Green Bay Packers quarterback B.J. Coleman during organized team activities at Clarke Hinkle Field in Green Bay. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

When Ted Thompson selected quarterback B.J. Coleman out of Tennessee-Chattanooga in the later stages (with the 243rd choice in round 7) of the 2012 NFL Draft, he understood the virtual certainty that Coleman would endure a steep and difficult learning curve as he attempted to make the transition from a mid-major collegiate football program to earning a spot on an NFL roster.

The organization didn’t need to defend their decision to select a quarterback with a precious choice during that 2012 draft – even though they have the durable Rodgers under contract and who seemingly hasn’t even entered his prime. McAdoo replaced Tom Clements (who was promoted to offensive coordinator following the departure of Joe Philbin to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins) and he entered 2012 with the goal to work hard and develop a rapport in the quarterbacks room. He’s done just that.

The Packers were initially hoping that Coleman would have become polished just enough to challenge incumbent number two quarterback Graham Harrell for the right to back up Aaron Rodgers but that simply never transpired. Following the publicized departure of Matt Flynn to Seattle, it was Harrell who came into training camp looking fit and showing a little more zip on his throws.

Aaron Rodgers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

He looked confident and in command of the offense at times and the coaching staff, and Rodgers, were more than impressed. Ultimately, he did enough during the preseason to solidify his hold on the backup job for the season. Coleman just wasn’t able to challenge him given his inexperience. Some felt that Green bay was taking a calculated risk with the unproven ex-Red Raider quarterback as their only fallback option- but Rodgers went through 2012 mostly unscathed.

Coleman certainly possesses the physical tools and demeanor that’s necessary to the position. However, heading into training camp last year that was about all he had. By most accounts the rookie looked completely lost and had almost no grasp of the playbook, the offensive system or an understanding of the reads that the quarterback is required to make before the play even starts. As the Packers progressed through their offseason program – through organized team activities, minicamps and training camp – Coleman regressed.

He had difficulty remembering plays, let alone making the correct pre-snap alignments and he couldn’t get his offensive skill players lined up in the right spots with any regularity. When he did finally run plays he looked out of sync and often rushed throws. This often led to bad incompletions, shaky overthrows and dreaded interceptions. Of course, Coleman flashed his incredible potential on some plays; he’d wing a laser into tight coverage for a completion here and step into a throw, zipping a 60-yard bomb down the sidelines there.

The coaching staff, particularly quarterbacks coach McAdoo, were intrigued enough by Coleman’s rocket arm, physical tools, size and potential to stash him on the practice squad. And that’s where he languished for 52 weeks, learning the playbook, working hard and soaking up valuable knowledge from the best quarterback on the planet, Rodgers.

Which brings us to 2013.

Graham Harrell
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Boy, what a difference a year makes.

Things have certainly changed for the third-string sophomore Coleman by most accounts this spring and the early stages of summer. He stepped onto the practice field for the start of organized team activities last month and recently minicamp – and looked like a completely different player. He understood the offensive scheme and the playbook, barked out signals with authority and consistently made the correct pre- and post-snap reads. He delivered the football with crisp precision, advancing his unit up and down the field and looking like – well – a quarterback.

So, at the end of Tuesday’s minicamp practice, McAdoo let Coleman know with a whisper that he would get the opportunity to step in with the second team to run the offense in the two-minute drill. The result? A nifty four-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a precise 44-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Alex Gillett.

In terms of his ability to handle the responsibilities from whistle-to-whistle while having a better grasp of the scheme and remaining poised under pressure, Coleman showed in that situational drill that he’s getting there. Meanwhile, Harrell worked with the third team and proceeded to throw a drive-killing interception, made by recent street free agent signee, cornerback Loyce Means. That’s simply not a good taste for Harrell to leave in the coaching staff’s mouth. Particularly after coming off an underwhelming 2012 preseason and notching a nearly-lethal fumble at the goal line during the regular season opener against the Saints. He’s going to have to eliminate turnovers if he hopes to keep the number two job. Given Coleman’s superior physical skill set and burgeoning schematic improvement in the offense from last season to now, that may be a difficult proposition, if not an impossible one.

