2010 Season Offensive Player Grades
Aaron Nagler hands out his individual grades for the 2010 Packers offense.
By PackerAaron
The defense, specialist and coaching grades to follow Sunday. Unlike last season, I did not grade players who did not play from scrimmage.
Look forward to your reactions.
Quarterback:
Aaron Rodgers: A
Entered into the league's elite at the position. Named MVP of Super Bowl XLV after missing out on the Pro Bowl and regular season MVP awards, showing how little those accolades actually mean. The best player on the team.
Matt Flynn: B -
Proved ready for his closeup when he took the Patriots down to the wire in his first professional start. Arm strength still a concern. Will certainly have QB-needy teams inquiring this offseason.
Running Back:
Brandon Jackson: B -
Never got the chance to be the workhorse after Ryan Grant went down, but part of that is no doubt due to his less than stellar decision making in the run game. Makes up for that deficiency by being indispensable in pass protection and blitz recognition. Set to be a free agent and may test the market looking for more playing time.
Dimitri Nance: C -
Ran hard, if not with great vision. A pedestrian back in almost every sense, Nance missed time with a concussion and gave way to James Starks. Just not dynamic in any area.
James Starks: B-
Easily the best pure runner on the team. Showed improvement in every other area over the course of the last month, including pass protection.
Ryan Grant: I
Injured in the opening game against the Eagles. Looked impressive on the few carries he got before getting hurt. Will no doubt split time with Starks in 2011.
Fullback:
Korey Hall: D+
Last year at this time I wrote: Bit by the injury bug all year, Hall was an exceptional lead blocker when he did see the field. This year, he repeated the injury part without the lead blocking part. To be fair, he had value on special teams but you have to think the team will part ways with Hall this offseason.
John Kuhn: B -
Became a fan favorite toward the end of the year. Seemed to catch some defenses by surprise as a receiver out of the backfield and ran hard between the tackles out of McCarthy’s power formations. Seemed at his best when used against expectations. Not outstanding in any area but good in a lot of them.
Quinn Johnson: C -
Improved as the season went on. Was subjected to Rodgers’ verbal abuse more than once after apparently screwing up assignments. Was directly responsible for at least three sacks by missing a pass protection assignment. Finally became the crushing lead blocker the Packers expected when they drafted him.
Wide Receiver:
Greg Jennings: A –
Started quiet but became the focal point of the passing offense when Jermichael Finley went down. Still drops too many passes. Had a fantastic post-season. Simply the best route runner in the league. Improved his downfield blocking though can still be lax in the run game. One of the best receivers to ever wear the Green and Gold.
Donald Driver: C +
Injured throughout the season. Not incredibly productive when he did get on the field. Still has the skills to get it done at the position, as evidenced on his touchdown against San Francisco – simply one of the best plays of the year. The big question: Was his precipitous drop in production due to the injuries and opportunities going elsewhere (mainly to James Jones)…or to age?
James Jones: B
Displayed all the skills necessary to be a dominating receiver in the league. Major problems with consistency. (Although fans would argue his sure-touchdown drops were consistent as they seemed to occur with regularity) Set to be a free agent. If he makes it to market it will be tough for the Packers to keep him.
Jordy Nelson: B –
Made the most of his limited opportunities. Continued to display the inconsistent hands that showed up at times last season after a rookie year where he had the best hands on the team. Continued his uneven play in the Super Bowl but stepped up when the team needed him on the biggest stage possible. An excellent downfield blocker.
Brett Swain: C -
Used from scrimmage mostly in McCarthy’s Big Five formation. Occasionally asked to block in-line and did not embarrass himself. One big catch at Atlanta during the regular season. Drop off is noticeable from the top 4 receivers to Swain. Valuable on special teams but not much more than just a guy from scrimmage.
Tight End:
Donald Lee: D
Phased out of the offense in favor of rookie Andrew Quarless. Still an adequate blocker. Lee has nothing to offer after the catch which hinders his chances of getting on the field when McCarthy wants to spread things out. Made a couple big catches late in the year but has no doubt played his last season in Green Bay.
Jermichael Finley: I
Began the year every bit the dominate player fans expected to see coming out of training camp. Catches everything within reach. Has missed significant time the last two years with injury, which has to be a bit of a concern going forward.
Andrew Quarless: C
Has all the tools to be a very good receiving tight end in McCarthy's offense. Was inconsistent catching the ball. A poor blocker who needs major help in that area. Questions remain about his work ethic. Needs all the offseason work he can get.
Tom Crabtree: C +
The surprise of training camp. Showed his blocking prowess early on. Able to negate guys twice his size in pass protection, though he had some trouble with bigger speed rushers on turf. Was barely targeted in the passing game but showed adequate hands. Might see reduced playing time once Finley is back in the mix. Best blocker in the tight end group - by far.
