Packers Roster Breakdown - Cornerbacks

 Two words - Kevin King - BYE BYE!

Opppps - two more words - Josh Jackson - BYE BYE!

OK, if you have been watching the Packers for the last 3-4 years. King (2017 - round 1) & Jackson (2018 - round 2)are targets!  Weak Links!  Two very high draft choices that the average fan would label a BUST!!!! OUCH!

By the way, to see the Packers draft choices back to 1936 - Click on - (Packer Draft Choice History)

So, what does the roster look like?

Jaire Alexander - year 3

Kevin King - year 4 (Free Agent)

Josh Jackson - year 3 (Free Agent)

Chandon Sullivan - year 3

Ka'dar Hollman - year 2

KelVarae Russel - year 4

Stanford Sameuls - Rookie

Kabion Ento - year 1 (Free Agent)

Parry Nickerson - year 3 (Free Agent)

So, this looks like a rebuild to me!  Lucky to have Jaire Alexander, who is turning into one of the BEST corners in the NFL!  So, look for the Packers to take 1-2 corners in the draft!!  And, maybe a free agent that is NOT on the Packers roster today!

WE NEED HELP AT CORNER _ A TOP PRIORITY!

Packers Roster Breakdown - Safety

 One of the best starting defensive position is the safety position - Amos & Savage!  Both of these players are solid.  Savage, in year two, started to become a play maker - his interceptions prove that!  Amos, is a sold leader on the back end & a good tackler.  Players helping this season?

Aaron Amos - year 6

Darnell Savage - year 2

Will Redmund - year 4 (free agent)

Henry Black - rookie

Veron Scott - rookie

Raven Greene - year 3 (free agent)

Innis Gaines - rookie

The backups, saw some action, Redmund, Greene & Scott.  Greene would be worth re-signing for the right money.  Did not see much of Black, Scott & Gaines to pass judgement.  

What is know, this position is not a BIG need.  And, Savage could develop into one of the best in the league!

Packers Roster Breakdown - Outside Linebackers

 A three man rotation most of the year, Smith, Smith & Gary. So, top 4 on the depth chart:

Za'Darius Smith - year 6 - 52 total tackles - 12.5 sacks

Preston Smith - year 6 - 42 tackles - 4 sacks

Rashan Gary - Year 2 - 35 tackles - 5 sacks

Randy Ramsey - Rookie - 11 tackles - 0 sacks

The top of the heat, Za'Darius Smith, another pro bowl season.  Sacks, QB pressures & continued leadership.  A keeper.  Not a keeper, Preston Smith, a down season, was invisible most of the year & will probably will be a cap space casualty.  Rashan Gary, made a nice leap in year 2 & looks to be a possible starter next season.  Randy Ramsey, rookie, saw most of his playing on special teams.  He needs to make progress to hang on the 53 man roster.

Other outside linebackers?

Jonathan Garvin - rookie

Tipa Galaei - rookie

Not enough information on these two, so, hope they work hard in the off season!

Packers Roster Breakdown - Inside Linebackers

 Packers Inside Linebackers, this should be a crime, what the Packers have done the past 10 years is VERY, VERY SAD!  Basically, NO HELP!  AJ Hawk was a player, BUT, lacked that athleticism of the great ones!  But, AJ was a "Football Player!"  A total lack of drafting a player, NO free agent pick ups, nothing to help the Packers make a defense that was a scary one!  So, what do we have on our roster?

Christian Kirksey is already gone - a one year experiment & cap space casualty.  Players remaining that had meaningful time on the field:

Krys Barnes - Rookie

Kamaal Martin - Rookie

Ty Summers - Year 2

Oren Burke - Year 3

Barnes & Martin were a pleasant surprise!  As rookies, played meaningful minutes and demonstrated some athleticism that the Packers so desperately need at inside linebacker!  Will they make the next step?  Time will tell, but, chances are, next year they will have an opportunity to show it!  Summers & Burke are special team players at their best!  Burke was a big experiment that has failed!  Summers, was a stab in the dark!  Chances are, both are gone next year!