As for Coleman, he sounded confident in the post-practice interview session with the media. McCarthy had praise for the sophomore, saying that the Packers intend to get Coleman more playing time and that he was looking forward to both of the passers flat-out competing.

The translation for McCarthy’s coach-speak is that a backup quarterback battle is likely brewing in Titletown heading into training camp. For Packer fans looking for their next favorite backup and for a team looking to polish their next second string trade gem, it should be a lot of fun to watch.

Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (12) (left) Graham Harrell (6) (center) and B.J. Coleman (9) (right) are announced to the crowd prior to the family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

As OTAs are about to begin this month, here at LombardiAve we have decided it would be a good time to take a closer look at each position on the Green Bay Packers roster. Over the next few weeks we will break down each position and discuss which players are safe from being cut, which players will be fighting for a job, and which players will have a long uphill battle to make the roster.

Of course, it is all speculation at this point. That is part of the beauty of the NFL offseason programs. Players who look like long shots for making the final 53-man roster prove themselves in workouts and camp and make the final cut.

Even though it’s too early to predict the final 53-man roster at this point, we will begin breaking the players down into three categories heading into OTAs with the understanding that things are susceptible to change as the offseason progresses.

For the first installment of this series, we will begin with the most important position on the field — quarterback.

Quarterback (4)

 Safe – in fact, a lock: Aaron Rodgers, 6-2, 225 pounds

Aaron Rodgers during the game against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Green Bay has invested a lot of money in Rodgers this offseason, $110 million to be exact, but for good reason. Rodgers is simply the best player at the most important position in the league — if not in all of sports. Rodgers has played at an elite level for several years. He has led the league in passer rating the past two seasons and has been a top five quarterback since he took over the starting job in 2008.

The Packers’ success relies on the arm of Rodgers, and despite the acquisitions in the running game this offseason and efforts to improve the defense, that is the way it will be until Rodgers decides to hang it up someday. As long as Rodgers stays upright, Green Bay will continue to be in the mix as Super Bowl contenders. Let’s just cross our fingers that Rodgers stays healthy in 2013.

On the Fence - Graham Harrell, 6-2, 215 pounds; B.J. Coleman, 6-3, 231 pounds

Beyond Rodgers things remain uncertain at the position. Harrell was the number two last year after Matt Flynn’s departure to Seattle, but Harrell did very little to help his cause last preseason where he struggled to sustain drives in the first three games.

Harrell put up good numbers in the fourth preseason game against Kansas City, where he threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Harrell looked like a different quarterback in that game and showed a good command at the position, but it was the fourth and least significant preseason game, so take away from it what you will. Harrell shows a good understanding for the Green Bay offense, but may lack the arm strength and fearlessness required to succeed at the position.

B.J. Coleman throws a pass during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field last summer. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

There is still very little known about Coleman. He was subpar in his preseason appearances last year, but after spending the 2012 year on the practice squad, Mike McCarthy has stated that Coleman demonstrated a much better understanding of the playbook and command of the huddle during rookie orientation last weekend.

Coleman seems to be a new quarterback this offseason and could challenge Harrell for the top backup quarterback position. Coleman has a stronger arm than Harrell and may have more upside, but for Coleman to take Harrell’s spot on the roster, Coleman needs to prove to his coaches that he can handle all the responsibilities of the position during a game.

This will be one of the more interesting position battles to track over the offseason. At age 27, Harrell may have already reached his ceiling as a player, so I think it is safe to say we know what we’re getting out of Harrell at this point. However, Coleman is still young and has plenty of room to improve, so if he shows significant improvement this offseason he may just be the Packers new backup quarterback.

Long Shot - Matt Brown, 6-3, 225 pounds

I have to admit I know very little about Brown. In his senior season at Illinois State, Brown threw for 3,370 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 65 percent completion rate. These look like pretty good numbers, but some wonder about the level of competition he faced on a regular basis in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Brown could be a wildcard at the position and push Coleman and Harrell, but more than likely, he remains the fourth quarterback during camp. And if Brown shows some potential, he could win a spot on the practice squad and become a player Green Bay develops over the next few years.

