Ted Thompson's difficulties putting two decent offensive guards on the field has turned into quite the saga. The chapter came today when center Scott sprained an ankle and guard Jason Spitz had to step in at that position. With Daryl Colledge playing RT for injured Mark Tauscher, McCarthy inserted seldom used Allen Barbre at guard.
The way Josh Sitton has leap frogged over Barbre is telling. Both were 4th round picks the last two years. The J/S writers and the radio guys have noted that the word from the coaches is that Barbre not assignment sure yet. Some fans continue to rip Mike Sherman for poor drafting and busts on the defensive line like Reynolds, Donnell Washington, and Kenny Peterson were certainly damning. But at least Sherman got the offensive line set and the Ahman Green Express departed on schedule.
Unfortunately, Barbre left with an ankle sprain of his own so there won't be a lot to evaluate him by. Certainly, he is one of those guys who will have to have a great offseason and training camp to make the roster in 2009 - if he is even invited to camp.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Pick Nine
The Packers will draft 9th in this years draft. Recent #9 picks include:
2008 OLB Keith Rivers by the Bengals
2007 WR Ted Ginn, Jr. by the Dolphins
2006 OLB Ernie Sims by the Lions
2005 DB Carlos Rodgers by the Redskins
2004 WR Reggie Williams by the Jags
2003 DE Kevin Williams by the Vikings (note: he now plays DT)
2002 DT John Henderson by the Jags
2001 WR Koren Robinson by the Seahawks (the Packers took J. Reynolds with the next pick)
There is no guarantee there will be a worthy defensive lineman available at number nine. Kevin Williams and John Henderson show it's possible. Even in 2001, Marcus Stroud (#13) would have been a good pick. It will depend on both who goes #1-#8 and the depth of the position. If it's not there, it is vital that TT not reach and take the best player available. Let's hope it's not another WR.
2008 OLB Keith Rivers by the Bengals
2007 WR Ted Ginn, Jr. by the Dolphins
2006 OLB Ernie Sims by the Lions
2005 DB Carlos Rodgers by the Redskins
2004 WR Reggie Williams by the Jags
2003 DE Kevin Williams by the Vikings (note: he now plays DT)
2002 DT John Henderson by the Jags
2001 WR Koren Robinson by the Seahawks (the Packers took J. Reynolds with the next pick)
There is no guarantee there will be a worthy defensive lineman available at number nine. Kevin Williams and John Henderson show it's possible. Even in 2001, Marcus Stroud (#13) would have been a good pick. It will depend on both who goes #1-#8 and the depth of the position. If it's not there, it is vital that TT not reach and take the best player available. Let's hope it's not another WR.
Envy Not The Bears
The Vikings won but other results would have put the Bears in a wildcard had they only been able to beat the Texans in Houston. But the Bears couldn't and they will be watching the playoffs at home with the Packers.
The Packers face a long climb back to elite level. The climb is not so steep back to NFC North Champ. The Vikings and the Bears are not much above average. FOX Chicago's Game Night Live show is having a serious discussion if Kyle Orton is the Bears' franchise QB. I think Orton is an middle of the road NFL QB. That is you don't replace him easily, but you do want to consider drafting someone who could be better every year.
The Bears defense ranked 5th against the run, but were a notch BELOW the Packers against the pass. Mike Brown made it through a season but Nathan Vasher was lost to injury. Whatever the cause, they aren't a Super Bowl defense anymore.
The Packers face a long climb back to elite level. The climb is not so steep back to NFC North Champ. The Vikings and the Bears are not much above average. FOX Chicago's Game Night Live show is having a serious discussion if Kyle Orton is the Bears' franchise QB. I think Orton is an middle of the road NFL QB. That is you don't replace him easily, but you do want to consider drafting someone who could be better every year.
The Bears defense ranked 5th against the run, but were a notch BELOW the Packers against the pass. Mike Brown made it through a season but Nathan Vasher was lost to injury. Whatever the cause, they aren't a Super Bowl defense anymore.
Donald Driver MVP!
Driver for the TD! Now the Packers have to stop the big kick off return. Kuhn gets a critical tackle at the 21 yard line. Defense must not allow a Lion TD now. That should be the dagger... but this season requires a defensive dagger.
Speaking of Driver, I disagreed with the underlying premise of Tom Silverstein's article about Driver becoming a #2 WR. Jennings and Driver are both very good players. Someone is beating the drum against Driver, and I doubt it is coming from Silverstein or Bedard themselves. Sure writers have been known to drum up controversy, but I'm doubtful that is the case here. Criticism of the Packers WR corp this year is "beyond the pale". They are the teams only straight. This situation should be monitored. Jennings should get a big contract extension. If this puts him out of whack with Driver's contact, the Packers should make adjustments for Driver.
Kevin Smith's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is worth 0-16 and sure enough it led to a Nick Collins interception. Wayne has called "the dagger". I am glad the Packers are going to win this game. It will lead to a more dispassionate post-season evaluation than would likely occur should they have lost this game. I suspect that might even out rank adding nails to the current management's coffin. Over-reaction by an endangered regime is something that can be as damaging to a teams long term prospects as the continuation of an imperfect management.
There are still some young players in the development stage. It will be very interesting if Teddy can own up to Justin Harrell and other disappointments. There should be huge competition for roster spots, especially on defense, special teams, running back, and the offensive line next year.
Speaking of Driver, I disagreed with the underlying premise of Tom Silverstein's article about Driver becoming a #2 WR. Jennings and Driver are both very good players. Someone is beating the drum against Driver, and I doubt it is coming from Silverstein or Bedard themselves. Sure writers have been known to drum up controversy, but I'm doubtful that is the case here. Criticism of the Packers WR corp this year is "beyond the pale". They are the teams only straight. This situation should be monitored. Jennings should get a big contract extension. If this puts him out of whack with Driver's contact, the Packers should make adjustments for Driver.
Kevin Smith's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is worth 0-16 and sure enough it led to a Nick Collins interception. Wayne has called "the dagger". I am glad the Packers are going to win this game. It will lead to a more dispassionate post-season evaluation than would likely occur should they have lost this game. I suspect that might even out rank adding nails to the current management's coffin. Over-reaction by an endangered regime is something that can be as damaging to a teams long term prospects as the continuation of an imperfect management.
There are still some young players in the development stage. It will be very interesting if Teddy can own up to Justin Harrell and other disappointments. There should be huge competition for roster spots, especially on defense, special teams, running back, and the offensive line next year.
Week 17 - Lions 4:20 Left in 3Q
Tie - the Packers need TDs. Moll is in game. A familiar pattern is developing with a FG. Hold on to your seats people.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
That's Debatable!
McCarthy said safety Jarrett Bush should have tackled Bears defensive back Danieal Manning "sooner" on his 70-yard kickoff return in the second quarter but he absolved Bush of the fumble that went off his leg on a punt in the third quarter. "I think it was evident, just based on the way his body language and that, that he did not get the communication (from returner Will Blackmon), because he never responded to it," McCarthy said. - J/S 12/24/08
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
NHPB: Coaching Calamity Costs
Bitter Fruits From A Poisoned Tree
Coaching Calamity Costs
by New Hampshire Packer Backer
OK, I get it now. The Packer brain trust has its own way of viewing football. It must work somewhere - but not in the NFL.
Examples from last night:
#1. Get a huge return on a kick-off at the end of the game after yet another defensive failure to shut down opponents when you are leading. Add in a stupid penalty by the Bears coverage unit. Move down the field - then shut down the offense and stop trying to move the ball (which you have been doing all night with a reasonable mix of passing and success) - run three running plays designed and intended to go nowhere to set up a field goal attempt on a frozen field with a swirling wind. Reminds me of going to football 10A coach's review of Yale-Princeton game during my freshman year when Yale's coach explained theory behind punting on third down - less chance of it being blocked - of course it was blocked and Princeton won. Golly, do you think it might have been a good idea to keep trying to move the ball and score a touchdown or at least make the FG a chip shot?
#2. Special teams receivers consistently are out of place and playing too deep on kick offs and punts - so that they don't catch the ball in the air. Must be a new strategy designed to do something - what I am not sure. At some point, would not someone on the sideline suggest to the receivers that they move up 10 yards and catch the ball on the fly. Of course, I fully understand why the returners let the ball hit between them and go into the end zone. Getting a touchback and starting on the 20 yard line is probably better than starting inside the 20 because the return scheme is clueless. Was any coach or player watching what was happening on the field or is everyone brain dead?
#3. How many times does the ball have to hit a blocker on punts before someone makes it clear that this is not good football strategy? At some point during the season, don't you say to Mr. Jared Bush: "Know where you are and where the ball is, and get the &*$#*&^ out of the way, so the ball doesn't hit you. If you even come close to a ball you are off the punt coverage team, and since you don't do much else positive, here is a bus ticket to arena football." Are there any consequences for dumbness and incompetence on the field? (I guess not if there are no consequences for same on the part of the brain trust.)
#4. Don't rush the passer and rely on your secondary, particularly in overtime. Oh, there must be something wrong with the NFL because letting a team (particularly da Bears) move down the field at will during the latter part of each half and in OT should not happen, should it? Oh, look at the Bear QBs - we don't need to put pressure on them - that sure worked wonders did it not?
This performance by the coaching staff and those who select the players responsible for these mental atrocities on the field would not be acceptable in pee wee football, much less on a purported professional team. I was willing to give them the benefit of doubt and say give them one more chance - this constant repetition of thoughtless play, strategy and effort says it is time to cut losses now, before they can do more damage with another draft. Maybe a loss to winless Detroit will open eyes to the reality of the situation: overrated, overweight and underachieving players - matched with a clueless coaching staff that has no ability to understand the need to make adjustments, much less actually make the right adjustments. Add in the master of the evil empire and you can expect more of the same next season.
Coaching Calamity Costs
by New Hampshire Packer Backer
OK, I get it now. The Packer brain trust has its own way of viewing football. It must work somewhere - but not in the NFL.
Examples from last night:
#1. Get a huge return on a kick-off at the end of the game after yet another defensive failure to shut down opponents when you are leading. Add in a stupid penalty by the Bears coverage unit. Move down the field - then shut down the offense and stop trying to move the ball (which you have been doing all night with a reasonable mix of passing and success) - run three running plays designed and intended to go nowhere to set up a field goal attempt on a frozen field with a swirling wind. Reminds me of going to football 10A coach's review of Yale-Princeton game during my freshman year when Yale's coach explained theory behind punting on third down - less chance of it being blocked - of course it was blocked and Princeton won. Golly, do you think it might have been a good idea to keep trying to move the ball and score a touchdown or at least make the FG a chip shot?
#2. Special teams receivers consistently are out of place and playing too deep on kick offs and punts - so that they don't catch the ball in the air. Must be a new strategy designed to do something - what I am not sure. At some point, would not someone on the sideline suggest to the receivers that they move up 10 yards and catch the ball on the fly. Of course, I fully understand why the returners let the ball hit between them and go into the end zone. Getting a touchback and starting on the 20 yard line is probably better than starting inside the 20 because the return scheme is clueless. Was any coach or player watching what was happening on the field or is everyone brain dead?
#3. How many times does the ball have to hit a blocker on punts before someone makes it clear that this is not good football strategy? At some point during the season, don't you say to Mr. Jared Bush: "Know where you are and where the ball is, and get the &*$#*&^ out of the way, so the ball doesn't hit you. If you even come close to a ball you are off the punt coverage team, and since you don't do much else positive, here is a bus ticket to arena football." Are there any consequences for dumbness and incompetence on the field? (I guess not if there are no consequences for same on the part of the brain trust.)
#4. Don't rush the passer and rely on your secondary, particularly in overtime. Oh, there must be something wrong with the NFL because letting a team (particularly da Bears) move down the field at will during the latter part of each half and in OT should not happen, should it? Oh, look at the Bear QBs - we don't need to put pressure on them - that sure worked wonders did it not?
This performance by the coaching staff and those who select the players responsible for these mental atrocities on the field would not be acceptable in pee wee football, much less on a purported professional team. I was willing to give them the benefit of doubt and say give them one more chance - this constant repetition of thoughtless play, strategy and effort says it is time to cut losses now, before they can do more damage with another draft. Maybe a loss to winless Detroit will open eyes to the reality of the situation: overrated, overweight and underachieving players - matched with a clueless coaching staff that has no ability to understand the need to make adjustments, much less actually make the right adjustments. Add in the master of the evil empire and you can expect more of the same next season.
Blame...
Blame the offense... they didn't get in the endzone in the second half.
Blame the defense... they didn't get the stop in OT.
Blame the special teams... the rot has spread to Crosby's FG kicking.
Blame enough to go around, but what is left is avoiding losing to the Lions at Lambeau and going and getting better in the offseason.
Blame the defense... they didn't get the stop in OT.
Blame the special teams... the rot has spread to Crosby's FG kicking.
Blame enough to go around, but what is left is avoiding losing to the Lions at Lambeau and going and getting better in the offseason.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Bears Win! Vikings Lose! Packers Move Up In Draft!
The Packers could have won that game, but the Packer defense stood up to the Bears in the cold until OT. The offense punched in a 4th & 1 behind DeShaun Wynn of all people. So while the game fits the 2008 Packer M.O., it was good to see the Packers hold up in the cold.
The Packers might have won in a number of ways, but they didn't. No TDs in the second half, did in the Green & Gold. It's for the better since it gives the Bears a chance to screw the Vikings, and the Packers a well deserved higher draft pick.
I was looking for guys rolling over in the second half, but hey, they play with effort & heart and didn't have the horses to put it away. That's old news. The Packers will be ok if they don't panic and have a good offseason. The Harrell bust will hurt for years, but they've got to go back at it.
The Packers might have won in a number of ways, but they didn't. No TDs in the second half, did in the Green & Gold. It's for the better since it gives the Bears a chance to screw the Vikings, and the Packers a well deserved higher draft pick.
I was looking for guys rolling over in the second half, but hey, they play with effort & heart and didn't have the horses to put it away. That's old news. The Packers will be ok if they don't panic and have a good offseason. The Harrell bust will hurt for years, but they've got to go back at it.
Bears Night: Revenge of the Nerds!
Halftime: I keep hearing the names of guys tonight who haven't shown up. Montgomery, Wells, Spitz... names are being called. That's exciting! Blackmon and Rouse catching Hester and saving a TD. Driver expected to return?! Wow! Packers decided to show up for sure.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Vikings Settle For FG and Lose
Vikings Go Down With A Whimper
You could see why the Vikings rolled Jackson out on 3rd & 3 at the 7. Peterson was stopped for no gain on 2nd down. The Vikings wouldn't go for it on 4th & 3, and then went for it unsuccessfully on 4th & 7. On that play, the Falcons defense brought 7. Berrian had his guy beat on a go route, but Jackson couldn't hit him. If the Vikings had scored on that play, they'd have pulled within a TD, but the Falcons defense gambled and won. Now it will take a Viking mircle, but it's not going to happen throwing screen passes.
