LB Desmond Bishop has been hanging out in the Packer clubhouse since he was drafted by the team in the 6th round of the 2007 draft (192nd overall). His role prior to this year was fitting for a 6th rounder - sub packages, and a steady backup. But Bishop was thrust into the starting role in week 5 when veteran LB Nick Barnett went down with a season-ending wrist injury. Bishop started the remaining 12 games at inside linebacker and left no doubt that he was a capable Packer. Bishop capped his season with 103 tackles, 75 solo, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. The interception was against Brett Favre and Bishop took it to the house for a touchdown, earning him some serious brownie points with Packer fans. This week, the team showed it's gratitude by signing Bishop to a four year contract extension worth a reported $19 million. This leaves Green Bay with some interesting roster decisions to be made at the inside linebacker position. When Nick Barnett returns, he'll be due $6 million as a 30 year old player who has spent a year away from football activities. Similarly, LB A.J. Hawk will be due a whopping $11 million next season. That's a pretty standard contract for a first rounder, but Hawk's failure to meet the high expectations associated with his draft status, especially when compared to fellow first rounder LB Clay Matthews, is certainly a talking point for the payroll department. This offseason will answer all of these questions. The only sure thing so far is that Desmond Bishop will be a Packer for at least 4 more years.
LB Erik Walden wasn't even a Packer to begin the NFL's 2010 campaign. He was signed in the waining days of October to serve as fresh meat for a linebacking corp that had been through the grinder. After spending a lot of extra time with LB coach Kevin Green, Walden bumped his play from average to special with his standout performance against the Chicago Bears in the final game of the season; a playoff clincher. DDS originally gave Walden credit for 2 QB Sacks on Bears slinger Jay Cutler, but official stats now indicate Walden is credited with 3 sacks in the game. He served as a "spy," keeping tabs on the nimble Cutler, and keeping the running game in check as well. He logged 11 tackles, 10 of which were solo. For his stellar performance, the NFL has named Erik Walden the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. From out of work, to league recognized for wonderful play, DDS congratulates #93 Erik Walden on being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Good show, chap!
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