By Chris Havel
Special to Event USA

NFL.com article paints realistic picture that some “experts” spin into drama

GREEN BAY, Wis. – It is interesting to follow the burgeoning relationship between the Packers’ new head coach and longtime quarterback.

Head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the former in his first season, the latter entering his 15th, have plenty to work through going into the upcoming season and beyond.

Longtime NFL writer Michael Silver, whom I’ve known for parts of three decades, shed light on the Packers’ coach-QB duo while creating the latest palace intrigue at 1265 Lombardi Ave.

Silver’s well-written 2,000-word essay for NFL.com drew reaction from all corners of the NFL world.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, some of that was uninformed.

That’s because many so-called “journalists” today are merely provocateurs. They read snippets of Silver’s article, form their own unconsidered opinion, and run with it.

For them, it’s a living – and may the facts be damned.

So where does the truth lie?

First, read the article. I know it’s asking a lot of some readers to navigate more than a one-minute read. It’ll be worth it. If not, I’ll summarize it for you. Better yet, I’ll paraphrase Silver in a follow-up interview he did on statewide radio.

Silver said he didn’t detect any looming problems in paradise.

What he did confront in LaFleur and Rodgers were two pros being open and honest about where they’re at and where they hope to be when the regular season rolls around.

LaFleur confirmed as much in the article.

“Aaron and I have had some good talks, and we’re going to have a lot more – and one thing we have to work through is the audible thing,” LaFleur told Silver. “We’re running a system I first picked up while working with Kyle (Shanahan) in Houston a decade ago, and we’ve never really had a quarterback who’s had complete freedom to change plays at the line, because that’s not really the way the offense is set up. But, I mean, this is Aaron Rodgers. He’s had a lot of freedom to make those calls, and deservedly so. Now, how do we reconcile that, and get to a place where we put him in the best position to succeed?”

Putting Rodgers in the best place to succeed is LaFleur’s task.

It’s the very definition of coaching in the NFL.

It’s Rodgers’ job to embrace it, understand it, work through the details and lead his teammates where he and LaFleur want to go.

“It’s a conversation in progress,” Rodgers said in the article. “I don’t think you want to ask me to turn off 11 years (of recognizing defenses). We have a number of “check with mes” and line-of-scrimmage stuff. It’s just the other stuff that really not many people in this league can do.

“That’s not like a humblebrag or anything; that’s just a fact. There aren’t many people that can do at the line of scrimmage what I’ve done over the years. I mean, obviously, Tommy (Brady) can do it, no doubt. Peyton (Manning) could do it. Drew (Brees) can do it. (Patrick) Mahomes will be able to do it. Ben (Roethlisberger) has called the two-minute for years. There are a few of us who’ve just done it; it’s kind of second nature. And that’s just the icing on the cake for what I can do in this offense.”

The above quote, in particular, seems to have caused readers to mistake it for arrogance at best and insubordination at worst.
Rodgers is one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Of course, he’s going to be brimming with confidence, especially with everything he has done throughout his career.

However, Rodgers understands this simple fact: It’s LaFleur’s job to put him in the best position to succeed AND it’s his job to execute his coach’s wishes to his best ability. If that means working with LaFleur to “massage” parts of the offense, so be it.
LaFleur would be foolish NOT to maximize Rodgers’ talents.

His experience is a good thing.

Consider the Patriots’ 13-3 victory over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII. That was Sean McVay coaching a Rams’ offense which shares the same concepts as LaFleur’s attack. The difference is Jared Goff was at quarterback, rather than Rodgers.

Do you think McVay and the Rams would’ve had a better shot at defeating the Patriots with Goff or Rodgers at quarterback? If it’s all about running the offense as it’s drawn up and the quarterback merely executes without any freedom, where did the Rams go wrong in Super Bowl LIII?

Clearly, Rodgers’ experience can meld with LaFleur’s attack to create the best of both worlds.

It’s similar to the Milwaukee Bucks’ offense in that head coach Mike Budenholzer trusts his players to have great freedom within the structure of the offense.

The key words there are “trust” and “structure.”

Without it, it’s the Bucks in a glorified pick-up game.

