Johnny Jolly intercepts Jay Cutler – his signature play for the Packers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Collapsing into the worn hotel furniture, the shades had been drawn for days with only slits of light illuminating Johnny Jolly’s 320-pound figure slumping into his created confines.

Blanketed in the dull blue flickering of the television screen, Jolly watched as the 2010 Green Bay Packers won the grandest prize in sport – the Super Bowl. Lost in spiraling numbness from a combination of depression and excessive consumption of codeine, Jolly could only watch in agony as the team he had been identified with, vaulted to the elite status.

In recent memory, these cautionary tales have sprouted like thick weeds (cough* Tyrann Mathieu cough*). A routine of sorts has emerged with the apology tour commemorated with tears and remorse.

As if the game these men played was taken from them.

Look at JaMarcus Russell’s recent ESPN infomercial for Jeff Garcia‘s training camp. Gushing waterworks and destructive backstories seem to go hand-in-hand.

Johnny Jolly in better times.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However in Jolly’s case, he was not a first-rounder or a touted prospect, but a child from a broken home looking for guidance in the wrong places.

Incredibly athletic for his size, Jolly was an immediate contributor to the team transitioning to the 3-4 Dom Capers scheme. Devouring blocks, and notably making a one-handed interception of Bears’ QB Jay Cutler in 2009, showed the outstanding potential of the Texas A&M product.

The play embodied the Jolly that Green Bay came to love. Sucked into a block on a screen play, Jolly struggled against the grain of the lineman and reached with every inch to gobble the ball with his enormous hand.

Lowering his shoulders, Jolly plowed through the Bears’ lucky first responders and defiantly went to the ground.

Now 30, Jolly’s life has moved further away from the play and has been replaced by a caravan of arrests, eventually leading to his 2010 suspension.

“Me losing football is like losing a loved one,” Jolly admitted to ESPN, tears streaming down his face.

Living in the poisonous prison of crack addicted parents, Jolly’s formative years were watching his father and mother crippled by their own addictions.

Jolly’s weapon of choice was not any safer.

Prescription cough syrup, or referred to as, “lean” in his Houston home, has sprang from relative obscurity to the fare of tabloids everywhere in recent years, and has attracted the kind of release from everyday worries that plagued Jolly.

Johnny Jolly (left) and Ryan Pickett.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Known to produce euphoric highs similar to heroin, the habit can turn deadly, by lowering motor functions and can lead to fatal impairment of breathing.

Destructive tendencies associated with the drug can be seen outside of the gridiron with Famed rapper Lil Wayne (ironically a Packers fan) having experienced life-threatening seizures connected to his blatant abuse of “syrup.”

In broader context, 33 people in Pakistan last December died from intoxication of the same drug, and numerous high schools and colleges around the United States are trying to suppress the expanding culture.

Genetically predisposed to addiction, and growing popularity only speed Jolly’s collision toward repercussions.

Thus, the cycle continues.

Reinstated and back on the Packers’ roster, Jolly has the ability to contribute immediately. With an aging line and unknown outcomes of defensive ends like Mike Neal and Jerel Worthy, Jolly can bring experience and talent lacking at the position.

Does Jolly’s story seem different from the rash of other problem players, or does Jolly have a unique case in leading to his downfall?

Johnny Jolly in 2009.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Second chances come seldom, but fate and life lessons could bring Jolly back to the forefront of a defensive resurgence for Green Bay.

Now it is up to Jolly to push against the wave of resistance, and reach out like his trademark play, grasping opportunity and pushing through his obstacles to the glory that awaits.

Tell us what you think about Johnny Jolly’s comeback … leave a comment below, click on over and Like us on Facebook, and/or follow us on Twitter.

Johnny Jolly.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When last we saw Johnny Jolly wearing Green and Gold, it was when he was a 16-game starter in 2009 – a feisty, bruising defensive tackle who helped the Green Bay Packers to an 11-5 record and an NFC Wildcard berth.

But after a codeine addiction and subsequent arrest led to a prison sentence and an NFL suspension, it looked like his career was over. However, a Houston judge granted Jolly 10 years of shock probation in May 2012. Then the NFL reinstated him in late February of this year, providing Jolly with a glimmer of gridiron hope.

Jolly celebrates following a big play for the Packers.

Will Jolly get a second chance? More importantly, can he help the Pack this year? While it’s only been three seasons, it’s worth looking at what his strengths were/are, and how he might make a difference for the 2013 version of the Green Bay Packers.

That 2009 season, the 6-3, 325-pound Jolly totaled 39 combined tackles with one quarterback sack (on our arch-nemesis Jay Cutler, no less) and an impressive 10 passes defensed. Yes, 10. Despite his close relationship with gravity, Jolly could stretch out and bat down footballs. By comparison, Charles Woodson had 18 passes defensed, Tramon Williams finished with 14 and Nick Collins 13. No other Packer had more than seven.

Jolly just turned 30, which by NFL standards is just around the corner from being a graybeard, but three seasons out of football means no NFL-level wear and tear on his body. It’s sort of like dog years being relative to human years; in NFL years, Jolly is still a relative pup.

But is he clean? Can the Packers trust him to stay out of trouble and focus on football? It’s a legitimate question no one knows the answer to at this point.

“Johnny was a good football player for us,” Packers GM Thompson said in March. “But let’s take this step by step … The first step is for everybody to sit down and talk, that sort of thing. We don’t have any answers, I don’t think anybody has all the answers. But we’re going to talk to the man and find out all the stuff that we can find out in terms of his obligations and that sort of thing.”

Indeed, Jolly’s story was a sad one for a young man who seemed to be on the verge of having the world by the scruff of the neck; promoted to starter after Corey Williams’ departure from the Pack, Jolly was a solid core player whose best seasons seemed to be just ahead of him.

Heck, he even had a really happy name going for him. Who doesn’t like to say the word “Jolly”?

