Is it time?

[Heyjoe4]

If we stay realistic, the over/under on Offense is improving into that top 6+-area offense.

It’s a similar ares for Defense. We kept the vast majority of our D intact. I have our biggest losses as:
TJ (39% snaps)
Wilson (49% snaps)
Stokes (54% snaps)

While these were good to serviceable starters, they are not irreplaceable either.

TJ was a good run stopper, but not a consistent pass rusher either. I like the 2 Georgia players we added, it’s an interesting mix of Well Rounded or Run Stop option. It’s the only unknown imo

Eric Wilson was a good player. He did everything good. However in year 2 this gives Cooper a more consistent role in our Defense. We also have Simmons, who should be in line to win 1/2 of Eric’s snap count at rotational LB. Then we added Oliver, who’s can play as a big, physical LB. He’s deceptively quick in short areas and shoots into the play with near elite burst (1.57 10-yard was 93% tile) Will be interesting to see if we have anything in Hopper also.

Sorrell is our Bonus player on Defense. He doesn’t really replace anyone either. He’s just a group of solid depth pieces. Behind Gary and Van Ness we have Sorrell, Ensgbare, Brenton Cox and Collin Oliver. That’s a really nice depth chart imo. It’s like we don’t have any Heroes there (yet) but we have a very strong LB/Edge/DE committee.

There are a lot of names in the Edge group, with Gary being the only standout, imo. (Yeah, his sack/pressure numbers were relatively low last year, or it seemed that way. In fairness, he was also tasked with setting an edge against mobile QBs like Hurts.)

Having a lot of "depth" doesn't matter much if the starters are average or weak. A lot this year will be riding on improvements from LVN. Unless he magically discovered flexibility in his hips, I'm afraid we'll continue to see Ts push him out and behind the opposing QB.

But Gluten usually wins by following the law of large numbers (picks, UDFA acquisitions, and on). I do hope the new guys and the UDFA help the D put a lot more pressure on QBs.

 

[milani]

I remember that game. It was looking like an embarrassing home loss for the Packers. I don't remember the Carr injury.

Seems like the NOLA FO has brought this on themselves. There were too many bad decisions for this to be bad luck. It's more like extreme incompetence. What makes it worse is the sizable increases the NFL has provided to the cap the last few years.

Makes me even more thankful for a guy like Russ Ball. He does very important work, mostly behind the scenes. He's not a news maker, but a bio story at some point would be interesting imo.

It was in the 3rd quarter. Carr was escaping the pass rush and got nailed. I believe it was a shoulder injury.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Makes me even more thankful for a guy like Russ Ball. He does very important work, mostly behind the scenes. He's not a news maker, but a bio story at some point would be interesting imo.

I often wonder why more teams don't follow Green Bay's blueprint. Ball and Gutekunst have put together a very good model for how to build and maintain an NFL team, but nobody seems to want to emulate it. Is it just that they don't have the skills to operate that way?

 

[gopkrs]

I often wonder why more teams don't follow Green Bay's blueprint. Ball and Gutekunst have put together a very good model for how to build and maintain an NFL team, but nobody seems to want to emulate it. Is it just that they don't have the skills to operate that way?

Well, part of the formula is to have a great QB

 

[Heyjoe4]

I often wonder why more teams don't follow Green Bay's blueprint. Ball and Gutekunst have put together a very good model for how to build and maintain an NFL team, but nobody seems to want to emulate it. Is it just that they don't have the skills to operate that way?

I think you hit on it - the "Packer Way" to manage the cap works because of the skills and close relationship between Russ Ball, Gluten, and MLF. I don't know this for a fact but do believe it. This requires success at three levels - general management/player selection, coaching, and financial management. These guys seem to manage individual contracts with the financial health of the entire team in mind. It's a delicate balancing act.

Russ Ball seems to be the common denominator. How long has he been around? Seems like forever. Well it keeps the Packers, for the most part, out of cap hell, and relevant for the past 30 years plus.

(And gopkrs is right. A great QB helps a lot!)

 

[Curly Calhoun]

I think you hit on it - the "Packer Way" to manage the cap works because of the skills and close relationship between Russ Ball, Gluten, and MLF. I don't know this for a fact but do believe it. This requires success at three levels - general management/player selection, coaching, and financial management. These guys seem to manage individual contracts with the financial health of the entire team in mind. It's a delicate balancing act.

Russ Ball seems to be the common denominator. How long has he been around? Seems like forever. Well it keeps the Packers, for the most part, out of cap hell, and relevant for the past 30 years plus.

(And gopkrs is right. A great QB helps a lot!)

They always seem to find the right guy for the QB position.

How many teams have spent numerous first round picks at the QB position, only to come up empty? Ot had to swing a big trade for a QB clearly past his prime?

When Green Bay spends a first round pick on a QB, it just seems to work.

