A Plea For Tolerance From Bedard
I agree with Greg Bedard. Fans should probably lay off Daryn Colledge a little bit. We love to talk about how horrible he was this past year. But improvement was definitely evident once he was allowed to stay in one spot. And he was the best offensive lineman during the 2008 season. As I've written before, perhaps being pushed in training camp, as he was leading up to the '08 season, will bring out his best in 2010.
By PackerAaron
Greg Bedard plays the "it's just business" card in regards to fans' displeasure with Daryn Colledge.
A Packer Fan Fest unlike any other came and went, and the only negative was that left guard Daryn Colledge did not show after being on the initial list of players scheduled to attend.The quick and easy reaction by fans would be to think Colledge bailed on them.
But fans shouldn't feel that way.
It's just business. And what fans should always keep in mind when it comes to the National Football League is "it's always business and never personal."
No matter how you feel about Colledge, Bedard is 100 percent correct. (Words I don't often write)
Yes, it's hard to hear Colledge talk about how he's looking forward to another "run at the title" with the Packers, and I don't doubt that he is, while he stays away from offseason workouts. But Greg is right - it's a business decision. He's hoping there is a market for his services - I highly doubt there will be, but I understand wanting to keep his options open.
Where I'm less inclined to be sympathetic towards Collegde is with the source of his displeassure. As Greg writes:
There are a bunch of reasons for his unhappiness - the tender level (as a respect thing) and being moved around the line during his career are among them.
How many of his poor plays at left guard were caused by his position shift?
Here's what one NFL scout told colleague Bob McGinn after the season about Colledge: "I think he got better as the season went on, especially when he could just focus on guard. He played pretty good."
The problem is you never heard any Packer coach say anything like that during or after the season.
The truth is Colledge just wants to be in a place where he can develop in one spot. If it's with the Packers, then great. He has no problem with the town or the fans.
But Colledge's biggest source of frustration with the Packers is something that is being felt all over the league - being a restricted free agent when he wasn't supposed to be.
That why Colledge, like many other players around the league (especially the guys drafted in 2005 who are now restricted free agents for the second straight year), aren't happy.
A couple things.
1. It's true that Colledge staying away from workouts is just business. But that is also true of the current CBA situation. He is where he is now because his OWN UNION agreed to an agreement that allowed the owners to opt out of it. And, of course, they did. Tough shit Daryn. That's life in the big city and you and a couple hundred other guys who should have been free agents but aren't should take it up with your union leadership.
2. I don't buy that moving around the line has all that much to do with his struggles at guard this past year. I understand wanting to stay in one position and develop there. And it's true his play improved as the year went on. But Colledge's biggest deficiency has always been his mind-boggling brain-locks at the worst possible time at least once or twice a game. This isn't a technique thing, it's a concentration thing.
All that said, Greg is right. Fans should probably lay off just a little bit. We love to talk about how horrible he was this past year. But improvement was definitely evident once he was allowed to stay in one spot. And he was the best offensive lineman during the 2008 season. As I've written before, perhaps being pushed in training camp, as he was leading up to the '08 season, will bring out his best again.
That would be a 'win' for the Packers and their fans.
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__________________________
Comments (76)
March 18, 2010 at 11:19 am
Here's the correct spelling - TOLERANCE.
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 11:39 am
Yeah (sheepish grin) noticed that RIGHT after I posted. Thanks.
March 18, 2010 at 11:28 am
I mostly agree, Aaron. I have a hard time with the 'disrespect' card when considering the level he was tendered at. The 'scout' that conferred wtih McGinn indicated he improved as the season went on and I tend to agree. I believe he's still the 3rd best guard by a large margin in the NFC North (behined Hutchinson and his own teamate Sitton).
That being said, should the scout be correct in his assessment and his 'poor' play was simply a byproduct of being shuffled than other organizations 'scouts' should have noticed the same thing. He's young enough that surely some team would make a move for him if the tender presented 'value' (i.e. - the Packers tendered him too low). At the moment, it appears the market (rest of the NFL looking for a starting caliber guard) feel the tender is a bit too 'high'.
