Packers Training Camp Storylines
By jasonperone
The Green Bay Packers open training camp this week and with it, another season. 2018 will bring many changes with it, from a new General Manager to a new Offensive and Defensive Coordinator.
Let the position battles begin and here is a look at some of the areas of the team that will garner more attention this summer.
Who Will Make Up the Receiver Group?
Davante Adams and Randall Cobb are back. Beyond that, the depth chart can be debated. Geronimo Allison should be back. Trevor Davis could go either way. He's currently the punt returner but should face some competition from rookie Jaire Alexander. If Alexander takes over those duties, Davis could be on his way out.
Rookie J'Mon Moore is a fourth-round pick so by virtue of that alone, he should be on the final roster. Marquez Valdes-Scantling impressed during mini camps and Equanimeous St. Brown has the physical tools to crack the roster.
If all of the above-mentioned are kept, that's seven receivers. Michael Clark seems to be on the outside looking in but could make things very interesting if he has an outstanding preseason.
Hopefully, this battle isn't decided by injury but if one of the top three go down (please knock on wood), the Packers may be scrambling for a veteran receiver to bring in. There aren't a ton of great options currently out there.
Will Offensive Line Continue To Be a Strength?
The left side of the line is set with David Bakhtiari, Lane Taylor and Corey Linsley returning. At right guard, the Packers have Justin McCray and rookie Cole Madison to compete for that spot. At right tackle, Bryan Bulaga won't be ready for the start of the season and will start on the physically unable to perform list, most likely.
With those questions on the right side, this is an important summer. Green Bay has to hope that one of McCray or Madison can grab the starting spot so they don't have to bring back Jahri Evans, who was OK in that role last year.
At right tackle, Jason Spriggs, Kyle Murphy and newcomer Byron Bell will compete for the starting spot. Spriggs struggled a lot last year and Murphy was hurt early in the year so what each will bring is still very much a question.
With the Packers looking to get the ball into the hands of their committee of backs this season along with keeping Aaron Rodgers upright, they need to get their line figured out sooner than later.
Can the Young Cornerbacks Contribute Big?
Few players on this roster will have more eyes on them than Kevin King and rookies Alexander and Josh Jackson. The Packers need all three to play regularly and come up big. Tramon Williams returns along with Davon House to add some experience to the group.
Relying on young players is always a gamble. At corner, it's a huge gamble. Can Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine turn this into one of better groups in the NFC? They've added some speed and size but will the lack of experience be a big factor? Hopefully if it is, it doesn't manifest itself in the postseason.
King finally had surgery on his shoulder and is he truly 100% and ready to go? His improvement will be one of the linchpins to this year's cornerback group success.
Is this the NFL's Best Defensive Line?
It's way too soon to answer that question, but it's worth asking it. Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry return. Muhammad Wilkerson joins the fray and Montravious Adams is back to compete for his role. If all play well, it's going to elevate this defense to the top half of the league.
Clark is still younger than some rookies and seems poised to burst through the seams. Daniels keeps wrecking double teams. Running the ball will be a challenge for opposing offenses. If this line can max out, they immediately improve the pass rush as well. And that then makes life easier for those young corners.
This group may single-handedly make watching the Packers defense fun again.
Can Clay Matthews and Nick Perry Hold Down the Outside Linebacker Spots?
Obviously health answers this question, but each is another year older and neither were great last season. Matthews' days of being great on the regular may be behind him but the Packers didn't draft a pure pass rusher this past draft. They seem content to ride with these two stalwarts.
Vince Biegel returns and has some hype surrounding him as to what he can be this season. That the team didn't draft a linebacker beyond Oren Burks says that they have faith in Biegel.
Burks has the athletic measurables but he hasn't played a snap yet. For now, Matthews and Perry need to be in peak form when this season starts.
Which Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Returns in 2018?
Clinton-Dix didn't have flashy stats last season and while the loss of Rodgers was the biggest reason why the team struggled, the safety play left much to be desired. With Morgan Burnett gone, Clinton-Dix becomes the elder statesman of the safety group and the Packers need more of the 2016 version that earned a Pro Bowl nod.
Here's another player who many are hoping that Mike Pettine can revive with his new outlook and scheme. Clinton-Dix doesn't have great speed and he's not drawing any comparisons to Nick Collins but he can make plays and when he's on, he's above average.
