Welcome to the 4th and final installment of What Ted Thompson Should Do. Thompson had to trim the roster down to 80 players by Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Thompson accomplished that by cutting six guys*, which were the easy decisions. The harder decisions will play out in the next few days because Thompson has to cut 27 more guys to trim the roster down to 53 by 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2011.
With three preseason games in the books (Week 1 @ Cleveland, Week 2 hosted Arizona, and Week 3 @ Indianapolis), the opening day 53-man roster is starting to take shape. If you want a brief refresher, take a look back at all my previous thoughts about the 53-man roster at various points throughout the last few months: Version 1.0, Version 2.0, and Version 3.0. Here are my updated thoughts on what the 53-man roster and 8-man practice squad should look like for the 2011 Green Bay Packers:
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, and Graham Harrell
Analysis: After playing mediocre at best for his first few series against the Colts last week, Graham Harrell's heroics leading the Packers over the Colts erased any doubts of whether Harrell will make the roster.
Running Back: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Alex Green
Analysis: Often times the 4th preseason game is essentially a useless game for determining starters because the starters usually sit out the game but the Packers need to consider giving all their running backs a look because we are no closer to knowing who will actually start at running back (Grant or Starks) or who will be the 3rd down back (Starks, Green, or Kuhn).
Fullback: John Kuhn and Quinn Johnson
Analysis: The Packers have high expectations for Johnson that so far have gone mostly unfulfilled. Johnson has the body to be a sledgehammer as a fullback but so far Johnson has been unable to put it all together. Hopefully Johnson can sort it out sooner rather than later or he will join Justin Harrell on the free agent scrap heap.
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb
Analysis: Some of the undrafted free agent wide receivers (Diondre Borel, Tori Gurley, Shaky Smithson, Kerry Taylor, and Chastin West) showed flashes of brilliance, the best example is Chastin West's 97-yard touchdown reception against the Cardinals. All the undrafted free agent wide receivers showed promise throughout the preseason but the Packers have a ton of talented wide receivers already essentially guaranteed roster spots. Although there has been a ton of talk about keeping a 6th wide receiver, since the Packers have a ton of money invested in their top five wide receiver, only the household names look like they are going to make the roster at wide receiver.
Tight End: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor
Analysis: With Spencer Havner getting cut the Packers have five tight ends on the roster but it only looks like there are four roster spots at this point. Since Tom Crabtree is an undrafted player while the rest of the tight ends were drafted, Crabtree is the odd man out. Sleep easy though Tom Crabtree, when the dust settles Ted Thompson will probably keep all five tight ends by making cuts somewhere else.
Tackle: Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, Derek Sherrod, and Marshall Newhouse
Analysis: The Packers shuffled Derek Sherrod, their first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft between left guard and left tackle all preseason. Instead of picking up a little bit at both positions, Sherrod struggled mightily. The Packers need to keep Sherrod at left tackle, the position they drafted him to play. With how much Sherrod has struggled, if the Packers lose one of their starting tackles (Clifton or Bulaga) for an extended period of time they might actually turn to Marshall Newhouse instead of Sherrod meaning the Packers are in a unique position to essentially red-shirt Sherrod.
Guard: Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, and Caleb Schlauderaff
Analysis: Nick McDonald and Evan Dietrich-Smith are listed as C/G on the roster. Their versatility over Caleb Schlauderaff who only plays guard almost made me keep both of them ahead of Schlauderaff but the Packers always choose the younger guy (Schlauderaff) ahead of the older guy (Dietrich-Smith).
Center: Scott Wells and Nick McDonald
Analysis: Although Evan Dietrich-Smith pushed Nick McDonald for the backup center spot, it looks like McDonald did just enough to beat out Dietrich-Smith.
Defensive End: B.J. Raji, Mike Neal, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, and Jarius Wynn
Analysis: The Packers had their defensive ends set heading into camp when they decided to let former starting defensive end Cullen Jenkins leave via free agency so apparently they feel comfortable with the group. I do not share that same comfort level because besides Raji, every other player has at least one question mark. I can only hope that the Packers look at defensive lineman following NFL roster cut downs.
Defensive Tackle: Ryan Pickett
Analysis: Each week I continue to list Howard Green as a defensive end but technically Green is a defensive tackle so the Packers have some depth at the position. As I said under the defensive end analysis, look for the Packers to scour the waiver wire if another legitimate 3-4 defensive lineman becomes available.
Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Erik Walden, Brad Jones, Vic So'oto, and Jamari Lattimore
Analysis: I had a hard time picking between So'oto and Lattimore in version 3.0. With how well So'oto and Lattimore played against the Colts last week, I gave them both a roster spot this week. This is all assuming that the Packers do in fact decide to put Frank Zombo on the physically unable to perform list. If Zombo makes the 53-man roster the Packers will only be able to keep two of the following three: Jones, So'oto, and Lattimore.
Middle Linebacker: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, and Rob Francois
Analysis: Another week with the same four guys making the team as middle linebackers. The Packers like both Smith and Francois but if wither Bishop or Hawk were hurt for an extended period of time look for them to pick up another linebacker or try Brad Jones at middle linebacker.
Cornerback: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Devon House, and Josh Gordy
Analysis: It was a real tough call between Josh Gordy and Brandian Ross for the 5th cornerback spot because both have shown flashes of being the 2011 version of Sam Shields. Gordy was on the practice squad in 2010 so he got the nod over Ross.
Safety: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, and Jarrett Bush
Analysis: Collins and Burnett deserve to be the opening day starters. Look for Peprah to serve as the primary backup at both free safety and strong safety because for how well Bush plays on special teams and how well he played in Super Bowl XLV, Bush has still been a liability in coverage throughout the preseason. The Packers claim Bush is playing cornerback this year but I expect Bush to get more snaps at safety than cornerback in 2011.
Specialists: Mason Crosby (K), Tim Masthay (P), and Brett Goode (LS)
Analysis: With Crosby signed through 2015, look for Masthay to get a contract extension if he plays well through the first half of the season.
Practice Squad: Ray Dominguez (G/T), Ricky Elmore (LB), Lawrence Guy (DE), Anthony Levine (S), Brandian Ross (CB), Jay Ross (DT), Brandon Saine (RB), and Chastin West (WR)
Analysis: some of those guys will probably get signed to another NFL team's 53-man roster so other options for the practice squad are: Diondre Borel (WR), Chris Campbell (OT), Chris Donaldson (DT), Tori Gurley (WR), Jon Hoese (FB), Shaky Smithson (WR), and Kerry Taylor (WR).
The Packers host the Chiefs on Thursday in a game that will be make or break for a few guys that are right on the bubble of making the 53-man roster or the 8-man practice squad. Check back on Sunday for my initial rankings of the 53 players that made the opening day roster for the 2011 Green Bay Packers.
Footnote:
* = K.C. Asiodu (LB), Adrian Battles (G), Spencer Havner (TE), Antonio Robinson (WR), Theo Sherman (T), and Brett Swain (WR)
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Initial Rankings of the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers Football Team
The 2011 Wisconsin Badgers are a member of the foolishly named Leaders Division along with Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, and Purdue. The equally foolishly named Legends Division is comprised of Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern. I get that the Big 10 wants to be politically correct but how is Nebraska a "Legend" in their first year in the Big Ten? Furthermore, how does the conference keep Big Ten as their conference name when there are 12 teams in the conference. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because they kept the name Big Ten despite having 11 teams in the conference since 1993.
Besides being horribly named, the new divisions in the Big Ten change certain rivalries since each teams will only have eight conference football games till 2017 when they increase that number to nine conference games. That means until 2017 the Badgers will play the five teams in their division as well as one protected rival (Minnesota) every year. The two other conference games will be cross-over games that rotate every two years. The silly part of that scheduling decision is that since Minnesota is Wisconsin's protected rival instead of Iowa, Wisconsin will not play Iowa again until 2013.
With my complaints out of the way, in honor of college ranking the Top 25 teams in the country I thought I would give my rankings of the Top 25 current Wisconsin Badger football players along with some short comments.
Before we get to the Top 25 players, much like the Top 25 rankings, there are also teams "receiving votes" that are ranked just outside the Top 25. Since we have not seen the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers play any real live snaps yet there are a ton of players that just missed out on the Top 25*. Here are my rankings of the Top 25 current 2011 Wisconsin Badgers football players:
#25) Shelton Johnson (SS, JR) - At this point Johnson is the starter over sophomore Dezmen Southward but keep an eye on this competition because if Johnson struggles, Southward will be plugged in right away.
#24) Kevin Claxton (OLB, SR) - The converted strong safety is trying to get settled at his new position, outside linebacker.
#23) Jake Byrne (TE, SR) - Wisconsin has turned into an offensive line and tight end factory for the NFL. Byrne might turn out to be the next one and he is not even the best current Badger tight end.
#22) David Gilbert (DE, JR) - With the loss of all-world defensive lineman J.J. Watt to the NFL, Gilbert will have to improve on his 21 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss performance from 2010.
#21) Ethan Hemer (DT, SOPH) - Started the second half of the 2010 season at defensive tackle after sophomore Jordan Kohout hurt his ankle in Wisconsin's win over then #1 ranked Ohio State. Hemer is currently ahead of Kohout but that could change in short order.
#20) Devin Smith (CB, SR) - Started at cornerback in 2009 but was relegated to nickel cornerback in 2010. Smith is motivated to put his horrible performance against TCU in the Rose Bowl behind him because if Smith struggles, junior Marcus Cromartie could force Smith back to being the nickel cornerback.
#19) Bradie Ewing (FB, SR) - The NFL moved away from using fullbacks a while but it looks like the NFL is gravitating back to using fullbacks. Ewing needs to show that he can not only serve as a blocking back but contribute on special teams if he wants a chance to play in the NFL.
#18) Antonio Fenelus (CB, SR) - The Badgers are talking about playing more press coverage in 2011. If they do play more press coverage, there is a chance that Fenelus moves into the Top 10 in the midseason rankings.
#17) Josh Oglesby (RT, SR) - Despite struggling with injuries throughout the preseason, Oglesby still beat out freshman Rob Havenstein for the starting spot at right tackle. If Oglesby can't stay healthy though, the Badgers should feel comfortable turning to Havenstein because he as absolute physical freak of nature (6'8" and 345 lbs).
#16) Patrick Butrym (DT, SR) - In his 5th year on campus Butrym looks to go out with a bang after registering 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2010.
#15) Jacob Pedersen (TE, SOPH) - As mentioned above, the Badgers are an NFL tight end producing machine. Pedersen is a young, impressive tight end that hopes to join Travis Beckum, Owen Daniels, Garrett Graham, and Lance Kendricks in the NFL in the near future.
#14) Travis Frederick (LG, SOPH) - After losing left guard John Moffit and his 42 career starts to the NFL, the Badgers are going with a youth movement along the offensive line starting Frederick at left guard. There is a slim chance that Frederick will be as impressive in 2011 as Moffit was in 2010 but hopefully Frederick will blossom into a quality starting left guard by 2012 at the latest.
#13) Louis Nzegwu (DE, SR) - Put together a pretty impressive 2010 campaign with 46 tackles (8th on the team) and 7.5 tackles for a loss (3rd on the team). With J.J. Watt in the NFL, the Badgers hope that Nzegwu can improve on those numbers in 2011 to emerge as the leader of the defensive line.
#12) Kevin Zeitler (RG, SR) - Normally people talk about bookend offensive tackles. I am not sure what the offensive guard corollary is but that is exactly what Frederick and Zeitler give the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers.
#11) Nick Toon (WR, SR) - The good news, Toon is still playing for the Badgers. The bad news, if Toon played better throughout his college career he would have left school early for the NFL. Toon needs to have a big 2011 season if he wants to transition from playing on Saturdays to playing on Sundays like his father.
#10) Peter Konz (C, JR) - Made 19 starts over the last two years, which should serve Konz well as he looks to become the quarterback of the offensive line for the next two seasons.
#9) Brad Nortman (P, SR) - You might remember that Nortman picked up a critical first down on a fake punt last year to help Wisconsin beat Iowa on the road. Nortman is an outside contender for the Ray Guy Award (best punter in the nation), which would give the Badgers their first Ray Guy Award winner since Kevin Stemke won in 2000.
#8) Mike Taylor (OLB, JR) - Put up good numbers in 2010 (58 tackles and 4 tackles for a loss, both 4th on the team) despite rehabbing a knee injury (ACL) and spraining his knee against Ohio State. Taylor hopes to be fully healthy by the time the Badgers open their conference portion of their schedule at home against Nebraska in one of the most anticipated games of the season.
