Players » Packer Update

Notes On A Preseason Game

Posted by Michael Rodney at 10:02 am 6 Responses »

Aug 312012

Backup quarterback Graham Harrell played very well versus Kansas City

The title of this post pays homage to Notes On a Scandal - one of the most underrated movies in recent years. Anyway, here are 6 thoughts from the Packers’ 24-3 win over the Chiefs on Thursday night:

1) While cornerback Sam Shields has been playing better as of late, it’s important to realize that most of his success in coverage last night came against a backup QB and backup receivers. He won’t be facing Brady Quinn and Jamar Newsome in the regular season. That said, the third-year player from Miami is definitely playing with more confidence and more physicality - a pair of very encouraging signs.

2) I don’t know if Sean Richardson has the cover skills to be a starter in the National Football League, but I do know he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. Unlike M.D. Jennings and Anthony Levine, the former Vanderbilt star has an upside that’s worth developing. Richardson reminds me of Taylor Mays, another oversized safety with some coverage limitations who’s on the verge of winning a starting job in Cincy.

3) I still don’t think Graham Harrell can win games in the NFL, but he certainly played well against KC. He was helped by good protection and receivers who got terrific separation, but he also stepped into his throws and put the ball where it needed to be. While Harrell was probably safe going into the game, he needed to complete passes and put points on the board in order to secure his roster spot. He did just that.

4) Wide receivers Tori Gurley, Diondre Borel and Jarrett Boykin all made plays last night, but of the three, only Boykin was a consistent presence throughout camp. If the Packers decide to keep a sixth player at the position, the former Virginia Tech star deserves the spot. That said, I’m not sure he’s all that much better than Chastin West, who didn’t make it a year ago and was recently cut by the woeful Jaguars.

5) Jerel Worthy has played ahead of Mike Daniels in the nickel all summer, but that could change in the coming weeks. Both rookies flashed at times as pass rushers, but at this point, Daniels seems to be slightly more consistent. The former Iowa star isn’t as big or as strong as Worthy, but he’s very quick and his motor never stops. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Daniels have the bigger impact this season.

6) Rookie outside linebacker Dezman Moses has gotten plenty of accolades this summer, but Erik Walden has been the better player – and it hasn’t been close. While Moses is an intriguing prospect, he’s simply not ready for prime time just yet. The former Tulane star needs to do a much better job against the run. He lacks discipline. He does not play assignment-sound football or attack gaps at proper angles.

Report: Dolphins Targeting Jones

Posted by Michael Rodney at 5:03 pm 4 Responses »

Aug 302012

The Dolphins are reportedly interested in veteran wide receiver James Jones

According to the Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins are trying to acquire wide receiver James Jones from the Packers.

Miami has been actively pursing receivers in a trade, and Green Bay’s James Jones is one of the players being targeted. Earlier this week Ireland said the second-round pick Miami got for cornerback Vontae Davis and the third-round pick the Dolphins acquired for trading Brandon Marshall to Chicago this offseason is “ammunition” to make something happen.

Rumors involving Jones have been swirling for months, but a deal involving the former San Jose State star would’ve made a lot more sense in the spring. At this point, why would the Packers trade away a proven receiver? Not only is Jones having an excellent training camp, but 37-year-old Donald Driver is running on fumes and youngsters Diondre Borel and Tori Gurley haven’t developed into legitimate NFL players.

As for potential compensation, corner Vontae Davis might’ve made sense, but he was dealt to Indy last week. Miami doesn’t have any other DBs who would substantially upgrade the secondary. And does it make sense for the Packers to trade a key part of their offense for a draft pick – even a third? Probably not. This team wants to win a Super Bowl, and it’s probably going to have to do it without a great defense. That’s why trading away a player who can put points on the scoreboard doesn’t really add up.

Fake Game Has Real Implications

Posted by Michael Rodney at 9:39 am 6 Responses »

Aug 302012

Undrafted rookie offensive lineman Don Barclay is closing in on a roster spot

The Green Bay Packers will conclude the exhibition season tonight against the Chiefs. There’s little reason for the starters to play or for fans to watch. But if you do decide to spend three hours in front of the tube or in the stadium, here are 10 players to keep an eye on. Tonight’s game could be their Super Bowl.

