SB Nation - Charlie Peprah

Falcons Place S Jamaal Fudge On I.R., Sign S Charlie Peprah

Dave the Falconer — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:19:04 -0000

Some years even your depth can't escape the dreaded injury bug.

That's right, folks, that cursed little bastard has dug his plague-encrusted fangs into Jamaal Fudge, knocking everybody's favorite backup safety out for the rest of the season. This is especially unusual because the team never disclosed what happened to Fudge, who had mostly played his time out on special teams in 2009. We wish him well.

His replacement is kind of an intriguing guy, or at least he would be if he wasn't doomed to spend the rest of the season warming the bench. Charlie Peprah was an effective special teamer for the Green Bay Packers, jarring two fumbles loose in 2007 and generating 37 total tackles during his three years there, and he could be a valuable piece of our kickoff return coverage team. If nothing else, his name will be fun to say for the rest of the season. Peprah peprah peprah.

In the big scheme of things, this is a blip on the back of an atom zipping its way through the universe, but it does illustrate just how heavily we've been hit by injuries this season. Let's hope Fudge is the end of it.

Thoughts?

Analysis: The Green Bay Packers New Look Secondary

Brandon — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:15:19 -0000

More photos » by Morry Gash - AP

3 months ago: In this July 30, 2007, photo, Green Bay Packers' Charles Woodson (21) talks to Al Harris during NFL football training camp in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers return almost all of last year's defensive players, and they'll all be adjusting to different roles--including Harris and Woodson, man-to-man specialists who now will be playing more zone. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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With three defensive backs injured during the final preseason game, and two injuries at safety entering it, the depth in the secondary has been shaken up. The whole roster got more confusing when two players were placed on I.R. (S Charlie Peprah and CB Pat Lee), and one of the preseason's stars was released (S Anthony Smith). And one new face was added in a trade.

The best news in all of this was that the starting lineup is the same. CB Charles Woodson and CB Al Harris will start, alongside S Atari Bigby and S Nick Collins. CB Tramon Williams could play as much as 60% of the time as the nickel back.

So meet the new face: CB Derrick Martin.

He was a 6th round draft choice of Baltimore in 2006, and the Green Bay Packers acquired him in trade for OL Tony Moll. The Packers have had their eye on Martin since they scouted him in college at Wyoming.
In his first three seasons, he played exclusively at cornerback, starting 3 games in 2007. He played in 4 games in 2008 before a shoulder injury ended his season.
This preseason, he's been playing exclusively at safety. Now that he's in Green Bay, I expected he'd be playing some at cornerback again, but, according to Tom Pelissero, he spent his first practice following safeties coach Darren Perry around. So he's a safety.
He projected as high as a 3rd round pick in 2006. But according NFL Draft Scout, as a cornerback, the best he can be is a nickel back, so the move to safety might be a good one.
And he had some problems with a bowling pin and some marijuana back in 2008, but was never charged.

S Anthony Smith had a great preseason, there were even rumors he might unseat Bigby, but surprisingly he was released last weekend. CB Pat Lee was a 2nd round pick in 2008 and seemed certain to move up the depth chart in 2009, but a back injury kept him out most of training camp and a knee injury ended his season.

Cornerbacks:

CB Will Blackmon. According to Tom Pelissero, he's still not dressed for practice. If he's healthy, he'll be the top reserve.

CB Brandon Underwood. They love those guys that can play multiple positions. Although he played safety during his final college season at Cincinnati, the 6th round pick has been playing exclusively at cornerback in the NFL. He's got some promise; he appears to be able to close on receivers with a good jump and his tall 6'1" frame. But he also plays with a lot of cushion and has gotten spun around by a double move on more than one occassion. He's not ready to play right now, but he's the next healthy cornerback currently on the depth chart.

Safety:

S Aaron Rouse. According to Tom Pelissero, he was in practice on Monday. Just as in 2008; he remains the top backup at safety.

S Jarrett Bush. The former nickel back has been playing exclusively at safety this preseason. The team roster lists him as a cornerback/safety, but he'd only play cornerback in an emergency.

S Derrick Martin. He'll be a safety, so he seems like an odd addition because they need cornerback depth. Apparently the Packers just had a "thing" for him, so says GM Ted Thompson:

Q: Was the decision on Anthony Smith a performance-based one?
A: It was just a thing, we had an opportunity to get a player from Baltimore that kind of fit what we were looking for. A little bit of a corner, a little bit of a safety, special teams. It just came down to that.

