Teddy's a little frazzled after his busy weekend.

This article first appeared on my blog.

 

Following the madness associated with Cutdown Weekend, the Packers 2011 roster appears to be solidified- at least for the time being. No doubt it will change as we progress through the season, with the inevitability of injuries and other areas of weakness that may need to be addressed.

 

What follows is my rather random assessment of how things went down this past Saturday and Sunday-- and how the Packers are situated on the cusp of the 2011 season.

What a difference a year makes

Some GMs like to follow a similar blueprint from one year to the next. Not Ted Thompson. The Architect (if that's not an exceptional moniker, I don't know what is) has proven time and time again that he is primarily concerned with keeping good football players, not filling positional quotas. After keeping 3 FBs for the previous two seasons, he opted to only roll with John Kuhn. Likewise, there are only 8 offensive linemen on the roster this year, down from 10 in 2010. The extra space has allowed TT to hang on to an unprecedented 5 TEs, and the number of linebackers on the team is 10, up 2 from a year ago.

 

Rookies Jamarai Lattimore and Vic So'oto are two of the ten linebackers on the Packers' roster. (This picture is somewhat homoerotic)

In with the new...

The Packers are the second youngest team in the NFL this season. Keeping 10 rookies on the roster certainly contributes to that ranking. They say a dynasty is impossible to build in the modern era, but with the way TT recycles talent while keeping his core intact, the Packers could prove the naysayers wrong. But let's make it two in a row before we get too caught up on the "D" word.

 

Thompson's disdain for veteran free agents continues

Scanning the roster, I don't see a single player who was either not associated with team last year or is not a rookie. Not a single one. I'm not complaining either.

 

We kept West and Gurley-- for now

My love affair with Chastin West is well-documented, so I was somewhat ecstatic when I found out he had survived waivers and made it back to the Packers' practice squad. In fact, Harrell and Tori Gurley had also made it through. This was too good to be true. However, my glee was soon tempered. Being on the practice squad guarantees nothing, as any team can sign a practice squad player to their 53 man roster at the drop of a hat. In fact, in recent seasons the Packers have had three players poached: Breno Giacomini, Jamon Meredith, and Brian Brohm. Granted, all three of these players were draft picks, and in the case of Brohm and Meredith, were pretty touted coming out of college. Still, it's a very real possibility that someone comes calling and steals one of our talented young players away. If I had to guess, I'd say West, given his level of polish, is the most "at risk."

Sorry Graham! Kareem and I tried!

I missed the mark on Harrell

I guaranteed that Graham Harrell would make the 53-man roster, and I wasn't the only one. He didn't. The Packers opted to roll with only 2 QBs for the second straight year, while Harrell was relegated to the practice squad yet again. Simply put, although the Packers may believe that Harrell could one day be a capable second-stringer, they either don't think he'll be poached off the practice squad or don't think his potential is irreplaceable. Probably both.

Going with what they've got on the D-line

We all knew Cullen Jenkins would likely be departing in free agency, so many of us scratched our heads when the Pack didn't place much emphasis on acquiring new blood for the D-line this offseason. We had a trio of solid big men, but the guys behind them were cause for some concern: Mike Neal was returning from a season ending injury, CJ Wilson didn't seem to be anything special, and Jarius Wynn had already been once-cut before the Packers decided to bring him back midseason. The only notable addition was 6th round pick Lawrence Guy, who was plagued by concussion issues during camp and will spend the year on IR. However, both Wynn and Wilson have looked much improved thus far, giving hope that the Packers' depth at the D-line is not as bad as some feared. Now if we could only get Neal healthy...

 

Rookie safety MD Jennings made the team in large part to his excellent play on special teams.

Special teams got the special treatment

With very few holes on either side of the ball, the Packers were able to focus on upgrading their special teams, a unit that finished 2010 ranked 29th and has been the weak link of the Green and Gold for some time now. Obviously Randall Cobb will provide a big boost to the return game, but the upgrade to the unit goes far beyond that. The first indicator is that the Packers kept a combined 15 TEs and LBs, players whose combination of moderate athleticism and size allows them to contribute to a variety of ST units. Guys who excelled at special teams, like Jarrett Bush, Tom Crabtree, and rookies MD Jennings and Ryan Taylor, were kept on the team at the expense of those who did not. With all the love special teams has gotten, ST coach Shawn Slocum will have absolutely no excuses if his unit finishes at the bottom of the barrel once again.

