Packers Must Win Battle Upfront to Contain Warner, Cardinals

Forget Larry Fitzgerald against Charles Woodson. Ok, don’t forget it. It’s probably the sexiest player-player match-up in the first round of the playoffs, but it won’t decide the game Sunday when the Cardinals play the Packers in Glendale.

Listen to the call of an NFL football long enough and you’ll inevitably here talk about the work in “the trenches” that goes unnoticed. The color analyst will spout cliché phrases about the “warriors” or the “big uglies” that don’t get the credit they deserve.

We get it.

By now, anyone who has watched more than three football games in his or her life understands the important of winning the battle upfront (see, there I go with the clichés now).

And for as many “sexy” match-ups as there will be at University Phoenix stadium, none will weigh more heavily on the game than the Packers defensive line against the Cardinals offensive line.

Neither team has the defensive backs to cover the opposing skill players. Neither team will likely be able to disguise coverages very well. And neither team figures to do much with their ground game (where the Packers hold a decided edge anyway). So where do we go from there?

Dom Capers’ defense is predicated on winning individual match-ups, not necessarily exotic blitzes and tricky formations as you may think. The poor defensive outings early in the season were less schematic and more performance-based.

The Packers will not have the luxury of bringing pressure and blitzes every down because the Cardinals simply have too many weapons and Kurt Warner is just too smart and accurate with the ball on hot reads.

And Kurt Warner is the key to the Arizona Cardinals. Warner played most or all of the game in four of the team’s six losses. In those four games, he threw 11 of his 14 interceptions on the season and was sacked a total of 13 times.

Green Bay’s defense will have to generate pressure with four and five man pressures because with Al Harris out, the Packers otherwise deep secondary is vulnerable to this explosive group of receivers for Arizona.

If the Packers defensive front can win at the point without having to bring six and seven men on a pass-rush, the Packers defensive backs could be Ahmad Carroll and Antwan Edwards.

The teams who beat the Cards: the Colts, Panthers, and 49ers (twice), don’t have the talent the Packers have in their secondaries even with Al Harris out. Green Bay’s secondary features two Pro Bowl players and the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, and took more passes from opposing quarterbacks than any team in the league this year.

With the Cardinals best offensive lineman, Wayne Gandy, out with injury, it should be even easier for the Packers to take advantage of match-ups and win their individual battles at the line of scrimmage.  

Fox wants you to be watching Fitzgerald/Woodson. And you should. But if Clay Matthews and co. are near Kurt Warner as often as Woodson is near Fitzgerald (which will likely be every play), Fox won’t get to show many Fitzgerald highlight, just Warner picking himself up off the ground. On his heels, or better yet on his back, is exactly where Packer fans want him.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

“Can Do” Attitude: Aaron Rodgers Thrives With More Responsibility

The slobbering over Aaron Rodgers has almost so incessant and pervasive in the sports media, you’d think it was Tony Kornheiser watching Brett Favre. Except of course Aaron isn’t “Just having fun out there.” The key difference between No. 4 and No. 12: Rodgers hasn’t built up nearly two decades worth of media love to earn get out of jail free cards for stupid interceptions, forced throws, and selfish actions.

No, Rodgers is proving himself on the football field, showing why he deserves to counted as an elite-level quarterback and perennial MVP contender.

He is running around, but not like a chicken with his head cut off like Favre used to, hoping he could make something out of nothing. Rodgers has the most rushing yards of any quarterback in the league and that includes Vince Young, Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, and quarterbacks whose mobility tend to get more publicity.

In fact, Rodgers has just 34 fewer rushing yards than Reggie Bush, while even sporting a higher yard per carry average than the former USC phenom (who, to be fair has been an unmitigated disaster the past two seasons).

Every week, you hear defensive coordinators saying they want to keep him in the pocket because when he rolls, he is incredibly dangerous. That’s because few quarterbacks in the league possess the kind of accuracy Aaron has, particularly moving to his right.

But give him time in the pocket, and he will eat you alive.

These are things we knew about Aaron Rodgers. We’d seen glimpses in the game against the Cowboys when he was filling in for Favre two years ago. We saw it last year when he had one of the greatest seasons in history for a first-year starter.

