Lombardi Ave » Greg Jennings http://lombardiave.com A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more. Mon, 20 May 2013 12:34:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 Greg Jennings says goodbye through classy ad http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/20/greg-jennings-says-goodbye-through-classy-ad/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/20/greg-jennings-says-goodbye-through-classy-ad/#comments Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:36:24 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=16083 The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today published a “Bittersweet Farewell” from former wide receiver Greg Jennings to fans of the Green Bay Packers, sending a message of thanks and best wishes to all who have followed him over the past seven years. This has been a tumultuous week for Jennings and Packers fans. There was the [...]

Greg Jennings says goodbye through classy ad - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings will be remembered for all he has done for the Packers organization, but we can’t forget – he is now a Minnesota Viking.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today published a “Bittersweet Farewell” from former wide receiver Greg Jennings to fans of the Green Bay Packers, sending a message of thanks and best wishes to all who have followed him over the past seven years.

This has been a tumultuous week for Jennings and Packers fans. There was the talk that Jennings was about to re-sign with the Packers. Then came his announced visit to Minnesota, the dinner with high ranking officials of that organization and then his signing with the NFC North Division rival Vikings.

It all hurt and Packers fans let their feelings known through every available social media outlet.

In addition, earlier this week Jennings went on Minnesota sports talk radio to tell the world that not only did he make the decision to sign with the Vikings because they “stepped up to the plate,” but that he also had received phone calls and texts from none other than Brett Favre, who Jennings said set him straight about the process and where he should sign.

Packers fans were not happy – they felt doubly stung and doubly hurt.

Today’s message, in my humble opinion, relieves some of the sting that has come about.

However, we can’t forget that he is now a Minnesota Viking and though we love everything he’s done for the Packers organization, his due will come when the Vikes and Packers play in the future.

The ad published today is below.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/20/greg-jennings-says-goodbye-through-classy-ad/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings … My Final Thoughts http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/17/greg-jennings-my-final-thoughts/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/17/greg-jennings-my-final-thoughts/#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2013 13:00:16 +0000 Darryl Krejci http://lombardiave.com/?p=15975 Adios Greg Jennings! Way back in my college days, when a “true love” broke my heart, the easiest way to handle the torment that ripped my heart apart was to walk down to U Liquors (yes that was the name of the place and I believe it still exists), buy a case of Old Milwaukee [...]

Greg Jennings … My Final Thoughts - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings will be catching passes for the Minnesota Vikings next fall.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Adios Greg Jennings!

Way back in my college days, when a “true love” broke my heart, the easiest way to handle the torment that ripped my heart apart was to walk down to U Liquors (yes that was the name of the place and I believe it still exists), buy a case of Old Milwaukee (it was cheap and made great furniture, just ask my old buddy ,Kirk) and drink until the sun came up or the lights went down.  Then I would stumble over to the Village Wok and get an order of egg foo young and go back to my room and sleep (OK, maybe pass out).  But that was when I was young, foolish and thought it was cool to wear a Tony Mandarich jersey on the streets of Minneapolis.

So fast forward 20 years.  Mandarich has been replaced with Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, and Clay Matthews.  Old Milwaukee has been replaced with coffee and equal, and the occasional trip to the Mall of America wearing anything and everything Green Bay Packers, yet the heartache still remains, but not in the way you would think.

Let me start by saying, I am not sorry to see Greg Jennings go.  Seriously, good riddance.  The Packers Nation does not need his ego, nor do they need his persistent injury-prone, self-indulging persona.

What you may say … well it is true.  Greg Jennings was a product of the system he was in.  Yes he had to have some solid skills, but when you have Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers throwing to you, you are going to look better than you really are.  Favre and Rodgers elevated the play of those around them.  They made the average, become above average.

Now Jennings is going to a team, that no matter how he wants to spin it, has a sub-standard quarterback whose main job is to hand off to Adrian Peterson.  They are not rising, they are not improving, they are fortunate to even still be playing in Minnesota.  Now Jennings is going to find out what it means to lose.

His career is all downhill from here.  Honestly ask yourself, have any of the former Packers who moved westward to the Purple City done anything with their careers?  Did any of them win a championship?  Yeah, there were two division titles since 2005 in Minnesota, but one playoff victory (as many Vikqueen fans pointed out to me) and the only Super Bowl they win is when they are playing on their Xbox.

The best quote I have read regarding Jennings and his decision to wear the Purple came from Mike Freeman, National NFL Insider for CBSsports.com, who wrote, “….it’s all but certain that Jennings’ career will die a slow death. Jennings went from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Ponder. I like Ponder more than most (OK, I’m the only one who likes him) but even as a Ponder backer, he’s not in the same galaxy as Aaron Rodgers. So Jennings made the classic decision. He got his money but his career is all down hill from here.
“The Packers will continue to fight for Super Bowls and Jennings will disappear like he’s wearing a cloaking device.”

So this is where my heart breaks.  It breaks because Greg Jennings cared nothing about those who supported him.  He cared nothing about those of us who wished him well during the injuries.  He forgot about the cheers and championships, the love of the Packers Nation.  He gave it all up because he wanted it to be all about him.  He quit on us, when we never quit on him.

He told us this well before the season started that he was leaving when he alluded to this being his last year.  He slapped the Green and Gold in the face when he turned down more money than he is going to make, not once but twice when Ted Thompson tried to re-sign him.  The final sign was when he put his house up for sale.  Most people do not sell their house until they know they are leaving or at least expect to leave.  He knew then as he knew the day he arrived in Minnesota, he was not coming back.

My heart is heavy not because Greg Jennings went to the Vi-queens.  It is heavy because he played us and used us, like an old college flame.  He led us to believe that we were what mattered the most, but in the end, it was all about him and what he wanted.

So, Greg Jennings, know this, you do not deserve to wear the honorable colors of the Green Bay Packers.  You do not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as James Lofton, Sterling Sharpe, and Donald Driver.  You deserve exactly what you are going to get for the rest of your career, playing second fiddle to Adrian Peterson, and nothing else!

In the end, you showed us the real you.  That it is not about being part of a team that strives for excellence and championships.  This is all about feeding your self-delusional dreams of being the man.  I guess you never learned that in football, being the man means putting the team first.

Enjoy your money and the slow sinking feeling that is going to be your career as we enjoy those players who put the Packers Nation above all else!