It’s the same here.

Rodgers and the Packers’ offense lacked structure under the previous regime. Whatever there was had slowly eroded through the years. The result was confusion, frustration and 6-9-1.

This is a new era.

I’ll put my money on LaFleur and Rodgers figuring it out. Then we’ll see how quickly the rest of the NFL can catch up.

By Chris Havel
Special to Event USA

Mandatory three-day mini-camp opens Tuesday with multiple jobs up for grabs

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Packers spent the offseason buying free agents and spending high draft picks on players to fix a porous defense.

The decision was a no-brainer. How it all comes together under second-year defensive coordinator Mike Pettine remains to be seen, but the increase in size, speed and experience is notable.

The Packers’ defense ranked 18th in yards allowed and was among the NFL’s top ten in sacks last season. Don’t be deceived. Those numbers say more about Pettine’s coaching ability than the defense’s personnel.

It can’t help but be better this season.

So what of the offense?

Ever since the Mike Holmgren era, I have believed that a smart offensive-minded head coach and a top-notch quarterback surrounded by decent players – coupled with a dynamic defense – is the surest formula for success.

On offense, clever play-calling and a talented quarterback with decent weapons and a gutty offensive line can do wonders.

On defense, if you don’t have the horses to run the race – despite outstanding coaching – you’re probably going to lose.

I believe it’s why GM Brian Gutekunst went heavy on defense.

If pass rushers can’t win one-on-one battles a defense is doomed. If cornerbacks can’t cover long enough to get to “two Mississippi” it’s all over but the shouting.

Now, it appears Pettine has a few thoroughbreds to trot out.

The offense is new head coach Matt LaFleur’s baby.

It’s up to him to make it work with the holdovers, although the offense did get some help in free agency and the draft.

The Packers’ offensive line is expected to feature two new guards to go with left tackle David Bakhtiari, center Corey Linsley and right tackle Bryan Bulaga.

Free agent Billy Turner will open as the starting right guard. His size, speed and nasty will be much welcomed, especially on screen passes and in the run game.

Rookie Elgton Jenkins, the 44th pick overall, is likely to start at left guard. He is an interior offensive lineman by trade after playing center at Mississippi State.

Like Turner, Jenkins is big (6-4, 310), powerful and athletic.

To say the Packers did next to nothing to help the offense is inaccurate. Two new starters on the offensive line is a big deal. So are the additions of rookie tight end Jace Sternberger, whom the Packers selected with the 75th pick, and the re-signing of veteran Marcedes Lewis.

Those moves are strong indicators that LaFleur intends to utilize his tight ends this season.

The running backs are set with Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and rookie Dexter Williams.

That leaves the wide receivers to step up and deliver.

Davante Adams, the lead dog, likes what he sees so far.

“A lot of big-play potential,” Adams said on a recent radio interview. “Obviously with the guys we have, the quarterback we have, the running backs we have, just all around … the tight ends, we have some special players.”

Adams said the Packers’ skill position players and LaFleur’s new system are going to create opportunities to make big plays.

“To be in a system where we’re exposed to a lot of different things where we can get the ball in space, I see a lot of potential in that in these coming years.”

The Packers’ offense is fortunate in several ways.

First, if LaFleur is indeed the sharp offensive mind he’s purported to be, the Packers’ offense should be fresh.

Second, Aaron Rodgers remains one of the NFL’s best.

Third, the running backs that were selected by the previous GM happen to fit LaFleur’s scheme. Gutekunst didn’t have to replenish both the running back and wide receiver positions.

Fourth, the holdovers at receiver possess talent.

I suspect Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be the opening day starter opposite Adams. It’s also my guess that Geronimo Allison will open as the slot receiver.

Allison (6-3, 203) was on pace for a 1,000-yard season before suffering a serious groin injury last year. Rodgers trusts him and for good reason: Allison has made big catches in big moments.

Allison’s knock is his 40-yard dash time (4.6), but lining up in the slot compensates for that by playing to his strengths. He is crafty in terms of getting open, but especially so when a defensive back can’t jam him at the line of scrimmage. Allison also is courageous in traffic and plenty fast enough.

