Wednesday, we learned that outside linebacker Brad Jones’ season is indeed over. Jones has been placed on injured reserve and will undergo surgery on his damaged shoulder. The injury initially occurred in camp and was apparently significantly re-injured in Sunday night’s win [...]]]> Okay, now we can say the Green Bay Packers’ defense is devastated by injury.

Wednesday, we learned that outside linebacker Brad Jones’ season is indeed over. Jones has been placed on injured reserve and will undergo surgery on his damaged shoulder. The injury initially occurred in camp and was apparently significantly re-injured in Sunday night’s win over Minnesota.

Jones is the 10th Packer to go on I.R. this season. Six of those players – Jones, Nick Barnett, Morgan Burnett, Mike Neal, Brady Poppinga and Justin Harrell – were expected to be at least somewhat significant contributors for that unit in 2010. And don’t forget Brandon Chillar, Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Pickett, Clay Matthews – my God this list is long – Nick Collins and Charles Woodson. Every single one of those players has either missed time, will miss time or been at least semi-affected by injury.

Oh, by the way – Al Harris and Atari Bigby still haven’t been activated from the PUP list yet. With the Packers quickly signing (or claiming off waivers) four defensive players this week – three linebackers and a defensive tackle – you have to wonder just where those two are at in the recovery process. I have a bad feeling that it could be awhile until either of those two are on the 53-man roster. Like, “after the bye week” bad.

Yet, through all of this, defensive coordinator Dom Capers has somehow, someway, managed to keep Green Bay in the middle of the pack (no pun intended) on that side of the ball. The Packers are tied with New England for 16th with 136 points allowed, 19.4 per game. Green Bay is also 18th in total yards per game allowed (338.4). Now, I can’t say I’ve studied the numbers/performance of every defense he’s ever led, but one has to think this seven-game stretch is one of the best coaching jobs he’s ever turned in.

Here’s the thing, though: I’m not sure Capers can keep this up much longer. That’s not to question his smarts, because we know he has those in abundance. I’m not sure any defensive mind could keep this up. The depth is just so paper-thin. And, who knows if the injuries will ever stop for the defense? What happens if a crucial piece – say Matthews, Tramon Williams, Collins or Woodson – gets hit with a season-ender?

But, as always, I’m not going to paint a picture of a totally baren landscape. There’s hope for this defense – and it lies in an unexpected place.

The other side of the ball.

After seven games of fits, starts, heat, cool, north and south, the time for Green Bay’s offense to become the monster we all thought it could is now. That group simply can not turn in any more uneven performances if the Packers are to make this season a special one.

The biggest thing that must now happen is an honest-to-God dedication to dominating the time of possession. Seven games in, the Packers stand just 17th in average T.O.P. at 30:06 per game. The New York Giants lead the league in this category at 33:23 per game. Doesn’t seem like much, on the surface, but as we’ve learned this season, 3:17 can be a lifetime, especially if you’re playing with a battered defense. Imagine an extra three minutes-plus in Green Bay’s favor against Miami. Or Washington.

In order to boost those T.O.P. numbers, a re-tooling of Mike McCarthy’s approach to gameplanning is in order. Stubborn as he is, you might think this impossible. But, actually, it’s not. McCarthy took some fairly major steps in this direction against the Vikings, showing more dedication to the run game than at any previous point this season. In his Wednesday presser, McCarthy hinted that we’ll see more Brandon Jackson this Sunday against the New York Jets.

Whether it works this week or not, it’s something he needs to go with the rest of the way. Jackson has shown some flashes of real potential. He won’t likely overwhelm anyone with his size, speed or toughness, but has just enough of each quality to make him intriguing (and his vision’s not bad, either). Like all backs, he’ll only get better as the carries pile up. And Bryan Bulaga’s emergence at right tackle gives Green Bay a solid side of the line to rush off of as Bulaga and Josh Sitton are both quick, tough and nasty run blockers.

The passing game, Mike Mac’s pride and joy, must also be re-worked. Simply put, this team continues to chase the home run ball far more often than is necessary. It’s killing drives and causing turnovers. Considering how far Aaron Rodgers and his receivers appear to be off in the chemistry department, it’s surprising how many deep shots this offense continues to take. Those are low-percentage throws and do nothing to get things back in-synch. If you were a basketball player, would you continue to chuck threes up on a cold shooting night? You’d try for as many layups as possible to get yourself back into a rhythm, right?

For the Packers, these layups consist of  throws within the six-to-15 yard range. This offense lived there during last season’s 7-1 finish to the regular season. And when things were looking bleak in the wild card game, how did the offense get itself back on track? Exactly.

