Green Bay Packers: Change of pace was necessary this offseason
By Robert
After failing to reach the playoffs in 2017, changes were necessary for the Green Bay Packers this offseason.
This offseason will be much different for the Green Bay Packers than that of the past decade.
With change happening inside the organization and a missed postseason by the Packers this past season, things are different. Replacing a general manager along with many defensive coaches isn’t the easiest route, but definitely a necessary one.
Besides the draft and free agency, these are some key components towards the Packers success moving forward.
New defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is hoping to set a new standard around Green Bay. Players like Mike Daniels have spoken out saying, “It was like Christmas day,” referring to when he learned about the hire.
Five playoff losses under Mike McCarthy have come on the last play of the game, ranging from last-second field goals to giving up touchdowns in overtime on the opening drive.
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The necessary changes were made and a new look is shaping in Green Bay. The Packers have proven year after year that they are only one or two pieces away from bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Packers News.
Appearing in the playoffs eight of the past nine seasons, Packer Nation is hungry for anything other than a last-second playoff loss. With new general manager Brian Gutekunst in position, and a complete flip on the coaching staff, this offseason could be a fun one.
Ex-GM Ted Thompson thrived on developing his drafted players within the Packers system. Although free agency wasn’t common around Green Bay, Thompson did dive into it before last season.
One acquisition that most Packers fans will try to forget is tight end Martellus Bennett. Following Aaron Rodgers‘ injury, Bennett forced his way out of Green Bay to return to the Patriots.
The buzz around Green Bay was excitement for Bennett and his opportunity. Many were eager to see how the connection would form after seeing how well Jared Cook did the year prior. An athletic tight end is an offensive coordinators dream, just take a peak at New England or Kansas City.
Before being promoted to GM, Gutekunst was the director of player personnel and a longtime scout for the Packers.
He has been with the team since 1997. With recently-signed Davante Adams and Corey Linsley, pieces of the puzzle are falling into place.
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His next move is re-signing Aaron Rodgers, right? It’ll be the highest contract ever, moving past Jimmy Garopolo’s $137 million over five years. Add free agency and the draft, this offseason is shaping to be the most active we’ve seen in a long time.