Mike Neal has been a huge disappointment for the Packers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ted Thompson has been known as the king of the NFL Draft, consistently finding players in the mid to later rounds who contribute – not only as special-teamers or on the practice squad, but as starters.

This is true in light of the statistics below provided by With the First Pick. Considering that it takes at least three years to evaluate the value of a draft, the folks over at First Pick did just that, comparing and evaluating the drafts of all four NFC North Division 2010 selections.

Not only do these stats tend to support glowing words about Thompson, but they also solidify in the minds of many, and at least on the surface, the reason why the Packers, year-in and year-out, are among the elite teams in the league.

The draft and develop – or the “drafted and undrafted develop” program as Head Coach Mike McCarthy now calls it – has seemed to be the model upon which the Packers’ success has been built.

It’s true that the Packers have gotten a lot of guys who have contributed, but there are many out there who feel that  the “guys” who have been drafted and developed, are just “guys” and that’s it.

Bryan Bulaga
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Looking at the list below, you’ve got a single, maybe two, legitimate starters – Bryan Bulaga and Morgan Burnett. The others have had limited success, at best, even though they grade out high because they have played a good deal or have been starters.

Consider Mike Neal and James Starks. Both have played with some success, but both have spent a great deal of time on the injured reserve, so the jury is still out though they have been on the team for three seasons. Yes, Starks’ efforts down the stretch to the Super Bowl XLV title were huge – but what has he done since? Neal has been injured so much that when he does play he’s not been able to get into any consistent flow and has been the invisible man.

Andrew Quarless had two solid seasons before sitting out all of last season with a knee injury. Known for his blocking, he had a huge upside. Now with a full season on the shelf we don’t know if he’ll make the roster this season. It will be an uphill battle.

Marshall Newhouse and C.J. Wilson both came out of nowhere to make the roster – especially Wilson, who was a seventh-rounder in 2010. Both have been starters, but far from the polished players the team needs at their positions to be considered great draft choices.

Newhouse is being forced from his left tackle position to the right side where he will have to compete for the right tackle position. The same is happening to Wilson, who will be in the fight of his life because the Packers drafted two quality, hungry defensive linemen.

Morgan Burnett (42) celebrates with his teammates after an A.J. Hawk interception in 2010.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Now let’s consider Bulaga and Morgan – both have been starters since their rookie seasons, both have shown flashes of brilliance, but not all-pro-caliber play. Both have missed time through injuries. Morgan came back and has been steady, but it’s not clear just how well Bulaga will perform given that he’s been moved to a new position and is recovering from a hip injury.

So while these numbers provided by With the First Pick are glowing – mostly because of the playing time these players have accumulated, one can argue that, like most mid- to late-rounders, they are just guys.

Take a look at the numbers and go here to compare this draft with the other three NFC North Division teams. Clearly, when compared to the rather pathetic drafts by the Vikings, Lions and Bears, the Packers’ 2010 draft looks pretty good. But unless these players come into their own in the final year of their first contract, they too will be considered average.

Green Bay Packers

Total Raw Score: 78.79 (14th)

1. Total Weighted Score: 102.97 (12th)
2. Average Raw Score: 11.26 (5th)
3. Average Weighted Score: 14.71 (4th)
4. Total Draft Value: +196 (5th)
5. Average Draft Value: +28.00 (4th)

Analysis:  With seven picks in the draft a team needs to produce two starters if possible.  In a perfect world that same team will also procure a few other key contributors.  Well in 2010 the Green Bay Packers managed to grab themselves four starters and three other contributors, going seven for seven.  In Bulaga and Newhouse both tackles on the offensive line were filled with Newhouse coming in the fifth round.  Morgan Burnett grabbed ahold of the starting free safety position.  C.J. Wilson has been a spot starter on the defensive line.  Quarless spent 2012 on I.R. but was a major contributor his first two seasons.  Starks and Neal have been situational role players.  The only true negative of this draft has been Neal who has not lived up to the potential of a second round pick.  But given the value found later, all should be forgiven.  This draft had quality and quantity.

Packers wide receiver James Jones breaks the tackle of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson on an 11-yard reception in the second quarter at the Metrodome. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

When there’s talk about the Green Bay Packers, we often hear mentioned the names of their star players, such as Aaron Rodgers or Clay Matthews. Without a doubt, both of these guys are great players, but I would like to take a little time to shine the light on some of the guys that hold this team together but may not always get the praise they deserve.