Somewhere between the wild card loss and the start of the 2010 season, the Packers became convinced that a passing attack can only be considered great if it goes shotgun, five-wide and racks up 25 yards on every dropback. That just isn’t true (see: the San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s). Look at golf, for example. Any pro can step up to the tee and crush it. The great ones separate themselves through the short game.

Getting back to that 7-1 mindset puts the ball in the hands of your playmakers quicker, thus allowing them to do what they do quicker. This approach makes for plays that, while not as sexy as the home run ball (something Rodgers seems way too preoccupied with, anyways), can be run in higher quantity. More plays equals more time of possession and a tired opposing defense.

By re-dedicating themselves to the little things – more handoffs here and more seven-yard throws there – the Packers can fully utilize the considerable talent they have on offense, even without Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant.

For a defense that becomes exponentially less considerable in the talent department seemingly by the day, it’s the least they can do.

-Chris Lempesis

That being the case, there’s quite a bit of news surrounding the Green Bay Packers, a team that’s lost three of four and desperately needs to right the ship.

What better time than now to make a trip back to the question department, right? After all, [...]]]> And Vikings week, chapter one (technically, chapter three) has officially begun.

That being the case, there’s quite a bit of news surrounding the Green Bay Packers, a team that’s lost three of four and desperately needs to right the ship.

What better time than now to make a trip back to the question department, right? After all, it’s been awhile since we’ve been here.

• Question: Are we witnessing the decline of Charles Woodson?

Answer: Sadly, maybe. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year just has not been anywhere near as much of a factor as he’s been in previous seasons thus far. Woodson has recorded just one interception, against Detroit, and five passes defended through six games. As always, those numbers only tell part of the story. Woodson, always a physical corner, has been drawing penalties left and right this season, mostly of the “illegal contact” variety. Can’t remember where I read this, but one of the Packers’ beat writers proposed the theory awhile back that Woodson – pushed around by Larry Fitzgerald in the wild card loss – is hellbent on making sure that never happens again. Thus, he’s taken his physicality to another level. If that’s true – and even if it isn’t – he needs to dial things back a notch or twelve. He’s really hurting the defense. More than that, teams are simply not afraid to throw at him this season, something that isn’t going to change until he turns in a clean game and starts making some big plays. He’s been rather good in run support, so he’s still bringing value. But for the defense, wrecked by injuries, to get back to where it was last season, he has to be better. Period.

• Question: Should we be firing up the “Fire McCarthy” bandwagon yet?

Answer: We haven’t quite reached that point yet. It’s mid-season and the Packers are once again underwhelming, so it’s natural that some fans would be calling for Mike Mac’s dismissal. I can’t lie – I’ve thought about it a time or two myself already. He’s certainly given us plenty of reason to think such thoughts, hasn’t he? Unbalanced, arrogant playcalling; a complete inability to win close games; a team that continues to take bad penalties at crucial times (if not for the entire game). The 3-3 record is bad enough, but what’s really damning is that the same problems exist with this team five years into McCarthy’s time at the helm. You can’t help but wonder if a new direction is needed. That said, it’s far too early to be calling for his firing. This was a playoff team last year and, as bad as things have been, a win Sunday night changes everything. Now, with an extremely tough schedule the rest of the way (and injuries mounting), there’s always a chance this team bottoms out. If that happens – say, they finish 7-9 or 8-8 and miss the playoffs – then it would be time to discuss firing him. But I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Famous last words, probably.

• Question: What can we honestly expect from Al Harris, Atari Bigby, and James Starks?

Answer: To hear McCarthy tell it in his Monday presser, it sounds like all three have rehabbed their injuries as much as possible and are ready to begin practicing. What happens after Wednesday is anyone’s guess. I have a feeling Harris is closer to returning than the other two and will see the field in some capacity Sunday night. He won’t start, but could see considerable time as the nickel back. But for a player of Harris’ age, coming off of that type of injury, it seems unlikely he’ll be able to go every snap in that role. Sam Shields has been decent in that role this season, when healthy, so I’d expect that he and Harris will rotate. Bigby seems further away – they wouldn’t have traded for Anthony Smith, otherwise. Still, it wouldn’t shock me if he played a portion of the game Sunday night. His biggest strength is playing the run, after all, and that Peterson guy is pretty good. It’s important for the Packers to not overuse these two right away. It’s a big game, no question, but it’s more important to get these two ready for the second half. Don’t expect much from Starks. The guy hasn’t played a meaningful snap since early in 2009. It’s going to take at least a couple of weeks for him to shake off the considerable rust he’s accumulated. If he makes any impact, it likely won’t happen until after the bye early next month.

• Question: What should we expect from the newly acquired Smith?