BTW - I just have a hard time with Bedard's condescending tone he frequently takes. It often deviates away from 'journalism' as he attempts to apply his belittling brand of humor. I just don't like it.
March 18, 2010 at 11:28 am
Fan is short for fanatic. Seriously, telling a fan to lay off (even a bit) is to tell someone to be less of a fan. Can't see that being successful. ;)
As far as Colledge goes, he hasn't been that impressive during his tenure with the Packers. Some of that may be due to coaching; however, I don't have confidence that he's talented enough to be our long-term answer to the LG position. When he bitches, I just tune him out.
March 18, 2010 at 12:08 pm
CSS, could you explain that a little more? Maybe an example? Honestly, I'd like to know why you feel that way.
I didn't make any jokes in that column. Didn't make any jokes in my blog column on Tauscher.
Only place I make jokes is on Twitter and the Daily Briefing. Those aren't journalism and wasn't meant to be taken as such.
March 18, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Greg, certainly nothing recent on either the blog or briefing, no complaints at all there. It does feel a bit harsh on gameday and via twitter. Without pulling up an archive it's difficult to give a recent example, they were primarily in season.
With access to technology (twitter, facebook, blogs, etc.) can you really seperate commentary that's intended to be a subjective, well informed piece (which you do) vs. a visceral retort about a player or player performance via twitter (which you do as well) that sounds more like a frustrated fan than a reporter?
Perhaps the 'journalism' shot was a bit harsh, but fans (and I am) read everthing written from their primary sources reporting on the organization from every medium you use. My question in return, in today's rapid reaction age of twitter why should we (fans) seperate the two?
March 18, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I cannot be certain of this, but I would be willing to bet that, if Colledge (and all the other RFAs in his boat) took the issue up with union leadership, they would hear something like this in return: "Yeah, well the OWNERS are the ones who opted out. If they don't opt out, you all would be unrestricted." This is very true. I agree with the notion that the players agreed to it, but it really was the owners opt-out that triggered this phenomenon a few years early.
March 18, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Quick question... I keep hearing the Colledge bashers saying that if he was good some team would have made a move for him by now. Have ANY "draft pick tendered" players gotten an offer yet? I can't think of anybody so far off the top of my head.
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 12:49 pm
wg - was thinking the same thing. The RFA market is supposedly set to "heat up" this week or next. We'll see...
March 18, 2010 at 02:04 pm
Here ya go:
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/A-slow-market-for-restricted-free-ag...
March 18, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Yes, one. Mike Bell got an offer from the Eagles.
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Indeed - just remembered this because Adam Caplan just Tweeted about it. The Saints have until next Wed. to match.
March 18, 2010 at 01:01 pm
Several players that were traded had tenders (tender set the trade value ahead of time):
Chalie Whitehurst (Chargers to Seahawks) was tendered (3rd)
Darryl Tapp (Seahawks to Eagles) was tendered (low round)
I think those are among the few. I"m sure the conversations are happening now, we will see.
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 01:04 pm
CSS - true, but Bell is the first to sign an offer sheet. (I really thought Seattle was going to extend one to Marshall last weekend)
I think that's what wgbee was asking...
March 18, 2010 at 01:05 pm
yeah I read something about that but thought it said he was just a "right to first refusal tender" and the Saints wouldn't get any compensation if they don't match? could be wrong but I thought that's what I saw
March 18, 2010 at 01:08 pm
I understand that Aaron. To your original point, teams are looking at the tenders and executing trades for the 'high value' targets where teams are flexible vs. getting into a bidding war with first right of refusal. I do believe some of the tenderd guys will start to get offers 3 weeks out from the draft.
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 01:15 pm
No, that's right. They put the low, original-round tender on him. Since he came into the league as an undrafted guy, the Saints get no compensation if they let him go.
March 18, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Another thing that could be missed in all this, is this zone blocking scheme. Colledge may feel that this does not fit his skills and he is better suited toward the more traditional blocking scheme.
