Nov 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) trips up Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

The most common mistake we make as football analysts is overreacting to the most recent game or event while ignoring longer trends. A week ago, the Saints were championed as one of the “hottest” teams in the league. Bandwagoners were quick to point out a three-game winning streak and only one loss over their last six. This, of course, ignored the Saints appalling first four games as well as their weak mid-season schedule.

Similarly, many of us (myself included) saw the Giants’ recent struggles and felt the Packers could take them in New York. We focused on the fact Eli Manning hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass in a month. We focused on their last two games, both losses. We focused on the “revenge” factor we assumed would motivate the Packers.

Yet we ignored what really mattered: the Packers’ struggles with physical defenses, the extra week of planning the Giants gained from their bye week, and most importantly, Green Bay’s propensity for allowing pressure on Aaron Rodgers.

After eleven weeks of play, the Packers have given up 37 sacks. Only the Cardinals, who’ve alternated between three subpar quarterbacks, have given up more. Currently the Packers are projected to give up just under 54 sacks for 2012, the second highest one year total in team history.

So, where’s the Band-Aid? What can the team do to solve its historically pathetic pass protection?

Option 1: Call Chad Clifton

Sep, 18, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle Chad Clifton (76) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The Packers defeated the Panthers 30-23 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

The most common suggestion from fans is for Ted Thompson to make a call to Chad Clifton and see if he’d like to pick up a few more game checks. As fans are wont to do, this campaign makes the misguided assumption that Chad Clifton can still play. Last year demonstrated beyond any doubt that Clifton’s illustrious playing career is over. Even before Clifton’s injury he struggled with physical pass rushers, the very same ones the Packers struggle with today. Clifton is now 36 years old and hasn’t played a snap since January. This is ultimately not a solution.

Option 2: Derek Sherrod

Unfortunately, Derek Sherrod has contributed little to the Packers since they selected him in the 2011 draft. Worse, he’s not going to contribute again anytime soon. By all accounts, Sherrod will be placed on season-ending injured reserve sometime this week.

Option 3: Play Don Barclay at Tackle or Greg Van Roten at Guard

Much like the axiom, “the most popular player is the backup quarterback,” fans have started to grumble about trying out one of the unknown rookie linemen. In one scenario, Greg Van Roten would take over for Evan Dietrich-Smith. In another, T.J. Lang would shift back to his usual left guard spot with Don Barclay filling in at right tackle. These are novel ideas, but both bad ones. While the Packers have previously found undrafted free agents capable of contributing right away, this is generally a rare occurrence. The reviews of these players during camp were mixed, and neither is considered more than a long term project. Maybe next year one of these two will find a way to contribute, but even that’s a shaky proposition.

Option 4: Give More Snaps to John Kuhn in Single Back Sets

Nov 20, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Buccaneers 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

John Kuhn has been Green Bay’s best back in pass protection all year. Using Kuhn more often in single back sets – whether Rodgers is under center or in the shotgun – should give an extra second of protection. Kuhn has also demonstrated ability as a pass catcher. However, there’s a reason the coaching staff hasn’t and won’t make this adjustment fulltime. Kuhn is a subpar runner. Because Kuhn does not have much burst, there’s only a limited number of gaps he can run towards. Other teams know this, and have managed their defenses accordingly. Playing Kuhn more in single back sets will give defenses more freedom to clog the middle of the line and drop their safeties back. The Packers will probably use Kuhn more in single back sets, but don’t expect it to become their regular offense.

Option 5: Throw from the Spread

Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; General view of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) takes a snap from the shotgun formation at midfield during Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Packers defeated the Steelers 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Rodgers has maintained that when the Packers put four or five receivers on the field, it gives them an advantage over any defensive backfield in the league. He’s right, but the drawback is the offensive line isn’t giving Rodgers much time to pass. Quick throws out of spread formations give the Packers a chance to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers against subpar defensive backs. In fact, the Packers have gone to this more and more the past two weeks with Cobb serving as the main beneficiary. This is what the Packers used to subsidize the run game in 2010 and 2011 and everyone knows how that worked out. This is another partial solution, but probably the most practical.

It’s important to remember that Mike McCarthy has been able to make major in-season adjustments before, and he’s likely to figure something out again. The last two weeks featured two of the best defensive fronts Green Bay will face all year. The Packers need to produce better protection. They’ve struggled with it all year. However, it’s incredibly premature to discount the Packers because of what’s happened the past few weeks. The Packers have given up 50+ sacks before during the Rodgers-McCarthy era and made the playoffs. They should be able to do that again this year.

