SB Nation - Kregg Lumpkin

Where Are They Now? Recent Packers Released

Brandon — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:26:04 -0000

by John Russell - AP

Probably every Green Bay Packer fan who watched the first two preseason games was hoping or expecting they would keep RB Tyrell Sutton. Instead he was released, and claimed by Carolina. RB Kregg Lumpkin was added to the practice squad. Maybe they preferred Lumpkin after all. They had to know someone would claim Sutton if they tried to slip him through waivers.

The bigger surprise was the release of S Anthony Smith. He had a great preseason, along with a couple dumb 15 yard penalties, but it seemed like he had the job as the top backup safety in hand. Instead he was released and claimed by St. Louis.

LB Danny Lansanah wasn't outstanding, but he was solid this preseason. He had at least one blown play in pass coverage, but at least one devastating hit too. He declined an invite to the Packers practice squad, and instead signed onto the practice squad in Miami.

C Duke Preston, along with S Anthony Smith, were the two veteran free agent signings this offseason. Neither earned a spot on the Packers 53 man roster. Preston was actually released a couple weeks ago. Just like Smith, Preston too wound up on another team's 53 man roster. He's way down deep in the depth chart in Dallas.

Analysis: Down to 53; Look Who Missed The Roster

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

by John Russell - AP

View full size photo »

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.

Preseason Analysis: Green Bay Packers defeat Arizona 44-37

Brandon — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:00:10 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Browse more photos »

The Green Bay Packers were in control for most of the game, they led 38-10 at the half, but a late rally made the game seem closer than it was.

The most important thing to watch out for during the preseason is the injuries. From Mike McCarthy:

Q:Can you give an update on the injuries?
A:Greg (Jennings) had a blow to the head, he did not return. Atari Bigby had a sprained thumb. Mike Montgomery has a broken hand. Brandon Jackson has a bruised shin.

Obviously WR Greg Jennings is the biggest concern. According to Rob Demovsky, the blow to the head is a concussion. Some athletes have problems with reoccuring concussions, so it's something to watch. DE Mike Montgomery actually has a broken thumb and he can probably play with a bandaged club on his hand, if necessary. We won't know until next week the severity of the injuries to S Atari Bigby or RB Brandon Jackson.

Much, much more after the jump.

Packers vs Cardinals coverage; Packers vs Cardinals recap; Packers vs Cardinals boxscore; Revenge Of The Birds

Arizona's head coach Ken Whisenhunt speculated that the Packers game planned for the Cardinals, but Greg Bedard said there was no game planning. I've never heard of game planning for a preseason game, so I'd have to go Greg on this one.

Overall this was the 3rd straight outstanding preseason game for the 1st team offense and defense. Not everything is perfect, but the good has significantly outweighed the bad. I had expected a slight let down because it was the best opponent so far this preseason and the first game outside of Lambeau. With a west coast trip added to it. But there was no let down at all, so this game exceed my expectations.

Sure the 2nd team defense didn't look great, but I'm not worried that their practice squad can beat our practice squad. Also, with the slight exceptation of DE Jarius Wynn and LB Brad Jones, the 2nd team defense can't rush the QB. The Cardinals 2nd team receivers did a good job creating some space between them and the Packers 2nd team cornerbacks. But that doesn't prove a fundamental flaw in the defense.

For my game review, I'm using the play-by-play from NFL.com.

First Quarter:

(12:09) 12-A.Rodgers scrambles up the middle pushed ob at ARZ 6 for 34 yards (21-A.Rolle).

What I loved about this run was that QB Aaron Rodgers wasn't taking any chances. He ran because the field was wide open and he got out of bounds before he could have gotten hit. Just another outstanding game for Rodgers who runs when he should, throws the ball away when necessary, and picks apart the opposing secondary the rest of the game.

(11:04) 30-J.Kuhn up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

If you were following the whole RG Josh Sitton won the starting job from C Scott Wells thing, then this might have shown you why. Sitton has 20 lbs. on Wells and brings more push to the o-line, despite the fact that Wells has probably outplayed Sitton this preseason. FB John Kuhn ran right behind Sitton on the play, although Arizona's defense was completely fooled by the inside handoff.

(9:03) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 85-J.Urban to GB 49 for 9 yards (21-C.Woodson). FUMBLES (21-C.Woodson), RECOVERED by GB.

CB Charles Woodson just makes plays. He terrorized Arizona in this game.

(4:41) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass incomplete short right to 42-D.Wynn.

(4:35) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass incomplete short right to 87-J.Nelson.