Ha Ha has said the right things this offseason and appears motivated to come back better this season. That improvement likely becomes a key to the defense's overall success this season so hopefully he's ready to put his play behind his words.
Will a New Punter and Long Snapper Help or Hinder?
PK Scott is the new punter and comes in with a big leg. He kicked well during training camp and the Packers said goodbye to last year's punter, Justin Vogel. We have to trust that the team knows best with that move.
Hunter Bradley was drafted to be the new long snapper. That he was drafted versus being signed as a free agent (which is most common for long snappers) means the Packers have high expectations and hopes for him. Bradley reportedly struggled a bit during spring and this could become an issue.
Mason Crosby is dealing with his fourth holder in as many seasons and his third long snapper. He's a very good kicker, but if the mechanics are off, it could prove costly on the scoreboard.
Is Aaron Rodgers' Contract an Issue?
So much has been said and debated about Rodgers' deal and when the Packers will extend it. It's anyone's guess, but we have to trust that both sides are working on it and that it won't turn into a circus.
The Packers have the leverage right now, as Rodgers is under contract for another two seasons. He wants to play beyond that and will be due a hefty raise at that. The Packers should and, I believe, will pay him and add at least two more years to his current contract.
This is a "when" versus an "if" thing. While Rodgers has been outspoken about various topics, both positive and negative, I don't expect him to let this become a source of distraction for long, either for himself or the team.
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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (47)
RCPackerFan
July 23, 2018 at 07:40 am
I am hoping to make it to Green Bay on Saturday to watch practice. I don't know if its going to work, but hoping to.
If I make it up there, the things I want to see in person are the WR's, CB's, and TE's. I really can't wait to see what these rookies look like. Both at WR and CB.
At WR the rookies bring size and speed. The size is something new to the offense. They really haven't ever had the amount of height that they have now. Rodgers has to be at least a little excited knowing he has some huge weapons to possibly throw to.
Including TE's. They currently have 5 WR's and TE's that are 6'4 + that have a good chance to make the 53.
At CB the rookie's bring athletic ability and play making ability. But at CB its not just about the rookies. Seeing Williams back will be great to see. Also seeing King coming back healthy will be huge! And I really am looking forward to seeing what guys like Pipkins, Waters, and Rollins can do.
The WR and CB battle will be fun to watch.
As far as what I want to see during the preseason. I want to see the new look defense. I am looking forward to seeing our new look DL. I want to see how Adams looks also. If he can be the player they were hoping they were getting when they drafted him, our DL could go from very good, to great.
I want to see the RB's and OL. How does the right side of the OL look. Since in camp you can't really see how the RB's look, the preseason games are the first chance you can see how the RB's look. I am looking forward to seeing Jones and Williams and seeing what kind of 2nd year jump they make. Does Mays do anything to earn a roster spot?
Finally I am looking forward to seeing who jumps out. I love seeing who emerges as camp goes on. Who makes a push for the 53. And which rookies are ready to contribute early.
Its going to be fun to watch. Crazy that camp starts this week! I can't wait!
Bearmeat
July 23, 2018 at 07:55 am
I'm so jealous. I never made it to training camp when I grew up in WI (I blame my dad for that lol), and I live too far away now for it to not cost an arm and a leg. It also happens right over our staff meetings, so I'd have to pull a magic trick to get out of those. :(
Regarding your points - if even half of the things fall the right way with the young guys (which is very possible), this is going to be a very, very good team come January.
RCPackerFan
July 23, 2018 at 08:23 am
I live about 3 hours away so its not easy getting there. But compared to a lot on here its a lot easier. I am hoping it works for Saturday.
I really wish every Packer fan had an opportunity to go to practice. About 5 years ago I took my dad with me and it was awesome. It was the practice the night before the Family night. We saw a lot of the players families there. My dad sat next to and talked to James Jones' mom the entire practice. Classy, classy lady! His pregnant wife was just behind us and his little son was playing. Also Jermichael Finley's wife and kids were next to us too. It was honestly was one of the best practices we went to. The family atmosphere was amazing.