In late March, Jolly reportedly met with Packers officials, who slashed his salary from roughly $2.5 million to $715,000 but chose to keep him on the roster. Does that mean they believe Jolly can help the team this season?

Consider this: Even though the Packers whiffed on signing Chris Canty, it was clear they were looking to beef up the D-line. Jerel Worthy, a 2012 second-round draft pick, tore his ACL near the end of last season, leaving only Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji and C.J. Wilson as viable candidates to start the season on the active roster.

Short of signing a free agent like an aging John Abraham or Dwight Freeney, or a situational pass-rusher type like Israel Idonije, the options aren’t great. What if Jolly, who claims he has stayed in shape and is clean, can come into camp and at the very least provide quality depth? It would be tough to find that on the open market for such a reasonable price.

“I know that the NFL doesn’t need me,” Jolly told NationalFootballPost.com in 2012. “I need it way more than it needs me. I really want to be a part of it, and I am hoping to go back and show that I am a good, reliable citizen that the league and others can depend on and trust.”

I, for one, would be willing to take the risk on Jolly. Worst case, he doesn’t make the team. Best case, he is a candidate for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Heck, and I could certainly stand another couple of seasons of hearing the word “Jolly” during all the Packers’ game broadcasts.

Do you think the Packers should give Jolly another chance to make the team? Click the comment button to share your thoughts.

Johnny Jolly was at the top of his game when his life spiraled out of control.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Often those who have shined the brightest have come to understand that there is no greater education than adversity – just ask Johnny Jolly who is asking for absolution from the Green Bay Packers.

Three years after being suspended indefinitely by Roger Goodell for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Jolly has been reinstated by the league. Jolly, as many know, had a number of problems with the law as a result of an addiction to codeine. With the reinstatement, Jolly was awarded a second chance, the ability to rekindle an NFL career that seemed to be very much on the rise.

Johnny Jolly with former Packer Aaron Kampman await the start of play during a 2009 game at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograh

At 6-3 and 310 pounds, Jolly was positioning himself to become the anchor of the Packers defensive line. In his first and only season in Dom Capers’ 3-4 defensive scheme Jolly tallied 24 tackles, one sack and 10 passes defended, including an interception that put his athleticism on full display. His length, ability to take up space and absorb blockers, coupled with speed and quickness, exceptional for a man his size, made him an ideal fit for the Packers’ defense.

His talent and untapped potential made it particularly frustrating for Packers Nation when Jolly’s legal troubles began to mount, ultimately resulting in the indefinite suspension and a prison sentence. Jolly was arrested four different times on drug possession charges. In November 2011, Jolly was sentenced to six years in a Texas prison. However, after serving just six months he was released and put on “shock probation” for the next decade.

With the shock probation Jolly caught a break. This was an opportunity to, first and foremost, get his life in order and secondly, the ability to resurrect his sidetracked career in the NFL. The Packers retain his rights and will need to decide if they will invite Johnny Jolly back into the Packers family.

A November 2011 ESPN Outside the Lines episode well documented Jolly’s troubles, a result of an addiction to prescription cough syrup, prometh with codeine. A beverage mixed with Sprite and Jolly Ranchers to create an opiate-laced concoction that was fashionable with the Houston Texas rap community in the 1990s. What began as recreational drug use ultimately spiraled out of control into full-fledge addiction that turned Jolly’s world upside down.

Within the Packers fan base there seems to be mixed emotions regarding bringing Jolly back to the Packers. From a practical perspective, Jolly has been out of football for three seasons. One would assume he is a bit rusty. However, a quick surf of the Web will direct you to blogs and tweets that reveal another sentiment in which Packer fans are more jaded and view Jolly as a criminal who doesn’t deserve another chance in Titletown.

It is true Johnny Jolly is a criminal. But his illicit behavior is a result of an opiate addiction. It is also true that this addiction stems from poor choices Jolly made to recreate with the codeine-laced beverage often known by the name “Purple Drank.” However, it should also be considered that Jolly is a high profile person whose struggle is illuminated in the limelight of NFL stardom.

Opiate addiction in the United States is a real problem. Jolly is one of millions who are struggling with an opiate addiction. It is estimated that nearly 30 million people or 10 percent of the population have used opiate-based pain medicine for non-medicinal reasons. Jolly, like numerous others in the United States, can recover from this addiction and be a contributor to society.

Jolly celebrates following a big play for the Packers.

Another thing to consider is Jolly is not the first member of the Packers family to struggle with an opiate addiction. In February 1996, Packers MVP quarterback Brett Favre slipped into a violent seizure following a surgery to remove a bone spur and chips from his ankle. Doctors said the seizure could have been attributed to his addiction to Vicodin, a narcotic analgesic painkiller.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported in a May 27, 1996, article that Favre said he quit using Vicodin cold-turkey after the seizure.  Favre’s opiate addiction was not a minor problem. King also reported that Favre checked into rehab willingly in accordance to NFL policy but was not initially thrilled with the idea. Favre ultimately was very open about his addiction.

In an October 2011 radio interview, Aaron Rodgers told ESPN Milwaukee radio host Jason Wilde that he felt the NFL shouldered some of the blame for Jolly’s continued struggle with addiction. Rodgers expressed concern about taking a person like Jolly away from his support system. Although Favre was eventually much more forthcoming about his addiction it seems he received a little different treatment from the NFL than did Jolly. It appears where Favre was assisted by the NFL, Jolly was subsequently exiled. But maybe there is more to Johnny Jolly’s story than we know.

If Jolly is sincere about his quest to return to football and most importantly a life apart from getting high on codeine he most certainly should get a second chance with the Packers.

A successful return by Jolly to the Packers and the NFL is good for everyone. If able to shake the rust, Jolly could be a big addition to the Packers’ defensive line. Even more important, Johnny Jolly can be a shining example of someone who overcame adversity and succeeded.

He doesn’t deserve this chance, he is worth the chance. And if he is genuine and committed, he earned the chance.

