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Burnett’s rookie season is over

 Posted by at 5:02 pm  5 Responses »
Oct 042010
 
Burnett will join Ryan Grant on IR

Burnett will join running back Ryan Grant on injured reserve

The hits just keep coming. The Packers lost running back Ryan Grant and defensive end Justin Harrell to season-ending injuries in week 1. After escaping relatively unscathed in weeks 2 and 3, the injury bug bit the team once again on Sunday. This time, it took out safety Morgan Burnett. The impressive rookie from Georgia Tech is done for the year after suffering a torn ACL against the Lions. Journeyman Charlie Peprah is expected to replace Morgan in the starting lineup – at least until Atari Bigby is ready to reclaim his old job. The former Central Florida star is currently on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing ankle surgery in August. And while he’s eligible to be activated following the week 6 game vs. Miami, Mike McCarthy isn’t sure when Bigby will be ready to play. “He’s been working out, he’s been attending the meetings,” said the head coach on Monday. “We won’t really know until we see him on the field.”

While losing Grant and Burnett are big blows, the Packers can’t use injuries as an excuse – at least not yet. Green Bay still has more talent on offense than 90% of the teams in the league and the defense boasts six former first-round draft picks – including three Pro Bowlers from a year ago. The trick now is to stay healthy from here on out because no team can afford to lose a starter every two weeks.

Lost amidst the Burnett news was a report on Monday from the Press-Gazette on Brandon Chillar. According to his agent, Jim Ivler, the veteran inside linebacker’s shoulder injury could be more serious than first thought. “I hope it isn’t season-ending, don’t think it is, but I’m not going to rule out that it’s not possible,” Ivler said. “By Wednesday, we’ll probably have a better idea.” Losing Chillar for any significant length of time would be a huge hit. While the offense has enough talent at receiver to make up for Grant’s absence and Bigby’s expected return should soften the blow of losing Burnett, there’s really no one on the roster who can replace Chillar in the nickel. Neither A.J. Hawk nor Desmond Bishop has proven capable of covering even the most marginal of tight ends on a consistent basis.

The Packers, who haven’t caught many breaks so far this season, may have gotten a little lucky with the upcoming schedule. Their next two games are against Washington and Miami, a pair of teams without dynamic passing offenses. That’s not to say Donovan McNabb and Chad Henne won’t have field days throwing against a secondary missing three of its top six players – plus Chillar – but it sure beats having to face what comes after the Dolphins. The next five games are against Minnesota (Brett Favre), the Jets (Mark Sanchez), Dallas (Tony Romo), Minnesota and Atlanta (Matt Ryan). The hope is that Bigby and former Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris will be back for that brutal stretch. The other hope, of course, is that no other significant players get injured between now and then. Because while the Packers are clearly losing the battle of attrition right now, they haven’t been knocked out just yet.

Burnett’s too talented to pass on

 Posted by at 12:00 pm  4 Responses »
Aug 052010
 
Burnett is too talented to keep on the bench in passing situations

Burnett's athleticism should make pass defense better

It remains to been seen whether Morgan Burnett can beat out Atari Bigby for the starting safety job opposite Nick Collins. That will be determined by the rookie’s progress and the veteran’s health. What’s far more certain is that Burnett is going to play a lot of snaps on defense this season. Anyone who watched the former Georgia Tech star during the first week of training camp knows he’s too athletic not to be on the field in obvious passing situations. Whether that comes at Bigby’s expense – assuming his ankle even allows him to be on the field – depends on the health of Al Harris and the progress of Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood.

In a perfect world, defensive coordinator Dom Capers would use Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Al Harris, Collins and Burnett in the nickel. This would give the Packers three true cornerbacks and a pair of safeties with corner skills to defend on third and long. It would also turn the slow-footed but physical Bigby into essentially a two-down player – which is exactly the role he should’ve been filling all along. There were many reasons why the pass defense was eviscerated by almost every quality quarterback it faced last season – chief among them being Bigby’s lack of speed and range.