OL DON BARCLAY - The coaching staff seems to think he can function at tackle – even though most scouts projected him solely as an inside player. The more he can do, the better his chances to stick on the final roster.

WR DIONDRE BOREL - Thompson probably doesn’t want to give up on Borel just yet, but the former quarterback is running out of time to prove his worth. He needs to make some plays on offense and/or special teams.

TE BRANDON BOSTICK - Started training camp as the longest of long shots, but he’s made some athletic plays, and just as importantly, he’s been accountable. A spot on the practice squad is a real possibility.

DE LAWRENCE GUY - He’s improved a bit each week, but he’s still no better than seventh or eighth in the pecking order. He’ll need to really stand out if he wants to avoid a trip to the practice squad.

QB GRAHAM HARRELL – His spot on the roster is probably secure, but a poor performance could force GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy to do what they don’t want to do – explore other options.

LB TERRELL MANNING - Thompson very rarely gives up on draft picks this soon, but Manning has been as quiet as a mouse all summer. He needs to make some noise to ensure he’ll still be around on the weekend.

S JERRON McMILLIAN - A mistake-free game should earn him the nickel/dime safety position. A mental mistake or two could open the door for M.D. Jennings to reclaim the job he was handed in the spring.

RB BRANDON SAINE – He needs to force Thompson to either dump projected starter James Starks or carry a fourth running back. He can do that by running hard, catching a few passes and protecting well.

CB SAM SHIELDS - He’s looked better lately, but he’s not close to where he was at the end of the ’10 season. The coaches are looking for a reason to play him over Bush at right corner. He needs to give them one.

OL REGGIE WELLS – With Evan Dietrich-Smith expected to back up at center and both guard positions, Wells needs to prove that he could play tackle in an emergency. He should get that chance tonight.

Packers Have Room For Sherrod

Posted by Michael Rodney at 1:34 pm 1 Response »

Aug 282012

Second-year offensive tackle Derek Sherrod is still on the active roster

The Packers have yet to place Derek Sherrod on the physically unable on perform list, and while it could still happen by the end of the week, it’s beginning to look as if the second-year tackle will start the season on the 53-man roster. And he should. Having the former Mississippi State star available to play – even if not until late September – is more beneficial than carrying an extra body at another position.

There are two reasons why. The first is that there’s no depth behind starters Marshall Newhouse and Bryan Bulaga. Newly signed Reggie Wells is currently the No. 3, but he has about as much chance of lining up at tackle in the regular season as I have of winning America’s Got Talent (I’ve got none). The second is that the Packers aren’t quite as deep as we all thought. I don’t see the necessity to carry a third quarterback, a sixth receiver, a ninth offensive lineman, a seventh defensive lineman, a fourth safety, etc.

The possibility of getting Sherrod back before the seventh game is more important than hanging on to someone like B.J. Coleman or Tori Gurley or Andrew Datko or Phillip Merling or Sean Richardson, etc. After watching the Packers all summer, final cuts aren’t going to be all that difficult. That bodes well for Sherrod’s chances of making the final 53, if of course, he’s going to be healthy enough to play before October.

Counting Down To 53

Posted by Michael Rodney at 6:35 pm 4 Responses »

Aug 272012

Receivers Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel are two of many players on the bubble

The Packers must be down to the league-mandated 53-man roster by Friday afternoon, so let’s take a quick look at how things stand as of now:

QUARTERBACKS (2) – It’s difficult to imagine the Packers keeping three. Heck, you can argue there isn’t a second worth keeping. Rookie B.J. Coleman hasn’t done enough in the preseason to be claimed on waivers, so he should make it to the practice squad. Graham Harrell will likely be the backup unless GM Ted Thompson chooses to replace him from outside the organization. That’s possible, but not very likely.

