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!!