Packers Positional Battles: Who's Hot and Who's Not
This article features a who's hot and who's not section to set the stage for positional battles that are sure to heat up during the Packers final preseason contest against the Chiefs.
With Friday's 13-6 defeat against the Raiders, the Packers are now in the home stretch of the preseason giving them just one week to construct their final fifty-three man roster. As the September 1st deadline quickly approaches, the fifty-three man roster could still see significant changes with trade and free agent possibilities still looming. Next Thursday's final preseason game in Kansas City against Chiefs will be the last chance for those in positional battles to feature their talents and make one final case as to why they should be part of the fifty-three man roster. With this in mind, here is a preseason edition of who's hot and who's not on the Green Bay Packers current roster.
Who's Hot:
1. Jake Kumerow: Kumerow has been the Packers unlikely hero throughout his first two preseason contests. His superb play has inserted him into the discussion for one of the wide receiver positions on the Packers roster. Going into last Monday Night's slate of games, Kumerow was the NFL's leading receiver with 6 receptions for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite missing Friday's game with a shoulder stinger, Kumerow is still considered to be a front-runner to land on the Packers 53 man roster playing roles at both wide receiver and special teams. Kumerow's emergence has opened the possibility of the Packers keeping seven wide receivers.
2. Joshua Jackson: Josh Jackson has done nothing but impress during his first three NFL games. He has excelled during his opportunities in man to man coverage and has shown that his ball-hawking and playmaking abilities during his days as a Hawkeye will carry over at the next level. Jackson will add a reliable and explosive dimension to the Packers secondary as was seen in his play against the Steelers when he intercepted Joshua Dobbs on his first attempt and returned it for a touchdown.
Jackson picked up right where he left off in Yesterday's contest against the Raiders by showing his ability to blanket cover any receiver that he was assigned. He was able to stay with the Raiders receivers step for step while still be able to make plays on the ball. He defensed multiple passes and was able to yet again read the quarterbacks eyes and jump another route for a 'pick six' which was called back due to defensive holding by Herb Waters.
Nevertheless, Jackson's performance has been brilliant during his first three NFL games and if there were preseason awards he could easily be considered to be a front-runner for the teams best defensive player.
3. The Tight End Position: During the first two games of the preseason it has been apparent that the tight end position has been transformed from an area of weakness to an area of strength. In the Packers second contest against the Steelers, the tight end position combined for 9 receptions, 84 yards, and two touchdowns. They showed strong hands, timely blocking, and a strong presence in both the middle of the field as well as the red zone.
In Friday's contest against the Raiders, the main tight ends did not see as many reps but were highlighted by Lance Kendricks endzone drop. Despite this crucial drop[, Bryd and Kendricks still combined for a productive 5 receptions for 45 yards. Bryd continued to further his case to make the final fifty-three man roster with a 3 reception, 25-yard day that saw him catch some passes inside the red zone. With three tight end positions all but accounted for (Graham, Lewis, and Kendricks) it will be interesting to see whether the Packers will consider selecting Emanuel Bryd or Robert Tonyan for one of their final roster spots.
4. Reggie Gilbert: If Joshua Jackson lost out on being the Packers defensive player of the preseason, it could only be to Reggie Gilbert. Reggie Gilbert has shown tremendous improvement over the last calendar year which has allowed him to burst onto the scene and claim a key role on the Packers front seven. He has made impactful plays against each of the Packers opponents starting offensive lineman and has shown a consistent ability to get after opposing quarterbacks. Gilbert's stats speak for themselves as he has 7 solo tackles 3.5 sacks 5 quarterback hits and 1 tackle for loss.
Who's Not:
1. The Safety Position: The Green Bay Packers safeties have done little to silence speculation that they should consider bringing in help from outside the organization to fortify the position. HaHa, Clinton-Dix has had a 2017 like performance to this point in the preseason by missing tackles and not communicating on certain coverage assignments. One can only hope that Clinton-Dix is conserving his energy for the regular season as his contract year approaches. Kentrell Brice also has had moments worth forgetting, as he too missed tackles, and was stiff-armed by Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Josh Jones has struggled at times and has done little to establish himself as more than a middle of the pack safety at this point in his career which is disappointing to see because the talent is clearly there. The Packers must hope that Clinton-Dix returns to the player that he once was and that Jones can turn in more impactful performances on a consistent basis or the team will seriously have to look at adding Eric Reid to provide stability at the safety position.
