What do we need to have a great season?

[Heyjoe4]

so if aaron rodgers was the best return guy on the team, would you still use him to return punts/kicks? of course not. a player getting injured in the role he was signed to is a risk that all coaches/players are taking every week. but imo, most coaches aren't going to put one of their best at a position in for returns, especially if the backup/depth isn't the best either. it is an unnecessary risk

Good analogy. I’m not crazy about using the top CB, Alexander, as a KR, or a WR for that matter. I imagine someone will suggest Savage, given his speed. Another bad idea. Seems to me that KR belongs with the other “specialists” - kicker, punter, long snapper (although I’m less convinced a long snapper can’t be the OC). I know it would be a dedicated roster spot, but the risk/return (pardon the pun) probably justifies it.

 

[gopkrs]

Maybe Jones

 

[GreenNGold_81]

Good analogy. I’m not crazy about using the top CB, Alexander, as a KR, or a WR for that matter. I imagine someone will suggest Savage, given his speed. Another bad idea. Seems to me that KR belongs with the other “specialists” - kicker, punter, long snapper (although I’m less convinced a long snapper can’t be the OC). I know it would be a dedicated roster spot, but the risk/return (pardon the pun) probably justifies it.

Starters at KR/PR always makes me cringe. Why not have an open competition for the job? Maybe let our new RB have a crack at it.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

ugh...smh. not the key guys. the stars. asking key guys, who are basically irreplaceable and you're hanging so much on them for the success of the team, to do other things that put them at increased risk, is irresponsible.

It seems that you don't understand that special teams are an important part of a football team as well (you don't need to look any further than the 2014 NFCCG for proof). Therefore teams should put their best players on the field on that plays as well.

it was a punt. read the article. and no...obviously not. you're having trouble following along. oh...and he did miss the following game btw (min, dec 30, a loss).

Once again, I'm not talking about the punt return Cobb was injured at but the reception in Baltimore on which he was hurt and afterwards sidelined for 10 games. I even posted a link to a video of that play earlier in this thread.

Good analogy. I’m not crazy about using the top CB, Alexander, as a KR, or a WR for that matter. I imagine someone will suggest Savage, given his speed. Another bad idea. Seems to me that KR belongs with the other “specialists” - kicker, punter, long snapper (although I’m less convinced a long snapper can’t be the OC). I know it would be a dedicated roster spot, but the risk/return (pardon the pun) probably justifies it.

Ideally the punt returner has a role on either offense or defense as well as roster spots are precious.

With Davis being the best option for the Packers that doesn't seem to be the case this season though.

Starters at KR/PR always makes me cringe. Why not have an open competition for the job? Maybe let our new RB have a crack at it.

Dexter Williams isn't build to end up being a decent returner.

 

[rodell330]

Rodgers not getting injured in week 1 would have been the only one making a difference last season.



If Alexander is the most dynamic returner on the roster there's no reason to not use him in that role. He can get injured lining up at cornerback as well.

I believe Davis is a much better player in that regard though.

I disagree again haha. Having two experienced WRs who understand coverages and are familiar with the audibles and hand signs Rodgers uses cannot be understated. GMO was having a pretty good year before he got hurt and Cobb would’ve been a better option in the slot Than two rookies.

 

[GreenNGold_81]

Dexter Williams isn't build to end up being a decent returner.

? Since when is 5'11 and 212lbs the wrong build? Patterson plays at 220lbs at 6'2" and he was a top 5 kick returner last year. His build shouldn't limit any opportunity to contribute.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I disagree again haha. Having two experienced WRs who understand coverages and are familiar with the audibles and hand signs Rodgers uses cannot be understated. GMO was having a pretty good year before he got hurt and Cobb would’ve been a better option in the slot Than two rookies.

The Packers offense would have most likely been better with Allison and Cobb available for all season in 2018. I don't believe it would have resulted in additional wins though.

? Since when is 5'11 and 212lbs the wrong build? Patterson plays at 220lbs at 6'2" and he was a top 5 kick returner last year. His build shouldn't limit any opportunity to contribute.

There aren't any successful returners with comparable size, weight and speed as Dexter. Patterson is a way better athlete.

 

[GreenNGold_81]

There aren't any successful returners with comparable size, weight and speed as Dexter. Patterson is a way better athlete.

Alvin Kamara is an inch shorter and three pounds heavier than Williams and has been an electric returner. Kamara runs a 4.56 and Williams ran a 4.57. So you're wrong, there is someone at least comparable who has been successful.

I'm not anointing him the starter, just saying he's worth a try in practice. He's ripped off some long tds in college so why not.

I'd equally like to see all non starting secondary players and wrs be given the shot as well.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Alvin Kamara is an inch shorter and three pounds heavier than Williams and has been an electric returner. Kamara runs a 4.56 and Williams ran a 4.57. So you're wrong, there is someone at least comparable who has been successful.

You're right about Kamara.

I'm not anointing him the starter, just saying he's worth a try in practice. He's ripped off some long tds in college so why not.

I'm absolutely fine with giving Dexter a shot at competing to receive snaps as a returner but I don't expect him to beat out Davis for the job.

 

[gopkrs]

Of course something else we need is to be comfortable at the w/o #2. A lot of people think that MVS is an obvious choice. Many even say that EQSB is going to be there with Geronimo and Moore fighting it out for the next best. For my part, I think MVS and Geronimo will be the pair to watch. I hope the coaches have open minds and give everyone an equal chance. But we need the #2 w/o to be a threat in order to have a great season. By threat I mean someone that can catch and move the chains. Be consistent. We have put a lot of faith in 4, 5, and 6 round draft choices with an UFA.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Of course something else we need is to be comfortable at the w/o #2. A lot of people think that MVS is an obvious choice. Many even say that EQSB is going to be there with Geronimo and Moore fighting it out for the next best. For my part, I think MVS and Geronimo will be the pair to watch. I hope the coaches have open minds and give everyone an equal chance. But we need the #2 w/o to be a threat in order to have a great season. By threat I mean someone that can catch and move the chains. Be consistent. We have put a lot of faith in 4, 5, and 6 round draft choices with an UFA.

