Go on any social media site, and you will see Green Bay Packers fans type out the rallying cry, "In Gute We Trust," even if in jest at times, but often giving the benefit of the doubt to the man who has helped craft playoff roster after playoff roster.
This offseason has been a rather frustrating one for Packers fans after seeming fairly quiet in the first couple of waves of free agency. The team made a big splash (no pun intended) by grabbing guard Aaron Banks to bolster its offensive line and moving Elgton Jenkins over to center.
Green Bay also added cornerback Nate Hobbs and wideout Mecole Hardman to address some depth concerns at these positions. While at least addressing those spots, the team's moves, or lack thereof, have prompted questions regarding the pass rush.
Brian Gutekunst plays down Packers' need for pass-rush help
As NFL team officials converge on Palm Beach for the annual NFL league meetings this week, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst was asked about the team not addressing the pass rush in free agency and if he thought they would get sufficient help through the NFL Draft.
Gutekunst had an answer ready for the Packers media.
"We can do everything we need to do from the players we have on our roster right now," said Gutekunst, via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "Because I think there's a significant amount of improvement from those guys, not only in Year 2 in the scheme, but individually."
Green Bay's pass rush was inconsistent all season. The team totaled 45 sacks, with Rashan Gary leading the team with just 7.5. While this tied for the eighth-most in the NFL, eight came in one game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, and seven more against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15.
While there were plenty of big-name free agents like Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Josh Sweat, and Chase Young, and possible trades for Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett, the Packers didn't make a move.
The team had enough cap room to make a move, and there is plenty of offseason left. However, one thing the Packers have done well over the years is not overpaying a player just because of their name recognition. Mack is approaching the end of his NFL career. Bosa has had trouble staying healthy. Hendrickson and Garrett would have commanded a king's ransom.
So, is it still "In Gute We Trust?" Time will tell. An adjustment period is understandable after switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme. If Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare can take a massive step forward, and maybe by adding a guy or two in the draft, all will be forgiven.
For now, though, the question will linger.