Sharp Cheddar 02/5/14 - Post Super Bowl Edition

Here's the latest episode of the Sharp Cheddar Podcast, fresh off the virtual presses. The guys return from a Packer-less Super Bowl hangover to chat about the crap-tacular big game. General musings on the future of the Packers ensue. There may even be some acapella Sarah Mclachlan...

Sharp Cheddar 1.14.14 - Conference Championship Week

Leaving last season in our wake, we hash out our thoughts on every Packers free agent, and talk conference championships and custard farts. Yep.

A Win For Flynn!

Aaron Rodgers sustained a left clavicle fracture early in a November 4th game against the Chicago Bears. That game quickly slipped away from the Packers, giving way to a veritable landslide, and victory hadn't been tasted since. Until today. Yes, it was Matt Flynn—thrice cut and unemployed on that November night—who would lead the team to victory for the first time in 5 weeks, as the Packers fought tooth and nail to narrowly defeat the Falcons 22-21.

Here are some key takeaways from Matt Flynn's performance:

 Matt Flynn: 24/32,  258 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 95.6 rating. Photo: Packers.com

Poise and Persistence: There were some poor throws, some questionable decisions, and of course the flukey off-the-foot pick six courtesy of Sean Weatherspoon, but Matt Flynn's stoicism never wavered. Under duress, amid home-crowd boos, and with the very real pressure of a season seemingly slipping away, Flynn remained focused, and consistently moved the chains.

Small Ball: The game plan was clear: A no-huddle offense predicated on quick play-action throws to establish rhythm and confidence. Of his total 258 passing yards, 126 (roughly half) of those yards were notched by tight ends and running backs. TE Andrew Quarless was targeted 7 times, nabbing 6 balls for 66 yards.

A Rare Shot Downfield: I've often criticized Flynn for his "noodle arm." Harsh words, I know. But credit must be given for what was a well-thrown 46 yard strike to Jordy Nelson. The ball may have taken longer than I'm comfortable with to get there, and may have taken 30 minutes of play-action to set up, but it provided a spark as the Packers looked to overcome an eight point deficit early in the 3rd quarter. That drive would produce a field goal, bringing the Packers to within a touchdown at 21-16.

Taking His Lumps: Matt Flynn was sacked 5 times tonight, and that's not entirely a bad thing. One huge difference between benched backup QB Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn is care for the football. In 2.5 games, Tolzien's TD/INT ratio was 1/5. He was often guilty of making a hasty throw under pressure. Say what you will about Matt Flynn's arm strength or his inability to make it to his third read, his willingness to take his lumps behind the line and not risk a costly interception proved to be a winning strategy in a close game at Lambeau.

Contribute to the conversation: Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!

Sharp Cheddar 12.02.13

The crew is back from a turkey induced coma to discuss the trauma of being mauled by Lions. We also sing some Sarah McLachlan a cappella. Seriously.

Sharp Cheddar 11.26.13

Brian, Joe, and I discuss the emptiness of tying in the NFL, issue some paddles, and reflect for a moment of thanks.

Is BJ Raji Worth $8 Million/yr?

BJ Raji has been offered an $8 Million/year, multi-year contract from the Packers, according to an article by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. McGinn writes that the offer has been on the table for "several months," which puts the time frame close to the marquee signings of both Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers.

The news comes as a bit of a shock to those who thought the Packers were simply letting Raji show his meddle in the final year of his current contract.

Consider me part of this group.

In a league where the franchise tag price of a DT is around $8 Million/year, BJ Raji has failed to measure up to even average performers at the position. A 3-4 nose tackle playing mostly defensive end, Raji has not recorded a sack since November of 2011. Please re-read the previous sentence slowly.


There is an argument to be made that the defensive line in a 3-4 scheme is less sack-focused than say, the outside linebackers. But the big man has had success getting to the quarterback in previous seasons. He recorded 6.5 sacks in 2010, and 3 the following year. But in a "what have you done for me lately" league, Raji has 0 sacks and just 12 tackles this year while taking 85-90% of all defensive snaps.

