Cory's Corner: Free Marcedes Lewis

 
Didn't we have the same conversation last year? 
 
Marcedes Lewis only averaged 11 offensive snaps a game last year and I pleaded for Mike McCarthy to get him off the bench
 
On Sunday, Lewis got his first touchdown as a Packer. He has played in 28 games in Green Bay and still isn't getting his just deserves. 
 
What is the Packers biggest wart? Times up, it is easily the offensive line. David Bakhtiari, who has been the game's best left tackle, has struggled this year. Now Bryan Bulaga is nicked up and right tackle might be a swinging gate. Even center Corey Linsley is having his worst year of his career according to Pro Football Focus. 
 
With Aaron Rodgers being pressured 35 percent of the time, the offensive line needs to be solidified. What better way to do that than by bringing in one of the team's best blockers? Lewis has been known as good blocker his entire career and even though he's 35, he is still a road grader. 
 
I would rather have Lewis on the field over Jimmy Graham simply because Graham cannot block. When Graham goes out there, everyone in the stadium knows it's going to be a pass. However, when Lewis is out there, the element of surprise still lurks. Both guys are about as fast as a John Deere in the mud, but Lewis has oven mitts for hands and is an excellent blocker. 
 
Not to mention, he has to be a great teammate or else we would've heard him complain by now. 
 
Lewis won't just help the passing game, but he will also give the running a lift as well. Green Bay has rushed for under 100 yards as a team six times this season and the Packers have lost two of those. If the Packers want to make a deep playoff run, the only way that happens is if they can consistently run the football. 
 
Lewis is the hidden piece the Packers desperately need. This team must do the little things to keep things rolling. And the best way for that to happen is by keeping the 'Big Dog' involved. 
 
 

 

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__________________________

Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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5 points
 

Comments (47)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Daren726's picture

December 03, 2019 at 06:18 am

This is our last year to use his services and we are down to the last four weeks plus playoffs. What are we waiting for. Seemed like Rodgers gave the big dawg a treat last Sunday because Lafleur won’t feed him.

7 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 03, 2019 at 08:58 pm

You don't waste a seasoned veteran in the first 2/3 of the season. He will make the key plays as the Big Games come into focus at the shipwreck and into the playoffs. He will excel when they need him. He may want to play another season in 2020. It's up to him.

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scoonie_penn's picture

December 03, 2019 at 06:26 am

MLF is desperately trying to win and get his offense on track. He has a secret weapon but isn't playing him despite having issues at the TE position. Based on that logic, MLF is either a fool or an idiot. Makes sense... I guess... Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

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Razer's picture

December 03, 2019 at 06:46 am

Waiting a long time for the Packers to use the tight ends effectively. I really like Marcedes Lewis. He plays a complete game and deserves some sugar. Our big TEs over the middle would be awesome but you know we'll forget about these guys by next week.

BTW - Did anyone notice how our Oline happen to miss every block on the Lewis touchdown. Rodgers was lucky to even get the pass off. Something is not right with that line.

6 points
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Turophile's picture

December 03, 2019 at 11:47 am

Could it be that the loss of Campen has hurt the Packers O line ? Maybe Stenavich is not the right coach for this line.......Bakhtiari and Linsley seem to have regressed noticeably this year.

Don't forget that the Browns snatched Campen as soon as they got the chance........and the Browns are morphing into the AFC North's version of the Packers.

1 points
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The_Justicar's picture

December 03, 2019 at 08:57 pm

Not sure what you mean, the Browns O line stinks. Is that the similarity you are referencing?

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jannes bjornson's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:12 pm

Maybe another thought is their O line is aging and Lindsley is over-rated with an apparent slide in production dating to the second half of 2018, especially against bull rushers. Bulaga having a stud performance year, Bhaktiari either fighting through an injury or losing something? Jenkins becoming a future pro bowler and Turner a 50/50 proposition. There will be two to three more O line prospects and FAs competing for spots in 2020. LaFleur's offense and any offense looking to be a SB contender has to establish a power running game.

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jannes bjornson's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:05 pm

Marv Fleming and Ron Kramer are gone along with the cloud of dust power sweep. The best bet to get some seam route action is getting Sternberger on the field and letting him play, much like the "brain trust" finally SEEING the
exceptional skill level of Lazard as a true WR, not some fucking RAS score. Graham and Lewis are pushing 6.2 forties at best. When the weather turns , then you will see their leverage neutralize the speed of opposing safeties/LBs.
The Key to this Season is getting HOME FIELD advantage in the playoffs.

