Blue 58 - A Packers Podcast

The Packers are 3-0 after a thrilling win, and even if it wasn’t perfect, it’s hard not to just bask in a quality win over a quality team. So let’s do just that.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers are theoretically going to get their first big test of the season Sunday against the Saints. But who are the Saints? Do they even know? That’s the big question heading into Week 3.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers have an elite running back who’s about to be a free agent. Should they pay him? Should they trust the analytics? Is the answer both? Let’s find out together.Why did the Packers wait so long to put Lane Taylor on IR? (2:44)The Packers are doing some odd things with their 53-man roster. Why?Should the Packers pay Aaron Jones? (8:05)Aaron Jones is set to be a free agent after the 2020 season. Should the Packers pay up to keep their high-end running back?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another convincing win, the Packers are 2-0 and should be feeling really good.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers took advantage of a weakened secondary to put up big numbers in Week 1. Can they do the same in Week 2? That’s what we’ll find out when the Packers take on the Lions at Lambeau Field on Sunday.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The offense won the game for the Packers on Sunday, but the defense has generated its own share of headlines. How concerned should we be about the Vikings racking up late points?Lane Taylor is probably done in Green Bay and that’s a bummer (00:34)Lane Taylor got some bad news this week, and he’ll probably be done in Green Bay as a result. Let’s take a second to look back on a remarkable Packers career.Further reading: Lane Taylor’s accomplishments in Green Bay deserve attentionHow concerned should we be about the defense? (7:03)The Vikings scored a bunch late to make the game look closer than it was. Is there more to it than that?Why not run A.J. Dillon on the goal line? And other listener questions (18:38)We close out this episode with a look at some listener questionsSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers racked up 43 points to put away the Vikings in Week 1. What can they build on and what should we be concerned about?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers start the 2020 season against a new look Vikings team. Will it make any difference?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Week 1! How will the Packers fare in 2020? Let’s make some predictions about how the Packer will do this season.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know we’re just about to the start of the season when we start getting roster predictions. Here’s our best guess on what’s going to happen this weekend.Offense (4:51)How many receivers will the Packers keep? How many linemen?Defense (11:44)Do disappointing draft picks Montravius Adams and Josh Jackson survive another cutdown day?Questions about the 2020 roster (17:51)This is going to be a strange year, so we have a few more questions than usual heading into cutdown weekend.Your Takes (21:52)We’ve got a few predictions from listeners. What do you think will happen?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to premium content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ThornWhy the NFL Draft Will Be Totally Different With Todd McShay - The Ryen Russillo PodcastA big to-do: Packers punch list for improving in 2020 - Peter BukowskiIs 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.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only contentBuy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to premium content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 NFLReading about receivers (4:44)Noteworthy articles this week include two interesting tidbits about wide receivers.Further reading: 2019 DVOA by Routes: ReceiversNext Gen Stats: Intro to new Route Recognition modelFalse Positive COVID Tests May Be Frustrating, But Let's All Keep a Broader PerspectiveAre 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 RushSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month supports the show and gets you access to exclusive content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 SnapsWhat'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 RatioSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 betterRegression 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 gamesThe 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.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ZoneSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've broken down running backs, but how do the rest of the skill positions fit into Matt LaFleur's philosophy?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 PackersBallhawk 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 IndexRunning 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?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 supports the show and gives you access to members-only content.