Advantage taken, opportunity seized.  It’s refreshing to see a Packers team win because of defense.  While the offense got off to a hot start, it completely vanished—while many will speculate as to why, I’m not sure we’ll know the reason for at least 2-6 more weeks.

Recap ~ Kirk Cousins is still terrible, nothing has changed.  Week 2, like week 1—Rodgers outplayed his opposite number.  The Packers defense has now closed out consecutive games for the first time since 2010 (that’s just going off memory).  The Smith Bros. (they’re not really brothers, FYI) again have reminded us what a nice thing it is to have legitimate pass-rushers at pass rushing positions.  We’ve also seen the secondary for the 2^nd straight week essentially lockdown another good receiving corps.  All in all, a great win, just odd that the offense seemed to hit on all cylinders until the scripted plays ran out.

Preview ~ The Denver Broncos also boast a solid defense, and an awesome matchup of premier pass/edge rushers vs. one of the best Tackle-combos in the NFL…Bradley Chubb (#55) and Von Miller (#58) vs. David Bakhtiari (#69) and Bryan Bulaga (#75).  As in the first 2 games, the team that controlled the line of scrimmage controlled the game.  The Packers did just that, hence the 2-0 start, expect more of the same…more so from the Packers’ defensive front vs. the Broncos’ OL, leading Joe Flacco into some risky throws.  The Packers should have a chance to pick-off at least 3 passes, should they catch all 3, ball game.

That’s about it, should be a solidly played defensive game from both teams, but I expect the Packers’ QB to play better than Flacco.

Broncos 13
Packers 24

Season: 1-1
Overall: 44-26

**Should be a good prep for the Eagles on Thursday Night!**

Just like last year, the Packers find themselves with a grand opportunity to take control of the division after having beaten the Bears in their opener.  To go 2-0 vs. the division would be a huge step in the proper direction for this organization’s rebuild and for a rookie Head Coach to build a locomotive-like momentum of confidence.

Review~ The Packers held Chicago to 254 total yards of offense, registered 5 sacks, and had the game’s only turnover (an interception by former Bear, Adrian Amos Jr.).  While the Packers’ D showed vast improvement, even if against a crap QB, the Packers’ offense didn’t look any different aside from the QB not reacting as quickly on hot reads as he had in the previous scheme.  That’s to be expected considering he, obviously, mastered McCarthy’s offense and everyone else was on the same page far more often than can be expected after implementing a new offense.  However, the offense truly struggled and in 13 possessions had 9 punts—I believe a previous blog I had titled “9 Punts?!?!”  The difference here was Aaron Rodgers managed the game, knowing his defense was in control and that Mitch Trubisky wasn’t going to win the game unless the offense handed it to them.  Kudos due where kudos is due.

The defense controlled, closed, and won the game—there were 2 things that stuck out:

1. Improved Tackling—minimal YAC by the Bears
2. Pass Rush

All in all, a great Win considering it’s a new coaching staff, going into a primetime game, on the road, vs. a team that believes they have a shot at winning the Super Bowl (which the Bears don’t, but still).

Preview~ one of the few teams that looked as good, if not better than, the Packers…enter the Minnesota Vikings.  Again, their competition needs to be taken into account, but they did what they were supposed to—opened at home, and jumped all over the Falcons.  The Vikings utilized their uber-talented HB, Dalvin Cook.  He’s the best version of Aaron Jones, super explosive, good vision, and a home run hitter from the backfield.  The Packers have the ability to attack Minnesota’s weaknesses, as they did in their week 2 match-up last year.  Their weaknesses you ask?  The QB and OL.  Defensive Coordinator, Mike Pettine, ran quite a bit of 3-3-5 (3 DL, 3 LBs, and 5 DBs)…allowing Kenny Clark to be single-teamed, which usually results in disaster for his opposition.

If the Packers can get a similar pass rush vs. Cousins as they did Mitch, the defense should have another good day.  However, it’s difficult to image the Vikings abandoning the run as Chicago did…Minnesota and Cousins only had 10 pass attempts all game, meaning they pounded the ball.

Win the turnover battle, and/or have no turnovers and I think Rodgers will be able to make a play or two to pull this one out.