 

Close, but not perfect

From top to bottom, the Packers roster is probably the deepest in the league. Our starters are set, and, in my estimation, we have no question marks regarding any of the depth backing them up-- except in one area. The Packers only kept 8 offensive linemen, and it wasn't because TT was feeling risque; it's because the talent simply wasn't there. Nick McDonald, considered a promising rookie just a year ago, showed nothing this preseason and is now on the Patriot's practice squad. 5th round pick Caleb Schlauderaff was traded away to the Jets after he didn't show enough in camp (plus his name is too hard to spell). The guys left to back up our starters don't inspire much confidence either. First round pick Derek Sherrod may very well be the LT of the future, but his play thus far would leave me expecting the worst if he had to fill in for Chad Clifton anytime soon. Marshall Newhouse has had a Jekyll/Hyde showing this preseason, looking great at times and atrocious at others. And expectations for Evan Deitrich-Smith can't be too high, considering that the Packers opted to cut him last year at this time. Obviously it'd be great if our starters could just just stay healthy, but look for The Architect to address his O-line depth in the near future.

 

If you liked this article, please come over to JonBob's and let us know!

As I'm sure all of you know, Vic So'oto was a dominant force this preseason. The undrafted rookie OLB from BYU put up 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and returned an interception 33 yards for a score. Outside of Clay Matthews, he looks to be the most physically gifted linebacker the Packers have on the outside, and he could certainly help in the pass rush. Certainly they need to get him on the field.

Here's the thing. I've only seen him play the LOLB spot, which is where Matthews makes his money, so I doubt he sees much action there. Do you guys think So'oto has what it takes to play on the right side. where Erik Walden currently lines up? This might not be true in all schemes, but I feel many 3-4 defenses, Packers included, like to put their premier pass rusher on the left and then a guy with a little more coverage ability on the right. Despite the pick-six, I think it's safe to say that So'oto's forte is applying pressure on the QB, while his biggest weakness is currently defending the pass.

So basically, what I'm asking ya'll to discuss is if Vic So'oto has the ability to compete for the starting ROLB spot, and if this would be a good move for the Packers. If not, how do you see GB using him? Situational pass-rusher, occasional speller for Matthews?

 

Have at it!

This is from my blog. If you like what I write, or want to tell me I'm stupid, please go check it out. If you don't, my children will probably starve. 

Get out the boiling tar. Calibrate the rack. Sharpen those screws. Bring out what ever Inquisition-era form of "persuasion" you want, I'm not recanting my potentially heretical position: The Packers would be better off if Donald Driver had retired this offseason.
Let me get something straight: this isn't some personal attack. I don't have a vendetta against #80. Simply put, I love the guy. I love his work ethic, his consistency, his drive and determination, and his plainly pleasant attitude.
No, I'm sure I love Donald just as much as the rest of you. I'm just able to take a step back, turn off my emotions, and realize that Driver's retirement probably would've left the Packers better positioned in the grand scheme of things.
Donald Driver's play is clearly declining. His heroics against the hapless 49ers aside, 2010 was his least productive season since 2001. Once thought to be ageless, the 35 year-old Driver began to show signs of slowing down. Injuries hampered him throughout the season, and he was unavailable for the second half of Super Bowl XLV. The ankle injury he sustained in that contest kept him in a walking boot for two months. Driver is not as spry and indestructible as he used to be.

Furthermore, his play on the field has not matched seasons past. Always a threat after the catch, Driver's YAC average dropped to a paltry 3.7. And despite the flak that James Jones and Jordy Nelson received, it was Driver who led the team in drops and drop percentage.
While his familiarity with the offense and chemistry with Aaron Rodgers cannot be questioned, it's a simple fact that he's no longer the clear-cut second best receiver on the team. Indeed, he's probably only be as good as the fourth best, behind Nelson and Jones. 
Still, forth best on Green Bay's receiving corps is not too shabby, and if preseason action thus far is any indication, Driver still has the ability to serve as a decent possession receiver in the Packers multi-WR sets. But how much would the Packers really have missed Driver if he'd called it quits? Would the passing game drop-off in any significant way? 
I doubt it. The Packers are so loaded at receiver that losing Driver would not be much of a blow. Greg Jennings has established himself as an elite player at the position. Jermichael Finley, back from injury, is an indefensible TE who will always open things up on the outside. The inconsistencies that have marred otherwise impressive play from Nelson and Jones would likely vanish with increased responsibility. And rookie second-rounder Cobb appears to be ready to contribute sooner rather than later.

