Kraft or Musgrave

[El Guapo]

Any word on Kraft's knee injury?

Not surprised that pre-MRI the media is speculating a torn MCL

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I just read they think it's an ACL? Wtf it didn't look that bad.

 

[milani]

I just read they think it's an ACL? Wtf it didn't look that bad.

ACLs are can happen without any contact. Jordy Nelson got his in a preseason game and simply walked off the field on his own. But he tore it without contact. Kraft had plenty of contact yesterday and was in serious pain. Thought it could be both any ACL and an MCL. In 1996 George Koonce suffered one in a playoff game at Lambeau. He knew his season was done. But he stayed out there and played late in the game.

 

[Voyageur]

Tucker's knee bent slightly backwards at the joint. He had just planted his foot and his momentum was moving forward so the hit at the knee caused it to be more severe than it may look. I don't doubt there's a strong chance we won't see him until next season. The guy was on his way to being a potential first team All Pro this year the way he was playing. This is tragic. It's also going to have an effect on the contract negotiations. If I was the Packers, I would be there with a great offer to insure he rehabs to be back on the field as a Packer, not somewhere else. The guy is the epitome of Green Bay football.

 

[weeds]

We're just not allowed to have nice things

 

[GBkrzygrl]

Dang it. Insult to injury. I don't wish and injury on anyone, but did it have to be one of our premier guys?

 

[OldSchool101]

It’s a horrific loss. Next to Jordan, Micah, Rashan it’s probably next. I wish Tucker nothing but the best he’s a consummate professional.

The only glimmer of hope that came out if this was Musgrave quietly hit his season high 3/3 X 34 yards with a 20+ mixed in. He’s now 9/10 so the kid has hands. He’s been fed very little, but he’s also only played 30% snaps. By default he’s likely going to dramatically increase his contributions. Unless we sign a higher profile TE.

In the passing game Musgrave can be solid. He’s likely close to Tonyan level minus Redzone threat (thus far). No this isn’t a direct offset, but if he can get himself into that 400-500 yd 3-5 TD’s area by seasons end? I think we’ll survive this. Watson’s return has much to do with that and I suspect he’ll get more involved also.

In addition, we have 2 or 3 very capable RB’s in Passing game. We’re also pretty good in YAC in that group. I’d mix in more shorter passes to RB’s in that 1-3 yard area with a little room to YAC some.

Another blessing is I saw film of Reed and he’s walking briskly and while he’s not ready? He looks ahead if plan imo. My guess is we see him in December. He’s one of our best players and very equal area to Kraft when healthy. Having dynamic Slot will help offset this but we’re likely 4-8 weeks yet. I think we forgot (naturally because he’s been mia) the impact that a very good Slot Receiver has because he’s essentially been gone since game 1. A key will be to stay over .500 in these next 4-6 games until Reed is back.

 

[OldSchool101]

my biggest concern is OL. Jenkins feels like a fish out of Guard water. Something needs to change. I’m starting to seriously regret putting him inside. Probably should’ve left him at LG and had Banks play RG. Rare to see a Center get multiple false starts over the last few weeks. At first I thought growing pains. I’m not so sure anymore. I think we pulled a Probowl LG and made him a Below average OC and still paid him to play as a Probowler. It’s really apparent our OL took 2 steps backwards. Something needs to be addressed there and Sten needs to get a grip on what the heck is wrong with our bottom dweller run Block.

We seem disjointed on OL. we play the pass good, but our Running game should be MUCH better. That’s been a major degrade from last year. 3.8 per for Josh is Yuck level. That guy is an easy 4.5–5.5 carry RB behind an above average Line.

Without Tucker I’d strongly recommend going out and getting a Bonafide TE who can block. Maybe we can rent that Steelers TE. Either one!

 

[tynimiller]

@OldSchool101 You've outlined why they really need to let Love cook and pass to open the run, our OL in pass pro is very good, run defense they can be great, good or average it seems....

As for the passing attack, Watson is clearly elevated things, if Reed gets back and Musgrave can do what he does it should be solid...I know folks won't agree with this, but the biggest aspect of Tucker we lose IS NOT as a statline, it is his blocking abilities and his leadership. Musgrave has been given a MASSIVE opportunity to honestly make millions for himself, if he can showcase why many had him ranked higher and he was drafted higher than Kraft (well his injury played a factor for sure).

Could be a special story if Musgrave capitalizes on this. Whyle on our PS has showcased in college and even last year for Titans to be more than a capable pass catcher.

 

[OldSchool101]

@OldSchool101 You've outlined why they really need to let Love cook and pass to open the run, our OL in pass pro is very good, run defense they can be great, good or average it seems....

