Entering a dry era for Wisconsin sports?

[adambr2]

The Brewers are rebuilding, the Bucks aren't nearly as good as expected, the Badgers basketball team are no longer contenders, and even our steady as can be Packers no longer appear to be among the elite.

 

Cheer me up. Any light at the end of this tunnel?

[AKCheesehead]

The Badgers finally beat USC getting some small overdue payback from 1963, and the Packers are in the playoffs. The Pack is still elite in my book, regardless of how things have looked. Even if they fall short in the playoffs this year, easy to point to the injuries that have had a big impact. I don't see them going too far south barring an injury to #12.

[MrTPlush]

The Packers will be an elite team again. More health on the offensive line and the return of Jordy Nelson will make the offense very good again. The importance of Jordy Nelson on the receiving corps will be huge next year. Suddenly Cobb will look like a star again and Rodgers will actually feel comfortable.

 

The defense has been pretty good considering how much they are on the field. The Sam Shields injury has killed them of late.

 

Oh let's not forget a very easy schedule next year that could easily end with a #1 seed at the end. Joke is on the Vikings for winning last night. Packers have no chance and it helped the Packers a lot for next year. Won't have to play Panthers or the Cardinals because of the loss.vLet's be honest they were an elite team before injuries went through the roof. They will look just like new once they draft some depth and get healthy. Aaron Rodgers is still leading this team.

 

As for the rest....well good thing I am not a Bucks fan or Badgers fan. Both look miserable.

[AKCheesehead]

The Packers will be an elite team again. More health on the offensive line and the return of Jordy Nelson will make the offense very good again. The importance of Jordy Nelson on the receiving corps will be huge next year. Suddenly Cobb will look like a star again and Rodgers will actually feel comfortable.

 

The defense has been pretty good considering how much they are on the field. The Sam Shields injury has killed them of late.

 

Oh let's not forget a very easy schedule next year that could easily end with a #1 seed at the end. Joke is on the Vikings for winning last night. Packers have no chance and it helped the Packers a lot for next year. Won't have to play Panthers or the Cardinals because of the loss.vLet's be honest they were an elite team before injuries went through the roof. They will look just like new once they draft some depth and get healthy. Aaron Rodgers is still leading this team.

 

As for the rest....well good thing I am not a Bucks fan or Badgers fan. Both look miserable.

 

I agree with the joke on the vikes part. Green Bay can and I think likely will beat Washington. I expect Seattle to beat Minnesota. After that.... Is confidence and injury status improved enough to win at Arizona? I don't know, maybe. Can Seattle beat Carolina? Definitely. That would put the NFC championship game back in Green Bay.

 

Anything can happen. Go Packers.

[GAME05]

I'd rather play Washington on the road than Seattle at home. Regardless of next week, drafting a MLB would mean Matthews could move all over the box, which would make that defense unbeatable. Otherwise get Jordy back next year and some O-line help (rumor is Joe Thomas is ready to move out of Cleveland) and there's no reason the team isn't back to SB shape next year. There's no reason this season can't just be called a fluke.

 

Brewers may stink, but we're going to get to see their two biggest prospects play at some point next season, adding in some fun with the eventual Lucroy trade. And next year will be an awesome season to catch some Single-A games.

[fondybrewfan]

Bucks shouldn't be as crappy as they are and at least one would think that one more high lottery pick could maybe put the team over the top. The Brewers are obviously rebuilding as is the Badger Bball team. This year might be a little rough but it is kind of fun to watch a team that you don't expect to just kill the other team every night. Badger football team should be fine next yea assuming they kind find some sort of QB. Their D should still be very good.

 

Packers problems go far beyond Jordy Nelson but I still expect them to compete year in and year out. They need some more speed on offense and a MLB.

[jerichoholicninja]

Packers fans amaze me. Their team has made the playoffs 8 of the last 9 years and won a Super Bowl in that time yet they never think the team is that good. I'll give them that this year, despite a 10-6, they've played like crap but outside of Patriots or Spurs fans Packers fans have the least to complain about.

[NievesNoNO]

Packers fans amaze me. Their team has made the playoffs 8 of the last 9 years and won a Super Bowl in that time yet they never think the team is that good. I'll give them that this year, despite a 10-6, they've played like crap but outside of Patriots or Spurs fans Packers fans have the least to complain about.

