Blue 58 - A Packers Podcast

The Packers have historically not cared all that much about inside linebackers. That doesn’t appear all that different in 2020, but Mike Pettine can’t just play nobody at the spot, right? Right?? Let’s discuss the linebacker group and how it could affect the Packers this year. About those media restrictions in Green Bay (00:47) There's a fight between the Packers and the media and nobody looks goo...

There is real, actual practice football happening in Green Bay. Let’s sort through the biggest stories from camp so far and see if there are any areas for concern. Then, the Packers have real opportunities for growth on the edge of their defense. Who will step up? Training camp catch up (00:47) The Packers' 2020 training camp is underway! Let's catch up on a couple of the biggest stories so far, i...

The Packers spent all offseason getting heat for not adding a wide receiver. Maybe that was justified. But maybe they should have been getting criticized for not upgrading their defensive line. Let’s talk about that. But first: it’s not necessarily a bad thing that the Packers could regress in 2020. Do you like stats? Here are some stats (1:52) We talk plenty about analytics on this podcast. Here’...

The Packers have signed not one but two wide receivers. Is everybody happy now? Probably not, and I think they might have a point. Then, let’s try to talk smartly about the offensive line. The Packers signed two wide receivers! (1:40) Digging into the Travis Fulgham and Malik Turner signings. Do either of them have a shot to make the roster? If you're mad about the Packers receivers, you might hav...

We've broken down running backs, but how do the rest of the skill positions fit into Matt LaFleur's philosophy? SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs. Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep. Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58...

The Packers have a pretty strong running back stable. What’s it good for? Maybe not quite what you think, but in the best possible way. New article: Multiple tight end packages can offer intriguing options for Packers Ballhawk Index (2:13) Getting your hands on the ball is a good thing. Here’s some visuals to help with that idea. Further reading: The Ballhawk Index Running Backs - What’s the Deal...

It’s easy to get bogged down in the ongoing slog of a pandemic. Let's fight back by finding joy in the game we love. SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs. Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep. Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blu...

Assuming nobody opts out, gets cut, or gets sent to coronavirus island, the Packers have three quarterbacks that should have every expectation of making the active roster in 2020. What are our expectations for them? That’ll be our discussion today. But first, should the Packers go all-in on this season? Thoughts about the state of the season (00:35) Everything seems to be going poorly as the NFL t...

Matt LaFleur is in Year 2. Mike Pettine is in Year 3. Together, they’re the two most important coaches on the Packers. Is there any reason to think 2020 will be any different for them than 2019? Why the Packers should move away from 11 personnel (2:29) The Packers’ offense has historically revolved around 11 personnel. Maybe that’s a mistake. Further reading: Should the Packers move away from 11 p...

As the season lurches towards its start, it’s time to take a look at every part of the organization. That starts with general manager Brian Gutekunst. What do we make of the GM heading into his third regular season? SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs. Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep. Leave us a 5-Star Revi...

There’s a prevailing opinion that running backs are easy to replace, but is that true? A few weeks ago, I’d have said yes. Now? I’m rethinking that position. Today, we’ll discuss why. SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month offsets our podcast hosting costs. Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep. Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more peo...

The 2020 NFL season is going to be different. We know that. What will it look like? That’s a much more interesting question, and one we won’t have the answer to for some time. But we should still ask a few questions about what it could look like. Here are some of those. 8 Questions about the 2020 NFL season (00:32) What the 2020 season will look like is anybody’s guess. Here are a bunch of questio...

The Kansas City Chiefs backed up the money truck for Patrick Mahomes. Good for him! But can you believe the numbers? Probably not. Then, who on the Packers is hurting the cap? Some names might surprise you. Finally, what should we make of the statistical revolution in the NFL? Our latest book chapter has some thoughts. Reacting to the Patrick Mahomes deal (2:28) Patrick Mahomes scored the biggest...

There was a bunch of Packers related news breaking all at once on Wednesday. Let’s sort through it, then explain why you don’t need to get hung up on scheme differences. Then, are there too many rules in the NFL? Yes! News recap (00:47) A bunch of NFL news happened in short order on Wednesday. Let’s quickly recap. Further reading: The Packers’ best wins and worst losses to their NFC North rivals s...