Offenses are too wide open and receivers are too fast these days to expect a player like Bigby to hold up in coverage. A decade ago, former Packer Aaron Rouse (6-4, 227) might’ve been able to thrive and Taylor Mays (6-3, 230) would’ve been a top 10 draft pick. Today, the former is barely hanging on in the NFL and the latter is just another second-round pick trying to make a name for himself with the 49ers. In a case of damning someone with faint praise, assistant coach Darren Perry said this about his incumbent starting safety: “He wasn’t as bad as people made him out to be. You can win with Atari Bigby.” The thing is, you can win more with less of him. And that’s literally where Burnett will come in.

*This story was posted before Mike McCarthy announced that Atari Bigby will undergo ankle surgery.

Check out “Translating Today’s Transcript” for more on this topic.

Free at last! Free at last?

 Posted by at 12:38 pm  12 Responses »
Jul 272010
 
Holding on to Jenkins won't be quite this easy

Holding on to Jenkins won't be quite as easy as this

Training camp doesn’t open for another three days and there may not even be a season in 2011, but that didn’t stop us from taking a quick glance at the Packers who could be unrestricted free agents next March. Assuming – and as of today these assumptions are about as enormous as Ryan Pickett’s pre-training camp belly – that the players and the owners agree to a new collective bargaining agreement and that the number of accrued seasons to achieve true freedom reverts back to four from six, here are the players who would be eligible to hit the open market (along with their age as of 3/31/2011 and their current salary): John Kuhn (27/$1.176M), Korey Hall (28/$550K), Brandon Jackson (25/$550K), Donald Driver (36/$7.206M), James Jones (27/$1.101M), Allen Barbre (26/$550K), Jason Spitz (28/$1.759M), Daryn Colledge (29/$1.759M), Cullen Jenkins (30/$3.2M), Desmond Bishop (26/$550K), Tramon Williams (28/$3.168M/), Atari Bigby (29/$1.759M), Will Blackmon (26/$1.176M), Charlie Peprah (28/$630K) and Mason Crosby (26/$1.0M).

This is hardly an imposing list, but there will be a few interesting decisions facing GM Ted Thompson. As of today, the most compelling scenarios involve Driver, Jones, Colledge, Spitz, Jenkins, Bishop and Williams.

It’s hard to imagine Driver in another uniform, but as Packer fans found out two years ago, you just never know. That said, the only way we see the veteran wide receiver leaving Green Bay is if he asks for too much money or if Thompson isn’t willing to let Jones get away. It’s unlikely that Jones would re-sign unless he foresees a better opportunity to play – something that won’t happen if Driver is still around. Of course, Thompson’s decision on Jones will only be difficult if the former San Jose State star performs at a high level in 2010. Otherwise, he’ll almost certainly be allowed to walk without a fight.

There’s almost no chance that both Colledge and Spitz will return in 2011, so Thompson will have to choose between the two. Spitz – if his health is OK – would be the logical choice since he can play three positions. Not having a CBA brought Colledge back to Green Bay for another season, but his somewhat arrogant personality and his finesse-style of play just aren’t a good with the Packers.

Jenkins already looked to be the key unrestricted free agent in 2011, and his importance to the team’s present and future only increased with the news of Johnny Jolly’s indefinte suspension. It’s very likely that Thompson will want to re-sign the veteran defensive lineman; the big question is whether the feeling will be mutual. For the most part, Jenkins kept quiet last season and admirably did all the dirty work that’s required of an end in the 3-4. Whether he’d voluntarily sign up for more of the same remains to be seen. We have our doubts. That’s why it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the franchise tag used – if there’s even a franchise tag to use.

While Bishop has handled his lack of playing time with great aplomb, you know he’s dying to get a legitimate opportunity to win a starting job. That almost certainly won’t happen this season, but the door could finally open for him in 2011. That’s because A.J. Hawk and his scheduled $11 million contract could be moving on. Of course, even if that happens, Bishop would still have to contend with another overpaid inside linebacker (Brandon Chillar), so he might just decide that parting ways with the Packers makes the most sense. And who could really blame him?

