Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may have been relaxed at last week's Family Night, but tonight the Packers get down to business against the Chargers. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

To preview today’s preseason game, Ernie Padaon of Fansided.com’s Boltbeat queried Lombardi Ave, the FanSided Packers site, to get a little more info on what is going on out in cheese land. Here is what I had to say:

1. What Packers veterans are on the bubble? 
There are a few Packer veterans who might see reduced playing time or may end up being cut. CB Sam Shields has had a rough start to his camp. He’s been beaten consistently and doesn’t seem to be playing like the third-year player that he is. He’s in a battle with Jarrett Bush and second-year player Davon House, among others. It will be interesting to see if he sticks. Though A.J. Hawk signed a long-term contract after the 2010-11 Super Bowl season, there are many who feel he could be beaten out by second-year player D.J. Smith. Smith started for Hawk when he was injured last year and made impressive play after play. Smith has a nose for the ball and always seems to be around it. The Packers already cut Charlie Peprah because they want to go with younger players and also play Charles Woodson on the back end of the defense. The next couple of weeks should be interesting as the competition for spots continues.

2. A lot of Chargers fans wanted to draft Nick Perry before we got a chance at Melvin Ingram, how is Perry doing in camp so far? 
Glad you asked that. He’s been kind of the Invisible Man as he makes the transition from a down defensive lineman to a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Nobody’s panicking yet because he is a beast of an athlete and most feel that when he learns the system and gets more playing time that he will come around and be the perfect complement to Clay Matthews.

3. What Packers youngsters are looking to steal a roster spot coming into the game? 
It looks like Marcus Tyler, the FA running back from Southern Cal is going to get some playing time and if he plays well, could make a move for at least a practice squad spot. On defense, the Packers are really high on Casey Hayward. He’s looked like a player during the first week or two of training camp, but his value won’t be known until he gets some playing time. With Davon House, the Packers may be seeing a real resurgence of young players at the cornerback position.

4. What is your favorite cheese? 
ahahahahahaha – I always come back to sharp cheddar!

5. Predict the Packers season
After a 15-1 season and then getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Giants, the Packers are coming into this season with a chip on their shoulders. The team is looking for redemption. Though I doubt they will go through the majority of the season unbeaten again like they did last year, I see this team winning at least 12 games and possibly 13. They will need that many to win the division. In the end, I can honestly say that if they don’t make the playoffs, it will be a huge disappointment. I think the team won’t disappoint and will compete for a Super Bowl berth. Anything less would be very disappointing.

Ernie Padaon’s Comments
Nick Perry as the invisible man? Could you imagine if we took him with the first pick and he was an invisible man? People would be calling him a bust immediately and calling for AJs head for another failed draft pick.

The sharp cheddar is always a good go-to cheese also. Even in the land of cheese, cheddar can always be counted on for deliciousness.

What is your favorite cheese?

Jan 15, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a hail mary pass for a touchdown over Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) and strong safety Charlie Peprah (26) in the second quarter of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE-STAR LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

Many will question the Packers’ move to cut Peprah since there is no immediate player destined for that starting position.

Or is there?

On the first day of training camp, Charles Woodson was playing at strong safety in the Packers’ base defense throughout the day. Of course, the Packers do not use their base defense as often as other teams but it was just a sign that the Packers really are considering moving Woodson around this year in order for him to make the biggest impact possible for the team.

Last year, the Packers experimented with moving Woodson around instead of always sticking to the cornerback position. It did show to be a success with Woodson being able to make more plays by always being in the right position. Now it seems the Packers are determined to try this out for an entire season and see how much production is produced from Woodson as a result.

When Woodson was not playing the safety position on the first day of training camp, M.D.Jennings took most of the reps followed by 4th round rookie from Maine, Jerron McMillian.

Jennings was an undrafted rookie coming out of Arkansas State last year and made the Packers’ practice squad. Throughout continued improvement with the practice squad, Jennings was eventually put on the active roster and played well in his limited playing time throughout the 2011 season.