As for the passing attack, Watson is clearly elevated things, if Reed gets back and Musgrave can do what he does it should be solid...I know folks won't agree with this, but the biggest aspect of Tucker we lose IS NOT as a statline, it is his blocking abilities and his leadership. Musgrave has been given a MASSIVE opportunity to honestly make millions for himself, if he can showcase why many had him ranked higher and he was drafted higher than Kraft (well his injury played a factor for sure).

Could be a special story if Musgrave capitalizes on this. Whyle on our PS has showcased in college and even last year for Titans to be more than a capable pass catcher.

Yes. Musgrave has had small spurts where he’s looked the part. Of course he never really got going in 2024 after a couple of injuries. If I recall he was really only fully healthy for like 6-7 complete games. The first 4, then several games at the end of season etc.
Meanwhile Kraft had spiked and so Luke became an afterthought, which is fine it’s only fair to go with the hot hand.
Even though Luke might not ever he a great blocker. I do believe much of it is learned and it takes some continuity in playing time to continually correct mistakes with film review. Most importantly he needs to apply in against live competition.

Just like my daughter and gymnastics. When she’s in a smaller class she gets more individual attention and the instructor works with her 1 on 1 more. When there’s a larger group it’s going through motions but she doesn’t excel as quickly. Luke needs that attention imo. I see glimmers of a really good vertical threat but it only happens with playing time.

Now I’m not suggesting he’s Tucker. Yet wouldn’t it be something if in a month or so he blossoms. I’m talking a 60-80 yard game, maybe that TD mixed in. We’d be dangerously good next year if Luke gets going. The only good thing about Kraft is he’ll be plenty good to go early season. Had this happened in January it would be even worse. He’d miss parts of both seasons etc.

 

[milani]

It’s a horrific loss. Next to Jordan, Micah, Rashan it’s probably next. I wish Tucker nothing but the best he’s a consummate professional.

The only glimmer of hope that came out if this was Musgrave quietly hit his season high 3/3 X 34 yards with a 20+ mixed in. He’s now 9/10 so the kid has hands. He’s been fed very little, but he’s also only played 30% snaps. By default he’s likely going to dramatically increase his contributions. Unless we sign a higher profile TE.

In the passing game Musgrave can be solid. He’s likely close to Tonyan level minus Redzone threat (thus far). No this isn’t a direct offset, but if he can get himself into that 400-500 yd 3-5 TD’s area by seasons end? I think we’ll survive this. Watson’s return has much to do with that and I suspect he’ll get more involved also.

In addition, we have 2 or 3 very capable RB’s in Passing game. We’re also pretty good in YAC in that group. I’d mix in more shorter passes to RB’s in that 1-3 yard area with a little room to YAC some.

Another blessing is I saw film of Reed and he’s walking briskly and while he’s not ready? He looks ahead if plan imo. My guess is we see him in December. He’s one of our best players and very equal area to Kraft when healthy. Having dynamic Slot will help offset this but we’re likely 4-8 weeks yet. I think we forgot (naturally because he’s been mia) the impact that a very good Slot Receiver has because he’s essentially been gone since game 1. A key will be to stay over .500 in these next 4-6 games until Reed is back.

We just have to find ways to win games. The bad news is that every opponent left on our schedule is very good with the exception of the Giants. And even they are capable of beating us. The good news is that for some reason we come to play against the better teams.

 

[milani]

@OldSchool101 You've outlined why they really need to let Love cook and pass to open the run, our OL in pass pro is very good, run defense they can be great, good or average it seems....

As for the passing attack, Watson is clearly elevated things, if Reed gets back and Musgrave can do what he does it should be solid...I know folks won't agree with this, but the biggest aspect of Tucker we lose IS NOT as a statline, it is his blocking abilities and his leadership. Musgrave has been given a MASSIVE opportunity to honestly make millions for himself, if he can showcase why many had him ranked higher and he was drafted higher than Kraft (well his injury played a factor for sure).

Could be a special story if Musgrave capitalizes on this. Whyle on our PS has showcased in college and even last year for Titans to be more than a capable pass catcher.

Musgrave just has to fill his role and execute the playbook whether it is blocking or simple, short pass routes. Andrew Quarless had to fill the shoes of Jermichael Finley in 2010. He did not light up the field but the Packers adjusted their game plans and he got the job done right into the SB.

 

[OldSchool101]

Musgrave just has to fill his role and execute the playbook whether it is blocking or simple, short pass routes. Andrew Quarless had to fill the shoes of Jermichael Finley in 2010. He did not light up the field but the Packers adjusted their game plans and he got the job done right into the SB.

I know this isn’t ideal to lose a player like Tucker. That said GB has several other very dynamic YAC guys who can each pick up slack. I’ve really like using our RB’s more in the passing game. We have an entire room of capable RB’s who can catch.

