Packers Blog Roundup: Handicapping The Outside Linebacker Race

The battle between Frank Zombo, Erik Walden and Brad Jones continues. Packers bloggers weigh in.

With the battle for the starting right outside linebacker spot still up for grabs, Packers bloggers weigh in. Monty McMahon of Total Packers thinks both Frank Zombo and Erik Walden will split some time this year. "Both players should continue to improve and may have only scratched the surface of their potential. It’s likely both players will get snaps on defense this season regardless of who starts."

The edge is given to Erik Walden by Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "This is Erik Walden’s job if he wants it," writes Dunne. "Of all three players, he has the highest ceiling. Maybe Brad Jones has the most experience and maybe Frank Zombo is more technically sound, but Walden has the most upside. He’s still raw, as evident by poor pass coverage last weekend in Cleveland. But if he continues to grow in that department, this is his job to lose. Coaches have kept him with the No. 1 in successive practices."

Commenting on the Packers' quarterback situation at training camp is Gregg Rosenthal of ProFootballTalk.com. "The positive spin here is that the Packers have one of the best backup quarterbacks in football," writes Rosenthal of Matt Flynn. "The negative angle is that Rodgers hasn’t enjoyed a standout camp." That being said, the Packers have played only one game so far.

Matt Flynn's future is examined more in depth in an interview with Tyler Dunne at JSOnline.

Donald Driver's future with the Packers is debated at Lombardi Ave. "The question that won’t be answered until the season unfolds is the amount of playing time he will receive," reads the blog post. "Injuries and a drop-off in production last year are concerns, but nothing about which to raise the red flag … at least in my opinion. Granted, the drop in production last season was due to nagging injuries."

Tonight's preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals is previewed at AllGreenBayPackers.com and Lombardi Ave.

America's Game gets some attention at Lombardi Ave.

A picture of Vince Lombardi and Boyd Dowler appears at Packerville, U.S.A.

Brian Carriveau is the editor of the Maple Street Press Packers Annual. To contact Brian, email [email protected].

Second-hand news sources are not included in the Blog Roundup unless they also include meaningful commentary.

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Comments (6)

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lars's picture

August 19, 2011 at 11:15 am

Well, isn't it anbody's "job if they want it?" Lots of Walden love on the blogs but don't discount Zombo. And, I'd imagine both will get extensive playing time this year no matter who is designated the starter by week one.

Jones seems to be the odd man out re: starter but he could provide adequate depth at both OLB positions.

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CSS's picture

August 19, 2011 at 12:23 pm

Any insight as to what areas of his game Brad Jones simply isn't progressing in? What's happening (happened) to his development?

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Majik Man's picture

August 19, 2011 at 12:51 pm

Good question. Hmm, where are the replies from the WRITERS? Talk to us, people.

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Taylor's picture

August 19, 2011 at 01:25 pm

I like the thought of a Walden/Zombo split, which is what I think we will see in the beginning of the season until someone stands out or an injury happens. Zombo is pretty solid against the run and Walden has shown signs of getting to the QB. Also keeps them a little fresher.

I was hoping Jones would improve after his rookie year, but it doesn't sound like he has. He is an adequate backup though and will help on special teams with his straight line speed.

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redlights's picture

August 19, 2011 at 01:40 pm

B.Jones for an ILB?

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Mr. Red's picture

August 19, 2011 at 01:41 pm

What are you talking about? Zombo and Walden are BOTH going to start.

And Matt Flynn will be the starting QB.

Don't you guys read profootballtalk?

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