One task that is assigned to Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is to continually attempt to improve the team. All season the quality of the WR corps has been questioned, including by me. Recently trades have been made by the New England Patriots (Mohammed Sanu for a 2nd Round Pick) and the San Francisco 49ers (Emmanuel Sanders with a 5th, for a 3rd and 4th Round Pick). Both teams WR group was significantly improved by their respective trades. The Packers last week acquired WR Ryan Grant through waivers, not exactly a household name. We assume the Packers were in on the trade conversation, with the upcoming deadline looming (next Tuesday). Again I would venture to say the stakes were too high for Gute.
This past week’s performance by the Packers receivers was quite the show. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his targets delivered 429 yards, 5 TD’s, a perfect QB rating of 158.3, all to 8 different players. Davante Adams, the Packers top receiver didn’t even take the field, while continuing to mend from a turf toe injury. Marquez Valdez-Scantling pointed out the WR group is deep and talented. When called upon to perform, one by one they have delivered. Coach Matt LaFleur believes the team, Offense in particular, is now becoming comfortable with his system. The results seem to back LaFleur. On the Defensive side, Mike Pettine’s crew continues to be opportunistic at critical times. Versus Oakland, LB Blake Martinez caused Raiders QB Derek Carr to fumble through the end zone for a touch back. Later CB Kevin King intercepted a pass in the end zone to thwart another scoring drive. Of course the Packers made the Raiders pay.
This coming Sunday Night Football, the Packers will take on Head Coach Andy Reid and his Mahomes-less Chiefs. Don’t let his absence lure you into complacency, the Chiefs are still a good football team. In fact Mahomes returned to practice Wednesday. In addition to that, Arrowhead, is a very difficult stadium in which to play. I will expect Mike Pettine’s defense to get after Matt Moore if he’s under center Sunday night. Ahead of the season I had this game penciled in as a loss, now I’m not convinced. I would call this game a toss up if Mahomes is absent.
As Always, Go Pack Go,
PackerGreg
PackerGreg Veteran/Go Army @DrGTP on Twitter
5 responses to “To Trade or Not to Trade”
Not.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he made a trade for a non-WR with value/upside like for Vic Beasley (~5th).
I was beating Beasley’s drum all day yesterday, he used to terrorize QBs and is only 27 years old but a F/A at years end. Falcons say he’s fallen off, but then where is that entire team? For a 4th or 5th he might be a cheap rental if a change of scenery for him could help the Pack to the SB.
Andy Reid isn’t fooling anybody, He’s not going to risk Mahomes getting re-injured by playing against the Smiths.
I just don’t think there’s enough quality available now to tempt Gute. I also feel the management are confident with the quality and depth of their receiver corps.
Mahomes is definitely not playing and the Chiefs have other injury concerns which I think definitely tilts the game in the Packers’ favour. With Savage back, the middle of the field becomes less porous. 7-1 would be a terrific position after a very testing first half of the season.