wpr
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13 years ago
Packer Report 

The Packers need a receivers coach to replace Jimmy Robinson, so here's one off-the-wall idea: How about Donald Driver? Driver would be a natural, our Eric Huber writes.

On Dec. 5, I took my wife to her first Packers game. To be honest, though, she isnt a huge Packers fan, and like many other wives, would probably rather watch Paula Deen whip up green bean casserole. At the same time, she does have one favorite Packers player Donald Driver, whom on this particular Sunday provided about as many fireworks as a July 4 celebration.

With the score 14-13 Packers early in the third quarter, Driver caught a 20-plus-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, almost flipped a 49ers defender, broke about half-dozen arm tackles, and rumbled for a 61-yard touchdown. Along with my wifes heart, Lambeau Field went crazy, and Drivers gallop was the momentum the Packers needed to put the dagger into the 49ers.

It was probably the most amazing catch and run Ive ever seen, and it was the kind of play that defined the type of player Driver has been throughout his career. After all, putting it all on the line every down is the only way Driver knows how to play.

Now entertain this next question for at least 80 seconds. What if Donald Driver became the next Packers wide receivers coach?

It sounds perfect, right? Maybe, almost too perfect?

Theres one small problem though --- Donalds not retiring. At least thats what he claimed in the final locker room media session on Feb 8.

Im not retiring. I just signed a two-year extension. The Packers want me here. Im not going anywhere. You know, I feel like I can still play. Ive proven that.

But what if someday he were offered a spot on the coaching staff as a wide receivers coach? Would he be well-received and successful? Could he do it part-time while still playing? And would he have the same kind of impact coaching as he had playing?

Yes, yes, and yes.

About a week ago, I was researching Cris Carter for a possible story, and it brought to life a video  I ran across. It was a video that depicted Carter talking to the 2008 rookie class of wide receivers about how they should manage their careers along with the mind-set they should have if and when they further their NFL potential. But as I watched this No. 80 pace back and forth using a page from the Dennis Green book of speaking, I heard echoes of Driver.

When I step on to that field, every catch is for my family. It makes me appreciate my two kids and my wife, because without them and God, I couldnt survive.

Character and motivation. These are two words that are often overshadowed for words like speed and strength these days by NFL general managers. The funny thing is that I believe character and motivation are the two words that define the Super Bowl winning Green Bay Packers, with Driver leading the charge.

Lets face it, Driver wasnt a first- or second-round pick, and never really had game-changing speed or strength. He came from a family of nothing, material-wise, but has had the will and drive to be successful on and off the field. In other words, Driver is a winner, role model and someone who could get the best out of those he teaches. He also knows the ins and outs of offensive schemes and what to look for in opposing defenses, has vast knowledge of how to run great routes, and understands how to become a complete wide receiver.

Most importantly, though, Driver has looked adversity straight in the eye, and has beaten it. He is an inspiration to everyone including fans of the game, and his presence alone walking the sideline as "coach" would remind the pass catchers of what they can become if they're willing to work hard just like No 80.

Green Bay Packers legend Vince Lombardi said it best when he proclaimed, The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.

Think about that for at least 80 seconds.


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millertime
13 years ago
Would be an interesting idea, but I only want Driver focusing on himself. I'd hate to see his play decline because he giving Brett Swain tips on route running. Maybe after he retires.
Zero2Cool
13 years ago
I think players give each other tips all the time on the sidelines.
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wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member Topic Starter
13 years ago

Would be an interesting idea, but I only want Driver focusing on himself. I'd hate to see his play decline because he giving Brett Swain tips on route running. Maybe after he retires.

"millertime" wrote:



I know what you are saying. I think Double D would be a great WR coach. I don't want to see him lose focus as a WR either. But if he waits until he retires he would not be pulling double duty. (Which is fine with me.)
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Zero2Cool (3h) : Oh? It wasn't on the injury report. That sucks, but it's what is best.
packerfanoutwest (4h) : Doubs is out due to concussion
beast (6h) : What does the weather look like?
Martha Careful (11h) : You can wear long-johns mittens and a hat. We want Hill and their other skill guys FROZEN
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Martha Careful (25-Nov) : I hope it is colder than a well-diggers ass on Thanksgiving night.
Zero2Cool (25-Nov) : doubt he wants to face the speedsters
beast (25-Nov) : Dolphins offense can be explosive... I wonder if we'll have Alexander back
Zero2Cool (25-Nov) : No Doubs could be issue Thursday
Mucky Tundra (25-Nov) : Bears. Santos. Blocked FG
Zero2Cool (24-Nov) : Bears. Vikings. OT
Mucky Tundra (24-Nov) : Thems the breaks I guess
Mucky Tundra (24-Nov) : Two players out and Williams had an injury designation this week but Oladapo is a healthy scratch
Zero2Cool (24-Nov) : Packers inactives vs 49ers: • CB Jaire Alexander • S Kitan Oladapo • LB Edgerrin Cooper • OL Jacob Monk
TheKanataThrilla (24-Nov) : Aaron Jones with a costly red zone fumble
Zero2Cool (24-Nov) : When we trade Malik for a 1st rounder, we'll need a new QB2.
packerfanoutwest (23-Nov) : Report: Aaron Rodgers wants to play in 2025, but not for the Jets
beast (23-Nov) : That's what I told the Police officer about my speed when he pulled me over
packerfanoutwest (23-Nov) : NFL told Bears that Packers’ blocked field goal was legal
packerfanoutwest (22-Nov) : 49ers are underdogs at Packers, ending streak of 36 straight games as favorites
Zero2Cool (22-Nov) : 49ers might be down their QB, DL, TE and LT?
packerfanoutwest (22-Nov) : Jaire Alexander says he has a torn PCL
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : Even with the context it's ... what?
Mucky Tundra (20-Nov) : Matt LaFleur without context: “I don’t wanna pat you on the butt and you poop in my hand.”
beast (20-Nov) : We brought in a former Packers OL coach to help evaluate OL as a scout
beast (20-Nov) : Jets have been pretty good at picking DL
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : He landed good players thanks to high draft slot. He isn't good.
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : He can shove his knowledge up his ass. He knows nothing.
beast (20-Nov) : More knowledge, just like bring in the Jets head coach
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : What? Why? Huh?
beast (19-Nov) : I wonder if the Packers might to try to bring Douglas in through Milt Hendrickson/Ravens connections
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : The Jets fired Joe Douglas, per sources
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : Jets are a mess......
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Pretty sure Jets fired their scouting staff and just pluck former Packers.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Jets sign Anders Carlson to their 53.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : When you cycle the weeks, the total over remains for season. But you get your W/L for that selected week. Confusing.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the total and percentage are the same as the previous weeks
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the total and percentage are the same as the previous weeks
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the totals are accurate..nrvrtmind
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : I don't follow what you are saying. The totals are not the same as last week.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : ok so then wht are the totals the same as last week?
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : NFL Pick'em is auto updated when NFL Scores tab is clicked
Martha Careful (19-Nov) : The offense was OK. Let's not forget the Bear defense is very very good.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : Who updates the leaderboard on NFLPickem?
beast (19-Nov) : Has the Packers offense been worse since the former Jets coach joined the Packers?
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Offense gets his ass in gear, this could be good.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Backup QB helped with three wins. Special Teams contributed to three wins.
bboystyle (18-Nov) : Lions played outside thats why. They scored 16 and 17 in the only 2 outside games this year
Zero2Cool (18-Nov) : The rest of the NFL is catching up to Packers ... kicking is an issue throughout league
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