Packers Sign an Intriguing Return Man to the Practice Squad
With the punt return unit in need of added depth as well as a boost, the Green Bay Packers make an intriguing practice squad addition, signing David Moore.
By Paul_Bretl
Outside of Corey Bojorquez, and even he has had some ups and downs this season, the play of this Green Bay Packers special teams unit has not only been disappointing but a liability as well.
The number of mistakes that have been made this season are too long to list, but we will just say that Green Bay had more special teams errors against Chicago and Baltimore than what many teams will have over the course of an entire season.
Following the Bears game, Matt LaFleur told reporters that it was "all hands on deck," meaning we could see some key offensive and defensive contributors taking special teams snaps--which we already have with Allen Lazard, Rasul Douglas, and Aaron Jones.
It also meant that GM Brian Gutekunst was scouring the other 31 practice squads as well as free agency for any potential upgrades.
Now, at this point in the season, the Packers are who they are in terms of special teams play. There isn't a magic addition or strategy that that is going to turn them around and make them a top-10 or even a top-20 unit. However, with that said, if they don't cut down on the mistakes, it very well could cost them in the playoffs, and finding some added playmaking ability would be a bonus as well.
One way to add more playmaking to this unit is to upgrade the return positions, which have been very underwhelming. Out of 18 eligible punt returners, Amari Rodgers ranks 12th in average return, but the real issues have been the indecisiveness he displays with the ball in his hands, as well as the inability to field punts cleanly at times.
On kick returns, Taylor ranks 69th out of 100 eligible returners with an average return of 19.4 yards. It's also worth pointing out that Rodgers ranks 100th. But even if Green Bay wanted to continue leaning on these two, they can't right now because Taylor is on IR and Rodgers is on the reserve/COVID list.
Internal options to replace Taylor as kick returner include Patrick Taylor or Aaron Jones--although that comes with some risk. On punts, the Packers could look to Chandon Sullivan, something they did a few weeks ago, or perhaps they turn to Brian Gutekunst's most recent addition to the practice squad, David Moore.
A receiver, the 6'0" - 215 pound Moore was a seventh-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. Over his career, he's been targeted 137 times with a catch rate of 59 percent, including 15.1 yards per catch, and 13 touchdowns, with a majority of his snaps coming on the boundary, according to PFF. Although it's a bonus that he does have this experience on offense, where Moore can really make his impact on this Green Bay Packers team is by returning punts.
Moore, who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash coming out of college, has 22 career punt return attempts with an average of 8.4 yards per return. For some context, if Moore averaged that this season, he would rank eighth in the NFL, and that average would be nearly a full yard more than Rodgers. Moore does also have four kick return attempts but has averaged only 16.3 yards per return.
“He does have a skill-set and, when he’s ready to rock and roll, I’m sure he’ll get the green light,” special teams coordinator Maurice Drayton said on Thursday via SI.
It goes without saying, but expectations should be tempered. We don't know when or if at all Moore would be added to the 53-man roster or if he'd be given the opportunity to return punts.
But for a Packers team that has struggled mightily in this area all season long, what do they have to lose at this point? I mean, something has to change.
Two seasons ago, we saw Tyler Ervin save what was going to be a historically bad punt return unit. Could Moore have a similar impact heading into the playoffs?
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
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Comments (49)
dobber
December 31, 2021 at 11:02 am
Doing something >> doing nothing
Coldworld
December 31, 2021 at 02:21 pm
Moore was a decent 3rd WR in Seattle who got offered money by the Panthers as a FA, with I think about 1.3m guaranteed, only to be cut prior to the season. He’s bounced around since then. What I like about this pick up in addition to punt returns, is that, with a little time, he could also function on O if needed in game. That’s added depth we may need.
The packers also signed RB Kerrith Whyte to the PS, he isn’t a guy with punt return experience, but he’s got kick returner speed and experience if that is what they want most. With all the Covid comings and going’s it is hard to keep track, but conceivably both could be named as Covid replacements.
Spock
December 31, 2021 at 11:10 am
Off this topic, but this just in: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/vikings-announce-notable-qb-move-af...
Cousins will NOT play on Sunday night.
pacman
December 31, 2021 at 11:36 am
Almost not happy about that. I saw this as a playoff prep game.
Maybe we should play Love and let AR heal for 4 weeks (assuming get the bye).
dobber
December 31, 2021 at 12:01 pm
That's getting ahead of themselves...don't rest 'til it's locked up.
mbpacker
December 31, 2021 at 11:36 am
Desperate times------ desperate measures! GPG!
NitschkeFromTheGrave
December 31, 2021 at 11:42 am
Cousins tests Positive. Out for Sunday's game.