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/17/greg-jennings-my-final-thoughts/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings: You’re about to see his career disappear http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/16/greg-jennings-youre-about-to-see-his-career-disappear/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/16/greg-jennings-youre-about-to-see-his-career-disappear/#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2013 02:17:49 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15957 Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings signed with the Minnesota Vikings late Friday night, sending fans of the Purple People Eaters into celebration and the Packers’ faithful to anger, disappointment and shock. What was Jennings thinking when he said the Vikings “stepped up to the plate?” Translation = Money. Yes, he signed for [...]

Greg Jennings: You’re about to see his career disappear - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

The NFL will never have the honor and privilege to watch Aaron Rodgers throw to Greg Jennings.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings signed with the Minnesota Vikings late Friday night, sending fans of the Purple People Eaters into celebration and the Packers’ faithful to anger, disappointment and shock.

What was Jennings thinking when he said the Vikings “stepped up to the plate?”

Translation = Money.

Yes, he signed for lots of money – lots and lots of money, but he forgot one thing as he was putting pen to paper – success on the field.

Christian Ponder will be throwing next season to former Packer Greg Jennings. How successful he will be is up for debate.
Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

He left that in Green Bay and he will never find it again, especially in Minnesota. Unless the Vikings go out and draft Joe Montana, Jennings will never again experience what he did in Green Bay with his battery mate, Aaron Rodgers. With Christian Ponder, Jennings will be lucky to total 500 yards – oh, he’ll have a few high points, will score some touchdowns for the Vikings, but what he also forgot while signing that piece of paper was that Ponder hands off to Adrian Peterson 350 times per season, which means the ball will be coming his way that many fewer times.

Consider this: The Vikings passing offense under Christian Ponder the past two seasons has averaged around 2,800 yards per season. In 2011, the Vikings ranked 28th. They improved to 20th in 2012. Will Jennings bring enough to the team to improve that ranking? Not unless Adrian Peterson can throw the ball or until that Joe Montana shows up on the Vikings’ sideline.

With Rodgers throwing to him, Jennings accounted for 1,300 yards by himself in the past two years and that’s while missing three games in 2011 and eight in 2012.

Mike Freeman, National NFL Insider for CBSsports.com, said it best today when he wrote about the move by Jennings:

 ”… it’s all but certain that Jennings’ career will die a slow death. Jennings went from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Ponder. I like Ponder more than most (OK, I’m the only one who likes him) but even as a Ponder backer, he’s not in the same galaxy as Aaron Rodgers. So Jennings made the classic decision. He got his money but his career is all down hill from here.

“The Packers will continue to fight for Super Bowls and Jennings will disappear like he’s wearing a cloaking device.”

Larry Fitzgerald’s career has taken a marked downturn since Kurt Warner retired. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Freeman goes on to compare Jennings’ future to that Cardinals’ wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has experienced – and he’s right. Fitzgerald was all-world when Kurt Warner was throwing to him. When Warner retired, he disappeared. The same will happen to Jennings, I’m afraid.

So, good luck with your future, Mr. Jennings. It’s been nice seeing you succeed in Green Bay. It will be disappointing watching your career unravel in Minnesota.

 Here are Jennings’ career statistics in Green Bay …

 

2011 Minnesota Vikings passing offense

Category Total Yards Yards Per Game NFL Rank
Passing Offense 2,957 Yards 184.8 YPG 28th

 

2012 Minnesota Vikings passing offense

Category Total Yards Yards Per Game NFL Rank
Passing Offense 2,751 Yards 171.9 YPG 20th

 

 

 

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/16/greg-jennings-youre-about-to-see-his-career-disappear/feed/ 0 Dispelling the Myths Regarding Greg Jennings http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/16/dispelling-the-myths-regarding-greg-jennings/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/16/dispelling-the-myths-regarding-greg-jennings/#comments Sat, 16 Mar 2013 06:53:55 +0000 Jason Hirschhorn http://lombardiave.com/?p=15933 For fans of the Green Bay Packers, yesterday’s news that Greg Jennings had signed a five-year deal with division rival Minnesota brought out a lot of emotions. Many viewed it as the end of great players’ time with Green Bay, and accordingly felt sad and nostalgic. Others, unfortunately, responded in an ugly and classless way, [...]

Dispelling the Myths Regarding Greg Jennings - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

For fans of the Green Bay Packers, yesterday’s news that Greg Jennings had signed a five-year deal with division rival Minnesota brought out a lot of emotions.

Many viewed it as the end of great players’ time with Green Bay, and accordingly felt sad and nostalgic. Others, unfortunately, responded in an ugly and classless way, wishing injury and misfortune on one the principals of the Packers’ last Super Bowl winning team. It’s regrettable and disappointing that so many fans would treat a classy person like Greg Jennings that way, but such is the case with a fanbase as large and passionate as the Packers’.

Partially due to that emotion, many myths have been propagated regarding Jennings and his move to Minnesota. We address them here, and explain why they are indeed untrue:

Myth: The Packers offered Jennings more money than the Vikings

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The misunderstanding is rooted largely in the difference between average salary and total money. Assuming the rumored $10 million per year offer from Green Bay was real, that doesn’t automatically mean Jennings took less money to go to Minnesota.

The contract Jennings signed averages out to $9.5 million per season. While that figure is less than the Packers’ offer, we can assume with confidence that Green Bay wasn’t offering five years. My best guess is their offer was in the order of $30 million over three years. Not only is that less total money, but it would mean Jennings would hit the free agent market when he is a 33-year-old. Receivers at that age, especially ones who are under six feet, generally don’t garner much interest. By signing the five-year deal with the Vikings, Jennings gives himself the best chance at earning big money into his mid-30s.

Myth: The Vikings will definitely cut Jennings before his five years are up

Greg Jennings (85) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

While the contract Jennings signed only guarantees $18 million, that doesn’t mean he can only depend on earning that amount. Even if we assume Jennings will decline in productivity over the course of the deal, the Vikings have no reason to release Jennings until at least three years have elapsed. At that point, Jennings could easily renegotiate his deal and still receive more money than he would have had he been an unrestricted free agent heading toward his thirty-third birthday. This deal gives Jennings leverage at age 33 that he wouldn’t have had with Green Bay. The worst case scenario for him is the Vikings cut him after three seasons and he still picks up checks for the remaining guaranteed money.

