Jermichael Finley is off to a great start – Not

Jermichael Finley is better than we saw last night. Let’s hope he keeps his focus. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Much was written last week when Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was proud of Jermichael Finley for keeping his nose to the grindstone and out of social media.

It was a new Finley we were going to be seeing – one that will dominate from the tight end position, and one that will pick up where he left off last season.

That notion all turned topsy turvy Saturday night when the Packers number one offense took to the field during the Family Night scrimmage.

Aaron Rodgers took the snap from center faked a handoff and rolled right, looking downfield for a play. Instead, he dumped the ball off to Finley hovering near the sideline about five yards off the line.

The pass was perfect – about eye level – and as Finley worked the sideline with his feet the ball hit him square in the hands for a seemingly easy completion.

But it wasn’t to be.

Like hands wearing boxing gloves, the ball hit Finley where it was supposed to … but like the Finley of old, he juggled it and dropped it.

Yup, Sir Dropsalot was back at it and it was the last time on the night that we heard his name that night. Finley wouldn’t have another shot at a pass as other tight ends shared time on the field. Preseason superstar D.J. Williams would finish that first possession with a touchdown catch over the middle.

Does this hurt Finley’s chances of making the team? No. Does it hurt his chances to renew his image among fans? Absolutely. He’s already dug a big hole in the past for his on-field performance and his demeanor on social media. Let’s just say he’s not the darling in Packers fans eyes.

For instance, Here’s how Packers fans responded to a Facebook post I put up not long after the dropped pass:

Lombardiave.com

James Starks starts in the backfield … pass to Jermichael Finley … he drops it. Ugh

So, let’s hope Finley can get his act together. If he and Mason Crosby stink up the preseason, they may be on a short leash.

Stay tuned …