Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers explains his reasons for voting no on new CBA
Players across the NFL will vote on a new collective bargaining agreement in the next couple of weeks. It’s a deal that was negotiated by NFL owners and the NFLPA’s executive committee over the last year. The highlights included adding a 17th game to the schedule and expanding the playoffs.
The owners voted last week to approve the deal that would bring labor peace to the NFL for the next 10 years. Despite the executive committee voting 7-4 against it, the plan still moved forward to be voted on by the 32 NFLPA player representatives Wednesday morning. After hours of talks, the plan was approved on a vote of 17-14 with one player abstaining.
It was reported by ESPN during the day that among those pushing back against the plan was Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His biggest issue, reportedly, was the players did not get enough in return to be OK with a plan that added a 17th game. Early Wednesday night, Rodgers took to social media to lay out his exact issues.
https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers12/status/1232798220729962496
The plan will be voted on by the entire NFLPA membership over the next few weeks.
https://twitter.com/RSherman_25/status/1232799637846794240
https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1232685882915872769
Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor ready to show off his speed to NFL teams
INDIANAPOLIS -- Anyone that’s watched Jonathan Taylor over his three record-breaking seasons with Wisconsin knows the running back has some serious speed. His exploits on the high school track (I don't know if you've heard or not but he was a two-time state champion in the 100 meters) before he even showed up in Madison should have been enough evidence. But for some reason, as the 21-year-old stood at a podium as part of the NFL Combine Wednesday morning, he found himself having to answer questions about his top-end speed.
“I really don’t feel disrespected because on film, usually, when a bigger guy is fast, it kind of looks like he’s really smooth. It doesn’t look like he’s moving as fast,” said the 226-pound Taylor. “But when you look at the film, I’m running away from people.”
Taylor’s stats back that up. He had 28 runs of 30 or more yards in his career, 19 of 40 or more yards, 10 of 50 or more yards and seven of 60 or more yards.
“Show that long distance speed,” Taylor said when asked what his goals were during the testing portion. “I mean, I’m sure it shows up on film, but they still want to put a time on a sheet of paper, so making sure I’m able to lock that in.”
https://twitter.com/kennyw97/status/1232700752382119937
No Wisconsin running back has gone lower than 4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine since Michael Bennett in 2001. But Taylor’s goal it to be in the 4.4-second range.
“I’m really looking forward to going in there and run fast,” Taylor said. “The same guy that you see every Saturday taking it the distance in Camp Randall (is the) same guy I’m looking forward to being when I take that line in the forty.”
No action for Biadasz
Wisconsin has four players at the combine, but only three will be working out and going through drills.
Center Tyler Biadasz told reporters Wednesday that he underwent surgery to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder and would miss the testing portions of the combine.
“It wasn’t necessarily an injury. I was never limited. It was just a lingering issue. Not really an issue, but just a little pain here and there,” Biadasz said. “We just don’t want anything lingering on to OTAs or rookie camp, so I just got (it) done.”
In addition to missing the combine, Biadasz said he won’t be cleared until mid-April, meaning he’ll also miss Wisconsin’s pro day next month.
Biadasz started all 41 games the Badgers played the last three seasons and earned the Rimington Award in 2019 as the top center in the nation.
Strong start for Cephus
The on-field drills at the combine will begin Thursday night, but Wisconsin wide receive Quintez Cephus got off to a good start when his position group did the bench press Wednesday. He put up 225 pounds 23 times — at the time, the most of any prospect.
https://twitter.com/BConn63/status/1232768901496393729
The 23 reps is the most by a Wisconsin wide receiver since at least 2000. Now, the ProFootballReference.com database only shows three others having actually done the bench press, with Nick Toon getting 18 in 2012.
However, when you compare Cephus to all the other wide receivers, it’s still an impressive number. In fact, only eight players have ever put up more reps than him.
Badger roommates
Every player has a roommate during the combine but Taylor thought he fell through the cracks and landed himself a solo room. It was not to be.
“I thought you were going to room by position or something like that," Taylor said. "So when I didn’t have another running back in the room, and everyone was in the chat saying, ‘Yeah, I already have my roommate, I thought I had the room to myself. Then Tyler walked in. That was awesome.”
Tyler is Tyler Biadasz. The two hadn't had a chance to really talk since Wisconsin's loss in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Taylor prepped for the combine in Arizona, while Biadasz was in California. Being together in the room allowed them to reconnect.
https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/1232746126551457792
Kobe King reportedly has a new home
Kobe King will reportedly not be leaving the Big Ten.
According to 247Sports.com's Evan Daniels, the former Wisconsin guard has committed to Nebraska.
https://twitter.com/EvanDaniels/status/1232727209372196870
King was Wisconsin’s second-leading scorer when he left the program at the end of January, saying the program was no longer a fit for him personally or as a player.
The Cornhuskers have struggled mightily this season under first-year coach Fred Hoiberg. They are just 7-20 overall and 2-14 in Big Ten play.
According to Rivals.com, Nebraska will pursue an NCAA waiver to get King eligible to play next season. It may not matter, though, as there is a proposal that could pass this spring that would allow all Division I players the opportunity to transfer once without having to sit out.
