The Mystery Of The 2015 Packers Or The Perfect Storm On The Bay

By Mark

 It's taken me a few weeks how to couch the mysterious feel of the Packers this year and in pretext let me say most of you won't like it nor will you buy in. That's fine this is my personal take using a couple of sources and several weeks of chat on the Wisconsinsportstalk.net forum.

First let's recall the emotional letdown after the NFC title game. Despite what you heard this isn't an easy thing to swallow. Shortly there after MM lost his brother. I have not seen MM look fully emotionally vested since that point. The big beard was a tribute to his brother as he wore one. The "I'll turn over play calling"  was more about coach checking out of this season and smelling the roses than anything else.

So this starts a recipe for what's been going on. MM is only half into this season. 2 new coach's  are game planning and we have a new guy calling the shots on game day. That coach is extremely tight with Aaron and allows him to be liberal with check downs and input into this game plan.

For the first time the QB(Rodgers) and WR are in the same room. Route concepts are being studied at the QB pace with 2 rookies and a couple 2nd year players ( That's big folks..not common).

Let's stop there and put in the rather odd way GB treated the beat writers this season. I started following GB in and or around 1973 best of my memory. All my early game day/weekday coverage was via a radio and 3 papers.
 The Appleton or Green bay paper and or Milwaukee Journal with some Wisconsin state journal mixed in at times. Never since 1973 have I seen that much kick back at the press. In much worse times with worse teams GB has been still cordial always. When NFL teams fall off their norm behavior it's a red flag that something internal is stirring.

Back on track, After the "miracle" win in Detroit we get the I am taking back play calling announcement from MM ? Does anybody believe that Coach Mike McCarthy just got up that Monday on his own... got his Starbucks and said "I'll demote my Asst HC Offense because his play calling sucks " Please.

Someone up the food chain saw the spiral and something was said. Might not have been an ultimatum, but a size 12 was applied to the HC. He's been shaved and into the game more in 3 weeks than the last 5 months.

Now Ladies and gentleman this leads to a bit of an issue. Two parts. Way way back end of camp MM gives a ringing endorsement to his new play callers and shortly thereafter he calls out a WR named Myles White having his best camp etc. Shortly there after GB cuts White and signs James Jones. That move seems justified now, but it cuts that locker room the wrong way sure as I breathe air.

Second part you used most of the season, saying play calling is fine.... no issues. Hey "I need to stay out of it" direct quote. But then 3 weeks ago you completely contradict that position and undo everything you said for 13 weeks ????

Do you trust your HC anymore as a player ? As a staff member ? If you're reading this take off the Green and gold glass's and imagine MM is your boss at work and he pulled those 2 things in your workplace?

Would you trust him anymore. Would you work hard for that boss ?

It appears to me the perfect storm has been and could be brewing in GB. I think this team has another chapter to write but frankly if it doesn't end with a SB trophy some of the above could have had a big part in what's missing in 2015 in Green Bay.

There you have my look into this mystery of a season.

Packers Midway Report Card

By Mark

Here we are at the half way point of the 2015/15 season. As is tradition I present the midway report card.

Offense:

QB: After a hot start Aaron Rodgers has cooled off, Aaron appears to have taken steps back the last few weeks. A combination of pressure and mistrust in his WR has resulted in some poor performances. Still Aaron is one of the best in the game. GRADE: A-

OL : What was a strong group last year is a beat up and discombobulated group this year. Both OT are hobbled with bum knees and our OG are also off. This group has allowed 14 sacks and 29 hits through 8 games. The depth isn't there so we sink or swim with our starting 5.  GRADE : C -

WR : Hard group to grade as a whole. James Jones is a god's send and I was wrong a great signing. Cobb is still a huge threat but people forget he's playing injured in a harness. Adams when healthy can really be an asset but again playing hurt. The remainder of the group is untried and has very little playing time. Grade : C -

RB/FB : Lacey started out hot got injured and hasn't been the same. Starks has some fantastic runs and then disappears at times, still great upside in the screen game. Grade: B

Overall this offense is a plain C... average with a great QB.

Defense:

DL: This group had me eating crow the first 3 games and then starting playing like the last 2 years. Tough as nails one series and then like swiss cheese the next. No consistency.

A big pet peeve is they love to jaw with the offense. STOP  play hard do your job then talk smack.

Grade : C

LB Corp: Clay Matthews plays like a man on a mission but he can't do it all. I have seen sparks from  Nick Perry and Peppers but the others are are not doing much. Again no consistency and a group that has blown more then an assignment or 2. GRADE : C-

DB/S : Interesting group led by Sam Shields, started out hot when the front 7 was getting pressure. I really think for a group of young DB they do ok. The big mark down comes for the poor technique I have seen since SF. Damarious Randall has really great upside as does Rollins.
Grade: C +

Again as a whole this defense is under performing. They have to to play more consistent.

Grade : C

Coaching :
MM and staff seemed to have rocketed out the gate but the SD game exposed some flaws in the underbelly of the team. Dom Capers has to adjust his defense when his front 7 can't get home and help the secondary with some different coverage's and different stunts etc.

