The Mid Season (+ 1) Report Card
With the Green Bay Packers heading into a bye week, now is as good a time as any to stop and take stock of the season thus far. Ordinarily we’d be handing out game balls but the ass whoopin put onto the Cowboys makes it a moot point. We’re going to give everyone from TT on down a game ball as this was finally the team we all thought they would be.
So let’s evaluate where we are and those that got the Pack there. We’ll pass out the grades as well as whether or not they are on the upswing or decline or staying the same. We start at the top ~
GM TED THOMPSON
GRADE - A – ↑
As much as TT’s reluctance to jump into free agency waters or the trade pool can be fan frustrating there is something to be said about how well TT has done with his “Huh? Who he?” pickups this year. This year Ted has literally squeezed lemonade out of lemons. DL Howard Greene from the Jets paid immediate dividends and may well be a long term keeper, while LB’s Wilhelm (49ers), Briggs and Walden have all contributed to the ST and played well. Frank Zombo is a starter and when Morgan Burnett went down TT reupped Anthony Smith. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he never shoulda let him go in the first place...
The decision to let Al Harris go was done in a much classier way than with one B Favre and HAD to be made. At 35, coming off a horrendous knee injury and in the final year of his contract and with this years group actually playing as well as they are there are too many reasons for making this move.
Give Thompson massive credit for not pushing the panic button and trading out of desperation for Marshawn Lynch, who did little in Buffalo and now even less in Seattle and he still keeps his draft pick. We on the outside have no idea as to what the power brokers are thinking but it looks as if Lynch is NOT an answer but certainly looking more and more like he's headed for "First Round Draft Bust" status. TT seems to have stocked the shelves deep enough to give Head Coach Mike McCarthy something to work with. Now if rookie RB James Starks works out to be anything close to Sam Shields (UDFA CB) then TTs grade slides right up to A+++.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Not grabbing a RB when Grant went down.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – How well the vast number of UDFA’s have worked out and contributed. For all the ballyhoo about TT NOT venturing into FA the fact is he has filled this roster with guys you never heard of and kept them winning. Kudos, Teddie.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy ↔↑ / Coaching Staff ↑
GRADE – A - (reluctantly for MM) A Overall for the STAFF
Patience, patience, patience. That is the big message being sent by MM this year. Hopefully it is by design, and at 6-3 we'll extend the benefit of the doubt as GB keeps on being competeive. MM earns a solid A- for his efforts so far. The ultimate barometer for any coach is the W/L record so by any yardstick MM has done his job. He has tremendous organizational skills, has his team ready to play every week, a winning record, 1st Place in the NFCN and looking like a solid playoff contender. Also GB is the ONLY team in the NFL that could have realistically been 9 -0 at this point. GB’s losses have been by a combined total of 9 points – 1 FG/ game away. If K Mason Crosby has his kick another 4 inches to the left vs. Wash we are looking even better with a record. So why the reluctance? For all MM’s upside he is still left wanting in the game day management issues that arise. Of the 3 losses it must be said these were all very winnable games, games the Pack should have won. MM still scripts great opening plays but seems to get befuddled at halftime adjustments. At times he becomes oh so predictable in play calling. This is where a head coach can steal a game or two, something not exactly in MM’s resume as he has yet shown the ability to do that.
MM also deserves ultra high praise for showing patience and faith in Tim Masthay (P), his RB’s (although he doesn’t always utilize them to GBs advantage) Sam Shields and a host of others who have produced. He let Masthay work through his shanks and did the same with Mason Crosby. A steady hand on the wheel in a storm while others around are clamoring for change is the most difficult course to stay. And MM has shown faith and is now reaping the rewards.
But lets be frank – losing as many players as GB has and STILL finding a way to not only be competitive but WINNING?? Come on now, everyone must respect that, and it is a reflection of both depth and handling and playing with what you have. Credit must also be given to Dom Capers as well as the other coaches, even Shawn Slocum on ST for the rapid improvement of many of GB’s weak areas. Capers is so good, in fact, that there has to be concern about him being hired away. One thought that is intriguing but will never bear fruit is to move Dom to the HC slot and MM to Offensive Coordinator. It’ll never happen, but it SOUNDS tasty. While far from perfect this looks to be a team that will compete right thru till the end.