#7) Philip Welch (K, SR) - Despite struggling with injuries throughout the preseason, some NFL Draft prognosticators have Welch getting drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
#6) Ricky Wagner (LT, JR) - Losing a starter at left tackle to the NFL like Gabe Carimi always hurts but it makes it even harder when that left tackle was voted the Outland Trophy winner (best offensive lineman in the country). Carimi joined Joe Thomas (winner in 2006) as the only Wisconsin lineman to win the Outland Trophy. Those are pretty big shoes for Wagner to fill. Stay tuned because Wagner's performance could go a long way towards determining whether the Badgers are a national championship contender in 2011.
#5) Chris Borland (MLB, SOPH) - Despite being a productive outside linebacker the Badgers moved Borland to middle linebacker. Ranking Borland 5th might feel a little high when you account for the position change but with how well Borland played outside, he should be even more successful moving inside.
#4) James White (RB, SOPH) - Played so well last year that White almost forced John Clay to enter the NFL Draft even though Clay's draft stock was low. Keep your eye on White because he looks like a rich man's Michael Bennett.
#3) Aaron Henry (FS, SR) - Seems to have a nose for making big plays, both of his INTs were returned for TDs last year. The Badgers hope Henry can do more of the same in 2011.
#2) Montee Ball (RB, JR) - Dropped 20 lbs between the 2010 and 2011 season to guarantee that he is the starting running back for the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers have a ton a quality back-up running backs (White, Lewis, and Gordon) so there is a good chance that the Badgers have the best four-headed running back monster in the country.
#1) QB - Russell Wilson (QB, SR) - After putting together a successful career through the air (threw for 8,545 yards and 75 touchdowns) and on the ground (ran for 1,083 yards and 17 touchdowns) at North Carolina State, Wilson utilized a rule that allowed him to transfer without sitting out a season because he graduated from North Carolina State. Wilson narrowed his schools to Auburn and Wisconsin. In what was a huge recruiting victory for Wisconsin, Wilson choose to play for the Badgers instead of the Tigers despite the fact that Auburn won the national championship last year. Wilson is an impressive dual-threat quarterback that gives the Badgers a legitimate chance to play in the first ever Big Ten Football Championship Game and possibly even the BCS National Championship Game.
Check back throughout the season for more coverage of the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers and don't forget to tune in on Thursday, September 1, 2011 as the Wisconsin Badgers open their 2011 campaign at home against UNLV.
Footnote:
* Jon Budmayr (QB, SOPH), Jeff Lewis (RB, FR), Melvin Gordon (RB, FR), Sherard Cadogan (FB, FR), Brian Wozniak (TE, SOPH), Jared Abbrederis (WR, SOPH), Jeff Duckworth (WR, SOPH), Kenzel Doe (WR, FR), Casey Dehn (LT, SOPH), Zac Matthias (LG, SOPH), Ryan Groy (C, SOPH), Robert Burge (RG, JR), Rob Havenstein (RT, FR), Brendan Kelly (DE, JR), Pat Muldoon (DE, SOPH), Beau Allen (DT, SOPH), Jordan Kohout (DT, SOPH), Ethan Armstrong (OLB, SOPH), Conor O’Neill (OLB, SOPH), Derek Landisch (OLB, FR), Marcus Trotter (MLB, FR), Marcus Cromartie (CB, JR), Peniel Jean (CB, FR), Darius Hillary (CB, FR), Dezmen Southward (SS, SOPH), Michael Trotter (FS, FR), Kyle French (K/P, FR), Kyle Wojta (LS, SR), James McGuire (LS, SOPH), and Alec Lerner (KO, SOPH)
Besides being horribly named, the new divisions in the Big Ten change certain rivalries since each teams will only have eight conference football games till 2017 when they increase that number to nine conference games. That means until 2017 the Badgers will play the five teams in their division as well as one protected rival (Minnesota) every year. The two other conference games will be cross-over games that rotate every two years. The silly part of that scheduling decision is that since Minnesota is Wisconsin's protected rival instead of Iowa, Wisconsin will not play Iowa again until 2013.
With my complaints out of the way, in honor of college ranking the Top 25 teams in the country I thought I would give my rankings of the Top 25 current Wisconsin Badger football players along with some short comments.
Before we get to the Top 25 players, much like the Top 25 rankings, there are also teams "receiving votes" that are ranked just outside the Top 25. Since we have not seen the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers play any real live snaps yet there are a ton of players that just missed out on the Top 25*. Here are my rankings of the Top 25 current 2011 Wisconsin Badgers football players:
#25) Shelton Johnson (SS, JR) - At this point Johnson is the starter over sophomore Dezmen Southward but keep an eye on this competition because if Johnson struggles, Southward will be plugged in right away.
#24) Kevin Claxton (OLB, SR) - The converted strong safety is trying to get settled at his new position, outside linebacker.
#23) Jake Byrne (TE, SR) - Wisconsin has turned into an offensive line and tight end factory for the NFL. Byrne might turn out to be the next one and he is not even the best current Badger tight end.
#22) David Gilbert (DE, JR) - With the loss of all-world defensive lineman J.J. Watt to the NFL, Gilbert will have to improve on his 21 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss performance from 2010.
#21) Ethan Hemer (DT, SOPH) - Started the second half of the 2010 season at defensive tackle after sophomore Jordan Kohout hurt his ankle in Wisconsin's win over then #1 ranked Ohio State. Hemer is currently ahead of Kohout but that could change in short order.
#20) Devin Smith (CB, SR) - Started at cornerback in 2009 but was relegated to nickel cornerback in 2010. Smith is motivated to put his horrible performance against TCU in the Rose Bowl behind him because if Smith struggles, junior Marcus Cromartie could force Smith back to being the nickel cornerback.
#19) Bradie Ewing (FB, SR) - The NFL moved away from using fullbacks a while but it looks like the NFL is gravitating back to using fullbacks. Ewing needs to show that he can not only serve as a blocking back but contribute on special teams if he wants a chance to play in the NFL.
#18) Antonio Fenelus (CB, SR) - The Badgers are talking about playing more press coverage in 2011. If they do play more press coverage, there is a chance that Fenelus moves into the Top 10 in the midseason rankings.
#17) Josh Oglesby (RT, SR) - Despite struggling with injuries throughout the preseason, Oglesby still beat out freshman Rob Havenstein for the starting spot at right tackle. If Oglesby can't stay healthy though, the Badgers should feel comfortable turning to Havenstein because he as absolute physical freak of nature (6'8" and 345 lbs).
#16) Patrick Butrym (DT, SR) - In his 5th year on campus Butrym looks to go out with a bang after registering 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2010.
#15) Jacob Pedersen (TE, SOPH) - As mentioned above, the Badgers are an NFL tight end producing machine. Pedersen is a young, impressive tight end that hopes to join Travis Beckum, Owen Daniels, Garrett Graham, and Lance Kendricks in the NFL in the near future.
#14) Travis Frederick (LG, SOPH) - After losing left guard John Moffit and his 42 career starts to the NFL, the Badgers are going with a youth movement along the offensive line starting Frederick at left guard. There is a slim chance that Frederick will be as impressive in 2011 as Moffit was in 2010 but hopefully Frederick will blossom into a quality starting left guard by 2012 at the latest.
#13) Louis Nzegwu (DE, SR) - Put together a pretty impressive 2010 campaign with 46 tackles (8th on the team) and 7.5 tackles for a loss (3rd on the team). With J.J. Watt in the NFL, the Badgers hope that Nzegwu can improve on those numbers in 2011 to emerge as the leader of the defensive line.
#12) Kevin Zeitler (RG, SR) - Normally people talk about bookend offensive tackles. I am not sure what the offensive guard corollary is but that is exactly what Frederick and Zeitler give the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers.
#11) Nick Toon (WR, SR) - The good news, Toon is still playing for the Badgers. The bad news, if Toon played better throughout his college career he would have left school early for the NFL. Toon needs to have a big 2011 season if he wants to transition from playing on Saturdays to playing on Sundays like his father.
#10) Peter Konz (C, JR) - Made 19 starts over the last two years, which should serve Konz well as he looks to become the quarterback of the offensive line for the next two seasons.
#9) Brad Nortman (P, SR) - You might remember that Nortman picked up a critical first down on a fake punt last year to help Wisconsin beat Iowa on the road. Nortman is an outside contender for the Ray Guy Award (best punter in the nation), which would give the Badgers their first Ray Guy Award winner since Kevin Stemke won in 2000.
#8) Mike Taylor (OLB, JR) - Put up good numbers in 2010 (58 tackles and 4 tackles for a loss, both 4th on the team) despite rehabbing a knee injury (ACL) and spraining his knee against Ohio State. Taylor hopes to be fully healthy by the time the Badgers open their conference portion of their schedule at home against Nebraska in one of the most anticipated games of the season.
#7) Philip Welch (K, SR) - Despite struggling with injuries throughout the preseason, some NFL Draft prognosticators have Welch getting drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
#6) Ricky Wagner (LT, JR) - Losing a starter at left tackle to the NFL like Gabe Carimi always hurts but it makes it even harder when that left tackle was voted the Outland Trophy winner (best offensive lineman in the country). Carimi joined Joe Thomas (winner in 2006) as the only Wisconsin lineman to win the Outland Trophy. Those are pretty big shoes for Wagner to fill. Stay tuned because Wagner's performance could go a long way towards determining whether the Badgers are a national championship contender in 2011.
#5) Chris Borland (MLB, SOPH) - Despite being a productive outside linebacker the Badgers moved Borland to middle linebacker. Ranking Borland 5th might feel a little high when you account for the position change but with how well Borland played outside, he should be even more successful moving inside.
#4) James White (RB, SOPH) - Played so well last year that White almost forced John Clay to enter the NFL Draft even though Clay's draft stock was low. Keep your eye on White because he looks like a rich man's Michael Bennett.
#3) Aaron Henry (FS, SR) - Seems to have a nose for making big plays, both of his INTs were returned for TDs last year. The Badgers hope Henry can do more of the same in 2011.
#2) Montee Ball (RB, JR) - Dropped 20 lbs between the 2010 and 2011 season to guarantee that he is the starting running back for the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers have a ton a quality back-up running backs (White, Lewis, and Gordon) so there is a good chance that the Badgers have the best four-headed running back monster in the country.
#1) QB - Russell Wilson (QB, SR) - After putting together a successful career through the air (threw for 8,545 yards and 75 touchdowns) and on the ground (ran for 1,083 yards and 17 touchdowns) at North Carolina State, Wilson utilized a rule that allowed him to transfer without sitting out a season because he graduated from North Carolina State. Wilson narrowed his schools to Auburn and Wisconsin. In what was a huge recruiting victory for Wisconsin, Wilson choose to play for the Badgers instead of the Tigers despite the fact that Auburn won the national championship last year. Wilson is an impressive dual-threat quarterback that gives the Badgers a legitimate chance to play in the first ever Big Ten Football Championship Game and possibly even the BCS National Championship Game.
Check back throughout the season for more coverage of the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers and don't forget to tune in on Thursday, September 1, 2011 as the Wisconsin Badgers open their 2011 campaign at home against UNLV.
Footnote:
* Jon Budmayr (QB, SOPH), Jeff Lewis (RB, FR), Melvin Gordon (RB, FR), Sherard Cadogan (FB, FR), Brian Wozniak (TE, SOPH), Jared Abbrederis (WR, SOPH), Jeff Duckworth (WR, SOPH), Kenzel Doe (WR, FR), Casey Dehn (LT, SOPH), Zac Matthias (LG, SOPH), Ryan Groy (C, SOPH), Robert Burge (RG, JR), Rob Havenstein (RT, FR), Brendan Kelly (DE, JR), Pat Muldoon (DE, SOPH), Beau Allen (DT, SOPH), Jordan Kohout (DT, SOPH), Ethan Armstrong (OLB, SOPH), Conor O’Neill (OLB, SOPH), Derek Landisch (OLB, FR), Marcus Trotter (MLB, FR), Marcus Cromartie (CB, JR), Peniel Jean (CB, FR), Darius Hillary (CB, FR), Dezmen Southward (SS, SOPH), Michael Trotter (FS, FR), Kyle French (K/P, FR), Kyle Wojta (LS, SR), James McGuire (LS, SOPH), and Alec Lerner (KO, SOPH)
Friday, August 26, 2011
2011 Preseason Week 3 - Packers/Colts Review
Hopefully you didn't turn off the Packers/Colts game with only a few minutes left. If you did, the 3rd stringers for the Packers lead by quarterback Graham Harrell erased an eight point deficit with less than four minutes remaining, thanks in large part to personal fouls by Colts defensive back Chip Vaughn on consecutive plays. Speaking of consecutive play, Graham Harrell and tight end Ryan Taylor hooked up on 4th and goal as well as the ensuing two-point conversion to tie the game with 35 seconds remaining.