Neither Clay Matthews nor Desmond Bishop will play a role in the Packers defense this Sunday as Green Bay throws a much different defense onto the field against the Giants. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Each week the tendency for Green Bay Packers fans is put Aaron Rodgers front and center – easy to do, considering the television producers and directors make that easy for Packers Nation.

But there are other Packers players who have a huge impact on the outcome of every game.

We’ll concede that we will again be watching Rodgers with great interest, but let’s consider some of the other Packers players who could make a big splash Sunday night when the Packers play the New York Giants.

Here are the players I feel will be of importance Sunday:

James Starks. Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

• James Starks: The Packers running back who made it back on the field in a big way in last weekend’s win at Detroit, Starks will be given the ball in an attempt to soften the Giants’ defensive line and slow the pass rush that has caused Rodgers problems in the past. Whether Starks is the guy Sunday or whether the Packers also try to platoon him with Alex Green, it will be Starks who must be watched. If he can hit the 4-yard-per-carry mark, his job will be done. Not only will that give Rodgers time to throw, but it will also open things up for Green in the open field with quick pitches, screens and checkdowns over the middle.

Packers guard Evan Dietrich-Smith. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

• Evan Dietrich-Smith and T.J. Lang: Last week these two offensive linemen played for the first full game without right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Going against a Giants’ defensive line that has historically caused Aaron Rodgers problems, these two players have to hold their own. If they don’t and Rodgers takes a beating, it will be difficult for the Packers to win. They struggled at times last week and will have to play at a higher level this week to be effective.

Randall Cobb.
Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

• Randall Cobb: The Packers’s second year rising star has continually caused defenses difficulties and how McCarthy has designed plays specifically for this special talent is impressive. I’m still waiting for the surprise reverse play to Cobb for big yards. That’s just about the only way the Packers haven’t utilized him. Rodgers is relying more on Cobb for the big play and I don’t expect that to change this week.

Davon House.
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

• Packers defensive backfield versus Giants wide receivers: The youngsters filling the Packers defensive backfield (Hayward, McMillian, House) have been aggressive, intimidating and consistent as they continue to fill in for the likes of Charles Woodson and Sam Shields. Throw in Morgan Burnett and Tramon Williams to that mix and you’ve got a group of defenders who should compete well with the Giants receivers. The Giants will be facing a different defense than they saw back in January, but it’s different to Packers players and coaches, too. How they respond in this big conference game will tell us a lot about their potential to be playing come Playoffs time.

Dezman Moses.
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

• Dezman Moses and Frank Zombo: Filling in for the injured Clay Matthews isn’t an easy task, but Moses did quite well last week. The undrafted rookie brings outside speed and strength to the field. The coaching staff says they are going to try to work Zombo back into the rotation, too.

How he responds will be important to his future as well as that of the team. Whichever is on the field at any given time has to show a presence for the Packers to have a chance.

Mason Crosby.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

• Mason Crosby: Need I say more? Maybe it’s time to turn the beer labels out for this guy. There’s got to be some kind of invisible force that’s working against him. He’s always been far from perfect, but he’s got the leg strength to hit those 45-yarders in December. It’s a wonder why he’s missing all those kicks indoors and under perfect conditions. December will be very important to his future with the team and the watching will be intense continuing this Sunday night.

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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.

T.J. Lang took it where it hurts last year for the Packers ... he got his reward for hard work today with a four-year extension.

It probably wasn’t because of his field goal kicking prowess, but the Green Bay Packers saw enough in guard T.J. Lang that they thought it a good idea to lock him up.

Reported first by Adam Schefter, the Packers have agreed on a deal with Lang that will keep him in Green Bay for another four years, 2015. Immediate financials were not available.

The Packers showed faith in Lang when they let Daryn Colledge leave in free agency last year, signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Lang stepped right up to win the starting job for the Packers, playing in all 17 games for the team during their 15-1 run. He was a 2009 fourth round draft pick by the Packers.

Lang is considered one of the better inside linemen in the league. Last year he allowed only two sacks, one quarterback hit and eight hurries. Not too shabby for a guard playing in the pass-happy Packers offense.

While Lang was scheduled ro unrestricted free agency next year, this signing locks him up long-term.

So now that Lang is in the fold, there is just one other important player slated for free agency next year that the Packers must consider locking up … his name is Greg Jennings.

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.