Since King’s departure, the Badgers are 5-2, including their current season-high four-game winning streak. They will travel to Michigan on Thursday.
Joe & Ebo Experience: Beer & Sports
Brewers all you can eat/drink (0:00)
Badgers Hockey Insider Barry Richter (12:00)
Sports Director Zach Heilprin (28:50)
NFL Combine Evaluations (45:27)
Packers: Matt LaFleur won't 'be satisfied until we're holding that Lombardi Trophy'
INDIANAPOLIS -- Matt LaFleur had no intention of going to Super Bowl LIV in South Florida last month after Green Bay lost in the NFC title game. In fact, the Packers coach told his wife, BreAnne, a year earlier at Super Bowl LIII that he wouldn’t go to another one until a team he was a part of made it back. But, there he was, inside Hard Rock Stadium to watch his brother, Mike, and the San Francisco 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs. It didn’t happen without some prodding, though.
“Between my wife and [Packers president] Mark Murphy there were a lot of voices in my head telling me I need to be there to support him, so I did it,” LaFleur said Thursday at the NFL Combine.
It was actually LaFleur’s third time at the biggest game in American sports in the last four years. He was also there following the 2016 season with the Atlanta Falcons as their quarterbacks coach. It was not a pleasant experience as they managed to lose a 28-3 lead to New England and watched as the Patriots were crowned Super Bowl LI Champions. All of these trips have made him more hungry than ever to get the Packers there.
“That’s always what you’re striving for. That’s what you’re working for each and every day,” LaFleur said. “I know I’ll never be satisfied until we’re holding that Lombardi Trophy.”
To make it happen, most believe the Packers will have to go through San Francisco. It makes sense on the surface. LaFleur lost four games in his first year as coach and two of them were whippings at the hands of the 49ers. That’s led to a lot of questions about how far Green Bay is away from being able to compete with the best team in the NFC. On Tuesday, GM Brian Gutekunst was in the mood to put that notion to rest.
“It’s year-to-year. There’s probably a lot less carryover than people think that there is from year to year. So the challenges that we are going to face this year are really unknown. The way I go about it, the way (LaFleur) goes about it, we’re not looking to catch any particular team. I think we’re trying to build a football club, and develop a club, that can kind of withstand whatever storms come our way.
“We always start with our division and then work beyond that. Again, I think if you focus too much on that you’re going to miss things.”
“Never a doubt” Pettine would be back
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine was one of several defensive assistants that LaFleur kept around from former coach Mike McCarthy’s staff last offseason. Players appeared more comfortable in the second year of his scheme and made strides statistically, including going from 25.0 points allowed per game (22nd in NFL) to 19.6 (9th).
But the unit looked lost against San Francisco in the NFC title game, allowing 285 yards rushing and 37 points. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and his staff seemed to know exactly what was coming on nearly every play and were a step ahead of the Packers at every turn.
While some outside the organization wondered if Pettine’s time might be done after that performance, he was retained.
“There was never a doubt,” LaFleur said of brining Pettine back. “I’m not going to make a rash decision on one game. I thought our defense did a lot of great things. Certainly there’s areas we have to improve upon but it’s not just defensively. It’s on offense and special teams as well.”
New coaches
The Packers filled one of their coaching vacancies earlier this month with a veteran in Jerry Gray. A longtime NFL defensive back, the former Minnesota Vikings secondary coach was tabbed by LaFleur to handle the position with Green Bay after Jason Simmons left for Carolina.
LaFleur described Gray as a calming, confident veteran that will impact the team throughout.
“I think our players are going to be very receptive to him,” LaFleur said. “He’s just been around this league for such a long time. I think he’s going to bring a lot of value to not only our defensive staff but I think our whole staff and to our team.”
The other coaching position that needs to be filled is at wide receiver after the team let Alvis Whitted go following one season. That came almost a month ago, so, on Tuesday, LaFleur was asked if they were actually planning to hire a replacement.
“We are working through that process right now,” LaFleur said with a smile. “Yes, we will a hire wide receiver coach.”
There was some thought when Whitted was initially let go that Mike LaFleur, San Francisco's passing game coordinator, could be his replacement considering his contract was set to expire and the team could no longer block him from joining his brother as it did last offseason. But just days later it was reported the 49ers had given Mike a new deal during the postseason and he would be staying put.
“No, that had no bearing,” Matt LaFleur said. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
Another team coming to training camp
There will be another NFL team coming to Green Bay for training camp this summer. Who that team is remains to be seen.
“We have a team, but I don’t know if I can tell you yet,” LaFleur said with a smile. “I’ve got to make sure (with) the (NFL).”
Joe & Ebo Experience: The Draft Debate
Packers Draft Poll (0:00)
Weapons or Defense? (8:07)
WR versus ILB (16:43)
Bucks & Draft talk continued (26:16)
Packers talent & team speed (37:00)
What's going on? (53:14)
Wisconsin TE calls it a career
When Wisconsin opens spring practice next month, tight end Luke Benzschawel will not be there.