RUNNING BACKS (5) – It seems silly for a team that doesn’t run the ball to keep five at this position, but it could happen. Cedric Benson and Alex Green look to be secure, and fullback John Kuhn has no real competition. That leaves James Starks and Brandon Saine, and it’s hard to imagine either getting released. Starks is too talented to give up on and Saine is the most reliable pass protector among the running backs.

TIGHT ENDS (4) – Andrew Quarless is still rehabbing his knee and will almost certainly begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He’ll probably knock either Tom Crabtree or Ryan Taylor off the roster upon his return at midseason. Until then, all the veteran tight ends appear safe.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5) – There’s room to keep six, but there’s nobody worth keeping. Neither Diondre Borel nor Tori Gurley stepped up this summer, and Jarrett Boykin will almost certainly make it to the practice squad, where he’ll be available in case of injury. Borel and/or Gurley could also wind up back on the PS.

OFFENSIVE LINE (8) – Evan Dietrich-Smith is the top backup at center and both guard positions and Derek Sherrod will be the No. 3 tackle as soon as he’s fully recovered from last December’s broken leg. Unless Thompson adds a player from another team (a definite possibility), Reggie Wells figures to stick. A spot will open up for one of the undrafted rookies (perhaps Don Barclay) if Sherrod begins the season on PUP.

DEFENSIVE LINE (7) – The top five have pretty much been set for months and versatile Daniel Muir looks to be safe. Former Dolphin bust Philllip Merling hasn’t been overly impressive at defensive end, but he’s been OK. It’s probably worth keeping him around since he’s better suited to stop the run than either of the rookies. Muir and Merling will be vulnerable when Mike Neal returns from suspension in October.

LINEBACKERS (9) – Keeping nine seems a bit excessive, but there’s a lot of talent at this position. Dezman Moses, Jamari Lattimore and Robert Francois have all enjoyed good camps and appear safe. Vets Brad Jones and Vic So’oto and rookie Terrell Manning are on the bubble. I expect two of them to stick – at least until Walden bumps one when he returns from suspension after the first game of the season.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (10) – Tramon Williams, Charles Woodson, Jarrett Bush, Davon House, Casey Hayward, Morgan Burnett and Jerron McMillian are safe, and despite a very shaky camp, Sam Shields should stick. M.D. Jennings isn’t a lock, but I expect him to survive. I think Thompson will keep 10 at this position, so Brandian Ross, Anthony Levine and rookie Sean Richardson are likely competing for one spot.

SPECIALISTS (3) – Kicker Mason Crosby, punter Tim Masthay and long snapper Brett Goode will once again be the specialists. I could be writing that exact same sentence for the next six or seven years.

House Will Wear A Harness

Posted by Michael Rodney at 10:43 am 4 Responses »

Aug 272012

Cornerback Davon House injured his shoulder in the first preseason game

The Packers got some good news on Davon House. Just how good is debatable. The second-year corner, who dislocated his shoulder on Aug. 9, won’t need surgery and is expected to return in a few weeks. Unfortunately, he’ll have to wear a harness for the entire season. That’s a major problem for a corner who likes to get physical with receivers – a problem the former New Mexico State star is well aware of.

“It does suck,” said House. “It does limit the things that you want to do. Lucky for Tramon [Williams], his style of play kind of helped him. He’s a quicker guy than me. His feet are a lot better than mine and he doesn’t really use his arms too much. He can play off really well as well. Whereas with me, I’m more of a man-to-man, hands-on type guy. So it’s going to be a change-up. I’m going to have to be a lot smarter. My footwork will have to be a lot better. There are going to be times where I’ll want to stretch out with this arm and I can’t. So I’m going to have to put myself in better positions with my feet.”

It’s true that Williams’ game is better suited to play with a harness. It’s also true that Williams really struggled with the harness last season. To expect a player as inexperienced as House to function at a reasonably high level with one healthy shoulder is probably unrealistic. That means either Jarrett Bush, Sam Shields or rookie Casey Hayward will be the likely starter at right corner when the season opens in 13 days. It also means one of those players will be the likely starter at right corner when the season ends in the winter. How they play may well determine whether the end of the season comes in January or February.