In this regards I kind of understand Colledge's issue (in regards to the zone blocking scheme), maybe thats what he is saying when he refers to the plays that are called, mistakes by other lineman and communication break downs of the zone blocking scheme were not running smoothly, making him look worse than he really is.
If given the chance to run a more traditional scheme, he would be worth what he is seeking, I don't know, but his way of thinking.
I can't say that the Packers have an excellent O-line coach teaching this zone blocking scheme. Colledge may be in a situation like Kampman, in a system of which he is not comfortable with and feels he would flourish under a more traditional scheme with a better coaching. Kampman when it was all said and done had an option, where as Colledge is stuck with an unrealistic tender to be traded. Really the make up of our O-line as a whole, talent/age/scheme/coaching leaves more questions and debate than answers and a sure foundation of which Colledge finds himself in. I think he is willing to give it his best shot, but he wants security and to be paid in an questionable situation of which is the Packers O-line.
March 18, 2010 at 01:06 pm
Good thought, but College was drafted under 300 lbs. and I don't recall any team having him very high on their respective draft boards as anything but a ZBS type of guy. He isn't physical enough to consistantly win one-on-one matchups like Sitton (not as nasty either).
I just don't see him lining up in any alternative scheme that fits his physical attributes. He's a latteral type of guy with functional strenght, nothing that overwhelmes D-lineman at the point of attack.
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 01:17 pm
Completely agree here. Colledge, if anything, is made to look better than he is due to the scheme he's in.
March 18, 2010 at 01:06 pm
Fair points in regards to gameday Twitter/live blogs.
Instant reaction? Because if you just wanted the facts and no context to what's happening in the game, you could just listen to the network broadcasters. And I also think there's an entertainment value. Certain people are just not going to get my humor. Guess you're one of them. Almost all of it is tongue-in-cheek and of the caricature variety -- I'm poking fun at the obvious. Also, I am writing for Packers fans. They know what is going on with the team. So if Jarrett Bush screws up again, or if so and so leaves with another injury, I'm sorry, but I'm going to say something. If that hurts somebody's feeling, there's nothing I can do. As long as it's a fair shot.
Fans should separate the two because I separate the two -- the line, I think is obvious a good majority of the time.
I'm not going to have a blog that is only the news, just the facts. I do that in the paper. No one would read the blog, the blog is supposed to be different, though related, than what's in the paper. (What if I only blogged on news during the offseason? How many posts do you think you would see?)
It wouldn't be that interesting. I choose to do what I do. It's not for everyone, obviously. Some writers, some people just don't like their style. That's as old as newspapers. Maybe you just don't like my style. That's fine, your prerogative.
But I don't think I've ever taken an unfair shot at anybody. Maybe I have, but I don't remember any.
March 18, 2010 at 02:12 pm
We come to JSO to read... writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation.
That's what you went to school for isn't it?
Gotta love how these so-called journalists use a blog as an excuse to not do what they were hired to do(report facts without speculation)& push their agendas.
Greg, you're better suited for a site like this...
http://www.tmz.com/
Here is probably a better place for you to showcase your humor or lack there of.
http://www.secondcity.com/
March 18, 2010 at 02:55 pm
We have what you're looking for, it's called a newspaper, and all those stories are there. Have at them. I even write some of those.
You don't like my blog or what I do? Then don't read it. Be my guest.
And by the way, are you a journalist? Is your named Garry Howard or Marty Kaiser or George Stanley? Then you have no idea what I do, or what I was hired to do.
Tell the rest the guys at x4 I said hi.
March 18, 2010 at 04:28 pm
Greg B wrote :
" But I don’t think I’ve ever taken an unfair shot at anybody. Maybe I have, but I don’t remember any."
.
followed by....
.
"You don’t like my blog or what I do? Then don’t read it."
.
"..you have no idea what I do, or what I was hired to do..."
.
It's kinda funny in a thread calling for more tolerance from the fans...great advice by the way.