Johnny Jolly intercepts Jay Cutler inside the 10 yard line in a 2009 game at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard

It was a tough day for Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly in November 2011 when he not only lost his job in the NFL, but was sent to the big house on a six-year sentence after he violated his probation for a previous drug conviction.

But things have slowly gotten better for the former Packer – culminating when it was announced today that he was officially reinstated from an indefinite suspension. He was notified by Adolpho A. Birch III in a letter that he was cleared to resume his career in the league and with the lifting of the suspension he is now added to the Packers’ active roster.

Johnny Jolly (right) leads the blocking after and interception against the Bears in 2009 by Tramon Williams.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However, what the team does moving forward is not clear at this point. Do they allow the 30-year-old to come back and continue his career with the team? But one thing is clear – the Packers need to make a decision by the time free agency begins on March 12 when the new year’s salary cap goes into effect.

Jolly hasn’t played since 2009 and six months after he was sentenced to the six years in prison he was released after he applied for “shock probation.” He was eligible for the probation as a first-time prisoner and was released because of the shock and trauma of being incarcerated.

After starting all 16 games in each of the 2008 and 2009 seasons, he was suspended prior to the start of the 2010 season after multiple arrests that began in 2008 for possession of as much as 200 grams of codeine. He was arrested again after the 2009 season and was indefinitely suspended from the league.

The decision this week lifts that suspensions and allows him to resume his career.

The 310-pound defensive tackle was drafted in the sixth round (183rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played 48 games over four years for the Packers, starting 39 of them – 32 of those starts came in 2008 and 2009. He had 76 tackles and 36 assists during that time. Known more for being a run-stuffer, Jolly had two sacks and even had an interception off the arm of the Bears’ QB Jay Cutler in 2009. In addition, he had four fumble recoveries.

Packers defensive lineman Mike Neal has been suspended for four games. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, third year defensive end Mike Neal will be suspended for the first four games of the 2012 season for using steroids.

Since 2010, the Packers defense line has had awful luck:
• Johnny Jolly has been suspended and jailed for drug use;
• Justin Harrell, a first round draft pick, could never get healthy;
• And now Mike Neal, who flashed potential before getting hurt in his rookie season, wasn’t effective last year and now will be hard pressed to contribute in 2012.

Johnny Jolly intercepted this pass against the Chicago Bears in the teams' meeting at Lambeau Field in 2009. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Former Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly was sentenced this fall to six years in jail on drug charges stemming from his addiction to codeine.

An updated interview with Jolly conducted by KTRK-TV out of Houston, Texas, provides a short, inside look into the hell that the addiction has caused the former Packer who was on the rise toward stardom in the NFL.

That was until he was caught with several hundred grams of codeine not once, but twice over the past couple of years. His conviction landed him in jail where he is cleaning up his act.

Take a look at the video produced by the Houston television station:

Former Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly was sentenced to six years in prison today.

Green Bay Packers former defensive end Johnny Jolly was sentenced today to six years in prison, according to reports by the Associated Press.

Despite the tearful pleas by the defendant for another chance Judge Denise Bradley sentenced Jolly in her Houston courtroom.

Phyllis Jolly, mother of suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end collapsed and screamed after her son was sentenced to prison.

Jolly was sentenced for violating the terms of his probation on a drug charge. He was charged with possession of a compound containing codeine and tampering with evidence after a traffic stop in October. It was his third drug arrest in three years.

(more…)

Johnny Jolly was a formidable lineman for the Packers from 2006-09. Here he snatches the only interception of his career, which came against the Bears in 2009.

Former Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly has traveled a tough road the past four years, being arrested three times for possession of codeine … A narcotic he describes as his “only friend” during an interview with ESPN that’s scheduled to air today, Wednesday, Nov. 16.

He had what many thought was a great life – playing four seasons with the Green Bay Packers – but it was his addiction that dragged him to rock bottom where missed the opportunity to be a member of a Super Bowl-winning team last year.

Suspended after his arrests, Jolly didn’t celebrate the Packers’ Super Bowl win. Instead, he said, “I didn’t want to be around anyone. I didn’t want to answer no questions. And so I stayed in the room, just drunk, and watched.”

“My only friend was the codeine, and it kept me numb,” Jolly says in an “Outside the Lines” report by Mark Fainaru-Wada. “It kept me from losing my mind. Me losing football is like me losing a loved one, or a bunch of loved ones, at one time.”

Being suspended indefinitely by the NFL in 2010, Jolly faces a lengthy jail sentence.

For a teaser of Jolly’ interview on ESPN, check below.

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Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers (left) will probably have a few new faces on his squad this fall. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It’s no secret that Nick Barnett, Johnny Jolly, Brandon Chillar, and Justin Harrell are on the bubble with the Green Bay Packers, but it became even more evident that others, including Gregg Rosenthal of Pro Football Talk, are also seeing the writing on the wall.

In his post this morning, Rosenthal tabbed all four of those Packers as either already being on the chopping block or at least describing them as potentially being cut by the team.

We find it difficult to disagree with this assessment. It’s clear that Jolly has dug his own hole with his legal issues, something neither Mike McCarthy, nor Ted Thompson, will tolerate. We all know they want a locker room without character issues.

Harrell may get a chance to redeem himself by staying healthy, but it’s rather unlikely. Ted Thompson’s worst first round draft choice will probably be gone sooner than later.

That brings us to Chillar and Barnett. They have both been productive in the past, with Barnett being a mainstay in the Packers inside defense for a number of years. Chillar, a relative newcomer to the team, may have more of an upside than Barnett, so it’s probable that if the Packers decide to keep one of them, the nod will go to Chillar. We all know what Barnett did during the week leading up to the Super Bowl and his whining about not being in the team picture … that didn’t sit well with coaches and administration. That alone could be enough to tip the balance toward Chillar.

However, Chillar has had his own problems with staying on the field, but the Packers will most likely keep him if they are to keep any one of the four listed here.

