Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Quite Complementary
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Well that was fun! All three phases of the game playing well and executing. Complementary Football. We the phrase incessantly from NFL coaches and Matt LaFleur is no exception, in fact, he probably talks about it more than most. It seems to creep into his message in every post-game press conference when the Packers lose or are fortunate to come out with a win despite some sub-par play from one of the three units. He didn't have to lament the lack of complementary football after this game (although a reporter did ask a question about it). All three units, the offense, defense and special teams (wefense) did their jobs on Sunday.
The defense was dominant, to use LaFleur's words, against a team with a lot of weapons on offense. They brought the hurt to the Lions, reversing a trend that had been established in the team's last 4-5 meetings. This time it was the Lions that were seen crumbling under the pressure from the aggressive and PHYSICAL play style of the defense. The Packers flying around as if they were playing 1Win Aviator.The Lions' offensive line struggled mightily to block the Packers' front seven. The ever dangerous Jamyr Gibbs was held to 19 yards on nine carries, and 14 of them were on one run! They produced nine TFLs (tackles for loss), continually disrupting the Lions' plays in their own backfield. They sacked Goff four times, hit him twice more and registered 13 additional QB hurries - that's just insane. All this made for an easy day for the secondary, as Goff was forced to continually throw short passes and never really threatened them downfield.
The offense finally started a game fast out of the gate, although it required some adjustments. The Lions were determined to stop Josh Jacobs and were doing a fine job of it. So the Packers pivoted to take advantage of the Lions loading the box and found plenty of space downfield for some big passing plays. While the offense did have a "lull" (Lafleur's word) in the second half, with a couple of three and outs, they got themselves back on track and closed out the game.
Finally, the special teams had a fine day with one exception, a few penalties on returns. But despite that, they were actually pulling off some nice looking returns and that bodes well for the future, What more can you say about Daniel Whelan and what a field tipping weapon he's become? Finally, recent free agent pickup Nick Niemann showed his value, playing 16 total special team snaps and registering 3 solo tackles and an assist in nine coverage teams snaps.
Overall, I must compliment the team on their complementary football.
Random thoughts...
I understand fans selling tickets, but a home opener division game against last year's division champ in an early September afternoon game before it even begins to get cold in Green Bay?
Hafley's defense only had two real practices with Micah Parsons as part of the equation. I can't wait to see how this D develops over the next few weeks as Parsons gets fully integrated into Hafley's scheme.
Josh Jacobs - When the run game wasn't working, he unselfishly told the coaches to pass the ball. After the game, After the game, Jacobs said he was 6/6 on pass protection opportunities so that's how he impacted the game when the rushing yards weren't there.
Pressuring Goff has always been the key to beating him. The last 4-5 Packers games, he's been able to set up a lawn chair in the pocket. Last year, Hafley had to revert to heavy blitzing (the most he did against any team last year) in a futile attempt to generate pressure. This year, they were able to do it with four rushers- the holy grail for defensive coordinators. The Packers were last in the NFL in blitz rate this week at only 11%.
Parsons is that rare player that makes everyone else better just by being in the game. The other DL get to shine, the linebackers are freed up to chase the ball and the secondary doesn't have to cover as long.
After the game, Parsons was talking up his teammates, and specifically raving about Lukas Van Ness. Parsons told Van Ness he could see him as a Cameron Wake / Julius Peppers type player. Hey now!
Go Pack Go!
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (81)
T7Steve
September 10, 2025 at 06:48 am
"Jacobs said he was 6/6 on pass protection opportunities"
As I mentioned in a post yesterday, maybe Al's or Dusty's, early in the game if I'd had a vote, I would have given him the game ball for the blocks he picked up. Of course, that would have been ignoring the defense in which everyone deserved a game ball.
Hope the O-line gets and stays healthy because we're going to need them to start clicking in the running game and keep long drives sustained against Washington.
ShooterMcGee
September 10, 2025 at 06:49 am
It was a dominant performance from start to finish. The defense was flying all over the field while the offense did enough to win. My only quibble is not being able to pick up 3rd and 1. Can't we do our own version of the tush-push? It seems to be successful 100% of the time for Philly. My idea is to put in Malik Willis for this play. He's bigger, a better runner, and the pass would still be an option.