 

[tynimiller]

I know this isn’t ideal to lose a player like Tucker. That said GB has several other very dynamic YAC guys who can each pick up slack. I’ve really like using our RB’s more in the passing game. We have an entire room of capable RB’s who can catch.

With Tucker out, I really wonder if we could see Chris Brooks used more like a H Back and see him out at times with Jacobs in a split backfield look. Brooks is so freaking good at pass pro (best RB we have in it) and he could "cover" that Kraft blocking hole in some ways with a non-typical look by us.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

@OldSchool101 You've outlined why they really need to let Love cook and pass to open the run, our OL in pass pro is very good, run defense they can be great, good or average it seems....

I totally agree. That is what worked in the second half last week. Why don't they try something different? If you and I can predict what the packers are going to do, you know that the other team has it figured out.

And where is that great defense we saw from last year? If they keep this up, I can't see Hafley getting to many HC interviews.

 

[OldSchool101]

With Tucker out, I really wonder if we could see Chris Brooks used more like a H Back and see him out at times with Jacobs in a split backfield look. Brooks is so freaking good at pass pro (best RB we have in it) and he could "cover" that Kraft blocking hole in some ways with a non-typical look by us.

We’ve already been successful in that mode too. Just haven’t had to rely on RB2-3 too much. I’d lean on that RB room a little more in the short passing game. the Tucker like chip and then get out 2 Yards and expect the ball when you flip around. If the timing is good you put a RB in a +2 with a yard of room to accelerate.

Our RBs are all like short TE’s. Big, strong Backs with good catch point and good acceleration. Use the size to advantage with a 222lb that low center. RBs are generally high probability 6-8 yard gainers with outside shot of a broken tackle. Rely on the Run between Tackles more 2nd, 4th quarters OR at the back end of a 9 play drive. You don’t run at Arizona or Cleveland up the gut early 1st Qtr.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I picked up Musgrave in both my leagues.

 

[Pkrjones]

I picked up Musgrave in both my leagues.

He better win up the seam for you. He appears to fall, jump or trip at the catch point so wouldn't bank on YAC.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

We’ve already been successful in that mode too. Just haven’t had to rely on RB2-3 too much. I’d lean on that RB room a little more in the short passing game. the Tucker like chip and then get out 2 Yards and expect the ball when you flip around. If the timing is good you put a RB in a +2 with a yard of room to accelerate.

Our RBs are all like short TE’s. Big, strong Backs with good catch point and good acceleration. Use the size to advantage with a 222lb that low center. RBs are generally high probability 6-8 yard gainers with outside shot of a broken tackle. Rely on the Run between Tackles more 2nd, 4th quarters OR at the back end of a 9 play drive. You don’t run at Arizona or Cleveland up the gut early 1st Qtr.

There is one thing the bugs me about Jacobs and the run game. He insists on trying to run up the middle even when he is getting nowhere. He rarely bounces out to the side. Jones was a master at that.

 

[El Guapo]

The big problem with Musgrave is that he can't block well. I hope that he surprises me. He really can't catch or get open well either, but hopefully that is just from a lack of opportunity.

 

[El Guapo]

There is one thing the bugs me about Jacobs and the run game. He insists on trying to run up the middle even when he is getting nowhere. He rarely bounces out to the side. Jones was a master at that.

Two completely different styles of running. Jacobs is thunder. Jones is lightning. Thunder just shoots out straight. Lightning has the ability to zig and zag.

 

[OldSchool101]

Two completely different styles of running. Jacobs is thunder. Jones is lightning. Thunder just shoots out straight. Lightning has the ability to zig and zag.

They really are 2 different style that both get it done at high levels. The only thing I didn’t like as much about Jones is at 205lb he’d sometimes hit the pile on inside runs and like a brick wall go 0 yards. Josh even in most straight ahead runs gets you that tough 1-2 yards. Jacobs is like a crossover between a HB and FB. All purpose RB. Jones is more finesse but would make up for lacking in pure power by finding that outside crease a play later. Josh is more play to play stable without too many highs or lows. All around stable. What Jacobs lacks over Jones’ finesse is he wins YAC imo.

Also neither are substantial home run hitting RB’s. But for that 0.3 per yards you sacrifice with Josh vs Jones, once Jacobs hits a hole with space he has shifty cuts and he’s hard to run down as he’s low center, fast and strong at point of contact. Plus a brutal stiff arm.

 

[milani]

Two completely different styles of running. Jacobs is thunder. Jones is lightning. Thunder just shoots out straight. Lightning has the ability to zig and zag.

And you look at how much time Jones has missed in Minnesota. Jacobs is very durable. He plays through injuries. He can take the pounding.