What we didn’t see was the comfort in the offense, the leadership in the huddle, or the ability to finish games.

I will be the first to say that the late game issues from last year do not fall solely on the right shoulder of Rodgers. The defense failed to come up with stops on a consistent basis and that really obfuscated the fact that Rodgers was solid late in games.

But good or bad, the quarterback gets more blame than he deserves for losing often more credit than he deserves for winning. If Aaron Rodgers wants to be known for his winning and not his gaudy stats, he needs to start doing more of the former.   

Poor play-calling has handcuffed Rodgers for almost two seasons now, but what we saw in Pittsburgh should give you hope.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy took the reigns off, letting Rodgers do more than just tweak plays. Making adjustments, reading defenses, and getting out of bad plays into good ones is what players like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning elite-level quarterbacks.

It’s what separates young quarterbacks from experienced ones.

Rodgers responded with one his best games in a Packer uniform throwing for 383 yards, three scores and rushing for another. Had the Packer receivers been able to catch the ball, it would have been an even more impressive showing (and the Packers likely would have won the game).

Down 10, the Packers scored 22 points in the fourth, only to have the defense snatch a loss from the jaws of victory. Rodgers engineered key drives when the team had to have them, against a team who had to have the game.

The Packers succumbed to the same bugaboo from last year, unable to get a crucial stop. That is ultimately what will determine when this defense can truly count itself among the elite.

But you can’t blame Aaron Rodgers for that.

He was out of rhythm in the first half, receivers were dropping the ball, and the running game was ineffective. He could have folded or he could have pressed. But he did neither, preferring to stay the course and continue to pump the ball on a rope to his receivers assuming at some point they’d make a play.

Eventually guys like Jermichael Finley stepped up. The offense made enough plays to win the game.

You score 36 on the road in December, you expect to win.

It’s tough to score moral victories when you give away a game that’d have all but assured your entrance to the playoffs, against the defending champs. Aaron Rodgers would never accept a moral victory, and that competitiveness and fire are part of what make him great.

The more he’s asked to do, the more he’s showing he can do.

Against a pulverizing pass-rush, in a harsh environment, playing a team fighting for it’s lives, Aaron Rodgers came up with the plays he needed to have. I mentioned last week “competitive greatness is being at your best when your best is needed.” Aaron Rodgers is slowly showing he can be great.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Charles in Charge: Five Reasons Charles Woodson Is Defensive POY

No use burying the lead: Charles Woodson is the Defensive Player of the Year right now.

Six weeks ago it was probably Jared Allen, and 10 weeks ago it was probably Darren Sharper. You could make a case for Elvis Dumervil, James Harrison, and Dwight Freeney over the course of the season as well. We will consider them all here.   

Statistics are important, but they aren’t everything (although we will look at them). A player like Bills safety Jairus Byrd, who leads the NFL in interceptions, gets no consideration here because his team is terrible. In order to win DPOY on a mediocre team, your performance has to be so outstanding that it has rarely been duplicated, or you have to single-handedly pull your team together and get them a playoff spot.

Based on that criterion, James Harrison ought to be out as well because the Steelers have lost 5 straight games, with terrible losses to the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns. Ever since Troy Polamalu went down, this defense has not been the same, and that does not reflect well on Harrison’s case.

He’s out.

TEAM

Unlike the MVP, the DPOY has to come from a top defense.  Vince Young and/or Chris Johnson would have rightfully garnered MVP votes had they reeled off 10 straight wins and snuck into the playoffs. In that case, the MVP could have come from a mediocre team.

That can’t be the case for DPOY.

It is of the utmost important that this player comes from an elite, not just good, defense. For the sake of this argument that will mean meeting two criteria: your team must be in the top 10 in the league in a statistical category you account for, and a top 10 defense overall.

That means Sharper and Freeney are both out.   

It isn’t quite the Jairus Byrd corollary as both teams are undefeated. But neither the Saints nor the Colts have a top ranked defense, and neither relies on their defense to win games.