Valdes-Scantling (6-4, 206) is a legit 4.3 receiver with sure hands and an understanding of the offense.

MVS was ninth among NFL rookies with 38 catches and seventh with 581 receiving yards. He averaged 15.8 yards per catch with eight covering more than 20 yards and four going for more than 40 yards. That tied for first among rookies last year.

Thus far, Allison and Valdes-Scantling have been going full speed straight ahead this offseason.

That still leaves Jake Kumerow, Trevor Davis, Equanimeous St. Brown and J’Mon Moore to battle for playing time.

In addition, LaFleur plans to throw it to the backs and tight ends more than his predecessor.

If the Packers’ offense struggles this season it won’t be due to a lack of quality skill-position players.

If the offense thrives, and there’s good reason to think it will, the Packers should be in position to compete with the NFC’s elite.

By Chris Havel
Special to Event USA

1st-year coach LaFleur tears Achilles, must learn to coach from a golf cart

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Packers’ second week of OTA’s was actually quite eventful as these things go.

Running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams showed up in great shape and ready to get to work. And outside linebackers coach Mike Smith offered potential roles for veterans Preston and Za’Darius Smith and top draft pick Rashan Gary.

Furthermore, first-year head coach Matt LaFleur tore his Achilles tendon while playing basketball Wednesday at the team’s facility.

Let’s start with the running backs.

For years knowledgeable Packers fans have been begging the head coach to incorporate the running game into the attack. That was for good reason: Last season the Packers attempted to throw more than any other team in the NFL.

Their lack of balance was staggering at times.

Whether it was preference or personnel or a combination of factors the running game never quite came together.

That is expected to change under LaFleur.

Jones is excited about the potential.

“He’s going to marry the run and the pass game up,” Jones told reporters last week. “The run game is going to be heavy – not heavy, but we’re going to rely on the run.”

Jones, who has failed to finish each of his first two NFL seasons because of injuries, arrived in tip-top shape. He believes it will increase his durability and ultimately his production.

His 5.47 yards-per-carry average was tops in the NFL. But he only had 133 carries in 12 games. He missed the first two games of 2018 to a suspension. He missed the last two games to injury.

In hopes of upping his game, and improving his health, Jones dramatically altered his diet. He cut out the candy and replaced it with quinoa.

“I was big into candy,” Jones told reporters. “I’ll turn and see candy and I’m like, ‘Man, I want that.’ But I know how I feel in my body so that’s a big thing. I’ve been eating very clean – chicken, rice, sweet potatoes, steak, quinoa, things like that – just very clean.”

Jones said he’s always liked good food.

“It was just hard to put the candy down,” he said.

Jones, who weighs 205, reduced his body fat from 11 percent to 5.3 percent while maintaining his weight.

Meantime, Williams dropped his body fat while holding tight at a lean 218 pounds. He said it will increase his agility and should make him more explosive.
A year ago LaFleur’s Tennessee offense ranked 7th in rushing.

It’ll take Jones and Williams, with perhaps an assist from rookie Dexter Williams, to give Green Bay’s running game legs.

Meantime, OLB coach Mike Smith is excited by the prospects of coaching a unit that includes the Smiths, Gary, Kyler Fackrell and others going into the season.

Gary lined up both inside and outside in coordinator Mike Pettine’s defense. It was a testament to his versatility.

“That’s why he’s here,” LaFleur said of Gary.

Smith agreed.

“(Gary) was the best in college football at outside linebacker,” Smith said. “That’s the way I evaluated him.”

Smith also said Gary “loves football” and that his lack of sacks in college (3.5 last year at Michigan) isn’t a concern.

“I never looked at the sack (totals). I care about pressure. I’ll take a guy who has zero sacks but affects the quarterback. He’s still raw and has a lot to learn, but I see him affecting the QB.”

As for the Smiths – Preston and Za’Darius – it appears they will line up at multiple positions, too.

Preston, an anchor against the run, can also rush off the edge. Za’Darius, who is perceived as the better pass rusher, will line up both off the edge and inside at times depending on matchups.

Pettine seems pleased with the offseason additions.

