Green Bay Packers Offense: Training Camp Improvements to Wish For

As the Packers’ 2009 training camp begins, here are the developments I want to see on the offensive side of the ball by the time the Packers break camp.

 

Developments I want to see on Offense:

Quinn Johnson wins at least a portion of the fullback job: For the Packers offense to be successful, the running game has to improve, especially the power running game. Protecting a lead late in games was a key failure point for the Packers last year.

The ability to grind out the tough yards late in games is a demoralizing dagger to your opponent. A power fullback leading those runs is just that much better. John Kuhn and Korey Hall have done an adequate job as blockers, but neither one would scare me. Quinn Johnson, however, is big, powerful, and would definitely put a little fear in me.

Johnson caught the eye of Packers scouts, leading to his selection by the Packers in the fifth round. 

Says head coach Mike McCarthy, “Quinn, when you watch him play at LSU, when he hits you, he keeps moving forward. He definitely has that lead blocking ability that you’re definitely looking for in tight situations, whether it be short-yardage, goal-line, or first and second down, getting up and leading on those linebackers.”

So, I’m looking for the Mighty Quinn to live up to the hype (sounds weird for a 5th round draft pick, I know). If he is half of what he has been made out to be in the Packers Blogosphere, then we should be able to lessen the three-and-outs and keep those lead-keeping, time-eating late drives going.

Running Backs: Kregg Lumpkin makes the roster. OK, so this is blatantly self-serving, being that I wrote an article making the outlandish declaration that he is the best running back on the team.

But putting that aside, Lumpkin is a power runner like Ryan Grant, but with better vision and moves. He can make defenders miss, doesn’t run into his blockers (unlike Grant) and can push the pile when a hole isn’t there.

As Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press Gazette recently wrote “RB Kregg Lumpkin is the picture of form…he gets low while also keeping the ball high…”   He is also a very good receiver, something else “Hands of Stone” Grant is not. 

Lumpkin was the No. 2 running back prospect in the nation coming out of high school (some guy named Reggie Bush was No. 1). But his career since then has been a major disappointment because of inconsistency and the fact that he simply cannot stay healthy.

Competition for the last running back spot is fierce, with DeShawn Wynn and Tyrell Sutton also looking good. For Lumpkin to win the job, that would mean that he has finally put it all together. If that were to happen, the Packers would reap the rewards of having unearthed a real “hidden gem.” That’s what I’m hoping for.

Aaron Rodgers as a leader: Few will dispute that Aaron Rodgers did a fine job in his first year replacing the Packers’ legendary QB, (he whose name we do not speak.) The only criticism you could render would be in the execution of the two-minute offense. But replacing a legend might be one of the most difficult tasks in sports.

You will forever be compared, undeserved as that may be. In the case of a quarterback, it’s about more than just touchdowns and interceptions, it’s about leadership. I don’t feel that Rogers was ready last year for that part of the job.

I think he was still a bit immature (I’m sure you saw his long hair, shaggy beard, and wacky hats).  Whether he would admit it or not, running through his mind were probably thoughts about measuring up and insecurities about being THE MAN.

Now that he’s had a year to convince himself that he is capable on and off the field, there are signs that he could be ready for the role.

First, he has “cleaned himself up.” No more California slumming look. He looks like a quarterback now (although he has the beard growing again). You may consider this silly, but if anyone thinks appearance does not influence how others perceive you, then you’re not in touch with reality.

There are other signs. Here are some recent comments about Rodgers from Packers head Coach Mike McCarthy: “The biggest change I see is just really the interaction and the way he treats (his teammates) and the way his teammates treat him. You are definitely seeing his leadership ability moving forward.”

This writer wants to see Rodgers come out of that always laid back California cool persona. When it’s required, he can’t be afraid to get in the face of teammates that are screwing up. He needs to demand top performance from his teammates, and in return, he will gain their respect and confidence. Once he has that, the Packers’ two-minute drill problems will dissipate.

 

Offensive Line: There are so many possible outcomes here, I could write a short novel. Yet that, in itself, is the whole problem. So I’ll keep this simple. There is ONE thing I want to see.  CONTINUITY.  A set 5 guys with reserves that know their roles and what positions they might be asked to play. The offensive line merry-go-round has to stop!

Check back for the next installment when I will cover the defensive side of the ball. To read the previous installment on the kicking game, look HERE.

 

You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: Jersey Al’s Blog, Packer Chatters , Packers Lounge, NFL Touchdown and of course,  Bleacher Report.

You can follow Jersey Al on twitter (when it’s not being hacked).

Green Bay Packers’ Defense: Spinning the Undrafted Free Agent Wheel…

In this two-part series, I will examine the Packers’ crop of undrafted free agents and predict their chances of making the 53-man roster:

With 14 new undrafted free agents (UFAs) signed in 2009, the Packers are once again spinning the “Undrafted Free Agent Wheel of Fortune.”

Will the spin produce a winner or will they hit bankrupt and go away empty-handed? Recent history indicates the Packers will walk away with at least a consolation prize.

Since 1992, 20 undrafted free agents who signed with the Packers immediately after the draft made the roster coming out of training camp. Presently, there are 20 players on the Packers current roster who entered the league as undrafted free agents.

In each of the last four years, at least one UFA has made the Packers 53-man roster. Will the trend continue in 2009? Lets first take a quick look at the candidates.