The Competition

How does Raji stack up against other defensive tackles? While comparisons can be rendered somewhat moot by differences in scheme, Raji has been among the worst statistical performers this year at DT, according to a Rotoworld.com metric which aggregates tackles, sacks, interceptions, and fumbles. (pictured below)

Horizontal axis is each game this season. Vertical is rank. Courtesy of Rotoworld.com

With the above stats in mind, it's interesting to me that Raji's camp has refused the Packers contract offer multiple times. The team's offer is fair/high market value for a player who, lately, seems to be more of a local folk hero than a statistical contributor. The Packers still have the option to slap the franchise tag on Raji, effectively equaling their current offer but for just one season. If BJ Raji is hoping for a more favorable contract elsewhere, he may be playing his way to a disappointing offseason. 

Sharp Cheddar 11.19.13

We offer up a prayer to the football gods, asking for forgiveness for whatever it is that Packers fans did to anger them so.



Editor's note: I have to eat my words. Bill Murray was not in Operation Dumbo Drop. How I confuse Bill Murray and Ray Liotta is beyond me. I apologize.

Sharp Cheddar 11.13.13

Joe is back from his homework-related injury, Brian calls out the lame behavior at Lambeau, and we ponder the morbid curiosity of a Scott Tolzien-led offense.

In Like Flynn

     After a quick workout and presumably brief conversation with his agent, Matt Flynn was told he could keep those Packers sweats he was wearing. Though no announcement has yet been made, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last night that the signing is imminent.

     The Packers began a conversation with Flynn last week, but their hand was forced by QB Seneca Wallace's early exit Sunday against the Eagles with a groan (sic) injury.

     Not to toot my own horn, but a certain out-of-market Packer web logger did foretell the exact set of circumstances that would lead to the team resigning their former backup. But here, I'll save you the click:

"If Wallace baulks or, worse yet, sustains an injury, it is likely that Scott Tolzien would get an opportunity, and that the team would then reach out to Flynn as a possible next man up."

  

      My crystal ball and I can't take full credit, though. It's almost a no brainer that Flynn would at least get a look, given the quarterback carousel this season. Well-documented elbow tendonitis aside, Flynn is a high-IQ player with an in depth knowledge of the Packers very complicated offensive playbook. God forbid Scott Tolzien gets hurt or plays very poorly, Matt Flynn can no doubt competently pilot the ship. His potential effectiveness is a suspect variable, but coach Mike McCarthy would at least be able to run an almost full menu of plays with Flynn behind center. 

    

      But Packer fans should hope to never see Flynn on the field, as it would mean that Scott Tolzien played effectively, stayed healthy, and ideally stole a victory or two in Aaron Rodgers absence. Flynn will most certainly be the backup, as McCarthy has already given the starting job to Tolzien. 

    

     The signing will likely be made official by the team today, and a corresponding roster move will have to come with. More than likely, QB Seneca Wallace will be placed on IR, thus ending his tenure in Green Bay, and possibly his career.

Related articles from Daily Dope Sheet:

Emergency Pack: Why/When to Sign Flynn

McCarthy: "Scott Tolzien Will Start" 

Sharp Cheddar Podcast: Discussing GB's Odds w/o Rodgers 



Follow me on Twitter @DailyDopeSheet and talk Packers all damn day!

Mike McCarthy: "Scott Tolzien will start against the New York Giants"

The Packers had just lost their second consecutive home game, falling 27-13 to the Eagles, as coach Mike McCarthy began his post game presser. "I'll tell you right now, Scott Tolzien will start against the New York Giants, so we'll answer that question right here." When prodded, he firmly iterated, "I'm the head coach. I've made that decision."
    Seneca Wallace got virtually all of the practice reps this week with the number one offense, but suffered a groin injury on the first series in Sunday's game. In relief of Wallace, former Badger Scott Tolzien did his best not to shrink in the face of adversity. He completed an impressive 24 of 39 pass attempts (62%) for 280 yards and a touchdown. He did throw two picks, one of which was objectively his fault.
    But this performance must be put into context. Consider that Scott Tolzien was was only activated from the practice squad this past Wednesday. It stands to reason that Tolzien was running on poise, rather than playbook proficiency. In that regard, he was a pleasant surprise. That in mind, McCarthy's insistence is perhaps justified. Tolzien answered the bell objectively stronger than did Seneca Wallace last week, when he faced almost literally an identical set of circumstances.
    The injury bug has forced Ted Thompson's hand, and we'll soon see if free agent QB Matt Flynn—the Packers kicked his tires this week—gets the nod from a medical standpoint. But the immediate future appears to be Tolzien's time.  Wallace's availability is still unclear.

