Let’s cut to the chase. Here [...]]]> (Before we begin: Just to reiterate, if you’re worried this is it for OBOD’s offseason coverage, don’t be. We’ll be all over free agency when it starts and we’re already busy researching for the draft and we’ll be beginning our coverage of that soon enough. Three words: Mock drafts, baby!)

Let’s cut to the chase. Here is part two of our look at some potential free agent targets for Green Bay (scroll down a bit for part one).

Again, enjoy.

3. Strong safety – As I said earlier this week, I think Atari Bigby showed just enough flashes to warrant one more shot as the starter in the 3-4. He likely comes back on another one-year tender, but if the team decides to upgrade, it will have some very intriguing options. New Orleans’ Roman Harper, just 27, had a very good season (103 tackles, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks) playing opposite a ballhawking free safety in Darren Sharper. Well, the Packers certainly have one of those in Nick Collins. Indianapolis’ Antoine Bethea is perenially underrated, but has averaged around 87 tackles and three interceptions in his four years in the league. He’s restricted and, at just 25 years old, could command a high tender. Since the Packers are clearly in love with the way the Steelers do things on defense, Pittsburgh’s Ryan Clark could be a nice fit. He’s basically the same player as Bigby, but Clark is better in coverage. He’s 30 years old and has had some injury problems, but would definitely be an upgrade. Baltimore’s Dawan Landry, 27, is a restricted free agent who had a nice season, with or without Ed Reed in the lineup (89 tackles, four interceptions). If Reed makes good on his threat to retire, Baltimore likely locks Landry up long-term. Finally, Cleveland’s Brodney Pool had a good 2009 season with 50 tackles, four picks and 10 passes defended in just 11 games. Problem with Pool, though, is that he was put on injured reserve in early December due to multiple concussions. He’ll be restricted, but if the Browns decide to just let him go in fear of those concussions, he could make for an intriguing – and cheap – option. Side note: Pool was the player I wanted Green Bay to pick with its first-rounder in 2005. Good thing the Packers didn’t, eh?

4. Defensive line – If Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly both return (and I think they will), those two – along with Cullen Jenkins and B.J. Raji – could make for a solid d-line next season. The one problem, though, is that there isn’t much behind those four, meaning all of them have to stay healthy or else the remaining players get overworked. The Packers need one more guy to make that group formidable, and the odds are good that Ted Thompson uses the draft to find him (in, say, the third round). But if he opts for free agency, there are some players who’d be a nice fit. Pittsburgh’s Casey Hampton is getting older (he’ll be 33 by the time next season starts), but still competes at a very high level. He put up 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks, a lot from a 3-4 nose tackle. He’s only got a few years left, so he could be had at a reasonable rate. San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin, also a nose tackle, was outstanding this past season (36 tackles, two sacks) as the anchor of the Niners’ defense. He eats up blocks, doesn’t turn 30 until August and would instantly make Green Bay’s linebackers better. Only problem with him is that he’s a near-lock to be hit with the franchise tag, meaning he’d cost two first-round picks in addition to a big contract. If the Packers are in search of a defensive end, Dallas’ Marcus Spears would be a nice fit. His numbers aren’t overly impressive (25 tackles, 2.5 sacks last season) but he’s strong as a bull, can occupy blocks and turns just 27 in March. He’ll be restricted, so he’ll likely cost a bit (maybe a second-rounder). New England’s Derrick Burgess, obviously, has experience as an end in the 3-4. He’s a bit undersized – just 260 pounds, light for a 3-4 end – but recorded five sacks at the spot for the Pats last season. He’s older, turning 32 in August, so he could be had for a decent, short-term rate.

5. Punter – As I said earlier in the week, Jeremy Kapinos is pretty much awful and provides no help in winning the field position battle. Green Bay should just let him go and try to find an actual punter (for the first time, seemingly, in forever). We all remember Seattle’s Jon Ryan, of course, only now Ryan is actually pretty good (and still only 28 years old). Baltimore’s Sam Koch and Atlanta’s Michael Koenen are both under 30, as well, and both in the prime of their careers. Chicago’s Brad Maynard is still outstanding, despite being nearly 36. Did I dedicate enough space to punters? More than enough, I’d say.

6. Kicker – The Packers seem dead-set on bringing Mason Crosby back, although they are likely to bring in legitimate competition (thank God). They’ll likely take a kicker late in the draft or bring in an unsigned free agent or two. But if they decided to go get an actual, established kicker, there will be some options. Cincinnati’s Shayne Graham is as steady as they come and, at 32, should still have a few years left. New England’s Stephen Gostkowski and Pittsburgh’s Jeff Reed are both solid, if unspectacular, kickers who have experience kicking in crappy weather. Gostkowski is only 26, so he’d be a better target than the soon-to-be-31-year old Reed (plus, Reed seems to really like his booze, potentially a disaster in Green Bay). Did I dedicate enough space to kickers? WAY more than enough, I’d say.

