Is It Time to Adjust Expectations?

DH13Member

I can't help but think back to the post SB45 orgy of optimism regarding this team.

"With all the injured players coming back plus the rookies that are getting experience and a new draft class, this team is loaded for a dynasty."

"I expect AR to win at least another 2 rings in the next 5 years."

"This team will have a shot at the SB as long as AR is QB."

I'm paraphrasing, and optimism is natural after a championship but many of these thoughts persisted far beyond the victory lap. Since then we've been bounced hard in the divisional round the last 2 years (once by a team that won 2 out of 3 SB's) and are seeing the emergence of an offense and QB type that our D seems to have no answer for. Stack that on top of the uncertainty surrounding some of the veteran starters and the DC, is it time to reconsider the goals we have for the current GB team?

What are your expectations for the GB, for the remainder of AR's career, assuming he plays another 7 years?

A. 2 or more SB rings.
B. 1 more ring.
C. No more rings.

I know there are some around here who believe most us are spoiled, that we should all be happy with a SB win every 12 years or so and fielding a team that competes for the division and gets in the playoffs every year. Before 2010, I would have very much agreed. But when you have a potential all-time QB like AR, I think I expect more. I would be pretty damn happy with B.

1/15/132:55 PM

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HerschelMember

I expect them to compete most of these years for the Lombardi Trophy. That doesn't mean they won't have playoff losses, but those losses should be close, hard-fought losses rather than having their butts handed to them and giving up record performances by the opposition.

1/15/133:03 PM

PakrzFREEZE!

Winning the SB takes a lot of things going your way. Not only do you need a great team, you need some calls, some lucky bounces, keep injuries to a minimum, etc. It's hard. Parody runs rampant in the NFL by design.

Personally, I think AR is good enough to win multiple SB's. Will his supporting cast be? Like it's been stated many times, you can only pay so many players. Letting a guy like Jennings walk out the door sucks, but what can you do? Keeping Jennings means losing another player... probably somebody on defense either now or in the future. That's the last thing we need. Nobody wants to see Woodson go, but you can't pay him 10 million either.

To win a SB, I think you have to catch lightning in a bottle for that season. The good news is there's always a chance with AR lining up behind center. Build around him, drive on and hope for the best.

1/15/133:08 PM

TdogProspective Member

as unrealistic as it is I expect them to win the SB every year even tho I know winning a SB is like catching lightning in a bottle.

1 more would be great, 2 incredible!

edit: sure Pakrz, post as I'm typing and make me a plagiarizer

1/15/133:11 PM

Winnebago WarriorMember

quote:
Originally posted by Pakrz:
Winning the SB takes a lot of things going your way. Not only do you need a great team, you need some calls, some lucky bounces, keep injuries to a minimum, etc. It's hard. Parroty runs rampant in the NFL by design.

Fixed that that typo for you, Pakrz.

saw

1/15/133:12 PM

H5Keyboard Warrior, troll hunter

Subset.

1/15/133:16 PM

CUPackFanMember

I want AR to win 1 more. I want him to retire as a top 5 QB of all time and that requires multiple Super Bowls and multiple MVP's. Anything more is gravy.

1/15/133:16 PM

packerboiI lick rainbows

You have a blue chip player and still arguably the best QB in football.

And you have another that represents one of the best defensive players in the NFL on the other side of the ball.

Both are <28.

Then you have a surrounding cast of several solid/good players at WR, CB, S, G, RT, P, KR/PR, DT.

Upgrades are needed at C, ILB perhaps OLB (but that could very well be Perry already), TE, RB, and you always are looking for depth on the DL and OL. Always.

But really there is plenty here. As others have said winning the SB requires
health, luck, being hot at the right time, good coaching and for other teams in your way to
sustain nearly the opposite. It's not easy at all but there is no need IMO to adjust expectations.

Pieces need to be filled but they are every bit capable of winning 2 or more titles.

1/15/133:22 PM

PakrzFREEZE!

quote:
Originally posted by Chronic Hobbit:
quote:
Originally posted by Pakrz:
Winning the SB takes a lot of things going your way. Not only do you need a great team, you need some calls, some lucky bounces, keep injuries to a minimum, etc. It's hard. Parroty runs rampant in the NFL by design.

Fixed that that typo for you, Pakrz.

saw

Much appreciated.

1/15/133:26 PM

Music CityMember

It's an interesting thought.

One thing about the draft and develop philosophy, it's that is does lend itself to sustain long term success (meaning winning and playoff opportunities).

