Sunday, September 27, 2009
Driver Watch
With his 4 catches for 95 yards, Donald Drive is now 5 catches from breaking Sterling Sharpe's record for most career receptions as a Packer. Go Donald! I hope the NFL will allow a brief stoppage of play to acknowledge this team milestone if it happens at Lambeau.
Saying Dumb Stuff About Favre...
I was too lazy to immediately turn off WTMJ after the Packers O.T. I was treated to the remark by James T. Harris that he hopes the Packers end Favre's streak. This would mean injuring him badly enough for him to miss the next game.
To be fair, Harris also said he enjoyed watching Favre lead the Vikings' final drive today. Harris seems like an affable guy, but while injuries are part of football it's never been very classy to hope for them. Wouldn't be just enough to win?
Given his poor protection and willingness to take hits, Aaron Rodgers seems like the more likely to leave a game with injury this year. As a German colleague once told me, "don't call the devil".
In my entire career as a Packer fan, I think I have only wished ill on one player. That was Bruce Clark a defensive lineman who the Packers drafted in the first round who flat out refused to play in Green Bay. I was a teenager at the time and in 1980 the Packers had been down on their luck for 10 years. It was the ultimate insult. I wished injury on him, but then I thought about it just didn't seem right. So I wished him a short and unremarkable career. He had a few good years with the Saints and then faded away.
It was only with the arrival of Ron Wolf, Mike Holmgren, and Reggie White that I realized it was probably the Packers' fault. They never should have drafted a guy who didn't want to play for them. Teams need to do their research.
To be fair, Harris also said he enjoyed watching Favre lead the Vikings' final drive today. Harris seems like an affable guy, but while injuries are part of football it's never been very classy to hope for them. Wouldn't be just enough to win?
Given his poor protection and willingness to take hits, Aaron Rodgers seems like the more likely to leave a game with injury this year. As a German colleague once told me, "don't call the devil".
In my entire career as a Packer fan, I think I have only wished ill on one player. That was Bruce Clark a defensive lineman who the Packers drafted in the first round who flat out refused to play in Green Bay. I was a teenager at the time and in 1980 the Packers had been down on their luck for 10 years. It was the ultimate insult. I wished injury on him, but then I thought about it just didn't seem right. So I wished him a short and unremarkable career. He had a few good years with the Saints and then faded away.
It was only with the arrival of Ron Wolf, Mike Holmgren, and Reggie White that I realized it was probably the Packers' fault. They never should have drafted a guy who didn't want to play for them. Teams need to do their research.
Week 3: Packers 36 Rams 17
Early in the season the saying "a win is a win" is especially true. That's one reason for the high degree of frustration with the loss to the Bengals last weekend. It was a home game against a team the Packers were favored to beat.
Next Monday's grudge match with the Vikings will be for the lead in the NFC North. The game will show which team is better at this stage of the season. With the exception of the Packers turnover differential, I think the Vikings probably have the edge.
It may actually be more important how the Packer OL is playing in the second half of the season. Can Alan Barbre and Josh Sitton actually become assets? But if the Vikings win this one and keep winning, the Packers will be playing for a wildcard slot and have acquired an inferiority complex to the Vikings. That's not a script Packer fans want to see play out.
Next Monday's grudge match with the Vikings will be for the lead in the NFC North. The game will show which team is better at this stage of the season. With the exception of the Packers turnover differential, I think the Vikings probably have the edge.
It may actually be more important how the Packer OL is playing in the second half of the season. Can Alan Barbre and Josh Sitton actually become assets? But if the Vikings win this one and keep winning, the Packers will be playing for a wildcard slot and have acquired an inferiority complex to the Vikings. That's not a script Packer fans want to see play out.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
What's Right With the Pack? Donald Driver!
Donald Driver is nine catches away from breaking Sterling Sharpe's record of 595 career receptions. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
I am lucky to be able to honestly claim to be an early DD fan. I have Cliff Christl to thank because I was an early subscriber to the Journal / Sentinel's Packers Plus membership site. I noted that Driver was a world class high jumper at Alcorn State and had played just two seasons of college football. Jumping is really helpful playing WR so I watched for reports from training camp.
Through Christl the reports camp of "leaping grabs" and "diving catches". My hope was kindled because the Packers needed a talented receiver for Brett Favre. Driver didn't play too much his first two years, but the camp reports kept coming. And then Mike Sherman started using him in 3-WR sets. Everyone knows the rest, but Donald Driver has exceeded expecations until now a milestone of greatness.
I am lucky to be able to honestly claim to be an early DD fan. I have Cliff Christl to thank because I was an early subscriber to the Journal / Sentinel's Packers Plus membership site. I noted that Driver was a world class high jumper at Alcorn State and had played just two seasons of college football. Jumping is really helpful playing WR so I watched for reports from training camp.
Through Christl the reports camp of "leaping grabs" and "diving catches". My hope was kindled because the Packers needed a talented receiver for Brett Favre. Driver didn't play too much his first two years, but the camp reports kept coming. And then Mike Sherman started using him in 3-WR sets. Everyone knows the rest, but Donald Driver has exceeded expecations until now a milestone of greatness.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Upon Further Review...
I've got to admit, like a lot of NFC North fans, I don't keep up with the AFC. The Bengals have definitely improved. Let's hope the Rams still stink because this Packer team needs to get on track and take one away on the road.
In case you missed it, the Bill nabbed this years fifth round pick, James Meredith off the Packers' practice squad when their LT when down with injury. I'm not sure if that means he'll start or even play.
No one in their right mind would make any judgements on a game week two, but a few more clunkers like that one and you can come to some judgements. That was one of the worst Packer offensive line preformances I can remember. I think you have to look back to the pre-Favre era and that's not because Favre always had a great line.
Yes - he's 40. Yes - he'll probably fade down the stretch... but just remember how he plays the position. Some people may NEED to watch him play for the Vikings to get it. Too many simply never will.
In case you missed it, the Bill nabbed this years fifth round pick, James Meredith off the Packers' practice squad when their LT when down with injury. I'm not sure if that means he'll start or even play.
No one in their right mind would make any judgements on a game week two, but a few more clunkers like that one and you can come to some judgements. That was one of the worst Packer offensive line preformances I can remember. I think you have to look back to the pre-Favre era and that's not because Favre always had a great line.
Yes - he's 40. Yes - he'll probably fade down the stretch... but just remember how he plays the position. Some people may NEED to watch him play for the Vikings to get it. Too many simply never will.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Week Two: Bengals 31 Packers 24
Who was that Cedric Benson guy? Are we SURE he was the same one that played for the Bears a few years back and was run out of town? This new and improved Benson seemed to benefit from some good initial blocks from his line.
Aaron Rodgers will be lucky to last the season with the kinds of hits he's taking. I said the same thing early last year, but Brett Favre's about to get the ball out quick and use the recoil from his throw saves him from those kinds of hits. One play in the first half, Rodgers stood there after his release for just half a second and was knocked over the guy on the ground behind him. Favre made a bad line look respectable in 2007.
The situation at OT is terrible. However, there is hope and that the hope is that Josh Sitton will be OK as a starting guard. For all the problems on the line, I'm not hearing about him too much about Sitton, so I'm hoping that's good. I was listening to the TV announcers this game. If I get a chance to listen to Wayne & Larry, I might get a better read on him.
Things were bad before Clifton's injury and only got worse with Colledge getting whipped at LT. What is particular galling is that the Packers weak link has been exposed in both games and cost them this one.
You can talk about run defense, penalties, and poor tackling too. But IMHO, that game is on the OTs and the OC. Don't call 7 step drops when your OTs stink.
Aaron Rodgers will be lucky to last the season with the kinds of hits he's taking. I said the same thing early last year, but Brett Favre's about to get the ball out quick and use the recoil from his throw saves him from those kinds of hits. One play in the first half, Rodgers stood there after his release for just half a second and was knocked over the guy on the ground behind him. Favre made a bad line look respectable in 2007.
The situation at OT is terrible. However, there is hope and that the hope is that Josh Sitton will be OK as a starting guard. For all the problems on the line, I'm not hearing about him too much about Sitton, so I'm hoping that's good. I was listening to the TV announcers this game. If I get a chance to listen to Wayne & Larry, I might get a better read on him.
Things were bad before Clifton's injury and only got worse with Colledge getting whipped at LT. What is particular galling is that the Packers weak link has been exposed in both games and cost them this one.
You can talk about run defense, penalties, and poor tackling too. But IMHO, that game is on the OTs and the OC. Don't call 7 step drops when your OTs stink.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Week One: Bears 15 Packers 21
3 & 1 at the 50 with 1:18 left. Rodgers calls timeout. Comes back locks on Jennings down the left sideline with Vasher in his rearview mirror - TD! Packers win!
The J/S got player of the game right: Cullen Jenkins. As good as Ogunleye played, Cullen Jenkins was also a force against Orlando Pace who is now a stiff.
Great win for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Bears played good enough to win this one. That's a Bears vs. Packers game for ya!
The J/S got player of the game right: Cullen Jenkins. As good as Ogunleye played, Cullen Jenkins was also a force against Orlando Pace who is now a stiff.
Great win for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Bears played good enough to win this one. That's a Bears vs. Packers game for ya!
10-6
I predict the Packers will finish 10-6. I feel like I'm being pessimistic with all this hype based on preseason success. But I do feel last year was not a complete aberration. Everything shrinks down to the Packers red zone offense. So how do I feel about that? Maybe 9-7? With these WRs plus Finley, I'll stick with 10-6. Yes - Aaron Rodgers will have to improve. Yes - I think he will.
Playoff predictions are really a guessing game at this point. But I will venture the sort of improvement that gets you deep into the playoffs will NOT be achieved this year. It could happen, but it's a very competitive league and "the breaks" often count for the margin between good and great.
Playoff predictions are really a guessing game at this point. But I will venture the sort of improvement that gets you deep into the playoffs will NOT be achieved this year. It could happen, but it's a very competitive league and "the breaks" often count for the margin between good and great.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Three Cheers For Ruvell Martin!
Wayne Larrivee's catch-phrase for Ruvell Marin was "all he does is make plays". Martin has lost his roster battle with Brett Swain. I have always been a fan of Martin's. He is no Donald Driver or Greg Jennings, but he brought smart play, tight routes, good blocking, soft hands, and his 6'5 frame to every game. Once or twice I recall him lifting a sputtering offense with a nice size gain downfield. I'm not sure this wasn't a "chemistry mistake".
I can't think of a #4 or #5 receiver that was as reliable as Martin since Don Beebe. Also Martin was one of Aaron Rodgers buddies. One has to worry about TT & MM breaking up the "fab 5" corp of WRs, but one remembers other unpopular cuts, like Mike Holmgren cutting John Jurkovic on the eve of the Super Bowl runs. And who knows, perhaps Swain is the next Donald Driver?
So rather than critique the Packer management, I'll just praise Ruvell Martin's time with the Packers. He had some key catches in 2007. Even McCarthy said it was the hardest cut. Let's hope keeping 3 Full Backs and a 3 TEs counting convero-tight end, Spencer Havner has some upside.
I can't think of a #4 or #5 receiver that was as reliable as Martin since Don Beebe. Also Martin was one of Aaron Rodgers buddies. One has to worry about TT & MM breaking up the "fab 5" corp of WRs, but one remembers other unpopular cuts, like Mike Holmgren cutting John Jurkovic on the eve of the Super Bowl runs. And who knows, perhaps Swain is the next Donald Driver?
So rather than critique the Packer management, I'll just praise Ruvell Martin's time with the Packers. He had some key catches in 2007. Even McCarthy said it was the hardest cut. Let's hope keeping 3 Full Backs and a 3 TEs counting convero-tight end, Spencer Havner has some upside.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Bears Preview
There have been some changes on the Bears OL. RG Frank Omiyalestarted one game for the Panthers before joining the Bears thisoffseason. RT Chris Williams was a second rounder out of Vanderbiltin 2008. He sat out the last 9 games last year with a back problem.Orlando Pace from the Rams was signed as a FA to replace John Tait atLT. LG Roberto Garza and C Olin Kreutz return.
Game to Remember: Last year's thrashing of the Bears at Lambeau onNovember 16, 37-3
Game to Forget: Last year's loss at Soldier's Field on December 22, 20-17.
What I'd do on offense: Finley down the middle. Lots of play action.
What I'd do on defense: Hit the right side of the Bears OL hard.Play lots of nickle and dime. Beware of TEs.
Game to Remember: Last year's thrashing of the Bears at Lambeau onNovember 16, 37-3
Game to Forget: Last year's loss at Soldier's Field on December 22, 20-17.
What I'd do on offense: Finley down the middle. Lots of play action.
What I'd do on defense: Hit the right side of the Bears OL hard.Play lots of nickle and dime. Beware of TEs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