McMillian was the Packers’ 4th round choice in this year’s NFL Draft. Coming from a smaller school, Maine University, McMillian had to have a tremendous career in order to even think about being drafted in the NFL. In his two years, he started every game and was named to the All-CAA second team in 2010. He is a very fast player who can also be a ball hawk in a NFL defense.

It now appears that Jennings and McMillian will battle throughout training camp and the pre-season to see who will claim the vacant spot left by Charlie Peprah. No matter who wins the battle, though, they will not see as much time as they would expect being a starter with Woodson now being spread around the defense.

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Charlie Peprah (26) returns an interception during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

It came as somewhat of a surprising move by the Green Bay Packers, but the team announced today that they have released Charlie Peprah.

The starting safety for the Packers the past couple of seasons wasn’t considered a star, and probably wouldn’t be a starter on many teams, but he was in the right place at the right time in 2010 when he took over for Morgan Burnett and played beside Nick Collins on the Packers’ run to a Super Bowl Championship.

However, last season when Nick Collins went down with an eventual career-ending neck injury, Peprah was again turned to … he had some moments last year, but the Packers didn’t think he fit into their future plans and will go with Burnett,  M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian, the rookie from Maine – and let it shake out from there. The team must think enough of McMillian for them to say goodbye to Peprah.

Anyway, I was forwarded this link from Melinda Banks. I didn’t know there were any highlight films about Charlie Peprah out there, but I guess you can find anything on YouTube.

Enjoy …

Focusing specifically on the Packers, it comes as no surprise that their main focus point will be to determine which 11 guys on defense will give the Packers the best chance to win. If we are just focusing on winning, then the Packers’ defense brought in a record of 15-1.

Unfortunately, this was because the offense carried the defense to victories last season and is how, ultimately, the Packers would fall in the first round of the playoffs against the New York Giants.

So as training camp approaches, nearly every position on defense will have a battle of some sort. Considering how the Packers, this offseason, drafted mainly defensive players and even dipped into free agency for defensive players, there will be a lot of competitors fighting for a job. With that said, let’s break down the key battles Packer fans should keep an eye on for this training camp.

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Picket does a good job at stopping the run, but is limited in the pass rush. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Defensive End: Ever since the Packers lost Cullen Jenkins in free agency last year, the Packers have been struggling to find a replacement. Ryan Pickett on the other side has been doing an adequate job stopping the run but he cannot generate pressure on the quarterback which was severely lacking last season.

Raji in the middle, after the Super Bowl season, was thought to have a breakout year with the Packers but never quite reached the level that most thought he could. Then we had the right defensive end which was a huge question mark all of last season. Players from Mike Neal, C.J.Wilson, and Jarius Wynn all took turns at the position last year but none really stood out from the rest of the pack. Some brought Packers fans a spark of hope for a little while but none of the three had complete consistency. This forced the Packers to make moves by drafting Jerel Worthy in the second round, bringing in Anthony Hargrove from free agency, and bringing in Phillip Merling also from free agency. These are three players who seem to be right in the mix to contend for the starting position in training camp. Players from last year like C.J.Wilson and Mike Neal also have been working hard and should get a fair shot to fight for the position.

Who will take over the outside linebacking position opposite Clay Matthews for linebackers coach Kevin Greene. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Outside Linebacker: Similar to the defensive end position of last season, players on the opposite side of Clay Matthews generated nearly no production and the Packers had to flop starters from week to week in order to find someone who could separate from the rest of the pack. Unfortunately, nobody ever truly stepped from the pack and the Packers’ defense suffered tremendously.

Players who took turns starting last season included Eric Walden, Frank Zombo, and Brad Jones. Also, we must keep in mind that injuries at this position plagued the Packers all season with all three having injuries at different points during the season. The Packers’ management responded by drafting Nick Perry from USC in the first round of this year’s draft. \ Perry has major athleticism and the Packers hope that he could be the missing piece to the defense.