Could Flynn Return Next Season?

Posted by Michael Rodney at 10:35 pm 3 Responses »

Aug 262012

Former Packer Matt Flynn will open the season as Seattle’s backup quarterback

Pete Carroll just named rookie Russell Wilson the starting quarterback for the Seahawks. That means Matt Flynn will be a backup once again. It also means there’s a chance the former Packer could return to Green Bay in 2013. And while a lot can happen between now and then, it’s something to think about.

If Wilson plays well enough to keep the job all season, the Seahawks will almost certainly look to trade Flynn before next April’s draft. That’s because the former LSU star is scheduled to make $5.25 million in 2013. Considering the only other team (Miami) to show any interest in Flynn during free agency now has its quarterback of the future (Ryan Tannehill), it’s going to be difficult for GM John Schneider to swing a deal. He may have no choice but to release Flynn. And that’s where Green Bay could enter the picture.

Flynn enjoyed his time with the Packers. He had a very strong relationship with Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Tom Clements. If he’s not going to be a starter, he’d probably prefer holding a clipboard in Green Bay than anywhere else. And unless GM Ted Thompson acquires somebody like Colt McCoy in the next few days, chances are he’ll be looking to upgrade from Graham Harrell during the offseason.

Notes On A Preseason Game

Posted by Michael Rodney at 12:04 pm 7 Responses »

Aug 262012

A healthier Tramon Williams looks like an elite cornerback once again

The title of this post pays homage to Notes On a Scandal - one of the most underrated movies in recent years. Anyway, here are 5 thoughts from the Packers’ 27-13 victory over the Bengals on Thursday:

1) Tramon Williams isn’t Darrelle Revis, but he may receive similar treatment from quarterbacks this season. It’s hard to imagine too many balls being thrown Williams’ way when the pickings should be much easier on the opposite side of the field. Regardless, it’s sure nice to see the former Louisiana Tech star healthy again. He was arguably the second-best corner in the league in 2010, but a serious shoulder injury made him look very average last season. With Williams back to form, the Packers will automatically be better against the pass. How much better will depend on what happens at the other corner. The secondary really needs Davon House to return from his own shoulder injury as quickly as possible.

2) I have absolutely no problem with Donald Driver making this football team. He’s had a very solid training camp, and more importantly, none of the young receivers (i.e. Diondre Borel and Tori Gurley) have done enough to replace him on the roster. I do, however, have a major problem with Driver taking snaps away from James Jones and especially Randall Cobb. At the age of 37, Driver struggles to get separation against even the most mediocre defensive backs. And while he still has the ability to find openings in tight spaces, so do Jones and Cobb. The difference is that those two younger players can beat cornerbacks and provide Aaron Rodgers with far more opportunities to complete passes down the field.

3) It only took a handful of carries to see why general manager Ted Thompson chose Cedric Benson over Ryan Grant. Playing against his former team, the newest Packer showed why he hasn’t rushed for less than 1,000 yards since the ’08 season. He’s a big, strong and powerful runner who’s swift afoot for his size and knows how to finish runs. He keeps his knees pumping on contact and can carry tacklers with him for extra yardage. If Benson can secure the football, he’s going to be a huge addition to the offense. Not only is he better than Grant, James Starks and Alex Green, but he’s also more respected by opposing defensive coordinators. That in itself should open things up a little more for the passing game.

4) Marshall Newhouse is too athletic and too intelligent to fail at left tackle, but I don’t think he’s ever going to be better than average at the position. He reminds me a lot of former Eagle and current Colt Winston Justice, another very talented offensive lineman who never took that step from serviceable to good. Newhouse has quick feet, but he still gets beat to the outside. That’s because he’s a bit high-hipped, and even after another year in the weight room, he still has an underdeveloped upper body. The offense set numerous franchise records last season with Newhouse starting 10 games at left tackle, so there’s no reason to panic. But anyone expecting him to be Chad Clifton in his prime will be extremely disappointed.

