Packers Practice Roundup: August 8, 2022

So far in training camp, it looks like the Packers have a defense, especially when the starters are in.

 

 

GENERAL/PERSONNEL:

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in full pads this morning. Misty, Misty rain at Nitschke.  Hodkiewicz  [Practice was fairly long, 1 hour and 57 minutes per Demovsky.  TGR]

Matt LaFleur says Jordan Love will start Friday night in the preseason opener at San Francisco. He says there's no decision yet on whether Aaron Rodgers will play this preseason. He doesn't expect to make that decision until after joint practices with Saints next week.  Wood

Green Bay Packers to work out former Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams, according to a league source at Pro Football Network.  He worked out for the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this week.  Herman

David Bakhtiari working on accelerating that left knee of the line.  2) Robert Tonyan, Elgton Jenkins and Christian Watson on the rehab ladder. Tonyan and Watson might have some company in the passing game with those hands from Jenkins. 3) Matt LaFleur says he doesn't expect Darnell Savage to practice this week after injuring his hamstring on Family Night.  Wood [Video available of these Rehab guys running, but it is not that impressive.  TGR]

Christian Watson sure looks like he’s going at it vigorously — and on a wet field no less — while rehabbing following his summer knee surgery. Still unclear whether he’ll be back for any of training camp.  Demovsky  [A lot of quick foot movements shown in the video, but not pushing off or cutting.  Don't know if he did that as well, just not in the video.  TGR]

Defense has won a lot of days in camp. Today might have been their most dominant. The defense just closed practice pitching a shutout on a pair of 2-minute drills. Aaron Rodgers was rendered to heaving a pair of Hail Mary’s at the end.  Wood

You wanted a depth chart, now you’ve got one.  Demovsky  

 

QUARTERBACK/WIDE RECEIVERS:

Jordan Love threw INT at goal line to CB Keisean Nixon, a nice way for newly returned Nixon (groin) to end his first practice of camp. Love had a good ball to Amari Rodgers on a 4th & 1 slant for 13 yards to extend the drive.  2) Bad pick from Jordan Love, falling away as he rolled to the right, and underthrowing his target. Wasn’t balanced when he left go of the football. Linebacker Krys Barnes stepped in and took it the other way. Wood  [Spofford gave credit to Barnes for dropping back to the correct spot.  TGR]

Love throws an ill-advised pass off his back foot that comes our awkward. Luckily it falls far short and just incomplete.  Herman

It will be interesting to see how Rasul Douglas holds up against the NFL’s quickest slot WRs, but he just put a blanket on Amari Rodgers on a deep ball to the left. Good day for CBs so far. Douglas seems to be adjusting to nickel nicely.  Wood  [LOL.  Is this about Douglas or Amari Rodgers?  Easy to infer that Mr. Wood doesn't put Amari Rodgers in the quick slot category.  TGR]

Rodgers tries to hit Rodgers deep. Douglas with tight coverage but 8 had a chance along the sidelines. Falls incomplete. Would have been a very difficult catch.  Herman [Same play as the first line in the paragraph above.  TGR]

Amari had a really nice practice today.  Herman [I included this to negate any implication of bias.  Might not be enough.  TGR]  

Amari Rodgers had two nice catches for 30 yards in two minute. Drill ends with a Keisean Nixon pick with 5 seconds left.  Hodkiewicz

Jaire Alexander didn’t allow catch in 4 1-on-1 reps. Forced incompletion deep vs Allen Lazard, and has great rep vs Sammy Watkins on slant. Alexander jammed Watkins at the LOS and dropped an Aaron Rodgers pick. He’s looked like himself this camp after shoulder injury last season.  Wood [See below for Jaire's other two one on one reps.  TGR]

Eric Stokes has given up some catches in camp, but he showed why he was such a tough cover as rookie jamming Sammy Watkins at LOS. Had Watkins so out of sorts, he forced drop on slant. Stokes also covered good stutter-go route vs Watkins. Impressive blend of speed and toughness.  Wood

