Should the Packers bring back Driver?
by Timothy Bryce on Dec 25, 2011 10:59 PM CST
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PrintHey everyone. Before I get started, I wanted to apologize for not having one of these polls every week like I said I would. I have been very busy, the last several weeks. With all of the Packers we already discussed plus someone already asked about Finley a couple of weeks ago, that leaves one.
Yes.
That ONE.
Oh boy(Exhale).
Driver has been one of the most loyal athletes in recent memory. He could have asked to be traded or released during that whole Favre lunacy. Yet he didn't. On behalf of all Packer fans say thank you Donald for your 13 years of service. and everything you have meant to this organization.
That was the sentimental side of this. Now lets move on to the business side.
Fact: Donald Driver will be 37 years old at the start of next season. Fact: Driver's role has drastically reduced this season. Fact: The Packers have young receivers hungry for playing time and will probably add some more to that mix. Fact: Driver is due around 3 million next season.
So, finally the question.
Should the Packers bring back Donald Driver next season?
This should be an interesting conversation.
Have at it guys. Let's here what you have to say.
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If he takes a pay cut, sure
If he doesn’t, I have a hard time thinking we let the young guns sit on the bench for another season.
As much as I love the guy, I see him as replaceable at this point in his career…
SUPER BOWL CHAMPS
Yes.
If he takes a paycut and is willing to be a role player (allowing Jordy to be the clear cut 2, as he is now…and maybe even behind Jones or Cobb), I think he’s got a spot, but the youth are going to start taking over. Driver can be the clutch guy that is out there on key 3rd downs though. I trust him to make the key 10 yard catch to save a drive.
The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010
One word..
NO!!! Why bring back a 38 yrs old WR, who can’t get seperation instead of a 6’4 225 lb youngster who only needs a chance… Follow that logic and you might as well never have Driver on the Packers. I’m sure they could have found a 38 yr old WR who can’t seperate to keep instead of Driver way back when! Time to put the old man out to pasture!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
just think
driver cost brett swain that roster spot…. Driver is still better than any dime a dozen 23 year old receiver. If these receivers that Driver supposedly takes roster spots from were so great they would be drafted before the seventh round. I mean who do they think they are as late late round picks, Donald Driver??? When Tori Gurley gets cut next camp, who will be the flavor of the month as the next practice squad wunderkind?
by Glenn'sYank13 on Dec 26, 2011 12:51 AM CST up reply actions
Except they paid him like a #5 WR to sit on the squad the rest of the year...
instead of what they usually do in letting him walk for an opportunity somewhere else. That whole deal smelled like they had a little something worked out for next year, even if there is nothing set in stone. I think they want Gurley around in the future.
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 26, 2011 5:12 AM CST up reply actions
rec'd
Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013
by PackFaninFL on Dec 26, 2011 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
he's gonna retire if they win another title
he has nothing more to prove really. But if he does want to come back, bring him back IF he still has it, which we’ve all seen that he does this year.
football does not build character, it reveals character.
No
Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013
third option
The missing third option is to allow Driver to come to camp and compete for a position. The team owes him that much. If the decision is made to go with someone else, MM and TT can meet privately with Driver and give him the option to retire prior to being cut.
Nitschke never wore an earring!
by Packer Pete on Dec 26, 2011 7:05 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
No
Don’t want him taking away camp space and snaps away from some young player like a Gurley or someone we draft or free agent pickup.
Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013
Yeah, can't have the best receiver in our team's history take up a camp spot that could go to the next Spencer Havner!!!!!
Angelo: Right….so anyways Jay, I’m sure you understand that we needed to make this move and I wanna wish you the best of luck.
Cutler: (Swoops bangs out of eyes by throwing his head back) Whatever, I don’t need this team or you.
/Leaves in a huff
//Writes bad poetry on his blog
Grossman: What the fuck is Wilford Brimley’s problem?
What have you done for me lately
Thats what the league is all about… That and what are you gonna do in the future. Drivers has no future and next year less of an impact than even this year, if thats possible. How mant times has Thompson ever kept the aging and fading quickly vet over a young and developing player?
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
The fact that you two wouldn't even let him in camp to COMPETE for a job is a joke.
You act like every single player invited to camp actually has a chance to be the next Tramon Williams or Ryan Grant. But there’s a reason why the term “camp bodies” exists…..a decent portion of the players invited to camp have little to no chance to make the team, and are often brought in just to provide competition to the others. A great example is inviting Spencer Havner back this year……as the sixth or seventh TE in camp. No chance of actually making the team, but invited to camp nonetheless.