5) Real estate is all about location, location and location. You can say the same thing about Evan Dietrich-Smith. While the former Idaho State star did OK when playing between Pro Bowl center Scott Wells and Pro Bowl caliber right tackle Bryan Bulaga last season, he’s struggled this summer when flanked by undrafted rookies. It’s as if every one of his physical limitations has been magnified. He really labors to shift his weight and handle quick counters. The good news is that if EDS has to play this season, he’ll be surrounded by quality linemen. The bad news is that a team’s top backup at three positions should probably be able to hold his own regardless of who’s standing to his right and to his left.

Packers Have Problems In Secondary

Posted by Michael Rodney at 2:59 am 8 Responses »

Aug 232012

Veteran Jarrett Bush is still atop the depth chart at right cornerback

The regular season begins for the Green Bay Packers in less than three weeks, and as of right now, special teams star Jarrett Bush will be the starting right cornerback and either M.D. Jennings, Jerron McMillian or Anthony Levine will be the starting safety in sub-packages. That should scare the living hell out of every fan, and it should cause sleepless nights for defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his staff.

As of now, the Packers aren’t as good at either position as they were a year ago, and they were pretty lousy at both positions a year ago. Young Sam Shields regressed badly in his second season at right corner and veteran Charlie Peprah struggled enough against the pass to lose his roster spot late last month.

The Packers have tried desperately to replace Bush since the first week of August, but an injury to Davon House and the uneven play of second round draft pick Casey Hayward has left the seven-year veteran with the ball skills of a blind juggler back atop the depth chart less than three weeks before the opener.

Jennings began camp as a starter in sub-packages, but I was unimpressed after watching him earlier in the month. It’s beginning to look as if the coaches feel the same way. McMillian and Levine have taken quite a few snaps with the starters in recent days, as Capers looks to find an answer opposite Morgan Burnett.

Sometimes a position remains unsettled in late August because all the competitors are playing so well that making a decision is extremely difficult. Unfortunately for Green Bay, that’s not what’s happening at right cornerback and nickel safety. The only reason decisions still haven’t been made is because none of the competitors have played well enough this summer to earn the positions. That’s a big problem.

Benson’s Only Incentive Is To Win

Posted by Michael Rodney at 3:17 am 5 Responses »

Aug 202012

Veteran running back Cedric Benson rushed for 1,067 yards last season

Cedric Benson signed a one-year contract worth the veteran’s minimum ($825,000) earlier in the week. That’s not surprising. A 29-year-old running back with baggage isn’t going to command much coin in today’s NFL. The surprise is that the deal includes no incentives. But after listening to what the former Bengal said the other day, it’s clear GM Ted Thompson wasn’t being cheap, he was simply being smart.

“I definitely have a goal to still rush for 1,000, 1,000-plus, and set up some big numbers,” Benson told FoxSportsWisconsin.com Monday after his first practice in Green Bay. “I understand it’s not a run-first team and the run is not real heavy here, but there’s times where a back gets the ball 25 times (in one game).”

Look, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a player setting high goals for himself, but Benson has about as much chance of getting 25 carries in a game as I have of playing center for the Philadelphia 76ers. And while I’m not sure if Benson will be a good soldier carrying the ball 10 or 12 times a game, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t be a good soldier carrying the ball 10 to 12 times a game with an incentive-laden contract.

With no extra money to be earned, Benson’s biggest incentive this season will be to help the Packers win and perhaps earn a contract for 2013. He won’t accomplish the latter by complaining. You’d have to think he knows that. You’d also have to think that’s exactly why Thompson signed him to that team-friendly deal.