Rodgers and the offense need to slow it down and go back to a patient dink and dunk offense,  no need to get greedy.

This a very good football team that isn't there yet. Now is the time to say we can adjust our schemes and approach and really start getting hot down the stretch.

Grade : C

So in summary despite a 6-2 record I will be giving this team a C plus grade. They can do better in every piece of the game. GB may need to keep a back or TE in more to protect Aaron.

I fully expect a 12-4 ball club to roll into the playoffs but the team can't swell up and believe anymore press. One game at a time playing smart football leads you to the Super Bowl.

Annual 2015 Packer Camp Review and Season Prediction

By Mark

With the last public practice on Tuesday and cuts looming it's once again time for our annual review and prediction blog. This preseason which started out with much buzz and excitement has turned stale following injuries and inconstant play.

While injuries seem to be the headline story each day, the lackluster special teams and rather meh defense is our a bigger issue. ST have really not improved much and it's obvious Ron Zook won't/can't help that area.

Both the OL/DL depth hasn't been up to par so far throughout the preseason and that will be two key areas to watch as the season unfolds. While losing Jordy Nelson was a blow both Myles White and Jeff Janis should be able to cover that loss.

I spent a considerable amount of time watching the defensive backfield once again and really like the additions there. Gunter has been a great pickup and will join Shield as UDFA gems.

Green bay needs to get pressure on the QB and stop the run early in order for this defense to be successful.

Overall this looks like a 11-5 squad with potential to move up or down one depending on injuries etc. GB can not get in a hole this year and work it's way out. NFC north has improved and our depth doesn't appear to be there.

Remember to stop by and register at the forum to talk Packers and all your Wisconsin sports..it's free and only takes a minute. http://wisconsinsportstalk.net/

Let's see what 2015 brings us ..... until next time Go Pack Go !!!

Quick Hits : Preseason Football Isn't Going Anywhere

by Mark

Seems to be a lot of anguish in Packerland today after Jordy's injury on preseason football. First understand that what happened was a freak injury. It wasn't the turf or any other of the crazy things folks were complaining about.

Second preseason games are extra revenue to the NFL. From tickets and concessions to advertising it's money. In this era of revenue sharing and multi million contracts both sides won't let that go.

I think the uptick in injuries has more to do with the players obtuse new practice restrictions in OTA's and practice. Less conditioning and heavy work outs lead to players who are not fully in shape.

Maybe it's time for both sides to check the egos and money clips at the door and start working on a more realistic approach to not only the preseason but OTA's and work out rules that benefit everyone.

That's today's quick hit.

The Packer Web Wars.. A Brief History

By Mark

Today I want to tackle a subject that rears it's ugly head too often  around the packer web world. That is some of the rivalries and bad blood you see from time to time.

Most of this started before social media and even before blogs were a thing. It goes back to some of the first message boards or forums that were at the time the only way you could get packer news or interact as fans. They were run by news media in some cases or were private.

I myself started on 3 of these sites. Because they were the only source of information at the time the competition was fierce. As time went on you had several  sites break away from the 3/4 big forums and members that followed them there. This created a trust issue. Even taking a couple members from a site created a war between sites and rival members.

Two events really made this bad blood boil even more. First the Favre retirement fiasco hit which deeply divided every site and board out there. More splits occurred because of this.

At about that same time we started seeing the blogs appear and this started to draw folks away from these same long standing communities. Again a loyalty and trust issue.

Let's stop a minute right there and digress a moment. At this point you need to understand that a site admin and or owner puts hours into his or her site. It's a labor of love, there is a lot of passion and hard work that goes into those boards.
Don't undervalue how much time and effort people put into making a place you can talk Packer football.

Now continuing as Packerland was dividing so were many of these sites. A few ..well a very few started running ads, etc to try to stay afloat. While there is a lot of logic to that it did and still does chap the hides of many independent sites/blog  owners. To them it's a labor of pure love.

Basically it's a purest issue and old school /new school that comes out. Many of the ill feelings are anywhere from 7 to 10 years old and stem from the old message board wars. To most of you this may seem like a petty issue, but to others it's history from way back.

Some of this you just won't change. The wounds are too deep, but I will ask all of you reading this post to do one thing. Stop clicking past sites. Most have free registration... take 2 minutes and register at ALL of them that means more to these owners than any amount of money. Seriously we are packer nation and when we unite it's a beautiful thing.

I hope this helped at least shed a little light into what went on in a place far far away. Ask questions and I'll answer the best I can in the comments below



Until next time GO PACK GO !

Pre-Camp Breakdown: Introducing the Packers Defensive Backs

I am making the bold prediction that by the time all is said and done in training camp and by the end of the preseason games, the Green Bay Packers will keep 6 cornerbacks and 4 safeties.

Cornerbacks: the Green Bay Packers will keep 6 players on the roster this year.

Obviously there are 3 Green Bay Packers corners with NFL playing experience.  They are Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, and Micah Hyde.  Therefore, without a doubt these players are effectively guaranteed roster spots.