Emergency Pack

In a small metal cupboard hanging on the wall, behind a thin, glass door sits quarterback Matt Flynn. A tiny hammer dangles in wait. Bold, municipal helvetica reads, "IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, BREAK GLASS."
     Internet trolls and sports radio junkies alike are clamoring for the Packers to re-sign their former backup. But it's not just the typical windbaggery of a certain blowhard bunch crying for GM Ted Thompson to "do something!" Flynn is available. The team did meet with him this past week, worked him out, and most certainly quizzed him on his recollection of the playbook.
     Matt Flynn is well traveled since leaving the Packers for starting money, failing to stick in Seattle, Oakland, and Buffalo. It has been reported that he has tendonitis in his throwing elbow. If true, it's no wonder Flynn, known more for football acumen than arm strength, has been ineffective. But passing two physicals in recent months—in Oakland and Buffalo—does bode well for his diagnosis.
     Thus, the Packers are taking a peek. While the team will always fall back on the adage of doing due diligence, taking a mid-season look at a quarterback is an eyebrow-raiser from a staff known widely for their steady-as-she-goes approach.
     The front office won't act, however, unless they don't like what they see this Sunday from current backup, Seneca Wallace. The ball is literally now in Seneca's court. Notwithstanding his Uncle-Rico-esque delivery and lack of physical stature, if Wallace can prove he has the moves and meddle to competently pilot the Pack to an above-.500 record in Rodgers' absence, Flynn will remain a teamless specter. If Wallace baulks or, worse yet, sustains an injury, it is likely that Scott Tolzien would get an opportunity, and that the team would then reach out to Flynn as a possible next man up.

My take? I believe Seneca Wallace is within the top half of backups in the league in two critical categories: experience and poise. He's seen a lot of NFL football. The key for Wallace is to be Alex Smith. Be smart, efficient, consistent. After watching his play against the Bears last Monday, I can't say I feel confident in Seneca's arm strength. The ball is coming out of his hand with considerably less mustard than receivers are used to seeing in Green Bay, which could lead to interceptions. Too many costly turnovers and the dominos with fall. It'll be Tolzien-time and Flynn's agent will get a call. But hopefully, like many of the bridges in Green Bay, the team won't get to cross it.

Packers Beat Down Browns 31-13

The Packers improved their home winning streak to 10 consecutive games—23 of their last 24—with a convincing 31-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Here are some takeaways.

------

I would be remiss in not mentioning the heartbreaking injury to TE Jermichael Finley at the top of this post. After a 10 yard catch and run, Finley ducked forward in anticipation of a collision with Browns safety Tashaun Gipson. The defender squared his shoulder and smashed into the massive tight end. As Finley fell motionless to the ground, hearts sank into stomachs both on the field and in the stands. The silence was deafening, and Finley's state disconcerting. After a six minute pause in the action, Jermichael Finley was fastened to a gurney, face mask unscrewed, and immediately taken to an area hospital. It would be premature, not to mention crass, to begin to stipulate on the implications of this injury on Finley's season and career, as well as the team's injury-riddled offense. At this point, the important facts are that after a precautionary stay in the intensive care unit, Finley was able to walk around fine today, and was reportedly in good spirits. Early tests are coming back negative—that's a good thing—and we'll at least know something more by Wednesday's injury report.

------

As if Aaron Rodgers needed to further set himself apart from other QB's, his performance on Sunday certainly accomplished that. His numbers were on par in the context of his career—25 completions on 36 attempts for 260 yards, 3 TD's and no picks—but it was the weapons at his disposal, or lack thereof, that make his level of success so remarkable. With primary playmakers like Randall Robb and James Jones sidelined, as well as Jermichael Finley later in the game, Rodgers got it done throwing to Jordy Nelson, Jarrett Boykin, Myles White, and Jake Stoneburner. James Jones may return next week, but it will be a long time before we see either Cobb or Finley on the field. Rodgers' meddle will be tested down the stretch, but he made it look relatively easy piloting a patchwork production against a competitive Cleveland defense.

