The start of Green Bay Packers OTAs seemed very upbeat this year. Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports photograph

The start of Green Bay Packers OTA practice seemed quite upbeat and light hearted this week. The overall impression that I got from the team  was that everyone was genuinely having a good time.

Here are a few observations on my part.

I know it’s only May and by no means am I saying this is a sure thing but having attended the Packers first public practice Wednesday I couldn’t help but notice Mike Neal taking reps at outside linebacker.  At this point, I can all but assure readers this is merely an experimental move but it does at least have me thinking, what if?

First things first: Neal is still a monster of a man. To be effective at outside backer in a 3-4 I’m certian he would have to shed some weight and become quicker off the edge. After watching a few snaps, you can tell playing without a hand in the ground is somewhat foreign to him at this point. Once again probably more of an experiment but an intriguing “what if” if nothing else.

I liked what i saw from David Bakhtiari. Rookies are really easy to find especially this early in the season. They seem to always line up slightly off or aren’t quite where they need to be but while he was becoming acquainted as practice proceeded, Bakhtiari showed he could at least hang in there with the rest. His agility was impressive during lateral movement drills and his first step was very quick. He does look somewhat “dwarfed” by the likes of T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton and Marshall Newhouse lined up beside him, but don’t forget he’s still a young kid and will certainly add more size and strength the next few years. Derek Sherrod was at least on the field, but still not taking part in drills.

Then there was the special teams session that still featured Randall Cobb returning punts. As last season wore on, many fans were starting to realize how important Cobb was to the offense and questioning whether or not it was necessary to have him return punts also. He certainly took a few good licks. Jordy Nelson and Tramon Williams were also returning. It would be nice if punt returners didn’t play such a vital roles on both sides of the ball. Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Loyce Means as a returner to help keep more pertinent players healthy.

Finally, autographs from players included A.J. Hawk, Datone Jones, and Desmond Bishop, to name a few. I just want to give these guys a big shout-out and thank you for stopping by to sign a few after practice. By no means do they have to sign a thing, but when they do, it’s something truly special. As fans, sometimes we forget these players are as much of a human being as we are and also have lives off the field very similar to ours – kids to pick up from school, wives to go home to, and are tired after a day at work, they just want to go home and relax the same way we all do.

SO what say you Packers Nation? Any thoughts on these early season observations? Lets hear it!

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Journel-Sentinal’s Rob Reischel raised a few eyebrows yesterday when he suggested Bryan Bulaga might transition to left tackle for the Green Bay Packers this offseason. While the article mostly discusses Bulaga’s recover from a hip injury, it points out how current left tackle Marshall Newhouse hasn’t improved significantly in his second year as starter. Naturally, there are many concerns about such a move, yet it’s an intriguing possibility nonetheless.

Assuming that Bulaga doesn’t hit any setbacks, there are some obvious positives to such a move. While many observers get caught up in Bulaga’s poor performance against the Seattle Seahawks, he graded as either the best or second best offensive lineman on the team depending on whether you consult Football Outsiders or Pro Football Focus. The possibility of playing him at the premium position of left tackle has to be considered.

This is not the first time the idea of Bulaga at left tackle has been floated. Following the 2011 season, longtime blindside protector Chad Clifton retired. Bulaga, who was one sack away from a clean slate that year, was openly discussed by the coaching staff as a potential replacement. Bulaga had played mostly left tackle at Iowa, where he was the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten his final season. Despite some doubts about his arm and hand size, Bulaga has demonstrated the ability to handle left tackle and the elite pass rushers that position faces.

From left to right: Marshall Newhouse, Don Barclay, and Derek Sherrod. All could be in play for the starting right tackle position if Bryan Bulaga becomes the starting left tackle.

But there are consequences to a Bulaga position shift. Newhouse, who relies on quickness more than brute strength, is probably ill-fitted for the right side. Undrafted rookie Don Barclay performed well for the situation in 2012, but he’s yet to demonstrate that he’s more than quality depth. Derek Sherrod possesses the size and strength to handle right tackle, but he has yet to recover from the nasty leg injury he suffered week 15 of the 2011 season. The Packers could draft another tackle early in the 2013 draft, but that is only likely if Ted Thompson feels he’s getting a huge value

While most of this offseason’s headlines will pertain to contractual dilemmas such as Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson, Bulaga’s return and potential position move may ultimately prove the most significant development. After the Packers gave up 51 sacks, everything relating to the offensive line will be scrutinized.

