Packers 2022 Discussion Thread

[SeaBass]

One of the most unpopular preseason roster cuts in recent memory was Taysom Hill and over the last 5 years he's been pretty gimmicky in his usage. In the end I think he went to the right team, I doubt the Packers would have used him the way the Saints have. Interested how he'll do as a TE this season.

I understand this is a message board where opinions are what flavors the soup but as long as the Packers are trotting out highly competitive teams I really don't get too emotionally invested about preseason roster cuts. It's all bottom of the roster stuff, which is still important, but more times than not they find a way to keep talented guys around on the practice squad anyway. I was glad they kept Toure around but even if they hadn't and some other team got him I'd forget about him pretty quickly.

[CheezWizHed]

12 hours ago, UpandIn said:

Yeah, it's just fun to guess and follow the young guys, watch them develop. A forum like this is a way to kinda BS about the Packers on a higher level than just the "so Packers look good this year, huh," line. We get invested in this team...and by extension the players. And a guy like Caleb Jones or Yosh Nijman. 

One Packers beat writer said something like there were a lot of "nervous hours spent waiting," in the front office to see is Caleb Jones would clear...so he's a guy they obviously wanted, but they've also got excellent depth(which is why that Yosh idea may yet make sense). 

 

Oof...I don't root for former Packers to fail...save for when they wear Purple. I also don't blame a player for taking more money, but the man, when you go from prime Aaron Rodgers to Christian Ponder...you should expect you're not going to see much of that deal. 

He went for more money...which, all power to ya! You have a short career. That said, he had 800 and 750 yards with....Christian Ponder and Joe Webb or whoever at QB. MAYBE had he stayed in GB, he'd have actually earned more money as he wouldn't have gotten cut.

 

As an aside, I wonder what he'll say about Wilson taking a 5 year 245M dollar contract extension. Is he also being selfish? Ah...whatever, media needs to stop asking him about Rodgers and he needs to stop talking about him already...

Yep. When you go from the Green and Gold to the purple people, all bets are off... Makes one Ponder what he was thinking...

[UpandIn]

1 hour ago, SeaBass said:

One of the most unpopular preseason roster cuts in recent memory was Taysom Hill and over the last 5 years he's been pretty gimmicky in his usage. In the end I think he went to the right team, I doubt the Packers would have used him the way the Saints have. Interested how he'll do as a TE this season.

I understand this is a message board where opinions are what flavors the soup but as long as the Packers are trotting out highly competitive teams I really don't get too emotionally invested about preseason roster cuts. It's all bottom of the roster stuff, which is still important, but more times than not they find a way to keep talented guys around on the practice squad anyway. I was glad they kept Toure around but even if they hadn't and some other team got him I'd forget about him pretty quickly.

They're usually bottom of the roster stuff, but...they matter every once in a while. Desmond Howard was nearly cut in 1995(apparently, I just heard it on the replay of the '95 Super Bowl). Also...yeah, it's all ultimately pointless to spend energy on it, but it's kinda like the Brewers farm system in a hyper condensed manner. Young guys come in, they're all you see all summer and then you start pulling for a few guys.

They very seldom let a guy go who they should have kept. 

As for Taysom Hill he didn't really seem that impressive to me until, IIRC, the last pre-season game when it looked like he was gonna take off...again, and he picked up a WRer and then just let about a 40 yard rope go and hit him in stride. He was on the right hash running right and threw it back across the field. 

That's back when some people were high on Brett Hundley(myself included) and he was having a really nice pre-season while MOST of Hill's success seemed to come in more of the Danny Etling fashion until that big throw. So it was more of who'd be the #3 or PS QB and I think they went with Callahan. 

He's been gimmicky, but he's been a stud as well. There was a playoff game where on back to back plays he should have had TDs. One he threw a ~55 yard TD pass to Kamara, called back due to a hold. 

Then he gets behind the defense, but Brees didn't have the strongest arm.

But the punt blocks, the coverage ability on special teams. I agree though, in GB, he's just in the QB group and I don't think McCarthy ever considers putting him on punt team, it made him a pretty valuable player though. Also, can't imagine ANY Packers HC taking the ball out of Aaron Rodgers hands so they could run some RPOs or because they wanted a guy who threatened the D a little more with his arm strength. Rodgers will be long since retired before that's an issue for him. 