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ALLGASNOBRAKES's picture

December 04, 2019 at 04:28 am

"Our big TEs over the middle would be awesome but you know we'll forget about these guys by next week."

Boy, ain't that the truth. How I would love to see more Lewis and Sternberger over the middle or deep down the seam. But even when Graham is in the game and is WIDE OPEN in the middle Rodgers almost always throws towards a sideline. The guy seems almost allergic to a pass over the middle.

My theory on this is it's more crowded in the middle of the field which could possibly lead to a (GULP) interception. Rodgers has become SO risk-averse, GOD FORBID he throws to the open guy over the middle where something bad could POSSIBLY happen. There was a time not too long ago the Packers won a Superbowl with a play called Tampa 27 was one of the BEST plays in the Packers offense. It doesn't matter if it was a play from McCarthy's offense because EVERY offense runs a similar play. It's not a play to the TE BUT you could run ANYTHING similar down the seam to a TE.

4 weeks remain in the regular season...GET THE TE's involved and start using the middle of the field!

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 03, 2019 at 07:24 am

I want to see more Lewis and Graham in the redzone and short yardage situations. Graham and Lewis are pretty sure handed targets and create big bodies to throw to.

Quite honestly I think our best Redzone offense maybe Adams, Lazard, Lewis and Graham with Jones as the RB. This creates a really good combination. They can run or throw. They have huge targets, and a guy that is nearly uncoverable at times. Also Jones has a nose for the endzone and can catch really well.

I think as the weather is turning we need to get more sure handed targets on the field. Allison, MVS have been shaky this year. So get Lewis on the field more.

I completely agree with this statement "Lewis is the hidden piece the Packers desperately need. This team must do the little things to keep things rolling."
The little things that they need to do is when its 3rd down and less then 5, they need to do whatever it takes to get the first down. Unless a guy is wide open downfield, just get the first down. Which means get the ball to guys like Lewis. Keep the chains moving. That is something Rodgers and LaFleur need to keep working together on.

10 points
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stockholder's picture

December 03, 2019 at 07:56 am

Lewis is a lunch pail guy. Believing he's something else is temporary insanity. He was lucky to catch that TD. He's No threat. I'll take Graham there first. If were that dependant on his blocking. I'd use another tackle in Lewis place. You saw how SF used their TEs. Sell the run and go deep. Depending on a Te to block, shows the weakness of the OL. AND THE WEAKNESS OF THE POSITION> The Wrs can't separate now. Lewis is not for me.

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Packerpasty's picture

December 03, 2019 at 05:31 pm

I see people don't like to see the truth...and the new kid Jace, he can't be much either if he isn't involved at all in this point of the season...injured I know but he's back, lets see him get involved...if he's not very good then this draft was just so - so....

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jannes bjornson's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:21 pm

They started with Lazard on the Practice Squad. That should give you a clue of how this group evaluates talent.
Sternberger may be a greenhorn, but he is their fastest TE and Should be incorporated in the Game Plan. Ask yourself, what would Bill do with this third round pick? Play him behind a scrub like Tonyan or a plow horse like Jimmy??

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Tundraboy's picture

December 04, 2019 at 07:03 pm

"Didn't we have the same conversation last year? "

That was exactly my first thought when I saw the title.
Next question is,are we going to continue to still have it next week or the week after.. The guy also appears to be a good leader. I caught his pregame pep talk prior to the San Francisco game,and although that did little good, it's important nonetheless.

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 03, 2019 at 12:59 pm

"Didn't we have the same conversation last year? "

No team has fans or pundits so great at repetitive speak than the Packers.

1 points
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Lare's picture

December 03, 2019 at 08:27 am

I don't know if Lewis is the answer, but the Packers need to get better blocking along the offensive line one way or another.

8 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:27 pm

They cannot cut block or high/low a Defensive player with the new rules, so how is this group going to get better at run blocking? They were designed to hold point in the One ring circus offense of Mccarthy. Jenkins is their best run blocker and Turner at least has some familiarity in the wide-zone scheme. This season will ride on these dudes protecting AR and giving him time to drive the ball.

1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

December 03, 2019 at 08:51 am

The Pack should have drafted a TE in the draft.

But all kidding aside, after the Panthers game, I read Sternberger played very well in his limited snaps, especially in his blocking assignments.

Why is he not seeing the field more? His speed and route running could be the real spark Cory refers to.