These are the guys you’ll hear little about – unless it’s fans complaining about their lack of playmaking ability or some nonsense like that – but they bring it each and every week. They may not be doing the discount double-check or putting on their Old Spice any time soon, but they are vital parts to the Packers’ success. Here are my top five unsung heroes on the Green Bay Packers’ roster.

Let me know what you think.

5) Josh Sitton

Josh Sitton Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Sitton has been the Packers’ best offensive lineman and one of the top guards in the NFL the past few years.

The only reason Sitton isn’t higher on this list is because he has gotten some notoriety as of late (Pro Bowl nod last year) and isn’t necessarily a player that I would consider flies under the radar.

The league knows how good Sitton is at his position, but sometimes I wonder if fans truly appreciate the level of play this guy demonstrates each and every week. Through all the complaints about the offensive line the past few years, it seems Sitton’s talent has been overlooked by the average fan.

Sitton is a rock solid player for the Packers and his switch to the left side of the line just shows how confident Mike McCarthy is in Sitton’s abilities.

4) Tim Masthay

Packers punter Tim Masthay . Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, I put a punter on the list.

It’s a thankless job, but having a solid punter is vital in tilting field position to a team’s advantage. Masthay has been consistently good – at times great – for the Green Bay special teams. Masthay set a new franchise record with a 45.6-yard gross average in 2011, and put 25 punts inside the 20-yard line during his first season in 2010, the most by any Packer punter since Josh Bidwell in 2002.

Masthay had another stellar year in 2012 with 30 punts inside the 20-yard line and a 43.5 gross average.

OK, so maybe all these punting statistics don’t excite you, but all you need to understand is that Masthay has been putting up some of the top numbers at his position and doing it largely unnoticed. Masthay has been Green Bay’s answer to electric returners like Devin Hester and Percy Harvin.

3) A.J. Hawk

Here is a pick that will cause a reaction. Hawk has been one of the most overly-scrutinized players on the Green Bay roster since he was drafted in 2006. What do people expect of him? To apologize for being drafted fifth overall?

Yes, Hawk isn’t the Urlacher-type playmaker we thought he’d be when Green Bay drafted him, but get over it by now. Hawk is still a really solid player, and has been for the Packers for the past seven seasons. He has either led the team or finished second in tackles six of his seven seasons in Green Bay, and he has only missed two games in that time.

Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Hawk is dependable and consistent. Hawk provides leadership on the field for a young defense and is responsible for calling plays and making audibles on the field.

He was a defensive captain during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 2010. The coaches have nothing but good things to say about Hawk, and sometimes I wonder why so many fans criticize him.

He’s coming off his best year as a pro (120 tackles, 3 sacks), and took a major paycut this offseason to stay with the Packers.

He played well against the run last season and looked lighter on his feet than in years past. Hawk isn’t the most athletic linebacker and struggles in coverage at times, but he deserves credit for the many things he does right on the field.

What this guy does each game for Green Bay goes largely unappreciated, and it’s time to give him a little love.

2) James Jones

Packers wide receiver James Jones. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Why isn’t anyone talking about this guy? He led the league last year in touchdown receptions with 14, and he still goes unnoticed. Jones has been great for the Packers for a while now, but he has always been the guy sandwiched between “Jennings” and “Driver” or “Nelson” and “Cobb” when people talk about the Green Bay wide receivers.

Jones hasn’t complained much. He just goes out on the field and does his thing. He gives each performance his all, and the last few seasons you can tell.

Just watch some of the incredible catches he made last season. Numerous times Rodgers just hung the ball in the air and Jones jumped over the defender and hauled in the catch.

Jones is aggressive and fights for the ball in the air (something Finley could take note of), and since he fixed his issue with drops from a couple of seasons ago, Jones has been one of the most consistent and reliable pass catchers the last couple of seasons.

Jones has the strength and attitude to out-muscle smaller defenders in the passing game and is an effective run-blocker against defensive backs (an underrated skill for a wide receiver).

I like Nelson and am excited about Cobb’s potential, but Jones was Green Bay’s all-around best receiver last year. He showed up each and every week and gave it everything he had, and now it’s time to give the man some credit.

