Packers' pitch to Rodgers: 'There's no plans for a rebuild'
49ers Packers Football Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers leaves the field after an NFC divisional playoff NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. "There's no plan for a rebuild," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Monday, two days after the Packers' season ended with a 13-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. That could impact whether the 38-year-old Rodgers is back in Green Bay, where the 2005 first-round pick has spent his entire career. Rodgers said after the 49ers game that he doesn't want to be part of a rebuild. Rodgers led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title in the 2010 season, but the Packers have gone just 7-9 in his 16 playoff starts since.
wftv.comPack, Bucs, Chiefs are top 3 in final Pro32 poll of season
1 seed in the NFC and the top spot in the final AP Pro32 poll of the regular season. The 49ers, who beat the Los Angeles Rams in OT to clinch a playoff spot, moved up two places to round out the top 10. 12 after their thrilling 35-32 OT win over the Los Angeles Chargers to clinch a playoff spot. The Bengals will be trying to win a playoff game for the first time since the 1990 season. The team's playoff drought started with a loss to the then-Los Angeles Raiders.
wftv.comPackers getting healthier as they begin their playoff drive
Aaron Rodgers didn’t seem perturbed after Green Bay closed the regular season with a 37-30 loss at Detroit that snapped a five-game winning streak, but had no bearing on its playoff position. The reigning league MVP instead was encouraged to be working behind an offensive line that’s getting closer to full strength after 2020 All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari and rookie center Josh Myers returned from knee injuries. Bakhtiari was making his season debut. “We talked about momentum, and that was important, but I really wanted to get out there with Dave and Josh,” Rodgers said.
news.yahoo.comAaron Rodgers-led Packers facing Lions for reward, not risks
Aaron Rodgers knows the Green Bay Packers, who have clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed, can't improve their playoff positioning with a win over the lowly Detroit Lions. The reigning NFL MVP still wants to play Sunday at Ford Field, even though that would increase his chances of getting injured. “There’s risk every time you take the field," Rodgers said.
news.yahoo.comBrian Kelly was such a jerk to Robert Saleh that the Jets coach remembered 15 years later
Jets coach Robert Saleh only worked at Central Michigan with Brian Kelly for one year, as a defensive assistant in 2004, and it was not a happy one. Saleh and now-Packers coach Matt LaFleur, the older brother of Jets coordinator Mike LaFleur, were on Kelly’s staff as low-level assistants in their 20s. According to a 2019 ESPN article, they thought they were invited to a party at Kelly’s house, ...
news.yahoo.comPackers activate Aaron Rodgers off COVID-19 list for Sunday’s game
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers activated quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team said in a statement Saturday. >> Read more trending newsThe move means that Rodgers is eligible to play when Green Bay faces the Seattle Seahawks. #Packers activate QB Aaron Rodgers & CB Isaac Yiadom off the reserve/COVID-19 listRoster moves ahead of #SEAvsGB 📰 https://t.co/W25i7agLFJ — Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 13, 2021The Packers (7-2) had until 3 p.m. CST to return Rodgers to the 53-man roster so that he would be eligible to play against the Seahawks (3-5), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. >> Packers QB Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19, out for game against ChiefsFor Rodgers to be reinstated from the mandatory 10-day quarantine, he was required to pass a cardiac test, be fever-free for 24 hours and show improvement in his symptoms. >> Aaron Rodgers clarifies ‘immunization’ statement, was not vaccinated against COVID-19Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that Rodgers virtually participated in all meetings this week, according to ESPN.
wftv.comPackers QB Aaron Rodgers in COVID-19 protocol, out Sunday
Packers Cardinals Football Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws the ball into the crowd as time expires during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) (Rick Scuteri)GREEN BAY, Wis. — (AP) — Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol and will miss Sunday’s game at Kansas City. Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Wednesday that Rodgers was in the protocol, but would not say if Rodgers had tested positive. Wide receivers Davante Adams, a 2020 All-Pro, and Allen Lazard missed last week’s victory at Arizona because of COVID-19 protocols. ___More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.
wftv.comPackers place Adams on COVID-19 list; Barry tests positive
General manager Brian Gutekunst announced Monday afternoon that the team has placed Adams on the reserve/COVID-19 list. That announcement came just over an hour after coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Barry had tested positive. LaFleur said that Barry is fully vaccinated and therefore possibly could join the Packers (6-1) for Thursday night’s game if he tested negative Tuesday and Wednesday. The Packers are working through which assistant will be responsible for calling defensive plays Thursday if Barry’s unavailable. So we definitely have people that we feel are capable of getting the job done.”___More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.
