Greg Jennings had some interesting things to say about his time in Green Bay. (Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)
It was interesting hearing Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings try to put the genie back in the urn last week prior to Minnesota’s game against his former team, the Packers.
Jennings had some pointed things to say about Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the offseason that gained a lot of traction.
You be the judge. While there were some light remarks, the most critical came during an interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Jennings said, “A lot of times when you have a guy who creates that spotlight for himself and establishes that and takes a lot of that, it becomes so-and-so and the team. It should always be the team. For me, I’m such a team person, I’m going to defer to my teammates. I’m going to defer to the team, to the team, to the team. And I think when you reach a point where you’re not deferring any longer, it’s no longer really about the team.”
He then added, “Don’t get me wrong, ‘12’ is a great person. But when you hear all positives, all positives, all positives all the time, it’s hard for you to sit down when one of your teammates says, ‘Man, come on, you’ve got to hold yourself accountable for this.’ It’s hard for someone to see that now because all they’ve heard is I’m doing it the right way, I’m perfect. In actuality, we all have flaws.”
So it was, not surprisingly, that Jennings was requested on the conference call last week with the Green Bay media. And he agreed to do it and face the questions he knew were coming.
He said, “That’s behind me but at the same time I have the utmost respect for that organization. I was just really razzing a little bit with Aaron, just knowing how he is and just going back and forth with some of the guys. It wasn’t meant to hurt anyone’s feelings. It was just really messing around initially and then everyone kind of blew it a little bit out of proportion.
“I have the most respect for that organization. I had my most successful years there and I still have relations with some of the guys over there and still have the respect that I had when I was playing there with them. Even when I’m not right now I still have respect for them.”
Jennings did acknowledge not talking to Rodgers since those stories came out and made it clear he’s moved on when asked if he wishes he was still in Green Bay catching passes from Rodgers.
“No, man, God has blessed me to move on from that,” he said. “I’ve embraced my situation and my role here and my teammates here.”
Of course, he had to say that. He couldn’t say, “Man, this team is bad; I wish I was still with the Packers.”
And, of course, according to Jennings, his comments were blown out of proportion., as if those words had nothing to do with the reaction.
License to be Crazy
The Internet and Twitter provides people with an opportunity to go over the line, and Giants running back Brandon Jacobs talked about messages he recently received regarding fantasy football.
Jacobs posted a demand from a “fan” that he score two touchdowns and gain 50 yards, which was then followed by threats toward him and his family. While saying the “death threat” was “just a kid being dumb,” Jacobs then called fantasy football “a huge problem” and said, “When you say stuff like that and think it’s a joke, it’s a problem. It’s a good thing he was where he was at that time … That’s all people ever talk about. You sit down to eat at a restaurant and people say, ‘Hey you, I got you on my fantasy team, you gotta do something for me.’ Come on, I’m trying to enjoy my dinner.
“Players don’t want to hear anything about fantasy football. We’re not living fantasy football. As far as anything else, we don’t owe anybody.”
Tell Us How You Really Feel
Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett had some strong words for Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather, who plays recklessly, has been fined repeatedly and last week had a two-game suspension reduced to one game.
That suspension occurred after Meriweather hit Bears receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery in the head during a Week 7 game.
Bennett’s opinion of Meriweather? “He’s a scumbag,” Bennett said on WSCR Radio. “ I still want to punch him in the face.”
Bennett had an interesting point that is often lost on those that play the game like Meriweather. He said, “What it comes down to, at the end of the day, the players have got to look out for the players. There’s a way to go out there and be a beast when you hit people, and have nobody want to come across the middle. But then there’s a way not to do it, where you’re deliberately hitting guys (high) or after the game you’re saying, ‘Oh, I’ve got to pay,’ because you know what you did was wrong when you were doing it. Then it just becomes wrong.”
The latter comment was in response to Meriweather joking after the game about the financial penalties he knew he would be facing. He said with a smile, “Anybody else want to chip in on my dinner? I can’t afford it right now.”
Why Not Me?
Last week, the Rams and Bears signed quarterbacks after starters Sam Bradford and Jay Cutler were injured in Week 7 games. Bradford was lost for the season, so the Rams signed Brady Quinn and Austin Davis. Chicago added Jordan Palmer.
Meanwhile, Vince Young sits on the sideline and he wonders why.
Young said, “Me and my wife and all my peers and fans, we’re all trying to figure this stuff out. I don’t have the slightest idea. It’s like a huge question mark over my head every day I wake up in the morning to take care of my responsibilities and know I should be playing. To not have one of those calls, it’s tough.”
Is Rex Safe?
Prior to the season, Jets coach Rex Ryan was on everyone’s endangered species list. The team had a new general manager, and Ryan has just one year left after this season on his contract.
Yet, with a rookie quarterback, the Jets are 4-3 and finding ways to win and be competitive. That has brought up the inevitable questions of whether a contract extension could be in the works.
Jets owner Woody Johnson wouldn’t bite on that one.
However, Johnson did say, “We’re happy with Rex. Coaches have to be good teachers and good leaders and I think he’s both.”
As for his contract, Johnson said, “I will make a statement after the season. I never make any comments regarding contracts during the season.”
When asked if he believes Ryan will be back, Johnson reiterated, “I don’t make any statements like that. The only thing I’ll say is I’m happy with him. I think he’s a great teacher, a good teacher, maybe a great teacher and a good leader.”