True, the Colts rely on pressure upfront to hide their inexperience in the secondary, and the Saints rely on takeaways to make up for the fact that their defense is just mediocre.

However, neither is having what you’d call a dominating year. Darren Sharper was unbelievable to start the year with a couple signature performances, but he has been pretty average since his bye with just three interceptions in the last nine games.

In my mind that leaves us where we ought to be, with the three best defensive players in football right now: Woodson, Allen, and Dumervil.

Getting back to the first of two critera it seems these three wash. Woodson is second in the NFL in picks, with the Packers second in the league at intercepting opposing quarterbacks.

Allen ranks second in the NFL in sacks, while his Vikings lead the league in taking down QB’s.

Dumervil leads the league in sacks (by a comfortable margin) and the Broncos are fifth in sacks.                  

But if you look at the impact these players have on their defense as a whole, Woodson begins to separate himself.

                             Points                  Passing             Rushing                  Total

Packers                   9^th                        3rd                    4th                          1st

Vikings                   10th                      21^st                   2^nd                           8th            

Broncos                   3^rd                        2^nd                    16^th                          3rd                               

Without a top 10 pass-rush (by sack totals), the Packers still manage a top-5 ranking in passing yards allowed, not to mention the first overall defensive spot, which certainly must assert particular value.   

And when you consider the talent of the Bronco’s offense, the fact that this defense has the numbers it does, becomes staggering. In terms of team defense, the advantage here stands with Woodson, as Dumervil and Allen follow in that order.

STATISTICS

Team stats are one thing, but this is an individual award so the player’s stats are also, but not equally important. Just being the best player on the best defense does not qualify you to be player of the year necessarily.

However, I believe it is important to understand Woodson is the best player on the top ranked defense in the NFL.  

Allen: 38 Tackles, 12.5 Sacks, one INT, three FF

Dumervil:  42 Tackles, 15 Sacks, three FF

Woodson: 58 Tackles, two Sacks, seven Int’s, 4 FF, two TDs

These statistics are important, but to understand who has the most impressive stats, we have to add additional context and they will be revisited in terms of the next two categories.  

CONSISTENCY

A couple big games does not a Defensive Player of the Year make. Ted Ginn Jr. was electric as a returner in one game, but you can’t compare his season stats to a guy like Josh Cribbs who has been electric every time he touches the ball every game.

Jared Allen has 9.5 sacks in three games, 7.5 of which actually came against the Green Bay Packers. Play in marquee games matters, so it is important to point out these were two of the biggest games of the year, but the Packers offensive line was in disarray at the time of these contests and gave up big sack totals to everyone. 

Just 3.5 sacks the in the other nine games is unimpressive, and Allen also failed to even record a tackle in three games.

Woodson has similarly compound numbers with three games accounting for five picks and three forced fumbles. However, the Packers allowed just two 100 yard receivers all season, Roy Williams and Vernon Davis. Woodson covered Cowboy’s tight end Jason Witten for most of that Cowboys game and essentially eliminated him from the game.

In the 49ers game, most of Davis’ big plays including the touchdown came when Woodson was covering someone else.

Dumervil was impressively consistent tallying six multi-sack games and only failed to record a sack in four games. Unlike Allen, Dumervil failed to make it on the score sheet with a tackle just once this season.

Dumervil, Woodson, Allen in that order.

UNIQUE SEASON

As with the MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year has to be doing something no one else could be doing. I would argue the very fact that Woodson is the only defensive back in the discussion qualifies him, but let’s be fair and take a closer look.

Neither pass-rusher is having an off the charts year where you’re saying “We can’t block this guy ever.” Neither threatens to break any kind of sack record, and their lines are nearly identical. You can’t say “No one can do what Allen is doing” because Dumervil is and vice versa.

Dumervil hasn’t taken over a game single-handedly the way Allen has on at least two occasions, but as we saw, Dumervil is the more consistent player.

Woodson on the other hand is doing something no one else in the NFL could possibly do. The guy is taking away the opposing team’s best receiving threat every game, whether it’s a receiver, tight end, or running back.