DISAPPOINTMENT – MM’s late game play calling and in game adjustments. Also his reluctance to rely on the backs he has, especially when they are running well. Maybe its just me but when BJax was running all over the Skins the notion was – keep doing it – it’s working. He folds his hand a bit early and will need to change his thought process as it gets close to nut cutting time. Hopefully it is a misconception but there certainly is enough there to warrant concern.
PLEASANT SURPRISE - Winning in spite of all the injuries. Yeah, we were all getting ready for the hockey season when the damndest thing happened – the Pack kept on getting W’s, even against teams they should have be clobbered by. When 25% of your game day roster is done for the year you aren’t supposed to be able to win. So let’s say “HEAR!HEAR!” to the coaching staff for cobbling together a winning group.
OFFENSE
QB – AARON RODGERS
GRADE – B – ↑
No need to add Matt ‘Mop Up” Flynn as Arod is the one and only. At time he looks cool under fire and just as smooth as Montana on his best days, and at other times pedestrian. No doubt that this year the passing game is struggling for whatever reasons. But there is a strong sense that this dept will improve greatly as ARod has shown flashes of getting back to where he belongs. Look for a strong 2nd half finish.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Aarons inconsistency. He has appeared out of sync with his receivers at times and not as fluid as he did last year.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – His resiliency. He is not playing up to his ability – yet – and still getting the job done. Beating the Vikes also rates a nod as he has shaken that monkey off his back.
RB
BRANDON JACKSON, JOHN KUHN, DIMITRI NANCE, KOREY HALL, QUINN JOHNSON, JAMES STARKS
GRADE – C+ ↑
BJax has filled in well for IR’d Ryan Grant. While not the long threat Grant is BJax has given the Pack some semblance of a running game, and our boy John Kuhn has been the pleasant surprise of the group. Nance is an afterthought who may well be displaced by Starks who was activated from the PUP list. Starks needs reps badly as he hasn’t been on a field in almost 2 years (Jan ’09). Look for Starks to play some starting after the Minn game. If MM follows the course Starks will be spoon fed into the lineup and not just thrown out there to the wolves. Hall and Johnson have been uneventful as runners and have been only slightly above the radar as blockers and ST’s.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Grants injury. Ouch.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – The emergence of John Kuhn as a #2 back and the steadily improving play of Brandon Jackson. Now, if we could only get the coach on board and actually deploy a running game…
WR
DONALD DRIVER, GREG JENNINGS, JORDY NELSON, JAMES JONES, BRETT SWAIN
GRADE – C- ↓
This is the Offenses Achilles Heel right now. Driver is ailing and looks like he may well be on his last legs. How sad to see this proud warrior this way. Hopefully he can recover from his quad injury to contribute… but don’t plan on it, not this year, not with the way the injuries have piled up. Jennings, Nelson, and Jones have all had bad cases of the dropsies and at critical times. With DD ailing look for Jones to break out as he showed against Dallas. Jennings frequently disappears in double coverage and Nelson has yet to establish himself in a Wes Welker-type role, something for which he seems ideally suited. Overall this group has not played anywhere near its potential. Part of that is on Arod and the rest they must shoulder. If this group gets its act together this could be a fun ride in the 2nd half. Given how they played against Dallas, they may just break out now. They’ll need to as GB is fully committed to its passing game this year.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Drivers lack of production. Uh oh… is that age I hear??
PLEASANT SURPRISE – James ‘Ledfoot’ Jones stepping up and playing big. He may just fill the void.
TE
DONALD LEE, ANDREW QUARLESS, TOM CRABTREE
GRADE C – ↓
When Jermichael Finley went down this unit did too. At times it has been ugly with drops and poorly run routes. In 9 games as a group Lee, Quarless and Crabtree have a combined for fewer catches (17) than Finley had in 4 games (21). Ugh. If it weren’t for their blocking ability this unit would get a D at best. Someone has to step up and with Pack looking at Spencer Havner again a message is being sent to improve now.