In all honesty I just can't wait to see the rookies. Camp for me is about the rookies and 2nd year players. The older players we basically know what we are getting. But the rookies we don't know how soon they will be able to contribute. Its our first look at them in Green and Gold. The 2nd year players we get to see what kind of jump they make. We have a quite a few that could make huge impacts this year. With King, Jones, Adams, Biegel, Williams, Jones. All of them could have huge roles with the team this year.
The other reason why I think they will be really good is that they went and brought in Veteran players. Getting Wilkerson & Williams on defense could be major pieces to help the defense. Adding Graham and Lewis at TE and Bell on OL.
I really can't wait for this season!
Also this will be my first year watching the games from my newly finished Packers rec/family room in my basement. Took me a few years to finish but my Packer room is finally finished. Can't wait to get the big tv and watch!
I bleed green more
July 23, 2018 at 10:27 am
For those that live there man what a treat. I was young and poor back in the glory days. I am now 700 miles away if you can catch the glory years.
croatpackfan
July 23, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Imagine how difficult is for me even to come to game, not only TC. I live over the ocean, like Bonnie in that song...
EDIT: I do not blame my father for not bringing me to Packers TC...
Bearmeat
July 23, 2018 at 01:46 pm
bahahahahaha!
porupack
July 23, 2018 at 07:57 am
Totally unrelated, but hey....thoughts go out to Vikings organization in losing a good man Sparano. Rivals yes, but sports is just sports, and also a story-line going into training camp.
Bure9620
July 23, 2018 at 08:08 am
Very sad to hear
RCPackerFan
July 23, 2018 at 08:25 am
Very true! Sad news for his family, friends and team.
Wish the best for them!
Bearmeat
July 23, 2018 at 08:59 am
Yes. It's very sad. Never want to hear that.
I almost feel like a DBag typing this, but I have to say two things:
1. The coaching lifestyle IS a killer. Those men work very long hours under high stress for years. It doesn't make any difference any more to Sparano's family, but I hope the NFL and the NCAA take a good, long look at what the profession is doing to these workers bodies and minds.
2. (this is the DBag part so be warned): I have to say - every time the Vikings organization (and fans) feel like they're going to do well going into a season, something awful and crazy like this happens. Korey Stringer. The collapse of the Humphrey Dome. Cunningham's injury. I mean, going back to the 80s this has been the case.
I have had a hunch ever since they went "all in" with Cousins back in March, that they'd have a disappointing season this year. I do think this is the first shoe to drop.
Yes. I feel awful typing those words. But after the sadness parted (over the death of a man I don't know), this was my next thought.
kevgk
July 23, 2018 at 09:59 am
True, they are a pretty snakebitten team. Oline play has been their achillies heel, and they better find a solution quick or their new QB might never get comfortable.
Bearmeat
July 23, 2018 at 11:55 am
Exactly. Add in that a full 2/3 of their offense last year was Keenum running around like a chicken with his head cut off until Diggs/Thielen/Rudolph came open deep. That offense had no timing last year, and the interior OL play was a very large part of it. They are bad, and they've done nothing to improve in the offseason. Oh, did I mention that Cousins, unlike Keenum, is a pocket passer? And that they had a historically healthy defensive unit last year that generated top 3 short fields for their offense? History suggests turnovers will regress to the mean after an outlier season...
Just saying. Especially after this, I don't quite see "dumpster fire" in their very near offensive future, but it ain't gonna be a juggernaut unit either.
The NFCN is very much within GBs grasp.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 23, 2018 at 08:31 am
The WR battle will tell me a lot about Green Bay's organization.
If Allison dramatically outperforms all 3 rookies and Davis and Clark, then fine--he should make the team. But if Allison only performs a little better than all of them--if even one comes close to his current level--he should be released. He has a low ceiling, is useless on special teams, and is in the final year of his rookie deal.
Gute is looking long term, and demonstrated as much by drafting high athleticism and snagging an extra 1st next year. McCarthy is on the hot seat--at least with fans--and will prioritize 2018 over the future.
If any of those 5 receivers comes close to Allison in camp, but Allison is still kept, then "win now" wins, and a much higher potential player with more cheap years walks to a smarter team. If Allison is cut, then Gute truly has influence.
Again, if Allison dominates, that changes things--much better is much better. Otherwise, watch this decision to see who holds influence behind the scenes.