#37 Sam Shields

 Sam Shields has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he can get the job done on the corner.  His production has been steady and he is a reliable tackler.  He defends the pass very well on the boundary.  He will earn Pro-Bowl honors this year.

#29 Casey Hayward

Casey Hayward is starting material and will prove so during the preseason.  He had 6 picks and a fumble recovery during his rookie season.  Last year he was tied with Tramon Williams with most INT’s on the team with 3, but played fewer snaps than Williams.  He is the real deal when healthy.

#33 Micah Hyde

Micah Hyde is Mr. Versatile.  He is best suited in the slot, but can play corner and safety too.  In addition, he has returned punts for the Packers.  I’d hate to see the Packers lose this guy due to injury.  He’s been relatively healthy so far.

#23 Damarious Randall

First and second round picks Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins are also guaranteed roster spots.  I’m predicting Damarious Randall will back up Casey Hayward and Quinten Rollins will back up Micah Hyde in the slot to begin the season.  Both rookies will see their playing time increase as the season wears on into December.

#24 Quinten Rollins

Even though the Packers typically keep only five cornerbacks, I believe the team will keep six CB’s this year.  That lucky player will be #36 Ladarius Gunter.  Gunter will prove his worth during the preseason.  He will show Packer Nation that he can defend the pass and tackle the ball carrier coming around the end.  He will also demonstrate excellent special team skills, which wins him the roster spot.

#36 Ladarius Gunter

Safeties: The Green Bay Packers will keep 4 players on the roster this year.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett have entrenched themselves as the starting safeties in Dom Capers' defense, guaranteeing roster spots for each.  Both are excellent safeties and Pro-Bowl caliber players.  I’m predicting that Ha-Ha has a big year and earns Pro-Bowl honors.  Morgan’s production will not be far behind.

#42 Morgan Burnett and #21 Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix

The Packers resigned Sean Richardson, meaning he'll also make the cut.  He is a good special team player and has proven in the past that he can get the job done at safety when called upon by Capers. 

#28 Sean Richardson

Even though Hyde or Damarious Randall could play the position, the Packers will keep 4 true safeties in case of injury.  Chris Banjo's excellent play on special teams should be enough to keep him in Green Bay.

#32 Chris Banjo

That concludes the team breakdown.  First training camp practice is July 30th.  Players report to the facility on July 29.  #GoPackGo  

Pre-Camp Breakdown: Introducing the Packers Defensive Linemen

I am predicting the Packers will carry 7 “D” linemen, given the need for big bodies up front, until Letroy Guion and Datone Jones return.  Guion will serve a 3 game suspension and Jones a 1 game suspension, respectively.  Worth Noting: The Packers carried 5 “D” linemen last season.  So to start the season I am predicting the Packers will go with these players.

Starters: Josh Boyd, B.J. Raji, Mike Daniels

#93 Josh Boyd

Josh Boyd is only the week 1 starter here, because he will prove that during the preseason.  However, as soon as Datone Jones returns, he will become the other starting “D” End opposite Mike Daniels.  Datone Jones needs to crank it up big time!  Jones has 5 career sacks in 2 seasons. 1.5 sacks last year.  Datone was drafted in the first round out of UCLA by Green Bay in 2013, and needs to significantly increase his production, if the Packers want to head to SB 50 and win it! 

#90 B.J. Raji

 BJ Raji will start at NT in week 1 against the Bears.  Raji must get back to his old form of 2010.  It’s that simple.  The 1^st round pick, 9^th overall has to apply pressure up the middle, if the Packers defense is to have a chance at sacking the quarterback.  He has not recorded a sack since 2011. His experience will be needed in order to stop Matt Forte.

#76 Mike Daniels

Mike Daniels, barring injury, will be a Pro Bowl player this year, but will not be able to play in the game due to a previous engagement.  What else is there to say?  

Backups: Christian Ringo, Mike Pennel

Christian Ringo was drafted in the 6^th round with pick #210 out of Louisiana-Lafayette.  He is a 6’-1” - 300 lb tackling machine.  It remains to be seen how well he can perform on the field.  However, it is unlikely he gets cut, given his draft status.

#77 Christian Ringo

Mike Pennel made a splash last year at the Packers Family Night practice.  He followed up that performance during the preseason as well.  However, this year is an uphill battle for him, but in the end I think he beats out some of the others by the narrowest of margins.

#64 Mike Pennel

 Suspended: Letroy Guion, Datone Jones

Letroy Guion got the job done last year in BJ’s absence.  This year BJ Raji has to get it done.  When Guion returns in week 4, the two together are going to be one heck of a goal line defense…not that I want to see that package much.  The point, when Guion does return, the Packers will have a nice one-two punch up the gut.  They will end up splitting time guaranteed.

#98 Letroy Guion

Datone Jones has 5 career sacks in 2 seasons. 1.5 sacks last year. Datone was drafted in the first round out of UCLA by Green Bay in 2013, and needs to significantly increase his production, if the Packers want to head to SB 50 and win it!  Personally speaking, I expect more out of a 1st round pick!

