NFL

Aaron Rodgers takea subtle dig at Packers at NFL trade deadline

Published

19 hours ago

November 6, 2024

Aaron Rodgers takea subtle dig at Packers at NFL trade deadline

Aaron Rodgers has never shied away from taking digs at the Green Bay Packers’ front office. He didn’t have an issue with it while still employed by the team and certainly hasn’t had an issue with it as a member of the New York Jets.

Well, you can go ahead and add another one to the list, as the four-time NFL MVP just couldn’t help himself during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.

Naturally, the big topic of discussion was the NFL trade deadline, which turned out to be a fairly busy one as several teams made moves. One of those teams, of course, was the Jets, who dealt wide receiver Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which shouldn’t shock anyone seeing as Rodgers, who hilariously heard the news during his appearance, threw him under the bus a couple weeks back. And it’s no big secret that Gang Green will do just about anything to keep their quarterback happy.

The Packers, as most recall, didn’t always give Rodgers what he wanted, especially at the trade deadline. And he made sure to remind everyone of that, even if the specific example he used was a poor one.

Aaron Rodgers used the wrong example when taking a dig at the Packers about their trade deadline habits

At one point during Tuesday’s discussion, the conversation shifted to how much teams value draft picks, as McAfee specifically mentioned how many were shocked (or even upset) that the Dallas Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers to acquire wideout Jonathan Mingo.

As he does, he launched into a bit of a mini-rant about how he sometimes doesn’t understand why some teams value late-round draft picks and refuse to give them up. So when he asked Rodgers his thoughts on the matter, it was easy to see where this was headed. And as he does, Rodgers took a quick shot at the Packers.

“Well, I mean, I played 18 years in Green Bay,” Rodgers said with a little smug smile on his face. “I know how teams feel about draft picks.”

“And they’ve made some great picks over the years. But there were a couple times where, you know, maybe bringing in a Marshawn Lynch or maybe just that one guy to put it over the edge may have been worth it. But you never know.”

Actually, Aaron, we do know.

You see, the year that rumors were swirling about the Packers possibly acquiring Lynch was 2010. But then-GM Ted Thompson seemingly didn’t want to send the Buffalo Bills as many draft picks as they apparently wanted in return. Thus, the deal died, and Lynch was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks.

Actually, Aaron, we do know.

But here’s the thing. Anyone else remember what happened in 2010? Oh, right, that was the season Rodgers won his lone Super Bowl. So, did he really need the extra help that year? By the way, the Packers’ lead running back that year, Brandon Jackson, had 1,045 total yards from scrimmage, whereas Lynch recorded 882. Just saying.

All kidding aside, it’s easy to understand what Rodgers was saying, as the Packers are notorious for not adding players at the deadline. He simply chose the worst possible example.

NFL

Done Deal: Packers trade star DL with Steelers in a shocking deal

Published

18 mins ago

November 7, 2024

Admin

Done Deal: Packers trade star DL with Steelers in a shocking deal

The Green Bay Packers have traded DL Preston Smith (pending a physical) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction Tuesday.

Smith has played in 91 games with 88 starts in the regular season since joining the Packers in 2019, posting a team-high 44.0 sacks over that span, which ranks No. 6 on Green Bay’s all-time list (since 1982). He started all nine games this season, recording 19 tackles (six solo), 2.5 sacks (tied for No. 2 on the team) and four QB hits (tied for No. 3 on the team), and is tied for No. 4 on the team with 11 NextGenStat QB pressures (TruMedia).

Smith was one of only two NFL players (T.J. Watt) to register 65-plus sacks (66), five-plus interceptions (five) and five-plus forced fumbles (nine) from 2015-23. He also appeared in seven postseason contests (all starts) for the Packers, registering 25 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 sacks, eight QB hits and three passes defensed.

NFL

JUST IN: Chicago Bears sign a new head coach after….

Published

56 mins ago

November 7, 2024

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JUST IN: Chicago Bears sign a new head coach after….

Matt Eberflus’ job security as the Chicago Bears head coach is under serious scrutiny following another road loss to the Arizona Cardinals. With an 0-18 record in Sunday road games, a point differential of -181, and multiple fourth-quarter collapses in games where the Bears had a 91% win probability, his tenure has become hard to defend. It recently emerged that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was interested in the Bears’ head coaching position last offseason, though the team chose to retain Eberflus. Now, with Eberflus likely departing after this season, Johnson seems like a logical choice as his successor.

Ben Johnson Makes Perfect Sense as the Next Bears Head Coach

Ben Johnson’s Credentials Make Him a Compelling Choice for the Bears

Ben Johnson has been the driving force behind the Detroit Lions’ offensive resurgence. Under his leadership, the Lions’ offense became one of the NFL’s top units last season, finishing second in passing, third in total offense, and fifth in both rushing offense and points per game. This season, their offensive dominance continues. According to Lions’ Senior Writer Tim Twentyman, the Lions excel at protecting the ball, with just five turnovers in seven games (tied for the fourth fewest in the league). They rank seventh in both third-down conversions (42.9%) and red-zone efficiency (65.5%), efficiently extending drives and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Twentyman describes it as “good offensive football.”

Credit also goes to General Manager Brad Holmes, who has constructed a roster with Pro Bowl-caliber players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell. While the Bears have offensive talent, they need a strategic play-caller like Johnson to maximize their potential and take their offense to the next level.

Focusing on the Development of Caleb Williams

The Bears have been mired in mediocrity for far too long, and a change is overdue. The main priority should be to ensure Caleb Williams’ development by pairing him with a skilled play-caller at head coach. Though Ben Johnson lacks head coaching experience, his performance as the Lions’ offensive coordinator has been stellar. If the Bears are serious about winning, they should do what it takes to bring Johnson on as head coach next season.

For GM Ryan Poles, the focus needs to be on reinforcing both the offensive and defensive lines in free agency and the draft. The Lions’ success on offense is no accident, as they arguably have the best offensive line in the NFL. Building a strong line to protect Caleb will be crucial for him to thrive and take strides toward becoming the Bears’ franchise quarterback.

NFL

Infamous Packer key man Released by NFC Rival just now

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2024

Admin

Infamous Packer key man Released by NFC Rival just now

Following a disappointing preseason, the Green Bay Packers made a surprising move by releasing second-year kicker Anders Carlson. Carlson had been competing intensely with veteran Greg Joseph during training camp.

In the end, though, neither kicker secured the spot, as the Packers opted for a different option, choosing Brayden Narveson instead.

Carlson, now 26, soon found a new chance, signing with the San Francisco 49ers last month. The 49ers, facing a shortage of healthy kickers after Jake Moody and Matthew Wright sustained injuries, were in urgent need of reinforcements.

Carlson was elevated twice from the 49ers’ practice squad, playing in Weeks 7 and 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. In these appearances, he performed impressively, hitting 5-for-5 on field goals and 3-for-4 on extra points—a significant improvement from his preseason struggles with the Packers.

However, with Moody nearing a return from injury, Carlson will need to seek another opportunity.

Packers News: Anders Carlson Kicked to Curb by 49ers

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the 49ers have released former Green Bay kicker Anders Carlson from their practice squad, filling his spot with veteran safety Tashaun Gibson.

Despite the release, Carlson should have a good chance of finding another team soon, as he performed well in his two games with the 49ers. While Carlson struggled with longer kicks as a rookie in Green Bay, making just 7 of 13 attempts from beyond 40 yards, he showed improvement in San Francisco, hitting 4-for-4 from that range. Although it didn’t work out with the Packers, Carlson’s potential remains promising.