Tackle:
Chad Clifton: B +
Rebounded from two of his worst games as a pro to open the season. Went on to have one of his finest seasons ever in pass protection. While still a liability in the run game, actually improved in this area slightly. Has another two years on the free agent deal he signed last summer and has said he will not retire this year.
Mark Tauscher: D +
Appeared a step slow in pass protection before being lost for the season due to injury. Could possibly retire. Continued to join the team on the sidelines each and every week after being injured at the teams invitation. A great locker room presence who may have reached the end of the line.
T.J. Lang: C -
Made spot appearances at left guard and tackle. Played adequately in place of Jason Spitz when Spitz was yanked after two series in Detroit. Was thrown in as a body on the goalline defense when injuries depleted the defensive line. Clearly fell behind after missing the offseason program with a wrist injury. The debate continues on his best position, though he is clearly not a left tackle.
Bryan Bulaga: B -
Forced into the lineup after Tauscher's injury, the 21 year old rookie played remarkably well at a position he had never played on any level. A training camp injury short-circuited his bid to take Daryn Colledge's job this summer. Had trouble with rushers off the edge. Needs to develop a quicker drop step and center himself better when punching the defender.
Guard:
Daryn Colledge: C +
Righted the ship after a poor 2009 campaign. Still better in protection than in the run game, where his limitations at getting to the second level continue to hinder the offense. Cut down on the penalty problems but still committed inexplicable errors at the most inopportune times. Set to become a free agent - will most likely make a lot of money somewhere else next year.
Josh Sitton: A -
The best offensive lineman on the team. A mauler in the run game and a stalwart in pass pro. Can occasionally miss a stunt or twist by quicker defensive lines. Excellent at getting to the second level in the running game. Knows the game and how to use opposing defensive lineman's tendencies against them. Should have been a Pro Bowl starter.
Center:
Scott Wells: B
Continued his excellent play up front in the passing game - Rodgers' second pair of eyes in identifying the defense and setting the protection. Played his best against big-time competition, including against Casey Hampton in the Super Bowl, who was barely heard from. Not the most physically gifted lineman but more than makes up for it with smarts and effort.
Jason Spitz: D
So bad at left guard when he came in for an injured Colledge in Detroit that he was pulled after two series. Set to be a free agent. Will most likely not return.
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Comments (97)
February 12, 2011 at 01:05 am
I agree with most of the grades, however I think a B for James Jones is a bit generous.
PackerAaron
February 12, 2011 at 01:13 am
I can understand that. He's a tough one because you see all the talent - but then he kills you with his inconsistency. I doubt he's back with the team next year but we'll see.
February 12, 2011 at 02:11 am
Your killing me,Starks will be back.
February 12, 2011 at 02:13 am
Oops my bad thought you were talking about Starks
February 12, 2011 at 03:14 am
jones will be back
PackerAaron
February 12, 2011 at 08:18 am
Don't get me wrong, I hope he is. Need talent at the WR position for this offense to work. But they have to lock him in before he hits the market, which will be tough to do with the CBA in limbo.
February 12, 2011 at 05:26 am
It's a quibble on Jones, but a B- might be in order given the number and severity of drops.
I thought Bulaga and Crabtree were both a half grade too generous, while I belive Nelson should be a half grade up and that Tauscher should be given an "incomplete" given how early his injury was.
But perhaps this is just debating the number of angles that can dance on the head of a pin...
February 12, 2011 at 09:53 am
Aaron, what's your take on the "fraternity" of the WRs? Yeah, I know, TT doesn't pay much attention to that, but one can definitely see they're a very cohesive group.
You think that would make any impact whereas Jones is re-signed or not? I definitely think he wants to stay in here.
And not only that, but with DD's age, and Jones and Nelson's parity, wouldn't TT re-sign him at least as a precautionary measure, given he's not offered 1st receiver money elsewhere?
What's you take?
February 12, 2011 at 10:56 am
Perhaps a new WR coach will help Jones. Unfortunately he is just not a smart guy.
February 14, 2011 at 02:03 am
He's 26.
February 12, 2011 at 10:50 am
Everyone thinks we're stacked at WR, but to me this is a huge priority in the off-season. Jones is too inconsistent and a free agent, Nelson is too inconsistent and a free agent in a year, Driver will retire in a year, and Swain is just a guy. Finley functions as a WR, but spreading defenses out is our best strategy, and we won't have the WR horses to make that work after 2011. (p.s. check out youtube highlights of Randall Cobb from Kentucky....)
February 12, 2011 at 04:39 pm
Throw them some high percentage passes and the drops will decrease. Simple as that.
