Packers Daily Links: Bulaga & Clifton Talk

Analysis of the left tackle position comes from all corners of Cheesehead Nation in our daily round-up of the state of Green Bay football...

Head coach Mike McCarthy insisted Chad Clifton is the starter at left tackle during his Monday press conference, although Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin brings up some good points. "When it comes to deciding just when Clifton will be healthy – and whether he’ll be considered healthy enough to start Monday night’s showdown with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field – that much McCarthy couldn’t say," writes Wilde. Because the game is on Monday night, the Packers have an extra day to get Clifton ready for action if that's the way they decide to go.

Chicago defensive end Julius Peppers awaits on deck for whoever starts at left tackle for the Packers. "It's one thing to function against the Bills' defense, it's another to face the freakishly athletic Peppers, who was signed to a six-year, $91.5-million deal in the off-season," writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Though he has only one tackle this season, it was a sack that forced a fumble and, more importantly, knocked Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford out of action indefinitely Week 1." If Bulaga is the starter next Monday, how much help do the Packers send his way?

Weighing in on the left tackle situation is Chris Lempesis of Ol' Bag of Donuts who gets behind Clifton with a caveat. "If Bulaga plays, it should only be because Clifton’s knee is still too bothersome to go on," writes Lempesis. "While I’m supporting Clifton, I’m not supporting him at anything less than 100 percent. And by “100 percent”, I mean he has to be able to practice all three days. Anything less is simply not good enough. But, when he’s healthy, he deserves one more chance. That’s not because of his status or lofty 2010 salary, either." While I agree with the sentiment, I have a hard time seeing Clifton practicing all three days. When was the last time he did that?

Brandon Benson of Acme Packing Company is a supporter of Bulaga as the future at left tackle. "I'm a believer in Bulaga's future as a starting left tackle," writes Benson. "If that future begins in 2010, so be it. If he should start the next couple game, until Clifton's knee feels better, then they can go that route too." It's going to be really interesting to hear what Clifton has to say on the issue once he's available to the media.

Aaron Rodgers has really only looked good for 1/4 of this young season, something not a lot of people are talking about or choosing to ignore. "Why have we only seen the Aaron Rodgers everyone expected for two of the eight quarters he's played this season?" asks ESPN.com NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert. "Rodgers called his Week 1 performance 'terrible,' a slight exaggeration but nonetheless reflective of a below-average game by his standards. And at halftime Sunday, Rodgers had completed only half of his 16 passes and was struggling at times to throw a spiral. Rodgers rebounded to complete 11 of his final 13 passes as the Packers pulled away. But with Grant already sidelined and the offensive line possibly headed for transition, the Packers will need Rodgers to anchor their efforts in every quarter." Quite possibly the reason people are ignoring this issue is because of Rodgers' history and the likelihood he'll break out of this "slump."

The Packers are going to miss the "explosive" runs by Ryan Grant says Rob Demovsky and Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "In the first game since Grant was lost for the season to an ankle injury, the Packers had only one explosive gain by a running back — a 12-yard run by backup John Kuhn in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 34-7 win over Buffalo," according to the article. "Even that run was flawed because Kuhn fumbled but recovered." An explosive gain is defined by a run of 12 or more yards.

Sam Shields won the nickel cornerback job based upon performance found out Copeland. "Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said Underwood’s injury didn’t have anything to do with Shields getting the job," writes Copeland. It will be interesting to see if Underwood will become the dime back once he returns to action.

Ryan Grant will have surgery today. "Grant told Milwaukee radio station WSSP that he’ll have surgery on his ankle on Tuesday," writes Bill Huber of Packer Report. "He’ll need two screws to reattach the tendon to the two bones that hold the ankle together." By the time training camp starts next season, Grant will be slightly more than 10 months removed from surgery.

The injury fallout from the Bills game is touched upon by Mike Spofford of the Packers official website. "McCarthy indicated linebacker Brad Jones (knee) and safety Nick Collins (hip flexor) should both be fine for the Chicago game, but both could miss some practice time or be limited during the week," writes Spofford on Packers.com. The extra day of rest is nice as the backups at both these positions are less than inspiring.

Bill Michaels of WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee tries to figure out the identity of this year's Packers. "The difference this year vs. last, in my opinion is maturity," writes Michaels. "Offensively, I still believe that Rodgers has an MVP-like season in him and will begin to dial in his receivers as the season goes along. The fact that this team battled adversity early last year and then emerged better because of it will be an experience they can draw from as this season progresses."

A.J. Hawk's performance was described as serviceable but not flashy by Cliff Christl and Eric Baranczyk for the Press-Gazette. "In a review of the game film in the Packers’ 34-7 victory, Hawk was there and applied pressure," according to the article. "A lot of times in the past, you’d see him run into an offensive lineman and that was it. Even in pass coverage when Hawk played in the nickel defense, he didn’t give up anything."