------

Eddie Lacy is a grown man. A powerful, punishing back who out-muscles defenders on first contact, and falls forward every time. In a "quiet" day for Lacy, he racked up 82 yards and 1 TD on 22 caries. The Packers have generally not had this type of production on the ground under Mike McCarthy, and the timing couldn't be better. With Aaron Rodgers bringing a knife to a gun fight—throwing to practice squad players and street free agents—being able to fall back on a reliable rusher is a life saver. Eddie not only occupies the attention of secondary defenders, but his consistent production also proves a boon to the offensive line. The difference in the line's overall swagger with and without Lacy is obvious to anyone who has followed this team over the past few seasons. With long term injuries piling up, the team will need Lacy to continue to produce at a high level in order to stay atop a murky NFC North.

------

With Sunday's beat-down of the Browns, the Packers improve to 4-2 and take control of the NFC North. With the Vikings still to play tonight in New York, here is a snapshot of the division.

• 1. Green Bay (4-2) - Next opponent: Minnesota      
• 2. Detroit (4-3) - Next opponent: Dallas                   
• 3. Chicago (4-3) - Next opponent: BYE, Green Bay
• 4 Minnesota (1-4) - Next opponent: New York        

Sharp Cheddar 9.24.13

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with both Brian and Joe about all things Packers. The tough loss to Cincy, McCarthy's abysmal clutch 4th quarter resume, and Vontaze Burfict's fascination with Ryan Taylor's reproductive health.

NFL: No Fumble League, Packers Release Ross

Jeremy Ross dropped a KR, and the team dropped him. Photo credit: Bengals.com

It is said that NFL stands for "not for long." As in, time is short and moves quickly. For the purposes of this article, and with tongue firmly in cheek, we'll say instead that NFL stands for "no fumble league." Kick returner and fifth wheel wide receiver, Jeremy Ross, was released by the Packers on Monday. Ross showed potential last season as a dynamic return man. But a few muffed returns (including a turnover Sunday that would ultimately put Cincinnati up 14-0) and some generally poor decision-making with the football in his last four or five games was all it took. Ross was cut less than 24 hrs after Sunday's game. It's a cold business.

Now the team must decide how to fill the available roster spot. Mid-season cuts aren't always 100% on the player. It's likely the equation was some part Ross' miscues, and some part a need elsewhere on the team. With the bye week upon them, the Packers will need to wait-and-see if they'll have a full stable of healthy running backs come week five. If not, perhaps the slot goes to a running back. If the backfield is healthy, perhaps the secondary could use some competition. And who will field kicks? These questions will all play out in the coming bye week. Within the front office, the Packers move quietly, decisively, methodically—Always with a method to their blandness.

Also filed recently to Daily Dope Sheet:
 

9.24.13 Dinked and Dunked to Death: Packers Fall to Bengals 34-30 

9.21.13 Sharp Cheddar Podcast

Washington Rust-skins Buried 38-20 by Pack

The atmosphere at Lambeau Field was electric. Ionized by 7,500 brand new seats and lit aglow by well over 80,000 total attendees, the Packers struck early and often in what amounted to a route of Washington to the tune of 38-20. Gobs of passing yards, stout defense, and a surprise 100+ yard rusher made this game an all around positive. Let's focus on a few keys.

RB James Starks. Photo: CBS.com

The Running Game: If one had said during the preseason that James Starks, not Eddie Lacy, would be the savior to rid the Packers of the stigma of going 44 straight games without a 100+ yard rusher—The last was Brandon Jackson (seriously) on October 10, 2010 (seriously) to this same Washington football club (seriously)—one might have been labeled insane. Yet it happened. Everyone saw it. On his first carry—a 10 yard gallop— rookie Eddie Lacy was struck hard on the helmet by safety Brandon Meriweather, and forced to exit with a concussion. That would be his only carry. The next man up was James Starks, a guy who quietly took precedence over running back Alex Green in training camp, ultimately winning Green's roster spot. Starks hasn't been a household name for many fans since his 2010 breakout performance and subsequent struggles to stay healthy, but it's clear the coaching staff saw enough in the tall running back to warrant a job. Score one for the coaching staff. On Sunday, Starks was decisive. He was elusive. He cut well and made guys miss, carrying the ball 20 times and rushing for 132 yards. Starks also notched something the team has been sorely lacking, a "big play run" on a 32 yard touchdown scamper.

