After another convincing win, the Packers are 2-0 and should be feeling really good. SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content. 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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 21, 2020•26 min
The Packers took advantage of a weakened secondary to put up big numbers in Week 1. Can they do the same in Week 2? That’s what we’ll find out when the Packers take on the Lions at Lambeau Field on Sunday. SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content. 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 ...
Sep 18, 2020•22 min
The offense won the game for the Packers on Sunday, but the defense has generated its own share of headlines. How concerned should we be about the Vikings racking up late points? Lane Taylor is probably done in Green Bay and that’s a bummer (00:34) Lane Taylor got some bad news this week, and he’ll probably be done in Green Bay as a result. Let’s take a second to look back on a remarkable Packers career. Further reading: Lane Taylor’s accomplishments in Green Bay deserve attention How concerned ...
Sep 16, 2020•24 min
The Packers racked up 43 points to put away the Vikings in Week 1. What can they build on and what should we be concerned about? SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content. 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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 13, 2020•26 min
The Packers start the 2020 season against a new look Vikings team. Will it make any difference? SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content. 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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 11, 2020•22 min
It’s Week 1! How will the Packers fare in 2020? Let’s make some predictions about how the Packer will do this season. SUPPORT BLUE 58 Donate to our Patreon - $1 per month gets you access to Patreon-only content. 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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 09, 2020•28 min
You know we’re just about to the start of the season when we start getting roster predictions. Here’s our best guess on what’s going to happen this weekend. Offense (4:51) How many receivers will the Packers keep? How many linemen? Defense (11:44) Do disappointing draft picks Montravius Adams and Josh Jackson survive another cutdown day? Questions about the 2020 roster (17:51) This is going to be a strange year, so we have a few more questions than usual heading into cutdown weekend. Your Takes ...
Sep 04, 2020•28 min
The Minnesota Vikings made like the 2018 Chicago Bears and nabbed a pass rusher right before the start of the 2020 season. What are they getting in Yannick Ngakoue? Will he make a difference in the NFC North? Then, what Packers storylines are real — and which ones are just noise? What are the Vikings getting in Yannick Ngakoue (2:57) The Vikings made what could be considered the biggest move in the NFC North this summer, acquiring Jacksonville edge rusher Yannik Ngakoue. What does he bring to th...
Sep 02, 2020•28 min
Play action passing was supposed to be a huge part of the Packers’ offense last year. Why didn’t it work? We’ll dig into some numbers to find out. Then, more questions from listeners as we start to ramp up for the 2020 season. Why is the Packers play action passing not as good as it could be? (1:45) The Packers struggled to implement play action passing last year. Why? What assistant coaches are standing out? (14:40) Assistant coaches are a big part of every team. Who stands out on the Packers? ...
Aug 28, 2020•30 min
The Packers drew headlines for spending big on edge rushers last spring, but they’ve invested almost as heavily in their defensive backfield. Today, we’ll explore why that actually might have been the smarter play for last year...even if it might not be sustainable. More conversations on race in the NFL (00:40) The conversation on race isn’t going away in the NFL. Further reading: Resources on Race and the NFL Reading about receivers (4:44) Noteworthy articles this week include two interesting t...
Aug 26, 2020•25 min
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 good. David Bakhtiari deal in the works? (9:31) The Packers' left tackle is the next man up for a contr...
Aug 21, 2020•24 min
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, including Kenny Clark's new deal. Reason for concern on the right side of the Packers' line (5:13) No...
Aug 19, 2020•23 min
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’s a quick guide to some worthwhile numbers. Further reading: Our favorite stats for understanding NF...
Aug 14, 2020•23 min
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 have a point (3:59) Just because the Packers like their receivers doesn't mean you have to agree. Tryin...
Aug 12, 2020•23 min
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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 07, 2020•21 min
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 with Running Backs Are They Good or What (6:51) The Packers value the run more than they have in the...
Aug 05, 2020•22 min
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/blue-58 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 31, 2020•23 min
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 tries to ramp up for the start of its season. Jon reflects for a moment on what it all could mean. Sh...
Jul 29, 2020•27 min
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 personnel? Is Brian Gutekunst playing 4D chess? (6:32) Listener questions prompt some deep thinking a...
Jul 24, 2020•29 min
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 Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue...
Jul 22, 2020•21 min
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 people find the show! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58 . Hosted on Acast. See acast...
Jul 17, 2020•21 min
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 questions about how it could play out. Take Your Eye Off the Ball - Wrapping It Up (18:16) We’ve finished T...
Jul 15, 2020•22 min
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 contract extension ever, but at what cost? Further reading: Breakdown of the Mahomes deal That $500 ...
Jul 08, 2020•24 min
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 since 2000 Don’t get hung up on scheme (10:35) A quick look at why scheme differences aren’t as big o...
Jul 03, 2020•23 min
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 really know what’s going to happen? Raiders’ Mark Davis unhappy with decision to sell ads on seats Some t...
Jul 01, 2020•33 min
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 story he’s got! Further reading: Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud was reliable and productive in Green ...
Jun 26, 2020•25 min
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 Eddie Lacy? (4:55) A listener asks if A.J. Dillon is the new Eddie Lacy. He might actually be even bett...
Jun 24, 2020•24 min
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 important in football. Everyone recognizes that. So how do we measure it? Nobody knows. Further reading:...
Jun 17, 2020•24 min
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 steal from other NFC North teams? (8:56) If we could just straight up steal a player from another NFC No...
Jun 12, 2020•20 min
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 the Ball - Chapter 10 (16:53) Pat Kirwan talks defensive backs, how they work, and what you should loo...
Jun 10, 2020•22 min