The junior announced on social media Monday that due to numerous knee injuries his football career was over.
https://twitter.com/LukeBenzschawel/status/1232009199892226053
Benzschawel played in 15 games over three seasons, but struggled to stay healthy. The latest injury came in fall camp last August when his leg got rolled up on during a scrimmage. He underwent surgery and missed the entire year.
Wisconsin was expecting Benzschawel to be a big part of the run game, just as he was when he played in 10 games in 2018. Without him, and several young guys not ready to play, the Badgers moved an offensive lineman, Cormac Sampson, back to tight end to serve in a lot of their two tight end packages.
Tight end coach Mickey Turner said at the Rose Bowl that he expects redshirt freshmen Hayden Rucci and Clay Cundiff to provide some much needed help at the position for junior Jake Ferguson in 2020.
Luke Benzschawel was one of the three Benzschawel brothers that has or will play for the Badgers. Beau Benzschawel was a four-year starter at guard/tackle for Wisconsin (2015-2018) and is now with the Detroit Lions. The youngest brother, P.J. Benzschawel, is part of the Badgers 2021 recruiting class. A 4-star recruit, he's ranked as the top player in the state of Wisconsin and is a top-25 offensive tackle in the country.
The Swing: Feb. 24, 2020
On this week's episode of The Swing, Zach Heilprin and Jesse Temple chat with former UW forward Brian Butch, breakdown the win over Rutgers and project where the Badgers will finish in the Big Ten.
Joe & Ebo Experience: Back at it
Bucks & Load Management (0:00)
Brian Gutekunst Comments (10:49)
Badgers Wrestling Head Coach Chris Bono (31:40)
Do QB's drop in the draft? (39:20)
More Packers Offseason (44:51)
Wild Taysom Hill Facts (56:23)
Wisconsin 79, Rutgers 71: Last word
MADISON — Four players scored in double figures as Wisconsin beat Rutgers 79-71 Sunday to earn a fourth-straight win.
Player of the Game: Micah Potter
Coming off a scoreless performance against Purdue, the junior big man made his presence felt against the Scarlet Knights. He had a team-high 18 points, including hitting 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. Two of those were back-to-back in the second half when Rutgers had cut the Badgers lead to 10. Potter added nine rebounds and didn’t turn it over.
Potter has a good shot of doing something no other rotation player in school history has done — shoot at least 50-percent from the floor, 40-percent from 3 and 90-percent from the free throw line for an entire season. Though he may fall short of the necessary minimum number of attempts, right now he's hitting 52.7-percent of his shots, 45.7-percent from 3 and 93.5-percent from the line.
The good: Brevin Pritzl
The senior is continuing to make the most of his final season, scoring 17 points on Sunday. It was the fourth time in the last six games he’s been in double digits. That’s key, because Wisconsin is now 10-0 when he hits double figures. But it wasn’t just the scoring. It was how he scored. Yeah, he hit a couple of 3s, like usual, but he was 5-for-7 inside the 3-point line. That meant he was being aggressive, which is exactly when he’s at his best.
The not so good: Holding the lead
Wisconsin led by as many as 16 points in the second half and had a 13-point advantage with 4:14 left. But the Badgers could not put Rutgers fully away, allowing the Scarlet Knights to get within five with 2:19 to go. Fortunately for them, they continue to be a strong free throw shooting team and were able to salt things away at the line.
Stat of the Game: 7
That’s how many offensive rebounds Rutgers had. The Scarlet Knights came into the contest averaging 12.1 per game, which ranked 35th in the country and third in the Big Ten. They had 11 in the first meeting between the two teams. This time, though, Wisconsin did a solid job of limiting their second chances.
Best Tweets:
https://twitter.com/BadgerMBB/status/1231678668474396672
Best Video:
https://twitter.com/WisconsinOnBTN/status/1231666416362741760
What they said:
Greg Gard on the growth of his team this year:
“This group has mentally toughed up and responded and matured. I’m proud of them. This group has come through more than any I’ve been around in 30 years of coaching in terms of the outside things they’ve had to overcome and thrown their way.”
In Case You Missed It
-- The win moved Wisconsin into a four-way tie for second place in the Big Ten with four games to go. The Badgers are tied with Penn State, Michigan State and Iowa.
— Wisconsin guard Brad Davison had his streak of made free throws end at 21 with a miss late in the second half. Davison also topped the 1,000-point mark for his career, becoming the 43rd player in school history to reach that total.
— Wisconsin was supposed to wear its 2000 throwback uniforms just once. The Badgers wore them for a third-straight home game and moved to 3-0 with them on. https://twitter.com/BadgerMBB/status/1231594880713023491
— D’Mitrik Trice keeps raising the level of his game as a point guard. He finished with a career-high nine assists. He has 44 assists in his last seven games and just 12 turnovers.
— Wisconsin has now won at least 10 Big Ten games 17 times since 2001-2002. That’s the most of any team in the conference.
-- Rutgers became the first team to shoot at least 50-percent from the field against the Badgers this year.
What’s next?
Wisconsin (17-10, 10-6) will travel to Ann Arbor on Thursday to take on Michigan (18-9, 9-7)