QB Aaron Rodgers. Photo: NFL.com

Up in The Air: It's been communal wisdom among Green Bay fans that if only the Packers could mount a formidable rushing attack, quarterback Aaron Rodgers would have a field day. Well, with RB James Starks gobbling up an average of 6.6 yards per carry, Washington's already suspect safety group was forced to respect the run. What happened next has become so commonplace in Green Bay, that one almost forgets to highlight its significance. Aaron Rodgers was surgical, completing 34 of 42 passes for 480 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. The yardage tied a franchise record set, funny enough, by former backup Matt Flynn. On the strength of Rodgers' arm, Green Bay saw 18 of its 28 first downs come via the pass. While they were only 4-10 on 3rd down conversions, the ratio of 28 first downs to just 10 third downs means that the offense was humming efficiently, already a well-oiled machine just two games into the season. Rodgers has 7 touchdowns and 1 interception through those two games.

S Shields. Photo: Roemerphotoblog.com

Sam Shields Was All Over The Place: At some point between defensive snaps in the third quarter, I scribbled the following exclamation in my notebook: "Sam Shields is all over the place!" And indeed he was. The young cornerback was involved on seemingly every clutch stop. Shields led the team with 8 tackles—5 of them solo— and made three pass breakups in textbook fashion, closing on receivers with perfect timing and playing the ball rather than the receiver. Lacking the quality and quantity of receiver that San Francisco enjoys, Washington's wideouts were contained when it mattered against Sam Shields and fellow corner Tramon Williams. They surrendered yardage late, but this secondary was much improved from last week's flop, and Sam Shields was a key cog in that improvement.

More From The Daily Dope Sheet:

See how our pregame keys shook out relative to Sunday's route over Washington

DDS Podcast: First ever podcast! Talking the 49ers loss, Clay's clothesline, and out-of-market fans.

Washington @ Green Bay: What to Look For

After a tough loss at San Francisco to open the season, the Packers look to rebound and avoid an 0-2 start. According to NFL.com, only 11.6% of teams that started 0-2 have qualified for the postseason since the playoff expansion of 1990. Fortunately, the visiting Washington football club find themselves in the same position, having failed to recover from a slow start against the Philadelphia Eagles and dropping to 0-1.

This is the Packers home opener. Thanks to a recently completed renovation, Lambeau Field has given birth to 7,000 new seats in the south end zone. The excitement will be palpable.

Here are a few key points to keep track of throughout this game.

RGIII: Coming off a devastating knee injury, the young Washington quarterback looks rusty and a long way from 100%. That said, Robert Griffin III is a qualified passer and decision maker. Pegged as a 'read-option quarterback,' it's unlikely we'll see a single option snap in light of his ongoing knee rehab. Last week against the Eagles, RGIII started slow and wasn't leveraging his lower body in the passing game. He wasn't stepping into his throws. As the second half wore on, however, he appeared to become more comfortable, and his throws more accurate. The Packers would be wise to plan for and expect the RGIII from the second half of last week's game rather than the first. Robert Griffin III  will look to expose Green Bay's young secondary, specifically M.D. Jennings, Jerron McMillian, and Micah Hyde. All three were guilty last week of allowing Anquan Boldin to have his way with the middle of the field—he accounted for over 200 yards of offense for the 49ers. Morgan Burnett would help bolster the secondary, but his status will likely be a game-time decision as he works his way back from a hammy.

Alfred Morris: The second year running back for Washington is coming off a disappointing opener—45 yards on 12 carries—but that's no reason to sleep on the crafty rusher. Alfred Morris exploded onto the NFL stage last year, logging 1,613 rushing yards in his rookie campaign. He's Washington's primary ball-carrier, and should see at least 20 touches unless the Packers build an early lead. The Packers unveiled an improved run defense last week in San Francisco, holding the powerful Frank Gore and gazelle-like Colin Kaepernick to just 90 total rushing yards on 34 attempts.  Morris represents another early test for the Packers, who appear to be taking on DE Johnny Jolly's on-field persona and playing with an edge.

Orakpo and Kerrigan: Washington boasts not one but two top-end linebackers in Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. The tandem has notched 26 total sacks in the last 2 seasons combined, and that's with Orakpo missing all but two games in 2012 with a pectoral tear. That injury appears not to be fully healed, as Orakpo looked apprehensive at times last week in Philadelphia. He's still an elite athlete, and combined with Kerrigan, they really don't surrender much in the middle of the field, and are quality pass rushers.

