Third-year safety Morgan Burnett is having an outstanding training camp
GREEN BAY- Here are my 7 likes and dislikes from Thursday’s practice (the first I’ve seen in person this summer):
1) I liked watching a young quarterback who can really sling the ball. Seventh-round pick B.J. Coleman has a lot to learn and his accuracy is hit or miss, but his physical skills are obvious. Mike McCarthy has made decent quarterbacks out of players with a lot less ability.
2) I liked watching second-year running back Alex Green turn it loose. He doesn’t look like a player less than nine months removed from major knee surgery. He’s going to make an impact this season.
3) I liked watching the right side of the offensive line dominate. A completely healthy Josh Sitton looks as good as ever and Bryan Bulaga looks like he’s ready to go from being very good to being great.
4) I liked watching the energy defensive lineman Daniel Muir and cornerback Davon House bring to the defense. That side of the ball often looked like the walking dead last season. They often played that way too.
5) I liked watching three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Clay Matthews hustle all over the field like a free agent trying to make the team. That’s why he’s so special. Of course, the immense natural talent also helps a bit.
6) I liked watching Dezman Moses get physical with running backs. I’m still not sure if he has the physical skills to ever be a starter, but he’s a better prospect than Vic So’oto, last summer’s rookie sensation.
7) I liked watching safety Morgan Burnett mature before my very eyes. This isn’t the same timid player who often went unnoticed on the practice field a year ago. This player appears destined for big things.
1) I disliked watching new No. 2 quarterback Graham Harrell too often settle for check downs when wide receivers were open down the field. He’s definitely improved from a year ago, but he’s nowhere near as impressive as Matt Flynn was in his third training camp.
2) I disliked watching undersized right defensive ends C.J. Wilson and Jerel Worthy get pushed around at times. Offenses are going to run a lot to the left against the Packers, and there’s a good chance they’ll find success. It would be nice to see Lawrence Guy step up. He has ideal size for the position.
3) I disliked watching backup right guard Ray Dominguez leave practice with an ankle injury. The offensive line was extremely thin even before arguably the group’s seventh-best player got carted off the field.
4) I disliked watching inside linebacker A.J. Hawk continue to hold down a starting position. He gives 100%, but he’s exactly the type of marginal veteran player that coaches are almost always looking to replace.
5) I disliked watching cornerback Sam Shields struggle to defend some of the same receivers he blanketed two summers ago. He wasn’t bad, but he’s definitely a young player who needs a boost in confidence.
6) I disliked watching the coaches waste precious snaps on Jarrett Bush at right corner. He’s not the answer, and based on what I saw, Shields, House and rookie Casey Hayward need all the reps they can get.
7) I didn’t like watching practice come to an end. There’s few better things to do on a beautiful summer night than watch the Packers play – even when it’s against themselves. Family Night should be a real blast!
How about TE play……DJ Williams in particular
To be honest, I didn’t really notice the tight ends last night. Then again, I was focusing a lot more on the defense. I did, however, see Williams leave the field with what appeared to be some type of injury.
Love the camp report! Thanks!
Attended practice last night too. Can’t say I disagree much with your assessment. A few things caught my eye.
- House is bigger than thought, it would be nice to see him or the others get more reps ahead of 24
- Datko is interesting, saw him stonewall Matthews in 1 on 1′s but he had trouble in team drills
- Colmon has an arm but his footwork is terrible
- MD Jennings still looks undersized
Good analysis. I agree about Jennings, although he looks like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson compared to what he looked like a year ago.
I have a man crush on you michael
Thanks. Of course, I’d be happier if this sentiment was coming from Katy Perry.
Thanks for the read, Michael. Any observations on Sean Richardson?
I didn’t notice him, but I have to admit I was focusing mostly on the young corners and M.D. Jennings.
Packers.com has Guy listed at 304#, Worthy at 308#. What makes the latter undersized?
Height is the key. Guy is 6’4 1/2 and Worthy and Wilson are just over 6’2.
I think that putting more weight in a shorter package would actually make it harder to push someone around – leverage?
Doubt Worthy and Wilson getting pushed around because of their height. More like inexperience (Worthy and not very good (Wilson.) Merling has great size and hasn’t done a thing.
You’re absolutely right about Hawk and glad you don’t ignore that glaring problem. He was a big reason for the zombie attitude on D last year. Thompson loves the guy, obviously, and AJ’s ridiculous, back loaded contract proves. TT wants him on the team and hopefully Capers will be allowed to minimize the damage by only playing hawk in base.
I’ve always like Muir and hope he makes the team.
It’s not all about height, but it does matter at that position. That’s why there are so few 3-4 ends under 6’3 in the league (outside of Green Bay, that is).
By the way, feel free to add comments and/or ask questions. I’m just sitting around my hotel room waiting for tonight’s scrimmage.
Hey Michael, love your site. McCarthy and Thompson have pointed out that there is better competition on the D-Line this year. Are you buying what they are selling? Do some of these additional pieces have the ability to put pressure on the quarterback right now or is it too early to tell. Thanks!
Yes, the competition is better. The defensive line had only two legitimate NFL players last season. The rest – Wilson, Wynn, Neal and Green – were fringe players. Thompson needed to add some talent to the mix in the offseason, and he did. I think Worthy and Daniels (if healthy) will help the pass rush. How much they help will be one of the keys to the season.