He is the closest thing to a shut down corner as we have in the NFL, not to mention can play safety back, or in the box in run support. In fact, Woodson brings an elite run-stopping corner, a form-tackler, and a player who can make plays in the running game just as deftly as the passing game. Just ask Ray Rice. 

The way Jared Allen dominated the Packers, that’s the way Woodson dominated Dallas and Detroit in crucial games for the Packers, a seemingly impossibility in a league that caters to receivers and passing offenses.  

His 11 take aways (seven interceptions and four fumbles) are far and away the most in the NFL. In fact, no one else in the top 10 in interceptions has even forced more than one fumble. Likewise no one in the top 10 in fumbles has more than two interceptions EXCEPT Woodson. 

And only Darren Sharper has scored more defensive touchdowns.

Now, Woodson has won Defensive Player of the Month honors for the second time this season, a validation of and testament to his consistency over the course of the season.   

Woodson, Allen, Dumervil.

TIMING

This is as important a factor as any. The voting takes place at the end of the season and rightfully so. Defense is about finishing. If you can get stops at the end of the game, you generally win. If your team falters down the stretch, it usually means your defense isn’t doing its job.

Jared Allen has just two sacks and three (Yes THREE) tackles in the last four weeks. He was a complete non-factor is his team’s ugly loss to Arizona and has created just one turnover in the last eight weeks.

Elvis Dumervil has been saved by his team in recent weeks. Losers of four straight, the Broncos have gone out and dominated the last two games. He has 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the last four weeks, and the Broncos are squarely back in the playoff race.

In the last month, Woodson has racked up three picks and returning one for a touchdown, forcing three fumbles, and notching both of his sacks. All of that comes in the midst of a four game winning streak to put the Packers in position to make the post-season.

Three of those four games have been nationally televised and the NFL audience is finally getting to see what Packer fans have been talking about.

BOTTOM LINE

Jared Allen plays on a team with a better record, and dominated Woodson’s Packers. But that isn’t Wood’s fault.

Dumervil compared to Allen is actually a superior candidate, stacking up better in nearly every category, not to mention his play has elevated the Denver defense from a joke, to an elite unit.

But both do what the other does, rush the passer. Teams can run the ball at either guy to negate their effectiveness.

Throw at Woodson, he will make you pay with a pick or a deflection. Throw away from Woodson, he still can make the play because his versatility and skill allows him to roam all over the field.

They used to say Deion Sanders took away half the field with his speed. At times, to opposing quarterbacks, it must seem like Woodson takes away the entire field. If you don’t believe me, talk to Mathew Stafford.

But that’s not all he does. Run at Woodson, he will make the play in the backfield. Run away from Woodson, he’ll make the play in the backfield.

He is the most complete defensive player in the NFL, a dynamic turnover machine, and leads the top-ranked defense in the NFL.  

Hmmm…that sounds like a dictionary definition of the Defensive Player of the Year (see also: Charles Woodson).   

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Despite Sloppy Play, Defense Gives Packers a Chance at Greatness

A man people in Green Bay might recognize coined a phrase about winning, something about it being the only thing that really matters.

The last four weeks have not been pretty, but they’ve been successful. You have to win football games and that’s all you have to do.

This just in: the Packers got flagged for another pass interference call nearly 24 hours after last night’s game against the Ravens ended. Obviously that is a joke, and a poor one at that, but the way flags have been flying against the Packers, nothing would be surprising at this point.  Early in the season, sacks, penalties,and special team gaffes killed the Packers.

The penalties piled up at a historic pace last night against Baltimore as the two most penalized teams in the league squared off. The big difference though: the Packers finished the game 8-4, in good position for the play-offs. The Ravens wind up 6-6 and in need of a win streak, not to mention serious help to get into the play-offs.

The reason the Packers have been able to overcome these terrible mistakes? The defense.

Let me try to put this into perspective. The Packers are the second most penalized team in the league, creating awful down and distances for their offense, and gifting yards to opponents when on defense.

Green Bay also tops the leagues in sacks allowed by a huge margin, crippling the offense when it comes to flexibility based on distance. Take into account horrible special teams coverage and this defense has been put in some horrible situations.