Last year, the Packers kept two quarterbacks (Rodgers and Harrell) on their 53-man roster and one on the practice squad (Coleman). Will they retain three quarterbacks on the roster this year? Will Coleman or Harrell be the top backup behind Rodgers? Will Brown be a surprise player at the position?

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out this offseason.

August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (12) (left) Graham Harrell (6) (center) and B.J. Coleman (9) (right) are announced to the crowd prior to the family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It may seem unconscionable that a team like the Green Bay Packers about to hand out a lifetime contract to a 29-year-old quarterback would turn around and draft another player at his position. However, as we all know, Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson has made far more curious selections before. But why invest another draft pick at a position that is as solidified as any across the league?

It’s the same answers Packers fans always hear: value and depth.

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell (6) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

While Aaron Rodgers has proven to be both incredibly effective and durable, there’s no player with today’s heightened player safety concerns who can be relied upon for a full season. Packers management got a glimpse into what life without Rodgers would be like when the 2011 MVP was temporarily sidelined with an eye injury against the Saints this past season. The dynamic offense fumbled on the first snap with backup Graham Harrell at the helm, nearly causing the game to fall for New Orleans. While it’s unfair to judge Harrell based on one snap, his body of work has left a poor impression. The former Texas Tech standout will need to improve considerably if Green Bay is to remain competitive should Rodgers be sidelined again.

Aug 23, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Graham Harrell (6) and BJ Coleman (9) and Aaron Rodgers (12) conference on the sideline during the pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Harrell isn’t the only in-house option, however. 2012 seventh round selection B.J. Coleman possesses the physical tools you look for in an NFL passer. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, Coleman is set to go through his first “QB School.” While that sounds promising, it’s important to remember that Coleman never seriously challenged for an active roster spot at any time last offseason, and his small school pedigree suggests he may need another year or two before a spot on the 53 is warranted.

And here is where the 2013 NFL Draft comes in. For teams searching for a franchise quarterback, the talent pool yields more questions than answers. There is a silver lining, however. This draft class contains more quarterbacks with starting potential than any in recent memory.

To be clear, that’s not saying this draft will yield more starters than in years past, but the potential is there. Better still, due to depressed demand for quarterbacks, some quality prospects will be available late on the second day and beyond.

Jan 21, 2013; Fairhope AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad quarterback Landry Jones of Oklahoma (14) during Senior Bowl practice at Fairhope municipal stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

This is where smart GMs like Ted Thompson earn their salary. It is very unlikely that Green Bay will select a quarterback with either of its first two picks. The draft’s top signal callers, Geno Smith and Matt Barkely, could be off the board and in any case do not represent great value to a team drafting at number 26. Similarly, the second round won’t yield a quarterback worthy of the Packers’ draft pick.

After that point, all bets are off.

Underrated prospects such as Tyler Wilson, Landry Jones, and Matt Scott will all likely be around between the Packers’ third and fifth round selections. Not only does this second to third tier of passers possess the skill set necessary to become starters, but they all come with a much higher floor than most prospects taken in that range.

Should Green Bay snatch up one of these passers (and there’s more than the three I listed), they’d acquire a player capable of beating out Harrell and Coleman for the backup spot.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

If you don’t think that’s enough return to warrant the pick, just look to the 2012 Washington Redskins. When starter Robert Griffin III sprained his knee late against Baltimore, rookie Kirk Cousins stepped in and threw the game-tying touchdown pass and two-point conversion. Cousins started the following week with even more impressive results. Not only did these wins represent the difference between winning the NFC East and missing the playoffs, but the Redskins now have a valuable trade chip they can cash in some time in the future. Green Bay would be wise to follow this model. Rodgers, a mobile quarterback in his own right, is just one hit away from missing his next start. Having a backup with starting ability could be a season saver for Green Bay.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Aaron Rodgers will be locked up with a new contract for the next 10 years, but he won’t be quarterback forever. When do the Packers start looking for a successor?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

You might think that the furthest thing from Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson is drafting or trading for a quarterback.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell (6) hands the ball off to running back James Starks (44) during the second half of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

But consider the options the Packers have at the position behind all-world Aaron Rodgers: Graham (I-can’t-hand-off-without-fumbling-from-the-1 yard-line) Harrell and B.J. (I trained with Brett Favre, but am destined for the practice squad) Coleman.

