No Need To Rush On Lombardi Avenue

Let's face it, of the eight head coaching vacancies in the National Football League (yes, a fourth of the NFL is turning over), the job at Lambeau Field is perhaps among the most attractive.

You've got a future Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm and a lot of pieces in place. AND you have a solid organization on one of most prestigious franchises.

So, that said, let's pump the brakes a little bit. No need to rush out to grab the first coaching candidate we run across. Mark Murphy and Brian Gutekunst have the luxury of being able to take their time, weigh the pros and cons and, ultimately, make the best decision possible for a 100-year-old franchise. A decision that will take full advantage of the closing window of opportunity that rests with QB Aaron Rodgers.

That said, it's also going to be an important draft/off-season for Gutekunst. The Packers have six picks in the first four rounds, two in the first round. That means six of the top 128 players -- three of the top 75 -- in the country will be available. Every pick could be a difference-maker.

The areas to target? Edge rush and outside linebacker, of course. Offensive line because you HAVE to protect Rodgers. Tight end because it's clear Jimmy Graham has lost a step. Defensive backs -- injuries proved you need lots of quality. A return man, because let's face it, Green Bay's special teams have sucked under Ron Zook.

I wouldn't resign Randall Cobb simply because, while he can be productive, he can't stay on the field. I would resign Clay Matthews -- BUT ONLY IF he signs a team-friendly contract and moves inside. He just doesn't have the speed to be effective on the outside.

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While we don't have specific dates, we do know the Packers' 2019 road and home schedule. Green Bay will face five teams that reached the playoffs this season, six if you count the Bears twice. And if you do, then four of the away games will be on the road.

The Packers will host the Bears, Lions, Vikings, Eagles, Redskins, Raiders, Broncos and Panthers.

Road games include the Bears, Lions, Vikings, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, 49ers and Giants. Since Green Bay has NOT played in London yet, and will only do so with a road game, I expect their game against the Los Angeles Chargers to be played in London. Why? Because until the Chargers move into their new stadium (shared with the Los Angeles Rams), they play in a soccer stadium, the StubHub Center.

StubHub Center holds 30,000 fans. All other NFL venues hold at least 60,000. So, the Chargers would actually gain by playing in London at a new stadium that will seat 62,062.

The NFL is, after all, driven by money. So get ready for an early, early kickoff (for those of us viewing on television) of the Packer-Charger game.