7. Outside linebacker – The Packers appear to be set for the long haul at the position with Clay Matthews and Brad Jones (yet another seventh-round steal by the Pack). Still, if Brady Poppinga is cut (like I hope), Aaron Kampman isn’t re-signed (like I suspect) and Jeremy Thompson retires due to his neck problems (like I fear), the Packers could be short-handed in terms of depth. Thompson likely drafts a guy late – why not if you hit on Jones late last season, right? – but he should also target a veteran presence. Kansas City’s Mike Vrabel would be a perfect fit, despite the fact that he turns 35 in August. Plus, that’d give the Packers two linebackers who can catch touchdowns (Vrabel and Spencer Havner). That’d be kinda cool.

That concludes our week-long look at Green Bay’s post-season, pre-draft to-do list. Thanks for checking back throughout the week and I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Or, at the very least, hopefully I allowed you to kill some time at work.

-Chris Lempesis

Also, sounds like T.J. Lang may unavailable Mondayafter suffering a concussion yesterday and with [...]]]> A scary situation at practice today with OLB Jeremy Thompson being taken away by an ambulance after suffering a neck stinger.  Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee has done a good job covering the story so far, so we’ll direct you to him.

Also, sounds like T.J. Lang may unavailable Mondayafter suffering a concussion yesterday and with Chad Clifton’s status still uncertain with his hamstring, could we see Daryn Colledge back at left tackle?

Once we get more details, we’ll get them posted.

-Adam Somers

Defense

If we were excited about the potential of Dom Capers’ new 3-4 scheme before the season, we’re anything but now. The run defense has been very good, this is true (ninth in the league, allowing 97.1 yards per game). And the pass defense, statistically, has also been very [...]]]> No catchy intro needed here. Enjoy part two.

Defense

If we were excited about the potential of Dom Capers’ new 3-4 scheme before the season, we’re anything but now. The run defense has been very good, this is true (ninth in the league, allowing 97.1 yards per game). And the pass defense, statistically, has also been very good (eight in the league, allowing 185.8 yards per game). Stats don’t matter when you constantly can not get off the field on big third downs, though, and this defense has done that time and again. Oh, did I forget to mention the fact that the scheme, designed to bring more pressure and get more sacks, has produced just 13 sacks, third worst in the league? Because that’s kind of important.

The defensive line has shown flashes of potential, but too often runs out of gas and gets pushed around. Cullen Jenkins (a team-high three and a half sacks, three forced fumbles) has been the best of the bunch, but under constant double teams, he won’t be able to do much. Ryan Pickett has been very good and has solidified, in my mind, a new contract. Johnny Jolly (15 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one interception) shows just enough to entice you before he does something stupid or just plain forgets to show up. B.J. Raji has struggled with an ankle injury, but shows his true strength and potential from time to time. Grade: C

The linebackers, the real key to any successful 3-4 scheme, are good at times, terrible at others. Nick Barnett (a team-high 42 tackles, one sack) has really come on strong the past four games and is looking like the 2007 Barnett. He’ll only improve. Ditto for Clay Matthews (15 tackles, three sacks, one defensive touchdown). He’s a true 3-4 building block going forward. Brandon Chillar (25 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery) was perhaps the best overall ‘backer before breaking his hand. He’ll likely get a new contract. That’s about the spot where the positives end. Aaron Kampman (26 tackles, two and a half sacks, one fumble recovery) was bad at first, then looked more comfortable before once again looking bad the past two weeks. He’s not fit for this scheme. That isn’t going to improve. Whether it’s a 4-3 or a 3-4, A.J. Hawk (30 tackles, one sack, one fumble forced) is a bust. He can’t cover, takes terrible angles on run plays and just looks confused altogether. This should be his last year in Green Bay. Jeremy Thompson has been out with a knee injury and Brady Poppinga has taken his rightful spot deep down the depth chart. Grade: B-

The secondary, thought to be the strength of the team before the season, has been pretty average. Not Charles Woodson (a team-high four interceptions, five passes defended and one fumble forced) though. Woodson is a true shutdown corner and has been the unquestionable MVP of this team through eight games. Tramon Williams (one interception, a team-high seven passes defended) has also been pretty impressive. He definitely has a claim on one of the top two corner spots in future years. He’ll get his new money this offseason. Nick Collins (two interceptions, four passes defended) on the other hand? Maybe not so much. Collins has been a nonfactor for the entire first half of the season. He looks confused far too often, which is not good as this scheme was supposed to highlight the best parts of his game. Same for Atari Bigby (one interception, two passes defended). Bigby can make a big hit every now and then, but it’s starting to seem like that’s all he can really do. Al Harris (two interceptions, three passes defended) has been better than I thought he would, particularly since he’s had to play more zone coverage. Still, he gets torched in big games and struggles to cover on crucial downs. Grade: B

Overall grade: C+

Special teams

Y’all know how much I hate talking about this, so we’ll keep it brief (don’t snicker – we will).