 

[CdrbrgMark]

On 8/31/2022 at 2:10 PM, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

As happens every year, an UDFA has a decent camp, and fans are up in arms when he's waived. But 99% of the team that guy goes unclaimed and is back on the practice squad the next day. And the fans who get up in arms look somewhat foolish.

Good to see Caleb cleared and is now on the PS. Some people don't think that much of him, I guess we'll see how he works out.

[CheezWizHed]

5 hours ago, CdrbrgMark said:

Good to see Caleb cleared and is now on the PS. Some people don't think that much of him, I guess we'll see how he works out.

I think a major part of it is that everyone is cutting players to get down to 53.  I'm sure most teams are pretty flush with their own "hidden gems" which makes it hard to try to grab someone else's.  There were over 800 players cut recently (a number that blows my mind).  

Probably the bigger risk is if someone has an injury and they start looking at everyone's PS to see who they can grab. With 10 OL on our 53-man, there isn't anyway we are going to elevate him to protect him.

[LouisEly]

Danny Davis waived from IR with an injury settlement.  From what I gather, an injury settlement is usually the expected length of time the player is expected to be out with that injury.  So Danny Davis likely got paid a couple of weeks of NFL salary, about $40K/week for NFL rookie minimum.  Not bad for a $5000 UDFA signing bonus. 

[UpandIn]

13 hours ago, LouisEly said:

Danny Davis waived from IR with an injury settlement.  From what I gather, an injury settlement is usually the expected length of time the player is expected to be out with that injury.  So Danny Davis likely got paid a couple of weeks of NFL salary, about $40K/week for NFL rookie minimum.  Not bad for a $5000 UDFA signing bonus. 

I thought in the past I'd seen a lot more "injuries" that final pre-season game than any other game!

But it is a nice chunk of change for Davis...who looked like an actual NFL caliber WRer. I would guess he'll latch on with someone's PS a some point(if not the Packers once they're allowed to sign him again). 

[homer]

 

[bjkrautk]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/does-green-bay-packers-practice-155950218.html

Everything you've wanted to know about Practice Squad Rules in 2022, but had been afraid to ask.

(Good J-S Online article, picked up by yahoo...so no paywall.)

[SeaBass]

I guess Za'Darius Smith is mad?

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/zadarius-smith-says-he-signed-with-vikings-so-he-could-play-packers-twice-a-year-i-was-treated-bad/

In an interview with Tyler Dunne of Go Long, Smith said he's very upset with how his tenure with Green Bay ended, and that he specifically signed with the Vikings so he can enact revenge on the Packers.

"Walking past me not saying nothing. 'Z, how's your back doing?' -- there was none of that," Smith said (h/t Pro Football Talk). "As you can see, that adds on to why I'm on the other side. So, I can go back. I get to go back two times a year. ... I put my back on the f---ing line. I put everything. And that year three, I was treated bad. That's why I'm here now. So, I can play them twice a year."

 

I don't really get it. He was hurt the whole year, got paid and was activated for the playoffs. I believe he likely would have been a cap casualty this season even if he had not been injured and played all of last season.

Is he clinging to this for motivation? He hasn't shared much in the way of being slighted other than I guess guys weren't checking in on him to see how his day was.

I'm not ready to turn on him as a human and player just because he's in Minnesota. I still like and respect him for what he brought to the team his first two seasons in G.B. I hate to burst his bubble but we've been through that already when it meant a whole lot more, him saying he wants revenge doesn't really produce any animosity from me, I just am not too concerned about the Vikings and especially not that concerned about Za'Darius lining up against our offense.

[PeaveyFury]

That Z story is super weird. As has been pointed out repeatedly online today, he wasn't named a captain last year after being named the previous two. There was something super weird going on between him and the locker room last year.

[homer]

He always seemed like kind of a weirdo and a drama magnet. Plus he celebrated his sacks too long.

[CheezWizHed]

2 hours ago, homer said:

He always seemed like kind of a weirdo and a drama magnet. Plus he celebrated his sacks too long.

