In other words, a lot of players didn’t play.

The entire starting linebacking corps was out, for example, as were [...]]]> With the “dress rehearsal” preseason game – i.e., game No. 3 – against the Indianapolis Colts just five days away, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy took a cautious approach Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

In other words, a lot of players didn’t play.

The entire starting linebacking corps was out, for example, as were Charles Woodson and Donald Driver.

Still, some things of note came out of Green Bay’s 27-24 road win over the Seahawks. Since the Packers were shorthanded, to say the least, for this one, it seems sort of silly to write an actual game recap.

Instead, let’s take a trip to the question department to discuss some of what went on:

• Question: What, if anything, should we make of the collective performance of the “starting” units?

Answer: If you believe the preseason means anything – and everyone has differing opinions on that - you could say that the Packers very much were who we thought they were (copyright, Denny Green). In other words, this game didn’t change my feelings on the team one bit.

The starting offense was once again fantastic, with two scores in two drives. Aaron Rodgers personified this with yet another sterling showing (8-of-11, 116, two touchdowns, 20-of-24, 275 yards, three touchdowns, no picks in just over two quarters of preseason play). Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings are clearly the top two targets and the offensive line looked great (and was much better in run blocking). Again, all pretty much what you expected.

The “starting” defense was also what you figured the depleted unit would be, allowing two scores in four drives. The run defense was once again top-notch (the starting d-line was in the house for this one) but the pass rush was non-existent and corners Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood can officially be placed in the “Not Ready for Primetime” category, as of now. Not too worried about that, though, since those guys very well could end up as the No. 4 and No. 5 corners when the season starts.

As for the special teams…well…we’ll get to them in a minute.

• Question: Okay, minute’s up. Will the special teams ever actually, you know, improve?

Answer: I wish I could say they will, but as of now, it appears unlikely. Once again, the coverage units were terrible, allowing far too many open lanes and missing a ridiculous amount of tackles. The return units were only a little less terrible than last week against Cleveland, but still nowhere near good enough (as much as I like Sam Shields’ potential, as a corner, the team must take him off return duty as he’s way too much of a liability).

Granted, yes, some of the guys drawing special teams time will be bagging groceries at your local supermarket in a couple of weeks, but still, those players alone weren’t the problem. Several key special teams players turned in awful performances once again. I fully understand it’s the preseason, but when you play on a unit that’s been as heavily scrutinized as this one has, you’d think the group would want to be better, if only to shut everyone up. Well, they weren’t.

What the hell is Shawn Slocum doing, anyways?

• Question: Is there anyone we should feel better about coming out of the game?

Answer: There’s a few guys, actually: Brandon Jackson, Matt Flynn and Mason Crosby. Jackson (11 carries, 80 yards and a game-winning touchdown run) ran extremely hard and looks to be improving in finding open spaces to hit. He’s an underrated part of what the offense will do this season, for sure.

Flynn (10-of-20, 130 yards, one interception) was much, much better than his numbers would indicate. His confidence and poise were better than they’ve been throughout camp thus far and he showed good decision-making, as well. He moved well in the pocket and, for the first time in 2010, gave me confidence that this team could survive for a stretch with Flynn if something happened to Rodgers (God forbid). Because, you know, Flynn could actually work with linemen who can block and receivers who can catch, in that scenario.

After having seemingly everyone doubt him during the offseason/start of camp, Crosby has very quietly rebounded (2-for-2 Saturday, including a 51-yarder, for example). He appears to be getting better and better during the practices, as well. I’m still not sold on him totally and likely won’t be until Sept. 12, at the earliest. But, for now, you have to feel good about the progress he’s made. For me, that’s more than enough right now.

• Question: Who improved their chances of making the roster in this one? Who’s chances were hurt?

Answer: There’s two of each, actually. Outside linebacker Frank Zombo had a really strong night and could push for the eighth linebacker spot. Fullback John Kuhn just continues to show a diversity of skills and is so valuable in goalline situations. The fullback battle is now between Korey Hall and Quinn Johnson.

The biggest player who should now worry is tackle Breno Giacomini. He was beat repeatedly in the game and is starting to wreak of “All Sizzle, No Steak,” at this point. Looking good in practice is nice and all, but it means nothing if you can’t block during the game. This is his third preseason with the team. He should be better, especially against backups.

The second player is Allen Barbre. Okay, so he was likely gone, anyways, but by giving up a sack that got Flynn absolultely popped, it’s really official now.