Remaining on the roster, but no real game experience:

De'Jon Harris - Rookie

Ray Wilborn - Rookie

James Burgess - Year 4

Slim pickings & slim chance to make next years team!

So, will the Packers draft an inside linebacker with their first pick????? 

Packers Roster Breakdown - Defensive Line

 If there has been a complaint against the roster building effort - how about the defensive line!  In the last 10 years have the Packers drafted a true "Game Changer"??  Simple answer - A BIG FAT NO!!!  Kenny Clark is very good, but a dominant, scary, force up front No!  If I was Mike Pettine, or even go back to Dom Capers, what did the Packers give the defense up front?  Nothing!  So, come on guys in the GM office, take a good look at the college players and get us some help!!!!

Packers Defensive Line Roster:

Kenny Clark - Year 5

Dean Lowry - Year 5

Montravious Adams - Year 4

Tyler Lancaster - Year 3

Kingsley Keke - Year 2

These are the players that were on the field the majority of the time during the 2020 season.  Adams missed the last part of the season due to injury.  So, look closely at the names, to this Packer fan, it is amazing we made it to the NFC Championship game!  Good average players that give 100% effort, but as far as talent?  VERY AVERAGE!

The players on the roster?

Damon Harrison - Year 9

Willington Previlon - Rookie

Anthony Rush - Year 2

Delontae Scott - Rookie

Billy Winn - Year 7

Our backup players, did not see a lot of game time.  A mix of old & new depth that really is just depth without a lot of game film to judge effectiveness.  This lack of talent & ability to control the line of scrimmage is a huge concern!  

PLEASE 

GET KENNY CLARK SOME HELP!!!!

Packers Begin to Clear Cap Space

 The NFL is in a strange place.  Let's face it, the country is in a strange place!  The Cap Space, is forcing all teams to make difficult decisions.  just like American families are making decisions!  Many fans, like my Packer Buddies were not able to attend Packer Games!  Sometimes we forget, how many GREAT opportunities we have in this country & focus on the NEGATIVE!  And, the NFL football players are part of the fabric of this country!  So, who will NOT be a Packer next year???

Christian Kirksey, inside linebacker & Rick Wagner, offensive tackle tackle were let go.  Remember, Kirksey was brought in to replace Blake Martinez & Wagner was brought in to replace Brian Bulaga.  Good news, our young inside linebackers Martin & Barnes, had good seasons.  And, the versatility of our offensive line was on display all season.  So, the loss of Kirksey & Wagner is not devastating!

Cap Space?  Remember, on of my favorite websites: Spotrac

According to this website we still need to cut players, the latest numbers:

Top 51 players - $5,250,000 & All players $11,000,000. The Packers are now 24th as far as Cap Space.  There are still 11 teams in a NEGATIVE cap space situation.  There will be a lot of player movement this year and the Packers are not finished!  Look for more players to be released.  Some will come later because of contract situations.  But, one this for sure, more cuts on the way!!!

The current Packer roster has 85 players on it.

So, stay tuned....................

Packer Roster Breakdown - Offensive Line

 Aaron Rodgers should share his NFL MVP honors with his offensive line!  This bunch was not only good, but versatility PLUS!  The usual starters:

LT - David Bakhtiari - year 8

RT - Billy Turner - year 7

LG - Elgton Jenkins - year 2

RG - Lucas Patrick - year 4

C - Corey Linsley (free agent)

This is a GREAT group.  They rarely played together this year!  First, all-pros!!!!  Bakhtiar, Linsley & Jenkins!  WOW!  Not many teams have this!!!  Linsley missed many games early in the season.  Bakhtiari, missed the last part of the season and the playoffs!  The best moving part, Elgton Jenkins, only in year 2, was NOT only versatile, but GOOD!!!!!  Free agents - Linsley

Others:

Braden, Ben - Guard - year 2

Nijman, Yosh - Tackle - year 1

Runyan, Jon - Guard - rookie

Wagner, Rick - Tackle - year 8

Hansen, Jake - Center - rookie

Johnson, Zach - Guard - rookie

Stepaniak, Simon  Guard - rookie

Taylor, Lane- Guard - year 8

Veldheer, Jared - Tackle - year 10

Previous starter Lane Taylor missed the entire year.  One of those great stories of a hard worker who worked his way into a starter!  Is a free agent.  Rick Wagner played a lot at right tackle with all the injuries on the offensive line.  Other players, Jon Runyan & Yosh Nijman provided backup depth.  This will still be a Packer strength, even if we do not sign our free agents!