Other players to have a shot in training camp include another rookie in Terrell Manning, second-year veteran in Jarmari Lattimore, and another second year veteran in Vic So’oto who had his moments in his short playing time last year. This will be arguably the most intriguing position battle this camp.

Safety: It’s a lock that Morgan Burnett will hold his starting position this season but losing Nick Collins on the other side threw up another question mark in the Packers’ defense. I have to say that many, including me, believed that Nick Collins was a big part of the defense but never really thought of him as being the leader on defense. Once he went down with his injury, I and many others were stunned at how important Collins truly was for the Packer defense.

With perennial Pro-Bowler Nick Collins no longer with the team, the question about who will replace him is one of the biggest heading into training camp. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With Collins once being the player who made sure everyone was lined up right on defense being gone, the Packers’ defense seemed lost at times. Many big plays occurred and could have been avoided if everyone was lined up correctly. The player who took over for Collins was Charlie Peprah, who played very well, but the lack of communication hurt the Packers severely last season.

With that said, training camp is approaching and so is a successor to Nick Collins.

But who will it be?

Names that come to mind will be Charlie Peprah, second-year player M.D. Jennings, practice squad standout Anthony Levine, and maybe even rookie Jerron McMillian. Regardless of who it is, it is going to be a very difficult task to replace Nick Collins.

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Packers cornerback Charles Woodson could be moved to safety in 2012. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers have had to move on from the Nick Collins days … he has been cut due to the major question about whether he will ever play again in the NFL.

So, who will replace Nick Collins?

Charles Woodson is the first candidate to replace Collins as Woodson no longer has the speed to be effective at cornerback but still has the ball-hawking abilities to be an effective safety. Woodson’s skills will allow him to be a very effective safety that quarterbacks will have to watch. This move is a realistic possibility due to the fact that the Packers added Casey Hayward to the group of cornerbacks they already have in the fold as Tramon Williams and Sam Shields can both be NFL starters. Woodson seems like the best fit to move from cornerback to safety for the Packers.

Packers safety Charlie Peprah could be tapped to replace Nick Collins. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Veteran safety Charlie Peprah replaced Collins this past season and seems like another realistic candidate to be the starter to replace Nick Collins. Peprah already knows how to play safety and has the ball-hawking skills that would make him a good replacement for Collins. However, Woodson has the potential to be a really good safety and Peprah might not be able to beat out Woodson in training camp as Woodson will start somewhere in the secondary next season.

Jerron McMillian is a long but has the upside to be really good. McMillian is very agreesive and knows how to shut down the running game from his time at Maine. However, McMillian is a raw prospect and needs some time to develop before the Packers think about putting him into the starting lineup.

Nick Collins will be difficult to replace but the Packers will find someone who can be at least as good as Collins.

Lombardiave.com's Tim Thomas thinks Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Brandon Boykin could be the Green Bay Packers' second overall choice in next week's NFL Draft. Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

By Tim Thomas

Contributing writer – Lombardiave.com

Tim Thomas, Lombardiave.com’s newest contributing writer, takes a stag at all seven rounds and 12 picks the Packers have in this year’s NFL Draft.

Take a ride along with Tim as he considers some of the best fits for the Packers.

The NFL Draft is now two weeks away and the Packers are finishing up their draft board and should be ready for the draft by now. Ted Thompson is one of the best general managers at finding talent through the NFL Draft which is why the Packers have won so consistently and one Super Bowl with Thompson as GM. So, what will the Packers do this year to put together a Super Bowl caliber team?

Round 1, Pick 28, The Green Bay Packers select USC DE/OLB Nick Perry.