 

[OldSchool101]

We can safely get a feel for Rodgers successor. Jordan was a great pick at #26 imo. The majority of teams have to spend a Top 10 area selection to give themselves an opportunity to hit gold.
The Packers drafted 3 QB’s who will likely spend 40+ years as not just Starters, but consecutive +Starters to HOF level.
The Packers have not spent a Top 16 selection (top 1/2 RD1) at QB since 1981 (Rich Campbell).

Since 1971 our Top QB draft collateral was
#17 Brett Favre
#24 Aaron Rodgers
#26 Jordan Love

 

[Schultz]

We can safely get a feel for Rodgers successor. Jordan was a great pick at #26 imo. The majority of teams have to spend a Top 10 area selection to give themselves an opportunity to hit gold.
The Packers drafted 3 QB’s who will likely spend 40+ years as not just Starters, but consecutive +Starters to HOF level.
The Packers have not spent a Top 16 selection (top 1/2 RD1) at QB since 1981 (Rich Campbell).

Since 1971 our Top QB draft collateral was
#17 Brett Favre
#24 Aaron Rodgers
#26 Jordan Love

I thought the Packers traded for Favre.

 

[DoURant]

I thought the Packers traded for Favre.

They did, their 2nd 1st Rd pick in 1992.. pick #17.

 

[gopkrs]

And he was a 2nd round pick of the falcons

 

[Heyjoe4]

We can safely get a feel for Rodgers successor. Jordan was a great pick at #26 imo. The majority of teams have to spend a Top 10 area selection to give themselves an opportunity to hit gold.
The Packers drafted 3 QB’s who will likely spend 40+ years as not just Starters, but consecutive +Starters to HOF level.
The Packers have not spent a Top 16 selection (top 1/2 RD1) at QB since 1981 (Rich Campbell).

Since 1971 our Top QB draft collateral was
#17 Brett Favre
#24 Aaron Rodgers
#26 Jordan Love

Hopefully Love proves to be as impactful to the team's success as Favre and Rodgers. After five years in the system with two as a starter, he has a lot more work to do.

 

[DoURant]

And he was a 2nd round pick of the falcons

The 1st pick in the 2nd round #33

 

[gopkrs]

The 1st pick in the 2nd round #33

I'm not sure who was more expensive, Favre or Watson. But I think Watson.

 

[Half Empty]

I think you hit on it - the "Packer Way" to manage the cap works because of the skills and close relationship between Russ Ball, Gluten, and MLF. I don't know this for a fact but do believe it. This requires success at three levels - general management/player selection, coaching, and financial management. These guys seem to manage individual contracts with the financial health of the entire team in mind. It's a delicate balancing act.

Russ Ball seems to be the common denominator. How long has he been around? Seems like forever. Well it keeps the Packers, for the most part, out of cap hell, and relevant for the past 30 years plus.

(And gopkrs is right. A great QB helps a lot!)

2008 for Ball

 

[OldSchool101]

I thought the Packers traded for Favre.

They did. He cost a #17 overall draft pick. We have not used a Top 16 draft selection at QB since 1981

 

[OldSchool101]

Hopefully Love proves to be as impactful to the team's success as Favre and Rodgers. After five years in the system with two as a starter, he has a lot more work to do.

Amen. He needs to not force throws in end of game situations. He wants to play Hero ball. Sometimes he just has to take the 5-10 yard play and live to see another down.
If you run out of time so be it. Don’t ever hand the ball to the other team I’d rather you throw it to a fan in the bleachers imo.
He’s a good QB though. He just needs to keep refining his craft

 

[PackerDNA]

I have a lot of confidence in Love and that he can end up being a top quarterback. But there are serious issues to answer. Aas old school said there are issues. For me it's decision making. He doesn't seem to see the field of all the times is he just forcing the ball or he doesn't see the open guys? His deep ball is lacking is that a lack of communication with his receivers? He seems to force things at times. The talent is there it's a neck up I'm worried about
He seems to force things at times . The talent is there it's a neck up im worried about. Year six in the system, three as a starter. It's now or never.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

They did. He cost a #17 overall draft pick. We have not used a Top 16 draft selection at QB since 1981

And that is impressive.

Consider the Browns:

1999: Tim Couch, 1st overall pick.

2007: Brady Quinn, 22nd overall pick.

2012: Brandon Weeden, 22nd overall pick

2014: Johnny Manziel, 22nd overall pick


They also drafted Baker Mayfield in 2018 1st overall, but he has played his best football for Tampa Bay. That leaves the Browns with Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, an injured Deshaun Watson and two rookies (Sanders & Gabriel).

That could have been us, but it wasn't.

 

[rmontro]

He seems to force things at times . The talent is there it's a neck up im worried about. Year six in the system, three as a starter. It's now or never.

Yeah, this is a prove it year. He was impressive in year one once he got used to being out there (played well in the second half of the season, basically). Then last year he fell off some, although he had some injuries, so that probably played a part. This year he needs to make a big comeback. You'd think a solid running game would boost the pass game, but I wonder if MLF running so much worked against Love getting into a rhythm.