2. Jason Spriggs and Kyle Murphy: After Friday's performance it is clear that time has finally run out on Jason Spriggs and Kyle Murphy. Neither player has shown any type of consistency and has been a revolving door that defensive ends salivate upon seeing. Kyle Murphy was completely overmatched by the Raiders front seven and was getting manhandled play after play by simple bull rushes. With Jahri Evans available, the slack on Spriggs and Murphy's proverbial leash is tightening by the day.
Signing Evans as a backup to Justin McCray would provide stability to the offensive line and allow Lucas Patrick and McCray to become interchangeable parts on the line in the event of an injury. It will be interesting to see if the Packers decide to keep seven or eight men on the offensive line. Health concerns with Brian Bulaga could dictate keeping an extra lineman over an extra skill position player.
Thursday's clash at Arrowhead will ultimately determine the outcome of all the hotly contested positional battles leading up to the September 1st fifty-three man roster deadline.
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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave
Comments (81)
Since'61
August 25, 2018 at 11:23 am
My first thought is how does a player, in this case Oren Burks, get hurt during warm ups? I just hope that it is not a serious injury. With about 100 coaches on an NFL team nowadays is anyone watching what these guys are doing?
As for Kumerow I would still like to see him against starting defenders before we annoint him as the next Raymond Berry or Jerry Rice.
The biggest areas of concern for this team as of now are their OL depth and their LB depth inside and edge. I realize that it is unlikely that any team will release an OL who can actually make a block but Gute needs to do something. Resigning Evans would be fine with me before someone else snags him, plus he knows the offense. As for LB depth, again, I hope that Gute is scouring the wires looking for someone to play behind our starters. If Burks is seriously injured that will be a big loss for this defense.
Pettine needs to find a way to start Gilbert even while Perry and Matthews are on the field. Thanks, Since '61
CheesyTex
August 25, 2018 at 01:12 pm
Isn't safety a big concern too?
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 01:31 pm
im concerned. i would like to see Reid added. that would be a vast upgrade to what is put on the field now.
TKWorldWide
August 25, 2018 at 07:24 pm
Josh Jones has great physical tools. Pettine’s defense is supposed to be easier to understand. (No proof of this, but, it seems to be a pretty well accepted idea.) Trying to be patient but I really thought JJ would explode this year. Maybe he still will.
Odd observation about 21: his “head forward” neck posture (anyone else notice this?) makes it seem like he’s a camdidate for a neck injury, but I hope not.
Pulpfriction01
August 26, 2018 at 09:01 am
I said last year that I didn't think Josh Jones would pan out. Always hopeful for a breakout. Nobody expected Gilbert to turn it on like he has. Jones' issue is purely mental. It's either a lack of understanding, or a lack of instincts. He can't cover. He's just slow to react and teams started picking on him last year. I would have never let Hyde or Burnet walk over the past 2 years if it were me. They were both bargains and underrated.
RobinsonDavis
August 26, 2018 at 01:18 pm
Packers trade Pipkins for ILB - Andrew Morrison!!
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 11:33 am
I hope the answer isn't to keep 10 or 12 OL in a misguided attempt to assuage quality issues with quantity. Pick roughly the best 9 so we don't have to cut a promising player at some other position. Murphy being bad doesn't make Amichia more capable. Amichia can't play, and that is independent of whether Murphy is capable.
TarynsEyes
August 25, 2018 at 11:41 am
What else can anyone say...
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cFjTDkqTsD
NickPerry
August 25, 2018 at 11:45 am
Watching the Packers back-up O-Line last night hopefully did at least one thing... Showed McCarthy and Gutekunst they really don't have a thing past the starters, not really. Not only can't they pass bock but they can't open a hole to run through if their lives depended on it. That was just SAD. From the 1st to 4th quarter and all points between. I mean common Gute, how much more do you need to see? Did you see the look on the face of Montgomery after one running play walking back to the huddle? That was a look of WTF. The Raiders were in the backfield damn near the same time he got the ball. The Packers definitely have to think about Evans PLUS an OT.