T-Jack Would Be A Good Pickup

Posted by Michael Rodney at 11:24 am 9 Responses »

Aug 182012

Seattle’s Tavaris Jackson would be a major upgrade at backup quarterback

Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy have given no indication that they’re looking to replace Graham Harrell as the team’s backup quarterback, but that isn’t going to stop me from speculating on possible replacements. The pickings are extremely slim, but here are three players who I feel would upgrade the position:

My top choice would be Tavaris Jackson. I know Packer fans will scoff because of his less than stellar work with the Vikings and Seahawks, but he also had less than stellar coaching and less than stellar receivers in Minnesota and Seattle. Get him away from Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell and he might actually have a chance to develop into a pretty decent quarterback. When GM John Schneider decides to trade Jackson – and he will – his former colleagues and longtime buddies in Green Bay figure to get a call.

My second choice would be Colt McCoy. He’s not talented enough to win games with a bad team like Cleveland, but he is talented enough to win games with a good team like Green Bay. While he lacks a big arm, you don’t have to be a scout to see that his passes have more zip on them than the softballs Harrell lobs down the field. McCoy is also smart enough to pick up Green Bay’s system in a hurry. I’m not sure if the Browns are interested in trading him, but if they are, Thompson should get on the phone ASAP.

My third choice would be Pat Devlin. Maybe I’m just being stubborn, but I’ve always liked the former Delaware star who’s now fourth on the depth chart in Miami. I’m not sure he could win if pressed into duty, but he stands as good a chance as Harrell and he has more potential. Working with Joe Philbin is another plus. Devlin has good size and intelligence. He doesn’t have a big arm, but I’m pretty sure he could at least reach the sideline when trying to throw a ball away. He’s probably 50-50 to stick with the Dolphins.

In all honesty, I don’t think it matters which quarterbacks are available because my gut tells me that Thompson and McCarthy are going to stick with Harrell – unless he completely falls apart in the next two games. Both the GM and the coach like to reward their own for hard work, and there’s no denying that Harrell has busted his ass since arriving in Green Bay over two years ago. But then again, both Thompson and McCarthy also like to win. There’s the conundrum. It’ll be interesting to see how they choose to solve it.

Notes On A Preseason Game

Posted by Michael Rodney at 2:12 pm 9 Responses »

Aug 172012

Rookie wide receiver Jarrett Boykin caught 5 passes against Cleveland

The title of this post pays homage to Notes On a Scandal - one of the most underrated movies in recent years (in fact, I should’ve watched it again rather than waste over three hours of my life on whatever that mess was last night). Anyway, here are 5 thoughts from the Packers’ 35-10 loss to Cleveland:

1) Rookie receiver Jarrett Boykin did what neither Diondre Borel nor Tori Gurley has been able to do this summer – he stepped up. The former Virginia Tech star does not have explosive top-end speed, but he has reliable hands, tracks the ball well and can adjust to off-line throws. If any young receiver deserves a spot on the final 53, it’s Boykin. That said, I still expect him to start the season on the practice squad.

2) There’s no question Andrew Datko is getting better. He gave up the inside a few times in the second quarter, but for the most part, he did a solid job at left tackle. If the rookie keeps improving, he should find a spot on the final roster. But he won’t play this season unless there’s an emergency. He needs a year in the weight room before he’s ready to contend with some of the stud pass rushers in the NFC North.

3) It’s still very early, but so far the inside pass rush doesn’t look much better than it did a year ago. Rookie Jerel Worthy has plateaued after a fast start. The former Michigan State star has a really quick first step, but he’s been far more effective in one-on-one drills at Nitchke Field than he’s been in the first two exhibition games. He’s been slow to shed blocks and he needs to use his hands a lot better. It’s a lot of pressure to put on a 22-year-old kid, but the Packers really need him to come through this season.

4) I hate to compare any second-year player with three career starts to five-time Pro Bowler Sam Mills, but I think it’s warranted in the case of D.J. Smith. He’s one of the most instinctive inside linebackers I’ve seen in a long time. He reads his keys fast and is quick to make zone drops. Whether he’s athletic enough to keep up with quality backs and tight ends in coverage remains to be seen, but I wouldn’t bet against it.