The Vikings go to their good TE Visanthe Shiancoe for a TD, and 3 & out the Falcon offense. So they have a chance with 2:11 left. Peterson fumbles AGAIN but the Vikings recover. Again the Falcons bring rushers and Jackson throws it away. A final jumpball results in no pass interference call and the Vikings are done.
A Chance For Packer Linemen To Redeam Themselves
The Packers - Bears game will mean a lot for the Bears. I still wear my 2007 NFC Champion t-shirt with some pride. These Vikings are going nowhere in the playoffs. Jackson is a lousy QB and their WRs are weak. So the Packers should have no regrets if they beat the Bears and put the Vikings in the playoffs.
I don't regularly read the Bears press even though I live here. But there seems to be a feeling that their big money veteran players Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris, and Devin Hester are coasting. For keeping up with recent developments with the Bears, it is especially helpful to read McGinn's scouting report. The Bears do have a nice blend of new and veteran players on defense, but it seems like the defense has to score for the Bears to win.
Packer Weather?
The weather Monday night will be cold. Soldier Field is on the lakefront so there will be 10-20 mph winds and zero degree conditions. The Bears maybe able to throw to Forte and their two TEs. Their offensive line is intact and reasonably healthy. If the Packers can hold their own on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, it will be a huge Packer victory, but that is a huge IF.
Note For Off-Season Planning
With the emergence of a good young Viking TE who is downfield threat, and the Bears' two pass-catching TE's Desmond Clark and Greg Olson means the Packers need a coverage specialist for years to come. It will be interesting to see how Chillar and Collins hold up. Certainly the Bears will scheme to put Hawk and Desmond Bishop in TE coverage.
Viking Direct Snap = Turnover on Important Possession
Direct snap to Chester Taylor goes off his hands and over his head for a 22 yard loss and a Viking punt. That will shut that horn up.
Matt Ryan when airborn headed into the endzone, fumbled, but the Falcons recovered - TD Falcons now leading 24-3. Vikings now must stage a heck of a comeback. I'm expecting one, but I think they will fall short. Childress will abondon the run when there is still time if they hurry it up. But no he doesn't! Vikings 3 runs for 1 yard! Falcon defense is flowing to the ball. Vikings punt to end the 3rd Q but the Falcons have 12 guys on the field! First down Vikings! You could have heard a pin drop on the punt. Vikings have new life, but do their fans believe in them? Maybe it's more of a Mike Tice curse than a Bud Grant hex?
Matt Ryan when airborn headed into the endzone, fumbled, but the Falcons recovered - TD Falcons now leading 24-3. Vikings now must stage a heck of a comeback. I'm expecting one, but I think they will fall short. Childress will abondon the run when there is still time if they hurry it up. But no he doesn't! Vikings 3 runs for 1 yard! Falcon defense is flowing to the ball. Vikings punt to end the 3rd Q but the Falcons have 12 guys on the field! First down Vikings! You could have heard a pin drop on the punt. Vikings have new life, but do their fans believe in them? Maybe it's more of a Mike Tice curse than a Bud Grant hex?
Week 16: Falcons at Vikings
Our Wide Receiver Castle
We Packer fans have maybe be down, but we have our Wide Receiver castle we can take refuge in. Our WRs are better than most teams including our division rivals. The Packer defensive backfield has some talent as well.
This is some solace while seeing the Viking have the NFL's #1 defense against the run. With Adrian Peterson and that OL providing a dangerous rushing attack, I'm a bit green with envy this year. Our journalists tell us that the Vikings will pay later for Hutchinson, Allen, and other free agent signs. I'll believe that when I see them not able to afford to re-sign Peterson.
Remembering the Packers 2005 "salary cap hell" year
What were the ingredients to the Packers overcommitment and what were the consequences? I guess not being able to resign Mike Wahl and maybe Darren Shaper were the main consequences of the Joe Johnson dead-money. I can't recall any significant free agent signings until Ryan Picket and Charles Woodson came on board.
FOX Announcers Pan Viking Hoard in 2Q Silence
So Falcons are up in the 2Q with the two minute warning a play or two away. They are ahead 14-7. Falcons have the ball. Peterson has fumbled twice, but before that the Viking fans were only reacting to good plays by the Vikings. There was almost no unprovoked crowd energy one would expect in for a team than needs to win to clinch the division. As much as I covet some of their players, I could never feel comfortable in Purple.
Luck of the Falcons
Falcon Rookie QB, Matt Ryan is 11-18 for 109 yards. You would think the Michael Vick implosion would take that team down for a few years. Nope. Despite what we hear from the Packers press corp about the worst time to be looking for a QB is when you don't have one, the Falcons came up golden right away. That's no knock on Aaron Rodgers, but it is a knock on Ted Thompson's "time bomb pick" of Rodgers that ended up putting Thompson in his "uncomfortable position" last spring.
Dangerous Chicago Cold
I don't think it will matter to Packer fans if they win or lose at Soldier Field Monday night. But there will be a lot of heat on Thompson and McCarthy if the team looks cold and loses bad. You can see that subtext developing in the J/S with comments about the Bears practicing outside on their heated field earlier this week and the Packers staying inside with the doors of the Hutson Center closed. There's a little bit of fan desire to punish guys who can't pick up 3rd & 1 and 4th & 1 situations by "toughening them up".
That's to say, if you are going to be a losing Packer squad, at least live up to the Packers' cold weather tradition. I am most concerned about the Packer OL & DL guys losing the physical battle. When that happened last year at Soldier Field and later in the NFC Championship, it started with the opponents laying the wood while the Packers finessed some plays. But as the cold and the beating both took their tolls, the beatings came at the point of attack, and the finesse choked in the cold as it often does. That's pretty much the lesson of December and it's looking increasing incompatible with the Zone Blocking Scheme's lighter guards.
Another Viking Fumble in the 3Q
Could there be some kind of Bud Grant curse on the Vikings for lossing 4 Super Bowls? Vikings take over from their 20 with 9 minutes left in the 3rd Q. They need to get points on this drive.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ahm...
"The threat of carrying the football properly is one of the biggest concerns (with Jackson)," McCarthy said. - GBPG 12/19/08
Hey Santa! How about a heated outdoor practice field?
"The Packers, of course, do not like to go outside under coach Mike McCarthy. They didn't go outside at all last season. McCarthy, without admitting he has changed, has said he would like to be outside once a week but that the current field conditions (the Packers don't have a heated outdoor field like the Bears) prevents them from doing that." - Greg Bedard in his December 18th blog.
My comment: The Packers pride themselves on their state of the art facilities. They should really consider adding "a heated outdoor field like the Bears". Brett Favre wasn't the only Packer who looked cold at Soldier Field last year, and a lot of them are still wearing the Green & Gold and losing at Lambeau in December.
My comment: The Packers pride themselves on their state of the art facilities. They should really consider adding "a heated outdoor field like the Bears". Brett Favre wasn't the only Packer who looked cold at Soldier Field last year, and a lot of them are still wearing the Green & Gold and losing at Lambeau in December.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Clifton Out... in late 4Q
Rodgers misses Jennings on 1st down. Brandon Jackson drops one. Driver first down. Driver limps off. Come on Sitton. Interception. Over thru open Donald Lee. There's your Aaron Rodgers magic. Two minute drills are a good experience for him this year.
As awful as this is. it has got to be for the best. I don't know if Ted Thompson can get off his butt on FAs, but this team deserves a high draft pick regardless. Can't pick up 4 & inches, give up 3rd & 18 on Hawk in the clutch. This team lacks pop.
But this team is average... middle of the pack... not Lions bad. Because of the WRs they are still better than most of these teams they are losing to. The Packers record is worse than the talent on the whole.
Colin Cole is being called out by Bill Michaels on the postgame show for not getting up off the ground three times. That's not good. It will be interesting to see how many snaps Cole had. I heard Alfred Malone's name in the rotation I think. Getting desperate down there at DT.
As awful as this is. it has got to be for the best. I don't know if Ted Thompson can get off his butt on FAs, but this team deserves a high draft pick regardless. Can't pick up 4 & inches, give up 3rd & 18 on Hawk in the clutch. This team lacks pop.
But this team is average... middle of the pack... not Lions bad. Because of the WRs they are still better than most of these teams they are losing to. The Packers record is worse than the talent on the whole.
Colin Cole is being called out by Bill Michaels on the postgame show for not getting up off the ground three times. That's not good. It will be interesting to see how many snaps Cole had. I heard Alfred Malone's name in the rotation I think. Getting desperate down there at DT.
4Q Post: Defense Needs Big Stop... noooo!
The inability to pick up 4th & 1 combined with the Jags ability to do it has the reek of defeat we have become accustom too. And the Jags open their drive with a 50+ yard pass play. Ouch!
Failure to Progress
The Green Bay Press Gazzette's Pete Dougherty has picked up the failure to progress theme. He reviews the following 1st & 2nd year players: Jermichael Finley, Josh Sitton, Tramon Williams, Jordy Nelson, Jeremey Thompson, James Jones, Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell, and A.J. Hawk. Except for being a tad critical of Hawk and Jolly, it's inconclusive as you would expect. Since it's not evaluation time until years 3 & 4, we might want to try that sometime.
Tom Silverstein at the J/S has been allowed to write about Favre's leadership now that everyone else there has established the QB position is not the problem.
Tom Silverstein at the J/S has been allowed to write about Favre's leadership now that everyone else there has established the QB position is not the problem.
The Justin Harrell Polka
Roll on Justin Harrell
Call Up Darrell Bevel for fun
Roll on Justin Harrell
We’ve got Ted on the run!
Sissy Boom la Diva
Bring on the songs & the beer
Cause now it’s time for Harrell
Because Favre’s Not Here!
Call Up Darrell Bevel for fun
Roll on Justin Harrell
We’ve got Ted on the run!
Sissy Boom la Diva
Bring on the songs & the beer
Cause now it’s time for Harrell
Because Favre’s Not Here!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Laboratory Jacksonville
It was interesting to see how the Bigby / Rouse situation at safety worked out. I wrote them both off to injury and didn't make any definitive judgments about there play. If I were giving grades, I would have given them both a Incomplete this year. Rouse's status going in offseason
But then this from McGinn; he was surprised by how fast the Packers "soured on Rouse". It's in the December 10th chat. Clearly that Woodson at safety thing was an attempt to get the best players on the field at the same time. McGinn is calling for Rouse and / or Charlie Peprah at safety. Tramon Williams would go back to full-time nickel back.
I watched the Texans game in Madison at my friend Jay's place. Jay is from Madison. He takes the Packers seriously and actively moderates his opinion. Jay is the antithesis of a football fan that shoots his mouth off as if he were the second coming of Vince Lombardi.
We both praised Tramon before the game started. We seemed to agree the Packers should stick with him after a rough game. “Welcome to the NFL kid. Now have a seat and think about what happened.” Williams gave up five completions for 153 yards and was toasted on the third play of the game where Nick Collins finished Tramon off and the play went for a TD. This guy is in his second season. He seems more agile than Ahmad Carroll or Joey Thomas and usually knows where the ball is.
Do you throw Tramon Williams back up on the horse against Jacksonville or would the Packers be making a smart coaching move by slowing Williams down a bit? I would imagine that depends on Woodson’s toe. If he is less than 90% (turftoe) throw Rouse and Peprah to the wolves and let them play. Maybe let Woodson recover for the Bears game.
At this point in the season, the Packers will need to salvage pride by giving the Bears their A-game and not losing the last game to the Lions at Lambeau. The Jacksonville game is one they can most afford to lose and that means it’s a good game to look at reserves, especially on defense.
Given Desmond Bishop's vunerablity in coverage, whatever the defensive scheme for rest of this year, as long as Bishop is at WBL, he will need help over the top. But the J/S is now reporting that Chiller might start in JAX at WBL allowing the Packers to focus on helping Propingga with the TE at SBL. Also, they say Woodson will remain at safety... well OKKKK?!?! Rouse and Peprah aren't even on the injury report. Who are they going to play in nickel? Jarred Bush? Dime? Bush and Blackmon I guess?
But then this from McGinn; he was surprised by how fast the Packers "soured on Rouse". It's in the December 10th chat. Clearly that Woodson at safety thing was an attempt to get the best players on the field at the same time. McGinn is calling for Rouse and / or Charlie Peprah at safety. Tramon Williams would go back to full-time nickel back.
I watched the Texans game in Madison at my friend Jay's place. Jay is from Madison. He takes the Packers seriously and actively moderates his opinion. Jay is the antithesis of a football fan that shoots his mouth off as if he were the second coming of Vince Lombardi.
We both praised Tramon before the game started. We seemed to agree the Packers should stick with him after a rough game. “Welcome to the NFL kid. Now have a seat and think about what happened.” Williams gave up five completions for 153 yards and was toasted on the third play of the game where Nick Collins finished Tramon off and the play went for a TD. This guy is in his second season. He seems more agile than Ahmad Carroll or Joey Thomas and usually knows where the ball is.
Do you throw Tramon Williams back up on the horse against Jacksonville or would the Packers be making a smart coaching move by slowing Williams down a bit? I would imagine that depends on Woodson’s toe. If he is less than 90% (turftoe) throw Rouse and Peprah to the wolves and let them play. Maybe let Woodson recover for the Bears game.
At this point in the season, the Packers will need to salvage pride by giving the Bears their A-game and not losing the last game to the Lions at Lambeau. The Jacksonville game is one they can most afford to lose and that means it’s a good game to look at reserves, especially on defense.
Given Desmond Bishop's vunerablity in coverage, whatever the defensive scheme for rest of this year, as long as Bishop is at WBL, he will need help over the top. But the J/S is now reporting that Chiller might start in JAX at WBL allowing the Packers to focus on helping Propingga with the TE at SBL. Also, they say Woodson will remain at safety... well OKKKK?!?! Rouse and Peprah aren't even on the injury report. Who are they going to play in nickel? Jarred Bush? Dime? Bush and Blackmon I guess?
Week 13: Texans 24 Packers 21
Week 13: Texans 24 Packers 21
Well that was bloody awful… losing in December at Lambeau to a southern dome team no less. In past years, a score like that means Packer fans would be talking about how they let the Texans hang around. But it was the Texans who controlled time of possession, scored first and played most of the game with the lead. The Texans amassed 549 yards offense – running and passing almost at will but turning the ball over four times.