Vikings 16
Packers 20

Season Record: 1-0
Overall Record: 43-26

If you read yesterday’s post, you’ll know I don’t have a good handle on who/what the Packers are…no one really should.  There are so many new pieces, both coaches and players, to really understand what the Packers are going to be.  So let’s look at what each team was last year, whom/what they added and lost, and give an educated guess as to what each actually may be now…

After the 2018 campaign, the Bears ranked in the top 10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense.  The Packers were a “middle of the road” team in each offense and defense.  Which was very indicative of each team’s record.

As you can see the Packers are outclassed in these rankings, but let’s look at the key additions.

Packers ~ obviously the largest addition is the coaching staff.  An overhaul of strategy, scheme, and environment (mindset).  What has been a weakness for years can now be argued as a strength; defensive secondary.  The Packers traded away Haha Clinton-Dix and replaced him with Adrian Amos (funny enough essentially traded safeties with Chicago).  Amos is one of the better safeties in football, and the other Safety, Darnell Savage, has pure raw ability to be something – great role model to learn from in Amos is now here vs. Haha’s gambling a$$.  Again, this is a huge IF, but if Kevin King can stay healthy the Packers boast a borderline great secondary, couple that with new pass-rushers in The Smiths (Za’Darius and Preston) and the defense really could be improved.

Thinking further, the Packers scheme-change on offense (should have quite a bit more of a run focus) should keep the defense off the field longer and should make them more effective.  If Rodgers is asked to only make 25-30 throws/game, that could really equate to a very efficient offense (points/possession) while the defense wouldn’t have to play as much, making them better, so on and so forth.

Bears ~ the largest loss for Chicago, I believe, was Vic Fangio (defensive coordinator).  He went to become the Head Coach at Denver, and really turned this Bears’ defense around in his time, then getting Khalil Mack really helped as well.  However, with him leaving, and the QB of the defense, Adrian Amos, not only leaving, but joining your week 1 opponent—that could really set a disadvantage or at least negate the major advantage they could have had.  The Bears also let HB Jordan Howard walk, but drafted high-ceiling/low-basement HB David Montgomery from Iowa St.

Overall- these two teams split their season series last year, each winning their home game.  The Surprise Factor has been discussed this week, meaning the Bears had an advantage last year because they had a new coach which was unknown and the Packers’ defense had no clue what to expect, but adjusted nicely and ultimately won the game.  Bears QB Mitch Trubisky didn’t play a lick of preseason last year as well, and the offense had no issue in the 1^st half of the first game, so assuming the Packers and Aaron Rodgers would experience the same may actually be accurate.

X-Factor?  Aside from the QBs or Khalil Mack, I truly believe the Packers’ OL vs. the Bears’ DL will dictate the outcome of this game.  That makes me happy as a former offensive lineman J

Packers 21
Bears 24

Season Record: 0-0
Overall Record: 43-25

It’s finally here!  I think this is the exact phrase used annually, yet it always seems to feel right—football is back and the NFL is back!  For those that have read this entire time with me, my condolences, it must be painful, however thank you!  So let’s get to it, shall we?

For the first time in a while it feels as though the NFL is wide open.  Well, at least it feels like there’s more than 2-3 teams with a legitimate shot to win the Lombardi Trophy.  Speaking of wide open, I have no clue what to expect from the Packers this year.  They’ve gone through a 99% rebuild (I’d say complete, but that would mean 100% and as long as Rodgers is here, the Packers haven’t turned every stone) and it was needed.  I wish, as a growing minority also believe, Green Bay would’ve gone through the completion of the rebuild—but here we are.  I can see the Packers finishing anywhere from 8-8 to 12-4 and as awesome as it would be, there’s no chance this team wins the Super Bowl.  With that, let’s move on to what the entire league will look like…

As I do every year, in order to pick records for every team, those records must add-up correctly, so I go through the schedule grid for all 32 teams and pick Wins and Losses, then coincide those selections to each team’s schedule, making up their record.  It’s tough to do since a lot of the time you’re conscious of a team you always pick against and another couple you always pick to win.  What I’m mainly looking for is rankings in the standings and playoff seeding.  That seems to have worked out.