1) Morgan Burnett

Burnett quietly had a very good season last year. He led the team in tackles with 123, recorded 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and forced 2 fumbles. And more impressively, he was one of only two NFL defensive players last season to play every defensive snap on his team.

Considering the number of injuries Green Bay dealt with last season, this was a miracle. Burnett also showed a lot of improvement in coverage, helping his defense go from the 32^nd-ranked pass defense in 2011 to the 11^th-ranked pass defense in 2012. I would say that is significant.

Packers safety Morgan Burnett (42) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, Burnett’s improved play isn’t the only reason the Packers improved in pass defense, but as the free safety and man responsible for calling coverage audibles, I would say Burnett’s impact should be appreciated.

In fact, the number of big plays Green Bay’s defense gave up in the passing game dropped significantly in 2012. In 2011, the Packers surrendered 71 passing plays of twenty or more yards, and 11 passing plays of 40 or more yards.

Compare that to 2012 where they gave up only 50 passing plays of 20 or more yards and seven of 40 or more. That is a pretty significant difference and it can be attributed to the improved play at the safety position.

Burnett also showed his versatility last season. At times, he moved up in the box to play the run and did well. Burnett is a smart player who has the athletic ability to cover in man and drop back in zone. He is also a solid tackler, and at only age 24, Burnett is still young and should continue to improve in 2013.

Burnett’s contributions to the team may go unnoticed most of the time, but if a safety is doing their job right that is the way it should be.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Pickett, Brad Jones, T.J. Lang, Bryan Bulaga, Jarrett Bush

If the early reports are correct, Charles Woodson should return from his collarbone injury for this week’s division deciding showdown against the Chicago Bears. He’s one of a few names who are expected back, as Clay Matthews and C.J. Wilson are also expected to end their stints on the injury list. However, one question distinguishes Woodson’s return from the rest.

However, one question distinguishes Woodson’s return from the rest.

How will he be reintegrated into the Packers’ defense?

If the defense had struggled mightily in the areas Woodson covered, this wouldn’t be an issue. Yet the play at safety and slot corner has been great, if not greater, in Woodson’s absence.

At safety, M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian have both shown incredible ability to keep a lid on opponent’s passing games. McMillian especially has proven difficult to throw at, and veteran passers consistently look away from wherever he is stationed. Morgan Burnett has improved his play as well by rediscovering the ball-hawking ability he displayed during the first half of 2011. More impressive still, Burnett has developed pass rushing ability on safety blitzes, netting two sacks and even more quarterback pressures since Woodson’s injury. Even if Woodson takes the absolute minimum amount of time to shake the rust, it’s hard to imagine he’ll outperform this combined production.

The bigger story, though, is the ascension of Casey Hayward. Hayward went from showing mere competence as a slot corner to becoming one of the best in the entire league. Hayward plays highly instinctually, making the right reads and sticking on the hip of opposing receivers despite only having average speed for a cornerback. The slot corner spot has been Woodson’s since almost the beginning of his Green Bay tenure. It’s the position Woodson has done most of his damage: blitzing the QB, pushing around tight ends, and until recently, giving up little to slot receivers. Woodson may no longer be able to cover in the slot the way Hayward does, and it would be unconscionable to remove Hayward at this point.

So what can the Packers do to both satiate their longtime defensive leader and not see drop-offs in production? The answer may seem a little out of bounds, but when you consider the skills Woodson still possesses and where the Green Bay defense has struggled, it doesn’t seem so crazy.

Play Woodson at linebacker.

More specifically, play Woodson at linebacker in the nickel. This maximizes the skills he has while keeping the young, high-producing defensive backs on the field. Perhaps Woodson shifts to safety in the base 3-4, but it’s in the nickel where he should play primarily as a linebacker.

This wouldn’t be the first time Woodson’s played in such a role. While it wasn’t labeled as such in 2009 and 2010, Woodson played a hybrid slot corner/outside linebacker position to great effect. From this spot, Woodson would flush the quarterback out of the pocket, cover the tight end or slot receiver, and also be able to drop back with the linebackers into zone. Today, Woodson can still tackle like a linebacker, cover tight ends, and play at least as well as any of Green Bay’s current linebackers in zone. The last of these would help reduce the number of cheap 8-12 yard completions over the middle that have plagued the Packers this season.