LeRoy Butler came down harder on the defensive players and coaches citing no efforts at communication between plays, no adjustments from the sidelines, and no hustle. It’s sometimes hard to judge those things on TV. Butler also said they did well to only give up 24 points with the kind of yardage they gave up.
Charles Woodson in the box? What is Bob Sanders thinking? I didn’t criticize trying Woodson at safety on announcement. It got the best guys on the field. But it didn’t really work that well. I hope they scrap this and let Charlie Peprah play. It’s time to see if he can play. That goes for whole lot of guys on defense. Butler says go with Woodson at CB and Rouse at S.
The New Hampshire Packer Backer would like to call your attention to how the Patriot defense is saddled with as many injuries as the Packers yet continues to play at a high level. Desmond Bishop played well but was hopeless in coverage. NHPB also points his finger to the Defensive Coordinator’s ability to work with the personnel available to win games.
Everybody knows my fear about how blaming coordinators for losing undermines player evaluation. A change in coordinators usually leads a team to stand pat on moving players to see how the current roster fits into the new D.C.’s scheme. Greg Bedard doesn’t like the Bates / Sanders defense. I’m more concerned about personnel, but watching the same sort of deterioration that we saw in 2005 should be reviewed.
Bedard also argues that the stop-gap street veterans like the Patriots have signed have worked out for them. Ted Thompson promotes guys from the Practice Squad like Alfred Malone, at DT. Malone is the latest Daniel Muir at the end of the bench. Guys like this are functional back-ups on other teams. With Justin Harrell back in the tub, we’ll get a look another look at what the elite Packer scouting department has come up with in Malone.
As we have seen, top DTs are often top drafted in the first 5 picks of the draft. When you can find a serviceable one on the street you have a real coup. I think you can go back to Gilbert Brown to the last gem in the rough the Packers have found. I think that was 1994 or 1995 when the Grave Digger was picked up from the Vikings. Remember how Mike Sherman shored up the Packer DL with John Thierry who played both DT and DE in 2000? I think Thierry was in camp, but him and David Bowen gave the Packers the depth they needed to be competitive that season.
When Cullen Jenkins when down and Harrell was still hurt, that was really the Andre Rison moment this year. When there was no help from the front office, the grind accelerated. Nick Barnett, playing hurt soon succumbed and was lost for the season. Then Atari Bigby whose injury has rendered him a non-factor. You could observe the tough Mark Tauscher grind down to an ACL on offense. Playing hurt often leads to worse injuries. We really saw too much of that this year, I think.
Well that was bloody awful… losing in December at Lambeau to a southern dome team no less. In past years, a score like that means Packer fans would be talking about how they let the Texans hang around. But it was the Texans who controlled time of possession, scored first and played most of the game with the lead. The Texans amassed 549 yards offense – running and passing almost at will but turning the ball over four times.
LeRoy Butler came down harder on the defensive players and coaches citing no efforts at communication between plays, no adjustments from the sidelines, and no hustle. It’s sometimes hard to judge those things on TV. Butler also said they did well to only give up 24 points with the kind of yardage they gave up.
Charles Woodson in the box? What is Bob Sanders thinking? I didn’t criticize trying Woodson at safety on announcement. It got the best guys on the field. But it didn’t really work that well. I hope they scrap this and let Charlie Peprah play. It’s time to see if he can play. That goes for whole lot of guys on defense. Butler says go with Woodson at CB and Rouse at S.
The New Hampshire Packer Backer would like to call your attention to how the Patriot defense is saddled with as many injuries as the Packers yet continues to play at a high level. Desmond Bishop played well but was hopeless in coverage. NHPB also points his finger to the Defensive Coordinator’s ability to work with the personnel available to win games.
Everybody knows my fear about how blaming coordinators for losing undermines player evaluation. A change in coordinators usually leads a team to stand pat on moving players to see how the current roster fits into the new D.C.’s scheme. Greg Bedard doesn’t like the Bates / Sanders defense. I’m more concerned about personnel, but watching the same sort of deterioration that we saw in 2005 should be reviewed.
Bedard also argues that the stop-gap street veterans like the Patriots have signed have worked out for them. Ted Thompson promotes guys from the Practice Squad like Alfred Malone, at DT. Malone is the latest Daniel Muir at the end of the bench. Guys like this are functional back-ups on other teams. With Justin Harrell back in the tub, we’ll get a look another look at what the elite Packer scouting department has come up with in Malone.
As we have seen, top DTs are often top drafted in the first 5 picks of the draft. When you can find a serviceable one on the street you have a real coup. I think you can go back to Gilbert Brown to the last gem in the rough the Packers have found. I think that was 1994 or 1995 when the Grave Digger was picked up from the Vikings. Remember how Mike Sherman shored up the Packer DL with John Thierry who played both DT and DE in 2000? I think Thierry was in camp, but him and David Bowen gave the Packers the depth they needed to be competitive that season.
When Cullen Jenkins when down and Harrell was still hurt, that was really the Andre Rison moment this year. When there was no help from the front office, the grind accelerated. Nick Barnett, playing hurt soon succumbed and was lost for the season. Then Atari Bigby whose injury has rendered him a non-factor. You could observe the tough Mark Tauscher grind down to an ACL on offense. Playing hurt often leads to worse injuries. We really saw too much of that this year, I think.
Reported injuries being what they are - usually vague - as not to give other teams intelligence, it was interesting to see how the Bigby / Rouse situation at safety worked out. I wrote them both off to injury and didn't make any definitive judgements about there play. If I were giving grades, I would have given them both an Incomplete.
But then this from McGinn. He was surprised by how fast the Packers "soured on Rouse". It's in the December 10th chat. Clearly that Woodson at safety thing was an attempt to get the best players on the field at the same time. McGinn is calling for Rouse and or Charlie Peprah at safety. Tramon Williams would go back to full-time nickle back.
Lasts week I watched the game in Madison at my friend Jay's place. Jay is from Madison. He takes the Packers seriously and activily moderates his opinion. We both praised Tramon before the game started. We should stick with him after a rough game. Welcome to the NFL kid. Now have a seat and think about what happened. Williams gave up five completions for 153 yards and was toasted on the third play of the game where Nick Collins finished Tramon off and the play went for a TD. This guy is in his second season. He seems more aggile than Ahmad Carroll or Joey Thomas.
I think the Packers would be making a smart coaching move by slowing Williams down a bit. If Woodson is less than 90% (turftoe) throw Rouse and Peprah to the wolves and let them play. Let Woodson recover for the Bears game.
But then this from McGinn. He was surprised by how fast the Packers "soured on Rouse". It's in the December 10th chat. Clearly that Woodson at safety thing was an attempt to get the best players on the field at the same time. McGinn is calling for Rouse and or Charlie Peprah at safety. Tramon Williams would go back to full-time nickle back.
Lasts week I watched the game in Madison at my friend Jay's place. Jay is from Madison. He takes the Packers seriously and activily moderates his opinion. We both praised Tramon before the game started. We should stick with him after a rough game. Welcome to the NFL kid. Now have a seat and think about what happened. Williams gave up five completions for 153 yards and was toasted on the third play of the game where Nick Collins finished Tramon off and the play went for a TD. This guy is in his second season. He seems more aggile than Ahmad Carroll or Joey Thomas.
I think the Packers would be making a smart coaching move by slowing Williams down a bit. If Woodson is less than 90% (turftoe) throw Rouse and Peprah to the wolves and let them play. Let Woodson recover for the Bears game.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Magnificent 2007 Packers
The central premise of this blog is that 2007 was a magnificent and marvelous season. The 2007 Packers weren't merely overachievers... they had the winning mix. They had Field Marshall Favre. The young defense exploded early. Then Greg Jennings. Then Special Teams. Then Ryan Grant and the O-line. And then Favre discovered Donald Lee. Look at how the 2007 Packers won games. It wasn't any particular dominant feature at play, they were just a darn good football team and a lucky one too.
Look at the NY Giants. Plexico helped beat the Packers in the NFC Championship. This year he literally shot himself in the leg! Is there a better metaphor for Packer fans? Some years you win and other years you shoot yourself in the foot... err leg.
This is was not an automatic dynasty. But this summer Bob McGinn of the quoted "an member of the Packer Football Department" talking about a 2-3 year Super Bowl window with Aaron Rodgers at QB. Mike Holmgren didn't even talk about a "Super Bowl window" in 1995. Holmgren forbade talking about it.
It seemed presumptuous. It seemed like this was a management that takes more their fair share of credit from a great season, while failing to recognize the cracks and relied on young players getting better. Young players in the NFL do not always improve. Instead someone in the "football department" went after Favre like he was the main reason the Packers lost to the Giants. That's just weird... just psycho... somebodies been working at the Bates Motel too long.
The cracks were a front seven that couldn't stop good ground games. The O-line couldn't reliably execute zone blocking and lost too many physical match-ups. There was no depth RB past Grant. The OTs and the CBs were veteran players with no proven back ups. Yet the 2007 Packers went 13-3 and hosted the NFC Championship game.
It's not like reserves haven't got on the field this season. Sitton and Moll on the OL... apparently Barbre is hopeless with assignments. All three TEs have played. But they were slow to play Brandon Jackson and now that he's had a few good games, reporters are asking why he didn't play more when Grant was hurting. Obviously, they blew it changing punters and then sticking with their mistake a game or two too long and it cost a win or two.
On the DL everyone has played in 2008 including rookie Jeremy Thompson. LBs Chiller and Bishop have played more than most back ups with some good affect from Chiller. Jolly and Harrell are brittle. Montgomery and Hunter are liabilities.
My point is that it's not WHICH Packers are on the field. They need quality, not quantity in the DL & LBs. There are no "red" guys drafted at DL, LB, or on the OL!!! Cullen Jenkins and AJ Hawk were the only two I could see getting to that level and it hasn't happened. This problem is not going to be completely fixed with a high draft pick or two. There must be a Free Agent worth signing at one of these positions in Spring 2009.
One of the weird things I don't get is how can Pat Lee and Charlie Peprah be hurt? I think they might be on a few special teams units, but they don't play really. Remember how Marvel Underwood and Blackmon were hurt every year for a few straight years? Do the Packers need a full time yoga coach for DBs? Do they need a "flexibility" metric at the combine?
Bright spots this season: Brandon Jackson, Tramon Williams, Nick Collins, Aaron Rodgers, and maybe Jordy Nelson have exceeded expectations, and the new LS hasn't screwed up yet. The secondary is the straight on defense. The WRs are still the best I've ever seen.
It's really hard to remove Favre from Rodgers. But watching the Bears, Lions, and Vikings try to find a real QB year after year, and seeing AR is better than that junk in his first year is a good surprise. Yes - he's being coached not to throw picks, so he does when under pressure. Whatever, I've seen him see some guys and throw some tracers. Plus the poor guy has to put up with McCarthy and that OL and act like he on the "MMTTMM Super Bowl Express". I'm kind of liking Rodgers for that. Maybe next year on 1st down at the 1 yard line he'll audible into play-action and throw the easy TD to win. I bet Favre did that more than once last year. I can't wait for Joe Philbin's tell-all book about these last two seasons.
Look at the NY Giants. Plexico helped beat the Packers in the NFC Championship. This year he literally shot himself in the leg! Is there a better metaphor for Packer fans? Some years you win and other years you shoot yourself in the foot... err leg.
This is was not an automatic dynasty. But this summer Bob McGinn of the quoted "an member of the Packer Football Department" talking about a 2-3 year Super Bowl window with Aaron Rodgers at QB. Mike Holmgren didn't even talk about a "Super Bowl window" in 1995. Holmgren forbade talking about it.
It seemed presumptuous. It seemed like this was a management that takes more their fair share of credit from a great season, while failing to recognize the cracks and relied on young players getting better. Young players in the NFL do not always improve. Instead someone in the "football department" went after Favre like he was the main reason the Packers lost to the Giants. That's just weird... just psycho... somebodies been working at the Bates Motel too long.
The cracks were a front seven that couldn't stop good ground games. The O-line couldn't reliably execute zone blocking and lost too many physical match-ups. There was no depth RB past Grant. The OTs and the CBs were veteran players with no proven back ups. Yet the 2007 Packers went 13-3 and hosted the NFC Championship game.
It's not like reserves haven't got on the field this season. Sitton and Moll on the OL... apparently Barbre is hopeless with assignments. All three TEs have played. But they were slow to play Brandon Jackson and now that he's had a few good games, reporters are asking why he didn't play more when Grant was hurting. Obviously, they blew it changing punters and then sticking with their mistake a game or two too long and it cost a win or two.
On the DL everyone has played in 2008 including rookie Jeremy Thompson. LBs Chiller and Bishop have played more than most back ups with some good affect from Chiller. Jolly and Harrell are brittle. Montgomery and Hunter are liabilities.
My point is that it's not WHICH Packers are on the field. They need quality, not quantity in the DL & LBs. There are no "red" guys drafted at DL, LB, or on the OL!!! Cullen Jenkins and AJ Hawk were the only two I could see getting to that level and it hasn't happened. This problem is not going to be completely fixed with a high draft pick or two. There must be a Free Agent worth signing at one of these positions in Spring 2009.
One of the weird things I don't get is how can Pat Lee and Charlie Peprah be hurt? I think they might be on a few special teams units, but they don't play really. Remember how Marvel Underwood and Blackmon were hurt every year for a few straight years? Do the Packers need a full time yoga coach for DBs? Do they need a "flexibility" metric at the combine?
Bright spots this season: Brandon Jackson, Tramon Williams, Nick Collins, Aaron Rodgers, and maybe Jordy Nelson have exceeded expectations, and the new LS hasn't screwed up yet. The secondary is the straight on defense. The WRs are still the best I've ever seen.
It's really hard to remove Favre from Rodgers. But watching the Bears, Lions, and Vikings try to find a real QB year after year, and seeing AR is better than that junk in his first year is a good surprise. Yes - he's being coached not to throw picks, so he does when under pressure. Whatever, I've seen him see some guys and throw some tracers. Plus the poor guy has to put up with McCarthy and that OL and act like he on the "MMTTMM Super Bowl Express". I'm kind of liking Rodgers for that. Maybe next year on 1st down at the 1 yard line he'll audible into play-action and throw the easy TD to win. I bet Favre did that more than once last year. I can't wait for Joe Philbin's tell-all book about these last two seasons.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Naming names on kickoff coverage
McGinn's article "Unit can't cover its holes: Kickoff team continues slide" he names some names: Jason Hunter, Jarrett Bush x2, Jermichael Finley x2, and Korey Hall. Given the poor TV coverage of special teams plays, that what I have to go on until tomorrow when the grades come out. These are suppose to young athletic guys. Remember how William Henderson played special teams until the end of his playing days?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Depth at Safety
The fact Charlie Peprah was inactive and Pat Lee was also hurt last week explains a lot in the second half. Now Woodson is a surprise starter at Safety vs. Carolina! Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Packers might as well play a lot of nickle and dime since (as New Hampshire Packer Backer is trumpeting) the Linebackers are like ghosts. So who else is on the field?
