plus, the Packers have been stout along the offensive line and weak along the defensive line.
This year, there’s been something of a role reversal.
According to Andy Herman, who every year does a weekly “Grading the Pack” series that is an absolute must-read for any Packer fans, so far this year the defensive line is grading out the best (+3.65 after six weeks) while the offensive line is grading out by far the worst (-18.40).
It’s been years since the Packers had a defensive line with more reliable players than just Kenny Clark, but it appears the investment at the position has been paying off. The Packers are getting good play out of their defensive line, buoyed by Clark’s finest year yet as a professional, the improvement of TJ Slaton, the addition or Jarran Reed and the steady rotational play of Dean Lowry.
For those interested, here are Andy’s full grades by position groups (in order of top to bottom) through six weeks:
Grades by position groups through 6 weeks:
DL: +3.65
RB: +1.95
TE: +1.45
Edge: +0.60
S: -0.80
WR: -1.05
LB: -2.35
QB: -2.80
CB: -2.95
OL: -18.40Can't put my finger on what might be wrong...
Oh and OL grades by year:
2019: +10.70
2020: +43.05
2021: -6.70
2022: -18.40 (so far) https://t.co/ezhlBwb6Bm— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) October 18, 2022
Heading to Madison this weekend
This weekend I’ll be heading to Madison for a couple nights to visit the city and my alma mater. It’s Homecoming weekend. I haven’t been back in town for Homecoming ever, and I haven’t been back for a football game since 2012 (I graduated in 2010).
This isn’t exactly the best year to be seeing the Badgers live, but it’s going to be great to get inside Camp Randall again. From 2006 through 2009 I saw every single game the Badgers played in that stadium, and for a couple years I lived right in the stadium’s shadow. I’d wake up on gamedays to the sounds of people tailgating right outside my house, and to the band coming down my street. My whole neighborhood transformed into a party on those days. It was awesome.
Every time I head back to Madison it’s a great chance to take in some nostalgia, but also to explore the city as an adult. It’s amazing how different Madison can feel as an undergrad versus as a man in his 30s; you go to a lot of different places and see a lot of different things. And of course, I go back and visit the campus as well and see what’s changed (and what things will never change).
Madison has to be one of my favorite cities in the country. A perfect blend of city living and the outdoors. Beautiful scenery, a great vibe and energy, cool bars and dining, an up-and-coming brewery scene, and plenty more to like. Even though I’ve lived in Milwaukee far longer than I ever lived in Madison, it still feels like home every time I go back.
The Rodgers Watch, Part III
In my column on Monday, I touched on how this offseason I went on record on this website stating the time was right for the Packers to move on from Aaron Rodgers and collect a king’s ransom in return for his trade.
The Packers would have likely secured multiple first and second round picks in a Rodgers trade, as well as significant flexibility with the salary cap that could have been used to secure a wide variety of players at multiple positions.
The Packers instead opted to give Rodgers, turning 39 in December, the richest contract in NFL history despite him having taken a couple months to decide if he even wanted to play football any more.
Andy Herman has a great video about the importance for teams of knowing and understanding their window and remembering that it’s always better to move on a year too soon than a year too late.
After six weeks of the 2022 season, it sure is looking like the Packers missed out on an opportunity to arm themselves with massive assets and build for the future. If you believe Jordan Love is the guy, you’ve got a ton of picks and money to build around him. If you don’t, you’ve got a ton of picks to maneuver however you want in the draft and take the guy who you DO think can be the long-term answer.
Aaron Rodgers is far from the biggest problem with this team, though he certainly is one of those problems. However, it certainly doesn’t feel like the Packers are getting their money’s worth. Right now, this is a pretty subpar Packers team (saying it lightly), and they have BIG BIG money invested in a single player in his twilight years who will still haunt the team financially should he retire before his contract is up.
This has been one of the worst six-game stretches of Aaron Rodgers’ career, if not the worst. It goes beyond not having reliable receiving threats. He’s also not seeing the field. He’s not throwing to open guys, not playing within the offense and missing receivers by a heck of a lot.
There are those who will point to the thumb injury, but the reality is that if the guy is healthy enough to take the field, he’s also healthy enough to take criticism.
There are many Packers who will need to turn it around in a big way for the team to have any prayer at a postseason run, and Rodgers is in one of the primary spots on that list.
Around the NFC North
Once again we’ll take a quick look around the NFC North at what the Packers’ rivals are doing.
- The CHICAGO BEARS played one of the worst football games I’ve ever had the misfortune of watching (at least in part) this past week against Washington. Then, for some reason, the Bleacher Report social media accounts try to make Justin Fields out to have been some sort of heroic warrior in defeat when he was absolutely awful during the game and missed a couple wide open receivers, one of whom would have had an easy touchdown. It’s hard to imagine this team winning more than two more games this season.