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

Oct 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Jaguars 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers are into the bye week as this will be Mike McCarthy’s chance to look back at the season and see who has gotten the job done and who has played below expectations.

The Packers have had some closer-than-expected games including the one two weeks ago against Jacksonville. The Packers have three players in particular who will need to step up their play or could lose playing time

TE Jermichael Finley

Jermichael Finley has probably been one of the biggest disappointments for the Packers so far this year as he has been averaging three yards less per reception than his career average.

Finley had his most catches in one game this season week 1 when he had 7 versus the 49ers while the most receiving yards he had in one game came in week 3 versus Seattle when he had 60 receiving yards.

Finley has not been as good as in the past which has hurt the Packers offense. Green Bay will need Jermichael Finley to step up and get the job done or he could lose his starting spot and potentially be cut this offseason.

Green Bay Packers running back James Starks. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Packers Running Backs

The Packers’ running game is probably one of the worst in the NFL as Alex Green and James Starks have not gotten the job done since Cedric Benson was injured.

Alex Green was listed as the starter at running back but the Packers don’t trust him to be reliable as James Starks got more carries last week than Green. Green has also only averaged 3.1 yards per carry which is way below average for an NFL running back while Starks’s averaged just 3.6 yards per carry last week.

Starks and Green have both struggled and the Packers may look to some free agent running backs if Starks and Green do not step up their play soon.

Green Bay Packers center Jeff SaturdayJeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Packers’ Offensive Line

The Green Bay offensive line has struggled as Aaron Rodgers has been sacked a crazy 29 times which is one of the most in all the NFL.

Even if you take out the eight times Rodgers was sacked against Seattle, the Packers have still given up sacks at an alarming rate. The season could fall apart if Rodgers got injured. Marshall Newhouse has been playing better but he is going to have to play at an elite level as he will still have to deal with some elite pass rushers like Julius Peppers.

The Packers offensive line has some players who know how to play at an elite level like Josh Sitton and Jeff Saturday but the line will need to play better or Packers fans may have to start worrying if the high number of hits Rodgers takes will lead to an injury.

Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s reigning MVP and is on course for another shot at that title. The Packers have to keep him healthy. Dean Hall photograph

The Green Bay Packers have weathered an early storm of controversy, bad luck, and injuries to post a 6-3 record. The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Packers – even though we only have 7 games left, it’s a tough road ahead.

That road ends at New Orleans on the third of February 2013 for Super Bowl XLVII.

In order for the Packers to complete that journey they are going to need these 10 players to stay healthy and productive. They are ranked below in order of value.

A.J. Hawk.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

10. A.J Hawk

I used to think A.J Hawk was overpaid, overrated, and on his way out of Green Bay. Now I view him as the most valuable linebacker not named Clay Matthews. Why the change? Because he’s played better. His tackling is better, he’s more impactful, and he’s reliable. Coach McCarthy has said Hawk is always the same guy every day. In the past that has usually been a bad thing, not this year.

T.J. Lange
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

9. T.J Lang

Lang has always been pretty solid. He is willing to battle with anyone, and is among the most efficient statistically of all the Packers lineman. However his true value lies in his versitility to move around the offensive line. The news coming out of Green Bay is that Bulaga’s injury is more serious than expected. This does nothing but make Lang even more valuable

Jordy Nelson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

8. Jordy Nelson

Jordy had taken the place of Greg Jennings in the offense. It took a little time but he has definitely hit his stride.  He now looks like a legitimate go-to receiver. Also, as we have witnessed lately there is a noticeable drop off in the offense when he is not playing.

Tramon Williams
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

7. Tramon Williams

Tramon has been a little up and down this year. That being said, he is still our best cover corner. He is very effective at times and has a knack for the big play. He is by no means a shutdown corner the likes of “Revis Isle,” but he is a former Pro Bowler cornerback and they do not grow on trees.

Charles Woodson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

6. Charles Woodson

He is no longer playing at the elite level that he once was, but make no mistake, he is still very valuable. He is effective in so many different ways and is on the field more than any other player.  He is also the leader of the defense, and a great communicator to the other young members of the secondary.