But you would deny Donald Driver the chance to even compete in camp? This is just pathetic at this point. I guess it’s sour grapes because your pre-season predictions for Driver didn’t come true…..that is, he hasn’t been injured all year, hasn’t been on the sidelines all year, and HAS made big catches for the team. Gonna admit that you were wrong about Driver this year? Of course not. You’re never wrong. And now you’ll take it out on Driver and complain about him even having the CHANCE to come back next year.
Pathetic.
Angelo: Right….so anyways Jay, I’m sure you understand that we needed to make this move and I wanna wish you the best of luck.
Cutler: (Swoops bangs out of eyes by throwing his head back) Whatever, I don’t need this team or you.
/Leaves in a huff
//Writes bad poetry on his blog
Grossman: What the fuck is Wilford Brimley’s problem?
by Packers3485 on Dec 27, 2011 12:07 AM CST up reply actions
BUT THE ROSTER SPOT OCCUPIED BY THEO SHERMAN WAS SO VALUABLE!!!!!1!!
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
by Wiedmann on Dec 27, 2011 12:48 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Relax...we are all family here...
We weren’t exactly “wrong” on Driver or Jenkins. Whenever Thompson makes a decision on a player, it isn’t because he predicts “Oh this guy is going to get injured for sure” — it’s because he recognizes that a particular player, at a particular stage of his career has a distribution of probable outcomes. The older the player gets, the more likely the distribution of outcomes points to less contribution, more injuries, etc.
It’s a statistical analysis based on an outcome vector, not a time and place specific “prediction”
As for camp fillers, two words: “MD Jennings”
Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013
If Driver isn't in the plans...
I don’t think TT will bring him back to take up a camp spot and possibly screw him out of a spot on another team if he wants to keep playing. His status on the team will be known long before camp starts.
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 27, 2011 3:39 AM CST up reply actions
Camp bodies...
Camp bodies are for young developmental guys! To see if they have anything to offer now or in the future. Its not for aging, over the hill declining players! Do you really think Driver WANTS to be nothing but a camp body? I seriously doubt it… He has too much pride than that! Guys like Tramon, Sam Shields is why you bring in guys like that… To see if they have anything to offer. Its not for guys who have used up the last of his usefulness. I don’t care if they bring Driver into camp, but all its doing is prolonging the inevitable! The pathetic part is that you or others want to keep Driver around just to be a body on the roster, cuz he’s good in the community and for his charitable activities! What role on the field is Driver going to have? Cobb was drafted to be his replacement in the slot and is far more explosive than Driver is anymore. Gurley would love to be on the roster as a ST player, do you think Driver would play ST better? Jennings, Nelson, Jones and Finley are past him now and the next one to pass him is going to be Cobb, which is already happening, since I believe in the past 2 weeks Cobb has more snaps than Driver. Yes, Driver has made big plays in the past… He used to be a Great player, but he is not a Great player anymore. I figured Driver was going to be on the roster this year, but at a severely diminished role. How was I wrong about that?
Nobody is annoiting Gurley anything other than a guy who is a very good ST player and who has potential to develop, which the Packer clearly believe he already has, and offers something none of the other WR on the roster offer. His size alone gives him something the Packer don’t have at WR, except for Finley who is a TE. Haven’t guys been wanting that big 6’4 or so WR who can physically dominate CB w/ his size alone? Nelson is 6’2 and Jones is 6’1 neither towers over a CB. When you figure out what productive role Driver is gonna have on the team next year, let me know.
Everyone gets that you love Driver and that he used to be a great player. The simple fact is he no longer offers anything the other WR offer! How long should he be kept on the roster for what he USED to be? Should we insult him be having him be nothing but a camp body and sideline cheerleader, cuz if he’s on the roster at any point next year thats all he’ll be! As for this year, how many gamechanging plays has Driver made? Very few, if any…
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
by Strohman on Dec 27, 2011 5:30 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Your reading comprehension is terrible
The pathetic part is that you or others want to keep Driver around just to be a body on the roster, cuz he’s good in the community and for his charitable activities!
He didn’t say that; he said bringing him into camp would take a roster spot away from someone who would only be a camp body.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
by Wiedmann on Dec 27, 2011 11:51 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
That's not the way I read it.
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 27, 2011 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
......
They were saying we shouldn’t even let Driver compete for a spot because it would take away a slot on the camp roster. I pointed out that spots on the camp roster are not exactly hard to come by, and not only given to players with a shot in hell of making the team…..implying that “wasting” a camp spot is not as big of a deal as what Stroh and his little minion are making it out to be.
Angelo: Right….so anyways Jay, I’m sure you understand that we needed to make this move and I wanna wish you the best of luck.
Cutler: (Swoops bangs out of eyes by throwing his head back) Whatever, I don’t need this team or you.