If Rodgers goes down with an injury in 2013, just like last year, the Packers are going to be in a tough spot. In fact, you may as well dial up a step backward and start looking forward to the offseason’s draft.

The Packers have been incredibly fortunate for the past two decades. Since 1992, the franchise has had three quarterbacks who have started games (if you include Matt Flynn), and it looks like Aaron Rodgers is going to sign up for at least another 8-10 years with the team. That would make it nearly 30 straight years with two quarterbacks under center for the same franchise.

Unprecedented to say the least.

Since 1992, the Chicago Bears have fielded 46 different quarterbacks, including now-San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

But all it takes is one backside hit from Jared Allen, one stomp by Ndamukong Suh, and Rodgers could be lost for a game, a month, a season, or his entire career. We all know how fleeting an NFL career can be.

So, does that mean that Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy should be worried? They should if they don’t do something about their offensive line. Being sacked 52 times in 2012 was unnerving for every Packers fan and coach.

But does it mean that the Packers go out and draft or trade for a quarterback who could step in and take the reins from Rodgers? Last year, the Packers drafted Coleman knowing full well that he would be a project. Because we feel Thompson won’t be drafting a quarterback again this year, the competition for backup will be played out in preseason between Coleman and Harrell. With the initial advantage going to Harrell, maybe Coleman can push him. We’ll see on that count.

Aaron Rodgers hopes to be throwing passes around Lambeau Field for at least the next 8-10 years.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So the question is that after the Packers lock up Rodgers with a lifetime contract in the next month, the Packers will have to start looking at bringing in another quarterback, much like they brought in Rodgers when it was clear that Favre had at least another three or four seasons left.

It’s never a bad thing to pick up a quarterback … at any time … even when your franchise quarterback signs a long-term, multi-million dollar deal.

Unless it’s through a trade (very unlikely) or the draft (highly unlikely), the only way Thompson might bring in another QB this offseason is via an undrafted free agent. We all know how many of those stick with a team. Sans Kurt Warner, the likelihood of someone making the Packers that way are next to nil.

However, looking down the road, the Packers scouts should continue scouring the land for the next Favre or Rodgers.

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Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (12) , B.J. Coleman (9) and Graham Harrell (6) wait to run through a drill during organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

With Super Bowl XLVII now in the books, all 32 NFL teams are back to 0-0, including the Green Bay Packers. The focus now shifts to how teams will change their makeup for the 2013 season.

For the Green Bay Packers, that means not only addressing their obvious faults (offensive line, running back, inside linebacker) but their less apparent deficiencies as well.

One such deficiency is the backup quarterback position.

When you have a spectacular and sturdy quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, it’s easy to forget just how important a solid backup can be. After taking 51 sacks in 2012 – Rodgers’ second 50-plus sack season in his five years as starter – the possibility of Rodgers being knocked out for a game or more is uncomfortably high.

The Packers have been one of the more responsible teams when it comes to acquiring reliable backup QBs over the last two decades. Aaron Rodgers was once such a backup, as was Matt Flynn. Both demonstrated dynamic ability during their spot duty as backups for the Packers. While expecting another backup of that caliber is probably asking too much, an improvement over the current situation may be warranted.

Currently, the only quarterbacks on the extended roster are Graham Harrell and B.J. Coleman. While Harrell gets undue criticism for the fumbled snap on his first NFL play, he certainly doesn’t intimidate with his physical abilities nor has he shown the ability to minimize bad plays and keep the Packers in a game. That said, he’s a very smart player who with more seasoning could become a Doug Pederson-type backup. B.J. Coleman is essentially the polar opposite. He’s raw, wild, and frankly pretty cocky, but he’s got a plus arm and is very coachable.