One wonders if they can't suck it up and get a real Punter from the CFL or whatever what they will do if they run out of DBs. Driver as a DB? Ted... Ted... anyone there?
One wonders if they can't suck it up and get a real Punter from the CFL or whatever what they will do if they run out of DBs. Driver as a DB? Ted... Ted... anyone there?
Friday, November 28, 2008
NHPB: Strong But Slow DL & What Linebackers?
Here is my read on the Saints game:
Aside from Stinko which applies to everyone (save perhaps Aaron Kampman), this game exposed what a sham the defense is. Aside from turnovers, this defense has not stopped anyone. Being last in stats can be overstated, not here. It really does mean something. NFL requires both size and speed. The Packers lack the latter. The DL can be strong and stout without looking like overstuffed rag dolls. I'd comment on linebackers, but how can you comment on something that is not there!! They were invisible - how do you describe a slow ghost?
Special teams deserve some mention - not positive of course. Have the Packers not heard of a wedge on a kickoff return?
Speed also kills the offense - lining up a running back 10-12 yards behind the line of scrimmage and running a slow developing running play merely gives a quick defense time to shed blocks which are not sustained and allows linebackers time to react and fill the hole. The only sustained running is between the tackles on fairly quickly developing plays. But nobody can get to the second level to block, so it is no wonder that few runs go past 5 -7 yards. Grant lacks finish and goes out of bounds too easily. Wish that he had some of Driver's interest in getting extra yards - course he needs to stop fumbling if he is going to get hit.
Coaching - is there no such thing within the ranks as adjusting? It's the same pattern all the time with no innovation on either side of the ball. I am not sure if there is any scheme to any special teams play.
A special note of appreciation to the architect of this mess - the wonderful Mr. T who has not solved the O-line dilemma, and has left us with an overweight, slow, front seven who can't tackle. Defenders of this regime may say it was only one game. I think the game exposes the real issue that everyone who counts has overrated this team and made excuses for each failure. It is not a good team - it only appears that we are competitive due to being in the NFC north and the saving grace of turnovers.
Sincerely,
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Aside from Stinko which applies to everyone (save perhaps Aaron Kampman), this game exposed what a sham the defense is. Aside from turnovers, this defense has not stopped anyone. Being last in stats can be overstated, not here. It really does mean something. NFL requires both size and speed. The Packers lack the latter. The DL can be strong and stout without looking like overstuffed rag dolls. I'd comment on linebackers, but how can you comment on something that is not there!! They were invisible - how do you describe a slow ghost?
Special teams deserve some mention - not positive of course. Have the Packers not heard of a wedge on a kickoff return?
Speed also kills the offense - lining up a running back 10-12 yards behind the line of scrimmage and running a slow developing running play merely gives a quick defense time to shed blocks which are not sustained and allows linebackers time to react and fill the hole. The only sustained running is between the tackles on fairly quickly developing plays. But nobody can get to the second level to block, so it is no wonder that few runs go past 5 -7 yards. Grant lacks finish and goes out of bounds too easily. Wish that he had some of Driver's interest in getting extra yards - course he needs to stop fumbling if he is going to get hit.
Coaching - is there no such thing within the ranks as adjusting? It's the same pattern all the time with no innovation on either side of the ball. I am not sure if there is any scheme to any special teams play.
A special note of appreciation to the architect of this mess - the wonderful Mr. T who has not solved the O-line dilemma, and has left us with an overweight, slow, front seven who can't tackle. Defenders of this regime may say it was only one game. I think the game exposes the real issue that everyone who counts has overrated this team and made excuses for each failure. It is not a good team - it only appears that we are competitive due to being in the NFC north and the saving grace of turnovers.
Sincerely,
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Thursday, November 27, 2008
McGinn Recalls McCarthy's Summer Cockiness
In his November 26 piece, "Unable to Pull Out the Stops" Bob McGinn pulls out some verbiage from Mike McCarthy's pretraining camp press conference. "The football team has moved forward with the emphasis on defense, because that's what I believe in, and that's what the philosophy as we move forward will be."
It was easy to see where MM was coming from. The defense had won some games early in the 2007 campaign and played well enough to make 13-3 possible. It was full of young talent that could easily project as "ascending". Subtract Cullen Jenkins and 2007 Nick Barnett and 2007 KGB and not even McCarthy would have uttered this hubris.
Of course take away the top 3 CBs on the Packers roster and you would expect ugliness. The Saints survived without their top 3 CBs just fine. So the Packers are left with talk of the need for defenders to "step up". That's NFL-speak for guys on defense getting beat and for young players failing to emerge.
One of my primary contentions in this blog is that TT & MM have overrated their young defense and their OL. There are no "Blue" - NFL stars on this defense. Woodson is the closest, but is probably best rated as a "Red" player - a solid NFL starter. At their best, Jenkins and Barnett are "Red" minus guys. We see a lot of great NFL defenses without standout "Blue" players but full of "Red" and "Green" guys. The Greens are adequate fill-ins and strong situational players.
AJ Hawk is looking more Green than Red these days. Mike Montgomery, Jeremy Thompson, and Jason Hunter are struggling "Yellow" players - warm bodies that might be worth keeping around to see if they get better if there is no one better.
But I am not arguing for a wholesale house cleaning. I think there is some talent here. It's just not coming together this year. MLBs tend to come back slowly from ACL injuries. Barnett's injury surely will impact the Packers off-season strategy. So will the evaluations of Jolly, Cole, Montgomery, Thompson, Propingga, and Hunter. Cole & Jolly might grade out as "green" players but the rest are "yellow" in my book.
What is emerging is the need for another Blue-Red player on the DL to help Kampman and smart Red-Green LB who can allow Barnett to comeback at his own pace. That doesn't mean the Packers should reach for some Joe Johnson-type FA, but if a "blue-red guy" is available, they shouldn't worry about current players complaining about the unfairness of Free Agent salaries. This year's guys have no claim to top money.
Cory Williams was a "red-green" player. Having that extra dependable body made a lot of difference last year. He could be playing RE now if he were here. There is an exponential effect that strong depth can have on a DL. That could well explain why Cory Williams is having a "green" season, not a "red" one with the Browns. Now McCarthy and Thompson can fess up to that. It will be interesting to see if defensive coordinator Bob Sanders gets to play sacrificial lamb.
The tendency of McCarthy to play guys who can't run due to injury is alarming. Not only were Rouse and Bigby limping around out there so was James Jones. Where the heck is Ruvell Martin? His catches came after it was over against the Saints. McCarthy keeps saying things in the media like "James Jones has got to learn to deal with his knee injury". Jones plays, but can't do anything against a beat-up secondary. Then Jordy Nelson has a bad rookie game. This is a coaching issue. Why not throw to Donald Lee, Tory Humprhies, and Ruvell Martin more?
What is encouraging is the
It was easy to see where MM was coming from. The defense had won some games early in the 2007 campaign and played well enough to make 13-3 possible. It was full of young talent that could easily project as "ascending". Subtract Cullen Jenkins and 2007 Nick Barnett and 2007 KGB and not even McCarthy would have uttered this hubris.
Of course take away the top 3 CBs on the Packers roster and you would expect ugliness. The Saints survived without their top 3 CBs just fine. So the Packers are left with talk of the need for defenders to "step up". That's NFL-speak for guys on defense getting beat and for young players failing to emerge.
One of my primary contentions in this blog is that TT & MM have overrated their young defense and their OL. There are no "Blue" - NFL stars on this defense. Woodson is the closest, but is probably best rated as a "Red" player - a solid NFL starter. At their best, Jenkins and Barnett are "Red" minus guys. We see a lot of great NFL defenses without standout "Blue" players but full of "Red" and "Green" guys. The Greens are adequate fill-ins and strong situational players.
AJ Hawk is looking more Green than Red these days. Mike Montgomery, Jeremy Thompson, and Jason Hunter are struggling "Yellow" players - warm bodies that might be worth keeping around to see if they get better if there is no one better.
But I am not arguing for a wholesale house cleaning. I think there is some talent here. It's just not coming together this year. MLBs tend to come back slowly from ACL injuries. Barnett's injury surely will impact the Packers off-season strategy. So will the evaluations of Jolly, Cole, Montgomery, Thompson, Propingga, and Hunter. Cole & Jolly might grade out as "green" players but the rest are "yellow" in my book.
What is emerging is the need for another Blue-Red player on the DL to help Kampman and smart Red-Green LB who can allow Barnett to comeback at his own pace. That doesn't mean the Packers should reach for some Joe Johnson-type FA, but if a "blue-red guy" is available, they shouldn't worry about current players complaining about the unfairness of Free Agent salaries. This year's guys have no claim to top money.
Cory Williams was a "red-green" player. Having that extra dependable body made a lot of difference last year. He could be playing RE now if he were here. There is an exponential effect that strong depth can have on a DL. That could well explain why Cory Williams is having a "green" season, not a "red" one with the Browns. Now McCarthy and Thompson can fess up to that. It will be interesting to see if defensive coordinator Bob Sanders gets to play sacrificial lamb.
The tendency of McCarthy to play guys who can't run due to injury is alarming. Not only were Rouse and Bigby limping around out there so was James Jones. Where the heck is Ruvell Martin? His catches came after it was over against the Saints. McCarthy keeps saying things in the media like "James Jones has got to learn to deal with his knee injury". Jones plays, but can't do anything against a beat-up secondary. Then Jordy Nelson has a bad rookie game. This is a coaching issue. Why not throw to Donald Lee, Tory Humprhies, and Ruvell Martin more?
What is encouraging is the
Correction on Rouse
Rouse was hurt during the Saints game too. Apparently, that is why Bigby returned despite not being able to run at full speed. Jarrett Bush was next on the bench. If he's not fit to play in a pinch why is he on the roster?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saints 51 Packers 29
As Larry McCarren says, "a trip to the dentist". Let's start with the offensive line. Playing RG, Spitz totally let a guy in underneath him. It was like he was playing with concrete shoes. Moll wasn't much better playing for Tauscher. A lot of the pressure on Rodgers was coming from the right side - and we are talking about 3 & 4 man rushes in the second half. I can't fault AR for tucking it under and taking off like he did when things were getting ugly in the second half.
Rodgers finally found Ruvell Martin when it was too late. The middle screen the Packers ran successfully in the first half was the first time I've seen that play since Mike Sherman. They had 3 guys out in front of it and about five Saints chasing it. The Saints d-line was charging and not worrying about their lanes.
Now the defensive front seven can be summed up in my crazy friend Jill's remark in the middle of the second half. When one of the ESPN announcers said that the Panthers are a physical team the Packers will have to play next week. She quipped that "this week we're playing an intellectual one."
Why was Bigby in the game? He was obviously slow because he was hurt. After some RB ran past him, he was still out there later. They have Aaron Rouse. He's OK. Watching AJ Hawk trying to run with a back up TE was also not pretty. Hawk is suppose to be a fast guy and it had nothing to do with coverage skills exec pt knowing you have to turn and run with a Billy Miller.
Colin Cole got knocked to the ground after Pierre Thomas ran thru what I believe was his gap and into the endzone. Did the Packers play with a left defensive end? Montgomery, Hunter, that draft pick?
Now how about the kick return unit. There were some guys not blocking. Some guys were not giving effort. Jason Hunter seems too slow for this duty. The coverage unit wasn't so good either. I couldn't see who some of those guys on coverage and return units were, but some of them need to leave.
Aaron Rodgers was not the biggest problem, but that second interception was the sort of thing a nervy QB needs to do when the defense isn't holding. He needed to keep the Packer defense off the field and let Drew Brees cool his heals. That was a bad time to screw up for a QB.
Now the scalp-hunters are out on the post-game show knocking coordinators. I'm really not sure that's the answer here. I saw players getting beat, not schemes.
Rodgers finally found Ruvell Martin when it was too late. The middle screen the Packers ran successfully in the first half was the first time I've seen that play since Mike Sherman. They had 3 guys out in front of it and about five Saints chasing it. The Saints d-line was charging and not worrying about their lanes.
Now the defensive front seven can be summed up in my crazy friend Jill's remark in the middle of the second half. When one of the ESPN announcers said that the Panthers are a physical team the Packers will have to play next week. She quipped that "this week we're playing an intellectual one."
Why was Bigby in the game? He was obviously slow because he was hurt. After some RB ran past him, he was still out there later. They have Aaron Rouse. He's OK. Watching AJ Hawk trying to run with a back up TE was also not pretty. Hawk is suppose to be a fast guy and it had nothing to do with coverage skills exec pt knowing you have to turn and run with a Billy Miller.
Colin Cole got knocked to the ground after Pierre Thomas ran thru what I believe was his gap and into the endzone. Did the Packers play with a left defensive end? Montgomery, Hunter, that draft pick?
Now how about the kick return unit. There were some guys not blocking. Some guys were not giving effort. Jason Hunter seems too slow for this duty. The coverage unit wasn't so good either. I couldn't see who some of those guys on coverage and return units were, but some of them need to leave.
Aaron Rodgers was not the biggest problem, but that second interception was the sort of thing a nervy QB needs to do when the defense isn't holding. He needed to keep the Packer defense off the field and let Drew Brees cool his heals. That was a bad time to screw up for a QB.
Now the scalp-hunters are out on the post-game show knocking coordinators. I'm really not sure that's the answer here. I saw players getting beat, not schemes.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Week 11: Packers 37 Bears 3
Wow - with their backs to the wall, the Packer offensive line and RBs really took it to the Bears defense. Almost 200 yards rushing. What could explain this sudden outburst?
a. Anything can happen in a Bears - Packers game?
b. Anything can happen in the NFL?
c. The O-line knew jobs were on the line?
d. Ryan Grant finally is healthy?
e. Timing & assignments have been improving the last few weeks and it finally jelled?
f. Early success on the ground made play-action passes deadly again?
g. The Bears suck? (Two completions to WR?!?)
I guess you could say some of everything. The quality of NFL teams is measured on long averages - not single games. But it was performances like this one that gave us hope last season.
Here in Chicago the Bears secondary has been taking alot of heat and so has Devin Hester. The pass successfully defended by Al Harris shows why Hester should be a kick return specialist. He's not big, he's not strong, and he doesn't have the instinct to fight for the ball first and go down field second. And his reverse field attempt that led to the Packer FG at the end of the first half shows why he needs to focus on doing THAT well.