With Driver back, promising youngsters like Tori Gurley will most likely be let go.

So, while Driver still has the ability to contribute in a reduced capacity, his absence would not be much of a setback to Green Bay's aerial assault. In fact, they got through the second half of 2010 just fine with him playing on a limited basis. With that in mind, what's the cost of him returning to Packers for another season?
Tori Gurley, Chastin West, or both. The fact that Driver will have a spot on the roster means that one if not both of these talented, up-and-coming youths will not. Their futures in Green Bay will be sacrificed for a 36 year-old wide-receiver, the fourth best on his team, who's on the downswing of his career and has recently been plagued by injuries. It's a rare instance in which the Packers under Ted Thompson will pass on promising young talent in favor of a declining veteran.
Now, to be clear, I am not advocating that Ted Thompson releases Driver now. Such a move this late into the preseason would not only be wrong ethically, it would probably create exactly the type of locker room maelstrom that a Super Bowl champion looking to defend needs to avoid. At this point, Driver will and should remain a part of the team.

But just because it's the right decision doesn't necessarily make it the best. Gurley and West are talented players, and it will be difficult to see either of them go on to play somewhere else.
Donald Driver will go down as one of the greatest Packers ever to lace 'em up. He is the franchise's all-time leader in receptions and second on the list for career receiving yards. Coming off a Super Bowl win, the emotional zenith of his 13 year career, this past offseason was the perfect time for him to retire, to hang up his cleats and walk off into the sunset-- and I wish he would have.  

This article first appeared on JonBob's Packer Blog.

For most big time performers, whether they be actors, musicians or athletes, there seems to be a point in their career when they "breakthrough." A moment when their potential shines through and they propel themselves down the path to greatness. A game or a song or a role that we can all point to and say, "Yeah, that's where it began."

Peyton Hillis' big break came when he was traded as an afterthought from Denver to Cleveland. The success of Kelly Clarkson on American Idol served as a springboard to her (semi) productive career as a pop singer.  And Will Smith, of Men In Black and Gettin' Jiggy With It fame, had his breakthrough performance on the still hilarious 90's sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

 

On Friday night, Chastin West could have his.

 

Poll

What will be the fate of Chastin West, both on Friday and beyond?

68%

He plays well and is kept by the Packers

53 votes

16%

He plays well and signs elsewhere

13 votes

6%

His play isn't spectacular but the Packers still keep him

5 votes

7%

His play isn't spectacular and he ends up somewhere else

6 votes

77 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

I'm not going to lie. Tom Silverstein's article asserting that Ryan Grant could be cut in favor of Dimitri Nance makes no sense whatsoever. It seems like a reach of epic proportions, something that he just fabricated out of nowhere on a slow news day. He works way too hard to make it seem like Grant's status is tenuous, and likewise blows Nance's preseason accomplishments way out of proportion. Not very good journalism in my opinion.

The only way Grant isn't on the roster opening day is if the coaching staff decides James Starks is so good that Grant becomes expendable. And we've seen nothing to indicate that so far. It really is not some sort of "battle for the last spot" between Grant and Nance, and to suggest so is ignorance at best and sensationalism at worst.

Thoughts?

This article first appeared on JonBob's Packer Blog.

AHHH! Get your mitt off my broken scapula, coach!

I don't have all the information yet, but it's a safe to say to say that second-year OLB Frank Zombo will be out for some time. Zombo broke his scapula (shoulder blade to us less medically inclined folks) when he collided with FB John Kuhn in warm-ups before the Arizona preseason game. And he played with it. If he was trying to prove his toughness and grit, he's convinced us. But if he's trying to be the Packers opening day starter opposite Clay Matthews, he's now out of contention.

