CaliforniaCheez
Cheesehead
Predicting the Future is is dealing with many unknowns. After seven games, Here is some personal speculation of potential moves by the GM in the future.
1) Coaching- Not all deserve to return.
Head Coach-Having signed a 2 year extension and an ability to transfer accountability to assistants, I think Mike Sherman returns in 2006. Judging only his coaching on a losing record to date the packers have remained competitive. They have had a chance to win in each game except for in Detroit. They have not been blown out like Texans, 49'ers, Vikings, Saints etc. The team is not giving up in games as seen in 04. Despite outscoring opponents the bottom line results appear bad.
Offensive Coordinator- At week 9 with so many new WR the routes have to be simplified. The QB and WR's have to be on the same page. They are not and it should be the focus of the O coordinator every week. Plays that cannot be run effectively should be discontinued. Adjustments are not being made to the offense. You have to coach the players you have not the playbook. O coordinator seat is warm and possible replacements should be reviewed.
QB coach-Brett Favre needs some discipline, correction, and work with the new inexperienced receivers and RB's. Getting the star treatment without changing some tendencies and adapting to inexperienced players is not improving him or helping the Packers.
Special Teams-See below where players are addressed.
Strength and Conditioning- These guys get blamed for injuries a lot. There is more than lifting weights on primary muscles. Smaller muscle groups hold larger ones in place require different offseason routines. Flexibility should be further emphasized. I am indifferent if this coach stays or goes. He should go if upgrade is available.
Defensive coaches deserve to continue as they have improved the almost same weak unit of 04.
2) Offensive Players
Quality players are needed everywhere except center. Training camp competition to decide who remains. The whole draft could be spent on offense. Not drafting and developing offensive linemen as created a huge problem. Tauscher and Clifton are peaking professionally and replacements will take time to develope. RB is a priority now but TE depth a third string QB are also needed. In 2006 at least one WR should be traded. Which one will be determined during the offseason.
3) Defensive Players-Grady Jackson will have to be replaced. An upgrade to Carroll must be found. Upgrades for Washington and Peterson are needed.
4) Special Teams Players- Longwell's a free agent in 2006. He is not going to get better than he is or was. Market value for him and length of contract make his return questionable. I don't think he is too far out of line demanding an NFL standard hold or holder. The holder issue was not addressed timely by the coaching staff. Sander is not safe and can be replaced. The Packers have a good long snapper but he continues to age and the coaching staff is not prepared should he be injured. Contingency planning means someone else should be taking some reps in preparation. Finding a "return man" only gets lip service and not serious attention.
Cap money is more plentiful in 2006. Many roster spots need new contracts. Some free agent moves will require speedy commitment. Some increased roster stabilization will occur.
Players who should be targeted for new contracts:
Cole
Fisher
Henderson
Jenkins
Kampmann
Little
Players who may be frustrated in their treatment by the Packers and may decline to be re-signed are Nall and Ruegamer.
Players that the Packers may be indifferent to signing. Market forces including timing, other offers, and injury will determine future with the Packers:
Barry
Chatman
Davenport
Flanagan
Green
Horton
Lee(TE)
Lenon
Williams(RB)
Draft- I think Ted Thompson will trade down again to increase the number of players drafted looking for best available. They can be used almost everywhere.
So what am I attempting to say in my 3 part post?
The Packer problems have been coming for awhile. The new GM is addressing the problems rapidly without total destruction. The team is becoming younger and developing a new chemistry(rebuilding). The new GM is part of the solution. The Packers are not acquiring players for a 1 or 2 year run but are working for the long term success of the Packers. Expect changes in the coaching and scouting as well as players. Change can be disturbing but improvement is not. It does take time.
1) Coaching- Not all deserve to return.
Head Coach-Having signed a 2 year extension and an ability to transfer accountability to assistants, I think Mike Sherman returns in 2006. Judging only his coaching on a losing record to date the packers have remained competitive. They have had a chance to win in each game except for in Detroit. They have not been blown out like Texans, 49'ers, Vikings, Saints etc. The team is not giving up in games as seen in 04. Despite outscoring opponents the bottom line results appear bad.
Offensive Coordinator- At week 9 with so many new WR the routes have to be simplified. The QB and WR's have to be on the same page. They are not and it should be the focus of the O coordinator every week. Plays that cannot be run effectively should be discontinued. Adjustments are not being made to the offense. You have to coach the players you have not the playbook. O coordinator seat is warm and possible replacements should be reviewed.
QB coach-Brett Favre needs some discipline, correction, and work with the new inexperienced receivers and RB's. Getting the star treatment without changing some tendencies and adapting to inexperienced players is not improving him or helping the Packers.
Special Teams-See below where players are addressed.
Strength and Conditioning- These guys get blamed for injuries a lot. There is more than lifting weights on primary muscles. Smaller muscle groups hold larger ones in place require different offseason routines. Flexibility should be further emphasized. I am indifferent if this coach stays or goes. He should go if upgrade is available.
Defensive coaches deserve to continue as they have improved the almost same weak unit of 04.
2) Offensive Players
Quality players are needed everywhere except center. Training camp competition to decide who remains. The whole draft could be spent on offense. Not drafting and developing offensive linemen as created a huge problem. Tauscher and Clifton are peaking professionally and replacements will take time to develope. RB is a priority now but TE depth a third string QB are also needed. In 2006 at least one WR should be traded. Which one will be determined during the offseason.
3) Defensive Players-Grady Jackson will have to be replaced. An upgrade to Carroll must be found. Upgrades for Washington and Peterson are needed.
4) Special Teams Players- Longwell's a free agent in 2006. He is not going to get better than he is or was. Market value for him and length of contract make his return questionable. I don't think he is too far out of line demanding an NFL standard hold or holder. The holder issue was not addressed timely by the coaching staff. Sander is not safe and can be replaced. The Packers have a good long snapper but he continues to age and the coaching staff is not prepared should he be injured. Contingency planning means someone else should be taking some reps in preparation. Finding a "return man" only gets lip service and not serious attention.
Cap money is more plentiful in 2006. Many roster spots need new contracts. Some free agent moves will require speedy commitment. Some increased roster stabilization will occur.
Players who should be targeted for new contracts:
Cole
Fisher
Henderson
Jenkins
Kampmann
Little
Players who may be frustrated in their treatment by the Packers and may decline to be re-signed are Nall and Ruegamer.
Players that the Packers may be indifferent to signing. Market forces including timing, other offers, and injury will determine future with the Packers:
Barry
Chatman
Davenport
Flanagan
Green
Horton
Lee(TE)
Lenon
Williams(RB)
Draft- I think Ted Thompson will trade down again to increase the number of players drafted looking for best available. They can be used almost everywhere.
So what am I attempting to say in my 3 part post?
The Packer problems have been coming for awhile. The new GM is addressing the problems rapidly without total destruction. The team is becoming younger and developing a new chemistry(rebuilding). The new GM is part of the solution. The Packers are not acquiring players for a 1 or 2 year run but are working for the long term success of the Packers. Expect changes in the coaching and scouting as well as players. Change can be disturbing but improvement is not. It does take time.