At wide receiver the Packers have enough talent on the perimeter to field a successful offense as long as Adams stays healthy all season. The team needs someone to step up in the slot though.

 

[gopkrs]

I think there is a chance Adams will see a lot in the slot. And it would not surprise me to see a TE their either.

 

[gbgary]

It seems that you don't understand that special teams are an important part of a football team as well (you don't need to look any further than the 2014 NFCCG for proof). Therefore teams should put their best players on the field on that plays as well.

two ridiculous statements. the hands team on an onsides kick is not a good analogy. gm's clearly disagree with you as everyone's special teams are made up by 90+% backups/rookies.

Once again, I'm not talking about the punt return Cobb was injured at but the reception in Baltimore on which he was hurt and afterwards sidelined for 10 games. I even posted a link to a video of that play earlier in this thread.

i know and it had nothing to do with the special teams discussion. it was a silly attempt to take the special teams injury/risk discussion into idiotic direction.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I think there is a chance Adams will see a lot in the slot. And it would not surprise me to see a TE their either.

It's possible Adams will take snaps in the slot as well but he's definitely best suited to line up on the outside. Therefore I would prefer another player to line up inside on the majority of snaps.

two ridiculous statements. the hands team on an onsides kick is not a good analogy. gm's clearly disagree with you as everyone's special teams are made up by 90+% backups/rookies.

You already having forgotten about the Packers giving up a touchdown on a fake field goal vs. the Seahawks in that game as well works as evidence that you don't put enough emphasis into special teams.

Bottom line: Special teams are important, a fact a lot of fans don't realize until they give up a big play. Therefore the Packers should play the players best suited for these roles in that phase of the game as well.

 

[gbgary]

You already having forgotten about the Packers giving up a touchdown on a fake field goal vs. the Seahawks in that game as well works as evidence that you don't put enough emphasis into special teams.

Bottom line: Special teams are important, a fact a lot of fans don't realize until they give up a big play. Therefore the Packers should play the players best suited for these roles in that phase of the game as well.

i'm not forgetting anything and of course special teams is important but special teams will continue to be made up of backups and rookies, in the vast number of cases and depending on circumstances, because that's the prudent and practical thing to do.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

i'm not forgetting anything and of course special teams is important but special teams will continue to be made up of backups and rookies, in the vast number of cases and depending on circumstances, because that's the prudent and practical thing to do.

There's no doubt that backups play the majority of snaps on special teams. That doesn't change anything about it being smart to use the best player on returns though.

 

[Mondio]

Why should people be afraid of putting the ball in a skill players hands?

 

[gopkrs]

Why should people be afraid of putting the ball in a skill players hands?

Been watching the 66 and 67 playoffs on the sports channel. Lombardi used starters at both kick and punt returns.

 

[Mondio]

Been watching the 66 and 67 playoffs on the sports channel. Lombardi used starters at both kick and punt returns.

lots of very successful coaches have, i just don't get the problem. The attitude that special teams are of 2nd thought has permeated this team and some of its fans it seems. I don't think it's a coincidence our ST have largely sucked for a while because of that attitude. As a football player, why wouldn't they want to be on special teams? Give me a chance to be a part of busting a game open or changing the momentum in one play every single time please. There are probably a lot of guys on the team that can run down and smash against another player on special teams.

That's why you don't see every starter doing those types of jobs as the general rule. But the return man? That's a skill set. Most players are not skill players. They do not have the compilation of hands, vision, speed, quickness etc. Then return men need even something more. You find them where you find them. why limit yourself? the most dynamic players should be used in a way that allows them to impact the game. Successful teams and coaches aren't afraid to put the ball in a playmakers hands. why are we?

 

[gbgary]

Been watching the 66 and 67 playoffs on the sports channel. Lombardi used starters at both kick and punt returns.

much smaller roster size (40) and no cap. you had 22 starters and 18 backups. 15 if you take away the kicker, punter, and backup qb. you HAD to use several starters.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

much smaller roster size (40) and no cap. you had 22 starters and 18 backups. 15 if you take away the kicker, punter, and backup qb. you HAD to use several starters.

There's no one suggesting to use starters to block on special teams but that the Packers should use the best option at returner.

 

[OldSchool101]

Deion Sanders was very valuable and played primarily at CB. He also was utilized as a solid PR and KR. Atlanta, Dallas, Washington and Baltimore all used him in some capacity as a return guy throughout his 14 year career.

 

[gbgary]

alexander isn't sanders, Green Bay isn't the stacked superbowl teams sanders played for either. those teams could afford to risk sanders. GB doesn't have that luxury.

 

[Mondio]

Sanders was a reason some of those teams were "stacked". you're just making excuses. losing sanders on any of those teams would have hurt. Didn't stop them from letting a play maker make plays.

 

[gbgary]

Sanders was a reason some of those teams were "stacked". you're just making excuses. losing sanders on any of those teams would have hurt. Didn't stop them from letting a play maker make plays.

they had depth at every position. the Packers don't. losing alexander would be catastrophic...but losing him on a stupid punt return would make it laughable. hell, look at what not having king has done. after all this time and trouble, the secondary finally looks to be in good shape starter-wise (and that's if king can stay on the field) and people want to risk alexander on punts. wth