Thompson showed what he thinks of Williams by placing the highest tender on him in February, so the odds are very good that the former street free agent will be around for many years to come. But there are a few variables that could change things between now and next March. For example, what happens if both Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood step up this season? Or if Williams continues to be inconsistent – this time as a fulltime starter. Or if he plays so well that other teams are lining up to make him rich? In short, it’s probably safe to hold on to your No. 38 jersey, but you might want to have a backup number in mind just in case.

The remaining potential unrestricted free agents won’t cause Thompson to lose much sleep. He should be able to pick and choose who comes back and who doesn’t. As of today, we’ll put Crosby, Hall and Jackson in the former category and Barbre, Bigby, Blackmon, Kuhn and Peprah in the latter. But needless to say, all of this can change depending on how these 15 players perform in 2010 and how things go at the bargaining table over the next eight months.

(NOTE- In a few cases, the salaries listed for 2010 are estimates and do not include playing time bonuses, escalator clauses, etc.)

Bigby’s still unsigned (yawn)

 Posted by at 9:14 am  4 Responses »
Jun 222010
 

WHAT'S HE THINKING?

If safety Atari Bigby chooses not to sign his tender and report to training camp in late July, his absence would have to be considered one of the most bizarre in NFL history. Truth is, you’d have to think long and hard to come up with a veteran player – in any sport – who decided to withhold his services despite accomplishing so little in his chosen profession. Bigby should be thrilled that the Packers even want him back. Other than a good stretch late in the ‘07 season, he’s been a very marginal starter. Agent Drew Rosenhaus is a smart guy, but  he’s making a mistake in this instance. The truth is, he has very little leverage. General manager Ted Thompson doesn’t see Bigby as the long-term answer at safety, and with rookie Morgan Burnett continuing to impress, he may soon not even regard the 28-year-old as a short-term solution.

Speaking of Burnett, the ex-Georgia Tech star has easily been the most impressive rookie during the offseason. “You never want to get too excited in June, but he looks like the real deal,” opined a former scout who has watched a handful of practices. “He may not have blazing speed, but his anticipation allows him to cover plenty of ground. In fact, he’s probably made more plays on the ball in the past three practices than Bigby’s made in the past three seasons.” We suspect the scout is exaggerating just a bit, but his point is clear.

At last week’s press conference, coach Mike McCarthy called this year’s collection of safeties “as deep a group as we’ve had in my tenure.” And while that statement might be technically true, it sounded a lot more like a message to Bigby than anything else. Because let’s be perfectly honest, after Pro Bowler Nick Collins and Burnett, there’s not an abundance of talent at the position. Will Blackmon and Derrick Martin are converted corners who still aren’t practicing and Jarrett Bush and Charlie Peprah, are, well they’re Jarrett Bush and Charlie Peprah. And while undrafted free agent Anthony Levine does have some intriguing skills, he’s probably destined – at best – for a spot on the practice squad.

The guess here is that Bigby will sign his tender and report for work at some point between now and the start of training camp. While he may not be the brightest bulb in the box, he’s not an idiot. And more importantly, neither is Rosenhaus. Thompson may have gotten bent over backwards in his negotiations with Ryan Grant a few summers ago, but that was an entirely different situation. Remember, the young running back was coming off a truly spectacular 11-game stretch; he was also the only legitimate starter at his position; and the Brett Favre circus was in full swing. Bigby, on the other hand, is coming off a mediocre season; Burnett gives the team a very talented option opposite Collins; and Favre brought the big top to Minnesota almost a year ago. So, in short, expect Bigby to come to his senses sooner rather than later. He really has no other choice.

