Where do we go from here?

[Striker]

Nothing will change... we'll continue to flounder around and lose playoff game after playoff game.

We are no longer the best team in the division - I see Minnesota continuing to ascend, while we will slowly recede.

We will be in most games and will compete for the division b/c of Rodgers, but the coaching is stale, and TT will never make a big move to put us over the top with respect to players.

It is what it is

AP is going to be a shell of his former self soon and Teddy B is underwhelming. They'll have a good/great defense but their offense could be questionable yet again.

Also, this is one of the most battered Packers teams I've seen play. And they still easily competed for the division and were a couple of plays from winning it.

[Joemailman]

Now the question is, who is at fault for the offensive failings that occurred and where do we go from here? That is what needs to be evaluated most in this long offseason.

Yep. And that's what the offseason is for. You have more time to study film of your performances because you're not busy preparing for the next opponent. I'm of the opinion the coaching changes on offense didn't work, but you can't just roll back the clock. MM has some decisions to make with his offensive coaching staff. They have to figure out why Rodgers' completion percentage was under 60% the last 2/3 of the season. Are guys not getting open? Is Rodgers not seeing those who are open? Are mechanics affecting Rodgers' accuracy?

I think they have to find a way to get Janis more involved in the offense. Everyone talks about the lack of speed at WR, but if Jordy comes back healthy, he and Janis are the deep threats you need. Jordy, Janis, Cobb, Adams, Abby and Montgomery really isn't bad. No doubt they need more speed at TE and RB. The OL is pretty good when healthy, but they need better depth at OT.

[wist43]

go have Stubby ram his fat cigar up your stinking bung hole and die.

Are you hitting on me??

For the record, I don't swing that way

[mraynrand]

Are you hitting on me??

For the record, I don't swing that way

you're a surprisingly good sport. And don't worry about me - just watch out for Harlan!

[Deputy Nutz]

Remember this is coming from a motherfucker that really doesn't care if the Packers win or lose, so I am not bent over dry heaving because the Packers lost.

I honestly think that although the Packers lost this game so really good things happened on the field today. For one the receiving corps just got solidified for next year as Abbey and Janis demonstrated that they can step up in big games and contribute. I don't think either one of them will ever be elite but they did some really good things tonight and with that I think they earned Rodger's trust tonight. So as everyone is panicked about the receiving corps, I would feel really good going into next year with getting Nelson back, Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Janis, and Abbrederis rounding out your top 5. If they stay healthy that is damn good receiving corps.

The Defense has really transformed this year to a an above average defense that can hold their own against almost any team in the league. They are solid and I expect Dom to come back and put out another quality defense. They need to resign Raji at a team friendly contract or they can let him go but he is a quality football player. The draft is damn deep in the first round for defensive linemen and if they let Raji walk they could replace his roster spot with a high drat pick. Nick Perry came into his own this year and if he can stay healthy his consistency goes way up. I know the Packers chose to decline his rookie option but I think he could actually be pretty good next year.

Ryan played 100% better this game against the Cardinals than the last game. He is a solidified starter at one inside position net year. I think the Packers are better off keeping Matthews on the outside or having him moving around the field. My personal opinion is that Matthews is totally overrated and tackles with alligator arms and is a space cadet in coverage. He has absolutely no feel for it, but he is a play maker and I can't deny that even if it is only one play a game. Sam Barrington comes back next year, I don't know how good he actually is but he could make due he should push Clay back outside.

This secondary is going to be bad ass in the next few years. Let Hayward walk because the Packers have young depth.

So really the only thing you have to think about is if Peppers can be replaced. Sure he is the responsible party for leaving Fitzgerald wide open on the broken play. The bottom line is Peppers is a fantastic athlete one of the best to play the game but his strength certainly isn't coverage.

Now the struggles that need to be addressed,

You might want to figure out what the hell is wrong with the Punter, his second half of the season kinda sucked balls and hurt the Packers in the field position several times.

The offensive line is banged up. This is tough because when they are healthy they are a quality offensive line, but they are constantly banged up and hurt. Maybe that is just the offensive line in today's NFL but then the Packers need an option other than Don Barclay as a back up tackle. The Packers could take a couple of linemen in this year's draft and mold them, but really the quick fix is finding a couple of free agent fellas that have some experience and wouldn't kill you when they would have to fill in for an injured linemen. But depth is a big concern and needs to be addressed.