5) After watching Jerron McMillian at practice a few weeks ago, I praised the hard-hitting rookie safety. He then proceeded to struggle in the preseason opener in San Diego. But last night against Cleveland, the former Maine star looked like the player I saw earlier this month. He was a physical presence near the line of scrimmage, blowing up a pair of runs in the second quarter. That’s clearly the strength of his game right now, but he has the athletic ability to be a complete safety. It’s just going to take some time.

Pack Needs New Backup Plan At Quarterback

Posted by Michael Rodney at 12:11 am 2 Responses »

Aug 172012

Backup quarterback Graham Harrell has struggled all summer

Get ready to read a bunch of stories from the so-called experts about how the Packers need to find a replacement for No. 2 quarterback Graham Harrell – stories that should’ve been written weeks or even months ago. I’m not going to write that story. Instead, I’m going to cut and paste excerpts from some past posts.

—Free agent Graham Harrell is showing why he wasn’t drafted. He seems like a bright and hard-working young man, but he just doesn’t have much of an arm. It’s difficult to believe GM Ted Thompson won’t be able to find a quarterback with more potential later in the summer. (from 8/4/10)

—I didn’t see what the coaches saw in Graham Harrell last summer and I still don’t see it. His arm is weak and his accuracy is average at best. The lockout is the only argument I can make for keeping him around. At least he knows the system. (from 8/8/11)

—Flynn is hardly a physical specimen, and that’s why I have my doubts about his ability to win consistently in the Great Northwest. That said, after two seasons in the NFL, he was superior to Harrell in just about every area in which a QB is judged. Flynn was tougher to bring down in the pocket and he kept his delivery consistent – both in and out of the pocket. Harrell has decent size (6’2, 215), but he has a narrow frame that isn’t very sturdy and he tends to carry the ball low on the move and sling it sidearm. Neither player has a big arm, but Flynn’s deep outs didn’t die nearly as frequently as Harrell’s, and his accuracy on the deep ball was better. And while it’s hard to judge in practice and preseason games, Harrell doesn’t appear to be a take-charge leader – a trait Flynn exhibited from day one. (from 4/18/12)

—While it’s true that most teams would be in big trouble if their starting quarterback got seriously injured, it’s also true that most teams have a more proven backup than Graham Harrell. Maybe the former Texas Tech star will develop into the next Matt Flynn, but I could see him just as easily performing like Caleb Hanie. In fact, I think that’s a more likely scenario. Harrell is a smart player, but his arm strength is extremely limited. Could the Packers win with him at quarterback? Well, Houston did OK with T.J. Yates at the end of last season. Then again, the Texans also had one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks and a very stout defense that gave up just over 17 points per game. (from 5/22/12)

—He’s an intelligent and gutsy quarterback who’ll need 15 to 20 plays to move the ball 80 yards down the field. That doesn’t happen very often in the National Football League. His arm strength is improved from a year ago, but it’s still below-average. Quarterbacks without a big arm need to be extremely accurate, and Harrell is simply not a pinpoint passer. He misses too many open targets. Could the Packers win games in the regular season with the former Texas Tech star under center? Put it this way, pray to God we never have to find out. (from 8/10/12)

Mike McCarthy and Tom Clements are two of the best quarterback coaches in the National Football League, but they’re not miracle workers. It’s time for GM Ted Thompson to do what he should’ve done a long time ago – find a legitimate backup. I think Thompson held off because he believed what the coaches were telling him about Harrell. It’s time for him to stop listening and to start making some phone calls.

3 Questions For Tonight’s Game

Posted by Michael Rodney at 2:26 pm 4 Responses »

Aug 162012

Safety M.D. Jennings (right) struggled in last week’s preseason opener

The Packers play their second preseason game tonight. Here are 3 questions to ponder while you watch:

1) Can M.D. Jennings be a competent starter at safety in the sub-packages?

The former undrafted free agent from Arkansas State was a great story last summer, but it’s one thing to make a 53-man roster and a whole other thing to play 70 to 80 percent of the defensive snaps for a Super Bowl contender. Jennings didn’t impress me at practice a few weeks ago and he struggled in the preseason opener against San Diego last Thursday night. He’s a pretty good athlete, but he still looks unsure of himself on the field. The “Doctor” may simply need more time to learn to read complex NFL offenses. Unfortunately, he has less than a month before Randy Moss and the rest of the 49ers come to town.