Bearmeat
July 23, 2018 at 08:34 am
100% agreed. If we're going to have a good 3rd WR this year, it's going to be a rookie I'd bet.
RCPackerFan
July 23, 2018 at 08:59 am
The competition for the #3-6/7 WR spot is going to be really fun to watch. A lot of really good competition for it. There will likely be some talented players to be cut this year!
kevgk
July 23, 2018 at 10:05 am
The number 3 WR really isn't a big deal at all. Its like a number 2 RB, he only sees the field in certain personnel group sets, and changes every week, especially with 2 TE sets the Packers have been running. I fully expect a rookie WR to play extensively because his size and speed go a long way in the matchup game, but Geronimo will certainly see play because his experience and prowess would play better against experienced corners of a similar size.
TL;DR a number 3 WR title is just semantics, the performance of individuals and the weekly matchups are much more important
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 23, 2018 at 10:25 am
Kev, I agree the 3rd WR isn't that critical for this team, but that's all the more reason to keep someone who offers speed for special teams and athletic upside with cheap contract years past 2019.
You're actually helping my point. The last thing we should do is let a big, talented young player get away, just so we can keep 1 more year of an average 3rd WR who does nothing on special teams.
So unless Allison dominates camp, he should be the first one out the door.
kevgk
July 23, 2018 at 11:57 am
to add the number 3 WR is Jimmy Graham, so if we're just looking at 4 WR sets, play the tall fast guy as a deep threat. On the Depth Chart, Geronimo and Jmon Moore fill Adams' role mid field as a reliable chains pusher, while the tall guys are better in the red zone.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 23, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Which rookie do you want released so we can keep a backup chainmover with no special teams value for only 1 year?
Forget Practice Squad. Release any of these 3 rookies, and they're gone.
So, who do you want cut and gone?
kevgk
July 23, 2018 at 01:04 pm
Its too early to tell, there are so many variables and info for coaches eyes only
I like keeping Geronimo and Moore as the typical Packers WR mold, and keep Equanimaeus and Scantling as the speacial teamers/development projects.
Trevor Davis could be kept for his speed and punt returning. I don't see much of a future for Clark, Kumerow, or Dupre (???) unless they show some real upside.
There are plenty of players in different positions that can fill out the special teams, so keeping the players with the highest upside is the best move imo.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 23, 2018 at 06:38 pm
I like keeping Davis so we don't get our top pick killed returning kicks, but I guess we just can't agree on Allison.
I just don't think he offers the overall value to be kept with only 1 year left on his rookie deal. I'd keep someone with more potential, contract years, and special teams ability.
Ultimately, I believe this will come down to who has more influence--Gute or McCarthy. McCarthy is thinking 2018 survival, while Gute is rebuilding from Ted's wreckage.
My guess? McCarthy wins out. He has more influence.
WKUPackFan
July 24, 2018 at 04:11 am
The decision on whether Allison is kept indicates nothing about who holds influence behind the scenes, mainly because there is no issue of who holds such influence.
MM coaches the team. Gute assembles and adjusts the roster and runs the front office. Ball works under Gute and specializes in the salary cap. Murphy is over all them. It is fairly easy to figure out.
There is no Real Housewives of Green Bay drama, just four people doing their respective jobs.
jww061356
July 24, 2018 at 07:25 am
My guess us Yancey and Davis. Keep the 3 kids, Cobb, Adams, Clark.
Charvid
July 23, 2018 at 05:45 pm
Especially with Graham in the slot, who is virtually a 3rd WR.
Barnacle
July 23, 2018 at 03:21 pm
ALP, I agree with your WR logic
LayingTheLawe
July 23, 2018 at 08:35 pm
I agree Allison is JAG, but whether the Packers keep a 6th round draft choice who doesn't shine in camp but can run like the wind or a JAG 3rd year vet has little to do with who has influence behind the scenes. This is just your pet theme for the year.
But the idea that the Packers need an effective 3rd receiver is certainly true. They also need to see if they have a number one guy, a number 2 guy a dependable tight end, and a good back.
porupack
July 23, 2018 at 08:39 am
Jason, good list of what fans are looking for and I expect every answer to be a positive. Great prospects for addressing most of the 2017 weaknesses.