Instead of kicking it deep, Packers head coach Mike McCarty dialed up an onside kick that the Packers recovered. Harrell quickly moved the Packers into field goal range and Mason Crosby made a 50-yard kick as time expired to give the Packers a 24-21 win over the Colts. It is only a preseason game so the Packers winning doesn't really matter, but it was nice to see the resolve shown by the 3rd stringers. What matters more are some of the big picture takeaways from the Packers/Colts game:
#1) Players that hurt his stock most: Some veterans really struggled (i.e. left tackle Chad Clifton and right guard Josh Sitton) but their starting spots are virtually guaranteed as long as they are healthy. At this point most of the roster spots are already set but guys on the bubble like Pat Lee (CB), Ricky Elmore (OLB), and Brandon Underwood (S) didn't do enough to secure a spot on the opening day 53-man roster.
#2) Players that helped his stock most: The backup outside linebacker spots are completely up for grabs. Undrafted rookie free agents Jamari Lattimore and Vic So'oto continued to out perform Ricky Elmore a 6th round draft pick from the 2011 NFL Draft. All three players are college defensive ends that the Packers converted to rush outside linebackers in their base 3-4 defensive set. Despite Elmore being an absolute sack machine in college, it was Lattimore and So'oto who both came up with sacks against the Colts.
#3) Position to watch: Coming into the game the starters at left guard (T.J. Lang over Derek Sherrod) and right outside linebacker (Erik Walden over Frank Zombo and Brad Jones) were already decided so there were not really any starting position battles to watch besides running back. When the Packers opened their 2011 campaign it looked like Ryan Grant was going to be the starting running back with James Starks getting a ton of touches as well. Starks continued to play well throughout the preseason and all of a sudden there is a fierce competition for the starting running back spot. Grant renegotiated the last year of his contract (took $1 million less but it is fully guaranteed if he is on the opening day roster) so he is virtually guaranteed a roster spot but will have to perform well throughout the rest of the preseason to open the season as the starting running back. Usually starters do not play very much in Week 4 of the preseason but look for the Packers to give Grant and Starks some touches to help determine the opening day starter.
#4) Injuries: Jermichael Finley sprained his ankle and Jordy Nelson bruised his knee, the severity of the injuries is unknown. Despite the quality depth the Packers have at wide receiver and tight end, they cannot afford to lose either for an extended period of time.
Final Note: The success of the no-huddle offense for the Packers continues to be a hot topic. Coaches calling offensive plays from the sideline is a relatively new thing in the NFL. Some people point to the fact that offenses are becoming "sophisticated" but it really means that there are more plays in the playbook now than even a decade ago. When you break down NFL offenses they are really not that complicated. On running plays there is a blocking scheme that usually gives a running back a few options of where to run. On passing plays there are nine basic routes a receiver can run. Obviously when you mix and match personnel you get a ton of permutations in the offensive playbook but sometimes sticking to the 10 plays that work best, like they do in a no-huddle offense, allows the offense to move the ball really well.
For my previous "Quick Thoughts" on the 2011 preseason for the Packers, check out:
- Preseason Week 1 Packers/Browns Review
- Preseason Week 2 Packers/Cardinals Review
- Lambeau Field Expansion
Instead of kicking it deep, Packers head coach Mike McCarty dialed up an onside kick that the Packers recovered. Harrell quickly moved the Packers into field goal range and Mason Crosby made a 50-yard kick as time expired to give the Packers a 24-21 win over the Colts. It is only a preseason game so the Packers winning doesn't really matter, but it was nice to see the resolve shown by the 3rd stringers. What matters more are some of the big picture takeaways from the Packers/Colts game:
#1) Players that hurt his stock most: Some veterans really struggled (i.e. left tackle Chad Clifton and right guard Josh Sitton) but their starting spots are virtually guaranteed as long as they are healthy. At this point most of the roster spots are already set but guys on the bubble like Pat Lee (CB), Ricky Elmore (OLB), and Brandon Underwood (S) didn't do enough to secure a spot on the opening day 53-man roster.
#2) Players that helped his stock most: The backup outside linebacker spots are completely up for grabs. Undrafted rookie free agents Jamari Lattimore and Vic So'oto continued to out perform Ricky Elmore a 6th round draft pick from the 2011 NFL Draft. All three players are college defensive ends that the Packers converted to rush outside linebackers in their base 3-4 defensive set. Despite Elmore being an absolute sack machine in college, it was Lattimore and So'oto who both came up with sacks against the Colts.
#3) Position to watch: Coming into the game the starters at left guard (T.J. Lang over Derek Sherrod) and right outside linebacker (Erik Walden over Frank Zombo and Brad Jones) were already decided so there were not really any starting position battles to watch besides running back. When the Packers opened their 2011 campaign it looked like Ryan Grant was going to be the starting running back with James Starks getting a ton of touches as well. Starks continued to play well throughout the preseason and all of a sudden there is a fierce competition for the starting running back spot. Grant renegotiated the last year of his contract (took $1 million less but it is fully guaranteed if he is on the opening day roster) so he is virtually guaranteed a roster spot but will have to perform well throughout the rest of the preseason to open the season as the starting running back. Usually starters do not play very much in Week 4 of the preseason but look for the Packers to give Grant and Starks some touches to help determine the opening day starter.
#4) Injuries: Jermichael Finley sprained his ankle and Jordy Nelson bruised his knee, the severity of the injuries is unknown. Despite the quality depth the Packers have at wide receiver and tight end, they cannot afford to lose either for an extended period of time.
Final Note: The success of the no-huddle offense for the Packers continues to be a hot topic. Coaches calling offensive plays from the sideline is a relatively new thing in the NFL. Some people point to the fact that offenses are becoming "sophisticated" but it really means that there are more plays in the playbook now than even a decade ago. When you break down NFL offenses they are really not that complicated. On running plays there is a blocking scheme that usually gives a running back a few options of where to run. On passing plays there are nine basic routes a receiver can run. Obviously when you mix and match personnel you get a ton of permutations in the offensive playbook but sometimes sticking to the 10 plays that work best, like they do in a no-huddle offense, allows the offense to move the ball really well.
For my previous "Quick Thoughts" on the 2011 preseason for the Packers, check out:
- Preseason Week 1 Packers/Browns Review
- Preseason Week 2 Packers/Cardinals Review
- Lambeau Field Expansion
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Lambeau Field Expansion
Lambeau Field, the oldest NFL stadium and third-oldest professional stadium behind Wrigley Field in Chicago and Fenway Park in Boston, is getting another make-over.
In 2003 the Green Bay Packers finished a much needed makeover and expansion to Lambeau Field. In 1995 Lambeau Field accommodated 60,890 patrons, following the 2003 expansion, Lambeau Field accommodated 73,128 patrons. As you can see from the rendering to the left, the 2003 expansion gave Lambeau Field a nice new brick facade that gave Lambeau Field an updated look that did not compromise the rich history of the stadium*. If you have any question that Lambeau Field is more attractive following the 2003 expansion, check out the before and after pictures:
Lambeau Field Pre-2003
Lambeau Field Post-2003
For being one of the most historic stadiums in the world, Lambeau Field is always evolving. The Green Bay Packers added a new audio system for this season. Next year Lambeau Field will get new Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards as well. Although a new audio system to go along with new video boards is impressive, those are both appetizers to the tasty main course.
Following the expansion that will be completed in time for the 2013 season, the Green Bay Packers will add 6,600 seats to Lambeau Field. The expansion will raise Lambeau Field's capacity from 73,128 to 79,728. The entire $130 million project will be funded by the team, potentially through another stock sale (fingers crossed).
While some NFL franchises have a hard time selling tickets, the Green Bay Packers have roughly 80,000 fans on the season ticket waiting list so they have plenty of takers for the additional 6,600 seats that will have seat backs (quite underrated since most of Lambeau Field's seats are bleacher seats).
As you can see in the beautiful rendering to the left, the Packers will add seats to the south end zone that is currently the only opening in the bowl of luxury suites around the top of the stadium. The seats will be dispersed over four sections and will reportedly cost between $87 and $313. The project will have a rooftop viewing area that club-seat holders can use on game days and will hosts parties on non-game days. The expansion project will see 10 more elevators installed in the north and south ends zones and entry ways for people with disabilities. Finally and possibly most importantly to Lambeau Field patrons in general, the Packers will add new gates in both the north and south end zone that should help alleviate some of the congestion associated with entering the game.
The new 6,600 seats will be allocated through a seniority system. Current season ticket holders will get the right of first refusal where they could trade their current seats for some of the new seats. After that, some of the 80,000 people currently on the season ticket waiting list will move from potential season ticket holders to actual season ticket holders.
The Green Bay Packers are using some Cheesehead companies for the expansion with Miron Construction (based in Neenah, WI) serving as the general contractor after serving as one of the major subcontractors on previous Lambeau Field projects. Besides Miron Construction, Hammes Company Sports Development Inc. (based in Madison, WI) was named the project manager and Elkus Manfredi is the design architect.
The expansion will create roughly 1,600 construction jobs through 2013, which should produce $70 million in wages. According to an economic impact study, the 6,600 additional seats are supposed to produce $11 million annually by non-Brown County residents.
Footnote:
* = That was a direct shot at Soldier Field. Thanks to my uncles having season tickets for the Chicago Bears I get to see the Packers whenever they come to Chicago. As a Packer fan in Chicago, I honestly appreciate the sight lines that the new Soldier Field has compared to the old Solider Field but that still does not justify the Bears landing a space ship inside the historic columns of Soldier Field. I get that Chicago wanted to tie in Millennium Park (north east part of Grant Park) with the new Soldier Field but the design missed the mark.
In 2003 the Green Bay Packers finished a much needed makeover and expansion to Lambeau Field. In 1995 Lambeau Field accommodated 60,890 patrons, following the 2003 expansion, Lambeau Field accommodated 73,128 patrons. As you can see from the rendering to the left, the 2003 expansion gave Lambeau Field a nice new brick facade that gave Lambeau Field an updated look that did not compromise the rich history of the stadium*. If you have any question that Lambeau Field is more attractive following the 2003 expansion, check out the before and after pictures:
Lambeau Field Post-2003
For being one of the most historic stadiums in the world, Lambeau Field is always evolving. The Green Bay Packers added a new audio system for this season. Next year Lambeau Field will get new Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards as well. Although a new audio system to go along with new video boards is impressive, those are both appetizers to the tasty main course.
Following the expansion that will be completed in time for the 2013 season, the Green Bay Packers will add 6,600 seats to Lambeau Field. The expansion will raise Lambeau Field's capacity from 73,128 to 79,728. The entire $130 million project will be funded by the team, potentially through another stock sale (fingers crossed).
While some NFL franchises have a hard time selling tickets, the Green Bay Packers have roughly 80,000 fans on the season ticket waiting list so they have plenty of takers for the additional 6,600 seats that will have seat backs (quite underrated since most of Lambeau Field's seats are bleacher seats).
As you can see in the beautiful rendering to the left, the Packers will add seats to the south end zone that is currently the only opening in the bowl of luxury suites around the top of the stadium. The seats will be dispersed over four sections and will reportedly cost between $87 and $313. The project will have a rooftop viewing area that club-seat holders can use on game days and will hosts parties on non-game days. The expansion project will see 10 more elevators installed in the north and south ends zones and entry ways for people with disabilities. Finally and possibly most importantly to Lambeau Field patrons in general, the Packers will add new gates in both the north and south end zone that should help alleviate some of the congestion associated with entering the game.The new 6,600 seats will be allocated through a seniority system. Current season ticket holders will get the right of first refusal where they could trade their current seats for some of the new seats. After that, some of the 80,000 people currently on the season ticket waiting list will move from potential season ticket holders to actual season ticket holders.
The Green Bay Packers are using some Cheesehead companies for the expansion with Miron Construction (based in Neenah, WI) serving as the general contractor after serving as one of the major subcontractors on previous Lambeau Field projects. Besides Miron Construction, Hammes Company Sports Development Inc. (based in Madison, WI) was named the project manager and Elkus Manfredi is the design architect.
The expansion will create roughly 1,600 construction jobs through 2013, which should produce $70 million in wages. According to an economic impact study, the 6,600 additional seats are supposed to produce $11 million annually by non-Brown County residents.