Nick Perry was a very successful player at USC and has the potential to be an immediate starter at outside linebacker as he could form a great tandem of outside linebackers with another former Trojan, Clay Matthews. Perry fairly productive at USC as he garnered tons of sacks including 9.5 last season to lead the Pac-12. Perry also has good speed and strength for a 3-4 outside linebacker as he ran a 4.64 in the 40 and benched 35 reps at the NFL Combine. Perry has proven he could be an immediate upgrade over Brad Jones at outside linebacker and a long term solution opposite of Clay Matthews.

Round 2, Pick 59, The Green Bay Packers select Georgia CB Brandon Boykin.

Brandon Boykin was a very impressive player at Georgia as he has a great work ethic which led to Boykin having a productive career. Boykin has great speed which allowed him to be a dangerous playmaker on special teams. Boykin could take the kick and punt return man role from Randall Cobb which would allow Cobb to focus on becoming the elite receiver everyone expects him to be. Boykin’s speed will allow him to stay up with some of the speedier receivers in the NFL like the Eagles’ DeSean Jackson. Boykin will also have time to develop before he becomes a starting cornerback for the Packers. Boykin could be an impact player for the Packers for a long time.

Round 3, Pick 90, The Green Bay Packers select Nebraska DE Jared Crick.

Crick is one of the most underrated players in the entire draft as he could be a great pass rusher as a five-technique defensive end in Dom Capers’ defensive scheme. Crick is a perfect fit for the Packers as a 3-4 defensive end due to the fact that he has experience as a 4-3 defensive tackle and a 4-3 defensive end at Nebraska. Crick also has good strength and decent speed as he ran a 4.99 at the Combine and had 26 reps at Nebraska’s pro day. The one concern for Crick is his health. That is why he has fallen from the last of the first round to the end of the third round. Crick could be a major steal at this point in the draft as he could be an instant starter at Lambeau.

Round 4, Pick 128, The Green Bay Packers select Michigan C David Molk.

David Molk is a great young center who will get the chance to learn and develop behind one of the best centers in NFL history, Jeff Saturday. Molk has great awareness for a center which is a key trait of great centers and he also showed excellent leadership. Molk also has impressive strength as he had a very impressive NFL Combine in which he pushed 41 reps on the bench. Molk has a high ceiling and should be a great center that could be as good as Jeff Saturday.

Round 4, Pick 132, The Green Bay Packers select Notre Dame S Robert Blanton.

Robert Blanton was a fairly productive defensive back in his time at Notre Dame and he has the potential to be a really good safety. Blanton has good speed for a safety and he proved he has a great ability to jump up and get the ball as he showed that at the NFL Combine with a vertical jump of 34 inches. Blanton can be that safety who replaces Charlie Peprah in the long term.

Round 4, Pick 133, The Green Bay Packers select Utah State RB Robert Turbin.

Robert Turbin is one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL Draft and was very productive last year with 1,517 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Turbin also showed an impressive combo of speed and strength necessary for a starting running back at the NFL Combine by having 28 reps on the bench and running a 4.5 in the 40. Turbin has a very high ceiling, and he has the potential to be an upgrade over James Starks and the best running back the Packers have had in a while.

Round 5, Pick 163, The Green Bay Packers select San Diego State QB Ryan Lindley.

The Packers need a young quarterback to develop into a good backup and Lindley is exactly that quarterback. Lindley has an impressive arm but the one thing that is lacking right now is Lindley’s lack of consistent accuracy. When Lindley is accurate, he is a very good quarterback and is a first two round quality quarterback. When he is inaccurate, he is not a draft-worthy quarterback. Lindley’s potential is high and he could be as good as Brett Favre but he should be at least as good as Rex Grossman.

Round 6, Pick 197, The Green Bay Packers select Arizona State ILB Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict has first round talent but the one problem with him is that he loses control of his emotions on the field which causes to rack up lots of penalties. Burfict has the potential to be a great middle linebacker if he controls his emotions. He proved that by being very productive in college. Burfict also has good strength and the potential to be a starter for a long time if he controls his emotions.