Cheezehead72
September 10, 2025 at 06:57 am
They like to use Kraft with the tush push. Why risk a QB when a TE can do it plus he is bigger. I would rather them use Fitzpatrick.
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 08:12 am
It wasn't a tush push, it was just a sneak.
When the QB steps out. and Kraft motions, you're telegraphing the play against a pretty stout front 7.
Ray L 1122
September 10, 2025 at 07:46 am
Love converted on a fourth and 1.
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 08:41 am
Willis is about the same weight as Love but he is 3 inches shorter at 6’1 to 6’4, so a lower center of gravity.
mrtundra
September 10, 2025 at 09:03 am
That Packer Tush Push is called The Cheese Squeeze.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 10:10 am
Ummm...I don't know...probably as dubious when I tried to resurrect the old "Gang Green" for the Packers 70's when they had a one year run of proficient Defense and playoffs under the Divinely incompetent Dan.
jont
September 10, 2025 at 04:09 pm
Sorry, Mr Tundra, but the USDA called and mandated you use "The Modified-cheese-food-product Squeeze" because, you know, that squeezable stuff is not cheese.
coolhand
September 11, 2025 at 05:18 pm
That's "The Pasturized Processed Cheese Food Squeeze" LOL
Cheezehead72
September 10, 2025 at 06:53 am
If the Packers do not like fans selling tickets to the opponents fans they need to keep winning. I do not like to see Packer fans selling tickets to the opponent's fans but people want to get the most for their tickets. Just win.
This week is going to be interesting. My biggest fear is that when Parsons lines up as an end it that he might over pursue and Danials will have a lane to run through. Sorry but I have visions of how Matthews would over pursue and the running QB would gash our defense for a lot of yards. Plus with Deebo there is a chance of our DL being out of position. I am wondering if it would not be better to line Parsons up in the middle and let him go straight for Danials. Yes Parsons had good games against him last year but they did not have Deebo.
I really hope that Tom and Banks can play but I believe we will be fortunate if one of them plays.
GregC
September 10, 2025 at 07:13 am
Why would Parsons over pursue Daniels and miss him? I haven't heard of this being a problem for him. Last year he sacked Daniels 4.5 times in two games.
Deebo Samuels could be a problem. Last year he looked possibly washed up, but maybe he was playing hurt and is healthy now. I loved the defense's speed against the Lions, and they will need all of it against the Commanders.
Cheezehead72
September 10, 2025 at 07:23 am
I did not say Parsons will over pursue. I said I have visions of what happened to Matthews who also was a fast pass rusher. I stated that Parsons had good games against Danials last year.
I get people disagreeing with me when I am negative about the Packers trading for Parsons and when I am not negative I get disagreements.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 07:44 am
Greg responded to exactly what you said:
"My biggest fear is that when Parsons lines up as an end it that he might over pursue and Danials will have a lane to run through."
And you called it your "biggest" fear too. A fear that hasn't been justified in the last 4 years of Parsons body of productive work.
Guam
September 10, 2025 at 07:44 am
It was disappointing to see the number of fans wearing Lions' blue at the game. I spoke with several Lions' fans before the game and they really expected their team to roll over the Packers again. The Lions' fans seated behind me were shocked that the Packers were the more physical team and dominated both lines of scrimmage. Music to my ears....
GPG
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 08:12 am
Hope you had a great day, Guam...you attended a dandy!
Late in the 4th Qtr, a lions fan slowly came down the stairs to the exit, a young man decked out in blue, built like he could play NFL LB, occasionally bowing to his right and his left saying "Congratulations, well done! Packers earned it. Great stadium. Thank you!"
That was classy. Some Packer fans, like me shouted "thank you...now beat the Vikings!". He game me a big smile.
Guam
September 10, 2025 at 08:54 am
I had a fabulous day LP. A bucket list day if there ever was one!
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 08:28 am
I spoke with several Lions' fans before the game "
Oh, so they were ALL there? ;)
The presumption as I talk to the Lions fans around here is that they're going to indiscriminately steamroll every team they play with their run game, throw out a handful of sneaky plays, Branch and Joseph will dominate the middle on defense, and that Hutchinson will be a game-breaker every week and protect their CBs.... that's for the people who are "fans" beyond, "Oooh, I didn't know Honolulu blue was a thing!"