The top of the story-line list is Pettine and how he rolls out the new D. This story line started around 2011 and the growing frustration around Capers, and finally Mngmnt agreement that Capers has not elevated the D. So this isn't a new story-line, but it is huge and reason for optimism.
But I don't expect to see much till season opens, but still, sure looking for clues.
The other big reason for optimism, is that GB management (Gute) seems to actually have a clear alignment with the MM scheme requirements. Gute seems clear strategy to get more athleticism and physical tools.
Love it or not, at least fans can take hope that there is a strategy.
I think we were frustrated with TT-MM in the past for a seemingly lack of cogent strategy (though we surmised that it was to stockpile draft picks to draft hybrid players for interchangeability).
I am impressed with the whole hearted investment on athleticisim. At least fans can see a committment and clear purpose.
Loved your comment re DL:
This group may single-handedly make watching the Packers defense fun again. Agreed! That is how you build a defense around a dominant core Dline!
Very optimistic, and will follow your storylines.
fthisJack
July 23, 2018 at 09:48 am
i take great comfort in the Packers bringing back Joe Philbin. it seemed like their offensive scheme had become stale and predictable under MM and Bennett. i think Philbin breathes new life into and offense that added some key pieces. Lewis and Graham and the young RB and some big fast WR! remember how unstoppable the offense was under Philbin in his last go around? i am expecting the same to happen this year. i am really pumped for this season!
Bure9620
July 23, 2018 at 09:56 am
I may be alone here, but I really feel like Allison gets jumped in TC by one or more of the rooks. Yes, he knows the offense. Yes, he has Rodgers trust. But does Allison really have a high ceiling? It think we've seen his best. I really think the 3 rookies have huge potential. My money is on J'Mon. Love his route running and run after catch ability. I look for a splash from these guys.
Turophile
July 23, 2018 at 11:17 am
It's not about Allison not having a high ceiling.
What it is about, is having a functional no.2 receiver THIS YEAR.
Historically, rookie receivers don't do much (even more so if they are not picked in the first three rounds). Someone has to take a boatload of snaps as a no.2 opposite Adams, and it is a very high probability most of them will be taken by Allison, Davis, Yancey, rather than any rookie (and Clark is probably still too green).
None of the above give me much confidence, but some combination of them (probably mostly Allison) has to take the bulk of the no.2 outside receiver snaps. The rooks will almost certainly get a few chances, but the key word is 'few'. The time to get excited about rookie WRs is NEXT year. It hurts a bit to say that, but that is what history suggests will happen.
So, swallow the bitter pill this year, remember that the WRs loss is the CB unit's gain (2x high picks this year), and look to 2019 when there is a good solid chance that one of the many WRs in development steps up and becomes a no.2 of the future.
Even if none of the hopefuls shows any sign of being a future no.2, there is still the fallback position of a high pick in 2019, but hope is quite high that will not be needed, with Moore, Clark, Valdez-Scantling, St.Brown, all big guys and quick as well, for their size. The development of lower pick WRs is a real longshot lottery, but the Packers have gathered a bunch of guys with exceptional physical tools, to shorten those odds as much as they can.
One sticky problem that will have to be addressed this year, is that two of the four names mentioned above will likely go to the PS, unless the Packers keep 7 receivers. That is probably Clark and one other (I'd bet on St.Brown, with Scantling earning his keep on ST through 2018, though I can already hear the howls of "NO-NO-NO", as I type this).
Bure9620
July 23, 2018 at 11:47 am
Allison will not be option WR 2 anywhere, Adams, Cobb and Graham will be the top options on every play
Bearmeat
July 23, 2018 at 11:57 am
Right. And Monty/Jones may be option #4 in the passing game. Leaving Allison/rookie WRs/dark horse as #5. That's not a terrible place to be in. The offense will be excellent AS LONG AS neither ARod, nor Davante get hurt for any extended period.
If that happens, turn the lights out folks - cause we're going to be relying on our defense to keep teams under 20 a game in order to win again.
Bure9620
July 23, 2018 at 12:05 pm
I actually think the 3rd "reciever" will not see the field as much this year (its really Jimmy Graham) . The additions of Graham and Lewis will give McCarthy/Philibin many options to be very multiple with perssonel groupings. I see more 12 and even 22 perssonel with a run options attached to it. I could even see 2 back sets "22" perssonel, Adams, Graham and Lewis, to keep the defense guessing as to if we run or throw out of it, or send 2 backs on passing routes. Philbin will not allow MM to fall into the standard 11 personnel on every down crap we have seen. We see what happens, teams rush 4 and send 7 into coverage and Rodgers has to play schoolyard ball waiting for someone to be open.
kevgk
July 23, 2018 at 01:11 pm
I think a great no huddle group would be Adams, Cobb, Graham split wide, Lewis and Montgomery in line. Montgomery can be shifted in and out of the slot/backfield to reveal coverages, Lewis could either be blitz pickup, run blocking, or a second recieving TE with Montgomery blocking. You could swap Montgomery with Williams and run some bubble screens (althought I probably wouldn't put Williams in the slot.) Williams would shred as an interior rusher and teams would have to respect the play action.
This is one of the most versatile offensive groups in the whole NFL, and with Rodgers running it, DCs will have no idea what to do.
Bure9620
July 23, 2018 at 01:14 pm
Yes, find the matchup and don't allow the defense to sub. Lots of options here
stockholder
July 23, 2018 at 01:38 pm
NO-NO-NO, Allison made this team as a UDFA. (2016!) Even with Davis. Rd. 5 And Janis. Think about that. Your judging these rookies on the slower 2017 picks. (Yancey and Dupree.) And keeping Clark because of his size. All 3 NEW WR picks have size and speed. I see all 3 making it. And they must make it. They caught everyone's attention. How long has it been since we heard that? Even in 2014, the Hype was unfounded. It would be a mistake to hang unto slow, suspended, and unproductive WRs. Which one can take Janis place as a gunner? None. The new gunners will be from the secondary. They must find Nelson, Cobb, and J. Jones again. I believe they have; if they don't waste anymore time on want a bees.
Bure9620
July 23, 2018 at 01:43 pm
Agreed Stockholder, Allison will evetually become expendable. I think he gets jumped in camp by atleast one of the rookies.
Turophile
July 24, 2018 at 05:24 am
YES-YES-YES
stockholder, I'm not judging this years rookie WRs by the 2017 picks. I'm judging them by how rookie receivers usually perform.
For example, what did Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams do in their first two years - well, neither was ready as a rookie, both were up and down in year 2, and hit their stride fully from year three onwards. Also, they were both high picks (round 2). I get that you are hopeful, but you have to give these guys time. Let's not bury rooks under unrealistic expectations this year.
I also disagree that the ST gunner will automatically be from the secondary. Those young CBs will have higher expectations on them, than the rookie WRs. If they see a good amount of playing time on defense, the Packers could well look elsewhere for the gunner. What better role for a 5th or 6th receiver than on ST..........and if you are big and fast you have two key components for a gunner. It is likely to be the biggest contribution they will make as rookies.
Finally, your 'slow, unproductive WR' (I assume you mean Allison) is a surefire keeper, at least he is for this year. I'm afraid your 'want a bees' (wannabees) will be the bees knees this year, while the rooks are merely the drones.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 23, 2018 at 05:05 pm
That's if you're focused solely on 2018. I am focused on the team's development, so I wouldn't keep Allison.
But I'm sure Powerless Gute will be outvoted by Desperate Mike, and team-building will be tossed in favor of the safer 2018 player. I have no faith whatsoever in this team doing the right thing.
Turophile
July 23, 2018 at 06:05 pm
Actually, i expect Gute and MM to be on the same page here.
Allison WILL be kept this year. Allison will almost certainly be the best, and most reliable target this year of the candidates available after Adams, Cobb and TE Graham.
You want production from Clark/Moore/Scantling/St.Brown........then have the patience to wait a year (maybe two), and you will see what they can do once they understand their job at the NFL level.
Just because Allison lacks the exciting size/speed combo of others, doesn't mean he won't be the best option to hold down the spot opposite Adams this year. Live with that, and then hope for a second year jump by at least one of the young up-and-comers.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 23, 2018 at 06:40 pm
You keep saying "this year."
That's the problem.
Turophile
July 23, 2018 at 11:55 pm
That's because after this year all bets are off. Allison has a chance of being superseded then, but the Packers need him now.