There was nothing there. Rodgers did a good job of just getting rid of the ball and taking the 3 points.

(3:01) 34-T.Hightower right tackle to GB 34 for 23 yards (36-N.Collins).

There's so little redudancy on defense. DE Cullen Jenkins slipped the block, got into the backfield, and missed the tackle. Everyone else was blocked so Jenkins had to make the play. It's a tough break for him, RB Tim Hightower made a nice play to avoid the tackle, but that's how the defense works.

(1:34) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald to GB 6 for 27 yards (38-T.Williams).

I'm a big CB Tramon Williams fan, but he struggled in this game. It happens, and I expect he'll bounce back next week.

(:04) 13-K.Warner sacked at GB 13 for -7 yards (21-C.Woodson). FUMBLES (21-C.Woodson), ball out of bounds at GB 9.

Woodson is so good at rushing the QB. He did this some last season too when he was 2nd on the team in sacks.

Second Quarter:

(12:19) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep middle to 80-D.Driver to ARZ 9 for 55 yards (21-A.Rolle). Penalty on ARZ-56-C.Okeafor, Defensive Offside, declined. Penalty on ARZ-21-A.Rolle, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.

(11:08) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 88-J.Finley for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Rodgers, WR Donald Driver, and TE Jermichael Finley got all the stats, but the offensive line was great. Rodgers had all kinds of time to throw. Although Arizona had problems getting after the QB even before this game.

(8:41) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner sacked at ARZ 22 for -8 yards (21-C.Woodson). FUMBLES (21-C.Woodson), RECOVERED by GB-74-A.Kampman at ARZ 24. 74-A.Kampman for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

I'd like to use this play to give a shout out to LB A.J. Hawk. He wasn't worth the No. 5 overall pick and shouldn't start ahead of either LB Desmond Bishop or LB Brandon Chillar, but he can still play. He came up the middle on a blitz that was picked up by the running back which left Woodson unblocked from around the left tackle.

This is also a good example of why I'd take Rodgers over QB Kurt Warner any day. Rodgers makes good decisions under pressure and is so careful with the ball, but Warner struggles to avoid the rush and has a big problem with fumbles.

(5:34) 26-C.Wells right tackle for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Arizona impressed me with their offensive line and RB Chris Wells. Their line did a good job protecting Warner and opening up some lanes for their running backs. Wells really surprised me with his open field moves, he cut right past S Nick Collins on the TD run. But despite his 240+ lb. frame, he's going to use his size to escape weak tackles and not to bowl over defenders.

(5:22) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep middle to 87-J.Nelson for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

I had been noticing that the Packers under new defensive coordinator Dom Capers are using their safeties the same way they did last season. They rarely play close to the line of scrimmage, and instead are playing deep to avoid any big plays.

Arizona doesn't play like that. On this big play, Arizona S Adrian Wilson was close to the line and playing the run. When the Packers ran play action, WR Jordy Nelson used it to get past the cornerback and into an area where there was no safety help deep.

(2:33) 23-T.Sutton right tackle to GB 42 for 11 yards (21-A.Rolle).

Undrafted rookie RB Tyrell Sutton had been playing great against the opponents' 2nd team defenses in the first two games, but got the chance to play with the 1st string in this game. It may even be a sign he's moved up the depth chart to 2nd string, and ahead of RB Brandon Jackson.

(2:00) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 89-J.Jones to ARZ 26 for 32 yards (29-D.Rodgers-Cromartie).

WR James Jones had another great game, and almost had a TD reception on this drive too. But Nelson got his first opportunity to play with the 1st team offense this preseason, and he looked great too. I don't see how you can put one of these guys over the other. They'll have to find some way for them to share time this season as the No. 3 WR.

(:21) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass deep left intended for 85-J.Urban INTERCEPTED by 29-A.Smith at ARZ 49. 29-A.Smith to ARZ 11 for 38 yards (36-L.Stephens-Howling).

I wasn't too excited about the low cost signing of free agent S Anthony Smith after Pittsburgh let him go. But he's played great this preseason, and has earned the right to be the top backup.

(:07) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 88-J.Finley for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

This is the 3rd strong preseason game by Finley. While his speed is too much for linebackers, on this play he lined up wide right like a receiver, and had too much size for the cornerback. Although he got away with a slight push.

Third Quarter:

(12:13) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass incomplete deep left to 19-L.Long (33-B.Underwood). PENALTY on GB-33-B.Underwood, Personal Foul, 15 yards, enforced at GB 49 - No Play.