Rodgers beats Campbell’s inside blitz with hot read throw to Lazard in the slot. Defense was getting better of things earlier but offense trying to turn the tide.  2)  Rodgers slips tight throw in to Winfree on crosser vs Douglas and Winfree makes sliding catch, much to Douglas’ chagrin.  Spofford

22 secs left. 4th and 2. Ball on opp 40. Love hits Amari again. Clock ticks. Spike. 9 seconds left. Ball on 28ish. Complete short to Hyman who gets out. 1 play left. Keisean Nixon game winning INT off love to end it.  2) Loves turn. 1:04 - down 7. Own 35. 1 timeout. Hits Rodgers over the middle. Nice pickup. Clock ticks. Checkdown to Goodson. Immediate stop by Barnes. Timeout. 44 seconds left. Ball at opp 45. No timeouts. Checkdown Goodson. Barnes stop. Clock ticks. Incomplete or T Davis.  Herman  [I assume these were the two-minute drills.  No points.  TGR]

Rodgers throws a ball right to De’Vondre but he can’t hang on. Lazard shirt catch for a first down. Timeout. 13 seconds left. Ball at 27ish. No timeouts. Hail Mary(ish) goes out of the end zone. 5 seconds left. Hook & Lateral play doesn’t work. Defense holds.  2) 2 min drill - 1 min - down 7 - own 30 - 1 timeout. Checkdown Dillon - clock ticks Out route to Watkins and out of bounds Screen to Dillon out of bounds Lazard over the middle - clock ticks Doubs does the wrong thing on fake spike and Rodgers signals for a new WR.  Herman  [AR's 2-minute drills lead to no points.  Herman

I’m losing track of how many coverage sacks there have been today but it’s been a lot. Defense stays dominant - offensive line not so much.  Herman  [But you can't have coverage sacks if the OL didn't provide some time.  I think this belongs in the WR section, not the OL of DL section.  TGR]

Amari toasts SJC deep. Toure beats Gafford. Tyler Davis beats Vernon Scott.  Awesome hand battle Watkins vs Stokes. Watson gets a bit of separation but can’t hang on. Doubs toasts Carpenter. Not a fair fight.  2) Jaire 2/2 in one on ones. Shuts down Lazard and Doubs. [Alize  Mack can’t hang on against Leavitt.  Hyman beats Nixon as does Davis.  Lazard beats Vaughn deep. Winfree beats Ento deep. 3) 1x1s. Tyler Davis diving catch against V Scott Amari a little separation vs SJC (and maybe a push off Toure & Gafford hell of a battle deep. Ball comes out after contact with ground. Carpenter lost in coverage vs Dafney who makes 1 handed catch.  Herman  [So, the 2nd string offense fairs better against the second string defensive backups.  TGR]

Doubs:  Romeo Doubs finally met his match. In pair of 1-on-1s vs Jaire Alexander, Doubs didn’t have a catch. Alexander let the rookie hear it, too. After smothering him on an out for a PBU, Doubs got behind Alexander but dropped a pass. Alexander told Doubs it was OPI.  Wood [So, Doubs also goofed on a fake spike and Jaire shut him down.  TGR]

Doubs beats Jaire clean on a deep route but drops the ball. Been an issue at times.  Herman  [Per Wood, Jaire claimed OPI, but that's not the way Andy Herman saw it.  IDK - I wasn't there!  TGR]

Those Romeo Doubs vs. Jaire Alexander 1-on-1s were entertaining. First one, Alexander locked Doubs up on a comeback route and got the PBU. Jaire screamed “COME ON, MAN” in Doubs’ face. Next one, Doubs burned him on a go route deep left sideline but dropped a good pass.  Schneidman  [Alexander is fun to watch if you ever get to a practice.  He talks - a lot.  TGR]

 

TIGHT ENDS:

Tyler Davis comes wide open on a crosser. Nice start for him after winning his 1x1 battles too.  Herman  [Marcedes Lewis got a veteran's rest day.  TGR]

 