wftv.comRodgers an expected no-show, Brady full-go at minicamps
Packers-Missing Rodgers Football FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2021, file photo, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs with the ball during the team's NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ teammates say the MVP’s uncertain status won’t distract them in their offseason preparations. Rodgers hasn’t been present for organized team activities this week following an ESPN report last month that he doesn’t want to return to Green Bay. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File) (Jeffrey Phelps)Aaron Rodgers was a no-show and Tom Brady was full-go. “I think any time you’re talking about any player on your football team, you’d love everybody to be here,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. Rodgers won’t need much practice time with the Packers whenever he returns, if he comes back at all.
wftv.comGreen Bay QB Rodgers doesn't attend Packers' 1st day of OTAs
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) (Charles Rex Arbogast)Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t present for the first day of organized team activities Monday, and his future with the team remains uncertain. Rodgers’ decision to stay away comes amid reports that the reigning MVP wants out of Green Bay, where he has spent his entire NFL career. Packers officials have said they want to keep Rodgers in Green Bay in 2021 and beyond. "We want him back in the worst way," LaFleur said earlier this month during the team's rookie minicamp. Love the coaching staff, love my teammates, love the fan base in Green Bay.
wftv.comAP source: Rodgers doesn't attend Packers' 1st day of OTAs
Packers LaFleur Football FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2021, file photo, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, left, talks to Aaron Rodgers during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago. LaFleur reiterated his hope that he’d get to continue working with Rodgers this season while offering no news on the quarterback’s status. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) (Charles Rex Arbogast)Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t present for the first day of organized team activities Monday, according to a person familiar with the situation. ESPN first reported Rodgers wasn't with the team on Monday. Packers officials have said they want to keep Rodgers in Green Bay in 2021 and beyond.
wftv.comLaFleur on Rodgers: 'We want him back in the worst way'
(AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File) (Jeffrey Phelps)Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur reiterated his hope that he’d get to continue working with Aaron Rodgers this season while offering no news on the quarterback’s status. “I’ve got nothing new to update, and we still obviously feel the same way,” LaFleur said Friday after the opening workout of the Packers’ rookie minicamp. Murphy acknowledged that he, Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur had met with Rodgers "on a number of occasions" during the offseason. LaFleur said after the draft that he “can’t fathom” Rodgers not being in Green Bay. Until the Packers signed Bortles, the only quarterbacks on their roster were Rodgers and 2020 first-round draft pick Jordan Love.
wftv.comPackers planning for long-term future that includes Rodgers
Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur say they expect Aaron Rodgers to remain their teams starting quarterback in 2021 and beyond. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur say they expect Aaron Rodgers to remain their team’s starting quarterback in 2021 and beyond. The subject came up again when Rodgers discussed his future after the NFC championship game. Absolutely he will be here for a long time.”LaFleur also said Monday he is promoting Maurice Drayton, who worked as assistant special teams coach this past season, to take over as special teams coach. The Packers announced Friday that special teams coach Shawn Mennenga was fired and that Mike Pettine wouldn’t return as defensive coordinator.
Aaron Rodgers' 'uncertain' future hangs over Green Bay
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) walks off the field after the NFC championship NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)GREEN BAY, Wis. – Aaron Rodgers said he's not sure what his future holds in Green Bay. Green Bay allowed a total of 16 sacks in its other 16 games. The NFC championship game reflected the occasional inconsistency of Green Bay’s defense under Pettine. Green Bay’s most notable flaw during its seven-game streak was its occasional tendency to have a breakdown on special teams.
Road warriors: Bucs win 31-26 at Green Bay, reach Super Bowl
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Scott Miller catches a 39-yard touchdown pass against Green Bay Packers' Kevin King during the first half of the NFC championship NFL football game in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)GREEN BAY, Wis. – Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ road magic have them heading home to the Super Bowl, the first team to play in one on their home field. Brady owns six Super Bowl rings with New England and now heads to his 10th NFL championship game with his new team. The Bucs (14-5) earned their franchise-record eighth consecutive road victory to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since their 2002 championship season. Tampa Bay then ran out the clock on the Packers (14-4).