Richard Rodgers is not the answer long term at tight end. He was supposed to be a receiving threat at the tight end position and frankly he is too damn slow to stretch the field and not quick enough to turn short routes into significant gains. They need to find a quality player at TE either in the draft which is low on quality this year or actually break open the pocket book and look to free agency.

Eddie Lacy is fat and needs to take better care of himself if he wants to be productive and stay in the league. I just don't think football interests him as much as sitting around playing video games. For a back that makes his name on gaining those hard yards by taking shots and delivering shots he has to be committed to playing the game. If he continues to let himself go in the off season expect more injuries and less production. I could see the Packers going after a back in the draft for long term insurance. Starks could be replaced. Continue to keep John Kuhn he is dependable in pass pro, can catch the ball, and is pretty good as a lead blocker if his running backs would actually follow him through the hole.

Now, the offense seemed out of whack for the majority of the second half of the season. Maybe fans were spoiled over the past few years but everyone could see the frustration on McCarthy's face and Rodger's face. Maybe it gets fixed with a healthy offensive line, healthy receivers, and a fit Lacy. I wish it was that simple, but maybe it is. As far as personnel goes I don't think you can say it is this guy or that guy. How can Janis get open on a slant multiple times in this game but yet Cobb and Jones and Adams struggle to run that route? I am just completely baffled by the lack of consistency with this offense in 2015. I don't know if McCarthy will keep his coaching staff intact. It seems like there might be too many cooks in the kitchen and Clemens may be on his way out leaving Edgar Bennett as the OC, McCarthy will call plays. I didn't see a remarkable difference between McCarthy calling plays and Clemens. I think Clemens like the screen game a little bit more. Honestly I think the Packers need to go back to the original West Coast Offense and take advantage of the short intermediate routes similar to the Patriots.

Really the Packers should be favored to win the division next season and have a 1-6 shot at winning the Super Bowl. I tell you what I like what the Packers will bring to the table next season as long as they figure out how to stay healthy.

[Pugger]

Get your wide receivers healthy.
Get a Tight End who can stretch the field.
Tell Lacy to eat more veggies.
Get a wide receiver coach.

We also still need a speedy ILB. Another pass rusher would be nice. Julius isn't getting any younger.

[superfan]

Great post Nutz, you pretty much nailed it.

I'm not convinced Ryan is a solidified starter yet, I'd still be looking at him as someone you would want to upgrade if you could.

Rich Rod is basically a poor man's Bubba, which isn't saying much. Maybe even an Ed West type of TE. No idea what the contract situation is for the Washington TE (Jordan Reed) but he looks like he could be a great fit for this offense if he stays healthy.

[Pugger]

Remember this is coming from a motherfucker that really doesn't care if the Packers win or lose, so I am not bent over dry heaving because the Packers lost.

I honestly think that although the Packers lost this game so really good things happened on the field today. For one the receiving corps just got solidified for next year as Abbey and Janis demonstrated that they can step up in big games and contribute. I don't think either one of them will ever be elite but they did some really good things tonight and with that I think they earned Rodger's trust tonight. So as everyone is panicked about the receiving corps, I would feel really good going into next year with getting Nelson back, Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Janis, and Abbrederis rounding out your top 5. If they stay healthy that is damn good receiving corps.

The Defense has really transformed this year to a an above average defense that can hold their own against almost any team in the league. They are solid and I expect Dom to come back and put out another quality defense. They need to resign Raji at a team friendly contract or they can let him go but he is a quality football player. The draft is damn deep in the first round for defensive linemen and if they let Raji walk they could replace his roster spot with a high drat pick. Nick Perry came into his own this year and if he can stay healthy his consistency goes way up. I know the Packers chose to decline his rookie option but I think he could actually be pretty good next year.

Ryan played 100% better this game against the Cardinals than the last game. He is a solidified starter at one inside position net year. I think the Packers are better off keeping Matthews on the outside or having him moving around the field. My personal opinion is that Matthews is totally overrated and tackles with alligator arms and is a space cadet in coverage. He has absolutely no feel for it, but he is a play maker and I can't deny that even if it is only one play a game. Sam Barrington comes back next year, I don't know how good he actually is but he could make due to push Clay back outside.

This secondary is going to be bad ass in the next few years. Let Hayward walk because the Packers have young depth. So really the only thing you have to think about is if Peppers can be replaced. Sure he is the responsible party for leaving Fitzgerald wide open on the broken play. The bottom line is Peppers is a fantastic athlete one of the best to play the game but is strength certainly isn't coverage.