But above all, I think that a team that employs the draft and develop philosophy has to hit big on a pick or two to boost itself to SB wins. The Packers got Raji, but in the same draft they got CMIII, and that propelled them to the 2010 Championship. They have yet to hit big since, and though they've maintained a winning tradition in the 2 season since, they are a step below the level they need to be to win it all.

Last year was a good depth year, but it's time to hit big again. They need a another star.

1/15/133:32 PM

YATittleMember

quote:
I expect them to compete most of these years for the Lombardi Trophy. That doesn't mean they won't have playoff losses, but those losses should be close, hard-fought losses rather than having their butts handed to them and giving up record performances by the opposition.

1/15/133:33 PM

packerboiI lick rainbows

quote:
They have yet to hit big since, and though they've maintained a winning tradition in the 2 season since, they are a step below the level they need to be to win it all.

Randall Cobb and his 2,342 all purpose yards probably begs to differ. At 22, he is primed to blossom into a blue chip player at WR. And yes, even better then Jennings.

1/15/133:46 PM

fightphoe93Member

Just to show how quickly things change in the NFL, of the 22 position guys who started for the Pack in the 2010 Super Bowl 2 seasons ago, only 10 of them started against San Fran. Driver, Starks, and Zombo are still on the roster but were either hurt or ineffective and Quarless, Bulaga, and Bishop were on IR.

With that kind of turnover, it's pretty tough to keep a team at an elite level. Bishop, Wells, Bulaga, Jenkins, Collins, Clifton are all Pro Bowl or Pro Bowl-alternate caliber guys that were not around for this year's playoffs. Combine that with some age and skill loss for Woodson and Tramon Williams and this team has fallen a notch from what they were.

The Pack isn't that far from getting back to the elite, but it is very tough to get back when you're picking lower in the draft. They absolutely need to get some breaks with injuries too. I mean when they lost Bishop and Starks in the first pre-season game that was an awful way to begin 2012. Need to be a little bit luckier than that.

I hope we can see Rodgers get 1 more Super Bowl. It probably will take getting a couple big time playmakers for the defense plus some solidification of the offensive line to get back to elite. It will not be easy even though the Pack is tantalizingly close.

1/15/133:56 PM

Music CityMember

I don't agree with that. Cobb is not on the same level as CMIII at their respective positions. Cobb's a fine player, but he's not transcendant like CMIII became. CMIII is MVP-level. Cobb's not close to that, IMO.

And maybe I am looking more at the defensive side of the ball. The Packers are getting by with scraps at several positions. Maybe Nick Perry becomes that, but they need another in that front 7.

1/15/133:57 PM

bubbleboy789Member

One of the youngest teams in the league with the best quarterback in the league.

our window is wide open.

1/15/134:15 PM

BorisPerson Man Camera Dildo Shop - NFLFU®

2007 - Lost to Super Bowl Champ
2010 - We ARE Super Bowl Champs
2011 - Lost to Super Bowl Champ
2012 - (Probably) lost to Super Bowl Champ

Notice a theme here?

We're competitive. Challenging for a title on a yearly basis. The Packer fan base is incredibly spoiled & many of us right here on X4 need to take a step back & realize how lucky we are to have such a competitive team in this day & age of parity.

There are no "dynasties" anymore but I know 2 franchises that are about as close as you can come without winning it all the last 15-20 years.

Packers & Patriots

That's it. That's the list.

There's no "adjusting expectations" MM & crew understand the challenge. The expectation is to win the Super Bowl. While it might not happen every year, we expect to challenge for it every year & I say THAT goal has been accomplished over the last 3 seasons.

1/15/134:28 PM

IL_Pack_FanMember

I think I’d argue the opposite, MC. I don’t think there’s a certain combination of “it” players required to win a Super Bowl, but rather having the talent and catching the breaks and hitting the right groove as others have mentioned. I think there is far more value in being in the playoff picture every year and hoping you hit that run.

As far as expectations, I expect at least one more ring in Rodgers’ time. I don’t think two more is unrealistic, but there is just so much that has to happen to even get to the big one. Just ask Peyton.

1/15/134:33 PM

LarseeBearMember

^^^^

After that embarrassment, everyone should have a chip on their shoulder next year.

One thing certain, they have to start out running right out of the gate (there's that word running again) for home field advantage.

And Dr McKenzie has to stfu sometimes so our starters aren't on IR right away.

Either we have china dolls or he treats them that way.