Analysis: Down to 53; Look Who Missed The Roster

Brandon — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:00:30 -0000

by John Russell - AP

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I started out by looking at who made the 53 man roster for the Green Bay Packers. But all the talk is about who didn't make the team. It's a big list, with 18 players released and 4 players placed on I.R., but there are three big surprises. I'll be going through the players on I.R. after the jump. Also, it's time to speculate who will make the practice squad.

QB Brian Brohm. It's not everyday a team releases the player who was the No. 57 overall pick less than two years ago. I'm a big fan, I think he's getting better and has a chance to be a good QB, but I can understand why he's out. He doesn't make good decisions and he has trouble throwing the ball deep. He really needs more reps; he'd be a perfect candidate for the old NFL Europe. And I can understand why they weren't able to trade him because his stats during the 2008-2009 preseasons have been bad. Also, GM Ted Thompson probably prefers carrying only two QBs on the roster. He might slip through and find his way back on the practice squad. I couldn't find any legitimate rumor of another team being interested in him.
RB Tyrell Sutton. Mike McCarthy prefers big backs. RB Ryan Grant and RB DeShawn Wynn are big backs. Sutton, at 5'7", is not. His only competition was truly RB Brandon Jackson, and it appears Jackson is a better blocker and receiver. Expect to see Sutton sign with another team very soon.
S Anthony Smith. The former 3rd round pick of the Steelers was a low cost free agent signing. He received no signing bonus, so there shouldn't be a salary cap hit for his release. He's had an outstanding preseason, although he did mix in a couple 15 yard penalties. Then they trade for CB/S Derrick Martin, who seems to be a very similar player, although he can actually play cornerback. I thought Smith had the job as the top backup safety all locked up.

WR Jake Allen. He was on the practice squad last season, but it wasn't enough to get him a good look this preseason. I rarely saw him on the field. He could return to the practice squad once again.
CB Trevor Ford. He was just awful in the game against Tennessee. He wasn't physical at the line and he couldn't keep up with the receivers in coverage. He's the least surprising cut.
OL Andrew Hartline. He had a good preseason, but he just couldn't beat out OL T.J. Lang or C Evan Dietrich-Smith. Although it probably helped Dietrich-Smith that he can play center too. He could return on the practice squad, but it will depend on who else was released around the NFL.
WR Kole Heckendorf. He had a good preseason and it should be enough to get him onto the practice squad.
LB Danny Lansanah. Another 2008 practice squad alum. He's a good player and a big hitter, but there are just too many good inside linebackers currently on the roster. He's another 2009 practice squad possibility.
RB Kregg Lumpkin. The running back everyone expected to be released. I'm still surprised he made the team last season. I'm pretty sure he's not eligible for the practice squad.
DE Alfred Malone. Rinse and repeat: another 2008 practice squad alum who had a good preseason and could make it on the 2009 practice squad.
WR Ruvell Martin. He should have made the team again this season, but he had some preseason miscues. He just didn't offer anything as a receiver that they couldn't get from WR Brett Swain. But while Swain actually showed some promise as a punt returner and as a cornerback (seriously, he wasn't that bad in the Tennesee game), Martin blew his opportunity as a holder and a punt returner (fumbled a punt return at Tennessee). He doesn't seem like a guy who will draw much interest from another team.
OL Jamon Meredith. The 5th round pick had a rocky college career in South Carolina, but the talent has always been there. He played almost exclusively at left tackle this preseason, and it seemed like he's a great run blocker. I'm really surprised they kept Dietrich-Smith over him.
NT Dean Muhtadi. He's under 300 lbs. but he always played at nose tackle. He never seemed like a good fit, but he could be signed for the practice squad.
LB Cyril Obiozor. The undrafted, college defensive end, was always a project, and he got caught in a numbers crunch. Just too many good linebackers in camp. He was probably battling 7th round LB Brad Jones for a spot, and Jones outplayed him. He's another practice squad possibility.
CB Joe Porter. Rinse and repeat: another 2008 practice squad alum who had a good preseason and could make it on the 2009 practice squad.
OL Dane Randolph. The undrafted lineman from Maryland was always a long shot, and he only played 3rd string right tackle this preseason. He's not bad, but there's just no room for him.
DE Ronald Talley. He made a couple plays this preseason, but he got beat out by DE Jarius Wynn, who made a lot of good plays.
NT Anthony Toribio. He spent a lot of time in opponent's backfields this preseason and I was hoping he grabbed one of the final roster spots. He should be playing somewhere in the NFL, but he might slip through the cracks.