These throws are all long passes down the field. Yeah, Arodge hits them in the hands, but clearly they are not being caught. At least run some high percentage plays to get your guys in the zone.
These guys can produce YAC, they've proven that. Bring back Jones and Jordi, but use them properly.
February 13, 2011 at 11:36 am
High percentage completions are the ones that hit the receivers in the hands....or at least they are supposed to be. Your argument doesn't hold water and play-calling can't be blamed for perfect calls that are not executed on the WR end.
February 14, 2011 at 03:39 am
yo.. nelson is fairly consistent... he had a bad superbowl.. but forreal.. dont just say he isnt consistent because of the most recent game you watched... nelson is a quality wr... and jones literally makes big plays all over the field.. (makes drops all over the field too) but thats what you get when you have someone with #1 WR talent that is playing #3 WR level ball you are crazy if you dont think we are stacked at WR no one has as much talent as we do.. you have no idea if swain is just a guy or not he has barely had a chance to play.. and IMO that superbowl pass was a catch!!!!! and a fumble. but the refs disagreed i think swain could blossom into an nice underneath route runner. so please man.. we are stacked at WR we just need someone to fill the #2 spot when DD leaves
PackerAaron
February 14, 2011 at 08:48 am
Yo. For real. Go back and watch all 16 games. Nelson was mad inconsistent. Peace.
February 12, 2011 at 01:10 am
I think Nelson has done more with the opportunities he has had.
February 12, 2011 at 03:29 am
I understand that the Packers kept the 3 Fullbacks because of their Special teams service, but another WR or OLB would have probably helped in that area also while being a more valuable backup.
I'm wondering if the Packers go with 3 FBs again next year.
On your ratings: I think it's hard to judge players like Flynn, Lang, Swain and Spitz based on this small sample size this year. But overall I agree with your ratings (would have Driver higher because I believe he teaches the young guys how to play in this offense and is a great influence on younger guys ... such a classy guy on and off the field).
February 12, 2011 at 03:47 am
Mostly nice grades, but what does Sitton need to do to get an A instead of an A-? He was probably one of the best Guards in the league this year.
February 12, 2011 at 07:06 am
"One of the best receivers to ever wear the Green and Gold." Wow!
Not sure, if I agree yet.
PackerAaron
February 12, 2011 at 08:20 am
Hutson, Sharpe, Lofton, Jennings. Guy is that good. And Ron Wolf thinks he's better than all of them...
February 12, 2011 at 09:49 am
Would put DD in front of Jennings right now, based on overall production. The guy did have 6 consecutives 1000 yard seasons, and holds or will hold all major GB receiving career records.
Talent-wise, not sure about Sterling (biased, favorite Packers of the early 90's), but Jennings has more all around talent than Lofton.
February 12, 2011 at 02:34 pm
Agree with Aaron. Jennings will end up being the best Packer WR of all time. If stays with Pack, numbers will be far better than Drivers when all things are said and done. That being said, DD will go down as one of the greatest Packers ever for his character and play on AND off the field. We are priveledged to be able to enjoy their play at the same time.
On a different, but similar note, I hope the Packer retire Driver's jersey long before Favre's.
February 12, 2011 at 06:59 pm
i love me some greg jennings, but he is no sterling sharpe. and just think if rodgers had a BEAST like brandon marshall or andre johnson or megatron to throw to.....oh wait we do, his name is jermichael finley.
February 12, 2011 at 10:07 pm
What I meant is that I'm not sure if Jennings is better than Sterling, but I think he is a better receiver than Lofton.
For the record, Sterling Sharpe was the best receiver I've ever seen. Including Rice. The only (real) reason he's not in the HoF is because he didn't speak to the media, and the voters are that childish.
February 12, 2011 at 02:45 pm
Saying Jennings is better than the great Don Hutson? Isn't that sacrilege in Green Bay?
BTW, when are we going to see the your first draft prognostications?
PackerAaron
February 12, 2011 at 02:56 pm
I said Jennings was "one of the best to wear the Green and Gold" - and Hutson wore Blue and Gold. ;)
February 12, 2011 at 05:10 pm
You were quoting a statement made by Ron Wolfe so you are totally off the hook.
February 12, 2011 at 08:50 am
Pretty much on target. So D.Lee, Hall, Nance, BJax?, Jones, Spitz, College and Tauscher will be gone? I think that IR and draft can fill those spots.
I'm not worried about Quarless, yet. He's not Finley, but Finley needed a year to mature, too. I see Finley and Quarless as 5th receivers over Swain. Swain will be back, but no one will confuse him for Driver (special teamer that excelled). You might even see Starks put out as the 4th WR on occasion. Jones will only be back if Driver retires.
