go pak go wrote: ↑05 Aug 2021 15:16
The other piece that was discussed, we won't know if it is correct or not, but there was definitely an obsession from Gute when he took over to go after "big receiver" targets.
I mean we move on from Nelson and Cobb and replaced them with Jimmy Graham, MVS, EQSB, Funchess, Lazard, Sternberger and Moore.
I believe Moore was the smallest addition of the Gute class.
So our sample size was certainly large enough to see that the Packers wanted big receiving targets moving forward. It was an intentional move.
After 2019, we as fans started to really notice it and wanted that stereotypical "smaller" slot guy. And it's obvious why right? We had NOTHING like that outside of Ervin who did flash some success.
Now the "why" the Packers were so intentional on going big is what I am curious about. Especially because we now have two smaller guys again. One theory I always had was durability. Smaller guys getting their work in the middle of the field means they are always hurt. And we certainly have a history of that. Cobb and Ervin are our last smaller guys and both were hurt constantly. We just couldn't rely on them at all.
we where still a spread vertical scheme when we intentionally added the tall lanky guys, a year later the offense changed, now we run more inside routes, shorter stuff, up tempo to get the ball out of Rodgers hand faster, so the smooth, but not fast power forward type like Lazard, Funches, EQB, Moore don't fit as well.
Cobb stayed healthy a long time from the slot and even the backfield, Ervin was hurt quick, Cobb seemed more stocky then Ervin, maybe it just seemed that way, thing is both produced well when healthy, Amari looks a little wider then both.
I've always liked having a dedicated slot receiver, a gadget type for RO, motion freezes lbers, so if you have a dangerous slot guy they have to honor his movement, or he will gut you for extra yardage every time.
I was as surprised as anyone here when Guty caved and we brought Cobb back, however if Cobb stays healthy I also wouldn't be surprised for him to earn his contract, and obviously help getting Amari ready to take over.
Lafluers schemes are more about moving the chains and less so with time consuming big chunk plays, so for that, quick and agile wins out