#95 Datone Jones

Pre-Camp Breakdown: Now Introducing the Packers Linebackers

This off-season, the Green Bay Packers’ biggest need was at the inside linebacker position. Green Bay parted ways with veterans A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones, leaving the team with an extremely young corps of inside linebackers.

Barring injury, this much we know about the linebacker situation in Green Bay...Clay Matthews will start on the inside with Sam Barrington to begin week one against the Chicago Bears on September 13.  We also know that Julius Peppers will be on the outside with Nick Perry.  However, I believe Nick Perry will receive stiff competition from Jake Ryan, Carl Bradford, Jayrone Elliott and Adrain Hubbard.

#91 Jayrone Elliott

#49 Adrian Hubbard

Nick Perry, was a first round draft choice in 2012.  He played at USC. Perry was selected by the Packers to give them another "edge rusher" to sack the quarterback. Perry has 9 career sacks in 3 seasons. Need I say more?  He needs to step it up until Jake Ryan has been caught up to speed at the inside linebacker position so that Clay can be moved to the outside more often.

#53 Nick Perry

Jake Ryan vs Carl Bradford. Doesn't matter which 4th round pick wins the ILB position opposite Sam Barrington, so long as one of these two guys wins the position so that Green Bay can finally move Clay Matthews back to the outside edge rushing, which is what he was built to do. Bradford may surprise people this preseason.

#47 Jake Ryan and #54 Carl Bradford

In my eyes, second year players Carl Bradford and Joe Thomas will be competing for time at the inside linebacker position, though they face a more uphill battle. While Ryan and Barrington seem to be ahead of Bradford and Thomas on the depth chart for the time being, training camp could see sleepers emerge and rise up the depth chart.

Don't forget....Carl Bradford may have been a "healthy inactive" last year, because guys like Hawk, Lattimore, and Jones were in his way (taking up roster spots). As it looks right now, nobody stands in his way for a roster spot or for that matter, a starting position. On the other hand, I believe hard hitting Jake Ryan, the 4th round pick out of Michigan, will have something to say about that by the end of camp.

Ryan is a versatile player from Michigan with above average speed who can play both inside and outside. Like most rookies, he will need grooming to become a more complete player, but he has the athletic ability and desire for success to develop into a play maker for Green Bay.

#47 Jake Ryan led the Wolverines in tackles, tackles for a loss and sacks.

Next time I will introduce the "D" linemen and conclude with the DB's.  Until then, #GoPackGo!!

Pre-Camp Breakdown: Now Introducing the Packers Offensive Linemen

Compiled and Written By: Todd Stelzel, PackerToddsnEnds

This year the Green Bay Packers return intact an offensive line that was one of the better lines in the NFL last year.  Bryan Bulaga resigned with the team and that all but solidified the fortress that surrounded and protected Aaron Rodgers on pass plays and Eddie Lacy during run plays last year. Like last year the Packers will score a ton of points.  Like last year Eddie Lacy will rush for 1,100 yards and become just the 3rd running back in Packers history to do so.

The Studs: #75 Bryan Bulaga, #70 TJ Lang, #63 Corey Linsley, #71 Josh Sitton and #69 David Bakhtiari

The starters on the offensive line for the Packers are set.  # 63 Corey Linsley will start at center.  If he plays like he did last year...he will go to the Pro-Bowl.  The two guards will be # 71 Josh Sitton and #70 TJ Lang.  They pull very well and are two of the best when zone blocking and pass protecting. Sitton will be a Pro-Bowl player in 2015. Lang will be an alternate.  The two tackles are the bookends of the unit.  #69 David Bakhtiari and #75 Bryan Bulaga are two of the best in the business. Both are valuable and they protect Aaron's blind side very well.  So the line is set...but what about the back ups?

I'm predicting the Green Bay Packers will carry no more than eight offensive linemen this year on the squad.  Therefore, given the five starters the lucky other three will be #67 Don Barclay, #73 JC Tretter and #74 Mark Rotheram.  All three of these players bring versatility to the unit.

#67 Don Barclay, Tackle/Guard

# 67 Don Barclay will be the Packers best sixth man coming off the bench should any of the studs up front get hurt during a game.  In fact, last year Barclay himself was injured with a torn ACL, but is expected to make a full recovery.  During OTA's in June he showed the coaching staff that he lost no movement laterally and was more powerful in the legs than the previous season.  Packers fans should be excited about his return to the team.  He can play both tackle and guard positions.

#73 JC Tretter, Center

#73 JC Tretter will be the Packers back up center.  Interesting to note, Tretter was the starting center last year to begin the season, but lost his job to Corey Linsley when he got hurt.  Linsely never looked backed and just dominated interior "D" linemen.  Garth Gerhardt will push Tretter big time for the second spot, but will come up short and will make the squad as a practice player, should he clear waivers.  Tretter has experience at both the center and guard positions, but is a true center all the way and will only be used in that role.

