Category: Latest Packers News

Report: Packers interview long-time Vikings assistant for open DB coach job

Jerry Gray, who served under Mike Zimmer, recently interviewed for the Packers’ open DB coach job.

The Green Bay Packers are exploring outside candidates in an effort to fill the team’s vacant defensive backs coaching job.

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers recently interviewed former Minnesota Vikings assistant Jerry Gray, who served six seasons as the defensive backs coach under Mike Zimmer.

Jason Simmons, last year’s defensive backs coach in Green Bay, left the Packers for a job with the Carolina Panthers.

Gray, a first-round pick in 1985 who played nine seasons in the NFL, has been in coaching since 1999. He was the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2001-05) and Tennessee Titans (2011-13) and the defensive backs coach for the Titans (1999-2000), Washington Redskins (2006-09), Seattle Seahawks (2010) and Vikings (2014-19).

The Packers’ defensive backs coaching job is an important one. The secondary features young, developing players such as Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Josh Jackson and Darnell Savage. Gray, who helped Zimmer build the Vikings into one of the top defenses, could be the right man to help Mike Pettine and his staff get the Packers secondary to the next level.

Gray, 57, is a Texas native. He is a College Football Hall of Famer and a four-time Pro Bowl pick.

Mike McCarthy’s first coaching staff with Cowboys filled with former Packers

Joe Philbin, Rob Davis and Al Harris are among the former Packers on Mike McCarthy’s staff in Dallas.

Mike McCarthy’s first coaching staff with the Dallas Cowboys features many familiar names for fans of the Green Bay Packers.

Not everyone on his staff has ties to the Packers, but many do.

Rob Davis, a former long snapper and director of player development in Green Bay, is McCarthy’s assistant head coach. Davis spent 11 years as a player and 10 more as an executive with the Packers.

Joe Philbin, a long-time assistant under McCarthy and the interim coach in 2018 after McCarthy was fired in Green Bay, is the Cowboys’ new offensive line coach. He’s joined by Jeff Blasko, the former Packers assistant offensive line coach under James Campen.

Scott McCurley, a defensive assistant for McCarthy for many years in Green Bay, is the linebackers coach. He was with McCarthy for all 13 seasons with the Packers, both as a quality control coach and assistant linebackers coach.

Long-time Packers cornerback Al Harris joined McCarthy as a defensive backs coach. He played eight seasons with the Packers, making two Pro Bowls. He spent the last six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs as an assistant.

Also, former Badgers and Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien joined the staff as a coaching assistant.

McCarthy’s three coordinators have no ties to the Packers. Kellen Moore was kept on staff as the offensive coordinator (and playcaller), Mike Nolan will run McCarthy’s defense and highly respected coordinator John Fassell will handle special teams.

Studs and duds from Packers’ 2019 season

Studs and duds from the Green Bay Packers’ 2019 season.

The Green Bay Packers improved by seven wins and advanced to the doorstep of the Super Bowl during the first season under new coach Matt LaFleur in 2019.

A team that limped to a 6-9-1 season in 2018 got big contributions from newcomers and clutch plays from up and down the roster to finish 13-3.

Here are the studs and duds from the Packers’ 2019 season:

Studs

OLB Za’Darius Smith: The $66 million man turned into a legitimate wrecking ball during his first season in Green Bay. Over 18 games, Smith produced 15.5 sacks, 41 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for losses and 107 total pressures. He led the NFL in expected sacks, quarterback hits, pressure rate and total disruptions despite being double-teamed at a higher rate than any other edge rusher. He rushed from every position in the defensive front and was especially effective rushing inside against guards and centers. His pressures were at least partially or directly responsible for six interceptions thrown by opposing quarterbacks. Five of his sacks came on third down. Teammates voted him a defensive captain. At the Pro Bowl, he produced two sacks and an interception.

RB Aaron Jones: He became just the 12th player in NFL history to score at least 23 touchdowns in a single season, including the playoffs. The third-year running back rushed for a league-high 19 touchdowns and caught four more scores. Jones finished with 1,202 rushing yards, 505 receiving yards and 1,707 total yards on 324 total touches, all career-highs. He led the NFL in red-zone rushing touchdowns (14) and games with two or more touchdowns (eight) and was one of only 20 players to produce six games or more with 100 or more scrimmage yards in 2019. His slashing style was a perfect fit in the new offense and he became a dangerous weapon in the passing game, all while proving his three-down ability by improving dramatically in pass protection. He also led the NFL in total broken tackles, breaking 32 as a runner and 10 more as a receiver.

