Maximilian from Pasadena, CA
While the Packers will no doubt look different next year, I’m most looking forward to hopefully having a better special team unit. In 2020, the Packers were the lowest 10 in kickoff coverage, 31st in kickoff return average, 30th in net punting average, last in point coverage, and 31st in punt return average. Poor stair / stairs coverage and returns affect the other stages of the game. Forget about big plays; just give me some consistency. Having almost nowhere to go, but being at that stage gives me hope.
There was excitement and enthusiasm in LaFleur’s voice as he discussed Maurice Drayton’s promotion. Drayton, who previously interviewed for the job two years ago, is well respected in the building and clearly knows where the unit fell short last year. Now is the time to get it fixed. It’s a new day for the special teams unit.
Shawn from Sun Prairie, WI
Will the Packers’ defenses be completely overhauled next year?
I do not think so. I don’t think it’s necessary. The Packers have a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball – perhaps more than any other defense Green Bay has played since the Super Bowl XLV squad. It is LaFleur’s job to find the right coordinator to get the most out of that group. The Packers’ next defensive coordinator will have a lot of talent to build around.
It strikes me that one thing that is missing from our defense is an element of meanness. Do you think that is easier to achieve with coaching or is it a player mentality?
LaFleur said that an aggressive mindset is more than just calling. It’s how a defense attacks the field. You want to commit an offense, earn every inch of grass. It starts with the coaches demanding that mentality on the practice field and transferring it to game day. We’re not talking Oklahoma exercise or anything crazy. It’s about understanding who you are as a defense, setting a standard, and then telling the opposition, “Hey, you’re not going to cross this line.”
I know it’s early days, but in all the sham I’ve seen, the Packers are once again taking a receiver into the design. I see the line of defense needs a run stuffer or someone to pressure the opponent. How do you see it?
When you talk about the first round, your guess is as good as mine. I think the receiver and the line of defense are definitive possibilities after the Packers did not summon anyone in either position last year. It’s probably not a bad idea to add another O-lineman to the mix, either. Just look at what a versatile man like Elgton has brought Jenkins into the attack since Green Bay called him up in the second round two years ago.
Good morning guys. I just read that the Rams were looking for Aaron Rodgers. Is there any truth to that and you just know out of curiosity what they offered in exchange for our superstar? I hope Guty didn’t laugh too hard when he got that call.
Gutekunst doesn’t like to tackle rumors, but he made it a point to refute that report Monday. That is significant.
Wes from South St Paul, MN
Mike / Wes, I just want to say how much I appreciate the direct reading / response from you guys. Rodgers does an interview right after a heartbreaking loss, and knowing how many FAs the Packers have makes a comment about the unknown things ahead, and the talking heads Bleacher Report / Yardbarker start spreading the bullshit that AR is unhappy and out of GB want . Keep it up guys.
One thing that moved me was how Rodgers painted a vivid portrait of what the locker room was like after losing to Tampa during his interview with Pat McAfee last week. It put you in his shoes for a moment. I could visualize that emotion and couldn’t imagine what it’s like to have to talk about what had just happened. Emotions are understandably raw.
Everyone knows Jordan Love can be traded in for concept picks and we can extend Rodgers’ contract, right?
Like I said yesterday, love is an investment. Everyone wants to give Rodgers a timeline, but no one knows what the future holds. Love is under contract until 2024 and can be extended to 2025 by using its fifth year option.