 

Finally, I find somebody with some sanity. The Packer fan base contains some of the most ignorant, spoiled fans there are. Shoot, I can't even get through a line at the gas station without hearing from multiple wanna be GMs on how awful Thompson and McCarthy are and how they need to go. I'm all for striving for greatness but at some point you need to ask yourself what it is that you're asking for. There's only 1 NFL team in the last decade that I'd consider to be more successful. Blowing up a competent regime, the odds are much greater you end up as Cleveland, Detroit, Oakland, etc.. than New England.

[LouisEly]

Cleveland is done with the Manziel experiment (not that it ever had much of a chance to succeed) so they need a QB. As good as Hundley looked in the pre-season, I would think that the Packers could get Joe Thomas from the Browns for Hundley and Bakhtiari plus no more than a 3rd round pick if even that. If you think that's far-fetched, Jared Allen and Vernon Davis were traded this year for 6th round picks. If Hundley has another pre-season like the one he had this year he could easily be traded for Thomas straight up, likely with a pick coming with Thomas back to GB.

 

I think that Wojo has Marquette on the upswing, especially if he can talk Ellenson into staying for a 2nd year.

[Dmiles23]

Finally, I find somebody with some sanity. The Packer fan base contains some of the most ignorant, spoiled fans there are. Shoot, I can't even get through a line at the gas station without hearing from multiple wanna be GMs on how awful Thompson and McCarthy are and how they need to go. I'm all for striving for greatness but at some point you need to ask yourself what it is that you're asking for. There's only 1 NFL team in the last decade that I'd consider to be more successful. Blowing up a competent regime, the odds are much greater you end up as Cleveland, Detroit, Oakland, etc.. than New England.

 

It totally depends on what you call successful. The Packers have had a HoF QB at the helm for 23 seasons and we have only made it to 3 Super Bowls and won 2. Every year we don't win the Super Bowl is a year closer to having an Anthony Dilweg of the world as our QB.

 

Now I don't go as far as wanting Thompson and McCarthy fired, but every year we don't win the Super Bowl is a disappointment to me. I'm very thankful I'm not a fan of Cleveland, Detroit, or Oakland. But with the cards we have been dealt, I would be thoroughly disappointed if the Farve/Rodgers era ends with only 2 Super Bowl wins.

[jerichoholicninja]

Finally, I find somebody with some sanity. The Packer fan base contains some of the most ignorant, spoiled fans there are. Shoot, I can't even get through a line at the gas station without hearing from multiple wanna be GMs on how awful Thompson and McCarthy are and how they need to go. I'm all for striving for greatness but at some point you need to ask yourself what it is that you're asking for. There's only 1 NFL team in the last decade that I'd consider to be more successful. Blowing up a competent regime, the odds are much greater you end up as Cleveland, Detroit, Oakland, etc.. than New England.

 

It totally depends on what you call successful. The Packers have had a HoF QB at the helm for 23 seasons and we have only made it to 3 Super Bowls and won 2. Every year we don't win the Super Bowl is a year closer to having an Anthony Dilweg of the world as our QB.

 

Now I don't go as far as wanting Thompson and McCarthy fired, but every year we don't win the Super Bowl is a disappointment to me. I'm very thankful I'm not a fan of Cleveland, Detroit, or Oakland. But with the cards we have been dealt, I would be thoroughly disappointed if the Farve/Rodgers era ends with only 2 Super Bowl wins.

 

In those 23 years you speak of only New England (4) and Dallas (3) have won more Super Bowls than the Packers and Dallas was at the beginning of the 23 years. Only New England (7) and Pittsburgh (4) have been to more Super Bowls. Green Bay has been an elite NFL franchise for a quarter century. While more Super Bowl wins and appearances would be awesome you can't win it every year no matter how good your team is.

[DuWayne Steurer]

I'm actually pretty excited for the Brewers future. For how fun 2011 was, I'm over Doug Melvin. For how much talent we had during his tenure, 2 playoff appearances and one playoff series win feels very disappointing. I feel like we're pointing in the right direction and trending up.