(Okay, okay, I can’t stop on four questions, because I hate the number four. Hmmm…I need a fifth question…wait, I got it!)

• Question: Did you ever decide on a new jersey, Chris?

Answer: Sure did. I’m going with a beauty: A Rodgers 1929 throwback jersey. I know, I know – I ripped the new jerseys back in March. Since then, though, I’ve really come around on them. In fact, I now love them. Sorry, A.J. Hawk jersey, I’ve just got to move on.

-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

We’ll let the skill position players get their due this time around, though, as we make them the focus of part two.

Not bad for a short intro, huh?

Wide receiver

Type of battle: No. 3 receiver spot

Combatants: James Jones (26 years old, 6-feet, 1-inch, 208 [...]]]> We went a different way with part one, focusing on the offensive line first.

We’ll let the skill position players get their due this time around, though, as we make them the focus of part two.

Not bad for a short intro, huh?

Wide receiver

Type of battle: No. 3 receiver spot

Combatants: James Jones (26 years old, 6-feet, 1-inch, 208 pounds, fourth year) and Jordy Nelson (25 years old, 6-feet, 3-inches, 217 pounds, third year)

Thoughts: Consider this round two in the Jones v. Nelson battle. There was really no clear winner during training camp last year and, really, no player grabbed the job during the season, either.

Jones had a slightly better ‘09 season (32 catches, 440 yards, five touchdowns) than did Nelson (22 catches, 320 yards, two touchdowns while missing three games due to injury) but the job is still up for grabs (no pun intended). One of these players needs to come through this season; Donald Driver isn’t going to be around forever, after all.

Jones rebounded from an injury-plagued ‘08 campaign last year, playing in all 16 games. He’s still got a fairly high ceiling and can definitely make big plays. These things only happen occasionally, though. Sometimes, he disappears from games (or worse, can’t hang on to the ball). He needs to become a more refined product.

Nelson strikes me as the more consistent and polished of the two, though he also seems to lack Jones’ big-play abilities. He’s had an outstanding offseason, from the sound of it, as Aaron Rodgers was apparently looking for him more and more throughout the minicamps/OTAs. Nelson, like Jones, struggles with drops, however. That needs to be corrected – and fast.

Early edge: Jones. He’s got an extra year of experience on Nelson and, again, his ceiling appears to be just a bit higher. But Nelson as a No. 4 receiver is definitely a good problem to have.

Fullback

Type of battle: Roster spot

Combatants: Korey Hall (26 years old, 6-feet, 236 pounds, fourth year) and John Kuhn (27 years old, 6-feet, 250 pounds, fifth year)

Thoughts: Quinn Johnson is a lock to make the 53-man roster, in my mind. And since I just can’t fathom the idea of the team keeping three fullbacks yet again, I have to think one of these two isn’t making it to Philly for the season opener.

Hall struggled with injuries last season, only playing in 11 games. He’s not quite the run blocker Kuhn is, but he is a better pass-catching option.

Kuhn, again, is a better pure run blocker and even saw a handful of touches in the short-yardage run game last season. He’s not a bad pass catcher, but appears to be more of a pure fullback.

Early edge: Hall. With Johnson serving as the brute force hammer at the position, the team needs a pass-catcher to help round things out fully. Hall is better at that than is Kuhn, although he must avoid injury in camp. That would tilt things Kuhn’s way.

Tight end

Type of battle: Roster spot

Combatants: Donald Lee (29 years old, 6-feet, 4-inches, 248 pounds, eighth year) and Spencer Havner (27 years old, 6-feet, 3-inches, 250 pounds, second year)

Thoughts: Jermichael Finley is officially “the man” at the position and rookie Andrew Quarless has big-time upside, despite his off-the-field issues. He’s not going anywhere and I just do not see the team keeping four tight ends – Lord help me if I’m wrong.

Just one year ago, it would have seemed silly to say that Lee and Havner would be battling it out. But 365 days can serve as a lifetime in the NFL, thus leaving us where we currently are.

I’ve written this before many times, but Lee has just not been the same player since you-know-who left town. Rodgers has never really favored Lee. Even when he has, Lee has struggled with drops. These things come together to form a picture of a player who just doesn’t have the same confidence he once did. There’s also the little issue of his salary (due $2 million this season), an awfully high amount to pay a backup, potential Super Bowl run or not.