HHCD is perhaps worse this preseason than last year. David thought he might be holding out till the regular season? If that is truly the case then he's holding back about 95% because he looks AWFUL too. With Burks hurt in warm-ups, (Only in GB) and the Safeties looking the way they do, GO SIGN ERIC REID!! He could help with both the Safety and ILB position.
Nice to see Moore catch a few. Even nicer to see Aaron Jones playing. But what the heck happened to MVS? He's all but become invisible since the Titans game. Jackson is the real deal I believe. He's doing EXACTLY what he's supposed to do against lessor competition. Depending on what is up with King the Packers have 3 hopefully 4 very good and getting better CB's.
Demon
August 25, 2018 at 12:37 pm
Better watch the criticism oh HaHa. Wku said none of us are qualified to judge safety play. I agree with you that he just stinks.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 01:37 pm
HAHA's been in my doghouse since last year when he gave up on the team. he isn't looking much better now. i agree we could get a steal by bringing Reid in here to add some safety talent to a nicely developing CB group. take the risk, Gute!!
WKUPackFan
August 25, 2018 at 06:38 pm
If you're watching All 22 High or High End Zone, and have some rudimentary knowledge of the game, you're qualified to judge safety play.
If you're watching regular TV, and have no clue as to what HHCD's assignment is on any given play, you're not qualified.
You fit into the latter category.
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 07:53 pm
I agree there is very little ability to judge secondary play unless you are watching all-22 or physically at the game, preferably in the nosebleed seats.
That said, there's no way to know how anyone here is actually viewing the games without asking.
Chuck Farley
August 25, 2018 at 09:27 pm
Ya your correct and I need to stop suggesting he is worthless and has been worthless from day one.
RobinsonDavis
August 25, 2018 at 01:16 pm
"Packers definitely have to think about Evans PLUS an OT"...So well stated. I believe the Packers would like to go with a roster of 8 lineman, but they can't until they know they have a viable swing tackle. In a vacuum, Jahri's signing would not solve the Tackle issue, and mean the Packers would be willing to go with 9 or 10 lineman, dissipating the opportunity to expand the roster in other positions. However, if he can play like before, it would help. In a pinch, you could put McCray at right tackle if you needed, but this would not be ideal, IMO.
The swing tackle is key, and it would allow for a swing guard, and center/ guard backup to occur.
stockholder
August 25, 2018 at 02:03 pm
Why don't we hear anything more on MM's Zone Blocking? It was so secret, and everyone caught on quickly. Now we have players that just can't seem to do what they were signed to do. Block. The whole front was wiped out to many times. If that was Zone Blocking last night, the reality is, A-Rod will get hurt again.
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 08:01 pm
"MM's zone blocking.. so secret.. everyone caught on quickly."
Most if not all NFL teams run at least some zone blocking scheme. It was never secret, it was never a Mike McCarthy exclusive, and teams run it because it works.
It's a simple concept. Two offensive lineman come off the ball and hit a single defensive lineman initially, moving him backwards. A half-count later, one of the offensive linemen peels off the block and looks for a Linebacker to block at the second level, while the other offensive linemen continues to block the guy they first attacked.
"Zone blocking" isn't something you do in pass protection, so if Aaron Rodgers is getting killed because of our Zone Blocking Scheme, it's because he decided to play running back.
stockholder
August 25, 2018 at 10:17 pm
yes, but the offensive lineman must keep moving.
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 11:14 pm
I'm not sure what you mean...?
If your offensive linemen aren't moving, you aren't going to have a very good run game no matter if you run a zone or power scheme. If you aren't driving the defender, you're not winning the battle. Plus, pulling ends up being a longer distance for a lineman to run typically than rolling of a double and plugging a LB.
henry113
August 25, 2018 at 07:31 pm
Nick, agreed. Does Brian G. watch these games? If guys just want to go through the motions, like HaHa, get rid of them. Is this the best we can do with the backups?? Especially the "o" line? I hope Brian G. is trying get some players. I hope he is not content and hopes these guys are going to find another gear when the season begins. There are guys out there, we have the assets to make it happen. Open your eyes Brian, that performance last night was embarrassing.