4 points
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Packerpasty's picture

December 03, 2019 at 05:32 pm

that seems to be what the Packers want from their TE's....blocking...come on MLF, use a little imagination, get people involved....its crunch time...

2 points
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porupack's picture

December 03, 2019 at 08:58 am

Well said, Cory. Its way past time, but this week is the next best time to explore more schemes with Lewis as first target, AND as dump off/3rd read. Experiment before the playoff run, when GB will need contingencies if other plans stall, or if there are injuries.
But, I'd be ok if MLF holds off on such new twists until the Minnepo queens game, then break out Lewis and other special treats.

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porupack's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:12 am

<<<<What is the biggest wart? Its easily the offensive line>>>>>>

Well that's a pretty packed statement.
Now that you put that out there, could one of the CHTV writers help unpack what is going wrong on the Oline this year in that department? The starting 5 was projected to be among the top olines this year so long as Bulaga remained healthy (which he defied many pessimist packer fans so far despite getting banged up a bit).

So if the whole line regressed, then that indicts the coaches, not? Are oline coaches not focusing on technique, or have poor practice drills, or the schemes don't favor the skill set?

How does Bahk, touted as the top LT, seem so average this year with numerous ill-timed holding penalties? Our pre-season worry was Bulaga's health, whether Billy or Elgton would start at RG.

Cory's statement deserves a bit more attention.

2 points
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Lare's picture

December 03, 2019 at 11:14 am

While coaching may be the issue, Bakhtiari and Linsley seem to be struggling the most learning the new scheme & techniques. Jenkins, Turner & Bulaga don't show any continuing signs of struggling.

I also suspect that Bakhtiari is experiencing some injury issues as well. He seemed to be playing well earlier in the season but then had to sit out some practices with lower back issues. He doesn't seem to be the same since. He also got some media attention in the offseason so teams may be spending more time game-planning to beat him.

2 points
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RedRight49's picture

December 03, 2019 at 10:06 am

Liked the Lewis signing last year although wondered why he wasn't given more opportunities to prove his value to the team, not just as a capable blocking TE but as a receiving TE as well.

If Lewis can help boost the O-line's blocking efficiency this year, continue to use him to help keep number 12 upright.

And toss him the ball too, even a short yardage pass to him has the likelihood of YACs.

It's late in the Season and do believe Lewis can be an asset for the final four games en route to GB in the playoffs.

1 points
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dfarmer's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:45 am

He seems forgotten along with the screen pass... How any screen pass's did MN and SEA run last night???

3 points
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PackfanNY's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:49 am

I agree we need to use Mercedes Lewis a little more. I also would like to see a little more Kumerow sprinkled in. He has sure hands and when he gets into space he can actually move a little bit. He was invisible on Sunday.

2 points
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Swisch's picture

December 03, 2019 at 09:54 am

I'm pleasantly surprised at how athletic Marcedes has been as a pass catcher this season, and hope he gets more opportunities.
It's seems as though Vitale could be a similar boost for the Packers: someone to help out the blocking while also being a threat as a pass catcher.
I hope our coaches on offense and our quarterback are enthusiastic about the challenge of improving the offense each week, including little things that can make the difference between defeat and victory.
As fun as it is to see Rodgers make the big play, it seems a lot of fans here at CHTV are like me in also wanting to cheer wildly for consistent conversions on third-and-short.

1 points
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canadapacker's picture

December 03, 2019 at 10:19 am

I was disappointed that they resigned or didnt cut Graham - he is still what he has been with Seattle - a disappointment - and it all goes back to TT's unwillingness to spend money resigning Cook. Along with that Tonyan never took a step forward - after the penalties Sunday one could argue he took a step backward. Sternberger getting hurt and his lack of development has also hurt the team. Lewis is there for 1 reason and that does limit the plays that can be called but at least he helps protect 12 and that has been an issue. I am not in favor of taking a TE early - look at what has happened with the Lions literally wasting a pick this year there. But it is obvious that we need to upgrade the Oline this offseason. Our guys are taking an beating and we have given away too many guys and our drafting ( Spriggs) of backups hasnt been successful except for Jenkins. The Packers have a whole bunch of additional 2020 7th rounders which might lead to something as is but probably not worth much to move up the board. Free agents might be the only way to go.

-1 points
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AgrippaLII's picture

December 04, 2019 at 02:06 am

You can't foresee injuries.I'd love to have Hockenson as a TE.I think it's premature to call him a wasted pick.

