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With the Green Bay Packers stumbling towards the conclusion of their season, the process of self-scouting within the organization will soon be in full force if it isn’t underway already.
The Packers will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and this should cause the team to take a hard look at the entire operation from the roster to the coaching staff and even the front office.
One could argue some changes should have been made a few years ago but the eight consecutive postseason appearances combined with two NFC title game appearances helped masked some sizable warts. Once Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone, the band-aid was ripped off and the Packers’ flaws were visible for all the league to see.
No one, save Aaron Rodgers and maybe a few others, are assured jobs in Green Bay next season. Even all-time greats like Jordy Nelson could easily find themselves on the roster bubble.
Read more on the upcoming winter of discontent in Titletown in today’s cheese curds.
End of Packers’ playoff run could prompt Mark Murphy, Mike McCarthy to take action—ESPN.com
Could this season be the case of “one step back to take two steps forward?” Packers fans hope so.
What you might have missed: Debut on the Edge—Packers.com
While the shutout loss to the Vikings was a disaster on multiple fronts, there were some rays of light for the Packers. OLB Reggie Gilbert made his NFL debut and flashed some pass rush ability.
Salary-cap growth eases Packers’ free-agency risk—PackersNews.com
The Packers once again will have room to maneuver in free agency but, assuming it’s still Ted Thompson calling the shots, will the Packers pull the trigger again after getting burned by Martellus Bennett?
Lions’ Caldwell focuses on Packers, not job status—The Detroit News
Caldwell’s job status is very much in question after the Lions were eliminated from postseason contention last week. A solid showing against the Packers might be enough for Caldwell to return to Detroit in 2018.
Brace yourselves, Packer Nation. Jordy Nelson might not be in Green Bay next season. Without Rodgers throwing the ball most of the season, Nelson vanished. For an aging receiver, that’s not a good sign.