Let’s review some possibilities:

Graham Harrell

Stick With Harrell

The status quo is often the least popular choice, yet that doesn’t make it a poor one. Graham Harrell is a heady player who has made strides each year in the Packers system. With a few more improvements, he’ll be a perfectly adequate backup quarterback.

The concern is whether Harrell can take that next step. His arm is not going to get any stronger, nor is he going to become a more mobile passer. There’s a chance this is the peak of Harrell’s ability. The coaches have supported Harrell publically, and while this staff knows how to develop and evaluate quarterbacks, this could just be puffery. We’ll know the truth once we see how many snaps Harrell gets in comparison to B.J. Coleman.

BJ Coleman (9)
Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Develop B.J. Coleman

B.J. Coleman has the physical talent and Mike McCarthy has a track record of developing quarterbacks though his QB School.

Coleman will have gone through that program twice when the 2013 regular season kicks off. It’s not inconceivable that he’d be ready for the number two job at that point. After all, Matt Flynn served as the top backup in his rookie year.

While Coleman is still an unknown to us, the coaches have seen him all season on the practice squad. He served as the scout team quarterback, and for the most part the Packers were prepared. Coleman’s development will be an interesting storyline during training camp.

Reacquire Matt Flynn

Matt Flynn
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

I only bring this up to address how costly and difficult such a move would be. Flynn signed a three-year $19.5 million deal last offseason to start for Seattle. The Seahawks don’t actually need to part with Flynn, as it is estimated they have $18.6 million in cap space.

With an incoming quarterback draft class that is weak at the top, Flynn could once again be a very marketable trade piece. Seattle isn’t going to cut him, nor are they going to give him away. It’s hard to imagine Thompson giving up the required draft pick or picks for a player he let walk a year ago.

Alex Smith
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sign or Trade for Alex Smith

This is another popular suggestion among Packer fans. Alex Smith was the number one overall pick for a team which employed Mike McCarthy as offensive coordinator. Undoubtedly, McCarthy was part of that selection. Furthermore, Smith just completed his most efficient season to date while being shunned in favor the more physically capable Colin Kaepernick. While Smith could be traded, the team might do him a favor and cut him so he can choose his own destination. This is why I don’t see Smith coming to Green Bay. If the 49ers trade him, it’s unlikely they will do so for what the Packers would be willing to part with. If Smith is cut, he’s not going to go to a team with an established starter, much less a superstar like Aaron Rodgers.

Sign Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow
Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Count me as completely uninterested, or however you describe the lowest possible level of interest. In three years, Tebow has completed less than 50 percent of his passes, quit on his team, and failed to unseat Mark Sanchez as starting quarterback.

That’s a dreadful resume.

While he says all the right things in the press and can be used in some interesting ways (though none of them seem to work as a part-time player), he’s not a capable passer. Green Bay doesn’t have the setup to replicate what Tebow did in 2011 as Denver’s starter.

Look to the Draft

Senior Bowl south squad quarterbacks Tyler Wilson of Arkansas (8) with E.J. Manuel of Florida State (3) and Landry Jones of Oklahoma (14)
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been said that it’s a bad year to be drafting a quarterback. This is both true and false depending on your needs. The top of the quarterback class isn’t close to last year (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III) or the year before (Cam Newton). However, it’s a much deeper class than normal, and a starting level prospect can be found as late as the middle rounds.

That’s where the Packers could find their backup if they take this approach. A player like Oklahoma’s Landry Jones or  Florida State’s E.J. Manuel need only fall a little for the Packers to swoop in during the fourth round. If that doesn’t happen, quality options like Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert could be had in the fifth or later.

One player that Packers fans will be invested in is Vanderbilt’s Jordan Rodgers, Aaron’s little brother. While the stories would write themselves –  writers always put the ME in Media – this probably wouldn’t be a smart direction for the Packers. Jordan doesn’t have NFL ability let alone the athleticism or arm talent of his MVP brother. He’s a seventh round pick at best, but more likely an undrafted free agent. The Packers would be wise to just steer clear of this potential minefield.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback B.J. Coleman (9) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

We don’t want to say this too loudly (ahahahahha, right. You’re writing this for the World Wide Web, you idiot) … but the Green Bay Packers have their collective fingers crossed.

