A day after running around in pads for the first time at training camp, the Packers throttled down with a walk through practice today. The session was conducted behind closed doors to both the camp railbirds and the media but Head Coach Matt LaFleur explained there was nothing secretive about it, there’s nothing to see here:
So, obviously no practice notes to speak of but after practice, look who did some speaking via zoom.
Aaron Rodgers was all smiles after getting asked about two of his all-time favorite teammates to start, Randall Cobb and Charles Woodson.
Turns out Rodgers didn’t just gain an old pass catcher right before camp, he also gained a roommate. Cobb is living with Aaron until is wife and kids can move back up to Green Bay.
As for Woodson who will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio this weekend, Rodgers said, “he’s the most instinctive player I’ve ever been around.”
On Tuesday, Rodgers was spotted having a chat on Ray Nitschke Field with General Manager Brian Gutekunst, who unlike the two former players, isn’t all that high on the quarterback’s hit parade these days. When asked how that relationship is coming along, he said, “I think it’s a work in progress for sure. Relationships aren’t formed in a matter of a couple of days, there’s time where the respect grows and the communication follows.”
Aaron also talked a little football. It’s now year three with Matt LaFleur’s offensive system. The growth from year one to year two was a quantum leap in both execution and production. The Pack put up the most points in the league in 2020. So is more refinement in the works? Has Rodgers vetoed anything the coach suggested?
There’s no denying Rodgers have been very sharp at practice despite staying far away from Titletown during the entire off-season.
But what of the guys he’s throwing to? The returning cast is led of course by Davante Adams, Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Three significant newcomers include Devin Funchess, draft pick Amari Rodgers and of course, Cobb. Throw in the bunch of young players who scrambled for snaps last year like Equanimeous St. Brown, Malik Taylor, Reggie Begelton and Juwann Winfree who has had an impressive start to camp and you can guess how hard it’s going to be to stick.
I asked Aaron if consistency will be the deciding factor and if so, what are some of the hidden keys to finding it among the “bubble” receivers?
There was one late afternoon transaction. Gutekunst announced the signing of defensive lineman John Avery. The 6-3, 318 pound first year player spent time with Seattle last off-season after signing as undrafted free agent out Southeast Missouri State. He played in the Spring League this year with the Alphas.
The team returns to Ray Nitschke Field at 10:10 Thursday morning.