It has not been a good offseason for Havner (see: the crotch-rocket crash that occurred while he was allegedly under the influence). Still, his shoulder appears to be healed up and hopefully Havner can begin building on his solid 2009 season. Despite catching just seven balls in the regular season, four of them went for touchdowns (plus one in the playoff loss). Rodgers looks his way in the red zone, as opposed to, say, Lee (just one touchdown reception last season). Havner is also a special teams demon, something this team desperately needs.

Early edge: Havner. He’s a cheaper option who brings more to the table than does Lee. Lee is desperately in need of a change of scenery and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him traded for help elsewhere (d-line, corner or outside linebacker) before the regular season starts. 

That’s all for the offense. We’ll be back Thursday to take a look at the defense.

-Chris Lempesis

The deadline for doing so was Thursday, so this announcement wasn’t a major surprise or anything.

We don’t know everything yet, as far as who got what tender, [...]]]> Earlier Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers gave word that they had placed tenders on eight of their nine restricted free agents. They also tendered one of their exclusive rights free agents.

The deadline for doing so was Thursday, so this announcement wasn’t a major surprise or anything.

We don’t know everything yet, as far as who got what tender, but the fine folks at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - man, those guys are good – were able to get most of the details.

Here’s what we know (and, as always, here’s what I think):

• Free safety Nick Collins received the highest tender (a first-and-third round pick). No surprise there. Of course, I’m also pretty sure there’s NO way he’ll sign that tender. He wants a new deal. A $3.35 million salary for next season just won’t cut it.
• Strong safety Atari Bigby received a second round tender. Again, no surprise. Bigby did JUST enough to earn one more shot. At a price of $1.759 million, he’s worth one more year. And he will be back. No one’s giving up a two for Bigby, trust me.
• Center/guard Jason Spitz was also tendered at the second round level ($1.759 million). A mild surprise as that’s one notch higher than I thought he’d get. I had him pegged for a “right of first refusal” tender. In that scenario, Green Bay would get a third rounder if he signed somewhere else. Spitz is similar to Bigby in that he’s done enough to earn one more look. And, again, he will be back, because his back is still an issue until he shows he’s fully healthy.
• Corner/return specialist Will Blackmon and fullback John Kuhn received “right of first refusal” tenders. Each will make $1.176 million this season and the team can still match any contract they sign elsewhere. If the Packers do not match, they will receive a fourth round pick for Blackmon. They get nothing for Kuhn, though, as he was an undrafted free agent. I wouldn’t have brought Blackmon back. He’s got potential, yes, but he’s also always hurt. Still, at that price, I’m not outraged. I thought Kuhn was an unrestricted free agent, so my bad on getting that information wrong, guys. Again, I would not have brought him back as there are already two other fullbacks on the roster. But, since Korey Hall has had some injury troubles and Quinn Johnson is still largely an unknown, I can see why they did it. As is the case with Blackmon, I’m not outraged.
• Tight end Spencer Havner, an exclusive rights free agent, received a tender, although it is unknown what, exactly (the Journal Sentinel estimates $470,000). Good call bringing Havner back. He’s got some upside.
• Punter Jeremy Kapinos (exclusive rights) and running back DeShawn Wynn (restricted) did not receive tenders, automatically making them free agents. Kapinos, as I’ve said seemingly dozens of times by now, was terrible and needed to be let go. Wynn has some potential, but is always, always hurt. No point bringing him back. I like both these moves.

What is unknown, as of now, are the level of tenders placed on guard Daryn Colledge, corner Tramon Williams and defensive end Johnny Jolly, although the team announced all three were given tenders. The Journal Sentinel – again, man those guys are good – is guessing second rounder tenders for Jolly and Colledge and a first or second for Williams. I’d agree on the Jolly tender and it’s no real surprise. If his legal issues weren’t still pending (seriously, can we just get this thing over with?), I’d be a bit worried that another team would come after him at that level. But they are still pending, so he’ll be back.

What’s puzzling is why Colledge was brought back at a second round tender. Couldn’t the team have just put a “right of first refusal” tag on him? It’d get the same compensation if he left and save itself roughly $600,000 as Colledge was a second round pick. Am I wrong? I have some thoughts on Colledge coming back for one more year, as well, and I’ll share them soon enough.

Finally, I’d hope the team placed a first-round tender on Williams. He’s only 26 and has a bright future as a starter ahead of him. Plus, he’s the only corner not named “Charles Woodson” or “Al Harris” that the Packers can really trust. If I’m an opposing GM and I only have to give up a two for a proven player like Williams, I make that move every time. Green Bay can’t allow that to happen.