B.J. Raji
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

5. B.J Raji

B.J Raji is our best defensive lineman. He gets a great push in the pocket and is great against the run. He is the perfect 3-4 tackle and is exactly what Thompson thought he was when he drafted him in the first round. The Packers defense played well without him for a two-game period, over the long haul I am not so sure the results would be as inspiring

Randall Cobb
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Randall Cobb

Randall is our most explosive receiver, who can do it all and is only going to get better. He leads the Packers in receptions (45), yards after the catch (250) and plays over 20 yards (9). Combine this with the fact he is a great returner and that makes him a very valuable weapon in the Packers offense and special teams.

Marshall Newhouse
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

3. Marshall Newhouse

Marshall has shown steady improvement since he has been a starter. That being said, he is still probably just a slightly-above-average tackle in the NFL. However he protects “the blindside” and the options behind him are far worse… If he goes down (and with Bulaga already out) they would have to turn to undrafted rookie Don Barclay. This, at best, is not ideal, and at worst … catastrophic

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

2. Clay Matthews

He is the best overall defensive player in the NFL. He is great in coverage, against the run and rushing the passer. The only thing that exceeds his talent is his motor. He never quits and leaves everything on the field.  A long-term injury to the Claymaker would result in a huge drop-off to an already inconsistent defense.

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. Aaron Rodgers

He is former Super Bowl MVP, reigning NFL MVP, near the top of the NFL in every major statistical category and could still possibly get better. If that doesn’t sell you, how about the fact that his backup is Graham Harrell? It’s safe to say the 2012 Green Bay Packers will only go as far as #12 takes them.

Aug 19, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Derek Sherrod (78) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

With the injuries to Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Charles Woodson, Sam Shields, Desmond Bishop, D.J. Smith, B.J. Raji, and Nick Perry, it’s easy to conclude that the Packers have become the walking wounded. I disagree. In my estimation, they’ve been extremely lucky that through roughly half an NFL season, their offensive line has been nearly unscathed.

It’s been a long time since the Packers had effectively the same five offensive linemen for a entire season: 2003 to be exact. Though the line has been up and down thus far, a single injury anywhere along line could likely result in disaster – knock on wood.

Aug 19, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Derek Sherrod (78) blocks during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The first man up is Evan Dietrich-Smith, a journeyman who isn’t even replacement level on his best day. His best asset is that he can play any of the interior positions, but what if one of the tackles goes down?

In that scenario, T.J. Lang would move outside with EDS filling Lang’s spot. While Lang has improved considerably since the last time he played tackle, he struggles with finesse rushers. With Julius Peppers, Jared Allen, Chris Avril, and the Giants’ trio of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul left on the schedule, it’s a scary scenario.

All of which is why the news that Derek Sherrod is unlikely to play this year is a big blow to the Packers. Sherrod’s return would have given Mike McCarthy a serviceable option at tackle should something happen to Marshall Newhouse or Bryan Bulaga.

Think back to 2009 when Clifton was injured early in the season, Daryn Colledge slid from left guard to left tackle. The adjusted line played terribly, resulting in the aforementioned trial run of Lang as a tackle. Lang’s struggles on the outside led the team to re-sign longtime right tackle Mark Tauscher.

There’s no Tauscher fallback plan this year, and the Packers are just one injury away from needing one.

August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson (left) talks with head coach Mike McCarthy prior to the family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

In addition to closing out the Packers’ Family Night with a field goal kicking contest between offensive and defensive lineman, there were some other items of interest that came out of one of the more successful family nights in recent history.

Here’s a look:

• It didn’t rain! After several Family Nights had been either rained out completely or shortened because of rain, there wasn’t a drop in the air.

• The 11-member Lambeau Leap – According to Donald Driver, the effort to have all 11 members of the Packers climb the wall after the first team’s touchdowns was orchestrated by Greg Jennings.

• Donald Driver continuing to make plays.

July 26, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) lines up under center during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

• The sourpuss referee who called an unsportsmanlike penalty after the 11-man Lambeau Leap was pretty lame. IT’S FAMILY NIGHT, DUDE! Apparently he didn’t get the memo until the first team’s second touchdown – he didn’t throw the flag after that.

• Linebacker Dezman Moses seems to be the real deal. Getting some snaps with the number one defense must have given him an emotional boost, but he’s quickly rising the depth charts and continues to make plays. He clearly outplayed Erik Walden and could be considered the third best outside linebacker on the roster.

