Pressure Is on Packers RT Don Barclay After Allowing Too Much Pressure
Marshall Newhouse and Derek Sherrod are waiting in the wings if Don Barclay can't stop opposing pass rushers from harassing Aaron Rodgers.
One item of Packers news that flew under the radar from Thursday's practice is this from Pat Mayo, the sports producer at the ABC affiliate in Green Bay:
I know it was just Oline/Dline drills but Don Barclay not taking snaps. First it was Newhouse then Sherrod
— Pat Mayo-ABC (@patmayo) October 24, 2013
It's difficult to say how much stock to put into one drill from practice, but the reality is that Packers right tackle Don Barclay has not been playing very good football of late.
Even though Barclay hasn't done a very good job protecting the quarterback in recent games, it's unlikely the Packers would make a change in the makeup of their offensive line, at least for the time being.
Even so, Barclay would be advised to clean up his act, because the Packers have other options at right tackle.
Thanks to good health along the offensive line, Marshall Newhouse hasn't been needed this season apart from the occasional special teams duty, but he's available at a moment's notice.
Granted, Newhouse hasn't exactly provided stellar protection for Aaron Rodgers the past two seasons either, responsible for allowing nine sacks in each of 2011 and 2012, according to ProFootballFocus.com. But Newhouse does at least provide a veteran's experience.
Perhaps the more intriguing option is Derek Sherrod, who's attempting to come back from a broken leg suffered 22 months ago.
Sherrod is currently in the midst of his second week of practice since being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open the season, but indications are the former first round draft choice will finally return to action at some point in the near future.
"I think it's promising," said head coach Mike McCarthy of Sherrod. "It's definitely much better than it was when the season started. I think he clearly has moved past the just the mobility part of it that you originally had some concerns. He needs the padded work, the time you usually get in training camp. He's doing some extra drill work and things like that, and we're trying to get him as acclimated as possible."
The Packers decided to practice without pads this week, so Sherrod missed out on an opportunity to prepare in an environment that most closely resembles that of an actual game, but he remains on the comeback trail.
Sherrod has one more week of practice before the Packers must decide his fate, either by elevating him to the 53-man roster, placing him on season-ending injured reserve or releasing him. The latest the Packers have to make that decision is following the Bears game in Week 9, but can also do so at any point before then.
One way to make room for Sherrod on the roster would be to place tight end Jermichael Finley on injured reserve after he suffered a serious neck injury against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday. But the future will tell what the Packers ultimately decide on both Finley and Sherrod.
What's so disappointing about Barclay is that he began the season so well, earning positive grades from Pro Football Focus in each of the first three games of the season.
Since that time, he's followed up with consecutive negative grades in each of the past three games.
Barclay's performance has been particularly poor the past two games, giving up two sacks in Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens and four quarterback hurries to the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday.
Priority No. 1 in Green Bay is to protect the face of the franchise, the organization's $110 million investment. If Barclay can't do a better job of keep Rodgers clean, the Packers will be forced to find someone that will.
To his credit, Barclay has done an admirable job since taking over the starting right tackle position late last season, but he's got to turn things around to keep his competitors from breathing down his neck.
Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].
Comments (68)
October 25, 2013 at 10:42 am
What has been his problems? Any ideas? Is it effort, talent or bad technique? Maybe opponents have figured out how to confuse/defeat him.
October 25, 2013 at 11:45 am
Like most young tackles, Barclay has problems against veteran power rushers. In the coming offseason he needs to improve his strength and conditioning. Old story.
October 25, 2013 at 01:47 pm
Thanks!!
October 26, 2013 at 08:38 pm
He lacks talent plain and simple. He's had time in the strength program so that's not an issue. He was an undrafted FA. No need to dig deeper thanks that. Just lacks the tools
October 25, 2013 at 10:45 am
I've been wondering since Sherrod starting practicing if he was going to be used at RT or just LT...I guess that's my answer. Good to hear.
October 25, 2013 at 10:50 am
Brian,
If Newhouse isn't a much better option at pass protection (just a little better) wouldn't you say that the upside of Barclay being a much better run blocker makes up the gap between the two in pass pro?
Brian Carriveau
October 25, 2013 at 10:54 am
Yes, I would say that's a pretty reasonable assessment.