 

The Packers had a disappointing end to a promising season (that isn't over yet) that got derailed by injuries. They still have an elite QB who's got at least 3-4 prime years left, and maybe more. Heck, Brady is 38? and still playing at an elite level.

 

The Bucks are young and the East is just super crowded with a lot of "pretty good" teams this year. They're not floundering, but they do look headed for a lottery pick, for sure.

[Outlander]

I am probably more excited overall about sports in Wisconsin than negative. Wisconsin basketball for sure is down with repeat final fours and Bo Ryan in the rear view and lots of questions going forward. However, I think Marquette and even Milwaukee is on the upswing. Badger football as well is moving in the right direction again after the disaster of Gary Andersen. The Packers will have a chance to win it all for at least a couple of more years if they address their weaknesses. The Brewers have a real nice farm system and chance to add even more prospects so things are looking up as there are no more questions of when they will rebuild and they are actually in the process. The Bucks even with a bad start are still on the upswing and a pretty good future in my opinion. With all of the talk of Orlando Arcia we can forget that Jabari and Giannis are younger than him.

[pacopete4]

When you have a QB like a Rodgers, you can't have a dry era in Wisconsin. They might go 1 and done this year like many think but they could also beat every team int he playoffs due to the fact that each week they line up, they have the best QB on the field (even if he hasn't played like it the whole season).

 

Brewers baseball has had a quick restocking (and no where near complete) of the minor leagues which is very exciting to think about the near future when these guys start making headway towards the MLB team. Heck we haven't even traded our bigger pieces yet and people are talking about our farm team.

 

The Bucks. Just way too young to write off this team.

 

Badgers football- Shoulda, coulda, woulda..... NEVER should they have lost to Iowa or Northwestern this season. Hopefully Christ learns from this and has his team ready to go in those games. This team, which a not so great offense, should've been playing in the Big10 championship game for a fourth time. Although losing Aranda is a big loss, there is a lot of promise now that Christ is getting his guys into the program and not that hoser Andersen.

 

Badgers Basketball- This team wasn't going to another final four for a few years whether Bo coached it or not. Too many mistakes in recruiting the last couple of years. It's a set back but it won't be the downfall of the program. They'll figure it out and be competitive while doing it.

[DuWayne Steurer]

.

 

Badgers football- Shoulda, coulda, woulda..... NEVER should they have lost to Iowa or Northwestern this season. .

 

 

1, 2, 3 steps. Knee down. Rolls over. Drops the ball.

 

INCOMPLETE? WHAT?

 

[pacopete4]

.

 

Badgers football- Shoulda, coulda, woulda..... NEVER should they have lost to Iowa or Northwestern this season. .

 

 

1, 2, 3 steps. Knee down. Rolls over. Drops the ball.

 

INCOMPLETE? WHAT?

 

 

 

Between that and the Stave fumble against Iowa. Just seems to be the Badger's DNA lately to blow games they have no business losing.

[FVBrewerFan]

The Bucks are young and the East is just super crowded with a lot of "pretty good" teams this year. They're not floundering, but they do look headed for a lottery pick, for sure.

 

Not sure how they're not floundering if they're headed for the lottery as you (rightly) point out?

 

Oddly enough, I'm more bullish on the Brewers than any other team. At least they have the self-reflection to realize where they are, and are taking the right steps to build for the future.

 

The Bucks have made all the wrong moves after all the excitement of new Owners, new court, new unis, new arena on the way, playoff appearance last year, etc. Now they just look like a team with no identity, and the young stars (Giannis and Parker) look like their ceiling is lower than I thought- especially Parker.

 

The Packers, I just feel are on a bit of a downslide. Just my opinion, but I think they'll be good in the next couple years, just not a SB contender.

 

Badgers bball and football are down. Marquette is and will be better but still not anything to get overly excited about. Even Whitewater's dynasty in football appears to be waning.

[CheezWizHed]

Gloom, despair and agony on me. Deep dark depression excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me.

 

Packers:as others said, have been constant playoff competitors and normally legit Super Bowl contenders. Listen to the Viking fans crow about winning the North and you realize what its like to not win very often. They have a very outside chance this year, but will be legit contenders next year with the offensive players back healthy.