#74 Mark Rotheram, Guard/Tackle

#74 Mark Rotheram will virtually be pushed by every other linemen in camp.  However, in the end he will prevail.  Rotheram is a very athletic player for a guy his size.  He is 6'-5" and 325 pounds, strong upper body and powerful legs.  He uses his hips very well when run blocking and his explosive take off allows him to get to the 2nd tier and blast linebackers out of the way for Eddie Lacy.

#76 Villanova Tackle Vince Kowalski, #50 for Packers

Finally, every year I like to pick a dark horse.  A linemen who seems to have a very good chance, but is relatively unknown.  My dark horse this year is #50 Vince Kowalski.  Vince is 6'-4' and weighs 305 lbs.  He played both right and left tackle at Nova.  Should Barclay go down again and a few other tackles slip up...Kowalski is the man!

Next time the Packers defensive players will be introduced.  Until then...#GoPackGo!

Pre-Camp Breakdown by Position: Now Introducing the Packers Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

     Wide receivers need to be fleet of foot, able to leap tall defensive backs with a single bound and must have hands large enough to catch cannon balls from the quarterback.  It is more than safe to say that the Green Bay Packers top three wide receivers are Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. It is also safe to assume that the starting tight end will be Richard Rodgers vs the Bears during week 1 of the NFL season.

After that...the jobs are up for grabs.

Let's start with Jared Abbrederis.

# 84 Jared Abbrederis

     Jared Abbrederis attended Wautoma High School in Wautoma, Wisconsin and was a three-time letter winner in football.  Abbrederis joined the Wisconsin Badgers football team as a walk-on spread quarterback on the scout team.  He proved to be a great Badger his senior year not only at the wide receiver position, but as a returner as well.  He hurt his knee last summer before playing in one pre-season game.  He received high praise from coaches before the injury.  He will be competing against Jeff Janis and Ty Montgomery for playing time.  Jared is best suited for the slot wide receiver position.  Abbrederis will make the team as the 6th wide receiver, but will have a better chance to succeed on special teams.  If Montgomery cannot get the job done fielding kick offs and punts--Abbrederis is your man!

# 83 Jeff Janis

     Jeff Janis is a beast.  He is 6' 3" 213 lbs. and has blazing 4.24 40 yard dash speed.  In June, Janis received a ton of praise from Aaron Rodgers.  If that praise is coming from Rodgers...you have to be good. McCarthy has also raved about him during OTA's.  The question, will he be able to beat out Abbrederis and Montgomery for playing time at wide receiver.  Right now he has the inside track, but pre-season will obviously tell us more about the young man.  I expect Janis to be the # 5 wide receiver when all is said and done.

Ty Montgomery, Stanford Wide Receiver, Packers 3rd round draft pick 2015

     Ty Mongomery will be the # 4 wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers.  Why?  He was drafted in the 3rd round and is unlikely to sit the bench for long periods of time, given his outstanding performance in the passing, kick off and punt return game while at Stanford.  His skill set is similar to that of Davante Adams.  Tall, durable and great hands.  He knows how to set his feet in the return game in order to get up the field quickly and give his team great starting field position.  He will be the kick/punt returner this year, barring injury.  He will also be used in the slot and in the run game, much like Randall Cobb has been used as of late.  I expect him to perform very well this year for the Pack and excited to see what he can finally do at the NFL level.

# 89 Richard Rodgers

     The Packers are thin at the tight end position after the Quarless gun incident.  Richard Rodgers will be the starter, even if Quarless had not gotten into trouble.  Rodgers is young, a good pass blocker and is gaining the trust of Aaron Rodgers.  When Quarless returns...he will be the back up and will see playing time when the Packers want to go with two tight ends on the field.  In the meantime, Justin Perrillo and 2015 draft pick Kennard Backman will compete for the # 2 spot until Quarless can play.  I expect Perrillo to come through for Green Bay, because Backman will not get enough reps in practice in order to make a case for himself.  Backman however, will not be cut by the team.  After Quarless gets back...Backman will be placed on the practice squad and remain there as a healthy inactive.

Next time...I will break down and examine the offensive line.  Until then #GoPackGo!

Pre-Camp Breakdown by Position: Now Introducing the Packers Running Backs

Compiled and Written By: Todd Stelzel, PackerToddsnEnds

     The primary roles of the running back is to receive hand offs from the quarterback and run for positive yards, preferably for at least a 4 yard average.  In addition, running backs must be able to catch passes out of the backfield and finally, when called upon to pass block for the quarterback in the event that there is an all-out red-dog-blitz.
     There are three different types of running backs.  Teams usually have a half back or tailback, a full back and a goal line back.  Usually the goal line back is the full back, but this is not always the case. For example, you may see the Packers hand the ball of to John Kuhn (fullback) near the goal line or they may give it to Eddie lacy to punch the ball into the end zone.  The point, the goal line back must have great upper body strength and powerful legs.  Finally, running backs may also be seen on special teams returning kicks or punts.

Now, let's breakdown and examine the depth chart for the Green Bay Packers running backs.