Footnote:
* = That was a direct shot at Soldier Field. Thanks to my uncles having season tickets for the Chicago Bears I get to see the Packers whenever they come to Chicago. As a Packer fan in Chicago, I honestly appreciate the sight lines that the new Soldier Field has compared to the old Solider Field but that still does not justify the Bears landing a space ship inside the historic columns of Soldier Field. I get that Chicago wanted to tie in Millennium Park (north east part of Grant Park) with the new Soldier Field but the design missed the mark.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
2011 Green Bay Packers Roster 3.0
Welcome to the 3rd installment of What Ted Thompson Should Do. If you want a brief refresher, take a look back at Version 1.0 and Version 2.0. With two preseason games in the books, the opening day 53-man roster is starting to take shape. Here are my updated thoughts on what the 53-man roster and 8-man practice squad should look like for the 2011 Green Bay Packers:
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, and Graham Harrell
Analysis: Matt Flynn has about as much of a chance of being on the 2012 Packers roster as Prince Fielders does of playing for the Brewers in 2012 so the Packers need to see what they have in Graham Harrell.
Running Back: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Alex Green
Analysis: The Packers restructured Ryan Grant's contract to pay him $1 million less ($3.8 million instead of $4.8 million) in 2011 so that should end the speculation about whether the Packers will cut Grant. Despite Starks looking good, it seems downright foolish to even entertain cutting Grant. Now that Grant restructured his deal, the questions surrounding the running back position are who actually starts (Grant or Starks) and who is the 3rd down back (Starks, Green, or Kuhn).
Fullback: John Kuhn and Quinn Johnson
Analysis: Look for Kuhn to play on special teams, as a full back, and even get an occasional carry as a running back. On the other hand stay tuned on Quinn Johnson because Johnson is hanging on the 53-man roster by a thread.
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb
Analysis: Brett Swain was the 5th receiver for the 2010 Green Bay Packers and looked like a virtual lock to make the opening day roster in 2011. Oh how things have changed. The Packers used a second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft to select Randall Cobb. Add in that there are a ton of undrafted free agent wide receivers (Diondre Borel, Tori Gurley, Shaky Smithson, Kerry Taylor, and Chastin West) that have shown promise so far in the preseason and the Packers look stacked at wide receiver. There has been a ton of talk about keeping a 6th wide receiver but that Packers already have a ton of money invested in their top five wide receiver so despite all the promise that some of the lesser known wide receivers are showing, the Packers should stick with the household names at wide receiver.
Tight End: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor
Analysis: Part of the reason why Quinn Johnson's roster spot is not guaranteed is that if Crabtree or Taylor play special teams, tight end, and fullback then Johnson might not be versatile enough. Successful franchises like the Patriots and Packers start trends instead of following trends. One of those trends that both the Patriots and Packers started is using athletic tight ends in multiple ways, which gives them a ton of roster flexibility.
Tackle: Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, Derek Sherrod, and Marshall Newhouse
Analysis: The Packers really like Newhouse at left tackle. Unfortunately for Newhouse he was a 5th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and Derek Sherrod was a 1st round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. So even though Newhouse looks better at left tackle than Sherrod right now, Newhouse will have to perform well at right tackle if he wants to make the opening day roster.
Guard: Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, and Caleb Schlauderaff
Analysis: Thanks to a good performance against the Arizona Cardinals, absent injury, Lang will be the starter at left guard ahead of rookie Derek Sherrod. The competition for the 3rd guard spot is heating up so the next two weeks will be very important for Schlauderaff because his roster spot if far from guaranteed.
Center: Scott Wells and Nick McDonald
Analysis: Much like Schlauderaff's roster spot, McDonald's roster spot is not guaranteed either because the gap between McDonald and Evan Dietrich-Smith for the backup center spot seems to be narrowing.
Defensive End: B.J. Raji, Mike Neal, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, and Jarius Wynn
Analysis: Hopefully Neal will be healthy for the start of the regular season. If not, the Packers will probably look to add another body along the defensive line.
Defensive Tackle: Ryan Pickett
Analysis: A few years ago I waited in line behind a guy that had "Big Daddy Pickett" on the back of his jersey and kept talking about how he can't wait to see his son play on our way into a game at Lambeau Field. I assumed that it was Pickett's father but I didn't want to bother him since he was with a bunch of family members. Whether or not he was Ryan's father, he sure earned the "Big Daddy" title.
Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Erik Walden, Brad Jones, and Vic So'oto
Analysis: Last week Zombo suffered a broken shoulder but somehow still played in the game. Although heroic, the injury makes Zombo a prime candidate for the physically unable to perform list. With Zombo injured, it was hard to choose between So'oto and Jamari Lattimore so it looks like Ricky Elmore is a long-shot at best to make the roster with So'oto and Lattimore outplaying him throughout the preseason.
Middle Linebacker: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, and Rob Francois
Analysis: Much like the defensive ends, nothing new to add at middle linebacker. The only thing that might change this list is if a young, talented middle linebacker somehow becomes available. I know that seems like a long-shot but the Packers would pick up a guy like that in place of Smith or Francois in a heartbeat.
Cornerback: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Devon House, and Josh Gordy
Analysis: After Pat Lee struggled against the Browns in the Packers' first preseason game, less heralded cornerbacks like Josh Gordy and Brandian Ross were given stronger consideration. At this point Gordy looks better than Lee so Gordy took Lee's roster spot.
Safety: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, and Jarrett Bush
Analysis: I thought it was going to be hard for the Packers to choose between Underwood and Levine for the 4th safety but Levine has been injured and Underwood has a ton of off the field problems. Instead of rolling the dice with either, the Packers should keep Bush as their special teams/defensive jack-of-all-trades like rookie tight ends Ryan Taylor. Although Bush technically moved to cornerback this year, look for the Packers to use Bush as the poor man's Charles Woodson as a hybrid cornerback/safety.
Specialists: Mason Crosby (K), Tim Masthay (P), and Brett Goode (LS)
Analysis: Injury is the only way we see a different person at kicker, punter, or long snapper in 2011 for the Packers.
Practice Squad: Ray Dominguez (G/T), Ricky Elmore (LB), Lawrence Guy (DE), Jamari Lattimore (OLB), Anthony Levine (S), Jay Ross (DT), Brandon Saine (RB), and Chastin West (WR)
Analysis: Thanks to So'oto and Gordy making the 53-man roster there was a little shake-up on the 8-man practice squad. There is a good chance that a number of the players I put on the practice squad won't make it through waivers so some other options for the practice squad are: Diondre Borel (WR), Chris Campbell (OT), Chris Donaldson (DT), Jon Hoese (FB), Brandian Ross (CB), and Shaky Smithson (WR).
The Packers travel to Indianapolis on Friday for a game that will go a long way towards determining some of the position battles mentioned above because the Packers will play their starters at least the entire first half. Win or lose, let's hope the Packers or Colts do not suffer any serious injuries. Check back next Wednesday to see my updated predictions for who should make the 53-man roster and 8-man practice squad.
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, and Graham Harrell
Analysis: Matt Flynn has about as much of a chance of being on the 2012 Packers roster as Prince Fielders does of playing for the Brewers in 2012 so the Packers need to see what they have in Graham Harrell.
Running Back: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Alex Green
Analysis: The Packers restructured Ryan Grant's contract to pay him $1 million less ($3.8 million instead of $4.8 million) in 2011 so that should end the speculation about whether the Packers will cut Grant. Despite Starks looking good, it seems downright foolish to even entertain cutting Grant. Now that Grant restructured his deal, the questions surrounding the running back position are who actually starts (Grant or Starks) and who is the 3rd down back (Starks, Green, or Kuhn).
Fullback: John Kuhn and Quinn Johnson
Analysis: Look for Kuhn to play on special teams, as a full back, and even get an occasional carry as a running back. On the other hand stay tuned on Quinn Johnson because Johnson is hanging on the 53-man roster by a thread.
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb
Analysis: Brett Swain was the 5th receiver for the 2010 Green Bay Packers and looked like a virtual lock to make the opening day roster in 2011. Oh how things have changed. The Packers used a second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft to select Randall Cobb. Add in that there are a ton of undrafted free agent wide receivers (Diondre Borel, Tori Gurley, Shaky Smithson, Kerry Taylor, and Chastin West) that have shown promise so far in the preseason and the Packers look stacked at wide receiver. There has been a ton of talk about keeping a 6th wide receiver but that Packers already have a ton of money invested in their top five wide receiver so despite all the promise that some of the lesser known wide receivers are showing, the Packers should stick with the household names at wide receiver.
Tight End: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor
Analysis: Part of the reason why Quinn Johnson's roster spot is not guaranteed is that if Crabtree or Taylor play special teams, tight end, and fullback then Johnson might not be versatile enough. Successful franchises like the Patriots and Packers start trends instead of following trends. One of those trends that both the Patriots and Packers started is using athletic tight ends in multiple ways, which gives them a ton of roster flexibility.
Tackle: Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, Derek Sherrod, and Marshall Newhouse
Analysis: The Packers really like Newhouse at left tackle. Unfortunately for Newhouse he was a 5th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and Derek Sherrod was a 1st round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. So even though Newhouse looks better at left tackle than Sherrod right now, Newhouse will have to perform well at right tackle if he wants to make the opening day roster.
Guard: Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, and Caleb Schlauderaff
Analysis: Thanks to a good performance against the Arizona Cardinals, absent injury, Lang will be the starter at left guard ahead of rookie Derek Sherrod. The competition for the 3rd guard spot is heating up so the next two weeks will be very important for Schlauderaff because his roster spot if far from guaranteed.
Center: Scott Wells and Nick McDonald
Analysis: Much like Schlauderaff's roster spot, McDonald's roster spot is not guaranteed either because the gap between McDonald and Evan Dietrich-Smith for the backup center spot seems to be narrowing.
Defensive End: B.J. Raji, Mike Neal, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, and Jarius Wynn
Analysis: Hopefully Neal will be healthy for the start of the regular season. If not, the Packers will probably look to add another body along the defensive line.
Defensive Tackle: Ryan Pickett
Analysis: A few years ago I waited in line behind a guy that had "Big Daddy Pickett" on the back of his jersey and kept talking about how he can't wait to see his son play on our way into a game at Lambeau Field. I assumed that it was Pickett's father but I didn't want to bother him since he was with a bunch of family members. Whether or not he was Ryan's father, he sure earned the "Big Daddy" title.
Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Erik Walden, Brad Jones, and Vic So'oto
Analysis: Last week Zombo suffered a broken shoulder but somehow still played in the game. Although heroic, the injury makes Zombo a prime candidate for the physically unable to perform list. With Zombo injured, it was hard to choose between So'oto and Jamari Lattimore so it looks like Ricky Elmore is a long-shot at best to make the roster with So'oto and Lattimore outplaying him throughout the preseason.
Middle Linebacker: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, and Rob Francois
Analysis: Much like the defensive ends, nothing new to add at middle linebacker. The only thing that might change this list is if a young, talented middle linebacker somehow becomes available. I know that seems like a long-shot but the Packers would pick up a guy like that in place of Smith or Francois in a heartbeat.
Cornerback: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Devon House, and Josh Gordy
Analysis: After Pat Lee struggled against the Browns in the Packers' first preseason game, less heralded cornerbacks like Josh Gordy and Brandian Ross were given stronger consideration. At this point Gordy looks better than Lee so Gordy took Lee's roster spot.
Safety: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, and Jarrett Bush
Analysis: I thought it was going to be hard for the Packers to choose between Underwood and Levine for the 4th safety but Levine has been injured and Underwood has a ton of off the field problems. Instead of rolling the dice with either, the Packers should keep Bush as their special teams/defensive jack-of-all-trades like rookie tight ends Ryan Taylor. Although Bush technically moved to cornerback this year, look for the Packers to use Bush as the poor man's Charles Woodson as a hybrid cornerback/safety.
Specialists: Mason Crosby (K), Tim Masthay (P), and Brett Goode (LS)
Analysis: Injury is the only way we see a different person at kicker, punter, or long snapper in 2011 for the Packers.
Practice Squad: Ray Dominguez (G/T), Ricky Elmore (LB), Lawrence Guy (DE), Jamari Lattimore (OLB), Anthony Levine (S), Jay Ross (DT), Brandon Saine (RB), and Chastin West (WR)
Analysis: Thanks to So'oto and Gordy making the 53-man roster there was a little shake-up on the 8-man practice squad. There is a good chance that a number of the players I put on the practice squad won't make it through waivers so some other options for the practice squad are: Diondre Borel (WR), Chris Campbell (OT), Chris Donaldson (DT), Jon Hoese (FB), Brandian Ross (CB), and Shaky Smithson (WR).
