S42 Coach’s Interview with Cody-Packers

Cody has won three Super Bowls in the Better League spanning across three different cycles. He’s consistently making playoff appearances and competing for a Super Bowl spot. This cycle as he pointed out has included two straight NFCCG eliminations at the hands of Warren. Cody came out with the Packers at #1 & it sure seems like that was the right call as his team has evolved dramatically despite Aaron Rodgers retiring with various guys getting breakouts. 

 

What was your offseason focus & do you believe that you achieved those goals? Primarily in regards to trades & FA itself.

Cody: My team is honestly in a really nice spot after making back to back NFC Championships. Outside of losing Rodgers the team has continually gotten better on both sides of the ball. So the goal was to just really hone in on a big playmaker. Primary offseason focus was trying to get an elite wide receiver.  I’ve gotten fairly lucky with development and dev breakouts but I think what my team has lacked is a guy that forces teams to look that wide receiver’s way all game long. I put a few players on the block in hopes to get one of those guys but not many folks were willing to part ways with their elite wideouts. That’s when we shifted our focus to the draft.

 

What was your draft strategy & who should the league be on the lookout for?

Cody: Having two first round picks the focus was find our wide receiver. At first the class looked pretty grim but after combine the coaching staffs eyes lit up. Taj Hearst looked FAST. I know in this Madden it seems to be more about height + speed but when a guy runs a 4.25 40 and you have the #6 pick you just hope he falls to you. The 6th pick came around and we got our guy. 99 speed and ready to get to work. Other wise in the draft I was just looking BPA. I think the staff did a great job finding 3 star dev players and 1 superstar. The drafted gave me the opportunity to make a few additional moves that will help not only for the future but for this season as well. Trading Aaron Jones and Cedric Mullins for picks is a good move for now and the following seasons. We’ve got a few new faces on this team and we’re hoping though they’re rookies they come in and get to work.

 

What is your realistic expectation for this season? Playoffs? Division Title? SB or bust?

Cody: I think it’s Super Bowl or bust for me. As mentioned previously making back to back NFC championships only to fall to Warren both times has been tough. Obviously as of now Warren has been the clear #1 user in the NFC but I think I’m in a prime position to make a run at the NFC Championship once again and hopefully collect the first ring of the cycle.

 

If you had to name one breakout user for this upcoming season, who would it be & why?

Cody: Somebody I’m really high on this year is Tim. Even before he beat Austin I thought he had a chance to get 2nd in that division this year and maybe even win it. I think Tim is a guy that’s really close to figuring things out and being someone who competes for the playoffs every season. The AFC West is not a cake walk division but it’s one where if you play well you can win it. So I’m calling my shot on Tim to win that division this year.