- The DETROIT LIONS are coming off a bye, so there’s not much new to discuss with them. They have a contest in Dallas this week and will likely end up being the first team to take on a returning Dak Prescott. With the Cowboys’ offense potentially being revitalized, this could be a big test.
- The MINNESOTA VIKINGS may have their easiest path to a divisional title in quite a long time the way the other three teams in the NFC North are looking. At 5-1, the Vikings aren’t really getting a whole lot of attention as a contender. They’re heading into the bye flying under the radar, which is probably exactly how they like it. The Eagles are the ones grabbing the headlines, but the Vikings arguably have more talent. Could it be a 2017 repeat in the NFC Championship?
Top children’s books, ranked
In addition to frequently reading books to actual children, recently I brought in some children’s books to school to read to my high school drama classes as a way to showcase how you can create different characters by changing your voice. The ones I read to my classes were The Pout-Pout Fish and Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type.
So in class we got to talking about the best children’s books. If I had to rank my own personal top 10 (we’re talking picture/storybooks for children like 2-6 here), here are the ones I’d have to go with.
Pug Meets Pig
Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type
Goodnight Moon
The Pout-Pout Fish
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
The Lorax
Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Little Blue Truck
Don’t Push the Button
There are many great ones that I didn’t place on this list, but I feel pretty good about this selection.
Final look: Packers at Commanders and Week Seven Picks
Call me a fool, but I’m taking the Packers one more week.
They can’t possibly lose three in a row in this portion of their schedule… right? They can’t actually be this bad… right? Bad enough to lose to the Commanders with a backup quarterback? The same Commanders who barely squeaked by with a victory over the Bears in one of the worst football games you’ll ever see?
I have no reason to think this will be an easy win. Nothing is going to come easily for the Packers this year. But at the very least, I can’t imagine their rock bottom is quite that low.
Packers win a close one that doesn’t really make anyone feel better but at least keeps them on the plus side of wins and losses.
Packers 23, Commanders 17
SAINTS over Cardinals
RAVENS over Browns
BUCS over Panthers
BENGALS over Falcons
COWBOYS over Lions
GIANTS over Jaguars
PACKERS over Commanders
TITANS over Colts
RAIDERS over Texans
JETS over Broncos
CHIEFS over 49ers
CHARGERS over Seahawks
STEELERS over Dolphins
PATRIOTS over Bears
LAST WEEK: 5-9 WOOF
SEASON TOTAL: 50-44
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (61)
NickPerry
October 20, 2022 at 06:52 am
"If Rodgers isn’t subscribing to what LaFleur wants to do on offense, that means there is much more likely to be more freelancing happening, which will lead to more hero ball."
This just blows me away. Has Rodgers forgotten just how bad he was in 2017 and 2018? I mean that 2020 season was pretty F'ng amazing offensively. Rodgers deserves much of the credit, but so did MLF and his offense. IF, Rodgers is back to saying F-Off to his HC and doing whatever he wants to do, this is going to be one terrible season. IMO this looks an awful lot like 2018. A ton of passes along the sideline. NOTHING in the middle of the field. I mean Defenses hardly need to worry about anything in the middle because first and foremost Rodgers seems to refuse to use that huge chuck of green BETWEEN those numbers along the sidelines, and if he ever did, the O-Line isn't giving him the time.
"LaFleur needs to stop saying “we need to get Aaron Jones the football” and start actually doing it. It’s just absurd at this point."
OMG, if I hear that come out of MLFs mouth again, a 75" TV is going out the window. Or when he says "It starts with me, I have to do a better job". Well no shit Matt, you DO have to do a better job. IMO it starts with Rodgers either getting on YOUR page with you and getting and STICKING with the running game and Aaron Jones. The Packers MUST stick to and use Jones anyway they can.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:40 am
Rodgers isnt going to change. And why should he? The front office kneeled and crowned him king. So many believe his whoa-is-me bs. Poor me im always the victim. God forbid the guy actually show some leadership and say "i have to be better" and leave it at that. But no. He has to trash his coach, insinuate they dont have the right players, and then publicly states his support for trading for guys. Imagine being his teammate and hearing this shit week after week. And if hes willing to say these things publicly, imagine how he treats these guys in the locker room and during practice? His poison is sinking this team. I wouldnt block for his punk ass either.
PackyCheese500
October 20, 2022 at 07:13 am
The Packers aren’t turning this mess of a season around. I thought the Giants loss would be enough but then the Jets happened. MLF and Barry aren’t going to change anything meaningful anytime soon, and frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Commanders beat us (with how poorly our o-line has been playing and all).
Time to do the responsible thing and rebuild. We will contend again, stronger than we were before, in a couple of years.
Weekly Picks:
Cardinals over Saints. The Cardinals are desperate, Deandre Hopkins is back, and the Saints are ravaged by injuries.
Ravens over Browns
Buccaneers over Panthers
Bengals over Falcons
Cowboys over Lions
Giants over Jaguars
Commanders over Packers. As I said above, MLF isn’t changing. The Commanders’ d-line is also one of the best in the NFL. Look out, offensive line! Commanders win by 1.