DL Kenny Clark: A couple of injuries and increased attention from opponents led to a midseason lull, but Clark still made the Pro Bowl by finishing with six sacks, nine tackles for losses and the second-most total pressures by an interior defensive lineman. He was a dominant force down the stretch, producing 5.5 sacks and all nine of his tackles for a loss over the final eight games. Blocking him one-on-one was a fool’s errand. Just ask Garrett Bradbury.

WR Davante Adams: Missing four games with a toe injury in October hurt his final numbers, but Adams did nothing to hurt his argument as one of the NFL’s elite receivers. He had seven games over 100 yards receiving and finished the year with 100 catches for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns over 14 total games, including playoffs. He produced 16 catches over 20 yards and five over 40. He set a career-high with 180 receiving yards against the Eagles in Week 4 and later set a new franchise record with 160 receiving yards in the Packers’ playoff win over the Seahawks.

LT David Bakhtiari: The four-time All-Pro settled down after a somewhat shaky start and was nearly unbeatable over the final two months of the season. It’s easy to tell when Bakhtiari is rolling. Aaron Rodgers can sense it. He knows he’ll only need subtle movements to work around the pass-rush to his blindside. Few offensive tackles have to block in pass protection longer but Bakhtiari consistently gets it done. According to ESPN, he finished first among all offensive tackles in pass block win rate.

K Mason Crosby: The veteran kicker connected on 22 of 24 field goals and made all but one extra points. Overall, Crosby hit 68 of 71 total kicks in 2019. His 91.7 field goal percentage was a career-high. He also finished sixth in the NFL in touchback percentage, setting a new career-high at 62.0 percent. On kicks inside 40 yards, Crosby was a perfect 14-for-14. He also hit game-winning field goals in both games against the Detroit Lions.

RT Bryan Bulaga: When healthy, few are better at right tackle than Bulaga – and he managed to start 17 of 18 games in 2019. He still dealt with a few injury issues, but nothing major. He shut down several of the league’s top pass-rushers, including Khalil Mack, Danielle Hunter and Demarcus Lawrence. Pro Football Focus credited him with only four sacks allowed in 17 games.

TE Marcedes Lewis: His receiving impact remained minimal, even though he caught his first career touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers in New York. It was Lewis’ work in the run game that deserved recognition. His ability to block edge rushers as an inline tight end in the wide zone run game was crucial to executing the new scheme. Lewis consistently sealed off cut-back lanes or executed difficult reach blocks to create space to the outside. Most of Aaron Jones’ most explosive runs involved a block from Lewis at or near the point of attack.

OLB Preston Smith: His impact tailed off after a blazing hot start but there’s no denying how important his versatile skill set was to the defense. He produced 14 sacks, 27 quarterback hits and four pass breakups in 18 games. His seven sacks on third down were second in the NFL. He also intercepted a pass and showed an ability to drop into coverage and play underneath routes. Signed to a four-year deal in free agency, Smith produced career-best numbers in just about every significant statistical category.

S Will Redmond: No player on the roster had more special teams tackles than Redmond’s nine. And even when he didn’t get credit for a tackle, his swarming coverage often forced fair catches or directed the returner into a tackle by a teammate. He displayed speed and toughness to beat blocks and get downfield on punts and kicks. While overmatched at times on defense, Redmond’s value to Shawn Mennenga’s special teams groups was obvious.

WR Allen Lazard: Released by the Packers at final cuts, Lazard returned on the practice squad and immediately earned a call-up. It took him two months to get on the field, but once he did, the Packers had a hard time keeping him off it. He caught 67.3 percent of his targets and finished second on the team with 477 receiving yards. His touchdown catches in comeback wins over the Lions were important plays. Big and physical, Lazard was a legitimate asset as a run blocker. He even showed surprising speed on vertical routes. Chemistry slowly built with Aaron Rodgers and he emerged as a favorite target on third down. Lazard might be the only receiver behind Adams with a role secured in 2020.

CB Chandon Sullivan: Acquired in May, Sullivan fought his way onto the roster and emerged as an important part of Mike Pettine’s defense. As the No. 4 cornerback, he was nothing if not solid. He broke up six passes, intercepted Dak Prescott in Dallas and gave up only 11 total completions over roughly 350 snaps. He was also a core special teams player. His flashes in the slot could give him a chance to be a starter in 2020.

