Maximilian from Pasadena, CA
Although the Packers will undoubtedly look different next year, I am more looking forward to having a better special team unit. In 2020, the Packers were the last 10 in the kickoff coverage, 31 in the average kickoff return, 30 in the net punting average, last in punt coverage and 31 in the average punt return. Coverage and poor kick / punt returns affect the other phases of the game. Forget big moves; just give me some consistency. Having almost nowhere to go, except at this stage, gives me hope.
There was excitement and enthusiasm in LaFleur’s voice when he was discussing Maurice Drayton’s promotion. Drayton, who had already been interviewed for the job two years ago, is highly respected inside the building and obviously knows where the unit was weak last year. Now, it’s time to fix it. It is a new day for the unity of special teams.
Shawn from Sun Prairie, WI
Will the Packers defense be fully renewed next year?
I think not. I don’t think it’s necessary. The Packers have a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball – perhaps more than any other defense that Green Bay has provided since the Super Bowl XLV team. LaFleur’s task is to find the right coordinator to get the most out of this group. The next Packers defensive coordinator will have a lot of talent to develop.
It seems to me that something in our defense is missing an element of evil. Do you think this is easier to do while training or is it a player mentality?
LaFleur talked about how an aggressive mindset is more than just game calls. It is like a defense attacks the field. You want to make an attack gain every inch of a gram. It all starts with the coaches demanding that mentality on the field of practice and taking it to the day of the game. We are not talking about Oklahoma exercises or anything crazy. It’s understanding who you are as a defense, setting a standard and then saying to the opposition, “Hey, you’re not going to cross that line.”
I know it’s still early, but all the simulated drafts I saw have the Packers, again, picking up a receiver in the draft. I see that the defensive line needs a run-stuffer or someone to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. How do you see that?
If you’re talking about the first round, your guess is as good as mine. I think the receiver and the defensive line are definitive possibilities after the Packers didn’t recruit anyone for any of the positions last year. It’s also probably not a bad idea to add another O-lineman to the mix. Just look at what a versatile guy like Elgton Jenkins has brought on the attack since Green Bay drafted him in the second round two years ago.
Good morning people. I just read that the Rams tried to negotiate with Aaron Rodgers. Is there any truth to that and just out of curiosity, do you know what they offered in exchange for our superstar? I hope Guty didn’t laugh much when he got the call.
Gutekunst does not like to talk about rumors, but he insisted on refuting the report on Monday. This is revealing.
Wes from South St Paul, MN
Mike / Wes, I just want to say how much I appreciate your direct conversation / response. Rodgers gives an interview right after an agonizing loss and, knowing how many FAs the Packers have, makes a comment about the unknowns to come, and the Bleacher Report / Yardbarker speakers start spreading the crap that AR is unhappy and wants to get out of GB. Keep up the good work, guys.
One thing that struck me was how Rodgers painted a vivid picture of what the locker room looked like after the loss to Tampa during his interview last week with Pat McAfee. It put him in his place for a moment. I could visualize that emotion and I couldn’t imagine what it’s like to have to compose yourself to talk about what just happened. Emotions are understandably raw.
Everyone knows that Jordan Love can be traded for draft choices and we can extend the Rodgers contract, right?
As I said yesterday, love is an investment. Everyone wants to put a schedule on Rodgers, but nobody knows what the future holds. Love is under contract until 2024 and can be extended until 2025 by exercising your fifth year option.