 

Part One – DEFENSE

CORNERBACK – Undrafted Free Agent

Trevor Ford, Troy / Florida State. 6′0″, 188 lbs, 4.48 40-yd dash. Ranked 76th out of 312 cornerbacks by NFLDraftScout.com. Transferred from Florida State to Troy after freshman year.

Sat out sophomore year, played in seven games as a junior and started every game as a senior. Signed by the Packers after a tryout invitation to their rookie camp.

The Packers currently have nine cornerbacks on the roster—they carried five last year.
Sure things: Woodson, Harris, Williams, Blackmon. Probables: Lee, Bush and Underwood battle for a spot. They could carry six, since both Bush and Underwood can double as safeties.

While I list Blackmon as a “sure thing”, that’s primarily because of his kick-returning. If a good kick-returner could be found elsewhere on the roster, his spot could be in jeopardy—but that’s not likely. Little chance here for Trevor Ford.

Prediction: Trevor Ford…no shot at roster spot. Could be cut before camp to make room for one of the still unsigned draft picks.

 

NOSE TACKLE – Undrafted Free Agent

Dean Muhtadi, Maryland. 6′3″, 295 lbs, 4.98 40-yd dash. Ranked 66th out of 158 defensive tackles by NFLDraftScout.com. Division III transfer who played in 13 games as a senior, starting three. Highest GPA on the team. Signed by the Packers after a tryout invitation to their rookie camp.

The Packers currently have four nose tackles on the roster—only two will be kept.
Sure Things: Pickett and Raji. Now that Jolly’s court case has been put off, he will provide the depth at the NT position and probably be in the rotation at DE.

Prediction: Dean Muhtadi…Much less of a shot with Jolly now available. Ability to play DE a plus. Will compete with Anthony Toribio for a practice squad spot.

 

DEFENSIVE END – Undrafted Free Agent

Ron Talley, Delaware. 6′3″, 282 lbs, 4.98 40-yd dash. Ranked 74th out of 175 defensive ends by NFLDraftScout.com. Started at Notre Dame, saw action as a red-shirt freshman and sophomore, but left the team halfway through the season.

Started 18 of 24 games over two seasons for Delaware and recorded 89 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Voted a team captain and was known as a fierce run defender. 3.5 GPA and currently taking graduate courses.

The Packers currently have seven defensive ends on the roster (not including Raji)—will keep five on the roster, or possibly four, if a NT/DE like Muhtadi is kept.

Sure things: Jenkins, Jolly (yes, that’s it!). Probables: Montgomery. Questionables: Harrell, Wynn, Malone

Certainly one of the most tenuous positions on the Packers as far as depth goes. Where will the depth come from? Until he proves otherwise, the Packers can not count on Harrell.

The rest of the DEs on the roster are a rag-tag collection of undrafted free agents and a rookie sixth-round pick.

The only good news is that you can assume the Packers will play four-man fronts part of the time, with Kampman as a situational DE.

Prediction: Ron Talley…might have the best opportunity of any. He has to beat out the sixth-round draft pick, Jarius Wynn and Alfred Malone, which is certainly possible.

 

LINEBACKER – Undrafted Free Agent

Cyril Obiozor, Texas A&M. 6′4″, 267 lbs, 4.74 40-yd dash. Ranked 31st out of 175 defensive ends by NFLDraftScout.com. Played defensive end in college, started the final 28 games of his collegiate career.

Big play defensive end, led the Aggies in both sacks and tackles for loss. One of the players the Packers brought in for a pre-draft workout. He received the largest signing bonus of any of the Packers UFAs.

The Packers currently have 12 linebackers on the roster.  They should carry nine or 10.

Sure Things: Barnett, Hawk, Kampman, Matthews, Poppinga. Probables: Bishop, Chillar, Thompson. That leave one or two spots open for Brad Jones, Obiozor, Spencer Havner and Danny Lansanah.

Prediction – Cyril Obiozor – While he doesn’t have the easiest path, he has a strong fighting chance if he can handle the conversion from DE and excel on special teams.

Good size, decent speed and a hard worker. Has the right body type for the OLB position. I think the Packers will keep 10 linebackers and he makes the team.

Look for part two of this series where we examine the offensive undrafted free agents on the Packers roster.

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: Jersey Al’s Blog, Packer Chatters , Packers Lounge, NFL Touchdown and of course,  Bleacher Report.

Packers GM Ted Thompson Rolling The Dice Again…

Expectations can bring worries. And folks, I’m worried.

I expect the Packers to do well this season. I expect the offense to be better balanced and more productive. I expect Dom Capers’ revamped defense to be a big improvement over last year. And finally, I expect them to challenge for the NFC North Division Title.

So what am I worried about? Well, those of you who are superstitious turn away. If you believe in jinxes or “the evil eye”, stop reading. Go ahead and knock on wood, because I’m going to say it:

What if Aaron Rodgers suffers a season-ending injury?

What if the Packers come together in preseason, then beat the Bears, Bengals and Rams (totally conceivable) to get off to a quick 3-0 start. But the unthinkable happens towards the end of the Packers romp over the Rams. Mike McCarthy is slow to get Rodgers out of the game and some 3rd string Ram DE trying to make an impression crashes into Rodgers knee. One torn ACL later, Rodgers’ season is over.

Now, is there anyone out there that really believes either Matt Flynn or Brian Brohm can step in and continuing leading the team to a successful season? Any hands…? I didn’t think so.