Myth: Jennings demonstrated disloyalty by going to Minnesota

You can apply this to any player on any team. The players don’t owe their teams, teammates, or fans anything, nor should they. In the NFL, the team can cut players or force them to accept pay cuts for any reason. Players are treated like chattel and then reprimanded when they try to optimize their value. To decry a player for leaving your favorite team, no matter what team he leaves for, is an absolute farce.

Donald Driver (left) and Greg Jennings (85) talk during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, anyone who thinks there are exceptions to this are living in a fantasy. Take Donald Driver. He spent his entire career with the Packers and said repeatedly that he’s happy to have only played for one team, but that’s easy to say once you’ve retired. So quickly do people forget that when his rookie contract expired, he nearly bolted. Had the Packers not come back with an offer for more money, Driver wouldn’t have lasted five years with the club.

Would Driver have been a bad person to have done so? Absolutely not, and neither is Jennings for leaving now. This is how the NFL works, and moreover, it’s always been this way. Some fans may pine for an era when players stuck with their original teams and those clubs fostered brotherhood, but that simply never happened. Even the Lombardi Packers were made up of many retread players. Hall of Famers like Fuzzy Thurston and Emlen Tunnell were signed from other teams. Accordingly, to contend that the NFL “became too much like a business” is a hilarious falsehood. It’s the same way it’s always been.

Myth: Ted Thompson needs to be fired

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) talks with general manager Ted Thompson during the Green Bay Packers organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

I hope most of you aren’t in this camp. Ted Thompson isn’t perfect, but he doesn’t misevaluate very often. His track record when it comes to deciding whether to re-sign players or walk away is incontrovertibly good. Two years ago, Thompson predicted that Jennings might become too expensive or too much of a liability and drafted Randall Cobb as a replacement. At the time, many considered Cobb’s selection as a “luxury,” but he’s already proven those critics wrong.

Cobb has effectively become the Packers go-to receiver in only two years in the league, during which time Jennings has missed 11 regular season games. That’s not to say Jennings is no longer a good player – he is – but the Packers are better served developing their young players and finding new talent through the draft.

In the end, both the Packers and Jennings made the right decision. Jennings received the long-term security he understandably desired and Green Bay retains the cap room necessary to keep their most important players – Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews – in a Packer uniform for many years to come.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/16/dispelling-the-myths-regarding-greg-jennings/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings: Here is what your former fans are saying http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/15/greg-jennings-here-is-what-your-former-fans-are-saying/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/15/greg-jennings-here-is-what-your-former-fans-are-saying/#comments Sat, 16 Mar 2013 01:25:19 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15919 FORMER Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings, while not overly surprising, but disappointing, left the Green Bay Packers at the negotiating table today and joined forces with the rival Minnesota Viking. Though certainly not the first to be wooed to the dark side, Jennings’ decision came down not to loyalty, but for dollars. While [...]

Greg Jennings: Here is what your former fans are saying - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings had a message for his new fan base tonight. … no doubt, it didn’t sit well with his former fan base.

FORMER Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings, while not overly surprising, but disappointing, left the Green Bay Packers at the negotiating table today and joined forces with the rival Minnesota Viking.

Though certainly not the first to be wooed to the dark side, Jennings’ decision came down not to loyalty, but for dollars. While we wish the best for Jennings the man, we hope for non-success on the football field, especially against the Packers. What kind of reception he receives when he steps foot on the Lambeau Field turf next season, the reception his decision to join the Vikings was loud and clear across Packers Nation tonight.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/15/greg-jennings-here-is-what-your-former-fans-are-saying/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings leaves Packers for Vikings http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/15/greg-jennings-leaves-packers-for-vikings/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/15/greg-jennings-leaves-packers-for-vikings/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:56:20 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15917 Sources have confirmed that Greg Jennings has done what several other Green Bay Packers have done over the years: He left the team that drafted him and the team that he helped win a Super Bowl by signing with the Minnesota Vikings. According to Tom Pelissaro of ESPN1500,  Jennings has agreed to a five-year contract [...]

Greg Jennings leaves Packers for Vikings - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> Sources have confirmed that Greg Jennings has done what several other Green Bay Packers have done over the years: He left the team that drafted him and the team that he helped win a Super Bowl by signing with the Minnesota Vikings.

According to Tom Pelissaro of ESPN1500,  Jennings has agreed to a five-year contract this afternoon after spending the entire day with Vikings brass.

He joined the Vikings officials, including coach Leslie Frazier, general manager Rick Spielman and defensive end Jared Allen for dinner Thursday night and then spent the entire day with officials at the Vikings facility.

According to Pelissero, the deal was finalized about 6 p.m.

The exact numbers for Jennings’ deal have yet to be released, but most expect them to be anywhere from $7- $9 million. When he entered the free agency period, Jennings was said to be asking for $11-$14 million, but the soft market and signings by players such as Wes Welker for $6 million per year probably brought Jennings’ asking price down.

It was rumored that the Packers were making a hard push to re-sign the player they drafted in the second round out of Western Michigan in 2006. Jennings was a fan favorite in Green Bay, catching 425 receptions for 6,537 yards and 53 touchdowns the past seven years. Though he has been injured the past two years, he was still considered a top receiver in this year’s free agent market.

There was no comment yet from the Packers organization.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/15/greg-jennings-leaves-packers-for-vikings/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings paying a visit to Vikings today http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/greg-jennings-paying-a-visit-to-vikings-today/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/greg-jennings-paying-a-visit-to-vikings-today/#comments Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:03:54 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15839 After two days of inactivity and much uncertainty about his actual future, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings will be paying a visit to North Division rival Minnesota Vikings today, according to a post this morning on profootballtalk.com. Jennings, who for the past couple of days has been relatively silent – as has his [...]

Greg Jennings paying a visit to Vikings today - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings will get buddy-buddy with the Vikings when he pays a visit to Minnesota today.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

After two days of inactivity and much uncertainty about his actual future, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings will be paying a visit to North Division rival Minnesota Vikings today, according to a post this morning on profootballtalk.com.

Jennings, who for the past couple of days has been relatively silent – as has his phone, according to reports – is one of the top free agent wide receivers still on the market. The talk was that the Vikings were initially interested in Jennings until they learned of his salary demands (around $12 million per year). However, now that the market has somewhat set itself with the second day signings of the likes of Reggie Bush (4 years, $16 million) and Wes Welker (2 years, $12), the market value for Jennings is probably right around $6-$8 million per year.

