Comings and Goings

[Joemailman]

Sure they did. He was one starting CB. His loss really couldn't be addressed the 'Packer way' until the offseason.

I see your point. The CB roster with Shields last year did look pretty solid. My point though is that that was an illusion because Sam Shields was one hard collision away from the end of his career. We just didn't know it. Given what I see as the extreme unlikelihood that the Packers will suffer the injuries at CB this year that they did last year, I think the players they will likely put on the field is superior to what they put on the field last year.

[bobblehead]

One last point on TE. You have to remember that Kendricks isn't replacing Cook as the starter. He is the backup. You could be right, he isn't ascending, but I think he is a big improvement.

[mraynrand]

I think the players they will likely put on the field is superior to what they put on the field last year.

I hope you're right. Lots of question marks right now, no? Two guys returning from injury, House is a question mark (will he play at the top level he showed in stretches here and first year in Jacksonville?). Will King come around and play a solid edge corner (I think that's all they will ask him to do)? Can Randall or Rollins fill the Hyde role?

[mraynrand]

One last point on TE. You have to remember that Kendricks isn't replacing Cook as the starter. He is the backup. You could be right, he isn't ascending, but I think he is a big improvement.

He looked more fluid than Rodgers, that's for sure. Didn't see him block much, so don't know about that.

[pbmax]

One last point on TE. You have to remember that Kendricks isn't replacing Cook as the starter. He is the backup. You could be right, he isn't ascending, but I think he is a big improvement.

He's there to block and misdirect and line up in a bunch and defeat press coverage occasionally.

I also hope he is there for goal line Bubba Franks play. Block, fall down, stand up, catch touchdown.

[mraynrand]

He's there to block and misdirect and line up in a bunch and defeat press coverage occasionally.

I also hope he is there for goal line Bubba Franks play. Block, fall down, stand up, catch touchdown.

Richard Rodgers is pretty good at the fall down part.

[Patler]

The premise of the thread was comparing this year to last year. For all practical purposes, they did not have Shields last year.

So at what point was last year last year?
At what point am I allowed to refer to a player as being a loss from last year who is being replaced this year?

Does Lacy count as a loss from last year? He played in only four more games than Shields. There was minimal contribution from him. How about Tretter? He played only 6 more games than Shields. Can I comment on either of them and still comply with the premise of this thread?

From a roster building perspective, there isn't much difference between the losses of Tretter and Lacy on the one hand and Shields on the other, except for which game of the season was their last. The 2016 roster was built expecting each to be available. 2017 has been built knowing all are gone.

Then there is Montgomery. Is he a "loss" at WR who is replaced as a WR this year? He was a WR last year for more games than Lacy played.

[texaspackerbacker]

Maybe you guys who have actually been able to watch practices have seen some good things on Kendricks, but from what I have seen, I like R Rodgers better than him.

[Rutnstrut]

One addition I like is a subtle change in team personality. I've felt the whole "Packer People" deal went a mite too far. A good pro team needs a variety of personalities for the guys to play off one another. We've lost some of our enforcers and some of the new guys replace that element. M Bennet keeps everybody loose while being a skilled player. Brooks is a certifiable scary, moody type guy.

For awhile there, we were more like a boy scout troop than a pro football team.

Excellent post, I agree 100%.

[Patler]

One addition I like is a subtle change in team personality. I've felt the whole "Packer People" deal went a mite too far. A good pro team needs a variety of personalities for the guys to play off one another. We've lost some of our enforcers and some of the new guys replace that element. M Bennet keeps everybody loose while being a skilled player. Brooks is a certifiable scary, moody type guy.

For awhile there, we were more like a boy scout troop than a pro football team.

Excellent post, I agree 100%.

Apparently the DL they brought in today from the 49ers also plays with a bit of an edge. With him, Brooks and a couple safeties who like to hit, the character of the defense could change a little.

[KYPack]

Apparently the DL they brought in today from the 49ers also plays with a bit of an edge. With him, Brooks and a couple safeties who like to hit, the character of the defense could change a little.

Those safeties are a super talented group. The addition of Brooks may play off Daniels natural fire and give us more of an attack minded defense. Brooks is a little like Wayne Simmons. A real bitch, but a tad nuts. he's a vet now. Hope he can channel his energies the right way and help get us going. We must generate heat on the QB to improve the pass D and help the young corners.

[Fritz]

I know nothing of the 49er DE they're bringing in today. Who is Quentin Dial? How good is he? How old is he?

[Joemailman]

I know nothing of the 49er DE they're bringing in today. Who is Quentin Dial? How good is he? How old is he?

Not old. 27. Big. 6-5, 320. I seem to remember him as a pretty tough player. Not many sacks though. He was seen as a better fit in a 3-4.

[Joemailman]

Offensive Line: Depth definitely worse than last year.

Wide Receiver: A little better. Jordy a year removed from surgery. Adams still getting better. Allison looks stronger.

Running Back: Better. Monty has a chance to be a really good all-around back. The rookies look like they can all play.

Tight End: Big upgrade.

Quarterback: Status Quo.

Defensive Line: Better. Clark, Lowry and Ringo have all improved.

Outside Linebacker. Worse, unless Brooks comes through in a big way.

Inside Linebacker: Status Quo.

Cornerback: Better. House and King (and Josh Jones) more than offset loss of Hyde.

Safety: Better. Brice and Evans continue to improve. Jones adds athleticism.

Special Teams: Probably Status Quo.

[Patler]

I wonder about OLB?

Lost Peppers - Last year, many said he was well over the hill. Made a play now and then, but was taken advantage of, too. Was he more name and reputation than performance last year?

Lost Jones - Last year, many said he was not a fit at OLB. Stout against the run just as he always was as a DE. Seemed to apply pressure, at times, but didn't get there.

Gained Brooks - Reports I've read have him playing last year with little drop off from his prime. Might he be better than the 2016 version of Peppers? Might he be enough to replace both Peppers and Jones.

Gained New Guy - Expecting nothing.