DISAPOINTMENT – Losing Finley for the year. Ouch again.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Tom Crabtree’s blocking ability. Now, if former PSU alum Quarless can learn to hang onto the ball we’ll really see something.
OFFENSIVE LINE
CHAD CLIFTON, DARRYN COLLEDGE, SCOTT WELLS, JOSH SITTON, BRYAN BULAGA
GRADE – B+ ↑
The biggest improvement for last year to now. Cliffy is playing as well as he has ever played and has neutralized once feared rushers like Jared Allen and DeMarcus Ware. Sitton has become Pro Bowl caliber and has been steady, solid AND spectacular this year, maybe the best O Lineman on the roster. Even Daryn Colledge has cut down on his boneheaded penalties and whiffs. Super rookie Bryan Bulaga has settled in nicely at RT and this unit continues to improve every week. Without a feature back it is tough to grade them any higher. It will be interesting to see how/ if Starks plays behind this group.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Mark Tauscher banged up yet again. Uh oh… is that age I hear?
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Josh Sitton. This kid is a stud and can flat out play. Look for him in the Pro Bowl as he has played every down and has no discernible weakness and is fundamentally as sound as they come.
DEFENSE
D LINE
BJ RAJI, CULLEN JENKINS, CJ WILSON, HOWARD GREENE, RYAN PICKET, et al.
GRADE – A- ↑
When Johnny “Good Times” Jolly got suspended, then promising rookie Mike Neal went to IR with Justin Harrell and Jenkins broke his hand all looked lost. Somehow, some way this unit has held together, and, make no mistake, Raji is the glue that has held not only this unit but the entire D together. Simply put BJ Raji has been a man among men and is living up to his #9 draft status. He can’t be moved and while the D Line is not getting the # of sacks they are providing enough pressure and tying up the O Line long enough to allow the LB’s in GB’s vaunted 3 – 4 D to run wild. They’ll give up yards against the run but they have been a pleasant surprise.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Jolly’s boneheaded antics that led to his suspension. And injuries to Justin Harrell, who has the luck of the Titanic about him.
PLESASANT SURPRISE – The play of newly acquired FA Howard Greene (NY Jets) and 7th rounder CJ Wilson. While far from All Pros they have played serviceably well.
LB
CLAY MATTHEWS III, A J HAWK, DESMOND BISHOP, FRANK ZOMBO, NICK BARNETT (IR), BRAD JONES(IR), BRANDON CHILLAR(IR), BRADY POPPINGA(IR), DIRYAL BRIGGS, ERIC WALDEN, MATT WILHELM
GRADE – A+ ↑
The core, heart, and soul of the team right now. No platitudes about Matthews are enough. In one simple phrase he is only the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year right now. Even now that his cover is blown and teams know he is coming he manages to get involved, disrupt and blow up play after play. Bishop finally gets a shot after Barnett went down and has been a most welcome surprise. He has been physical without the penalties and has even improved his pass coverage skills. UDFA Zombo has been solid all year and even AJ Hawk deserves praise. Excellent against the run Hawk has coverage issues but not enough can be said about TT plugging the leaks w Briggs, Walden and Wilhelm, all practice teamers from elsewhere. After losing 4 from this unit for Capers and LB Coach Kevin Greene this is a great job of coaching and execution.
DISAPPOINTMENT – The number of injuries and the realization that Nick Barnett may be expendable after all.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Zombo has been very consistent and does not look like a deer in the headlights rookie. Add A J Hawks run D as well as Bishop’s emergence as an every downer and what should have been the black hole looks very okay.