1/15/134:34 PM

4 FavreMember

I don't know if I trust McCarthy with expectations of a dynasty. You can't win the Super Bowl every year, but that doesn't excuse the last two postseasons. I'd feel better if they were truly competitive in those games, but face it. The Packers got clobbered. Those games were the sort of mess that only happens when poor preparation and game planning meet bad game management.

If you look at the run through the NFC playoffs in 2010, I think maybe the most important part is that all the coaches were as bad or worse compared to McCarthy in those areas. Reid is laughed at by all for his incompetent game management, and the Eagles were teetering on the dream team dynasty which they became. Even so they almost came back in that game, and if Akers' kid didn't get cancer that week they still may have won.

Atlanta was pretty much the same team they are now, minus a superfreak athlete receiver and a couple of more years of seasoning. And people still consider them a fraud today!

Chicago was in classic "lucky wins" mode all season, and they played the second half with two of the worst backup quarterbacks in the league.

I mean, there was a reason most of us were excited as hell to make the playoffs that year. Get in, and it was all there for the taking.

So where are my expectations? I hope for another Rodgers-era Super Bowl, I'm not sure I outright expect it anymore.

1/15/134:35 PM

CHEEZEMember

quote:
Originally posted by Boris:
2007 - Lost to Super Bowl Champ
2010 - We ARE Super Bowl Champs
2011 - Lost to Super Bowl Champ
2012 - (Probably) lost to Super Bowl Champ

Notice a theme here?

We're competitive. Challenging for a title on a yearly basis. The Packer fan base is incredibly spoiled & many of us right here on X4 need to take a step back & realize how lucky we are to have such a competitive team in this day & age of parity.

There are no "dynasties" anymore but I know 2 franchises that are about as close as you can come without winning it all the last 15-20 years.

Packers & Patriots

That's it. That's the list.

There's no "adjusting expectations" MM & crew understand the challenge. The expectation is to win the Super Bowl. While it might not happen every year, we expect to challenge for it every year & I say THAT goal has been accomplished over the last 3 seasons.

I agree with you 100%. I do not like not winning last Saturday but I went into the game thinking that either team could. I think without that muffed punt the game takes a different trajectory.

Look at the Pats. Their window has been open for well over 10 years and they have not won the title since the 2004 season. The Packers could be in a similar situation especially if you look at the age of the team in many key areas. Do I want to win? More than anything!! I think in the BIG PICTURE, the future is so bright I still have to wear shades.

1/15/134:54 PM

DH13Member

quote:
Look at the Pats. Their window has been open for well over 10 years and they have not won the title since the 2004 season.

After they had won their 3rd title in 4 years. If the Packers did that, I wouldn't lose one wink of sleep.

1/15/134:57 PM

ChilliJonI hate the Vikings!

There's only 1 way to win a Super Bowl but a very long list of things that can screw everything up. It ain't easy.

I don't expect them to win Super Bowls. I do expect them to compete for it for the next 7 years.

And is it too much to ask that this team play at least 1 year relatively healthy just so we can see how good they can really be?

1/15/135:04 PM

FedyaMember

quote:
After that embarrassment, everyone should have a chip on their shoulder next year.

After the embarrassment in January 2012, they should have had a chip on their shoulder this past season.

1/15/135:06 PM

FedyaMember

By definition, every year, one team has to win the Super Bowl.

1/15/135:12 PM

GBFanForLifeLarge Member

No.

1/15/135:12 PM

DH13Member

I think there are some serious questions regarding the mental make up of the D. Some of it is youth and inexperience when you look at how many rookie snaps have been taken this year. And some of it seemed to leak a bit in the post game comments from CM and BJ. I wonder if they're losing leadership as Woodson, the seemingly "default" leader on D, starts to fade and no one else steps in. CM does it on the field but I don't know how much he brings things together in the lockerroom. It did seem to be a bit cowardly and less than inspiring that they, as a whole unit, no-showed for their media availability yesterday.

1/15/135:17 PM

RatPackMember

I plan on having more time for family.

1/15/135:48 PM

BorisPerson Man Camera Dildo Shop - NFLFU®

Sarge hearts ewe

1/15/136:22 PM

Vincent VegaMember

I think it is time for some fans to adjust their expectations. It was natural to be upset following Saturday night's game. But once you're over that initial reaction, if you still look at this Packers team and say "not good enough," then you probably should not follow the NFL anymore. This is about as good as it gets. 41-14 in the last three years with three playoff appearances, two division titles and a Lombardi trophy. If you expect more than that, you should probably give up on the NFL. Become a Crimson Tide fan - they win just about every year.

1/15/136:59 PM