Bitter Border Battle has some quick thoughts on the last Packers game.

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Comments (27)

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lebowski's picture

September 21, 2010 at 07:46 am

I swear this feels like the 5th year now that we have to listen to McCarthy and Philbin say the run blocking was poor, they need to look at the film, some holes were there but missed by the back, yada yada. Why the hell can't this team get a running game going?! Maybe Bulaga will make a difference there as well, but I was hoping the days of averaging 2.2 yards a carry were in the past. This line has been together now. These backs were supposedly chosen for the scheme. Still sucks.

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CSS's picture

September 21, 2010 at 08:32 am

As much as I love Clifton and Tauscher, you could argue they've been the worst run-blocking tackle tandem for 5 years in the NFL. This is a passing team, they were steady if not solid during that time in pass pro. Those two, in addition to a slightly undersized, overachiever at center, and 3/5 ths of your OL haven't been what I would reference as assets in the running game.

McCarthy and Philbin can reference improvement all they want, but until the Lang/Bulaga era begins this OL is a serviceable run blocking unit at their peak.

Not knocking the veterans, but that part of their game is long gone.

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Mel's picture

September 21, 2010 at 08:34 am

Agree. As a OL in high school there is nothing more beautiful than a Power sweep going for a nice gain.. Look at the Badgers they make it a thing of beauty!!! Get rid of OL men that can't run block. Draft some Badger OL and run the freaking football a little!!!!!

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hyperRevue's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:02 am

Tauscher is a Badger...

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BubbaOne's picture

September 21, 2010 at 08:02 am

Just as Dom Capers thinks outside the box, it's time for MM to do so re the OL. I've had the idea since half way through training camp that the OT's should rotate series. Cliffy/Tauscher one series; Bulaga/Lang the next.
This would help preserve the vets, give the YB's (young bucks) experience, give opposing DC's more to plan for, help the run game when the YB's are playing, and play to the OT's strengths.
D-Line rotate, why not OL?

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 21, 2010 at 08:11 am

Quite possibly the worst idea ever.

D-line and O-line are totally different. Apples to Oranges. Look at some of the great offenses in history. A large portion of them had the same 5 guys starting next to one-another for YEARS. O-line is all about continuity and knowing/trusting the man next to you, working/feeding off each other, passing guys off to one-another. Rhythm.

Nothing personal, just a terrible, terrible idea.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 21, 2010 at 08:12 am

Terrible

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andrew's picture

September 21, 2010 at 10:50 am

so true fitz.. thats why i dont like the bulaga starting bit... u gotta commit to one or the other if u say its clifton its gotta be clifton the line will get used to eachother and they will get better

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PackersRS's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:37 am

Never EVER rotate OL.

You pick the best 5 and let them build chemistry.

I'm only advocating Bulaga for Clifton because Clifton doesn't seem 100%, seems slow, and Bulaga has shown effectiveness when called upon.

Otherwise, do not touch the OL.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 21, 2010 at 08:05 am

"If Bulaga is the starter next Monday, how much help do the Packers send his way?"

From what I've seen thus-far of Clifton, the same question is applicable.

If Clifton can go, you start him. If he struggles early, he's out, Bulaga's in and the job is his. There's a lot worse backup LT's than Chad Clifton out there (a scoche pricey, but we're talking about protecting the franchise here).

GBP 4 LIFE

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PackersRS's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:40 am

About the shuffling, it's much better to start Bulaga since the beginning of the game than to wait till Clifton struggles and then to throw him out there.
I completely agree with Chris Lempesis. If Clifton misses practice, put Bulaga in there and let Clifton rest till he's 100%.

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Brett C's picture

September 21, 2010 at 08:27 am

Screw it, I say go w the rook until he shows he's not up to the task. Bulaga is absolutely one of our 5 best Offensive Line, so he needs to be on the field. Our interior of Colledge-Wells-Sitton has played exceptional so far this season, it's the 2 veteran OTs who have been lackluster. They both look like they're running on fumes, I say get the young guys w fresh legs in there. Tauscher is going to have his hands full with Anderson this week, he's exactly the type of DE that gives Tausch fits. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see Tauscher benched this week in favor Lang, similar to Clifton last week. Hope that's not the case, but I have my doubts.

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CSS's picture

September 21, 2010 at 09:17 am

I want to cheer for Colledge, but when he hasn't been inconsistent this year he's been underwhelming. His replacement is already on the roster (not certain if it's Newhouse, Lang or McDonald)and I can't see him coming back next year.

