Blue 58 - A Packers Podcast

You know we’re just about to the start of the season when we start getting roster predictions. Here’s our best guess on what’s going to happen this weekend.Offense (4:51)How many receivers will the Packers keep? How many linemen?Defense (11:44)Do disappointing draft picks Montravius Adams and Josh Jackson survive another cutdown day?Questions about the 2020 roster (17:51)This is going to be a strange year, so we have a few more questions than usual heading into cutdown weekend.Your Takes (21:52)We’ve got a few predictions from listeners. What do you think will happen?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to premium content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58-a-packers-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Minnesota Vikings made like the 2018 Chicago Bears and nabbed a pass rusher right before the start of the 2020 season. What are they getting in Yannick Ngakoue? Will he make a difference in the NFC North? Then, what Packers storylines are real — and which ones are just noise?What are the Vikings getting in Yannick Ngakoue (2:57)The Vikings made what could be considered the biggest move in the NFC North this summer, acquiring Jacksonville edge rusher Yannik Ngakoue. What does he bring to the Vikings?Further reading: Yannik Ngakoue on SIS What we’re reading this week (7:38)A quick look at what caught our notice around the NFL internet this week.How offensive tackles keep edge rushers on their toes - Brandon ThornWhy the NFL Draft Will Be Totally Different With Todd McShay - The Ryen Russillo PodcastA big to-do: Packers punch list for improving in 2020 - Peter BukowskiIs it a headline or is it a storyline? (13:24)Not everything that gets people talking is a real story. Let’s decide which training camp t

Play action passing was supposed to be a huge part of the Packers’ offense last year. Why didn’t it work? We’ll dig into some numbers to find out. Then, more questions from listeners as we start to ramp up for the 2020 season.Why is the Packers play action passing not as good as it could be? (1:45)The Packers struggled to implement play action passing last year. Why?What assistant coaches are standing out? (14:40)Assistant coaches are a big part of every team. Who stands out on the Packers?Are there better pass rushing stats? (23:17)Mike Smith went on a big rant about pass rushing stats — and he’s got a point.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to premium content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Packers drew headlines for spending big on edge rushers last spring, but they’ve invested almost as heavily in their defensive backfield. Today, we’ll explore why that actually might have been the smarter play for last year...even if it might not be sustainable.More conversations on race in the NFL (00:40)The conversation on race isn’t going away in the NFL.Further reading: Resources on Race and the NFLReading about receivers (4:44)Noteworthy articles this week include two interesting tidbits about wide receivers.Further reading: 2019 DVOA by Routes: ReceiversNext Gen Stats: Intro to new Route Recognition modelFalse Positive COVID Tests May Be Frustrating, But Let's All Keep a Broader PerspectiveAre the Packers' defensive backs the real stars of the defense? (11:22)What matters more, coverage or pass rush? It depends who you ask, but let’s take a look at the guys responsible for the “coverage” part of that equation.Further reading: PFF Data Study: Coverage vs. Pass RushSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon

The Packers have historically not cared all that much about inside linebackers. That doesn’t appear all that different in 2020, but Mike Pettine can’t just play nobody at the spot, right? Right?? Let’s discuss the linebacker group and how it could affect the Packers this year.About those media restrictions in Green Bay (00:47)There's a fight between the Packers and the media and nobody looks good. David Bakhtiari deal in the works? (9:31)The Packers' left tackle is the next man up for a contract extension.The roles the Packers linebackers will play in 2020 (10:41)The Packers need their linebackers to fill a couple of specific roles in 2020. Do they have the guys to get it done?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There is real, actual practice football happening in Green Bay. Let’s sort through the biggest stories from camp so far and see if there are any areas for concern. Then, the Packers have real opportunities for growth on the edge of their defense. Who will step up?Training camp catch up (00:47)The Packers' 2020 training camp is underway! Let's catch up on a couple of the biggest stories so far, including Kenny Clark's new deal.Reason for concern on the right side of the Packers' line (5:13)Not one, but two spots appear to be up for grabs on the offensive line. That's reason for concern.Further reading: Penalties and Sacks Per 65 SnapsWhat's ahead for the Packers' edge rushers? (11:06)Za'Darius and Preston Smith were amazing in 2019, but counting on them to do it again is a crummy plan. Someone else has to step up. Who will it be?Further reading: Production RatioSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Powe