Good analysis!
February 12, 2011 at 10:38 am
BJax should be back if he doesn't get a chance to start elsewhere.
February 12, 2011 at 12:45 pm
i think james jones and bjax will be back. not sure about colledge yet. i think all of those other guys that you mentioned are gone.
February 12, 2011 at 04:41 pm
You'll see Finley and Quarless as the 4th WR before Starks.
February 12, 2011 at 09:10 am
IIR, Jones was the 2nd leading receiver in terms of yards and catches on the team so he is very productive. I almost think he needs to leave to get a fresh start. Don't think fans will ever disassociate him and dropped passes/fumbles. Unfortuately, this stigma began his rookie year with the 2 fumble performance against the Bears. It is too bad, because I think he is an exceptional talent. I would be very happy if the Packers resign him, but I also would understand if he wanted a new beginning.
February 12, 2011 at 10:41 am
If he's ever going to leave, this would be the year. They need to rework Finley back into the offense, who will likely split most of the targets with GJ. Jordy and Drive will then probably split the rest, with a draft rookie or maybe street FA working in behind Swain (or competing with Swain). I want Jones to come back, but it might be better for HIM to go elsewhere and shine.
February 12, 2011 at 09:49 am
As disappointing as Jones' drops have been, defenses know he can make those catches, so they have to account for him. He's not easy to cover, and his being on the field helps Jennings (and Nelson, for that matter). Totally agree we should make a strong attempt to keep him.
February 12, 2011 at 10:41 am
Strong, but reasonable attempt.
February 13, 2011 at 03:01 am
Jones has speed and size--in some ways he's the A.J. Hawk of the WR corps. Looks like he has all the tools to be a stud but somehow isn't.
I'd like to see what a new WR coach can do with this whole group, especially Jones.
February 12, 2011 at 10:06 am
I think Starks has to grade out above Jackson, a Iittle, that is why he started at the end of the year. Crabtree should also get more love and Kuhn too, both were very solid and dependable for what they due. Kuhn is very versatile and good in all phases: run, catch, block, and assignments.
I also think Jones has to be lower, dropping multiple, easy catch, sure touchdowns and coughing up the ball in clutch situations (Bears game #1) just can't happen with the frequency it did. He's really a talented guy so I hope he can get over that.
February 12, 2011 at 10:33 am
I hope Jones is back, although he's a California guy and could be the #1 for a lot of teams. Hopefully Jennings, Arod and gang try to convince him to stay. His agent is staying otherwise though.
Edgar Bennett needs to hang out in the film room w/ Johnson all off season, this guy is a beast.
Great job w/ the grades Aaron!
February 14, 2011 at 03:33 am
your insane if you think any team would have jones run as a #1... insane
February 12, 2011 at 11:45 am
"So D.Lee, Hall, Nance, BJax?, Jones, Spitz, College and Tauscher will be gone?"
If this is the correct list, I think they need to keep Jones and Colledge. Jones is still very young, good at the level he is playing at with lots of unrealized potential. Any mental discipline at all and he is giving Jennings a run for top receiver.
Who would replace Colledge that would do as well? The o-line might have its problems, but it protected Rodgers and that is its most important job.
February 12, 2011 at 12:47 pm
i'm thinking that tj lang might be colledge's replacement
February 12, 2011 at 07:14 pm
Yep.
While we bask in our SB victory, we must come around to being honest with the players that were deficient, or even average; and look to upgrade.
I didn't think Wahle was worth the money when TT let him go (corrrect decision), so College is even worse. The reality, is that some team will see him as an upgrade and throw money at him. => See 'ya.
February 14, 2011 at 03:32 am
haha dude i loved mark wahle! that line was legit wahle rivera cliffy nd tausch was such a solid line i was heartbroken when they left..i could never remember the centers name.. 0_o in madden i had all 5 of them as my line every year in all 10 madden franchise seaosn i used to do.. back when the game was still good..
February 12, 2011 at 12:07 pm
This is good work. Hard to argue with much. I feel a little sad to see DD get a C, when it was due to injury IMO. The grade goes right along with his production, though. Accountability and availability, after all.
Do you really think Colledge will get "a lot of money elsewhere?" I'm not an O line scout, but I was under the impression that he's not at all suited to drive-blocking, and even his zone blocking is inconsistent. Don't know. I would love to see an upgrade at LG, though.
I'm not a big James Starks slappy, but I might upgrade him to a B. Remember, everything he did this year was after he didn't even put pads on for almost 2 years. It's one thing to ask a rookie to march in and block a blitzing LB, but quite another when that rookie hadn't even worn shoulder pads for 2 years. It's really amazing that he didn't fumble ONCE. He's destined to back up Ryan Grant in '11.