CB Brandon Underwood is better than I expected. He could become a good cover corner, and he appears to be good in run support. But the Packers have some tough roster decisions to make and drawing a personal foul for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit has probably hurt his chances. It's a stupid mental mistake that coaches hate.

(12:07) 7-M.Leinart sacked at GB 41 for -7 yards (94-J.Wynn). FUMBLES (94-J.Wynn), recovered by ARZ-63-L.Sendlein at ARZ 43. 63-L.Sendlein to ARZ 43 for no gain (90-B.Raji).

(10:04) 7-M.Leinart FUMBLES (Aborted) at GB 26, and recovers at GB 26. 7-M.Leinart to GB 26 for no gain (59-B.Jones).

This half was a very good opportunity to watch QB Matt Leinart in action. It was a pretty good example of why he's not a good NFL QB. When he can sit back or step up in the pocket, he can find the open receiver. But he had problems whenever Wynn or Jones got after him. Fortunately for him, the Packers blitz was usually picked up by his offensive lineman. A lot of QBs look good if their pass protection holds up.

(10:04) 7-M.Leinart FUMBLES (Aborted) at GB 26, and recovers at GB 26. 7-M.Leinart to GB 26 for no gain (59-B.Jones).

Nice play by DT Anthony Toribio to get into the backfield and create the fumble. I don't think there's room for him on the 53 man roster, but I expect he'll either play for another team or get an invite to the practice squad.

(6:46) 7-J.Kapinos punts 52 yards to ARZ 23, Center-61-B.Goode. 19-L.Long to ARZ 30 for 7 yards (30-J.Kuhn). PENALTY on ARZ-23-W.Fontenot, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards, enforced at ARZ 25.

Kuhn is still starting ahead of FB Quinn Johnson, and he's also great on special teams. He won't be cut, and the Packers won't keep 3 FBs, so I expect Johnson will be released at some point.

(2:13) (Shotgun) 11-B.Brohm sacked at GB 25 for -8 yards (93-C.Campbell).

Arizona's offense rarely got off the field in the 2nd half, so there wasn't a lot of opportunities to watch QB Brian Brohm. I'm still a big fan of his because he looks so much better now compared to last season. The Packers would be OK if he had to start a game, although he's still behind QB Matt Flynn on the depth chart. But taking a sack on 3rd down in FG range is a big mistake.

Fourth Quarter:

(15:00) 7-M.Leinart pass short middle to 36-L.Stephens-Howling to ARZ 47 for 8 yards (58-D.Lansanah). FUMBLES (58-D.Lansanah), RECOVERED by GB-94-J.Wynn at ARZ 47. 94-J.Wynn to ARZ 47 for no gain (82-L.Pope). Arizona challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 7-M.Leinart pass short middle to 36-L.Stephens-Howling to ARZ 47 for 8 yards (58-D.Lansanah).

With all the praise for LB Desmond Bishop this preseason, when Bishop is on the field, LB Danny Lansanah is the other LB who plays alongside Bishop in the 4-2-5 alignment. If it weren't for Bishop, we might notice Lansanah more. On this play, he almost took the running back's head off. The Cardinal player actually suffered a concussion. Lansanah rocked him.

(14:25) 7-M.Leinart pass deep middle to 39-D.Byrd pushed ob at GB 8 for 45 yards (24-J.Bush). PENALTY on ARZ-80-E.Doucet, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at GB 8.

Unfortunately, on the next play, the Cardinals tight end blew past Lansanah in coverage and was left wide open for a big gain. His inability to cover receivers will probably keep him off the 53 man roster.

(4:33) (Shotgun) 11-B.Brohm sacked at ARZ 30 for -10 yards (59-W.Davis).

Hey, another sack of Brohm in field goal range. A 38 yard FG becomes a 48 yard miss. Although in his defense, on this sack, RB Kregg Lumpkin completely whiffed on the block and the blitzing linebacker came in unblocked.

1-N.Rackers kicks onside 16 yards from ARZ 30 to ARZ 46. RECOVERED by ARZ-1-N.Rackers. PENALTY on ARZ-1-N.Rackers, Delay of Game, 5 yards, enforced at ARZ 46.

Special teams coach Shawn Slocum admitted the special teams players were too far apart. They left the middle of the field wide open for K Neil Rackers. But what the hell was Arizona doing risking their kicker at the bottom of a scrum in a meaningless preseason game?

(:59) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass short middle to 31-J.Wright to GB 11 for 21 yards (58-D.Lansanah).