Whether the Vikings are willing to pay more than that is why Jennings is making the visit.

The Packers, it has been reported, have a genuine interest in bringing back the player who they drafted and with whom they won a Super Bowl in 2010. Jennings has also said that he is interested in playing with a team with a solid quarterback, solid character in the locker room and a place where he could raise his family in peace.

Well, two out of three is OK. Clearly, Jennings would not be playing with the best quarterback in the league if he went to Minnesota, though he would be the main receiver because the Vikings traded Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.

Stay tuned.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/greg-jennings-paying-a-visit-to-vikings-today/feed/ 0 Update: Green Bay Packers bypass franchise tag for Greg Jennings http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/04/greg-jennings-time-running-down-on-franchise-tag-deadline/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/04/greg-jennings-time-running-down-on-franchise-tag-deadline/#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:42:59 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15319 Update: Published reports as of 2:55 p.m. CST have stated that the Green Bay Packers will not place the franchise tag on wide receiver Greg Jennings, opening the free agent door wide for the longtime Green Bay receiver. The question now for the 29-year-old Jennings is whether he will get the $12 million per year [...]

Update: Green Bay Packers bypass franchise tag for Greg Jennings - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Some have speculated that the Packers would slap the franchise tag on Greg Jennings, but the deadline is Monday, today, at 3 p.m. CST. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Update: Published reports as of 2:55 p.m. CST have stated that the Green Bay Packers will not place the franchise tag on wide receiver Greg Jennings, opening the free agent door wide for the longtime Green Bay receiver.

The question now for the 29-year-old Jennings is whether he will get the $12 million per year contract he seeks from the market. He’s still one of the top receivers headed to the market, but there are others – Dwayne Bowe, Mike Wallace – who might be a notch above Jennings.

Either way, it’s an exciting time for Jennings and we wish him the best.

In a little less than two hours from the time of this penning, the deadline for slapping the franchise tag on players throughout the NFL will arrive – and that includes the scenario involving Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings.

A bit more than a week ago, it was reported that the Packers may still franchise tag Jennings, but with the passing of each hour and day, the likelihood that the Packers would agree to dole out $10 million to Jennings is coming to a quick close. In other words, if the Packers were to decide in the next hour to slap the tag on Jennings, they would be required to pay him $10 million for one season – that would be nearly half of the money the Packers have at their disposal under the salary cap.

That would leave the team about $12 million to sign their restricted free agents, which is expected to be around $5 million to $6 million, their draft choices, undrafted free agents and any other free agents they may be interested in signing, such as defensive lineman Chris Canty who will be in Green Bay Wednesday to talk over the options.

Some have also speculated that the Packers may try to utilize a “sign and trade” deal where they would sign Jennings and then trade him to a team in waiting. However, why would another team agree to such a deal when they can simply wait until the free agency period starts next week March 12 and negotiate a contract with Jennings without giving up any compensation?

So, the clock ticks on the Packers, but don’t expect any last minute changes in philosophy by Ted Thompson and the Packers brass.

My guess is that they are targeting their own draft choices and a limited number of free agents as the league season gets into full swing next week.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/04/greg-jennings-time-running-down-on-franchise-tag-deadline/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings, the Green Bay Packers, and the Franchise Tag http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/26/greg-jennings-the-green-bay-packers-and-the-franchise-tag/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/26/greg-jennings-the-green-bay-packers-and-the-franchise-tag/#comments Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:12:50 +0000 Jason Hirschhorn http://lombardiave.com/?p=15084 Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn. This past Sunday, the NFL Network’s Ian [...]

Greg Jennings, the Green Bay Packers, and the Franchise Tag - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

This past Sunday, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Green Bay Packers are seriously considering applying the franchise tag to free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings. The news came as a shock to most, as Jennings had been all but written off as a luxury the Packers couldn’t afford. Suddenly the paradigm has shifted and a future with the Packers number one receiver isn’t so intangible after all.

But let’s just slay this beast now. Nothing has changed. Greg Jennings is still as good as gone.

When a rumor, any rumor, hits the newswire during the pre-draft part of the offseason, the smart approach is that of skepticism. These rumors do often come from someone close to the situation, but that’s not a good reason to believe them. All parties involved want to calibrate the audience to believe their side, regardless of how far they have to strive from the truth. These rumors are almost always a skewered form of what’s actually happening, if anything is happening at all.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Review of the Jennings rumor

After going a full year without any meaningful conversation with Jennings and his agent regarding an extension, Packers GM Ted Thompson apparently is now seriously considering applying the franchise tag. This is the same Ted Thompson who habitually cuts ties with older, injured veterans and has built a team with only two players aged 30 or older under contract. This Ted Thompson apparently has decided to franchise a player who’s missed 11 games over the last two seasons and turns 30 in September.

Doesn’t that seem a little out of character for a man who’s never out of character?

Unless David Byrne is masquerading as Ted Thompson in the Packers’ front office, this rumor is no more likely than Reggie White lining up for Green Bay next season. The Packers under Thompson have shied away from holding onto expensive veterans who appear to be on the downside of their career. You don’t have to look back very far to find an example. Hell, you don’t even need to flip the page on the calendar. On Feb. 15, Charles Woodson was handed his walking papers. Woodson was set to make $10 million and nearing his 37 birthday. Despite playing competently when healthy, he’d become too much of a health risk. Accordingly, Thompson decided his cap space was better spent elsewhere.

Some have theorized that the Packers might be planning to tag Jennings so that they can trade him for draft picks. While that would make far more sense than retaining Jennings, that boat doesn’t hold much water either.

Jan 1, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) drops back to pass during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 45-41. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

If you recall the 2012 offseason, the Packers faced a similar franchise tag situation with quarterback Matt Flynn. Flynn was considered the top quarterback available in free agency after Peyton Manning, and the news surrounding 1265 Lombardi Ave. was that the Packers would franchise Flynn and trade him to the highest bidder.

As we know now, Thompson never pulled the trigger on the franchise tag. By all accounts, Thompson is a straight shooter and doesn’t like to bend the rules. While there is no way to stop teams from applying the franchise tag for the purposes of trading the tagged player, it goes against the spirit of the rules. It may seem silly, but that’s a line Thompson has repeatedly refused to cross, and thus it’s very unlikely the Packers will do a tag and trade with Jennings.