Again, I don't hate the guy, but the contrast between he and his cohort on the other side (Sitton) is painfrul. Penalties, winning at the point of attack, getting to the 2nd level, pass pro, penalties.... when is Colledge going to respond with 4 quarters of consistant play?

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 21, 2010 at 10:27 am

"Screw it, I say go w the rook until he shows he’s not up to the task."

Nope. If you make the change, you make the change. No waffling. Bulaga won't be perfect, there will be growing pains. That's why I say give Chad the start, if it's clear he's not up to the task, Bulaga's our starting LT from here on out. But when the move is made... it's made.

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andrew's picture

September 21, 2010 at 10:51 am

fitz your on point in this article..

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Brett C's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:29 am

Actually I agree with that, just not sure that's how our coaching staff will think...i'm not worried about Bulaga getting the job done bc I know he will, he's already shown enough to me to believe firmly in that. I was sold on Bulaga when he shut down Derrick Morgan last year at Iowa, this offseason/season has only furthered my beliefs.

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PackersRS's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:43 am

As I said, I don't agree with you (first time for everything).

The starter is Clifton. The only way he doesn't go is if he's not 100%.

Changing one position, Tackle nonetheless, for one or two weeks does not ruin the chemistry...

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Brett C's picture

September 21, 2010 at 10:00 am

Agreed, Colledge has been his normal inconsistent self this year. As a whole though, I think our interior has played very well for the most part. I think our O-Line next year will field 3 different starters from this season, Bulaga-Newhouse-Wells-Sitton-Lang. What gets me about Colledge is that he comes off as such a bright and intelligent dude, yet week in and week out his play is marred with boneheaded mistakes and mental lapses. Colledge doesn't seem very tough, both mentally and physically, so when something goes wrong it seems like he loses focus. Offensive Lineman need to have a "short memory", and i'm not sure that's the case with Colledge.

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Bad Knees's picture

September 21, 2010 at 10:05 am

If Bulaga does well, to make room for PUP players Clifton may be placed on IR.

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andrew's picture

September 21, 2010 at 10:53 am

clifton wont be placed on the IR... thats just silly.. but i agree with fitz 100% if u make a change its gotta be perminent which is why id rather keep clifton in as much as possible he was named the starter.. offensive lines mesh over time we will see it get better if clifton gets majority of snaps

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andrew's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:04 am

as far as hawk i am glad to see his play finally get noticed and he definitely seems improve after last week.. although it is much to early to tell... if he improved in pass rushing i believe that makes him more of an asset than last year.. question is whether it will show up again...
rodgers definitely seems off lately.. but got the job done last week so what can you really say? he got it together last week after a slow start which is something you like to see in a qb.. but i do believe he is a bit airheaded after last year everyone is saying he is the mvp.. i think he expected it to be easy this year.. automatic.. and he is just going to get a wake up call later in the year..
ryan grant being gone will not be a big deal in the long run jackson can break runs every once in a while not as often nd hall has been running the ball pretty well.. i dont care if he fumbles it if he recovers it right afterwards.
its a good thing our division isnt doing well this year.. i think week 8 er 9 we are going to have a rough patch hit where we hit the hard schedule and our team is going to go in with this.. were undefeated attitude

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nerdmann's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:09 am

I thought Hawk looked awesome. Hit the QB hard a number of times, created pressure and forced that INT.

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lebowski's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:31 am

He decided if he was going to be a Bill, he didn't want Edwards as his quarterback so may as well take him out.:)

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Tarynfor12's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:27 am

If Chad cannot practice then how long can he last in game time action.Start Bulaga and put Chad in at some points.What Bulaga learns this week he can study and fine tune against Det and Was and hopefully be more astute to the position before the bigger boys come to play.This move can be the CheckMate for the season.MM is on the clock and needs to show the brass to do it.

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Chad's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:30 am

The team has done a complete flip from preseason it seems.

The defense looks mostly solid, and the special teams isn't as much of a concern. Meanwhile, the offense has yet to find a sustained rhythm.

Go figure.

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lars's picture

September 21, 2010 at 11:39 am

The words "awesome" and "Hawk" should never be used in the same sentence. Ever. Hawk, for a change, actually showed up and played fairly well. Now, "awesome" used in conjunction with Clay Mathews, sounds perfect.

RE: Clifton/Bulaga. They won't say it, but the Packers ARE making the transition to the youngster. I think Tauscher hangs on a bit longer.

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bomdad's picture

September 21, 2010 at 01:24 pm

"Though he has only one tackle this season, it was a sack that forced a fumble and, more importantly, knocked Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford out of action indefinitely Week 1."

This is the part that is amusing about Peppers. This was against Jeff Backus? Then he got stoned by the Cowboys inexperienced LT?

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