Rak43
August 26, 2018 at 12:59 am
Of course he watches, lol. Next to a franchise QB quality big men are next hardest thing to find in the NFL. Most teams only have one quality tackle much less the two the Packers have. Every single team in the league is searching for quality depth and even quality starters on their O-lines for most teams. And while Bulaga was a 1st rounder and expected to pan out, the Packers hit Gold on Bhaktiari, and have done well with others like Taylor. Linsley, and McCray. I'm sure Gutekunst is keeping every option on the table now. I wonder if Joe Thomas would be interested in playing in GB and a chance at a SB with AR. Shouldn't be too hard to get his rights from Cleveland, I bet a 4th rounder sounds better than nothing to Dorsey.
Pulpfriction01
August 26, 2018 at 10:25 am
Joe Thomas can't play in the NFL this season even if he wanted to. He said so himself on an interview. He has lost a lot of weight. He is down to about 240 right now.
NickPerry
August 26, 2018 at 06:16 am
Hey henry113...IMO Gute has done a pretty damn good job in his first year as the GM in GB. After Rodgers injury last season this team was exposed for what it really was. A team with a ton of holes in it that without Rodgers would struggle to win 4 games a year. I mean lets face it... Thompson did a very poor job not only giving Rodgers the players he needed to win a SB. Not only did he not get the Players needed but he also let the team develop huge needs in areas which used to be strengths.
When Gute was hired we all knew at least ONE was gone (Matthews, Cobb, or Nelson). Taking that money and signing Wilkerson, Graham, and Lewis definitely made this team better. After the draft I think we all got more and more excited about the 2018 Packers. When Gute took over I figured at least 2 maybe 3 years from REALLY contending.
A lot would have to fall in place but I think this team can seriously challenge for a Championship THIS year. But for that to happen the Packers can't be the MASH unit we've seen year in and year out.
Hang tight my friend..I don't think Gutekunst is finished yet.
Kb999
August 26, 2018 at 09:59 am
Nick, I agree with henry. Times running out my friend, Arods not getting any younger. All I'm saying is we have the assets to fill a lot of holes this year. I still have flashbacks of Ted T. Gute needs to address some of these concerns.
Archie
August 26, 2018 at 11:26 am
I still think Gute will need 3 drafts to fix most of the problems left behind by TT's poor drafting over the last 5-7 years. What I saw FRI night of the OL really scared me. These young WRs are not ready to step up. Adams&Cobb&Graham better be ready to carry the load. On defense, HHCD scares me as does losing Burks. Josh Jones scares me too. It would not surprise me to see GB fin 3rd in division this year. If so, that should be bye-bye MM.
John Galt
August 25, 2018 at 12:03 pm
GB has no running attack and on defense gives up too many yards rushing. They are thin everywhere except @ WR.
It's going to be a long season.
If Rodgers stays healthy and no other major injuries - maybe 10 W and 6 L or 9 W and 7L - they just don't look like an elite team. Nevertheless, if they are lucky they may still get to the playoffs.
I think they lose to KC, NE, ATL, PITT, SEA and 2 Conference Games
Since'61
August 25, 2018 at 12:12 pm
I would be shocked if they lost to KC and Pitt since they are not on the regular season schedule. And, not that it matters but they already defeated Pitt in the preseason. You may want to check the Packers 2018 schedule to see who they actually play before predicting which teams they will lose to. Thanks, Since ‘61
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 09:29 pm
Since '61,
Please issue yourself a cookie.
Since'61
August 26, 2018 at 09:11 am
Thanks Oppy, I think I will. Since '61
Bure9620
August 25, 2018 at 01:01 pm
They dont play KC or Pitt other than Preseason.
Qoojo
August 25, 2018 at 06:05 pm
If Rodgers is healthy, there's no luck involved. They make the playoffs.
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 08:03 pm
9-7? Not if A-rod stays healthy.
Pulpfriction01
August 26, 2018 at 10:35 am
Getting a little ahead of ourselves aren't we? It's the preseason. I recall the Detroit lions went 4-0 in the preseason once, then went 0-16 in the regular season.
The run D looks a little lacking. It's mostly guys out of position. Rushing upfield and losing contain. That can be fixed. The corners look very promising. Haha will probably be middle of the road. I never thought he was great, but he has had some solid moments. I wish they would have kept Hyde. He would have really fit in at safety for us. I expect a defense that has a lot of takeaways, and Hyde was always good for that.
Lare
August 25, 2018 at 12:24 pm
I doubt if the Packers coaching & personnel staff saw anything last night that they didn't already know. It's unfortunate to have holes on the OL, LB and S positions at this point, but I think they do have options available to address the problem areas.
Matthews can be moved inside with Gilbert starting opposite of Perry, that should address the most glaring LB needs.
Reid needs to be signed to improve the S position. It appears that Jones, Brice and HHCD are merely average players at the position that could definitely end up costing the Packers some games.
For the OL, there will be players available to sign and/or trade for at the cutdown. And the extra talented players on the roster at the TE, WR, CB and QB positions should allow the Packers to pull something off to add some needed depth.
This is where we'll see if Gutekunst is willing to make some moves to help the team win this season, or if he'll stick his head in the sand like Thompson always did and hope the problems fix themselves.
Chuck Farley
August 25, 2018 at 09:32 pm
Just an fyi the vikes picked up George aoki last week, a nine year vet at safety. He had an interception and three knock downs last night and some key tackles too. Wow apparently gutt doesn't think we have a need there?
Pulpfriction01
August 26, 2018 at 10:40 am
He is an outdated, one dimensional (the wrong dimension at that) aging safety that was benched at times by the bengals. It's not like we missed out on anything special.
TKWorldWide
August 26, 2018 at 01:32 pm
There is a blind squirrel that lives in my backyard.
Occasionally, he finds a nut.
PatrickGB
August 25, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Ulrick John, who was released by the Packers, played LT with the starters last night for the Patriots. Maybe the team doesn’t have a good evaluation process.
The team could not run the ball or provide pass pro with the backups in. That’s got to get fixed. I doubt the team could find a solution with the players we currently have as backups. Let’s all hope the starters stay healthy while the backups learn and improve.
Demon
August 25, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Learn and improve? Of the backup linemen, who do you think can? I dont see much there to work with.
Trying to coach up these guys may be similar to polishing a turd.
Samson
August 25, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Or putting lipstick on a pig.
Lack of depth means injuries will (once again) determine GB's 2018 season.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 01:44 pm
Spriggs did not play badly at LT last night. Murphy was horrendous. i think Patrick is a keeper along with Day. i think if you had to plug one of these guys in with the starters, they could be good. but having 5 backups in at once was a disaster.
Rak43
August 26, 2018 at 01:06 am
You're kidding about Dillon Day right? He looked as bad if not worse than Murphy for Pete's sake. He even got called for holding and chop blocking on the same play, lol. He looked completely over matched out there.
WKUPackFan
August 25, 2018 at 06:48 pm
"polishing a t*rd".
Still incapable of making a point without using crude slang words.
Johnblood27
August 25, 2018 at 07:32 pm
still incapable of not judging everyone else on this site.
Please just go away!
Leatherhead
August 25, 2018 at 12:50 pm
How does a player hurt himself in the warmups? I had a player run into me once during warmups and get hurt, but he was a 15 year old boy who weighed about 145 and I was in my 40s and weighed......more.
This guy is an NFL linebacker. He ought to be able to run into the goal post without getting hurt.
Bad stuff at backup tackle. We need to trade one of next year's picks to get a legitimate tackle.
Hey.....I'm seeing a defense that doesn't stop very well. Unless there's a turnover, it's a score. Maybe we don't need a punt returner.
dobber
August 25, 2018 at 04:47 pm
"'I'm seeing a defense that doesn't stop very well. Unless there's a turnover, it's a score"
Did the Raiders kick 13 PATs last night?
Pulpfriction01
August 26, 2018 at 11:10 am
It sounds like ohren Burks probably had a hills sachs deformity. About 40% of dislocations result in a hill sachs deformity. However, 80% of repeat dislocations are a result of a hill sachs deformity. It is not easy to dislocate a shoulder. However, it is pretty easy to get a partial subluxation of the joint, which can also cause a hills sach deformity and go otherwise relatively unnoticed. There would be a little soreness in the shoulder that would go away in about a month. Most athletes play through it not knowing there is damage.
But the deformity sits their silently. And it makes dislocations much more likely. Burks will also probably have a torn labrum. You can play through a torn labrum, but the deformity will make it difficult. That's what happened to King last season. He tore his labrum (which could have been repaired after the season), but the hill sachs deformity made it so the shoulder would dislocate repeatedly.
If I'm a betting man, which I'm not, I'm betting Burks tries the same thing king did, based on how bad the deformity is on MRI anyway. If it's not a bad deformity, he can try to play with it. If it is bad, then surgery. At minimum to tighten the shoulder and torn labrum, at worst a bone graft to fill in the deformity. But to your question about how it happens in warmups, more than likely there was some preexistence to it.
Kb999
August 25, 2018 at 12:53 pm
I was disappointed not to see Rodgers last night, but after seeing the o lines performance, I was glad. Arod would have ended up on IR. The o line was embarrassing.
Oppy
August 26, 2018 at 08:48 pm
No starting offensive linemen played a single snap for the Packers vs. the Raiders preseason game.
It was literally all back-ups at OL the entire game.
Samson
August 25, 2018 at 01:16 pm
Seven WRs on the final 53! -- That's crazy. -- Why would any NFL team need to keep 7 WRs? (WRs are a dime a dozen) ---Similar to GB keeping 5 TEs a few years back. Did nothing except deplete other positions.
I'm more concerned that the Pack may very well have issues with #1 & #2. I'm not sure either DA & RC are solid #1 & #2. -- Don't let their contracts fool you.
Pulpfriction01
August 26, 2018 at 11:16 am
DA is a legit #1. He has a better skill set than Greg Jennings did. And Greg did a really good job for a long time. I don't think 7 wr's is a problem either. It's pretty rare that you go "five wide" with 5 te's. 5 wide with wr's actually happens. And we have had it happen a few times in the past few years where we make it to the playoffs and run out of wr's to catch the ball because of injuries.
henry113
August 26, 2018 at 12:53 pm
If that "O" line don't protect Aaron's ass it don't matter how many receivers you have.
RobinsonDavis
August 25, 2018 at 07:53 pm
Noticeably missing was Tim Boyle. He did not play. Question is, why?
1) Some have postulated the Packers are trying not to expose him to other teams, in hopes of being able to place him on the practice roster. I hope this is not true as there is enough film on film on him for any team to take a chance.
2) Could Boyle have already made the team as a #3 and thus, Hundley and Kiser are playing for one spot as the #2 QB? This is highly intriguing to me.
3) The Packers have already made a decision and, barring injury to one of the other QBs, Boyle is off the roster.
4) Boyle had an undisclosed injury or illness.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 01:50 pm
i think they wanted to get an extensive look at Hundley and Kizer and see who wants the #2 but the OL was so bad it was hard to tell who is going to claim that spot. it's still up in the air. i would cut Hundley, Kizer #2 and Boyle on PS.
Qoojo
August 25, 2018 at 06:03 pm
I thought Kizer and Hundley were about equal, but Hundley is a bit better. Neither is going to win games if forced to play. If the packers truly believe Kizer has more upside, then I agree, cut Hundley, and keep Kizer.
Kb999
August 25, 2018 at 06:51 pm
I thought kizer & hundley were equally bad. Should Rodgers go down, seasons over. Look into another option, maybe Teddy Bridgewater if you can get a deal with the Jets, or even Josh McCowan. Either one would be better than what we got.
dobber
August 25, 2018 at 08:02 pm
I don't think Kizer or Hundley had much of a chance behind that OL last night.
Kb999
August 25, 2018 at 09:11 pm
Just think if Mack played. People might have been carted off the field. Kizer & Hundley didn't show me anything. If Arod goes down these 2 ain't getting it done.
henry113
August 26, 2018 at 12:57 pm
The "O" line was pushed around like a rag doll. Cant Image what would have happened if Mack played.
J0hn Denver's Gavel
August 26, 2018 at 03:13 am
option #5) Boyle was supposed to get some reps in the 4Th qtr but MM had mercy on the pocket passer and kept his QBs with legs in (who were running for their life) after watching our extremely offensive O-line play sans it's starters.
Kb999
August 25, 2018 at 01:37 pm
What about the backup QB's?? That's also got to be a concern. When they wern't running for there lives, they just looked bad. Arod better stay healthy or were in trouble.
