The injuries keep coming for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers best defender, Jon Beason, suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Starting right tackle Jeff Otah has been diagnosed with a concussion and will miss Sunday's game against the Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers. The perfect storm seems to be brewing for two star players on the Packers roster, OLB Clay Matthews and TE Jermichael Finley, to break out with big time performances.

Matthews went without a sack in the opener against the Saints, but did get pressure and hits on Drew Brees that impacted the game. Matthews was quite dissatisfied with the performance the Packers defense put together against the Saints high powered offense. This week he'll have opportunites to tee off against a backup right tackle and a rookie quarterback. Clay will have his work cut out for him, facing an athlete like Cam Newton will stretch the field horizontally and vertically. Matthews will have to be ready to chase down and wrap up the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner.

The biggest mismatch in the league will find even more space to work with, as star middle linebacker Job Beason is vacated from the middle of the field by a season ending injury. Passes over the middle will be the key to taking advantage of a backup MLB, who will struggle to fill and guard passing lanes. I expect big things from Jermichael Finley this weekend (and James Starks too!)

The city of brotherly love splashed around in Free Agency this offseason and defeated the Washington Redskins and New York Jets in the offseason-pseudo-super-awesome-bowl.  The Eagles snuck into the free agency finals like America's favorite ugly 7-footer and his band of wily vets, snatching the prize from the obvious favorites.  The high powered Eagle offense was complimented by a seemingly equally powerful defense when the team signed prized free agent Nnamdi Asomugha, FA DT/DE Cullen Jenkins, FA DE Jason Babin, and traded Kevin Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick.  (Also read that TE Donald Lee was added to the offense).

The media storm is pouring down love on Philadelphia, and the Packers are no longer being considered the team to beat in the NFC by many...

...but not this guy.  This is what Finley calls practice?  

Jermichael Finley should be considered the biggest offseason acquisition by any team.  

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Former Packer's recievers coach Jimmy Robinson was hospitalized after a collision with WR Teddy Williams during a special teams drill.  Robinson was knocked unconscious and taken to a local hospital and Williams was taken to the training room.  Robinson was said to been moving his arm and wore a precautionary neck-brace. 

ESPNDallas has more details here as does Nick Eatman from dallascowboys.com.

Jimmy Robinson left the Packers organization this offseason to take a promotion in Dallas.

Adam Schefter recently reported that:

NFL gameday rosters will expand this season from 45 to 46 players, with the No. 3 quarterback no longer counting as an inactive player

I'm wondering how this might be enforced for teams that don't usually carry three QBs on gamedays like, the Green Bay Packers.  Are we going to carry a 3rd QB this season?  If we don't, can we use this 46th gameday spot for a player of another position?  Is Jordy Nelson still our emergency Quarterback?  Might Randall Cobb assume this role?

Disclaimer:  If the validity of this post depends on the likelihood that the Packers, exclusively, will trade two first round picks to move the the number 10 pick, than this post should be considered a failure and you'll find the premise dumb.

But if you're like me and generally interested in the events and happenings preceding the NFL draft:

Washington, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle:

I don't know what they have to offer, but I hear the Redskins are trying like crazy to trade up to get one of the quarterbacks, Blaine Gabbert, I imagine. Some mocks have them taking quarterback Jake Locker if they stay at 10. What a reach that would be, but Mike Shanahan loves mobile quarterbacks who can throw on the run.

Check in with Hog Haven for Parks Smith's write up.

Earlier this week word spread that the Redskins were interested in trading out of the number 10 spot, possibly looking to add picks in rounds 2-4.  Again at Hog Haven, Steveo26 discusses how he see's the Redskins trading out of the first round.

We've discussed the talent surplus the Packers will face with couple drafts worth of players returning from injury and 8 projected draftees.  One thing the Packers might choose to do is to trade up higher into the first round to acquire an elite athlete.  When the Packers last traded in the first round, we hit gold (literally) drafting Clay Matthews III and his flowing locks.  And if you remember correctly, the Patriots went to the media with their desire to trade down and the Packers responded quickly.  The Redskins seem to be going to the media with their desire to trade down, so the 10th pick of the draft is attainable for the right price, and there should be some pretty exciting prospects left on the board that the Packers and other teams drafting later in the first round will have access to if the Redskins decide to trade down.