And depending on how the rules read about the protection of veterans when the CBA is unveiled, this might all change.

Either way, the Packers defense is definitely going to have some new names listed on the roster this coming season and some old names scratched off of it.

The emboldened ones are the actual predictions, and the other ones, are simply things that you won’t hear people say.

1. The Oakland Raiders will have at least a .500 season this year. With an improved defense, and an evolving offense with many young talents, the perennial “freebie wins” on opponents schedules, have become a formidable foe. Yes, they haven’t won more than five games since 2002. I know, but last year they showed glimpses  of promise. They defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bengals, and then stormed Pittsburgh and upset them as well. The Raiders are finally pointed North, and mark my words, will win 8 games next year.
2. “Honey, that’s Brett Favre sitting at that table over there! My, he hardly looked at that menu. He is  a very efficient decison-maker! And there certainly aren’t dentures in his mouth. Oh, and look who he is sitting with, Ted Thompson and Tracy Porter.”
3. The New England Patriots will not be joining the playoff party this year. There defense is mediocre at best and nothing in comparison to the division rival Miami Dolphins and New York Jets’ defenses. They have no running game. Logan Mankins and Tom Brady are unhappy. With a tough schedule and a very competitive AFC East, I am going all in against Bill Belichick and his humble pie theology.
4. “Kids, I would like to introduce to you, the Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly. He is here to speak to you today about the danger of drugs, especially codeine syrup, which is now commonly called, Jolly Juice.”
5. The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line will only allow rocket armed Aaron Rodgers’ million dollar butt slam to the turf 20 times or less this season. After allowing 50 sacks last year, the Packers’ offensive line was considered porous and week. However, after a took out my handy dandy magnify glass and took a closer look at the situation, I realized that 41 of those sacks were given up in their first 9 games. Only 10  sacks were given up in the last 7 games. That is a great reversal, and I expect that pattern to continue. The most important part of an offensive line, is their camaraderie. This team of 5 over sized gentlemen will have a year under their belt, and a deep bench behind them. 20 or less!

Yesterday, I covered the punting battle between Jeremy Kapinos and Durant Brooks and how it affects the team in 2009.  Today, we’re going to be looking at something that you’d expect me to talk about: the defense.

When Cullen Jenkins went down with a torn pectoral muscle in an emotional Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008, it dealt a huge blow to the Packers defensive line.  Jenkins is a rare player with the size, strength, quickness, and speed to play both inside and outside on the defensive line.  Throughout his career, he has played both defensive tackle and defensive end.

In 2009, Jenkins will have to both adjust and rebound.  His presence was sorely missed down the stretch in 2008 as opposing offenses just rolled over the Packers.  His biggest adjustment will be the switch to a 3-4 defense, where as a 3-4 end, he will have to stop the run and rush the passer.  The team feels that he has the versatility to make a huge impact rushing from the inside, as the team loved playing him at defensive tackle on passing downs when he was healthy.

Another reason that Jenkins is so important is what is behind him on the defensive line.  Aaron Kampman is now a linebacker.  Johnny Jolly is facing possible jail time.  Outside of Jenkins, Kampman, and Jolly, none of the other defensive ends on the roster have seen substantial playing time on an NFL field.  Possible uber-bust Justin Harrell has been working at defensive end, but based on his injury history and inability to get on the field, I doubt he will see that much time.  That being said, I’d love to see him work hard and reach that potential he had when Ted Thompson drafted him with a first round pick.  Another defensive end possibility is rookie B.J. Raji, who the Packers were working at some defensive end during mini-camps so they theoretically could put Raji and fellow nose tackle Ryan Pickett on the field at the same time in a definite running situation.  But that remains to be seen.

Jenkins is an important cog to the wheel that is the Packers.  He is the most versatile lineman on the roster with his rare physical package.  He just needs to stay on the field.  If he has a great season, it would be to the benefit of the entire defense and the team total.

Jenkins is No. 9 on my list of Top 10 Important Players for 2009.

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The Packers have reportedly signed star wide receiver Greg Jennings to a three-year contract extension through the 2012 season.  Jennings’ current rookie contract was set to expire after the 2009 season, making his re-signing a priority to the offense.  Although the details aren’t out there in the clear, Greg A. Bedard reported that it will pay Jennings upwards of $8 million per year, making him the second-highest paid player on the team behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“I’m grateful and I understand that I’m blessed,” Jennings said today. “Just to know I’m going to have that financial stability for not only myself but for my family, my children, it’s an exciting feeling. It really hasn’t hit me yet — probably (not) until I get that first check. I’m sure it will sink in sometime soon.

“Talking to (Packers contract negotiator Russ Ball) yesterday, I was very appreciative that they signed me to this extension not only because of what I did on the field but it just says a lot about the way they feel about myself, not only as a player but my character, my personlity, who I am as a man.”

The contract means that the Packers will be in the same situation they were this season again after the 2012 season with an expiring contract for Rodgers’ favorite target.  But this means that the Packers have Rodgers and Jennings together for another four years, which I feel is great for the offense.

I’m glad Thompson actually took care of this without having it deteriorate into some situation with an 11th-hour extension right before the start of free agency.  It leaves more time to get to the other people that need extensions which is a rather large number: Nick Collins, Aaron Kampman, Atari Bigby, Ryan Pickett, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Chad Clifton, Johnny Jolly, Tony Moll, and Will Blackmon.

With most of the defensive players (Collins, Kampman, Bigby, Pickett, Jolly, Blackmon), it has to be seen whether or not they can adjust to the 3-4 scheme.  If they can  and they do it well (and happily), they can be re-signed rather easily, I’d say.  But if they don’t, then they could be gone.  Collins has threatened to holdout of training camp without a new deal, as he missed most of the OTAs with personal issues.  Collins was absolutely stellar last season in the secondary and it would be lovely to see him back in green and gold, but his adjustment to the 3-4 remains to be seen.

Also, the Packers still have five un-signed draft picks, including first rounders B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews.