Round 7, Pick 224, The Green Bay Packers select Oklahoma DE Frank Alexander.

Frank Alexander is a good defensive end that could be a very successful NFL player. Alexander has the talent to be an outside linebacker or a defensive end as he has the right size to be a defensive end in Dom Capers’ system. Alexander showed good strength at his pro day with 24 reps on the bench. Alexander could be a good steal this late in the draft as he could be useful as depth in the long term or even start.

Round 7, Pick 235, The Green Bay Packers select USC FB Rhett Ellison.

Rhett Ellison is one of the best fullbacks in the draft and has an ability to be a threat in the passing game along with the running game. Fullbacks don’t have the best longevity in the NFL so Ellison could be groomed behind one of the NFL’s best fullbacks, John Kuhn. For being a potential late round pick, Ellison is already a good player who could make a decent impact in his rookie season.

Round 7, Pick 241, The Green Bay Packers select Oklahoma State OT Levy Adcock.

Adcock is the prototypical size for a NFL starting offensive tackle as he is 6 feet 6 inches and 320 pounds. At his pro day, he showed off his strength by having a total of 26 reps which is better than potential first round pick Ohio State OT Mike Adams. Adcock also has the potential to move inside to play offensive guard as his size will allow him to do that. Adcock is a high upside pick this late but he could really be a steal.

Round 7, Pick 243, The Green Bay Packers select Utah CB Conroy Black.

Black is the type of player you would expect the Packers to take at the end of the draft, a raw talent that has all the skills capable of becoming a really good cornerback. Black has elite speed and good height for a cornerback and could be a long term replacement for Charles Woodson or Tramon Williams. Black has high potential and could be a steal at this point in the draft.

The Packers have 12 picks in this draft but knowing what Ted Thompson has done in the past, it would not surprise me if he pulls off some trades to climb up in the draft and maybe he will trade back into the first round like he did when the Packers got Clay Matthews. The Packers will definitely be able to bring in the improvements that can help them win more Super Bowls.

One of the major needs the Packers need to address this offseason is finding a complement to Clay Matthews on the defensive side of the football. Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Super Bowl on Sunday was a tremendous game that will definitely take its place as one of the more memorable games – ever. Watching the game as a Packers fan, however, got me to thinking about what we should expect for the Packers future and how we will get back to the big game next year.

Unlike last year, where we really did not need to make any immediate changes to the starting line-up, we will need to make changes on all sides of the ball. Of course, the main focus will be on the defensive side, but there will be some changes on the offensive side as well.

Let’s start on the easier side – the offense.

The Packers offensively last year was one of the most efficient offenses in NFL history. Aaron Rodgers won MVP and the Packers receiving corps was on top of its game. The running game was subpar but it could have been worse. Then finally, the o-line, despite the many injuries, was fairly consistent throughout the season giving Rodgers enough time to find the open receivers.

So what changes do we need?

The running game could be improved so adding another running back in the draft would never be a bad thing. Ryan Grant’s contract is expired and will most likely be gone, so adding depth could be a benefit to the Pack when considering James Starks’ injury history.

More after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The receiving group is deeper than ever but this could result in a departure of Packer’s all-time leading receiver in Donald Driver. Randall Cobb showed his potential this year in many different games and now it seems more likely than ever that Driver could be heading out.

Matt Flynn showed tremendous potential in his one game vs. the Detroit Lions where he broke single-game records in yards and touchdowns. With his contract up this year, it guarantees his departure to a team like Miami or Washington – teams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. This could mean the Packers going after another late round quarterback or even an undrafted one like they did with Graham Harrell. If the Packers do add another quarterback, it will probably just be a practice squad addition until the Packers groom him to where they feel comfortable to add him to the active roster.