Duds

WR Geronimo Allison: Despite playing over 600 snaps in an offense captained by Aaron Rodgers, Allison produced one of the least efficient seasons by an NFL receiver in 2019. He averaged 8.4 yards per catch and 5.2 yards per target. He dropped at least five passes and fumbled twice. Of his 36 catches, 13 gained four or fewer yards. Rodgers’ passer rating when targeting Allison was 88.6.

LB Blake Martinez: He started every game, called plays for the defense and finished with over 140 tackles for the third-straight season, but his stats were mostly hollow and he represented a big reason why the Packers struggled to defend against the run and cover the middle of the field. In his fourth season, Martinez failed to lock in his future in Green Bay. He’s not big or physical enough to beat blocks, not fast or reactive enough to get to spots and make impact plays and not instinctive or athletic enough to play zone coverage in the middle of the field. Smart teams found ways to consistently exploit him. However, Mike Pettine did him no favors, often playing light in the box and asking Martinez to make it happen with little help.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: The second-year receiver began the season as the No. 2 option behind Davante Adams but finished the year without a role. Over the final 11 games, MVS caught just six passes. He all but disappeared in the postseason, playing six total snaps over two games. He caught a long touchdown in Week 3 and produced 133 receiving yards in a win over the Raiders, but his highlights were few and far between. His incredible deep speed never translated into impact, and he never seemed to get on the same page as Rodgers. He averaged 17.4 yards per catch but caught just 46.4 percent of targets.

TE Jimmy Graham: The Packers gave him another shot in a new offense in 2019, but it was a mistake. The veteran played only 58 percent of the offense’s snaps and caught 38 passes, the lowest number since his rookie season. His lack of speed was painfully obvious, and he’s just not good enough at the catch point anymore. His blocking was spotty and oftentimes unacceptable. For long stretches, his only impact on the game was catching short checkdowns after helping with pass protection. This offense needs a lot more from the tight end position.

DL Montravius Adams: He was touted all summer by teammates and coaches but disappeared once the real games kicked off. He played in 14 games but was on the field for just 187 snaps, a slight dropoff from last season. Mike Pettine used him early in the season but quickly discovered he wasn’t reliable enough against the run. The run defense improved when his role decreased. The Packers need Adams to take a big step, but it’ll be tough to buy into him after three uninspiring seasons.

RG Billy Turner: He started all 18 games and nearly played every snap, and there’s value to cohesion along the offensive line. Still, the Packers signed Turner to a big deal in free agency and got nothing more than an average starter in return. He led the Packers offensive line in sacks and total pressures allowed. Stunts and delayed blitzes gave him real trouble.

Za’Darius Smith, Davante Adams pay respects to Kobe Bryant during Pro Bowl

Both the Packers stars paid tribute to fallen NBA star Kobe Bryant during the 2020 Pro Bowl.

Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith and receiver Davante Adams both paid tribute to fallen NBA legend Kobe Bryant during Sunday’s Pro Bowl in Orlando.

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, died Sunday in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles.

Smith joined NFC teammates in a jump shot celebration after the Packers outside linebacker delivered a strip-sack of Deshaun Watson. Smith told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that it was a planned celebration after the team heard the tragic news in the locker room.

Later, Adams caught a touchdown pass and immediately held up a “2” and a “4” to honor Bryant, who wore the No. 24 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He then performed a 360 dunk on the goalpost.

“Kobe always meant something special to me,” Adams, a California native, told Salters.

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Current, former Packers players react to tragic death of Kobe Bryant

NBA legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away Sunday.

NBA legend Kobe Bryant passed away tragically Sunday in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles.

Current and former members of the Green Bay Packers reacted to the terrible news:

Packers GM excited for Rashan Gary’s future as versatile pass-rusher

GM Brian Gutekunst defended Rashan Gary’s rookie season and expressed excitement about his future as a versatile rusher similar to Za’Darius Smith.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst defended the rookie season of first-round pick Rashan Gary and expressed excitement about the young pass-rusher’s growth potential as a versatile player similar to Za’Darius Smith.

When a reporter claimed during a question that Gary didn’t contribute much in 2019, Gutekunst quickly offered a rebuttal.

“I disagree with that. I thought he contributed quite a bit,” Gutekunst said Friday. “He was behind two really, really good players. He didn’t see the normal amount of snap time from a first-round draft pick, but when he was in there, I thought he affected the game. His explosiveness off the edge was very evident and affected the passer when he was in there.”

Gary, the 12th overall pick, played in all 16 games but was on the field for just 244 total defensive snaps. He finished the regular season with two sacks and three quarterback hits.