OFFENSIVE LINE:

Yosh - JRJ - Myers - Hanson - Newman today.  Herman

Yosh Nijman continues to impress in one on ones. Good balance. Ty Clary had some nice reps at center too.  Hodkiewicz  [Packers unofficial depth chart came out today and listed Clary as 3rd string, showing Cole Schneider as 2nd string even though Schneider is in a walking boot.  TGR]

Rodgers is reeeeal unhappy with Myers about something at the LOS prior to the snap of the ball. Gives him a bit more of the business as the 1s switch out with the 2s.  Nagler

 

DEFENSIVE LINE:

Good lord Jarran Reed. Have a damn day. Just spun off a double team for a stop of AJ Dillon.  2) Jarran Reed had a would be sack on Rodgers. Incredibly strong day for Reed today.  3) TJ Slaton with a would be sack on Love. Give credit to the coverage. 4) Wyatt works hard for a pressure. Clark probably would have drawn a holding penalty on a pass rush off play action. This DL is balling right now. Jarran Reed with another stop at the line of scrimmage. Campbell there as well.  5)  Jarran Reed nice job resetting the LOS vs Runyan.  6) Jarran Reed has looked really freaking good in camp. He’s active again this morning. Did Gute unearth another gem?  Herman  [Jarran Reed could be this year’s De’Vondre Campbell in a way?  Schneidman - Same thought as Herman expressed.  TGR]

Starting Packers dl today: Lowry - Clark - Reed w/ Clark at the nose.  Herman [The positioning is interesting.  Didn't seem to matter which lineman it was, they all whipped the offensive line today.  TGR]

 

LINEBACKERS:

Preston Smith busts through a double team for a pressure on 12. Now Garvin screams off the edge for a pressure.  Herman

LaDarius Hamilton is making a strong case for the No. 3 OLB spot. Two sacks, a pressure and a TFL in team periods so far today.  Demovsky  

La’Darius Hamilton with a sack and a TFL here and forced an INT earlier.  Huber

[Per Huber, the sack of Etling was against Rasheed Walker, and Gileai and Garvin remained with the twos.  TGR]

 

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

Dallin Leavitt all over an end around to Hyman.  Herman  [Leavitt looks like a box safety only.  TGR]

Vernon Scott has been getting first-team reps at safety with Darnell Savage not practicing because of the hamstring injury. The Packers third safety job behind Adrian Amos abs Savage is still up for grabs, but Scott getting a look there right now.  2) Jaire Alexander with a rare nickel rep. Blitzed Aaron Rodgers from the slot and forced an incompletion. Next rep, Alexander moved back outside with Rasul Douglas at nickel and forced an incompletion on deep ball from Aaron Rodgers.  Wood

Alexander just blanketed Watkins on a sideline go in 11-on-11. Jaire really balling out today.  Spofford  [In addition to the tweets in the WR section.  TGR]

Defense is dominating today. Gary, Garvin, Reed, Slaton all in the backfield. Corners locking up. Campbell sniffing out tosses. This defense seems pretty decent if you ask me.  Schneidman  [I was not sure where to put this.  Sounds like the DBs were very good, or it could have gone in WRs along with Herman's comment or in Offensive Line, but Herman noted coverage sacks.  But there were a couple of run stuffs as well.  TGR] 

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Pat O’Donnell a bit all over the place punting on a chilly, wet day:54 [No idea what this number means TGR]

37 yards, N/A hang

43, 3.47

56, 4.56

63, 4.50

45, 4.40

33, 3.09

53, 4.56

54, 4.56

52, 4.50 (TB)

43, 4.35 (downed at 5)  Wood

Low snap by Wirtel on a punt and he limps off the field after the play.  Herman  [The long snapper for the 2022 season probably is not at present on the roster.  The field goal kicker for game one might not be on the roster either unless Crosby is healed by then.  TGR]

Gabe Brkic’s rough camp continues. Good from 45 and 47, but he pushes a 46 yarder wide right from the right hash. Mason Crosby’s job is just fine as he remains on PUP with knee injury.  Wood