“I didn’t have to tell (GM Brian Gutekunst) what the deficiencies were. He knew,” Smith said. “(We) wanted to add some big, explosive athletes on defense.”

It’s up to the staff to make it all come together.

LaFleur’s job didn’t get any easier with the torn Achilles. He’ll have to learn to coach from a golf cart, something that isn’t going to be easy for a “hands-on” coach like LaFleur.

Then again, football is all about the art of adjustment.

LaFleur, 39, underwent surgery on Sunday.

Fortunately, he’ll have time to figure out how to proceed before the Packers kick off training camp in July.

By Chris Havel
Special to Event USA

Packers’ Hall of Fame quarterback, MVP of Super Bowls I, II dies Sunday at 85

GREEN BAY, Wis. – One of the great joys of covering the Green Bay Packers the past three decades has been the privilege of interviewing the larger-than-life figures from the Sixties.

Getting to know Fuzzy Thurston, Willie Davis, Ray Nitschke and other Packers greats from that era was akin to having your childhood idols brought to life.

I will forever treasure the beers and laughs with Fuzzy, the fascinating discussion about the media – in particular radio – with Willie D, and the unvarnished look at life’s highs and lows over breakfast at the Golden Basket with Nitschke.

God bless all of those Packers greats.

Today, that goes double for Bart Starr.

The Packers’ legendary quarterback died at age 85 Sunday in Birmingham, Ala. I shed more than a few tears at the news despite knowing this day would eventually come. I still get goosebumps at the thought of being in his presence.

It is similar to how I felt when President George H.W. Bush walked past me at Whistling Straits during the 2004 PGA Championship. Regardless of political (or sports) affiliation, one knows when they’re in the presence of someone special.

So it was with Starr.

Several of my most favorite writing projects involved him.

In the early 2000s I wrote a Press-Gazette article detailing the remarkable longevity of the 1960’s era Packers players. At a time when pro football players were dying from CTE and other football-related illnesses, Vince Lombardi’s Packers hung tough.

With the average life expectancy of 1960s era football players at or about 55 years of age, most of those Packers had lived well beyond that. In fact, it was nothing short of miraculous.
I interviewed Starr and several of his teammates for the story, which was well-received by Packers fans.

It seems a reader sent a clip to Starr, who in turn sent a signed, handwritten letter thanking me for remembering his teammates, and for noting how blessed he felt to still have so many with us.

Starr also wrote with effuse praise and enduring affection about men such as Henry Jordan, Dave “Hawg” Hanner and Lionel Aldridge – all who had long since passed.

His “thank you” note rates among the most thoughtful, sincere compliments I have ever received.

Several years later, I was contracted to write the book Lombardi: An Illustrated Life.

One of my tasks was to interview Starr, and to inquire if he would be willing to author the foreword.

I reached Ruth McKlosky, his longtime secretary, by telephone. She politely asked me to explain what I would need from Mr. Starr. About a minute in I heard a kind, familiar voice say, “Thanks, Ruth … Chris, this is Bart Starr. How can I help you?”

We chatted about Coach Lombardi, the book project and the possibility of Starr writing the foreword. All told the conversation lasted perhaps a half-hour, with me diligently taking notes the entire time.

During our visit, Starr recalled the article I had written about his teammates’ longevity several years before.

Then, he said, “I think you have a great understanding of how I feel about Coach. Go ahead. Write the foreword. Send me a copy and I’ll proofread it.”

Just like that, I was writing for an audience of one.

It may have been the most painstaking, pressure-packed writing I had done since the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI. Finally, after what seemed like 1,000 rewrites, I sent Starr the foreword.

Imagine my relief, and joy, at receiving Starr’s edited version only to find one minor correction and the words, “Well done.”

As endorsements go it doesn’t get any better than that.

In the wake of Starr’s death, we are left to dwell upon his life.

The Ice Bowl, Super Bowls I and II, the championships and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame are all pleasant memories of the great Bart Starr.

Ultimately, though, his greatness on the field was transcended by his grace away from it.

At a time when we need leaders of Starr’s caliber – his class, his compassion and his genuine love of fellow man – all of those endearing qualities will be dearly missed.