Packers Blog Roundup: Game Planning for Cam Newton
Former Packers safety Matt Bowen expects the Packers to bring pressure on Cam Newton in this Sunday's match-up.
In a column for the National Football Post, former Packers safety Matt Bowen deliberates about how the Packers defense will game plan for Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton coming on the heels of his Week 1 422-yard passing performance. "This week? A much different matchup vs. the Packers and a secondary that I consider to the be the best unit in the league," writes Bowen. "A true (and legitimate) test for the rookie QB. What are we going to see from Dom Capers and Green Bay? I’m thinking the Packers will lead with pressure (both zone and man) with a solid mix of coverage."
The Packers' upcoming road-heavy schedule is pointed out by Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette who notes the next home game is Oct. 2 against the Denver Broncos. "They will then play only one more home game in October — on the 16th against the St. Louis Rams — and won’t return to Lambeau for another month, on Nov. 14 against Minnesota. That means they will play only two home games in a 67-day span," writes Vandermause.
A hypothetical receiver hierarchy is created by Brandon Rifkin of BrentFavre.com, and Greg Jennings is at the top of the totem pole. "I think we can all safely agree that it’s no surprise to see GregJen leading the team in targets," writes Rifkin in reference to the Week 1 game against the Saints. "He’s unquestionably the top dog of the receiving corps, and another 1,200 yard season seems like a lock."
In another list, Matt Williamson of Scouts, Inc. ranks Randall Cobb as no. 4 on his Rookie Watch list at ESPN.com. "To say that Cobb burst onto the scene in his first NFL game would be a massive understatement. His kickoff return for a touchdown was as nice of a return that you will ever see. And he was an obvious factor with the offense. It might not be long before Cobb passes Donald Driver, James Jones and Jordy Nelson to become Green Bay's No. 2 wide receiver. Cobb needs to be on the field."
Speaking of Randall Cobb, Tyler Dunne of JSOnline notes that he's featured in ESPN's Sports Science segment.
It's also noted at JSOnline that soldiers in Afghanistan need help in viewing Packers games overseas.
The Packers running backs are the subject of a post at Acme Packing Company.
Brett Favre is named the no. 2 Packer of all-time at Green Bay Packer Talk.
Some pictures of Bart Starr and more appear at both The Wearing of the Green and Packerville, U.S.A.
Thoughts on the win over the Saints come from Packer Chatters.
Comments (6)
September 14, 2011 at 10:53 am
I don't know about throwing pressure at Cam. Personally I'd rush three, keep a spy on him, drop back in coverage and make him complete a lot of short passes and sustain drives. Just don't see him having the accuracy to do so. He's gonna hurt you more with his legs and deep passes than anything else. Heavy blitzing plays into his strengths by giving him running lanes and man coverage downfield IMO.
September 14, 2011 at 10:58 am
Agreed. Just like with Vick. Contain him, force him to beat you with his passing.
September 14, 2011 at 11:23 am
Just like with Big Ben.
The only thing, he doesn't have yet the reading capacity Ben has, or the escapability that Vick has.
IMHO it should be a mix to confuse his head.
September 14, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Can anyone explain to me how Randall Cobb is below both Mark Ingram AND Julio Jones in ESPN's Rookie Watch? Makes no sense...
September 14, 2011 at 02:25 pm
Yes I can. You see those four letters you put in next to "Rookie Watch"? Yep. That is why.
September 14, 2011 at 02:37 pm
They probably belong there. They may not be better players but they are both expected to play much bigger roles for their teams. It's reasonable IMO.