As for what these tenders will cost the Packers collectively, the Journal Sentinel – have I mentioned that I think those guys are really good? – estimates it will be somewhere between $14.89 and $15.6 million, depending on how Williams is tendered.

I did the math on this – which was tough for me because I suck at math – and the nine restricted players made roughly $11.2 million last season, meaning it will cost the Packers, as of now, roughly $4 million more to bring all of them back. When you think about the size of the group and some of the key players in it, an extra $4 million isn’t that bad.

Plus, the team saves about $800,000 by not bringing Kapinos or Wynn back…so that’s good.

(Update, Friday morning, 12:34 a.m.: The Journal Sentinel is now reporting that Williams was bumped up to a first-and-third round tender and Jolly was boosted to a first-round tender. Good move on both parts as these two – Williams in particular – could very well have been targeted by other teams before. Now, though, it’s basically a lock that the two return to Green Bay. Whew. The upgrades tack on roughly another $1.5 million, meaning it will now cost the team about $5.5 million in additional money to tender the nine players. Still, not an outrageous total at all.)

-Chris Lempesis

I’m many things – apparently, a piss poor predictor of playoff games is one of them (thanks for the mentioning that, however brutally, jclombardi) - but I am not a liar.

Again, enjoy.

I could do what I usually do on Tuesdays and write some sort of lighthearted, (hopefully) funny post about why we as Packers fans hate the team’s upcoming opponent, the Dallas Cowboys. But seeing as how they’ve pretty much owned us for the past, oh, I don’t know, length of [...]]]> I had to make a choice.

I could do what I usually do on Tuesdays and write some sort of lighthearted, (hopefully) funny post about why we as Packers fans hate the team’s upcoming opponent, the Dallas Cowboys. But seeing as how they’ve pretty much owned us for the past, oh, I don’t know, length of time since the “Ice Bowl”, that seemed like an exercise in jealousy.

I could give you another round of depressing leftover thoughts from the Green Bay Packers’ 38-28 road loss to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. It would include the fact that Mark Tauscher (knee sprain) is out for at least a few weeks and Aaron Kampman (concussion) might not play Sunday against Dallas. I actually started to write one of those, in fact, but decided against it. I really don’t want to spend ANY more time re-hashing that horror show or the somewhat serious injury fallout from it.

Instead, I’ve decided to use this space to give a mid-season report card for the 4-4 Packers (second place, NFC North). I did one – actually three (here, here and here) – of these after the first four games. This will be the last one I do until the end of the season and this time, I’m limiting it to two parts. This is part one; part two will be up later today.

(Wait, what’s that? By going with this option I have to talk about not only one depressing game but a depressing series of eight games? Is it too late for me to back out? It is? Crap)

Alrighty then, the midseason report card starts…now.

Enjoy. Or at least try not to throw up too much.

Offense

Bad news all around for this group, expected to be so good before the season started.

Aaron Rodgers might be putting up good fantasy football numbers (63.1 percent completion percentage, 2,255 yards, 16 touchdowns, five interceptions) but he still isn’t progressing at all in more than one key area. He can’t get rid of the ball quickly enough, too often looks for the home run and either can’t or won’t trust his abilities enough to make tight throws. His confidence has clearly been shaken by the 37 sacks he’s suffered and, if the beatings continue, Gene’s Philip Rivers comparison might be too kind. Rodgers might be headed for David Carr and Tim Couch territory. Grade: B

The running game has suffered as a result of Mike McCarthy’s inability to stick with it and the o-line’s inconsistency. But, more than anything, it’s been bad because Ryan Grant (621 yards, 4.2 yards per carry, four touchdowns) just isn’t a number one running back in the NFL. He’s a great No. 2. On top of that, Brandon Jackson (37 yards rushing) has once again struggled with inconsistency and injuries. He’s been a major bust and might not be on the team next season. Ahman Green has provided a spark in recent weeks. John Kuhn is a solid, if unspectacular fullback, and Quinn Johnson has shown some flashes of being a true sledgehammer. Grade: C-