Colts over Titans. Matt Ryan has finally found a groove
Raiders over Texans. The Raiders’ defense is bad. Expect the Texans to hang in this one and for both Josh Jacobs and Dameon Pierce to have a big day.
Broncos over Jets. The Broncos are desperate, and their defense is good, and Zach Wilson is no Justin Herbert.
Chiefs over 49ers
Chargers over Seahawks. Geno will make it close, though…
Steelers over Dolphins. My upset of the week. The Dolphins are dealing with injuries in the secondary and along the offensive line. Kenny Pickett gets the Steelers to their second win in a row
Patriots over Bears. Bill Belichick never ceases to work his magic, as the Pats just might be good again. More ugly prime time football
Last week: 9-5
Overall: 54-39-1
stockholder
October 20, 2022 at 07:20 am
Wow. Gas on the Fire! The only thing you got right is the OL. Ok -Let's say," The Front office made a mistake signing Rodgers."
But I'll tell you the bigger mistake was drafting Love. Rodgers replaced Favre. But Love can't come close to replacing Rodgers.
Rodger's still wants to win. You pay your bread and butter. Regardless of the costs. He's No John Hadl. So fix whats wrong.
The day has come when Wrs are on the IR, more and more. And everyone pointed to the stats when Adams was out of the line-up.
Rodgers got Adams money. But when you can't sign two OL. (Patrick and Turner) Rodger's still pays the price when he gets hit.
Why shouldn't he be a thorn in the side. If nobody knows how to do their job.
I say Listen to him. I want to win!
PackyCheese500
October 20, 2022 at 07:24 am
We can’t win with MLF and Barry. If our coaches were better we’d be 5-1 right now, but they are a couple of ostriches with their heads stuck in the sand - not listening or caring about what anyone else says.
RCPackerFan
October 20, 2022 at 08:13 am
"We can’t win with MLF and Barry. "
Kind of weird since GB was 13-4 last year with the same coaches.
Coldworld
October 20, 2022 at 10:28 am
We had a largely functional O then. Rodgers could do his thing with Adams and MVS stretched the field.
murf7777
October 20, 2022 at 04:02 pm
I disagree about the OL last year it was average at best. Adams and MVS did help the OL because teams couldn't just load up the box as they are doing now. It didn't help getting Watkins hurt and trying to acclimate rookie WR's so soon into the offense. It also didn't help that Rodgers didn't improve as a WR. Most rookie WR's take a year or two to really make a big contribution to a team. Of course, there are exceptions.
PackyCheese500
October 20, 2022 at 03:17 pm
Let me rephrase: we can't win any meaningful game with MLF and Barry
murf7777
October 20, 2022 at 08:23 am
Your statement has a big hole and doesn’t hold water, the past record proves you wrong.
jannesbjornson
October 20, 2022 at 11:25 am
Regular season or playoffs?
murf7777
October 20, 2022 at 04:04 pm
Now, that's a different story.
packer132
October 20, 2022 at 11:00 am
Stock: I am happy that you can foresee the future and know that Love cannot replace Rodgers. He hasn't played so how about waiting to see how he does as an NFL QB. Packers scouts and GM saw the potential in Love and he sits and waits, just like Aaron did for 3 years. Rodgers had two subpar seasons and coming off an injury, so they needed to draft for the future. Did you want to wait until Rodgers suffered a career ending injury or just retired? Then try to find his replacement with no backup or plan? Easy to sit on the couch and complain. No Green Bay fan is happy with the start of this season, but 3-3 with 11 games to play. Players need to play better and coaches need to do better. I trust that they will.
stockholder
October 20, 2022 at 08:35 pm
If Love could have replaced Rodgers. He would have. Remember the words to Rodgers? Don't be part of the problem. They would have traded him, if Love showed up, and wasn't a robot. My opinion is they took a Qb a year or two, too soon. Such Disrespect. Rodgers wants a say. But the spin is he is the problem. Not how many new faces they're forcing on him. The monkey is on his back again. My take is; Rodgers is a rat in an experiment lab again.
jannesbjornson
October 20, 2022 at 05:01 pm
Turner was a guy to keep on board at fair value. He was the starter, problem solved. In and out of the lineup in Denver. That's his signal flare. I advocated for an OT round one/ high two pick. Abe Lucas is holding it down for Carroll in Seattle. Watson getting dinged doesn't help. There is no reason not to suit up Toure'.
croatpackfan
October 20, 2022 at 07:43 am
Tim I agree more or less with everything you wrote before this section: "The Rodgers Watch, Part III".
What I find delusional is that there was even one GM prepared to give that much draft capital for ACR many here wants to believe in. Lot of trade jobs are negotiating in deep confidentiality, so we can only guess what kind of price was offering to Packers. If some posters here think that this level of playing was not visible last season, they are in double delusion. And it was presented to whole NFL experts.