Breakdown on punt team. Rasul Douglas busts through and likely would have blocked it easily had he not pulled up. O’Donnell shanks it to the side. Douglas with a pressure on the next punt as well as Innis Gaines celebrates Kabion Ento’s speed release as a gunner.  Herman

Hyman muffs a punt after allowing it to hit his chest. Was a nice punt by O’Donnell. And then he muffs his next chance as well. Tough day for a player who has had a nice start to camp.  Herman  [The process might be better, and things might be more focused, but the results sound rough so far on special teams.  TGR]

 

 

 

 

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6 points
 

Comments (21)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:54 pm

Thanks TGR. It sounds like Doubs might have let Alexander get in his head. We should have them do that regularly.

Otherwise it seems like the right side of the OL is just collapsing? Really don’t think Newman should be moved from RG. We need to get one back or find another option at RT I fear. Tom just seems to get manhandled and Newman doesn’t seem better. Can Caleb Jones or CVL be less good?

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 09, 2022 at 01:21 am

Maybe so. I'd read it as Doubs going 1-1 against Jaire, but since he dropped the pass, I guess 0-2 is fair. Still, Herman and Schneidman said Doubs beat Alexander cleanly, so if that means he can get open against the best, GB has itself a receiver. Need another one or two WRs to step up and join Lazard and Watkins. I don't like reading coverage sacks. That implies that the OL gave the QB time but no one was open.

Correct, the right side of the OL seemed to have problems. I assume that was Newman, Hanson, Nijman at times, Rhyan, Tom, and Rasheed Walker, maybe Caleb Jones, but I don't know which of them, or if it was all or most of them. I saw that Jarran Reed reset the LOS against Runyan, so that resonated with me as much or more as all his other exploits against unknown OL. I don't care how often Reed beats Menet.

Always look to see who someone beat. Garvin had a great day, and you can only beat the guy the coaches set you against. I found that one sack came against Rasheed Walker, but never found out who gave up the 2nd sack. That matters.

Wyatt beat Rhyan and Menet in the Friday Night scrimmage. Good for him, and they were flash plays, but those guys are really third-stringers. I was less impressed that many others. Good to see, now go beat Runyan and Nijman.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2022 at 09:33 am

As you said, you can only give players chances to beat others you put them opposite. I am pleased to see Alexander on Doubs. Not just because Alexander is physically excellent but because he will try (and did) to get the WR to lose focus. Really good experience. More please: it will benefit both.

Listening to comments by Scott and about him, I infer he was in the dog house, probably for conditioning or practice habits last year but that the potential flashed as a rookie kept him here. He’s looked good thus far and hopefully its due to a light going in for him as a professional. The only other one who has showed anything deep that I’ve seen is Gaines, but Scott was ahead even before Gaines got hurt.

I’ve been wondering if they might not keep Nixon in lieu of a second box type after Leavitt. I think Nixon seems a better option on D and could play some safety. I don’t see as much box type usage this year anyway. McDuffie and even Wilborn may be better options than Davis/carpenter in the box, as good on STs and more likely to be needed depth.

I see Garvin is starting to win some on burst. That’s key for him. He’s strong but he has struggled to apply his athleticism effectively beyond that. I will be surprised if he’s not on the roster and I think Hamilton is quite likely too. However, their tests are only about to begin and we could see things very differently afterwards.

Nijman is fine, but Newman is at best an emergency in game RT. It may be that they think Bakh will be back and that the objective is to have Newman get some snaps for that reason. If not it’s not looking good to me. I reserve opinion on Hanson at G till games have started. At this point it’s all hearsay in my view.

Increasingly I see Tom as a phenom in shorts who can’t play once the mauling starts, even partially, at this point. He’s certainly technically impressive, but once pads went on, his physical limitations are just as obvious. He’s being overwhelmed in partial contact. At best he’s a finesse LT, but Nijman is on another level entirely there. At RT Tom just overwhelmed from what I see.