As the Packers still play most of their defense out of the nickel – this past week the entire opening drive against the Lions was played in nickel – this would allow Woodson to get on the field without making major sacrifices. Woodson could take the linebacker spot opposite of Clay Matthews and give the pass rush the most balance it’s had since Nick Perry went down. Woodson could also shift to Brad Jones’ inside linebacker spot if coverage over the middle of the field becomes an issue.

While many fans might be pealing their jaws off the ground after reading this, such was the same reaction when the idea of playing Woodson primarily at safety was first floated. As with the other aging Packer veterans, the team must adapt to Woodson’s diminished skill set. Fortunately for the Packers, the skills he still has are incredibly unique and fit their defensive needs perfectly. Don’t be surprised to see Woodson playing a role like this as the regular season closes out.

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy …

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

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

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

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

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

So what changes do we need?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Like the defense.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Over at Arrowhead Addict, Patrick Allen posted the Q&A we conducted this weekend about today’s match-up between the unbeaten Green Bay Packers and the (we won’t mention their record) Kansas City Chiefs.

I was as brutally honest with my answers, which didn’t sit well with those who at least took the time to post comments.

In addition to reading this post below, you might want to go to the site and read the comments, too. I’ve been called an idiot before, so that really doesn’t bother me. What does bother me is that they really think the Chiefs are going to win today.

Call me an idiot, but I would be really stupid to put money on the Chiefs today … but like they say, ” On any given Sunday …”

Well, we all know it won’t be this Sunday.

Chiefs vs. Packers: Inside The Enemy Camp

The Kansas City Chiefs will try to do what no team has done in some time by beating the Green Bay Packers tomorrow afternoon.

In an effort to gather some intel on how to beat an unbeatable team, I sat down with Ray Rivard of Lombardi Ave, FanSided’s Green Bay Packers site.

Let’s go Inside The Enemy Camp with Lombardi Ave.

Do you ever get bored after watching blowout wins every week?

It’s not been boring watching the Green Bay Packers this season. Though they have dominated teams with their offensive prowess, you just never know what the defense is going to bring.

That’s what’s made this team entertaining to watch … At least for me. The defense has allowed teams to move up and down the field, but always seems to come up with the huge defensive stop when they need it … The interception, fumble recovery, the fourth down stop … This opportunistic group just seems to know when to turn it up a notch.

And blowout wins are never boring … Especially when the team is 13-0.

Check out the rest of the post after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

Mike McCarthy likes the way his team is playing, but admits there's much more work to do. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Mike McCarthy just finished his Monday afternoon presser.

Here are some of the highlights from the session with the press:

On the injury front, Sam Shields suffered a concussion when he took a hit while trying to run an interception out of the end zone; outside linebacker Frank Zombo, who played in his first game back after a broken scapula, hyper-extended his knee … McCarthy didn’t know the severity of his injury. He did say that Shields will go through the series of tests that go along with concussion recovery. It is unclear whether Shields will play this week vs. the Vikings.

When asked about the wind and the role it played in Sunday’s game, McCarthy said, “the wind factored in the game … you could see ball moving … It’s something talk about in the pre-game … you have to focus on ball … it was a challenge.”

When asked about the possibility that the Vikings may play rookie Christian Ponder, McCarthy said that the team will prepare for both quarterbacks … they may have to go back to preseason tape to watch Ponder, but that didn’t seem to bother the head coach. “That’s all part of the preparation. We’ll be prepared either way.”

(more…)

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.

(more…)

Important, you ask? Yes, especially for those players on the bubble.

In the meantime, here are a few really interesting takes from some major sporting outfits which I have culled from across the Internet. We’ve got stories about the how the safety position has solidified, a breakdown of the roster, a look at the Colts, a Wednsday camp report, and a short look at the nominations for the Hall of Fame, which doesn’t include a famous Packer.

Enjoy …

The tandem of Rodgers and McCarthy will provide leadership and smarts to a team seeking to repeat as league champions. The team's quest continues this weekend when they take on the Arizona Cardinals in the second of four preseason games. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

How much should we take from the Packers first exhibition game Saturday night in Cleveland?

Well other than a 27-17 loss, there were probably more question marks, especially with the play of Packers cornerbacks Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush in the first couple of series, than exclamation points. However, if one is going to point to a positive, it’s got to be the initial look at second round pick Randall Cobb.