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…)

Here’s what our fiends over at The Sidelion Report have to say today -

Chris Czar: Something tells me the Lions woke up in the second half of Sunday’s win against the Carolina Panthers. The Lions looked like the team we saw in first 5 weeks of season. Matt Stafford played his best game after a miserable start, Kevin Smith was excellent in his vindication and Ndamukong Suh finally looked like the player he was last year. I think it carries over this week. It’s not going to be easy, but Smith will run the ball effectively and the defensive line provides just enough pressure on Aaron Rodgers for the Lions to hold on in a very, very close game. Detroit Lions 31, Green Bay Packers 28

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(more…)

However, the biggest topic of discussion afterward was the kick – the kick that Viking Brian Robison planted into the groin of Packer guard T.J. Lang. It was a direct hit that resulted in a penalty.

Many thought Robison should have been booted from the game …

He did apologize for his actions following the game, but … in our eyes it was uncalled for and should have resulted in immediate action – as in being thrown out of the game.

As if you might want to see it again … here you go:

But there are two areas that should be and will be targeted by opponents as Achilles heels – the running game and even more importantly, the offensive line.

While the Packers’ running game, with the the return of Ryan Grant, a full season from James Starks, and the addition of rookie Alex Green, should be considered a strength, it will all depend on the play of the offensive line.

In theory, the starters are solid even with the loss of Daryn Colledge. But beyond that, we should be concerned. 

The backups: Derek Sherrod, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Marshall Newhouse, had their moments in preseason, but they are backups for a reason. Though Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his staff have proven they are masters at plugging holes in the lineup without missing a beat, we all know how key the offensive line is to protection of the MVP quarterback and in opening holes for running backs.

We saw what occurred in preseason and the 15-or-so sacks given up.

Couple that with the fact that the Packers could be playing in the league’s elite division and against teams with defenses led by the likes of Julius Peppers,   Ndamukong Suh, and Jared Allen and one has to wonder about the move to keep just eight offensive lineman on the 53-man roster.

I guess we will find out real quick whether this was a good move. 

If the Saints shut down the Packers run game Thursday night and pin their ears back in the second half with their eyes in the backfield, it could be a very long night for Aaron Rodgers and would provide the template for other teams to follow this year.

Our hope is McCarthy has enough tricks up his sleeve in providing protection schemes and play calling (including appropriate use of the no huddle) to make it all work.
 
I guess that’s why he gets the big bucks.

We can only hope he earns every cent of it.

Does the Packers defense need Nick Barnett? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By Jimmy Riley, for lombardiave.com

The Green Packers have a number of things to address when the lockout ends, as it is supposed to in the near future.  There are several players whose futures with the Packers may not be so bright.

Among them Nick Barnett and Mark Tauscher (more…)

It’s like when you’re high school.  There’s that girl out there.  You hear she likes you.  But nothing legitimate is coming from her mouth.  All your mutual friends are abuzz with the possibility of a relationship, but between the two of you, neither of you are saying anything.  You’re saying that you want real concrete proof she’s into you; she’s sending out mixed messages.  You hear she just wants to hook up with you and you aren’t the type she’d actually date.  Or maybe she just wants a “summer fling” with you.  Basically, you have no idea what’s going on, despite what everyone else is saying.

That’s how it is now.  Thompson isn’t giving a straight answer on what the Packers want to do.  Are the Packers even interested in Vick in the first place?  Do the Packers just want Vick as gimmick player?  Do the Packers want Vick just for this year as a backup for Aaron Rodgers that could be more reliable than Matt Flynn or Brian Brohm?  Or do the Packers see Vick as a long-term player in their scheme?  It feels like high school all over again.

Scenario 1: There is no interest.

The rumors are just the product of those curses called mutual friends.  You come to find that your friends were just throwing names out there as possibilities and liked the sound of this.  In their minds, it’s a perfect fit.  You two seem picture perfect to each other, but in reality, it would never work.  It’s your friends making something out of nothing.

The Packers aren’t interested in this scenario.  Thompson is sticking to his reputation of not commenting on personnel issues until there is something concrete.  Thompson just doesn’t want to say no to Vick because he wants to leave the door open just in case there’s that one in a million chance the Packers need Vick.  The Packers GM is just making a statement and is letting the media run with it and assume what they want.  Some of the more anti-Ted Thompson camps should have some pretty interesting things to say about these comments, but they appear to be innocuous.  Not saying anything about personnel has been his game, and he’s sticking to it.

Scenario 2: The hook up.

The girl just wants you for your body.  She’s attracted to you, but she doesn’t care about anything else that has to do with you.  It’s one night or bust.  It’s just up to you to decide whether or not you want to be pulled into this.  After all, she is a pretty enticing option and there is a bit of chemistry.  There is the slight chance it’ll go beyond that one night, but it’s anybody’s guess how far it can go.