McCarthy has indicated that he believes Zombo will return "sooner rather than later," but word is that this type of injury takes about six weeks to heal. That timetable for recovery would put us well into the regular season, so it's all but a given that Erik Walden will be the starter at OLB. Additionally, Brad Jones, who I think was previously a candidate for the cutting block, can now feel a little safer about his roster spot.

While this much may be true, there's a lot of uncertainty involving depth at OLB, as well as Zombo's own roster status. Because he's not eligible to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the Packers really only have three options.

Continue reading this post »

At the start of the 2010 regular season, the Packers elected to carry only two quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn, on their 53 man roster. Graham Harrell, a former Texas Tech standout who'd had trouble catching on in the NFL, was stashed on the practice squad for most of the season.
As the date for final cuts approaches, there's been some speculation within the Packers community that Ted Thompson and Co. will follow the same approach they took last year, and go into the regular season with only Rodgers and Flynn on the roster, hoping to land Harrell on the practice squad yet again. After all, the reasoning goes, what's changed from last year to the present to warrant keeping 3 QBs on the 53 man roster? If anything, the emergence of Flynn as a dependable, durable backup would give us even more reason to use that extra roster spot at a different position. Harrell can spend another year on the practice squad.

Continue reading this post »

As we approach the third week of preseason and impending cuts, let's take a look at how the Packers 2011 draft picks have faired thus far-- and what the future may have in store for them.

Derek Sherrod - OT -Round 1 (32)
Sherrod has struggled. There's really no other way to put it. After starting 36 games at left tackle for the Mississippi St. Bulldogs, the Packers tried to mold Sherrod into a guard, a position he's never played. The experiment didn't work, and he looked out of place and a step behind. The rookie hasn't fared much better at tackle either, as he turned in a poor performance in last week's preseason match-up against the Cardinals.

Prognosis: It's obviously way too early to be disappointed in Sherrod, let alone label him a bust. The Packers should quit with the gimmicks and groom him to be what they drafted him to be-- Chad Clifton's replacement. A season backing up and learning from the 11 year veteran is exactly what Sherrod needs.

Continue reading this post »

Chastin West is making things difficult for the Packers.

The second-year pro out of Fresno State has been dominant this preseason. He's been spectacular in practice, has earned high praise from Aaron Rodgers, and just put together an impressive 5 catch, 134 yard performance in last night's game against the Cardinals, which included this97 yard catch and run to pay dirt.

So what's the problem?

Click this line for the rest of the story.

FROM JonBob's Packer Blog:

This is the eighth installment of our Camp Countdown Questions series. Each day leading up to July 31st, we'll be posing a crucial question the Pack need to answer in training camp.

Al Harris is a warrior. Everything about #31 is a testament to this, from his aggressive, attacking style of play to the seamless collage of tattoos that covers his body. His compelling journey through the ranks of professional football, from D-II prospect to nickel back to All-Pro, is proof of his resiliency and determination, as is the fact that he not only survived an exploded spleen, but was back on the field in a matter of weeks. It's not an exaggeration to say that Al Harris is one of the baddest mutha f#*&ers in the world, right after this guy (warning: adult language).

But unfortunately, it doesn't look like Al will be fully recovered from an obliterated knee in time for the beginning of the season. Despite his best efforts, it's most likely that Harris will end up on the PUP list (physically unable to perform), which will prevent him from participating in the Packers' first 6 games. One of the biggest concerns of the Packers this training camp is finding a corner back competent enough to fill the vacancy left by Harris.

Come over to JonBob's for the rest of the analysis.

This is the fifth installment of JonBob's first annual Camp Countdown Questions series. Each day leading up to July 31st, we'll be posing a crucial question the Pack need to answer in training camp.

If three's company, what does that make four? That's the question Ted Thompson will have to answer as he looks at the Packers' current TE situation. As we've discussed previously, the addition of Andrew Quarless to a group that already features Jermichael Finley, Donald Lee, and Spencer Havner means that one of the above mentioned players could be out of a job in the near future.

Of the four, Finley appears to be the only lock to make the team. So what do the rest need to do in order to increase their chances of making the cut?

Read the rest.

