Confessions of a Polluted Mindset – Set Fire to the Rain

Is anyone else shocked the uber-careful Packers went outside in a total deluge and practiced yesterday?  It may sound silly, but perhaps, as Billy Schmid suggested on yesterday’s “Carry the G Radio Podcast,” they were looking to exorcise some rain demons from last season’s playoff loss to the 49ers. Flashback – The Packers were faced with having only one minute to at least get in field goal position in a driving rainstorm and we all know how that game and the Packers’ season ended. So why not embrace it and “Set Fire To The Rain!”

Speaking of water, the funniest thing I saw all week right here:

Cover sports, they said.

It’ll be fun, they said. pic.twitter.com/FQhoweiK5t

— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) July 23, 2024

My first thought when I heard that Elgton Jenkins was getting reps at center with the first team OL was, “Aha! That means they’re seriously thinking about Jordan Morgan at left guard.” Having played left tackle in college and in my opinion, a great candidate for a classic Packers tackle-to-guard conversion project, I’ve been wondering if the Packers might consider benching Myers, moving Jenkins to center, and putting Morgan at LG. Well, not so fast. It turns out they moved Sean Rhyan over to left guard and put Morgan at right guard. Seems a bit odd to me, as I really don’t remember Rhyan getting much work on the left side with the Packers, but ok…  Also, according to Coach LaFleur, the Myers move was strictly load management, which begs the question as to why they need to limit his reps on day one of training camp? Could something be surreptitiously afoot here?

I believe Andre Dillard being first choice to fill in for Zach Tom at RT in camp tells you the Packers are likely looking at him as the primary swing tackle. Having a backup tackle with several years of NFL experience is a bonus the Packers value and are happy to take.

I find it really interesting that the Packers chose to throw Eric Stokes in as the CB starter opposite Jaire right off the bat. Normally, the Packers will give the incumbent starter from the previous season that first shot, Yet Carrington Valentine had to watch from the sidelines Monday as the “first team defense” hit the field. You see LBs McDuffie and Wilson out there with the 1s, but you know eventually Edgerrin Cooper will win one of those jobs (he better!). So does this mean that Stokes is fully back in the Packers’ eyes? I hope so, but I’m still surprised they didn’t let Valentine take the first starter snaps.

Rashan Gary – When Hafley was hired and the switch in defensive philosophies confirmed, I was mostly thrilled for two players. Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary, Alexander had clearly been hindered from playing his style and his frustration bubbled over last season. He was finally turned loose against the Cowboys in the playoffs and you saw the old Jaire. As for Rashan Gary, I’ve always felt he’d be even more dominant starting with his hand in the ground. Standing up, I felt he sometimes hesitated, which slowed his footwork and lateral movement. The reviews so far from camp, even with no pads, have been stellar. Evidently, in yesterday’s practice, Gary recorded three “sacks” in a four play sequence (against Dillard and Walker) and on the other play, Alexander got a pick. When Gary was asked about the difference with this defense, he said, “hand in the dirt and no dropping back. It’s that simple.” Yes, I know, every year we get excited about things that happen in shorts, but my main point is, I really think this change will be huge for Gary will allow him to reach his full potential.

Money can’t buy you Love? Sure it can. It’s just a matter of how much.

The #Packers are about to get this absolutely right. @GetUpESPN pic.twitter.com/rPuqp3tpEF

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) July 23, 2024