2) Can anyone jump up and grab the potential sixth wide receiver spot?

Diondre Borel (3 receptions for 19 yards) played last week while Tori Gurley nursed an injury. The roles are reversed tonight. Borel is out with a groin, so Gurley now gets his chance to put some distance between the two young wide receivers. The former South Carolina star enjoyed a very strong week of practice, but his work on Ray Nitschke Field has never been an issue. Now it’s time for Gurley to make some big catches against a team in a different colored jersey. Through 12 practices and three weeks of camp, no young receiver has forced his way onto the final roster. Tonight is Gurley’s chance to do just that.

3) Can newly signed veteran offensive lineman Reggie Wells still play?

The Packers best backup offensive lineman is Evan Dietrich-Smith. Enough said. The situation would look a lot better if Wells proves there’s something left in his aging body. I watched him last August at Eagles’ training camp, and he wasn’t overly impressive. The 31-year-old didn’t bend very easily or play with much power. The Packers are working him mostly at the tackle positions, but he’s better suited for guard. That said, when struggling seventh-round pick Andrew Datko and journeyman Herb Taylor are currently sitting third and fourth on the depth chart, it won’t take all that much for Wells to improve the situation.

Solid Thursday For Saturday

Posted by Michael Rodney at 2:40 pm 4 Responses »

Aug 152012

Starting center Jeff Saturday is one of the oldest players in the NFL

There’s a reason former Packer and current Ram Scott Wells will be paid nearly twice as much as Jeff Saturday this season – he’s a better player. But after carefully watching all of Saturday’s snaps from last Thursday’s game against the Chargers, I came away feeling pretty good about Green Bay’s new old center.

In 15 snaps, Saturday held his own against some quality defensive linemen. And truth be told, that’s really all the Packers are expecting. The player who was named a second-team All-Pro in ’09 is but a memory.

That Saturday still had the athleticism and strength to physically get the better of his opponents. This Saturday relies on 14 years worth of experience to get the job done. And for one quarter of one game, he did just that.

Can Saturday continue to get the job done for the next six months? That’s the question. Few centers have ever started in the NFL at age 37. Plus, Green Bay runs more plays on offense than most teams, so he’s going to be on the field a lot more than he was a year ago when the Colts were often three and out.

Of course, the irony of worrying about Saturday’s ability to physically hold up with the Packers is that Wells hasn’t practiced all summer with St. Louis because of a lingering knee problem. That’s one of the reasons GM Ted Thompson passed on re-signing the Pro Bowler. There were 24 million other reasons as well.

Lang’s Future Could Be At Center

Posted by Michael Rodney at 9:08 am 8 Responses »

Aug 152012

T.J. Lang was considered as a possible replacement for Scott Wells at center

Mike McCarthy’s press conferences are usually about as exciting as watching paint dry, but the coach did say something interesting yesterday. When asked about the extension signed by T.J. Lang, he lauded the offensive lineman’s versatility and then mentioned that he was a candidate to replace Scott Wells before Jeff Saturday signed. I found this interesting because I wrote about that very possibility back in March.

In fact, after watching a lot of video, I concluded that center might actually be Lang’s best position in the NFL. While he has a chance to be a very good left guard, I’m not sure he has the physical skills needed to play at a Pro Bowl level. His arms are a little short and he can be slow to adjust to counter moves due to average lateral agility. Those deficiencies aren’t quite as problematic a few feet to his right.

Ideally, the Packers would probably prefer to leave Lang at guard and replace Saturday next season with another player already on the roster. But if none of the youngsters emerge and Thompson and the coaches aren’t comfortable going with veteran Evan Dietrich-Smith, don’t be surprised if Lang is asked to move to center. There’s little doubt Mr. Versatility could handle such a move. In fact, he might just thrive.

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