The coverage group far too often fails to make a big stop on an opposing return following a Green Bay score. That killed them against Cincinnati, Minnesota (game two) and Tampa Bay. The punt coverage groups haven’t been as terrible, but still not very great. Grade: D

Individually, Mason Crosby (14 of 18 field goal attempts made) hasn’t relieved any of my fears that he is not the long-term answer at kicker. He misses from long – supposedly his specialty – too often (just four of eight on field goals from 40 or more yards out) and isn’t booming kickoffs like he used to. Grade: C

Jeremy Kapinos (44.3 yards per punt) has quietly been solid through eight games. His directional kicking still isn’t great, but that can always improve. At least he’s not Derrick Frost. (If you’re reading this Derrick, get back to work! Those Big Macs are NOT going to make themselves!) Grade: B

The return game has struggled from the double-barrel losses of Jordy Nelson and Will Blackmon (torn knee ligaments). Ahman Green has been a solid kick returner, but Tramon Williams has struggled as a punt returner. He’s more concerned with not getting hurt, thus losing out on his money, than he is on breaking returns like he used to. I don’t blame him, but someone else should be back there in that case. Grade: C

Overall grade: C

Overall team

As you can see, the three areas of the team earned grades of C+ (twice) and C. Those grades sounded about right for a 4-4 team, the textbook definition of mediocrity.

Of course, I didn’t take coaching into account – until now. Mike McCarthy has been really, really bad this season. I wrote about the things he does that kill me after the Tampa Bay game (scroll down a bit if you’d like to read it as the simple act of providing a link to it makes my stomach hurt) so I’m not going to repeat myself. Let’s just say when you add the job he’s done into the mix, the overall grade dips a hair.

Any way you slice it, this team should be much better than it has. One of the most disappointing half-seasons I can ever remember gives way to a much tougher second half (games against Dallas, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Arizona and their combined record of 21-11).

In other words, if this grade is bad now, it might be much worse come early January. Brace yourselves, Packers fans – this could get ugly.

Overall team grade: C-

-Chris Lempesis

So it’s fitting that I want to get back in [...]]]> It’s been weeks since I last wrote a meaningful post and want to thank Chris and Gene for picking up the major slack I laid.  Mainly my absence was due to grad school, training to run a race and girls; and not necessarily in that order.

So it’s fitting that I want to get back in the writing mix with a controversial subject: Trading Aaron Kampman.

I expect there to be some backlash, but let’s be open-minded about this.  Like most Packers fans, I really like Kampman.  Not only is he a great player, he’s a good locker room guy, leader in the community and great role model.  However, that only paints part of the picture.

We all know his accomplishments as a defensive end – 37 sacks from 2006-08, which if my math is right only behind DeMarcus Ware and Jared Allen for most in the NFL.  The unfortunate thing is that Kampman is not a defensive end anymore.  He is an out-of-place outside linebacker in the new 3-4 scheme.

Coming into the season, mostly everyone knew (including OBOD) that if there was one player who would be left in the cold switching to the 3-4 it was going to be Kampman.  He hasn’t been horrible in pass coverage, but he hasn’t been great.  The whole team is struggling getting to the quarterback and Kampman was believed to contribute as an edge pass rusher (think Ware of the Cowboys).  He has one of the team’s five sacks.  Now I am not putting all the blame on Kampman for the team’s lack of pass rush, just pointing out that he is playing out-of-place.  He doesn’t even look comfortable out there.

For the first time in his career Kampman showed his displeasure during training camp over the new scheme.  And it is hard to blame him.  He was a premier defensive end in the 4-3, who played the run as equally as well as the pass and was playing in a contract year where the value of great defensive ends has never been higher.

When it was announced Kampman would be switching position, a friend of mine (who is a purple fan unfortunately) asked what I thought of the move.  I responded that I liked the move to the 3-4, but Kampman is not an outside linebacker and might need to be traded unfortunately.  My friend tried to be positive and said I should give him a chance.  I responded if he would like it if the Vikings moved Allen to outside linebacker.  The point was made.

Kampman is going to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and will be turning 30 by the end of next month.  Basically he is looking at his last big contract in the NFL, his last chance to get paid.  That means so much  to a player and may be his most important contract.  He is NOT going to re-sign with the Packers if they are still running the 3-4 and I don’t really think Thompson will even make a strong play to retain him.  Kampman can still be a very impactful defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and will look for a team that runs it.

With the trade deadline next week, why not put him on the market and see what kind of package you can get in return?  It will probably be mid-round picks, maybe a player or two and will most likely hinge on a team having a plan to re-sign him.  But look what the Browns got for Braylon Edwards – a third (could be a second) and fifth round picks, plus two back-ups.  Granted a lot has to hinge on the team being able to re-sign Kampman, but a package like has to be enticing.

It wouldn’t necessarily be a sign of giving up on the season either.  You would have a very hard time convincing me that Clay Matthews, Jeremy Thompson or whoever else wouldn’t be able to have the same kind of production Kampman is having this season.  It might change the locker room dynamic, but these are adults and know the situation at hand.  Plus, after all that went on last summer, I’m pretty sure these guys can handle anything.