Here is another article by Bill Williamson at ESPN: Could Elway, Shanahan be trade partners?

Williamson discusses Washington's obstacles separating them from a top QB draftee. 

UPDATE: There was some hope that they could obtain a 3rd round compensatory pick for him, but a 4th round pick (at the end of the round) isn't bad. One last benefit from his great career with the team. More on the compensatory picks, Carolina was the big winner, from SB Nation.

The Green Bay Packers received a compensatory 4th round pick for the loss of free agent DE Aaron Kampman. Kampman was let go after a difficult position change to outside linebacker and a season ending knee injury. 

Ted Thompson has had some success drafting in the 4th round, finding RG Josh Sitton and LG T.J. Lang.  But another possibility is that the Packers trade up into the first round using other picks (not their newest 4th rounder, comp. picks can't be traded).  The Packers could trade their other 4th, or even a 3rd round pick to move up higher into the first round.

Not sure if you're like me, but I've been getting into the combine for the last several seasons it has become available over NFL network and NFL.com.  I enjoy listening to the experts they bring in to analyze the drills.  I enjoy putting faces to the names that I read in Mock Drafts.  The combine is a fun way to prep for the draft as a fan, because you won't be left in the dark when the Packers draft Mike Neal in the second round.  

So I'm trying to watch and gather some info on players who I like, and also gain knowledge on "project players".  I'm going to jot some notes this weekend on some players I'm noticing:

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How about Bob Sanders?

When healthy Sanders is a playmaker, a game changer, and a unique talent.

This is the kind of player a defensive scheme artist like Capers covets. If Bob can play a little SS, and a little of a floating linebacker (like Chuck) he could be very valuable.

I’m uncertain of his current injury status, and we’ve got talent at Safety to develop.

But, Sanders was released, so he might be attainable for a good price. I like the skill set he could bring to this already physical and complex defense.

How could/would Sanders help or hurt our defensive unit/ 53 man roster?

UPDATE: More on his release from Stampede Blue. I expect some team will be interested in throwing some money at him, such as the Bills did with oft injured DE Shawne Merriman, and I wouldn't expect the Packers to be one of those teams. 

Casey may not be as physically gifted as his brother Clay, but there’s no doubt that he’s just as intelligent and has a great work ethic.

Player Name: Casey Matthews

Position: Inside Linebacker

School: Oregon

Height: 6’2"

Weight: 237

 

Just like his brother in the Packers week 16 match-up with the Giants, Casey forced the big turnover by punching the ball out from behind.  Clay knocked the ball from Giants power back Brandon Jackson, Casey from Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton in the national title game.  Casey's FF couldn't have come at a more important time, and could have been the play that changed the game in the Ducks favor, if not for the runner that wasn't down on that 37 yard run.

There was a little segment about Clay and Casey during the bowl game.  If you caught it you might have noticed how much respect and love these brother share.  Do you think the Packers should target the Casey Matthews?  How sweet would that be?!?  

 

 

Poll

Draft Casey Matthews?

75%

Yes

179 votes

24%

No

57 votes

236 votes | Poll has closed

Vandermause writes

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that although rookie running back James Starks has missed a lot of football, he’s competing for playing time now that he’s on the 53-man roster.

 Starks was elevated to the roster from the physically unable to perform list after missing all of training camp and a portion of the offseason workouts.  

McCarthy said at his press conference today that Starks has a lot to learn and needs to work on details in his game, but he’s a talented back and there’s a reason the Packers promoted him.

I often read things written about Starks like "He's special" or "I've got a good feeling about this kid" and I'm buying it for the most part.  B. Jackson has been more than solid, but how wonderful would it be if we finally found a franchise runner?  It way to early to have those kind of expectations for Starks, but what are your feelings right now?  Do you have "a feeling" about his guy?

