Packers chat with Ryan Wood
Monday, Dec. 4 transcript
3rd & 7 37yd
3rd & 7 37yd
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The Packers, like most teams, are not beating good teams with their backup quarterback. There isn't a greater mismatch in all of sports than a team with a backup quarterback playing a team with a franchise quarterback, as would be expected on almost any good team. So, sure, you could say they're disillusioned if they expect that, but the alternative is for them to have zero confidence entering a game. Ultimately, what I heard yesterday was not a disillusioned team. They're finding alternative ways to win, and they're well aware of it.
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I say his quarterback was Brett Hundley, and his team was playing at home. So there's no problem accepting overtime, especially with the Packers defense playing adequately against Jameis Winston. If you look at how both coaches managed the final two minutes, it was clear both sides were eager to get to OT. I certainly can't blame the Packers for playing for OT at home.
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This playoff talk is ridiculous. First off, don't discount Cleveland. Even a win against the Browns means, even WITH Rodgers back, you still have that defense out there. That defense, especially on third down, is abominable. Case keenum, Matt Stafford, Cam Newton will be licking their chops. Sure A-Rod will help, but the problem with this team is what has always ailed them and kept them out of Super Bowls...the defense. Even with A-Rod, I don't think the Pack can outscore a good team.
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The Packers were 4-1 and the class of the NFC with "that defense" before Aaron Rodgers' injury. Furthermore, playoff talk is not ridiculous. Sure, the playoffs are a long, long stretch, but Packers fans should know better than anyone a team is not out until it's out. You guys just saw your team run the table from 4-6 to the NFC championship game one year ago. Weird stuff happens. And, in fact, the Packers are not out of it.
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This is a great problem for the Packers to have, isn't it? They're going to have to find a way to maximize both, because both give a lot to work with. I'm not sure how it will work out yet, and talking with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, sure seems like they're not sure yet either. But they have very different styles. Williams is all power, and Jones has great vision in the zone-blocking scheme and that burst. Because they are so different, they certainly can make each other better.
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Hey Ryan, any chance that Davon House comments to the media about Michael Clark prompted another team to try and sign him off of the practice squad? My guess is that TT was cringing after he read the article about House comparing Clark to Michael Evans.
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He's actually been better inside the pocket than outside. Just my opinion, but I think the Packers need to use Hundley's legs more on the zone read. Been thinking that for a long while now, actually. You saw in overtime how effective that can be. Hundley can not beat teams with his arm along. He's got to use that athleticism, and become more of a dual threat.
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Every offense except the Ravens, maybe? Yeah, the Packers struggled against the run yesterday, which had been their strength. Kenny Clark told me he thought it was their best game against the pass all year, which I can understand with the seven sacks and how well they matched against Mike Evans, though tight end Cameron Brate hurt them. Back to the Ravens: in that game, the Packers defense didn't make enough big plays, even though they mostly forced field goals and punts. The Bucs moved it more against the Packers, but the Packers made many more game-winning plays on defense yesterday, highlighted with Dean Lowry's touchdown. Ultimately, I think you'd rather have what the Packers defense did against the Bucs than what it did against the Ravens, because big plays win games.
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I think he'll be given one more chance elsewhere to compete for a starting job, but he'll have to earn it. Whether he'll ever become a starter, I don't know. He obviously has to play much, much better on a consistent basis than he's shown this season. It's premature to completely write him off. Hundley is a young quarterback who hasn't played meaningful snaps before now. Most young QBs struggle early. Some figure it out and become better, others don't. I'm not sure which one Hundley will be.
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Yeah, that was bad. As far as evaluation, it's impossible to really know what a QB can do before he gets snaps. Now, the Packers have a much better idea. With that information, there's no excuse to treat the backup job like it's Hundley's without adding serious competition this offseason.
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Fortunately, the Packer bail out McCarthy again. Regardless of what happens this season, it is time for a fresh approach in this organization. MM and Capers' schemes are antiquated and well documented. Please stop collecting your paychecks from the Packers and report the true story. This coaching staff is terrible.
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Actually, Seth, I get my paycheck from Gannett. And if you can name for me another coaching staff that's been fired after overseeing eight straight playoff appearances, be my guest. It doesn't happen, and there's a reason for that. Horrible coaching staffs don't get to the playoffs in this league, even with a good quarterback. Look at the LA Chargers lack of consistent winning under Phillip Rivers as just one example. I call it like I see it. I've pointed out plenty of areas where the Packers need to improve. I do not believe firing Mike McCarthy would be in the team's advantage, and that belief only stems from my attempt to give it to you straight, and not tell you what you want to hear.
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Yes, the Packers offense should be even better when Rodgers returns now that they have two rookie RBs playing at this level. As David Bakhtiari told me yesterday, Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones provides the option to "keep letting them eat" with the run game, which takes pressure off any quarterback.
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