So why is this rumor even out there?

At this point we’re left with only conjecture, but we’re not totally in the dark. This past Friday, it was reported that the Jennings camp is seeking a contract that pays around $14 million per year. Such a deal would make Jennings the third highest paid receiver in the NFL. Even the most ardent Jennings supporter would be hard pressed to rank him that highly.

If Jennings were that much of a game changer, wouldn’t the Packers be knocking down his door with contract offers? That’s where this rumor comes in. It seems logical that the Jennings camp leaked this story to the press to create the illusion that the Packers do indeed want to keep him. While that won’t manifest a contract with the Packers, it does provide leverage in a negotiation with his next team. Jennings will be able to get a lot more money if there are not only several teams bidding for his services, but his original team still values his abilities.

Regardless of the exact reason for the rumor, it’s unlikely that the end result is another season for Jennings in Green Bay. The Packers have more vital extensions to sign with B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews, and Aaron Rodgers, and Jennings can get a far larger contract on the open market. At this stage, both parties have more to gain apart than they do together.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/26/greg-jennings-the-green-bay-packers-and-the-franchise-tag/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings: What people are saying and tweeting http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/25/greg-jennings-what-people-are-saying-and-tweeting/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/25/greg-jennings-what-people-are-saying-and-tweeting/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:21:13 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15041 Yesterday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com raised the collective eyebrows of fans across the world when he mentioned the Green Bay Packers were still considering using the franchise tag on wide receiver Greg Jennings. Here’s his tweet:   Interesting to hear the #Packers are still considering franchising Greg Jennings. Thought that ship had sailed. Apparently not. [...]

Greg Jennings: What people are saying and tweeting - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Will Greg Jennings be bringing his smile back to Green Bay?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Yesterday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com raised the collective eyebrows of fans across the world when he mentioned the Green Bay Packers were still considering using the franchise tag on wide receiver Greg Jennings.

Here’s his tweet:

 

Well, as you can guess, it caught everyone by surprise. Yes, most Packers fans and experts did indeed feel the ship had sailed and Jennings was bound four South Beach, Fla., Minnesota, or some other distant NFL land. Oh sure, there was mumblings here and there about the possibility of the Packers using the franchise tag, but nobody took it seriously. Until yesterday.

So, what will happen? Nobody knows for sure, but here’s what people were saying yesterday across the Internet world:


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 


]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/25/greg-jennings-what-people-are-saying-and-tweeting/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings: Reasons why we’ll miss him http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/17/greg-jennings-one-reason-why-well-miss-him/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/17/greg-jennings-one-reason-why-well-miss-him/#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2013 06:34:21 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=14741 Unless there is some sort of shift in the time and space continuum over the next couple of weeks, Green Bay Packers fans will see another of their longtime players leave town – Greg Jennings. The wide receiver who has provided seven seasons of highlight reel after highlight reel – film that we should dial [...]

Greg Jennings: Reasons why we’ll miss him - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings will be missed.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Unless there is some sort of shift in the time and space continuum over the next couple of weeks, Green Bay Packers fans will see another of their longtime players leave town – Greg Jennings.

The wide receiver who has provided seven seasons of highlight reel after highlight reel – film that we should dial up on YouTube as often as we can. Given that the Packers bid adieu to Donald Driver through a royal going away party at Lambeau Field and released 15-year veteran Charles Woodson, Packers fans should be ready for the next shakeup in town. Jennings is expected to hit the free agency road and has been tabbed as the number one wide receiver in the free agent market. While the Packers could join the signing frenzy and bring Jennings back, that might happen if indeed the time and space continuum is disrupted. Short of that, Jennings is gone – most likely to a destination such as Miami or even Minnesota.

Last week, Jennings said he “wouldn’t mind” going to Miami and hasn’t ruled out Minnesota.

But not only will we miss Jennings’ abilities on the field, we’re going to miss the man. In the video below, the character of the man comes through strongly – as does his acting skills.

Maybe you’ve seen this, maybe not. But if you haven’t, check it out.

I know I was impressed.

 

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/17/greg-jennings-one-reason-why-well-miss-him/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings may have the choice among many suitors http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/14/greg-jennings-may-have-the-choice-among-many-suitors/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/14/greg-jennings-may-have-the-choice-among-many-suitors/#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2013 02:13:43 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=14654 Today’s announcement that Greg Jennings is the top-ranked wide receiver among the free agents hitting the market next month will have him sitting squarely in the driver’s seat when choosing among the many suitors who are bound to come knocking on his door. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked all the available players ready to hit [...]

Greg Jennings may have the choice among many suitors - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings will most likely miss the Lambeau Leaps after he leaves Green Bay.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Today’s announcement that Greg Jennings is the top-ranked wide receiver among the free agents hitting the market next month will have him sitting squarely in the driver’s seat when choosing among the many suitors who are bound to come knocking on his door.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked all the available players ready to hit the market and Jennings came out on top – a fact that probably doesn’t surprise Packers Nation fans who have been watching him tear up secondaries for several years.

Here’s what PFF had to say about Jennings:

Arguably the most complete receiver available, but one coming off some injury concerns. Jennings has speed to burn and is one of the slickest route runners in the league. He is equally at home inside in the slot as he is out wide, and there isn’t a route in the tree he can’t run. While other receivers in this list are best suited to certain offensive systems, there isn’t a system that Jennings wouldn’t fit.

The key, of course, for Jennings is convincing those who come calling that he can hold up physically. The past two years, Jennings has suffered injuries. In 2011, he missed several games with a knee injury and then this past season he suffered a groin injury in the first game of the season and required surgery. He came back to the Packers in early December and was very effective the last month of the year. By year’s end, he had caught 36 balls for 366 yards and a 10.2 yard average. The downside to those stats was that he caught only four touchdowns in 2012.

In 96 games played over seven years with the Packers, Jennings started 86 of them, catching 425 passes for 6,537 yards and a 15.4 yard-per-catch average. He caught 53 touchdowns, with his longest being 86 yards. He averaged 4.4 catches per-game for an average of 68.1 yards. Over those seven years, Jennings fumbled just five times.

Greg Jennings is a burner who will continue to slice up secondaries.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Greg Jennings is a burner who will continue to slice up secondaries.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Those are pretty impressive numbers for the 30-year-old. It’s no wonder he’s considered number one among the rest of the field.