When he touched the ball heads turned and he made an immediate impact.

He will make the team, there’s no question about it. The question is how quickly Coach Mike McCarthy will implement him into the game plan when the regular season starts.

Cobb started the game with a kickoff return straight up the middle without hesitation and with courage for 32 yards.

His other return was similar, this time gaining him 26 yards. And while he showed his sure-handedness and his ability to catch the ball under pressure on his lone punt return, he also showed quickness of feet in eluding the initial tackler … that’s something Packers fans haven’t seen on special teams since Travis Williams and Willie Wood, and it’s a sure sign that the team should show improvement in special teams play over their dismal numbers last year.

Green Bay ranked 22nd in punt-return average and 26th in kickoff-return average last season.

On the offensive side of the ball, it wasn’t until the backups behind quarterback Matt Flynn hit the field that Cobb began to shine.

He made an impressive diving catch for 13 yards in tight coverage and then later in the first half caught a pass for 19 yards.

On the next play, Cobb caught another ball on a short route and then turned it impressively into a gain of 28. (more…) ]]> http://lombardiave.com/2011/08/14/cobb-shows-the-burst-of-a-star-in-the-making-for-the-packers/feed/ 0 http://lombardiave.com/2011/08/02/packers-camp-three-things-and-more-developing/ http://lombardiave.com/2011/08/02/packers-camp-three-things-and-more-developing/#comments Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:28:07 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=6219 With day three of Packers camp in the books and the first day of pad work being held Monday night, there seem to be three things (among others) developing that are of interest to the final coming together of a team. First, the rookies – it looks like first and second round choices, Derek Sherrod [...]

Packers camp: Three things (and more) developing - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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

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

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

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

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Jermichael Finley is reportedly slimmer this season, but is still being limited during the early practices. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Headed to the Packers facility at 7 p.m. for day two of training camp?

Well, here’s some things you will find:

Day two of practices will again see tight end Jermichael Finley, safety Morgan Burnett and defensive lineman Mike Neal in limited participation, as they continue their rehabs. Rookie defensive lineman Eli Joseph (hamstring), tight end Andrew Quarless (hip flexor) and linebacker Diyral Briggs (hamstring) have yet to pass their physicals.

In addition, Mason Crosby, Spencer Havner and Brett Swain will be watching from the sidelines because they can’t practice until Aug. 4 … CBA rules.

Will the Packers be the most improved team in the NFL this season?

The Sporting News came out this week saying the Packers will win the NFC North Division and will be the most improved team in the NFL.
Wow, that’s a huge statement and one that has been on the mind of Packers fans for months – that is, can this team repeat?
Well, on the surface this team seems as poised as any team in the history of the league to do so.  (more…)

Remember five years ago when The Packers signed then-free agent cornerback Charles Woodson to a big, fat contract? Most of Packer Nation, including myself, said, “Um, what the hell is wrong with Ted Thompson?”

Yeah, sorry about that, Ted. Good call, man.

Guess what? Now there are a few rumblings that free agent, all-world corner Nnamdi Asomugha may be Green Bay bound, following in the footsteps of his former Raiders teammate Woodson. Word is that Asomugha himself has hinted that he would like to play along side Woodson again, and Woodson has in turn expressed an interest in moving to free safety.

As wonderful as it sounds, Packers fans, it ain’t gonna happen.

Wouldn't this guy look good in green and gold? Yeah, it's not gonna happen.

Imagine a defensive backfield of Woodson, Nick Collins, Tramon Williams and Asomugha — with upstart Sam Shields playing the role of nickel back. Are you kidding me? There would be NO passing allowed. Period.

But — oops! — have we forgotten about promising youngster Morgan Burnett? And what if we end up with a salary cap after the highly-dramatized Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations finally play out? Um, a guy like Asomugha, a perennial all-pro the last three or four seasons, won’t come cheap.  And the truth is, the Packers need help at outside linebacker in the form of a bookend pass rusher to help complement a fellow named Clay Matthews.

Yes, we may have doubted Thompson in the past (Justin Harrell, anyone?), but I think it’s time we let the man do what he does: Find good talent in the draft. Asomugha and Woodson won’t be reuniting until they do so in Canton, Ohio.