The tight end situation is a little iffy as to what the Packers may do with Jermichael Finley. Finley was expected to be thrown the franchise tag during this offseason because of how big of an asset he is to the Packers organization. The thing is though, this year was quite disappointing. This was supposed to be the year Finley broke out and had a season over a thousand yards and became one of the NFL’s elite player at the position. Finley could have done this but he had a major case of the drops this season and put the Packers into a much tougher situation than they were in before. Should they pay a player that has the potential to be great the money of a great? Or should they just do the unthinkable and let him walk?

Then finally, the o-line for the Pack. Scott Wells is a free agent and needs to be a primary target for the Packer organization to get this guy back on the roster as he probably outperformed everyone else on the Packer o-line this season. Chad Clifton seems to be nearing the end of his career and could be another axe by the Packers this off-season. This would put T.J.Lang and Derek Sherrod in a position to battle for the left tackle position this training camp. Adding o-linemen in the draft is never a bad pick-up but I would not expect the Pack to use an early pick on one as they have much bigger issues to worry about…

Like the defense.

When the NFL Draft comes around in April, the Packers will surely be looking at prospects to help fill needs on the defense. I expect the Pack to use their first round pick on a linebacker to play opposite of Clay Matthews. With the end of Erik Walden’s time in Green Bay nearing, this issue becomes an even more of a priority. This will solve some problems but surely not all of them.

When we look at AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop commanding the middle, we think we are pretty set at that position. Some would think so, but others would argue that one of the big reasons why the Packer’s defense took a turn for the worse this year was because of the lack of a true leader like we once had in Nick Barnett. Desmond Bishop had a great year but AJ Hawk seemed, almost at times, non-existent. What I mean by that is how it seemed he just did not make enough plays this year. I give him credit for being a sure tackler but it just seemed he was not around the ball-carrier to make the tackles. I don’t expect the Packers to make any significant changes at this position but I think something has to be at least considered involving this position. Maybe give the next guy up some more playing time in DJ Smith who actually played very well when he filled in at times this year.

Besides the Packers #1 priority in the linebacker unit, the Packers will surely be focused on the defensive line as well. It became well known early in the season, that the Packers were greatly missing Cullen Jenkins and his ability to not only stop the run but get some needed pressure on the quarterback. Many players tried to fill this role but none were truly successful in doing so and, therefore, should be a position the Packers will look to upgrade on in the coming off-season.

When the draft and free agency rolls around this year, if there was one position the Packers should try and stock up on it would be the defensive back unit. There is no immediate need for an upgrade in this unit except for the issue with Nick Collins and the possibility of his career actually being over. Hopefully the Packers will be able to know the status of Collins before the beginning of the off-season so they can plan accordingly.

Regardless, we still have Morgan Burnett and Charlie Peprah that can help preserve the depth at safety. Woodson is getting up in age so adding depth at cornerback is always a smart pick for the Packers. The future seems to be Tramon Williams and Sam Shields but there really is no third guy that can be counted on. Although it may not be the first round or two, the Packers will surely be looking to adding depth at the defensive back position to prepare for the future.

Many changes are expected this off-season but Ted Thompson can surely be counted on to help bring the Packers back to where they should have been on Sunday.

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The loss of Nick Collins this season has caused all kinds of problems in the defensive backfield. Some say Charles Woodson should be moved to safety. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

There’s been a lot of speculation lately, especially today, that there may be a groundswell of enthusiasm about the idea of moving cornerback Charles Woodson to safety.

I’m not so sure about the move, but given the fact that Charlie Peprah was not the answer this past season, coupled with the fact that Nick Collins is probably done playing football for life, it is an option that may be considered.

Is he big and durable enough to move into the position? He would be counted on to move to the line of scrimmage to help stop the run, in addition to having to cover a lot of ground in the defensive backfield … is he too old for a move like that?

Only the Packers coaching staff have the answer and will have the final say, but at least we can sound off on it.

Take the poll and let’s see how the numbers stack up.

Charlie Peprah had two huge interceptions today against the Chargers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Whew!