This is the JonBob's third installment of our Camp Countdown Questions series. Each day leading up to July 31st, we'll be posing a crucial question the Pack need to answer in training camp.

Last year, one of the biggest questions entering camp was which fullback would be cut. The Packers had drafted Quinn Johnson in April, adding a powerful run blocker to a group that already included proven veterans John Kuhn and Korey Hall. The logic of most at the time was that the Packers just couldn't afford to use three roster spots up on a position of diminishing importance, and that they'd be forced to part ways with one of the veterans.

However, Ted Thompson had different things in mind, and the Packers opted to retain all three FBs, a highly unorthodox move in this era of pass happy offenses. Now, nearly one year later, we can't help but to wonder...is there any reason to do it again?

Come on over to JonBob's for the full article

This is the first installment of JonBob's Camp Countdown Questions series. Each day leading up to July 31st, we'll be posing a crucial question the Pack need to answer in training camp.

Normally, expectations wouldn't be high for a 6th round running back, not to mention one out of a lackluster program like the University of Buffalo.

However, James Starks is no ordinary late-round, cupcake-college player. He's big, strong, and he's got wheels, all qualities which helped him rush for a school record 1,333 yards and 16 touchdowns his junior year, despite missing two and half games due to injury. His accomplishments had him listed as a preseason Doak Walker Award candidate, and earned him a 2nd round grade from draft analysts around the country.

A nasty injury changed all that. After tearing a labrum in his right shoulder, Starks missed the entire 2009 collegiate season, and his draft stock suffered. Once thought to be a Day One prospect, 192 picks passed before he was selected by the Pack.

But all that's in the past. The moment you strap on the pads and step on field, it doesn't matter where you were picked; it matters if you can play, and James Starks certainly has the talent to do just that. With training camp only 12 days away, it's time to see what kind of impact he can make.

Click here for the rest.

(And if you have concerns that what I'm doing is unethical, Brandon has given me his approval. Probably should've gotten it first, but I'm young and I'm stupid, so there you have it)

A post from JonBob's Packer Blog

Well if you haven't heard the big news yet, you probably live under a rock...or you're actually having an enjoyable summer and don't spend the majority of your time glued to a computer screen.

But I digress.

Last Friday, Johnny Jolly was suspended indefinitely for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He'll be gone for at least the entire upcoming season, play-offs included.

Packers bloggers wasted absolutely no time in dissecting this story from nearly every possible angle. Jersey Al call's Jolly's suspension a blessing in disguise. Brian Carriveau vlogs that the Packers were well prepared for this loss. And John Rehor writes that Johnny Jolly is a moron.

I tend to agree with all of them. Having the suspension handed down now is good for two reasons: It prevents Jolly's court proceedings from becoming a headache during the season and it also allows the Packers to hang on to a player that they probably would've had to cut in favor of Jolly. Additionally, the Packers were definitely well prepared for this development, as they drafted two DEs in the 2010 NFL draft. Ted Thompson, your draft score has jumped up a whole letter grade. And yes, Johnny Jolly is a bit stupid for throwing away a career in the NFL for some drugs, no matter how much fun Grimace makes the Purple Drank appear.

But I want to take a look at this story in a different way. Instead of analyzing where the Packers go from here, or how well prepared they are to handle this loss, I want to take a look at a player whose hopes of making the roster may actually be hurt by the Jolly suspension. Because I believe someone on the current Packers roster is going to be adversely affected by Jolly leaving...and it may not be who you think.

Click here for the goods.

An article from JonBob's Packer Blog

Aside from Aaron Rodgers' MVP-caliber year and Charles Woodson's DOPTY campaign, no individual storyline from the 2009 season was quite as compelling as Clay Matthews' sensational rookie performance.

With it clear that Aaron Kampman was not ideally suited for the 3-4 scheme, the Packers were in desperate need of a playmaker in the front seven. Clay Matthews filled the void in a big way. He started by ripping the ball straight out of Adrian Peterson's hands and didn't relent until he'd racked up 10 sacks on the season and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. His tenacity and resiliency were exactly what the Packers needed off the edge. He was more or less a godsend.