This was a rare 2nd half play for big yardage. The 2nd team defense had trouble stopping them on 3rd downs, but Arizona had to slowly work their way up the field. It was all short passing stuff.

1-N.Rackers kicks onside 9 yards from ARZ 30 to ARZ 39. 82-R.Martin for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Making a big play on special teams gets players noticed. It's been a quiet preseason for WR Ruvell Martin, but showing up big on special teams will help him stay on the 53 man roster.

TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 23-T.Sutton rushes left tackle. ATTEMPT FAILS.

It was an interesting opportunity to see how Sutton did in a power situation. He only had one man to beat, and he got stood up by the linebacker right at the goal line. If he made it, he's a lock for the roster. Now the coaches have to figure out whether he has enough strength to succeed in the NFL.

(:12) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass incomplete deep right to 87-S.Morey.

This pass was a dropped INT by CB Trevor Ford, and a good indication of how lucky Arizona was to get back in the game. Leinart had one INT and at least 3 fumbles, all recovered by Arizona. They could have easily had 5 turnovers in the 2nd half alone. They got lucky that the fumbles bounced their way, but they can't expect to be that sloppy with the ball and win.

Tuesday Practice: Poppinga, Wells, and Lumpkin

Brandon — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00:19 -0000

More photos » by Mike Roemer - AP

Browse more photos »

Can we start a new nickname for LB Brady Poppinga? The Cockroach? From Greg Bedard:

"Oh, and expect Brady Poppinga to be the opening-day starter at ROLB. He's like a cockroach. He survives anything."

After RG Josh Sitton beat out C Scott Wells for the starting job on Monday, Bob McGinn speculated that the Green Bay Packers might trade Wells because they have C Duke Preston available as a backup. On Tuesday, they released Preston, so I guess that means Wells isn't going anywhere. He's signed to a reasonable 5 year, $15 million contract, so the team can certainly afford him, and Mike McCarthy admitted he's played great. On one hand, his trade value is never going to be higher since he's only 28 and signed to a reasonable contract. On the other hand, he's under their control for the next three seasons and the team could always use quality depth.

Of course Wells is not happy about any of this. And I don't blame him. From Rob Demovsky:

"You think I'm happy?" Wells said after today's practice...

"They told me I played well," Wells said. "That's all I can say. If you want further explanation, you need to talk to somebody other than me."

As for the practice itself, it looks like the rest of training camp will be quite dull. From Greg Bedard:

"Think we could be done with truly competitive training drills for the rest of camp."

He also told fans of RB Kregg Lumpkin to brace yourself for his release:

"Lumpkin fumbles again. That is going to get him cut."

I noticed this in the box score against Buffalo, but I couldn't figure out why WR Ruvell Martin was the holder on extra points. Apparently they're down to their 3rd string holder. From Mike McCarthy:

Q: Is Ruvell likely to be the holder with [QB] Matt [Flynn] injured?
A: We'll see. We'll see where Matt's at. He's the third holder obviously with Durant Brooks and Matt having injuries. We're getting him ready.

Analysis: Green Bay Packers defeat Bills 31-21

Brandon — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:00:13 -0000

More photos » by Jim Prisching - AP

Browse more photos »

This was another impressive win. While the first team offense and defense were on the field, the Green Bay Packers jumped out to a 21-0 lead and Buffalo committed 3 turnovers. RB Ryan Grant ran well and QB Aaron Rodgers had time to find open receivers. The defensive front seven were constantly in Buffalo's backfield, and QB Trent Edwards was usually on the run. It was by far Buffalo's worst preseason game this season.

Unfortunately there were a couple injuries. According to Tom Pelissero:

QB Matt Flynn had a shoulder sprain but he feels OK.
S Nick Collins has bruised ribs. The x-rays were negative, but he'll probably take it slowly next week.
Undrafted rookie TE Devin Frischknecht was taken to the hospital with a shin injury.

There aren't a lot of starting jobs being fought for in training camp. DT B.J. Raji is trying to start ahead of DE Johnny Jolly, but it seems like a given that Raji will be the starter at some point. LB Clay Matthews, LB Jeremy Thompson, and LB Brady Poppinga are battling for the starting outside LB spot, but Poppinga is winning that by default as the others are still being held out with injuries. On the offensive line, C Scott Wells outplayed RG Josh Sitton in this game while RT Allen Barbre outplayed RT Breno Giacomini, but Pete Dougherty believes Sitton is ahead of Wells. One play shouldn't knock a player out of a starting job, but the one block that Giacomini blew led to Flynn's injured throwing shoulder, so it's a bit more glaring.