#27 Eddie Lacy 

RB, 5'-11", 230 lbs, 25 years old, 3 years of NFL experience, Drafted 2nd Rd 2013, Alabama

It's obvious to most Packers fans that Eddie is not only the Green Bay Packers best running back, since Ahman Green. He is also considered by many NFL fans to be one of the better backs in the league.  If he rushes for 1,100 yards or more this season, he will join two other Packers legends in this club...Ahman Green and Jim Taylor.  Given the Packers offensive line play, I expect Lacy to rush for 1,100 yards plus this year.  The trick here is to make sure he is fresh by the end of the year when the snow starts to blow and the wind begins to bite.

#44 James Starks

RB, 6'-2", 218 lbs. 29 years old, 6 years NFL experience, Drafted 6th Rd 2010, Buffalo

Starks has been very reliable when backing up or replacing an injured Lacy.  His best year was in 2010 when he was the ground game for the Green Bay Packers push to the Super Bowl.  He made some huge plays during that playoff run.  The game against Atlanta, in Atlanta, comes to mind.  He seemed unstoppable.  During the 2010 post season he carried the ball 81 times for 315 yards.  Age is beginning to creep in, but he should remain the #2 back behind Eddie this year.  Next year, who knows where James Starks will land.

#34 Rajion Neal

RB, 5'-11", 220 lbs. 23 years old, 1 year of NFL experience, Free Agent 2014, Tennessee

Rajion (pronounced RAY-jhon) is an interesting prospect.  He has had a bumpy road with the Packers.  He was on the practice squad the final 8 games and for the playoffs last year.  He was released and then resigned by Green Bay in January 2015.  He was originally signed in May 2014, placed on IR August 27, 2014 and then subsequently released on August 27, 2014.  He resigned with GB and placed on practice squad in November.  If he can stay healthy during the pre-season, he has a really good chance of being the #3 back for Green Bay in 2015.

#38 John Crockett

RB, 6'-0", 217 lbs., 23 years old, NFL Rookie, Free Agent 2015, North Dakota State

Crockett was not drafted, but did receive a ton of attention during the draft.  Many general managers and coaches called him to let him know of their interest in the young kid from NDSU.  In fact, ESPN had a television camera and crew in his home the final day of the draft, but was not selected by any team.  Then the Pack came calling and he signed with them a day or two after the draft concluded. His senior year he rushed for 1,994 yards and 21 TD's.  Easily the most recognizable free agent rookie among the 17 and will definitely push Neal and Harris for the #3 position.  My prediction: Crockett beats out both and will be the 3rd back for GB.

#46 Alonzo Harris

RB, 6'-1", 237 lbs., 22 years old, NFL Rookie, Free Agent 2015, Louisiana-Lafayette

Played for the "Ragin' Cajuns" and amassed 3,330 yards (a 4.7 yd ave) over his college career.  In 49 career college games he scored 44 TD's. Impressive to say the least, but his chances of making the roster are ultra slim, given the competition.  If Neal can't stay healthy, and Crockett a bust, then Harris is the next best option as the #3 running back for Green Bay.

#30 John Kuhn

FB, 6'-0", 250 lbs., 32 years old, 10 years of NFL experience, Waiver Wire 2007, Shippensburg

This will be Kuhn's last year as a Green Bay Packer.  He is 32 years old and a step slower.  However, he is a fan favorite and a favorite of McCarthy's.  I do not expect Kuhn to be cut this year, because he is still an excellent blocker for Eddie Lacy and a pretty darn good special teams player.

#22 Aaron Ripkowski

FB, 6'-1", 246 lbs., 22 years old, NFL Rookie, Drafted 6th Rd 2015, Oklahoma

This is a kid who I really like, but he has to hold onto the football better than pictured.  He has powerful legs and big time upper body strength.  He is a bruising back with a vicious stiff arm. Played football at Oklahoma, which is known for producing big running backs.  Ripkowski fits the Packers run zone blocking scheme and other blocking schemes well, but will have to improve on his pass blocking, if he wants to beat out John Kuhn for the #1 fullback position.

Next, I will breakdown the Packers depth chart at the wide receiver position. Until then #GoPackGo

Pre-Camp Team Breakdown by Position: First Introducing the Packers QB's

Compiled and Written By: Todd Stelzel, PackersToddsnEnds
  
     In this series of articles I will provide a breakdown of the Packers players by position--beginning with the offense and concluding with the defense.  Included will be job descriptions and responsibilities, and player bio information and statistics. Finally, I will identify and predict the 2015 Packers starters, 2nd and 3rd string back ups. Starters, for the most part are obvious to pin point, but 2nd and 3rd stringers will be trickier predictions--given a few major battles that loom on the horizon of training camp.  So let's begin at the most logical spot on offense: The Packers quarterbacks.

     The quarterback is the leader of the team, much like a principal of a school, and off the cuff, I'd say his play determines the fate of the team.  For example, can you name the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, who finished the 2014 season with a record of 2 wins and 14 losses?  Possibly not. Now, can you name the starting QB for the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots? Bet you said, "Peyton Manning and Tom Brady." No brainer-right?  Point made: Your team is as good as your QB.