The cap is starting to whittle away their depth and they need to stay healthy...Well, Hutchinson's coming back from major injury (one that often has lasting effects) and the secondary is a little bit better, but the OL needs time. But Davenport's already hobbled with no depth in their pass rushers, and Terrion Arnold doesn't look like he's going to play (is that a major loss?). In the end, I think they're too talented to not win 11 or more games, even with the more difficult 2025 schedule.
I'm expecting the Lions to come out and bury the Bears early...I can't imagine Campbell losing to Johnson at Ford Field. They play very well at home against the division, but not so much against the spread. They're giving 6 points this week, and if I were betting I'd give the 6 and take the Lions in a "get-well" game...I'm guessing 35-17. The Bears looked good for about two drives on Monday night and even with the "energy" of the new season and coaches, they didn't look good....neither team did. Both needed the "help" of DPIs and roughing penalties to keep things moving on drives. I still think 7-8 wins for both.
Guam
September 10, 2025 at 09:02 am
I think Lions fans are still getting used to the idea they have a good team and while they love it , they don't understand that this is not a permanent situation. Coming back down to earth may be a harsh reality for them. They have been down so long I hate to rain on their parade but success in the NFL is often short lived - the salary cap almost guarantees that.
They are a good team and will be in the playoffs but they are not a lock for the NFC North much less the Super Bowl.
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 09:16 am
I think they felt last year was a sign of complete superiority and spent an off season drunk on the sweet wine of a dynasty founded. They are a talented team. It’s easy to forget that last year can be an eternity ago in the NFL. They have become so used to Goff having continually great protection too, that they forget who he was before it.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 09:26 am
I believe the axiom "the journey from worst to first and vise versa in the parity directed NFL is often a short trip.
Every year it is proven. Don't believe the lions are on that journey...yet.
Packerpasty
September 10, 2025 at 10:18 am
Well I know many Lions fans living up here in the U.P. and many are starting to get pretty worried about the O line and Goff...they know that they have a very good team but a few are afraid after the last two playoff losses preventing them from a Super Bowl appearance that the window for that may be closing...at least they wont be wearing bags on their heads for awhile anyway...none of them like loosing those two coordinators...
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 10:38 am
"Well I know many Lions fans living up here in the U.P. and many are starting to get pretty worried about the O line and Goff"
Maybe. But it's one game. Campbell is trying to be remarkably level-headed and he doesn't come off like Kevin Bacon in Animal House: STAY CALM! ALL IS WELL!!
Unless injuries become an issue, I think they win more than they lose and they're a playoff team.
jont
September 10, 2025 at 04:14 pm
.
TKWorldWide
September 10, 2025 at 07:58 am
Not sure the specifics on selling tickets in every case, but occasionally I’ll sell a Brewer ticket on Seat Geek. When I do that I have ZERO input as to the buyer.
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 08:16 am
Yup. If people can't make the game, many can't afford to swallow the cost of an unused ticket. Using the online sites is an easier way to find a buyer.
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 09:11 am
The downside of the inheritance system. Ticket owners are not always as avid attenders as their forebears and are spread all over the country. A lot of companies control tickets too and use them for customers and others. Naturally those are attractive to fans of both teams. I think a system that favored waiting list or existing shareholders (bring friends/family) would be an excellent idea. I don’t think it has to be at cost either.
jont
September 10, 2025 at 04:21 pm
This and simple supply & demand. The stub hub crowd will pay more than the season-holder's cost, and that has got to be tempting.
Two possible solutions to reduce the secondary market: A) raise all ticket prices or B) dynamic pricing in which a ticket price varies game to game or even day to day.
Unintended consequence: howling criticism of profit hungry plutocrat NFL owners.
barutanseijin
September 10, 2025 at 10:50 am
Go back and watch Parsons vs Daniels & Washington last year. That’s not at all what happened. Parsons played like he did on Sunday.
Vachio
September 10, 2025 at 11:58 am
I'd be worried about that if not for the presence of one Edgerrin F. Cooper. Any running lanes will get quickly filled by #56.
egbertsouse
September 10, 2025 at 07:29 am
At my age and with my hip I don’t get to many games anymore. My kids used to utilize my tickets but they live far away and have too much going on to make many games. I sell my spare tickets to an outfit that is supposed to be owned by the Packers. If they sell them to opposing fans that’s on them, not me.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 07:53 am
With the ever increasing cost of Packer Season tickets, you have to sell them when you or family cannot attend. I have had to list them on the Packers resale service Ticket Exchange on occasion after family and friends decline. I also know for big games some sell them for inflated prices to help offset the high cost of Season tickets.