Don't go all "unwritten rules" on us now...  ? 

[UpandIn]

5 hours ago, SeaBass said:

I guess Za'Darius Smith is mad?

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/zadarius-smith-says-he-signed-with-vikings-so-he-could-play-packers-twice-a-year-i-was-treated-bad/

In an interview with Tyler Dunne of Go Long, Smith said he's very upset with how his tenure with Green Bay ended, and that he specifically signed with the Vikings so he can enact revenge on the Packers.

"Walking past me not saying nothing. 'Z, how's your back doing?' -- there was none of that," Smith said (h/t Pro Football Talk). "As you can see, that adds on to why I'm on the other side. So, I can go back. I get to go back two times a year. ... I put my back on the f---ing line. I put everything. And that year three, I was treated bad. That's why I'm here now. So, I can play them twice a year."

 

I don't really get it. He was hurt the whole year, got paid and was activated for the playoffs. I believe he likely would have been a cap casualty this season even if he had not been injured and played all of last season.

Is he clinging to this for motivation? He hasn't shared much in the way of being slighted other than I guess guys weren't checking in on him to see how his day was.

I'm not ready to turn on him as a human and player just because he's in Minnesota. I still like and respect him for what he brought to the team his first two seasons in G.B. I hate to burst his bubble but we've been through that already when it meant a whole lot more, him saying he wants revenge doesn't really produce any animosity from me, I just am not too concerned about the Vikings and especially not that concerned about Za'Darius lining up against our offense.

He was complaining about not getting enough respect earlier in the year, not being named captain.

I don't think he'd have been a cap casualty if he stayed healthy and performed again, but...Preston had a good year and Za'Darius didn't. Although...he was complaining about THAT as well before the season started. That the Packers restructuring his contract would mean he'd likely be cut or would have to restructure.

Basically, both Smith's were in the same position with Za'Darius being the more valuable. Preston took a VERY team friendly deal. Za'Darius talked about wanting to stay here...and then also being upset by his future cap hit and...I don't know, it's hard to track what his thinking was. 

As for being worried about him, it comes down to two players. David Bahktiari and Elgton Jenkins. Throw them out there and you'll stop Smith. If you throw Royce Newman out at RT, he'll get some chances to hit Rodgers. I'm more worried about Hunter if he's healthy. This feels like one of those early season games the Packers could lose. Their offense is going to take a while to gel, not getting the feeling Jenkins can play(in fact, a little worried about that pec injury they're really not talking about). Watson doesn't seem like he'll be a real impact player early on. 

 

20-14 type game would be my guess, either way. Hopefully we get our OTs back, but just one would be a big bonus. 

[UpandIn]

4 hours ago, PeaveyFury said:

That Z story is super weird. As has been pointed out repeatedly online today, he wasn't named a captain last year after being named the previous two. There was something super weird going on between him and the locker room last year.

LaFleur kinda addressed this though. He simply pointed out that Z wasn't around as much. When you're not out there for camp...hard to be voted a leader. 

With a guy like Bahk or Rodgers, or a looong time vet, sure, things may be different, but a guy who's been there 2 years on an ascending defense?

It was also tough to argue wit the three on defense. Jaire, Clark and Amos. All leaders, all among the best at their position. All just go about their business. Jaire with a little more flare, but, but still a team player...and you need that swagger at CB. 

 

3 hours ago, homer said:

He always seemed like kind of a weirdo and a drama magnet. Plus he celebrated his sacks too long.

NOW I think we're stretching. Everyone celebrates their sacks. The get a pick, they take a whole "Keeping up with the Kardashians," type scripted dance and then team picture. 

I loved Za'Darius on his two years here. He was a stud. He was especially good putting guards on their arse when kicking inside with those long arms and heavy hands(which...is kinda JJ Enagbare's profile). 

Now he seems like he doesn't understand the business side of the NFL and is making things very strange and personal. 

[homer]

I didn't feel like expanding on the sack thing via phone... he had one or two instances where he was busy crawling around on the ground while the offense was busy getting up to the line to run a play. 