Wild Card Round:

• Dallas @ Chicago
• Pittsburgh @ New England
• LA Chargers @ Jacksonville
• Green Bay @ New Orleans

Divisional Round:

• Chicago @ Philadelphia
• New England @ Cleveland
• New Orleans @ LA Rams
• LA Chargers @ Kansas City

Championship Sunday:

• New Orleans @ Philadelphia
• New England @ Kansas City

Super Bowl LIV, Miami, FL:

• New Orleans vs. Kansas City

Super Bowl LIV Champions…

• This is tough, both would go against most of what I’ve been saying about winners in the last 4-5 years. Either Brees gets a 2^nd, along with his head coach, Sean Payton and it’s been 10 years since they won their 1^st—or Andy Reid finally wins one after coaching forever and having boatloads of talent on most of his teams…If this is the matchup I really don’t have a rooting interest because either Brees solidifies himself as a QB with 2 rings or Mahommes and Reid get their 1^st and further prove the point that ANYONE can win ONE (borrowed phrase from a friend)…

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS—win their 2^nd Super Bowl

Well here we are, 7 days away from kicking off the 100^th NFL season with the league’s two oldest teams.  There’s still quite a bit to watch for tonight, especially concerning the offensive line.  There’s fierce competition at the Guard spots as well as the Wide Receiving corps—LG incumbent Lane Taylor has found himself in a battle mainly because he’s above average, but he’s not that much better of an option than everyone else, but costs significantly more money…the writing is essentially on the wall.  However, the Packers are in good shape regarding the cap and still need depth at O-line, so we’ll see, I’d keep him.

Wide Receiver is a bit more intriguing because there seems to be decent depth.  There’s a chance they could keep 7 WRs, but if that happens it’s likely because Equanimeous St. Brown begins the season on IR.  Your Packer receiver, in order of depth (of what I believe SHOULD happen):

1. Davante Adams #17
2. Jake Kumerow #16
3. Marques Valdez-Scantling #83
4. Geronimo Allison #81
5. Trevor Davis #11
6. Allen Lazard #13
7. Equanimeous St. Brown #19

I like Darrius Shepherd #10, but he’s 5’11” vs. Lazard who stands at 6’5”, so it’s likely Lazard makes the team vs. those two as Shepherd would be “easier to clear waivers” and to stash on the Practice Squad when Davis gets hurt.  Yes, when…dude gets hurt on arm-tackles.

Other than that, there’s not much else—OLB Reggie Gilbert was traded yesterday to the Tennessee Titans for a 7^th round draft pick, which is nice to get a return when the guy was likely getting cut.  OLB is a position in a 3-4 defense where you can never have enough talent, but it’s obvious he was getting cut so keep an eye on who plays there tonight as those guys will (should) get every chance possible since we know the starters are the Smiths (Za’Darius #55 and Preston #91) are locked in starters.  Rookie Rashan Gary #52 needs to stop playing like the last guy that wore #52 and needs to play more like the last guy that wore #92…smh

What used to be known as the “Dress Rehearsal” for the regular season, has since shifted to Preseason Week 3. With the focus of head injuries (concussions) the last decade or so, the NFL has striped teams of practicing with full-contact nearly as often as they used to, which in return saves hits to the head/body, however the other side is that these guys don’t get their bodies used to taking such a pounding.  Without scientific evidence and an educated opinion developed from, what my wife would say is, watching too much football- I believe a lot of these injuries where guys get “banged up” is from not being used to it, or being over protective of their bodies.  I completely understand and agree with this, however the unwillingness to increase roster sizes and adjust IR (Injured Reserve) to better reflect Major League Baseball is irresponsible and enables teams to put out a worse product.

Okay okay, maybe that was a little too serious and meant for its own post.  Let’s get back to the game tonight, eh?  (Catch that reference?)  The Packers are taking on the Oakland “For now until we move to Las Vegas” Raiders, which also could be known as “Yes, we’re the team that decided trading Khalil Mack was the right move to rebuild, but only to follow that move up with adding a diva WR that’s over 30 and paying him a ton of money…”

I’ll keep reiterating what to watch for, or at least what I’m keeping my eye on.  Sadly, it’s become a story that many Packer fans feared, will Rashan Gary record a stat?  No, that’s not a typo, STAT is short for STATISTIC.  Like Kevin King (and Vince Biegel) will forever be graded against TJ Watt, Rashan Gary will forever be graded vs. Christian Wilkins (DT for the Dolphins, went 1 pick after Gary at 13^th).  Gary looks the part, but has yet to literally do anything.  He needs to at least show he’s capable of something vs. and opponent in live action, even if that opponent won’t’ be on an NFL roster, because wretchedly that’d be an improvement…

The other items to lookout for is the timing of the 1’s on offense.  The issue here is if Rodgers doesn’t play, this is almost moot and a wasted opportunity.  I understand withholding him from playing, but if that’s the case, then why do any of the established starters (Adams, Bakhtiari, Linsley, and Bulaga) need to play?  Why risk injury if it’s not worth it?  Hell, those guys have a far better chance at ending up hurt than a QB, especially one that isn’t a runner.  Again, I’ll point to my first paragraph as to why these guys (Rodgers) likely won’t play.