The last nail in those talks (if they even held) was ACR new contract. Nobody, except Mark Murphy will give ACR or any aged QB that much money. I suspect Murphy offers that much because there were rumors how ACR buying the land in Nashville, that he talks with some people conected with 49ers, Chargers or that he would like to relocate in Colorado. Nothing more than rumors. Not even photo or any kind of paper leaked out to start or confirm that rumors.
After ACR sign the contract he said that he always wanted to finish his career as Packers. Sic! He might forgot he said that he will never ever play for Packers any more.
If you really like your employer, you'll understand that he needs to take care about the future. ACR stated that he understand Packers position, so why he was so pi**ed off for that move?
My personal opinion is that ACR was in that mood, because he saw some of young himself in Jordan Love through highlights of Love. And he was there when Brett Favre saga was rolling. He was affraid of similar scenario.
And, last, we all knows why he dropped so low in the first round before Packers selected him. Most of the scouts called him cocky person. And, we know today, they were right. His cockiness become huge arrogance today. He can not accept that he lost some of his physical abilities and that he need to adjust to new reality.
I agree that there are many issues, even bigger than his faults in game (like OL and, to surprise everybody, secondary), but he is the person who lead offense, as any QB is.
Thank you from Croatia - country smaller than Bronxs by number of citizens ;-).
Guam
October 20, 2022 at 09:22 am
"What I find delusional is that there was even one GM prepared to give that much draft capital for ACR many here wants to believe in."
Actually Croat Denver paid huge draft and player capital for Russ Wilson even though Wilson's prior two seasons were significantly less successful that Rodgers' prior two MVP seasons. Yes, Wilson is five years younger than Rodgers, but Tom Brady has made Rodgers age less of an issue. I think Denver would have paid the same or similar price for Rodgers that they paid for Wilson. Was that smart on Denver's part is another question, but factually they paid a premium price for a lesser and slightly younger quarterback.
BTW I visited your beautiful country this spring and loved it. It is better than the Bronx in every way possible!
croatpackfan
October 20, 2022 at 10:17 am
Yes, they paid for Wilson, question is if they were ready to pay that for ACR. You know that for sure that they would pay that?
Do not forget that their HC worked with ACR 2 years. They might have better info than other teams...
EDIT: Shame you didn't contact me. I would love to meet US Packers fan...
Guam
October 20, 2022 at 10:42 am
I have no way to know for certain that would have paid the same price for ACR, but they only traded for Wilson after Rodgers re-signed with the Packers and was off the market. Curious timing to say the least.
It was a guided tour of several central European countries and we didn't have much free time. If we go back to Croatia (and I would love to) I will be in touch! Same offer holds if you travel to Wisconsin.
croatpackfan
October 20, 2022 at 11:52 am
Thanks for the offer.
Btw, only what I can agree with you is that we can speculate. We do not know. And I did not claim that nobody wants ACR, just say that might be possible. Not only because his age, but more how he treated Packers 2020 and overall behavior.
T7Steve
October 20, 2022 at 07:57 am
Nice column Tim.
Again and again, it starts with the lines. No more to say except to agree that it has to be fixed on offense.
With enough people down on him and hinting he's at least part of the problem, it's time for Rodgers to show he's got a chip on his shoulder and prove us all wrong. That's always when he's been at his best. PRODUCE!!!
We know how well a good offensive game will make the D look invincible. It has covered for bad D for lots of games and this D should actually get better especially with a lead.
RCPackerFan
October 20, 2022 at 07:58 am
1) Something needs to turn around with the offensive line
I think everyone here that has been reading my comments for a while know how I feel about the OL. That it is the single biggest issue with the team right now.
Newman can't be starting anymore. He just can't be. He has been the worst on the OL. And I will say that IMO, the Coaching staff did him no favors this past training camp/preseason when they were having him play OT and RG. That being said, Newman just has been really bad.
Thinking about the OL, I think its time to semi blow it up. The more I think about it, the more I think this will be the best lineup moving forward. Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Yosh/Tom. Putting Jenkins back at LG next to Bakhtiari, essentially locks down the left side of the OL. Runyan I think could switch to RG and be ok. The only question is RT. If they don't think Yosh feels comfortable going to the Right side, then use Tom. If they feel good with Yosh put him there first.
Its time for a change!
If we get to Sunday and I see Newman starting at RG, I may just have to shut the game off.
2) Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur need to get on the same page about what they want the offense to be.
The simplification part of it makes more sense after seeing Dan Orlavsky and JT O'Sullivan talking about it on some youtube videos. Basically they pointed out some things that Rodgers is talking about. Routes that are ran and how they can be done better. The OL pass blocking assignments. Stuff like that.
I think they need to start going under center more. And if there is an issue why Rodgers doesn't like being under center, maybe they should look to marry what they both want to do. Start using the Pistol formation. The pistol puts him off of the center, but by putting the RB behind the QB, it makes the run fakes much more effective. Also I think Dillon is a guy that would benefit from running downhill.