Packers Roster Breakdown - Wide Receivers

 Remember, the beginning of the year & the draft - NO wide receivers drafted.  PANIC!!  As things turned out, the group we had was fine!  Adams had an awesome year - some stats:

Davante Adams - 3rd in yards - 1374, 1st in TD's - 18, & 3rd in receptions - 115

Our list, first the roster regulars:

Adams, Davante - year 7

Austin, Tavon - year 8

Lazard, Allen - year 2

St. Brown, Equanimeous - year 3

Taylor,Malik - Year 1

Valdes-Scantling, Marquez - year 3

Practice Squad & Others

Begelton, Reggie - year 1

Blair, Chris - Rookie

Winfree, Juwann - year 2

Funchess, Devon - year 6 (was on the COVID list)

The play of Lazard & Valdez-Scantling was rewarding.  Lazard(33 receptions - 451 yards - 3 TD's) has always shown toughness & grit.  He has demonstrated great hands & dependability!  He also blocks very well for the run game.  He looks to be a steady, but not flashy receiver for the next few years.  Valdes-Scantling(33 receptions - 690 yards - 6 TD's) made the biggest jump!  He hands still were shaky at times, but made some big plays this year!  If he improves again, he should also stick to the roster a few more years!!!

Devon Funchess decided to sit out the year.  That was probably the best thing for Lazard & Valdes-Scantling.  He is really the same, tall & possession receiver type that Lazard & St. Brown give the Packers.  

The need still seems to a speed & shifty guy!  A breakaway threat!  A receiver that is a threat from anywhere on the field.  But, we have enough on the team to be OK in the wide receiver position.

Next up, offensive line.

Packer Roster Breakdown - Tight Ends

 The NFL is in a transition - the Tight End position is becoming a more important cog in the NFL's offensive scheme!  And, that is at the expense of the traditional fullback position -(No more Packers chants of Kuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!)  Maybe, Tonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnyannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn?

The current tight ends on the roster:

Mercedes Lewis - Year 15

Robert Tonyan - Year 3

Dominique Dafney - Rookie

Jace Sternberger - Year 2

Josiah Deguara - Rookie

Bronson Kaufusi - Year 3

Issac Nauta - Year 2

John Lovett - Year 2

Leader of the Pack, "BIG DOG" Mercedes Lewis, and this was Year 15!  A lot of "wear" on the treads of those cleats!  Aaron Rodgers LOVES him.  The players seem to look up to him.  Seems to still have the run blocking skills & once in awhile. a big catch!  But, a year 16?  Not a normal year for a tight end?  As a leader, maybe worth a small investment? A Free Agent in 2021, on a money tight Packer team!

Robert Tonyan is "the man"!  And, another Packer Free Agent!  But, in my world a MUST sign!  The stats: Tie for 1st - TD receptions, 13th in receptions for TE - 52. & 13th in yards for TE - 586 yards.  Tonyan is on the way to becoming one of the NFL's TE's!  So, why sign him?  Well we have a 16 year veteran and all the other TE's on the roster, we have NO IDEA!

Dafney, had on OK game, Rookie Deguara & second year man Sternberger no clue!  The others, never even seen them on the field!  May be worth the draft selection, but because of money, we really need to see if Sternberger & DeGuara are worth keeping?

So, to stay an elite NFL offense, Rodgers NEEDS 1 0r 2 REAL tight ends!

Packers 2021 Roster Breakdown - Runnung Backs

 Salary Cap hits the running back room hard!!!  Free Agency reality!  Next year, 2021 the running back room will look entirely different!!!  Here is a list of the present running backs:

Aaron Jones - Year 4 - Free Agent

Jamaal Williams - Year 4 - Free Agent

AJ Dillon - Rookie

Dexter Williams - Year 2

Mike Weber - Year 1

Tyler Ervin - Year 5 - Free Agent

Patrick Taylor - Rookie

So, realistically, the Packers will lose Aaron Jones.  Probably, the will lose Jamaal Williams.  Tyler Ervin, who contributed big time to special teams, may not be back!  THIS, is a huge part of the Packet Offense!