     The quarterback's responsibilities are numerous.  First and foremost, the QB has to take care of the ball.  In other words, he has to avoid turning the ball over to the other team.  Ideally, a quarterback should have twice as many TD's as INT's, twice as many completions as attempts, and must not fumble the ball when being sacked, blindsided, scrambling out of the pocket or running for his life when past the line of scrimmage.

Let's begin with breaking down the Packers QB's.

#12 Aaron Charles Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers, Image From: www.si.com

QB, 6'-2", 225 lbs., 31 years old, 11 years of NFL experience, Selected by GB in 1st round of NFL Draft in 2005, Attended California

     Obviously, ACR is the Packers #1 QB.  In fact, most NFL fans would agree that he is the #1 QB in the league and very well may end up being the NFL MVP again in 2015.  The only question mark? How great will he be this year, considering he is already super great?  I will not bore you to death here with unbelievable statistics and rhetoric.  Rather, in my eyes, the sky's the limit for Aaron. He is no longer shooting for the moon, but rather for Mars!

#16 Scott Tolzien

Scott Tolzien, Image From: www.wsj.com

QB, 6'-2", 213 lbs., 27 years old, 5 years of NFL experience, Acquired by GB as a free agent in 2013.

Attended Wisconsin

     Scott Tolzien resigned his contract with the Packers in March of 2015, receiving a $1.375 million dollar deal.  Given this salary figure and the fact that GB parted ways with Matt Flynn, I expect Tolzien to be the #2 back up behind Aaron Rodgers.  His familiarity with the Packers playbook and wide receivers will serve him well when competing against UCLA rookie QB Brett Hundley and new comer UW-Whitewater QB Matt Blanchard. Tolzien's advantage over the others is knowing what everybody (including linemen) is doing on any given particular play; he also knows how the Packers wide receivers run their routes and how to react when a play breaks down and it is time to improvise and extend plays.  Tolzien had a great 2014 preseason and I expect him to be even better in 2015.

#7 Brett Hundley

Brett Hundley, Image From: www.zimbio.com

QB, 6'-3", 226 lbs., 21 years old, NFL Rookie, Selected by GB in 5th round of 2015 NFL Draft Attended UCLA

     Hundley has the potential to be a starting QB one day in the NFL, but this year will end up being "practice squad material" in order to develop and mature.  He has potential-no doubt; don't forget he grew up in the Jim Mora Jr. pro-style UCLA offense and proved he could handle the duties and responsibilities well enough to be drafted in the 5th and not the 7th round.
     Given his rookie status, I believe he will be running around like a chicken with its head cut off, because of his unfamiliarity with the complicated Packers offense and the tendencies of the receivers.  Therefore I believe, given Tolzien's experience and last years preseason success, Hundley will end up being the #3 Packers QB.  What remains to be seen, is whether he gets to suit up on Sundays or will be a "healthy inactive" for all of the games as he begins to get a grip while playing with the practice squad.  What I do believe is that Thompson will keep THIS Brett around and will, sooner rather than later, give him an opportunity to play.

#6 Matt Blanchard

Matt Blanchard, Image From: www.packersnews.com

QB, 6'-3", 223 lbs., 26 years old, 2 years NFL experience, Acuired by GB as Free Agent in 2015, Attended UW-Whitewater

     Don't get me wrong here, I'm pulling and rooting for Blanchard to beat out Hundley, but the chance of that happening are ultra-slim.  First of all, take a look at the picture and the wrong way he grips the ball.  He also has on a ring while practicing during the 6-10-15 OTA.  No need to further elaborate. Blanchard needs to go back to quarterback school and repeat a couple of introductory classes.  I think he will show well, but not well enough to make an NFL roster.  To be honest, I see him one day as a starting QB in the Canadian Football League--where, maybe, who knows, they don't grasp the ball at the seams. Hey, now don't laugh. They make pretty darn good money in the CFL.

Next, I will examine the Packers fullbacks and halfbacks.  Until then...#GoPackGo

NFL Players Off and Rolling...And the Hits Just Keep Coming

Compiled and Written By: Todd Stelzel, PackerToddsnEnds

Can you picture Aaron Charles Rodgers sitting down in his recliner at home, turning on Jeopardy and lighting up a "doobie," in order to relieve the bumps, bruises and headaches he sustained over the course of an NFL season? To tell you the truth, I can't "picture it"...but then again with all of the recent news about pot and NFL players...who knows what goes on behind closed doors.

Recently, Mike Freeman, Bleacher Report NFL Lead Writer wrote in an article dated June 30, 2015, that Marijuana use in the NFL is prevalent and pervasive. In the article titled, "Banned, but Bountiful: Marijuana Coveted by NFL Players as Invaluable Painkiller," he clearly outlines why football players in the NFL use the mind altering cannabis, instead of popping pills. Click on the title link above to open a new window and read the article. It is absolutely eye-opening and jaw dropping!!!

In a more recent article, Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writer, reported on July 2, 2015, from Green Bay, Wisconsin, that "The NFL has suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones for one game. The league announced Thursday that Jones will miss the regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears for violating the league's substance abuse policy. It was not immediately known whether Jones failed a drug test or missed a test."