[CheezWizHed]

Yeah, I do remember a couple times like that.  Celebrations are fine, but be mindful of the situation first.  Similar to Nick Barnett doing his samurai sword dance after being terrible the whole game, down 20 points, and finally doing something right...

I was hoping we'd keep Z and drop P this past year, but I'm guessing the big health Q was the main problem. Regardless, dude is now in purple and is the enemy.  It will be interesting to see if he or Hunter stay healthy this year.  I'm not sure it will matter much as their secondary probably still can't cover anyone. 

[UpandIn]

On 9/8/2022 at 7:30 AM, homer said:

I didn't feel like expanding on the sack thing via phone... he had one or two instances where he was busy crawling around on the ground while the offense was busy getting up to the line to run a play. 

Yeah...now that you mention it, I do recall that happening. He's behind the LOS and celebrating and they have to get his attention. 

 

On 9/8/2022 at 9:55 AM, CheezWizHed said:

 

I was hoping we'd keep Z and drop P this past year, but I'm guessing the big health Q was the main problem. Regardless, dude is now in purple and is the enemy.  It will be interesting to see if he or Hunter stay healthy this year.  I'm not sure it will matter much as their secondary probably still can't cover anyone. 

Agreed. I don't know what we're getting from Preston Smith. He has bouts of laziness where he can get out of shape...but when he's motivated, he's an elite #2. Za'Darius is a more dynamic player, but he's also more of a freelancer and can be taken out of plays easier. He's also just more dangerous and his length and strength allows him to kick inside easier than Preston.

But the back, plus the contract and Preston willing to take a deal that's really more of a year by year arrangement made this one obvious. I really think Enagbare will develop into a Za'Darius type pass rusher, but I'm sure that'll take a while. Hopefully, Quay Walker's edge rushing is all it's cracked up to be. 3rd edge, 3rd safety...really the only questions that remain. But we definitely need the #1 and #2 options to approximate last years production if not exceed it. Which really isn't hard to imagine with Savage's production dropping from Yr2 to Yr3 and Gary's seemingly limitless ceiling. 

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I always viewed Z as the more exciting, dynamic player, but Preston as more fundamentally sound and responsible. Z also plays with more physicality and reckless abandon that makes me think that he isn't going to be able to hold up health-wise long term. Preston, however, strikes me as a Sean Jones-type who will be able to play until he's in in mid to late 30s, simply because he is a smart, crafty player who tends to avoid situations where he's put in harm's way. 

Preston is an ideal 2nd fiddle pass rusher. Hopefully Gary takes the final small step he needs to be truly elite-level this year. He is certainly close. 

[homer]

 

[Fear The Chorizo]

2 hours ago, homer said:

 

wondering if this move is due to other injured players from week 1 likely being inactive in Week 2, or providing another active backup lineman to take the roster spot of either Bakh or Jenkins potentially missing more time than the PUP activations a few weeks ago initially pointed to.  I don't think an active lineman went down injured last week, right?

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

5 minutes ago, Fear The Chorizo said:

wondering if this move is due to other injured players from week 1 likely being inactive in Week 2, or providing another active backup lineman to take the roster spot of either Bakh or Jenkins potentially missing more time than the PUP activations a few weeks ago initially pointed to.  I don't think an active lineman went down injured last week, right?

Runyan is in the concussion protocol. I think this move has much more to do with that, along with maintaining optimum depth with a guy that other teams were likely sniffing around

[Fear The Chorizo]

20 minutes ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

Runyan is in the concussion protocol. I think this move has much more to do with that, along with maintaining optimum depth with a guy that other teams were likely sniffing around

that makes sense...didn't know Runyan was dealing with that

[CheezWizHed]

Jones for Runyan doesn't make sense to me.  Still need to put someone on IR or released and you'd have 11 OL... It isn't like Jones is going to be active for the Bears game.

When does the other shoe drop? (i.e. the 53 man roster move to make room)

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

29 minutes ago, CheezWizHed said:

Jones for Runyan doesn't make sense to me.  Still need to put someone on IR or released and you'd have 11 OL... It isn't like Jones is going to be active for the Bears game.

When does the other shoe drop? (i.e. the 53 man roster move to make room)

Barnes is probably looking at an IR stint