Answer: Don’t expect him to be a savior, but he is an upgrade. Smith – yes, that Smith, the one signed by the Packers before being released late in camp last year – knows this scheme inside and out from his time in Pittsburgh/brief time in Green Bay. If you don’t remember the story of why he was cut, well, it seemed to come down to this: While certainly capable of making big plays, Smith also allegedly freelanced too much for the coaches’ liking. There was also some issue with his apparent reluctance to play special teams. All along, though, it seemed like Ted Thompson sort of new he made a mistake in cutting Smith, so it’s not a shock that he’s back in the fold. I’m guessing he’ll start Sunday night, so here’s to hoping he can be better than Charlie Peprah. It’s hard to imagine he won’t be.

• Question: Where is this team at, health-wise?

Answer: The two key injuries to watch, obviously, are those of Ryan Pickett (ankle) and Clay Matthews (hamstring). McCarthy told reporters Monday that the two may be ready to practice later in the week. The key day, as always, to focus on is Friday. If a player practices Friday, he usually goes Sunday. Matthews’ injury seems less serious than Pickett’s, so my guess is that he’s more likely to go. Good, because this team can not win without him. Doesn’t sound like any update was provided on Mike Neal (shoulder). Neal and Pickett hopefully can go – you need all the big bodies you can get against Peterson. No word on the status of Brandon Chillar (shoulder) and Mark Tauscher (shoulder) doesn’t sound likely to play. Donald Driver (thigh) and A.J. Hawk (groin) could miss practice time, but should be fine. Brady Poppinga (knee) is going to have surgery, so he’ll be out awhile, if not the rest of the season. Finally, Jermichael Finley (knee) is officially done for the year. He’ll be placed on injured reserve to make room for Smith. Whew.

• Question: How does Shawn Slocum continue to have a job with this team?

Answer: Your guess is as good as mine. Incriminating photos of Thompson and/or McCarthy, perhaps?

-Chris Lempesis

The Green Bay Packers are not at that point just yet with their defense, but they can likely see it off in the distance.

Wednesday, we learned that inside linebacker Nick Barnett’s wrist injury is much worse than initially thought. Greg Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel [...]]]> At some point, a unit can only withstand so many injuries.

The Green Bay Packers are not at that point just yet with their defense, but they can likely see it off in the distance.

Wednesday, we learned that inside linebacker Nick Barnett’s wrist injury is much worse than initially thought. Greg Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the initial diagnosis for the injury, on Barnett’s right wrist, is that it will require season-ending surgery. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Barnett’s season is indeed going to be over.

Others, like ESPN Milwaukee’s Jason Wilde and, of course, the team itself are saying Barnett will get a second opinion. It sounds like that’s going to happen Friday, so there is still hope Barnett can return. While he didn’t comment on it Wednesday, Barnett said after Sunday’s game that he would be able to tape up the injury and play, as the wrist was not broken.

Either way, you have to think Barnett’s out for the foreseeable future with this injury and, season-ender or not, things are looking grim for Green Bay’s defense. With Morgan Burnett out for the year, Brandon Chillar possibly out for the year (or at least a good long while) and the Barnett situation, the Packers are already down three starters. That’s not even mentioning Nick Collins’ knee injury, which he said may sideline him this week.

Did I mention there’s still 12 games to go in the regular season? ‘Cause that’s kind of important. 

On the brightside, two of the three injuries have hit the Packers in the area they were deepest on defense. Better to have this happen at linebacker than defensive line, for example. For now, it’ll be A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop manning the inside spots for Green Bay. In a way, it’s funny that it’s come to this, as Hawk and Bishop are both players with much to prove, players who are definitely in “make or break” situations with this team.

We all know about Hawk’s contract situation for the future, so let’s skip over that. For Hawk to be effective as a starter, he simply must be solid. At this point, asking for anything more seems rather silly. Is he capable of hitting that level? Maybe. He’s decent enough against the run, for the most part. But, being an every-down player now, Hawk is going to have to find a way to take better angles on plays, one of his biggest flaws. He’s also a massive liability in coverage and brings little as a pass-rusher.

As we learned in 2008 when Barnett tore his ACL, Bishop – who’s spent no shortage of time shooting his mouth off about his abilities – is capable of making some seriously big-time plays. On the other hand, he’s capable of whiffing on some fairly basic plays. Quite honestly, it’s hard to say much more than that. Bishop’s boom or bust playing style was seen while playing in the old 4-3 scheme, after all. He’s seen almost no time inside in the 3-4 scheme, so he is a great unknown, as of now.

What is known is that these are two players who clearly feel they should be on the field as much as possible, despite consistently underwhelming results (Hawk) and a complete inability to crack the field (Bishop). Unless we get better-than-hoped-for news regarding Barnett, that’s going to happen.

Here’s your chance, fellas. It’s likely your last.