Given the one game consequence handed down by the NFL to Datone Jones, it is more than likely a minor substance abuse related infraction and not about Cocaine, Codeine, Vicodin or PED's.  After reading Freeman's article, I learned that the NFL's new drug policy forbids players to use Marijuana, yet for the most part has swept the issue under the rug with only random drug testing (prior to the start of training camp) and implements lenient consequences for smoking pot when compared to the use of other banned narcotic drugs by the NFL.

My thought...Now that the cannabis is out of the "baggie," no sense pretending we don't really know what's happening.  In other words, either do away with the policy or tighten up the policy, but don't sweep the policy under the rug.  The sooner it becomes less convoluted, the better it will be for all NFL stakeholders.

In 2015...Packers will go 13-3

Compiled and Written By: Todd Stelzel, PackerToddsnEnds

"Yellow 30, Yellow 30, Set...Uncle Bill's in jail...Uncle Bill's in jail...Set..."

As soon as the times and dates of the Green Bay Packer schedule are released, my wife and I like to sit down and make our bold win/loss predictions for the coming season. In addition, we determine which football game we want to see at Lambeau Field. This year was no different. Our Packer win/loss predictions were completed on April 22, 2015, (more than a month before the NFL Draft) and we purchased tickets on April 23rd to see the St. Louis Rams play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, October 11. Our goal is to see every NFL team play the Packers at Lambeau. This year, I am predicting that the Packers will go 13-3 in 2015. My lovely wife of 28 years, has the Packers going 14-2. Like her, I am also predicting that the Green Bay Packers will play the New England Patriots in SB 50. Here is a breakdown of my regular season game by game predictions for the (13 and 3) 2015 Green Bay Packers.

Week 1 at Chicago Bears. The Bears are still the Bears with Cutler at QB. Packers win.

Week 2 Seattle Seahawks. Finally, home field advantage. This time the Packers win!

Week 3 Kansas City Chiefs. Rodgers is better than Smith. Packers win.

Week 4 at San Francisco 49ers. Besides Kapernick, is anyone left? Packers win at San Fran!

Week 5 St Louis Rams. Coach Fisher is rebuilding. Packers win easily.

Week 6 San Diego Chargers. Welcome back Melvin Gordon. Good game, but Packers win to start the season out of the gate with 6 wins and 0 losses.

Week 7 Bye

Week 8 at Denver Broncos. Denver "D" does the trick. Packers lose for the first time this season on the road.

Week 9 at Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton gives the Packers fits, but Packers win.

Week 10 Detroit Lions. Detroit needs this game, but Packers win.

Week 11 at Minnesota Vikings. Are the Vikes for real? Not this year. Pack win!

Week 12 Chicago Bears. Cutler benched in Week 10! Packers roll and win.

Week 13 at Detroit Lions. Don't choke on your drumstick, but Packers lose this game by 1 point.

Week 14 Dallas Cowboys. Cowboy rushing attack still ineffective. Packers win.

Week 15 at Oakland Raiders. The fans look mean, but that's about it. Packers win.

Week 16 at Arizona Cardinals. AZ is the real deal. Packers lose a close game by 2 points.

Week 17 Minnesota Vikings. Vikes blow lead, fall flat in the second half. Packers win.

Which Packer Rookie Makes Biggest Impact in 2015?

Compiled and Written By: Todd Stelzel, PackerToddsnEnds

3rd Rd Pick WR Ty Montgomery, Standford, Image From: www.paloaltoonline.com

Recently I posed the same question to Brian Carriveau's Packers Q & A Mail Bag dated June 5, 2015 on Twitter. Below is the question and his response posted on the blog site@247Sports. After reading the brief Twitter exchange, you tell us, which Packer rookie will make the biggest impact or splash and why in 2015?

Question From: Todd Stelzel 

Which rookie makes biggest impact and why? My guess is Ty Montgomery. He can return kicks/punts and play wide receiver.

Reply Back From: Brian Carriveau 

Let me be clear, Ty Montgomery could very well be that guy. I like him too, but let me play devil's advocate. Montgomery will be the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart in a best-case scenario, and even that's an iffy proposition if a second-year player like Jared Abbrederis or Jeff Janis emerges.
And while Montgomery looks to be a good bet to return kickoffs, it might be difficult for him to unseat Micah Hyde on punt returns after averaging an impressive 13.6 yards per attempt and scoring three touchdowns in his first two seasons. 

My choice for the rookie making the biggest impact isn't exactly outside the box, but I'll go with Damarious Randall. It might take him a little time to get used to playing cornerback in the NFL, but the Packers are going to give him every chance to succeed or fail. You don't invest a first-round pick into a player like that if you don't think he can do it. And at minimum, Randall figures to be playing a role on the special teams coverage units from Day 1, a place he seems ideally suited to make an impact.

Final Thought From: Todd Stelzel

So...Having read the exchange, you tell us...Which Packer rookie do you think makes the biggest impact or splash in 2015? Would love to hear from you! On that note, #Go Pack Go!