3) The gap between the defense’s talent and the defense’s play needs to close.
I liked the defense the way they were playing Sunday compared to how they played the rest of the season. They had a couple of bad plays hurt them. And they seemed to get worn down at the end of the game. This style of defense is much better and should continue. This style of defense will create more turnovers. Alexander was close a few times to getting a turnover.
5) Get the ball to Aaron Jones.
Its time. Just stop screwing around. Get him the damn ball. They need more designed pass plays to him.
murf7777
October 20, 2022 at 08:35 am
Regarding the OL, I agree with your thoughts. Right now, the whole line has areas of weakness. If you lock down the left side you can provide help to the right side as needed. That takes the guessing game out of the equation. Jenkins is a liability right now at RT so it makes sense to move him to LG next to Bak. Either Yosh or Tom should play no worse than Jenkins at RT so by doing that move you have improved.
RCPackerFan
October 20, 2022 at 09:36 am
I had been proposing some other thoughts and options of who I think they should play where.
One option was simply putting Tom at RG instead of Newman. Another option was putting Jenkins at RG and Yosh or Tom at RT.
But really thinking about it, if they are going to make a change, why not get our left side solidified. Get them solidified, move Runyan to RG and either Yosh or Tom at RT. They can slide protection that way better.
But another reason why I feel this way would be good is the chemistry between players. Bakthiari and Jenkins have tons of it. Runyan and Yosh have chemistry from last year.
I think this lineup makes the most sense. Yosh or Tom at RT will be no worse then Newman at RG, and Jenkins at RT which he has struggled with to be honest. Jenkins goes to his all pro position. Runyan even moving to RG I believe will be an upgrade over Newman.
Handsback
October 20, 2022 at 08:15 am
For those who read the Ask Vic columns, you know this year was coming. He always said Green Bay wasn't a physical team. This year with the oline not gelling during TC, they are that much behind schedule. Changing the coaching staff didn't help and having your speed WRs hurt compounds those issues. I think three things have to happen for GB to turn it around:
Oline gets healthy and starts playing like years past.
MLF and AR find the right combo of run and pass. Develop the offense that this team is capable of doing with current players.
Get the two Ws (Watkins, and Watson) back in the line up.
There is no help coming, play with the guys you have not who you wish you had.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:28 am
I hope old Vic hasnt been watching this season. Would likely lead to another dreaded helicopter ride. I miss Vic.
murf7777
October 20, 2022 at 08:31 am
I agree with all of your thoughts. I will add one thing. Rodgers needs to take more snaps under center and roll out more to open up the passing game. He also needs to take what the D gives him, whether that be a check down, run the ball or a quick slant. At some point this group of WR’s and/or an addition to the group, and Rodgers will get better at longer passes and the offense will get rolling.
Just like Tausch, I also think the Packers will right the ship. They are just too talented to let the ship sink and as long as they have a high level QB like Rodgers who has been in this position multiple times and righted the ship is on board. I’ll keep stating they will change the course until the bow dips into the water. Of course, I’m an optimist, but past history with Rodgers has proven the ship will be righted.
T7Steve
October 20, 2022 at 09:20 am
I wish whoever thumbed you down would say why? Can't find anything wrong with what you said. Am I missing something?
RCPackerFan
October 20, 2022 at 09:45 am
I always find it funny with the thumbs downs. I believe that there are a few that only hit the thumbs down button.
I have tried getting the people who thumbs downed me before to comment why they thumbs downed me and try to have a conversation about it. Never get a response.
I never like or dislike any comments. I just don't use the button. I should I suppose. I just don't do it.
Packerpasty
October 20, 2022 at 10:48 am
its people who's only opinion is that "Rodgers sucks he's poison", any other thoughts or reasons are foolish to them no matter how much sense it makes. Strange this hatred thing some have..
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 08:37 am
Step 1: Bench Rodgers. Dont even activate for another game. He should never have the privilege of wearing the Green and Gold ever again. He is a disgrace to everything this franchise and community are supposed to stand for. Begin negotiating his buyout and move on immediately. A mistake only becomes a mistake when you refuse to correct it.
Step 2: Fix the oline. Put Newman on the practice squad where he belongs. Replace him with Jon Runyan, who has displayed strong play at RG in the past. Put Elgton Jenkins back at LG where he belongs. Why were playing an all-pro LG at RT was stupid to begin with and only gets more stupid every time they trot him out there. Now you have 4 of 5 spots locked down. Give Nijman and Tom a chance at RT. if they cant cut it, explore trade options.
Step 3: Joe Barry has to go. No way around it. You dont win championships playing not to lose. Fear has no place in Green Bay. Play to win or gtfo.
Step 4: Rasul Douglas cant take another snap at nickel. Either keep him outside, or play him at safety and make Savage the nickel.