-Chris Lempesis

Let’s get to the rest of it, quick-hit, bullet-point style right now:

Mike McCarthy said he and Aaron Rodgers are “on the same page” [...]]]> Outside of the disappointing news regarding Morgan Burnett – no link, you can just scroll down – there was a lot going on with the Green Bay Packers on Monday.

Let’s get to the rest of it, quick-hit, bullet-point style right now:

• McCarthy downplays Rodgers’ comments

Mike McCarthy said he and Aaron Rodgers are “on the same page” on Monday, a day after Rodgers questioned the playcalling in Green Bay’s win over Detroit. It sure sounds like Rodgers wants to see more of the offensive attack Green Bay ran in its loss to Chicago, one that almost completely relies on Rodgers throwing out of shotgun formations. I agree with QB12 – to a point.

If the team is really committed to going with Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn as its backs the rest of the way, then yeah, having Rodgers throw 90 percent of the time is a smart call. With those two, things should not be like they were Sunday (18 runs, 17 passes, with three runs from Rodgers, also). But I still feel this team needs to run the ball – it just needs a legitimate threat at running back to do so. I still think it needs Marshawn Lynch. McCarthy may not want to run the ball – okay, he really doesn’t want to – but a player like Lynch helps the passing game, too. Teams would have to respect him, thus taking away the option of nickel-and-diming Green Bay to death (something that’s only going to happen more and more). That only furthers the chances of success for Rodgers and Co. And, oh, by the way – Lynch is a pretty good pass-catcher, too.

• Agent: Chillar’s injury may be more serious than initially thought

Great item in the Green Bay Press Gazette Insider’s Blog Monday, in which the agent for linebacker Brandon Chillar, Jim Ivler, said Chillar’s shoulder injury could be rather serious. Chillar injured his shoulder against the Bears.

Ivler, from the post: “I hope it isn’t season-ending, don’t think it is, but I’m not going to rule out that it’s not possible. By Wednesday, we’ll probably have a better idea.”

Unlike those season-ending injuries suffered by Ryan Grant and Burnett, Chillar’s injury would not significantly damage the position he plays at. Linebacker, outside of maybe wide receiver or offensive line, is the Packers’ deepest position. There are more than enough options to fill his void, should his season be over.

And, besides, it’s not like Chillar was setting anything on fire with his play. For all his athleticism, Chillar hadn’t been much of a factor at all so far this season. Even worse, his coverage skills – supposedly the best part of his game – had suffered, for some reason.

• McCarthy thinks the Packers need a dose of reality

Backtracking to McCarthy’s Monday presser, there was another bit of interesting info: McCarthy thinks the Packers need to relax a bit after Sunday’s close win.

McCarthy: “I’ll just say this: I think we need to get a little more realistic, and I haven’t talked to the team yet. I’ll touch on this when I get in there, but we came in the locker room, we always pray when we come back in, and usually there is some excitement. You would have thought we lost in the locker room, and I think that is unrealistic and we need to get in touch with reality.”

You know what? He’s dead-on. Sunday’s win was not wonderful, to say the least, but it’s a win. It’s something to build off of. No point in getting too down over it. I’m sure the folks in San Francisco, Carolina and Detroit would gladly trade places with Green Bay.

• Rodgers voted union rep for the team

Rodgers now replaces Mark Tauscher, who had filled that role for the past couple of years.

Greg Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has more about the situation, and what it means as far as the team’s stance in the pending labor situation, here. Sad that you’re leaving us, Greg, but best of luck.

• Packers’ fans in D.C., look out!

OBOD is heading your way this weekend. There is talk of a meet up – or Tweet up, as the kids like to call ‘em – somewhere Saturday night in the D.C. area. We’ll hopefully know more shortly. When we do, we’ll pass it along.

For now, I’m just worried about how I’m going to handle the two-and-a-half hour flight Saturday morning. I’m utterly, completely terrified of flying. Any suggestions? If not, can you at least pray for me?

-Chris Lempesis

By now, we are all aware of what happened with Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins [...]]]> (I know, I know – usually the “mixed bag of donuts” piece runs on Wednesdays. But we’re still trying to get caught up after the Monday nighter. It’s crazy how much one day changes things in terms of a schedule.)

By now, we are all aware of what happened with Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins and an (allegedly) spitting/racist Chicago Bears fan at the conclusion of Monday night’s game.

Collins apologized for his actions, both immediately after the game and again Wednesday.  The NFL is continuing to review the situation.

Collins, per Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee:

“This is a situation that I could have walked away from but (in the) heat of the moment, things happen. Both sides (were) out of line,” Collins said. “It was just a situation I shouldn’t have been a part of. I should have just kept walking into the locker room.”

