Locked On Packers

Of course, the Packers want to win every game, but some games simply matter more than others. Where are the key games for Green Bay this season? Where will they make or break their season? We dive into their 2018 schedule and pick out a few spots. Ultimately, we conclude this upcoming year could rest on the result of just one or two critical contests.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Bill Barnwell ranked the Packers' receivers, tight ends, and running backs as the 23rd group of skill players in football. Why this ranking doesn't make sense for Green Bay or for some of the teams ahead of it. We go inside the numbers to show why this skill position group has actually become underrated.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Green Bay Packers showed some interest in supplemental draft pick Sam Beal before the Giants used a third-round pick on him Wednesday, forfeiting that same pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Why it never made sense for Brian Gutekunst to pull the trigger at that value, especially given the roster. Plus, we examine Blake Martinez's success last season. How much had to do with the players in front of him? How he can prove himself in 2018.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The numbers for Mike Pettine rushing defenses present a potentially troubling trend. But should the Packers really care? Why Green Bay should be focusing on stopping the pass and not worry too much about the run defense, which should be good without much help given the talent level. A closer look at the numbers prove the Pettine way is the right way.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should we expect from the 2018 Green Bay Packers defense and what does that mean for how we define success for Mike Pettine's squad? Plus, we take an inside look at Josh  Jones and Oren Burks, two players whose versatility as box defenders could hold the keys to the Packers defense this season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Packers running back Aaron Jones will miss the first two weeks of the season after being suspended for an arrest last October in which he admitted to driving while under the influence of marijuana. Jones, then a rookie, also didn't have a valid license. While he deserves to be punished for his arrest, the league has to square its policies for drug use with the kind of other, more serious crimes for which players are suspended. Plus, what does this mean for the Packers offense in two critical NFC North matchups?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The league has gotten smaller and faster. For years, Green Bay refused to adapt to changing paradigms as the NFL as a whole also resisted change. But the league is catching on as the college game evolves and the Packers are finally riding the wave after a draft full of crazy athletes, even if some are non-traditional in size.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Somehow, Aaron Rodgers came in 10th in the NFL Top 100 rankings, including behind three other quarterbacks. Packers fans shouldn't be to concerned about these silly rankings. It's just proof players are susceptible to recency bias just like fans. Plus, we discuss Tony Romo saying the Packers could be the "team to beat," this season in the NFL. Is he right?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Packers receiver Greg Jennings talks about the missed chance the Packers had in 2009. The FS1 analyst also discusses life after football, staying in shape, and whether or not he misses playing the game. Plus, he explains how he's had to change his diet and how he stays fit with a busy schedule and no sport keeping him honest when it comes to training.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Packers still could use help at outside linebacker, but are there players on the market who could actually contribute in a meaningful way. Big names at safety and cornerback remain available and Green Bay should be willing to pull the trigger on someone like Eric Reid or Kenny Vaccaro. Plus, what's the latest at receiver and could Dez Bryant or Jeremy Maclin makes sense?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We open up the mailbag to dig into pressing questions from listeners. Who should be the lead back for the Packers backfield and do they even need one? Could Joe Philbin's background with offensive line and tight end coaching mean a bigger emphasis on the run game? Should fans be more excited about Kevin King or the rookie CBs? Plus a whole lot more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's plenty of doom and gloom from Packers Nation after a disappointing 7-9 season, but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the 2018 team. On today's show we'll look at the reasons to feel good about Green Bay this season as well as some reasons to worry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Pettine's arrival in Green Bay fills a leadership vacuum on defense, a role Packers players appear thrilled to see taken in a post-Dom Capers world. The trickle-down affects for this team could be serious. Plus, Tramon Williams isn't the biggest headline offseason move, but the entire development of this defense could hinge on his ability to be a reliable player.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2018 rookie class of receivers impressed coaches during offseason workouts, OTAs and training camp, but let's make sure to put that progress in context. With these talented players in place, what does that mean for Trevor Davis? Can he make this team as just a punt returner? Plus, Jason Spriggs added weight in hopes of earning a starting spot. Will it be enough?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike McCarthy excused nearly every big-name veteran from the Packers mandatory minicamp, including stars like Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jimmy Graham and more. Who benefits most from Green Bay taking this approach and why do the Packers handle the offseason workouts this way? Plus, we hear directly from HaHa Clinton-Dix about skipping OTAs and why finances were, in fact, partially a motivation for missing out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first mandatory offseason practices take place in Green Bay this week for the Packers. What should fans be looking for and what should expectations be for the young players? Plus, we examine how much better this defense has to be under Mike Pettine for the Packers to compete for a Super Bowl in 2018.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It turns out, everyone was telling the truth about Packers safety HaHa Clinton-Dix missing OTAs for a personal matter, as he confirmed he'd be at the mandatory minicamps next week. Plus, we dive into how this Green Bay backfield will look next season and make the case Mike McCarthy needs to end his love for the "hot hand" backfield.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New defensive coordinator Mike Pettine already has Packers players buzzing about the team's new scheme. But it isn't just the X's and O's that should have Green Bay fans excited. An adjustment in attitude is exactly what the doctor ordered for this maligned defense. Plus, some clarity on the HaHa Clinton-Dix absence from OTAs and why fans should get nervous about it ... yet.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aaron Rodgers sent shockwaves through Packers nation over the weekend with reports he wants an opt-out clause in his contract that would allow him to renegotiate a deal when other quarterbacks signed new contracts. Green Bay shouldn't bend to such demands and why the Packers have the leverage not to cave. Plus, Clay Matthews broke his nose in a charity softball game. He'll he fine, but it's a reminder of how an offseason can change in a blink.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We check in with some storylines from Packers OTAs, including HaHa Clinton-Dix's absence, Marcedes Lewis' arrival and Jaire Alexander's playmaking. Plus, what the gambling ruling means for the future of the NFL and why the new national anthem policy was a solution in search of a problem.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices