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.
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