Stay ConnectedA Packers podcast committed helping you become a smarter fan. Former WTMJ newscaster Jon Meerdink goes beyond the headlines in Blue 58, bringing you a unique, upbeat perspective on everything Green Bay Packers.
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Copyright: © The Power Sweep, 2021
The Minnesota Vikings made like the 2018 Chicago Bears and nabbed a pass rusher right before the start of the 2020 season. What are they getting in Yannick Ngakoue? Will he make a difference in the NFC North? Then, what Packers storylines are real — and which ones are just noise?
What are the Vikings getting in Yannick Ngakoue (2:57)
The Vikings made what could be considered the biggest move in the NFC North this summer, acquiring Jacksonville edge rusher Yannik Ngakoue. What does he bring to the Vikings?
Further reading: Yannik Ngakoue on SIS
What we’re reading this week (7:38)
A quick look at what caught our notice around the NFL internet this week.
How offensive tackles keep edge rushers on their toes - Brandon Thorn
Why the NFL Draft Will Be Totally Different With Todd McShay - The Ryen Russillo Podcast
A big to-do: Packers punch list for improving in 2020 - Peter Bukowski
Is it a headline or is it a storyline? (13:24)
Not everything that gets people talking is a real story. Let’s decide which training camp talking points are headlines and which are actually worth following.
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Play action passing was supposed to be a huge part of the Packers’ offense last year. Why didn’t it work? We’ll dig into some numbers to find out. Then, more questions from listeners as we start to ramp up for the 2020 season.
Why is the Packers play action passing not as good as it could be? (1:45)
The Packers struggled to implement play action passing last year. Why?
What assistant coaches are standing out? (14:40)
Assistant coaches are a big part of every team. Who stands out on the Packers?
Are there better pass rushing stats? (23:17)
Mike Smith went on a big rant about pass rushing stats — and he’s got a point.
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The Packers drew headlines for spending big on edge rushers last spring, but they’ve invested almost as heavily in their defensive backfield. Today, we’ll explore why that actually might have been the smarter play for last year...even if it might not be sustainable.
More conversations on race in the NFL (00:40)
The conversation on race isn’t going away in the NFL.
Further reading: Resources on Race and the NFL
Reading about receivers (4:44)
Noteworthy articles this week include two interesting tidbits about wide receivers.
Further reading: 2019 DVOA by Routes: Receivers
Next Gen Stats: Intro to new Route Recognition model
False Positive COVID Tests May Be Frustrating, But Let's All Keep a Broader Perspective
Are the Packers' defensive backs the real stars of the defense? (11:22)
What matters more, coverage or pass rush? It depends who you ask, but let’s take a look at the guys responsible for the “coverage” part of that equation.
Further reading: PFF Data Study: Coverage vs. Pass Rush
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The Packers have historically not cared all that much about inside linebackers. That doesn’t appear all that different in 2020, but Mike Pettine can’t just play nobody at the spot, right? Right?? Let’s discuss the linebacker group and how it could affect the Packers this year.
About those media restrictions in Green Bay (00:47)
There's a fight between the Packers and the media and nobody looks good.
David Bakhtiari deal in the works? (9:31)
The Packers' left tackle is the next man up for a contract extension.
The roles the Packers linebackers will play in 2020 (10:41)
The Packers need their linebackers to fill a couple of specific roles in 2020. Do they have the guys to get it done?
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There is real, actual practice football happening in Green Bay. Let’s sort through the biggest stories from camp so far and see if there are any areas for concern. Then, the Packers have real opportunities for growth on the edge of their defense. Who will step up?
Training camp catch up (00:47)
The Packers' 2020 training camp is underway! Let's catch up on a couple of the biggest stories so far, including Kenny Clark's new deal.
Reason for concern on the right side of the Packers' line (5:13)
Not one, but two spots appear to be up for grabs on the offensive line. That's reason for concern.
Further reading: Penalties and Sacks Per 65 Snaps
What's ahead for the Packers' edge rushers? (11:06)
Za'Darius and Preston Smith were amazing in 2019, but counting on them to do it again is a crummy plan. Someone else has to step up. Who will it be?
Further reading: Production Ratio
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The Packers spent all offseason getting heat for not adding a wide receiver. Maybe that was justified. But maybe they should have been getting criticized for not upgrading their defensive line. Let’s talk about that. But first: it’s not necessarily a bad thing that the Packers could regress in 2020.
Do you like stats? Here are some stats (1:52)
We talk plenty about analytics on this podcast. Here’s a quick guide to some worthwhile numbers.
Further reading: Our favorite stats for understanding NFL football better
Regression isn’t necessarily a bad thing (3:41)
The Packers have been hailed as a team primed for a regression in 2020. That’s true, but not necessarily bad.
Further reading: NFL teams most likely to decline in 2020: Why the Packers, Seahawks, Saints could lose more games
The Packers’ defensive line is not very deep (9:46)
Here’s the most important thing to know about the Packers’ defensive line: it’s a very shallow group.
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The Packers have signed not one but two wide receivers. Is everybody happy now? Probably not, and I think they might have a point. Then, let’s try to talk smartly about the offensive line.
The Packers signed two wide receivers! (1:40)
Digging into the Travis Fulgham and Malik Turner signings. Do either of them have a shot to make the roster?
If you're mad about the Packers receivers, you might have a point (3:59)
Just because the Packers like their receivers doesn't mean you have to agree.
Trying to be smart about the offensive line (10:02)
It's hard for fans to talk in an educated way about the offensive line, but it's not impossible. It just takes some work.
Further reading: Backside 2i vs 1-tech Against Outside Zone
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We've broken down running backs, but how do the rest of the skill positions fit into Matt LaFleur's philosophy?
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The Packers have a pretty strong running back stable. What’s it good for? Maybe not quite what you think, but in the best possible way.
New article: Multiple tight end packages can offer intriguing options for Packers
Ballhawk Index (2:13)
Getting your hands on the ball is a good thing. Here’s some visuals to help with that idea.
Further reading: The Ballhawk Index
Running Backs - What’s the Deal with Running Backs Are They Good or What (6:51)
The Packers value the run more than they have in the past. Is that a good idea? How do running backs play a role in that?
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It’s easy to get bogged down in the ongoing slog of a pandemic. Let's fight back by finding joy in the game we love.
SUPPORT BLUE 58
Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.
Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.
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Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58.
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