Aaron Jones, has become on of the top NFL running backs!  Therefore, contract wise, his return seems to be VERY difficult!  He is explosive, catches the ball as good as a wide receiver, and is a great team player!  His interviews are always fun, his personality is a giant plus to team morale, and his head ware is special!  A true great football player & even better person!

Jamaal Williams, just read the paragraph above!  And, add to it, A GREAT DANCER!  When the Packer Buddies go to games, one of the first player we look for when the Packers warmup, is Jamaal Williams!  His dance move are legendary!  As a football player?  Has NOT fumbled in his career!  He has played second fiddle to Aaron Jones!  But, his production is worth a starting running back look!  So, if the Packers could sign Williams, the 2021 season would benefit!

The other running backs, our rookie, AJ Dillon had a nice season, from a few touches early in the season, to a COVID vacation, and a nice ending of the season.  He showed signs!  He could be a better than average NFL running back!  NEXT YEAR, we may find out VERY quickly!!

Tyler Ervin was nice surprise, special teams, special offensive plays for him, he was a nice piece to the offensive puzzle!  It would be nice to have him back, but not necessary.

Dexter Williams, Mike Weber, & Patrick Taylor?  We really have NO idea!

So, if we can sign one player, I would try to sign Jamaal Williams.

Beginning the Roster Breakdown - Quarterbacks

 OK, the NFL 2020 MVP?  Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packer starting quarterback!

After watching a Tom Brady win his 7th Super Bowl, at age 43, the YOUNG Aaron Rodgers, age 37, has MANY great years left in his career!!! So, watching the Packer quarterback in 2010, this might have been his best!  Do really analyze the year, begin with the 2020 draft, Packers trade up in the draft to select, a quarterback, Jordan Love.  Of course, the fans go wild, Aaron is "pissed", and all are asking WHAT???  Why not a wide receiver for Aaron?  What not a STUD inside linebacker, replacing the top defensive tackler, Blake Martinez, who become a free agent, and signs with the Giants.  Or, maybe another top corner, pressuring the Packers Kevin King (Did you see the NFC Championship Game?), or maybe, a speedy slot receiver to stretch the field??????  NO, so what happens in 2021?  Aarons goes crazy!! (Maybe we should draft another QB in the first round this year!!!)

Out of the 32 NFL teams, I will take Aaron.  His play the year, and the Matt LaFleur offense seemed to take a GIANT step this year.  Hopefully, the supporting cast will be there for next season!!!

And, the Packer depth chart?  

#2 - Tim Boyle   Age 26   Year 3    6'4"  232 lbs

#3 - Jordan Love.  Age 23   Rookie   6'4"   219 lbs

What do we have in the backup role, we DO NOT KNOW and we DO NOT WANT TO KNOW!

Now, if we have a pre-season, maybe we will see!  First, our #1 draft choice, did not even dress for any games this year.  Tim Boyle, seems like a good kid, but with all the draft capital used on Love, he may have trouble making the team next year.  

My advice to the Packer Front Office, DO NOT DRAFT A QUARTERBACK THIS YEAR!

After a Less Than "SUPER" Super Bowl, What Does the NFL Future Look Like?

 Super Bowl LV? Nah, not quite!  Tom Brady #7 Super Bowl Ring, deserving, but not impressive.  A short handed, slowed down, Chiefs team not very special.  And, the drama of Any Reid's son & his DUI car accident before the game, hanging like a cloud over the "Pandemic" Super Bowl!  Just not a very good game!

The Halftime Show, by one hit wonder Weekend, was another let down.  And, I'm really tired of people wearing masks, and this show had way too many masks!

And, the NFL, like many people, and organizations, too much politics!  Tired of all the politics!

The refereeing in the NFL?  WOW!  This is totally out of control!  Holding?  A joke!  Roughing the QB, and other big hits, the game is becoming flag football.  The "CHEAP" hit should never be part of the game, but a "Hard" hit is a part of football.