As an O-line skeptic, I have to give the Packer O-line a standing-O and hope that they can keep it up. Not only did they get push and execute some nice blocking schemes, but they also managed to cut down on those drive killing penalties - finally! Yes - it CAN be done.
A lot went on in the trenches this game. I can only tell a zone blocking play from a power play some of the time. I'll be sure to read the analysis in the J/S and report the mix. I'm guessing they did some of both. Some of those early Ryan Grant runs looked zone blocked because of his cut-back lanes. Those are good plays to watch on tape with a finger on the pause or slow-motion button. But it was striking that guys in Green were winning physical battles like on Grants TD run to the right.
a. Anything can happen in a Bears - Packers game?
b. Anything can happen in the NFL?
c. The O-line knew jobs were on the line?
d. Ryan Grant finally is healthy?
e. Timing & assignments have been improving the last few weeks and it finally jelled?
f. Early success on the ground made play-action passes deadly again?
g. The Bears suck? (Two completions to WR?!?)
I guess you could say some of everything. The quality of NFL teams is measured on long averages - not single games. But it was performances like this one that gave us hope last season.
Here in Chicago the Bears secondary has been taking alot of heat and so has Devin Hester. The pass successfully defended by Al Harris shows why Hester should be a kick return specialist. He's not big, he's not strong, and he doesn't have the instinct to fight for the ball first and go down field second. And his reverse field attempt that led to the Packer FG at the end of the first half shows why he needs to focus on doing THAT well.
As an O-line skeptic, I have to give the Packer O-line a standing-O and hope that they can keep it up. Not only did they get push and execute some nice blocking schemes, but they also managed to cut down on those drive killing penalties - finally! Yes - it CAN be done.
A lot went on in the trenches this game. I can only tell a zone blocking play from a power play some of the time. I'll be sure to read the analysis in the J/S and report the mix. I'm guessing they did some of both. Some of those early Ryan Grant runs looked zone blocked because of his cut-back lanes. Those are good plays to watch on tape with a finger on the pause or slow-motion button. But it was striking that guys in Green were winning physical battles like on Grants TD run to the right.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Strange Challenge
Packers fans have come to expect that when our coach threw the flag, there is a darn good chance the review would come out in the Packers favor. When opposing coaches threw the flag, you could sometimes chalk it up to wishful thinking. But not the Packers.
That's what made McCarthy's flag challenging that Adrian Peterson didn't cross the goal line bizarre. If the challenge had been won, the Vikings would have almost certainly scored and left the Packers with no time to come back. As it was, they got off a 52 yard FG try. What would you choose:
A. Defend first & goal at the one
B. Receive kickoff with 2:22 on the clock and 3 time outs
So I guess they just blew it in the booth. Seems this was not directly addressed in the Monday press conference. Just let's not have that happen again. We don't need that going wrong too.
That's what made McCarthy's flag challenging that Adrian Peterson didn't cross the goal line bizarre. If the challenge had been won, the Vikings would have almost certainly scored and left the Packers with no time to come back. As it was, they got off a 52 yard FG try. What would you choose:
A. Defend first & goal at the one
B. Receive kickoff with 2:22 on the clock and 3 time outs
So I guess they just blew it in the booth. Seems this was not directly addressed in the Monday press conference. Just let's not have that happen again. We don't need that going wrong too.
From the New Hampshire Packer Backer
I saw only portions of the game in my hotel room in Dallas. Here are quick observations:
How long will the team tolerate inadequacies of OL, including excessive penalties? Play calling only exacerbates the inadequacies - OL cannot sustain blocks, so you run delays and slow developing running plays???? One feels for Rodgers, but he has taken on the "deer in the headlight" look of Drew Headslow
Ryan Grant - on the few times that he is able to run for a few yards - does not have finishing drive ala Peterson and other top running backs
McCarthy's challenge of the late TD was one of the more ill-advised challenges I have seen but even if successful would have resulted only in Packers having less time to try to score - to think his defense could have stopped Vikings from scoring from the half-yard line was monumentally stupid.
The hallmark of this team is late period drives by other teams that move the ball at will. There are few real players on this defense- injuries alone fail to account for its inadequacies in these crucial times. An interesting statistic would be the amount of yardage given up within the final 3-4 minutes of each half by the defense.
New Hampshire Packer Backer
How long will the team tolerate inadequacies of OL, including excessive penalties? Play calling only exacerbates the inadequacies - OL cannot sustain blocks, so you run delays and slow developing running plays???? One feels for Rodgers, but he has taken on the "deer in the headlight" look of Drew Headslow
Ryan Grant - on the few times that he is able to run for a few yards - does not have finishing drive ala Peterson and other top running backs
McCarthy's challenge of the late TD was one of the more ill-advised challenges I have seen but even if successful would have resulted only in Packers having less time to try to score - to think his defense could have stopped Vikings from scoring from the half-yard line was monumentally stupid.
The hallmark of this team is late period drives by other teams that move the ball at will. There are few real players on this defense- injuries alone fail to account for its inadequacies in these crucial times. An interesting statistic would be the amount of yardage given up within the final 3-4 minutes of each half by the defense.
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Herb Adderley Takes It To The (court) House!
NFL Players Association to pay $28.1 million to retired players after finding the union failed to properly market their images. Packer Hall of Fame cornerback Herb Adderley filed the lawsuit on behalf of 2,056 retired players who claim the union failed to actively pursue marketing deals with video games, trading cards and others sports products.
"...a 2001 letter from an NFLPA executive telling Electronic Arts Inc. executives to scramble the images of retired players in the company’s popular “Madden NFL” video game, otherwise the company would have to pay them." Of course the NFLPA represents current AND former players.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nflretirees&prov=ap&type=lgns
http://www.gridirongreats.org/
Some guys never stop making great plays!
"...a 2001 letter from an NFLPA executive telling Electronic Arts Inc. executives to scramble the images of retired players in the company’s popular “Madden NFL” video game, otherwise the company would have to pay them." Of course the NFLPA represents current AND former players.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nflretirees&prov=ap&type=lgns
http://www.gridirongreats.org/
Some guys never stop making great plays!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Dangerous Offense
The Packer offense is dangerous - to the health of its players. Rodgers looked like Kitna taking punishment. He's inflicting it on his receivers too by hitting them in stationary positions or in positions they will pay for. Of course this is because he often has little time to throw. There were times guys were closing on Rodgers DURING his drop.
That free-runner took the cake. Rodgers standing in and trying to deliver the ball down field to Driver was the icing. It is only a matter of time until Rodgers is splattered for good if this keeps up. McCarthy and his offensive coaching team can't continue to expose players in exchange for desperately needed yardage. When your offense can't stay on the field, the other team is going to run a lot of plays.
The result is 30 carries for Peterson and 10 for Taylor. The Packer defense did a good job keeping it close with a 2-1 time of possession in front of the Vikings. OL adds to its workload with penalties putting them in the hole. McCarthy can call it "unacceptable", yet is being accepted every game.
That free-runner took the cake. Rodgers standing in and trying to deliver the ball down field to Driver was the icing. It is only a matter of time until Rodgers is splattered for good if this keeps up. McCarthy and his offensive coaching team can't continue to expose players in exchange for desperately needed yardage. When your offense can't stay on the field, the other team is going to run a lot of plays.
The result is 30 carries for Peterson and 10 for Taylor. The Packer defense did a good job keeping it close with a 2-1 time of possession in front of the Vikings. OL adds to its workload with penalties putting them in the hole. McCarthy can call it "unacceptable", yet is being accepted every game.
Vikings in the Dome
Two safeties in the first half. The Packers could still win this game, but like Wayne says, safeties are embarrassing. Probably not as embarrassing as getting two safeties and only being ahead by 4 points at the half.
Titans Tramp On
Not much to say about Packers vs. Titans game. Packers stayed even with a top team. That was encouraging. But their known weaknesses cause them to lose. As you can tell those weaknesses have me watching with a lot less passion than the last two years.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Bye-Week Review: Defensive Line
This blog tends to focus on line play both on offense and defense. We could focus on passing, catching, and running, and this is what the 2008 Green Bay Packers do best.
I can only speak for myself, but I wouldn't swap the Packers OL & WRs for day the Cowboys OL and WRs - not just starters but the whole units. The Packers are deeper at WR. I'm not sure about the depth of the Dallas OL, but I bet that's a toss up. Dallas under Jerry Jones has always been a top heavy team willing to pay a few major stars big money. That philosophy has served the Tom Landry legacy well.
The reason I wouldn't make that trade is because of how talented and well conditioned Donald Driver is, how good Greg Jennings has become, the strenght of James Jones, and the heigth and blocking ability of Ruvel Martin. Upgrading from Koren Robinson to Jordy Nelson really makes this a power packed group.
Expect in the next nine games that this group will get more in sync with QB Aaron Rodgers. Like last year, we wonder to what extent we will see a Packer running game progress. This passing game could be as deadly as any as we have seen in Green & Gold IF opposing defenses had to respect the run. This respect will only come with break-a-way runs like Ryan Grant started ripping off in the second half of last year.
So what about the DL? Colin Cole got the Bye Week feature article from Bob McGinn which is high praise. I have to say it has been had for me to sit down and watch tape focusing on just line play like I should to try to comment on line play. It is important to realize that the Packers are #25 in the league in defending the run. Yet I have always liked Colin Cole and recall him getting some pressures and tackles in our first seven games. He stood out most against the Colts who started two rookie guards.
That Cole should merit the praise over Johnny Jolly shouldn't be overlooked. Jolly was playing way better before his shoulder injury last year than this year. I don't recall him deflecting any passes this year. Cole had one against the Colts. From what I can tell, he's just easier to block. I'm guessing Jolly is not yet fully recovered from this injury. Another thing to look at is who he has been up against. You'd want to look at the quality of LG & Centers he has faced. At a glance I'd guess the quality has been higher than the league average in the first seven games. Here's the rundown and my guess at what the relative strength of these combos might rate:
Vikings - Matt Birk & Steve Hutchingson = A
Lions - D. Raiola & Edwin Mulitalo = B
Cowboys - Andre Gurode & Cory Procter = AB
Bucs - Jeff Faine & Arron Sears = B
Falcons - Todd McClure & Justin Blalock= A
Such ratings don't consider pulling, chipping, slanting, and stunting or double-teaming, running backs or blocking backs. We know the NFC North guys, but Gurode is an all-pro and Jeff Faine I remember from week four of the 2006 loss in Atlanta. It would be fun to average the Pro Football weekly ratings and index those against guys in the Packer DL rotation and then grade film.
Regardless, Cole ability to stay on the field has allowed Pickett some plays off. Against the Colts Jolly played 57 snaps and Cole played 50 with Pickett playing with damaged triceps played 24. While it worked on the Colts, they need Justin Harrell fully healthy because the next stop after Cole is Mike Montgomy at 273 lbs or Alfred Malone off the practice squad.
Like Greg Bedard wrote last November, the Jim Bates defense the Packers play can go through a lot of DTs via injury.
Yet the Packers are a team with deep playoff aspirations that simply must be able to shut down elite running games like the Cowboys and Giants. They are not going to do that without Jolly and/or Justin Harrell being more disruptive.
The problems at LE is just injury related.
I can only speak for myself, but I wouldn't swap the Packers OL & WRs for day the Cowboys OL and WRs - not just starters but the whole units. The Packers are deeper at WR. I'm not sure about the depth of the Dallas OL, but I bet that's a toss up. Dallas under Jerry Jones has always been a top heavy team willing to pay a few major stars big money. That philosophy has served the Tom Landry legacy well.
The reason I wouldn't make that trade is because of how talented and well conditioned Donald Driver is, how good Greg Jennings has become, the strenght of James Jones, and the heigth and blocking ability of Ruvel Martin. Upgrading from Koren Robinson to Jordy Nelson really makes this a power packed group.
Expect in the next nine games that this group will get more in sync with QB Aaron Rodgers. Like last year, we wonder to what extent we will see a Packer running game progress. This passing game could be as deadly as any as we have seen in Green & Gold IF opposing defenses had to respect the run. This respect will only come with break-a-way runs like Ryan Grant started ripping off in the second half of last year.
So what about the DL? Colin Cole got the Bye Week feature article from Bob McGinn which is high praise. I have to say it has been had for me to sit down and watch tape focusing on just line play like I should to try to comment on line play. It is important to realize that the Packers are #25 in the league in defending the run. Yet I have always liked Colin Cole and recall him getting some pressures and tackles in our first seven games. He stood out most against the Colts who started two rookie guards.
That Cole should merit the praise over Johnny Jolly shouldn't be overlooked. Jolly was playing way better before his shoulder injury last year than this year. I don't recall him deflecting any passes this year. Cole had one against the Colts. From what I can tell, he's just easier to block. I'm guessing Jolly is not yet fully recovered from this injury. Another thing to look at is who he has been up against. You'd want to look at the quality of LG & Centers he has faced. At a glance I'd guess the quality has been higher than the league average in the first seven games. Here's the rundown and my guess at what the relative strength of these combos might rate:
Vikings - Matt Birk & Steve Hutchingson = A
Lions - D. Raiola & Edwin Mulitalo = B
Cowboys - Andre Gurode & Cory Procter = AB
Bucs - Jeff Faine & Arron Sears = B
Falcons - Todd McClure & Justin Blalock= A
Such ratings don't consider pulling, chipping, slanting, and stunting or double-teaming, running backs or blocking backs. We know the NFC North guys, but Gurode is an all-pro and Jeff Faine I remember from week four of the 2006 loss in Atlanta. It would be fun to average the Pro Football weekly ratings and index those against guys in the Packer DL rotation and then grade film.
Regardless, Cole ability to stay on the field has allowed Pickett some plays off. Against the Colts Jolly played 57 snaps and Cole played 50 with Pickett playing with damaged triceps played 24. While it worked on the Colts, they need Justin Harrell fully healthy because the next stop after Cole is Mike Montgomy at 273 lbs or Alfred Malone off the practice squad.
Like Greg Bedard wrote last November, the Jim Bates defense the Packers play can go through a lot of DTs via injury.
Yet the Packers are a team with deep playoff aspirations that simply must be able to shut down elite running games like the Cowboys and Giants. They are not going to do that without Jolly and/or Justin Harrell being more disruptive.
The problems at LE is just injury related.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Significant Improvement Cause For Guarded Optimism
It would have been interesting to have attended Packer practice last week. Apparently, a message was sent about playing football and that message appeared to have been received by a fair number of players.
Running game works (particularly against small but quick DL) by running forward not sideways. That insistence on using delays and slow developing running plays will not work is evidenced by (1) low yards per carry average and (2) inability of RB (Grant in particular) to break for large gain. His TD run came by hitting the line quickly on a straight-ahead run that allowed him to hit the secondary rapidly without allowing time to react to the play.