As reported by the Green Bay Press-Gazette, even Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, when asked recently about the progress of his two young quarterbacks, had to think about it for awhile. When he finally did answer, he could muster no better than an unenthusiastic “Well, certainly they’re better than they’ve been”. How’s that for a ringing endorsement from your own coach?

The man responsible for this bad situation is of course, Packers GM Ted Thompson. Thompson has proven to be a polarizing figure among Packers fans, mostly because of his role in the Brett Favre saga. I find myself straddling the fence. There are things he’s done I like, there are things I don’t like. This one, I am not on board with. It’s a bad idea and a huge gamble, like going to Vegas with one year’s salary and putting it all on a roll of the dice at the craps table.

Thompson’s out there on an island with this one. I have to wonder, has any other NFL team ever done this? Starting the 2008 season with a first-year starter and two rookies as backup quarterbacks was as dangerous a move I remember coming from an NFL team. Add in the fact that neither of the rookies even remotely looked like NFL quarterbacks during that preseason, and you had to seriously doubt Thompson’s sanity.

The only thing that made it palpable to me was that I had few expectations last year. I had serious doubts about the season before it even started, so I wasn’t worried about what we would do if disaster struck. This season is different.

As previously stated, I have expectations. I am not willing to accept throwing our season away if something happens to Rodgers. And make no mistake, if that particular disaster struck, the Packers season would be OVER. No chance at the Division Title and no playoffs—again.

So why would Ted Thompson choose to roll the dice again? Why did he do it in the first place? The only reason one can assume is financial. Thompson didn’t want to in 2008 and still doesn’t want to in 2009, spend the money to bring in an experienced backup quarterback.

He doesn’t believe in spending money on short term solutions. I do respect a lot of the financial decisions he has made. It’s not a simple job being in the smallest NFL market, and running the only non-profit, community-owned, major professional sports team in the United States.

Thompson has to look for every opportunity to save money, and this was obviously an area he chose to do so. But what exactly does bringing in an experienced backup quarterback cost you?

Looking at various signings around the league this off-season, the going rate seems to be $1,000,000 or less for a 1-year contract. For example, the World Champion Steelers signed Charlie Batch for $895,000, the Giants brought back David Carr for $1,000,000 and the Texans brought in Rex Grossman for $625,000.

While none of these guys will be starting quarterbacks on their own, at least they have enough experience that you could build a workable game plan around them. And is $1,000,000 that much to spend for a one year insurance policy at QB? Not when you’re paying Brian Brohm $2,000,000 to be a 3rd string quarterback. Whatever Ted Thompson is thinking, he certainly can’t believe the Packers are in good shape if Rodgers goes down, can he?

So here we are in July of 2009. With training camp only a few weeks away, it’s still not too late. Of course, this is a move that should have been made already. The most attractive free agent backup quarterbacks have already been snatched up by other teams.

However, there are still two guys out there that could be brought in relatively cheaply as some veteran insurance; two guys that each have 15 years experience and have played 260 NFL games between them; Gus Frerotte and Trent Green. I would take either one over Brian Brohm and/or Matt Flynn. Keep whichever of the kids you like best, but I need some veteran insurance on the Packers. After all, I have expectations…

For more info on Green and Frerotte with regards to the Packers, read this.

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: NFL Touchdown, Packers Lounge, Packer Chatters , Jersey Al’s Blog and of course   Bleacher Report.

The Green Bay Packers’ Best Running Back Is Not Who You Think…

In any discussion I have seen of the current Green Bay Packers running backs, the theme is the same: Can Ryan Grant return to the form of his rookie year and if not, will they finally give Brandon Jackson a chance to start?

In a recent interview, former Packers executive Andrew Brandt was asked why Brandon Jackson did not get more of an opportunity to play last year, Brandt stated without hesitation that there were people in the Packer organization that wanted Ryan Grant to be the starter last year, even as he was struggling on the field and battling a hamstring injury.

Packers beat writer Greg Bedard seconded that feeling when told of Brandt’s comment. All indications are that it was not the coaches, but the Packers front office pushing Grant as the starter to justify the new contract he was given.

So as Packer fans continue arguing Grant vs. Jackson, I am here to throw a monkey wrench into the debate. Neither one of them is the best running back on the Packers. Lurking in the wings and waiting for his chance could very well be the best running back on the Green Bay Packers roster—Kregg Lumpkin.

As a running back from the University of Georgia, Kregg Lumpkin is in good company. Herschel Walker, Terrell Davis, Rodney Hampton, Garrison Hearst and other top NFL running backs have all came out of “Tailback U”.

Lumpkin was expected to have as good a college career as any of them. But that did not happen. Lumpkin made the Packers roster as an undrafted rookie, and then ended up spending most of the season on injured reserve.

So what has he done for me to say he is the Packers’ best running back? Why would I go out on such a precarious limb? What evidence is there to support this hypothesis?

Well, a lot of it may be circumstantial, but let me present my case.

Kregg Antonio Lumpkin was born in Albany, Georgia, about 60 miles North of Talahassee, Florida. His family later relocated to Stone Mountain Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Lumpkin played High School football there  at Stephenson HS.

He started all four year at running back, and rushed for 2,088 yards during his junior season and 1,456 yards with 15 touchdowns as a senior.

