With all the predictions and hot takes that rolled in preseason about the pending ramifications of the Aaron Rodgers trade, the most commonly shouted one was that of “Brian Gutekunst screwed up.” Analysts, former players, and people across social media all seem to agree that the organization had made a major mistake in moving on from Rodgers when and how he did.
Certainly no one could’ve predicted, nor would anyone ever root for, the unfortunate injury situation that befell Rodgers season. But now, 12 games in to 2023, the faith behind the move for Green Bay is making more and more sense by the day. As the media races to discuss loves growing success, Colin Cowherd took some time on his show on Monday to give the Green Bay Way and Brian Gutekunst’s plan its due credit.
“One of the things Green Bay does and they don’t get a lot of credit for is that they draft and develop offensive players about as well as anybody and they almost never draft them in the first round.” Cowherd said. “Tight ends, receivers, running backs I mean good god, they drafted more wide receiver talent in the last 2 years than Belichick has in the last in 18 years. Doubs, Watson, Wicks, Reed, Kraft the tight end… they’ve got players all over the place. They’re all twitchy, Watson gets banged up a bit, but they’ve got talent all over the place.”
“Aaron Rogers felt like an old frontman on a band full of hipsters.” Cowherd Continued. “This is perfect. Jordan Loves young, talented, he’ll make mistakes and Watson will drop passes and Doubs will run the wrong route and Jordan Love won’t be frustrated with them because he’s their age. They’re all learning together. There’s an inertia. A symmetry. It’s all moving in one direction.”
It’s funny the difference a few months can make. This is the reason Matt LaFleur was preaching patience during the preseason. It’s the reason why Gutekunst was so confident in his stance with Rodgers. And what Cowherd didn’t even mention here is the salary cap disparity. With Love having another reasonably priced year on his deal and the cap reportedly about to jump, this team will be able to add weapons and veteran leadership in the off season in a way that could create one of the league’s most competitive teams next season. The Green Bay Way works. We always knew it did, but it’s nice to see Cowherd and others coming around.