“I’m a grown man. I’m a big boy. And like I said before, I shouldn’t have put myself in that position. Unfortunately, I got caught up in the hype and the emotion from the game.”

Collins is right. He needed to be smarter, needed to keep his cool. He is a representative of the Packers organization. In any job, when you are on the clock, you have to remember you are representing that particular organization. That has to supercede most, if not all, of your personal feelings. And, for the foreseeable future, he’s going to get egged on by fans in every non-Lambeau stadium the team enters.

But if you’re looking for who to blame on this, the fault ultimately lies with the unruly fan. While we don’t know exactly what was said, I agree with Donald Driver’s sentiments that it must have been something that crossed the line. That is simply unacceptable, no matter what came out of that person’s mouth.

At some point – and soon, you’d hope – fans are going to have to realize that purchasing a ticket does not – repeat; DOES NOT – allow you the right to think you are a part of the show. This continues to be a problem in a society where everyone wants to be recognized for something, anything. It has to stop. And these idiot fans need to be stopped. They are ruining it for the 99.9 percent of fans who do not behave this way. Incidents like these only further the divide between athletes and fans. I’m not sure that gap can get much wider.

Collins was rightfully upset after a loss in which his team gave the game away. The gas was already poured.

But who lit the match and dropped it? Well, that would be the fan.

Eventually, those in charge will find out who the person was. And that person – or whoever gave that person their ticket – is going to be punished, likely through a loss of said tickets. As always, all I can say is that I sincerely hope it was worth it for them. I hope they got their money’s worth. It’ll be a long time before they get to do so again.

As for Collins, he’ll get a fine of some sort – say, $20,000 – and a lecture from the league on better behavior. But I’ll be floored if he’s suspended.

Three weeks in, how has Aaron Rodgers distributed the ball?

Much is made of the Packers’ considerable depth at the skill positions on offense (or, at least, the passing-related positions). But how has Aaron Rodgers been, in terms of distributing the ball to them, so far?

After glancing at the first three weeks’ box scores, some interesting facts emerged:

• The most targeted receiving option for Green Bay is not Jermichael Finley or Greg Jennings, but rather Driver (23, including a whopping 11 targets on Monday). The old man isn’t done yet, from the looks of it.
• Finley and Jennings are not far behind, of course, as each has been targeted 21 times.
• While many fans, myself included, wonder aloud as to why James Jones is thrown to so much, the numbers don’t really support that. Jones has been targeted 15 times, a good amount but still decently behind the big three.
• No love for Jordy Nelson? It appears that way, as Nelson has been targeted just eight times thus far, although four came Monday so perhaps Nelson will become more of a factor.

Injury report

From Greg Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Linebacker Brandon Chillar did not practice with a shoulder injury. Maybe he hurt it on all those plays he continues to not make.

Left tackle Chad Clifton and corner Charles Woodson were limited with knee and toe injuries, respectively. No big deal there – likely just a precaution. Collins was also limited with a knee injury. That’s one to watch as the week progresses.

Linebacker Brad Jones (knee) and Mike Neal (rib) were both full participants. I think Jones should be platooning with Frank Zombo at right outside linebacker. Jones plays the run well, while Zombo covers the pass rushing. And hopefully, Neal can practice two days in a row this week. The team needs to get him in the rotation along the d-line. His addition would be huge.

One last note

With the game being on Monday, I was unable to write my weekly opposition glance. But I have you covered (at least, sort of). Here’s a post I wrote about the Detroit Lions waaay back before the Thanksgiving Day game last season.

-Chris Lempesis

Unfortunately, though, it isn’t – it’s merely the preseason opener.

That being the case, we’ll go a different route and merely [...]]]> If Saturday’s contest between the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns – set for 7 p.m. Lambeau Time at, well, Lambeau Field – was a regular season affair, we’d go all out in writing a preview.

Unfortunately, though, it isn’t – it’s merely the preseason opener.

That being the case, we’ll go a different route and merely list some things we’d like to see happen during Packers/Browns.

Offense

• If the starters are indeed to play roughly 20 snaps, obviously, a nice, long scoring drive from that group would be great. Maybe something like a 10-play, 70 yard drive to start the game? Long enough to convince Mike McCarthy that the starters don’t need anymore work than that? ‘Cause, you know, it’s preseason game No. 1?
• Something – anything – positive from the running game while the starters are out there. The ground attack was awful in the “Family Night” scrimmage.
• Donald Lee could ease my mind just a tad on the whole, “Making $2 million this season as a backup tight end” idea by making a play or two.
• Someone step up and begin to take hold of the No. 5 receiver spot. The early money seems to be on either Brett Swain or Charles Dillon. Whoever wins it could become a factor in the offense if there’s an injury to one of the top four (God forbid). And seeing as how the offense appears to be a top-five unit, you’d like to see someone cement themselves there.
• Matt Flynn – you’re going to get a lot of snaps. Be better than you’ve been.
• Graham Harrell – you’ll see some snaps. Keep improving.
• Breno Giacomini – everyone’s talked you up so far. Don’t make them look stupid.
• Quinn Porter – same for you.