Step 5: Rededicate this offense to the run game. It is the engine that drives this team and anyone with 1 working eye can see it. When they run, the pass works. When they dont run, nothing works. Its that simple.
Step 6: Players only meeting. Find common cause. Come together as a team and rally around Jordan Love. Go kick some ass. Nobody would expect a Rodgersless team to compete and teams with no expectations have nothing to lose. Teams with nothing to lose are dangerous.
This team needs a spark, a breath of fresh air, and a new identity. Wont get any of the 3 continuing on the same old path. Serious changes need to be made and they needed to be made 6 months ago.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:32 am
The downvotes are amusing. People still lying to themselves that cancer #12 will lead this team anywhere other than right off the cliff. 6 weeks in and hes trashing his coach and basically saying they dont have the right players. Do you have any idea what this shit does to a locker room? You dont hear Daniel Jones complaining about receivers. Nah his team is galvanized with a unified message and goal. Same with Bailey Zappe or Zach Wilson or Kirk Cousins. Its no surprise this team is playing like garbage. The "leader" of this team ignores his own shortcomings while blaming everyone else. But ya'll keep ignoring the truth. Its only going to get worse from here. We aint seen nothing yet. I called the Jets loss last week and im predicting more of the same this week. How many losses followed by endless finger pointing is it going to take people? Pleasing his highness is now more important than winning. Let that sink in.
Edit: 7 downvotes and not 1 rebuttle. Just a bunch of Rodgers fanboys who are content blaming everyone else. Remember this as this team continues on its path straight to hell. Youre gonna get what you asked for.
murf7777
October 20, 2022 at 08:39 am
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Packers active before the trade deadline to add help at WR and/or OL. As I’ve stated in the past by resigning Rodgers we have a two year window to win the big one. So, go all in because our SC will be blown up either way for a couple of years.
croatpackfan
October 20, 2022 at 08:58 am
If ACR decide to retire, team can ask to be released of his part of SC. However Packers will lose the rights to him if he decide to unretire.
The only way to save franchize from SC hell. I asked that question while Ask Vic was active and got that answer. TGR can you, please confirm that. Thank you.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:46 am
Negotiate a buyout and move on as soon as humanly possible. Thats the only chance this team has to save this season. I dont care if they get nothing in return. Just get him out of green bay before a full on mutiny occurs cuz thats exactly where this is headed.
Since'61
October 20, 2022 at 09:49 am
Tim good article I agree with your points. And to simplify your points they are all issues that could be and should be addressed by the coaching staff:
! Fix the OL. that on MLF and the offensive coaching staff.
2. Get on the same page with Rodgers is on MLF specifically. Neither Coach Lombardi or Holmgren would ever this problem with their QB. End of story.
3. Level of defensive performance - MLF has Joe Barry, Mike Holmgren had fritz Shurmur, enough said. Bad hire by MLF or Murphy or whoever. No excuse.
4. Win the turnover battle: Requires aggressive play by the defense. Unfortunately the words aggressive and Joe Barry have yet to be used by anyone in the same sentence.
5. Get the ball to Aaron Jones more often: Yes, after we fix the OL and the offensive genius HC figures out how to get the ball to Jones.
Failing to trade Rodgers is not on the coaches, that is on management and their delusions that this coaching staff could utilize the players on the team correctly to get them to the Super bowl and the further delusion that Rodgers can continue to carry the entire team by himself regardless of the lack of coaching and a PS receiving corps. I will give the management one possible benefit of the doubt. That is that they retained Rodgers because they realize that Love is not and will never be the guy. but then again who decided to draft him, that would be management.
Final point, this is the week to start Jordan Love. Rodgers is injured and that is affecting his throws plus he deserves a rest after being pummeled in the Jets game. give Rodgers the week off and let's see if Love can do anything against Washington. Maybe a first down or a successful handoff, anything. Because if he can't do anything against Washington we'll know why management retained Rodgers when a boatload of picks could have been obtained. But maybe in reality they realized that there is no point in trying to build around Love. "Madness, madness." Thanks, Since '61
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 10:00 am
How do you think Lombardi or Holmgren wouldve handled the qb publicly trashing them and the other players? You know exactly how they wouldve handled it. Rodgers would be shown the bench.
coolhand
October 20, 2022 at 10:49 am
Lombardi used to scream at Starr as he came to the bench right in front of the entire team. But that was then, this is now and a different age where millionaire crybaby players can't be yelled at or their egos might be hurt.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 11:32 am
Exactly.
Packerpasty
October 20, 2022 at 10:50 am
Rodgers probably wouldn't have said anything because Holmgren was actually a good coach who could adapt when things go south in a season or in a game, something that is becoming more apparent that MLF can not do. And like others, I hope to never hear him in one of his pressers say again, "we have to get Jones the ball more often"...starting to sound foolish.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 11:34 am
You know who Lafleur is talking to with his repeated message? Hes talking to Rodgers, who continues to ignore him, just like ignored Mccarthy. He cant make any adjustments cuz Rodgers isnt listening.