 

Known as "Lights Out" because of his once-ferocious hits, Merriman had 39.5 sacks in his first three seasons. He has had just four in the three seasons since then because of a variety of injuries.

We've discussed the possibility of the Packers pursuing Merriman before, but with all of this Randy Moss drama, Merriman may slip through waivers tomorrow if no team claims the once-feared OLB.  

We've brought in 3 LBs in the last couple weeks, is there any doubt that Merriman can be as effective, if not more, than some of the guys we just signed off the street?

Here's the D lineman we've been hoping Ted would sign.  He's big:

Height: 6-2   Weight: 365   Age: 31

Born: 1/12/1979 Donaldsonville , LA

College: LSU

Experience: 6th season

High School: Donaldsonville HS [LA]

 

He was in Washington earlier this year, but didn't make the team. With, Cullen Jenkin's brother, Kris Jenkin's newest knee injury the Jets brought this guy in to backup their NT position.  He could see action as early as Sunday, as the team has been forced to use OL TJ Lang on defense in goal line situations.  

Another free agent running back that will soon be on the market.  Jones rushed for 1402 yard last season and eventually gave way to rookie sensation Shonn Green.  Jones yards we good for 3rd best in the NFL, behind only Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson.  With all of the discussion surrounding LT, Westbrook, and Sproles, Jones might just emerge as the biggest fish in the FA RB pool.

Poll

Support the pursuit of Thomas Jones?

53%

Yes!

173 votes

46%

No!

151 votes

324 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

I left the question mark off for shock value.  The title should be a question, because I have no information to support the statement.  It was a passing thought as I read a headline claiming that Joshua Cribbs was on the way out in Cleveland.

Poll

Would you support a decision to bring in Josh Cribbs?

74%

Yes. Without reservation.

218 votes

17%

I'm not sure.

51 votes

8%

No, that's a terrible idea!

24 votes

293 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

 

I was just taking a look and the weekend of football that's quickly approaching.  This is a decisive week for the Packers and other NFC teams with wildcard or playoff aspirations.

 

Poll

Which team, besides the Ravens, are you hoping losses this weekend?

20%

Eagles

10 votes

8%

Cowboys

4 votes

10%

Giants

5 votes

6%

Falcons

3 votes

51%

Vikings

25 votes

4%

Bears, just to end their hopes.

2 votes

49 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

 

The Green Bay Packers defense is now ranked #1 in the NFL.  Dom Capers and the coaching staff have taken the woeful defense from a year ago a long way.  The scheme change from a 4-3 to a 3-4 alignment washeavily criticized earlier this season when fans were outraged at the 'misuse' of key players like OLB Aaron Kampman and CB Al Harris.  With both of these players lost for the season to ACL injuries, the Packers look to maintain their ranking atop the NFL as they ready for tough match-ups against two premier defenses in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

Poll

How do the Packers match up against the Steelers and Ravens?

19%

These are both favorable matchups for the Packer!

31 votes

53%

These are evenly matched teams.

84 votes

17%

The Packers do not matchup well against these two teams.

28 votes

9%

Hey Jerk, how about the Bears? Oh yeah, they stink...

15 votes

158 votes | Poll has closed

Favre has reportedly sent X-rays of his right shoulder to the Vikings specialists to analyze.  If Favre does require major surgery, he will stay retired.  If he does not required major surgery, Favre has reportedly expressed interest in returning to the NFL, specifically the Minnesota Vikings.

Bus Cook niether confirmed or denied the report that Favre sent his xrays to Minnesota, explaing that he had nothing to do with the xrays. 

It never ends.

Man Ram has accepted a 50 game suspension for failing a drug test, testing positive for a banned substance.  The substance wasn't steroids, but female fertility hormones.  The hormones are used to jump start a man's natural hormone production, which is usually derailed by the use of human growth hormones.  Manny made no excuses, accepting responsibility for his actions.

Pat and Kevin Williams of the Minnesota Vikings are still going through the appeal process after also failing a drug test: testing positive for a banned diuretic substance.  Diuretics are used for two major purposes: to lose water weight, and to cover up drug use.  The Williams blame faulty labeling, and have accepted little to no responsibility for their actions.  Both Pat and Kevin Williams face 4 game suspensions for violating the NFL's substance policies.