March 18, 2010 at 04:35 pm
Cmon, the guy took an unsubstantated cheap shot at Bedard, and you want him to act how exactly???
March 19, 2010 at 08:30 pm
Ha! Who are you trying to kid?
Are you not a supposed sports journalist? I say 'supposed' as it seems the JSO has you do more work than what someone who was solely hired to report the facts does.
You're basically the Mike Florio of JSO. Not a good thing if you're supposed to be a journalist. A good thing if you don't care about journalistic integrity & are all about turning profits(ex-web hits).
x4??? Keep reaching.
PackerAaron
March 20, 2010 at 05:52 am
You didn't answer his question, Pack Fan. Have you talked to Garry Howard? Do you have the faintest idea WHAT, exactly, he was hired to do?
Of course not.
March 18, 2010 at 03:09 pm
And what agenda?
Yeah, I contemplate every day how I can take Thompson, McCarthy and the Packers down because...because...
There has to be a reason, right?
What's my agenda and what motive do I have for it? I lost my cues cards.
March 19, 2010 at 09:27 pm
Agenda- Could it be to post anything other than facts that will create a huge onslaught of web hits(usually negative)?
Motive- Could it be the more active your blog is the more money JSO makes, in return the more money you make?
Don't get mad that most of the speculation you post is anti-Packer or anti-Thompson. That's just usually how it goes for you.
It's kind of like how the Packer haters on your blog say one thing & all of sudden there are 10 responses in minutes to their post.
But someone pro-Packer can post something saying how great the Packers are, but for some reason it doesn't generate even close to the amount of responses like the other does.
You can play dumb all you want, but it's pretty obvious to what you're trying to do with your blog.
March 18, 2010 at 01:17 pm
Mr. Bedard.
Excuse me, if I'm not tolerant with a mediocre player that essentially costed us a game in the playoffs with a dumb-as-hell holding penalty. Mistake reoccurent during his tenure in GB, BTW.
And now he's holding out, despite having to compete for the job with Spitz?
If Collins were to hold out, we'd be doomed. There's nobody at S than can be adequate, let alone perform to the level of Nick Collins.
But Colledge? Daryn, if you don't play for us, nobody's going to miss ya buddy.
So, yeah, Greg, it may be just business. But it's one of the most idiotic business decisions I've seen in a while.
And Daryn, stay with that attitude, blaming others for your failure, and good luck replacing Charles Dillon in the Spokane Shock, in a couple of years...
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 01:21 pm
RS - he's not 'holding out'. Workouts are voluntary. On top of that, he's not currently under contract.
March 18, 2010 at 01:34 pm
It's the equivalent of holding out, not signing his tender.
I understand trying to get any leverage, but when he's competing for the job??? Didn't he learn anything from Collins?
March 18, 2010 at 02:03 pm
PackerRS, it is not equivalent to holding out, but like you said stupid on his part as he is not the for sure starter.
If I was a tendered guy I wouldn't sign until after the draft, he still may get a better deal or another team has a situation like Havner who they are counting on becomes injured and unavaible. As long as Colledge does not sign he has options.
I would agree with you if this was training camp, by that time enough time has past for other teams to make a decision and they know what they got in the draft.
March 18, 2010 at 01:38 pm
Good point, he is not holding out, he is waiting to sign the tender offered to him by the Packers so he can leave the door open for other teams to make an offer.
He can't participate in the work outs if he is not under contract. If he signs he loses all his options.
March 18, 2010 at 01:20 pm
And I've defended Colledge's show at Packers.com. But now I have to agree with the others.
When you learn how to block someone, then you can have your own show, Daryn. Until then, you need to shut the hell up, man up and do your frikin job.
coreyb
March 18, 2010 at 01:21 pm
Daryn colledge SUCKS and he is selfish for not going to fan fest - business whatever - show up for the fans - they showed up for the "colledge experience" - what an ass oh yeah and he is a terrible offensive lineman.....
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 01:32 pm
Ahhhh the reasoned criticism of my CHTV colleague. ;)
March 18, 2010 at 01:40 pm
I hate to hear what you think of Barbre.