Meanwhile, free agent additions Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith dominated playing time on the edges and combined for 25.5 sacks and 60 quarterback hits.

Gary is blessed with rare physical tools, but he required development coming out of Michigan as an edge rusher and faced a steep learning curve at a new position (from defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker).

His best pro comparison might still be Cam Jordan, the New Orleans Saints’ defensive end. He had limited college production but also great size and an attractive skill set, and despite a slow start to his NFL career, Jordan developed over time into a dominant rusher. Patience was required.

The Packers hope Gary is headed down a similar path.

Having the Smiths in Green Bay allowed time for development without the pressure to play right away but also limited Gary’s opportunities to get on the field.

Soon, expectations will change. For now, Gary will head into his first professional offseason with another opportunity to improve and continue developing under outside linebackers coach Mike Smith.

“I’m excited for him,” Gutekunst said. “I think he has a great coach, and a couple of great players in front of him to learn from. I’m excited to see what he can do in Year 2.”

Jordan went from one sack and four quarterback hits during his rookie season to eight sacks and 13 quarterback hits in his second year.

Coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers need to find more ways of getting Gary on the field. His versatility will make that task easier as he develops.

Gutekunst envisions Gary growing into a role similar to Za’Darius Smith, who plays on the edge and all over the front in passing situations.

“A lot in Z’s role. I see him coming off the edge, moving inside and playing the three-technique, stand up over the center, he can do a lot of those things,” Gutekunst said. “Like Z when he was young, he’s growing into it. It’s like anything, you want him to master one thing before he moves on to the next.”

Packers losing defensive backs coach to Panthers

Packers DBs coach Jason Simmons is joining the Carolina Panthers.

The Green Bay Packers will have to replace an assistant coach on Mike Pettine’s defensive staff.

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers are losing defensive backs coach Jason Simmons to the Carolina Panthers.

Simmons spent the last nine years as an assistant coach in Green Bay, including the last two leading the secondary (secondary coach for Mike McCarthy in 2018, defensive backs coach for Matt LaFleur in 2019).

Simmons will join new Panthers defensive coordinator Phil Snow, who coached Simmons at Arizona State in the late 1990s.

This past season, the Packers finished third in the NFL in interceptions, fifth in passing touchdowns allowed and sixth in opposing passer rating.

A 10-year NFL veteran as a player, Simmons joined the Packers staff as a coaching administrator in 2011. He spent four years (2014-17) assisting the special teams before moving to the secondary.

Pettine could promote Ryan Downard, the assistant defensive backs coach, to replace Simmons. Quality control assistant Christian Parker assisted the secondary in 2019 and could replace Downard as the top defensive backs assistant.

Silverstein reported the Packers are “lining up candidates,” making it possible Pettine and LaFleur will pick an outside hire to replace Simmons.

Packers explored adding ‘explosive offensive player’ at trade deadline, couldn’t find value

The Packers were looking for a playmaker at the trade deadline but couldn’t find the right value in a potential deal.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed Friday he explored adding an “explosive offensive player” at the trade deadline in October but couldn’t find the right value from a limited set of potential deals.

Gutekunst’s revelation came after he was asked if he regretted anything about the way his roster was built in 2019. Clearly, the Packers general manager believed his offense needed another playmaker.

“As we got through the first part of the season before the trade deadline, we were looking to see it made sense to add another explosive offensive player,” Gutekunst said Friday. “The opportunities to do that were not many, and the ones that were were not particularly sound value, in my opinion. We looked at that. I was also very optimistic that some of our young players would improve and get us where we wanted to be.”

The Packers were limited at receiver behind Davante Adams and probably could have used another dependable option in the passing game down the stretch.

Gutekunst confirmed the Packers would be looking for help at receiver this offseason.

Several deals for offensive weapons got done at the deadline, but prices were steep – too steep for Gutekunst.

The San Francisco 49ers sent a third- and a fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for receiver Emmanuel Sanders and a fifth-round pick.

The New England Patriots sent a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for receiver Mohamed Sanu.

The Arizona Cardinals sent a sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for running back Kenyan Drake.

Receivers Robby Anderson and DeVante Parker and tight end O.J. Howard were reportedly available, but all three ended up staying put.

The cost was too high and the Packers moved forward. Eventually, Allen Lazard stepped up and gave the offense a more capable No. 2 receiver after both Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison struggled.

The offense remained inefficient and wasn’t good enough on third down, but the Packers still won 13 regular-season games and advanced to the NFC title game.