You were too kind to Dimitri Nance. That guy had a chance to come in and be The Man on a powerhouse team and pretty much totally blew it.
February 12, 2011 at 12:26 pm
The evaluation of Quarless sounds like it could have been an evaluation of Finley's rookie season a few years back. Hopefully he can adjust his attitude and improve his blocking enough that we have a scary threat during double tight end looks next year.
February 12, 2011 at 04:46 pm
Finley didn't to jack his rookie year except drop a couple passes while wide open in third and short positions, then turn around and blame everyone else. LOL. Quarless has done very well for a rookie, imo. Especially with Finley going down, which put Quarless in a position of being a little over his head.
He'll be fine.
February 13, 2011 at 03:03 am
bump that.
February 12, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Jennings - After this season, 100% that he is one of the best Packer WRs ever.
Quarless - Think grade is a little generous. I was not impressed with his footwork or hands. Hope he improves, but not feeling great there.
B-Jax - would disagree that he never got the chance to be a workhorse. He got a chance, but it didn't work out. Like the guy a lot, but highly doubt he could get more carries elsewhere.
Great work overall.
February 13, 2011 at 03:05 am
I like BJax--most like his coach (Bennett) of all our RBs. But he's no feature back and I'd really like to see the Packers draft a speedy-shifty 3rd down back (someone who can return punts, too.)
Not that they're always easy to find...
February 12, 2011 at 01:55 pm
B Jax - I think arguably this might be one of the most important decisions the front office has to make. Yes he has his limitations as a runner, but that is only a portion of what a running back does for this offense. He is simply phenominal when it comes to recognizing the blitz and meeting the pressure head on. I would be hard pressed to find a play where he blew his assignment or misdiagnosed where the pressure was coming from. We saw a glimpse of how important he is when Kuhn and Starks both struggled heavily in similar situations. With as good as Rodgers is when he has time, B Jax was vital in big games this year. Like all free agents, I can understand him wanting to go if he gets a huge offer, but I think his lose would be a bigger blow than appears on the surface.
February 12, 2011 at 04:47 pm
If I was Bjack, I would go somewhere that doesn't have zone blocking. Just don't think he's that type of runner.
February 13, 2011 at 02:20 am
grant can block.. and run screens.. bjax just does it better.. its a tough call but cant see jackson being a #3 RB he is a dent in the wallet.. and kuhn can block nd run screens too.. kuhn seems like the more viable option
February 13, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Totally agree. I love BJax! And I would argue that he was never allowed to be the horse on the team, McCarthy never let him. I don't believe there was one game this year where he saw 20 carries. He had over 100 yards versus the Redskins and we cut him off at 10 carries as ARodge got lit up the entire 2nd half.
His 3.5 yards per carry doesn't set the world on fire, he was never going to be one of those physical runners that wears out a defense, and his decision making and hole-hitting speed are suspect at best...he would have been significant to carry the load.
Our playoff and Super Bowl run began when Coach McCarthy did something he refused to do all year long...run the ball.
I am all for Brandon Jackson coming back and think he's a really big decision for us. He can be extremely effective in our pass-happy offense...especially as a 3rd down type back.
February 14, 2011 at 02:08 am
bjax will be a Giant
February 12, 2011 at 02:55 pm
You do realize that you basically just said that no more than 4 players played better than James Jones? Absolutely absurd. James Jones single-handedly lost games this season (1st Chicago) and nearly dropped away a few others. A "B" grade is mind-boggling.
February 13, 2011 at 01:19 pm
There were 18 penalties that game. What is absurd is saying that James Jones single-handedly lost it.
February 14, 2011 at 02:09 am
He made a lot of big catches...many seem to forget. Like a third and 10 late in the Super Bowl off the carpet.
February 12, 2011 at 03:18 pm
Not sure I agree about Hall. Offensively, I do, but to his departure, special teams is his speciality. Regarding Q. Johnson - he was such a good lead blocker he was inactive for the SB. I think Driver is close to done. Better draft for a good WR. Lee is also done. Quarless is really, very, questionable. Tauscher's grade a little harsh. Wells is really, really smart.
February 12, 2011 at 04:48 pm
We weren't going to focus on the running game in the Superbowl. They are a dominant run defense, with a questionable pass defense.
Also, they had Kuhn who doubles as the short yardage guy.
February 13, 2011 at 12:35 am
Even if they weren't going to focus on the running, you'd still think there could be situations where a guy in that role could be useful. The problem is that Quinn Johnson doesn't play the role well enough to make the active roster.