The Packers travel to Indianapolis on Friday for a game that will go a long way towards determining some of the position battles mentioned above because the Packers will play their starters at least the entire first half. Win or lose, let's hope the Packers or Colts do not suffer any serious injuries. Check back next Wednesday to see my updated predictions for who should make the 53-man roster and 8-man practice squad.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
2011 Preseason Week 2 - Packers/Cardinals Review
Sorry about the delayed "Quick Thoughts" post on the Packers/Cardinals preseason game, I was unable to see the replay of the game on the NFL Network until later on Saturday night. With my apology out of the way, here are my quick thoughts on the Packers/Cardinal preseason game:
#1) Player that hurt his stock most: Derek Sherrod struggled at both left guard and left tackle so it looks like Sherrod's chances of opening the season as one of the five starters along the offensive line ended against the Cardinals. As a result, absent injury, the starting offensive line (left to right) for the 2011 Green Bay Packers will be: Chad Clifton (LT), T.J. Lang (LG), Scott Wells (C), Josh Sitton (RG), and Bryan Bulaga (RT).
#2) Player that helped his stock most: The Packers have a ton of undrafted free agents that would make most NFL rosters but since the Packers already had 53 guys worthy of being on their opening 53-man roster before the 2011 NFL Draft, there are going to be a ton of guys worth keeping on the active roster that will most likely get cut. Just look at a few of the undrafted free agents that are having a good training camp but are still long shots to make the opening day 53-man roster: running back (Brandon Saine), wide receiver (Chastin West, Diondre Borel, and Tory Gurley), and cornerback (Brandian Ross and Josh Gordy).
#3) Position to watch: Since left guard was already handled above and a number of guys fighting to start at defensive end (Mike Neal and Lawrence Guy) sat out with injury, let's look at the starting outside linebacker spot opposite Clay Matthews. After Brad Jones struggled at the start of training camp, the starting outside linebacker spot opposite Clay Matthews looked like a two horse race between Erik Walden and Frank Zombo. Neither player did much to grab hold of the starting job although Zombo played slightly better than Walden against the Cardinals. Look for Walden and Zombo to get a ton of snaps next week against the Colts so the Packers can pick one of them to be the opening day starter opposite Clay Matthews.
#4) Injuries: C.J. Wilson (concussion) and Randall Cobb (bruised knee) were the only players that suffered anything more than a minor injury against the Cardinals. No further injury information was available about either player but look for the Packers to be cautious with both players because both are virtually guaranteed roster spots on the opening day 53-man roster as long as their injuries are not too serious.
Final Note: Last week roughly 30,000 fans attended the Packers/Browns preseason game in Cleveland. This week 67,688 fans attended the Packers/Cardinals game in Green Bay, which is still roughly 5,000 below capacity at Lambeau Field but much better than 40,000 below capacity like in Cleveland last weekend. Green Bay is a very unique place and fans are especially excited about the Packers since they won Super Bowl XLV but 35,000 more fans showing up in Green Bay than in Cleveland is embarrassing for the mistake by the lake.
#1) Player that hurt his stock most: Derek Sherrod struggled at both left guard and left tackle so it looks like Sherrod's chances of opening the season as one of the five starters along the offensive line ended against the Cardinals. As a result, absent injury, the starting offensive line (left to right) for the 2011 Green Bay Packers will be: Chad Clifton (LT), T.J. Lang (LG), Scott Wells (C), Josh Sitton (RG), and Bryan Bulaga (RT).
#2) Player that helped his stock most: The Packers have a ton of undrafted free agents that would make most NFL rosters but since the Packers already had 53 guys worthy of being on their opening 53-man roster before the 2011 NFL Draft, there are going to be a ton of guys worth keeping on the active roster that will most likely get cut. Just look at a few of the undrafted free agents that are having a good training camp but are still long shots to make the opening day 53-man roster: running back (Brandon Saine), wide receiver (Chastin West, Diondre Borel, and Tory Gurley), and cornerback (Brandian Ross and Josh Gordy).
#3) Position to watch: Since left guard was already handled above and a number of guys fighting to start at defensive end (Mike Neal and Lawrence Guy) sat out with injury, let's look at the starting outside linebacker spot opposite Clay Matthews. After Brad Jones struggled at the start of training camp, the starting outside linebacker spot opposite Clay Matthews looked like a two horse race between Erik Walden and Frank Zombo. Neither player did much to grab hold of the starting job although Zombo played slightly better than Walden against the Cardinals. Look for Walden and Zombo to get a ton of snaps next week against the Colts so the Packers can pick one of them to be the opening day starter opposite Clay Matthews.
#4) Injuries: C.J. Wilson (concussion) and Randall Cobb (bruised knee) were the only players that suffered anything more than a minor injury against the Cardinals. No further injury information was available about either player but look for the Packers to be cautious with both players because both are virtually guaranteed roster spots on the opening day 53-man roster as long as their injuries are not too serious.
Final Note: Last week roughly 30,000 fans attended the Packers/Browns preseason game in Cleveland. This week 67,688 fans attended the Packers/Cardinals game in Green Bay, which is still roughly 5,000 below capacity at Lambeau Field but much better than 40,000 below capacity like in Cleveland last weekend. Green Bay is a very unique place and fans are especially excited about the Packers since they won Super Bowl XLV but 35,000 more fans showing up in Green Bay than in Cleveland is embarrassing for the mistake by the lake.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
2011 Green Bay Packers Roster 2.0
As I said in my 2011 Green Bay Packers Roster 1.0 post, I am never shy about giving my thoughts on what Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson and company should do. With the craziest free agent period in NFL history nearly complete and one preseason game in the books, I thought I would give my updated thoughts on what the 53-man roster and 8-man practice squad should look for the 2011 Green Bay Packers:
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, and Graham Harrell
Analysis: Matt Flynn continues to impress as a back-up. I know it is only a small sample size against a bunch of back-ups (besides the Patriots regular season game in 2010) but Matt Flynn is starting to become the new-school version of Matt Hasselbeck in Green Bay.
Running Back: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Alex Green
Analysis: If the Packers kept a 4th running back it would be a two-horse race between Dimitri Nance (holdover) and Brandon Saine (undrafted rookie free agent) for that spot. Unfortunately for Nance and Saine the Packers are loaded on offense at all the other skill positions so the odds are somewhere between slim and none that they keep four running backs.
Fullback: John Kuhn and Quinn Johnson
Analysis: With the emergence of rookie tight end Ryan Taylor I contemplated cutting Quinn Johnson but the Packers already invested a bunch of time and energy in trying to make Johnson the next William Henderson. Based on Johnson's large body of work, pun intended after he showed up to camp over weight, he has a long way to go before he will ever be compared to Henderson.
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb
Analysis: The rich get richer because the depressed free agent market for James Jones cost Brett Swain a roster spot. Instead of having an open competition for the 5th wide receiver spot the Packers have a number of wide recivers fighting to make the practice squad at this point.
Tight End: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor
Analysis: Speaking of the rich get richer, the Packers are stacked at tight end too. Much like there is a small chance that the Packers keep four running backs, there is a small chance that the Packers actually keep five tight ends. By the end of training camp it is going to be a four horse race between Crabtree, Quarless, Taylor, and Williams for three roster spots.
Tackle: Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, Derek Sherrod, and Marshall Newhouse
Analysis: The Packers are flirting with starting Sherrod at left guard but based on his play so far Sherrod really belongs at his natural position, left tackle. With Clifton entrenched as the starter at left tackle, Sherrod might get a shot at right tackle. If Sherrod played well at right tackle that would allow the Packers to move Bulaga to left guard. Unfortunately if things play out that way there would be a ton of shuffling of positions along the offensive line with very little time before the home opener against the New Orleans Saints for Sherrod and Bulaga to get settled. Absent injury, look for Bulaga to stay at right tackle no matter how well Sherrod does at right tackle.
Guard: Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, and Caleb Schlauderaff
Analysis: With Sherrod struggling at left guard Lang will most likely take over as the starting left guard for the departed Daryn Colledge. That leaves the Packers searching for an adequate back-up to Sitton and Lang. With McDonald getting a ton reps at center the Packers need someone else as a backup at guard. Since Schlauderaff was drafted and Ray Dominguez is an undrafted rookie free agent, I gave the roster spot went to Schlauderaff.
Center: Scott Wells and Nick McDonald
Analysis: It looks like McDonald went from being the left guard of the future to the center of the future. Either way the Packers must see something they like in McDonald to not only keep him around but give him a bunch of practice reps.
Defensive End: B.J. Raji, Mike Neal, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, and Jarius Wynn
Analysis: With Raji moving back to defensive end and Pickett moving back to defensive tackle the Packers are counting on Mike Neal to be fully recovered from injury by the end of training camp to replace the departed Cullen Jenkins. Wilson and Wynn are having a mediocre camp so look for the Packers to add another defensive end after roster cut downs unless they both really pick things up.
Defensive Tackle: Ryan Pickett
Analysis: Moving Pickett back to nose tackle is one of the smartest decisions the Packers made in a long time. Pickett eats up multiple blockers but does not actually get to the quarterback like he did earlier in his career. With Pickett eating up blockers the rest of the defense is going to benefit and hopefully cash in with a bunch of sacks and turnovers. Look for Raji and Green to slide over to defensive tackle to give Pickett an occasional breather.
Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Frank Zombo, Erik Walden, and Brad Jones
Analysis: After Zombo and Walden preformed better than Jones the Packers need to see how versatile Jones can be otherwise Jones will go from being a promising starting outside linebacker to a free agent in less than a year.
Middle Linebacker: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, and Rob Francois
Analysis: The Packers need to replenish their depth at middle linebacker with Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar gone. While the Packers are high on Smith despite him being short for the position, Francois is really going to have to fight for a roster spot because the Packers would replace him with a better option at middle linebacker in a heartbeat.
Cornerback: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Devon House, and Jarrett Bush
Analysis: Look for Bush to claim the 5th cornerback spot and challenge rookie Devon House for the 4th spot on the depth chart. Keep an eye on Josh Gordy, Pat Lee, and Brandian Ross too because there is a chance that the Packers keep six cornerbacks and possibly only three safeties since Bush could fill in at safety in a pinch.
Safety: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, and Anthony Levine
Analysis: Tough to choose between Levine and Underwood for the fourth safety spot. Look for that battle to continue throughout the preseason. All things being equal I kept Levine because he is the guy without the police record.
Specialists: Mason Crosby (K), Tim Masthay (P), and Brett Goode (LS)
Analysis: Crosby just cashed in. Look for Masthay and Goode to follow suit if they perform in 2011 like they did in 2010.
Practice Squad: Ray Dominguez (G/T), Ricky Elmore (LB), Josh Gordy (CB), Lawrence Guy (DE), Jay Ross (DT), Brandon Saine (RB), Shaky Smithson (WR), and Chastin West (WR)
Analysis: There is a good chance that a number of the players I put on the practice squad won't make it through waivers so some other options for the practice squad are: Diondre Borel (WR), Chris Campbell (OT), Chris Donaldson (DT), Jon Hoese (FB), Jamari Lattimore (OLB), and Vic So'oto (OLB).
The Packers host the Arizona Cardinals on Friday in a game that will go a long way towards determining some of the position battles mentioned above. Check back next Wednesday to see my updated predictions for who should make the 53-man roster and 8-man practice squad.
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, and Graham Harrell
Analysis: Matt Flynn continues to impress as a back-up. I know it is only a small sample size against a bunch of back-ups (besides the Patriots regular season game in 2010) but Matt Flynn is starting to become the new-school version of Matt Hasselbeck in Green Bay.
Running Back: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Alex Green
Analysis: If the Packers kept a 4th running back it would be a two-horse race between Dimitri Nance (holdover) and Brandon Saine (undrafted rookie free agent) for that spot. Unfortunately for Nance and Saine the Packers are loaded on offense at all the other skill positions so the odds are somewhere between slim and none that they keep four running backs.
Fullback: John Kuhn and Quinn Johnson
Analysis: With the emergence of rookie tight end Ryan Taylor I contemplated cutting Quinn Johnson but the Packers already invested a bunch of time and energy in trying to make Johnson the next William Henderson. Based on Johnson's large body of work, pun intended after he showed up to camp over weight, he has a long way to go before he will ever be compared to Henderson.
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb
Analysis: The rich get richer because the depressed free agent market for James Jones cost Brett Swain a roster spot. Instead of having an open competition for the 5th wide receiver spot the Packers have a number of wide recivers fighting to make the practice squad at this point.