Yes, it was just one game, and yes, it was just one preseason game, but it couldn't have gone much better. Continue after the jump for the complete game review.

Bills vs Packers coverage; Bills vs Packers recap; Bills vs Packers boxscore; Buffalo Rumblings

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

First Quarter

(13:06) (Shotgun) 23-M.Lynch left tackle to BUF 29 for -1 yards (77-C.Jenkins).

It's good to see DE Cullen Jenkins healthy and busting into the opponent's backfield again.

(12:36) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-T.Edwards pass deep left intended for 83-L.Evans INTERCEPTED by 51-B.Poppinga (36-N.Collins) at BUF 45. 51-B.Poppinga to BUF 37 for 8 yards (63-G.Hangartner).

The refs have their preseason too. S Nick Collins got to WR Lee Evans early and they could have called pass interference. But Collins still looked great, he seemed to be all over the field, before they pulled him early due to a rib injury.

(11:18) 25-R.Grant right tackle to BUF 23 for 1 yard (95-K.Williams, 99-M.Stroud).

If your keeping track whether C Scott Wells or RG Josh Sitton should start, DT Marcus Stroud shoved Sitton aside to tackle RB Ryan Grant at the line of scrimmage.

(8:57) 25-R.Grant left tackle to BUF 17 for -2 yards (56-K.Ellison).

Getting stuffed on 4th and 1 might be a sign that the Packers' offensive line is struggling. Buffalo committed all their linebackers into the middle determined to stop the run. On this play, there were just more defenders then blockers on the line. This overcommitment comes back to bite them.

(8:53) 5-T.Edwards sacked at BUF 9 for -3 yards (97-J.Jolly).

(7:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-T.Edwards sacked at BUF 5 for -7 yards (97-J.Jolly). FUMBLES (97-J.Jolly), RECOVERED by GB-50-A.Hawk at BUF 5. 50-A.Hawk to BUF 5 for no gain (5-T.Edwards).

It was a nice play by DE Johnny Jolly, but I can't say enough how about unimpressed I was by Buffalo's offensive line. They played back on their heels the entire game. The 1st string defense killed them with speed from the linebackers and power from the defensive lineman. On the sack, LB A.J. Hawk and LB Brandon Chillar just ran right around the offensive lineman in a second. QB Trent Edwards was either running for his life or throwing quick 5 yard outs to avoid the rush. Buffalo's O-line wasn't good last season and they jettisoned three starters, including current Packer C Duke Preston, from that group. They're rebuilding their line, and it's just not ready.

(7:33) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 85-G.Jennings for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Once again, Buffalo run blitzed their linebackers to fill the gaps in a short yardage situation. This time, QB Aaron Rodgers dropped back and hit WR Greg Jennings on a quick slant. The cornerback was outside and Rodgers threw it inside where there were no linebackers back in coverage.

(4:09) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 88-J.Finley to BUF 35 for 21 yards (20-D.Whitner).

This was one of many plays by TE Jermichael Finley. He was showing off what he can do in the passing game. He was running by their linebackers and is too big for their corners and safeties. He showed the same thing last week vs. Cleveland. He'll have to prove it during the regular season too, but so far, he's looking like a big, dangerous target in the middle of the field.

The Packers march down 79 yards for their 2nd TD. The offense looked great, but this was some plain vanilla defense. They used a four man rush that wasn't providing enough pass pressure, their linebackers were focused on the run, and their secondary and linebackers were getting killed in single coverage. The offense looked better than the defense, but their defense would have played it differently during the regular season.

(:29) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-T.Edwards pass short left to 22-F.Jackson to BUF 43 for 13 yards (21-C.Woodson).

This was the first play I noticed with DT B.J. Raji and he dropped into pass coverage. He seemed to have no trouble with the Buffalo offensive line, but you could say the same thing for Jolly and Jenkins. Like I said above, I wasn't impressed at all with Buffalo's O-line.

Second Quarter

(13:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-T.Edwards pass short middle to 22-F.Jackson to BUF 41 for 4 yards (77-C.Jenkins). FUMBLES (77-C.Jenkins), RECOVERED by GB-51-B.Poppinga at BUF 41. 51-B.Poppinga to BUF 41 for no gain (63-G.Hangartner).

The fumble was all Jenkins. He read the screen, avoided all the offensive lineman trying to block him, and stripped RB Fred Jackson. It's the 2nd turnover for LB Brady Poppinga who's been in the right place at the right time on both of them.

