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.

It’s here, the first of 3 days of the NFL Draft, the best method to build a team.  Again, drafting is always about the future- no one should expect contributions (major) from rookies.  Yes they happen, however that’s not the primary reason to take a player.  When looking at the teams that have had long-term “success,” yes I’ll include the Packers in that grouping for the sake of conversation…those teams have focused on acquiring draft picks vs. trading them away for current assets.

The Packers enter the 2019 NFL Draft with 10 draft selections, two in the 1^st round tonight.  Based on everything I’ve read and have deciphered, it seems this draft has 3-4 players that could be studs (Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, and Josh Allen) and then a bunch of players in the 2^nd tier.  As unpopular as it was under Ted Thompson, trading back (if getting the proper value) may be the best option as the Packers sit at 12 and could garner the same value/quality of player at, let’s say, 20 while netting additional draft equity.

I won’t be attempting to guess what the Packers will do, there are too many variables, as well as players they could take.  However, there’s been some talk (not as recent) that Ed Oliver (one of those 3-4 stud players) could drop.  I don’t believe that will happen, but I could see a scenario present itself for Green Bay to maybe even trade up to get a player of his caliber.  Again, very unlikely, then again every few years there are players that drop, inexplicably, in the draft and are a tremendous value.  The Packers may be in one of the best positions, thanks to last year’s trade with New Orleans, of having a top 2^nd-tier draft position (12^th) and an additional 1^st round selection (30^th via the Saints) to do whatever they please.  If a great talent falls, take him.  If not, see what value you can net with a trade partner, if no, then you’re taking a top 2^nd-tier talent that could possibly help this year (again don’t bank on it), but also really help for the next 7+ seasons.

It’ll be fun to watch everything unfold, but I’ll at least give my “dream scenario” for tonight, not including trades.  True dream would be trading, like last year by adding an additional 1^st round pick and only moving back 4 places- I doubt that’ll happen again.

12^th—Ed Oliver DT-Houston (he’s likely gone by the 4^th or 5^th selection)
30^th—Nasir Adderley S-Delaware

Other names to watch for:
-Devin White LB-LSU
-Devin Bush LB-Michigan
-TJ Hockenson TE-Iowa
-Jonah Williams T-Alabama
-Montez Sweat Edge Rusher-Miss St.
-*Brian Burns Edge Rusher-FSU

*If the Packers take him, my cousin will flip out.  He’s a diehard Florida St. fan and Burns never produced to the hype, then builds more hype by having a great combine…seems like all flash, no substance.  Then again, what do I know?

Have fun!

 

The schedule was released last night, furthering the attention-hold the NFL has on sports fans.  I’m not the biggest fan of Commissioner, Roger Goodell, however since he’s been in charge the NFL has become a 12 month business.  Every year I’m reminded of this by the Schedule Release, and the attention it garners.

Like the previous coach did, let’s break this down into quarters.

1^st:

Week 1 @ Chicago (Thur)
Week 2 v Minnesota
Week 3 v Denver
Week 4 v Philadelphia (Thur)

2^nd:
Week 5 @ Dallas
Week 6 v Detroit (Mon)
Week 7 v Oakland
Week 8 @ Kansas City

3^rd:
Week 9 @ Los Angeles Chargers
Week 10 v Carolina
Week 12 @ San Francisco
Week 13 @ New York Giants

4^th:
Week 14 v Washington
Week 15 v Chicago
Week 16 @ Minnesota (Mon)
Week 17 @ Detroit

Essentially, rule any primetime home game as a Win: Weeks 4; 6. Adversely rule any primetime road games as losses: Weeks 1; 8; 16.  So now it’s about when the Packers match-up vs particular opponents.  If the Packers, typically, get off to a rough start, that doesn’t bode well as they have 5 of their first 7 games at home meaning 6 of their last 9 on the road…again, interesting, but the scheduling didn’t do many favors as the Packers have a distinct advantage of home games late in the season – time will tell.

Next week, the draft!  Always fun!

With the Bucks being the best kind of boring possible—absolutely dominating the entire league and clinching the best-record with 3 games remaining—it left all of the attention to the Brewers.  Yet again, not to the fault of the Brew Crew, the attention quickly shifted to the Packers and their uber-talented Quarterback.  A piece by Bleacher Report’s, Tyler Dunne (former Packers’ beat writer) came out and slandered former Packers’ coach, Mike McCarthy, and Aaron Rodgers.

Regardless your opinion of each, the article can only cause damage—even if 100% false.  I’m sure if you’re reading this you’ve at least heard about the article and likely Rodgers’ response, along with James Jones’, Davante Adams’, and a few others.  Either way, as a diehard Packer fan, you hope this is all used as proper motivation and can bring this team together.  However, the timing of the article might’ve been as “good” as possible.  It came on the forefront of the team reporting for some training, it allowed for an immediate response, instead of having it sit and dwell for months.  The other nice thing is the draft is quickly approaching and as always, will be very important.

We’re 2 weeks from the NFL Draft, and Green Bay still has a few holes that can be addressed in the draft, with a real expectation that rookies could fill those holes adequately enough to get this team back to the playoffs.  Yes the goal is to win the Super Bowl, however, with a new Head Coach, and essentially an entire rebuild finished (aside from the QB), major progress would be welcomed with hopes of winning a Super Bowl in the next 4 years.  It’s what we as fans have been struck down to expecting (realistically).  See you again in 2 weeks for the draft!

I, like many, misjudged the Brewers, however I’ll say I REALLY missed on their result.  However, as I mentioned in the Bucks catch-up, the Brewers completely shifted expectations to the point where, by not winning the World Series, possibly failed.  How so?  It’s hard to imagine having a better situation to win than hosting Game 7 of the NLCS with your Ace on the mound.