DB
CHARLES WOODSON, TRAMON HARRIS, SAM SHIELDS, BRANDON UNDERWOOD, PAT LEE, JARRETT BUSH, NICK COLLINS, MORGAN BURNETT(IR), ANTHONY SMITH
GRADE – B+ ↑
This was supposed to be the weak link in the chain that sunk the Pack. Not so fast. Sir Charles has not delivered as he did last year – but then again only the foolhardy are challenging him. He has a propensity for slipping on plays and may be bothered more by that ailing toe than we’ll ever know for sure. But Tramon Williams is rising like a rocket. He is fast becoming a solid #2 CB and a shutdown CB in the process. He has been a delight to watch and Sam Shields is just getting better every day. His progress has been nothing short of staggering. As the season goes past the halfway pole Shields will now move into returning kickoffs. He had issues with catching and securing the ball in the preseason, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that he has only been a CB for (gulp) a little over a year as he is a converted WR. Williams and Shields are young enough with enough upside to make Al Harris expendable, no small feat. But, faced with a 35 year old CB coming off a serious knee injury in the final year of his contract TT and MM have put their faith and future on Sam and Tramon. Even Lee and Underwood show improvement and have contributed, and now that Bigby is back he, Burnett (who played well until he went on IR) and Collins make a very physical S set along with Charlie Peprah who has also played above exepctations. This young group is led by last year’s Defensive Player of the Year and they are beginning to show signs of being very good for a long time. And even the much maligned Jarrett Bush has played well. After being forced into roles and positions for which he is clearly not qualified Bush has responded by playing in a comfort zone and playing well.
DISAPPOINTMENT – The looooong development of Lee and Underwood and not seeing Al Harris make it all the way back to the field for GB. Good luck and all the best Al – you were a great Packer and thanks.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Sam Shields. From UDFA to a nickel CB spot and now returning kicks. This kid is exciting to watch grow. With his 4.17 40 speed we can’t wait to see him back there.
ST
MASON CROSBY K/ TIM MASTHAY P/ BRET GOODE LS AND COVERAGE/ RETURN/ BLOCKING UNITS
GRADE – B ↑
Overall the Special Teams have been an improvement from last years team but still have plenty of room to improve. This is almost expected based on the relative short period of time each man has put in collectively. Crosby has made tremendous gains from last year and is a threat anywhere from 59 yards in. His misses are more of the 50+ yard variety so they are livable. If the O can give him field position he can get it there. Masthay had a very rocky start but the W over the jets can be traced to his foot as he was perfect all game and is settling in nicely. Even the coverages are better this year. The addition of the aforementioned LB group of Briggs, Walden and Wilhelm have played very well in ST capacity. Jarrett Bush has played well and the long gainers have been cut down. Tramon is solid as a PR but the thought of him exposed and vulnerable given his value to the DB is a tad hinky. Shields started in preseason as a KR but dropped the ball, literally, and now get another shot. Turns out the kid has a great work ethic so credit ST coach Shawn Slocum and HC MM for being patient and letting the kid learn first instead of forcing him in too early. He will be fun to watch and could be something special. Time will tell.
DISAPPOINTMENT – The return game. Nelson has never run with abandon and looked like a scared rabbit after a couple of key fumbles as a KR. And Tramon is far too valuable to leave exposed out of need as a PR. Everyone is jacked about seeing what Shields can do. As a last minute reminder Sammy – HANG ONTO THE DAMN ROCK!!!!
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Tim Masthay. His punting is now finding a groove and helping the Pack win the field position battle.
Overall the Pack is sitting pretty well in spite of or despite all the injuries. The D is solid and spectacular in certain areas, and the offense has so much room for growth that the hope is the QBs and WRs get on the same sheet of music. When they do that – look out – the sky is the limit. The Naysayers can line the fence and howl about what we don’t have but it is to diminish what is happening. The Upper Management is setting in place the team of the future and some guys are getting a shot now out of necessity and responding. The key games of the next 7 will be Minnesota, New England, the New York Giants and Chicago. A W over Minnesota will not only eliminate them but finally get Chilly the axe he deserves at the end of the year – and look for that to happen. The Bears are somehow keeping pace with smoke and mirrors – but the Packers have the dagger waiting for them. They sink the rest of the NFCN but look for a rapidly improving Detroit team to give GB fits in their next tussle. In any event GB will end winning the NFCN outright and a slot in the playoffs. Even this banged up they get there and that is in large part to the steady hands – especially of TT and MM - we acknowledge.
So this year the second half of the season sounds like a 50’s serial cliffhanger:
How far can they go?
How long can they keep on winning??