I don’t know what the market is for Kampman or even what teams would be looking for a defensive end (maybe Atlanta, Philadelphia).  You would prefer to trade him to the AFC, but that isn’t always easy. If you do trade to a team that is able to resign him you also keep away from crossing the border.

Remember back in 2005 when the Vikings tried signing him to an offer sheet?  Even with Allen they would be interested in Kampman because their other end Ray Edwards shouldn’t be starting in the NFL.  They like collecting former Packers and if a certain someone decides to finally stay retired they will have enough money under the cap.  Thompson does not need that to happen.

We all love Kampman and you couldn’t have asked for more from a fifth-round pick, who wasn’t even invited to the combine and made his name known with guts and hard work.  Sometimes you necessarily don’t want a divorce, but in the end it has to happen for the best for both parties involved.

-Adam Somers

Tonight, in front of a packed Metrodome crowd, with a likely record cable audience watching at home, the Packers finally get their crack at Judas.

Since he signed with the Queens – hell, you could even go further back to when his whole disgusting flirtation began with them in the [...]]]> Well, the day is finally upon us.

Tonight, in front of a packed Metrodome crowd, with a likely record cable audience watching at home, the Packers finally get their crack at Judas.

Since he signed with the Queens – hell, you could even go further back to when his whole disgusting flirtation began with them in the summer of 2008 – we’ve been waiting for this moment.

The saga that has divided a fan base – again, you Packers “fans” who support or even claim to “understand” where he’s coming from, I want you to know you make me sick – will come to a head.

Outside of all the Judas drama, this is a big game simply because of the implications in the NFC North standings.

To win would put the Pack in first place heading into the bye. To lose would put them, essentially, three games behind Minnesota and one back of Chicago.

Simply put, they can not afford to lose.

How will they go about winning? Let’s find out as we at OBOD break down Packers vs. Vikings.

Current line (not that we encourage gambling): Minnesota by 3 with an over/under of 47 points.

Injury report

Packers

Atari Bigby (ankle) and Jeremy Thompson (knee) are out.

Chad Clifton (ankle) is also likely out, despite the fact that the coaching staff keeps saying he could go. He’s an emergency option, at best.

B.J. Raji (RAJI!) (ankle), Johnny Jolly (stomach), Cullen Jenkins (groin), Charles Woodson (foot) and Greg Jennings (wrist) all all expected to play.

Vikings

All-world left guard Steve Hutchinson (back) has been limited in practice but should play.

Starting fullback Naufahu Tati (back) is questionable.

Punt returner/wideout Darius Raynaud (hamstring) is doubtful.

Key matchups

Offense

Green Bay offensive line vs. Minnesota defensive line

At some point, I’ll get sick of always having the Packers’ o-line in this section. Not this week, though, as that group faces a huge test.

The Vikings have three fantastic d-linemen in Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.

The Packers o-line, which played better last week but is still very suspect, has to figure out a way to slow these guys down or Aaron Rodgers will get killed.

Slowing down Allen is of utmost importance. A speed rusher with solid power, he’s one of the best in the league. Daryn Colledge, in place of Clifton, draws an incredibly difficult assignment here, but he’ll likely have help most of the time. Still, tight ends and fullbacks can only help so much, so Colledge will really have to take his game to a new level to give himself a chance.

Defense

Green Bay defensive backs vs. Percy Harvin

The Packers will be placing a ton of importance on stopping Adrian Peterson. That’s obvious.

But Harvin is proving to be a nifty little weapon for Minnesota, also. He’s lightening-quick, with decent hands, and is a solid option on screens and quick passes.

Look for the Vikings to try to get him going early, especially since they know the Packers will be loading up to stop Peterson.

It will then be up to the Pack’s talented secondary to stop him. Jamming Harvin at the line and tackling well will be keys in doing so.

Special teams

Green Bay cover teams vs. Percy Harvin

There’s that Harvin guy again.

Last week against the Niners, he took a kick 100 yards to the house and is a threat to do so pretty much every time he’s back there.

The Packers have to make sure this doesn’t happen. Big returns, as we all know, can provide huge momentum shifts. Plus, with a guy like Peterson in the backfield, you want to make sure he starts his drives as far back as possible. That will also give the defense more chances to pick off Judas.

