wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member Topic Starter
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.


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.
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.)
Fan Shout
Zero2Cool (6h) : Longtime Packers QB coach Tom Clements is retiring, Matt LaFleur says.
Zero2Cool (8h) : Didn't watch the game so can't say
Mucky Tundra (17h) : Anyone else abhor MNF wildcard games?
Martha Careful (20h) : Why is it that the Rams rookies can contribute right away but our first and second year guys are too young to contribute in a meaningful way
Martha Careful (20h) : Yes, Saquon Barkley had a very nice game. But he has a much better offensive line in front of him. I'll take Josh Jacob's. I love the guy
buckeyepackfan (13-Jan) : Rumor has Mike going to The Bears.
Zero2Cool (13-Jan) : Mike McCarthy is out as Cowboys coach
Mucky Tundra (13-Jan) : DOINKED IN FOR THE WIN!!!!!
Mucky Tundra (13-Jan) : Cardiac Commanders
TheKanataThrilla (13-Jan) : Don't like that call Washtington on 4th down
TheKanataThrilla (12-Jan) : The Bills really need to improve their D. The have the ability to score at will, but if they stumble this D will not save them.
Zero2Cool (12-Jan) : LET'S GO
Mucky Tundra (12-Jan) : Blocked PAT returned for 2; not something you see often
Mucky Tundra (12-Jan) : After a strong start, Herbert playing like ass
Mucky Tundra (11-Jan) : Oh god, that means the Clifford stans will come back out of the woodwork
Zero2Cool (11-Jan) : Fills the openin they had
buckeyepackfan (11-Jan) : Sean Clifford signed to 53 man roster.
Martha Careful (11-Jan) : Two terrific NCAA Football Semi-Final Games...We can only hope the Championship game is as good
Zero2Cool (10-Jan) : Eagles WR DeVonta Smith will be a DNP in today’s practice. He’s dealing with back tightness. But the expectation is that he’ll play Sunday.
Zero2Cool (10-Jan) : Jalen Hurts has cleared the concussion protocol. He’s playing Sunday.
Zero2Cool (10-Jan) : 𝕏avier McKinney First Team All-Pro
Zero2Cool (10-Jan) : NFL moves Vikings-Rams playoff tilt to Arizona due to fires
Zero2Cool (10-Jan) : Rams lose home field advantage for Monday game.
Mucky Tundra (9-Jan) : Notre Lame=Notre Dame, Luckeyes=Ohio State, Pedo St=Penn St
Zero2Cool (9-Jan) : ... It clearly was not what we were supposed to be in, certainly."
Zero2Cool (9-Jan) : Hafley says 3rd and 11 call there was a miscommunication.
Zero2Cool (9-Jan) : The only team I know is Texas from that. Who are the other three?
Mucky Tundra (9-Jan) : Notre Lame vs Pedo St tonight and the Luckeyes vs Texas tomorrow
Mucky Tundra (9-Jan) : Stud
Zero2Cool (9-Jan) : E. Cooper. Rookie of Month. Defense.
Mucky Tundra (8-Jan) : @AaronNagler · 2m Both Jordan Love and Malik Willis were Limited participants at Packers practice today.
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : Johnson didn't make it until 2020. Ring 2023. 🤷 Personally, he should have been in years prior to Hall.
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : HUMP DAY
beast (8-Jan) : Guys that have a good shot at making the NFL Hall of Fame usually get into their teams pretty fast
beast (8-Jan) : Yeah, but is Kampman and the others in the NFL Hall of Fame?
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : Johnson was Hall of Fame, 2020. Should haev been in Ring a year later, not three years.
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : I could be wrong there though
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : Guys like Kampman, Tim Harris, Al Harris, etc all over 15 years. Hall of Fame is 5 year wait
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : I guess I see players in Packers Hall come way later
beast (8-Jan) : Yeah, usually teams hall of fames are a much lower bar than the NFL
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : is it uncommon for Hall before Ring?
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : S Xavier McKinney named first-team All-Pro by NFLPA
beast (8-Jan) : I missed it, sorry, but he got into the NFL Hall of Fame years before that
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : Jones took his sweet ole time!
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : Yeah, he's in the ring of honor, just saw video and his name is up there
Zero2Cool (8-Jan) : Didn't they have a thing in 2023 for Jimmy's ring of honor? I swear I saw it
beast (8-Jan) : Though if they're legitimately trying to re-sign MM, then it makes sense.
beast (8-Jan) : Jerry Jones still hasn't put Jimmy Johnson in the Ring of Honor, but he's in the NFL's Hall of Fame, Jones is petty
Mucky Tundra (8-Jan) : Unless the Cowboys are planning an extension, seems kinda petty
beast (8-Jan) : Cowboys denied Bears request
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 3:25 PM
Vikings
Sunday, Jan 5 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Sunday, Jan 12 @ 3:30 PM
Eagles
Recent Topics
1h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

1h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

1h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

4h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

9h / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

20h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

20h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

13-Jan / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

13-Jan / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

13-Jan / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

13-Jan / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

13-Jan / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

11-Jan / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

10-Jan / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

9-Jan / Around The NFL / beast

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.