Here is PFF’s complete ranking list:

1. Greg Jennings
2. Wes Welker
3. Dwayne Bowe
4. Mike Wallace
5. Danny Amendola
6. Brian Hartline
7. Brandon Gibson
8. Domenik Hixon
9. Randy Moss
10. Johnny Knox

Knox has retired and I feel there will be little interest in Randy Moss, though there will most likely be some team who will sign “the greatest.”

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

A Greg Jennings career highlight video

 

 

 

 

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/14/greg-jennings-may-have-the-choice-among-many-suitors/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings hearts the Dolphins http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/14/greg-jennings-hearts-the-dolphins/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/14/greg-jennings-hearts-the-dolphins/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:05:00 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=14632   Greg Jennings, the soon-to-be-departed wide receiver of the Green Bay Packers, didn’t come right out and say it, but it sounds very much like he is leaning toward a move to the Miami Dolphins. His comment about joining the Dolphins, ”I wouldn’t mind that at all. The weather’s definitely nice. They have an up and [...]

Greg Jennings hearts the Dolphins - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>  

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings ended his season with a good run toward free agency. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Jennings, the soon-to-be-departed wide receiver of the Green Bay Packers, didn’t come right out and say it, but it sounds very much like he is leaning toward a move to the Miami Dolphins.

His comment about joining the Dolphins, ”I wouldn’t mind that at all. The weather’s definitely nice. They have an up and coming quarterback,” sure sounds like a very strong interest. In fact, on this Valentine’s Day, one might even think Jennings is infatuated with the idea. If it’s puppy love now, you can bet that within the next few weeks with the start of the free agency period, it will blossom into a full love affair and finally marriage.

Whether that marriage will then lead to a baby carriage with the birth of a Lombardi Trophy is yet to be seen.

But all kidding aside, Jennings is clearly leaning toward South Beach … but don’t count out the Vikings either. They play in a dome – in fact, a brand new dome in a couple of years or so. However, their quarterback is certainly not up-and-coming, nor do they have an offensive-minded coach and one with which Jennings is very familiar. Jennings would be able to jump into Joe Philbin’s system in a heartbeat and would give that team the go-to guy they need.

Not only that, but as a Packers fan myself, I certainly don’t want to see Jennings go to a division rival – especially the Vikings.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/14/greg-jennings-hearts-the-dolphins/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings, where are you? http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/09/greg-jennings-where-are-you/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/09/greg-jennings-where-are-you/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2013 21:38:16 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=14450 Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is loved by many  … most who don’t want to see him leave the team in free agency. However, that fact seems inevitable. But for some National Honor Society students at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Mich., they have been trying to reach him. You see, Battle Creek [...]

Greg Jennings, where are you? - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Mich., National Honor Society officers Carolyn, Christian, Chet and Sarah are attempting to contact Packers WR Greg Jennings to invite him to their organization’s induction ceremony scheduled for this spring. Jennings has not replied to their request yet. The students are anxious for a reply.
Contributed photograph

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is loved by many  … most who don’t want to see him leave the team in free agency.

However, that fact seems inevitable.

But for some National Honor Society students at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Mich., they have been trying to reach him. You see, Battle Creek is not far from Western Michigan University where Jennings went to school. Since joining the Packers, his following at Lakeview High School has been huge.

Michigan students are asking that Greg Jennings reply to their invitation to speak at their NHS induction ceremony this spring. So far he hasn’t responded.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

That said, several students who have been trying to reach Jennings to invite him to the NHS induction ceremony as a guest speaker, have struck out. They reached out to me at this site and I contacted the Packers public relations department. Working as a middle man, I forwarded the invitation letter to the Packers who then placed it into Jennings’ inbox just before the Packers’ Divisional Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.

We all know how that game turned out and, according to one source in the PR department, Jennings left 1265 Lombardi Avenue  quickly after returning from San Francisco and didn’t check his inbox. It was unclear how soon Jennings might be back to check his mailbox, according to the PR department source, given his free agent status.

The students at Lakeview High School sent another letter to Jennings with the hope that this one reaches him.

So, the question is, Greg Jennings – where are you?

These students would love to contact you … will you answer them? They love you and the Packers and surely would be very happy to hear from you.

My hope is that the students have good news soon.

We’ll keep you apprised …

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/09/greg-jennings-where-are-you/feed/ 0 Battle Creek, Mich., Packers fans hope to connect with Greg Jennings http://lombardiave.com/2013/01/11/battle-creek-mich-packers-fans-hope-to-connect-with-greg-jennings/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/01/11/battle-creek-mich-packers-fans-hope-to-connect-with-greg-jennings/#comments Sat, 12 Jan 2013 04:25:42 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=13687 Sarah, Chet, Christian and Carolyn are the officers of the Lakeview High School National Honor Society in Battle Creek, Mich., but they are also huge fans of the Green Bay Packers, and specifically Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings. The four NHS student officers contacted me here this week at Lombardiave.com because they wanted to know how [...]

Battle Creek, Mich., Packers fans hope to connect with Greg Jennings - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Sarah, Chet, Christian and Carolyn are the National Honor Society officers from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Mich., who want Greg Jennings to speak at their spring induction. In the meantime, they will be cheering for the Packers throughout the Playoffs. Contributed photograph

Sarah, Chet, Christian and Carolyn are the officers of the Lakeview High School National Honor Society in Battle Creek, Mich., but they are also huge fans of the Green Bay Packers, and specifically Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings.

The four NHS student officers contacted me here this week at Lombardiave.com because they wanted to know how to get in touch with Jennings, who is an alumnus of Western Michigan University, located not far from the Battle Creek High School.

With my connection to Sarah Quick, the assistant public relations director for the Packers, I was able to give the four students a direct line to the Packers and Jennings. Ms. Quick gave me her address so the students could send a letter to invite Jennings to their spring induction ceremony as the guest speaker.

While the students have sent their invitation, there’s no word yet on whether Jennings has received it or accepted their offer.

In the meantime, the four of them gathered together for a photograph this week to show their support of the Packers, saying they would continue to cheer for the Packers throughout the NFC Playoffs. They also said they and their advisor, Margaret Lincoln, would keep us up-to-date on whether Jennings accepts their offer.