That’s what all Packers fans are saying after watching Green Bay hold off a major fourth quarter charge by the San Diego Chargers … holding on to a 45-38 win after leading by 21 points at the start of the fourth quarter.

A four-touchdown, 21-26, 247 yard performance by Aaron Rodgers was nearly overshadowed by the Chargers’ fourth quarter comeback led by Philip Rivers who threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns, while completing 24-46. However, it was Rivers’ three picks, two that were returned for touchdowns, that was the difference.

(more…)

Desmond Bishop is being tabbed as a starter at inside linbebacker, but who will back up inside is something yet to be decided. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With day three of Packers camp in the books and the first day of pad work being held Monday night, there seem to be three things (among others) developing that are of interest to the final coming together of a team.

First, the rookies – it looks like first and second round choices, Derek Sherrod and Randall Cobb, are being looked to quickly for contributions.

Cobb, according to tweets last night and early morning news reports, made several difficult catches yesterday, showed impressive bursts of speed and is being touted as everything he’s been billed in the early going. Getting his timing with quarterback Aaron Rodgers is going to take some time. (more…)

Clipped from: blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com (share this clip)

This is really good stuff from Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press Gazette … He gets timely information from Ryan Grant, Mike Neal, Charlie Peprah and Brett Swain.

Check it out …

After the Packers preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns in which the new defense held the Browns to just 191 total yards, all systems look like a go.  While defensive stalwarts Charles Woodson, Al Harris, and Nick Barnett did not play along with rookies Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji, plus Jeremy Thompson, the defense still looked good, limiting the Browns running game to just 59 yards on the ground.

The Packers offense was also hitting on all cylinders, as the first-team put up 14 points in the first quarter on a 53-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Donald Driver on a third down, and a two-yard run by Ryan Grant late in the first quarter.  The running game put up an astounding 230 yards behind a thought to be suspect offensive line.  Rookie running back Tyrell Sutton paced the team with 91 yards on 18 second half rushes.  Kregg Lumpkin, who snuck onto the team in 2008 before suffering a season-ending injury, also have a productive night with 8 rushes for 48 yards.

Granted, this is the preseason, and this is the Cleveland Browns we’re talking about, but last night was a success.  The players are becoming more comfortable in the 3-4 scheme and it showed results (although it was against the Cleveland Browns in the preseason).  The most impressive part is the rushing defense.  Fifty-nine yards is impressive no matter the circumstances.  At various junctures of 2008, the Packers were just gashed by opposing running backs, so to see Jamal Lewis held to 17 yards on 7 carries.

The pass defense also held as well.  Brett Ratliff, an Eric Mangini favorite from the New York Jets, was harrassed all day, as he was sacked three times and only completed 7 of 13 passes for 84 yards and two picks.  Brady Quinn was 7-11 for 68 yards and a pick, while his main competition Derek Anderson was 0-2 with one interception.  The 3-4 held against an offense it should have held against.  Tramon Williams, Charlie Peprah, Anthony Smith, and Desmond Bishop had the interceptions for the Packers.

The most disconcerting aspect of the game was the fact that after two scores by the first team in the first quarter, the Packers didn’t score again the fourth quarter.  Brian Brohm did not play well at all, as he was 3-10 for 18 yards and two picks and a fat passer rating of 0.0.  He is looking more and more like trade bait for a veteran if he doesn’t keep improving.  Matt Flynn was solid, however, completing 5 of 6 throws 50 yards, although he couldn’t find the end zone.

Sure, it’s preseason and you’re playing with second teamers, but you’re playing second teamers (the Cleveland Browns’ second teamers at that).  There should be some offense generated by the offense that does have depth in the running game and the wide receivers.  Where’s the production from Flynn and Brohm?  Both are thought to be capable quarterbacks, but Brohm, who was projected as a high first-round pick had he left school after his junior year) has yet to live up to his potential and Flynn is playing like a third or fourth-round pick, as opposed to the seventh-round pick he is, which is a bit of a plus for the Packers.  Could veteran leadership help solve this issue?  Maybe.  But then again, we’re talking about scoring points in the preseason against the Browns, so it could be a moot point.