March 18, 2010 at 01:45 pm
I agree with you Corey b. Colledge just isnt what the Pack needs at LG.. He has had plenty of time to prove himself. I think it was awful that he didn't show up for Fan Fest, especially as he was in the line up for it. I hope he gets an offer from a different team, so he can play where he fits in or will be happy playing.
March 18, 2010 at 02:01 pm
Is it too early to nominate this for CHTV comment of the year? This has my vote.
But tell me, Corey: What would you say if Colledge is a guest on one of the future Transplants shows!?
March 18, 2010 at 01:24 pm
The more I think about the Colledge situation the more I have concern about our o-line. I think we have bigger issues than we realize and signing 2 guys who served us well in the past is giving us a false sense of security next year.
True problem is not talent nor the true fix is the draft, but rather the scheme and the coaching.
What almost cost the Pack the seson last year does not seem to be getting any better in a division that has really improved their pass rushing rosters.
March 18, 2010 at 01:25 pm
"He is where he is now because his OWN UNION agreed to an agreement that allowed the owners to opt out of it."
To be fair, he wasn't part of the union when they agreed to this deal. He's coming off of a rookie contract, which he signed when this situation seemed extremely improbable. I do agree, though, that if he has a problem with how the leadership handled this decision, he should take it up with leadership when the union elections come up.
March 18, 2010 at 01:51 pm
http://www.packerforum.com/packer-fan-forum/20233-ryan-pickett-busts-mov...
coreyb
March 18, 2010 at 02:14 pm
Thaddeus - I will say I have been a colledge hater but i look forward to Him proving me wrong....
Seriously- the Packers deserve better
March 18, 2010 at 04:53 pm
Satori - what's funny about the juxtaposition you posted? The 2 quotes you pulled are hardly 'unfair shots.'
March 18, 2010 at 06:08 pm
Hate to have to sound like Captain Colledge again coming to his "defense" but all this over reacting to him choosing the ONLY option available to him to do what he feels is best for him and his family is rediculous . 99% of us would do the same thing if put in his situation IMO. Does anybody else remember people bitching and moaning this same way about Collins "holding out" last year? I certainly do. The same "if he doesn't want to be here cut the bum and send him on his way" talk for "missing" something that is VOLUNTARY. Then of course 6 months later it was bitching and moaning about why he wasn't resigned (and sometimes evening by the same people). And I know i'm gonna get more quality in depth analysis like from Corey i.e. he sucks and he's terrible but the coaches said he was our best lineman two years ago and an NFL scout said he played better at LG and as the year progressed so forgive me if I hold those opinions in a little higher regard than the ones from the rest of my fellow fanatics regardless of the in depth analysis and eloquence they may contain. MM already said the Packers have talked to him, realize it's just business and that they are fine with it. If they are fine about it shouldn't we be?
March 18, 2010 at 08:24 pm
Hey Aaron just to let you know, this article shows only 3 comments when I view through my computer, (Google Chrome) but 39 comments when I view it through my phone, (safari, mobile theme) Some people might miss Mr. Bedard arguing with your readers, wouldn't want that...
March 18, 2010 at 08:37 pm
And I only see 4 comments, through firefox on my PC
March 18, 2010 at 08:46 pm
> And what fans should always
> keep in mind when it comes
> to the National Football
> League is “it’s always business
> and never personal.”
What Greg Bedard should keep in mind is that when it comes to being a fan of any sport, it's always personal and never business.
How personally should we take this latest Colledge experience? I'll agree with him on "not very." But until Daryn gives us "The Professional Experience" his tolerance threshold will remain set to low.
The upshot is that if he becomes a Minnesota Viking, we'll probably forget he ever existed. That hasn't been true of all former Packers. The rules are very personal and it's never just business.
March 19, 2010 at 04:46 pm
Agreed. If it weren't like this, 31 of the NFL teams would lose money every year.
If it was just business with the fans, most would only cheer for the winner.
