Here’s the video of his response from https://t.co/jY7zCj3xgq (question from @KyleMalzhan) if you want to see exactly how he answered: https://t.co/xLB6DLTjY9 pic.twitter.com/ARWrzjiAe9
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 14, 2022
YEESH.
Not great, Bob! Look when Davante left in the offseason, the #1 question about the Packers going into the 2022 season instantly became, ‘how will they replace his production.’ We all hope that Lazard will be able to step up when he’s healthy enough to be on the field, maybe you can squeeze a little more toothpaste out of the tube on Sammy Watkins’ career, Randall Cobb, and then relying on rookies like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. It was curious in the offseason that NOBODY mentioned Amari Rodgers as a potential factor, hoping for some kind of step forward from a dismal showing his rookie year.
He did seem to at least get some looks in the preseason, but he barely saw the field in Week 1 and Rodgers’ response here doesn’t make it seem like he’s going to be a part of the gameplan against the Bears this week either. One thing we know about Aaron Rodgers with absolute certainty, if you don’t impress him he has no problem icing you out. He’s like Kramer in this episode of Seinfeld:
It is a bummer because when Gutey drafted him in the 3rd round in 2021, he seemed like the perfect candidate to eventually take over that slot role that Randall Cobb has occupied. Smaller in stature, but plenty of speed, a guy you could even use as a running back, in motion, etc. But literally none of that has panned out and at this point it’s getting pretty hard to see a future for him on this squad. All he can do now is make sure he fields punts cleanly and hope he gets a shot down the road.
Also, this footage came out of Packer practice yesterday:
Not a doctor but the limp on #Packers David Bakhtiari doesn't seem to be getting any better.
HC Matt LaFleur said: "we will see when we get out there" when asked if #69 will take part in 11-on-11 team drills. https://t.co/ms8JPjqmse pic.twitter.com/pDyx1BBTKV
— Cody Krupp (@CodyWKrupp) September 14, 2022
It has been pointed out that he’s limping on his non-surgically repaired knee in this footage so I guess that’s good? I dunno. At least he practiced yesterday (as did Jenkins and Lazard) but the vibes continue to be ‘off’ as it relates to Bakhtiari. Like just about every other Packer fan I hope he can get back out there protecting Rodgers’ blind side as one of the top tackles in the league, but if you made me bet my life savings on an over/under of 10.5 games left in his career, I think I’d have to take the under right now. Such a sad situation for a guy that the fan base loves so much.
The Packers opened as 9.5 point favorites against the Bears on Monday, and that’s already up to Packers -11 on my book. They will win this game but if I’m honest I won’t be touching that line. Last year after they got blown out by the Saints in Week 1, they came back in Week 2 and dusted the Lions at home in primetime. We’re hoping for a similar situation here, but it’s probably going to take a little longer for the offense to get in gear this season. Last year you had some offensive line consistency and Davante Adams. Again, they’ll win, but I’m not sure we’re going to see the 35-10 kind of win some people are predicting. I like a nice little money-line parlay with the Packers/Bill/Broncos to all win outright at -120.
PS: Luke Combs has back to back sold out shows at the Resch this weekend, and it’s the Packer home opener in primetime Sunday night against the Bears. Hotel rooms on Saturday and Sunday night in Green Bay are going to require you to take out a second mortgage on your house. Broom closets on AirBnb are going for $600 a night (plus cleaning fee, plus service fee, plus fee fee).