Will these darlings of fate be able to overcome long odds and devastating injuries to make to the Big Dance???
For the answers to these and many other questions tune in as the second half of the season unfolds.
So let’s evaluate where we are and those that got the Pack there. We’ll pass out the grades as well as whether or not they are on the upswing or decline or staying the same. We start at the top ~
GM TED THOMPSON
GRADE - A – ↑
As much as TT’s reluctance to jump into free agency waters or the trade pool can be fan frustrating there is something to be said about how well TT has done with his “Huh? Who he?” pickups this year. This year Ted has literally squeezed lemonade out of lemons. DL Howard Greene from the Jets paid immediate dividends and may well be a long term keeper, while LB’s Wilhelm (49ers), Briggs and Walden have all contributed to the ST and played well. Frank Zombo is a starter and when Morgan Burnett went down TT reupped Anthony Smith. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he never shoulda let him go in the first place...
The decision to let Al Harris go was done in a much classier way than with one B Favre and HAD to be made. At 35, coming off a horrendous knee injury and in the final year of his contract and with this years group actually playing as well as they are there are too many reasons for making this move.
Give Thompson massive credit for not pushing the panic button and trading out of desperation for Marshawn Lynch, who did little in Buffalo and now even less in Seattle and he still keeps his draft pick. We on the outside have no idea as to what the power brokers are thinking but it looks as if Lynch is NOT an answer but certainly looking more and more like he's headed for "First Round Draft Bust" status. TT seems to have stocked the shelves deep enough to give Head Coach Mike McCarthy something to work with. Now if rookie RB James Starks works out to be anything close to Sam Shields (UDFA CB) then TTs grade slides right up to A+++.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Not grabbing a RB when Grant went down.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – How well the vast number of UDFA’s have worked out and contributed. For all the ballyhoo about TT NOT venturing into FA the fact is he has filled this roster with guys you never heard of and kept them winning. Kudos, Teddie.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy ↔↑ / Coaching Staff ↑
GRADE – A - (reluctantly for MM) A Overall for the STAFF
Patience, patience, patience. That is the big message being sent by MM this year. Hopefully it is by design, and at 6-3 we'll extend the benefit of the doubt as GB keeps on being competeive. MM earns a solid A- for his efforts so far. The ultimate barometer for any coach is the W/L record so by any yardstick MM has done his job. He has tremendous organizational skills, has his team ready to play every week, a winning record, 1st Place in the NFCN and looking like a solid playoff contender. Also GB is the ONLY team in the NFL that could have realistically been 9 -0 at this point. GB’s losses have been by a combined total of 9 points – 1 FG/ game away. If K Mason Crosby has his kick another 4 inches to the left vs. Wash we are looking even better with a record. So why the reluctance? For all MM’s upside he is still left wanting in the game day management issues that arise. Of the 3 losses it must be said these were all very winnable games, games the Pack should have won. MM still scripts great opening plays but seems to get befuddled at halftime adjustments. At times he becomes oh so predictable in play calling. This is where a head coach can steal a game or two, something not exactly in MM’s resume as he has yet shown the ability to do that.
MM also deserves ultra high praise for showing patience and faith in Tim Masthay (P), his RB’s (although he doesn’t always utilize them to GBs advantage) Sam Shields and a host of others who have produced. He let Masthay work through his shanks and did the same with Mason Crosby. A steady hand on the wheel in a storm while others around are clamoring for change is the most difficult course to stay. And MM has shown faith and is now reaping the rewards.
But lets be frank – losing as many players as GB has and STILL finding a way to not only be competitive but WINNING?? Come on now, everyone must respect that, and it is a reflection of both depth and handling and playing with what you have. Credit must also be given to Dom Capers as well as the other coaches, even Shawn Slocum on ST for the rapid improvement of many of GB’s weak areas. Capers is so good, in fact, that there has to be concern about him being hired away. One thought that is intriguing but will never bear fruit is to move Dom to the HC slot and MM to Offensive Coordinator. It’ll never happen, but it SOUNDS tasty. While far from perfect this looks to be a team that will compete right thru till the end.