Tight End: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor
Analysis: Speaking of the rich get richer, the Packers are stacked at tight end too. Much like there is a small chance that the Packers keep four running backs, there is a small chance that the Packers actually keep five tight ends. By the end of training camp it is going to be a four horse race between Crabtree, Quarless, Taylor, and Williams for three roster spots.
Tackle: Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, Derek Sherrod, and Marshall Newhouse
Analysis: The Packers are flirting with starting Sherrod at left guard but based on his play so far Sherrod really belongs at his natural position, left tackle. With Clifton entrenched as the starter at left tackle, Sherrod might get a shot at right tackle. If Sherrod played well at right tackle that would allow the Packers to move Bulaga to left guard. Unfortunately if things play out that way there would be a ton of shuffling of positions along the offensive line with very little time before the home opener against the New Orleans Saints for Sherrod and Bulaga to get settled. Absent injury, look for Bulaga to stay at right tackle no matter how well Sherrod does at right tackle.
Guard: Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, and Caleb Schlauderaff
Analysis: With Sherrod struggling at left guard Lang will most likely take over as the starting left guard for the departed Daryn Colledge. That leaves the Packers searching for an adequate back-up to Sitton and Lang. With McDonald getting a ton reps at center the Packers need someone else as a backup at guard. Since Schlauderaff was drafted and Ray Dominguez is an undrafted rookie free agent, I gave the roster spot went to Schlauderaff.
Center: Scott Wells and Nick McDonald
Analysis: It looks like McDonald went from being the left guard of the future to the center of the future. Either way the Packers must see something they like in McDonald to not only keep him around but give him a bunch of practice reps.
Defensive End: B.J. Raji, Mike Neal, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, and Jarius Wynn
Analysis: With Raji moving back to defensive end and Pickett moving back to defensive tackle the Packers are counting on Mike Neal to be fully recovered from injury by the end of training camp to replace the departed Cullen Jenkins. Wilson and Wynn are having a mediocre camp so look for the Packers to add another defensive end after roster cut downs unless they both really pick things up.
Defensive Tackle: Ryan Pickett
Analysis: Moving Pickett back to nose tackle is one of the smartest decisions the Packers made in a long time. Pickett eats up multiple blockers but does not actually get to the quarterback like he did earlier in his career. With Pickett eating up blockers the rest of the defense is going to benefit and hopefully cash in with a bunch of sacks and turnovers. Look for Raji and Green to slide over to defensive tackle to give Pickett an occasional breather.
Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Frank Zombo, Erik Walden, and Brad Jones
Analysis: After Zombo and Walden preformed better than Jones the Packers need to see how versatile Jones can be otherwise Jones will go from being a promising starting outside linebacker to a free agent in less than a year.
Middle Linebacker: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, and Rob Francois
Analysis: The Packers need to replenish their depth at middle linebacker with Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar gone. While the Packers are high on Smith despite him being short for the position, Francois is really going to have to fight for a roster spot because the Packers would replace him with a better option at middle linebacker in a heartbeat.
Cornerback: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Devon House, and Jarrett Bush
Analysis: Look for Bush to claim the 5th cornerback spot and challenge rookie Devon House for the 4th spot on the depth chart. Keep an eye on Josh Gordy, Pat Lee, and Brandian Ross too because there is a chance that the Packers keep six cornerbacks and possibly only three safeties since Bush could fill in at safety in a pinch.
Safety: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, and Anthony Levine
Analysis: Tough to choose between Levine and Underwood for the fourth safety spot. Look for that battle to continue throughout the preseason. All things being equal I kept Levine because he is the guy without the police record.
Specialists: Mason Crosby (K), Tim Masthay (P), and Brett Goode (LS)
Analysis: Crosby just cashed in. Look for Masthay and Goode to follow suit if they perform in 2011 like they did in 2010.
Practice Squad: Ray Dominguez (G/T), Ricky Elmore (LB), Josh Gordy (CB), Lawrence Guy (DE), Jay Ross (DT), Brandon Saine (RB), Shaky Smithson (WR), and Chastin West (WR)
Analysis: There is a good chance that a number of the players I put on the practice squad won't make it through waivers so some other options for the practice squad are: Diondre Borel (WR), Chris Campbell (OT), Chris Donaldson (DT), Jon Hoese (FB), Jamari Lattimore (OLB), and Vic So'oto (OLB).
The Packers host the Arizona Cardinals on Friday in a game that will go a long way towards determining some of the position battles mentioned above. Check back next Wednesday to see my updated predictions for who should make the 53-man roster and 8-man practice squad.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
A Review of the 2010 and 2011 PGA Championships
The 2010 PGA Championship was held at the majestic Whistling Straits in Kohler, WI. After three rounds of exhilarating play, the championship was close heading into the last few holes on Sunday. Dustin Johnson birdied the 16th and 17th holes to take a one stroke lead into the final hole of the 2010 PGA Championship. Johnson missed the fairway right. As Johnson addressed the ball he grounded his club. Usually that would be no big deal but Johnson did not know that he was in one of the reported 1,000 "sand traps" at Whistling Straits. Johnson hit out of the sand trap and had a putt to win the 2010 PGA Championship. Johnson missed the putt and ended up bogeying the hole to send the tournament into a three-hole aggregate score playoff with Johnson, Martin Kaymer, and Bubba Watson.
As Johnson walked of the 18th green a rules official approached Johnson and told him that his second shot on the 18th hole was under review. After a lengthy review the officials ruled that Johnson grounded his club, which meant Johnson incurred a two-stroke penalty. That meant that instead of participating in a playoff, Johnson ended up tied for 5th place with Jason Dufner and Steve Elkington.
Kaymer and Watson proceeded to play the 10th, 17th and 18th holes to determine the winner of the 2010 PGA Championship. Kaymer played the three holes at even par while Watson finished one stroke worse so Martin Kaymer won the 2010 PGA Championship. Much like the 2002 MLB All-Star Game played at Miller Park ending in a tie, the 2010 PGA Championship will ultimately be remembered for a calamity as opposed to a triumph.
Let's fast forward forward to the 2011 PGA Championship that was held at the Atlantic Athletic Club. Thursday ended up being Cheesehead Day thanks to the impressive play of Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. Unfortunately Stricker and Kelly faded as the weekend approached so they were not a factor in the 2011 PGA Championship.
After jockeying for position Jason Dufner (a factor in the 2010 PGA Championship) and Keegan Bradley (making his first ever appearance in a major) were both in prime position to win the 2011 PGA Championship. Bradley played in the second to last group while Dufner was in the final group so the back nine turned into a scoreboard watching affair for both competitors.
The final four holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club are possibly the four hardest finishing holes in PGA Championship history. Through the first three rounds Dufner was the only player in the entire field to not bogey the 15th, 16th, 17th, or 18th hole. When Bradley triple-bogeyed the 15th hole to trail Dufner by five strokes with three holes to play it looked like Dufner was going to win the 2011 PGA Championship running away.
Not so fast. Dufner bogeyed the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes for the first time all week. As Dufner was faltering, Bradley birdied the 16th and 17th holes to put both Bradley and Dufner tied at 8-under heading into the final hole of the 2011 PGA Championship.
Bradley parred the 18th hole, which meant Dufner needed to par the 18th hole just to get into a playoff. It is no small feat to par the 18th hole because the hole played more like a Par-5 than a Par-4 all week. Dufner reached the green in two and two-putted to send the 2011 PGA Championship into a playoff for the second year in a row.
The three-hole playoff was staged on the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Bradley and Dufner both had short birdie putts on the first playoff hole. Dufner missed the birdie putt while Bradley made the short putt to take a one stroke lead. Dufner sputtered on the next hole bogeying the 17th hole while Bradley parred the hole. That meant that Bradley carried a two stroke lead into the challenging 18th hole. Dufner made a birdie on the 18th hole so Bradley had two putts to win. Bradley missed the first putt but made his tap-in to win the 2011 PGA Championship in his first ever major start (first time someone has done that since Ben Curtis won the 2003 British Open at Royal St George's Golf Club).
Some might claim that Dufner choked but there is no shame in bogeying any of the four final holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Unfortunately Dufner played those holes great Thursday through Saturday but struggled there on Sunday.
Bradley, the nephew of World Golf Hall of Famer Pat Bradley, entered the weekend as the 108th ranked player in the world. Bradley became the second major winner in a row that started the week ranked outside the top 100 in the world golf rankings (Darren Clarke won the 2011 British Open at Royal St George's Golf Club). Bradley ended the weekend as the 29th ranked player in the world, which vaulted Bradley past Tiger Woods who missed the cut.
Unfortunately all the Cheesehead PGA Tour golfers finished outside the Top-10 at the 2011 PGA Championship: Steve Stricker (tied for 12th place) Jerry Kelly (tied for 26th place) and Mark Wilson (tied for 26th place) so the Cheesehead went another year without winning a major.
No one has won back-to-back majors since Pádraig Harrington won the 2008 British Open and 2008 PGA Championship, which makes 13 different major winners in a row. The 2011 PGA Tour is shaping up to be one of the most interesting seasons in a long time despite Tiger Woods struggling on and off the course thanks to young guns like Keegan Bradley and Rory McIlroy actually winning majors.
As Johnson walked of the 18th green a rules official approached Johnson and told him that his second shot on the 18th hole was under review. After a lengthy review the officials ruled that Johnson grounded his club, which meant Johnson incurred a two-stroke penalty. That meant that instead of participating in a playoff, Johnson ended up tied for 5th place with Jason Dufner and Steve Elkington.
Kaymer and Watson proceeded to play the 10th, 17th and 18th holes to determine the winner of the 2010 PGA Championship. Kaymer played the three holes at even par while Watson finished one stroke worse so Martin Kaymer won the 2010 PGA Championship. Much like the 2002 MLB All-Star Game played at Miller Park ending in a tie, the 2010 PGA Championship will ultimately be remembered for a calamity as opposed to a triumph.
Let's fast forward forward to the 2011 PGA Championship that was held at the Atlantic Athletic Club. Thursday ended up being Cheesehead Day thanks to the impressive play of Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. Unfortunately Stricker and Kelly faded as the weekend approached so they were not a factor in the 2011 PGA Championship.
After jockeying for position Jason Dufner (a factor in the 2010 PGA Championship) and Keegan Bradley (making his first ever appearance in a major) were both in prime position to win the 2011 PGA Championship. Bradley played in the second to last group while Dufner was in the final group so the back nine turned into a scoreboard watching affair for both competitors.
The final four holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club are possibly the four hardest finishing holes in PGA Championship history. Through the first three rounds Dufner was the only player in the entire field to not bogey the 15th, 16th, 17th, or 18th hole. When Bradley triple-bogeyed the 15th hole to trail Dufner by five strokes with three holes to play it looked like Dufner was going to win the 2011 PGA Championship running away.
Not so fast. Dufner bogeyed the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes for the first time all week. As Dufner was faltering, Bradley birdied the 16th and 17th holes to put both Bradley and Dufner tied at 8-under heading into the final hole of the 2011 PGA Championship.
Bradley parred the 18th hole, which meant Dufner needed to par the 18th hole just to get into a playoff. It is no small feat to par the 18th hole because the hole played more like a Par-5 than a Par-4 all week. Dufner reached the green in two and two-putted to send the 2011 PGA Championship into a playoff for the second year in a row.
The three-hole playoff was staged on the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Bradley and Dufner both had short birdie putts on the first playoff hole. Dufner missed the birdie putt while Bradley made the short putt to take a one stroke lead. Dufner sputtered on the next hole bogeying the 17th hole while Bradley parred the hole. That meant that Bradley carried a two stroke lead into the challenging 18th hole. Dufner made a birdie on the 18th hole so Bradley had two putts to win. Bradley missed the first putt but made his tap-in to win the 2011 PGA Championship in his first ever major start (first time someone has done that since Ben Curtis won the 2003 British Open at Royal St George's Golf Club).
Some might claim that Dufner choked but there is no shame in bogeying any of the four final holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Unfortunately Dufner played those holes great Thursday through Saturday but struggled there on Sunday.
Bradley, the nephew of World Golf Hall of Famer Pat Bradley, entered the weekend as the 108th ranked player in the world. Bradley became the second major winner in a row that started the week ranked outside the top 100 in the world golf rankings (Darren Clarke won the 2011 British Open at Royal St George's Golf Club). Bradley ended the weekend as the 29th ranked player in the world, which vaulted Bradley past Tiger Woods who missed the cut.
Unfortunately all the Cheesehead PGA Tour golfers finished outside the Top-10 at the 2011 PGA Championship: Steve Stricker (tied for 12th place) Jerry Kelly (tied for 26th place) and Mark Wilson (tied for 26th place) so the Cheesehead went another year without winning a major.