0 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 04, 2019 at 02:09 pm

As an older guy my eyesight isn’t the best. But I swore that I have been seeing Graham blocking more this year. Or at least he has been getting in the way...

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

December 03, 2019 at 11:06 am

The Packers TE group and overall use/play make me barf every week. Yes, we get a moment every couple of games but the barf bag is most assuredly a necessary item to have on the ready weekly.

-1 points
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Packerpasty's picture

December 03, 2019 at 05:29 pm

seems like they are just blockers in this offense, I don't get it..I know the whole group isn't very scary to opposition but come on, scheme something up for them...and that Jace kid must really be useless as he isn't involved at all...

-1 points
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stanthemanwiththeplan's picture

December 03, 2019 at 11:34 am

Yeah blows my mind that we don't use this guy more.. have to think it's purely political, front office would get upset if coach didn't utilize the most expensive tool in the shed, even if he can't block and drops half his passes. Another element Lewis ads is physicality. Green Bay has just been getting man-handled recently, so one would think putting Big Dog in there, hell play Vitale more, keep Lazard on the field, try to match up on the physicality brought by other teams..

1 points
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Point-Packer's picture

December 03, 2019 at 11:34 am

Speaking of Tight Ends, if I were an opposing offensive coordinator playing GB I think I could come up with a winning game plan:

1) Identify player listed as TE on team roster.
2) Put said TE on the field.
3) Instruct TE previously identified to run toward GB secondary.
4) Instruct QB to throw to said TE.
5) Repeat.

-1 points
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porupack's picture

December 03, 2019 at 07:38 pm

kind of funny, PBacker. You at least got a laugh out of me.

0 points
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Point-Packer's picture

December 04, 2019 at 01:42 pm

It just seams like whoever the opposing team's TE is they end up having a career day against GB.

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Point-Packer's picture

December 03, 2019 at 11:41 am

On a different front, can someone please explain to me why GB would pay decent cash to play a FA so sparingly - especially given the glaring need? Question refers to 2018 when ML saw a whopping four targets and played sporadically. All despite little production from the TE position and an offensive line that struggled to run block. And occasionally pass block.

Answer? Mr. "platoon RB " "playing the percentages" himself, Mike McCarthy.

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 03, 2019 at 12:06 pm

Just because one pays to have a TE(s) doesn't automatically equate to knowing how to utilize them or of if such are actually able to be utilized with needed/desired effect.

It appears GB has a standing order against proper use or the obtaining of TE's that would meet the requirements that many other teams utilize in regard to TE's as witnessed weekly by other teams.

3 points
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Point-Packer's picture

December 03, 2019 at 01:42 pm

Agreed. One would think that given GB finally has some semblance of talent at RB AND the willingness to utilize said talent, that proper use of an event mediocre TE would be greatly beneficial to the offensive scheme.

Case in point, SF.

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

December 03, 2019 at 03:13 pm

And ILBs.

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Cubbygold's picture

December 03, 2019 at 12:25 pm

The comments here are funny and perfectly reflect the lack of identity with this offense. Yesterday there's a conversation about how Lazard is growing into WR2 and MLF should put the best players on the field more. Here today I see we want more Lewis, Vitale and Kumerow. Of course, we need to use Jones more. And Williams is productive too. We also have hope for Tonyan and Sternberger. And hey, Trevor Davis is available. Oh, and we definitely need to draft a WR or two for next year. And we should see what EQ has coming off of injury, can't give up on him yet.

So by my count we have about 165 different receivers that may or may not be the key to this offense clicking. Hopefully MLF is less confused about what the identity of this offense should be moving forward than the fans and starts to show it.

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

December 03, 2019 at 01:07 pm

An olio who's growth knows no bounds with it's ingredients.

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KamThomps's picture

December 03, 2019 at 06:26 pm

Thank you for using the word"olio." Outside of crossword puzzles, it rarely sees print these days.

1 points
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KamThomps's picture

December 03, 2019 at 06:25 pm

Mr. Lewis has been a rock while blocking even if he hasn't gotten the air time he ought to have. It was great to see the reaction from those two. Pure joy in the game!

FYI --- just deserves = just desserts.

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harmonxjim33's picture

December 12, 2019 at 07:27 pm

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batmanpal's picture

October 31, 2020 at 02:12 am

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batmanpal's picture

October 31, 2020 at 02:12 am

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chinachin's picture

January 27, 2021 at 09:39 pm

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