Cam Achord new ST coach - Fire him

[rmontro]

And I'm a Bonham fan. IMO he's the greatest rock drummer, ever. A gamer, as you say, not a technician. That's also a good way to differentiate Rodgers and Brady. Two very different guys who will be in the HOF.

Except Brady will have seven rings and Rodgers one.

As for the drummers, I'm a big Zeppelin fan. Plenty of room for both Bonham and Peart though.

 

[SudsMcBucky]

Very interesting points EG, thanks.

Yeah Rodgers comes across as smug. I think it's the reason he wasn't offered the job as Jeopardy host.

And I'm a Bonham fan. IMO he's the greatest rock drummer, ever. A gamer, as you say, not a technician. That's also a good way to differentiate Rodgers and Brady. Two very different guys who will be in the HOF.

If you don't think Peart is a "gamer" then you've never seen Rush live.

 

[El Guapo]

If you don't think Peart is a "gamer" then you've never seen Rush live.

Rush was the first concert that I ever saw. I went specifically for the Peart, but stayed for the Geddy

Now I never got to see Led Zeppelin live. Sadly the best that I ever got to see was the Page/Plant "Unledded" tour and also Jimmy Page playing all Zeppelin songs with the Black Crowes, of which the latter was pretty cool.

However, if you've never seen this amazing drum solo from The Professor.....strap in buddy:

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[AmishMafia]

Just watched his press conference and I really liked the guy. He is jeff hafley with a southern drawl. He brings enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. He said he is very vocal on the field which is something we need. I like that he said that STs is football. Running, blocking and tackling. I think it sometimes comes across to players that it is only for the guys who are not good enough for real football, offense or defense.

I think he will improve our special teams, but something else needs to change. Not sure what, but we have sucked so long to show its not the ST coach but something we are doing organizational with either amount pf practice devoted to it or personnel decisions. We added a PK in the draft and a returner in free agency. I hope that this means coaches and front office are now taking it more seriously.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Just watched his press conference and I really liked the guy. He is jeff hafley with a southern drawl. He brings enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. He said he is very vocal on the field which is something we need. I like that he said that STs is football. Running, blocking and tackling. I think it sometimes comes across to players that it is only for the guys who are not good enough for real football, offense or defense.

I think he will improve our special teams, but something else needs to change. Not sure what, but we have sucked so long to show its not the ST coach but something we are doing organizational with either amount pf practice devoted to it or personnel decisions. We added a PK in the draft and a returner in free agency. I hope that this means coaches and front office are now taking it more seriously.

Good points - and it's true - most fans don't give much thought to STs players outside the PK, P, returner(s) and long snapper. The other guys have to be very athletic, and they are dealing with a much larger field of play on a punt ore kickoff. On a good ST unit, specifically punts, the same guy(s) always seems to be around the returner when he fields the ball.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Just watched his press conference and I really liked the guy. He is jeff hafley with a southern drawl. He brings enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. He said he is very vocal on the field which is something we need. I like that he said that STs is football. Running, blocking and tackling. I think it sometimes comes across to players that it is only for the guys who are not good enough for real football, offense or defense.

I think he will improve our special teams, but something else needs to change. Not sure what, but we have sucked so long to show its not the ST coach but something we are doing organizational with either amount pf practice devoted to it or personnel decisions. We added a PK in the draft and a returner in free agency. I hope that this means coaches and front office are now taking it more seriously.

1000% agree. The problem with the Packers and special teams for years has been that they really didn't seem to care about it. I am not talking about FG's, XP's and punting, those have been roller coaster rides, but always being addressed. I look more on their return game, both punts and kicks. Basically, it feels like "Don't make any mistakes and we are fine" is the motto for the return teams. That is a loser mentality to me. One long return can flip a game and the final outcome.

I think Gute actually was thinking a bit about special teams during the draft. Almost every guy he drafted could be an impact on Special teams. Even some of the UDFA's he signed as well. I think getting rid of Bisaccia was the first step, now I hope Achord really puts our special teams on the map and in a good way.