The Packers spent all offseason getting heat for not adding a wide receiver. Maybe that was justified. But maybe they should have been getting criticized for not upgrading their defensive line. Let’s talk about that. But first: it’s not necessarily a bad thing that the Packers could regress in 2020.Do you like stats? Here are some stats (1:52)We talk plenty about analytics on this podcast. Here’s a quick guide to some worthwhile numbers.Further reading: Our favorite stats for understanding NFL football betterRegression isn’t necessarily a bad thing (3:41)The Packers have been hailed as a team primed for a regression in 2020. That’s true, but not necessarily bad.Further reading: NFL teams most likely to decline in 2020: Why the Packers, Seahawks, Saints could lose more gamesThe Packers’ defensive line is not very deep (9:46)Here’s the most important thing to know about the Packers’ defensive line: it’s a very shallow group.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Bu

The Packers have signed not one but two wide receivers. Is everybody happy now? Probably not, and I think they might have a point. Then, let’s try to talk smartly about the offensive line.The Packers signed two wide receivers! (1:40)Digging into the Travis Fulgham and Malik Turner signings. Do either of them have a shot to make the roster?If you're mad about the Packers receivers, you might have a point (3:59)Just because the Packers like their receivers doesn't mean you have to agree.Trying to be smart about the offensive line (10:02)It's hard for fans to talk in an educated way about the offensive line, but it's not impossible. It just takes some work.Further reading: Backside 2i vs 1-tech Against Outside ZoneSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We've broken down running backs, but how do the rest of the skill positions fit into Matt LaFleur's philosophy?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Packers have a pretty strong running back stable. What’s it good for? Maybe not quite what you think, but in the best possible way.New article: Multiple tight end packages can offer intriguing options for PackersBallhawk Index (2:13)Getting your hands on the ball is a good thing. Here’s some visuals to help with that idea.Further reading: The Ballhawk IndexRunning Backs - What’s the Deal with Running Backs Are They Good or What (6:51)The Packers value the run more than they have in the past. Is that a good idea? How do running backs play a role in that?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 supports the show and gives you access to members-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s easy to get bogged down in the ongoing slog of a pandemic. Let's fight back by finding joy in the game we love.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Assuming nobody opts out, gets cut, or gets sent to coronavirus island, the Packers have three quarterbacks that should have every expectation of making the active roster in 2020. What are our expectations for them? That’ll be our discussion today. But first, should the Packers go all-in on this season?Thoughts about the state of the season (00:35)Everything seems to be going poorly as the NFL tries to ramp up for the start of its season. Jon reflects for a moment on what it all could mean.Should the Packers go all-in? (7:56)If the season does go on, this might be the Packers’ last best shot with Aaron Rodgers. They should maximize it.Further reading: Why the Packers should sign Everson GriffenWhat are our expectations for the Packers’ quarterbacks? (15:33)The Packers currently have three quarterbacks with a realistic shot at making the roster. What should we expect from them?Further reading: Aaron Rodgers ANY/A TrackerAaron Rodgers ‘bummed’ by Jordan Love pick, but has ‘no ill will’ toward the PackersSUPPORT