So far the guys that have stood out to me in these preseason games have been Ty Summers (#44), Darrius Shepherd (#10), and Ka’Dar Hollman (#29).  Now, some other players have made some plays and looked good, but these are the types of guys (2^nd year guys and rookies) that are becoming recognized.  Others have been playing well too, ala Allen Lazard (#13), so hopefully the Packers can get the entire 1^st string offense (Rodgers included) a series or two vs. the Raiders’ 1^st defense AND to get the young cats some looks vs. their 1^st and 2^nd defense too.  All in all, just look for positive consistency from the guys you don’t know.

Well of the players I mentioned to watch, Oren Burks may have ended his season or at the very least suffered a potentially serious injury.  This opens the door for ILB next to Blake Martinez.  Ty Summers (#44) made the most of the opportunity and Passed the Test—and has essentially made the team by showcasing his potential that he belongs on an NFL roster.  Let’s keep in mind that everyone that played last Thursday was, at best, a back-up…preseason should be judged on not whether someone stands out in a positive sense, but if they look as if they don’t belong.  Meaning if they look slow, or weak, that’s more telling than looking great.  If a player can’t hold his own against back-ups (at best remember), then they don’t deserve to take up a roster spot.

Heading into the 2^nd game of the preseason, the Packers’ starters are likely to get some action, which I believe is important in the sense of timing and getting live hitting action.  I’m also a firm believer that there’s (maybe not even a) fine line between getting used to hits (immunity?) and having too much live action.  Either way, more live reps can only help or LaFleur said he expects the (offensive) starters to play a “quarter or so.”

What should we watch for tonight?

• Timing of the 1^st string offense; rhythm.
• Cole Madison—missed his entire rookie season last year with a personal issue. He played limited snaps last week and did not look good. Keep an eye on him, #61. Lots of potential and hope for him to help the OL.
• Ka’Dar Hollman—had an INT and played well last week. Let’s see if he can build upon that performance.  Rookie corners can make an immediate impact to a team in the regular season. He wears #29.
• Ty Summers—quickly shooting up the ranks of Packer training camp favorite. Again, he passed the first test, but if he continues to show he belongs he may end up winning a starting job.  #44.

With the Brewers deciding a chance at the playoffs in 2019 is more important than winning a World Series or two in the next 4 years, let’s move on to the best sport ever….FOOTBALL!!!

The Packers kickoff the preseason tonight vs. the Houston Texans.  The Texans have been in Green Bay all week practicing against the Pack, which gives an added element.  The season preview will come later this month heading into the league opener, but as far as what to watch for tonight, always the Rookies and 2^nd year guys.  I don’t get caught up in production or big plays as I do more on who seems to know the playbook and who’s playing with confidence (knowing where they’re going, what they’re supposed to do, etc.).

There are a boatload of rookies and 2^nd year guys that’ll be playing tonight, and I have yet to see the Inactives, however these guys I’m really intrigued to see play:

• #52 Rashan Gary (DE/LB)—he will forever be judged vs. Christian Wilkins (Mia- DT/DL) just as (deservedly so) Kevin King will be vs. TJ Watt.
• #20 Kevin King (CB)—he’s not a 2^nd year guy, however he’s hurt yet again and that’s some serious bull-shine (word borrowed from Czabe)!!!! He’s failing that grade vs. TJ Watt, big time.  The frustrating aspect of King is when he’s healthy, he’s shown why Thompson traded back to get him.
• #37 Josh Jackson (CB/S)—2^nd year man from Iowa (2 pick-6’s vs Wisc. Two years ago) needs to take advantage of his opportunity this camp, especially with King’s injury issues.
• #42 Oren Burks (ILB)—speaking of opportunity, this seems like it could be a head-2-head competition with rookie ILB #44 Ty Summers. Burks was drafted because he can run and cover, as was Summers.  Hopefully one, or both, of these guys can step up to help Blake Martinez captain the middle of the Defense.