Lumpkin was a Parade All-American and named the number one overall HS recruit from the State of Georgia. He was also ranked as the second best running back prospect in the entire nation, second only to some kid named Reggie Bush.

With those credentials and a 4.4 40-yard dash time, Lumpkin was recruited by top football programs like the University of Miami and the University of Florida. But those programs had little chance of landing him. Lumpkin chose to stay close to home and committed to the University of Georgia, less than an hour away.

In 2003, as a true freshman at Georgia, Lumpkin played in 12 games and finished as the team’s second leading rusher with 523 yards on 112 carries. But he missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, and fought it the rest of the year, starting a pattern of physical problems.

That pattern continued the next year. After being name “Most Improved Running back” at Spring practice, Lumpkin came to training camp ready to win the starting tailback position. That quest lasted about an hour, as he suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the first practice and was put on medical red-shirt for 2004.

Lumpkin battled back from that serious injury to play in the 2005, season, albeit in a part-time role. He appeared in 13 games, but was used carefully and sparingly, gaining 335 yards on the season, while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

In 2006, his 3rd year of college football, Lumpkin started nine games at tailback, rushing for 800 yards and 6 TDs, while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. This was also the year he started to show his soft hands and pass-catching skills, pulling in 17 passes on the year.

Lumpkin was primed and ready for his senior season. Listed as the No. 1 Tailback, Lumpkin played in only five games due to a broken right thumb, the arrival of Knowshon Moreno and then another serious injury to his left knee, once again requiring season-ending injury.

Lumpkin evidentally made the most of all his time on the injury list. He concentrated on his studies and graduated with dual B.S. degrees in consumer economics and housing.

With his inability to stay on the field as well as a poor 40 time at the NFL Combine (4.64), Luimpkin’s name was not called in the 2008 NFL Draft. But the Packers’ southeast scout, Brian Gutekunst, college scouting director John Dorsey and general manager Ted Thompson all liked what they had seen of him. After the draft,  quickly signed Lumpkin to the team as an undrafted free agent.

During preseason, Lumpkin got an opportunity to show what he could do and made the most of it. He finished the preseason as the Packers leading rusher (38 carries, 153 yards, 4.0-yard average, one touchdown) and also added seven receptions for 59 yards and another TD. 

The Packers were so impressed with Lumpkin that they cut three veteran running backs (Noah Herron, DeShawn Wynn and Vernand Morency) and kept Lumpkin as the No. 3 Running Back. The Packers coaches were sure they had themselves a real find.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said, “He runs physical. He continues to improve. He breaks tackles. He’s a better player when he gets past the line of scrimmage than I originally thought. As he gets more comfortable, you see the physicality of his play has increased. I thought he did some good things.”

McCarthy later added, “Lumpkin is a perfect example of what you’re looking for in a rookie. I think talent-wise, he brings a lot to the table, and he’s improved every week. That’s what you’re looking for in rookies, to take advantage of their opportunity. He’s put together a nice training camp.”

Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said the 5-foot-11, 228-pound Lumpkin is “a pretty good fit for this system, with his style of running. He’s not a real dancer, he’s got a little bit of straight-line (speed), which I think fits us well. He’s got nice size, he’s a good-looking guy in pads. He looks like a running back. He’s got some good attributes, no question… He’s certainly produced when he’s been in there.”

Lumpkin was ecstatic to make the Packers roster, but expected it. “I don’t think I’ve surprised myself,” said Lumpkin, “I feel confident in what I’m doing.”

With Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson nursing injuries going into game two vs. Detroit, Lumpkin got a lot of work in practice that week with the No. 1 offense. While both Grant and Jackson were expected to play, the Packers were not worried if Lumpkin had to be pressed into service.

“I think he could handle it all,” coach Mike McCarthy told reporters in Green Bay. “He’s done a very good job with his opportunities.”

Grant and Jackson did play, but the Packers still got Lumpkin some playing time and he did well. He carried the ball once for nineteen yards and caught 3 passes for 22 yards. After the game Coach McCarthy said that Kregg Lumpkin “absolutely” earned more playing time going forward with his Week 2 effort.

But alas, the injury bug would hit once again. Lumpkin suffered a hamstring injury in practice and spent the next three weeks trying to come back, but to no avail. The Packers finally decided they need a healthy No. 3 running back on the roster, so they put Lumpkin on the injured reserve list and called up DeShawn Wynn from the Practice Squad. Once again, Lumpkin’s season came to an early end.

So now that you know the Kregg Lumpkin story, you can see it is one of disappointment and unrealized potential. Admittedly, there isn’t a lot of cold hard evidence to go by. But I do remember watching him in pre-Season last year and being really impressed. I remember thinking at that time, without knowing a thing about him, “this kid is going to make the team”.

What did I like about him? He is a North-South runner that runs hard, low to the ground and is tough to bring down. Unlike Ryan Grant, runs with his head up and has great vision.

Unlike Brandon Jackson, he picks his hole quickly and has the ability to drive the pile. He also has soft hands as a receiver and has proven he has the ability to pass protect. The only thing he lacks is breakaway speed, but the Packers do not exactly design their offense for the 60 yard run anyway.

As described earlier in this article, the Packers coaches like what they’ve seen of Lumpkin. They see him as the move-the-chains type running back their offense calls for.I have also studied video of him at Georgia. He always seems to make the most of every run, and has been a consistant 5 yard-per-carry guy.