Sloppy Seconds: As poor as Green Bay's secondary looked at times last week, Washington may have it worse. DeAngelo Hall is their best corner, but he's over the hill and can be exposed. The safety tandem of E.J. Biggers and rookie Bacarri Rambo has to be among the leagues worst. In last weeks opener, they accounted for 6 missed tackles between them, and that's excluding the plays where they were beaten so badly there was no chance to even attempt a tackle. Certainly Green Bay quaterback Aaron Rodgers has to be licking his chops to feast on Washington's famine. If Rodgers can take advantage in the air and build an early lead, Washington will be forced to abandon the run and rely on their rusty quarterback and passable receivers—their wheels will fall off.

More from the Daily Dope Sheet:

• DDS Podcast, Episode One: 9.12.13 - Brian and Zach discuss the loss to the 49ers, Clay Matthews' clothesline, the upcoming game against Washington, and the phenomenon of the out-of-markert fan.

• Packers Humbled in Opener, fall 34-28: Some quick hits after the opening day loss to the 49ers.

With Backup Spot Locked Up - Packers Eye Super Bowl

For the past few weeks, the Green Bay Packers have been playing a game of musical chairs. But now that the music has stopped, Seneca Wallace has taken his seat, and BJ Coleman, Graham Harrell, and Vince Young have been left standing and shown the door, the team is finally primed for their Super Bowl run.

Like every team with playoff aspirations, the backup and third string quarterback position have been hashed, rehashed, and poured over all offseason. Hundreds, nay thousands of scouting department man-hours have been poured into finding the perfect candidate to carry a clipboard with poise, give advice that Aaron Rodgers doesn't need, take a knee at the end of a blowout, or to not fumble heaven forbid they be called into action for one real life snap.

Top Secret Weapon, Seneca Wallace. Photo: ESPN

In Seneca Wallace, the Packers have found the perfect candidate. His clipboard handling skills are finely tuned, having worked with renown backup QB groomer, Mike Holmgren. Wallace has shown great poise on the bench, riding the pine like he truly belongs. Simply put, the game is not too big for him.

Now that the Packers have signed their secret weapon--so secret they hope to never have to use him in a game--they are primed and ready to make another run at the Lombardi trophy.

Packers "Win" "Game" Over Rams, 19-7

Fans despondent over last week's all-around flop, a 17-0 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals, have reason to feel comforted after an improved effort from the Green Bay Packers last night in the Edward Jones Dome, where they handled the St. Louis Rams 19-7. The offense was sharper, and the defense looked more cohesive as well. Here are few players that stood out.

Eddie Lacy saw his first action on Saturday.

Eddie Lacy: The rookie running back finally got to show his mettle, facing an opposing team's starting defense for the first time. Lacy looked like he belonged and appeared to really resent being tackled, routinely carrying one or two defenders along for the ride after first contact. Overall he received 8 carries and totaled 40 yards for a 5 yard-per-carry average. His first two runs of the game went for 7 and 15 yards respectively. If he can keep this up into the regular season, the very real threat of a capable back could potentially expose opposing secondaries to the wrath of Rodgers.

Jermichael Finley: Is the reformation complete? The imposing tight end has historically irked fans with his brash talk, excessive celebration, and generally not living up to the hype. Finley is reported to have rededicated himself. He has put his nose to the grindstone and is letting his play do the talking. The tight end took hits and grabbed yards after the catch, showing an aggression that's been lacking in the past. He displayed his quickness, slicing through the Rams zone defense for 25 yards on the third play from scrimmage. His extra prep-time spent with Aaron Rodgers appeared to pay off later in the quarter when, after the QB called an audible, Finley knew to look for the quick pass and turned it into a 33 yard gain, absorbing some hits along the way. And no shark-fin dance this time. Maybe Finley knows it's only preseason. Maybe he knows it's a contract year. Whatever the reason, it means positive things for the Packers offense.

Jolly had a batted pass and
an interception on Saturday

Johnny Jolly: Speaking of reformation, DL Johnny Jolly showed glimpses of his old self and reminded coaches and fans of his great instincts for the game. A Jarrett Bush interception can be credited to Jolly batting a pass at the line of scrimmage, something the big man was known for in his past life. Later, cornerback Loyce Means batted a pass, and it was Jolly who came down with the a goal-line interception after he had dropped into coverage. Without missing a beat, he plowed forward and even executed a spin move for a few extra yards. All this excitement in only 15 snaps for Jolly. He's starting to build a strong case to be a 6th DL on this team. He just knows football.