February 13, 2011 at 02:19 am
i dont agree with your opinion of johnson.. its just a matter of starks nd jackson being the rb so kuhn was being used as the FB... since the run game isnt going to be used against the steelers you leave johnson inactive since hall is the better special team guy.. offseasno johnson works on his special teams play and he becomes the 2nd FB
February 13, 2011 at 03:07 am
I would like to see Johnson as the #2 FB and cut Hall. But I don't disagree with the grade. Johnson isn't new to the team--he should by now be a better lead blocker than what we saw from him. Our short yardage situations need to get MUCH better.
February 14, 2011 at 02:10 am
and the freeze
February 12, 2011 at 05:50 pm
So how does it work exactly? If there is a lockout all the way up until the season when is there going to be free agency? What happens to the free agents if the CBA isn't renewed until right before the season?
February 12, 2011 at 06:18 pm
I've seen the drops with WRs before. Like in James Jones situation. Than in the off-season they (WR) visits either an eye specialist for lasic eye surgery or basic contacts. I'am no eye doctor but maybe that is all James Jones needs at this point in his career. If a one year package deal can be done great.
But Ted Thompson has always went after a couple of WRs in most of his draft selections with Green Bay. Options could be Terrence Tolliver, Vincent Brown, Niles Paul and Cecil Shorts.
February 13, 2011 at 12:20 am
funny- there was a guy who called into the "green and gold today" radio program who pointed out that all of jones' drops have been over his left shoulder as he was running go routes. he brought up the fact that it was quite possible that jones had a vision problem. you would think that the players are tested at the beginning of each season, right?
February 13, 2011 at 12:41 pm
This is true. All key drops were run down the right sideline. And is it me, or does he look slightly cross-eyed on occasion? I was thinking an eye issue could be the case as well. Hopefully he wants to stay and improve but this is where guys cash in where they can.
February 14, 2011 at 02:13 am
Have you seen James Jones in person? Now that you mention this:
http://bit.ly/hqQYIm
February 12, 2011 at 06:26 pm
BJax will be back, because of Mike McCarthy knows the importantance of blitz pick-up in his offense. Look how long both Nance and Starks had to wait until they were trusted in practice with blitz pick up. I liked what I saw from BJax out of the backfield this past year. With draws, screens, and short dungs that froze MLBs like Brian Urlacher. So I dont see any new RBs for GB this year.
February 12, 2011 at 06:27 pm
I've watched each game this season more than once as I'm sure you have too. Maybe we see things differently. I see no way James "key-drop" Jones outplayed Jordy. Jordy had his drops as well, overall though, If it were between JJ and Jordy for a roster spot I would be sick to my stomach if JJ were to stay. Something tells me #12 would feel the same.
GBP 4 LIFE
February 12, 2011 at 08:42 pm
They really need to bring back "Stickem".
By the way, here is another great article from the Chicago Sun Times entitled Bears fans worst nightmare. Enjoy!
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/3707116-452/bears-fans-wor...
February 13, 2011 at 01:38 am
Great article, and I totally agree with it. Starting next year, I don't see us not being division champs for the foreseeable future... just to much going for us, and too many question marks for the other 3 teams. Thanks for the link Kid.
GBP 4 LIFE
February 13, 2011 at 02:17 am
i think you need to keep both.. why would you get rid of either? Nelson is the better of the two but works better as a 3/4 than he would as a 2.. i dont think Nelson beats his man coverage as a 2.. but i think Jones can easily its just a matter of whether he is gonna hold on to the ball.. which is really a fixable issue.. i would prefer to see them both back and they imo are the priority to get locked down to a longterm contract this offseason.. and AJ HAWK NEEDS SOME LOVE resign the man
February 13, 2011 at 02:34 am
Jones' contract is up, I hope we re-sign him, really do. I was simply stating that if I had a gun to my head and had to choose one, it would be #87 with no hesitation and there is no way I could grade JJ higher than Jordy this season. Just have a lot more faith in #87 when it counts.
"Jones can easily its just a matter of whether he is gonna hold on to the ball.. which is really a fixable issue"...
K. My question is this... are we still gonna be saying this is a fixable issue for him when he's in his 6th/7th year? Maybe it's not fixable, it's not like this was his 1st or 2nd year, yet he is still having those "fixable mental lapses"... Let's fix them already. He cost us 7 in both Philly and the SB this post-season, luckily they did not come back to bite us, but it's not even a discussion anymore, IT IS A TREND (yep, he had some big catches too... don't care. If his drops would have cost us, you wouldn't either). And for any of you thinking Jordy has dropped as many big ones, I say bullshit. Show me.
As for AJ, he is a dependable starting MLB for us, and I also hope he is back. He's just not going to be without restructuring his contract. Plain and simple.
