Keeping the Band Together
By PackerAaron
After getting through a game without giving up any sacks for the first time all season, McCarthy is making the only call he can make by stating, as he did in his press conference today, that he'll be starting the week using the same five that finished the Cleveland game for game planning purposes.
I don't doubt this is the right decision - Lang looked worlds better than Clifton or Colledge at left tackle. But the real revelation, especially yesterday, has been Scott Wells. He was just about fundamentally perfect going up against one of the best nose tackles in the NFL yesterday in Shaun Rodgers. Yes, there were several times where Rodgers blew up INTO Wells and got into the Packers' backfield. But the key was the fact that Wells never allowed Rodgers to explode THROUGH him. Several times, it was as though Wells was simply acknowledging that, yes, you're a monster of a man and I will now allow you to think you've made a play - only to seal Rodgers off from whichever lane the ball carrier was headed to. It was simply one of the best performances the Packers have seen at the position in quite some time, and no, I don't think that's hyperbole.
The one negative to Wells' play, of course, is how it calls into question the decision to go with Spitz at center in the first place. While solid, Spitz has been nothing but average when he's been in there. Making things worse is the extremely tepid (alright, poor) play of Daryn Colledge at left guard. I realize the desire to keep continuity as much as possible, but I think if McCarthy and company were being truly honest in their evaluations (hey, why start now?) they would pull Colledge in favor of Spitz at LG, leave Wells at center and make whatever call they need to make in regards to Tauscher (though my inclination is to leave Barbre in there). If the idea is to have your best five out there, that equation does not include Colledge at this point.
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Comments (11)
October 26, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I think Colledge is still banged up a bit, and think he's honestly the best guard on the team when 100%. Still, if he's not 100%, you're right, there might be a better option there.
PackerAaron
October 26, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Packsmack - normally I'd agree with you. And everyone knows I've defended Colledge against Corey's onslaught for years. But he's been down right brutal for three games now. Not sure if it's injury or what.
October 26, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Well he had the ankle injury early on and rushed back, then Spitz got destroyed in the Viking game and rolled over on his knee. Both injuries tend to linger for big guys, so I think the "tepid" description fits, likely because he's not trusting his legs right now.
October 26, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Wells also played well against the Vikes & Williams ....... I think Wells is playing with a chip for being demoted after pre-season..... Cliffy started as a rook because he was the better option, Lang may be the better option now.......
The shuffling continues but at least the results are dictating more who plays where & when.....
October 26, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Campen praying the line holds up or he will be leaving shortly.
October 26, 2009 at 12:54 pm
That's rather interesting Aaron. I hadn't really thought of it but it makes some sense. You know, I'm not sure we got here in the most direct way, but I must say I like what I've seen in the past few weeks. Hawk got limited snaps then low and behold plays better. Wells got benched, then low and behold he has a chip on his shoulder. Poppinga getting limited playing time is also the right thing and we'll see how he responds. Maybe Spitz at LG has the same effect on Colledge (banged up or not).
October 26, 2009 at 01:03 pm
Andrew, I hope the result of Poppinga playing less is that Poppinga ends up on the street. Easily the worst all-around player on the Green Bay Packers. Yes, worse than Bush.
October 26, 2009 at 01:10 pm
Didn't people speculate that GB would trade Wells because they were SO DEEP on the OL? Good thing that wasn't more than rumor.
PackerAaron
October 26, 2009 at 01:26 pm
CH - Obviously, Thompson read my post on the subject. ;) http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/memo-to-thompson-do-not-trade-wells
October 26, 2009 at 07:13 pm
The plan was for Duke Preston to replace Wells. Thank god TT knows wtf he's doing.
October 27, 2009 at 08:30 am
I'm not surprised Wells is playing solid if not on a high level because he's RESTED. Where Wells becomes a liability is around/after weeks 8-10 when he's been starting all season and taking all the reps. I'm convinced that Wells frame carries only about 290 lbs. (naturally) by that point in the season and he simply gets worn down and overwhelmed.
So what to do? A rested Wells carrying the additional 10 lbs. is fantastic, but the depleted Wells 10 lbs. lighter as the season wears down is simply average.
I don't know the answer.....