/Leaves in a huff
//Writes bad poetry on his blog
Grossman: What the fuck is Wilford Brimley’s problem?
by Packers3485 on Dec 27, 2011 8:19 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
MINIONS!!!!!!
football does not build character, it reveals character.
Yeah I got what you were saying after I read it again...
but the first time through, it read the opposite way.
I was confused as to whether you were arguing that the roster spot wouldn’t matter that much so Driver should get a shot, or that Driver had little chance of making the team so he should take up a spot….. or something. Hell, I don’t even know anymore.
Either way, I think they have it figured out before camp starts.
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 28, 2011 12:16 AM CST up reply actions
was stated by someone else farther down.
Bezerkers mentioned keeping Driver on the roster at about 4M i believe just cuz of his charitable activities. Thats why I said “others”. Packer3485 said they should bring him to camp and was talking about a camp body. IMO, next year thats all Driver would be… Just taking up space when they might be able to unearth another gem like Tramon or Shieilds! That would be a travesty, not to mention insulting to Driver.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
by Strohman on Dec 27, 2011 9:46 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree entirely which is why I don't think they do it that way.
They’ll work it out with Driver before camp as to whether he is in future plans or not.
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 28, 2011 12:17 AM CST up reply actions
rec'd
Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013
by PackFaninFL on Dec 27, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
It shouldn’t be about right or wrong. It should just be about keeping the best guys. We’re not talking about keeping a Havner over Driver, we’re talking about keeping Gurley over Driver. I’ve read a few times that he’s looked really, really good on the scout team going against all of our #1’s. If they think he can be a player then getting rid of Driver just might have to be done.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Dec 27, 2011 12:37 PM CST up reply actions
Not necessarily
The Packers kept 5 TEs & 10 LBs last year; who’s to say we couldn’t keep 6 WRs next year?
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
by Wiedmann on Dec 27, 2011 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I just doubt it happens. Thompson has always liked to keep LB’s, and has recently started to stock pile TE’s.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Dec 27, 2011 9:52 PM CST up reply actions
TE and LB
are the best combination of size and speed for the ST. I know McCarthy mentioned that keeping all the LB for a 34 D had something to do w/ his wanting to be a 34 D in the first place. Clearly the TE are in the same mold, since all except for Finley are ST mainstays.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Yeah, it is unlikely
but it’s certainly not a concrete “either Driver or Gurley.”
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
Yeah, not concrete but I think the comparison will be made. There’s no way we let go of Jennings, Nelson, Jones, or Cobb.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Dec 29, 2011 7:44 PM CST up reply actions
if we upgrade at OLB, it will allow us to keep at least one or two fewer LBs opening up a roster spot potentially.
The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010
Probably not 2 fewer
but if we get a good OLB in the draft, I wouldn’t be surprised to see both Walden & Jones leaving. I think Zombo, So’oto, and Lattimore are all going to be given time to develop. The only way I see 2 fewer is if one of those guys steps up & shows that we don’t need to draft an OLB (5 sack postseason for Zombo? A guy can dream).
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
Achhh!!!!!!!!
You saying they’ll only have 6 wide-outs in camp?
I think the organization has proved that it doesn't get sentimental with players.
If Driver is still on the roster next year it will be because he earned it. I think some of you are forgetting that he is still a very productive receiver in this offense. He doesn’t make the spectacular plays he did a few years ago, but he doesn’t have to with Jordy and Jennings on the team. They don’t need another deep threat that can run past a CB, and DD has settled in nicely to role of settling in underneath.
I’ve defended Driver a few times this year against people who are ready to anoint Gurley the next Jerry Rice. If Gurley comes in and shows that he just plain better, I have no problem with keeping him over Driver. But all I keep hearing is he has the potential to be very good, and I don’t think they should keep him based solely on potential, because he could also potentially become Brett Swain v2.0.
Packers' Magic Numbers:
Clinch Division = DONE!!!
Clinch 1st Rd Bye = DONE!!!
Clinch Homefield = 1
Driver
DD has settled in nicely to role of settling in underneath.
And that is exactly the role they drafted Cobb for. He is the Packers newer, younger, more explosive version of Driver or Wes Welker if not as good. Cobb is gonna be the guy playing that role next year along w/ his return duties. Driver is fight for his roster spot as much w/ Cobb as he is w/ Gurley. It comes down the who do you want as the 5th WR? A old washed up WR who can’t seperate or Gurley who has excelled in his role on the practice squad AND is a very good and very willing ST player? They didn’t pay Gurley like a roster player to stay on the PS if they didn’t want him on the roster next season. Gurley won’t be playing Drivers role in the passing game, Cobb will. Time to put the old man out to pasture. Hopefully, he sees the writing on the wall and doesn’t force the Packers to make the decision for him.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
by Strohman on Dec 26, 2011 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd
Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013
by PackFaninFL on Dec 26, 2011 10:36 AM CST up reply actions
This is all pointless...
