In this installment of Film Study, I decided to focus on one player I get asked about quite a bit – B.J. Raji. So I went back and watched all of his snaps in the Green Bay Packers – Indianapolis Colts preseason game and here are my observations:
From a personality standpoint, Raji hasn’t shown much of a mean streak, and that was my only real concern when the Packers first selected him. From observing Raji, and speaking to people here in NJ that knew him during his high school years, he’s a “good boy.” Polite, kind, soft-spoken: the type of kid you’d want your daughter to marry.
Of course, that doesn’t translate well to the battlefield known as the NFL. Not to say they are mutually exclusive. There have been plenty of “good guys” who would rip your heart out on the field if needed. Bart Starr, the ultimate gentleman, has been described as such by many teammates. Raji hasn’t shown me that killer instinct, yet. Read more...(905 words + 6 images, estimated 3:37 mins reading time)
In this next installment of Film Study, I select a few plays from the Packers – Seahawks preseason game that show something interesting upon review that might have been missed on first watch.
Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers are committed to doing whatever possible to keep QB1 un-sacked and upright. In just his limited preseason action, Rodgers has already shown the ability to more quickly recognized his checkdowns and not hold onto the ball too long. McCarthy, for his part, seems committed to giving the offensive line more pass protection help when needed, something I felt was lacking last season.
On Aaron Rodgers’ first play, 56 yard completion to Greg Jennings, Donald Lee was used in pass protection, and seemingly left to Rodgers to decide how. As you watch the play, you’ll see Rodgers look at Lee, who is lined up on the left side. He then glances to the right and sees the Seahawks have overloaded that side. He looks back at Lee, and most likely calls a protection change. Lee goes into motion and lines up on the right side, where he can help in the protection. Read more...(739 words + 6 images, estimated 2:57 mins reading time)
AL: Rumors were swirling this week that Al Harris could be cleared to start practicing with the team this upcoming Monday. Although no one from the Packers or the NFL would confirm that, Harris was seen working out on his own during practice for the first time.
Jayme: That’s sure a good sign Al… And another good sign was the return to practice of the only real punt returner the Packers have, Will Blackmon. After resting his knee for the last week, Blackmon said his knee felt better so he decided to get back out there to work on his transition to safety. Blackmon also worked on catching punts, which everyone agreed, he looked very good at. Afterwards, Blackmon remarked that he can return punts “in his sleep.” Read more...(702 words + 6 images, estimated 2:48 mins reading time)
The Green Bay Packers, the preseason anointed Super Bowl Champions, just got a big dose of reality. Brett Favre, the biggest potential obstacle to their Super Bowl or Die destiny, just stepped in front of their bandwagon to Dallas.
The Packers have been acting like a Super Bowl trip this year is just understood. They were obviously thinking about it last Saturday, and not paying much attention to the task at hand – playing a football game.
But now, their perfect 2010 has taken a bad turn, and not of their own doing. No, the one guy who can personally ruin all of the Packers’ plans is back on a mission to do so.
Brett Favre is back for another season, ready to give hope to that rag-tag collection of uncouth humanity known as the Minnesota Vikings. Without Favre, the Vikings are just another team for the Packers to trample on their way to their destiny. With Favre, the Vikings actually believe in themselves and believe in their ability to go to the Super Bowl. Read more...(661 words + 6 images, estimated 2:39 mins reading time)
Favre drama continues as he returns to Vikings for the 2010 Season. Here, Brett arrives in Minnesota, followed by a helicopter. The only thing missing was a white Bronco…
The following are my observations on the Packers – Browns game after re-watching the game with the benefit of rewind and slow-motion:
Bryan Bulaga is an NFL starting lineman. Right now. Bulaga won his one-on-one battles while at guard and at tackle. He also looked noticeably better than Daryn Colledge. Bulaga was a little unsure of himself at guard on a few plays, which is to be expected. But once he found his mark an locked on to someone, they did not get away. I also saw Bulaga do something I haven’t seen from a Packers guard in some time. This was one of my pet peeves last season. In pass coverage, with Wells on the tackle and Clifton taking a blitzing linebacker, as Cleveland sent a defensive back on the edge outside of Clifton, Bulaga quickly slid over behind Clifton to meet the blitzing DB and stop his rush. Simple, effective, and something I just never saw as I would watch the game films last season. I don’t know if we credit Bulaga or the coaches for that, but either way, it’s a very good thing. Read more...(1284 words + 6 images, estimated 5:08 mins reading time)
In this installment of Film Study, I decided to focus on one player I get asked about quite a bit – B.J. Raji. So I went back and watched all of his snaps in the Green Bay Packers – Indianapolis Colts preseason game and here are my observations:
