It looks like the Packers are not kidding around when they say that improvement at the guard position will come from within. Second year player Alan Barbre was the starter at left guard at the opening of today's practice, taking Daryn Colledge's place from last year (though Colledge saw work at his old spot as well).

I'm excited to see what Barbre can bring to the table, though it's hard to get a read on anything when your offensive linemen aren't in pads. Add to that, the company line during camp last year was that Barbre excelled at pass protection, and then he promptly looked horrific in pass pro in the pre-season.

A lot has happened since then, and of course the coaching staff knows a million times more than we do. The comfort is that he can't really be any more of a blunder in pass pro than Colledge was at the most inopportune times last season... (For reference, please see: Chiefs Game vs. Boone, Alphonso or Entire Game vs. Cowboys)