Concerningly, I’ve heard a few observers say that he doesn’t seem to have a frame that looks capable of adding significant mass and power. I fear he’s a Kumerow on the OL (at least as a T): a guy who does everything well but who just doesn’t have the physical attributes to make that pay off at this level. I hope I am wrong but this feeling has been steadily strengthening.

Walker is apparently being brought on slowly after his foot issues. It may be they just wanted him on the PS this year from the start. At this point, I’d like to see them try Jones. He may not be as athletic but he’s robust and better than billed. Sometimes good old fashioned size and strength is better than twinkle toed agility without it. Otherwise I think we are going to be forced to sign a veteran.

0 points
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Grandfathered's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:15 pm

Thanks TGR!

3 points
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Tedlyflyfisher's picture

August 08, 2022 at 10:44 pm

“Watson gets separation but can’t hold on. “. I think you mean Watkins, right?

For crying out loud, how tough can it be to find a competent long snapper? Sounds like both are failing. And it sounds like we need to sign a different kicker in case Mason’s not ready to go by week 1.

4 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 08, 2022 at 11:16 pm

It's quite possible they go into the 1st game with a LS, holder and K that have never played together in game. Doesn't seem ideal.

3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 09, 2022 at 02:32 am

Andy Herman must have meant Watkins, not Watson, who is not yet practicing.

When a team finds a plus long-snapper, that long-snapper plays forever, sometime 10 or 15 years. The Packers drafted TE Clark Harris in 2007 but he didn't make the team (GB still had long time LS Rob Davis, who played 12 years in the NFL as an LS). Clark Harris became a long-snapper and is still playing 15 years and 205 games later. Harris has been with the Bengals since 2009. I guess it isn't that easy to find a good one. I don't know why, but clearly the folks who wonder why Myers just doesn't do the long snapping just don't get that plus Long Snappers don't grow on trees.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2022 at 09:42 am

Few Cs long snap because the process is distinct and they are on the field a lot anyway to some degree, but mostly because in modern CBA governed practices before and during the season, the P, K and LS are working off on their own while the O line are working together.

Since teams often have 2 LS in camp, some are likely to shake free. Right now more are employed than at any other time of year. I think they will wait unless someone pops up unexpectedly.

Coco had a bad Family Night but has been decent otherwise. It’s possible he redeems himself during games. I suppose the same is true of Wirtel, but he’s not been reliable for longer. At this point he’s got to be close to being out of time.

2 points
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wildbill's picture

August 09, 2022 at 12:40 pm

I read somewhere that there are 5 LS on NFL teams that we have had in our camp at some point in the last few years. What is the issue? Can we not identify a good one? Geez Louis, maybe our new ST coach knows how to pick a good one

2 points
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10ve 💚's picture

August 09, 2022 at 12:09 am

Great piece TGR... Thanks!!

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 09, 2022 at 02:29 am

LOL, I see I made a colossal mistake by inserting the photo of Jarran Reed rather randomly into the middle of the article! Demmed if I know how to fix it, either.

I read Zach Kruse's article about the rise of Vernon Scott. It is accurate, but I don't know that Vernon Scott is any good. With Savage out, someone has to play with the ones. GB chose Scott. Then again, GB kept Scott on the 53 all of 2021 but when they needed someone to actually play safety in real games, they elevated Shawn Davis and he got snaps in lieu of Scott, who remained inactive.

Moreover, Scott is the only real backup center fielder on the roster. Leavitt is a box guy to the extent that he can play at all on defense. Gaines and Davis were the only competition for deep coverage safety snaps. Gaines has made some plays in camp. Davis kind of looked like Safety #3 in OTAs, but hard to know where they all are now. All three would be fine as the #5 safety, none of them look like a #3 safety who might have to play hundreds of snap in real games. Plenty of time for one of them to take a step forward in TC and preseason games. Tariq Carpenter needs a year on the PS.