The Packers have a 60 year history with the Minnesota Vikings, and it’s gotten weird at times. Let’s take a look at a few of those weirder moments. But first… does anybody have any idea what this NFL season is going to look like? Does anybody know what’s going on with the 2020 NFL season? (00:44) With every day that passes, someone is floating a new plan for the 2020 season. But does anybody reall...

Jamal Adams wants a trade and the Packers can always use more help on defense. Should Brian Gutekunst make a call? Well, probably not, it would be insanely hard to trade for Jamal Adams. But here’s why it’s at least worth thinking about. Blue 58 is a top-20 Packers podcast! Remembering Jan Stenerud’s career (1:37) A reader gives us a chance to look back on Jan Stenerud’s Packers career. What a sto...

The Packers added a big-bodied running back to their stable of ballcarriers. Is A.J. Dillon the second coming of Eddie Lacy? Let’s talk about it. ESPN’s QB rankings article is bad (00:26) ESPN ranked the overall quarterback play of every team in the Super Bowl era. The list is bad. Further reading: ESPN’s Super Bowl-era quarterback ranking is bad and they should feel bad Is A.J. Dillon the new Edd...

We have a unique opportunity to talk about something important in our culture and in the NFL. Let's not waste it. Racism in the NFL (00:10) Racism exists in the NFL. Talking about it, recognizing it, and calling it out are the only ways we'll ever make any progress against it. Further reading: Resources on Race and the NFL Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter 12 (15:45) Intelligence is hugely impo...

The Packers, presumably, are done picking up noteworthy players. But should they be? Maybe not. Let’s take a look at some free agents who might be able to help. Or maybe we’ll just steal some from another team! Could any remaining free agents help the Packers? (00:34) The Packers are probably done making moves, but what if they aren’t? Here are three free agents that could help. Who would you stea...

The Packers face a few teams in 2020 that are really hard to pin down. How do you figure out what to make of them now? Take a look at their offseason decision making. Previewing the Colts, Eagles, Panthers, and Titans (0:45) The Colts, Eagles, Panthers, and Titans all feel like they could be pushovers in 2020. Or they could completely wreck the Packers. It depends on the week. Take Your Eye Off th...

Our tour through the Packers’ 2020 opponents continues with a team they don’t see very often, a team they saw way too much of last year, and also the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are...a team. Three more 2020 Packers opponents The Packers face the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Jacksonville Jaguars in Weeks 7, 9, and 10. Which one concerns you the most? Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Chapter...

The early part of the Packers’ 2020 schedule is highlighted by high-level quarterbacks. How scared should you be? Probably not scared at all because they’re not going to hurt you. But how scared should the Packers be? Also probably not scared, but perhaps a little concerned? Let’s discuss. Lane Taylor reworks his contract (5:32) The Packers and Lane Taylor have agreed to a reworked contract, givin...

The Packers will play six games against NFC North opponents in 2020, so it makes sense to start our preview of 2020 opponents there. How will divisional opponents change this season? Then, when is a gimmick just a gimmick and when is it an innovation? Which NFC North teams are primed for a regression? (1:48) It's hard to maintain success from year to year. Which NFC North teams are most likely to...

We’ve got a pretty good idea who’s going to be a contender to make the Packers’ roster this year, but every year someone unexpected makes a run. Here’s our best guess as to who that could be this year. Hear Jon on the PackerNet Podcast. Will the NFL be back sooner than we think? (00:38) The NFL is making some noise about opening camps and allowing teams to practice, but there are still some big hu...

Leading up to the NFL Draft, everyone seemed to assume the Packers would take a wide receiver at some point. They didn’t, so where does the position stand? Let’s take a look. Analyzing the Packers' wide receivers (00:24) The Packers didn't do much to improve their wide receiver position this offseason. Where does that leave the group heading into 2020? Further reading: ‘I refuse to accept failure’...