Preseason Keys Vs. Chiefs: Offense, Defense & Special Teams
What we're watching for in each phase of the game as the Packers take on the Kansas City Chiefs tonight in the preseason finale.
It's pretty much impossible to expect anything for a schematic standpoint or analyze positional units in a game where the starters will probably only play one series and the backups will be heavily rotated. So we're pretty much watching how individuals perform against the Chiefs:
- Offense: Kregg Lumpkin – Lumpkin is one of the few players on the fence. Seeing as he doesn't offer much special teams value, he has to make an impact on offense. The Packers can probably go into the season with John Kuhn as the No. 3 halfback, so Lumpkin must convince the Packers he's too valuable to let go. It would help Lumpkin's chances if he can break a couple long runs this evening. If not with the Packers, maybe another NFL team will notice.
- Defense: Charlie Peprah – With Atari Bigby on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin the season, Peprah might be tough to keep off the 53-man roster, at least until Bigby comes back. However, he's not a lock. Grabbing an interception tonight would really, really get the fanbase rallied around Peprah. He's done a surprisingly solid job at safety throughout the preseason and one more solid showing could cement himself a job with the Packers.
- Special teams: Jason Chery – Did you expect anything else to watch on special teams tonight? The possibility of this happening isn't likely, but just imagine if Chery can return another kick for a touchdown tonight. It would be near impossible to keep him off the roster. So much as a 50-yard kick return will give the Packers much to think about.
Comments (11)
September 02, 2010 at 11:36 am
IMHO I think that a big hit in run support would be worth more than an interception for Peprah. If the Packers want another guy to get interceptions they think they have that in Burnett. Burnett's tackling has been suspect, and if Peprah shows that he brings solid coverage and solid tackling to the table then he will make the team.
September 02, 2010 at 12:35 pm
excellent point
September 02, 2010 at 01:58 pm
Not necessarily. Peprah was always a big hitting machine. Even dating back to his college days. He's alright in coverage but it's nothing new from standpoint of the Packers organization. Peprah has to play lights out for the team to really give him a roster spot. Also of note, Peprah isn't really known for staying healthy. So his dependability in the regular season is also at stake.
September 02, 2010 at 11:39 am
Agreed on Chery, but I'd say Sam Shields is worth watching on special teams as well.
September 02, 2010 at 11:46 am
Don't think we can risk ST injury for Shields. Assuming he is our nickel, he is essentially a starter. ST (other than punting) not a big concern for me as we will put up record level points
September 02, 2010 at 12:33 pm
If Chery makes the team, is Blackmon gone?
September 02, 2010 at 12:35 pm
HA! I love that this site was mentioned on the ESPN North blog, by the way. Nice touch with the video, Aaron. I loled all over the place.
September 02, 2010 at 01:34 pm
Kuhn as the 3rd RB wouldn't surprise me because AR and coaches have hinted at this. Kareem Campbell seemed to think it would be very difficult to not have three RBs on the roster. I agree with him, so I think it's Lumkin's job to loose until the team decides what to do with Starks. He knows the system, but I guess he could be replaced by a waived RB.
September 02, 2010 at 01:47 pm
Chery ....... How about a mixed night ...... Goes to the house on one & drops another ? ........ For Chery to make this roster at such a late date, he'll have to be flawless ....... NO pressure.
September 02, 2010 at 01:59 pm
Someone please answer me:
Am I really that bad of a fan if, in this meaningless preseason game, I root AGAINST Jarrett Bush? That I hope he fails miserably yet again, and that Shields and Martin make such an impact in ST play, that he can finally be cut?
I know, I shouldn't get my hopes up. In the end, Bush probably will make the 53-man roster, at least until Harris comes back.
But I can't help but hope for the best (or in this case, for the worst)...
September 02, 2010 at 02:04 pm
You probably wouldn't be considered a 'fan' if you didn't get emotionally involved on some level with various decisions tied to personnel, play-calling, coaching, etc....
I'm getting more objective as I age and simply tell myself, 'coache's know/see more than I do'. That doesn't mean I'm not knashing my teeth beneth my smile as I say it...