I have promoted, even to the Packers directly, that Packers season ticket owners have the option to sell them for face value to a dedicated site that ONLY the 80,000 or so Packers fans on the season ticket waiting list can purchase.
That's how you could keep the enemy out of our Lambeau Shrine for Home games. AND keep demand strong for season tickets with the Lambeau experience.
I know LaFler made a comment about so much blue in the stands...so change the policy to encourage Packer fans to be in the stands, don't blame the fans who cannot attend.
Perhaps Jersey Al could call Ed Policy about this or a similar option to keep Packer fans in the stands. I know Ed would take the call. When Al speaks, people listen.
NitschkeFromTheGrave
September 10, 2025 at 08:02 am
Very good idea, doable and workable.
JerseyAl
September 10, 2025 at 08:10 am
I don't know about that last part, but I've toyed with the same idea myself.
A couple of questions - how much would they sell for? Original price? Some pre-determined max premium over original price (say 10%)? Would the Packers take a cut to offset the costs involved with creating, running and administering this resale site? Would the NFL have any say in this or even allow it?
Lot's of questions, but in a perfect world, it's a great solution to resolve the issue we are discussing.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 08:30 am
Good questions. Certainly they can be answered by the Packer Marketing Department.
My thought is the fans resell them back to the Waiting list site at face value and the Packers or their online agent resell them for face value for the same service charges they capture now. Service charge paid by seller or buyer or both...depends on NFL ticket policy.
Every sesason ticket offered for resale now, takes a cut off the resale price then the proceeds are electronically deposited in your checking account on file with the Packers. It is really easy.
Major stumbling block will be TicketMaster who will resist reselling for face value. They love bidding prices up, up up.
But hopefully keep the process exactly the same as it is now, except add a second option "Packer Fan Waiting List" vs to the general public that brings the Ugly Purple horde invading our shrine. I have heard Ugly Purple-ites have paid 2 and 3 times the face value to support the invasion.
Give Season Ticket holder a choice...sell at face value to Packer fans on the wait list or set your price on the other TicketMaster general site. I know what I would do.
Packerpasty
September 10, 2025 at 10:21 am
Dont the Packer fans do the very same thing?? Buy tickets at road games?? Packer fans are supposedly one of the best traveling fan base, remember when Tampa Bay was called Lambeau south, and a few years back Packer fans outnumbered Lions fans in Detroit...the best thing is to just keep winning at Lambeau...
PackEyedOptimist
September 10, 2025 at 07:32 am
I'm concerned about Quay Walker's injury, as he and Edge Cooper are the solution to Deebo.
I'm expecting the offense to grind out running yards; at least Belton is good at that if we need to play him. Hopefully we won't be bitten by off-sides, etc.
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 08:19 am
Agreed, PEO: Deebo is a catch and run guy, and he doesn't run a lot of downfield routes. That's going to put him in the crosshairs of the off-ball LB and Bullard as the slot defender. The key is for the first tackler to bring him down. Strong guy, but easy to frustrate and fragile.
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 08:47 am
Hopper played a lot of MLB this summer. He’s fast. We might have a viable alternative option if Walker couldn’t go. That may actually be one that might be helped by this matchup, as the Washington attack appears largely focussed on smaller fast RBs and outside the tackles.
PackEyedOptimist
September 10, 2025 at 08:58 am
That's a good point, CW! I'd like to see Hopper get more snaps, because I think he can be one of the best fumble-forcers on the team.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 09:21 am
It could be Hopper time.
For this game, I still hope it is Quay in the fray.
Leatherhead
September 11, 2025 at 06:34 pm
I'm not sure how well catch and run is going to work against the speed of the Packers. Deebo is old now; the defenders are younger and faster, and I don't think he'll do any real damage to us.
Here's my guess: If we can get a lead on these guys, it'll increase the pressure on Daniels to get something going downfield. If we can punish him for that, we'll win this game.