Injured Reserve:

DE Justin Harrell. The frequently injured one is the least surprising addition to the I.R. Although this gives him another season to try and rehab, I don't expect he'll ever play for the Packers again.
CB Pat Lee. This sucks. He missed most of the preseason with a back injury, he finally gets healthy for the final preseason game, and he hyperextends his knee. He looked good at cornerback against Tennessee, and he made a great kick off return (on which he hyperextended his knee). With several injured players already in the secondary, they couldn't afford to stash him on the 53 man roster and wait a few weeks for him to return.
TE Evan Moore. He didn't seem hurt in the Tennessee game. He sure didn't play well this preseason (multiple penalties, at least one fumble) so I was expecting his release.
S Charlie Peprah. He played only on special teams in 2007 and 2008, but the coaches apparently like him anyway. He might have been able to return, but as I mentioned with Pat Lee above, they really can't wait.

Analysis: Green Bay Packers Trade for Derrick Martin

Brandon — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:50:47 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

3 months ago: Baltimore Ravens cornerback Derrick Martin (29) breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Britt Davis (17) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-23. At left is Ravens Tom Zbikowski (28). (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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I haven't posted my game review from the final preseason game yet, but it was pretty obvious why they might trade for a cornerback. CBs Pat Lee, Will Blackmon, and Brandon Underwood are all battling injuries, and CB Trevor Ford looked just awful, and he too was hurt in the last minute. WR Brett Swain played cornerback in the 4th quarter, and except for his tackling (which is something I'm sure he never practices), he was their best CB on the field. CB Jarrett Bush and CB Joe Porter are better, but they were both playing at safety, where depth is a problem too because of injuries to S Aaron Rouse and S Charlie Peprah.

With depth an issue, they made a trade for CB/S Derrick Martin, according to Aaron Wilson at the National Football Post. Baltimore will receive a 6th or 7th round pick in 2010 in return. Although Baltimore's secondary isn't loaded with big name players, including former Packer CB Frank Walker, they were a very good unit last season, so he's been competing for playing time against some good players. Martin was injured all last season, and although he's played CB in the past, the Ravens were using him exclusively at safety this preseason. Baltimore Beatdown expected that Martin would win a spot on the 53 man roster, so he should be good.

UPDATE: Great minds think alike. Mitchell and I were writing about this at the same time and his post got up before mine. Check out his post below.

UPDATE #2: It's a straight up trade of OL Tony Moll for Martin. Moll was the starting RT at the end of last season, filling in after RT Mark Tauscher went down with an injury, but he was always prone to the occasional lapse (i.e. missed assignment, holding penalty) so he was out of favor, and never even consider as Tauscher's replacement this season. He was probably going to be released, so acquiring a needed player for the secondary was a good move.

Preseason Preview: Green Bay Packers at Tennessee

Brandon — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:00:29 -0000

by Mark Humphrey - AP

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Wednesday was the travel day for the Green Bay Packers down to Nashville for the final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.

I haven't followed the Titans at all this preseason, but they lost their last game 23-17 against Cleveland. It sounds like they miss DT Albert Haynesworth, which is no surprise. Maybe they're not happy with their wide receivers if they think Matt Jones is the answer to any question, except "Name a 1st round bust of the Jaguars?"

As far as the Packers are concerned, here's what to watch for:

Don't blink! You might miss the 1st team offense. QB Aaron Rodgers was on the field for exactly one play in their 2008 preseason game against Tennessee, a 68 yard TD strike to WR Greg Jennings.
Can LB Nick Barnett and LB Clay Matthews prove they deserve to start? They've both been out the entire preseason, so this is their first, and only, opportunty to prove it.
15 players for a couple roster spots. The 53 man roster is pretty much set, although it's not clear who will go on I.R. yet. They have to trim the roster down from 75, while 5 or 6 guys will sign on the practice squad, and maybe a few players will go on I.R. So I'm guessing that leaves about 15 players looking at their outright release.
Some players, like CB Pat Lee, I haven't seen play at all this preseason, and I have no idea whether he'll be placed on I.R. (out for the season), the PUP list (back after six weeks), or to the 53 man roster. Injuries to CB Will Blackmon, S Aaron Rouse, and S Charlie Peprah have left the secondary thin. But it's given an opportunity to CB Brandon Underwood.
There will have to be some cuts to the offensive line too. Can an undrafted player like OL Dane Randolph beat out OL Jamon Meredith for a roster spot?
Someone has to go at linebacker too. LB Jeremy Thompson was great back in June, but his first action this preseason was last week at Arizona and he didn't have a big game. He might be playing for a job. Do they have room to keep 7th round pick LB Brad Jones, or is he a candidate for the practice squad?

Final Preseason Practice: Injuries, Barnett and Matthews, and Final Preseason Roster Battles

Brandon — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:00:17 -0000

by Ross D. Franklin - AP

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Tuesday was the last open practice of training camp. From Tom Pelissero, the 200 fans that watched it gave them a standing ovation. It's been a great preseason and training camp.

Speaking of Tom, he provided a great run down of who won't play on Thursday night. CB Charles Woodson and CB Al Harris won't play; coaches' decision. The players battling injuries won't play either; RB Brandon Jackson, S Charlie Peprah, CB Will Blackmon, S Aaron Rouse, DE Justin Harrell, and WR Greg Jennings.

Anyone not mentioned above will play. That means it's the first live action for LB Clay Matthews and LB Nick Barnett. Although they've missed the first three preseason games, depending on how they both play at Tennessee, it's possible they could both start Week 1. Back in 2006, LB Brady Poppinga won the starting OLB job after missing the first three preseason games. If Barnett is healthy, is there any justification for starting LB Brandon Chillar ahead of him? Does Matthews deserve a chance to start Week 1 after missing most of the preseason?

From Mike McCarthy:

(Do you still have a lot of evaluating to do?)
Oh yeah, I think we have a lot of evaluating to do, especially the special teams part of it.

Special teams might be the reason they keep FB John Kuhn over rookie FB Quinn Johnson, although according to Tom Silverstein, it sounds like the competition is still open. I hope they don't release or take away the starting job from FB Korey Hall, I think the running game is much better with him in as the lead blocker, but he could easily become the odd man out.

According to Pete Dougherty, Rouse and Peprah are battling for one roster spot at safety, but those guys are both in danger. It's not their fault, but it's hard to evaluate someone when they're not playing. And the team would be fine with CB/S Jarrett Bush and S Anthony Smith as the only backup safeties. I'd hate to see them release Rouse.

In the final preseason game against Tennessee last season, QB Aaron Rodgers and the 1st team offense only stuck around for one play. So it's lots of playing time for QB Brian Brohm while QB Matt Flynn continues to nurse his sore shoulder. Pete Dougherty discussed the possibility of claiming former New England QB Kevin O'Connell, but he couldn't possibly be an improvement over Brohm? Maybe my judgment is clouded because I'm a big Brohm fan.

Mitchell has admitted his mistake, but I can't help myself. Cincinnati finally signed OL Andre Smith last week after a lengthy contract dispute and almost immediately he breaks his foot. I'm so happy they landed DT B.J. Raji instead.

Wednesday Practice: Injuries and The Linebackers Continue To Impress

Brandon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:00:23 -0000

More photos » by Mike Roemer - AP

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I'm sure Thursday is a travel day to Arizona for Friday's game against the Cardinals. Mike McCarthy said QB Matt Flynn, LB Clay Matthews, and LB Nick Barnett are doubtful for the game, which in preseason means they're out. A few others won't play either, from Tom Pelissero:

That's in addition to the list of players who didn't suit up once this week and won't play against the Cardinals: CB Pat Lee (back), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring), DE Justin Harrell (back), S Charlie Peprah (knee) and CB Will Blackmon (quad).

During the Wednesday itself practice, the backup linebackers continued to impress. First LB Brandon Chillar, and then LB Brad Jones.

When they ran the 4-3 defense last season, they usually only kept five linebackers on the roster. But as Green and Bold predicted, they might keep as many as nine on the 53 man roster this season. At first, that seemed like too many, but players like Aaron Kampman, Clay Matthews, Brady Poppinga, and Jeremy Thompson might all be asked to play at defensive end in a 4-2-5 alignment on passing downs, so they are providing depth throughout the entire defensive front seven.