Now the struggles that need to be addressed,

You might want to figure out what the hell is wrong with the Punter, his second half of the season kinda sucked balls and hurt the Packers in the field position several times.

The offensive line is banged up. This is tough because when they are healthy they are a quality offensive line, but they are constantly banged up and hurt. Maybe that is just the offensive line in today's NFL but then the Packers need an option other than Don Barclay as a back up tackle. The Packers could take a couple of linemen in this year's draft and mold them, but really the quick fix is finding a couple of free agent fellas that have some experience and wouldn't kill you when they would have to fill in for an injured linemen. But depth is a big concern and needs to be addressed.

Richard Rodgers is not the answer long term at tight end. He was supposed to be a receiving threat at the tight end position and frankly he is too damn slow to stretch the field and not quick enough to turn short routes into significant gains. They need to find a quality player at TE either in the draft which is low on quality this year or actually break open the pocket book and look to free agency.

Eddie Lacy is fat and needs to take better care of himself if he wants to be productive and stay in the league. I just don't think football interests him as much as sitting around playing video games. For a back that makes his name on gaining those hard yards by taking shots and delivering shots he has to be committed to playing the game. If he continues to let himself go in the off season expect more injuries and less production. I could see the Packers going after a back in the draft for long term insurance. Starks could be replaced. Continue to keep John Kuhn he is dependable in pass pro, can catch the ball, and is pretty good as a lead blocker if his running backs would actually follow him through the hole.

Now, the offense seemed out of whack for the majority of the second half of the season. Maybe fans were spoiled over the past few years but everyone could see the frustration on McCarthy's face and Rodger's face. Maybe it gets fixed with a healthy offensive line, healthy receivers, and a fit Lacy. I wish it was that simple, but maybe it is. As far as personnel goes I don't think you can say it is this guy or that guy. How can Janis get open on a slant multiple times in this game but yet Cobb and Jones and Adams struggle to run that route? I am just completely baffled by the lack of consistency with this offense in 2015. I don't know if McCarthy will keep his coaching staff intact. It seems like there might be too many cooks in the kitchen and Clemens may be on his way out leaving Edgar Bennett as the OC, McCarthy will call plays. I didn't see a remarkable difference between McCarthy calling plays and Clemens. I think Clemens like the screen game a little bit more. Honestly I think the Packers need to go back to the original West Coast Offense and take advantage of the short intermediate routes similar to the Patriots.

Really the Packers should be favored to win the division next season and have a 1-6 shot at winning the Super Bowl. I tell you what I like what the Packers will bring to the table next season as long as they figure out how to stay healthy.

Nice post.

I think what really hurt the passing offense this year besides injuries was not having a WR coach. Maybe if we had one we wouldn't be having these route running issues.

[smuggler]

Nutz is on-point. A healthy season will put us in good shape for a SB trophy in 2016. With a good/great draft this spring, we will be SB favorites in 2017.

[esoxx]

Not to mention, we play the dregs of the league, known as the AFC South, next season. Murders row of Tenn, Jax, Indy, & Hous. Should help pad the record towards a first round bye.

[Freak Out]

Great post Nutz, you pretty much nailed it.

I'm not convinced Ryan is a solidified starter yet, I'd still be looking at him as someone you would want to upgrade if you could.

Rich Rod is basically a poor man's Bubba, which isn't saying much. Maybe even an Ed West type of TE. No idea what the contract situation is for the Washington TE (Jordan Reed) but he looks like he could be a great fit for this offense if he stays healthy.

DO NOT insult Ed West.

[Badgerinmaine]

DO NOT insult Ed West.

"Poor Ed West--couldn't catch a pass if it hit him in the chest..."

[George Cumby]

Have an intervention with Rodgers and convince him to 86 Olivia Ono. Yoko Munn. Whatever.

[George Cumby]

Remember this is coming from a motherfucker that really doesn't care if the Packers win or lose, so I am not bent over dry heaving because the Packers lost.

I honestly think that although the Packers lost this game so really good things happened on the field today. For one the receiving corps just got solidified for next year as Abbey and Janis demonstrated that they can step up in big games and contribute. I don't think either one of them will ever be elite but they did some really good things tonight and with that I think they earned Rodger's trust tonight. So as everyone is panicked about the receiving corps, I would feel really good going into next year with getting Nelson back, Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Janis, and Abbrederis rounding out your top 5. If they stay healthy that is damn good receiving corps.