October 25, 2013 at 10:55 am
I personally believe from what ive seen that Sherrod was a much better pass blocker. Lt potential with his athletic ability. In my opinion the dude has way more upside. So if sherrod can regain the power and flexibility in his leg than i cant imagine him not taking the rt position from barclay. But hey im not Brian. Just offering an opinion :)
October 25, 2013 at 11:04 am
I don't see Sherrod taking it away any time soon though. He has a lot of practicing to do and the padded practices are going to start tapering off because of the CBA. Maybe by the end of the year, but McCarthy has not been the type of coaches to make big changes like that during the season. Might not happen til next year.
October 25, 2013 at 01:34 pm
One thing that confuses me about all of the Sherrod chatter is we just have no way of really knowing where he is at. Like a lot of young OL, the last time we saw him he was understrenght and developing. How strong is he now? Will all of the "mental reps" he's been taking for two years translate in any way to the field? Don't get me wrong, I always thought folks here turned on him way too soon, but now it feels like the sentiment is way too positive based upon hope rather than any real ability to see how he looks in live action.
October 25, 2013 at 03:16 pm
Sherrod is an ideal LT candidate. His size, measurable, arm length all have LT written all over him. He was a very good pass blocking LT in the SEC for a few years. I don't see him getting that job this year, but I think in the offseason Bulaga, Sherrod and Bahktiari will have a competition for LT that might not be decided till training camp.
IMO, Sherrod at LT and Bulaga at RT would be the starters. Bahktiari has played well, but he doesn't have the talent of Bulaga or Sherrod. Either way it'll be decided in the offseason or training camp.
October 26, 2013 at 09:44 am
To be fair. Bulaga wasnt really elite either. Baktiari lt. Sherrod rt
October 26, 2013 at 02:59 pm
I don't see evidence of Barclay run blocking better. I believe GB has had much better success running to the left this season.
October 25, 2013 at 10:52 am
While i do believe he needs to step up, he has preformed well for being undrafted. Hope Sherrod can take rt. And yes i said rt! Lt is locked up. Baktiari is our franchise tackle. Deal with it. I certainly can :). Interesting fact. Our line who has played rather well considering the competition: suh,ansah fairley, atkins,johnso, and others. And that line consists of no players drafted above the fourth round!!!! In ted i trust.
October 25, 2013 at 10:57 am
I don't know that I'd go with franchise LT.
I'm excited to see what happens when we have Bulaga, Baktiari, Sherrod, Barclay, and Newhouse all competing for 2 tackle spots.
Also having Tretter on the inside competing. Very cool stuff.
October 25, 2013 at 11:02 am
Okay im not saying now, but i believe he will improve into it. He has the upside to. Dunno call it intuition but when i say him selected i knew he would start at a tackle position. The only reason he was drafted so low was because colorado sucked. I dont see another tackle drafted in the draft thata playing better than him. Fisher was rt and struggled. Lol
October 25, 2013 at 11:05 am
I hope his is the best of the bunch. I'm not saying he won't be. I was just saying that it should be a fun competition between the 5 players.
October 25, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Agreed
October 25, 2013 at 11:00 am
Barclay has been solid considering that he was undrafted, got very few snaps in the first half of last year and has started something like 16 games in his career. On top of that, this year he's faced many of the best front 7's in football already. Can't really ask for much more out of someone in that situation.
That being said, he's clearly a weaker link at the moment. I hope Sherrod becomes the guy in a month or so. he has all the tools (or at least did).
Barclay still has a nice future ahead of him. he can be a very valuable 6th or 7th linemen in the next couple of years and there is certainly time for him to develop into a decent starter in this league.
He should be a Packer for a long time and I think he's going to be a very solid one someday. you can be very successful in the NFl by grooming guys like Barclay over the long term.
October 25, 2013 at 11:02 am
Could have a bright future at guard.
October 25, 2013 at 11:05 am
+1
October 25, 2013 at 03:19 pm
Agree, Barclay should be moved to OG this offseason. With Bulaga, Sherrod and Bahktiari at OT I don't see him winning a OT job. Newhouse will be gone this year in FA.
October 26, 2013 at 09:07 am
It seems like he'd be a better guard than tackle, but I don't see him supplanting Sitton or Lang. Providing quality depth, yes, starting, no. Also consider both guards are well paid; I think that is an indicator of how the coaches and TT evaluate players.
October 26, 2013 at 10:19 am
I didn't say start him ahead of Sitton or Lang. I just said move him to OG. OT is pretty crowded w/ better talent and Barclays best attributes fit better at OG anyway. If he's around long enough he can take over when one or both leave when their contracts run out.
