CaliforniaCheez
Cheesehead
The Pain of Losing close games is not the time for slash and burn mentality. Improving the Packers does not occur by destroying a team. IMO the 05 team is better than the 04 team.
My thoughts have always been.
1) The Packers are not as bad as their record.
a. They have outgained opponents in 8 of 11 games
b. They have outscored their opponents
c. They have not had the embarassing blow out losses that MN + Det had
2) Their problem is lack of player talent at certain positions.
a. The prior rookie GM made some bad decisions and did not develop roster depth. 40% of roster had to be signed by 05 GM.
b. Salary cap restraints resulting from prior bad decisions.
c. Injuries to key Offensive positions first 4 RB's, TE, 3 WR's, C.
d. Signing street free agents after start of season when low quality available.
3) Game plans simplified due to new personnel
a. Basic play running as many personnel added after season start. Playbook cannot be learned in a few weeks.
b. Opposing defenses have scouted and prepared for the simpifications
c. Less talent and prepared defenses lead to greater turnovers.
It is not a matter of losing faith in the organization, current GM and coaches, or players. It is a matter of assessment and correction of the current deficiencies.
**************************************************************
Corrections:
A. Upgrade talent.
1) Drafts are for future and players take at least 2 years to become productive.
2) Free agency finding players who are still improving their play and fit.
3) or 2b is retaining your good players and developing them.
4) Trades
Ted Thompson worked more draft picks in 05 and will likely continue to do so. He has done much without money adding Lee(TE), Gado, Wishon, Thornberg etc. at no cost. Currently the Packers have 38 players signed for 06. Ted had best be targeting free agents for the off season. That 20 million dollars or so under 06 cap will be spent adding at least 15 to roster. Some should be on current roster like Kampmann, Longwell, Henderson.
As to trades, who can be given up? Ferguson, Martin, Klemm, Wahington, Rodgers. Not much to trade.
In 06 over 50% of the roster will have been acquired by Thompson.
B. Incorporate and coach new players
Ability to do so will determine the future of coaches.
The example is set by DC Bates and his defensive staff working young players in with a simplified scheme.
The line coach is working with Witticker, Coston, and White with results hopefully coming in 06 or efforts will be expended on new players.
Receivers and backfield coaches are working until the current crisis is over and will have to do more during mini-camps and training camp next season with the new players. I see 7 WR's and RB's to be replaced in 06. Throwing out Head Coach Sherman will not make the team more attractive.
C. Prevention of Injuries
There is no magic formula. Better workout methodologies are always attempted. However, younger players are generally less injured than older players.
D. Develop and keep a winning attitude.
Retention of key veteran leaddership. Encourage players who have earned the respect of other players. William Henderson is a key locker guy to sign. Throwing Brett Favre on the scrap heap will not attract free agents.
It is time for a calm rational approach and not the chainsaw, lynch and burn destruction called for by some.
Relax
The team will be upgrading not rebuilding.
My thoughts have always been.
1) The Packers are not as bad as their record.
a. They have outgained opponents in 8 of 11 games
b. They have outscored their opponents
c. They have not had the embarassing blow out losses that MN + Det had
2) Their problem is lack of player talent at certain positions.
a. The prior rookie GM made some bad decisions and did not develop roster depth. 40% of roster had to be signed by 05 GM.
b. Salary cap restraints resulting from prior bad decisions.
c. Injuries to key Offensive positions first 4 RB's, TE, 3 WR's, C.
d. Signing street free agents after start of season when low quality available.
3) Game plans simplified due to new personnel
a. Basic play running as many personnel added after season start. Playbook cannot be learned in a few weeks.
b. Opposing defenses have scouted and prepared for the simpifications
c. Less talent and prepared defenses lead to greater turnovers.
It is not a matter of losing faith in the organization, current GM and coaches, or players. It is a matter of assessment and correction of the current deficiencies.
**************************************************************
Corrections:
A. Upgrade talent.
1) Drafts are for future and players take at least 2 years to become productive.
2) Free agency finding players who are still improving their play and fit.
3) or 2b is retaining your good players and developing them.
4) Trades
Ted Thompson worked more draft picks in 05 and will likely continue to do so. He has done much without money adding Lee(TE), Gado, Wishon, Thornberg etc. at no cost. Currently the Packers have 38 players signed for 06. Ted had best be targeting free agents for the off season. That 20 million dollars or so under 06 cap will be spent adding at least 15 to roster. Some should be on current roster like Kampmann, Longwell, Henderson.
As to trades, who can be given up? Ferguson, Martin, Klemm, Wahington, Rodgers. Not much to trade.
In 06 over 50% of the roster will have been acquired by Thompson.
B. Incorporate and coach new players
Ability to do so will determine the future of coaches.
The example is set by DC Bates and his defensive staff working young players in with a simplified scheme.
The line coach is working with Witticker, Coston, and White with results hopefully coming in 06 or efforts will be expended on new players.
Receivers and backfield coaches are working until the current crisis is over and will have to do more during mini-camps and training camp next season with the new players. I see 7 WR's and RB's to be replaced in 06. Throwing out Head Coach Sherman will not make the team more attractive.
C. Prevention of Injuries
There is no magic formula. Better workout methodologies are always attempted. However, younger players are generally less injured than older players.
D. Develop and keep a winning attitude.
Retention of key veteran leaddership. Encourage players who have earned the respect of other players. William Henderson is a key locker guy to sign. Throwing Brett Favre on the scrap heap will not attract free agents.
It is time for a calm rational approach and not the chainsaw, lynch and burn destruction called for by some.
Relax
The team will be upgrading not rebuilding.