Defense

• Again, if the starters are indeed set to play 20 snaps or so, those should be spent overwhelming a putrid Cleveland offense. Not talking about anyone in particular, but rather the group as a whole.
• Actually, stratch that. I’ll be focusing in – if I’m actually able to watch the game, that is – on B.J. Raji, A.J. Hawk, Brandon Chillar and Morgan Burnett. Four guys who can really make this defense scary good if they have good seasons. Show me some flashes here.
• Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood figure to see a lot of time (some of which will be spent as the No. 1 and 2 corners, respectively). It’d be great to see them build on their nice starts. And, Pat – don’t injury anything.
• Justin Harrell – what I said about Lee applies to you tenfold.
• C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn could both provide crucial depth on the line. Each should see the field quite a bit and it’d be great if they could make some plays – or, at least, be beasts in the trenches.
• If you’re tired of being “Mr. August”, Desmond Bishop, you need to be even better than you’ve been in preseasons past. Well, here’s your chance.
• I’ve been the leader of the Sam Shields movement, so I’d love it if he had himself another solid night.

Special Teams

• Mason Crosby – make the damn kicks. No more excuses.
• Chris Bryan and Tim Masthay – neither one of you has claimed the punter job yet. How’s about one of you rectifies that, starting now?
• Someone – anyone – break a big return.

Oh, and I forgot to mention this last one…NO INJURIES!!

We’ll have a recap of the game afterwards, so look out for that.

-Chris Lempesis

I decided to pass on cooking up a batch of training camp stew for Tuesday, even though the Green Bay Packers practiced twice. The Stew will return Thursday night, [...]]]> Folks, I got to the line of scrimmage, saw the look of the defense and decided I didn’t like the play. That’s right – I’m calling an audible.

I decided to pass on cooking up a batch of training camp stew for Tuesday, even though the Green Bay Packers practiced twice. The Stew will return Thursday night, though, so fear not.

Instead, we’ll be using this space to answer – or, at least, attempt to answer – some early training camp questions. The Packers are only 10 days into camp, so obviously there are many questions left unanswered.

Here are some of the bigger ones, at the moment:

• What does a potential Bryan Bulaga shift to left guard mean for the rest of the line?

It could shake things up considerably. Again, it is early, but if Bulaga is to make the switch to left guard, that only furthers my thinking that either Daryn Colledge or Jason Spitz – players who were both looked at as future building blocks, once upon a time – won’t be on the roster come opening day.

Since Spitz can play both guard spots and center, you have to think Colledge is gone if Bulaga moves over (even more so if he ends up being the starter). A guard on some team will suffer a significant injury before the preseason ends because, well, that always happens. Colledge brings value, as he’s started a significant amount of games, and could bring back decent value in a trade (a fourth or fifth rounder or a player at a spot of need, like d-line or corner).

Who, then, would be the offensive linemen for the 2010 Packers? The starters, from left to right, would be Chad Clifton, Bulaga, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton and Mark Tauscher. Marshall Newhouse, Spitz, T.J. Lang and Breno Giacomini would then be locks to serve as backups, with the team possibly keeping Evan Dietrich-Smith if it wants 10 linemen (not a necessity when you consider the versatility of players like Spitz and Lang).

All I know for certain is this: Allen Barbre is gone, baby, gone.

• What’s going on in the backfield?

Sure, Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson are safe. But outside of those two, the situation is fairly clouded.

First, the running backs. The field would be set if rookie James Starks’ hamstring wasn’t a somewhat significant concern. As of now, though, it is. Starks is currently on the PUP list and it doesn’t really sound like he’ll be ready in the near future. Quinn Porter has been one of the big stories in camp so far and Kregg Lumpkin hasn’t been bad.

If those two continue to do well, I could see a scenario in which the team places Starks on I.R. at some point soon if the injury continues to bother him. Is it premature to end Starks’ season so soon? Maybe, but remember the Packers have done this before with young players even if the injury isn’t necessarily something that would keep them out the entire year (see: Pat Lee last season). At that point, it would be a two-man battle, with the early edge going to Porter. But Lumpkin’s resiliency – he’s been with the team in some form or another for over two years now – would definitely give him a shot.