Perhaps most costly, the Packers red zone offense has been mediocre and the kicking game has been a disgrace.

Now here are a few numbers: eight, one, three, four. Those are the Packers ranks in points allowed, total yards, passing yards and rushing yards. That means no one gives up fewer yards which in some ways makes sense when you consider the defense is often in a position to defend a short field.

However, the Packers top 10 ranking in points means the defense is holding.  The Packers still have the best turnover differential in the league and only the Saints have picked off more passes. Green Bay ranks third in forcing fumbles, and has quietly moved up to 14^th in sacks.

Charles Woodson has shown the league what Packer fans have known for the last few years: he’s a superstar caliber player. Clay Matthews and Brad Jones are becoming terrors off the edge, and if you don’t think BJ Raji is going to be a force, you haven’t been watching.

When you have a defense like this, forcing turnovers and getting stops, it allows you to overcome the ineptitude of your offense, or your own lack of discipline defensively.

One drive from last night in particular is a perfect example. A questionable (but correct) pass interference call in the end zone on Tramon Williams put the ball at the one yard line. On first down, Charles Woodson knifes into the backfield, makes a shoe-string tackle, and drops Ray Rice in the backfield.

On second down, the Packers blanket the Raven receivers, force Flacco out of the pocket, leading to a poor decision and an interception. The Packers allow the Ravens into the red zone, but the net results? Zero points.

You win in December with defense, and you win in the play-offs with defense.  Green Bay’s D seems to get better every week as the unit continues to develop continuity and the young players hit their stride.

Can you think of the last time a team went 80 yards on this defense? It seems the only time a team has any chance of scoring is off a miscue from the Packer offense or special teams.

The offense may or may not find a rhythm in the last four weeks, but with everyone getting healthy and that offensive line finally protecting Aaron Rodgers, there seems at least a good chance of growth and consistency. This offense is far too talented to not score points, particularly with Mr. I Dare You To Cover Me, Jermichael Finley, healthy and a focal point of the passing game.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the identity of this team is the defense. As talented as Aaron Rodgers and company are, this team can go as far as they want to if the defense continues to come up with stops when they need them.

I’ve heard a saying (A non-Lombardi one this time) that goes something like, “Greatness is being at your best when your best is needed.”  That means penalties and miscues don’t have to be killers as long as you make the plays when you have to have them. The Packers need the best from this defense for the next four weeks and beyond. If they get it, Green Bay has a chance to be great this season.  

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Green Bay Packers: December Success a Key For Team, McCarthy

The last meaningful game the Packers played in December did not go well.

Hellacious winds scoured Soldier Field, Brett Favre threw a pair of picks and the Chicago Bears beat the Packers 35-7. The next week, the Packers, having sewn up the two seed, pummeled the Lions with mostly back-ups and coasted into the playoffs.

That was already two years ago.

Last season, the Packers were 5-7 heading into December and riding a two-game losing streak. They proceeded to finish December a disappointing 1-3, dropping those three games by a combined 10 points. 

Since Mike McCarthy joined the team, the Packers have gone 8-5 in the month of December. That isn’t going to get it done.  

To some degree, it is a microcosm of the McCarthy tenure in Green Bay: The Packers can’t finish, whether it’s drives, games, or seasons.

Until they do, they will not be an elite team in this league.

Winning in December is only trivial if you’ve gotten the division already won. Right now, that list officially includes only the Indianapolis Colts. That means now is not the time to rest on the laurels of having won three straight.

While, the division is all but lost, there is still plenty to play for, though a playoff spot is not a sure thing.

Ten wins may not be enough to get you in, depending on what happens in the NFC East. A repeat of last year’s 1-3 December, and the Packers are looking at spending January on the golf course (the only reason to stay in Green Bay would be if there were football to be played).

If the Packers are able to take care of their business in December, January status is secure. Perhaps, even more important, January football could bring a familiar foe.

If the Saints find a way to lose a game (and they likely will), and the Vikings don’t lose another game (possible they won’t), the Pack could be in position for a Minnesota rematch if they are able to grab a playoff spot and spring a first round upset. (There are a number of different scenarios that could bring about a rematch, plenty of them plausible).