4thand10
December 31, 2021 at 12:22 pm
I still think GB should have scooped up another DL…the road to the SB is paved with teams that run and use tight ends. Minnesota has a stable of RBs and FBs. GB could also use a little creativity….fake punts,fake field goals or lineman or DL catching it and running dudes over. Maybe dig deep and steal some trickery out of the ol BB playbook. Amari just has rookie nerves…dude was a pretty good wr in college, built tough. But we’ll see , maybe this new dude is the answer as a gunner and returner…
NickPerry
January 01, 2022 at 03:39 am
"Minnesota has a stable of RBs and FBs. GB could also use a little creativity….fake punts,fake field goals or lineman or DL catching it and running dudes over. Maybe dig deep and steal some trickery out of the ol BB playbook."
No offense friend but the Packers special teams is having a hard enough time already. Any time they make it past the 25 yard line on a KO, or actually catch and return the punt for a few yards, it seems there's a penalty.
I'd be MORE than happy with ZERO mistakes moving forward. Field the ball cleanly and hope each KO is in the endzone so they start at the 25 earch drive. After watching ST this season, that would be MORE than enough trickery.
marpag1
December 31, 2021 at 01:06 pm
This article should stand as a shining example of what it means "to bury the lede."
LeotisHarris
December 31, 2021 at 03:57 pm
Should we temper our expectations?
croatpackfan
December 31, 2021 at 01:27 pm
Every stone is turned around!
Alberta_Packer
December 31, 2021 at 01:42 pm
In the words of Richard III - "My kingdom for a PR + KR."
Both positions have been eye-averting bad - so why not someone with a return pedigree? The STs were better last week - so Gutekunst still on the job.
As for Cousins being a late scratch - good news and bad news. The good - he is the Vikings first string QB. The bad? The Packers may now feel that "less gas, more brake" can win the game.
marpag1
December 31, 2021 at 01:48 pm
What is scarier to me is that the Vikings will have little choice except to hammer the run with Cook, which is almost certainly a better option against the Packers anyway, especially in cold weather.
Alberta_Packer
December 31, 2021 at 02:03 pm
Yes. It may very well turn out to be another game like the Browns - an uncomfortable win.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2021 at 02:17 pm
Yes, but if we start putting points on the board they’ll have to throw. They won’t be able to just hand it off because they’ll need to score to keep up.
Alberta_Packer
December 31, 2021 at 02:28 pm
I see this as the most likely scenario.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2021 at 02:35 pm
Last week, our offense only managed a FG in the second half, so Cleveland could stay on the ground. I hope it’s different this week.
Philarod
December 31, 2021 at 06:18 pm
Mixed feelings, as Jefferson is as good as any receiver in the league, and gets easy separation, Thielen is no slouch, either.
Coldworld
December 31, 2021 at 09:25 pm
Thielen is out for the year
Philarod
January 01, 2022 at 10:30 am
My bad.
PhantomII
January 01, 2022 at 05:24 pm
Are you suggesting one of those super duper WR's are needed in this game?
Coldworld
December 31, 2021 at 02:25 pm
Their likely back up is immobile, but has a strong arm. However they are down one key receiver. Double cover Jefferson and play a heavy line throughout
Leatherhead
December 31, 2021 at 02:14 pm
If I had the #1 seed, and the MVP at QB, I damn sure wouldn’t pick a guy off the street and put him in a position where he could cost us a playoff game.
marpag1
December 31, 2021 at 03:14 pm
We've got two weeks to take a look at him, and maybe the real question here is, "Do you prefer to put Amari Rodgers in a position that could cost us a playoff game?"
That said, you're not wrong...
Leatherhead
December 31, 2021 at 03:19 pm
Amari Rodgers, with all his warts, is still our best option at punt catcher. He caught a lot of them in the SEC.
If I were the coach…..I’d have him catching punts in practice every day until he caught 50 in a row. That’s 250 in a week, 1000 by the first playoff game. If he needs confidence, give him some.
A couple of years I was forced to coach high school basketball. I got so fed up with crappy free throw shooting that I said “Practice lasts until everybody makes 5 in a row. If they missed one, they ran a set of lines and started over. We got much, much better and I totally believe that success in practice gives you confidence in games.
dobber
December 31, 2021 at 03:36 pm
I think the key takeaway here is that AmRod is on the Covid list, they likely don't expect him to be active on Sunday, and they don't like any of their other options on the roster for catching punts or kickoffs.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2021 at 03:48 pm
Cobb?
dobber
December 31, 2021 at 04:02 pm
Not active for Sunday.
packer132
December 31, 2021 at 06:31 pm
I agree that reps and practice are priceless. Unfortunately the Packers don't have 5 practice days, so 250 balls is overly optimistic. They have film days and walk throughs, so maybe 3 days of good practice. I would rather see another returner this week and next against the Lions. Amari needs to sit, watch, learn, and pick it up in training camp next summer. Lets try Moore and see how he does. The next two weeks should be good practice before the playoffs.
Cheesey51
December 31, 2021 at 08:10 pm
do you really think, they'd consider him if he was worthless. The tried out the all-star PR/KR from the CFL and he did not make the cut.
