With the offseason workouts in the past and a six-week break ahead before the start of training camp, NFL writers are looking for storylines and angles to give them some insight into how the 2019 season will shape up. One such newsworthy item revolves around the relationship between Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur, as the two men most responsible for bringing the Green Bay Packers back to greatness.
Monday’s Cheese Curds discussed a breakdown of their working relationship, but today’s looks at a specific facet of the scheme that has become a concern in some circles lately: Rodgers’ ability to change the play at the line of scrimmage. LaFleur’s scheme tries to minimize the need to make those changes — it’s designed to take the pressure off the quarterback.
However, LaFleur is a smart guy, and he knows that he needs to tailor his scheme to his players’ strengths. One way he can do that is by allowing Rodgers — one of the most intelligent players in the NFL — to have at least some freedom to react to what he sees on the field. Finding that balance will be important, and both men will likely need to relinquish a little bit of the control that they are used to, but a professional approach and a bit of compromise on both sides can get these two exactly where they need to be.
Aaron Rodgers, Matt LaFleur navigating new Packers partnership - NFL.com
Discussion about how much freedom Rodgers has to make changes at the line will probably rage on well into the regular season. Aaron was able to switch into any play in the playbook under Mike McCarthy, but LaFleur admits that his offense is not set up to allow for that.
Adding context to audible issue between Aaron Rodgers, Matt LaFleur | Packers Wire
However, here's the counterpoint: LaFleur implied that he recognizes Rodgers' greatness and intelligence. He wants to remove the need for Rodgers to check into different plays at the line, but this comment is telling: "But certainly, if there's a play that's not gonna be good, yeah, please save us. That'd be great."
Inbox: He’s positioned to have a career-defining year | Packers.com
This week's inbox addresses what Blake Martinez needs to do to take a big step, plus takes on OLB coach Mike Smith and what Tramon Williams brings to the defense.
Running-game reps are evidence Packers' offensive emphasis will change | Packersnews.com
Despite no hitting or pads coming on, the Packers still did work on the running game quite a bit during OTAs and minicamp. It's understandably difficult to get a read on how effective that facet of the game will be, but for the players, it should be good practice to make sure their blocking assignments become second nature and that the backs can see the holes opening up.
Veterans who could be cut by each of the NFL's 32 teams | ESPN
Mason Crosby is the pick here from ESPN, and that echoes some thoughts we have had here at APC this offseason. The veteran has a cap hit of almost $5 million, and the team could save over two-thirds of that in space by letting him loose.
Gurley's trainer confirms 'arthritic component' to knee - NFL.com
This confirms what has been largely speculated in recent months. Gurley will likely need to keep his weight down a bit as a result of this issue, which were related to the ACL tear he suffered in college.
7 of the most surprisingly athletic NFL players from the past 20 years - SBNation.com
Linked for the Jared Lorenzen reference.
Orca pod makes rare appearance in Vancouver’s False Creek | Globalnews.ca
This is super cool - a photo of a group of killer whales who wandered into the inner harbor in Vancouver.