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assuming nobody opts out, gets cut, or gets sent to coronavirus island, the Packers have three quarterbacks that should have every expectation of making the active roster in 2020. What are our expectations for them? That’ll be our discussion today. But first, should the Packers go all-in on this season?Thoughts about the state of the season (00:35)Everything seems to be going poorly as the NFL tries to ramp up for the start of its season. Jon reflects for a moment on what it all could mean.Should the Packers go all-in? (7:56)If the season does go on, this might be the Packers’ last best shot with Aaron Rodgers. They should maximize it.Further reading: Why the Packers should sign Everson GriffenWhat are our expectations for the Packers’ quarterbacks? (15:33)The Packers currently have three quarterbacks with a realistic shot at making the roster. What should we expect from them?Further reading: Aaron Rodgers ANY/A TrackerAaron Rodgers ‘bummed’ by Jordan Love pick, but has ‘no ill will’ toward the PackersSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt LaFleur is in Year 2. Mike Pettine is in Year 3. Together, they’re the two most important coaches on the Packers. Is there any reason to think 2020 will be any different for them than 2019?Why the Packers should move away from 11 personnel (2:29)The Packers’ offense has historically revolved around 11 personnel. Maybe that’s a mistake.Further reading: Should the Packers move away from 11 personnel?Is Brian Gutekunst playing 4D chess? (6:32)Listener questions prompt some deep thinking about Brian Gutekunst’s future plans.Expectations for Matt LaFleur and Mike Pettine (16:40)Matt LaFleur and Mike Pettine are in the second year of their partnership. What are our expectations for each of them?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the season lurches towards its start, it’s time to take a look at every part of the organization. That starts with general manager Brian Gutekunst. What do we make of the GM heading into his third regular season?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a prevailing opinion that running backs are easy to replace, but is that true? A few weeks ago, I’d have said yes. Now? I’m rethinking that position. Today, we’ll discuss why.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2020 NFL season is going to be different. We know that. What will it look like? That’s a much more interesting question, and one we won’t have the answer to for some time. But we should still ask a few questions about what it could look like. Here are some of those.8 Questions about the 2020 NFL season (00:32)What the 2020 season will look like is anybody’s guess. Here are a bunch of questions about how it could play out.Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Wrapping It Up (18:16)We’ve finished Take Your Eye Off the Ball. Now what? Well, I’ve got an opportunity for you.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kansas City Chiefs backed up the money truck for Patrick Mahomes. Good for him! But can you believe the numbers? Probably not. Then, who on the Packers is hurting the cap? Some names might surprise you. Finally, what should we make of the statistical revolution in the NFL? Our latest book chapter has some thoughts.Reacting to the Patrick Mahomes deal (2:28)Patrick Mahomes scored the biggest contract extension ever, but at what cost?Further reading: Breakdown of the Mahomes dealThat $500 Million Number May Look Big, But Patrick Mahomes Is Actually Giving Up a LotSome bad contract values on the Packers(12:43)Not every contract on the Packers is a good one. Here are three that are poor values.Further reading: The three worst salary cap values on the Packers’ 2020 rosterTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 17 (16:32)Pat Kirwan has some thoughts on advanced analytics that are worth reflecting on.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was a bunch of Packers related news breaking all at once on Wednesday. Let’s sort through it, then explain why you don’t need to get hung up on scheme differences. Then, are there too many rules in the NFL? Yes!News recap (00:47)A bunch of NFL news happened in short order on Wednesday. Let’s quickly recap.Further reading: The Packers’ best wins and worst losses to their NFC North rivals since 2000Don’t get hung up on scheme (10:35)A quick look at why scheme differences aren’t as big of a deal as they seem.Further reading: The 4-3 Under and modern 3-4 defensive fronts and why they’re the sameTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 16 (15:13)This one is all about rules! You need to have some, but too many is bad. Guess how many the NFL has.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers have a 60 year history with the Minnesota Vikings, and it’s gotten weird at times. Let’s take a look at a few of those weirder moments. But first… does anybody have any idea what this NFL season is going to look like?Does anybody know what’s going on with the 2020 NFL season? (00:44)With every day that passes, someone is floating a new plan for the 2020 season. But does anybody really know what’s going to happen?Raiders’ Mark Davis unhappy with decision to sell ads on seatsSome teams are thinking about game-day travel in 2020LA Rams Head Coach Sean McVay on NFL Social Distancing Policy: ‘I Don't Get It'The Packers and Vikings have had some weird moments (11:33)A quick look at weird moments in Packers/Vikings history.Packers have the edge in their rivalry with the Vikings, but Minnesota has its share of winsTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 15 (23:15)How do