No one has won back-to-back majors since Pádraig Harrington won the 2008 British Open and 2008 PGA Championship, which makes 13 different major winners in a row. The 2011 PGA Tour is shaping up to be one of the most interesting seasons in a long time despite Tiger Woods struggling on and off the course thanks to young guns like Keegan Bradley and Rory McIlroy actually winning majors.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
2011 Preseason Week 1 - Packers/Browns Review
The Green Bay Packers flew to D.C. on Friday ahead of their Saturday night preseason game in Cleveland to finally visit the White House to celebrate winning Super Bowl XLV. President Obama is an avid Chicago Bears fan (seems like a non sequitur) so he took a fair amount of heat from Charles Woodson and Aaron Rodgers because the Packers beat the Bears in Chicago to win the NFC Championship Game to go to Super Bowl XLV but President Obama seemed to take the joking in stride. Following their visit to the White House, the Packers traveled to Cleveland to play the Browns in both team's preseason opener. Here are a few quick thoughts on the game:
#1) Player that hurt his stock most: Pat Lee had the chance to shine with some of the top cornerbacks (Woodson and Shields) held out against the Browns. Unfortunately Lee struggled and looks like a long shot to make the roster with Woodson, Williams, Shields, House, and Bush all ahead of Lee at this point.
#2) Player that helped his stock most: Clearly rookie wide receiver Randall Cobb and back-up quarterback Matt Flynn played well against the Browns so let's dig a little deeper. Morgan Burnett's rookie season was cut short when he tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2010 season against the Lions. With Burnett lost for the season, Charlie Peprah was one of the biggest surprises of last year. Burnett is the safety of the future opposite Collins in Green Bay not Peprah but I was still skeptical how healthy Burnett would be less than a year removed from tearing his ACL. One game does not make a season but the physicality that Burnett showed against the Browns was a welcomed sight.
#3) Position to watch: Going into training camp the Packers decided not to resign former starting left guard Daryn Colledge and starting defensive end Cullen Jenkins among others. The Packers had a couple in-house candidates to fill in for Jenkins (Mike Neal, Howard Green, Jarius Wynn, and C.J. Wilson) but there was no clear-cut candidate to take over at left guard. The Packers drafted Derek Sherrod as the left tackle of the future but they are trying Sherrod at left guard along with holdover T.J. Lang. The Packers shuffled Sherrod and Lang between left tackle and left guard throughout the game. Both players did nothing against the Browns to help or hurt their stock so left guard will continue to be the position to watch when the Packers meet the Arizona Cardinals in their Week 2 preseason game at Lambeau Field on Friday, August 18, 2011.
Final Note: The NFL needs to change the pricing structure of preseason tickets. This has been mentioned in a number of places but the NFL Owners shouldn't charge regular season prices for preseason games. Cleveland Browns Stadium holds a little more than 73,000 people. The reported attendance was 57,077 but only 30,000 people actually attended the game. Here is the quick solution for preseason ticket problems. There are four preseason games. Week 1 and Week 4 games are essentially throwaway games because guys that have very little chance of making the opening 53-man roster play most of those games. Week 2 and Week 3 are the most interesting games because the starters play a good portion of the snaps. The NFL should charge $20 a ticket for the throwaway games (Week 1 and Week 4) and $40 a ticket for the more interesting games (Week 2 and Week 3).
If you enjoyed this "Quick Thoughts" post, check out my first "Quick Thoughts" post on the Cheeseheads Ruling Day 1 of the 2011 PGA Championship.
#1) Player that hurt his stock most: Pat Lee had the chance to shine with some of the top cornerbacks (Woodson and Shields) held out against the Browns. Unfortunately Lee struggled and looks like a long shot to make the roster with Woodson, Williams, Shields, House, and Bush all ahead of Lee at this point.
#2) Player that helped his stock most: Clearly rookie wide receiver Randall Cobb and back-up quarterback Matt Flynn played well against the Browns so let's dig a little deeper. Morgan Burnett's rookie season was cut short when he tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2010 season against the Lions. With Burnett lost for the season, Charlie Peprah was one of the biggest surprises of last year. Burnett is the safety of the future opposite Collins in Green Bay not Peprah but I was still skeptical how healthy Burnett would be less than a year removed from tearing his ACL. One game does not make a season but the physicality that Burnett showed against the Browns was a welcomed sight.
#3) Position to watch: Going into training camp the Packers decided not to resign former starting left guard Daryn Colledge and starting defensive end Cullen Jenkins among others. The Packers had a couple in-house candidates to fill in for Jenkins (Mike Neal, Howard Green, Jarius Wynn, and C.J. Wilson) but there was no clear-cut candidate to take over at left guard. The Packers drafted Derek Sherrod as the left tackle of the future but they are trying Sherrod at left guard along with holdover T.J. Lang. The Packers shuffled Sherrod and Lang between left tackle and left guard throughout the game. Both players did nothing against the Browns to help or hurt their stock so left guard will continue to be the position to watch when the Packers meet the Arizona Cardinals in their Week 2 preseason game at Lambeau Field on Friday, August 18, 2011.
Final Note: The NFL needs to change the pricing structure of preseason tickets. This has been mentioned in a number of places but the NFL Owners shouldn't charge regular season prices for preseason games. Cleveland Browns Stadium holds a little more than 73,000 people. The reported attendance was 57,077 but only 30,000 people actually attended the game. Here is the quick solution for preseason ticket problems. There are four preseason games. Week 1 and Week 4 games are essentially throwaway games because guys that have very little chance of making the opening 53-man roster play most of those games. Week 2 and Week 3 are the most interesting games because the starters play a good portion of the snaps. The NFL should charge $20 a ticket for the throwaway games (Week 1 and Week 4) and $40 a ticket for the more interesting games (Week 2 and Week 3).
If you enjoyed this "Quick Thoughts" post, check out my first "Quick Thoughts" post on the Cheeseheads Ruling Day 1 of the 2011 PGA Championship.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Cheeseheads Rule Day 1 of the 2011 PGA Championship
In an effort to get more time sensitive content on CheeseheadSportsNut.com to go along with my traditional long form "Wednesday What Happened" posts and "Sunday Funday" posts I am going to start putting up "Quick Thoughts" posts. Obviously the "Quick Thoughts" posts will be a little bit shorter than my traditional posts but I aim to deliver the same quality content in a slightly shorter form.
My inaugural "Quick Thoughts" post will cover my favorite Cheesehead golfers dominating the first day of the 2011 PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, GA. The Atlanta Athletic Club is hosting its fifth major* in club history. This week the Atlanta Athletic Club is stretched out to a lengthy 7,467 yards but is only playing a Par 70 making it the longest Par 70 course in major championship history.
Steve Stricker, Jerry Kelly, and Mark Wilson are in the Top-20 a quarter of the way through the 2011 PGA Championship on a day when only 22 of 156 golfers broke par. All the Cheeseheads in the field played so well on Thursday that Mark Wilson looks like the slacker Cheesehead golfer by only posting a 1-under par, 69 thanks to four birdies and three bogeys.
Jerry Kelly was fighting multiple injuries heading into the 2011 PGA Championship so he had low expectations when he teed it up on Thursday. Kelly surprised everyone taking not only the Cheesehead silver medal but the overall silver medal for the day posting a 5-under, 65 thanks to six birdies and one bogey. Kelly is one of the most animated golfers on the PGA Tour, if he stays near the lead come the weekend look for him to continue his Bill Murray antics to try and keep himself loose.
Speaking of the lead, last but certainly not least, Steve Stricker. Since there are 156 players competing in the 2011 PGA Championship, some players start their day on the 1st hole (playing the course sequentially 1 through 18) while other start their day on the 10th hole (playing the course 10 through 18 then 1 through 9).
Stricker started his day on the 10th hole and started off hot birding the first three holes (the 10th, 11th, and 12th holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club). Stricker continued his hot play on the ladder half of the back nine as well. Par is considered great on the closing four holes of the back nine but Stricker actually played that stretch 2-under par**. Thanks to carding four pars and five birdies on the back nine to start his day, Stricker was 5-under par through nine holes.
Stricker birdied two more holes on the front nine to get to 7-under through 17 holes. Stricker hit a great approach shot on his 18th hole of the day (actually the 9th hole at the Atlanta Athletic Club) to give himself a 10-foot birdie putt to post the first 62 in major championship history.
Unfortunately Stricker just missed the 10-foot birdie putt but made the par putt to post a 7-under par, 63. Stricker didn't realize at the time that he had a chance to post the lowest round in major championship history until he finished and his caddie Jimmy Johnson told him about his dalliance with the record books. Stricker's 63 was the 11th of its kind in PGA Championship history and the 25th in major championship history.
As I have said many times, Stricker might be the best putters on the PGA Tour. Stricker showed that on Thursday hitting a mere 24 putts on the day. Unfortunately if Stricker only hit 23 putts on Thursday he would hold the record for the lowest score ever posted in major championship history.
Stricker has been hot in 2011 so far winning the Memorial at Murfield Village and the John Deere Classic at the TPC Deere Run. The only hole in Stricker's impressive resume is that he is 0-for-52 in majors. Despite entering the record books today the American cougar of the PGA Tour has a long way to go to win his first major. Either way Stricker put himself in good position to shed the title of best current American golfer to never win a major. If I haven't already convinced you to pull for Stricker, check out his post round interview to get a small taste for why Stricker is my favorite golfer.
I hope you enjoyed the initial "Quick Thoughts" post. Look for the "Quick Thoughts" posts the night of Packer games and when important time sensitive Cheesehead sports things occur.
Footnote:
* = Previously hosted the 1976 U.S. Open won by Jerry Pate, the 1981 PGA Championship won by Larry Nelson, the 1990 U.S. Women’s Open won by Betsy King, and the 2001 PGA Championship won by David Toms.
** = Birdied the 15th hole, the longest par-3 on the course and birdied the 18th hole, a challenging finishing hole with water in play around the green.
My inaugural "Quick Thoughts" post will cover my favorite Cheesehead golfers dominating the first day of the 2011 PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, GA. The Atlanta Athletic Club is hosting its fifth major* in club history. This week the Atlanta Athletic Club is stretched out to a lengthy 7,467 yards but is only playing a Par 70 making it the longest Par 70 course in major championship history.
Steve Stricker, Jerry Kelly, and Mark Wilson are in the Top-20 a quarter of the way through the 2011 PGA Championship on a day when only 22 of 156 golfers broke par. All the Cheeseheads in the field played so well on Thursday that Mark Wilson looks like the slacker Cheesehead golfer by only posting a 1-under par, 69 thanks to four birdies and three bogeys.
Jerry Kelly was fighting multiple injuries heading into the 2011 PGA Championship so he had low expectations when he teed it up on Thursday. Kelly surprised everyone taking not only the Cheesehead silver medal but the overall silver medal for the day posting a 5-under, 65 thanks to six birdies and one bogey. Kelly is one of the most animated golfers on the PGA Tour, if he stays near the lead come the weekend look for him to continue his Bill Murray antics to try and keep himself loose.
Speaking of the lead, last but certainly not least, Steve Stricker. Since there are 156 players competing in the 2011 PGA Championship, some players start their day on the 1st hole (playing the course sequentially 1 through 18) while other start their day on the 10th hole (playing the course 10 through 18 then 1 through 9).
Stricker started his day on the 10th hole and started off hot birding the first three holes (the 10th, 11th, and 12th holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club). Stricker continued his hot play on the ladder half of the back nine as well. Par is considered great on the closing four holes of the back nine but Stricker actually played that stretch 2-under par**. Thanks to carding four pars and five birdies on the back nine to start his day, Stricker was 5-under par through nine holes.
Stricker birdied two more holes on the front nine to get to 7-under through 17 holes. Stricker hit a great approach shot on his 18th hole of the day (actually the 9th hole at the Atlanta Athletic Club) to give himself a 10-foot birdie putt to post the first 62 in major championship history.
Unfortunately Stricker just missed the 10-foot birdie putt but made the par putt to post a 7-under par, 63. Stricker didn't realize at the time that he had a chance to post the lowest round in major championship history until he finished and his caddie Jimmy Johnson told him about his dalliance with the record books. Stricker's 63 was the 11th of its kind in PGA Championship history and the 25th in major championship history.
As I have said many times, Stricker might be the best putters on the PGA Tour. Stricker showed that on Thursday hitting a mere 24 putts on the day. Unfortunately if Stricker only hit 23 putts on Thursday he would hold the record for the lowest score ever posted in major championship history.