The big question of course, is, can he stay healthy? While there is no historical evidence to make you think he will, there is reason for hope. That hope lies in the Packers’ Strength and Conditioning Hall of Fame coach, Dave “Red-Man” Redding.

Red-Man is an old-schooler, prefers the free weights over machines, is a motivator and is most concerned with keeping players on the field. Here is how Redding describes his philosophy:

“I don’t care what they can max out at,” he said. “I don’t care what they can do 10 times at a max load. I’m here to weight train them to make them better football players. This is not about how much we lift. It’s about how healthy we can stay and how well we can play throughout the year.”   

Beautiful.

While the Packer Organization would prefer Ryan Grant to live up to the big contract they awarded him, a healthy Lumpkin has consistently caught the eye of the Packers coaches.

If he can stay healthy, perhaps as the year progresses he will earn a share of the carries, especially if Grant struggles once again. At the very least, he may steal some snaps from Brandon Jackson.

Kregg Lumpkin could be the best running back on the Green Bay Packers. I know, it is a big leap of faith, a roll of the dice and a lot of “IFs”. But it is my feeling and I am sticking with it.

In his appropiately-named poem “IF”, Rudyard Kipling writes:

“If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too.”

If you think I’m crazy, Packer fans, it’s okay, I’ll understand.

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: NFL Touchdown, Packers Lounge, Packer Chatters , Jersey Al’s Blog and, of course, Bleacher Report.

Green Bay Packers’ Biggest OTA Surprise: OLB Jeremy Thompson

As the Packers OTAs have progressed, one of the most surprising stories has been the rapid ascension up the depth chart of Jeremy Thompson. A fourth-round draft pick out of Wake Forest (102nd overall) in 2008, Thompson saw limited action in his rookie season.

Thompson was inactive for the Packers first four games, but when Cullen Jenkins’ season came to an early end, Thompson stepped into defensive end rotation. He eventually started three games, but was hampered for much of the last seven games with an assortment of injuries.

Thompson didn’t get a chance to show very much in 2008, but the Packers coaches thought he could be a contributor at DE in 2009 if he bulked up and added another 15 pounds to his 270lbs frame.

Then of course, the defensive coaching purge hit Green Bay on Jan 5, 2009. Soon after, new coaches and a new 3-4 defensive system were introduced.

In retrospect, it was the best thing that could have happened for Jeremy Thompson. He is now being asked to play a position the new Packer coaches feel he is a natural for.

Thompson changed his training regimen over the offseason, emphasizing speed and hip-flexibility drills. He also abandoned the need to put on more weight, instead focusing on becoming leaner and stronger at the same time. The end result was he actually dropped 10 pounds, while gaining speed, flexibility and strength.

Thompson has also been working extensively since January with linebackers coach Kevin Greene on techniques and tactics. He says every day Coach Greene will pick one aspect of his game that needs improving and work on it extensively. Greene has commented that he is “excited” by Thompson’s athletic ability.

Evidently, all these factors have sent Thompson rocketing up the depth chart. He was installed as the first team right OLB at OTAs even before 2009 No. 1 pick Clay Matthews III injured his hamstring.

There have been a multitude of positive quotes about Jeremy Thompson coming out of Green Bay. Mike McCarthy called him “a natural fit for this defense.” Dom Capers said, “He’s made progress and, through just a short period of time we’ve been around him, has been encouraging. I think he has the ability to play the position.”

Capers also warned, however, not to read too much into who’s on the No. 1 unit during OTAs, because there will be significant competition for the job in training camp.

So as this relative unknown makes his bid for a starting spot over the much more high-profile Clay Matthews III and veteran Brady Poppinga, it left me wanting to know more about Jeremy Thompson.

 

Here’s what I found…

Thompson did play some linebacker in High School, as well as tight end, running back and wide receiver. He also earned four letters in basketball, three in track and one in tennis.   Natural athlete.

At Wake Forest, he was a two-time Academic All-ACC selection. Intelligent

As a senior at Wake forest, was a finalist for the NCAA National Sportsmanship Award.   Good Person

Played in 46 games with 32 starts for Wake Forest and finished his career with 111 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and eight-and-one-half sacks. He also blocked two field goals and had two interceptions, one of which he returned for 86 yards and a touchdown.   Productive.

Although Wake Forest plays a 4-3 defense, they do often drop their defensive ends into pass coverage, like an outside linebacker. At times, he even lined up on the slot receiver.  Versatile.

So putting all these facts together, our quickie profile of Jeremy Thompson reads: Natural athlete, intelligent, good person, productive, and versatile. Sounds like “Packer People.”

Will all of this translate to a significant role for Jeremy Thompson in 2009? We’ll have a better idea after they put the pads on at the first mandatory mini camp June 22. Stay tuned…

For even more nuggets of information about Jeremy Thompson, check the end of my article here.

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: NFL Touchdown, Packers Lounge, Packer Chatters , Jersey Al’s Blog and, of course, Bleacher Report.

Green Bay Packers Defense: In Dom We Trust…

 

In Dom We Trust  — do we have any other choice?

Dom Capers was hired by Mike McCarthy to restore the Green Bay Packer defense to prominence. He wasn’t McCarthy’s first choice, but after Mike Nolan and Gregg Williams spurned the Packers, and Jim Haslett was left hanging, McCarthy moved fast to lock up Capers before the NY Giants could.