RobinsonDavis
August 25, 2018 at 02:45 pm
Hi, David - timely article...thanks!! Negating the QB battle, to me, with the roster as it currently stands, the battles/questions for final roster are as follows:
* Who are the back-up WRs (as you stated). To me MVS, Kumerow, and Moore make the roster (6-WRs). I like St. Brown, but feel he is an unfortunate casualty if the roster had to be completed today. Davis can't get on the field and honestly has not had a preseason even close to what we have seen from these receivers.
* Patrick vs. Day for back-up Center/Guard. I feel Patrick has a leg-up, but it is a position of under-performance.
* Back-up RT = Pankey vs. Murphy vs. Bell - same as above
* 3 TEs or 4? I believe we go for 4 with the 3 veterans all making the roster. Byrd vs. Tonyan. (I like Tonyan's upside). If a vet gets cut, it is partially due to ST needs.
* 3 ILBs or 4? Thomas or Martini or both?
* 4 or 5 Safties? Whitehead vs. Evans at #5
* 5 or 6 CBs? If 6, who is #6
* 5 or 6 OLBs? If you are to believe Pettine's statement on Fackrell.... Biegel, Odom, & Donnerson are playing for 1 or 2 spots. IMO, Biegel is clearly ahead on both the postional battle and special teams.
RobinsonDavis
August 26, 2018 at 01:02 pm
I am revising my thesis regarding the number of Tight Ends the Packers have on their final roster due to the current needs on O-line & injuries at other positions (both offense -RBs and defense - ILBs). It would be quite difficult to keep 4 on the roster if it was to happen today. My guess is that they would look at the potential with Byrd or Tonyan over the experience with one of the veterans since. Both Lewis and Kendricks are UFAs next year.
Another conundrum is what to do with Davis & the return game. This should not be written off as a JAG position. Davis touched the ball 87 times last year accounting for over 900 yards (31 kickoffs, 24 punt returns, plus 22 fair catches). This is more than Adams' touches OR receiving yards.
RobinsonDavis
August 26, 2018 at 01:09 pm
I am revising my thesis regarding the number of Tight Ends the Packers have on their final roster due to the current needs on O-line & injuries at other positions (both offense -RBs and defense - ILBs). It would be quite difficult to keep 4 on the roster if it was to happen today. My guess is that they would look at the potential with Byrd or Tonyan over the experience with one of the veterans. Both Lewis and Kendricks are UFAs next year.
Another conundrum is what to do with Davis & the return game. This should not be written off as a JAG position. Davis touched the ball 87 times last year accounting for over 900 yards (31 kickoffs, 24 punt returns, plus 22 fair catches). This is more than Adams' touches OR receiving yards.
stockholder
August 26, 2018 at 01:27 pm
I see 3TEs. 6 Wrs, 9 OL, 4 Rbs. , 3 qbs.= 25 . But I would cut Hundley and Keep Davis for Returns. Otherwise st. Brown and MVS will go to the PS. And that would be a mistake. Much Like Hill IMO.
RobinsonDavis
August 28, 2018 at 08:53 pm
This is one of two scenarios I have Stockholder. The other being they keep Davis (making 7 WRs), and go with fewer DBs 10 vs. 11.
Roadrunner23
August 25, 2018 at 05:26 pm
Thumbs down: INJURIES
Montgomery and Burks getting hurt was unfortunate, the Pack sure hasn’t caught a lot of breaks with injuries for years it seems.
Thumbs up: YOUNG CORNERS
Jackson and Alexander are proving to be for real and the confidence along with it bodes well for the future, Hawkins looked good also.
Thumbs down: PENALTIES
Come on man let them play! DANG!
come on man just friggin let them play
Roadrunner23
August 25, 2018 at 05:44 pm
Thumbs up: PUNTER
Dude - is - talented!
Thumbs down: OFFENSIVE LINE
Now that was offensive! Embarrassing! And Peeyew stinky! When BIG MIKE tells you they aren’t as bad as the look....he lies
Thumbs up: J’MON
Dude is dripping with talent! Be prepared for a wild roller coaster ride of thrills and maddening inconsistencies but the ride will be worth it.