If you’re looking for biggest individual busts on the team, the name of Greg Jennings (35 catches, 505 yards, just two touchdowns) might be at the top. Fresh off his $27 million contract extension, Jennings has done anything but ascend to the next level. In fact, he’s gone backwards. Yes, the o-line not giving Rodgers time has played a factor. But even when he has time, Jennings can’t get open. That’s unacceptible. Donald Driver (37 catches, 613 yards, four touchdowns) has been the offensive MVP in my mind. He brings a fire and passion to the game that few can match. His skills haven’t declined one bit, either. James Jones (11 catches, 263 yards, three touchdowns) has leveled off and is likely nothing more than a solid No. 3 option. Jordy Nelson (seven catches, 104 yards, one touchdown) struggled with drops before injuring his knee. Grade: B-

Jermichael Finley (17 catches, 260 yards, one touchdown) showed his true breakout potential at numerous times before injuring his knee. It’s no mistake that the offense’s struggles the past two weeks have come with Finley out of the lineup. He’s only going up from here. Donald Lee (23 catches, 174 yards, no scores) is not a true No. 1 tight end. Rodgers clearly has little trust in him as anything more than a dump-off option. Spencer Havner (three receiving touchdowns) has been fun as hell to watch, but is not a true receiving threat. Grade: B

As bad as this all has been, there’s been no area worse – maybe in the entire league – than the Packers’ offensive line. This group has not only poor technique, but poor strength. It gets pushed around by every team it faces. Daryn Colledge has been the worst, simply because he was so good last season. In a contract year, you should never regress like he has. Jason Spitz was performing decently before he got hurt, but is likely nothing special and should probably be shown the door in free agency. Chad Clifton’s been hurt and/or awful. T.J. Lang shows very good potential but is still an unknown. Allen Barbre was improving before Sunday’s meltdown relief appearance for Tauscher. Tauscher had a solid first part of the game before being hurt. Scott Wells and Josh Sitton have been the only two bright spots. And even they haven’t been overly impressive at times. You very much could make the argument that this team will need at least three new o-lineman for next season. Grade: F— (hope you guys pick up on why I included three dashes)

Overall grade: C+

Like I said, check back later today for part two.

-Chris Lempesis

They did so, apparently, with a new starter at right tackle: Mark Tauscher.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Tauscher took most of the reps with the starting unit. That likely means Tauscher will take [...]]]> The Green Bay Packers got back to work Wednesday in preparation for Sunday’s road contest with the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

They did so, apparently, with a new starter at right tackle: Mark Tauscher.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Tauscher took most of the reps with the starting unit. That likely means Tauscher will take over for Allen Barbre at the position.

If that’s the case, it’s an interesting decision to make at this juncture of the season, one that I have to admit I’m not completely on board with.

Yes, Tauscher is a much more experienced and (likely still) better player than Barbre. But Barbre seemed to be at least getting his feet beneath him a little bit since his disastrous first game against Chicago. He hasn’t been great, but we seem to be talking about his struggles less and less as the season goes on. That’s what we call progress, kids.

Plus, this is only his first season as a starter (third in the league) so he clearly has more upside than Tauscher, 32, at this point. It’s great if Tauscher steps in right away and plays well, but what are the odds he’s brought back for next season even if that happens? Not very likely, in my mind. That means the Packers will probably once again turn to either Barbre or Breno Giacomini and the position will remain unsettled.

The No. 1 goal the rest of the way has to be making sure Aaron Rodgers doesn’t get killed. I understand that. Maybe Tauscher can help that cause more than Barbre, maybe not.

But in a season where a Super Bowl run is unlikely, a big part of me thinks the Packers should be working on growing a cohesive unit for the future. Barbre would be a part of that future; Tauscher would not.

Why did we cut Meredith again?

Speaking of Green Bay’s right tackle situation, there’s been another interesting development in recent weeks. And the setting is Buffalo, N.Y.

That’s where Jamon Meredith has been seeing starting time at right tackle for the Bills. Well, he had been, anyways – he suffered a knee sprain against Houston last week that will likely keep him out a few games.

You remember Meredith, right? He was one of the Packers’ fifth round selections in this year’s draft. For some strange reason, though, the team decided to cut Meredith at the end of camp and sign him to the practice squad despite the fact that it knew he was a project who would take some time to groom.

Buffalo snatched him off the practice squad in late September and, by the time the team played the New York Jets a few weeks back, there was Meredith starting at right tackle.

And to hear some Bills’ coaches tell it, he played pretty well (a big shout-out to my bro-in-law, Brian Gingras, for the link).