Our guess is that Jennings is a little bit occupied right now and hope he continues to be occupied right up through this year’s Super Bowl.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/01/11/battle-creek-mich-packers-fans-hope-to-connect-with-greg-jennings/feed/ 0 When the Packers Offense Isn’t the Packers Offense Anymore http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/30/when-the-packers-offense-isnt-the-packers-offense-anymore/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/30/when-the-packers-offense-isnt-the-packers-offense-anymore/#comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:40:51 +0000 Jason Hirschhorn http://lombardiave.com/?p=11954   It’s a philosophical point as much as it is a football matter: At what point is the offense of the Green Bay Packers no longer the dominant, elite unit to which we’ve grown accustom? More specifically, what’s missing that is causing the offense to sputter against the Jaguars, one of the league’s least intimidating [...]

When the Packers Offense Isn’t the Packers Offense Anymore - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) show emotion on the sidelines against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Packers defeated the Texans 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

 

It’s a philosophical point as much as it is a football matter: At what point is the offense of the Green Bay Packers no longer the dominant, elite unit to which we’ve grown accustom?

More specifically, what’s missing that is causing the offense to sputter against the Jaguars, one of the league’s least intimidating defenses?

As I predicted in the week 8 game preview, the offense did not function well as Aaron Rodgers didn’t have either of his go-to-receivers. As though you didn’t already know, those receivers are Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

No one can say definitely whether Nelson’s absence was the cause of the many short drives the Packers experienced Sunday. However, 19 catches for 243 yards and 3 touchdowns went through Nelson his last two games. To expect normal effectiveness after that production is cut out without an adequate replacement is just an unrealistic expectation.

Coach Mike McCarthy said that Nelson was almost ready this past Sunday, so the Packers will likely perform better this week against the Cardinals. That’s only part of the solution, however.

As Ray Rivard touched upon earlier, Greg Jennings’ sports hernia surgery has been delayed as a result of Hurricane Sandy. It’s now expected that this will end up costing Jennings another game as he recovers.

That’s an additional week that the Packers are a Nelson injury away from reverting to the form they displayed against the Jaguars. In the rough NFC playoff picture, that’s not something they can afford.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/30/when-the-packers-offense-isnt-the-packers-offense-anymore/feed/ 0 Sandy could affect Jennings’ recovery timetable http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/29/sandy-could-affect-jennings-recovery-timetable/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/29/sandy-could-affect-jennings-recovery-timetable/#comments Tue, 30 Oct 2012 02:57:20 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=11924 The Green Bay Packers may be without Greg Jennings, their number one wide receiver, for a bit longer – thanks to Superstorm Sandy. Jennings was scheduled to travel to Philadelphia this week for the procedure, but the shutdown of the East Coast because of Sandy, the Packers receiver is still in Green Bay. Jennings has [...]

Sandy could affect Jennings’ recovery timetable - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers may be without Greg Jennings, their number one wide receiver, for a bit longer – thanks to Superstorm Sandy.

Jennings was scheduled to travel to Philadelphia this week for the procedure, but the shutdown of the East Coast because of Sandy, the Packers receiver is still in Green Bay.

Jennings has been out for the past three weeks because of a lingering groin injury and decided to undergo surgery to repair the damage.

The surgery was to have a minimum of a three-week recovery period, but with this newest delay, Packers coach Mike McCarthy was hopeful today that the delay won’t be significant.

How long depends on when Jennings is able to reschedule.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/29/sandy-could-affect-jennings-recovery-timetable/feed/ 1 Packers should hold Jennings out through the bye http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/24/packers-should-hold-jennings-out-through-the-bye/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/24/packers-should-hold-jennings-out-through-the-bye/#comments Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:00:41 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=11825   The guessing game for the Green Bay Packers has started – will Greg Jennings be cleared this week to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars? After missing three straight games because of a lingering groin injury suffered in the first game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers, there have been many who felt [...]

Packers should hold Jennings out through the bye - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings has been out for three straight games and if the Packers are smart they will keep him out until after the bye. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

 

The guessing game for the Green Bay Packers has started – will Greg Jennings be cleared this week to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars?

After missing three straight games because of a lingering groin injury suffered in the first game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers, there have been many who felt that Jennings would hit the field this week.

I hope not … it’s not worth it.

In fact, I feel the Packers should hold Jennings out this week and next. With the Packers then set for their bye the week after that, it will give Jennings plenty of time to heal and be ready to go for the playoff push after the bye.

Why should the Packers push the point and try to rush Jennings back at this point. The team is on a run of success and with two of the weakest sisters coming to play at Lambeau Field over the next two weeks, it’s the belief of just about everyone on the planet that there really isn’t a need for Jennings.

Considering that Jordy Nelson has put together two straight 100 yard games and Randall Cobb and James Jones have propelled to stardom, these factors have pushed the Packers into a position where they should come out of the bye with a 6-3 record ready to go into November and December as the favorites to win the National Football Conference title.

It’s the final two months of the season that the Packers will be needing a healthy Greg Jennings.

Now, all that could change if Jennings doesn’t heal … and there was talk late last night that he was considering seeing a specialist about his condition.

But even if that occurs, the Packers are still in a great position to succeed without the services of Jennings. There’s no reason to rush things along. Jennings will be better for it and so will the Packers.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter.

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/10/24/packers-should-hold-jennings-out-through-the-bye/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings understands a lot of things, especially his worth to the Packers http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/29/greg-jennings-understands-a-lot-of-things-especially-his-worth/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/29/greg-jennings-understands-a-lot-of-things-especially-his-worth/#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2012 11:20:42 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=10460 This past Friday afternoon as the Packers finished with their second workout of the young Training Camp, Greg Jennings talked not only about football, but about himself – specifically where things stand with contract negotiation. Jennings is in the final year of his current deal with the Green Bay Packers and is hoping for a [...]

Greg Jennings understands a lot of things, especially his worth to the Packers - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Greg Jennings is headed toward a new contract. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

This past Friday afternoon as the Packers finished with their second workout of the young Training Camp, Greg Jennings talked not only about football, but about himself – specifically where things stand with contract negotiation.

Jennings is in the final year of his current deal with the Green Bay Packers and is hoping for a new agreement. But “hoping” could be the operative word. He understands a lot of things on and off the field and when it comes to understanding his value on the football field, he doesn’t back down.

