Tag: jugs machine

The Packers are testing the ‘Seeker’ mega-JUGS machine, and NFL fans are in awe of what it can do

This thing is WILD.

As one of the NFL’s forward thinkers, the Packers are always looking for an extra edge on the field. Their latest complicated toy, the “Seeker,” is an excellent example of the innovations happening in and around Lombardi Avenue.

According to Forbes, the Seeker was first developed by Monarc Sports as a way for receivers to polish their skills without their teammates during the early parts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been described by some as a “JUGS machine on steroids” in what is essentially a robotic quarterback that can be programmed to a tee. We’re talking velocity, trajectory, velocity, pace … did I say velocity?

Simulated punts and kickoffs can reach up to 75 miles per hour, and the machine can pump out 500 throws per hour.  Holy cow.

And now, the Packers will be the first NFL team to start using the Seeker in practices:

There’s no word on when precisely the Packers will start using the Seeker in practice. But if this incredible machine is what the future holds for pro football, I can’t wait to see what technology brings next in terms of innovation.

Packers need a new JUGS machine after ‘ridiculous’ day of simulated punts

Packers punt returners were having a hell of a time catching punts from the JUGS machine on Tuesday. Now we know why.

All the issues catching punts during Tuesday’s practice in Green Bay had an explanation: A faulty JUGS machine.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed his frustration with the important piece of practice equipment – which can be used to shoot footballs in the air to simulate a punt return situation – after being asked about the problems catching punts on Wednesday.

“We’re in the market for a new JUGS machine,” LaFleur said. “So if anyone has one out there, they want to donate, or put whatever price you want on it, I don’t care. We have to get a new JUGS machine. I’ve never seen anything like that. That thing was ridiculous.”

All five punt returners were having issues catching the football during a special teams period. When rookie Romeo Doubs finally made a catch of a wayward punt, the crowd at Ray Nitschke Field cheered.

LaFleur blamed the way the JUGS machine was tossing the footballs.

“It was awful. You couldn’t get a ball to turn over. It was damn near impossible to catch. That was not the finest hour for our equipment staff,” LaFleur said.

The machine retails at almost $4,000. It is marketed as delivering “perfect passes, punts and kickoffs to any precise spot on your field. Your players can practice catching perfect spirals or end-over-end ‘kicks’ at any speed or distance you choose from 5 yards to 80 yards.”

Getting a new one shouldn’t be a problem for a franchise with over $500 million in the reserve fund.

The Packers are still attempting to find a punt returner for the 2022 season. Doubs, Amari Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Rico Gafford and Ishmael Hyman are the top five candidates at this point in training camp. But it might be tough to properly evaluate the returners until the Packers can find a functioning JUGS machine capable of sending out the right kind of simulated punts during training camp practices.

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Josh Palmer details development using a JUGS machine

Senior wide receiver Josh Palmer met with media ahead of playing Florida.

Senior Josh Palmer has appeared in seven games for Tennessee (2-5, 2-5 SEC) this season.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound wide receiver has recorded 22 receptions for 331 yards and four touchdowns. He has totaled 88 receptions, 1,370 yards and seven touchdowns in 44 career games since 2017 at Tennessee.

Ahead of Tennessee’s contest against No. 5 Florida (7-1, 7-1 SEC), Palmer met with media and discussed how he has practiced with the use of a JUGS machine for his development.

ATHENS, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 10: Josh Palmer #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers pulls in this touchdown reception against DJ Daniel #14 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Palmer mentioned he has two people, Will and Ben, that help him every day going through drills while using the Jugs machine.

“Will, will play defense and play harder than a normal defensive back could in the game, because the refs would call pass interference,” Palmer said. “That’s an everyday thing I’ve been doing for the past two years with these guys. They’ve helped me a lot in my development.

“I don’t really think it helps with footwork, but it helps with hand-eye coordination by working on the depth of certain routes. Then, I’ll work with the quarterbacks later so we can develop timing.”

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