NFL teams treat injuries? It’s extremely complicated...and at times a little morally questionable.Favre has played since '92 with hip conditionSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamal Adams wants a trade and the Packers can always use more help on defense. Should Brian Gutekunst make a call? Well, probably not, it would be insanely hard to trade for Jamal Adams. But here’s why it’s at least worth thinking about.Blue 58 is a top-20 Packers podcast!Remembering Jan Stenerud’s career (1:37)A reader gives us a chance to look back on Jan Stenerud’s Packers career. What a story he’s got!Further reading: Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud was reliable and productive in Green BayThe power sweep went left! (3:19)Eminent Packers historian Cliff Christl talks about Lombardi’s most famous play, but makes a small mistake worth talking about.Further reading: Who are the Packers' greatest offensive players since 1950?Vince Lombardi’s 1966 Packers PlaybookHow do Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon coexist? (7:34)A listener wants to know how the Packers two headliner backs work together. I don’t think the two have to take away from each other.Should the Packers trade for Jamal Adams? (11:09)Adams wants out in New York. Should Brian Gutekunst make a call?Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 14 (16:44)Pat Kirwan is talking draft and he brings up a couple of points Packers fans will want to know about.Further reading: Trade Value ToolSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers added a big-bodied running back to their stable of ballcarriers. Is A.J. Dillon the second coming of Eddie Lacy? Let’s talk about it.ESPN’s QB rankings article is bad (00:26)ESPN ranked the overall quarterback play of every team in the Super Bowl era. The list is bad.Further reading: ESPN’s Super Bowl-era quarterback ranking is bad and they should feel badIs A.J. Dillon the new Eddie Lacy? (4:55)A listener asks if A.J. Dillon is the new Eddie Lacy. He might actually be even better (and Lacy was pretty darn good!)Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 13 (13:36)How is your front office structured? That's Pat Kirwan's question as he examines a few teams around the league.Further reading: Packers' defense could use someone like Micah Hyde SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a unique opportunity to talk about something important in our culture and in the NFL. Let's not waste it.Racism in the NFL (00:10)Racism exists in the NFL. Talking about it, recognizing it, and calling it out are the only ways we'll ever make any progress against it.Further reading: Resources on Race and the NFLTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 12 (15:45)Intelligence is hugely important in football. Everyone recognizes that. So how do we measure it? Nobody knows.Further reading: Wonderlic Score DatabaseTry the Wonderlic testMike Holmgren's 1997 Packers PlaybookSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers, presumably, are done picking up noteworthy players. But should they be? Maybe not. Let’s take a look at some free agents who might be able to help. Or maybe we’ll just steal some from another team!Could any remaining free agents help the Packers? (00:34)The Packers are probably done making moves, but what if they aren’t? Here are three free agents that could help.Who would you steal from other NFC North teams? (8:56)If we could just straight up steal a player from another NFC North team, who would you take?Further reading: Stealing one player from every NFC North foeTake Your Eye off the Ball - Chapter 11 (11:58)The Packers haven't been all that special on special teams lately. Here are some interesting nuggets anyway.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers face a few teams in 2020 that are really hard to pin down. How do you figure out what to make of them now? Take a look at their offseason decision making.Previewing the Colts, Eagles, Panthers, and Titans (0:45)The Colts, Eagles, Panthers, and Titans all feel like they could be pushovers in 2020. Or they could completely wreck the Packers. It depends on the week.Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 10 (16:53)Pat Kirwan talks defensive backs, how they work, and what you should look for in a safety. How does that apply to the Packers?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our tour through the Packers’ 2020 opponents continues with a team they don’t see very often, a team they saw way too much of last year, and also the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are...a team.Three more 2020 Packers opponentsThe Packers face the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Jacksonville Jaguars in Weeks 7, 9, and 10. Which one concerns you the most?Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 9Pass rushers and those that stop them make the NFL world go ‘round. How does their high-speed chess match work?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The early part of the Packers’ 2020 schedule is highlighted by high-level quarterbacks. How scared should you be? Probably not scared at all because they’re not going to hurt you. But how scared should the Packers be? Also probably not scared, but perhaps a little concerned? Let’s discuss.Lane Taylor reworks his contract (5:32)The Packers and Lane Taylor have agreed to a reworked contract, giving the Packers a little depth on the offensive line and giving Taylor some job security.Packers facing elite quarterbacks early (8:56)The Packers will face some great quarterbacks in the early portion of their 2020 schedule. Are you worried?Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 8 (21:20)Pat Kirwan tells us a little bit about what it takes to build a defensive front. We take that idea and run with it.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers will play six games against NFC North opponents in 2020, so it makes sense to start our preview of 2020 opponents there. How will divisional opponents change this season? Then, when is a gimmick just a gimmick and when is it an innovation?Which NFC North teams are primed for a regression? (1:48)It's hard to maintain success from year to year. Which NFC North teams are most likely to falter in 2020? Let's see what the data says.Further reading: 2019 Adjusted Games LostTake Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 7 (12:34)When is a new feature in football a gimmick and when is it an innovation? When it has staying power.Further reading:America's Game - Michael MacCambridgeThe Perfect Pass - S.C. GwynneThe Last Headbangers - Kevin CookBlood, Sweat & Chalk - Tim LaydenSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve got a pretty good idea who’s going to be a contender to make the Packers’ roster this year, but every year someone unexpected makes a run. Here’s our best guess as to who that could be this year.Hear Jon on the PackerNet Podcast.Will the NFL be back sooner than we think? (00:38)The NFL is making some noise about opening camps and allowing teams to practice, but there are still some big hurdles to cross.Four sleepers on the Packers roster (4:39)There are (at least) four players with a great chance to make a run at a roster spot who aren't currently getting a lot of attention. You should be watching anyway.Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 6 (17:17)Pat Kirwan pens a love letter to offensive linemen.Further reading: The Power Sweep's Wonderlic Score DatabaseSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading up to the NFL Draft, everyone seemed to assume the Packers would take a wide receiver at some point. They didn’t, so where does the position stand? Let’s take a look.Analyzing the Packers' wide receivers (00:24)The Packers didn't do much to improve their wide receiver position this offseason. Where does that leave the group heading into 2020?Further reading: ‘I refuse to accept failure’: Reggie Begelton’s remarkable road to the PackersDo wide receivers really make a third-year leap? (17:12)It's often repeated as gospel that young wide receivers make a big leap in their third year. Is that true?Which young edge rusher will make a difference this year? (21:38)The Packers need help on the edge. They have five young prospects who could be ready to step up.Further reading: Packers will look to young EDGE rushers to pick up the slackSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NFL teams are always thinking ahead, and we should be, too. So let’s take a second and look ahead to what Packers could be up for contract extensions very soon. Then, how did players who left Green Bay do this year?Who needs a contract extension in Green Bay?The Packers should be looking to extend a few players very soon, but who needs a new deal the most? And what's the best move for the team?How did former Packers do last year?It's easy to lose track of former Packers players after they leave the team. Here's a quick check of how a few have done.Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 5Pat Kirwan's book gives us a chance to talk about something important: matchup football.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All of the Packers’ offseason activities seem to point pretty clearly towards a new offensive philosophy, but we haven’t really taken any time to dive deep on what that philosophy is, whether embracing it is a good idea, or, most importantly, whether or not it can work. Let’s fix that.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everybody wants a do-over, and two weeks after the Packers made a controversial pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, we’re going to re-do a different draft, traveling back to another controversial first-round decision.Then, we’re back at it with a very timely chapter of Take Your Eye Off the Ball in the Blue 58 Book Club!More thoughts on roster predictionsOops, we forgot to talk about Oren Burks. Lets fix that, then answer a great question about how the new CBA affects the 53 man roster.Redoing the 2017 NFL DraftThe Packers had some bad misses in 2017. Let's go back and fix 'em!Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 4Pat Kirwan talks power running, something that could be of interest to Packers fans for reasons the draft made very clear.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Packers' roster is already pretty much set. Let's try to predict who will make the final 53.Offense predictions (4:15)Not a ton of surprises on offense, but there is some uncertainty at wide receiver and on the offensive line. Who's the Packers' top backup tackle?Defensive predictions (17:18)After the Packers ignored the defensive line in the draft, it's hard to say what the team will actually do there. And at edge rusher, things are as wide open as things can be.