 

[Magooch]

1000% agree. The problem with the Packers and special teams for years has been that they really didn't seem to care about it. I am not talking about FG's, XP's and punting, those have been roller coaster rides, but always being addressed. I look more on their return game, both punts and kicks. Basically, it feels like "Don't make any mistakes and we are fine" is the motto for the return teams. That is a loser mentality to me. One long return can flip a game and the final outcome.

I think Gute actually was thinking a bit about special teams during the draft. Almost every guy he drafted could be an impact on Special teams. Even some of the UDFA's he signed as well. I think getting rid of Bisaccia was the first step, now I hope Achord really puts our special teams on the map and in a good way.

That's basically how I see it as well: it feels like our approach to ST was basically just that we're okay with it never winning us any games, as long as it is also not losing us any games, either.

Except that we got to a point where it WAS indeed starting to cost us games, so...

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

That's basically how I see it as well: it feels like our approach to ST was basically just that we're okay with it never winning us any games, as long as it is also not losing us any games, either.

Except that we got to a point where it WAS indeed starting to cost us games, so...

Yup. Field position is important and in close games, can ultimately decide the outcome. If you consistently are bad at returning kickoffs and punts, you aren't helping yourself. As a Packer fan, I had no confidence in either of our return units to make any yardage, so I too would say "just don't fumble the damn ball." To make matters worse, we would have an average to below average return and commit a penalty on top of it. I hope Achord stresses not committing stupid penalties on ST's, as well as going after the ball when the other team is in return mode. Let's hope we see some aggressive, but solid play on special teams in 2026!

 

[milani]

1000% agree. The problem with the Packers and special teams for years has been that they really didn't seem to care about it. I am not talking about FG's, XP's and punting, those have been roller coaster rides, but always being addressed. I look more on their return game, both punts and kicks. Basically, it feels like "Don't make any mistakes and we are fine" is the motto for the return teams. That is a loser mentality to me. One long return can flip a game and the final outcome.

I think Gute actually was thinking a bit about special teams during the draft. Almost every guy he drafted could be an impact on Special teams. Even some of the UDFA's he signed as well. I think getting rid of Bisaccia was the first step, now I hope Achord really puts our special teams on the map and in a good way.

Right. Just catch the ball and hold on to it. Favre, Rodgers, or Love will march us down the field. Yet, they forget that it was a ST return man that had a lot to do with one SB season and one SB victory.

 

[Heyjoe4]

That's basically how I see it as well: it feels like our approach to ST was basically just that we're okay with it never winning us any games, as long as it is also not losing us any games, either.

Except that we got to a point where it WAS indeed starting to cost us games, so...

Yeah an average or unremarkable STs is not the way to a winning season, much less a championship.

And what happened with Bisaccia? At the time he became a Packer, seems like all the talk was that he was the best STs' coach in the NFL. Granted, a coach can only be as good as his players, and in fairness, he wasn't given a whole lot to work with.

Signing Moore for returns and drafting Smack were good moves by Gluten, if only for the increased competition they'll bring. Hopefully we'll finally get something "special" out of STs.

 

[OldSchool101]

Good thinking. Get rid of the bum.

Poor guy won’t get a chance with us fans! He’s doomed before he even sees his first game

 

[lambeaulambo]

This very topic was discussed the other day on radio. To me - point to the special teams coordinators boss if you want to point fingers - thats right...MLF.

 

[OldSchool101]

The only good thing about being a bottom 10 Teams unit is there is more twice as much room for growth as there is area for regression

 

[Pugger]

That's basically how I see it as well: it feels like our approach to ST was basically just that we're okay with it never winning us any games, as long as it is also not losing us any games, either.

Except that we got to a point where it WAS indeed starting to cost us games, so...

I donno. Mistakes on special teams have cost us dearly over the years. Clean up these and that is a BIG step forward IMO.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I donno. Mistakes on special teams have cost us dearly over the years. Clean up these and that is a BIG step forward IMO.

Mistakes coupled with no big plays, have definitely been the trademark of the Packers special teams for years.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

One aspect of the Packers Special teams that I see changing, would be if Trey Smack makes the team and becomes a reliable kicker. I can see the Packers opting to kick FG's from 60 yards on-in more often.