I view him as a backup player at either position. Which is what he would be if we didn't have so many injuries.
October 26, 2013 at 01:20 pm
Agreed.
October 25, 2013 at 11:46 am
Agreed!
October 25, 2013 at 11:47 am
agreed
October 25, 2013 at 02:18 pm
He'll be in GB for a long time, IF he is willing to play for minimum. I would think that when he is eligible, he'll try the market. Worst case scenario is back to GB like James Jones, only I don't think a non-starter would get above minimum.
October 25, 2013 at 11:31 am
I haven't been keeping score, but it seems Barclay has given up 75% of our sacks/pressures over the last three games.
It appears he's regressing.
October 25, 2013 at 11:39 am
It's just come to light elsewhere in the comments section that Jamie could be an androgenous name. This is an excellent observation if you're a boy Jamie.
You're an emotionally unstable vacuum jockey if this is a girl Jamie.
I need council from Longshanks if you're plumbing has both parts.
October 25, 2013 at 11:41 am
ha!
Jayme Snowden
October 25, 2013 at 01:21 pm
HA HA HA
+1
October 25, 2013 at 08:03 pm
FTR - I have a weenur, a chihuahua, and a shitzu.
October 26, 2013 at 12:19 am
And he gave up a drive killing holding call that was very blatant: just threw his man to the ground with the back judge right there. Ridiculous.
October 26, 2013 at 09:33 am
Is this Jeff Triplett himself??
That WAS NOT a hold. The DE was chip blocked by the RB, which knocked him off balance. Barclay only had one hand on the guy and was standing up with him...no way any Olineman is strong enough to just jerk a guy straight down to the ground with one hand just standing there.
One of the many terrible calls by Triplett and his crew that day.
October 26, 2013 at 10:45 am
Correction...just watched it again and it was Lang that came off of his man and gave the DE a shove from the side that knocked him down. No hold occurred.
October 25, 2013 at 11:45 am
The Packers have also been running more to the left side than the right. I'd love to quote the article but I'm not sure where I read it.
Also please don't only use PFF metrics in your articles. The more material I read from that site, the more I realize it's grades are highly subjective rather than objective! Use more than one source for your articles!
October 25, 2013 at 03:15 pm
just curious- have we seen newhouse play at right tackle yet?
October 25, 2013 at 03:22 pm
Pre-season?
October 25, 2013 at 08:23 pm
Excellent article Brian!! I said this last week and had an argument over this but Don Barclay is the weak link of the offensive line. If Derek Sherrod is healthy (and he is) he will take that right tackle spot at some point this second half of the season. You can book it!!
As far as Bakhtiari. He is our franchise starting left tackle. I agree with Steven. Why wouldn't he be? He's everything and more at this point. He's only going to get better. No way is he losing that position to Bulaga or Sherrod. We'd be up sheet creek if Bakh didn't come thru.
Longshanks - The Jay Cutler of Packers fans
October 26, 2013 at 12:06 am
Cuz Sherrod will be a better LT that's why. And Bulaga will be the RT IMO.
October 26, 2013 at 09:46 am
Sorry Stroh. I doubt the put sherrod at lt. He would be essentially are rookie. He has not played a game in years. And i never have been a big bulaga fan
October 26, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Didn't mean this year but w a full healthy offseason he'll be able to. Not like those talents evaporate never to be recovered.
October 26, 2013 at 01:17 pm
Well Stroh, sometimes those talents do evaporate and never recover. Just ask Eddie Lee Ivery who would have been one of the best rb's in history if not for two consecutive years of knee injuries care of the Chicago Bears.
Bulaga has been thru two major injuries now. Sherrod one that lasted two years. Bahktiari is 100% healthy and a stud as we speak. If you are in Vegas and betting on who you think will be the best long term solution at left tackle, who do you think Vegas would side with? Bulaga or Bakhtiari? I think we all know the answer to that question. Well, at least Steven and I do.
Longshanks
October 26, 2013 at 04:11 pm
Well Longshanks... Since we're making comparisons on injuries why not use an apples to apples comparison. Ivery's injury occurred in 1970 freaking 9, not recently. At that time one ACL injury was practically a career killer and more often than not it was. Ivery was never the same RB after one ACL, much less a 2nd one. So it was expected he would not recover his talents! As for Ivery being among the best ever if not for the injury. He looked like he had all the tools but there is no way you can say he would have been an ALL TIME NFL great.