Capers, 58, has 38 years of coaching experience, including 23 years in the National Football League. He has been a defensive coordinator seven of those years (Pittsburgh, ’92-’94; Jacksonville 1999-2000; and Miami ’06-’07) and head coach nine of them (Carolina 1995-’98 and Houston 2001-’05).

Fortunately for the Packers, his record as a coordinator is much better than his record as a head coach. Not that he took on easy tasks. As Capers has jokingly said, “I’m the only guy stupid enough to take two head coaching jobs with expansion teams.”

Capers has experience with the 3-4 in Pittsburgh, Carolina, Jacksonville, Houston, Miami and New England. This is the third time he will be converting a 4-3 team.

Based on his history, the 20th-ranked Packers defense can count on a quick turnaround.

When Capers took over the 25th-ranked Jaguars defense in 1999, the Jaguars moved up to fourth in the rankings and led the league in scoring defense. And when he converted the Dolphins to a 3-4 in 2006, they improved from 18th to fourth in the defensive rankings.

“The most foolish thing you can do is put in a scheme and plug your players into that,” Capers has said. “You have to have enough flexibility to put your best 11 football players out there and feature what they do best. We know where we would kind of like to go. How fast we’ll get there is another thing.”

That having been said, Capers strongly favors the 3-4, which is gaining popularity in the league. There are now 12 teams playing the 3-4, but the Packers will be one of only three using it in the NFC.

Capers considers the scarcity of 3-4 teams in the NFC as a benefit to the Packers. “If you are one of the few, it becomes a little bit of an advantage,” Capers said. “There are only three days each week to prepare, and if your opponents go five or six weeks in a row preparing for 4-3 teams, it helps.”

“The two top defenses in the league played the 3-4 last year in Pittsburgh and Baltimore,” Capers said. “That means something to coaches.”

Kevin Greene, Green Bay’s new outside linebackers coach, was a training-camp volunteer in Pittsburgh last summer.  He worked closely with outside backer LaMarr Woodley, who had a breakout season in 2008. If nothing else, Greene’s experience as a pass-rushing linebacker means he knows what it takes to get to the quarterback from the OLB spot.

Aaron Kampman has been working closely with Greene, and according to Mike McCarthy, Kampman has firmly grasped the mental aspect of playing that position.

Capers is excited about the Packers two first-round draft picks, B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews, especially since they are well suited for the 3-4. “Both of them have the kind of physical tools to do a lot of the things we like to ask them to do,” Capers said.

“Raji has really good size and really good athletic ability for his size. He can play nose, he can play defensive end if we ask him to bump out and do that. Matthews has the ability not only to rush but to drop into coverage. We’re excited about having them.”

Dom Capers took the Packers job, he says, because his gut told him it’s a great match. Said Capers, “I had conversations with numerous teams and when it came down to it I felt this was the best match and best marriage and felt excellent.”

So now that the honeymoon is over, I ask the question: Will it be a marriage made in heaven?

 

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: NFL Touchdown, Packers Lounge, Packer Chatters , Jersey Al’s Blog and, of course, Bleacher Report.

Green Bay Packers Eyeing a “Special” 2009 Season

The 2008 Packers season has been categorized in many ways. “Special” was not one of them.

It was the start of a new Favre-less era, the year the defense became an absolute horror show, Aaron Rodgers showing he can put up top-10 quarterback numbers, the purging of the defensive coaching staff, etc.

While the defensive struggles have been talked about ad nauseam, I don’t believe the Packers’ special teams’ struggles have been emphasized enough. In the interest of fairness, let’s take a look at what happened and what’s being done about it.

First, a few fun facts about 2008 to paint a picture:

The Packers were 32nd in the NFL in Kickoff return yardage.
The Packers were 20th in the NFL in Kickoff coverage.
The Packers were 26th in the NFL in field goal percentage
The Packers were 27th in the NFL in average punting yardage
The Packers were 28th in the NFL in punt return yardage.

However you picture “awful”, that’s what you should be seeing in your mind’s eye right now.

So how does this get fixed? Well, if you’re Mike McCarthy, you start by encouraging Mike Stock, your 69-year old special teams coordinator to “retire” (just days after he told Green Bay beat reporters how he planned to be back for another year).

“Should I be looking over my shoulder? Do you know something I don’t know?” Stock kiddingly asked following the team’s Christmas Day practice. “It all depends on one thing and one thing only: How long does he (McCarthy) want me to stay? That’s what it depends on.”

Yes, after his post-season interview with Mccarthy, Stock suddenly changed his mind and decided to retire after three years with the Packers and 44 years in coaching overall. Call it a win-win.

Unlike his search for a new defensive coordinator, McCarthy did not look far from the team to fill the special teams position. On Jan. 15, four days before announcing Dom Capers’ hiring, McCarthy promoted Shawn Slocum from his special teams assistant position to Special Teams Coordinator.

Slocum had spent the last three seasons with the Packers and before that, coached 15 college seasons for four different schools. He was a special teams coordinator at both USC and Texas A&M, and was also an assistant head coach at Ole Miss.

So the Packers seem to have an experienced coach whose time has come for his first pro coordinator position.

With the coaching positions settled, the Packers now turned their attention to their roster.

Tramon Williams, a solid special teams contributor was tendered a one year offer. Free Agent Anthony Smith, who played mostly on special teams last year, was signed to the roster.

Soon after that, Jarrett Bush was re-signed and not many people would question that his positive contributions to the team have all come on special teams.