However, as great as Clay's first year heroics were, and as much as I'd like to believe he'll only be more productive in 2010, I just can't convince myself that it'll play out that way. Basically, I'm expecting Clay Matthews to have a bit of a sophomore slump. Here's why.

Click here for my explanation.

An article from JonBob's Packer Blog

The Packers of the mid-90's had a number of traits that made them a special bunch. One of them, as I discussed a few days ago, was their ability to play with an edge at Lambeau. This not only made them successful in the regular season, but it also allowed them to ride home-field advantage throughout the playoffs to two Super Bowl appearances.

Another asset was the presence of a bonafide home-run threat lining up to receive kickoffs and punts. I am, of course, talking about Super Bowl XXXI MVP Desmond Howard.

Desmond only played one full season with the Packers, but his impact was felt in a big way. During the 1996 regular season, he returned 58 punts, with a ridiculous average of 15.1 yards per return. The 875 punt return yards he accrued that year still constitute the NFL's single season record, with a nice, nearly-200 yard cushion.

But with Desmond, it wasn't really about the numbers. He was truly a game-changer. Coupling his ability to shorten the field with Packers already potent offense allowed the team to score points in bunches; it's no coincidence that in '96 the Packers scored 456 points, which stood as the all-time franchise record until it was broken this past year. Of course, his field-position changing ability was only even a factor if he didn't bring the punt all the way back for a touchdown, which he did three times in the '96 regular season.

Desmond's real value was displayed in the 1996 NFL play-offs. In the Mud Bowl, he helped the Packers jump to a 14-0 lead over the 49ers after running only three offensive plays.The first time Howard touched the ball, he turned it into points, returning a punt 71 yards for a six. A few minutes later, he returned a punt 46 yards, setting up an easy, 4-yard Brett Favre to Andre Rison TD pass. From that point on, the game was never in any real jeopardy. The Packers coasted to a 35-14 victory, despite racking up 135 less yards on offense than their season average.

The crown jewel in Desmond's brief career with the Packers was his performance in Super Bowl XXXI (and no, I'm not talking about his interpretation of "The Robot")With the Patriots beginning to mount a comeback in the second half, Howard delivered a death blow, returning a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. New England failed to respond, and the Packers won their first Super Bowl since 1968. On that night, Howard essentially rewrote the punt and kickoff return section of the Super Bowl record book with 90 yards on punt returns, 154 on kick returns, and 244 total return yards. He rightfully won the MVP award, the only special teams player ever to do so.

Since those days, the Packers have lacked someone special returning kicks and punts, with the exception of Roell Preston in 1998 and Allen Rossum in 2000. But after those two names, things go down hill. In fact, the Packers have not returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 2000, when the feat was last accomplished by Rossum. That's right: for nine straight seasons, the Packers have not taken a kick back to the house.

The Packers have fared better in terms of punt returning, but don't factor in last year's performance in that statement. In 2009, Jordy Nelson, the Packers' primary return man, had a putrid average of 5.3 yards per return. Out of players around the league who had returned 10 or more punts he ranked 36th. Needless to say, the Packers have plenty of room for improvement when it comes to the return game.

The big question is, do the Packers have the pieces in place to make this adjustment? Do they have the next Desmond Howard on the roster? Let's take a look.

Click here for the full analysis 

An article from JonBob's Packer Blog 

Five time All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens is still on the market. Say what you want about his off (and on) the field antics, this guy is one of the most accomplished WR's in NFL history, ranking 6th in receiving yards and 3rd in receiving touchdowns. I know we have a pretty stacked receiving corp, but adding another weapon could be what it takes to push us over the top. Plus, we play all four of his former teams this coming season (San Fran, Philly, Dallas, and Buffalo), so maybe that could serve as some extra motivation for TO. Should Ted Thompson and Co. consider giving the guy a look?

Click here for the answer.

                                 

                                            

An article from JonBob's Packer Blog.     

 

When I was growing up in the 1990's, there were a few things that were just accepted as simple truths:  if you talked back you'd get spanked, if you didn't brush you'd get cavities, and, oh yeah, if the Packers were playing at home they were going to win.