The Packers will not throw this season down the tubes by dumping the best current no.2 outside WR option. Next year they can, if there is a better choice then (which there might be). TE Graham might be split out wide sometimes, but they still need Allison.
I have already pointed out that two WRs are likely to get put on the PS, so at least one could be lost to the Packers, not a good thing. That still means there are two spots available after Adams/Cobb/Allison/Davis....probably Moore and one other.
jww061356
July 24, 2018 at 07:31 am
Can you imagine what it would be like next year if Cobb is gone and we a 6'6" player in the slot? Woo-hoo!
Since'61
July 23, 2018 at 11:33 am
First and most important to me is getting through the preseason injury free, especially to our starters.
Next is the right side of the OL. Regardless of our RB and WR rotation they will only go as far as our OL can take them. After Cobb, Adams and Graham, I'll let the coaches sort out the remaining WR rotation and PS players. At TE we know that Lewis and Kendricks are #s 2 and 3 behind Graham.
On defense I'm most interested in our CBs. They will be a key to making Pettine's pass rush schemes work effectively. Next, I'm interested to see who will replace Morgan Burnett at safety. As for HHCD, only time will tell where he is at.
I'm also hoping that with Philbin and Pettine joining the coaching ranks they will be more effective at having the marginal and mediocre players chucked and keeping the best 63 for the active and PS rosters. Thanks, Since '61
LayingTheLawe
July 23, 2018 at 08:38 pm
Who is slotted to be the starters at receiver and tight end are certainly clear. But the level of production to me seems to be in a lot of question.
Last season, Adams appeared to show that he could thrive with any quarterback and any coverage on him, but that thriving still only amounted to 800 yards for the season. He has been a touchdown machine but he has not shown he is a yardage machine.
For the Packers to be a 2011 type of powerhouse offense they need Adams to have 1200 plus yards and Cobb to have near 1000. Then they need Graham to have 700 or so yards and all to have a good handful of touchdowns. It is no slam dunk that any of these players can handle that level of production at this point in their careers. And then a number 3 receiver who can contribute 600 yards or more is still needed.
In 2011 the Packers had 1500 team yards rushing and near 5200 yards passing. If that's coming again there are a lot more question marks on where all this is coming from than people are talking about so far. Adams has never been over 1000 yards but seems a given to be a 1400 yard guy this year. Cobb hasn't had a 1000 yard season since 2014 but he seems penciled in for it by everyone now. Graham has looked like a shadow of his Saints days and is mostly a red zone target lately but somehow in Green Bay he's a 700 yard guy in the predictions. None of the backs have run for more than 500 yards in a season but it seems like a given that one of them is a 1000 yarder this season. There seem to be a lot of givens of things that have never happened before that are being counted on for 2018. A lot to be proven yet.
Demon
July 23, 2018 at 10:48 pm
Finally a post that makes sense. Dont forget to mention that Biegel and Gilbert are both penciled in to be immediate impact pass rushers . Its also assumed that Oren Burks will step in on day 1 and become a sideline to sideline tackling machine.
Spock
July 24, 2018 at 08:33 am
Lawe, I disagree with your (arbitrary) descriptions of the amount of yards, catches, etc. you put in your post. IMHO that's ridiculous. How the Packers get yardage/TD's is immaterial to "X" receiver/ RB MUST (My emphasis based on your post) get "X" number of yards. As long as Arod is moving the chains nobody "needs" to get a set number of yards. -and the b.s. about Adams not getting an 1000 yards (okay he was 3 yards shy; what's the magic about 1000?) doesn't matter as he was a top TD machine when Arod was healthy and the only receiver to keep up production with the gum chewer at QB. None of your numbers "needs" to happen, so IMHO your post is irrelevant to what "needs" to happen this season. I don't think the Packers have to put up 2011 numbers at all to succeed this year, so the numbers you are putting out there seem silly - to me. I expect the team to play well this year and (always) if healthy have a shot at the SB. That's all I can ask of my team. I expect to see some exciting games -that's why I watch the Packers. I don't care how the Packers get their points as long as they get the W. Fan expectations are always high this time of year; I see no reason to throw cold water on that. I prefer to see the season with optimism, seems to me you have a different viewpoint. That's cool. We are all fans in different ways. I'd like to think my way is better though. :) :)