Ray L 1122
September 10, 2025 at 07:44 am
In today's electronic world Thousands of tickets are easily available for every game in every sport. It's more about who's buying them. Lions fans enjoying the trip to root for their team at Lambeau Field has been growing and growing the last few years. I have a feeling that rush will cool down some after Sunday's experience, and non ticket holding Packers fans buying in will increase if this upward trend continues.
T7Steve
September 10, 2025 at 07:57 am
Yes. There are allot of Lions fans in the eastern UP. Lots closer to go to Lambeau Field. Don't have to fight as much big city traffic either. Now, if the western UPers that are Packer fans get on the stick...
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 08:20 am
That drive from the St. Ignace and Soo areas is not a long or hard one early in the fall.
mnbadger
September 10, 2025 at 12:17 pm
T7Steve referenced the eastern UP.
I've heard it's a 50/50 split there for loyalty.
As stated, an easier drive to GB than Detroit for people not accustomed to city traffic.
GPG!
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 05:49 pm
Yup. I was actually agreeing.
TKWorldWide
September 10, 2025 at 08:03 am
Funny how GB’s newly configured “run blocking” O-line was near PERFECT in pass pro. Funny in a good way.
Al flexing those muscles on the correct use of “complementary/complimentary” when so many of us here struggle with “your/you’re” and “lineman/linemen.” Whooo! 😂🏈
JerseyAl
September 10, 2025 at 08:13 am
ha! Someone called me out for not knowing the difference in a previous post, although it was simply a typing too fast error I didn't catch upon review. So I thought, I'd go heavy on it here just for fun...
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 08:44 am
My compliments on your proper use of complementary...repetition for emphasis.
TKWorldWide
September 10, 2025 at 08:53 am
And throw some of them there “kudos” in there as well…piling on!
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 09:32 am
Mmmmmm! Kudos! Like shredded beef piled high on a mountain of nachos.
Spock
September 10, 2025 at 08:31 am
"Josh Jacobs - When the run game wasn't working, he unselfishly told the coaches to pass the ball. After the game, After the gaem, Jacobs said he was 6/6 on pass protection opportunities so that's how he impacted the game when the rushing yards weren't there."
The Packers team site had this tidbit: (Jacobs) "That's their goal was to stop '8.' They had eight, nine in the box all game, so we came out swinging," Jacobs said. "I told the receivers, 'Take it personal.' They were basically saying if they stopped me, then they win the game. So (the wideouts) all came out ready."
THAT'S selflessness, team spirit and Leadership!
Spock
September 10, 2025 at 08:44 am
Another mention in the team article:
In just his second career start, Colby Wooden had six tackles, a career-high two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit. He contributed to Green Bay limiting Detroit's one-two punch of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to 44 yards on 20 carries.
Helping light a little extra fire in Wooden's belly was his father Irvin, who kept his son up to speed on what everyone was saying about the Packers' chances of stopping Detroit all week.
"My dad called me on Thursday and said, 'Do me a favor, shut 'em up,'" said Wooden with a smile. "I just did my job, went out there and stopped the run. I took it personally honestly. I felt like it was kind of disrespectful like, 'Well, they're gonna run the ball.' We made it our mission to stop the run."
About his big TFL:
“I’m going to be real,” Wooden said. “It just opened like the Red Sea. Like, they didn’t block me. All right. So I just made the tackle. Coach preaches all the time don’t get tired making the routine plays. A routine play. Tackle. Let’s get off this field.”
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 08:51 am
Yup. In the watch party, people were pointing out early that the Lions were committed to stopping the run game between the tackles and daring Love to throw downfield. There was no "stopping the run on the way to the QB". Even though the Packers gained traction throwing the football, they didn't do much to attack the edges in the run game in the first half. Those plays were there in the second half.
I think we'll see Washington playing a little more even-handed on defense. There should be more room for 8 to run inside this week.
Bearmeat
September 10, 2025 at 11:39 am
Campbell doesn’t respect Love. He’s shown it in every game they’ve played against him. The two that Love hasn’t been hurt, he’s made Campbell pay. And good for JL.
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 08:54 am
When a guy like Jacobs has clearly identified a weakness, been working on it and takes pride in his success at it even though it’s not glamorous, that should give us all a warm glow and set a powerful message to team mates. Have to respect Jacobs.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 09:39 am
And that's why JJ was elected one of the Packers Team Captains for the entire season. The players wanted to decide and wanted permanent Captains. They elected JJ, Love, and Kraft for the O, Xavier, Quay and Gary for the D, and McDuff for STs. Good group of men.