Perhaps the Packers wouldn’t have had to go out and pull Tauscher off the scrap heap (we love you at OBOD, Mark, but come on – you know it’s true) if they had just kept Meredith on the roster.

Either way, it’s just another gross mishandling of the offensive line by head coach Mike McCarthy.

Injury report

There’s a lot going on with the Packers, injury-wise, and McCarthy provided an update Wednesday (a link can be found by clicking on the same GBPG link above):

The biggest news, in my mind, is that Jason Spitz’ ailing back isn’t getting any better. Spitz has missed the past three games and likely won’t go Sunday. It sounds like all parties involved are getting pretty worried. Compounding the bad news for Spitz is the fact that Scott Wells has played pretty well since being inserted back into the starting lineup. Even if Spitz recovers quickly, he might not get his spot back. Not good for a guy headed for free agency.

Rodgers (injuries on both feet) was kept out of practice as Matt Flynn took all the snaps. He’ll return to practice at some point and will play against the Bucs. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a huge lead early so they can get Rodgers out of the game to avoid further injury?

Jermichael Finley (knee) did not practice again and won’t go until Friday at the earliest. Again, I would not play him this week. The Pack should be able to get by without him. They will need him against Dallas, though.

Chad Clifton (ankle) was back at practice and apparently looked healthy. Healthy or not, T.J. Lang needs to keep his job. Like I said with Barbre, the focus needs to be on building a group for the future. Lang, like Barbre, is a part of that group.

Korey Hall (calf) returned in a limited capacity. He’s going to need to get in gear pretty quickly. John Kuhn has played solidly and the team is obviously high on Quinn Johnson. Hall might be on the outside looking in here.

Donald Driver (neck) and Charles Woodson (hip) were both held out of practice, but it’s likely that’s just to give them some rest as they deal with minor injuries. Nothing serious there – luckily. Can you imagine where this team would be without these two?

-Chris Lempesis

Ahman Green is a Green Bay Packer once again.

Green signed a one-year deal with the team. Terms were not disclosed. Green and former Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes both worked out for the team Monday.

I’ll have a column expanding my thoughts on the Green signing later today, so [...]]]> What was rumored Tuesday became official Wednesday.

Ahman Green is a Green Bay Packer once again.

Green signed a one-year deal with the team. Terms were not disclosed. Green and former Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes both worked out for the team Monday.

I’ll have a column expanding my thoughts on the Green signing later today, so make sure to check back. But for today, let’s focus on what this means for the Packers running back situation:

• First, the biggest reason for Green’s signing comes in the form of DeShawn Wynn once again going on injured reserve. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced that Wynn had season-ending knee surgery. That likely marks the end of Wynn’s time in Green Bay. Wynn showed flashes of talent throughout his two-plus seasons with the Packers. But he could never stay healthy, missing 22 of a possible 37 (through this past Sunday) regular season games due to injury.
• What does this mean for Kregg Lumpkin? After all, Lumpkin was sitting there on the team’s practice squad, just waiting to get the call in the event someone got hurt. Well, someone got hurt. And he didn’t get called. Instead, the team went with a 32-year old running back who has missed much of the past two-plus seasons due to injury. Yes, Lumpkin has had some trouble staying healthy as well (spending most of last season on I.R., for example). But he’s a lot younger and if the team liked him as much as it claimed, how come he didn’t get signed? You have to wonder.
• Green met with the media today and, to hear him tell it, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be ready for Cleveland this week. It will be interesting to see how things shake out once he is ready. McCarthy usually only activates two running backs per week. With Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson already in the fold, will Green be battling Jackson for the backup spot? Will McCarthy activate three backs now?

Injury update

An injury update, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

A handful of Packers missed practice today, most notably left tackle Chad Clifton. Clifton re-aggrivated his right ankle injury against the Lions. It’s unknown whether he’ll go this week. Personally, I’d hold him out and give T.J. Lang a shot. The team liked how he looked against the Vikings and the Browns would provide a good chance to get his feet wet against an inferior opponent. Plus, with four penalties against the Lions, you have to wonder if Clifton is reaching the end.

Jason Spitz missed practice with his ailing back that caused him to sit out the Lions game. I have a feeling he might not play this week. Again, it’s Cleveland. Scott Wells can handle the center duties for this one. He needs to be ready for the Vikings game.

Jordy Nelson (knee) was out. Not a surprise, though, as it sounds like he’ll miss at least a couple weeks. James Jones – this is your shot to grab hold of the No. 3 receiver spot. Take it.