DISAPPOINTMENT – MM’s late game play calling and in game adjustments. Also his reluctance to rely on the backs he has, especially when they are running well. Maybe its just me but when BJax was running all over the Skins the notion was – keep doing it – it’s working. He folds his hand a bit early and will need to change his thought process as it gets close to nut cutting time. Hopefully it is a misconception but there certainly is enough there to warrant concern.
PLEASANT SURPRISE - Winning in spite of all the injuries. Yeah, we were all getting ready for the hockey season when the damndest thing happened – the Pack kept on getting W’s, even against teams they should have be clobbered by. When 25% of your game day roster is done for the year you aren’t supposed to be able to win. So let’s say “HEAR!HEAR!” to the coaching staff for cobbling together a winning group.
OFFENSE
QB – AARON RODGERS
GRADE – B – ↑
No need to add Matt ‘Mop Up” Flynn as Arod is the one and only. At time he looks cool under fire and just as smooth as Montana on his best days, and at other times pedestrian. No doubt that this year the passing game is struggling for whatever reasons. But there is a strong sense that this dept will improve greatly as ARod has shown flashes of getting back to where he belongs. Look for a strong 2nd half finish.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Aarons inconsistency. He has appeared out of sync with his receivers at times and not as fluid as he did last year.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – His resiliency. He is not playing up to his ability – yet – and still getting the job done. Beating the Vikes also rates a nod as he has shaken that monkey off his back.
RB
BRANDON JACKSON, JOHN KUHN, DIMITRI NANCE, KOREY HALL, QUINN JOHNSON, JAMES STARKS
GRADE – C+ ↑
BJax has filled in well for IR’d Ryan Grant. While not the long threat Grant is BJax has given the Pack some semblance of a running game, and our boy John Kuhn has been the pleasant surprise of the group. Nance is an afterthought who may well be displaced by Starks who was activated from the PUP list. Starks needs reps badly as he hasn’t been on a field in almost 2 years (Jan ’09). Look for Starks to play some starting after the Minn game. If MM follows the course Starks will be spoon fed into the lineup and not just thrown out there to the wolves. Hall and Johnson have been uneventful as runners and have been only slightly above the radar as blockers and ST’s.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Grants injury. Ouch.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – The emergence of John Kuhn as a #2 back and the steadily improving play of Brandon Jackson. Now, if we could only get the coach on board and actually deploy a running game…
WR
DONALD DRIVER, GREG JENNINGS, JORDY NELSON, JAMES JONES, BRETT SWAIN
GRADE – C- ↓
This is the Offenses Achilles Heel right now. Driver is ailing and looks like he may well be on his last legs. How sad to see this proud warrior this way. Hopefully he can recover from his quad injury to contribute… but don’t plan on it, not this year, not with the way the injuries have piled up. Jennings, Nelson, and Jones have all had bad cases of the dropsies and at critical times. With DD ailing look for Jones to break out as he showed against Dallas. Jennings frequently disappears in double coverage and Nelson has yet to establish himself in a Wes Welker-type role, something for which he seems ideally suited. Overall this group has not played anywhere near its potential. Part of that is on Arod and the rest they must shoulder. If this group gets its act together this could be a fun ride in the 2nd half. Given how they played against Dallas, they may just break out now. They’ll need to as GB is fully committed to its passing game this year.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Drivers lack of production. Uh oh… is that age I hear??
PLEASANT SURPRISE – James ‘Ledfoot’ Jones stepping up and playing big. He may just fill the void.
TE
DONALD LEE, ANDREW QUARLESS, TOM CRABTREE
GRADE C – ↓
When Jermichael Finley went down this unit did too. At times it has been ugly with drops and poorly run routes. In 9 games as a group Lee, Quarless and Crabtree have a combined for fewer catches (17) than Finley had in 4 games (21). Ugh. If it weren’t for their blocking ability this unit would get a D at best. Someone has to step up and with Pack looking at Spencer Havner again a message is being sent to improve now.
DISAPOINTMENT – Losing Finley for the year. Ouch again.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Tom Crabtree’s blocking ability. Now, if former PSU alum Quarless can learn to hang onto the ball we’ll really see something.