No longer selecting different captains every week which diluted the value of having Captains...was more like a sharing of the wealth stuff.
Live long and prosper, Spock!
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 08:59 am
Parsons displayed the value of synergy. Addition by addition. He does make every body around him better...because with 11 on 11 in the team game, he draws the attention off others onto him. Then others make plays, and the attention must shift again. Soon the opposing offense is mired in indecision and plays of desperation. All discombobulated and stuff.
Campbell look like a soggy saltine in a bowl of soup by games end. Saggy and sad.
Jacobs does the same on Offense displayed by the lions, feared him the most and went all in to stop him. Then Love and the receivers took advantage of the diluted back side defense and stung them with efficiency and effectiveness.
The Packer Offense has the real potential to get fast starts because the Defense could have even better potential to give the opponent a slow, sluggish, starts. This D can be a physical, nasty, feared bunch!
When the Packers have had a #1 or #2 Defense in points allowed, they go deep in the playoffs and to Super Bowls.
mnbadger
September 10, 2025 at 12:22 pm
Slow down on the SB talk cowboy.
Except on this sight!
I'll love it and believe tii it's no longer possible.
In previous seasons, I've been more half empty than full.
GPG!
greengold
September 10, 2025 at 09:06 am
Great stuff, Al. That was a thrashing in the truest sense of the word that Green Bay laid into Detroilet.
Phenomenal performance by the Packers.
porupack
September 10, 2025 at 09:09 am
Sweet game indeed. Coaches did their job haha...that was borrowing from Belichik and is the praise I can offer to leaders, i.e. coaches. It was one game....so as we well know, the sky isn't falling, nor the team crowned after the just-finished game. There are plenty of unknowns that were tentatively answered, and for which we can enjoy the accumulation of evidence, i.e., watching the game, i.e., dissecting it relentlessly if it is less a blowout. I'll enjoy more of those....
pantz_bURp
September 10, 2025 at 09:23 am
"Parsons is that rare player that makes everyone else better just by being in the game."
Yep, just like the CHTV forum.
You're welcome,
Pantz "Parsons" Burp
PeteK
September 10, 2025 at 09:42 am
Hutchinson is now enemy #1 for me after that cheap hit. It could have greatly hampered our season, as it is Tom, our best lineman ,is questionable with a pesky oblique injury.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 09:49 am
The update is both Tom and Banks are day to day, not long term injury concerns. Tom's oblique was tweaked when he got blindsided to land hard on his rear end. Banks got his ankle and leg rolled up on... felt it up to his groin too.
While they may not play and be replaced by Morgan and Kennard, they have the mini bye and will be fine for the next game in 11 days.
The late addition of Kennard looks prescient now, doesn't it?
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 10:08 am
I still have strong doubts about the viability of starting Kinnard at T from a pass pro perspective having watched his snaps last week and as much as I could find previously. I think he will be targeted and vulnerable.
PFF may have had some dubious ratings, but Kinnard matched my opinion with an overall grade of 57.2 (45th of 76 qualified offensive tackles). However, he played in a run heavy phase of the game and could even be part of the reason for that. His pass block grade was a woeful 31.5 (67th) while his run block grade was 61 (29th), and represented the great majority of his snaps. Personally, I thought his run work was better than that as well.
I’m still hoping that they have set up Morgan well enough to move to T and have Kinnard at LG if both are needed. That seems to me to be the best use of both.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 10:23 am
Regardless, the two replacements up will be Morgan and Kinnard. Packers obviously do not believe Belton is ready.
So Kinnard is probably the option at RT...but he is also listed as backup at G too. So maybe Morgan flips to the right. Is he ready? Has he even practiced at RT? However you could cover for Kinnard's pass blocking with Walker and Jenks on his flanks.
It is not as easy as some think flipping from the left to right and vice versa. Josh Sitton described it the best (although graphically). He said "it is like wiping your a** with the other hand". That crystalized it for me!
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 11:20 am
There is always the possibility that they elevate Dalton Cooper from the PS. He’s another Gute pick up who probably projects more to T. A pre-draft visit initially signed by the Chiefs.