Indeed, during this era, Lambeau Field was more like a fortress than a football stadium, with the Green and Gold apparently capable of imposing their will on visiting teams. Entire seasons would pass without yielding a home defeat ('96, '97, and '02, with a certain game disregarded because it occurred in 2003). I'd go as far as to say that the phenomenon of the Packers' inability to lose at home bordered on the supernatural.

However, in recent years, it seems that the luster of Lambeau has begun to fade. While certainly the building is still a shrine to football, a veritable cathedral of all things holy to pigskin, these spiritual attributes do not seem to be translating to W's for the Pack, at least not in the way they used to. One only needs to think back upon recent embarrassing home defeats, such as the humiliating loss to the Vikings following Lambeau's rededication in 2003, or the 2006 26-0 shellacking at the hands of the Bears, to see that this is true. Such atrocities would never have been allowed in the 90's.

But were these just anomalies, or part of something bigger? Curious to see if the Packers' recent track-record at home has been as bad as it seems, I decided to do some number crunching. I came to this shocking realization: It's been far worse.

 

Click here to read the rest.

Hey everyone, I'm Jonathan from the new Packers blog "JonBob's Packer Blog." Not trying to "steal" viewers or anything like that, I'm just of the persuasion that you can never have enough Packers News!!! So if you get the chance, please feel free to visit our site. We've got a great post up right now, tearing apart Jamie Dukes for including Donavon McNaab in his Top 5 Qb's list but not Aaron Rodgers. If that doesn't sound intriguing, here's a little teaser:

 

Ok, see you there!

The New England Patriots have released two-time Pro Bowler Adalius Thomas. Thomas, a much hyped free agent acquisition for the Patriots three years ago, never reached the level of production he had in Baltimore. Additionally, he fell into disfavor with Coach Brian Belichick , and was kept off the active roster for two games last season for non-health related reasons. Thomas said he wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots cut ties with him following the 2009 season, and sure enough, he's on the open market once again.

I think this is an interesting development, one the Packers have to take a look at. They failed to draft a promising OLB in the draft after Aaron Kampman's departure, and they just lost OLB Jeremy Thompson to a health-necessitating retirement. Unless they want Clay Matthews to see a plethora of double teams next year, an upgrade to this unit is needed.

Thomas is 32, not necessarily the ideal age for a free agent acquisition. However, at this point, I think he's the best option the Packers have. He's an explosive athlete at 6'3 270 who, only 3 years ago, was considered one of the NFL's most fearsome pass-rushers. Even though his performance in the last couple years hasn't been noteworthy, he did rack up 6.5 sacks and 78 tackles in his first year in New England, plus two more sacks in the Patriots Super Bowl loss to the Giants. He has played only as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL, from either side, so there certainly is no uncertainty that he can play the position.

As for his "discipline issues," for what it's worth, Belichick is none to be an over-zealous and sometimes unreasonable disciplinarian. After showing up to an 8 a.m. meeting 9 minutes late, Thomas was sent home by Coach Belichick, despite the fact that there was a snow storm that morning and Thomas had even called ahead.

I don't think Thomas has any deep-rooted character issues and even at 32, he can still play the game and provide the Packers with what they most definitely need: a pass-rushing threat off the left side. I think he's worth a serious look-over by Ted Thompsen and Co. It's the least they can do after completely failing to address the need at OLB during the draft.

Poll

Should the Packers pursue OLB Adalius Thomas?

32%

Absolutely, even if the cost is high. We need another playmaker at OLB.

76 votes

61%

Sure, but only if we can get him for a cheap price. He's 32 and hasn't produced much in recent years.

142 votes

6%

No, stay away from him. He's got character issues and his sun set a long time ago.

14 votes

232 votes | Poll has closed

When the Packers transitioned to the 3-4 defense during the 2009 off-season, it instantly increased the importance of the outside linebacker position tenfold. Within the scheme, the OLB is arguably the most important play-maker on the defensive side of the ball, and must be capable of excelling in pass coverage, against the run, and, perhaps most importantly, in the pass rush department.

The Packers hit gold in the 2009 NFL Draft, trading up and stealing ex-USC linebacker Clay Matthews III.  However, just as it appeared they had a formidable duo on the outside, they lost a key piece of the puzzle. The departure of Aaron Kampman, though he wasn't necessarily ideally suited for the position, was a significant blow. Brad Jones filled in fine as a rookie, but there are concerns that he lacks the play-making ability needed at the position.