D-coordinators bring head coaching chops to NFL title games
But all are credited with providing a steady helping hand, a sturdy shoulder and a willing ear to their team’s current head coach. PETTINEPettine went 10-22 (.313) as head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2014-15, before joining Matt LaFleur, who was named Packers head coach in 2018 after just two seasons as an offensive coordinator, a year each with the Rams and Titans. Arians brought along Bowles, whom he coached at Temple in the mid-1980s and who had been his defensive coordinator in Arizona from 2013-14. It began with Frazier saying he didn’t want McDermott to make the same mistakes he did as a first-time head coach. It’s a business with a lot of egos, a lot of people concerned with who gets the credit.”SPAGNUOLOSpagnuolo, 61, compiled an 11-41 record (.212) as head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 2009-11 and as interim head coach of the New York Giants in 2017, when he went 1-3.
Ted Thompson, 68, GM when Packers won last Super Bowl, dies
Thompson was Packers general manager from 2005-17 and drafted many notable players on the current roster, including two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)GREEN BAY, Wis. – Ted Thompson, whose 13-year run as Green Bay Packers general manager included their 2010 Super Bowl championship season, has died. Mike Sherman had been working as Packers coach and general manager up to that point. “Certainly he’s a guy who’s held in the highest regard in this building and, I think, just around the league,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. Gutekunst, who had been working with Thompson as player personnel director, was promoted to general manager and remains in that position.
EXPLAINER: A look at the data behind NFL decision making
“You can make a very good decision and have a bad result and you can make a bad decision and have a good result,” said Frank Frigo, the co-founder of EdjSports, a data company that has created its own customizable model for decision making in the NFL. HOW FIGURE OUTThere are several models for decision making and they typically agree on most calls, although there are slight differences. Calls that increase win probability are good and those that decrease it are bad. That decision cost Cleveland 5 percentage points in EdjSports’ win probability. That decision cost the Titans 13.7 percentage points in win probability.
Bills among the NFL's 4 defenses peaking in the postseason
Buffalo Bills' Micah Hyde (23) celebrates with teammates after an NFL divisional round football game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Leslie Frazier’s faith in his Bills defense never wavered even at the lowest point of Buffalo’s season. It was mid-November and the Bills were entering their bye week on the heels of a 32-30 defeat at Arizona. In the NFC, the Packers are allowing an average 306 yards offense over their past seven outings. Here comes Patrick Mahomes, should he clear the NFL’s concussion protocol, and the league’s top-ranked offense.
3 title game quarterbacks have similar draft history
The Packers then made Rodgers the starter in 2008 and have made the playoffs 10 times since then with one Super Bowl title. TOM TERRIFIC: Tom Brady can join some illustrious company with a win this week for another Super Bowl appearance. Brady will appear in his staggering 14th conference title game in 19 seasons as a starter when Tampa Bay visits Green Bay on Sunday. MIGHTY MATT: Packers coach Matt LaFleur is back in the NFC title game for the second time in two seasons as an NFL coach. All those coaches reached at least one Super Bowl in those years with the exception of Ryan, who lost to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.
Chargers hire Rams DC Brandon Staley as head coach
FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley watches his players before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. On Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, the Los Angeles Chargers hired Staley to become the team's head coach. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)COSTA MESA, Calif. – Brandon Staley won't have to move that far for his first head coaching opportunity. Staley agreed to become the Los Angeles Chargers' coach on Sunday night after one season as the defensive coordinator for the crosstown Rams. “It’s not just that Brandon possesses a tremendous football mind that makes him the ideal head coach to lead our team forward,” general manager Tom Telesco said in a statement. He is the third assistant under Rams coach Sean McVay to get an NFL head coaching job, joining Green Bay's Matt LaFleur and Cincinnati's Zac Taylor.
Friends as playoff foes: Packers' LaFleur faces Rams' McVay
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur and Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay say their friendship and shared history shouldn't have much of an impact on their teams’ upcoming NFC divisional playoff matchup. The top-seeded Packers (13-3) host the Rams (11-6) on Saturday with an NFC championship game berth at stake. San Francisco’s head coach is Kyle Shanahan, who worked at Washington with Matt LaFleur and McVay from 2010-13. LaFleur was the quarterbacks coach on Quinn’s Atlanta staff from 2015-16 and worked for Mike Vrabel at Tennessee in 2018. They reunited in 2017 when McVay became the Rams’ head coach and hired LaFleur.