The "Talking Heads"?  WOW!  This is also, out of control.  To much time to spend, too many people to talk, and too much social media to allow for "STUPID" stuff!  

Today NFL player?  Wow!  Too much money.  Today's owner's too much money!  Good news, NFL Commissioner Goodell, went from 20-40 Million a year to $0!  Yes, because of the pandemic, decided to take nothing. (Remember, he was making a bunch the last few years!)  But, nice.  Our politicians, they should have been the first ones with $0 income & not restaurant workers!)

I know, I am a senior citizen, and many things are totally different, but my gut says, professional sports are in trouble! But, until I become completely annoyed, I will watch, BUT, not as much!

Go Pack Go!

Packers - Bucs 2020 NFC Championship - 4th Quarter - The Packers Had All the Opportunities for a Win!

 As the 4th Quarter started, the Packers were within striking distance!  And, as you watch this quarter unfold, all the opportunities were there for a win and a trip to the Super Bowl!  As a team, as a coaching staff, they had ALL the time & opportunity to win this game!  What did the drives look like?

First, after the Packers score ending the 3rd quarter, the Packer Special Teams, as they did most of the season, gave up a huge return & the Tampa Bay offense had great field position!

Tampa Bay Drive 3 -OK, what does Tom Brady do?  Pick on #39 & #29 - Sullivan & King!  Also, a substitution penalty by the defense, Packers caught with too many men on the field!  But, an Alexander Interception saves the day!!!!  Packers, down 28-23, they may NOW take the lead!!!!!!

Green Bay Drive 4 - 12:20 to go, plenty of time!!!!  But, a Sack & a Punt!!  Opportunity #1 - GONE!!!!!

Tampa Bay Drive 4 - 10:30 to go - NEED another stop!  Packer blitz - a Brady "DUCK" another Alexander interception!!!!  Opportunity #2!  Now, the Packers can take the lead!!!!

Green Bay Drive 5 - Ohhhh No!  Another Bucs Sack of Rodgers - another Green Bay PUNT!!!!  The Packers have missed on Opportunity # 2!!!!!!

Tampa Bay Drive 5 - This was a BIG drive!  8:00 left in the game.  The Packers give up a field goal, and now the score is Tampa 31 & Green Bay 23.  Now Packer Fans!  Think of the second half!  Packers Defense gives up 10 points - remember, the TD early in the half was a fumble & the Bucs get the ball on the Green Bay 8!!!!  We gave them 7 points!  So, the defense, actually played well!  All Pro, cornerback, Alexander - TWO picks!  So, with 4:30 left, the Packers are still in the game!  

Packers Drive 6 - One thing about this drive, AJ Dillion looked great!  MVS looked great.  The young players are in Green Bay!!!  The Packers, get the ball to the Tampa 8 yard line!  First and goal!  Isn't this what all Packer Fans want?!?!?!  Rodgers with the football on the 8 yard line!!!  How about the plays:

Play 1 - Quick slant to Lazard on traffic!  Rodgers throws the ball a little behind him - incomplete!  It was a run - pass option & none of the receivers looked like they expected the ball - strange play!

Play 2 - Rodgers goes to Adams, a high throw is incomplete! Looked like a quick post pattern, Adams was not really open - Aaron began to scramble, could he have run for 3-4 yards??

Play 3 - Again, looked like Rodgers forced the ball to Adams!  And, looked like Rodgers could have run the ball close to the end zone!!!  Looked like man to man with the d-backs having their backs to the ball!  What could have been!!!  We settle for a field goal!!!  THIS WAS A BIG DECISION!!!  Can the Packers defense hold?

Tampa Bay Drive 6 - Packers Defense does HOLD!  But, so does our #20, cornerback King.  The game is over!  What could have been!

This was another NFC Championship Game that very, very easily could have been a win!  If you have the chance, watch the second have again.  Take your time, rewind some plays!  It was there for the taking!!!

STILL HURTS!