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the draft comes the rush for undrafted free agents. The Packers grabbed 15 of them. Are any of them good? We’ll tackle that then try to answer your questions about the draft.Recapping the Packers' UDFA additions (4:46)The Packers signed 15 undrafted free agents in the moments after the 2020 NFL Draft. Are any of them any good?Further reading: Packers’ 2020 UDFA class features mixture of college production and athletic upsideListener questions on the 2020 NFL Draft (23:31)We all had a lot of questions about what the Packers did in the 2020 NFL Draft. Here are my answers to yours.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve got a 2020 Packers draft class and it is...different. What do we make of it? And now that the initial Jordan Love angst has cooled a bit, does the pick still look as crazy?General 2020 Draft thoughts (00:29)The Packers had a weird 2020 NFL Draft. What do we make of the class as a whole?Reacting to Day 2 and Day 3 picks (10:08)The 2020 Packers draft wasn't just Jordan Love. What happened on Days 2 and 3?Was the Jordan Love pick really indefensible? (15:57)Jon used one strong word to describe the Packers' selection of Jordan Love. Was it the right one?SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Befuddling, Confusing. Indefensible. Those are some words I’ve used to describe the Packers’ decision to draft Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Let’s take a second and talk through this. Take a deep breath. We’ll get through this together.Relevant links:Jordan Love scouting reportAaron Rodgers contract pageSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of reckless speculation and diving deep on guys who will never play for the Packers, it’s time to do our final guesses as to what will happen in the NFL Draft. Catching up on prospects; trade up scenarios (2:54)A few final names to watch and a look at what it would take for the Packers to trade up (hint: a lot).Further reading: 2020 NFL Draft: Three trade-up scenarios for the PackersHow the Packers will approach the draft (10:26)Rather than focusing on specific players, here's the philosophy the Packers could use as they approach this year's draft.What the Packers will actually do (14:49)With those guidelines in place, here's what we think the Packers will actually do.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got to say goodbye to another Packers legend. If you didn't see him play, how should you remember Willie Davis? Then, an explanation for that crazy wording in NFL plays.When should you trade for a player in the NFL? (3:10)I'm not saying the Packers should necessarily trade for Odell Beckham Jr., but making a move for an established player is something worth considering. When is the right time?Remembering Willie Davis (8:49)The Packers lost another legend: Hall of Fame defensive end Willie Davis. Here's a look back on who he was as a player and a person.Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 3 (20:15)Pat Kirwan looks inside the mind of a quarterback. Turns out it's a complicated place!Further reading: Jon Gruden's 1998 Raiders Minicamp PlaybookSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is peak mock draft season. Let’s talk about mock drafts. Mine. Yours. Whoevers. These are Packers mock drafts, and each one is its own little gem.My mock drafts (00:24)I did a bunch of different mock drafts from a few different angles. Here they are.Listener mock drafts (12:54)Listeners were kind enough to submit some mock drafts. Here they are, along with my thoughts on them.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A look at inside linebackers will complete our draft preview series. What will it take for the Packers to get one of the top prospects? Or, perhaps more importantly, do they even want one?Linebackers, let’s talk about linebackers the Packers need a linebacker and we’re here to talk about them, the position the Packers need (00:28)Isaiah Simmons, Kenneth Murray, Patrick Queen, and more. Do they Packers draft one early or try to find a sleeper?Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 2 (18:54)The Blue 58 Book Club marches into chapter 2 of Take Your Eye Off the Ball, discussing how coaches build their gameplans. Do you think you could do it? SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another draft preview, another position that isn’t technically a need, but definitely still is a need: defensive back. The prospect pool this year is a carnival of talent, skill sets, and crazy athletes. So what should the Packers do?Why running backs are like cars (2:40)Adding one more running back to our discussion, here’s an extended analogy about why picking a running back is like buying a car.What would it take for the Packers to trade down? (8:16)Everyone likes the idea of piling up draft picks, but counting the cost is important. Here’s what it could take for the Packers to trade back.Defensive backs the Packers should be watching (14:03)The Packers don’t technically need a defensive back, but they can always use help there. Fortunately, there are a bunch of talented DBs who might solve a variety of issues for the Packers.SUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs.Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.