Thompson, Mike McCarthy, and Ball have some work to do.

These OTAs mark a change for the Packers as they try to rediscover the magic they had in 2007, when they went 13-3 and were an errant pass from the Super Bowl. The team comes in with a new defensive coordinator (Dom Capers), new defensive scheme (3-4), new special teams coordinator (Shawn Slocum), and two new, high draft picks (B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews). The Packers are trying to rebound from the dismal 2008 season and keep up with the reloaded Chicago Bears, always dangerous Minnesota Vikings, and the making-an-attempt-at-being-a-football-team Detroit Lions.

So what should we watch for with these OTAs?

First, the obvious: the 3-4. With Capers, Raji, and Matthews coming in, change is happening. How long it takes that change to happen remains to be seen. The only new members of the Packer defense are the two rookies and safety Anthony Smith, who was signed away from the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. Raji will compete with the incumbent Ryan Pickett for the nose tackle job, where the the team will look to them as space-eaters to free up the linebackers. Both men are listed at over 330 pounds, something absolutely necessary for the scheme to succeed. Pickett has performed solidly in his time with the Packers, but it remains to be seen if he has the athleticism to be more than serviceable in the 3-4. Raji is expected to become an impact player over the course of his career on the defensive line.

Joining Raji and Pickett on the defensive line is the competition for defensive end. Defensive end is a thankless job according to many who have worked with it. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel of Pittsburgh are regarded as two of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league, and I’m willing to bet the casual fan hasn’t heard of them. The Packers are hoping that Justin Harrell can make the transition to the 3-4 DE successfully, or else his time in Green Bay will most likely be up. Also expected to have big impacts in the defense are Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins. However, any of the numerous defensive ends on the Green Bay roster currently have the potential to win the job, as nearly everyone is learning something new.

Talking about the Packers defense is like beating a dead horse, so something else to consider: Ryan Grant.

Last year, Ryan Grant rushed for over 1,200 yards, good for ninth in the league. However, we have no idea what Grant can do. After all, he only played half a season in 2007 and in 2008 missed all offseason activities before promptly hurting his hamstring the first week of training camp and never really being at 100%. The backups in Green Bay (Brandon Jackson, DeShawnn Wynn) have shown flashes of brilliance, and I’d expect Mike McCarthy and Joe Philbin to use them to put some pressure on Grant during these offseason workouts. While Grant’s total yards were good for someone who missed time, his yards per game (75.4) and yards per carry (3.9) could definitely use some improvement.

Grant’s performance ties in with the offensive line, obviously. The Packers offensive line in 2008 was banged up and inconsistent. As the younger guys continue to mature and develop, it takes some pressure off of the aging Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton. The trenches are definitely the place to watch for the Packers during these OTAs.

Stay tuned.

On the arrival of rookie B.J. Raji affecting Ryan Pickett:

“It’s definitely an opportunity for him, number one, to be the nose guard of this football team. When you look at our defensive line and some of our veteran players on defense, we’re making the scheme change but there are individuals we feel strongly about and I’ve said it since the day we made the change to the 3-4: Ryan Pickett will be an excellent anchor for us at the nose guard position. We want flexibility in the rotation with those defensive linemen. That’s why B.J. will work the nose guard and the left end position.”

Cullen Jenkins:

“Cullen Jenkins, we’ll probably move him around more in the sub groups.”

Everyone’s favorite possible bust, Justin Harrell:

“Justin Harrell is looking better and better each week.”

Johnny Jolly, still awaiting trial:

“Johnny Jolly has been productive for us in spots.”

The Packers defense will under extreme changes this offseason and into next season.  The additions of Raji and Clay Matthews are great for the Packers future, but right now most of the focus has to be on the change in the current personnel.  2009 becomes a make or break year for Harrell.  This season also signals a shift in future personnel decisions, such as ones regarding Aaron Kampman, as if he does not fit in the scheme, he could possibly be dealt.  Also, the Packers need their defense to be strong, because the offense will score points.  If the defense had held in a few games last year, the Packers could have been a playoff team.  This year could also be make or break for Ted Thompson, as he has been under some intense scrutiny recently by Packers shareholders.

The Packers are letting the market dictate what Cole is worth rather than pushing ahead with a deal that might wind up being richer than what it should be. The risk is that they’re allowing other teams to come in and woo Cole away. It’s likely Cole’s agent, Neil Cornrich, won’t give the Packers a hometown discount given they had their chance to sign him before free agency started.

The Seattle interest could depend on whether the Seahawks sign free agent end Chris Canty. They’re expected to host him on a visit this weekend and if he signs, presumably they’d no longer have interest in Cole.

The Buccaneers have $60 million in cap room and if they really want to get someone they can afford to overspend. If the interest is as great as what the St. Petersburg Times reports, the Packers would have to swallow hard if they intend to get Cole to come back.

I agree that the Packers should not overpay for Cole, but with Cullen Jenkins coming off an injury, Justin Harrell being bust-tacular, and Johnny Jolly facing criminal charges, Cole could play an integral part in the defense. However, I would not classify him as a necessity, as the Packers could draft B.J. Raji in the draft.

Step 1: Hire Dom Capers.

The vacancy Bob Sanders left at defensive coordinator is particularly glaring for the Packers.  The defense, although ravaged by injuries, always seemed to be a step behind the offense in certain games, most notably the Packers 51-29 defeat against the New Orleans Saints.  After a 2007 season where the defense was fantastic, the Packers defense looked old and out of sync in 2008.  The schemes were stale and bringing in Capers would add a breath of fresh air.

But if the Packers want Capers, they will have to move quickly.  The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys also have interest in Capers as the Giants lost Steve Spagnoulo to the St. Louis Rams and Dallas fired Brian Stewart.  The Cowboys could be an enticing option for Capers, as owner Jerry Jones has deep pockets and the Cowboys already run a 3-4, Capers’ preferred scheme.  Capers also has ties with Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, making the Giants look like a good option to him.  However, Dallas is currently a cesspool of unrest and the personnel in New York is more suited towards a 4-3 defense.