Anyhow, the Packers have Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, and we’ll have to see how the defense reacts to a team thought to have a potentially explosive offense and see how the offense reacts to a defense that isn’t Cleveland’s.

Packers rush defense vs. Falcons rush offense

This centers around the Falcons young running back Michael Turner. Turner has been nearly unstoppable in the first weeks of 2008, leading the league with 422 yards on the ground. In Week 1, Turner rushed for 220 yards on 22 carries, an astounding 10.0 yards per carry. The Packers defensive line and linebackers will need to be on their game for this, but it is hard to tell whether or not they actually will. Versatile lineman Cullen Jenkins is out for the year with a chest injury, while two other defensive linemen are listed on the injury report: Jason Hunter is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury, while Ryan Pickett is probable with a knee injury. In the linebacking corps, A.J. Hawk is questionable with a groin injury. The pressure is on this group after the tandems of Marion Barber and Felix Jones from Dallas and Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn in Tampa absolutely shredded the Packers run defense. The Packers will now look to stop Turner and Jerious Norwood. Aaron Kampman and the rest of the defensive line will be keys to this game, while Nick Barnett and the linebackers will have to step it up to make plays and help out the defensive line.

Packers pass defense vs. Falcons pass offense

So far in his pro career, Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has surpassed expectations. He hasn’t appeared to be totally overwhelmed except for a few occasions and has been good with his decision making. Having Turner in the backfield helps him along in his development, but he has shown poise. The Packers will need to get to him in order to win this game. Kampman and Barnett will need to harass him all game and force him into bad decisions. Ryan does not have the best wide receivers in Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, although White has been developing into a decent wideout in recent games. The Packers secondary is depleted, with five players listed on the injury report. Al Harris is out, while Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse are not expected to play. Charles Woodson and Nick Collins are probable. The pressure falls to backups Jarrett Bush and Charlie Peprah in this one, both of him will most likely be seeing their first major action of the season. Collins is emerging as a playmaker, while Woodson has been clutch this year, so they are players to watch for the big play in the Packers secondary.

Packers quarterbacks vs. Falcons defense

Aaron Rodgers is a game-time decision. If he can’t go, Matt Flynn gets his first career start, four games into his career. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is considering resting Rodgers so he will be ready for the games against Seattle and Indianapolis, but if the Packers fall to 2-3 here, it will be hard to dig out of the hole. Flynn showed some poise against the Bucs defense, but the Packers chances to win decrease greatly with Flynn at the helm.  Rodgers is tough by playing through this injury and wanting to play through it, but he may have to sit this one out so he can be ready for the tough slate of games coming up.  The Falcons have a decent defense, but the Packers offense may be too much for it.

The Verdict: Packers 24, Falcons 14

According to ESPN’s NFC North blog written by Kevin Seifert, Bigby will most likely miss Sunday night’s marquee matchup.

Wednesday was a tough day for two NFC North safeties: Chicago’s Brandon McGowan learned he will miss the remainder of the season because of a left ankle injury and Green Bay’s Atari Bigby apparently will miss at least one game because of a hamstring injury.

Bigby, meanwhile, sat out all of practice Wednesday. Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters in Green Bay: “I don’t think Atari is going to make it this week.”

Aaron Rouse is the most likely replacement for Bigby, but McCarthy said that Charlie Peprah will also take some practice reps.

I’m most interested in seeing Rouse play this game.  In training camp he was challenging Nick Collins for the strong safety spot that he was ultimately beat out of.  Physically, at 6’4″, 223 pounds, Rouse is a beast.  Sunday night would be his first taste of real playing time, so we will get the chance to see if the hype of him as a big time player can come true Sunday against the ‘Boys.  Apparently, the coaches really like Peprah, but he has been slowed by a hamstring injury in recent weeks.