The need for a play-making, pass-rushing OLB became apparent in the latter part of the last season. Though the Packers' defense finished first in the league for yards allowed, it was obvious that they had some significant deficiencies with their pass defense. Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner left the defense exposed and coordinator Dom Capers searching for answers. It was clear that something needed to change.

While some may argue that drafting defensive backs is a good way to shore up the pass defense, and this is certainly true to an extent, the best corners in the world can't defend wide-outs forever if no one is getting to the quarterback. There is little surprise that after a franchise quarterback, pass-rushing phenoms are some of the most prized possessions around the league.

So with all this in mind, let's turn to the 2010 NFL Draft to see what prospects the Packers could be targeting.

Poll

Which of these "Thoroughbreds" would you most like to see in the Green in the Gold following the draft?

27%

Brandon Graham

56 votes

42%

Jerry Hughes

87 votes

29%

Sergio Kindle

61 votes

204 votes | Poll has closed

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The Packers secured several promising young players for their practice squad, but lost Tyrell Sutton in the process.

Sutton, an undrafted free-agent from Northwester, looked poised to crack the 53-man roster after an impressive preseason,. But on cut day, the Packers opted to keep only three running backs, sending Sutton to the waiver wire. Sutton's strong performance in the preseason made it highly unlikely that the back would go unclaimed off waivers, and sure enough, he was claimed by the Carolina Panthers this morning.

Although the Packers didn't land Sutton, they did manage to keep several promising young players as part of the organization. I'll give my thoughts on each one of them after the jump.

Poll

Which player are you the most excited about landing on the practice squad?

17%

Brian Brohm

161 votes

13%

Kregg Lumpkin

121 votes

21%

Jamon Meredith

197 votes

25%

Cyril Obiozor

230 votes

21%

Practice Squad? YAWN

195 votes

904 votes | Poll has closed

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It's upon us. The climax of preseason. One of the primary reasons teams play four meaningless games and engage in grueling training camps. It's time to make those final decisions, and get the roster down to 53.

I'll smugly admit, I'm pretty happy with my predictions made last week. But developments in the past few days have forced me to reconsider a few of my previous decisions. So here's my final predicition for the Packers' 2009 roster.

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Take a look around the major sports websites, and you'll uncover a common theme: Everyone is in love with the Packers.

It is a bit ironic, given the fact that  a few months ago, most analysts had us finishing 3rd in the NFC, failing to transition into the 3-4 smoothly, and not improving much on our 6-10 record. But after three dominating preseason performances, the Packers' bandwagon is quickly filling up.

As a wise man once said, "Back then they didn't want [the Packers], now [we're] hot, they all on [the Packers]."

I guess it just goes to show you that actions remain louder than words-- and when those actions include 12 takeaways by your starting defense, a 151 passer rating by your QB, and no punts by your first-team unit on a dozen drives, they're louder than a fog horn.

Take "The Jump" to see what everyone's saying.

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These are the individual competitions I'm watching  tonight (well, actually when it re-airs on NFL Network at like 1 AM). Each one has serious roster implications, whether it's two guys fighting for a roster spot or a battle for a start on opening day.

Sutton v. Wynn:  If you really believe the Pack are only keeping one of the two, their performances this evening could make or break their respective chances. I bet both of them will see significant action with the starters in the first half.

Raji v. Jolly: Jolly has performed exceptionally well in the absence of Harrell (injuries) and, until recently, Raji (contract issues). But can he really hold off Raji and start on opening day? BJ's slated for 15-20 snaps tonight and will probably have his best chance yet to prove he deserves to start.

More after the jump!

Poll

Which individual roster battle intrigues you the most?

25%

Sutton v. Wynn

8 votes

6%

Raji v. Jolly

2 votes

12%

Hall v. Kuhn

4 votes

9%

Underwood v. Porter v. Ford

3 votes

22%

Barnett/Hawk v. Chillar/Bishop

7 votes

6%

Lee v. Finley

2 votes

12%

Bigby v. Smith

4 votes

3%

Martin v. Swain v. Allen

1 votes

31 votes | Poll has closed

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