• It was unusual for Mike McCarthy not to tell the press about why left tackle Marshall Newhouse left the field. He’s usually pretty good at disclosing immediately injuries that occur both in practice and after games.

• Seeing Mason Crosby miss so many field goal attempts. Though most that he missed were from long distance, he showed he is human. It was nice to see him nail a 60-yarder. Newly-re-signed punter Tim Masthay also had a solid night. Getting kicks down within the 10 and 20-yard line consistently and even having one pinned down on the one yard line.

So now that the scrimmage is past, it’s now time for the team to look ahead to the first preseason game at San Diego. The Packers will have the opportunity to practice making long road trips and figuring out the logistics right away. It will be an interesting week of practice as they get ready for the Thursday night game.

June 12, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses (54) during the team

Don’t expect the starting units to play more than one or two possessions. It will be interesting to see what players step up and get noticed in this first preseason game.

Look for Davon House, Dez Moses, and Casey Hayward on the defense to make plays. Many are also looking to first round pick Nick Perry to start making plays opposite Clay Matthews. He’s been relatively quiet in Training Camp, many attributing it to his learning curve. Let’s hope so.

Giving Aaron Rodgers alleys in which to throw through is the offensive line's responsibility. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When Marshall Newhouse was escorted off the Lambeau Field turf by Green Bay Packers’ medical personnel near the end of the team’s scrimmage Friday night, it wasn’t a good sight.

While the Packers’ offensive line starters, from left to right, are solid, any kind of injury to any of them places the team in jeopardy. When Newhouse went down, the Packers had to reach deep into the bench for replacements. Yes, it’s only the first week of Training Camp and it’s certainly not time to roll into panic mode, but the depth on the line must be recognized.

Behind Marshall is last year’s first round draft choice, Derek Sherrod, who has been a project and is coming back from a broken leg he suffered against the Kansas City Chiefs near the end of last season. Andrew Datko, a seventh round pick this year is also a project and coming off a couple of surgeries to his shoulders.

Behind them are the likes of Tommie Draheim and Don Barclay, two other rookies, are trying to make the team.

Needless to say, the experience on the line beyond the starters is minimal. When you’re trying to cobble together a unit that’s responsible for protecting the league’s Most Valuable Player, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Couple that with a unit that has to try to put together a consistent rushing game – at least enough of a rush to keep the Peppers and Allens at bay – the Packers have their work cut out.

It’s inevitable that there will be injuries along the line. Rarely, if ever, does a team make it through an entire season with its offensive and defensive lines intact. So, when the injuries occur, the next man in line has to step in without a discernible drop-off.

Packers guard T.J. Lang knows all about stepping in. He did so last year when the Packers lost Daryn Colledge to free agency. Here’s what he had to say when Newhouse went down during the scrimmage:

“But we have a young offensive line and that’s what we’re trying to do in training camp. We’re trying to get as many guys ready to play as we can. Injuries are part of the game. The next man has to step up, go out there and play. If somebody goes down, that’s what we’ll have to do.”

In theory, he’s right. Let’s hope that in practice, he’s also right.

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Derek Sherrod looks on from the bench last season. With the injury he suffered last year, he may have the same vantage point in 2012.. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

For a team that had to use all of its offensive tackles last season, this tidbit of information from Packers GM Ted Thompson has to elicit some consternation among Packer faithful: He expects Sherrod to have a long career – to be OK long-term. The key word in each of those descriptions? Long. As in don’t expect him to be 100 percent in 2012.

So, what if Sherrod isn’t healthy enough for 2012, you ask? He didn’t particularly impress the Packers coaching staff in 2011, despite receiving a lot of opportunities to do so.

The problem is when such unfortunate injuries happen to important players (in this case a tibia/fibula fracture), it completely wrecks Ted Thompson’s long-term plans. Take a look at every position group and you’ll find backups who are expected to be starters in the near-term. This philosophy is inexpensive and has been successful in terms of winning. Unfortunately, when a future starter like Sherrod goes down, it doesn’t mean the player he was supposed to supplant will stay. This brings us to the other big news from the combine: Yahoo.com is reporting that the Packers will cut long-time Packers left tackle Chad Clifton this off-season.

After two inconsistent, injury-prone years, Clifton was supposed to be replaced in 2012 by Sherrod. But because of Sherrod’s injury, it looks very likely that Marshall Newhouse will take over the starting job, at least for 2012.