 

Bucks:The surprise defense fueled last season, but fell back to earth this season. Their players are young and its going to take a couple years before they are legit playoff contenders. Expect the Brewers to look like this in 2017 (when the young guys start coming up).

 

Badgers Football: Gary Anderson was an unfortunate choice of coaches a couple years back. This year suffered from a poor selection of players (going to spread offense instead of a pro style) and losing Aranda this year will hurt. But Chryst sounds like its back on track. I'm also interested in seeing what Houstan can do next year at QB. Biegel is going to be playing mad too.

 

Badger Basketball: Big dropoff from last year and losing Bo Ryan really stinks. But I'm interested in seeing what Vliet will bring next year. Certainly a rebuild.

 

Honestly, I think the Brewers are the farthest away from being interesting.

 

But stil plenty to watch and follow.

[DuWayne Steurer]

The Bucks are young and the East is just super crowded with a lot of "pretty good" teams this year. They're not floundering, but they do look headed for a lottery pick, for sure.

 

Not sure how they're not floundering if they're headed for the lottery as you (rightly) point out?

 

 

 

I think a few of the moves were odd (acquiring MCW for one). I think last year was kinda flukey. Going from 15 wins to 41? Wow. They have some young, exciting players. Parker, Giannis. Middleton is a nice piece (not a star, but a nice piece). I think they're getting there. Like you said, they need to find an identity. I think they will. But not this year. I think they're struggling to find the formula. But they're headed in the right direction. At least it looks like it.

[JimH5]

Gloom, despair and agony on me. Deep dark depression excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me.

 

I'm a grinnin'.

[DatHoser]

Gloom, despair and agony on me. Deep dark depression excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me.

 

I'm a grinnin'.

 

An' I'm a pickin'

 

(I know, reverse order)

[nodakfan17]

Dry era sounds like a pretty grim assessment. Here's my two cents:

 

Brewers:

I'm actually really excited about the direction of the team. Hopefully, the casual fans will still show up and tailgate until the Major League talent improves.

 

Packers:

Super Bowls XXXI & XLV are my favorite sports memories. I treasure those two teams. While some teams in the last 30 years have had success winning multiple titles with the same front office, coach, and roster, the Packers are the only team to climb the mountain twice with a different front office, coach, and roster. That's impressive. I understand the disappointment some fans have about having only two titles in 25 years, but having a HOF QB does not guarantee a title (see: Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Frank Tarkenton, Dan Fouts, and Warren Moon). 10-6 with a playoff appearance is a bad year? C'mon. I may be a TT/MM apologist, but they've earned the benefit of the doubt.

 

Badgers

Look, I'm not a big UW fan, but they play at a great university, in a great town, and in a great conference. They'll be fine.

 

Bucks:

This will end badly for everyone - on the court and off. I just got done paying off the entire Lambeau Field tax (which I supported). Back in 2000, no other counties wanted to chip in for the one professional team in Wisconsin that is not a perpetual disappointment. Now the entire state is suddenly on the hook for part of the Bucks funding? How exactly does that work?

[3and2Fastball]

I think Paul Chryst is one heckuva coach. We'll see how good of a recruiter he is.

 

Badgers Basketball is floundering, true, but I think Alvarez will hire a great new coach this offseason

 

Packers: yes I agree about what has been said about Packers fans. What a bunch of whiny spoiled goofballs. Year in and year out the Packers are in contention.

 

Brewers are rebuilding, that's a great thing.

 

I plead ignorance on the Bucks. My kid tells me that they are getting better

[pacopete4]

It has been tough to watch a guy like Diamond Stone play well against a Badgers team that could use him.

[superfly]

It's hard to call the Badger NCAA Mens team floundering...they're extremely young. I find it very encouraging that they are losing to a some good teams in close games.

 

They beat Syracuse on the road, lost close ones to #14 Purdue, #3 Maryland, played a good 2nd half against #2 Oklahoma on the road. Lost to Purdue, Maryland, Indiana, Milwaukee (a likely tourney team), Marquette (a likely tourney team) at the end, and a bad loss or two.

 

Give these kids a year or so and we'll be right back in it. Hell we may still make the tourney this year if they get hot.