Packers and Bucs and the 2020 NFC Championship Game - 3rd Quarter

 I know Packer Fans, it still hurts!  But, maybe this third quarter will tell you something!  Not everybody gets what he wants.  Maybe there is a reason for that?  A Super Bowl trip and a win, would have been great, but, as a Packer Fan, we are still ahead of the game!

Second Half 

Green Bay Drive 1 - A VERY important drive ends in disaster!  With the Packers down 21-10, the offense goes into attack mode.  A completion to Aaron Jones, with a great hits by the Bucs defensive back causes a fumble & a first and goal for the Bucs!

Tampa Drive 1 - Did not take long, Tampa scores and the Pack is down 28-10!  Many teams for fold, what will the Packers do?

Packers Drive 2 - A beautiful drive for a Packers touchdown!  The best part, the Packers young receivers all contribute - Lazard, MVS, St. Brown & Tonyan all make plays, ending with the TD throw to Tonyan.  This was a great sign on two levels!  Packers are still fighting & the young receivers!  Packer Fans, you should be proud!  Bucs 28 - Packers 17!

Tampa Drive 2 - Bucs begin be running and eating clock, start to get aggressive & pass attempt, interception by Amos!  Packers Fans, another reason to smile!

Packers Drive 3 - OK, another smile AJ Dillon.  A nice catch out of the backfield & some tough runs show why this rookie may have a great future for the Packers! And, a touchdown throw to Adams, and the Packers are back in this game!  A drop by St. Brown on the 2 point conversion hurts!  Another missed opportunity! Bucs 28 - Packers 23!

Bad news, the Bucs have a good run back on the ensuing Packer Kickoff!  Tampa will begin the 4th quarter with great field position!

More to come!

First Half of the 2020 NFC Championship Game - Pack vs Bucs

 So, had a chance to look at the first half - no sound, fast forward commercials and .........

Tampa Drive 1 - A touchdown drive!  A big 3rd down catch & nice Brady throw!  Was VERY close & the Bucs begin to pick on Sullivan & King.  Brady was no pressured.  Bucs up 7-0.

Packers Drive 1 - No rhythm & a Rodgers sack - and a Packers Punt.  Not a good start.

Tampa Drive 2 - Bucs continue to get first downs, but a Brady sack forces a Punt.

Packers Drive 2 - Packers drive uses up quarter one and continues into second quarter.  This shows how quickly a game can move in the NFL!  Nice Packer drive and a great MVS route and good hands!  Packer fans may have a deep threat of the future with MVS?  This was the beginning of a pretty good game for the young receiver!  Packers tie the game 7-7.

Tampa Drive 3 - Packers had a chance on a interception and Bucs receiver makes a nice catch, but Brady takes Bucs down the field for a 14-7 lead.   So, Packer fans, 3 Buc drives & 2 touchdowns, not a good start!

Packers Drive 3 - This was a key drive!  A great drive mixing the run & pass!  First & goal at the 6!  That means............ Play 1 - Back shoulder pass to Davante, tough catch, usually Adams will catch it, not so. Could have been a TD! Play 2 - Pass, knocked down by rushing Tampa lineman, could have been a TD!  Play 3 - Pass to Adams (again) he catches it in end zone, could have been a TD!!!!!  Field Goal makes the score Bucs 14 - 10.

Tampa Drive 4 - One first down & defense forces Punt!  GREAT!!!

Packers Drive 4 - OK, a nice drive & Pack takes lead!  No, a pass over the middle - THE Tampa DEFENSIVE BACK HOLDS!!!!!!!  OBVIOUS HOLD!!!!  And, a Tampa interception!!!  

SIDE NOTE! - This fan is SICK & TIRED of the NFL officiating!!!  The game is in trouble!!!

Tampa Drive 5 - THIS IS A KILLER!  22 seconds, a couple catches, and with ONE SECOND, a deep pass over Kevin King and a Bucs TD!!! REALLY!  A Championship Team CANNOT DO THIS!  Score, now, Bucs 21 - Packers 10.  So, IF the holding is called MAYBE, Pack scores a TD before half & the score would be Packers 17 & Bucs 14, with the Packers getting the second half kick off!

Packers Drive 5 - 1 second on the clock!  HALFTIME!!!  Bucs 21 - Packers 10!

Next, the second half!