(13:15) 25-R.Grant left guard to BUF 22 for 14 yards (20-D.Whitner, 24-T.McGee).

In the battle for the starting right tackle job, RT Breno Giacomini blew open the entire middle of the field for Grant to run through on this play.

(12:08) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 25-R.Grant to BUF 10 for 13 yards (92-R.Denney).

The Packers are usually lousy on screen passes, but this one worked. C Scott Wells came off clean and made a block to spring Grant for a few extra yards.

(10:54) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 80-D.Driver for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

The description doesn't show Rodgers scrambling and waiting for WR Donald Driver to get open. The pass was behind Driver, but the defender couldn't get to it.

(7:12) 32-B.Jackson right end ran ob at BUF 46 for 4 yards (43-B.Scott). PENALTY on GB-78-A.Barbre, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at 50 - No Play.

By this point, RT Allen Barbre is behind Giacomini in the starting right tackle battle.

(3:57) (No Huddle) 14-R.Fitzpatrick up the middle to BUF 34 for 1 yard (55-D.Bishop).

This could have been a big play for Buffalo. The coverage was great, but the defensive lineman were blocked and lost contain. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick had the entire middle of the field open, but LB Desmond Bishop kept his contain and tackled him.

(3:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass incomplete deep right to 17-J.Jenkins (29-A.Smith).

I'm really starting to like free agent S Anthony Smith, but then he drops a INT thrown right to him. That doesn't mean he isn't a good backup, but I can see he's talented and I can also see why he lost his starting job in Pittsburgh.

(2:00) 11-B.Brohm pass short right to 87-J.Nelson ran ob at GB 32 for 10 yards (26-A.Youboty).

(1:54) (Shotgun) 11-B.Brohm pass short middle to 87-J.Nelson to GB 45 for 13 yards (30-K.Simpson).

(1:31) (Shotgun) 11-B.Brohm pass incomplete deep right to 89-J.Jones (46-E.Lankster). PENALTY on BUF-46-E.Lankster, Defensive Pass Interference, 34 yards, enforced at GB 45 - No Play.

(1:06) (Shotgun) 11-B.Brohm pass short left intended for 82-R.Martin INTERCEPTED by 27-R.Corner at BUF 9. 27-R.Corner to BUF 12 for 3 yards (82-R.Martin).

I'm a fan of QB Brian Brohm. He's clearly the 3rd QB on the roster, but that doesn't mean he isn't getting better. He's a talented pocket passer. He showed a little of it on back-to-back completions to WR Jordy Nelson. Unfortunately he then threw too late and behind to WR James Jones, but the defender hit Jones as he was trying to catch up to the play. The interception wasn't intended for WR Ruvell Martin; he was trying to hit Nelson underneath but he overthrew it. Either way, the pass that was intercepted was a bad decision.

(:41) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick sacked at BUF 26 for -5 yards (59-B.Jones). FUMBLES (59-B.Jones), RECOVERED by GB-55-D.Bishop at BUF 26. 55-D.Bishop to BUF 26 for no gain (79-J.Scott).

As if the Packers didn't have enough tough choices at linebacker. LB Nick Barnett was still held out for this game, but rookie 7th round pick LB Brad Jones was finally cleared to play. He beat the right tackle on the pass rush and he played well in pass coverage. If he keeps this up, they might have no choice but to make room for him on the roster.

Third Quarter

(14:52) 28-K.Lumpkin right end to GB 45 for -5 yards (97-J.McCargo). FUMBLES (97-J.McCargo), recovered by GB-60-D.Preston at GB 37. 60-D.Preston to GB 37 for no gain (53-M.Buggs).

RG Evan Dietrich-Smith got beat and let DT John McCargo hit RB Kregg Lumpkin in the backfield. Lumpkin still should have held onto the ball.

(12:53) 7-J.Kapinos punts 47 yards to BUF 2, Center-61-B.Goode. 26-A.Youboty to BUF 2 for no gain (82-R.Martin). PENALTY on GB-16-B.Swain, Interference with Opportunity to Catch, 15 yards, enforced at BUF 6.

I keep reading Tweets about the great camp WR Brett Swain is having. He hasn't played much as a receiver in the first two preseason games, and he blew it on special teams. With all the good receivers in camp, he can't afford to have another bad play like this again.

P Jeremy Kapinos looked good on five punts, but he'll have to keep it up.

(11:57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 13-St.Johnson to BUF 48 for 24 yards (27-W.Blackmon).