Analysis: Green Bay Packers defeat Browns 17-0

Brandon — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 21:55:58 -0000

More photos » by Jim Prisching - AP

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That was a dominant performance. The score: 17-0. Total yards: 392 to 191. Time of possession: 39:56 to 20:04. Of course then I read another game recap that said it wasn't dominant because Cleveland blew two plays. Well almost doesn't count. It would have been dominant even if Cleveland hadn't dropped one TD reception and committed a penalty that nullified a made FG.

The bad news is that it's just one win. The 1st string looked great against Cincinnati in last season's first preseason game, although the backups couldn't hold that lead. And it really showed how bad Cincinnati would be, not how good the Packers were.

But the good news is that a lot of players looked great. And the preseason is all about trends. Watch out for players or units that are playing bad throughout the preseason, like last season's defensive line. And Mike McCarthy said there were no significant injuries, which is the most important thing in the preseason.

Some players that really stood out:

Middle linebacker. LB Desmond Bishop made Cleveland's backup look bad, but LB Brandon Chillar did the same thing to their starters. The new 3-4 defense will make the linebackers look really good. But they still have to show that they can drop back in pass coverage too.
Backup QB. These guys look so much better than they did last season, even if the stats don't show it.
Defensive line. Cleveland's offensive line is good, and the Packers' defensive line did a good job holding their ground, something they were lousy at last season.

My complete game review after the jump.

Browns vs Packers coverage; Browns vs Packers recap; Browns vs Packers boxscore; Dawgs By Nature (Cleveland fan site).

But for my complete game review, I'm using the NFL.com play-by-play.

First Quarter

(12:54) 25-R.Grant right tackle to GB 47 for 14 yards.

It doesn't really matter, but seeing RB Ryan Grant play in the preseason is great. Except for one play, he missed all of last preseason with his bad hamstring. The starting offensive line is Clifton, Colledge, Wells, Spitz, and Barbre, and they got a great push. They gave Grant room to run and QB Aaron Rodgers time to throw. The time at right tackle was split exclusively between RT Allen Barbre and RT Breno Giacomini as they battle for the starting job. Both played well, but neither stood out.

(12:15) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep middle to 80-D.Driver for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Rodgers is so good at throwing on the run. Nice move by WR Donald Driver to get behind the secondary.

(10:50) (Shotgun) 10-B.Quinn pass short middle to 88-M.Furrey to CLE 36 for 9 yards.

(9:00) (Shotgun) 10-B.Quinn pass short middle to 88-M.Furrey to GB 21 for 11 yards.

Two completions on 3rd down. It looked like WR Mike Furrey was matched up against a linebacker and beat them to keep the drive alive. All of the Packers' linebackers can play, but the starters will be the ones who can drop back into coverage. If you're keeping track of the cornerback depth chart, Harris and Woodson sat out so CB Tramon Williams and CB Will Blackmon started. CB Jarrett Bush was the nickel back.

LB Brady Poppinga got the start at right OLB since LB Clay Matthews and LB Jeremy Thompson were both held out with minor injuries. All of three are very active and have some pass rushing ability, but Matthews should be the best in pass coverage.

(6:53) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 88-J.Finley to GB 44 for 12 yards.

(6:14) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 89-J.Jones to CLE 48 for 8 yards.

Both TE Jermichael Finley and WR James Jones had good games. They both look better than last season, which isn't surprising since Finley is so young and Jones battled injuries. Neither will start, but they'll help.

(4:55) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass incomplete short middle to 25-R.Grant.

You can't see it on the stat line, but this was a completely botched screen pass. It's odd to watch the Packers struggle so badly with the screen pass since they were so good at it in the 1990s.

(:10) 10-M.Flynn pass short right to 88-J.Finley to 50 for 6 yards.

QB Matt Flynn looks so much better. He's got some zip on the ball and can throw on the run. He's even adjusted his throwing motion so he looks an awful lot like Rodgers. Unfortunately the rest of the offense made three mental mistakes (false start, illegal formation, and illegal man downfield) that stalled his first drive.

Second Quarter

(9:34) 2-M.Crosby 60 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright.

There's been some Tweets from training camp that K Mason Crosby has been struggling. But his two misses were very long attempts that didn't miss badly. And he had two kickoffs go into the end zone. There's nothing wrong with him.