We knew the starting CBs could cover. The defense was highly ranked against WRs last year, not so good against TEs and RBs. Watkins is easing his way back in, and Cobb and Lewis were resting. I'd love to see someone own CB #4 or S #3, as long as someone competent can be DB #6.

I am more concerned about the OL than I have been. I didn't think it was above average last year. LH is right to note that it all starts up front. Herman called most of them coverage sacks, and they may have come against 2nd and 3rd stringers - hard to know - or the WRs were not getting open. Well, that should not be so easy against Jaire, Stokes and Douglas. The offense is behind the defense. We should take that into consideration when Love takes the helm in the first preseason game.

I assumed the depth chart was up at packersdotcom but it's not. Here is the tweet from Demovsky with it. Tyler davis is listed as 3rd string. I don't think so. LaDarius Hamilton is listed as 3rd string. Maybe, but I think he is more than a JAG. Not saying he has passed Garvin, but Tipa is listed as 2nd string, and I think that is misleading. It has Keisean Nixon as a third string CB, and rightfully so, but he's a 3rd stringer on D and a first stringer on STs, so he has a good chance to make this roster.

https://twitter.com/RobDemovsky/status/1556764632123056128/photo/1

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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2022 at 10:02 am

Preseason depth charts are usually pointless beyond the obvious. Teams have no incentive to give accurate information to other teams on who might be rising or falling or betray their thoughts to the players. I know fans like them but experience says ignore them completely till we are in season.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 09, 2022 at 03:24 am

That INT Jordan Love had, looks a lot like the one last season in preseason game. He need to stop that kind of throws, as they are never efficient. On the other hand, it came with the clock down to zero, so, maybe that was why Jordan try it as nothing else was available to do...

Anyhow, I would like him to stop those "ball into the well" throws. Keep the ball tightly at yourself and suffer the sack. It is always better than just throwing the ball in the air. Especially now, when it looks like Packers have legit defense. It is always better to defend opponent attack with defense, than trying to stop ball carrier with the offense.

Thank you for your wonderful job TGR!

0 points
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Lphill's picture

August 09, 2022 at 05:30 am

Special teams still has a long way to go it seems other reports out of camp are more concerning.

-2 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:01 am

Thanks TGR
Great recap

1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:59 am

How much time does the Pack devote to STs each practice, especially entire team snaps? How does this practice time compare to the top ST teams in the NFL?

When I attended a MM practice several years ago, there were just a few entire team snaps and those drills were over very quickly. Todays NFL practices are even shorter and more restricted.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2022 at 09:55 am

There is clearly more emphasis and more time this year than last, but how much more I can’t tell you.

STs usually look rough at this stage as they are trying different players in different roles and combinations. I’d say after the scrimmage we may start to see ST line ups that RB likes and also reflect more relevance to roster contention as that’s necessary to start getting everyone working as a unit.

1 points
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T7Steve's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:23 am

Thanks TGR. Article says it all, unfortunately. The only thing to hope for is that the D is so good the offence will have a breeze on game day.

At least someone besides me is worried about our O-line so I don't have to harp again.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

August 09, 2022 at 09:57 am

There are two things coming out of practices so far that I’ve notice. One, our DL is stronger than any year since 2010 and two, our OL needs to get better. Fingers crossed that Jenkins and Bak are back soon!

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2022 at 10:09 am

I think it more accurate to say that we need another option at RT to start now and as in season depth. Nijman looks fine at RT, but he’s going to be at LT absent Bakh. I think it’s pretty clear Jenkins expects to start on the PUP (and timing would suggest that too). Nijman, Runyon, Myers, Newman + RT wouldn’t worry me for 4/5 of the line. RT though is a black hole. I’d fill it with Caleb Jones. Cant be worse than Tom and Newman there surely?

1 points
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PatrickGB's picture

August 09, 2022 at 11:53 am

Perhaps with the loss of the Oline coach because of his promotion to OC, we are seeing a drop off from the players. As Butkus gets some experience and players get reps against our tough defense I expect some improvement. In any case, my hope is that the quote “Iron sharpens Iron” hold true.

0 points
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