Now, the fullbacks. Everyone’s just assumed (myself included) that Quinn Johnson would be assured of a spot on this team and that Korey Hall and John Kuhn would be left to fight for the other. I’m beginning to re-examine that. Johnson seems to have some potential, yes, but I wonder how good a fit he is for this team. He’s not a great pass catcher; rather, he’s more of a pure, bruising fullback, well-suited for a power running game.

Um…but the Packers aren’t really a power running team, as much as they may claim they want to be. The fullbacks have to be multi-dimensional in this offense. Kuhn and Hall have both shown to be that type of player. If Johnson isn’t, maybe the team would be better off letting him go. Either way, this thing is a three-way battle – not two.

• What should we make of Brandon Chillar no longer being listed at ILB on the depth chart?

There are two potentially major ramifications from this. The first is that Desmond Bishop finally appears to be in the mix at inside linebacker. He no longer needs to complain to the press, because he just might get his shot, finally.

The second is that the Packers appear to be coming around on the idea of using a Chillar/Brad Jones platoon at ROLB (as of now, it appears Clay Matthews will stick at LOLB once his hamstring heals). I have to admit, I love that idea, as well. The two compliment each other so well, on the surface. Chillar is more of a pure athlete, which can be utilized in both rushing the passer and pass coverage. Jones is a bit bulkier, which is great for playing the run. Jones has some ability as a pass rusher, as well. Plus, both will stay fresh if the reps are being split.

And I wouldn’t count Chillar out at ILB totally, either. He knows the position and, again, he’s such a good athlete, he could play some downs there, too.

(Now, we move to the lightening round…)

• Does the placement of Josh Bell on I.R. mean Sam Shields is guaranteed a spot on the roster?

No. But he’s dangerously close to getting one (a good thing, if you ask me).

• Still think there’s no chance the team keeps four tight ends?

I wouldn’t say there’s “no chance” anymore, as Tom Crabtree seems to have some potential. But I’d still be awfully surprised.

• Why are some people still suggesting Jordy Nelson and James Jones are battling for the third receiver spot?

Because they are idiots. It’s Nelson’s job. Lock that up.

-Chris Lempesis

The Green Bay Packers practiced just once Monday, but there was still quite a bit going on. Let’s get to that now, shall we?

As always, a thanks to the fine folks [...]]]> And we’re back with yet another heaping helping of training camp stew, your nightly recap of the most interesting bits of information from today’s practice.

The Green Bay Packers practiced just once Monday, but there was still quite a bit going on. Let’s get to that now, shall we?

As always, a thanks to the fine folks at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette and Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee (a newcomer to the Stew, yes, but Wilde rocks, no question about it).

• The biggest news to come out of Monday’s practice was the update on Clay Matthews’ hamstring injury, suffered during the “Family Night” scrimmage Saturday. According to head coach Mike McCarthy, Matthews will be out at least a couple of weeks (maybe closer to three). Matthews told reporters it’s in the same area of the same hamstring he injured last summer. He also said he won’t push himself in rehabbing the injury like he did last time around.
• The injury, while it will cause him to miss a significant amount of practice time, doesn’t concern me all that much – especially if Matthews takes a smarter rehab approach this time. Frankly, I’d rather not have him play in any preseason games, anyways. One thing I am curious about, though, is how it will alter his recent position swap. Remember, Matthews had spent a lot of his time in camp at a new spot, left outside linebacker, with Brandon Chillar playing the right side. You have to wonder now if the Packers will continue that switch once he returns.
• The other big news Monday comes in the form of first round pick Bryan Bulaga sharing starting snaps at left guard with Daryn Colledge. It sure seems like Bulaga – who has impressed McCarthy quite a bit, from the sounds of it – has a legitimate chance to beat out Colledge for the gig. I’m not sure how I feel about this. Part of me really likes the idea of Bulaga strictly focusing on his left tackle duties, so he can fully learn the position and be ready if/when he’s called to play when Chad Clifton injures his (fill in the blank). Having him play left guard could leave him unprepared in that instance. On the other hand, if Bulaga is flat-out better than Colledge – certainly a possibility – maybe he should be the guy there. After all, the goal is to have the best players out there, right? Definitely something new to focus on as camp progresses.
• There’s more fallout from this potential switch, too. Jason Spitz – who left practice with a calf injury – may end up serving as a “Sixth Man” of sorts for the line this season, as he can play both guard spots and center. Originally, Spitz and Colledge were going to battle it out at LG. T.J. Lang – the guy I originally had filling that “Sixth Man” role – will likely get his work on the right side alone now. We’ll be taking a look at the offensive line situation at some point this week, for sure.
• Now, on to some things that actually happened in practice…
• Kicker Mason Crosby followed up his strong scrimmage performance by hitting six of eight kicks. One was missed from 43, but that was apparently due to a poor hold from Chris Bryan. The other miss was from 53. So, in the end, you could say Crosby was, essentially, six of seven. Not bad – or, at least, not any worse. I’ll take it.
• A.J. Hawk would have had himself a sack of Aaron Rodgers…you know, if people were allowed to hit No. 12. Hawk was a major standout in the scrimmage. It sounds like he might be building on that just a little bit. That’s a positive as, again, it’s a make-or-break year for him in Green Bay.
• Some one-on-one reports: Justin Harrell dominated Lang at one point and Jarius Wynn crushed Allen Barbre at another. It’s really nice to see Harrell contributing in any form (now that I’ve said that, back injury coming in three…two….). As for Barbre’s loss…well, let’s just say he’d be wise to give his realtor a call right about now. He’s not long for this roster.
• Am I concerned about the Rodgers-led offense being 0-for-5 in the two-minute drill so far in camp? Not really – but I wouldn’t mind seeing something more than zero. It’s hard to win when you have to settle for three points everytime, you know?
• Finally, an apology to Donald Driver: We failed to mention his two-year contract extension Friday. We should have. The extension keeps him in green and gold through the 2012 season and Driver himself said he’ll definitely retire as a Packer. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Mr. Driver, we have been extremely fortunate to be able to root for you for the past 11 years. You’re nothing but a class act and you always make us proud to be Packers fans. Here’s hoping you see, not only the end of that deal, but one more, too.