OFFENSIVE LINE
CHAD CLIFTON, DARRYN COLLEDGE, SCOTT WELLS, JOSH SITTON, BRYAN BULAGA
GRADE – B+ ↑
The biggest improvement for last year to now. Cliffy is playing as well as he has ever played and has neutralized once feared rushers like Jared Allen and DeMarcus Ware. Sitton has become Pro Bowl caliber and has been steady, solid AND spectacular this year, maybe the best O Lineman on the roster. Even Daryn Colledge has cut down on his boneheaded penalties and whiffs. Super rookie Bryan Bulaga has settled in nicely at RT and this unit continues to improve every week. Without a feature back it is tough to grade them any higher. It will be interesting to see how/ if Starks plays behind this group.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Mark Tauscher banged up yet again. Uh oh… is that age I hear?
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Josh Sitton. This kid is a stud and can flat out play. Look for him in the Pro Bowl as he has played every down and has no discernible weakness and is fundamentally as sound as they come.
DEFENSE
D LINE
BJ RAJI, CULLEN JENKINS, CJ WILSON, HOWARD GREENE, RYAN PICKET, et al.
GRADE – A- ↑
When Johnny “Good Times” Jolly got suspended, then promising rookie Mike Neal went to IR with Justin Harrell and Jenkins broke his hand all looked lost. Somehow, some way this unit has held together, and, make no mistake, Raji is the glue that has held not only this unit but the entire D together. Simply put BJ Raji has been a man among men and is living up to his #9 draft status. He can’t be moved and while the D Line is not getting the # of sacks they are providing enough pressure and tying up the O Line long enough to allow the LB’s in GB’s vaunted 3 – 4 D to run wild. They’ll give up yards against the run but they have been a pleasant surprise.
DISAPPOINTMENT – Jolly’s boneheaded antics that led to his suspension. And injuries to Justin Harrell, who has the luck of the Titanic about him.
PLESASANT SURPRISE – The play of newly acquired FA Howard Greene (NY Jets) and 7th rounder CJ Wilson. While far from All Pros they have played serviceably well.
LB
CLAY MATTHEWS III, A J HAWK, DESMOND BISHOP, FRANK ZOMBO, NICK BARNETT (IR), BRAD JONES(IR), BRANDON CHILLAR(IR), BRADY POPPINGA(IR), DIRYAL BRIGGS, ERIC WALDEN, MATT WILHELM
GRADE – A+ ↑
The core, heart, and soul of the team right now. No platitudes about Matthews are enough. In one simple phrase he is only the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year right now. Even now that his cover is blown and teams know he is coming he manages to get involved, disrupt and blow up play after play. Bishop finally gets a shot after Barnett went down and has been a most welcome surprise. He has been physical without the penalties and has even improved his pass coverage skills. UDFA Zombo has been solid all year and even AJ Hawk deserves praise. Excellent against the run Hawk has coverage issues but not enough can be said about TT plugging the leaks w Briggs, Walden and Wilhelm, all practice teamers from elsewhere. After losing 4 from this unit for Capers and LB Coach Kevin Greene this is a great job of coaching and execution.
DISAPPOINTMENT – The number of injuries and the realization that Nick Barnett may be expendable after all.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Zombo has been very consistent and does not look like a deer in the headlights rookie. Add A J Hawks run D as well as Bishop’s emergence as an every downer and what should have been the black hole looks very okay.