Matt LaFleur is in Year 2. Mike Pettine is in Year 3. Together, they’re the two most important coaches on the Packers. Is there any reason to think 2020 will be any different for them than 2019?Why the Packers should move away from 11 personnel (2:29)The Packers’ offense has historically revolved around 11 personnel. Maybe that’s a mistake.Further reading: Should the Packers move away from 11 personnel?Is Brian Gutekunst playing 4D chess? (6:32)Listener questions prompt some deep thinking about Brian Gutekunst’s future plans.Expectations for Matt LaFleur and Mike Pettine (16:40)Matt LaFleur and Mike Pettine are in the second year of their partnership. What are our expectations for each of them?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the season lurches towards its start, it’s time to take a look at every part of the organization. That starts with general manager Brian Gutekunst. What do we make of the GM heading into his third regular season?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There’s a prevailing opinion that running backs are easy to replace, but is that true? A few weeks ago, I’d have said yes. Now? I’m rethinking that position. Today, we’ll discuss why.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The 2020 NFL season is going to be different. We know that. What will it look like? That’s a much more interesting question, and one we won’t have the answer to for some time. But we should still ask a few questions about what it could look like. Here are some of those.8 Questions about the 2020 NFL season (00:32)What the 2020 season will look like is anybody’s guess. Here are a bunch of questions about how it could play out.Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Wrapping It Up (18:16)We’ve finished Take Your Eye Off the Ball. Now what? Well, I’ve got an opportunity for you.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Kansas City Chiefs backed up the money truck for Patrick Mahomes. Good for him! But can you believe the numbers? Probably not. Then, who on the Packers is hurting the cap? Some names might surprise you. Finally, what should we make of the statistical revolution in the NFL? Our latest book chapter has some thoughts.Reacting to the Patrick Mahomes deal (2:28)Patrick Mahomes scored the biggest contract extension ever, but at what cost?Further reading: Breakdown of the Mahomes dealThat $500 Million Number May Look Big, But Patrick Mahomes Is Actually Giving Up a LotSome bad contract values on the Packers(12:43)Not every contract on the Packers is a good one. Here are three that are poor values.Further reading: The three worst salary cap values on the Packers’ 2020 rosterTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 17 (16:32)Pat Kirwan has some thoughts on advanced analytics that are worth reflecting on.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt -

There was a bunch of Packers related news breaking all at once on Wednesday. Let’s sort through it, then explain why you don’t need to get hung up on scheme differences. Then, are there too many rules in the NFL? Yes!News recap (00:47)A bunch of NFL news happened in short order on Wednesday. Let’s quickly recap.Further reading: The Packers’ best wins and worst losses to their NFC North rivals since 2000Don’t get hung up on scheme (10:35)A quick look at why scheme differences aren’t as big of a deal as they seem.Further reading: The 4-3 Under and modern 3-4 defensive fronts and why they’re the sameTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 16 (15:13)This one is all about rules! You need to have some, but too many is bad. Guess how many the NFL has.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt

The Packers have a 60 year history with the Minnesota Vikings, and it’s gotten weird at times. Let’s take a look at a few of those weirder moments. But first… does anybody have any idea what this NFL season is going to look like?Does anybody know what’s going on with the 2020 NFL season? (00:44)With every day that passes, someone is floating a new plan for the 2020 season. But does anybody really know what’s going to happen?Raiders’ Mark Davis unhappy with decision to sell ads on seatsSome teams are thinking about game-day travel in 2020LA Rams Head Coach Sean McVay on NFL Social Distancing Policy: ‘I Don't Get It'The Packers and Vikings have had some weird moments (11:33)A quick look at weird moments in Packers/Vikings history.Packers have the edge in their rivalry with the Vikings, but Minnesota has its share of winsTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 15 (23:15)How do NFL teams treat injuries? It’s extremely complicated...and at times a little morally questionable.Favre has played since '92 with hip condit

Jamal Adams wants a trade and the Packers can always use more help on defense. Should Brian Gutekunst make a call? Well, probably not, it would be insanely hard to trade for Jamal Adams. But here’s why it’s at least worth thinking about.Blue 58 is a top-20 Packers podcast!Remembering Jan Stenerud’s career (1:37)A reader gives us a chance to look back on Jan Stenerud’s Packers career. What a story he’s got!Further reading: Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud was reliable and productive in Green BayThe power sweep went left! (3:19)Eminent Packers historian Cliff Christl talks about Lombardi’s most famous play, but makes a small mistake worth talking about.Further reading: Who are the Packers' greatest offensive players since 1950?Vince Lombardi’s 1966 Packers PlaybookHow do Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon coexist? (7:34)A listener wants to know how the Packers two headliner backs work together. I don’t think the two have to take away from each other.Should the Packers trade for Jamal Adams? (11:09)Adams wants out in N