This past off-season, gigantic deals to many wide receivers who may or may not be Jenning’s equal, in value were completed. Most notably was the deal cooked up for Detroit Lions “Mega-Tron,” Calvin Johnson. While Jennings knows that Johnson deserves every cent he is earning by signing on the dotted line, the Packers go-to guy also knows that Johnson has been the single-most recognizable face for that franchise – more so than the quarterback and that “stomping” defensive lineman.

Jennings is a fan favorite, but isn’t the face of the Packers. We all know Aaron Rodgers is that guy.

But there were others who got giant deals that may or may not be considered overpayment. Consider these deals: Vincent Jackson signed a five-year, $55 million deal ($26 million guaranteed) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Pierre Garçon got a five-year, $42.5 million deal ($20.5 million guaranteed) to leave Indianapolis for Washington; Marques Colston signed a five-year, $36.3 million ($17.7 million guaranteed) to return to New Orleans; DeSean Jackson, who’d been franchise tagged by the Philadelphia Eagles, got a five-year deal worth $47 million ($15 million guaranteed); and Robert Meachem got a four-year, $25.9 million deal ($14 million guaranteed) to leave New Orleans and replace Vincent Jackson in San Diego.

So, just what is Jennings worth?

Greg Jennings is a fan favorite. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Just ask Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Here’s what he said about Jennings in published reports:

“Wow, Greg Jennings. He has a number of things I think he’s exceptional at,” McCarthy said. “You can start mentally, he has an exceptional understanding of not only what he’s asked to do but what people are trying to do against him. He’s very astute as far as recognizing defenses. He’s always been a very good preparation individual as far as during the course of the week and match-ups and (being) educated on players and keeping track of how they played him the last time he faced them and so forth.

“He understands his size. He understands what people are trying to do to him, particularly when he’s in the slot. And physically, he’s so disciplined and his body control really stands out. He makes his routes look the same. His ability to get in and out of breaks is exceptional. He creates separation. His hand/eye coordination and yards after the catch is as good as it gets.”

And so, what is Jennings’ response to all this? Here’s some of what he’s been reported as saying:

“Everyone always is like, ‘Oh, you’re going to be a Packer.’ And I want to be. I want to be. I do. I do,” Jennings said Friday, following the second practice of training camp. “But at the end of the day, there are 32 teams in the business I’m in. I do what I do. I can fit in any one of those. Now, I don’t want to go fit in anywhere else. I want to be here. I want to be here. But, my talents can be transported wherever they need to be, if that ends up being the case.

“Is that what I want? Absolutely not. But at the end of the day, when you think about some of the things that could happen …”

And in the National Football League, anything can and usually does happen.

 

Jennings knows there are other players on the Packers squad who are in for big paydays in the next couple of years – Aaron Rodgers, we know he’s grossly underpaid; Clay Matthews, he’s another who will command big money; and what about B.J. Raji and Jermichael Finley?

 

Add to that fact that there is plenty of depth on the Packers’ roster at the wide receiver position. Do the Packers cut their losses with Jennings and move ahead with the likes of Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb, as well as the up-and-comers Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel?

Much of that drama will be played out during training camp.

And if the Packers don’t make an offer that Jennings and his agent can live with before the start of the 2012 Regular Season, the Packers wide receiver has told all parties involved not to even bother him. By that time, he just wants to play football for what he thinks is the greatest franchise in the league.

However, here’s what he went on record as saying about the issue:

Greg Jennings knows his value to the Green Bay Packers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

“What I told my agent is, ‘I don’t want to hear about anything unless we’re getting serious. Don’t call me about every little detail. I don’t want to hear about it. My focus is making sure that I’m prepared to practice every day, to play if we have a game. That’s the bottom line. At the end of the day, I do not want to be a distraction. He knows as well as the Packers know, ‘Look guys, if you don’t get it done before (the end of) training camp, I’m not being a distraction to this team.’ I will not do that. I will not – will not – be a distraction. I will not be selfish. There is a point when you have to be a little selfish in terms of negotiations, but we’re trying to focus on a goal here as a team. You’ve got to let your ego diminish. If we don’t get it done, I’m focusing on football, and it is what it is.

“I’m not naïve to that. I understand that aspect of it and on that side of it, I lean heavily – because I understand the business, I’ve seen what has transpired over the years. I know when it comes down to money, there are going to be times where they’re going to take a player that they can work with, that they can possibly pour a little water on and have blossom and grow, versus a guy they’re going to have to pay a lot – especially when they have some important guys coming up. I’m not naïve to that at all, I definitely recognize that. That’s why it’s going to be what it’s going to be.

“That definitely runs through my mind – we’ve got a lot of young guys, a lot of great talented guys (at receiver). We’ve got a great quarterback who’s basically going to back up the Wells Fargo truck and say, ‘Load me up.’ It just so happens I’m trying to do it before he does.”

Jennings knows he only needs to be patient. If a deal with the Packers doesn’t materialize, he’s got 31 other teams that would love to put a bid in for his services.

Life will go on if he doesn’t sign with the Packers. Other teams have lost significant contributors and survived.

Jennings may be different. He’s a leader. He’s a communicator. He’s a character man.

Packers fans can only hope for the best at this point and hope the franchise can somehow come up with a deal to keep Jennings as a member of the team.

Time will tell.

Stay tuned.

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/29/greg-jennings-understands-a-lot-of-things-especially-his-worth/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings back at practice http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/05/greg-jennings-back-at-practice/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/05/greg-jennings-back-at-practice/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:22:12 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=7965 It was good news coming out of Green Bay today as Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings was back at practice. After injuring his knee nearly a month ago against the Oakland Raiders, Jennings has received around-the-clock treatment from trainers as he healed and rested. And while the Packers won a Super Bowl last year without [...]

Greg Jennings back at practice - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

Packers coaches, players and fans are pleased to see Greg Jennings back at practice today. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It was good news coming out of Green Bay today as Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings was back at practice.

After injuring his knee nearly a month ago against the Oakland Raiders, Jennings has received around-the-clock treatment from trainers as he healed and rested.

And while the Packers won a Super Bowl last year without Jermichael Finley, the team was certainly hoping they didn’t have to try to do so without Jennings. If you remember, it was Jennings who stepped to the forefront when Finley went down last year, helping the Packers cruise through the playoffs and then capture their fourth Super Bowl title.

(more…)

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/05/greg-jennings-back-at-practice/feed/ 0