GBP 4 LIFE
February 14, 2011 at 03:28 am
i agree.. nelson is my favorite of the two.. easily by far but jones brings the big play.. so its hard to talk about letting him go and no i think if this new WR coach cant get him to cut the crap then it probably will never go away and Jones will never be able to get past the mental barriers that make him into a #3 WR.. he is very young tho.. and seems to have the drive to fix his problem.. which is why i would like to have faith in him.. if in a year or two it hasnt at least improved i will probably want to see him off the team i think nelson is a packer for life tho.. way to valuable to ever let him leave he wont ever be a #1 but is a tremendous asset
February 12, 2011 at 06:32 pm
On the offensive line, Colledge is gone, along with Spitz. Green Bay has to determine what will they do with Marshall Newhouse, Nick McDonald and Chris Campbell. I hope the Packers go after Gabe Carimi, or Anthony Contoza(sp) staying with their theme of versital LTs that can play other positions along the line.
February 13, 2011 at 02:14 am
i think Newhouse stays.. you need depth on the line.. colledge could go or stay.. but i think lang takes his job either way after an offseason of work.. and we need a LT LT. someone has to take Cliftons spot i dont want someone who could be a RG or a LG if your saying Bulaga is a versital lineman your mistaken tho.. going from LT to RT isnt that big of a change. your still a tackle and as a rookie you can be made to make that kind of switch easily.. Lang was miscast as a tackle his is a guard and will be playing next to Cliffy this year imo
February 12, 2011 at 07:38 pm
I still think Brett Swain is being horribly under-valued as "Just a guy", and I really think he is more a victim of lack of opportunity and recovery from a major knee injury.
In my limited training camp visits over the last two years, Brett Swain always looked like a player out there on the field. He looks surprisingly quick and sudden in and out of cuts, and has shown good hands as well.
I think if JJ goes elsewhere, and Swain gets the opportunity to get more time on the field, he will prove to be better than "just a guy", IMO. Perhaps not a true #2, but a better than average #3/#4 WR.
I'm interested in what Brian Carriveau thinks about Swain- obviously, he's seen more of him than any of us since he's a daily fixture at training camp.
February 13, 2011 at 01:43 am
Maybe it's because they are both white and have similar builds, I don't know, but I think Swain could be our Welker???? I think they need to make a concerted effort to get the kid more involved in the game-plan next year and see just what he has to offer outside of ST's.
GBP 4 LIFE
February 13, 2011 at 02:11 am
i think Swain makes a good 4 when driver goes.. but Nelson is our Welker he is smart and knows exactly where to go to make things happen
February 13, 2011 at 02:38 am
I see few similarity's between Welker's and Nelson's games. I think Swain has a much more comparable skill-set.
February 13, 2011 at 12:46 pm
I haven't seen either guy willing to take the hard hit over the middle like Welker. Comparing Jordy and especially Brett to Welker is an insult to Welker...neither are even close. Jordy short-arms too many balls in traffic and Swain just hasn't gotten the looks yet.
February 14, 2011 at 03:24 am
maybe your right fitz id like to see swain get more looks honestly.. im just a big nelson fan short arms balls in traffic whatever you want to say.. nelson makes things happen on 3rd down and when i watch welker.. thats what welker does.. same skill sets? no. but i feel liek they are both great in the slot WRs make things happen when you need it nelson dropped a lot of balls in the superbowl.. but that was the only game ive ever complained about it in..
February 13, 2011 at 12:45 am
Was it just me or did Aaron Rodgers have no chemistry with Andrew Quarless or what. Except for the pass against Washington that allowed Crosby a chance to be the game hero. Rodgers always seemed to be pointing to a different spot or yelling at Quarless after calling for a time out.
February 13, 2011 at 01:45 am
I personally was not impressed with Andrew one iota. He was a rookie, and I'm sure he will get better, but he did nothing to wow me. Here's hoping Finley never misses another game!
GBP 4 LIFE
February 13, 2011 at 03:17 am
Watch how much better Quarless gets over the next 2 years. He was all-time all-world at Penn State. Now put him in competition with Finley and watch him learn/grow.
Those 2 have the potential to make the #3 WR irrelevant and balance the Offense in a scary way. Imagine a 2WR-2TE-1RB set. Opponents won't know run-pass and the play-action or screen plays will be fantastic!
February 13, 2011 at 04:34 am
Yep. He was great at PSU. I'm an avid Big-Ten fan, the potential is there, saw it in college. However I didn't see any substantive growth from week 1-16 with Andrew. He has the physical attributes to be a good TE in the league, I just didn't see him progress throughout the season. Nothing would please me more than having him be 1-B to JF's 1-A, there's just a ton of work that needs to be done before we get to that point.