The Packers have been a 4-3 team for as long as I can remember, but head coach Mike McCarthy has said that he is open to changing the scheme to a 3-4.  A 3-4 defense could work pretty successfully in Green Bay with the right personnel.  Which brings us to…

Step 2: Sign Julius Peppers.

The Carolina Panthers freak athlete/defensive end wants out of Carolina.  From a Toronto Star report:

Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers has decided he won’t sign a long-term deal with the Carolina Panthers when he becomes an unrestricted free agent Feb.26.

Peppers, who grew up in tiny Bailey, N.C., starred in college at North Carolina and was the Panthers’ first-round pick in 2002, believes Carolina’s defensive system is not for him – even after recording a career-high 14 1/2 sacks this season.

Agent Carl Carey said Peppers wants to play in a 3-4 defence. The Panthers use a 4-3 alignment.

The key to this is that last line.  “Peppers wants to play in a 3-4 defence.”  Bringing Capers up to Green Bay and inserting the 3-4 would make an inviting situation for Peppers.  The Packers had difficulty getting pressure on the quarterback this season.  Aaron Kampman was steady as always, but Cullen Jenkins was ill-suited to be a defensive end before his season-ending shoulder injury, leaving the Packers with Jason Hunter, Michael Montgomery, and rookie Jeremy Thompson to get pressure on the quarterback, which was not too successful.

Signing Peppers would allow the team to move Jenkins back to defensive tackle, allowing him to team with Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, and Colin Cole, and push injury-riddled super-bust Justin Harrell out of the lineup until the Packers can finally figure out what’s wrong with him.  Teaming Peppers with Kampman would give opposing offensive lines and offensive coordinators headaches for weeks.  Peppers, being the freak athlete he is, could be used as the fourth linebacker as well, adding more versatility to the defense.  The Packers would be able to have their top four linebackers, Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brady Poppinga, and Brandon Chillar, on the field at the same time.  Young Desmond Bishop would also get more time to see the field.

The catch to this is that I don’t see Peppers signing with the Packers unless Capers and the 3-4 is in place.  This would mean that the Packers have to move fast on signing Capers, giving Peppers time to see that Green Bay would be a welcoming scenario for him.

Peppers will command a lot of money, but he would be a big splash for a team that has been quiet on the free agency market for the past few years.  Even the signing of Charles Woodson was low-key, but has turned into a great move for the team.  Ted Thompson can’t be afraid to make a move right now.  It’s not the end of the world if the Packers miss out on Capers and Peppers, but it would most definitely turn the Packers into a contending defense.

Some of you will argue that the Packers need to shore up the secondary before they can focus on the front seven.  Sure, Woodson and Al Harris are aging, and Tramon Williams, Jarrett Bush, and Pat Lee aren’t the best options out there, but teams in the past, most likely the Super Bowl XLII Champion New York Giants showed that a great pass rush can help cancel out shoddy defensive backs.  Did you really think that Corey Webster and Sam Madison would be Super Bowl Champion corners against an the explosive New England Patriots offense?  Not really.  But the relentless pass rush of Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck turned a decent defensive backfield into a Super Bowl Champion defensive backfield.

Don’t underestimate what the addition of Capers and Peppers could have on the Packers in 2009.

QUARTERBACKS

Going into this season, the Green Bay Packers had a huge question mark at quarterback. Brett Favre was dealt to the New York Jets and all the team had to fill in for him at starting quarterback was two rookie quarterbacks and one unproven, rarely played quarterback. Well, that unproven, rarely played quarterback is now starting every game and has proven himself. Aaron Rodgers showed everyone what he is capable of, and silenced most of his critics. He has passed for 1,668 yards so far, at 145-221 (65.6%), which is solid for somebody that people were doubting from the beginning. Throw in 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a rating of 98.8 and you have a quarterback that is probably Top 10 in the NFL so far. Yes, Top 10. He ranks 10th in the NFL in completion percentage, 13th in yards, 7th in touchdowns, 10th in fewest interceptions, 16th in first downs (he has 74), and 7th in passer rating. This is all through 7 games; some quarterbacks ahead of him didn’t have a bye week yet. It is hard to believe he had doubters in Week 1 after looking at those stats.

Rodgers also seems to be able to stay healthy and play hurt. The only thing that happened to him so far was a sprained shoulder at the end of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even with the injury, he still passed efficiently in the next games he played in (including a 300-yard game the week after spraining the shoulder). The hit gave 7th-round pick Matt Flynn some playing time, but his line of 2-5 for 6 yards doesn’t really say too much.

Grade: It doesn’t seem like this position has the biggest question mark anymore. Rodgers seems to be a great fit at quarterback, and though it doesn’t seem like he (or anyone) could possibly top what Favre has done for Green Bay, his play puts him in the top quarterbacks in the NFL today. Given everything that he has done so far, the Packers’ quarterback slot gets an A.
 
RUNNING BACKS

Last year the biggest hole on the Packers early on was at running back, but that hole was quickly sealed with the emergence Ryan Grant. He had a breakout second-half of the season, which is when he played the most. With big expectations for Grant going into this season, he has been a bit of a dissapointment. Grant has put up 464 yards (17th in the NFL) on 137 carries (7th), good for only a mediocre average of 3.4 yards a carry. He has only scored one touchdown and has lost three fumbles.

Even though he isn’t running like LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson, he isn’t a huge problem. The Packers are still winning because of their passing games. But opposing defenses know that if that drop the secondary back, they could give up big yardage on the ground because Grant can break out a big run at any moment. So the other team is still watching him, which could be a reason of his underachieving stats; last year defenses weren’t too used to him and didn’t look at him as a threat at first and almost let him run at will. Brandon Jackson has been a good 2nd-string back, though, getting 104 yards and one touchdown from 20 carries. If Grant gets hurt or isn’t putting up at all, he should be an apt replacement in the backfield.

