Green Bay Packers: Four Downs of Questions
3.Right tackle Don Barclay once again faces a challenge this week. Was last week a fluke or is Barclay the real deal?
Jun 11, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Don Barclay during organized team activities at Clarke Hinkle Field in Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Korb: Fluke is too strong; give the guy some credit, as he’s been a capable backup in previous seasons that could step up in light of injuries. That being said, he does have a tall task on his hands for another week, seeing either sack-master Justin Houston or 79.5-career-sacker Tamba Hali coming his way. I think Barclay is more-than-capable as a starter (and should continue getting better as he furthers himself from his 2014 ACL tear), but he did give up a bunch of pressures on Aaron Rodgers vs Seattle and will likely do about the same here. In my mind though, that speaks less to a lacking in ability by him and more to the high level of talent he’s been facing; guys like Michael Bennett and Houston tend to embarrass those lined up across from them
McPeak: I’m not really sure either of the tackles played all that great last week. They really benefitted from having a very mobile quarterback who doesn€™t have to plant anything in order to throw the ball. Green Bay kept two fullbacks on the roster this season but have primarily lined up a tight end in the backfield. If Barclay does struggle, you will probably find Richard Rodgers in the backfield to lend some support, or you may see more of John Kuhn in week three compared to the first two weeks. The jury is still out on Barclay for me.
Wright: It is way too early to deem Barclay real tackle material. I know he is coming back from injury last year but … he hasn’t always been Mr. Reliable. He’s going to need another game like he played against Cliff Avril – and in a hurry. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston are no joke in the pass rushing game. He’s got a big test this week.
Rogalla: Don Barclay is a decent, versatile, reserve lineman who is still coming back from ACL surgery. He has done well each of the last two weeks. Aaron Rodgers makes his offensive line look good. That is not to say that the Packers o-line lacks talent. The solid interior of the line allows Aaron to be able to step up and slide out of trouble. I am thinking that Aaron is loving the challenge.
George: Let’s hold off another week or two before calling Barclay the “real deal.” I think Packers fans were very nervous going into the game about what Bennett or Avril would do to Barclay who hasn’t looked the same since his ACL injury. Yes, Barclay held his own, but he got a lot of help from Rodgers. Barclay could’ve been credited with giving up at least two sacks, but Rodgers escapability helped out. It also doesn’t hurt that he plays with maybe the best interior lineman in the NFL. But let’s see how Barclay does against a tough Chiefs defense and then ask me this question next week.
Hansen: I think it was a combination. While Barclay got pushed around at times, it was a bend dont break as the interior line allowed Rodgers enough room to step into the pocket. However, I think this week will be a little tougher on Barclay. Michael Bennett from Seattle is an exceptional talent on the line, but Houston is better. I also can’t remember one blitz that the Seahawks dialed up last week, while Kansas City likes to blitz and apply pressure all over the line.
Testin: Barclay’s challenge last week barely compares to his challenge this week. Justin Houston is a master at getting to the quarterback. He is arguably the best at it in the NFL. He played very well last week, but this is going to be a whole new type of challenge.
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