Tackling was quite a bit crisper on D, though there were still moments of arm tackles and hits without wrapping up player - though Colts displayed that type of tackling throughout the game. A win is a big plus at this point - but let's keep it in perspective and not get overwhelmed by beating what was an inferior Colts team on this Sunday.
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Running game works (particularly against small but quick DL) by running forward not sideways. That insistence on using delays and slow developing running plays will not work is evidenced by (1) low yards per carry average and (2) inability of RB (Grant in particular) to break for large gain. His TD run came by hitting the line quickly on a straight-ahead run that allowed him to hit the secondary rapidly without allowing time to react to the play.
Tackling was quite a bit crisper on D, though there were still moments of arm tackles and hits without wrapping up player - though Colts displayed that type of tackling throughout the game. A win is a big plus at this point - but let's keep it in perspective and not get overwhelmed by beating what was an inferior Colts team on this Sunday.
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Packer Run Offense vs. Colts
OK - so the Packer run defense was good enough today, but how did Ryan Grant get his first 100 yard day this year? The Colts are two starting DTs are 250 & 260 lbs. They have a 280 pounder in their rotation. It is amazing they can stop anyone from running, but they do apparently. Oh, they don't. The Colts rank #29th in run defense even worse than the Packers at #26. Former Daniel Muir is inactive but on the Colts 52 man roster. Go figure.
While there are some things that have started to grate on me about the Packers like the OL, I can't imagine putting up with totally opting out of the notion of the big DT. Kinda makes zone blocking seem like a proven alternative. Give the high value given to top DTs, I am not surprised someone would try to get by some other way.
While there are some things that have started to grate on me about the Packers like the OL, I can't imagine putting up with totally opting out of the notion of the big DT. Kinda makes zone blocking seem like a proven alternative. Give the high value given to top DTs, I am not surprised someone would try to get by some other way.
Most Penalties By Tony Dungee Team
12 penalties for 112 yards on the Colts. They are as sloppy as the Packers were a few weeks ago. It's not the cause of the Colts' woes, but a symptom.
End of Q3
Why is the average Packer DL holding the Colts' running game to 57 yards on 15 carries? Rookie starters inside are LG Jamey Richard (6-4½, 295) and RG Mike Pollak (6-3½, 301). We Packer fans know what that can look at when your going with a second string RB.
With a 27-7 lead going into the 4Q, Packers need to remember who the Colts' QB is.
With a 27-7 lead going into the 4Q, Packers need to remember who the Colts' QB is.
1st Half Packer 2-1 TOP
The Packers had roughly a 2 to 1 time of possession advantage in the first half.
Nick Collins saved a TD with his tipped pass intendend for Marvin Harrison in the endzone and returns a INT for a TD with a nifty move to MAKE blocking. Collins & Charles Woodson are playing a Pro Bowl level. Tramon Williams is aggressive and good enough.
Colin Cole got some pressure up the middle. I haven't had a chance to watch the DTs on pass plays. They are more competitive against the Colts than stronger OLs.
Wayne L. mentioned that the Packers ran 20 plays in first half to the Colts 10. Another 2 to 1 ratio.
Nick Collins saved a TD with his tipped pass intendend for Marvin Harrison in the endzone and returns a INT for a TD with a nifty move to MAKE blocking. Collins & Charles Woodson are playing a Pro Bowl level. Tramon Williams is aggressive and good enough.
Colin Cole got some pressure up the middle. I haven't had a chance to watch the DTs on pass plays. They are more competitive against the Colts than stronger OLs.
Wayne L. mentioned that the Packers ran 20 plays in first half to the Colts 10. Another 2 to 1 ratio.
Incredible 3 & Out for Packer Defense!
After good play-action gets Grant walking into the endzone, the Packer defense scores a quick 3 & out. Packers with 70 to score before the half...
The no gain on the Colts' first down and then two incomplete passes. Defense did it, but the offense made it a ton easier keeping Manning off the field for 6:51! Starting from their own 11 yard line, the Packers' drive wasn't the longest time-killer on record, but you could see the effect on the timing of the Colts' plays.
The no gain on the Colts' first down and then two incomplete passes. Defense did it, but the offense made it a ton easier keeping Manning off the field for 6:51! Starting from their own 11 yard line, the Packers' drive wasn't the longest time-killer on record, but you could see the effect on the timing of the Colts' plays.
Q1 vs. Colts
Two teams that can't stop the run, but loaded with aerial weaponry. This one could be decided on turnovers unless one team can run the ball consistantly. But with the Colts' injuries, the Packers should have a good chance to win one at Lambeau.
Beautiful catch by Driver in the 2Q. Those fans muttering about him "losing a step" are likely the same who detract from Favre's contributions to the Packers. Driver is blessed with a track & field body-type and a good mind. If he hasn't seen the ball enough this season, it's because of other factors.
Packers just picked up a 4 & 1. behind Corey Hall and the right side of the line. The Packers are doing a good job of moving the chains and keeping the Colts off the field, but the screen still needs practice.
Beautiful catch by Driver in the 2Q. Those fans muttering about him "losing a step" are likely the same who detract from Favre's contributions to the Packers. Driver is blessed with a track & field body-type and a good mind. If he hasn't seen the ball enough this season, it's because of other factors.
Packers just picked up a 4 & 1. behind Corey Hall and the right side of the line. The Packers are doing a good job of moving the chains and keeping the Colts off the field, but the screen still needs practice.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Week Six: Packers 27 Seahawks 17
Ryan Grant 33 carries for +90 yards for less than 3 yards per carry, but the Packers ran against a good defense and got a win against a 3rd string QB. Brandon Jackson was inactive and not missed. Interesting they went with Wynn rather than Herron or Morrisey. Rodgers when to more receivers again like he did last week and it really helped with time of possession. Packers with 20 first downs - 11 by air, 7 by ground, 2 by penalty, and I guess one by some other means, lol. Seeing the FB catch a TD is a good sign.
The Falcons knocked off the Bears, a team with a strong physical defense. Bears, Vikings, & Packers now tied at 3-3. That's one to dial up on nfl.com to see the highlights and make some comparisons. The Falcons are definitely a better team this year.
Standouts: Charles Woodson with his 4th Pick and 1st sack of the season. The Official Packer Radio Network player of the game: the much maligned DL! And credit the OL for some good enough pass blocking against a good defense. Rodgers played a smart game and connected long to Jennings. That was certainly a huge play. Definately a "team win" and a great "gut check game".
The Packers continue to have Holmgren's number winning 27-17 on the road. It is interesting to see the incestuous competition between the Holmgren Seahawks and the TT Packers.
The Falcons knocked off the Bears, a team with a strong physical defense. Bears, Vikings, & Packers now tied at 3-3. That's one to dial up on nfl.com to see the highlights and make some comparisons. The Falcons are definitely a better team this year.
Standouts: Charles Woodson with his 4th Pick and 1st sack of the season. The Official Packer Radio Network player of the game: the much maligned DL! And credit the OL for some good enough pass blocking against a good defense. Rodgers played a smart game and connected long to Jennings. That was certainly a huge play. Definately a "team win" and a great "gut check game".
The Packers continue to have Holmgren's number winning 27-17 on the road. It is interesting to see the incestuous competition between the Holmgren Seahawks and the TT Packers.
NH Packer Backer on Week 5 Falcons Game
Looks to me like a couple of things are missing: team discipline and spirit! Those two things can lead to inability to make third downs and stop opponent from making third downs. They don't fill in for lack of talent and play-calling from Mars - or even further out in space, but do account for penalties in crucial situation after crucial situation! Only offensive play calling that is more inept is the "scheme" used by the Badgers!
Ted Thompson's failure to address the problems he outlined as being those he needed to address are showing up now and will continue under this regime which is beginning to look like it has neither a clue nor an answer.
I agree on the let the chips fall where they may at this point. My concern is that injuries will be used as an excuse instead of assessing that there are really some not very good players on this team. The offense's lack of ability to run, be consistent, and avoid breakdowns will highlight the defense's weaknesses (including but by no means limited to injuries).
--
Sincerely,
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Ted Thompson's failure to address the problems he outlined as being those he needed to address are showing up now and will continue under this regime which is beginning to look like it has neither a clue nor an answer.
I agree on the let the chips fall where they may at this point. My concern is that injuries will be used as an excuse instead of assessing that there are really some not very good players on this team. The offense's lack of ability to run, be consistent, and avoid breakdowns will highlight the defense's weaknesses (including but by no means limited to injuries).
--
Sincerely,
New Hampshire Packer Backer
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Final Sunday Word
I was talking to one of the most accomplished people I get to interact with at work last week. We were talking about the economy. She reminded me that to get through tough times, it sometimes helps to try to focus on what you've got and be glad about that. You could also say, "it could always be worse". Today we saw a gutsy performance by Aaron Rodgers and a lot of guys get the ball. Great catches by Driver, Jennings, and Martin kept the game close. This probably isn't the Packers year, but at least we still have some guys who are worth watching.
Wait... Wait... Don't Lie To Me!
Still sticking in my craw: Who in the Packer "football department" talked about the 2-3 year Super Bowl window this summer? Now Bill Michaels is singing the tune I sang (off tune of course) all summer. The Packers are weak in the trenches. Toss in some injuries and you can hear the fizzle.
These people talking about replacing Nick Barnett at MLB are grasping at straws. The Packers little choice but to live and die with their key players - Barnett is one of them. He's probably nicked up like Tauscher and Clifton. Lack of depth on at OT hurts. MLB is different. You just don't "exeriment" there in the middle of the season. The result will only be worse.
These people talking about replacing Nick Barnett at MLB are grasping at straws. The Packers little choice but to live and die with their key players - Barnett is one of them. He's probably nicked up like Tauscher and Clifton. Lack of depth on at OT hurts. MLB is different. You just don't "exeriment" there in the middle of the season. The result will only be worse.
Falcons 27 Packers 24
It's a loss, but the Packers played better in the second half. There were a few bright spots. Aaron Rodgers playing hurt and in pain led a legit comeback effort. Nick Collins finally seems to be coming into his own. Rodgers went to other receivers besides Jennings and Martin. Grant finished with 18 carries for 84 yards for a respectable 4.6 yard average. Greg Bedard from the Journal Sentinel wrote at half time:
"More Brandon Jackson, please. Less running behind Mark Tauscher, please."
Tauscher must be dinged up pretty bad. Tramon Williams' TD saving interception shows he is one of the young that might be able to play. The defense is bad, but I'm noticing Tramon and Nick Collins. It's up front that we are really hurting. The penalties are a sign of deeper problems on both lines.
There is still some heart in this team and Aaron Rodgers can now be said to be part of that. That could win some games this season as this sort out takes place. I never bought into that foolishness about a Super Bowl window of 2-3 years. Those guys inside the organization who were spreading that nonsense in the off season were are suspect.
This team needs beef on both lines. My lower expectations make it easier for me to accept these losses and look for the foundations of a better team. But can the front office build with such myopic vision.
"More Brandon Jackson, please. Less running behind Mark Tauscher, please."
Tauscher must be dinged up pretty bad. Tramon Williams' TD saving interception shows he is one of the young that might be able to play. The defense is bad, but I'm noticing Tramon and Nick Collins. It's up front that we are really hurting. The penalties are a sign of deeper problems on both lines.
There is still some heart in this team and Aaron Rodgers can now be said to be part of that. That could win some games this season as this sort out takes place. I never bought into that foolishness about a Super Bowl window of 2-3 years. Those guys inside the organization who were spreading that nonsense in the off season were are suspect.
This team needs beef on both lines. My lower expectations make it easier for me to accept these losses and look for the foundations of a better team. But can the front office build with such myopic vision.
Something going in 3Q
Pinned at their 1 yard line, the offense has moved the ball to the Atlanta 40. This team has big problems, but hasn't lost it's quick strike capabilities. One has to think there is a chance a rookie QB like Ryan could be pressured into a pick if they can get the margin to a FG. Clifton's out... let's not get Rodgers K.O.ed.
Half Time: Atlanta Aerial Attack
Gloom descends on the Chicago / Wisconsin area with the onset of fall 2008 with the Cubs, Brewers, Badgers, and Packers stinking it up. But hey, it's great to see the Brewers win a playoff game yesterday.
Packer defense has to pick it up. Score one for the big fat guys. Two years ago who would have guessed 400 pounder Grady Jackson would still be playing at a high level? Not resigned until July, he still don't get no respect. And he takes it out on us by sacking Rodgers the first play of the game. Remember how he always had something extra vs. the Saints? Can you imagine having Pickett and Grady Jackson?
The Packers have to get some pressure on the Falcon QB. Packers have zero sacks. The rookie Ryan is 13 of 18 for 154 yards. And they have to stop the run which they weren't able to do in the first half.
Nine carries for 33 yards on the ground by Grant / Jackson. So the Packers will have to turn things around in multiple aspects of the game to come back. Attacking the Falcon secondary holds some promise.
Packer defense has to pick it up. Score one for the big fat guys. Two years ago who would have guessed 400 pounder Grady Jackson would still be playing at a high level? Not resigned until July, he still don't get no respect. And he takes it out on us by sacking Rodgers the first play of the game. Remember how he always had something extra vs. the Saints? Can you imagine having Pickett and Grady Jackson?
The Packers have to get some pressure on the Falcon QB. Packers have zero sacks. The rookie Ryan is 13 of 18 for 154 yards. And they have to stop the run which they weren't able to do in the first half.
Nine carries for 33 yards on the ground by Grant / Jackson. So the Packers will have to turn things around in multiple aspects of the game to come back. Attacking the Falcon secondary holds some promise.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Pathetic vs. Tampa
Ryan Grant = 15 carries for 20 yards
Graham / Dunn = 36 carries for 174 yards
Intolerable! The offensive line stinks. The Pride of the Packers should be their offensive line!
Graham / Dunn = 36 carries for 174 yards
Intolerable! The offensive line stinks. The Pride of the Packers should be their offensive line!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Bears Fans
There are two Bears fans I talk football with. Both are good students of the game and have interesting opinions. First there is "Steve the Hotdog" guy. His family owns a classic Chicago style hotdog / Italian beef joint near my office. He's a huge sports fan and a bit of a NFL gambler.
After the Bears lost to Tampa Bay in overtime he cancelled himself off the waiting list for Bears tickets. He was a big Brian Griese fan when the Bears had him. He has been a critic of Rex Grossman even during their Super Bowl season in 2005. He didn't have much to say this week even when I asked him for his scouting report. I think he'd prefer to talk about the Cubs right now.