Next up was the re-signing of Michael Montgomery as some DL insurance and more special teams help. Despite missing a lot of time with injuries, Montgomery has 13 special team tackles for the Packers, including two in the 2007 playoffs.

Soon after, the Packers signed free agent Duke Preston from the Buffalo Bills. His bio on their web site describes him as “as a key player on special teams and a valuable reserve on the offensive line.” A bit surprising, but good news.

Restricted free agent TE Tory Humphrey, who has nine special teams tackles in 24 games for the Packers, was re-signed to the team.

A week before the NFL draft, Ted Thompson signed his three remaining restricted free agents, Atati Bigby, John Kuhn, and Ruvell Martin. All three have seen important special teams action for the Packers.

Then along came the draft, and the special teams theme continued.

BJ Raji: OKay, so he’s the exception to the pattern I’m working on here…

Clay Matthews III – three-time special teams player of the year at USC. Need I say more?

TJ Lang – Converted from defensive line, TJ played special teams in at least his first three years at Eastern Michigan and won several “Championship special teams player of the game” awards.

Quinn Johnson – A converted linebacker, he was described this way in a CBS sports profile: “Quinn Johnson just likes to hit people whether lined up on offense, defense or special teams units.” I love guys who love to hit.

Jamon Meredith – Says Meredith,”I’ve never played special teams but if they teach me how to play it I’ll go out there, man. I’ve always thought about being a wedge-buster or a punt protector. If they ask me to be on special teams, I’ll be happy to.” While this probably won’t happen, at last he’s willing.

Jarius Wynn – Who? Impossible to find much info on this guy. Has he ever played special teams? Who knows?

Brandon Underwood – Special teams player of the year at Cincinnati. His played the all-important “gunner” position. Check.

Brad Jones – A four-year special teams player at Colorado. Says Jones, “I love special teams.” Check again.

After the draft, the Packers signed 11 undrafted free agents. For any of these guys to make the team, they will have to be impact special teams players. WR Jamarko Simmons and RB Tyrell Sutton have both been quoted as being ready to take on that role.

And finally, what about the kickers? Mason Crosby did have an off-year, but the Packers seem unconcerned and committed to him. I think there needs to be some competition in camp. Much like they’ve done with the punters.

There are three punters currently on the roster and it is a wide-open competition. May the best (and most consistent) punter win.

So I think by now, you get my point. The Packers have approached this off-season with a specific mindset; they are thinking special teams with every move they make.

It’s a good strategy and I think Packer fans can rightfully expect a big improvement in 2009. Just one more reason to be optimistic about 2009 being a “Special” year.

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: NFL Touchdown, Packers Lounge, Packer Chatters , Jersey Al’s Blog and, of course, Bleacher Report.

New Green Bay Packer Clay Matthews: Is He Worth It?

Now that draft euphoria was worn off, let’s meet the Packers’ second first-round pick:

Clay Matthews III didn’t start as a 166-pound linebacker his Junior year in High School, even with his father as his coach. Nor did he start a college football game until the fourth game of his senior season. He played as a stand-up DE, not a linebacker, when he finally became a starter.

Clay Matthews III was not even rated by NFL scouting services coming into his senior season. He also started a “White Nation” Facebook group as a Junior in College as a joke.

Are you worried yet?

Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers traded a second-round and two third-round draft picks for the opportunity to select Clay Matthews. Giving up all of that for a player with only 10 starts in college and taking him in the first round? Does this not go against all logic?

Logic would dictate that Packer fans should be (as always) calling for Ted Thompson’s head. Just what exactly was this pick based on? If you look at it closely, it’s really based on three things:

G.A.P.—Genetics, Attitude, and Potential.

 

Genetics

You can bet that Thanksgiving Day at the Matthews household includes a few footballs being thrown around before dinner.

Clay’s grandfather played DE for the Forty-Niners in the 1950s. His father was an All-American linebacker at USC and played 19 seasons in the NFL. And his uncle, Bruce, was an All-American offensive lineman at USC, also played 19 seasons in the NFL and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of fame.

“He’s got some interesting traits that are not unlike his father,” said Ted Thompson, “The Clay who played for Cleveland for a long, long time. He’s got the ability to extend his hands and leverage against offensive linemen and stay on his feet…I just think he brings a lot to the table.”

Obviously, Clay Matthews III has great bloodlines. If football players were bought like racehorses, he would have sold at auction for a lot of money.

But this is the NFL—do bloodlines really mean that much? Probably not, but it certainly can’t hurt, so we have to look at it as a positive.

 

Attitude

Matthews has been told his whole life that he was too small, too slow and not good enough to be a football player.

In High School, his own father wouldn’t start him as a junior. Even after a growth spurt, hitting the weight room, and having a good senior year, major colleges weren’t interested.

His father tried to convince him to go to a small school where he could play, but Clay insisted on going to USC and trying out as a walk-on.

Pete Carrol kept him on mainly out of respect to his USC-alumni father and brother.

“I thought it was intriguing,” USC coach Pete Carroll says of Matthews’ arrival, “He had that big family background here. So I thought, ‘OK, is there some magic in here somehow?’ But I didn’t see it. He just looked like a nice, hardworking kid who was undersized, just not physically able to match up.”

His teammate, Rey Maualuga says of him, “I just remember how little he was. But he was always in the weight room three times more than anybody else.” Indeed, as Matthews was named USC’s top weightlifter on the team three times.

