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.
Monday, October 27, 2008
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.
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