Packers won't have Pro Bowl OT Bakhtiari for rest of season
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) plays during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov 29. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari will miss the rest of the season after the three-time Pro Bowl selection injured his knee in practice Thursday. We’re still sad and hurting for Dave just because it’s our brother and it’s our left tackle, our teammate. Pro Bowl selection Elgton Jenkins has made 11 starts at left guard, two at center and one at right tackle this season. Turner has started six games at right tackle, four at right guard and three at left tackle.
Rodgers-led Packers beat Lions 31-24, clinch NFC North title
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit. Rodgers ran for a tiebreaking score in the third quarter and threw three touchdown passes, lifting the Green Bay Packers to a 31-24 win over the the Detroit Lions to clinch the NFC North title. “To have the whole thing come through Green Bay is something we’ve talked about for a long time," Rodgers said. “That would definitely be in our favor with the weather that we have in Green Bay. Green Bay repeated as division champion with its win and Minnesota’s loss to Tampa Bay earlier in the day.
Packers' versatile offensive line keeps overcoming injuries
“We’ve been able to roll a lot of guys in on the offensive line, started a lot of combinations,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. When Linsley left the Bears game, Green Bay shifted left guard Elgton Jenkins to center and inserted Runyan at left guard. Green Bay’s offensive line is coming off arguably its best performance of the season. “These guys are professionals, man,” offensive line coach Adam Stenavich said. Jenkins started games at every offensive line position but right guard at Mississippi State.
Packers struggle to put away Jags, get by with 24-20 win
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur liked the way his team finished. “We will challenge everybody in this organization that’s a part of this football team to bring more emotion,” LaFleur said. CJ Henderson knocked the ball loose from Adams, and Myles Jack returned the fumble 16 yards to Green Bay’s 16. Green Bay played without usual starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (hand/concussion) and Kevin King (quadriceps). COACHING SHORT-HANDEDJaguars cornerbacks coach Tim Walton didn’t make the trip to Green Bay because of what the team described as personal reasons unrelated to COVID-19.
Cook's 4 TDs help Vikings knock off Packers 28-22
Green Bay had the ball at Minnesota's 41-yard line with 12 seconds and no timeouts left, but D.J. Each of the Vikings’ first four possessions ended with Cook touchdowns. Green Bay went a 2-point conversion got within 28-22 when replays determined the ball crossed the goal line on Jamaal Williams’ inside run. Green Bay got the ball back and reached Minnesota’s 41-yard line with 12 seconds and no timeouts left, but D.J. Four times in the second half, Green Bay reached Vikings territory without scoring.
Pandemic limiting what NFL players can do on their off weeks
The Packers (4-0) and Detroit Lions (1-3) don’t play this week and therefore are the first NFL teams to get a taste of how different off weeks will be amid a pandemic. “We have new protocols in place that are meant to keep everybody safe and healthy,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said. The NFL sent out a reminder Friday that the league’s agreement with the NFL Players Association in August means players who miss tests can be punished with a $50,000 fine. “You’ve got to look no further than Tennessee.”The protocols are impacting some players more than others. While the protocols have changed those plans, it has created opportunities for those players who already have their family members with them.
Rodgers, Packers unbeaten with 37-30 victory over Saints
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) drops back to pass under pressure from New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Malcom Roach in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)NEW ORLEANS – Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers sounds increasingly enamored with the scheme and play-calling philosophy of second-year head coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers are unbeaten and putting up some of the best offensive numbers in the NFL. Rodgers passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns, and the Packers scored 10 points in the final nine minutes to pull out a 37-30 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. Emmanuel Sanders caught a 10-yard scoring pass at the end of the first half that gave the Saints a 17-13 lead.
Despite far more support, kneeling might not be widespread
(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)NFL players who want to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racism have far more support than Colin Kaepernick did four years ago. Lastly, some owners might still have an issue with it despite the leagues support of the players. Whatever our team ends up doing, were gonna support. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones strongly opposed kneeling when Kaepernick began the movement and he hasnt spoken on the issue. ... theyve all dealt with something at some point, whether its with the police or another interaction of just blatant racism, said Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Rodgers says Packers' decision to draft Love surprised him
FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2019, file photo, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers in Kansas City, Mo. Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre predicted on The Rich Eisen Show earlier this month that Rodgers would finish his career somewhere other than Green Bay. When asked whether the Packers draft choices might motivate Rodgers, LaFleur said the veteran quarterback doesnt need any extra incentive. Favre was 35 when the Packers drafted Rodgers. The difference is that Favre openly pondered retirement at the time the Packers drafted Rodgers, and Rodgers has talked about how he wants to play several more years.