The Packers will win if…

1. They pressure Judas right up the middle. Throughout his career, he’s proven to be a master at sensing the rush. In fact, it’s probably his most underrated trait. He’s been particularly good at doing so if the rush comes off the edge. His solid footwork has always allowed him to step away from the pressure and get the pass off. He has, however, often struggled if the pressure comes through the middle and gets in his face. This is what the Packers need to do tonight. If interior linemen like Ryan Pickett and Raji (RAJI!) and the inside linebackers can bust through a suspect interior o-line for the Vikings, they can rattle him into some bad throws. Hello Charles, Al, Nick and Tramon.
2. They utilize the quick passing game. With a suspect offensive line of their own, the Packers can’t be having Rodgers drop back seven (or even five) steps too much. The line likely can’t hold that long which could lead to Rodgers taking a beating. But by getting off some quick passes via the three-step drop, the offense can get into a rhythm and the line can develop some confidence. More importantly, the offense can wear down the Vikings’ defensive front quicker. Rodgers would then be allowed to go to the deep dropbacks more often and hit a couple of long balls.
3. They stay calm. The first two points focus on actual game plan elements. This third one focuses on the mental aspect of the game. Yes, it’s him. Yes, it’s the Vikings. Yes, it’s a huge national television audience. But the Packers can not allow themselves to get overly hyped for this game. When that happens, players try to do too much. They make mistakes because the adrenaline is flowing in excess. The Packers have to be aggressive, yes, but also smart. It will be a tricky balance, but finding it will be crucial.

How I think the game will go

(You might have noticed that, in any of the sections above, I didn’t really mention Adrian Peterson. Please know that is not a sign of disrespect. He’s a great, great player and certainly has the ability to swing the game in Minnesota’s favor.

But everyone knows the Packers have to stop him to have a chance. He knows it; you know it; I know it; they know it. So to mention it seems rather silly, doesn’t it?)

The defense will take advantage of the fact that Judas is going to be keyed up beyond belief, especially early. They’ll force him into a couple of bad throws, which will lead to Green Bay turnovers.

That leads to easy points on the board early. Rodgers can then settle down and play his game.

Still, I don’t think Green Bay will blow Minnesota out or anything. The Vikings’ defense is pretty damn good and I don’t think you can ever fully stop Peterson. Those two things will keep them in the game.

In the end, I think Rodgers is just a lot better than Judas and that – combined with a couple of Judas picks – will spur the Packers on to a close victory.

Prediction: Green Bay 27, Minnesota 21

-Chris Lempesis

For part two, we’re going to talk about the tough guys on defense (and, okay, special teams, too).

Defensive linemen (6)

Starters: Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, Cullen Jenkins

Backups: Mike Montgomery, B.J. Raji, Jarius Wynn

There’s certainly a lot of talent here. They just have to show they can do what [...]]]> Alright, enough about the pretty boys on offense.

For part two, we’re going to talk about the tough guys on defense (and, okay, special teams, too).

Defensive linemen (6)

Starters: Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, Cullen Jenkins

Backups: Mike Montgomery, B.J. Raji, Jarius Wynn

There’s certainly a lot of talent here. They just have to show they can do what 3-4 lineman need to do (i.e., occupy blockers).

Entering a contract year, Jolly has been fantastic during camp. If the rotation is good, he’ll keep that up, just like he did in 2007. Jenkins has also been great coming back from his torn pectoral injury last season. He’ll do this season what he would have done last season had he not gotten hurt. Not much has been written about Pickett’s performance at NT, as far as I know, but Pickett has always gotten the job done and I doubt that changes.

The X-factor is Raji. He’s already shown he can be strong as a freakin’ bull and command double teams. If he can do that during games that count, the d-line will be more than set.

Montomgery doesn’t, and never has, done much for me and Wynn is a project so the main four need to be very good.

Linebackers (9)

Starters: Aaron Kampman, Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brady Poppinga

Backups: Jeremy Thompson, Brandon Chillar, Desmond Bishop, Clay Matthews, Brad Jones

Questions abound as far as the starters are concerned.

Can Kampman make the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker? It sounds like he wasn’t too bad in the preseason but the jury is still out. Can Barnett come back from his knee injury and re-gain his outstanding 2007 form? Can Hawk finally become the playmaker the Packers thought he’d be when they drafted him fifth overall in 2006? Can Poppinga finally learn how to cover someone – anyone?

The real strength in this group is its depth. Thompson and Matthews both have big-time upsides and I have to think one of them will surpass Poppinga shortly into the season. Chillar is outstanding in coverage and had a great camp. Bishop also had a great camp and will be waiting in the wings if Barnett or Hawk can’t get it done. Jones is a project who likely won’t see the field much, outside of maybe special teams.

Cornerbacks (6)

Starters: Charles Woodson, Al Harris

Backups: Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, Jarrett Bush, Brandon Underwood

Outside of wide receiver, this is the deepest group on the team and figures to be the strength of the defense, especially early on.

Woodson is a perfect fit for this scheme. He can cover better than 99 percent of the corners in the league and will wreak havoc as a blitzer. I had some questions regarding how well Harris would transition to being less of a bump-and-run corner, but it sounds like he’s been his typical outstanding self thus far.

Tramon Williams starts for more than half the teams in the league, so as a nickel back, he’s fantastic. Blackmon provides most of his value as a return man, but he improved as a corner as last season went on and I think that will continue. Bush, as readers of this site know, has never been a favorite of mine. But he does provide depth at both corner and safety and is very good on special teams. Underwood is a project who got torched in the preseason, so hopefully he doesn’t have to see the field in important situations.