Micah Hyde: Taking more snaps than anyone else on the team (52) Hyde showed his versatility. He played the corner position left, right, and worked in the slot, breaking up 2 passes and collecting a sack and 5 tackles. Hyde did surrender a 57 yard catch and run to Rams WR Chris Givens, exposing a slight lack of speed, but an argument can be made for blown coverage over the top. The real surprise of the night was a chance to return a punt in which Hyde recovered 17 years. Hyde returned punts at Iowa and said after the game, "I feel comfortable doing it." If WR Jeremy Ross continues his bobbling ways, Hyde could see more action on special teams as coaches should be anxious to relieve the dynamic and valuable WR Randall Cobb from his returning duties.



Did you see anyone that stood out? Anything you liked or didn't like? Comment and let's chat about it.

Packers "Lose" "Game" to Cardinals, 17-0

There are differing opinions of the value of preseason football among Packer fans. Those that follow only to chart wins and losses are likely to be disappointed by the Packers ho-hum preseason opener, a 17-0 loss at home to the new-look Arizona Cardinals. But to be sure, preseason games are not about winning at all. Rather, it's important to focus on individual performances. Depth charts are nebulous at this point. The game is largely a televised job interview for tens of players on every team. Coaches and execs look for translation from the practice field to the fight bell. They look for flashes from players previously hidden among the ranks. Most importantly, they pray to the football gods that their guys arise unscathed from every scrum. With that in mind, here are a few thoughts on last night's action...

Datone Jones Sprains Ankle: Tests are pending, but an injury to a first round pick in the first preseason game is a huge blow. Jones was pulled at the slightest hint of injury—later reported as a sprained ankle—and didn't even emerge from the locker room after half-time. It brings to mind a certain first-round defensive lineman named BJ Raji, who also sprained his ankle in his first preseason and missed the majority of the year as a result. Ted Thompson has to be pleading with those aforementioned football gods right now.

DL Johnny Jolly.
Photo credit: totalpackers.com

Johnny Jolly Gets Push: The walking human-interest-story that is Johnny Jolly performed admirably, while seeing snaps for the majority of the contest. Given his extended stay from the game, and the team's massive DNP list (17 players did not participate), Jolly seemed to take advantage of what he well knows might be his last chance ever to make an NFL roster. He was aggressive and got push into the backfield more than a few times, showing that his tank may still have some fuel left after all. Some of his swings and spin moves lacked the obvious savvy of his former
days, but it was encouraging enough to see the big man making his presence felt on the line.

Bakhtiari Shines: With left tackle Bryan Bulaga out for the season already, it was up to rookie David Bakhtiari to show fans why coaches have been so thrilled with the newbie. Bakhtiari blended in, and faded into obscurity. That is to say, that's exactly what an offensive linemen should do— become an invisible wall. His footwork and technique never in doubt, Bakhtiari displayed the strength side of his game, holding up quite well against an opposing team's starting d-line.  

RB Stable Full of Horses: The team erred on the side of caution, sitting RB Eddie Lacy due to a slight hamstring pull. As expected, DuJuan Harris also sat. Johnathan Franklin and Alex Green split the majority of the early snaps. Between the two, it seems the team has a back for every occasion. Alex Green showed encouraging shimmy on the line, cutting like a guy who is no longer favoring a troublesome knee. While Johnathan Franklin struggled to power through the middle of the pack, he was supremely slippery on the outside and in space, darting to and fro like a point guard moving toward the hoop. He showed that he could be most valuable as a screen player, and possibly also as an option at kick returner, if WR Jeremy Ross continues his muffing ways.

No Contest For Kickers: The team would have liked to have a few shots at the uprights to continue their kicking competition. Instead, Mason Crosby and Giorgio Tavecchio were merely spectators. The sole trip to field goal range ended in a turnover on downs at the goal line, as coach McCarthy decided to opt for some fourth-and-goal rehearsal early in the first quarter, and the team never saw another opportunity.

Left to right: Vince Young, Aaron Rodgers
Photo credit: packersnews.com

Backup Bonanza: For only knowing about 12 plays, new arm Vince Young sure seemed poised and out to prove his worth. His series fell flat, but he appeared more in control than the timid Graham Harrell or overzealous BJ Coleman. That's not to say the latter two didn't have their moments, but the battle at backup quarterback still appears to be a game of pick your poison. The word 'yuck' comes to mind...