Lets look apples to apples now. Sherrods injury was basically the same as that suffered by Mike Flanagan. His broken leg happened in 1996 and he missed 2+ seasons, then sat behind Frankie "bag o' donuts" for another 2 years, before becoming a starter. Even 1996 was a different era in sports medicine that 2013. So I am pretty sure that Sherrod will be fully recovered and in great shape after this offseason for training camp.
What your betting is that a lesser talented player in Bahktiari w/ a year of experience will be better than a more talented play w/ little to no experience.
Based on the combine data, Sherrod at 320 has better feet in quickness than Bakhtiari in both the 3 cone and shuttle drills. He's taller, longer arms and better feet. Sherrod has almost ideal measurements for an NFL LT. Only thing Bahktiari has is more aggressive demeanor. Sherrod played 3 yrs of LT in the much better SEC as opposed to Bahktiari in the big 12/pak 12. Bahktiari and Bulaga were almost identical in quickness.
CBS had Bulaga as the #10 overall player in his draft class. Easily a 1st rd talent. Sherrod was rated #25 overall mid to late 1st rd. Bahktiari was #76 overall, basically a 3rd rd talent.
Based on my research and from what I've seen of Bahktiari, Sherrod in college and Bulaga, I'll say both Bulaga and Sherrod are the more talented players. Bahktiari has played well, better than I expected, but he is far from being a Franchise LT as you labeled him. I'll take the more talented players rising above the lesser talent.
As for Bulaga's injuries. His hip injury wasn't serious even tho it ended his season. It was a broken bone, not a hip dislocation like Bo Jax had. Bulaga will have had over a full year to recover from his ACL, so not too worried there.
Sherrod and Bulaga being the more talented players will probably beat out Bahktiari. That's my opinion... I'll take talent more times than not...
Bahktiari has done well but lets not anoint him anything yet. He's got some stiff competition to beat out.
Personally would like to see Sherrod at LT and Bulaga at RT. That's my guess of what will occur too.
October 27, 2013 at 02:00 am
Almost to a man, not a scout or GM thought Bakhtiari could play LT in the NFL, while many a guy with good measurables (eg, Gabe Carimi, Chris Williams) have flopped. Got to prove it on the field. Bakhtiari's doin it, Sherrod hasn't. We'll see. If he's better, that's great for the Packers, but give Bakhtiari his due. C'mon, an early draft entrant out of practically nowhere! The guy has been good against top level DEs. Man, he could have been a turnstile. Look at what Baltimore had to do: trade for a tackle mid season! Whoa. Let's thank our lucky stars for this kid (and TT).
October 26, 2013 at 03:32 pm
I hope I end up eating a lot of crow, but I'm not as sold on Sherrod as others are, and that was even before his bad injury. No arguing Barclay needs to improve his pass-blocking, but he's a much better run blocker than Newhouse. I hope they stick with Barclay at least a couple more games.
October 27, 2013 at 12:17 am
Ill take proven talent (baktairi) over a guy with measurables any day. Just being a good athlete and a good player in college does not make you a future nfl star. I.e. trent richarson, jamarcus russel. I dont think sherrod is a bust. Hes just not the best avalaible lt.
October 27, 2013 at 12:17 am
Ill take proven talent (baktairi) over a guy with measurables any day. Just being a good athlete and a good player in college does not make you a future nfl star. I.e. trent richarson, jamarcus russel. I dont think sherrod is a bust. Hes just not the best avalaible lt. And im sure you can agree
October 26, 2013 at 04:59 pm
Well that's your opinion. Steven and I decided to go ahead and annoint him anyway despite your resistance. I hope that's ok with you Stroh lol.
When Bulaga and Sherrod can play a full season again than maybe we'll talk. I like guys who are available and can play. Bahk has shown me enough already. I'm very impressed with him.
Numbers and stats as you may know from a recent disagreement I've had with someone else don't mean a hell of alot to me especially when it comes to offensive linemen. Vic Ketchum will tell you that as would Larry McCarren. Attitude, grit and will are what I look for and Bakh has it!!
Let me ask you something Stroh. Do you by chance live in TN?
October 26, 2013 at 06:57 pm
Like I said Bahktiari is playing well. Better than I ever expected. I give him a ton of credit and he's been a godsend. I'll be interested to see how things shape up in training camp. Hope everyone is healthy and can compete on a level playing fields. Teams have a tendency to give 1st round picks every opportunity to become a starter. Bahktiari has some good qualities to be sure, but Sherrod and Bulaga have the pedigree and talent. We'll see what happens.