It took Davonte Adams three years and it will most likely take J’Mon the same
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 08:27 pm
I would argue that Adams was delayed due to his sophomore season injuries.. but in this system, you're right, most of the WRs get brought up to speed over the course of about 3 years.
4thand10
August 25, 2018 at 09:01 pm
I was impressed with J’Mon... his extra practice with the JUGS machine. It showed up. He made catches in traffic and held on. Shows he’s willing to put forth more effort. Gotta like that.
PatrickGB
August 25, 2018 at 06:02 pm
Resign Evans? He is an aging guard. How does that help the issues with the tackles?
Enough of this “flexibility” crap on the line. Find or train a real tackle. BB can do it, why can’t we?
henry113
August 25, 2018 at 08:03 pm
This team is not ready for prime time. They better make some moves fast while there are FA available.
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 08:30 pm
I don't know what to make of this team at this point.
There have been plenty of preseasons where the Packers looked like they were on point, then they come out the gate sluggish and it takes them 5 games to get up to speed.
Conversely, there have been a number of preseasons where we're all talking about how the sky is falling, and then they come out and punch a contender right in the mouth on opening day.
I'm eager to see what the Packers put out there for the season opener. I have a feeling it won't be what we expect... for better or for worse.
Spock
August 26, 2018 at 08:27 am
Exactly, Oppy. We don't know what the coaches have in mind and MM decided to do "something completely different" (to quote Monty Python) with the third preseason game and use all the backups. For the people out there panicking I will remind them that the Lions were an undefeated 4-0 in the preseason before they went 0-16 in their regular season, lol. With the new (started last year) cut down date now being after the last preseason game, this gave the coaches more looks at more players. Sucked for the QB's and RB's but that's what we have now with the reduced practices players agreement that's in place. MM tried something new. I get the feeling this is not what he hoped for. :)
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 08:13 pm
There is a big difference between needing a back-up OL (or even 2) to step in and plug a hole when a starter goes down with injury... and having an entire 5 man unit made up exclusively of back ups.
While I don't think any of our back up OL look like the starters of the future (outside of possibly McCray, who I have penciled in as our defacto starting RG at this point), I don't think the Packers have quite a big of as problem with Back Up OL as people are taking from last night's game.
If you had to insert one of our back up guards into a game, he'd have both a tackle and a center to help him out. If we need to put a back up tackle out there (our true weakness), he'd at least have a guard, and most probably, a TE or even a back to help him out if he's in over his head.
If we lose both a starting guard and tackle on the same side for any period of time? Yeah, we might have problems.. but most teams would.
Packers need to continue to comb for better back up OL and the RT of the future, but I don't think our current situation is quite at the "The season is lost" red flashing lights and blaring alarm status that fans are perceiving it to be at after last night. It was not a normal thing to see all backups playing across the OL for the entire night.
dobber
August 25, 2018 at 08:23 pm
^^THIS^^
Minniman
August 26, 2018 at 02:30 am
Thanks Oppy - you saved me the keystrokes!
I'm personally elated that rookies that are expect to start are doing positive things - as well as some that people had their fingers crossed on (Reggie Gilbert).
Of the starters, I'm more concerned about the safety play and the status of Burks.
.... in closing, yes the Packers are thin at many positions, but this was the known that Gute inherited and darn difficult to patch in one off-season. There's going to be some injury "luck" involved this year if the packers are to make a run, but that's the cards that they are dealt.
Spock
August 26, 2018 at 08:32 am
I meant to have my reply to Oppy on this not the comment above, but either works.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 26, 2018 at 08:51 am
I just think we're seeing what a number of us have been saying all along: Ted's poor drafting left too many holes for Gute to plug in one offseason.
It's not that I don't care about 2018--I do. I just think 2019 is a much more realistic target for Gute in fixing this mess.
LambeauPlain
August 26, 2018 at 11:30 am
I do think Spriggs played better on Friday, in his defense.
And after the awful Murphy was mercifully benched early in the 3rd quarter, Pankey played RT fairly well. He has quick feet and ability to steer a rusher outside to protect the QB throwing lane.
Murphy was defeated the the vast majority of his pass pros and his run blocking was non-existent. He's a hot mess right now.
I bleed green more
August 26, 2018 at 02:06 pm
Gute is a magichian