A pair of fullbacks, Korey Hall (knee) and Quinn Johnson (unknown), were both out today. Who’s laughing about keeping three fullbacks now, huh? All kidding aside, I am worried a bit about Hall. He’s been hurt for awhile now.

Thoughts on Mayor Schmitt’s idea
You might have noticed we haven’t run any reaction to Mayor Jim Schmitt’s idea that the town of Green Bay should welcome back Judas in a classy manner when he returns for the Nov. 1 contest at Lambeau Field.

There’s a reason why: Schmitt is just another pandering idiot politician – wait, aren’t they all? – who is trying to drum up support that he can then use for re-election, whenever that might be.

Screw your idea and screw you, Jim. No mercy.

-Chris Lempesis

After all, we’re now less than a week away from the season opener.

I wanted to do this as one post, but it ended [...]]]> Now that the Packers have their 53-man roster set for the 2009 season, we wanted to take a look at the team, position-by-position, and give our thoughts on how the Pack really looks.

After all, we’re now less than a week away from the season opener.

I wanted to do this as one post, but it ended up being too much. So I decided to split things up into offense and defense/special teams. This is part one; part two will be up later today.

Labor Day? Day off? We at OBOD don’t know the meaning of the words.

Quarterback (2)

Starter: Aaron Rodgers

Backup: Matt Flynn

A position of strength, strictly because of Rodgers’ presence. The man some call A-Rodg is primed to break out with a huge second season as full-time starter as he is now fully out of Judas’ shadow. In fact, I’d say Judas now has to prove he’s as good as Rodgers.

If Rodgers goes down, though, this team is in a world of trouble. That’s not to say Flynn isn’t getting better and won’t someday become a solid backup, because he will. It’s just that Flynn isn’t ready to lead a team.

Running back (3)

Starter: Ryan Grant

Backups: Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn

This group is good but not without some question marks.

Grant bounced back after injuries slowed him down for the first half of the season. I am pretty confident that will carry over to this season. The Packers being a more physical run-blocking team will also help.

Jackson is entering a crucial year. He has to show just why the team used a second round pick on him in 2007. He’s already hurt and might miss the season opener, so he’s not off to a good start. Wynn is definitely talented. If he stays healthy, he could easily surpass Jackson for the No. 2 spot. With Wynn, though, that’s a big if.

Fullback (3)

Starter: John Kuhn

Backups: Korey Hall, Quinn Johnson

I didn’t think the team was serious about keeping three fullbacks, but it looks like it is. All three bring a little something different to the table and the group is solid.

Kuhn is a more traditional fullback. He’s a solid blocker and occasional short-yardage and goalline back.

Hall is a good pass catcher and has gotten better as a blocker. Johnson is likely the fullback of the future and is a potentially punishing run blocker.

Wide receiver (5)

Starters: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver

Backups: James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain

Arguably the best group of wideouts in the league, in terms of both talent and depth. Jennings has his new contract and will get even better, taking his place amongst the best in the league. On most teams, Driver is a No. 1 receiver. Yes, Driver is 34 but he plays like he’s 24.

Jones, if healthy, is a major playmaker and Nelson should build on his solid rookie season. Swain replaces Ruvell Martin and will bring athleticism that Martin lacked a bit.

Tight end (3)

Starter: Donald Lee

Backups: Jermichael Finley, Spencer Havner

What is now a very solid group has potential to be even better.

Lee is a good, if unspectacular, tight end. His numbers dipped a bit last year but should improve.

Finley is a freak, athletically, and will provide the Packers with a consistent red zone receiving option they’ve lacked in recent years. He’s ready to bust out, big-time. Havner is more of a pure blocking tight end and won’t provide much as a receiver.

Offensive line (9)

Starters: Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Josh Sitton, Allen Barbre

Backups: T.J. Lang, Scott Wells, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Breno Giacomini

Overall, I think the starters will be better than most think. Certainly, they’ll be more physical.

Clifton is aging, not as good as he once was and entering the final year of his contract. But, if healthy, he is still solid. Colledge was maybe the team’s most consistent o-lineman last year and should get even better. Spitz has a ton of talent but is still new to the position. Sitton is a nasty S.O.B. who has upside if healthy. Barbre is even nastier and will show why the team spent two years grooming him.

The backups, outside of Wells, are young and fairly inexperienced so the starters need to stay healthy.

-Chris Lempesis