 

[rmontro]

One aspect of the Packers Special teams that I see changing, would be if Trey Smack makes the team and becomes a reliable kicker. I can see the Packers opting to kick FG's from 60 yards in more often.

Everything helps.

 

[milani]

I donno. Mistakes on special teams have cost us dearly over the years. Clean up these and that is a BIG step forward IMO.

Nothing worse than losing a game due to inept and disastrous ST. Recall when the Tennessee Titans won the playoff game at the end with that cross country lateral pass on the kick off return. If you were a fan of the other team you had to be sick for years.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I donno. Mistakes on special teams have cost us dearly over the years. Clean up these and that is a BIG step forward IMO.

And how soon we forget. Desmond Howard was the SB MVP in 97 because of his excellent returns on both punts and KOs. (I think it was both, KOs for sure.)

How many times has a STs player won a SB MVP? Howard is probably the only one.

 

[Heyjoe4]

This very topic was discussed the other day on radio. To me - point to the special teams coordinators boss if you want to point fingers - thats right...MLF.

Agreed Lambeau. MLF has a tendency to keep coordinators way past their sell date. Bisaccia is one, and so is Barry.

And what exactly is Stenavich, the OC, doing? What is his job?

We hear a lot about coaching "trees". MLF's tree is pretty bare. Don't get me wrong, Policy was right to keep him and he's been very good as an OC who is also a HC. As a manager though.......? Not so sure.

 

[Heyjoe4]

One aspect of the Packers Special teams that I see changing, would be if Trey Smack makes the team and becomes a reliable kicker. I can see the Packers opting to kick FG's from 60 yards in more often.

To paraphrase the Beach Boys - wouldn't that be nice?

I don't recall the last time a kick from 50 plus yards was considered a gimme, as it has become in many places. Crosby seemed reliable between 50-55. But the Packers have never had a K who could hit 85-90% from beyond 50 (well, I don't think so), and have a realistic shot at a 60 yarder (Havrisik's 61 yard record FG notwithstanding.)

IMO, the best thing STs can do for a team on a regular basis is alter field position. Whelan is an excellent punter and routinely changes filed position, to the good, for the defense. A solid return game can also inprove field position for the offense.

The return game for KOs and PRs has been underwhelming, aside from the All Pro year by Nixon. Maybe Sky Moore can change that. At the very least, he'll improve competition in camp. And if Nixon is smart, he'll go back to kick returns, or at least compete with Moore for that role.

 

[Half Empty]

To paraphrase the Beach Boys - wouldn't that be nice?

I don't recall the last time a kick from 50 plus yards was considered a gimme, as it has become in many places. Crosby was pretty rreliable between 50-55. But the Packers have never had a K who could hit 85-90% from beyond 50 (well, I don't think so), and have a realistic shot at a 60 yarder (Havrisik's 61 yard record FG notwithstanding.)

Mason was 55% over 50 yards - stats

 

[Heyjoe4]

Mason was 55% over 50 yards - stats

Thanks HE. Now that I think about it, that sounds right. Crosby was accurate but didn't have a "big" leg.

And I'm guessing that going forward, that's not gonna be good enough. Kickers are hitting 50 plus FGs regularly (well, at least it seems that way to me....).

 

[gopkrs]

When Mason started out, he was considered to have a big leg. Things have changed. And since our new guys longest is 55 or 6, I don't think it's considered big but good enough.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Mason was 55% over 50 yards - stats

Yeah, that just isn't sustainable in todays football. Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has a career ave. of 86% (43-of-50) from 50+. That would be the goal of any kicker and depending on the game circumstances, a guy that I wouldn't hesitate to trot out there to attempt those 50+ yarders.

Smack has a big leg and I think that is what made Gute trade 2-7 rounders to get him. If Smack's mental game is as big as his leg, he could chase down McLaughlin for that same kind of accuracy from 50+.

All that said, I just want a guy that is super accurate from 50 yards on in and XP's. Inconsistent kickers from those distances are what can cost a team a game.