Against all logic, Matthews was confident he could succeed at USC, home of five-star prospects and blue-chip players.

“I knew if I came to USC and they gave me a shot, that I could play”, says Matthews, “I also knew if I was going to hang with these guys, I’d have to work really hard and be really persistent. I just kept working and working and getting bigger and faster and better. I knew I was capable of playing with the best athletes in the nation. Maybe I was crazy to have that mind-set, but obviously that’s better than saying you can’t.”

After a red-shirt season in which Matthews grew into his current 6’3″, 240lb frame, the hard work and never-say-die attitude got Matthews on the field as a special teams player.

He had great success in that role, being named special teams co-player of the year three times. As a senior, Pete Carroll wanted to get his athleticism and pass-rushing ability on the field, so they moved him to the ‘elephant” DE position, where he became an important contributor to the USC defense.

“Clay is the most famous walk-on we’ve ever had here at USC,” said Pete Caroll, “Because he’s done so much and he’s come so far. He’s really transformed his whole makeup. It’s a remarkable story, I think, because he was just a skinny kid who wanted to play football. Now here he is, a tremendous player on our team, and he’s going to be a tremendous player on the next level, too.”

 

Potential

That magic word that can be used to turn a negative into a positive. For example, you can say that Matthews has limited experience, having only started 10 football games in college. Or you can say that Matthews has only just begun to scratch the surface of his talent and has potential to continue his rapid development.

NFL Combine results are, in a large part, a measure of a player’s potential. Matthews shined at the combine, recording a 4.58 40-yard dash, 35.5″ vertical jump, 10’1″ broad jump, and an above-average Wonderlic score of 26.

The Packers staff watched a lot of tape on all three USC linebackers. Reading through their comments after the draft, it’s obvious they felt Matthews had the most “potential” to become an impact player for the Packers.

 

Analysis

So Ted Thompson decided to pull the trigger on this trade, which even he admits was a little one-sided on paper. The Packers could have had three new players for our team instead of one. With only ten college games to use as a track record, what did he base this trade and pick on?  G.A.P.

I’m cautiously optimistic, but Packer fans better hope that turns out to be enough.

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You can find Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: NFLTouchdown.com, Packers Lounge, Packer Chatters , Jersey Al’s Blog and  of course, Bleacher Report.

This Just In… Packers GM Ted Thompson Found Alive! (HUMOR)

In an amazing development, the NFL has just revealed that a sleeper cell of radical Packer fans successfully pulled off a plot to kidnap Packers GM Ted Thompson before the NFL draft and replaced him with a look-alike puppet.

Thompson was found this morning bruised but otherwise unharmed in a dumpster outside of a Holiday Inn in nearby Appleton, Wisconsin. Thompson had been drugged and woke up confused in the dumpster. His calls for help attracted the attention of hotel guests, who helped him out of the dumpster and untied him.

Upon being found, Thompson was quoted as asking what had happened in the NFL Draft. When told the Packers had drafted strictly at-need positions, he fell to his knees and cried out “no wide receivers?”

Packer fans everywhere suddenly have an explanation for the strange events that took place this weekend. The Green Bay Packers drafted for need with every selection, ignoring the “best player available” mantra they normally espouse.

Yes, now it’s obvious. This was a draft for the fans, by the fans. It’s just not feasible that the real Ted Thompson would have ever drafted this way. No wide receivers? No quarterbacks? No trading down for more picks? Come on.

The extent of this plot is not yet known and we are left with many questions. How many fans were involved? Are other attacks in the works? Who crafted such a perfect look-alike puppet that nobody even noticed it wasn’t the real Ted?

These and other questions are still to be answered. In the meantime, while I don’t advocate or condone such actions, allow me to simply say “Thank You.”

 

You can find Jersey Al Bracco articles on several sports websites: NFLTouchdown.com, Packers Lounge, Packer Chatters , Jersey Al’s Blog and of course, Bleacher Report.

 

Packers’ Ted Thompson Rocks Green Bay’s World

Did anybody see this coming?

The Green Bay Packers, after seeing B.J. Raji fall into their laps (and turning their backs on Michael Crabtree), pulled a rare move up the draft board.

Ted Thompson traded the Packers’ second-round pick and both their third-round picks for New England’s first rounder (26th overall) and a fifth-round selection.

Sure, if one bases evaluation solely on value points, the Packers were taken, but Ted Thompson got the object of his desire at 26: USC Linebacker Clay Matthews.

Again, I ask, did anyone see this coming?

According to Thompson, for weeks the Packers have been exploring trade possibilities to move up and select Matthews. He thinks Matthews is the best of the three USC linebackers and the perfect fit for Green Bay’s new defensive scheme.

Matthews is fast, athletic, and smart and made tremendous improvements in his game last season. He has come from being a walk-on at USC to having a great year as a starting linebacker for the Trojans. He is considered to have the most upside of the USC linebackers.

 

With B.J. Raji, the Packers filled a definite need on their defensive line. He is an amazing athlete for a man his size and a disruptor in the middle of the line. Can’t argue with the direction the team took with pick nine.

But what about this trade? Did the Pack pay too much?

On paper, it certainly appears to be the case. New England got a high second-rounder and two third-rounders for for a mere 15-spot fall.

But sometimes you have to overpay to get the guy you really want. I guess TT really wanted him…

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