Since'61
October 20, 2022 at 01:32 pm
Return To Sanity - Rodgers would not be shown the bench that quickly.
Lombardi was smart enough to recognize the level of talent that Rodgers brings to the position. What Lombardi would do with an experienced Rodgers is ask him to try his offensive philosophy during preseason games. Since Lombardi demanded excellence even during the preseason his plan would work and Rodgers would gain confidence in the Lombardi system. Then he would ask Rodgers to try it again during the first regular season game. Again when it works Rodgers would realize that his head coach is very knowledgeable not only about offense but about defense and STs. He would see himself playing for a coach that will actually help the team win and enable his players to become better players. The point is Rodgers would not have a reason for not implementing Lombardi’s system correctly. Lombardi was brilliant in dealing with all types of egos and personalities. He would make it seem like it was all Rodgers idea while stroking Rodgers ego at the same time.
Holmgren on the other hand would call the plays and when Rodgers audibles out of them the conversation would go like this after the Packers offense came off the field:
Holmgren-“Aaron what are you doing out there??”
Rodgers - I read the defense and I audible out of the play call.”
Holmgren - Okay, how about this? When I want you to call an audible I will send in 2 plays. Run the first play or if we need to audible you run the second play, that’s it. OK, got it.”
Rodgers - “Ok, got it”
Holmgren - I want certain plays run at certain times and situations in the game. Not when you read the defense and think you should change the play. Understood!!!” Next time you mess around with my play calls, you’ll sit!
Rodgers- Understood coach.
Lombardi knew his plan would work because he prepared his team to make it work and he demanded excellence. Failure to execute meant the player would be traded very quickly. Another point, Lombardi’s Packers policed themselves. They had no problem telling an errant player not to mess around with their post season bonus money.
Holmgren’s game plans were designed to continually set up the defense for later in the game. You could see the game plan unfold like turning the pages of a well scripted play or novel.
Both Lombardi and Holmgren were great at making in game adjustments and neither would put up with any BS during the game. As for Rodgers if he tried to go his own way with either Lombard I or Holmgren more than once than yes he would shown the bench.
Apparently MLF has never established any ground rules for his relationship with Rodgers. I’m confident that it didn’t take long for Rodgers to realize that MLF needs him much more than he needs MLF. So here we are. Thanks, Since ‘61
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:28 pm
Thats pure crap and you know it. If Rodgers was like "Hey Vince, this power sweep isnt working. Lets do something else." Vince wouldve shipped him off on the next plane to Syberia. It was his way or the highway, talent be damned. Bart Starr was a 17th round draft pick. Not exactly the epitomy of pure talent. But he had great leadership skills and did what was required of him as per Vince's offensive scheme. He wasnt out there audibling and playing heroball. That crap wouldve lasted about 5 seconds. You know it and I know it. Same with Holmgren. Imagine Favre telling him: "Hey Mike, I dont like your offense, lets do this." Mike's response wouldve been: "Doug (Pederson) youre in." As Bill Belichick says a hundred times a day, "just do your damn job." What that job is, is not for Rodgers to decide. Not sure where you come from, but in my world, chain of command is everything. Im a paramedic and when people break that chain trying to be a hero, people die. Thers probly a few hundred people still walking the earth right now because i followed that chain of command and did my job. Chain of command works. It worked for Lombardi, it worked for Holmgren, and it worked for Mccarthy, until 12 stopped listening. Probably wouldve worked with Lafleur too but Rodgers never listened to him from day 1. Rodgers has become too big in his mind to function as part of a team. Hes become a cancer and its beyond fixing. Lafleur and Gutekunst know this which is why they drafted Love in the first place. It wasnt about his age or diminished skills. It was about the horseshit egomaniac he has become. But they both answer to Murphy and Murphy chose to sell this franchise's soul for the delusion of another super bowl run instead of doing what was right. Most of you feared a return to the dark days of the 70s and 80s if Rodgers was traded. Well guess what? Those days are here now because they decided ti keep him. And hes going to destroy everything good about this franchise before hes done. Mark my words.
Since'61
October 22, 2022 at 08:12 pm
First off my point was that it never get to that point between Rodgers and Lombardi because Lombardi wouldn't allow it.
As for chain of command I served as a medic in the 'Nam in a combat infantry platoon. So I know plenty about the chain of command.
Unfortunately they were no where to be found when we were under fire, fighting for our lives and I was trying to keep our guys alive long enough to get them to our LZ and out on a chopper. So I'm not impressed with the chain of command because they put us in some really bad shxt. Yeah, I have plenty of guys who are still walking around too except that just means I did my job piece of the job for them. Ultimately dozens of other people behind the lines kept them alive. I'm no hero for saving anybody I was just fortunate to be there to be able to help our guys. The heroes are the people didn't make it back. Thanks, Since '61
croatpackfan
October 20, 2022 at 10:33 am
"2. Get on the same page with Rodgers is on MLF specifically. Neither Coach Lombardi or Holmgren would ever this problem with their QB. End of story."