 

[gopkrs]

I have a lot of confidence in Love and that he can end up being a top quarterback. But there are serious issues to answer. Aas old school said there are issues. For me it's decision making. He doesn't seem to see the field of all the times is he just forcing the ball or he doesn't see the open guys? His deep ball is lacking is that a lack of communication with his receivers? He seems to force things at times. The talent is there it's a neck up I'm worried about
He seems to force things at times . The talent is there it's a neck up im worried about. Year six in the system, three as a starter. It's now or never.

And LaFleur. I think he has alot to work with this year to help Love make it happen. Receivers and tight ends and a line to give everybody time to do what they have to. And a running game. I've been wanting to say that I'm glad Lloyd is under 5 09. I had thought he was taller. But under 5 09 and I think 215 or 220. He should be shifty and strong. I'm hoping he is. What a change of pace that might be.

 

[Heyjoe4]

2008 for Ball

Thanks for this bio HE, much appreciated. Humble beginnings as a S&C coach for the Chiefs in 89.

 

[Heyjoe4]

And LaFleur. I think he has alot to work with this year to help Love make it happen. Receivers and tight ends and a line to give everybody time to do what they have to. And a running game. I've been wanting to say that I'm glad Lloyd is under 5 09. I had thought he was taller. But under 5 09 and I think 215 or 220. He should be shifty and strong. I'm hoping he is. What a change of pace that might be.

Well Gluten has certainly surrounded Love with enough talent on offense to contend for a championship. That hinges on a lot of things, including the performance of the rookie WRs, resuming the career growth for guys like Reed, Doubs, Wicks, Kraft, and possible the emergence of Musgrave as a deep threat down the middle.

It's up to Love now. I do agree with PackerDNA that most of Love's problems seem to come from the neck up. He has the arm and mobility to be a very good QB. After so much time in the system and experience as a starter, this should be a break out year for him. The signs are there. The last two seasons he's had miserable starts followed by brilliant play in the send half of the season.

So it sure looks like he can do what it takes to contend. He has to put that solid effort forth for an entire season. Should be fun.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

Well Gluten has certainly surrounded Love with enough talent on offense to contend for a championship. That hinges on a lot of things, including the performance of the rookie WRs, resuming the career growth for guys like Reed, Doubs, Wicks, Kraft, and possible the emergence of Musgrave as a deep threat down the middle.

It's up to Love now. I do agree with PackerDNA that most of Love's problems seem to come from the neck up. He has the arm and mobility to be a very good QB. After so much time in the system and experience as a starter, this should be a break out year for him. The signs are there. The last two seasons he's had miserable starts followed by brilliant play in the send half of the season.

So it sure looks like he can do what it takes to contend. He has to put that solid effort forth for an entire season. Should be fun.

There is a lot of potential with regard to the playmakers on offense. Josh Jacobs, however, has been the only consistent star performer, although Tucker Kraft seems to be emerging as one.

Watson needs to stay healthy. Ditto Musgrave. Doubs needs to be focused. Wicks needs to be more consistent. Reed just needs the ball more. Our two rookie receivers will have to learn how to play at the NFL level and find a place on the offense, the same might be said for Marshawn Lloyd. Melton, Heath, and Hardman are just hoping to make the team, as will be a few FA's.

I hope it all comes together - The talent level is not lacking.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Watson needs to stay healthy.

Watson probably isn't back until mid-season, if that. Honestly, if Reed, Golden, Doubs, Williams and anyone else are playing well, Watson may not see a lot of snaps as a Packer in 2025. Might even see him or Doubs, due to their expiring contracts, become trade bait right before the trade deadline.

 

[Heyjoe4]

There is a lot of potential with regard to the playmakers on offense. Josh Jacobs, however, has been the only consistent star performer, although Tucker Kraft seems to be emerging as one.

Watson needs to stay healthy. Ditto Musgrave. Doubs needs to be focused. Wicks needs to be more consistent. Reed just needs the ball more. Our two rookie receivers will have to learn how to play at the NFL level and find a place on the offense, the same might be said for Marshawn Lloyd. Melton, Heath, and Hardman are just hoping to make the team, as will be a few FA's.

I hope it all comes together - The talent level is not lacking.

That's a good summary Curly, thanks. Yeah the talent is in place. That strength is just on paper until the players live up to expectations. I agree that Jacobs and Kraft played very well for the entire 2024-2025 season.

And Reed does need to get the ball more. If Golden can quickly adapt to the NFL, it's gonna be hard for opposing Ds to double up on any WR. And while I'm hoping for good things for the rookie WRs, I'm also looking for the "young" WRs from 2023-2024 to get back to the form they showed that season. Last year was a bit of a regression.

As a fan, there is a lot to look forward to. And the trial by fire starts in week 1 with the Lions coming to Lambeau. A victory for GB will go a long way to set the tone for the season. It won't be easy, but a real contender has to beat the other contenders. Fine with me if they start with the Lions.