Safeties (4)

Starters: Nick Collins, Atari Bigby

Backups: Aaron Rouse, Derrick Martin

Another group that has its share of question marks, for the most part.

Not with Collins, though. The new scheme can make stars out of playmaking safeties (see: Reed, Ed and Polamalu, Troy) and I expect it will do the same for Collins. We’ve only seen the beginning of what he can do.

Bigby is a different story. After battling injuries all last season, Bigby didn’t have a great preseason from the sounds of it. He needs to step it up and prove he’s not a flash-in-the-pan.

Same goes with the backups. Rouse has shown flashes, but has struggled with injuries and an inability to get on the field. The team kept him, despite his hamstring injury and the solid play of Anthony Smith, but you have to think this is a crucial year for him. Martin was acquired Saturday from Baltimore for Tony Moll. Martin is heading into his fourth year in the league but, outside of one year, he hasn’t gotten on the field much. Like Bush, he provides depth at both corner and safety.

Special Teams (3)

Kicker: Mason Crosby

Punter: Jeremy Kapinos

Long snapper: Brett Goode

A group with upside, but also some question marks.

While not a make-or-break year, 2009 is certainly very important for Crosby. He needs to show more consistency as he again struggled with that in camp. Yes, he’s got a big leg, but if you can’t hit the intermediate kicks, what good are you?

Kapinos won the job over Durant Brooks and only got better as camp went on. He needs to translate that into results in games that count, though.

Goode was, well, good as a long snapper last season. All I can say on that one is: Keep up the Goode work.

Thank you, thank you – I’ll be here all week. Make sure to tip your waitress.

-Chris Lempesis

Part one covered backup quarterback, No. 3 running back and fullback. I’d link to it, but if you scroll down just a bit, you’ll find it. I mean, I know it’s Friday [...]]]> Here is the second (and final) part of our update on the seven major position battles still going on with the Green Bay Packers.

Part one covered backup quarterback, No. 3 running back and fullback. I’d link to it, but if you scroll down just a bit, you’ll find it. I mean, I know it’s Friday and all, but come on, man – don’t be so lazy.

Right outside linebacker

The pre-camp pick: Jeremy Thompson over Clay Matthews, Brandon Chillar and Brady Poppinga

What I wrote then: “In the end, I think Thompson will win the job in a close battle with Matthews. The skill level is roughly the same, but Thompson has already gone through life as a rookie and I think that will push him over the top.”

Where we are now: Both Thompson and Matthews showed flashes of real potential early in camp. Unfortunately, both then got hurt, Thompson with a shoulder injury and Matthews with a hamstring injury. Hopefully both get back and going before the season starts for real. Matthews, I know, is set to play in the preseason finale next Thursday against Tennessee.

Chillar has made his mark, but it’s come at ILB, where he will provide depth and a nice coverage option on passing downs.

Poppinga has been the real surprise of the bunch. He got off to a poor start before rebounding nicely under the watchful eye of OLB coach Kevin Greene (who is a total psycho and I love it). He’s never going to wow anyone with his coverage skills (probably an understatement), but he can hold down the fort until Thompson and/or Matthews fully returns.

The injuries make this one hard to call, but with head coach Mike McCarthy saying Poppinga has a good chance to take the job, I guess I’ll take his word for it. I don’t think he’s a long-term solution – or, at least, I hope not.

Punter

The pre-camp pick: Jeremy Kapinos over Durant Brooks

What I wrote then: “Both punters seem to have some upside, yet both are also fairly spotty. Kapinos wasn’t awful punting in harsh conditions late in the year and the guess here is that he will win the job.”

Where we are now: I’m putting this battle second, honestly, because if I put it at the end, odds are you’d stop reading there. And we can’t have that. Not at OBOD.

Anyways, Kapinos and Brooks went back-and-forth at the start of camp, each winning their share of practices.

Brooks then suffered a hip injury that has kept him out for quite some time now. He didn’t even play last Saturday against Buffalo. McCarthy sounds like he’s losing patience with Brooks – and I don’t blame him because, you know, he’s a PUNTER and they should never get hurt.

Meanwhile, Kapinos has been doing a solid job and will likely win the gig.

No. 3 wide receiver

The pre-camp pick: Jordy Nelson over James Jones

What I wrote then: “As of now, I think Nelson will win the job. He’s far more consistent than Jones. If Jones takes care of the things he needs to, though, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him surpass Nelson.”

Where we are now: Jones has, by all accounts, taken care of those things he needed to – mainly, staying healthy. He suffered a slight hamstring injury in the preseason opener against Cleveland, but has come back strong.

He’s been very good throughout camp, proving he’s more 2007-James Jones than 2008-James Jones. He’s got the ability to become something special, especially in the future if this is, in fact, Donald Driver’s last year as a Packer.

It doesn’t sound like Nelson has been bad, either. He’s just been unspectacular. His chemistry with Aaron Rodgers is still there and he will be one of the best No. 4 wideouts in the league.

