Blue 58 - A Packers Podcast

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.

The Packers have added a receiver and brought back a running back, but today we’re talking about how they still could use more of both. We’ve already talked about receivers in the draft, but what about running backs?Hooray for Devin Funchess (00:42)The Packers have finally signed a wide receiver, but Devin Funchess probably wouldn't have been anybody's first choice. What does he bring?Return of Swervin' Ervin (5:21)The Packers' punt return savior has been re-signed for another year. Get excited about his offensive potential!Packers running back prospects in the 2020 Draft (7:09)The Packers could use some depth at running back, and there are a few prospects who might be worth considering.Blue 58 Book Club - Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0 Chapter 1 (22:04)Pat Kirwan discusses how charting plays can make your football watching experience more informative.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 need an offensive lineman for sure, but could they also be in the market for a QB in the draft? They might be, but if they are they'd better be prepared to pick him early.Fullback takes (1:35)Here are the fullback thoughts you have been waiting to hear.The past, present, and future of the Packers wide receivers (4:45)Why are the Packers in need of wide receiver help? We’ve got to look to the past to understand the future.Interesting quarterbacks in the 2020 draft (16:26)Research from Acme Packing Company’s Paul Noonan reveals three quarterbacks who we should be watching in the 2020 NFL Draft.Further reading: Scouting Through Stats: Using QBOPS to assess the 2020 NFL Draft’s QB classIs it worth talking about offensive linemen? Who’s to say (22:47)Scouting offensive linemen as a fan is a fool’s errand, but there may be some breadcrumbs to at least get us pointed in the right direction.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 don’t necessarily need another edge rusher, but they can’t ignore the position either. That’s why it could be time for Brian Gutekunst to duplicate his free agency strategy and go bargain hunting.Catching up on free agency (1:52)The Packers have continued their free agency spending by re-signing a couple of their own, so we react to those moves. Then, we weigh in on the possibility of a Clay Matthews reunion tour.Edge prospects you should know (8:03)The Packers don’t need to draft an edge rusher early, but they do need to backfill the position a little bit. Doing so will be a little like buying a lottery ticket. We think.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.

For the second year in a row, the Packers open free agency with a spending spree. This one is a little bit different, though: Brian Gutekunst is going bargain shopping.Buy Take Your Eye Off the Ball and join the Blue 58 Book Club!Labor peace reigns in the NFL (1:01)The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. Here are a few quick thoughts.Further reading: Seven significant CBA changes for Packers as NFL players approve new dealPackers make moves in free agency (4:30)Brian Gutekunst is trying out a new free agent philosophy this offseason. Let’s take a broad look before breaking down individual moves.Christian Kirksey shores up the inside linebacker group (6:11)The 6-2, 235 Kirksey joins the Packers from Cleveland. Will he bring stability to a linebacker group that’s shown itself to be too athletically limited in the past?Further reading: Five Thoughts on Christian KirkseyRick Wagner could be a Bulaga replacement (12:51)Rick Wagner has been a good but not great lineman for the Lions and Ravens. What does he bring to the Packers?Further reading: Three Thoughts About Rick WagnerWhat do the Packers do next in free agency? (16:58)The Packers still have work to do, mostly in the form of making calls on their own free agents. Let’s get the lay of the land, understanding that big changes are still coming.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 draft preview series lands on a position that has troubled the Packers for a long time now: tight end. Unfortunately, if you’re hoping for help in the draft, there’s not much to hope for.Christian Kirksey visits (1:24)The Packers brought former Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey in for a visit. Is he worth a look? Why?Jimmy Graham leaves (6:56)This was a foregone conclusion that finally manifested. What to make of the Graham era?2020 tight end class is not that exciting (10:54)It's disappointing to see a relatively weak class of tight ends this year, but there's still some interesting prospects. Still, the Packers should probably look elsewhere early 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.

This time next week, there’s a good chance we’ll be talking about some packers free agent signings. What’s going to happen between then and now? Then, when is the right time to draft a quarterback?Free agency is bearing down (1:41)Whoa! Free agency is right around the corner. Get excited! But also be prepared for your excitement to blow up in your face. Yay sports!Further reading: Blue 58 Episode 21 - Martellus Bennett?!The three kinds of NFL Draft picks (8:31)Every NFL draft pick falls into one of three categories. Here’s why.When is the right time to draft a quarterback? (16:33)Sooner or later, the Packers are going to have to draft Aaron Rodgers’ replacement. When should they?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 don’t need a defensive lineman, per se, but another big guy is never a bad thing to have. In a year where there’s not necessarily a bumper crop of prospects, who should the Packers take?Don't forget to vote in our poll for the Blue 58 book club! Which book do you think we should read?Wide receiver discussion follow up (2:01)Let's catch up on a couple of things we missed in our wide receiver discussion, including a question on how to project one specific attribute.Defensive linemen still valuable in a shallow class (12:19)There aren't just tons of great defensive linemen available this year, but there's still value to be had. How do you know what's valuable, though?So what defensive lineman should the Packers take? (28:02)That's the real question, isn't it? Here's who I'm looking at as prospects worth considering.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.

Now that most of the NFL Combine testing is over, we can start diving into previewing positions in the NFL Draft. Why not head straight for the deep end? Let’s take on one of the deepest positions in the draft: wide receiver.Vote in our book club poll! (00:27)Are you interested in joining the Blue 58 book club? Vote on the book we should read! Check out the poll here. Take free agent rumors with a grain of salt (1:19)The NFL Combine always produces a bunch of rumors. Be cautious!Evaluating this year’s wide receiver class (4:45)The 2020 wide receiver class is very deep, but not all of the prospects are winners. How do we find the best ones?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.