Grade: With all of that being said, Grant has to pick it up. Right now the Packers are above .500, but they are in a close division race. If Rodgers has a bad game, the team could suffer without Grant picking up the slack. As of right now, I give the team’s running unit a B minus.
 
RECEIVERS

The receiving corps has never been much of a problem for the Packers in the last 15 years. It didn’t matter if it was Bill Schroeder, Antonio Freeman, Terry Glenn, Javon Walker, or Donald Driver catching the ball–if Favre was throwing, big things would usually happen. So does that mean with Favre’s departure, the receiving game for Green Bay would be sub-par? Absolutely not. Rodgers has been throwing right on target and the wide outs are boosting the offense every game.

Rodgers’ favorite target this season is last year’s surprise player, Greg Jennings. Jennings leads the team in every catching category. Throughout the whole NFL, he is 2nd in receiving yards (685), 16th in receptions (37), 4th in yards per catch out of receivers with 20 catches or more (18.5), 4th in yards per game (97.9), and 12th in touchdowns (4th). Though those are some impressive stats, he isn’t the only guy out there putting up big numbers in green and gold. Driver has caught 29 passes for 330 yards (a 11.4 average), and 2 touchdowns. Donald Lee has 19 grabs for 141 yards (7.4 avg) and two touchdowns, The running back Jackson caught 18 for 106 yards (5.9 avg), and Jordy Nelson had 16 catches for 177 yards (11.1 avg) and a score. These guys are the bulk of the passing game, and they have been getting points on the scoreboard week in and week out. With an on-and-off running game, it’s nice to know that the receivers are always ready to play ball.

Grade: Like I already said, the running game for Green Bay has yet to establish itself as a major threat for every game. That puts a lot of the weight on Rodgers and his targets when it comes to offensive production. So far, that hasn’t been a problem. Jennings, Driver, and Lee have been doing great, and Jackson and Nelson come in and get yards when they need to. I like how this group of guys look right now, and that’s why I’m giving them an A.
 
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The offensive line isn’t as verteran-led as it has been. Players have left, and younger guys are the ones doing the dirty work in the trenches. Their average age is 28, and the oldest lineman is Chad Clifton, at age 32. The lack of long-time NFL experience is showing a bit, too. In some games the defense looks like it’s having an easy time penetrating and getting around ends, pressuring the quarterback or stuffing runs. Penalties like false starts and ineligible man downfield that are easily avoided have been committed by some of these young guys, too. Yes, the front line has been making big plays and blocks, too, but they seem on-and-off when it comes to creating holes and giving Rodgers time in the pocket.

For a team that is pass-oriented, the offensive line should step up a bit. They have given up 13 sacks, which isn’t bad, but could be better seeing it ranks 13th-worst in the league. Once the sacks start to disappear and Rodgers gets more time in the pocket before letting the ball go, the offense will start moving even better, getting more yards and possibly even more points on the board.

Grade: There will be some growing pains with these guys that are under or just over the age of 30. Penalities are inevitable and blocks will be missed, but that doesn’t mean nothing can be improved. The Packers offensive line just needs to focus on getting both hands on a guy and keeping him away from the passer or ball carrier. The more that happens, the better the offense will look. I think a B minus seems like a good grade for the O-Line.
 
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

This very young group lead by the dominant Aaron Kampman hasn’t been dissapointing so far this season. Out of all defensive linemen, Kampman and Johnny Jolly were in the Top 50 in tackles before Week 8 with 25 and 22, respectively. Ryan Pickett has chipped in with 18 tackles, while Michael Montgomery and Cullen Jenkins rounds out the linemen in double-figure tackles with 15 and 10. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is seeing less playing time then he used to get, but he still has been able to help out with 9 tackles.

Kampman just isn’t good at tackling a ball carrier, though–he can bring down the quarterback a lot, too. He has tallied 6 sacks, 7th in the NFL. Jenkins, on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, had 2.5 sacks, making him a half of a sack short of cracking the Top 50. I like how these guys are playing. They can get through the line and bring down the quarterback. In Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson was held in check a lot, mostly because of penetration.

Grade: Like the O-Line the defensive linemen are young and can still improve. Kampman just has to keep doing what he’s doing while Jolly and Pickett can put up a bit more numbers to make this front line really scary. Defense wins championships, and it all starts on the line, so everyone in this group needs to show up for every game. Right now they’re at a B with me.
 
LINEBACKERS

The linebacker position seems to get better and better every year in Green Bay. Nick Barnett has been and still is a solid player. A.J. Hawk is still improving, and that’s scary seeing where he is already. Brady Poppinga has been doing well, too. Barnett is just outside of the NFL’s Top 50 in tackles for linebackers with 38, while Hawk (33) and Poppinga (25) trail him with nice numbers. Hawk has also racked up two sacks, good for the Top 25 for linebackers.

To me, the linebacking corps just needs to keep trucking along, just keep doing what they’re doing. A few more sacks, tackles, fumbles, or picks here or there would help (it always does), but they are fine where they’re at. Barnett is a great run-stopper, and Hawk can play it both ways. Poppinga is the weak-link of the group, as Ted Thompson brought in Brandon Chillar from the St. Louis Rams in the offseason, but if he steps it up, these linebackers should be golden.

Grade: Everything’s going great here. Poppinga can pick it up and there still is room for improvement. But there’s always room for improvement at every position on every team, and with that being said I give the linebackers an B plus.
 
DEFENSIVE BACKS

It is very hard to find the best part of the Packers defense. When you read about the line, you think they’re the biggest part. When you read about the linebackers, you think that they have to bring the biggest punch to the opposing offenses. But the most important part of Green Bay’s great defense probably is the secondary. They can do everything. Nick Collins is in the Top 50 for tackles out of all defensive backs with 33. Charles Woodson‘s sack is one behind the league leaders’ for d-backs. Collins and Woodson both lead the NFL with interceptions (they have four each), and Tramon Williams (3) and Atari Bigby (1) are in the Top 50 in picks for all defensive backs.