I could easily just list every rookie, but that’d be no fun, plus no one would really notice.  It’ll be tough to gauge the WRs without Rodgers playing tonight, so I won’t put too much stock into anything they do, good or bad.

If you’re watching tonight keep in mind the main thing is “no injuries.”

Now that the Mid-Summer Classic (MLB’s All-Star Game) has completed, let’s take a look at the current status of each of our beloved teams: Packers; Brewers; Bucks.

Green Bay Packers – after a very active offseason, and an important one, the Packers find themselves in one of the oddest situations of any team, ever.  They’ve completely rebuilt the roster, however held onto the oldest and most-expensive player whilst doing so…

Since the embarrassment of the 2016 NFC title game (January 2017), the Packers should’ve committed to a full rebuild, however they began a subtle one, replacing a lot of the bottom of their roster (i.e. the last 10 spots of their roster or more).  In the 30 months since that game, the Packers have completely revamped their WR corps, Tight Ends, entire secondary, and linebackers.  All of which (aside from WRs) were a hard weakness for this team.

In addition to completely revamping the roster by focusing on improving the weaknesses, they’ve kept the quality of the offensive line (overall) which is a strength when not decimated by injury.  Lastly, the coaching staff has seen a complete overhaul—all of this removes excuses from Rodgers apologists for not winning more than 1 Super Bowl.  For the remainder of his contract (or the next 5 years) the Packers (Rodgers) can “salvage” his career by winning 2 more rings.  We’ll see, but regardless, the last two offseasons have been as important as ever and the 2019 campaign is the beginning of the new window to see how well Brian Gutekunst performed in those offseasons…Football is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!

Milwaukee Brewers – after blowing a prime opportunity to win the NL pennant, the Brewers kept their foot on the gas to improve their roster to get over the hump.   In doing so, the Brewers added C Yasmani Grandal (the Dodgers primary Catcher, and good hitter) and he’s performed greatly for the Crew.  He leads Catchers in almost every offensive category, and has not been a liability behind the plate—however it’s tough to see the entire pitching staff struggle and the only real changes are the pitching coach (Derrick Johnson to Cincinnati, who’s improved greatly) and supplanting Grandal for Kratz in the catching squad.

As of today (July 17, 2019) the Brewers sit at 50-47, 2.5 games from 1^st in the NL Central and 0.5 games back of the 2^nd wild card.  While some teams have made the World Series from the Wild Card, it’s quite obvious the Brewers are quite a ways away from competing with the likes of the Dodgers or Braves.  For anyone in the boat that the Brew Crew should be buyers before the trade deadline (July 31^st), because the Cubs are not playing up to par should not be the reason the Brewers need to go for it this year.  If anything, there’s a great break to set up the next 3 years and to continue to build around Yelich and the rest of the young talent this team currently holds.  Keston Hiura seems to be the real deal, so there are 2 bats to build around while finding out if Hauser, Burnes, Woodruff, and Davies can all be long-term answers for the rotation.  Much like the Packers in 2015, there’s a window to really set up the franchise for actual (winning world titles, not being relevant) success in the years to come if handled correctly.

Milwaukee Bucks – such an odd (great while extremely disappointing) season the Bucks produced.  Entering the season, many thought a “successful season” would be winning a playoff series and pushing the 2^nd round opponent deep for an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.  About a 1/3 of the way through the season, it was clear this Bucks team was far superior to those expectations.  Giannis had obviously taken another giant leap forward in his ability and production, while making a team full of a ton of role players and making them the “best” team min the NBA on to a 60-win season and a 1 seed in throughout the entire postseason.  In countless personal discussions with many of you, this is where it gets odd…the Bucks surpassed initial expectations by Jan 1^st, and by doing so found themselves with their best chance to win an NBA title, maybe ever.  The question I keep asking myself, Will the Bucks ever have a better opportunity to win a title?  I don’t think so.  Kawhi Leonard deserves every bit of credit thrown his way, and maybe even more (top 3 postseason in NBA history), the Bucks took a 2-0 lead and had Toronto on the ropes in game 3 into double OT and had they won it, would’ve iced the series.