On this claim I agree completely with you, Since. If they are Packers coaches neither of them will have to deal with ACR, not after he publicly trashed the franchize before TC 2020. So, it would either ACR or one of them.
jannesbjornson
October 20, 2022 at 11:39 am
Both coaches eventually left Green Bay for a reason.
Since'61
October 20, 2022 at 03:56 pm
Lombardi left because Washington offered him part ownership of the team. Holmgren left because Seattle offered him the opportunity to be their HC/GM. Wolf should have told Holmgren to give him another 2-3 seasons and then he would give the GM job to Holmgren. Maybe he did make that offer, we'll probably never know. In any case Holmgren moved on to Seattle and the Packers lost their best HC since Lombardi. Thanks, Since '61
Since'61
October 20, 2022 at 04:37 pm
Just one important point Croat. Rodgers would never reach the point of publicly trashing the franchise with either Lombardi or Holmgren because both coaches would establish their ground rules on day one and Rodgers is smart enough to realize that both are excellent coaches who know how to prepare a team to play and that they have offensive systems that actually work and they both know how to make the correct in game adjustments.
Lombardi and Holmgren would know how to channel Rodgers talent and confidence into an even better player than we have seen during his career in Green Bay.
Farve was as raw and wild as a player could be and Holmgren put him on track for an HOF career. When his attempts to trade Starr did not work out Lombardi made the most out of Starr's work ethic and his sharp mind and put him on the path to an HOF career. Bart was not the most talented QB to play the game but he knew how to win with his head and he rarely hurt the team with poor decisions. He became a brilliant play caller and was at his best on 3rd downs and in the big games. Combined with probably the best post season defensive unit of all time Starr just had to not lose the game and his OL and defense did the rest. Thanks, Since 61
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:33 pm
Homgren and Lombardi wouldnt have had to do that cuz they didnt have a clueless weasel lawyer like Murphy to neuter them.
Since'61
October 21, 2022 at 10:02 am
Good point Return To Sanity! Thanks, Since '61
Packerpasty
October 20, 2022 at 10:53 am
the coaches see Love everyday all day, preseason and daily practice...dont you think if they thought he could come remotely close to going out and winning games that they wouldn't have said to trade Rodgers and we will go with Love??? The guys not very good, get over it...another draft coming up I bet it will be draft a QB time...
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 11:35 am
Murphy made the decision to keep Rodgers. Its all about Murphy's mandatory retirement age which is in 3 years. Has nothing to do with Love.
croatpackfan
October 20, 2022 at 11:54 am
Interesting srticle;:
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/20/bryan-bulaga-thinks-packers-...
Swisch
October 20, 2022 at 12:30 pm
How much cooler would it have been if Washington has chosen for its new name Commandos?
It's decision to be known as the Commanders is apt, though, in the sense of capturing the disposition of the nation's capital as a swamp of meddling politicians and bossy bureaucrats.
It's also fitting that a lame name like Commanders would come out of Washington, as if it was the product of a woke committee of wimpy weirdos who don't care about football, even disdain it.
To our elite establishment, brave and daring Commandos are brutish and base; it much prefers the petty tyrants of the administrative state.
Coldworld
October 20, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Commodes seems to be trending.
T7Steve
October 20, 2022 at 01:29 pm
Commandos would be as politically incorrect as their first name. You wouldn't want to upset any Commandos, would you? How about Condoms? Perfect combination of Washington politicians and the Washington society.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:41 pm
Washington Ribbed Jimmies? Has a magical ring to it.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 20, 2022 at 09:34 pm
I kinda like the Washington Commies with their stadium nicknamed The Gulag. With the state of our current administration, it totally fits.
Swisch
October 21, 2022 at 12:39 pm
Yes!
The scoreboard would tell the fans when to cheer or not to cheer, under penalty of imprisonment.
It would all be so much lock-stepping, group-thinking fun.
Rebecca
October 20, 2022 at 02:05 pm
Maybe this is just year one of a long term rebuild. Certainly the offense is already in rebuild and apparently not ready for prime time anymore. Yes, f f sake we know the guards and tackles are either learning as they go or rehabbing on the go. The wide receivers likewise are either injured, clueless or in their 12th week of training camp. Wait until this coaching staff gets thrown overboard! I don’t even want to mention what’s his na…
Roadrunner23
October 20, 2022 at 02:50 pm
This team has no heart, and no guts!
Do we seriously think they can go out and beat teams like Buffalo, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, and gulp, even those purple pukes from Minnesota.
This season is already a waste, the Packers have no proven weapons on offense, except for Aaron Jones and Allen Lazard.
The defense is all hype and no substance and the special teams are not special. This is not a playoff team not even close.
That is all.