Injuries have been depleting the secondary week in and week out (Al Harris, one of the league’s most physical corners was out with a spleen injury and Bigby missed time early on), but no matter who has been out, the subs have stepped up and played well. Every opponent’s quarterback has to watch out for this group; interceptions seem to be inevitable, and they can swat balls down and plug up running lanes quickly, too.

Grade: I would hate to be a team heading into a game against the Packers, especially if they have an inconsistent passing game. This secondary unit is physical, smart, fast, and can get takeaways to turn the momentum of a game around in the blink of an eye. For all of that, I’m going to give them an A.
 
KICKERS

Ever since Ryan Longwell left for the comfort of the Metrodome, a solid, consistent kicker has been hard to find for Green Bay. Last year, though, they may have found that guy. Mason Crosby tore the league apart with his foot as a rookie last year, going 31-39 with a game-winner in his career debut and a long of 53 yards. This year his kicking is decent, going 11-14 (his field goal percentage is 27th), with a long of 51 yards (12th best in the NFL). This early on a few misses will make your league-ranking drop, so it seems worse than what it actually is, but Crosby can still improve. If he misses 3 or less attempts for the rest of the season, he’ll be set. Right now he’s fine, but as always, there’s room for improvement.

As for punters, this position has been shaky for a while. This year 27-year-old Derrick Frost is taking the long snaps, and he’s been so-so. Frost is only in the Top 20 for total punts (20th, with 28) and longest punt (10th, 65 yards). Only four of his punts were pinned down inside the 20 yard line, giving opponents good field position more than a lot of the other guys. This position can use a lot of improvement.

Grade: The kicking game is almost set; Crosby is still developing. But once he is locked in, he should be good to go. The punting game needs a lot of improvement, though. Unless Frost surprises everyone, I think Green Bay should look for a new punter pretty soon. He could eventually give a team great field position at the worst time possible. I give the kicking a C plus.
 
THE TEAM’S OVERALL GRADE

Right now the Pack is tied for first in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears at 4-3. Though they aren’t going to put a spectactular year up like last year’s 13-3 team, the first Green Bay team without Favre in 16 years has a great shot at making the playoffs again. The Chicago Bears will be a big task. Last year they dropped both games to them. Though it didn’t affect their place in the division, it did help the Dallas Cowboys get home field advantage in the playoffs. This year, though, the two Chicago games could end up deciding the NFC North champion. A wild card spot isn’t a promise, either, so this team has to show up for every game.

There are some tough matchups left on the schedule, too. The Tennessee Titans are up next, and there are still the Bears, Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars waiting, too. If everything goes right, I’m predicting a 9-win season in the least. A 9-7 record wouldn’t guarentee a division title or wildcard spot, though, so the Packers have to be at their best in those tough games. A win over the Titans, giving them their first loss of the year, would be a huge boost for the team, possibly giving them momentum that they’ll need. All in all, it depends on how well the team plays every week (as always). As of right now, I’m giving the Green Bay Packers a B plus.

Hopefully it will be an A plus at the end of the year.

If this game had taken place in 2007, there would be much more meaning behind this game, as the Falcons traded some quarterback to the Packers back in 1992 who did a bunch of things while playing 16 years for the Packers. But alas, that quarterback is gone from Green Bay, thus taking much of the mileage that commentators were going to get out of this game. Instead they are going to talk about Atlanta reversing some curse of trading the aforementioned quarterback. Nothing in the NFL is a cakewalk and nothing in the NFL should ever be treated as one, but this game appears to be the easiest game on the Packers schedule to date. The Falcons were a disaster last year. First, Michael Vick. Second, Bobby Petrino. Third, the fact that they just sucked. But things are starting to look up for the team as they have a new face of the franchise in third overall pick Matt Ryan out of Boston College, who has been named the starter for the season. With a rookie quarterback at the helm, the Falcons look to be in for a long season. The key matchups:

Packers defense vs. Ryan: The Packers will have already faced a plethora of decent quarterbacks in the first four games of the season in Tarvaris Jackson, Jon Kitna, Tony Romo, and whoever the Tampa Buccaneers are throwing out there. Having a rookie in his fifth start back there will most definitely be appealing to the defense. Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins will look to give Ryan hell all game long and knock him around, forcing him to make quick decisions. The quick decisions will lead to big play chances for Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Atari Bigby, and the secondary. Ryan does not even have sufficient safety blanket options. Ryan’s main targets are Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and rookie Harry Douglas. The starting tight end listed on NFL.com is Ben Hartsock. Yeah. Free agent acquisition Michael Turner is probably Ryan’s best option in the offense. In the whole offense.

Packers D-line vs. Turner: As I said before, the Falcons really do not a sufficient supporting cast around Ryan, except for Turner. The Falcons will be counting on Turner to be a horse until Ryan gets his feet under him. Blocking for Turner is fullback Ovie Mughelli, a very talented blocker that is expected to team with Turner to form a very good backfield.  Because of this, the pressure is on for Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett,  and Colin Cole to stop the run up the gut while getting support from Jenkins and Kampman on the outside.  The Falcons offensive line is below average, helping out the Packers a little bit and making Ryan and Turner’s lives miserable.

Mark Tauscher & Chad Clifton vs. Jamaal Anderson & John Abraham: The Packers stout bookend tackles face a tall task in this game against the quick Anderson and the skilled Abraham.  Clifton and Tauscher’s performance this season will affect the drafts of the future by Ted Thompson and of course it affects first-year starter Aaron Rodgers.  Rodgers is going to need time to pick apart a weak Atlanta secondary, and the tackles must give him time.  The Packers O-line is a big question mark this year, but if Tauscher and Clifton show up to play, it won’t be that hard for Rodgers to develop.

The Verdict: The Packers win, 35-17.

The Packers are 4-1 through five games.