Al: Charles Woodson had a few choice words about the Packers defense this week. When asked by Bill Huber of Packer Report if the defense was better than what they’ve shown this preseason, Woodson replied: I think we’re as good as what we’ve shown, and I don’t think it’s all that great.” Woodson went on to discuss the need for players to step up and help out the offense. This was obviously a call to arms by the the Packer’s defensive leader.
Holly: One Packers player that answered a call to arms was Daryn Colledge. The Packers somewhat-maligned lineman beat back all preseason challengers to his starting left guard spot. According to Colledge, he reported to training camp in the best shape of his life and ready to go to war with all comers. That he did and Colledge held onto his starting spot – at least for right now. Read more...(754 words + 6 images, estimated 3:01 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:
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)
First Impressions from the Green Bay Packers’ preseason game vs. the Indianapolis Colts:
Everyone’s was talking about the D, but I was looking at this as just as big a test for the OL. Can they really protect Rodgers? Evidently, they can.
Sam Shields: Overall, he held his own. As I said last week, he’s already a better corner than Bush. Always near the receiver, always aware of where the ball is and will never get outrun deep. Welcome to the roster.
Dom Capers mixed in just a smidge of other flavors tonight.
As I mentioned the other night on Cheesehead Radio, Raji continues to get turned around and lost sight of the running back on Addai’s long run. Saw it on other plays, too This is going to be a problem if it’s not corrected.
Rodgers passes to Jones often seem to be a bit off target. I think Jones surprises him sometimes. Read more...(391 words + 6 images, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)
Al: The Packers Monday Night practice was their final one of their training camp phase. Starting with Tuesday morning’s workout, the Packers moved to their regular season practice schedule. According to Mike McCarthy, he was very pleased with this year’s camp, especially the fan support, but now it’s time to start getting into that routine for the games that count.
Holly: Well Al, tomorrow night’s game doesn’t count from a results standpoint, but it should be a good measuring stick for the Packers defense. Can the front seven create a pass rush minus Clay Matthews, or will they get lit up by another veteran quarterback? This “dress rehearsal” game should generate a lot of good film for the coaches, who will hopefully make the right decision about players on the bubble. Read more...(790 words + 6 images, estimated 3:10 mins reading time)
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
How many of us have heard that question? In the NFL, especially as it relates to head coaches, it rings true more than most. Every successful head coach now seems to come from some kind of coaching “tree,” as in he worked under another successful head coach as an assistant.
For example:
Sean Payton? Bill Parcells.
Bill Belichick? also Parcells.
Mike Shanahan? Bill Walsh.
Andy Reid? Mike Holmgren, who also came from Walsh.
It goes on and on.
Hold on, though. What about Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy?
Thought so.
Mike McCarthy is one of those rare birds in the NFL who became a successful head coach on his own. Yes, he worked at Kansas City with Marty Schottenheimer, but Marty’s struggles in the playoffs are well documented. Read more...(605 words + 6 images, estimated 2:25 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)
Weekly Packers News from Twitter and other Sources by Al Bracco and Holly Phelps. (As heard on Cheesehead Radio 9/1/10 )