Bigby needs to sign his tender

 Posted by at 7:06 pm  4 Responses »
May 122010
 

Three of Green Bay’s restricted free agents have yet to sign their tenders. That means safety Atari Bigby, defensive end Johnny Jolly and cornerback Tramon Williams won’t take part in the organized team activities that begin next week. And while it would probably behoove all three players to attend the “voluntary” OTAs, you can kind of understand why Jolly and Williams might stay away. Both players are looking for long-term contracts and both played well enough last season to not have to worry about job security. Heck, you could even have made an argument for Daryn Colledge (who finally signed his tender on Monday). Yes, he struggled in ‘09, but he was arguably the offensive line’s best player the previous year. He’s also started 60 of a possible 64 games since 2006 – at three different positions. That leaves Bigby. Suffice it to say, even the late Johnnie Cochran coudn’t defend his sitting out even a single day of OTAs. “That young man should get down on a knee every night and thank the Lord for his good fortune,” said a scout for another team. “It’s amazing to me that he’s been a starter for the past three seasons and that he’s scheduled to make almost $2 million. He’d be an idiot to risk both his job and his paycheck by not signing his tender and showing up for work next week.”

Once Bigby signs his tender, he’ll be guaranteed a salary of $1.759 million for the upcoming season. That’s hardly big money in today’s NFL, but it’s not bad for a slow-footed safety who’s missed a dozen games in the past two seasons. “Bigby was good down the stretch in 2007, but he hasn’t come close to playing at that level since,” said the scout. “Injuries have played a part in his decline, but the bigger reason is his lack of athletic ability. Once teams had sufficient film on Bigby, it wasn’t difficult for offensive coordinators to figure out ways to take advantage of his below-average speed, range and instincts. In my opinion, he should be a backup on a good defense and nothing more.”

Even if Bigby does the smart thing and reports to the OTAs on time, there’s absolutely no guarantee that he’ll be able to hold on to his job. The Packers selected Morgan Burnett in the third round of last month’s draft, and the former Georgia Tech star will be given every opportunity to start opposite Nick Collins. With size, speed and sideline-to-sideline range, Burnett looks the part of a pro safety. “If he can learn the scheme, he’ll replace Bigby at some point during the season,” said the scout. “But that’s easier said than done. [Coordinator] Dom Capers demands an awful lot from his safeties and it won’t be easy for a rookie to earn his trust. Say what you will about Bigby, but the guy knows the defense and that means a lot to the coaches.”All in all, the Bigby vs. Burnett battle should be one of the highlights of the summer. The incumbent will enter training camp with the edge; just how big of an edge will likely be determined in the next few weeks.

STAY AWAY FROM MAYS IN ROUND ONE

 Posted by at 2:05 am  2 Responses »
Apr 052010
 

NOT A SAFE PICK

Regardless of how impressive he looked at the combine in February and at USC’s Pro Day last week, GM Ted Thompson needs to avoid Taylor Mays like the plague in the first round of the upcoming draft. He may run in a straight line like Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, but he plays the safety position too much like San Francisco’s Michael Lewis to even be considered at No. 23. “Mays is a better athlete than Lewis and he’ll probably be a better pro, but there are definitely similarities between the two players,” said a regional scout for another team. “Neither transitions very well out of breaks or takes good angles. And both are shaky tacklers in the open field.” Lewis was originally selected with the 58th overall pick by Philadelphia in 2002. The former University of Colorado standout did go to the Pro Bowl in 2004, but he has only 12 interceptions in what has been a solid but unspectacular professional career. “The second round is where Mays should also be picked,” added the scout. “He’s done absolutely nothing on the field to merit going any earlier.”

While fans tend to salivate over safeties who can run under 4.4 at over 220 pounds, the reality is that smaller is better in today’s NFL. Yeremiah Bell (Dolphins), Antoine Bethea (Colts), Jairus Byrd (Bills), Nick Collins (Packers), Brian Dawkins (Eagles and Broncos), Roman Harper (Saints), Chris Hope (Titans), Brandon Meriweather (Patriots), Quintin Mikell (Eagles), Troy Polamalu (Steelers), Ed Reed (Ravens), Antrel Rolle (Cardinals), Darren Sharper (Saints) and Adrian Wilson (Cardinals) are the 14 safeties who have either been selected to or have played in one or both of the past two Pro Bowls. Their average size is 5-11 3/4, 206. “The NFL is a passing league and safeties need to be able to cover like cornerbacks,” opined the scout. “In fact, the vast majority of the top safeties in the league were corners either in college or early in their professional careers.”

So while Mays would be a big (pardon the pun) gamble in the first round, he would probably be worth a roll of the dice in round two. After all, Green Bay has started Atari Bigby at safety for the better part of the past three seasons. “Bigby is a pretty reliable tackler, but he’s so darn slow,” said the scout. “Everybody blamed backups Jarrett Bush, Josh Bell and Brandon Underwood for the late-season defensive meltdowns against Pittsburgh and Arizona, but Bigby was every bit as responsible. He was too easily manipulated by [Ben] Roethlesberger and [Kurt] Warner and he consistently failed to give help over the top. To be honest, I don’t think the Packers will ever be a great pass defense as long as Bigby is a starter. Could they be with Mays? I’m not sure, but they’d have a better chance.” The words “I’m not sure” is why you don’t take Mays at 23. The words “they’d have a better chance” is why he’d be worth selecting a little later.

SUCCESS IS ALWAYS A TEAM EFFORT

 Posted by at 10:29 am  1 Response »
Dec 092009
 

Stepping up

The Packers have won four consecutive games and the players most responsible are obvious to pretty much everyone. Aaron Rodgers is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher have solidified the offensive line by squeezing every last ounce out of their aging bodies. Clay Matthews has blossomed from an impressive rookie to a legitimate stud at outside linebacker. Charles Woodson is making a serious run at being named defensive player of the year. And Nick Collins is producing enough big plays to quite possibly earn that megabucks extension he’s been looking for since the spring. But when a team starts to win on a regular basis, it always takes more than great play from a few great players. It takes good play from a lot of players, and that’s exactly what Green Bay has been getting over the past four games.

With the help of a former scout, here are a few of the team’s unsung heroes who deserve to be recognized for their inspired play over the past month:

BRANDON JACKSON: “The offensive line is doing a much better job in pass protection, but don’t overlook just how important a role Jackson has played in the turnaround. He’s become incredibly dependable in blitz pickup. And he’s not just getting in the way of linebackers, he’s taking them on and often winning the battle.”

JAMES JONES: “Like the team itself, Jones was a disappointment in the first half of the season. He wasn’t getting much separation, and even when he was able to extricate himself from a defender, he wasn’t making plays. But that was then and this is now. He’s caught 15 passes in the past four games and is beginning to look like the receiver who showed so much promise as a rookie.”

JOSH SITTON: “He was solid in September and October; he’s been very good in November and December. It took him a while to get comfortable, but now he’s playing with the type of aggressiveness and physicality that this offensive line so desperately needs. He still makes some technique mistakes, but it’s important to remember that he’s still learning how to play inside.”

B.J. RAJI: “He took some criticism early in the season, and that was very unfair. Do you know how hard it is for a 340-pounder to play on a high ankle sprain? Now healthy, Raji’s showing why the Packers took him at No. 9. He’s using his strength and surprising quickness to disrupt opposing offenses on a much more consistent basis. Plus, his quality work is allowing the starting defensive linemen to stay fresh by playing less snaps.”

A.J. HAWK: “He still isn’t making enough big plays, but he’s been more aggressive as of late and that’s one of the big reasons why the run defense has been so good. Give [assistant coach] Winston Moss a lot of credit. He stopped coddling Hawk a few months ago and finally started holding him accountable for his mediocre play. That proved to be a much-needed kick in the ass.”

ATARI BIGBY: “He won a starting job based on his intimidating hits, but those have been few and far between this season. Instead of looking for the KO, Bigby’s playing a more controlled brand of football and it’s working. He’ll never be a great cover safety, but he’s no longer a liability. He’s playing a more cerebral game these days and that’s exactly what Dom Capers is looking for.”

We listed only six unsung heroes, but there are plenty of other players who deserve credit as well. “Guys like Ahman Green, Spencer Havner and Desmond Bishop don’t play much from scrimmage, but they’ve been a part of the turnaround,” said the scout. “Green has added a little juice to the running game, Havner did OK when forced into action at tight end, and there are times when Bishop looks like the only member of the special teams who gives a shit.” Football is the ultimate team game and right now the Packers are playing like a team – a winning team.