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?
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