But for now, Jones has the job all but locked up. Guess I was wrong earlier.

Tight end

The pre-camp pick: Donald Lee over Jermichael Finley

What I wrote then: “In the end, Lee probably holds down the job for the start of the season. By the end of the year, though, the job will be Finley’s and he will hold it for a long time to come.”

Where we are now: I figured Finley would break out at some point this season. I just didn’t know he’d do it before the season even started.

But that’s exactly what’s gone down. While Tyrell Sutton has been the biggest surprise in camp, Finley isn’t far behind. He’s proving to be too big for DBs and too fast for linebackers and has become a big-time target for Rodgers in every sense (short routes, down the seam, long routes). He’s a total freak, athletically – to me, he could be the next Antonio Gates. He’s that good.

He’s also shown an improved maturity – at the very least, he isn’t criticizing the coaches or Rodgers at all anymore, which is nice.

Lee, like Jordy Nelson, hasn’t been bad. He’s just hasn’t been Finley. Lee is what he is – a solid tight end who can’t break a game open but can get the job done. And you need a guy like that. How many games did Ed West break open? That doesn’t mean he wasn’t a good player.

I thought Finley would take the job by the end of the season. I was wrong. It’s his now.

-Chris Lempesis

Here are my thoughts on what else has been going on.

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

The Milwaukee [...]]]> The announcement of the starting offensive line is far from the only important development in Packerland over the past two days.

Here are my thoughts on what else has been going on.

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

• Packers release Duke Preston

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that the team released center-guard Duke Preston on Tuesday. The Journal Sentinel, from a source, said the move occurred before Tuesday’s morning practice.

Sort of a surprise move until you consider just how much Preston had struggled in camp. In fact, that’s probably an understatement considering the Packers cut him before the all-important third preseason game. To do that means they had seen more than enough. Odds are he wasn’t going to show marked improvement from now until the start of the season anyways, so it’s best to just make a clean break and give him a chance to catch on somewhere else.

Preston, a free agent signing (one of only two made by the team this offseason), had been brought in on a two-year contract in late March to provide depth at a couple different spots on the line. Shame he didn’t make it; he had such a cool-sounding name.

This is just more bad news for Scott Wells as the release of Preston likely makes Wells a Packer for the 2009 season. Outside of Wells and Jason Spitz, Preston was the only lineman with real center experience. Wells will provide solid depth – whether he wants to or not.

• Justin Harrell’s career might not be over yet

Remember when Harrell thought his career was over and I agreed with him? Well, maybe we were both wrong. Harrell, as per the Press Gazette, is saying he will definitely be on the field again.

Apparently he has been talking with a number of different doctors and the prognosis is that he will be able to go again once the pain level in his back dips. When that will happen, no one seems to know for sure.

I keep saying it: Harrell needs to get on the field this season to warrant the team keeping him around. Pain is an issue, for sure; I’m not denying that. But if he wants to be in Green Bay for the future, he’ll have to fight past it. Period.

• Nick Barnett cleared for contact

It took a minute, but the Packers finally have their defensive captain back in the fold as Barnett was cleared for full-contact drills and did so beginning Monday.

It doesn’t sound like he had any setbacks right away, so that’s good. With these knee injuries, I think the mental part is the most important in being able to fully recover, especially for such a physical position as linebacker. He’s missed a lot of time, to be sure, but Barnett is such a smart player, I think he’ll be able to pick up on what he doesn’t yet know very quickly. He will be a nice fit as the sideline-to-sideline, cover ILB in the 3-4.

• Brady Poppinga: Starting ROLB?

If you read this blog regularly, you know my thoughts on Poppinga. I don’t dislike him as a player overall; I just think his coverage skills stink (wait a minute – so does everyone else) and wonder how good a fit he is at ROLB in this new scheme.

Apparently, Mike McCarthy doesn’t have such concerns and said there’s a chance Poppinga’s the starting ROLB for opening day. Not so surprising as Jeremy Thompson (shoulder) and Clay Matthews (hamstring) have missed most of camp.

I’ll give Poppinga credit for how he’s rebounded after a weak start to camp. He’s a tough, physical player who will do well as a blitzer/run stopper in the new scheme. He’s not the long-term answer, again because of his coverage skills. But for the time being, I guess he’s not the worst option.

• Injury updates

Nick Collins, who left Saturday’s game with bruised ribs, is fine and has been practicing the past two days (thank God).

Johnny Jolly’s ankle has not flared back up and he’s been good to go, as well. Again, thank God because Jolly has dominated throughout camp.

Backup quarterback Matt Flynn has a sprained right shoulder and it is yet unknown whether he will go Friday against Arizona. With the starters playing at least a half, I’d sit Flynn. He’s shown enough to solidify himself as the backup and, as we all know, Brian Brohm needs all the playing time he can get.

Desmond Bishop’s status for Friday is unknown because of a bruised toe.