(8:45) 3-D.Anderson pass deep right intended for 16-J.Cribbs INTERCEPTED.

This gets back to what I said about the middle linebackers. It was a big night for LB Desmond Bishop, 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, and he was a constant presence behind the line of scrimmage. But the 3-4 defense sure gives the middle linebacker opportunities to shine. Bishop was allowed to delay blitz, or run a stunt, and got in on the QB. The pass from QB Derek Anderson had no chance because Bishop came in unblocked, and hit him as he was throwing.

(1:20) (Shotgun) 10-B.Quinn pass short middle to 16-J.Cribbs to GB 14 for 22 yards (29-A.Smith). PENALTY on GB-29-A.Smith, Face Mask (15 Yards), 7 yards, enforced at GB 14.

(:25) (Shotgun) 10-B.Quinn pass short middle intended for 17-B.Edwards INTERCEPTED by 29-A.Smith at GB -7. Touchback.

S Anthony Smith was one of the budget free agents signed by the Packers. The former 3rd round pick was a starter in Pittsburgh, but was benched in 2008. He had a nice blitz for a sack and made a nice play to jump the route in the end zone for an INT. But he also had a careless facemask penalty. It's not clear whether he's an upgrade over last season's backup safety, S Charlie Peprah, who had an INT of his own during the game.

Third Quarter

(14:26) 5-B.Ratliff pass short left to 87-A.Walker to CLE 30 for 9 yards.

QB Brett Ratliff played the entire 2nd half for Cleveland. He connected with journeyman TE Aaron Walker on 3 passes for 48 yards, and one screen pass to WR Brian Robiskie for 15 yards, and that was the all Cleveland's backups could muster. The 2nd unit defense struggled at times last preseason, so this great game is hopefully the start of a promising trend.

(12:16) 11-B.Brohm pass short middle INTERCEPTED.

QB Brian Brohm had an ugly line, 3 for 10 for 18 yards and 2 INTs. This INT happened because the right defensive end got past LT Tony Moll and hit Brohm as he was throwing. But overall, he looks so much better than he did last year. He's got a zip on his passes, just like I said above with Flynn. The difference is that Brohm is a little late on his passes. One one late pass, he led the receiver too close to the sideline, and on another he made the receiver slow down on the sidelines when he had a step on the defender. He's still the 3rd string QB, but with more experience he'll be a solid pocket passer.

Fourth Quarter

(14:11) (Shotgun) 11-B.Brohm pass short right intended for 81-J.Harris INTERCEPTED.

Brohm threw the pass high, but it ricocheted off WR JaRon Harris' hands for the INT. It's a tough job, but receivers have to catch those passes.

(11:05) 23-T.Sutton left tackle to GB 37 for 17 yards.

I'm a big fan of RB Tyrell Sutton. He was a great player at Northwestern. He went undrafted because his 40 time at the combine was slow, he's only 5'8" (he looks even shorter standing next to the O-lineman in the huddle), and he's had a history of injuries. But he's talented and should make a good 3rd down/change of pace back. Unfortunately, it probably won't be with the Packers because there's nothing he does that RB Brandon Jackson can't do.

(8:47) 28-K.Lumpkin right end to CLE 38 for 14 yards.

I don't know how undrafted RB Kregg Lumpkin made the team last year. He wasn't awful, but he didn't really dazzle either. In this game, however, I could see what the coaches see in him. He's a strong runner and he's a load to bring down at 230 lbs. He beat out RB Deshawn Wynn last season because Wynn was injured for most of training camp, but then Wynn was resigned after Lumpkin was lost for the year with an injury. They'll only keep one of them, and Wynn played earlier in the game then Lumpkin did.

Friday Practice Recap; Family Night This Saturday

Brandon — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:53:46 -0000

A lot of players sat out Friday's practice, there's no need to push it now, but one interesting note was that rookie 5th round FB Quinn Johnson is struggling. From Greg Bedard:

FB Quinn Johnson continued to be unimpressive as he fumbled one of the few carries he's gotten. McCarthy was not pleased. Charlie Peprah picked up the fumble.

There will finally be some Packer football on TV tonight since it's Family Night. The annual Saturday night scrimmage isn't as informative as a preseason game, meaning don't read too much into whether anyone looks awful or awesome, but I'll watch any Packer football I can. There should even be a pregame show, check your local listings.