Professional athletes need to take responsibility for the substances they put in their body.  If you are not completely familiar with a substance, supplement, or drug, don't put it in your body.  You are a highly paid professional athlete, start acting like a professional and stop trying to play the 'ignorance' card, because it should earn you a fat suspension.

 

We need to clean up professional sports.  Let's start knocking $10,000 of these guys’ paychecks and using it to do across-the-board testing, so that we can reward honest hard work instead of sneaky drug use.

 

 

Oh yeah, and how about some real punishment in the NFL? Serving 4 games hardly intimidates anyone.  For what these drugs do to the sport, let’s start season long suspensions.  Or how about indefinite suspensions for repeat offenders? (By indefinite, I mean career long, and by repeat offenders, I mean twice)

 

 

Crack Down, clean up, love sports.

Man Ram has accepted a 50 game suspension for failing a drug test, testing positive for a banned substance.  The substance wasn't steroids, but female fertility hormones.  The hormones are used to jump start a man's natural hormone production, which is usually derailed by the use of human growth hormones.  Manny made no excuses, accepting responsibility for his actions.

Pat and Kevin Williams of the Minnesota Vikings are still going through the appeal process after also failing a drug test: testing positive for a banned diuretic substance.  Diuretics are used for two major purposes: to lose water weight, and to cover up drug use.  The Williams blame faulty labeling, and have accepted little to no responsibility for their actions.  Both Pat and Kevin Williams face 4 game suspensions for violating the NFL's substance policies.

Professional athletes need to take responsibility for the substances they put in their body.  If you are not completely familiar with a substance, supplement, or drug, don't put it in your body.  You are a highly paid professional athlete, start acting like a professional and stop trying to play the 'ignorance' card, because it should earn you a fat suspension.

We need to clean up professional sports.  Let's start knocking $10,000 of these guys’ paychecks and using it to do across-the-board testing, so that we can reward honest hard work instead of sneaky drug use.

Oh yeah, and how about some real punishment in the NFL? Serving 4 games hardly intimidates anyone.  For what these drugs do to the sport, let’s start season long suspensions.  Or how about indefinite suspensions for repeat offenders? (By indefinite, I mean career long, and by repeat offenders, I mean twice)

 

Crack Down, clean up, love sports.

 

 

Is it just me, or am I the only one wondering why SS Roy Williams doesn't have a job?  I understand that thin, quick, coverage safeties have become the norm in the league, but there should always be a place for tough, physical guys like Williams.  Maybe the Cowboy's front office just couldn't handle two guys named Roy Williams.

The former 2002 first round pick is only 28, which means he's got a couple of strong seasons left in the tank.  He's been to the ProBowl 5 times, but he's still waiting for his phone to ring this offseason.

The Packers already have a physical safety in Atari Bigby, but remember last season when Bibgy went down, and we had to shift Woodson back there, and consequently Tramon Williams into his spot?  I like Tramon, I watched him pick off Matt Ryan last season at Lambeau 5 yards in front of my face, but he's not Charles Woodson.  With the arrival of Cutler in Chicago, we cannot afford to go down quality players in the secondary.  With Adrian Perterson in Minnesota, the league’s most elite running back, we have to stay physical on defense and an in-the-box type safety accomplishes just that.  I can't help but imagine Roy in green and gold, putting Jason Witton on his ass in week 10's Sunday evening showdown.

Who wouldn't want this guy's heavy footsteps forcing receivers to second guess grabbing that crossing route over the middle?

 

Larry Foote is looking for a move to the NFC North, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  Apparently desiring a starting position, the University of Michigan star isn't opposed to starting eafor the restructuring Detroit Lions.

Foote is set to earn nearly 2.9 million this year, so the likelihood of the Packers pursuing the veteran are slim.  Another player familiar with the 3-4 scheme wouldn’t hurt the Packers, and Coach Greene would love to have Foote around I'm sure.  A great 3-4 starts with a great line-backing core, and the addition of Foote could make for one scary-mean front seven.