DB
CHARLES WOODSON, TRAMON HARRIS, SAM SHIELDS, BRANDON UNDERWOOD, PAT LEE, JARRETT BUSH, NICK COLLINS, MORGAN BURNETT(IR), ANTHONY SMITH
GRADE – B+ ↑
This was supposed to be the weak link in the chain that sunk the Pack. Not so fast. Sir Charles has not delivered as he did last year – but then again only the foolhardy are challenging him. He has a propensity for slipping on plays and may be bothered more by that ailing toe than we’ll ever know for sure. But Tramon Williams is rising like a rocket. He is fast becoming a solid #2 CB and a shutdown CB in the process. He has been a delight to watch and Sam Shields is just getting better every day. His progress has been nothing short of staggering. As the season goes past the halfway pole Shields will now move into returning kickoffs. He had issues with catching and securing the ball in the preseason, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that he has only been a CB for (gulp) a little over a year as he is a converted WR. Williams and Shields are young enough with enough upside to make Al Harris expendable, no small feat. But, faced with a 35 year old CB coming off a serious knee injury in the final year of his contract TT and MM have put their faith and future on Sam and Tramon. Even Lee and Underwood show improvement and have contributed, and now that Bigby is back he, Burnett (who played well until he went on IR) and Collins make a very physical S set along with Charlie Peprah who has also played above exepctations. This young group is led by last year’s Defensive Player of the Year and they are beginning to show signs of being very good for a long time. And even the much maligned Jarrett Bush has played well. After being forced into roles and positions for which he is clearly not qualified Bush has responded by playing in a comfort zone and playing well.
DISAPPOINTMENT – The looooong development of Lee and Underwood and not seeing Al Harris make it all the way back to the field for GB. Good luck and all the best Al – you were a great Packer and thanks.
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Sam Shields. From UDFA to a nickel CB spot and now returning kicks. This kid is exciting to watch grow. With his 4.17 40 speed we can’t wait to see him back there.
ST
MASON CROSBY K/ TIM MASTHAY P/ BRET GOODE LS AND COVERAGE/ RETURN/ BLOCKING UNITS
GRADE – B ↑
Overall the Special Teams have been an improvement from last years team but still have plenty of room to improve. This is almost expected based on the relative short period of time each man has put in collectively. Crosby has made tremendous gains from last year and is a threat anywhere from 59 yards in. His misses are more of the 50+ yard variety so they are livable. If the O can give him field position he can get it there. Masthay had a very rocky start but the W over the jets can be traced to his foot as he was perfect all game and is settling in nicely. Even the coverages are better this year. The addition of the aforementioned LB group of Briggs, Walden and Wilhelm have played very well in ST capacity. Jarrett Bush has played well and the long gainers have been cut down. Tramon is solid as a PR but the thought of him exposed and vulnerable given his value to the DB is a tad hinky. Shields started in preseason as a KR but dropped the ball, literally, and now get another shot. Turns out the kid has a great work ethic so credit ST coach Shawn Slocum and HC MM for being patient and letting the kid learn first instead of forcing him in too early. He will be fun to watch and could be something special. Time will tell.
DISAPPOINTMENT – The return game. Nelson has never run with abandon and looked like a scared rabbit after a couple of key fumbles as a KR. And Tramon is far too valuable to leave exposed out of need as a PR. Everyone is jacked about seeing what Shields can do. As a last minute reminder Sammy – HANG ONTO THE DAMN ROCK!!!!
PLEASANT SURPRISE – Tim Masthay. His punting is now finding a groove and helping the Pack win the field position battle.
Overall the Pack is sitting pretty well in spite of or despite all the injuries. The D is solid and spectacular in certain areas, and the offense has so much room for growth that the hope is the QBs and WRs get on the same sheet of music. When they do that – look out – the sky is the limit. The Naysayers can line the fence and howl about what we don’t have but it is to diminish what is happening. The Upper Management is setting in place the team of the future and some guys are getting a shot now out of necessity and responding. The key games of the next 7 will be Minnesota, New England, the New York Giants and Chicago. A W over Minnesota will not only eliminate them but finally get Chilly the axe he deserves at the end of the year – and look for that to happen. The Bears are somehow keeping pace with smoke and mirrors – but the Packers have the dagger waiting for them. They sink the rest of the NFCN but look for a rapidly improving Detroit team to give GB fits in their next tussle. In any event GB will end winning the NFCN outright and a slot in the playoffs. Even this banged up they get there and that is in large part to the steady hands – especially of TT and MM - we acknowledge.
So this year the second half of the season sounds like a 50’s serial cliffhanger:
How far can they go?
How long can they keep on winning??
Will these darlings of fate be able to overcome long odds and devastating injuries to make to the Big Dance???
For the answers to these and many other questions tune in as the second half of the season unfolds.
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