Panthers Top 6 Plays of 2008: Fan Vote

Jaxon — Fri, 22 May 2009 02:57:12 -0000

I've identified my Top 6 plays of the Panthers 2008 season and want your vote for which was the #1 play of the year. My criteria is simple, I was looking for key, game changing plays and I'm sure its no surprise 5 of the 6 are offensive plays. I've included video where I could find it.

Play #1: Jake to Rosario 14 yd last second game winning TD vs. Chargers

Just about everyone in the country figured this game was a sure "L" with the Panthers (including myself) on the road against the highly rated Chargers without Steve Smith. TE Dante Rosario shows tremendous concentration to focus and catch that pass under pressure on the last play of the game. You can not ask for a more exciting finish if you are a Panther fan. For the Delhomme bashers out there I have to point out at the .55 sec mark, from the end zone camera angle, that Jake pump fakes first to the corner but then quickly flicks it to Rosario for the winner. It's that type of veteran play that makes Jake such a winner at QB. Remember too this was his first game back from Tommy John surgery. This play set the tone for the Panthers season as they had to know they could win any game.

Play #2: Jake to Smitty 38 yd TD that opened the gate to the route against the Bucs at home On Monday Night

You could just feel the tension in the air after the Bucs had just scored after intercepting Delhomme. The Panthers needed to answer the Bucs and they didn't wait long. Delhomme hit Smith perfectly on a deep post just inside the left front pylon. Though the Bucs mounted a brief comeback this play swung the momentum in the Panthers favor and they never hesitated from there as the offense just buried the hapless Bucs defense. This video of Smith's 2008 highlights included all three of Smitty Top plays (Bucs, Packers, Cardinals)

Play #3: Jake to Smitty 54 yds to the 1 yard line vs. Packers

Just when it looked like Packers QB Aaron Rodgers had engineered an impressive come-from-behind victory on the frozen tundra Jake and Smitty hooked up again. Smitty went up high between two defenders and reached back behind himself to make a spectacular catch. On the next play D-Will plunged in for the winning score with only 1:30 on the clock. I firmly believe the method in which this game was won lead to the blow out versus the Bucs the following game. Honorable mention for Jon Beason's subsequent INT to seal the victory and end the Packers last gasp comeback. The video of this play is included in the Smith highlight video above.

Play #4: Peppers sack and FF of Shockey at Saints 46 yd line

Peppers charged from the opposite side of the line to tomahawk TE Jeremy Shockey from behind for a game changing sack, strip and fumble recovery. Four plays later RB Jonathan Stewart scored from 18 yards out to grab a lead the Panthers never let go. I couldn't find a video of the play but this highlight video of Peppers 2008 season does include a sack of QB Drew Brees from that game. You can't but hope Pep comes back after watching this video.

Play #5: Jake to Smitty who tight-rope walks the line to 65 yd TD vs. Cardinals

When I first saw this play live I thought there was no way he didn't step out of bounds. Yet on the replay his heel was over the line he never touched it down. Just another miraculous play by one of the best WR's in the league. This TD put the Panthers up by a point at the end of the 3^rd quarter and it turned out to be all they needed. Unfortunately the Panthers had no similar magic the next timed they faced the Cardinals.

D-Will 69 yd TD vs the Raiders staked the Panthers to a 14-0 lead

You could argue this play was just as much poor tackling by the Raiders but I think it is still amazing Williams keeps his balance. On this play Williams is spun around while running full speed but keeps his feet to complete the long score. You have to give him props up front for the beautiful cut back to the middle on the off tackle run, one of the Panther running games bread and butter plays. I find it amusing the video is billed "Raiders LB Howard runs down Williams...ALMOST!" Close but no cigar loser!

Poll

Which of these plays 6 plays was the #1 game changing play of the Panthers season?

Jake to Rosario for 14 yd last second TD vs Chargers

208 votes

Jake to Smitty for 38 yds for TD vs Bucs on Monday Night

15 votes

Jake to Smitty as he tight-roped the sideline for TD vs Cardinals

60 votes

Peppers sack, strip and fumble of Shockey vs Saints

10 votes

Jake to smitty for 54 yds to 1 yard line vs Packers

45 votes

D-Will's 69 yd spinning TD vs Raiders

46 votes

Other, see comments

7 votes

391 votes | Poll has closed