Asking for the fans not to be passionate and to not take things personal, WHEN A PLAYER "UNDER CONTRACT" EXPRESSES THAT HE "WOULDN'T MIND PLAY FOR ANOTHER TEAM", is absurd.
March 18, 2010 at 08:46 pm
Maybe Aaron pruned the thread based on quality. :D :D :D
March 18, 2010 at 09:02 pm
LMAO! This article had close to 40 comments & now it has under 10? Never seen that before on here, very odd & even more odd in that it happened to one of the ONLY posts that had a GB beat writer posting on. Hmmmmmm...
TOO FUNNY!!!
PackerAaron
March 18, 2010 at 10:22 pm
We're in the process of making the final switch to the new server - comments will be back in short order :)
March 18, 2010 at 11:21 pm
I was just trying to be a wise ass & actually thought it probably had something to do with the new site features. Conspiracy theories are always fun though, at least funner than technical difficulties... ;)
March 18, 2010 at 09:20 pm
Colledge can't afford to miss workouts. If he is going to stick at LG, he needs to get bigger and stronger. Dude got manhandled by Justin Smith of the 49ers last year. I agree with Aaron that technique isn't his biggest problem. However, I would add strength to focus as something he needs to work on.
March 18, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Fans can go too far. Some dolt posted a message on Colledge's facebook page calling him a scumbag for not going to workouts. The guy is a Walter Payton Award winner. He's done more good in one year than most of us will in a lifetime. Bedard is right, fans need to back off. He's not a criminal. It's just football.
March 18, 2010 at 10:50 pm
This. Some people really don't have perspective.
March 19, 2010 at 12:13 am
Oh my. Even though I'm not a Boise State fan, I secretly love Daryn as a sort-of homeboy, thus my irritation at his behavior at Fan Fest and my continual apologies for his missteps.
But I'd never, never, ever do that. I truly have always thought he was trying. I just wasn't thrilled with the results.
March 20, 2010 at 02:24 am
This isn't "just football." THIS IS THE GREEN BAY PACKERS!!
March 18, 2010 at 10:07 pm
"It's just football" Interesting notion.
March 19, 2010 at 01:26 am
After 4 full years as a GB Packer, Colledge has yet to show ability that has been predicted for all 4 of those years. He is a less than average football player. Nothing more or nothing less. If I were him, I would be at the OTA's. I think he is risking more than he can gain.
_____
As a person, there are few Packer players who have done more than he has. That's not what he gets paid for though. Unless he thinks someone will take GB's tender on him, his bargaining power is close to zero.
March 19, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I just gotta say that I read JSOnline and CheeseheadTV for precisely the same reason--I don't JUST want the news. I want to be entertained and get the news. You want just the news read the Press Gazette or go to Packers.com. It is the humor of Bedard along with his journalistic insight that makes JSOnline one of the first sites I read everyday. You guys are a lifeline for a Packer fan living on the other side of the world. Keep it up. As for Colledge...
March 19, 2010 at 03:14 pm
co-sign. (besides the whole "other side of the world" part...)
PackerAaron
March 19, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Scott - comments like that are what make doing this worthwhile. Thanks a million.
March 19, 2010 at 03:05 pm
Ditto.
March 19, 2010 at 04:48 pm
Ditto from me and Greg B. please accept my apologies for my snarky comments yesterday
CHTV is a great site and I was out of line in making those comments to you earlier.
Enjoy the tolerance and all the best
March 20, 2010 at 02:38 am
How the hell did I miss this post?
1. Bedard rules. Don't like it, don't read it.
2. Colledge sucks, no way I'm laying off.
3. That Scott dude said it all.
March 19, 2010 at 02:44 pm
I've been one of the few supporters of Colledge's play recently but I'm having quite the dilemma. I know MM went out of his way to say that Colledge graded out as the best lineman after the 08 season. An NFL scout is quoted that Colledge played "pretty good" at guard last year. Yet Corey's in depth and eloquent analysis seems to disagree with the two guys who are paid to make judgements at the highest level of the game. Do I believe the professionals or the admittedly biased blogger. I'm just not sure what to think anymore.