Right now, it is on McCarthy to bring the Packers back to being a cold weather, late season dominating force. That is how Green Bay used to be, and there’s still nothing like winter football in Wisconsin.  

The onus does not fall on Aaron Rodgers, as he’s never played a meaningful December game. He will certainly get the opportunity.

Penalties, poor execution, ridiculous play-calling, and underachievement have marred McCarthy’s time in Green Bay. This team is poised to make a playoff run, and if they can even just go 3-2 down the stretch, they should make the playoffs.

Failing to qualify for the postseason would qualify as a choke job, and would fit to stand as the perfect example of why McCarthy is not the man to lead the Packers back to prominence: His teams can’t finish.  

The roster is full of players capable of getting the Pack back. It’s time for the coach to step up and bring them together. If he can’t, it will not be a happy new year in the McCarthy home.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Not On Their Knees: Green Bay Packer Injuries Won’t Cripple Playoff Possibility

Losing a Pro Bowl player at any position is going to have an impact on your squad. Lose two, and you could be in serious trouble. Not so if you’re the Green Bay Packers.

Al Harris and Aaron Kampman are elite players, and neither will suit up for the Packers this season barring some minor medical miracle. But the impact may not be as bad you would think.

Bearwith me. I mentioned last week that I believed this defense might actually be better off with Brad Jones starting at outside linebacker instead of Kampman. Against Dallas, without big number 74, the Packers had their best defensive game of the season and Mr. Jones was a big part of that effort.

He is fluid, athletic, and is getting to be assignment-sure. He can make the plays in coverage Kampman couldn’t, and even if he’s allowing completions, Jones is in position to make a tackle to limit the damage.

Kampman has had his hand in the dirt more, and even got a sack this last week, but he’s not the same player he had been, and there’s no reason to believe that was going to change.

Cullen Jenkins is playing like a Pro Bowler, and the defensive front has been stout. Between Jenkins and the improved pass-rush from the linebackers, the Packers don’t lose much with Kampman off the field. They proved that against the Cowboys.

Losing Al Harris is a bigger issue. When Harris went down with that ruptured spleen last season, Tramon Williams made his presence known to the fans in Green Bay, and to some degree the NFL. Williams is an elite nickel back and will be a more than competent starter someday in this system, particularly if he continues to improve.

Williams is more fluid in coverage and has better speed. Not the physical player Harris is, Williams does have some deficiencies in the run game, but his ball skills and playmaking ability may actually be greater than Harris’. Expect him to be tested early and often by opposing offenses.

There’s the next big reason this won’t kill the Pack’s D: There just aren’t that many explosive passing offenses left on the schedule.

The Packers still have to play Detroit, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Chicago, and Arizona. Detroit has one banged up, if ultra-talented, receiver and either a banged up rookie, or a washed-out has been at quarterback.

Baltimore has a tremendously talented quarterback, but no receivers who really scare you. Pittsburgh has a talented receiving group and a dangerous tight end, but no one one you can point to and say, “This is a guy we have to look out for.”

Seattle is just terrible offensively and defensively, although Hasselbeck HAS been a Pro Bowler and he has a more than competent group of wide-outs. We know what Chicago has in JaMarcus Cutler, and that the group of receivers is one of the most anemic in the league.

The only group with more than one game breaker is Arizona with Boldin, Breaston and Fitzgerald. The weird thing is they’ve been terrible at home and Kurt Warner has been both horrific and unstoppable this season.

By the time the Packers play ‘Zona, they’ll have long locked up the division and won’t have much to play for, particularly if there is the potential for Packers, Cards first round match-up (Very possible).

Certainly, in the playoffs both of these injuries could be costly. Every division leader in the NFC has a Pro Bowl quarterback and a potentially explosive passing attack. The Packers have almost no chance of stopping the Saints or Vikings without two of their best defensive players, but just getting to the playoffs will be an important step for this football team.