Then there is Jonathan the Chicago-sized Janitor. Jonathan played defensive tackle in high school and has the knees and weight problem for his effort. He has a good football mind and has a good eye for line play. He noted that Charles Tillman got some blame for a critcal late game penalty, but it was a team loss. Check the Bears' grades in the Chicago Sun-Times here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1177361,CST-SPT-grades22.article
Def. backs
D Charles Tillman's day said it all: a key forced fumble and 11 tackles but an inexcusable penalty that paved the way for defeat.
I didn't watch this game, but the Bears need to beat the Eagles this weekend to avoid a 1-3 start. The Eagles almost beat the Giants so the Bears could be on the ropes early. Will the Bucs be as pass happy against the Packers without Al Harris?
Update: For more information on the Tillman vs. Trueblood fight check here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1178693,bowen092208.article
It looks like the Packers can expect a "chippy" Tampa team.
After the Bears lost to Tampa Bay in overtime he cancelled himself off the waiting list for Bears tickets. He was a big Brian Griese fan when the Bears had him. He has been a critic of Rex Grossman even during their Super Bowl season in 2005. He didn't have much to say this week even when I asked him for his scouting report. I think he'd prefer to talk about the Cubs right now.
Then there is Jonathan the Chicago-sized Janitor. Jonathan played defensive tackle in high school and has the knees and weight problem for his effort. He has a good football mind and has a good eye for line play. He noted that Charles Tillman got some blame for a critcal late game penalty, but it was a team loss. Check the Bears' grades in the Chicago Sun-Times here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1177361,CST-SPT-grades22.article
Def. backs
D Charles Tillman's day said it all: a key forced fumble and 11 tackles but an inexcusable penalty that paved the way for defeat.
I didn't watch this game, but the Bears need to beat the Eagles this weekend to avoid a 1-3 start. The Eagles almost beat the Giants so the Bears could be on the ropes early. Will the Bucs be as pass happy against the Packers without Al Harris?
Update: For more information on the Tillman vs. Trueblood fight check here:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1178693,bowen092208.article
It looks like the Packers can expect a "chippy" Tampa team.
Guest Column!
Feeling Conflicted Over the 2008 Packers? You Aren’t Alone!
by Kate of Southeast Wisconsin
August 2008
I love Brett Favre, and I still love the Packers. I just don't love the current Packer administration. I remember when Favre just started. My brother use to just swear at the TV when Brett threw a wild pass while trying to make something happen. That man has heart, heart for the game and for the people of Wisconsin. What’s not to love?
My favorite picture of Brett will always be at the SB when he was running with his helmet off after we scored. He looked like a kid having the time of his life. Last year someone gave me that picture for Christmas. It was the best present ever. I will cherish it always. I look at it and it takes me back to that very moment. I cried for him when his dad passed and will never forget that game. He came out on the field and did it for his dad. Who does that? Only Brett Favre.
It is easily to understand why he left. After a MVP kind of season how could he not be wanted by the GM and coaching staff? How could so many Packer fans so quickly turn against a once-in-a-lifetime iconic Packer? How many time have Favre and the Packers won the division? I don't understand what is wrong with these people.
I was never upset about the Packers’ loss to the Giants last January. If the Pack lost to anyone, I am glad it was the eventual champs. I wanted just as badly as anyone to return to the SB against the Pats. But it didn't happen, and I was not even depressed this time. I was so thankful we went as far as we did with that young team, and I was proud of Brett for leading so well and coming so very close. Who would have thought back then we would be here now watching “Brett the Jet” eight months later?
What boggles my mind is how Thompson and McCarthy could make such an obvious mistake. I believe if they felt this way by the end of last season, then they deliberately did not make Favre feel welcome to come back and play this year. And I believe they pushed for his answer knowing that he would have needed more time. They knew Brett well enough and took advantage of that. Their first mistake was thinking he would just say “screw it” if he changed his mind and stay retired. How could they forget how much Favre loves playing football?
I actually found myself torn during the Denver preseason game. Part of me sort of wanted Rodgers to play poorly just to spite Ted Thompson, local anti-Favre sports journalists, and spoiled and even hateful fans that are happy to be rid of one of the greatest Packers of all time. But I also want the Packers to play well. I’ve never been so conflicted about the Packers. I missed the drive and desire that I had in years like 2003 and 2007. I enjoyed watching Driver and some of the others including the rookies to see which ones had the most potential. But unconditional support wasn’t there, and I really miss that. But now I have two teams to follow and cheer for! It will be a big change this year, and one that may take some getting use to.
by Kate of Southeast Wisconsin
August 2008
I love Brett Favre, and I still love the Packers. I just don't love the current Packer administration. I remember when Favre just started. My brother use to just swear at the TV when Brett threw a wild pass while trying to make something happen. That man has heart, heart for the game and for the people of Wisconsin. What’s not to love?
My favorite picture of Brett will always be at the SB when he was running with his helmet off after we scored. He looked like a kid having the time of his life. Last year someone gave me that picture for Christmas. It was the best present ever. I will cherish it always. I look at it and it takes me back to that very moment. I cried for him when his dad passed and will never forget that game. He came out on the field and did it for his dad. Who does that? Only Brett Favre.
It is easily to understand why he left. After a MVP kind of season how could he not be wanted by the GM and coaching staff? How could so many Packer fans so quickly turn against a once-in-a-lifetime iconic Packer? How many time have Favre and the Packers won the division? I don't understand what is wrong with these people.
I was never upset about the Packers’ loss to the Giants last January. If the Pack lost to anyone, I am glad it was the eventual champs. I wanted just as badly as anyone to return to the SB against the Pats. But it didn't happen, and I was not even depressed this time. I was so thankful we went as far as we did with that young team, and I was proud of Brett for leading so well and coming so very close. Who would have thought back then we would be here now watching “Brett the Jet” eight months later?
What boggles my mind is how Thompson and McCarthy could make such an obvious mistake. I believe if they felt this way by the end of last season, then they deliberately did not make Favre feel welcome to come back and play this year. And I believe they pushed for his answer knowing that he would have needed more time. They knew Brett well enough and took advantage of that. Their first mistake was thinking he would just say “screw it” if he changed his mind and stay retired. How could they forget how much Favre loves playing football?
I actually found myself torn during the Denver preseason game. Part of me sort of wanted Rodgers to play poorly just to spite Ted Thompson, local anti-Favre sports journalists, and spoiled and even hateful fans that are happy to be rid of one of the greatest Packers of all time. But I also want the Packers to play well. I’ve never been so conflicted about the Packers. I missed the drive and desire that I had in years like 2003 and 2007. I enjoyed watching Driver and some of the others including the rookies to see which ones had the most potential. But unconditional support wasn’t there, and I really miss that. But now I have two teams to follow and cheer for! It will be a big change this year, and one that may take some getting use to.
Silver Linings and Looming Clouds
McCarthy did two things I like. He took a chance playing LB Brandon Chillar instead of Brady Poppinga. Jason Witten caught 7 for 67 yards, but didn't kill us. They took T.O. out of the game. And the Packers pressured Romo. With three sacks and two intentional grounding penalties.
It was a loss to be sure, but the Packers did some thing right. The second long pass to Miles Austin was the "dagger" and that's Tramon Williams. It was 3rd & 20. Tramon is going to play a lot now with Harris hurt. Brian Griese is without his #1 WR Joey Galloway so Williams will play against against reserve veteran WRs Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard, and Maurice Stovall. Clayton had 5 catches last week and Hilliard had 6, so they do get the ball. Last week Griese put the ball up 67 times against the Bears so Tramon will have his chances. I have a little more confidence in Williams than Bush or Blackmon, but not much at this point.
It was a loss to be sure, but the Packers did some thing right. The second long pass to Miles Austin was the "dagger" and that's Tramon Williams. It was 3rd & 20. Tramon is going to play a lot now with Harris hurt. Brian Griese is without his #1 WR Joey Galloway so Williams will play against against reserve veteran WRs Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard, and Maurice Stovall. Clayton had 5 catches last week and Hilliard had 6, so they do get the ball. Last week Griese put the ball up 67 times against the Bears so Tramon will have his chances. I have a little more confidence in Williams than Bush or Blackmon, but not much at this point.
Cowboys 27 - Packers 16
Pretty much what I expected - and in is at least comforting that I know this team. Except for Aaron Rodgers who has exceeded expectations to this point. Rodgers wasn't great, but that was a tough third game and few are pointing blame in his direction.
Cowboys rushed for 217 yards on 35 carries for 6.2 per carry. On the ground the Packers were better than against the Giants netting 84 yards in 21 carries for a 4.0 average. Against Dallas last year, the Packers netted 124 yards on 19 carries for 5.8 ypc Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD.
There were no breakaways this year. Grant got stripped on his second carry after a nice gain. Fans came to their feet and the D held Dallas to 3 yards. So there was some fighting spirit at least both on and off the field. Rodgers put the ball up 39 times without a pick and came up with 21 receptions for 290 yards. And he lived to tell the tale getting sacked 5 times. He's going to have to work on getting rid of the ball, and hopefully he'll do that before he gets crunched. There were two untouched rushers at Rodgers I think.
Dallas pulled away after the Packers failed to covert Donald Driver's 50 yard catch & run. The Packers had advanced to the Dallas 8 yard line. Grant runs for 2 and Rodgers is sacked for -1 and -7 yards. The FG brought the score to Dallas 13 Packers 9, but then it was time for Marion Barber and some guy named Miles Austin to finish off the fighting Packer defense.
I made a point about writing about the Packers' DL in my last post. I think Cullen Jenkins played better than expected in his tough assignment vs. Flozell Adams. McGinn singles him out as the best lineman in his grades. He correctly notes that Dallas guard Leonard Davis had Ryan Pickett on the ground alot and that this was the first that has ever happened to Pickett in a Packer uniform. Now Leonard was a second round pick of the Cardinals in 2001. I guess he
Listen to Wayne and Larry describe the seal block Jason Whitten put on Mike Montgomery to spring Felix Jones. There is an example of a guy who needs to start making an impact. Aaron Rouse is another. And now with Al Harris injured we will see Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, and Patrick Lee. Anybody here wanna play football like Charles Woodson? Right off the STATS news wire:
Mar. 4 3:03 PM PT4:03 PM MT5:03 PM CT6:03 PM ET-The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with free agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis on a seven-year contract worth nearly $50 million, a story posted on the team's official Web site reported Sunday. The team had not yet announced the deal.
Analysis: Davis, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Texas, spent his first six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He played guard for the first four seasons and switched to left tackle in 2004. He started 91 games for the Cardinals, including all 16 last season, but never became the overpowering Pro Bowl-level player the team envisioned.
I guess some big money free agents do work out. Given the troubles we had at guard last year that persist into this year, such a signing should be judiciously considered. Perhaps though given the uncertainty at QB and the unpredictable fall-out it was sensible to keep that power dry? You only get to "take a shot" at a big-$ FA every few years. But it sure is hard to read about "An old-fashioned whuppin'" as McGinn correctly labelled it while we sort out the Barbies and Sittons.
In free agency, you never know when a game changing player is a good fit and wants to be a Packer. If there is not the cap space when it is REALLY needed, it can be devastating to a franchise. But let's take not that a dominating guard and a couple of really good RBs played a major role in this loss.
Finally, the Packers kick return units did nothing while the coverage units were effective. I was hoping for a lift from the return unit. So while it was a hard fought game, you could give the Cowboys the edge on offense, defense, and a draw on special teams. Yet it was still competitive, and that was by no means assured going into this game. This loss will be more palatable if the Packers can win in Tampa after their 'whuppin'". Those drunks on that pirate ships are annoying when the Packers a losing ; )
Cowboys rushed for 217 yards on 35 carries for 6.2 per carry. On the ground the Packers were better than against the Giants netting 84 yards in 21 carries for a 4.0 average. Against Dallas last year, the Packers netted 124 yards on 19 carries for 5.8 ypc Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD.
There were no breakaways this year. Grant got stripped on his second carry after a nice gain. Fans came to their feet and the D held Dallas to 3 yards. So there was some fighting spirit at least both on and off the field. Rodgers put the ball up 39 times without a pick and came up with 21 receptions for 290 yards. And he lived to tell the tale getting sacked 5 times. He's going to have to work on getting rid of the ball, and hopefully he'll do that before he gets crunched. There were two untouched rushers at Rodgers I think.
Dallas pulled away after the Packers failed to covert Donald Driver's 50 yard catch & run. The Packers had advanced to the Dallas 8 yard line. Grant runs for 2 and Rodgers is sacked for -1 and -7 yards. The FG brought the score to Dallas 13 Packers 9, but then it was time for Marion Barber and some guy named Miles Austin to finish off the fighting Packer defense.
I made a point about writing about the Packers' DL in my last post. I think Cullen Jenkins played better than expected in his tough assignment vs. Flozell Adams. McGinn singles him out as the best lineman in his grades. He correctly notes that Dallas guard Leonard Davis had Ryan Pickett on the ground alot and that this was the first that has ever happened to Pickett in a Packer uniform. Now Leonard was a second round pick of the Cardinals in 2001. I guess he
Listen to Wayne and Larry describe the seal block Jason Whitten put on Mike Montgomery to spring Felix Jones. There is an example of a guy who needs to start making an impact. Aaron Rouse is another. And now with Al Harris injured we will see Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, and Patrick Lee. Anybody here wanna play football like Charles Woodson? Right off the STATS news wire:
Mar. 4 3:03 PM PT4:03 PM MT5:03 PM CT6:03 PM ET-The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with free agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis on a seven-year contract worth nearly $50 million, a story posted on the team's official Web site reported Sunday. The team had not yet announced the deal.
Analysis: Davis, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Texas, spent his first six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He played guard for the first four seasons and switched to left tackle in 2004. He started 91 games for the Cardinals, including all 16 last season, but never became the overpowering Pro Bowl-level player the team envisioned.
I guess some big money free agents do work out. Given the troubles we had at guard last year that persist into this year, such a signing should be judiciously considered. Perhaps though given the uncertainty at QB and the unpredictable fall-out it was sensible to keep that power dry? You only get to "take a shot" at a big-$ FA every few years. But it sure is hard to read about "An old-fashioned whuppin'" as McGinn correctly labelled it while we sort out the Barbies and Sittons.
In free agency, you never know when a game changing player is a good fit and wants to be a Packer. If there is not the cap space when it is REALLY needed, it can be devastating to a franchise. But let's take not that a dominating guard and a couple of really good RBs played a major role in this loss.
