Maximilian from Pasadena, CA
While the Packers will undoubtedly look differently next year, I’m most looking forward to hopefully having a better special teams unit. In 2020, the Packers were bottom 10 in kickoff coverage, 31st in kickoff return average, 30th in net-punting average, last in punt coverage, and 31st in punt-return average. Poor kick/punt coverage and returns affect the other phases of the game. Forget big plays; just give me some consistency. Having almost nowhere to go but up in that phase gives me hope.
There was excitement and enthusiasm in LaFleur’s voice when he was discussing Maurice Drayton’s promotion. Drayton, who previously interviewed for the job two years ago, is highly respected inside the building and obviously knows where the unit came up short last year. Now, it’s time to get it fixed. It’s a new day for the special-teams unit.
Shawn from Sun Prairie, WI
Will the Packers’ defense get totally revamped next year?
I don’t think so. I don’t think there’s a need to. The Packers have a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball – perhaps more than any other defense Green Bay has featured since the Super Bowl XLV squad. LaFleur’s task is to find the right coordinator to get the most out of that group. The Packers’ next defensive coordinator will have a lot of talent to build around.
It strikes me that one thing missing from our defense is an element of nastiness. Do you suppose that is more easily accomplished from coaching or is it a player mentality?
LaFleur talked about how an aggressive mindset is more than just play calls. It’s how a defense attacks the field. You want to make an offense earn every inch of grass. It starts with the coaches demanding that mentality on the practice field and having it carryover to gameday. We’re not talking about Oklahoma drills or anything crazy. It’s understanding who you are as a defense, establishing a standard and then telling the opposition, “Hey, you will not cross this line.”
I know it’s early yet but all the mock drafts I’ve seen have the Packers, once again, taking a receiver in the draft. I see the defensive line needing a run-stuffer or someone to pressure the opposing quarterback. How do you see it?
If you’re talking about the first round, your guess is as good as mine. I do think receiver and defensive line are definite possibilities after the Packers didn’t draft anyone at either position 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 to the offense since Green Bay drafted him in the second round two years ago.
Good morning guys. I just read that the Rams made a run at trading for Aaron Rodgers. Is there any truth to that and just out of curiosity, do you know what they offered in return for our superstar? I hope Guty didn’t laugh too hard when he got that call.
Gutekunst doesn’t like to address rumors but he made it a point to refute that report on Monday. That’s telling.
Wes from South St Paul, MN
Mike/Wes, just want to say how much I appreciate the straight talk/answer from you guys. Rodgers does an interview right after a gut-wrenching loss, and knowing how many FAs the Packers have, makes a comment about the unknowns ahead, and the talking heads Bleacher Report/Yardbarker start spreading the crap that AR is unhappy and wants out of GB. Keep up the good work guys.
One thing that struck a chord with me was how Rodgers painted a vivid portrait of what the locker room was like after the loss to Tampa during his interview last week with Pat McAfee. It put you in his shoes for a moment. I could visualize that emotion and couldn’t imagine what it’s like having to gather yourself to talk about what had just happened. Emotions are understandably raw.
Everyone knows Jordan Love can be traded for draft picks and we can extend Rodgers’ contract, right?
Like I said yesterday, Love is an investment. Everyone wants to put a timeline on Rodgers but nobody knows what the future holds. Love is under contract through 2024 and could be extended through 2025 by exercising his fifth-year option.