Buffalo had a lot more success passing the ball in the 2nd half. The Packers' 3rd string defense came in and didn't provide much pass rush. Outside LB Spencer Havner and LB Cyril Obiozor have made some noise in camp, but they couldn't near the QB in this game. Although rookie DE Jarius Wynn and DE Ronald Talley did a pretty good job at getting into the backfield on a couple plays.

(8:41) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short right to 88-J.Stupar to GB 21 for 12 yards (24-J.Bush). Green Bay challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1.)

The refs in preseason form; the pass bounced off the turf before it was "caught". But it didn't matter...

(8:17) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short left intended for 33-D.Rhodes INTERCEPTED by 55-D.Bishop at GB 17. 55-D.Bishop to GB 20 for 3 yards. Lateral to 29-A.Smith to GB 20 for no gain (73-K.Chambers). GB-33-B.Underwood was injured during the play. PENALTY on GB-33-B.Underwood, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards, enforced at GB 20.

Next time, don't lateral it. But otherwise it was great play as Bishop jumped all over the quick slant.

(7:31) 11-B.Brohm pass incomplete short right to 45-Q.Johnson (96-C.Bryan).

Buffalo DE Copeland Bryan was a pain in the butt. He shoved Barbre back into Brohm on this play.

(7:26) (Shotgun) 11-B.Brohm pass short left to 46-D.Frischknecht to GB 12 for 1 yard (54-N.Harris). GB-46-D.Frischknecht was injured during the play.

I don't like to see anyone hurt, but I was pulling for undrafted rookie TE Devin Frischknecht. He was taken to the hospital with a shin injury. I would be shocked if he's not placed on I.R. this week.

(5:42) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short middle to 15-F.Huggins to GB 48 for 15 yards (40-J.Porter).

I'm picking on CB Joe Porter here, he was the chief offender, but the same can be said for CB Trevor Ford and CB Brandon Underwood. They're all fighting for the 5th cornerback spot, or maybe a job on the practice squad. I don't know if it's how they play, or if by design, but they all gave a lot of cushion. They're all great in coming up in run support and they appear to be good tacklers. But Buffalo came back in the game because the tight coverage and the pass rush vanished.

(1:13) (No Huddle) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short middle to 88-J.Stupar for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Rookie LB Brad Jones was in on the coverage, but he was all over the tight end in coverage. Somehow the pass missed hitting Jones and the tight end grabbed it.

Fourth Quarter

(12:24) 10-M.Flynn sacked at GB 18 for -8 yards (96-C.Bryan). FUMBLES (96-C.Bryan), recovered by GB-68-B.Giacomini at GB 16. 68-B.Giacomini to GB 16 for no gain (93-C.Ellis).

Well if you're wondering how Barbre beat Giacomini for the starting right tackle job, this might have been the play. He was beat by Bryan to the outside. QB Matt Flynn had his night cut short because he Bryan hit him while he was throwing.

(4:53) 23-T.Sutton left end pushed ob at BUF 41 for 10 yards (71-A.Etukeren). PENALTY on BUF-46-E.Lankster, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at BUF 41.

Rookie LT Jamon Meredith looked good on this drive. On this play, he cleared the left side open for RB Tyrell Sutton. He's still behind LT Tony Moll for the backup spot and still in a major fight to make the roster.

(4:07) 23-T.Sutton left tackle to BUF 11 for 10 yards (21-J.Wendling).

(3:25) 11-B.Brohm pass short right to 19-K.Heckendorf to BUF 3 for 8 yards (47-C.Harris).

(2:55) 23-T.Sutton right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

WR Kole Heckendorf, the pride of Mosinee, is still a long shot to make the roster. I don't know against who he is competing. I guess it's possible he could beat out WR Ruvell Martin. But he really looked good; showing good hands while taking some big hits.

Sutton followed up a great first preseason game with another one. But he still is the last running back given playing time, so I would guess the coaches still have him behind Lumpkin and RB DeShawn Wynn.

(2:03) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-G.Hamdan pass short right to 44-X.Omon to GB 10 for 52 yards (40-J.Porter).

There were about three blown tackles on this play. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers is going to burst a blood vessel when he watches this replay.

(1:49) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-G.Hamdan pass incomplete short left to 88-J.Stupar [94-J.Wynn]. PENALTY on GB-29-A.Smith, Defensive Pass Interference, 9 yards, enforced at GB 10 - No Play.

Back to what I was saying about Smith on the dropped INT; he makes a couple good plays but then mixes them in with a bad one. Although I couldn't see the pass interference on this one.

