November 13th, 2008

The Right Move

packeraaron in A.J. Hawk, Packer Defense

After spending most of this season calling for Desmond Bishop to take over the middle linebacker spot, I’ll admit I think McCarthy and his defensive coaching staff are making the right call moving Hawk to the middle linebacker spot. After watching Bishop exclusively in the Vikings game, it’s clear that he is not ready for prime time. Almost every snap, Bishop takes what coaches call “false steps” which constantly find him late to the action. That’s why you continually found him making the tackle five to eight yards down the field. He can certianly hit. But the game seems a bit too big for him at this point. Now, would a week of practice make a difference? Possibly. And from all accounts, McCarthy is working out Bishop and Chillar in the middle as well as Hawk. But right now, Hawk and his playing experience make the most sense.


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November 4th, 2008

Sanders’ Blitzing Problem

packeraaron in A.J. Hawk, Bob Sanders, Brady Poppinga, Charles Woodson, Nick Barnett, Packer Defense

Looking at the game again last night, I confirmed something (in my mind, at least) that I had suspected after the Atlanta game.

Bob Sanders can’t design a quality defensive back pressure package. He CAN design a quality linebacker dog/blitz but doesn’t have any quality pass rushers at the linebacking position.

The worst offender is A.J. Hawk. He is simply dreadful when called upon to blitz from the line. If he comes free, he has a distant chance. If he is presented with any kind of resistance, forget it. He simply can not get around or shed any kind of block. He GIVES UP. Let me get this straight - he can’t cover. He can’t rush the quarterback. And we made him the 5th overall pick in the draft? Yikes.

Hawk is not alone, of course. For all the talk of Poppinga’s talent as a pass rusher, after all the puff pieces this summer about how the coaching staff was putting in new packages where Brady could show off his pass rushing prowess, we’ve gotten as much production from Poppinga in rushing the quarterback as we did last year. Namely - zippo. And don’t even get me started on Barnett, who has just forgotten how to play the game.

And then there are the defensive backs. Go back and watch the Atlanta game and then watch the Tennessee game again. Every time Sanders sends Woodson or Williams, a glaring hole is left in the coverage that both Matt Ryan and Kerry Collins easily exploit for big gains. It’s like Sanders just doesn’t take into consideration that offenses can adjust their routes on site. (Note to Bob: Ask your Head Coach about this. His offense does it all the time) I mean, pull up a seat and grab your popcorn when you see a Packer defensive back rushing the quarterback. It’s Amateur Hour!


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August 14th, 2008

Keepin’ It Real Thursday

packeraaron in A.J. Hawk, Brett Favre, Johnny Jolly, Packer Blogs, Packer Transplants

In honor of Thursday, and keeping it real, I’m not really going to say much of consequence about the Packers. Oh sure, I could opine on the fact that Josh Sitton seems to have retained his starting job at right guard, or that A.J. Hawk has a mysterious injury, or even that Johnny Jolly is picking fights with really respected veterans. But that would be easy. Besides, every Packer blog I’ve read today has covered these stories amply.

I think I’ll take the easy way out and highlight this hilarious bit buried in Greg Easterbrook’s latest Tuesday Morning Quarterback.

Cheers:

If Favre can retire then nonretire every year, why not every week? Below is a weekly agenda for the Jets’ season:Sunday immediately following game: Favre tells reporters he’s “considering” retirement. Says he will come back if all networks agree that cameras will show no player except him.

Monday morning: Favre’s agent says client feels “not appreciated” because New York City has not been renamed Brettopolis. Holds tearful farewell news conference, says “I would never go back on my word unless there was something in it for me.” Thanks teammates for not coming between him and cameras. Returns to Mississippi.

Monday evening: Hosts vigil in Hattiesburg tent. Tells Oak Grove High School players, “Always be a self-sacrificing team player.”

Tuesday morning: Invites hundreds of reporters and cameramen to his farm to see him happily working the land.

Tuesday lunchtime. Tires of working the land.

Wednesday morning. Calls ESPN, New York Times to plant comeback rumor.

Wednesday afternoon. Calls ESPN, New York Times to deny comeback rumor.

Thursday morning. Demands immediate reinstatement. Grants “exclusive” interviews to ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, NFLN, CNN, MSNBC, BBC, Fox College Sports/Pacific, CSPAN-2, Planet Green, Oxygen, Toon, Home Preview Channel, HBO Signature HD, SOAPNet, Canal Plus and the MHz4 Nigerian TV Authority.

Thursday evening. Demands New Jersey annex Delaware and give it to him, also demands USM change its sports nickname to the Golden Fours. United States Senate stages all-night emergency session to debate Favre return.

Friday morning. Congress offers $600 billion bailout if Favre returns. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid explains, “We don’t care who gets the bailout, we just like to give away borrowed money. Hey Nancy, they want more. OK, $800 billion.”

Friday afternoon. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon flies to Hattiesburg in the space shuttle to accompany Favre on his return to New Jersey. Manhattan casting agency hires hundreds of extras to pretend to be adoring Favre fans at arrival.

Saturday morning. Favre attends walk-through, disabled children allowed to touch his garments.

Sunday morning. All other players’ names removed from program in order to print Brett Favre in 72-point type across every page. Governor of New Jersey washes Favre’s feet during player introductions.

Postgame: Favre hints game may have been his last.


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July 29th, 2008

Big Plays For Hawk?

packeraaron in A.J. Hawk, Packer Blogs

Excellent post from Brian over at Railbird Central looking at the big plays made by 5th overall pick A.J. Hawk in practice and wondering why we never see them translate onto the field at gametime. It’s the type of post you read Railbird for, one that could only be written by someone with great eyes for the game and a front row seat at camp. Great stuff.


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