Coldworld
January 01, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Moore has had a decent career in Seattle. If considered in light of your concern, he’s about as safe a move as one can make. He’s been a reliable returner when asked and is experienced depth if needed on O.
I’m not sure why, after guaranteeing him money, he didn’t stick on his new team this year, but it seems not to have been character or obvious performance, just that they felt others had more upside and, given the state of their roster went with that. I would be fine rolling out Moore to handle returns (though I fear to tempt fate after Cobb’s fumble).
Seems like a sensible, safe move to acquire him over a younger, perhaps faster/more elusive specialist.
Crockett3663
December 31, 2021 at 03:30 pm
If Tyler Ervin was so good as a returner, why not just re-sign HIM?
jurp
December 31, 2021 at 03:48 pm
Maybe Ervin doesn't want to quit whatever his current job is to come back on a short-term contract?
Coldworld
January 01, 2022 at 12:11 pm
Ervin was not very good in his last season with us before injury, perhaps that is a factor in the lack of interest. Of course he may just not be in shape or fully healthy. Usually there is a reason why the seemingly obvious isn’t when the team goes through multiple other options instead.
MarkinMadison
December 31, 2021 at 04:19 pm
I'm sure they will be checking him out closely in practice next week. It might even be worth it to elevate him against the Lions and see what he can do. He is unlikely to be worse that what we have, and he is unlikely to cost the Packers a win against the Lions. And if the Packers lock up the 1 seed this weekend then it won't even matter if he does...
The challenge for the coaching staff this week will be keeping people motivated with Cousins out.
Personally, I'm ready for a run-heavy game in the cold.
Qoojo
December 31, 2021 at 05:54 pm
The returners on ST sure don't inspire confidence when they field the ball. Just get a guy that is sure handed, and that will be helpful.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 31, 2021 at 06:41 pm
It is colder than shit out and I'm hibernating in front of my man cave fireplace with a blanket and my wife just handed me me a hot coffee spiked with Khalua, Irish Cream, and Vanilla Vodka. Any Packer news on a God forsaken cold ass evening is FANTASTIC!
Going to be a lot of running the ball, screens, and tosses to the TE's. I can see from the above comments some people think with Cousins out it is already a Packer victory. Going to be a very tough game. Lancaster and Keke out or not 100% with Cook running for more than 125 yards. Get ready to strap it on and the team who turns it over the least likely to win.
I will just say.....can any GBP coach actually coach Dillion up fundamentally when he carries the into the middle of the line that he covers with two hands? For crying out loud! It is going to bite us sometime!
Cheesey51
December 31, 2021 at 08:14 pm
FYI: When Coach LaFleur was the OC for the Rams he coached new QB#1 of Vikings Mannion. That's got to help especially with this late notice of switch at the QB position
Coldworld
January 01, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Interesting. Good catch. He certain should know his tendencies.
Cheesey51
December 31, 2021 at 08:15 pm
FYI: When Coach LaFleur was the OC for the Rams he coached new QB#1 of Vikings Mannion. That's got to help especially with this late notice of switch at the QB position
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2022 at 04:46 am
Interesting. Good catch. He certainly should know his tendencies.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2022 at 04:49 am
Yeah, IDK why I wrote (plagiarized) that reply - it tickled my sense of humor. It was a good reply the first time!
RedRight49
January 01, 2022 at 08:43 am
Moore is a good, late season, practice squad signing by Gute.
He is a veteran WR and a veteran return guy, becoming a potential back-up or starter insurance policy for two positions of importance entering the final weeks of the season and into the playoffs.
There is still practice time available to see what Moore might offer the Pack if and when he is needed on a game day.
Glad that Gute is always looking for potential upgrades this time of the year.
GPG
stockholder
January 01, 2022 at 09:11 am
Did Amari Rodgers get demoted? I. Want Rodgers in there now. The key is to get him to handle the ball in game situations. He needed to be on the kickoff unit. And he needs to be on the punt returns. Even if he rotates with another player. Either were going to develop him, or he'll be a bust. And can't we just find 1 play where he can run the ball. Even a screen works. He must be given a bigger chance to succeed.
Duneslick
January 01, 2022 at 12:59 pm
He looks slow. Not decisive or quick. Not what i envisioned when they drafted him. 40 time was not that good either
Coldworld
January 01, 2022 at 06:23 pm
He’s out on Covid reserve and so he’s not available (or not expected to be). We really don’t have any depth. Cobb is back practicing, just, but not on the active roster and they haven’t seemed to want to use anyone else on kicks and to see Sullivan as an emergency option only.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 02, 2022 at 04:51 am
Amari got demoted some time ago in terms of snap counts and usage. Now he is also out with Covid.
Tex49
January 01, 2022 at 11:01 am
Can he field a punt or kick cleanly? That is all I care about at this point.