Position Analysis: Running Backs

Brandon — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:00:17 -0000

Last month, I meant to go through the roster and write an analysis of the team by position, but I got distracted by a Top 10 list and never finished it up. Mitchell started with the o-line, and then I ran through the defense by d-line, linebackers, and finally the secondary.

So now I'm getting back to it and I'll start with the running backs and the fullbacks.

Running Backs:

1. RB Ryan Grant. Here's what I wrote about him last month:

Grant is the guy. As a team the Packers only had 437 carries in 2008, and 312 of them went to Grant. He's the big back that Mike McCarthy prefers, and the other two big backs on the roster (RB DeShawn Wynn and RB Kregg Lumpkin) combined for only 9 carries last season.

The run offense will live or die with him in 2009. He's No. 1 and there appear to be people on the coaching staff and/or the front office that insisted on starting him ahead of RB Brandon Jackson although Jackson outplayed him. Grant showed great vision in 2007 and once he got some separation past 5 yards, he would turn a lot of good runs into big gains. But all that vanished in 2008 as he struggled to break away from the crowd around the line of scrimmage. Hopefully he returns to his 2007 form in 2009.

2. RB Brandon Jackson. As I mentioned above, he outplayed Grant last season but still never got anything more than garbage time. He showed signs of becoming an explosive receiver during the 2007 preseason, but he hasn't shown it since. He's not an exceptional runner, but he seems to have mastered running in a the zone blocking system which that turned a bunch of unknown Denver running backs into 1,000 yard performers; take one cut and go, and then keep your shoulders down.

3. RB DeShawn Wynn. Why is he at number 3? Because he started some games in 2007, so he's got more experience than the last two on the list. His running style seems to be to run straight ahead as fast as he can. That's not the worst idea for a physically talented, 5'10" 238 lb. back. If Grant got hurt and missed time in 2009, I wouldn't be surprised if Wynn gets the starting nod over Jackson because Mike McCarthy prefers to start big running backs.

4. RB Kregg Lumpkin. He was a prized college recruit at Georgia who never lived up to the hype, went undrafted, but then managed to earn a spot on the Packers. He showed some promise in training camp, but then was out injured for the season by week 2. I'm still not sure what he can do.

5. RB Tyrell Sutton. I was really impressed with him during his incredible freshman season at Northwestern, but injuries derailed the rest of his promising college career. It wasn't surprising that the little back went undrafted, but it was a surprise that the Packers showed interest in him. I guess they need a Plan B for a 3rd down back if something happens to Jackson, so it might as well be Sutton. I'm looking forward to see what he can do in the preseason.

Fullbacks:

1. FB Korey Hall. He played well as a rookie, providing some solid blocking and the occasional short yardage reception. But in 2008, he struggled as injuries kept him out of action periodically. He's probably the starter, but with a lot to prove in 2009.

2. FB Quinn Johnson. If Hall loses his starting job in 2009, I would expect it's because Johnson forces him to the bench. The scouting reports varied on him, some said he was a powerful blocker and some said he wasn't. Obviously the Packers' scouts saw something and they used a 5th round pick to acquire him. I have no idea what they really have in him and I'll just be waiting to see him during the preseason.

3. FB John Kuhn. I'm surprised he's still on the team. He made a number of free agent visits this spring to other teams, but he didn't receive any offers. He's been solid, but unspectacular, in two seasons in Green Bay and seems like the odd man out.

The Top 10 Players in 2009: #9 - RB Ryan Grant

Brandon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:27 -0000

No. 9 on my Top 10 in 2009 countdown is RB Ryan Grant.

There are several things wrong with including Grant on the Top 10:

He signed a big contract last season and then immediately injured his hamstring.
His yards/carry dropped from 5.1 to 3.9.
Although his carries increased from 188 to 312, his ran for 4 fewer TDs (8 to 4) and had 5 fewer runs over 20 yards (11 to 6).
His fumbles increased from 1 to 4.
RB Brandon Jackson ran for 5.5 yards/carry last season and looked like the better back.

All of these points are true, but it doesn't matter because Grant is the guy. As a team the Packers only had 437 carries in 2008, and 312 of them went to Grant. He's the big back that Mike McCarthy prefers, and the other two big backs on the roster (RB DeShawn Wynn and RB Kregg Lumpkin) combined for only 9 carries last season. They are there to provide insurance, not competition. Plus, barring a complete collapse during the preseason, his big contract guarantees that he'll win the job.

I was in love with the guy after his incredible 2007 season, but he fell to earth in 2008. The Packers are counting on him to play better in 2009 because he is the run offense.