The team’s interest in adding a weapon on offense at the deadline highlights what could be a major goal this offseason. Gutekunst has prioritized getting Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur a playmaker to help the offense take a big step in their second season in the system.

“I’m really excited to see what he can do in Year 2. I know Matt talks a lot about what Matt Ryan did in Year 2, the comparatives there. I’m really excited to see where him and the offense can go,” Gutekunst said.

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Packers optimistic about getting deal done with Kenny Clark this offseason

GM Brian Gutekunst said it’s important for the Packers to get a new deal done with Kenny Clark this offseason.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is “optimistic” about completing a new deal for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark.

A first-round pick in 2016 and a first-time Pro Bowler in 2019, Clark is scheduled to enter the fifth and final year of his rookie deal in 2020, but getting a new deal done this offseason would ensure he’s in Green Bay long term.

The Packers want to get that done in the next few months.

“I think it’s important. Kenny is a big part of what we do, very important to our defense,” Gutekunst said Friday. “I’m optimistic we’ll be able to come to some agreement at some point. These things don’t happen quickly usually. The idea was always to, some time this offseason, approach that, and we will.”

Clark, who is still only 24 years old, has emerged as one of the NFL’s best interior defensive players.

Over the last two seasons, Clark produced 12.0 sacks, 17 tackles for losses and 16 quarterback hits over 29 games. He finished the 2019 season ranked second among NFL interior defenders in total pressures, trailing only All-Pro Aaron Donald.

Under his current contract, Clark would make just under $8 million in 2020.

Clark wasn’t selected to the initial Pro Bowl roster but was added as a replacement earlier this week. The recognition was probably overdue for a player who has performed at a high level each of the last three seasons.

It’s likely Clark will want a deal equal or better than the four-year, $68 million extension Grady Jarrett signed with the Atlanta Falcons last summer. Jarrett’s deal included $38 million guaranteed at signing.

5 things to know from Brian Gutekunst’s press conference

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst answered questions for 30 minutes on Friday. Here’s what to know.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered a variety of questions about the upcoming offseason during a 30-minute meeting with reporters at Lambeau Field on Friday.

Here are the top takeaways from Gutekunst’s season-ending press conference:

1. Packers want to get a deal done with Kenny Clark soon: Gutekunst confirmed getting a new deal done for Clark is one of the Packers’ top priorities this offseason. Clark, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2019, will enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2020. The Packers want him locked up long-term. It’ll be a slow process, but there’s confidence a deal will get done. “I’m optimistic we’ll be able to come to an agreement at some point,” Gutekunst said. Clark doesn’t anticipate needing to hold out to get a new deal.

2. Expect WR and ILB to be target areas: Receiver and inside linebacker sound like two positions the Packers will work hard to improve this offseason. Gutekunst plainly said he wants to add help at receiver, and linebacker is another position he wants to “take a long look at,” especially with Blake Martinez about to be a free agent. The Packers explored ways of adding an “explosive offense player” at the trade deadline but couldn’t find the right value. Gutekunst also talked about the difficulties of playing inside linebacker in today’s NFL, and he had no doubts about the need for speed at the position.

3. Packers want the vets back: Gutekunst made it clear he still believes Bryan Bulaga, Mason Crosby and Tramon Williams can play at a high level. He specifically mentioned Bulaga and Crosby as players the Packers want to bring back. Financials always play a big part in these decisions, but if the money is right, expect the Packers to interested in bringing back all three before or during free agency. Bulaga and Crosby are likely high-priority players for Gutekunst.

4. Packers are really excited about the second year in the offense: Matt LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers and now Gutekunst have all expressed excitement about what the offense could do in 2020. Gutekunst specifically mentioned conversations with LaFleur about the massive jump from Matt Ryan in his second year in this same offense back in 2016. The Packers are clearly anticipating a big jump from Rodgers and the offense next season. Gutekunst said Rodgers is still playing at an “elite level” individually. Another year getting comfortable in the system and a few additions in the passing game could take the group to another level in 2020. “I’m really excited to see what he can do in Year 2,” Gutekunst said.

5. Quarterback is possible: Despite Gutekunst’s confidence level in Rodgers, he wouldn’t ruling out drafting a quarterback if the Packers felt the player was a starting-quality passer at the next level. It’s a philosophy learned from working under Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson, two general managers who often drafted quarterbacks despite having a franchise passer. However, Gutekunst didn’t make it sound like finding a potential successor for Rodgers was much of a priority this offseason.