J-Mike's Verbal Orgasm

[vince]

He comes across a bit as demanding to be the focus of the offense. I think he just gets carried away playing with the media and doesn't really mean to say half of what what he comes across as saying.

But as good as he is, he needs to come across as having some resemblance of a team perspective. I think he had that last year for the most part, so it will be good. I also think that A-rod has a good relationship with Finley on the field and in the lockerroom, so hopefully that keeps him in check.

[VegasPackFan]

Finley's never done anything on the field or in the locker room that would make him a distraction. Rodgers LOVES him as a target. I think all is well.

[Guiness]

Nope, I'm just reading it for what it is, an immature attitude/statement by a guy I gave a lot of credit to for having grown up. I suspect the coaches will tell him that THEY will determine how he lines up and what he runs, when they get a hold on him.

+1 - my thoughts as well

[Guiness]

Finley's never done anything on the field or in the locker room that would make him a distraction. Rodgers LOVES him as a target. I think all is well.

What about the comment about 'should have led him more, they know I don't to the back shoulder stuff'. Sounds like throwing his QB under the bus to me.

I know that was a while ago, and was handled, but you can't say he's never done anything like that.

[MJZiggy]

Seems to me that we have an excited, confident player who can't wait to get back on the field to show everyone how far he's come. I don't think the coaches will have a problem until they hear the full interview that includes the context and questions. It's not like the media to take snippets out of context to make it look like someone said something without the further explanation. I'm in the camp that says he was saying that once the coaches see what he can do, they'll just HAVE to stand him up (because he's so good). I don't see him expressing an actual unwillingness to do anything. Are the guys never supposed to get excited? Are they never supposed to tell us what they're really feeling and instead just offer the preapproved party line? That is so boring.

[Brandon494]

What about the comment about 'should have led him more, they know I don't to the back shoulder stuff'. Sounds like throwing his QB under the bus to me.

I know that was a while ago, and was handled, but you can't say he's never done anything like that.

Yea he said it as a 21 year old rookie 3 years ago. Big fricking deal! AR isn't going to give the guy a shout out like he did if he was the type to cause any trouble in the locker.

[Patler]

I don't know, when a guy takes it upon himself to lose weight and come back thinner because he thinks it will make him better doing the things that he thinks he should be doing, while recognizing and expressing that the team might not like it; it gives me pause for concern.

It's not a big concern, and I don't think he is a team cancer or anything like that; but, just as he did in the comment I quoted from his rookie season, it's an expression that he knows better then the coaches, and that they need to adapt to his wants and goals.

It just makes me a bit cautious, wondering how he might react if through the first 4-5 weeks he gets only 2-3 receptions a week, like Jennings did last year. Will he remain content and enthusiastic, or will he blame the coaches for not using him correctly, and Rodgers for not looking his way more often? Will he be able to temper his frustration for the good of the team, or will it boil over as we have seen from some of the prima dona wide receivers? I don't know what he will do, but if I were his coach I would be on the look out. They've had a couple heart-to-heart discussions with him in the past and may have to again.

[bobblehead]

The dude likes to run his mouth but until the coaches or his teammates start having a problem with it then I see no reason why anyone else should.

I agree. He is pumped, he works hard, he is coachable. He did have a couple foibles as a rookie, but I don't have any problems with this interview. By all accounts he comes in and does what they ask him to.

[Scott Campbell]

We have a budding diva.

[hoosier]

I don't know, when a guy takes it upon himself to lose weight and come back thinner because he thinks it will make him better doing the things that he thinks he should be doing, while recognizing and expressing that the team might not like it; it gives me pause for concern.

It's not a big concern, and I don't think he is a team cancer or anything like that; but, just as he did in the comment I quoted from his rookie season, it's an expression that he knows better then the coaches, and that they need to adapt to his wants and goals.

It just makes me a bit cautious, wondering how he might react if through the first 4-5 weeks he gets only 2-3 receptions a week, like Jennings did last year. Will he remain content and enthusiastic, or will he blame the coaches for not using him correctly, and Rodgers for not looking his way more often? Will he be able to temper his frustration for the good of the team, or will it boil over as we have seen from some of the prima dona wide receivers? I don't know what he will do, but if I were his coach I would be on the look out. They've had a couple heart-to-heart discussions with him in the past and may have to again.

I expect that if the Packers are winning that will temper any potential friction and resentment from Finley. The examples that come to mind of prima donnas feeling unappreciated and becoming disruptive are examples where the team is struggling (Keyshawn Johnson with the Jets, for example). TO's meltdown during the Eagle's SB year against the Pats was certainly a case of a prima donna making a stink despite his team winning, but I don't get the sense that Finley is that unhinged. If the Packers are 8-1, I don't envision Finley rocking the boat. If they're 5-4, on the other hand....

[Patler]

We have a budding diva.

Ah...but will he blossom??!!

[sharpe1027]

While he shouldn't be crucified for a couple questionably statements by any means, neither TO or Moss were big problems their first few years. Plenty of people defended them or looked the other way when those two started down their respective diva paths.

The warning signs are there for everyone to see, but which way he goes from here is still up in the air. I think he should be fine as long as he doesn't alienate himself from his teammates. So far I have not seen much negative about him coming from other players. Once that happens, he could end up like TO or Moss and not listen to anyone but himself (unless it suits his current mood).

[ThunderDan]

While he shouldn't be crucified for a couple questionably statements by any means, neither TO or Moss were big problems their first few years. Plenty of people defended them or looked the other way when those two started down their respective diva paths.

The warning signs are there for everyone to see, but which way he goes from here is still up in the air. I think he should be fine as long as he doesn't alienate himself from his teammates. So far I have not seen much negative about him coming from other players. Once that happens, he could end up like TO or Moss and not listen to anyone but himself (unless it suits his current mood).

I agree. I think the Packer lockerroom has strong enough leadership that it should be able to handle Finley.

But I still don't think FInley is a concern right now. He does exactly what the coaches tell him to do. He just runs his mouth and as long as its just running his mouth and not taking plays off I am OK with it.

[Patler]

Interesting contrasts:

TE coach Bob McAdoo talking about Finley when he was drafted:

Like I said, he's just scratched the surface as far as his body goes. He's still a skinny 243 pounds. He's young. He's raw. As he continues to work, he has a nice-sized frame where he can put some weight on. At 6-4 and a half and 243, he's got a lot of room to grow.

Finley talking about himself before camp this year:

“I’m thinner right now. GB (is) probably not like me right now but I’m trying to stand up this year. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I think (lining up in) a two-point (stance), I can get on the linebacker quicker, I can get on the safety quicker and it’s a win-win for me and 12(quarterback Aaron Rodgers).”

It will be interesting to see what he really comes into camp at for weight, and how the coaching staff responds. It wouldn't be the first time that an athlete set himself back by doing what he thought was best instead of what the team planned for him. On the other hand, maybe he will be right and the coaches will see other opportunities with Finley more of a big WR than a TE.

[Brandon494]

Umm whats fits our offense better? A passing catching TE or blocking TE? No reason why we should not be using Finley the same way the Chargers are using Gates.