-Chris Lempesis

That’s right: Training camp stew: The sequel.

The Green Bay Packers practiced twice Thursday, so there was quite a bit of information to sift through. We’ve done just [...]]]> And your nightly serving of our takes on the most interesting bits of information to come out of that day’s training camp practice has returned for a second year.

That’s right: Training camp stew: The sequel.

The Green Bay Packers practiced twice Thursday, so there was quite a bit of information to sift through. We’ve done just that and are happy to present our thoughts now.

As always, this information comes from the fine folks at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette.

Enjoy:

• The biggest news to come out of the day, of course, was the fact that Atari Bigby will be undergoing surgery on his troublesome ankle. He’ll need roughly a month to recover and it’s unknown if he’ll be available for the season opener. My take: Bigby’s ankle was never right. It probably hasn’t been for months. There’s simply no way the ankle got that much worse during a simple conditioning test. That’s why he sat out all the offseason stuff. Remember, he’s represented by superagent Drew Rosenhaus (a man who knows a thing or two about getting his clients to fake health). If he’d made the ankle worse in, say, March, there’s no way he’d ever have a shot at a new deal. Rosenhaus and Bigby figured that, by having Bigby sit out, the team would see his true value. That went out the window when the team drafted Morgan Burnett, though. So Bigby is now a player fighting a seemingly chronic ankle problem while his younger, healthier replacement continues to gain experience with the starting unit. Bad moves all around, Atari. 
• Will Blackmon, moving to the safety position this season, appeared to leave the night practice early with a knee injury. He said on his Twitter page that it’s nothing serious. I hope he’s right – otherwise, Derrick Martin becomes the No. 3 safety on this team (double gulp).
• More injury news, although this is good news: Daryn Colledge (elbow) and Brad Jones (back) both returned to practice, as did Justin Harrell (heat issues).
• Perhaps I was wrong on the Brandon Chillar/Clay Matthews tandem at OLB. Both players were all over the place Thursday, in multiple facets. In fact, Chillar’s been so good, the team kept him in with the No. 1s, despite Jones’ return. I’ve said this before: Chillar is an outstanding athlete, but he needs to show that more often in terms of making plays. Well, he’s done a lot of that lately. Maybe he’s finally found a home for himself. As for Matthews, I didn’t like the idea of moving him over to the left side. But it sounds like he’s so good, he’ll make plays at either spot.
• Despite the early struggles, the offense is doing a couple of things I really like. They’ve cut down on the deep throws dramatically and there seems to be more of a focus on quick passes. Remember, the focus on a short, precise passing game – along with the return of Mark Tauscher – was a key factor in the offense’s second-half turnaround last season. I had concerns that Mike McCarthy would revert back to the home run chasing ways of the first half. It sounds like I might have been wrong – and I’m more than okay with that.
• The defense won the day. That’s good – that group needs to continue to build confidence. The offense is going to come around, either way.
• The worst thing to come out of Thursday: The complete lack of consistency from the punting candidates, Chris Bryan and Tim Masthay. It sounds like both were great at times and wretched at others. And this isn’t the first time this has happened during camp. It’s getting sort of frustrating. One of these guys has to step up and grab the job. This team can not afford another year of Frost-and-Kapinos-esque punting. Field position is huge. A good punter – as much as we laugh at the profession - helps that greatly.

That’s all for today. We’ll be back Friday with another round.

-Chris Lempesis