"Chips Report" from 2014 Packers Family Night

Kicker Mason Crosby and defensive lineman Mike Pennel were the stars of the show Saturday evening.

Our weekly "Chips Report" will always include two blue chippers (outstanding, exceptional play), two red chippers (good, though maybe not great) and two cow chips (dud performances). From the annual practice Saturday night at Lambeau Field...

Blue Chips

  • Defensive lineman Mike Pennel—If there was an unheralded player that made the most of the game-like atmosphere inside Lambeau Field Saturday evening, it was the undrafted rookie out of Colorado State-Pueblo. Pennel made a handful of tackles, at least one for loss, and showed several impressive traits to his game. He displayed a quick first step, strength with his bull rush and didn't give up, hustling after the ball. As one of only two defensive players over 315 lbs., he's giving himself a chance to make the roster after flashing at Family Night.
  • Kicker Mason Crosby—It was one year ago when Crosby's job was seriously in jeopardy after going two-for-six in field goal attempts at last year's Family Night practice. Crosby rebounded to have a solid 2013 season and picked up where he left off Saturday night by converting on all six field goal attempts in the last segment of the evening. The veteran kicker made kicks of 28, 33, 38, 43, 48 and 50 yards and looked similarly solid on kickoffs.

Red Chips

  • Wide receiver Kevin Dorsey—The highlight of the evening was when Dorsey settled into a zone, catching a touchdown pass from Matt Flynn in the skeleton drill. But Dorsey also showed his willingness and drive to make the team by any means possible when he dropped back to return punts as well as work as a gunner on the punt squad. Now that it appears Jared Abbrederis is out for the year, Dorsey has one less competitor to leap frog on the depth chart, and he's making the most of every opportunity. 
  • Safety Micah Hyde—It's difficult for a defensive back to stand out in a practice that doesn't include live tackling, but Micah Hyde was in perfect position nearly all evening. Not only was he in perfect trailing position in coverage on several occasions, he expertly left his zone on multiple check-down passes to running backs, ready to make plays in front of the first-down marker. He also continued to take punt returns, which he may have to do more often, now that it's looking likely Abbederis will be lost for the season.

Cow Chips

  • Running back Michael Hill—It was unfortunate Hill took a shot to the head in the two-minute drill at the end of practice, fumbling the football, but the reason for making the "cow chips" list has more to do with his fumble earlier in practice. On a routine handoff from quarterback Scott Tolzien, Hill failed to corrall the ball between his arms, squirting out before even being touched. The running play was so routine, even a high school player shouldn't be fumbling it away.
  • Wide receiver Chris Harper—During the "Move the Ball" period of practice, Harper did a terrific job getting behind the defense, wide open for a big play, but blew the opportunity by dropping a pass deep down the field from Tolzien. Yes, Tolzien underthrew the football, but that is a play Harper absolutely has to make after hitting him in the chest. If he's going to make a bid to win a roster spot, especially with Abbrederis gone, Harper has to make plays like this.

Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].

 

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Comments (10)

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Mojo's picture

August 02, 2014 at 11:30 pm

I had Pennel down as one of my dark-horses to make the roster. I think he's 6'4" and over 330. Would make a nice replacement for Jolly or Pickett.

Thought the D generally had good pressure, especially in the early goings. If this were a real game there would have been multiple sacks.

Both Sherrod and Buluga look massive this year. Don't know how they'll play, but they look the part.

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pooch's picture

August 03, 2014 at 06:43 am

Richarsdson

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 03, 2014 at 08:57 am

Ok,I'm going to go ahead and say it. If Burnett doesn't make a full 180 degree change from last season the coaches should CONSIDER Richardson + Hyde/Clinton-Dix.

I know MM & Dom likes safeties that can also cover man-to-man and I'm not sure what Richardson would look like in that situation -- but man do I love the intimidation he can bring to the defense. The speed/range is there. The size is there. The physicality is there.

On that 1 pass break up he had (and I know this was just practice),but that WR did NOT look interested in catching that ball whatsoever -- to me at least.

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Idiot Fan's picture

August 03, 2014 at 01:32 pm

I'm in a large amount of agreement with you on both sides Cow, though I guess I have to base my thoughts on what I read, since I'm not in a position to visit practice.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 03, 2014 at 09:01 am

Chris Harper better have a helluva Pre-Season. I'm still holding out hope.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 03, 2014 at 11:18 am

I agree on Dorsey - he is looking good,but no way he or Dorsey receive more snaps than Adams if a game were to start right now. The better player SHOULD always be on the field.

I'm anxious to see Janis in action as well. Before Abby went to IR I was guessing Janis would definitely end up on IR with a "boo-boo" injury,but now I'm guessing he might just stick on the final day roster.

Jordy
Cobb
Boykin
Adams
Dorsey/Harper
Janis

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Idiot Fan's picture

August 03, 2014 at 01:34 pm

If Abby hadn't gotten hurt, Janis could easily have come down with a case of the "lingering shingles" and ended up on IR.

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Spiderpack's picture

August 04, 2014 at 02:14 am

Cow, I've been gone for so long . . . you are so sensible.

How can you be so sensible?

What universe have I found myself in?

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Amanofthenorth's picture

August 03, 2014 at 06:36 pm

no cow chip for the play calling?

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 04, 2014 at 06:57 am

Blue Chips - Completely agree. I am looking forward to watching Pennel more in the preseason.

Red Chips - How about Sean Richardson. Also i would like to add Rajion Neal. I am really looking forward to Neal in the preseason. I really think he has a chance to make the 53.

Cow Chips - Yeah, Harper better step up his game other wise he will be looking for a 4th team in 2 years. He showed some good things I thought throughout the night, but you can't drop easy passes.

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