So It Goes

Another rookie blogger shows up for journalism training camp. I realize that, at least initially, most of these posts will be made purely for my own amusement. So it goes. Perhaps I'll find myself exercising more discipline once I have a few followers. The Daily Dope Sheet, named after George Calhoun's now famous Dope Sheet, will serve as a new online resource for all things Green Bay Packers. I will strive to post up-to-date news, rumors, and opinion pieces on a daily basis, saving room for the occasional editorial rant. Don't worry, you'll receive fair warning prior to all editorials. Now, let's get this thing up to speed...

Currently, the Packers are set to square off against the Buffalo Bills in what is sure to be a surprisingly competitive week 2 bout. It's easy to discount the Bills, who seem to be inept even when playing in 2 consecutive Super Bowls in the 90's, but as the Pack learned in last year's stunning loss to the then win-less Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even losing teams can beat you if you fall asleep at the wheel. The Bills boast a formidable three-headed rushing attack in Fred Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, and rookie phenom C.J. Spiller. While the Pack's run defense seems to be picking up where it left off last season (ranked #1 overall against the run), they may still be a little winded after last week's defensive track meet, as they spent all of the second half scampering after QB Michael Vick like a scene out of Benny Hill. Buffalo has also quietly defended the pass very well, having been ranked #2 against the toss in 2009. This will pose an interesting obstacle for the guys in green. Last week in the Pack's 27-20 season opening victory against the Eagles, a veteran work-horse, RB Ryan Grant, sustained a season ending injury when he tore an ankle ligament. Ouch. It's up to Brandon Jackson to pick up the slack. Jackson was previously a 3rd down back who originally lost a bid for the starting job to Grant in '07. Packers coach Mike McCarthy has always stood by Jackson as someone who is talented enough to be a starter in the NFL. Now we'll see if that confidence has been well-placed. Personally, I'm not as panicked as some are about the loss of Grant. It's true he's run for over 1,200 yards the past two years, but being given 2/3 of all rushing snaps on a team known for quick passing scores early and run-heavy, clock-eating drives late in the game, it'd be alarming if he hadn't been so productive. Green Bay is a pass-happy team that will have to stay en guard against Buffalo's qualified D. In the air, the Bills will look to QB Trent Edwards to find the open man. But aside from WR Lee Evans, I don't see Edwards being able to connect with anyone. All in all, my crystal ball shows a big, happy W in this week's home opener.