In this option, Vick is the gimmick player.  The Packers feel they need to make a splash.  The Detroit Lions got Matthew Stafford in the draft.  The Chicago Bears acquired Jay Cutler from the Broncos.  The Minnesota Vikings drafted Percy Harvin out of Florida for some use in the Wildcat.  Yes, the Packers drafted B.J. Raji at No. 9 and traded back up into the first round (an OMG IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?!?!?! moment with Thompson) for Clay Matthews.  Both of these guys are great for the defense and really signal the turn around that is happening under Dom Capers, but offense sells tickets and makes the highlights.  What did the Packers do on offense?  Nothing.  I mean, the drafting of Jamon Meredith and T.J. Lang did do something to add competition to the offensive line, but as much as I love the offensive line, it won’t be a conversation topic on SportsCenter.  Vick adds this to the offense.  How are they going to use it?  What crazy formation does Mike McCarthy have thought up for Vick?  He is the innovator behind the Big 5 that utilizes all of Green Bay’s wide receiver talent.  What could he do with the Wildcat?  The possibilities are limitless.  But lying under all of this is the possibility of this being a one-time deal.  Vick could only be in Green Bay for 12 games as an experiment.  After the season he could be cut loose while the Packer pursue a more permanent Wildcat or gimmick player.  It could be strictly to keep pace with Detroit, Chicago, Minnesota, and the changing National Football League.

Scenario 3: The summer fling.

You and your lady friend get to talking, and you feel that you two have some chemistry and it could go places, but once you get around to school and life in general, you two don’t really have time for each other.  Summer is great because you can see each other multiple times a week and just spend a lot of “romantic” time together talking about how you wish summer could never end, but before you know it, it’s back to reality and you both part ways, never to really see each other again.  Of course, you meet randomly, check in every once in a while to see how things are going, but you aren’t too involved in each others lives.  You appreciate what happened, but it was best to be contained by that time.

Scenario 3 is similar to Scenario 2, but at the same time it is different.  The Packers bring Vick in, not as a gimmick player, but as a backup quarterback to Rodgers.  Flynn and Brohm haven’t been too too impressive, so it seems logical to bring Vick in.  Vick’s played quarterback before, so backing up Rodgers would be a good role for him.  He wouldn’t be expected to be a star contributor from Day 1, while he still could make token appearances as a Wildcat or change of pace quarterback.  Also, being a backup quarterback to Rodgers could be a springboard for Vick.  Other teams could see how he is progressing with integrating back into a team and how he is at learning an offense.  The time spent playing in games could be used as an audition period and a team could trade for him at the deadline or after the season, or if the Packers sign him to just a one-year deal he could be free to sign with a team that needs his services.  This could benefit both sides, as it gives Vick an opportunity and it gives Brohm and/or Flynn more time to become adequate NFL backups.

Scenario 4: The relationship.

You and your girl decide it’s go time.  You have chemistry, everything is great, you commit to each other.  You’ve gone over certain things that are important to you, like your allegiances to certain teams becoming more important than the relationship and what kind of music you can tolerate.  Everything is compatible, so you have a girlfriend.  For the long haul.

Vick and the Packers decide that everything looks great.  The situation is great for him.  Green Bay is the smallest media market in the NFL, and although everyone knows how much of a circus it can be (see: Favre, Brett; Summer 2008), he won’t be under a microscope as much as he would be in a larger market (although the way ESPN covers things, it’s hard to tell).  This relationship wouldn’t end with Vick in a starting job obviously, but it would end up with him being a contributing member of the Packers organization as a Wildcat/running back/wide receiver/backup quarterback.  Vick would show up in the stat sheet frequently and mesh well with Rodgers and the whole bunch.  Of course he would cost either Brohm or Flynn a spot on the team, but it would be for the greater good of the team.  Vick could use the relationship as a jumping off point, if the feeling is mutual, for something better, but he was a success in Green Bay.

Scenario 5: A break up.

So things just didn’t work out.  Turns out she didn’t really like that music she said she did and she won’t give you your alone time with your team.  Things just aren’t meant to be, right?  There’s other fish in the sea.

So Vick comes in, spends a year filling a utility role, and things just aren’t right.  He couldn’t totally mesh, missing training camp and the first few weeks of the season.  He can’t get rolling out of the Wildcat, and the team can’t pick it up in the short time period they had to learn it so everyone feels clueless.  He can’t get it going when he has to come in relieve Rodgers either and the whole just kind of fails and disappears from view.

Scenario 6: Marriage.