(Hypothetically) Looking to the Finals matchup vs. Golden State, the Bucks would’ve caught the dynasty without 3 of their 4 best players.  So it would’ve been a Giannis v Curry matchup and Milwaukee was possibly the worst match-up (in every capacity) for the Warriors of any team.  Instead, Kawhi did what he did, and the rest is history.  Now the Bucks lost Brogdon, Mirotic (contributed nothing in the postseason, especially vs Toronto) and $178M to Middleton while gaining Wes Matthews (nice) and Robin Lopez (nice addition as well).  Overall, I believe the Bucks got worse, while other teams improved (sans Toronto).  This year will be interesting, but Middleton will be under scrutiny for the remainder of his days as a Milwaukee Buck.  It very well could determine whether the Bucks ever win the Larry O’Brien Trophy…

I, like many, didn’t initially like the 12^th overall selection of Rashan Gary (DE-Michigan), ‘nor was he really on my radar.  Gary possesses many of the traits of a “Bust.”  A ton of potential that never really showed, especially on a consistent manner, in college, and an injury that can easily be nagging (see Kevin King).  However, if he ends up becoming the player his potential shows, it’ll obviously be a good pick.  Where I still struggle, is that every player in the draft, let alone the 1^st round, has a ton of potential…and picking the “safer” player (Christian Wilkins, DL-Clemson) may have been the play.

After Gary, the Packers continued to address the defense, which I’m always a fan—Darnell Savage seemed to be the target of Indianapolis and Baltimore as each traded back after Green Bay moved back up to select the Maryland safety.  Savage seems like the type of player that is a cover safety.  He can play in the box and tackle, while at the same time possesses that athleticism to cover the slot or potentially a tight end. This should give Defensive Coordinator, Mike Pettine, plenty of versatility to disguise his coverages and blitz packages for years to come.

The rest of the draft covered eventual needs: Guard/Tackle; Tight End; Defensive Line; Cornerback; Halfback; Inside Linebacker.  Again, to reiterate, it’s not realistic to expect rookies to make an immediate impact, however some may make some sort of impact in certain areas.  Say, for instance, Ka’Dar Hollman (CB-Toledo) and Ty Summers (LB-TCU) will likely get a major opportunity to contribute on special teams, while Dexter Williams (HB-Notre Dame) will be called upon for reps at running back due to eventual injuries throughout the season.  Kinglsey Keke (DL-Texas A&M) will hopefully find himself in a rotation of the defensive line.  Keep in mind, the teams that have great defenses (top 7), a common trait of Super Bowl winners, have a deep rotation along the defensive front (ala Packers  in 2010), and hopefully Keke can provide more depth voided so far by Montravius Adams (2017 3^rd round pick from Auburn) and a few others.  If he can join Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels, Dean Lowry, and Tyler Lancaster, that will only help the pass rush, linebackers, and secondary.

Plenty to keep an eye on, however for football junkies, the rookie class is always front and center of attention of the fan base in training camps—with true Draft & Develop teams (still the best strategy to build a longevity of quality), your eyes should focus on those guys from the 2017 and 2018 draft classes for steps of improvement.

2017:
Kevin King #20 CB
Josh Jones #27 S (apparently wants out)
Montravius Adams #90 DL
Jamaal Williams #30 HB
Aaron Jones #33 HB

2018:
Jaire Alexander #23 CB
Josh Jackson #37 CB/S
Oren Burks #42 ILB
J’Mon Moore #82 WR
Cole Madison #61 G
Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 WR
Equanimeous St. Brown #19 WR
James Looney #99 DL
Kendall Donnerson  #53 LB

These are the players still on the roster that have been drafted by the Packers, as of 8a CST Wednesday May 8, 2019.  As we approach training camp in summer, these names should become more apparent and the expectations they should play major roles and contribute will rise.

The ones really to keep an eye on are Josh Jackson (#37), he had high football IQ coming out and was a ball hawk, he needs to step up in a major way.  J’Mon Moore (#82) was the 1^st of three WRs drafted by the Packers last year, but had the least amount of snaps during the season for one reason or another.  He’s been active on social media posting his training videos and there’s no doubt he possesses the most talent of the 3, but again, means nothing without production.  Cole Madison (#61), never attended minicamp last season due to a personal matter, but there were expectations he could even potentially take a starting role at Right Guard as a rookie.  We’ll see what kind of shape he’s in and how good he can be after missing football for an entire season, but if he can fill the void along the OL, that would be a major boost to the depth of this team at one of the most important areas.