Finally, the Packers kick return units did nothing while the coverage units were effective. I was hoping for a lift from the return unit. So while it was a hard fought game, you could give the Cowboys the edge on offense, defense, and a draw on special teams. Yet it was still competitive, and that was by no means assured going into this game. This loss will be more palatable if the Packers can win in Tampa after their 'whuppin'". Those drunks on that pirate ships are annoying when the Packers a losing ; )
Friday, September 19, 2008
2003 vs. 2008 Packers-Cowboys
We are two days from the Cowboys vs. Packers at Lambeau. This will be the 2008 Packers first big test against an elite NFL team. Same guys as last year just a year older save Favre. Last year Aaron Rodgers led a minor comeback in a game where the swarming Cowboy defense knocked Brett Favre out of the game. This was also the game Rodgers broke his foot running out of a collapsing pocket.
Aaron Rodgers deserves high praise for his play and poise this season. Yet I don't think he will be able to cover up the mismatches on the line of scrimage. The Cowboys will control the line on both sides of the ball. One hopes that the Badboys of Dallas won't win a decisive physical victory over this zone blocking offense and the speedy flowing defense of the Packers.
At least this game won't be played in -1 degree conditions, so the Packers speed and finesse should count for something. People can say what they want about the 2003 Packers and Mike Sherman. The Cowboys and the Packers seemed to be on a collision course that year, but the Packers lost to the Eagles and the Cowboys lost to the Panthers.
If the two had met, that Packer offensive line and Ahman Green would have given the 3rd ranked against the run Cowboy defense something chew on. The 2003 Cowboy offense was lead by Quincy Carter, Terry Glenn, and Troy Hambrick. Last year Dallas was 9th ranked in run defense, yet no one has any illusions that the Packers are going to run on the Cowboys consistently. It took me a while to find a link to the Cowboys 2003 depth chart, but recall their stout defense:
http://www.dallascowboysfanclub.com/depth_chart_2003.htm
The best we can seemingly hope for this Sunday is another cut-back breakout run like Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD last year. Grant's next longest run was for 7 yards. Take away the 62 yarder and we are left with 32 yards on 13 carries - pretty much like the Giants playoff game.
As much as I am glad Aaron Rodger seems to be a worth successor to Brett Favre and as much as I love this phenomenal corp of wide receivers the Packers have, I hate to see the Packers stuffed. Dallas has stuck to it's big line philosophy since the days of the Ice Bowl. The Packers are now an catch and run shredding machine on offense and a young, fast, and smart defense. Rodgers may have returned Bart Starr's legendary QB sneak to the Packers playbook, but that was never the essence of traditional Packer football or it's more modern decedent, Mike Sherman's Power-Gap Offense.
Both Mike Sherman and now Ted Thompson left the line of scrimage to the Dallas. Donnell Washington, Steve Warren, and Kenny Peterson are analogous to Justin Harrell and Johnny Jolly. I'm cheering for Jolly, Colin Cole, and Cullen Jenkins to match up. I'm hoping for smart and deadly blitzing. Aaron Kampman deserves some help. But so far the Justin Harrell gambit has no help and we are again left short on beef against the Cowboys.
One lens to view the 2003 Packers and Cowboys is the Pro Bowl sections from each team. The Packers selected were Javon Walker, Marco Rivera, Ahman Green, and William Henderson. The Cowboys sent Larry Allen, Jason Witten, LaRoi Glover, and Roy Williams. After getting a face full of popcorn from T.O. last year, there is little reason to expect improvement save some miracle from a injured Ryan Grant and the iffy Packer O-line. I don't think they will get the chance. McCarthy will try to substitute short passes for runs. As is commonly said these days, "good luck with that".
Aaron Rodgers deserves high praise for his play and poise this season. Yet I don't think he will be able to cover up the mismatches on the line of scrimage. The Cowboys will control the line on both sides of the ball. One hopes that the Badboys of Dallas won't win a decisive physical victory over this zone blocking offense and the speedy flowing defense of the Packers.
At least this game won't be played in -1 degree conditions, so the Packers speed and finesse should count for something. People can say what they want about the 2003 Packers and Mike Sherman. The Cowboys and the Packers seemed to be on a collision course that year, but the Packers lost to the Eagles and the Cowboys lost to the Panthers.
If the two had met, that Packer offensive line and Ahman Green would have given the 3rd ranked against the run Cowboy defense something chew on. The 2003 Cowboy offense was lead by Quincy Carter, Terry Glenn, and Troy Hambrick. Last year Dallas was 9th ranked in run defense, yet no one has any illusions that the Packers are going to run on the Cowboys consistently. It took me a while to find a link to the Cowboys 2003 depth chart, but recall their stout defense:
http://www.dallascowboysfanclub.com/depth_chart_2003.htm
The best we can seemingly hope for this Sunday is another cut-back breakout run like Ryan Grant's 62 yard TD last year. Grant's next longest run was for 7 yards. Take away the 62 yarder and we are left with 32 yards on 13 carries - pretty much like the Giants playoff game.
As much as I am glad Aaron Rodger seems to be a worth successor to Brett Favre and as much as I love this phenomenal corp of wide receivers the Packers have, I hate to see the Packers stuffed. Dallas has stuck to it's big line philosophy since the days of the Ice Bowl. The Packers are now an catch and run shredding machine on offense and a young, fast, and smart defense. Rodgers may have returned Bart Starr's legendary QB sneak to the Packers playbook, but that was never the essence of traditional Packer football or it's more modern decedent, Mike Sherman's Power-Gap Offense.
Both Mike Sherman and now Ted Thompson left the line of scrimage to the Dallas. Donnell Washington, Steve Warren, and Kenny Peterson are analogous to Justin Harrell and Johnny Jolly. I'm cheering for Jolly, Colin Cole, and Cullen Jenkins to match up. I'm hoping for smart and deadly blitzing. Aaron Kampman deserves some help. But so far the Justin Harrell gambit has no help and we are again left short on beef against the Cowboys.
One lens to view the 2003 Packers and Cowboys is the Pro Bowl sections from each team. The Packers selected were Javon Walker, Marco Rivera, Ahman Green, and William Henderson. The Cowboys sent Larry Allen, Jason Witten, LaRoi Glover, and Roy Williams. After getting a face full of popcorn from T.O. last year, there is little reason to expect improvement save some miracle from a injured Ryan Grant and the iffy Packer O-line. I don't think they will get the chance. McCarthy will try to substitute short passes for runs. As is commonly said these days, "good luck with that".
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Labor Day Weekend Cuts
Sunday, August 31, 2008
by James Knell
Total Amateur Packer Analyst
Labor Day Weekend Cuts
I’ve got to admit there are a few times a year I get the urge to play “Packer Analyst” and Labor Day weekend tends to be one of them. So a few comments on the Packers cut-down, practice squad signings, and lack of waiver claims are in order.
Defensive Tackles and Player Development:
Greg Bedard wrote an article last fall that pointed to the Bates defense putting a lot of stress on DTs and resulting in a higher rate of injury. McGinn's piece on the cuts today quotes an unnamed scout as saying, "There's none to be had. Everybody is looking for those guys."
These are NOT the kinds of decision that generally build dynasties. Acquiring elite players does that, but developing adequate back ups doesn't hurt the cause. Terdell Sands was a Packer in 2003, but they let him go. Last year he started 11 games for the bad Raider's defense so he is probably good enough to be the #4 DT. At the same time the Packers carried OT Orrin Thompson for those 3 years only to release him yesterday.
Preseason player development has been spotty at other positions. Sitton at guard but now he’s injured. Williams at CB… maybe. LB’s Bishop and Hodge are getting good reviews, but the defense looked unstoppable and deep last preseason.
Increasing Cullen Jenkins number of snaps is a bad idea. When he's not banged up Jenkins can be a force. With the KGB injury, you can already see this drift happening. That no one was deemed worthy of the #4 DT slot is ominous.
Why let Corey Williams go if Harrell, Jolly, and Cole are both coming off injuries and you are not sure that Daniel Muir would progress and make the team? Muir was picked up by the Colts immediately. Let’s remember Muir beat out Kenny Peterson who we just saw starting for the bad Denver defense. I figured Ted Thompson knew what he was doing but…
Long Snappers: Only noticed during disasters
Also, there is no excuse for the Packers to play the Vikings without a LS specialist. TT tries to get by with a non-specialist and something goes wrong, people should take note. Who remembers former Badger Jeff Dellenbach handling LS in the Super Bowl years? Did the Packers have a LS specialist before that or was it the center?
CCF adds: Speaking of LS disasters, we had a guard back in 80's Buddy Aydelette, who in '80 was a LS. He gift wrapped 9 points to Pittsburgh in a 22-20 loss to the Steelers. Charlie Ane did some LS for the Pack in those years, too. McCarren didn't do much LS in his day.
News Update: As if we needed a reminder from the name of the new LS, Brett Goode. Yes Bret was very, very good, lol. At least there may be life beyond Rob Davis. The era of the specialist has not been turned back in Green Bay. I have no idea if Wells or Spitz have ever long snapped anyway, but I'm relieved that I won't be finding out. Goode was in the Jacksonville training camp the last two years and was a LS all during his college career at Arkansas, so at least he's not new to the trade.
Special Teams: The Third Dimension
Did you catch the Tracy White quote in McGinn’s 8/30 article “Packer Cut Backs”:
[Currently, the roster contains seven linebackers, but veteran Tracy White understands that he might be waived to make room for the long snapper.
"I'm here but I'm not here," White said. "Ted Thompson called me and said I'm part of the team, whatever. They were telling me different things. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. Monday will probably tell it all."]
I guess there is a real bond of trust there and some good communication, lol.
With the run offense and the run defense suspect, the Packers could get lift on Special Teams if they keep guys like Bishop and Tracy White and a few of the other good ones.
For what it’s worth, I think there is room on most rosters for a LS and a “special teams demon” or two. The Demon, is generally not a wedge-buster. They are fast, know when to go for the ball and when to tackle, and sometimes can do both at the same time. The Demon has a focus on the nuances of punt and kick coverage including technique and rules. If they are versatile they are good open field blockers on kick and punt return teams also, but that seems to be rare. So the Demon is generally a coverage specialist.
I recall the Packers lost wedge-buster / guard Tony Palmer early last season to a neck injury. He was on the released on April 25, 2008. He is the only Packer I can recall ever being singled out for being a good WB or even identified as “the wedge buster”. Please tell me if there are others that you know about. I haven’t been able to tell who took over for Palmer last year or who has been the WB this preseason. It is regrettable that Tony Palmer couldn’t make it back – he was fearless.
Right now I am pulling for Tracy White and Desmond Bishop, when you have the choice between back-ups, screw-ups, and projects and guys who can affect the game go with the Demons.
-end-
by James Knell
Total Amateur Packer Analyst
Labor Day Weekend Cuts
I’ve got to admit there are a few times a year I get the urge to play “Packer Analyst” and Labor Day weekend tends to be one of them. So a few comments on the Packers cut-down, practice squad signings, and lack of waiver claims are in order.
Defensive Tackles and Player Development:
Greg Bedard wrote an article last fall that pointed to the Bates defense putting a lot of stress on DTs and resulting in a higher rate of injury. McGinn's piece on the cuts today quotes an unnamed scout as saying, "There's none to be had. Everybody is looking for those guys."
These are NOT the kinds of decision that generally build dynasties. Acquiring elite players does that, but developing adequate back ups doesn't hurt the cause. Terdell Sands was a Packer in 2003, but they let him go. Last year he started 11 games for the bad Raider's defense so he is probably good enough to be the #4 DT. At the same time the Packers carried OT Orrin Thompson for those 3 years only to release him yesterday.
Preseason player development has been spotty at other positions. Sitton at guard but now he’s injured. Williams at CB… maybe. LB’s Bishop and Hodge are getting good reviews, but the defense looked unstoppable and deep last preseason.
Increasing Cullen Jenkins number of snaps is a bad idea. When he's not banged up Jenkins can be a force. With the KGB injury, you can already see this drift happening. That no one was deemed worthy of the #4 DT slot is ominous.
Why let Corey Williams go if Harrell, Jolly, and Cole are both coming off injuries and you are not sure that Daniel Muir would progress and make the team? Muir was picked up by the Colts immediately. Let’s remember Muir beat out Kenny Peterson who we just saw starting for the bad Denver defense. I figured Ted Thompson knew what he was doing but…
Long Snappers: Only noticed during disasters
Also, there is no excuse for the Packers to play the Vikings without a LS specialist. TT tries to get by with a non-specialist and something goes wrong, people should take note. Who remembers former Badger Jeff Dellenbach handling LS in the Super Bowl years? Did the Packers have a LS specialist before that or was it the center?
CCF adds: Speaking of LS disasters, we had a guard back in 80's Buddy Aydelette, who in '80 was a LS. He gift wrapped 9 points to Pittsburgh in a 22-20 loss to the Steelers. Charlie Ane did some LS for the Pack in those years, too. McCarren didn't do much LS in his day.
News Update: As if we needed a reminder from the name of the new LS, Brett Goode. Yes Bret was very, very good, lol. At least there may be life beyond Rob Davis. The era of the specialist has not been turned back in Green Bay. I have no idea if Wells or Spitz have ever long snapped anyway, but I'm relieved that I won't be finding out. Goode was in the Jacksonville training camp the last two years and was a LS all during his college career at Arkansas, so at least he's not new to the trade.
Special Teams: The Third Dimension
Did you catch the Tracy White quote in McGinn’s 8/30 article “Packer Cut Backs”:
[Currently, the roster contains seven linebackers, but veteran Tracy White understands that he might be waived to make room for the long snapper.
"I'm here but I'm not here," White said. "Ted Thompson called me and said I'm part of the team, whatever. They were telling me different things. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. Monday will probably tell it all."]
I guess there is a real bond of trust there and some good communication, lol.
With the run offense and the run defense suspect, the Packers could get lift on Special Teams if they keep guys like Bishop and Tracy White and a few of the other good ones.
For what it’s worth, I think there is room on most rosters for a LS and a “special teams demon” or two. The Demon, is generally not a wedge-buster. They are fast, know when to go for the ball and when to tackle, and sometimes can do both at the same time. The Demon has a focus on the nuances of punt and kick coverage including technique and rules. If they are versatile they are good open field blockers on kick and punt return teams also, but that seems to be rare. So the Demon is generally a coverage specialist.
I recall the Packers lost wedge-buster / guard Tony Palmer early last season to a neck injury. He was on the released on April 25, 2008. He is the only Packer I can recall ever being singled out for being a good WB or even identified as “the wedge buster”. Please tell me if there are others that you know about. I haven’t been able to tell who took over for Palmer last year or who has been the WB this preseason. It is regrettable that Tony Palmer couldn’t make it back – he was fearless.
Right now I am pulling for Tracy White and Desmond Bishop, when you have the choice between back-ups, screw-ups, and projects and guys who can affect the game go with the Demons.
-end-
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