Scenario 4 evolves and you and your girlfriend get hitched in a little shindig.  You all live happily ever after.  There’s kids and stuff.  Fun stuff you see in movies.

Vick is a career Packer.  All is forgiven for him defeating the Packers at Lambeau back in 2003 and the public finally accepts for his mistakes.  It’s great stuff.  He gets a ring (or two) with the Packers and keeps his nose clean.  He proves Roger Goodell right for reinstating him.  The dream scenario.

Scenario 7: Divorce.  A messy one at that.

So turns out you and your girlfriend got hitched in Vegas and it’s just bad.  Fighting.  Crying.  Broken hearts.  It is definitely not meant to be.  Once you two get that annulment or those divorce papers filed, you’ll never see each other again.

The Vick experiment fails in Green Bay, epically and publicly.  Vick does something off the field that is just embarrassing and gets himself suspended again and banned from the NFL, or McCarthy and Vick don’t click at all and get in some public disputes.  The players chime (or Tweet) in their problems with the experiment and the team morale collapses.  Pretty soon it’s Top 10 Draft Pick all over again.  People lose their jobs.  Just garbage.  The last thing anyone wants to happen.

I’m hoping for Scenario 4 or 6.  They would be the best for the Packers and Vick, who I’ll have my two cents on up soon.

Any other scenarios you can think of that could happen to Vick and the Packers?  Let me know in the comments.

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But enough introduction, time to get down to the offensive battles to take place on the field:

Fullback
The Packers have a three-way battle for the fullback spot in Mike McCarthy‘s West Coast offense between Korey Hall and John Kuhn, who have been in Green Bay for the past two years, and Quinn Johnson, a draft pick out of LSU.  Both Hall and Kuhn are special teamers who could make the team that way, while the blocking abilities of Johnson will be tested by the coaches at every opportunity.  Ryan Grant‘s yards-per-carry average dropped from 5.1 in 2007 to 3.9 in 2008, so the Packers are looking for the best blocker they can get.  The Packers have kept multiple fullbacks on the roster in the past few years.  My picks: Hall and Johnson, with Kuhn the odd man out.  Hall will be the starter.  Hall has been solid in his conversion from a linebacker at Boise State and continues to progress, while Johnson provides some athleticism as a blocker.

Right Tackle
With long time mainstay Mark Tauscher gone, the Packers have a wide-open competition for that spot.  During OTAs and mini-camps, third-year man Allen Barbre worked with the first unit and many expect him to open camp with the first team.  Rookie T.J. Lang wants to play immediated and will be no slouch for Barbre to compete with, with while second-year man Breno Giacomini is coming off ankle surgery and could steal the job if Lang and Barbre aren’t careful.  My pick: Barbre, on experience.  This battle will be interesting, as Lang, who went to Eastern Michigan, is intriguing, but Barbre’s good performance in OTAs and mini-camps will translate into a good training camp and a starting job for him.

Center
In the past two years, Scott Wells and Jason Spitz have started all the games for the Packers at center, with Wells starting 26 and Spitz filling in on the other 6.  Wells ran into injury problems in 2008, causing the offensive line to be shuffled around as Spitz filled in at center.  This race will go down to the wire and has potential ramifications for the rest of the offensive line, as Spitz can also play either guard position, meaning that if he loses this race, he could jump in one of the guard racers and steal that spot.  My pick: I’m going to have to give it to Wells by a nose.

No. 5 Wide Receiver
The Packers already have their Top 4 lined up, but the Packers want a fifth wide receiver to make their “Big 5″ formaton work.  Ruvell Martin has held down the spot the last three years, but has seen his production decline.  One of the Packers seventh-round picks from 2008, Brett Swain spent 2008 on the practice squad but has been impressive in camps.  Also in the race are Jake Allen, who had a good preseason in 2008 and Kole Heckendorf who “flashed some ability during OTAs” according to the Packers website.  My picks: The Packers carry six receivers, allowing them to go big within the Big 5 with Martin, or smaller with Swain, creating more matchup problems.

No. 2 Quarterback
We were all shocked last year when seventh-round pick Matt Flynn came into training camp and beat out second-round pick Brian Brohm for the No. 2 spot.  However, Flynn’s brief appearances relieving Aaron Rodgers and his subsequent offseason workouts and OTAs have done nothing to secure his spot as the No. 2 QB, allowing Brohm another crack at the job.  Both players have had a year in the system and will be working against a difficult 3-4 defense so they will be tested and able to show much improvement.  Plus, they will see more time in preseason games, as Rodgers no longer needs that starting experience as much as he did last year.  My pick: Brohm leapfrogs Flynn to take the job.

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