Is the current state of the Packers the result of one or more of the off season changes?

[Patler]

We've hinted at this in several threads, I thought a focused thread might be interesting. The offense generally and the passing game particularly look worse than any time in recent memory. Are the offenses struggles the result of

- a new play caller?
- a new OC?
- changes in QB and WR coaching structure?

I keep coming back to the third. The WRs are struggling, and more concerning is the fact that all of a sudden Rodgers and the WRs are playing different games.

The whole idea of having Van Pelt coach both was that having the two groups together would foster even a greater coordination and common understanding. It was supposed to ensure that Rodgers and his WRs would see the same things and respond the same way. But just the opposite has occurred. There seems to be less of a common understanding than in the past.

Is Van Pelt just poor at coaching WRs?
Do the combined groups get too little specialized attention?
Is the supervision/coaching too diluted?

Or, are the problems this year:
- play calling?
- An OC who is inexperienced or a poor choice? or
- just one of those things that happen sometime?

[pbmax]

1. [structure] Splitting McCarthy from game planning might hurt tweaks to weekly game plans. But hard to say how much he has left it behind.

2. [structure] Coordination between QB and WR has been terrible. But this one is tough to judge because all parties are limited by injury.

3. Injuries. Have made all the above (if true) worse.

[mraynrand]

4. Video games

[Patler]

That brings up a question I've been meaning to ask. Where did this video game thing come from? I have seen several writers mention it in articles. Did MM or one of the other coaches or players say something about players and video games?

[mraynrand]

I heard about it on the game broadcast. That it got to national media suggests its a real problem.

But I also heard Favre joke about crocs so I'm not sure about anything anymore.

[Patler]

I just saw Daugherty has an article about the same subjects as this thread:

http://www.packersnews.com/story/spo...wers/76608146/

[Patler]

I heard about it on the game broadcast. That it got to national media suggests its a real problem.

Did they mention a source for it?

[mraynrand]

Did they mention a source for it?

Not 100% certain, but I think it was in talks with Rodgers. If true, it's bad to have the QB open up about that with Collinsworth and Miracleboy.

[Pugger]

IMO one of the main reasons the offense is struggling is because of the coaching structure with Van Pelt in charge of both the QBs and WRs. I truly believe these 2 positions need their own individual coach. Combining this is the only real big difference this year compared to the past and now our offense is struggling.

[pbmax]

I just saw Daugherty has an article about the same subjects as this thread:

http://www.packersnews.com/story/spo...wers/76608146/

This quote is for Maxie:

Another theoretically is Jeff Janis, who finally appears to have worked into the playing rotation this week.

[mraynrand]

http://www.packersnews.com/story/spo...wers/76608146/

reading this makes you feel good they drafted Hundley.

[Patler]

IMO one of the main reasons the offense is struggling is because of the coaching structure with Van Pelt in charge of both the QBs and WRs. I truly believe these 2 positions need their own individual coach. Combining this is the only real big difference this year compared to the past and now our offense is struggling.

In terms of significance, I would rate a new play caller as the most significant change in the off season, and a new OC as the second most significant. Combining QB and WR coaching seemed unusual to me when it happened, but not as big of a deal. I blame it for the situation now because not only has it not accomplished what it was hoped to, those qualities have actually regressed from the past.

They talk over and over about WRs having to earn Rodger's trust. Are the WRs less willing to ask question or otherwise look unsure when watching film with Rodgers because he won't trust them?

It will be interesting to see if MM goes back to separate groups in the off season.

[Patler]

http://www.packersnews.com/story/spo...wers/76608146/

reading this makes you feel good they drafted Hundley.

Your link took me to a page saying the sory has been moved.
What is it about?

[mraynrand]

Your link took me to a page saying the sory has been moved.
What is it about?

weird. Just talking about why Rodgers is playing worse. Just reminded me that the dude is in his thirties and the slide is inevitable. He might have 6-8 more good years or 2. He's like a ten year old car. Could last for a while but you might be junking it tomorrow.

[Patler]

weird. Just talking about why Rodgers is playing worse. Just reminded me that the dude is in his thirties and the slide is inevitable. He might have 6-8 more good years or 2. He's like a ten year old car. Could last for a while but you might be junking it tomorrow.

I've been thinking the same thing. Some QBs play some of their best football in the early and mid 30s. But some athletes lose it in their early 30s. Hard to know where Rodgers will fall in that scale. We could be seeing the start of it. Hopefully not, and the Rodgers we have come to expect will be around for several years yet, followed by an even smarter and even wiser Rodgers when his physical skills do begin to diminish for good.