Scottsdale AZ, Why?
October 26, 2013 at 07:55 pm
Just wanted to know because I had a 10 year feud with a guy from TN on a different board and you sound alot like him. Pretty much same everything. Opinions, how you speak, your southern accent, your writing style and the fact you tick off alot of people with your style as do I. lol I hope to hell you aren't from TN. If you could take a quick picture of a cactus or something that would be cool just to verify but if not, no biggie, just paranoid of that guy. I'll take your word for it your last name isn't H*****n.
Longshanks - The Jay Cutler of Packers fans
October 26, 2013 at 10:07 pm
I've been Stroh or Strohman on every message board. I'm going mtn biking in the morning. no prob taking a pic you want email or text? Lol
October 27, 2013 at 01:26 am
Well thats an interesting way to end an argument lol
October 27, 2013 at 07:36 am
It wasn't an argument. Difference of opinion, nothing more...
October 27, 2013 at 10:53 am
Sorry got a slow leak in my bike tire from riding yesterday (probably a cactus needle in the tire). Woke up w/ a flat tire. Not going to be mtn biking this morning. See what I can do about finding a pic of a cactus tho. But won't be out in the desert just depends if I see a cactus when I'm out for coffee or something.
October 26, 2013 at 11:06 pm
Yes, that would suffice as evidence Stroh. Ideally I would prefer a snapshot photo of a Barrel Cactus, a Ball Cactus or my favorite the Arizona Beaver Tail Cactus. If you are not familiar with them than take a photo of whatever cactus you can see and that should suffice. Can you post it here? If you can, just put a photo up here. Thank you for your cooperation Strohman.
Longshanks - The Jay Cutler of Packers fans
October 27, 2013 at 02:01 am
Jesus effing C. WTF happened to this place? There used to be more competent GREEN BAY PACKER fans on here posting than not.
Just scrolling through the comments, people are arguing about our "NEW FRANCHISE LT", yet they don't ever know his effing name. Unreal.
"Bakhtiari". Learn it. Especially if you're going to go on about his talents... LEARN HIS FUCKING NAME!
Fuggin Nimrods.
Oh yeah, "Hayward"... 2 A's. Learn that one too.
What a shame.
October 27, 2013 at 03:07 am
The guy's effin Indian, Arab or Italian I am guessing. His last name is very difficult to spell. I am constantly having to remember if it's K before the H or vice versa. It must be learned thru time just like KGB Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. I bet you got it on the second try right? Cut the people some slack when it comes to spelling some of these difficult names. Christ there's still Packers fans that spell Brett Favre Brett Farve after 25 effin years. I just accept it at this point in time. There's no point yelling. Steven and I happen to like Bahk or is it Bakh?
Longshanks - The Jay Cutler of Packers fans
October 27, 2013 at 09:39 am
I vote this as the lamest most pointless rant of all time. Who gives a effing shat if someone shortens a guys name when EVERYONE knows who they are talking about. I suppose you used to get suicidal when posters used KGB??
Idiot.
October 27, 2013 at 09:50 am
I think you meant "AN effing shat"
What do I win for trumping the lamest post ever?
Cuz I think I just did.
October 27, 2013 at 09:59 am
Technically, I want people to read it using the full word, which calls for an 'a'.
October 27, 2013 at 10:07 am
So....I don't win?
Rats.
October 27, 2013 at 03:49 pm
Aww, you think you get a vote, sorry son, no dice. Go curl up next to your poodles and save your opinions, nobody here cares what's on your mind.
Scrote.
October 27, 2013 at 08:30 pm
BTW, Nimrod, where did I say I had a problem with shortening it? You created that in your pathetic excuse for a brain. I was referring to its spelling being butchered.
Douche.
PackerAaron
October 27, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Good lord. Calm it down. Both of you. Stop talking like 12 year olds. Unless you both are - in which case, go do your homework.
October 28, 2013 at 01:22 am
Well, Aaron, it's just... I'm sure these people walk around in GREEN BAY PACKER gear... They should take some pride and get informed, or they make us all look bad.
Like I said... Shame.
I'll leave this Jamie chick alone, it's just, well... She sucks at life. I usually don't talk to women like that, and will try to refrain in the future.
Go Pack Go!
October 27, 2013 at 05:37 pm
Hey Hey Hey Fitzy!! Break it up!! Break it up!! No need for fighting before the game. Save it for after (if we lose).
Longshanks