By cutting third string quarterback B.J. Coleman, GM Ted Thompson and the Packers brass are taking a chance in hopes that their 2012 draft pick goes unnoticed by the rest of the league. Past modus operandi by the Packers has been to keep three quarterbacks, with one on the practice squad in case of injuries.

Though Coleman saw very little playing time during the preseason, that was by design. You see, the Packers really like this guy. Yes, he’s got some technical issues, but he’s a strong guy with a strong arm. He just needs a lot of coaching in the Packers quarterback school. They’ve done it before and they are hoping they can do it again with Coleman.

But he has to clear the wires first … At least we’re sure the Packers are hoping that’s the case.

August 9, 2012, San Diego, CA: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers (12) calls an audible in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jody Gomez-US PRESSWIRE

Turnovers, Injuries, dropped passes, a poor running game and just general inconsistency plagued the Packers in their preseason opener against the San Diego Chargers Thursday night on national television.

It’s not an uncommon scene and certainly not something that should concern Packers fans too much. There is never much one can take away from that first game of the year – other than the fact that, thankfully, it doesn’t count.

But there are some things for certain – the Packers have to get healthy and they have to show vast improvement in consistency next time out.

When Nick Perry opened the game with a sack on Philip Rivers, Packers fans cheered. But when the flag came out for unsportsmanlike conduct because of his post-sack enthusiasm, Packers Nation could only grow. I guess it was the harbinger of the the night.

The Packers gave up a 23-yard touchdown to Antonio Gates after fumbling the ball away on their first drive of the night. Another fumble on the ensuing kickoff only spelled out what type of night it would be. Though the defense held its own throughout the game and Graham Harrell finally led the Packers to a score just before halftime and another touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) is tended to by members of the Packers

But Donald Driver said patience is required, especially at this time of year. “That was the whole thing,” Driver said. “You have to get the rust off, and then you start playing ball. You see exactly what he can do. Right before half, he drives the ball right down there and scores. That was big for us. He has the confidence that he can play on this level, and he’s proven it.”

To his credit, Harrell didn’t get down. He kept working and the coaching staff showed their confidence and stuck with him.

“That’s kind of the attitude and mentality I try to bring in every day,” Harrell said. He who finished 15 of 27 passing for 135 yards and a TD. His passer rating was 81.6. “Whatever just happened, whether it was great or whether it was really bad, let’s play the next one and see what happens.”

The game ended after the Chargers had scored a late touchdown to give them a 21-13 lead. Rookie B.J. Coleman was then thrust into the lineup to lead the Packers on a last ditch attempt to try to score. On the last play of the game, Coleman completed a pass to rookie RB Marc Tyler who was stripped of the ball by former Packer Ricky Elmore.

It was a fitting end to a game where inconsistence ruled the day.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) yells out defensive calls before the snap against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Positives that came out of the game? Randall Cobb, Tim Masthay, D.J. Smith, Davon House, Tramon Williams, and even Harrell once he got his legs under him. One could also include the play of Tyler, but his fumble to end the game put a damper on that.

Negatives: Injuries to House and Desmond Bishop. Bishop’s could be serious and would be an extreme blow to the Packers middle defense. House is to have X-rays to see the extent of the damage.

The Packers have a week of practice ahead of them where one hopes the coaching staff stresses ball security. They are in action again Thursday, Aug. 16, when they host the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field.

Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson announced the signing of seven rookie draft choices. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers have officially announced the signing of seven of their draft choices and several of their undrafted rookie free agents, staying on task with all other 31 National Football League teams that have made quick work in signing rookies because of the changes is the CBA and the rookie salary cap.

Those changes made holdouts and long negotiations with rookies a thing of the past.

Below you will find the official press release sent out by the Packers with the announcement of all signings to date …

PACKERS SIGN SEVEN DRAFT CHOICES

The Green Bay Packers signed seven of their draft choices. The signings were announced Friday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.