Ted Thompson Packers GM Makes The Right Moves Most Of The Time

As I was sitting here yesterday afternoon with the final round of the Master playing on my TV in the background (And yet another signature Masters finish it was) going through more possible draft scenarios that could unfold, I began to think about everything that has transpired for the Packers over the last eight years. Over the course of the last eight years, the moods swings of Packers fans have been equivalent to that of a woman who is eight-months pregnant. Going from screaming “we want Brett!” in Aaron Rodgers first game to five years later calling him “like the greatest quarterback ever," indeed Packers fans have had their share of not so brilliant moments.

Through everything that has happened though, one thing has remained certain. Despite all of his critics, despite all of the questioning, through all of the glory, Ted Thompson has remained sturdy as a rock, making each decision, and being confident in that decision. Once again, as we head towards the draft, Packers fans are left with more questions than answers. Why did Thompson not even make an offer to Jennings? Why did Thompson not even offer Woodson a cut in pay before releasing him? Why has Thompson once again done nothing in free agency to address any questions? Why in the world did he choose to hang on to Jermichael the loudmouth? Some may call Ted Thompson a mad genius, others may say he's just plain mad. However, if you look at Thompson's track record, you will notice a recurring theme- there is a method to his madness, and even though we may not see it right away, we will see the benefits in the decisions he makes eventually.

In 2005 Ted Thompson let go of pro bowl offensive lineman Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle. It's not that he tried to re-sign them because he didn't. Thompson let them both go without even offering them contracts. Yes, that's right. Case closed, not contract offered. Doesn't this sound much like what happened with Greg Jennings this offseason? For this decision, Packers fans went ballistic. However, Thompson, rather than sign them both to inflated contracts, instead used that money he saved to sign Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett. Now tell me how that worked out? Yeah, I thought so. Woodson went from draft bust to first ballot hall of famer in his eight years in Green Bay and Pickett has been nothing but a stalwart along the defensive line during that time period as well.

 

Pass On Lynch To Keep Rodgers And Matthews

In 2009 all it would have cost Thompson is a mid round draft choice for Marshawn Lynch. One little draft choice and the Packers running game is solved for a long time. Thompson saw it another way. Yes, all it would have cost was a mid round draft choice, but then he would be stuck paying Lynch a huge contract, which means that Packers negotiator Russ Ball would not be having discussions with both Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers on making them Packers for a very long time. Instead, James Starks got hot, and the Packers won the Super Bowl. 

Last season Woodson was moved to safety. Many understood the Packers need for another safety but they questioned if Thompson was leaving the cornerback position vulnerable. Thompson spent a 2^nd round draft choice on cornerback Casey Heyward, who was a candidate for rookie of the year. Then there is Sam Shields, who following the Woodson move to safety absolutely blossomed as a starter and is now the Packers ace cover corner. So as you can see, Thompson may make a lot of decisions that leave fans scratching their heads, but just remember, there is a method to his madness.