Aaron Rodgers isn’t holding back his feelings on the new CBA, which makes me think of Brett Favre. I’ll explain why. Then, if you want to go beyond the Combine numbers, what do you look for? We’ll get you started.Aaron Rodgers speaks his mind on the CBA (00:25)Aaron Rodgers is a player rep in the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, and he’s not holding back on what he thinks of the proposed deal. That’s an interesting contrast to Brett Favre.Further reading: Favre rips Walker for holdoutWhat college numbers matter when it comes to evaluating NFL draft prospects? (13:16)There are some analytics and advanced stats that can help us understand which NFL prospects are worth watching. Further reading:The Race to Make the NFL Draft an Exact ScienceThe NFL Is Drafting Quarterbacks All WrongThe secret to drafting a wide receiver is looking at the numbers that matterShould We Be Concerned About Rashan Gary's Lack of Production at Michigan?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 NFL Combine is off and running. What should we do with this spectacle of non-football athletics? Then, speaking of athletic: how about a surprise visit with one of the fastest Packers ever? Don Beebe joins the show.Five Thoughts on the NFL Combine (00:25)Everyone sort of understands that the NFL Combine is a weird, non-football circus with dubious value as far as predicting who’s going to be good. And yet, it still has some value. Careers rise and fall based on what happens this week in Indianapolis. So what should we make of it? Here are some thoughts.Former Packers WR Don Beebe (10:53)Don Beebe joined the Packers for their run to the Super Bowl in 1996 and was kind enough to join us for a few minutes to reflect on his career. He’s now the coach at Aurora University and has implemented some of the lessons he learned in the NFL with his young players.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 new collective bargaining agreement seems to be all but done. Let’s take a look at how it could affect the playoffs. Then, we take your questions about the state of the Packers’ roster before free agency begins.New CBA could mean expanded playoffs (00:54)We’re not fans of expanding the playoffs in general, but this could be the best solution for a bad idea.Listener questions about free agency (8:11)You've asked a few questions about the Packers' free agency plans. We try to answer them before free agency begins.How should the Packers allocate their resources? (20:35)The Packers have limited cap space and eight draft picks to use this year. How should they spend their resources?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 take a look at two resource-heavy position groups: offensive line and defensive back. The Packers have worked to stabilize these groups for a long time. Did that work finally pay off in 2019?Packers offensive line holds steady in 2019 (00:35)The Packers’ offensive line could be their most consistent position group top to bottom. But there were questions in 2019, and they’ll only get bigger moving forward.Packers defensive have a solid 2019, but uncertain future (20:57)The Packers’ defensive backfield finally felt like it reached the point Ted Thompson was trying to build to for most of the latter half of his tenure. But that status may be short-lived, as age and free agency may soon take their toll.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 had one really good wide receiver in 2019 and one potential superstar on the defensive line. Let’s dive into these position groups as our recap continues.Should the Packers trade for OJ Howard? (00:31)A listener floats another idea for fixing the Packers' tight ends.Davante Adams and nobody else at WR (3:13)The Packers wide receivers weren't very good as a group in 2019, with the notable exception of Davante Adams.Get Kenny Clark some help on the defensive line! (21:12)The Packers seem like they are one piece away on the defensive line. Again.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 arrived at the Packers’ EDGE rushers and tight ends in our positional reviews. Both positions featured pretty big spending...but only one delivered big results.Packers hire an interesting QC coach (00:23)Matt LaFleur made a bit of a nontraditional hire for his offensive quality control coach. Learn more about Further reading: Long days, big dreams: The grind of a quality-control coachEDGE spending pays off in 2019 (3:36)EDGE rushers Za’Darius and Preston Smith led a reformed group in 2019.Point Three (16:06)The Packers tight ends were basically a nonfactor in 2019. How do they change that for 2020?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.

Aaron Jones had a phenomenal 2019, but what about the rest of the Packers’ running backs. Then, Blake Martinez was pretty much Blake Martinez in 2019. Is there hope of replacing him in free agency?Packers top end RBs deliver in 2019 (3:40)Aaron Jones finally got a chance to really show what he could do in 2019, and he delivered big time. But how did the rest of the Packers’ running backs fare?Blake Martinez & Co. leave much to be desired (16:02)My feelings on Blake Martinez are pretty well known, but is he the exception or the rule in the Packers’ linebacker corps? And who, if anyone, could you turn to in free agency as a replacement?Further reading: Tackles Don’t Matter: Evaluating Run Defense Through StatisticsSUPPORT 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 start our position-by-position look back at the 2019 season, and where better to start than with the quarterbacks? So here we go: 45 minutes on Tim Boyle. Also Shawn Mennenga should be fired.Evaluating the Packers quarterbacks (1:59)Manny Wilkins was never active. Tim Boyle got mop-up duty. But Aaron Rodgers provided some big moments — and raised some even bigger questions.Evaluating the Packers’ special teamers (21:29)Three parts of the Packers’ special teams performance in 2019 really merit further consideration: the field goal kicking, the punting, and the punt returning. In two of those situations, Shawn Mennenga was a big factor — and not for the better.Further reading: Packers' JK Scott works to get his mojo back after tinkering leads to inconsistencySUPPORT 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.