The Packers can’t continue to play Clifton, who was intermittently removed from action during the playoff game, just because Sherrod is hurt. Hopefully Sherrod is able to at least go through the motions in training camp and be a serviceable backup during the season. This would allow him to take the T.J. Lang route to becoming a starter: Waiting an extra year to get healthy and then participating in a full off-season to prepare for a training camp battle for a starting position.

Greg Jennings' loss will give others an opportunity.

All the talk yesterday was about the loss of Greg Jennings … certainly a blow to the undefeated Green Bay Packers. It’s difficult to lose the top yards producer from the lineup and not be concerned.

However, there are two bits of information that everyone seems to be overlooking … first, the Packers are built to absorb this type of loss and secondly, the silver lining is that two other players, Chad Clifton and Josh Sitton, are nearing comebacks.

With Jennings’ loss, the Packers have lost a dynamic individual. Not only does he produce on the field, but he’s the soul of the team, the spiritual leader who not only guides by example, but is an inspiration to all.

That’s not replaceable.

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

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Wow!

Like this is the complete end of the Packers’ season … well, I can tell you it’s not. The Packers have been playing without several of those for whom thy will be without today and the team has done just fine, thank you.

Here are the players who will most likely not play today:

Chad Clifton – the left tackle has been out of the lineup for more than a month and Marshall Newhouse, while shaky at times, has held his own against some pretty good pass rushers.

James Starks – he has been hobbling for several weeks now and Coach Mike McCarthy is doing the right thing by sitting the second-year player. Starks could probably take at least a couple of weeks off to get healed up for the late season playoff run.

Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk – the starting inside linebackers were hurt in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day game and missed last week. It looks like Hawk has an outside shot of playing, but Bishop is out. In their places, Robert Francois and D.J. Smith have played admirably.

See more after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and folow us on Twitter.

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As long as Marshall Newhouse plays well in Chad Clifton's absence, the Packers flags should be flying high. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When Chad Clifton (Left Tackle) went out of the game against the Atlanta Falcons with a “significant” hamstring injury the entire state of Wisconsin took a collective “gasp.” Bryan Bulaga was already missing due to a knee injury and who would fill the spot that protects Aaron Rodgers’ backside?

Welcome to the lineup Marshall Newhouse, second year lineman out of Texas Christian University (TCU). 6’4” – 319 lbs. Listed as a guard on the draft board when drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 draft.

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James Starks will play an important role in getting today's running game going. He and his teammates will also wear their 1929 throwback uniforms in today's game. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Justin Stine of Ramblin’ Fan queried Lombardiave.com about today’s game against the St. Louis Rams.

Here are Stine’s questions and our answers:

1. The Packers are the defending champs and are undefeated thus far in 2011. Would you call them the favorites again this season, or is there a weakness you see that could cause a problem?

Through five games, I would have to say the Packers performance so far gives them a great chance of repeating their championship from a year ago. It’s a team that’s focused and ready to take it to the next step … another Super Bowl title.

But to get there will be a huge challenge … especially with the many breakdowns so far by their defense. Though the team seemed to pull it together last week after the two early touchdowns by the Falcons, the Packers’ defense needs to show consistency in stopping the big plays and the big players.

They did that last week and if the D can continue to show that type of performance, then they will have a very good shot at repeating. The only ones who can stop the Packers’ offense is the Packers offense. They’ve had some injury issues on their offensive line, but have been able to limp through those difficulties.

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The loss of Chad Clifton to injury has opened the door for Derek Sherrod. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With Chad Clifton out indefinitely with a hamstring injury, Derek Sherrod and Marshall Newhouse better be ready to play. In the next two weeks, Sherrod and Newhouse must block the likes of Chris Long for the St. Louis Rams, and Jared Allen for the Minnesota Vikings.

This far into the season, the two defensive ends have combined for 28 tackles and 11.5 sacks.

Chad Clifton will certainly be missed. He has been in the league for 12 years, all Green Bay, and has started nearly every game. In the past two drafts, the Packers spent their first round pick on tackles to eventually replace the aging Clifton and Mark Tauscher on the line.

Tauscher is gone already, and Clifton does not appear to have too many years left in him. The coming weeks will show Green Bay how they can fare in the years after Clifton retires, and pending the severity of his hamstring injury, that could very well be sooner rather than later.

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