Now the Brewers are in a position, entering a season, where the fans’ expectations should be quite high.  This is newer territory, however the way this team is constructed, there should be real belief that this team should contend for another deep playoff run.

As I write this, there’s a few injuries that have flared up and putting the Brewers largest strength (bullpen) in handcuffs.  Shoulder soreness for Jeremy Jeffress and a torn UCL (elbow) for Corey Knebel—which means the pen management will even be more essential to the Brewers’ success in 2019.  The change the Brewers did make is adding Catcher Yasmani Grandal, whom will add quite a bit of pop to the lineup (24 HRs, 68 RBI), which may be even higher hitting in Miller Park vs pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium.  All in all, if the Brewers have heavy contributions from Moose and Grandal to make up for whatever Yelich isn’t providing (is it possible to replicate his 2018 campaign?  Possibly) it’s very realistic to expect the Brewers to be the cream of the crop.

I believe the Brewers are every bit as good as last year, but their record may dip a bit as the NL Central has improved with the additions made by the Cardinals and Reds.

Prediction Time!

Brewers record: 92-70
Astros > Cubs

March 27, 2019 at 7:41am CST—the Milwaukee Bucks currently hold the NBA’s best record, by 4 games, with six to play.  Essentially the realization the Bucks will finish with the best record ensuring home-court advantage throughout the entire playoffs is upon us.

For those that follow, you’re aware I don’t often write about the Bucks, however I’ve been a fan since I was a child, have attended games annually, and figured with their deserved attention that it would make sense to offer a perspective to some that may or may not be seeking it…if that makes sense.

The Bucks came into the 2018/2019 campaign with the goal in mind to Win a Playoff Series.  However, with what’s transpired 76 games into the season, they’re (on paper) clearly the best team in the Association and have the best player (Giannis Antetokounmpo), the expectations have shifted…or have they?  At this point, with what the Bucks have shown, wouldn’t it feel like a downer if the Bucks don’t win the NBA Finals?

I’m all about winning championships, but even I can understand if the Bucks lose a series in the Finals to the well-experienced (and arguably one of the all-time great 5-year franchise runs) Warriors team.  Even then, like the Brewers last year, many enjoyed the ride, if the Bucks find themselves with home court advantage in the Eastern Conference Finals, or NBA Finals, and not capitalizing on that would seem like blowing an opportunity that they may not have again…then again, with Giannis, who knows?  That kid is special beyond talent.

Regardless, expect the Bucks to be favored in each series they play in the Playoffs, and expect them to win it.

Much goings on for Wisconsin sports fans as of March 26^th, 2019.  The Packers had quite the activity in free agency, the Bucks continue their dominance of the NBA, and the Brewers are ramping up to take the next step and win the World Series.  Let’s break this down in a 3-day look, shall we?

Today let’s take a look at the Green Bay Packers.  Coming off an awful season (record-wise, but the changes came as a result, so look at it as an investment), the Packers have essentially rebuilt the entire organization, top to bottom, except for the QB position.  They invested more years and money into Aaron Rodgers, meaning:

1. Gutekunst and the Packers brass were either too scared to send him off and complete the full on rebuild OR…
2. Gutekunst and the rest believe they can rebuild around #12 to get back to the playoffs (which I believe is their ultimate goal, back to consistent playoff appearances) which gives them a “chance” at winning it all.

Either way, it’s better than changing nothing, so it’s a major step in the right direction.

Many fans are sad to see Clay Matthews and Randall Cobb leave, along with having an opportunity to resign Jordy Nelson since Oakland cut him…I get the fondness of fans wanting to bring back and/or keep fan-favorite players, however those 3 were not contributing to the improvement of the team, but more so kept Green Bay at a level to not fall below the line to where they’ve recently gone, missing the playoffs.  Either way, each guy seemed great, weren’t a distraction, however cost quite a bit of money and has since been replaced with younger, and likely improving players at their positions.  Again, it’s a change in the proper direction.

Free Agency—well for those who wanted to build through free agency, here you go.  I like Free Agency, in the NFL, for filling some holes and adding depth vs. filling needs where you need key players.  Main reason is free agency rarely works out for those big contracts.  The Packers invested in 4 free agents last year, two returning to their initial teams (House and Tramon), and none made an impact. Actually all could be considered a waste, so 0-for-4.  *ProFootballFocus ratings, rankings*

• Davon House, 28.8 (unranked, injured)
• Tramon Williams, 68.0 (67^th Safety)
• Muhammad Wilkerson, 76.5 (unranked, injured)
• Jimmy Graham, 59.4 (48^th TE)

As you can see, not that ProFootballFocus is the end all be all, but it does at least show a consistent grade to quantify the value of players in addition to looking at their stats.  Regardless, if you watched Packer games closely, or even more than once, you would know these players didn’t contribute much to the season, especially to their contracts.

Brian Gutekunst is doubling down, in a sense, on free agency, in hopes these “proven” players add value and aren’t finished improving.  It’s a dangerous game, then again without taking risks, there’s no real expectation to win.  Let’s take a look at the incoming FAs:

• Za’Darius Smith, 71.7 (33^rd Edge-rusher)
• Preston Smith, 76.9 (19^th Edge-rusher)
• Adrian Amos, 82.7 (8^th Safety)
• Billy Turner, 62.8 (33^rd Guard)

Just from an incoming standpoint coming off their 2018 campaigns, each of these players should increase production at areas of need, which (on paper) allows the Packers to attack the draft, properly; drafting best player available.

Since we have a month until the Draft, I’ll cover potential targets closer to the date (Thu, April 25^th).  In the meantime, keep in mind the Packers essentially went through a rebuild at almost every area, and replaced older players with youth and improving talent, aside from the QB position, which they’re obviously married to, based on their actions.