The Defense has really transformed this year to a an above average defense that can hold their own against almost any team in the league. They are solid and I expect Dom to come back and put out another quality defense. They need to resign Raji at a team friendly contract or they can let him go but he is a quality football player. The draft is damn deep in the first round for defensive linemen and if they let Raji walk they could replace his roster spot with a high drat pick. Nick Perry came into his own this year and if he can stay healthy his consistency goes way up. I know the Packers chose to decline his rookie option but I think he could actually be pretty good next year.

Ryan played 100% better this game against the Cardinals than the last game. He is a solidified starter at one inside position net year. I think the Packers are better off keeping Matthews on the outside or having him moving around the field. My personal opinion is that Matthews is totally overrated and tackles with alligator arms and is a space cadet in coverage. He has absolutely no feel for it, but he is a play maker and I can't deny that even if it is only one play a game. Sam Barrington comes back next year, I don't know how good he actually is but he could make due he should push Clay back outside.

This secondary is going to be bad ass in the next few years. Let Hayward walk because the Packers have young depth.

So really the only thing you have to think about is if Peppers can be replaced. Sure he is the responsible party for leaving Fitzgerald wide open on the broken play. The bottom line is Peppers is a fantastic athlete one of the best to play the game but his strength certainly isn't coverage.

Now the struggles that need to be addressed,

You might want to figure out what the hell is wrong with the Punter, his second half of the season kinda sucked balls and hurt the Packers in the field position several times.

The offensive line is banged up. This is tough because when they are healthy they are a quality offensive line, but they are constantly banged up and hurt. Maybe that is just the offensive line in today's NFL but then the Packers need an option other than Don Barclay as a back up tackle. The Packers could take a couple of linemen in this year's draft and mold them, but really the quick fix is finding a couple of free agent fellas that have some experience and wouldn't kill you when they would have to fill in for an injured linemen. But depth is a big concern and needs to be addressed.

Richard Rodgers is not the answer long term at tight end. He was supposed to be a receiving threat at the tight end position and frankly he is too damn slow to stretch the field and not quick enough to turn short routes into significant gains. They need to find a quality player at TE either in the draft which is low on quality this year or actually break open the pocket book and look to free agency.

Eddie Lacy is fat and needs to take better care of himself if he wants to be productive and stay in the league. I just don't think football interests him as much as sitting around playing video games. For a back that makes his name on gaining those hard yards by taking shots and delivering shots he has to be committed to playing the game. If he continues to let himself go in the off season expect more injuries and less production. I could see the Packers going after a back in the draft for long term insurance. Starks could be replaced. Continue to keep John Kuhn he is dependable in pass pro, can catch the ball, and is pretty good as a lead blocker if his running backs would actually follow him through the hole.

Now, the offense seemed out of whack for the majority of the second half of the season. Maybe fans were spoiled over the past few years but everyone could see the frustration on McCarthy's face and Rodger's face. Maybe it gets fixed with a healthy offensive line, healthy receivers, and a fit Lacy. I wish it was that simple, but maybe it is. As far as personnel goes I don't think you can say it is this guy or that guy. How can Janis get open on a slant multiple times in this game but yet Cobb and Jones and Adams struggle to run that route? I am just completely baffled by the lack of consistency with this offense in 2015. I don't know if McCarthy will keep his coaching staff intact. It seems like there might be too many cooks in the kitchen and Clemens may be on his way out leaving Edgar Bennett as the OC, McCarthy will call plays. I didn't see a remarkable difference between McCarthy calling plays and Clemens. I think Clemens like the screen game a little bit more. Honestly I think the Packers need to go back to the original West Coast Offense and take advantage of the short intermediate routes similar to the Patriots.

Really the Packers should be favored to win the division next season and have a 1-6 shot at winning the Super Bowl. I tell you what I like what the Packers will bring to the table next season as long as they figure out how to stay healthy.

For a guy that doesn't care you took a long time to write a well thought out and insightful post. : )

[pbmax]

DO NOT insult Ed West.

Toolbox for Life!

But to address superfan's point, Rodgers would be a great second TE, someone to block the backside in two TE sets or release for a pass in the red zone. He is also more than capable for spot starts. But next level talent would be huge.

I think I want Hayward back. He still makes plays on the ball. A lot might depend on whether he really has lost his athleticism (and is not a smaller Hyde) due to injury or not. But he seemed to get better.

I want one of Raji or Guion back. Drafting a guy is fine too.