Between four years at Texas State and two at Oklahoma State, Cooper has played more than 3,800 total snaps, with over 2,300 as a pass blocker, yet he gave up just 10 sacks in his entire career. The Chiefs moved him to G this summer and he reportedly had a good camp but was waived and picked up by Gute (he seems to have preferred to move) . He’s not as good in the run game as Kinnard but seems better in protection. I’m not saying he is better, but he may be an alternative.
There’s a pre draft scouting summary here:
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2025/02/06/unp...
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 10:41 am
Anyone not named Tom who starts at RT will probably get the benefit of regular help or chipping from a TE lined up on their shoulder until they show they don't need it.
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 11:35 am
This is true, though it makes somewhat of a dent in our passing options by either limiting Kraft’s usage or keeping a WR off the field.
Alberta_Packer
September 10, 2025 at 12:10 pm
Also Kinnard played only 15 snaps - which is a relatively low sample size. I'm thinking that the Packers have Plan B and C should Kinnard get exposed early at T.
Starrbrite
September 10, 2025 at 10:16 pm
I always liked Hutchinson until—that pathetic/dirty play.
LambeauPlain
September 10, 2025 at 10:06 am
In other developments, it was great to see Watson extended for around $12 M to keep him a Packer at least through 2026...maybe longer.
We will be seeing Matthew and Christian on the field together soon...hopefully this season and beyond. Christian has to heal fully and Matthew needs to learn the playbook, especially blocking assignments first. Both will happen.
Christian's Dad, who seemed a bit peeved on draft day the Packers drafted Golden while his son was on IR, changed his tune to one of gratitude and and loyalty to the Packers since they showed loyalty to his son. He stated Christian truly wants to remain a Packer...loves the team and the team culture.
His dad explained (logically) the extension as essentially exercising a 5th year option for Christian. While a 2nd rounder, the Packers did try to trade into the first to take him there...and have the 5th option.
Good move, Gutey.
dobber
September 10, 2025 at 10:42 am
For Stocky, who is big on loyalty and contracts, this is probably warming his heart.
How much of the compensation comes onto the '25 cap vs. how much ends up on '26 will be an important fallout.
Coldworld
September 10, 2025 at 11:39 am
At 26 now, the next contract is going to be critical and the largest of his career almost certainly. He’s not necessarily going to be the same athlete initially when he comes back, typically those returning from an ACL are not as explosive or agile for several months.
It’s arguably in his best interest to give him the best showcase possible and that’s likely next year in an O he knows and with a QB he’s experience of. In the meantime, the 13 million will help with groceries a fair bit.
JerseyAl
September 10, 2025 at 11:44 am
His Dad has said he wasn't peeved they drafted a WR, he was peeved they didn't draft a pass rusher, which is what he thought the team needed most. With Parsons in the fold, he now has that so it's all worked out great.
Starrbrite
September 10, 2025 at 10:18 pm
Right Jersey.
PeteK
September 10, 2025 at 04:05 pm
Surprised he got that much considering his long injury history, even though it's not guaranteed. Hopefully, it won't hamper us signing some of our own players next season.
Alberta_Packer
September 10, 2025 at 05:37 pm
I understand the risk-reward signing for Watson. It makes sense for both parties. A good bit of secondary business by the FO.
However, I care less -than-nothing for whatever Christian's Dad thinks. I instantly turn-off with parents who continue to live vicariously through their adult children. Nor does Christian need an adjunct representative - as he seems very capable of speaking for himself. So bugger-off LaVar Ball, Uncle Dennis, Christian's Dad et al.
NFLfan
September 10, 2025 at 11:44 am
If the Packers continue to excel- the colors green and gold will re-emerge as the dominant color in the stands. Fans don't take excellence for granted.
Dragon5
September 10, 2025 at 12:42 pm
Thrilled to see LVN moved inside on a good portion of his snaps. Suggested so right before the draft and it clearly paid dividends last Sunday, playing to LVN's strength--his bull rush, and he doesn't have to worry about outside bend when playing pinball inside at DT.
<<Dragon5
April 23, 2025 at 09:46 am
There is enough depth in the '25 DL class to address in later rounds. If we find our DL depth lacking mid season and VanEss still isn't productive as an edge rusher...can we not move him inside where he did time there at Iowa?>>