He will graciously step away after taking back to back SB rings
*Proud Packers shareholder*
With my last breath, I curse Zoidberg!
by RaY210 on Dec 26, 2011 12:30 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I agree...
He won’t favre things up
Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013
by PackFaninFL on Dec 26, 2011 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
When you look at it on the field...
It seems pretty obvious. However, when you consider everything Driver does off the field, [Charity softball events, his own charity, taking kids in hospitals on shopping sprees, etc.] and how he’s one of the two or three most liked Packers, I could see us keeping him next year, and have 6 WR on the roster, at the expense of Tom Crabtree. Gurley was listed as a TE for part of training camp, remember. I say Driver stays next year at his price, which is about 2.2 mil + a 2 million dollar roster bonus. Some of that can be worked around, I guess, but I’d love to see Driver in green and gold next year. Heck, I’d love to see Driver in 2013 as well.
13-1
Thanks, Chiefs, thanks a lot.
MattFlynn4StartingQB
Gurley was not a TE.
You think at 6’4 and 215 when training camp started he was going to play TE? Packers have said he has gained 10 lbs during the year to get to 225 or so. Crabtree is a core ST player too. You don’t pay a guy 3M+ or whatever Driver is making for what he does off the field. You pay for his play on it. They don’t need his leadership w/ Jennings taking over the #1 WR and spokesman of the group. Drivers been a great player, leader and in community, but he is going to have an even more diminished role next year w/ Cobb taking alot of, if not all the snaps as a slot WR. Just no reason to keep him on the roster to be a cheerleader on the sidelines at the expense of a player w/ potential.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
They listed him as a TE for a week during preseason last year.
Might have been a typo though. Someone said that to keep attention from other teams away, they listed him as a TE. Sorry if I’m mistaken. Driver’s making 4.2 mil total, which is probably too high, but we could negotiate that down, I’m sure.
13-1
Thanks, Chiefs, thanks a lot.
MattFlynn4StartingQB
Oh and on Crabtree
He’s the second worst graded TE in the NFL for the amount of snaps he’s taken. He’s a horrendous run blocker, a decent pass blocker, and an extremely overrated ST player.
13-1
Thanks, Chiefs, thanks a lot.
MattFlynn4StartingQB
Crabtree isn't around for his offensive prowess.
He is a very good blocker (between him and Quarless) the best among the TE and plays on virtually every ST play there is. That is his role… Much like Bush used to be the worst CB in the NFL by most, Crabtree will stick around if for only his ST ability.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
he was a very good blocker last year
taken a bit of a step back this year though
football does not build character, it reveals character.
You have stats to back up the assertions?
or is that purely you speculating? I haven’t heard of Crabtree blowing any big blocks that cost the Packers yardage…
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
again, I watch the games
you should try it sometime
football does not build character, it reveals character.
Ohh.
So I should just trust your ad nauseum thoughts w/o any evidence to back it up? Maybe you should try backing up anything you say w/ some reasonable stats to prove your point. Hell even a comment in an article written by a journalist might offer a little credibility… Unfortunately until you do either you don’t have a leg to stand on!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
I get nauseating thoughts ad nauseum.
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 28, 2011 12:18 AM CST up reply actions
wait…are you asking HIM to back up his statements with evidence? I thought it was YOUR job to go look it up and prove him wrong, that is what we were told to do earlier this year when we asked you to back up your statements with proof! ;-)
The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010
No, he's being consistent
Strohman never has to look anything up, ever.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
by Wiedmann on Dec 28, 2011 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I was pointing out your consistency
Try to take a compliment for once.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
by Wiedmann on Dec 28, 2011 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
If a backhanded compliment counts...
Not in my book… Sure sounded exacly like a backhand to me.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Why the hell do you think I mentioned it?
Cuz all you guys climbing all over me to do it. And I have on occasion, just don’t ask me to go back a couple years. If its something recent I find it… But I don’t have time to dig thru mega articles when I don’t even know where the hell I read something. He on the other hand is just spouting his own, opinion… Nothing more. At least when I state my opinion I usually indicate it w/ IMO.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Worst CB in the league?
I mean, he’s bad and all, but have you even seen me play?
- Asher Allen
by Charlie Kelly on Dec 26, 2011 4:59 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Depends on how Gurley develops
Should Gurley prove himself worthy of a roster spot, then it’s time to part ways.
They should sign him up to operate the team's bus
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
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