Ted Thompson is inclined to do all he can to improve his team and improving the defense is a huge need for the Green Bay Packers – that’s a given.

Thompson has already done something out of the ordinary – last week, he brought in a free agent for a visit. That occurs about as often as the Easter Bunny visits Santa Claus. However, when he brought in former New York Giant Chris Canty, Thompson indicated that he was at least trying to make improvements to his team’s defensive line. How much Canty will command on the open market isn’t clear at this point, but he is said to already have a contract offer in hand from the Tennessee Titans. Canty has also spent time visiting the Kansas City Chiefs as well.

We all know that Cullen Jenkins signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants for $8 million. However, there are plenty of other quality defensive linemen still out there on the market waiting for their best deal and with the Free Agency period set to kick off tomorrow afternoon, the bidding should start to amp up.

Here’s a list of some of the defensive linemen still looking for a home: John Abraham, Dwight Freeney, Cliff Avril, Osi Umenyiora, or Elvis Dumervil, who won’t take a pay cut and might be released by the Denver Broncos.

 Considering that these guys have been on the market for some time without any interest by Thompson, one might think he has no interest. However, there are many who feel that teams, the Packers included, have been waiting through the weekend to see if some numbers emerged. Teams have been said to be holding off because they don’t want to set the salary bar too high. With Jenkins’ signing, at least some numbers are out there and with the signing period right around the corner, we should see some action.

Whether Thompson shows interest in any of these players remains to be seen. He’s been known to go after players in free agency that he really likes (remember Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett?)  … whether he likes any of the players listed above or thinks he can get them for his price remains to be seen. The next 24-48 hours should set the stage.

Stay tuned …

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Protecting Aaron Rodgers and making lanes for the running game should be the focus for the offensive line in the next couple of weeks. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In fact one might say it was pathetic … And time is running out. Sept. 8 is just around the corner. If the Packers line doesn’t show improvement against the Chiefs in the final preseason game, there may be hell to pay when the Saints come marching in.

But as poorly as the line played overall Friday night, there were some bright spots. Rodgers did lead the team to a TD, a field goal and another drive that ended in a missed field goal … But there were plays within those drives when individual breakdowns along the line were noticeable and Rodgers had to run for his life and running plays were stuffed

Though the linemen admitted after the game that the no huddle may have contributed, saying their conditioning, or lack thereof, may have played a part, they weren’t going to point blame on others.

Quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, left tackle Chad Clifton said he had his troubles with all-pro Dwight Freeney. (more…)

The following are his replies to my questions:

Peyton Manning will be wearing a baseball cap on the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium Friday night when the Packers pay a visit. Without him, the Colts are a different team. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Without Manning and with the addition of Kerry Collins, how is the QB battle shaping up? Who has the upper hand at backup and is the team planning to be without Peyton for at least the first game of the regular season?

Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky have struggled in the pre-season, and Kerry Collins makes at least one of them expendable.  My best guess now is that Painter moves to the practice squad and Orlovsky will be released.

In terms of Manning’s availability for Game 1 against Houston, I’m not absolutely convinced that he won’t start, but Collins’ presence makes it clear that team brass is very worried. I hope that Collins is a safeguard for further Manning problems, but I won’t be surprised at all to see him start against the Texans. Collins can keep the Colts afloat for awhile, but I doubt the Colts will be great with him under center.

How is the running game shaping up and are there any surprise players emerging in the backfield?

Joseph Addai is the main option again after signing a big extension in the off-season, but he hasn’t been used much in pre-season games. He should be ready for the opener Sept. 11.

Delone Carter looks like a brute and has the potential to help, especially in third-and-short situations where the Colts have really struggled in recent seasons. He could be one of the bargains of this year’s draft, selected in the fourth round (119th overall). Local product Darren Evans, picked up as an undrafted free agent, is also turning some heads and has a shot to make the roster. (more…)

Matchups To Watch

Colts Wide Receivers vs. Packers Defensive Backs

The Packers defensive backfield has been shaken up in recent weeks while Marvin Harrison has shown he is back, totally owning up on Chris McAlister in last week’s game.  Charles Woodson better leave his McAlister-impression at home.  Reggie Wayne is in the league’s top three receivers on any given week, while Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark are dangerous out of the slot.  Basically any wide receiver or tight end put out their by the Colts can easily be hit by Peyton Manning and should be considered dangerous.  Atari Bigby is doubtful for the Packers while Woodson and rookie Pat Lee are listed as probable.  They will need to be on top of their game to shut down this potent passing attack.

Packers Defensive Line vs. Colts Offensive Line

One of the best ways to get to Manning is to knock him around and harass him to force him to not get the ball if when he wants to.  Baltimore could not get to him last week and he was given all day, so it is imperative that he does not get all day to stand around.  This gets harder for the Packers, as Cullen Jenkins is done for the year, Jason Hunter is doubtful, Michael Montgomery is doubtful, and Ryan Pickett is questionable.  This leaves it up to Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila to put the squeeze on Manning.  And even then, KGB is not the sure thing he once was.

Packers Offensive Line vs. Colts Defense

Aaron Rodgers isn’t Joe Flacco, but the Packers need to keep Rodgers upright for good to happen.  Rodgers will need time to get the ball to Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, but he can’t do that with Dwight Freeney in his face.  He needs to be standing for the Packers to win.

My player to watch is rookie wide receiver Jordy Nelson.  The Colts secondary is mildly banged up and James Jones is listed as doubtful for the game, giving the rookie from Kansas State a chance to shine.

The Verdict: Colts 27, Packers 24