"Imagine a 2WR-2TE-1RB set. Opponents won’t know run-pass and the play-action or screen plays will be fantastic!"...
That would be just friggin ideal, I'm all for it. I hope Quarless develops into a Finley 2.0... that would just be f'ing filthy.
"Those 2 have the potential to make the #3 WR irrelevant and balance the Offense in a scary way"...
Totally agree, if Quarless becomes reliable, this offense gets ridiculous.
GBP 4 LIFE
February 13, 2011 at 02:07 am
i honestly dont see james jones going anywhere has the potential to be a #2 DD has a year or two left im suprised he hasnt retired after getting the ring honestly..
he is worth a decent paycheck for 3-4 years.. Nelson would be a stellar #3 i cant see Swain being a #4 right now wouldnt be suprised to see Ted pick up another young wide out in the offseason
honestly would be shocked to see Jones go tho..
jackson going is a possibility but i would really like to keep him too.. starks and grant would obviously be the 1 2 tho its hard to try nd keep jackson as a #3 back when he is really a #2..
Colledge probably wont want a lot of money to come back.. so i could see him ending up staying since he had a solid year.. but if he stays what do you do with Lang? so seeing Colledge leave so Lang can move in at guard seems like the smart move TT needs to get a LT in the draft its gotta be a priority clifton is on his last leg wouldnt be suprised to see Flynn go somewhere for draft picks or something oh and for TE crabtree deserves to stay i dunno what you do with Lee keep him if he stays cheap i cant see him asking for a lot of change.. quarles in my opinion can be gone he was worthless
February 13, 2011 at 09:59 am
Lee is not cheap, he signed a "nice" contract two years ago, and is getting a little long in the tooth. TT is always looking for either an upgrade, or to get someone with better upside. Two steps forward, one step back, if you will. I think that's the case with Quarless, Lang, and others.
We need to remember that we can't stay the same. 31 teams are trying like hell to improve, a SB win doesn't mean we should field the same team next year because we're afraid to upset the chemistry. Remember, we were winning, so issues of friction were smoothed over by the celebration of each game.
What does everyone think of Crosby? He won't come cheap, that's for sure.
February 14, 2011 at 02:22 am
Crosby? Doink
From a former fan of his.
February 14, 2011 at 03:20 am
i dont think our WR core could get any better.. honestly... you wont find anyone like james jones or nelson willing to run the 3/4 spot thats why i want them around.. crosby is probably gone. i dont care if lee goes.. but we need someone who can block to replace him ya know.. and quarless is not the answer.. lang is a solid guard really i think he could take colledges place and be an improvement.. LT is looking desperate tho we need someone bad cliffy aint got long left he is struggling with injuries already
February 13, 2011 at 08:45 am
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42797&id=187295951303153&l...
February 13, 2011 at 09:52 am
Donald Lee offers nothing but veteran leadership...something that is not worth his roster spot. Thank you Donald.
February 13, 2011 at 12:12 pm
I'm sorry, but James Jones can't receive a 'B'...he just can't. The fumble at Chicago was like other Jones' fumbles, carrying the ball in the wrong hand. In the Super Bowl on the Packers final drive, he catches a back shoulder fade and instead of turning inside and falling down, he promptly steps out of bounds. We could have shaved another 40 seconds off before the next play, but he didn't know the situation. He doesn't seem to learn from mistakes.
In the playoffs he dropped 2 passes, 1 against Philly and 1 in the Super Bowl that would have likely put both games out of reach. Instead both of those games ended up going down to the wire where we put our opponents in a position to win. His post-season alone should warrant a 'C' at best for the entire season. He deserves a 'B' for giving the opponent momentum and an outlook that they actually have a chance.
That being said I hope we retain him and it's likely in his best interest. He is only known as a dropper right now so what kind of money will he really see? I think he signs a 1-2 year deal with the Packers for reasonable money, hopefully gets rid of the 'dropper' moniker, and then tests free agency as a 'stud' instead.
February 13, 2011 at 05:12 pm
My reaction? Korey should get an I too. He was hurt a lot, yes, and that sucks. I know I love the kid and that colors my opinion, but it looked like he did what he was asked to when he was able to. I'm afraid he's gone too, but he did have tackles and a catch for yardage in the SB. I would hate to see him go.
February 14, 2011 at 10:01 am
Only thing I'd do is bump Clifton into the A- level. What if we didn't have a rock-solid LT this year? The whole thing would've fallen apart at the seams.
A slight bump doesn't seem like much, but Chad Clifton's parents might litigate if it costs him admission into an Ivy League school.
February 14, 2011 at 10:04 am
Otherwise, everything looks great, Aaron. Jones was inconsistent but thrived in the Minnesota home game and at Atlanta. Big-time efforts.