March 19, 2010 at 03:01 pm
How many other restrict free agents do the Packers have that have not signed and can not participate in the work outs?
Is Colledge the only one?
March 19, 2010 at 03:35 pm
So fans who paid $85 to go to fan fest should not be upset that he backed out and they missed seeing him?
PackerAaron
March 19, 2010 at 03:53 pm
Any fan that paid $85 specifically to see Daryn Collegde should have their head examined.
March 19, 2010 at 04:03 pm
I would say that this site is even better than the Packers offical web site.
March 20, 2010 at 01:28 am
Just way too hard to not go off on a guy refusing to show up to events for the fans/team workouts after he just had a season in which allowed 7.5 Sacks and over 40 Pressures, which happens to be the most for a Packer lineman this decade. You want respect Daryn? How about you become a consistent Offensive lineman first. His seasons in the NFL go as followed: solid rookie year, awful sophomore season, very good in 2008, and our worst lineman in 2009. He's got way too much of a jekyl/hyde thing going on and his replacement is already on the roster in TJ Lang. He should be here working his tail off with the rest of the team, trying to improve upon his awful 2009 campaign. I mean the guy has literally ZERO leverage in this situation, which is why many fans feel the way they do about his absence. Let him sit out this offseason, that's just going to make the coaches decision on the starter at LG a whole lot easier.
March 20, 2010 at 10:32 pm
In response to Aaron playing lawyer for Greg Bedard. He is a big boy, Aaron, you don't have to fight his battles for him. It's OK.
Tell me, Aaron. What is it about his job that I don't understand? How hard is to comprehend what his job as a sports journalist entails? Please enlighten me, Mr. I think I know it all.
You make people out to be more than they are, PERIOD.
PackerAaron
March 20, 2010 at 11:24 pm
And you STILL can't answer the question.
March 21, 2010 at 02:33 pm
Aaron -
You're 2nd comment, is (by itself) where I've focused most of my attention, to ALL of the Offensive Lineman. We saw Clifton begin to have trouble (for obvious reasons) when Mike Wahle walked away to a larger contract that Mike Sherman tied the Packer's hands over. I do not put blame on Ted Thompson for the loss of Mike Wahle; he inherited the financial mess created by Mike Sherman. Marco Rivera was getting long in the tooth, so that's a misnomer discussion all by itself.
But, your pointed comment is more inciteful than you may know ---
<i>"But Colledge’s biggest deficiency has always been his mind-boggling brain-locks at the worst possible time at least once or twice a game. This isn’t a technique thing, it’s a concentration thing.</i>
I always point back to the Dallas '07 game as a prime example and I also point to the Vikings' games in '09 where he was constantly made to look foolish over and over by their Star Defensive End. The replay of the video, is more than obvious. It's defeating. One would think that a Player with arms as big as his would have the ability to affect more power on the Line, and he simply doesn't.
Personally, I question just how hard he study's game film throughout the week. Based on comments made by Campen, we've consistently been led to think he was Pro Bowl caliber material - after this many seasons, all packerfans can see he is not.
As mentioned before - I felt bad for Clifton once Wahle was gone. The cohesiveness that made our O-Line in the Top-5 was gone. Suddenly, you could see Clifton trying to make up for the lack of athleticism on Daryn's part and it has affected his excellence ever since.
Mark Tauscher has been slightly more lucky in that we did get the required success from Josh Sitton. But, for a time, even he had the same issues.
I'm sure in the weight room, Colledge can hold his own. Heck, even I can bench press at least my own weight (10x) if I'm in there at least 3x a week. [I'm 55/170-lbs.] It's at the Line, when the ball is snapped, where Daryn's brain seems to go blank. His decision skillset is not that high on the test meter. And, in every game, not only does Aaron Rodgers suffer, but so did the Gunslinger. Rodgers' comment to the Press, praising Deitrich-Smith was quite enlightening as to HIS preference, without "ordering" the Coaching Staff on what to do or how to do it.
JMHO
Prez