Stricker has been hot in 2011 so far winning the Memorial at Murfield Village and the John Deere Classic at the TPC Deere Run. The only hole in Stricker's impressive resume is that he is 0-for-52 in majors. Despite entering the record books today the American cougar of the PGA Tour has a long way to go to win his first major. Either way Stricker put himself in good position to shed the title of best current American golfer to never win a major. If I haven't already convinced you to pull for Stricker, check out his post round interview to get a small taste for why Stricker is my favorite golfer.
I hope you enjoyed the initial "Quick Thoughts" post. Look for the "Quick Thoughts" posts the night of Packer games and when important time sensitive Cheesehead sports things occur.
Footnote:
* = Previously hosted the 1976 U.S. Open won by Jerry Pate, the 1981 PGA Championship won by Larry Nelson, the 1990 U.S. Women’s Open won by Betsy King, and the 2001 PGA Championship won by David Toms.
** = Birdied the 15th hole, the longest par-3 on the course and birdied the 18th hole, a challenging finishing hole with water in play around the green.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Super Bowl XLV Rings Disperse Around the NFL
After the NFL Lockout was finally lifted the Green Bay Packers cut five veterans: Nick Barnett (MLB), Brandon Chillar (MLB), Justin Harrell (DL), Brady Poppinga (OLB), and Mark Tauscher (T). Besides Chillar, the rest of the guys cut never played for another NFL franchise but unfortunately father time or injuries caught up with all of them.
Chillar (recently injured), Harrell (perpetually hurt), and Tauscher (old and injured) have not signed with another team yet while the other guys signed with different NFL teams:
- Nick Barnett signed a three-year, $11.5 million contract ($1.5 million signing bonus) with the Buffalo Bills.
- Brady Poppinga signed a one-year, $685,000 veteran minimum contract with the St. Louis Rams.
All of the players cut by the Packers allowed them to trim roughly $15.4 million off their 2011 salary cap* with roughly $2 million in "dead money" hitting their salary cap in 2012 thanks NFL accounting rules. For how sad it is to see all of the veterans go, the youth movement continues in Green Bay so the cuts are understandable.
The Green Bay Packers had 11 unrestricted free agents: Atari Bigby (S), Daryn Colledge (G), Mason Crosby (K), Korey Hall (FB), Brandon Jackson (RB), Cullen Jenkins (DE), James Jones (WR), John Kuhn (FB), Anthony Smith (S), Jason Spitz (G), and Matt Wilhelm (LB) once the lockout was lifted. Predictably Green Bay Packer general manager Ted Thompson let most of those guys leave via free agency without even offering them a legitimate contract offer:
- Daryn Colledge signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract ($7.5 million signing bonus) with the Arizona Cardinals.
- Korey Hall signed a two-year, $2.1 million ($400,000 signing bonus) contract with the New Orleans Saints.
- Brandon Jackson signed a two-year, $4.5 million ($1 million signing bonus) contract with the Cleveland Browns.
- Cullen Jenkins signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Jason Spitz signed a three-year, $5.25 million contract ($750,000 signing bonus) with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Anthony Smith signed a contract for an undisclosed amount with the Tennessee Titans.
Of the guys that the Packer decided not to resign, Jenkins is the only guy that I would have tried to resign if I was general manager Ted Thompson. The Eagles will only pay Jenkins $4 million in 2011 and have an out where they can terminate the contract with very small cap ramifications if Jenkins struggles in 2011 according to various reports. At that price, especially with the question marks along the defensive line for the Packers, Jenkins should have been resigned. Besides Jenkins the Packers have younger, better, and cheaper options than the guys they let leave via free agency.
With eight of the 11 unrestricted free agents signing elsewhere or remaining free agents** that means that the Packers only resigned three of their 11 unrestricted free agents:
- Mason Crosby signed a five-year, $14.75 million contract with a $3 million signing bonus.
- James Jones signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract with a $1.5 million signing bonus.
- John Kuhn signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with a $750,000 signing bonus.
Crosby signed one of the richest contracts ever given to an NFL kicker, which feels a little expensive based on Crosby being merely an average NFL kicker. Jones resigning with the Packers shows that general managers around the league are either think that Jones was a product of playing in one of the most potent offenses in the NFL or they think Jones will continue to drop passes in important situations. Either way the Packers were able to resign Jones at a reasonable price to give the 2011 Green Bay Packers the most prolific wide receiving core in the NFL heading into the 2011 NFL preseason. The Kuhn deal makes the most sense of three contracts because it gives the Packers hybrid running back, fullback, and special teams player that fits perfectly on the team.
There were some other minor contracts signed in the last week*** that barely deserve a mention. The free agency period for the Green Bay Packers proceeded exactly how most people thought it would, older guys were cut or let go via free agency while younger guys (besides Crosby) were retained at a reasonable price. Check back for more Green Bay Packers coverage as the preseason kicks into high gear.
Footnote:
* = Barnett ($5 million), Tauscher ($4.5 million), Poppinga ($2.3 million), Chillar ($2.3 million), and Harrell ($1.3 million).
** = Atari Bigby and Matt Wilhelm remain unsigned.
*** = Restricted free agents Brett Swain (WR) and Spencer Havner (TE/LB) resigned with the Packers but look like prime candidates to get cut at the end of training camp while former Packer Donald Lee (TE) signed a one-year, $850,000 contract ($40,000 signing bonus) with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chillar (recently injured), Harrell (perpetually hurt), and Tauscher (old and injured) have not signed with another team yet while the other guys signed with different NFL teams:
- Nick Barnett signed a three-year, $11.5 million contract ($1.5 million signing bonus) with the Buffalo Bills.
- Brady Poppinga signed a one-year, $685,000 veteran minimum contract with the St. Louis Rams.
All of the players cut by the Packers allowed them to trim roughly $15.4 million off their 2011 salary cap* with roughly $2 million in "dead money" hitting their salary cap in 2012 thanks NFL accounting rules. For how sad it is to see all of the veterans go, the youth movement continues in Green Bay so the cuts are understandable.
The Green Bay Packers had 11 unrestricted free agents: Atari Bigby (S), Daryn Colledge (G), Mason Crosby (K), Korey Hall (FB), Brandon Jackson (RB), Cullen Jenkins (DE), James Jones (WR), John Kuhn (FB), Anthony Smith (S), Jason Spitz (G), and Matt Wilhelm (LB) once the lockout was lifted. Predictably Green Bay Packer general manager Ted Thompson let most of those guys leave via free agency without even offering them a legitimate contract offer:
- Daryn Colledge signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract ($7.5 million signing bonus) with the Arizona Cardinals.
- Korey Hall signed a two-year, $2.1 million ($400,000 signing bonus) contract with the New Orleans Saints.
- Brandon Jackson signed a two-year, $4.5 million ($1 million signing bonus) contract with the Cleveland Browns.
- Cullen Jenkins signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Jason Spitz signed a three-year, $5.25 million contract ($750,000 signing bonus) with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Anthony Smith signed a contract for an undisclosed amount with the Tennessee Titans.
Of the guys that the Packer decided not to resign, Jenkins is the only guy that I would have tried to resign if I was general manager Ted Thompson. The Eagles will only pay Jenkins $4 million in 2011 and have an out where they can terminate the contract with very small cap ramifications if Jenkins struggles in 2011 according to various reports. At that price, especially with the question marks along the defensive line for the Packers, Jenkins should have been resigned. Besides Jenkins the Packers have younger, better, and cheaper options than the guys they let leave via free agency.
With eight of the 11 unrestricted free agents signing elsewhere or remaining free agents** that means that the Packers only resigned three of their 11 unrestricted free agents:
- Mason Crosby signed a five-year, $14.75 million contract with a $3 million signing bonus.
- James Jones signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract with a $1.5 million signing bonus.
- John Kuhn signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with a $750,000 signing bonus.
Crosby signed one of the richest contracts ever given to an NFL kicker, which feels a little expensive based on Crosby being merely an average NFL kicker. Jones resigning with the Packers shows that general managers around the league are either think that Jones was a product of playing in one of the most potent offenses in the NFL or they think Jones will continue to drop passes in important situations. Either way the Packers were able to resign Jones at a reasonable price to give the 2011 Green Bay Packers the most prolific wide receiving core in the NFL heading into the 2011 NFL preseason. The Kuhn deal makes the most sense of three contracts because it gives the Packers hybrid running back, fullback, and special teams player that fits perfectly on the team.
There were some other minor contracts signed in the last week*** that barely deserve a mention. The free agency period for the Green Bay Packers proceeded exactly how most people thought it would, older guys were cut or let go via free agency while younger guys (besides Crosby) were retained at a reasonable price. Check back for more Green Bay Packers coverage as the preseason kicks into high gear.
Footnote:
* = Barnett ($5 million), Tauscher ($4.5 million), Poppinga ($2.3 million), Chillar ($2.3 million), and Harrell ($1.3 million).
** = Atari Bigby and Matt Wilhelm remain unsigned.
*** = Restricted free agents Brett Swain (WR) and Spencer Havner (TE/LB) resigned with the Packers but look like prime candidates to get cut at the end of training camp while former Packer Donald Lee (TE) signed a one-year, $850,000 contract ($40,000 signing bonus) with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Review of 2011 MLB Trade Deadline for the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin made four trades before the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline. None of the deals were as ambitious as the C.C. Sabathia trade the Brewers made in 2008* or the Zack Greinke trade before this season**. Despite not making a big splash, the four moves Melvin made before the trade deadline set the Brewers up with the right bench guys to make a strong playoff run:
#1) Acquired K-Rod (P) from the New York Mets for two players to be named: Fortunately it looks like K-Rod is going to be the primary set-up guy for closer John Axford for the rest of the year. There is not much more I can say about this trade that I didn't say a few weeks ago.
#2) Traded Wil Nieves (C) to the Atlanta Braves for cash: Apparently the cash was a grand total of $1. Nieves is an old, washed up catcher so I am not even sure I can complain about the deal.
#3) Acquired Felipe Lopez (INF) from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash: On paper Lopez gives the Brewers a ton of options around the infield, which they desperately need since there is no timetable for when Rickie Weeks will return. Apparently someone in management checked with the team leaders, presumably Braun and Fielder, to make sure they wanted the sometimes volatile Lopez in the locker room. The team leaders signed off so who am I to question the deal.
#4) Acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. (INF/OF) from the Washington Nationals for Erik Komatsu (OF): Some might questions this move with Komatsu being named the Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year in 2010. Let's keep Komatsu's value in perspective, he is a prospect that projects as a corner outfielder at best. The Brewers are all set with Braun and Hart as corner outfielders for the next few years so Komatsu is expendable. Plus Hairston is a guy that can play six positions on the field, which is a rare commodity for a team looking to make a playoff run.
Check back throughout the stretch run as the Brewers look to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Footnote:
* = Sabathia went 11-2 with a 1.62 ERA the rest of the season to almost single-handily pitch the Brewers into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.
** = Gave the Milwaukee Brewers their first co-Aces (Gallardo and Greinke) in franchise history.
#1) Acquired K-Rod (P) from the New York Mets for two players to be named: Fortunately it looks like K-Rod is going to be the primary set-up guy for closer John Axford for the rest of the year. There is not much more I can say about this trade that I didn't say a few weeks ago.
#2) Traded Wil Nieves (C) to the Atlanta Braves for cash: Apparently the cash was a grand total of $1. Nieves is an old, washed up catcher so I am not even sure I can complain about the deal.
#3) Acquired Felipe Lopez (INF) from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash: On paper Lopez gives the Brewers a ton of options around the infield, which they desperately need since there is no timetable for when Rickie Weeks will return. Apparently someone in management checked with the team leaders, presumably Braun and Fielder, to make sure they wanted the sometimes volatile Lopez in the locker room. The team leaders signed off so who am I to question the deal.
#4) Acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. (INF/OF) from the Washington Nationals for Erik Komatsu (OF): Some might questions this move with Komatsu being named the Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year in 2010. Let's keep Komatsu's value in perspective, he is a prospect that projects as a corner outfielder at best. The Brewers are all set with Braun and Hart as corner outfielders for the next few years so Komatsu is expendable. Plus Hairston is a guy that can play six positions on the field, which is a rare commodity for a team looking to make a playoff run.
Check back throughout the stretch run as the Brewers look to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Footnote:
* = Sabathia went 11-2 with a 1.62 ERA the rest of the season to almost single-handily pitch the Brewers into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.
** = Gave the Milwaukee Brewers their first co-Aces (Gallardo and Greinke) in franchise history.
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