Will Blackmon (bruised quad) won’t likely play Friday. Because of his dual threat skills as a corner/returner, that’s fine with me. Rest him and get him ready to be his game-breaking self once the games count.

Finally, just one more week until the debut of Matthews as McCarthy said he’ll likely be ready to go for the preseason finale against Tennessee.

-Chris Lempesis

We’re very glad that you all felt as passionate about the issue as we did – [...]]]> As Adam previously stated, he and I are pretty much done talking about Judas. In fact, we ARE done. Gene will be weighing in with his thoughts sometime soon, but after that, don’t expect any more Judas stuff from us.

We’re very glad that you all felt as passionate about the issue as we did – one reader even called me an “asshat”, which was a first – but from now on, we’d rather focus on the team that’s actually going to, you know, win the NFC North this season.

(Although I do just want to point out that Judas’ debut comes tonight against Kansas City. The Chiefs, as you may or may not remember, have one Bernard Pollard on their roster. Pollard is the player who put the hit on Tom Brady in the season opener last year that destroyed Brady’s knee. Bernie, from Packers’ fans everywhere, I just want to say that if you feel like doing that again, you know, tonight would be the perfect time. We aren’t going to stop you. In fact, godspeed my man. Godspeed.)

Anywho, it’s time to give you your daily serving of the best bits of information from today’s training camp practice.

The Packers have had four practices since we last checked in, so there is obviously a lot to get to. Thursday’s evening practice actually marked the end of training camp, so from now until the start of the season, we’ll be doing more in-depth pieces and columns previewing the team with occasional practice check-ins as they are warranted.

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

• Hate to start this thing with some bad news, but Aaron Rouse injured his hamstring right at the end of practice Thursday and had to be carted off. McCarthy told reporters it didn’t sound good, although more wouldn’t be known until today. The injury becomes even more of a downer when you consider McCarthy said he had considered ending practice early and if he had done so, the injury would have been avoided. Just another setback for Rouse, a player who has shown a lot of promise when he’s actually made it on the field. But injuries and inconsistency have hurt him throughout his time as a Packer.
• Now, an update on the Justin Harrell situation. Although Harrell said earlier this week he feared his career was over, both Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson have not said the same. In fact, they seem to think there’s a chance he could play this season. Of course, both could just be not wanting to show their cards, so I’m not sure how much stock I put into what they said. I tend to believe the player more than the coach in these situations, so I still think Harrell is probably done, at least in Green Bay.
• Clay Matthews (hamstring), Jeremy Thompson (groin) and Pat Lee (back) have missed all the practices over the past two days. McCarthy said Matthews and Thompson will not play against Buffalo on Saturday (T.O. apparently isn’t playing either, so if you’re at the game, you won’t get to boo him which sucks). I’m starting to worry about Matthews and Thompson. Both showed promise before getting hurt, but they need to get on the field at some point before the season. You hate to have these guys learning when the games actually count.
• Johnny Jolly (ankle), James Jones (hamstring), Kregg Lumpkin (shoulder sprain) and Anthony Smith (groin) were all back practicing Thursday after missing practices earlier in the week. Very good news indeed.
• McCarthy said earlier in the day Thursday that Jolly and B.J. Raji (RAJI!!) will likely play Saturday as long as nothing happens on Thursday or Friday. So excited to see Raji finally suit up, I can’t even tell you.
• An update on the punting battle between Jeremy Kapinos and Durant Brooks (otherwise known as “Clash of the Titans”) from the Press Gazette. Thursday, Kapinos averaged 41.6 yards and a 4.0 hang time. Brooks averaged 44.8 yards and a 3.82 hang time. It sounds like Brooks has a bigger leg, but is too inconsistent. In the end, I still think Kapinos wins the gig.
• Call it “The Defensive Twilight Zone” Thursday night as Charles Woodson dropped a pick while A.J. Hawk and Brady Poppinga made nice plays in coverage. Was practice being held in The Bizzaro World?
• Atari Bigby also dropped an easy pick. It sounds like he’s been less-than-stellar so far. Shame considering this scheme seems perfect for his skill set.
• Cullen Jenkins and Jolly lined up in the nickel 4-3 scheme, which differed from earlier in the week when Raji had lined up with Jenkins.
• Allen Barbre has gotten a lot of the work with the starters at RT. Even though Breno Giacomini has probably outplayed him, from the sounds of it, it seems like the team wants to give Barbre more than enough of a chance to win the job.
• By my count, Mason Crosby has gone 11-of-11 on field goals over the past four practices, including one from 52 yards. Maybe last Saturday’s subpar showing was just what he needed.
• Matt Flynn, barring a shocking change of events, has the backup quarterback job cemented. He’s looked solid, especially in getting rid of the ball under pressure. More than I can say about Brian Brohm…
• Finally, McCarthy said Aaron Rodgers and the other veterans will be on the field for between 20 and 25 snaps Saturday. That group played roughly 20 snaps last week.

-Chris Lempesis