In terms of age in the NFL, both Harris and Kampman are well passed their supposed prime, even if they are still top-tier players. But if Ted Thompson’s desire to stay young has any chance of winning football games, then his young and talented roster will have to fill the holes. Four wins in the last six does not seem out of reach, and five or six wins is certainly not out of the question.

Tramon Williams and Brad Jones have potential to be impact players. But “potential” is a dangeruos word. We all have the potential to be great, but we are defined by our response to the opportunities we have to be great.

For Williams, Jones, and this young Packers team, that opportunity is now.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Five Guys Playing on Saturdays Who Could Help the Green Bay Packers On Sundays

I came to the Bleacher Report community to write about the NFL Draft. I sort of fell into this Packers gig by accident (although it’s a blast and I love it). Unfortunately, in the last couple months I have failed to come up with any substantive draft coverage. I figured with the college regular season winding down I would mix my two passions and give you an idea of what guys in the college game, the Packers might be interested in.

Obviously, I can’t say “Oh the Packers would benefit from having Eric Berry, Tennessee’s outstanding safety,” because even if Green Bay lost all of their games from here on out, they’d have no chance of landing Berry, assuming he declares.

Seven teams currently sport a 5-4 record, which means the Packers are picking somewhere in the late teens, or early 20’s in the first round if the season ended today. Ted Thompson likes to pick the best player available so of course we have no idea what to expect on draft day. That’s where I come in.

1) Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa 6-5 313

For starters, the offensive line is a mess. That is no secret. Luckily, rookie tackles can have outstanding seasons as we’ve seen from recent top tackles like Michael Oher, Jake Long, and Joe Thomas. Offensive tackle must be considered priority No. 1.

Talk about a physical offensive tackle, Bulaga is a mauler on the edge. He is certainly a better run-blocker than he is pass-blocker, but he’s got a wide frame and good feet. Just a junior, Bulaga is the second or third ranked offensive tackle in college football depending on who you talk to.

Whether he comes out this season or not is somewhat of a question, but if he does he could certainly be not the Packer’s radar. Bulaga is a more prototypical tackle than Packer T.J. Lang, and could play on the right side or left side, depending on what happens with Clifton, Tauscher, Barbre et al.

USC OT Charles Brown and Bulaga have similar ratings on my board, and both would likely come off the board around the time the Packers would pick.

2) Sergio Kindle OLB Texas 6-4 236

Right off the bat I want to add TCU’s Jerry Hughes, North Carolina’s Bruce Carter and Missouri’s Sean Witherspoon to this list, but I figured it’d be messy. The Packers need another edge rusher opposite Clay Matthews and his name is not Aaron Kampman (that’s a whole other issue).

All four of these guys are strong, athletic, and crafty working on the edges. Jerry Hughes has been one of the most underrated players in college football for two seasons now, and continues to get the quarterback despite opposing offenses game planning for him. I would love to see him in green and gold.

Kindle and Witherspoon are two of the elite defensive players in the Big 12. Witherspoon may not have the pass-rush capabilities to play outside in the 3-4, while Kindle’s specialty is getting to the quarterback. And Carter has come on strong this season, and is shooting up draft boards.

This draft is full of guys who can get to the quarterback, and the Packers could afford to wait until the second or third round to address it. However, if they really like one of these guys, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them snap one of them up.

3) Jahvid Best RB California-Berkley 5-10 197

Ryan Grant needs some help. He’s a one cut runner with limited big play ability because he does not possess the agility in space to make people miss. Brandon Jackson is a nice player and Ahman Green is a nice story, but “nice” doesn’t cut it in the running game.

Best is a burner, and despite this recent head injury at Cal, Best is a top 25 talent with room to spare. He was having a Heisman season early on and is capable of taking over games with his big play ability. He would give Aaron Rodgers another weapon on offense to run screens, draws, and swing passes too, and may even help in the return game.

Based on pure talent, Best shouldn’t be available when the Packers pick, even if it’s in the middle of the first round. But I get the feeling Best’s stock is falling, particularly after his scary injury (after he blazes a 40 time at the combine, we’ll likely see that change).

Although he has a late first/early second round grade, Jonathan Dwyer from Georgia Tech is another player who could really give the Packers backfield a boost.

4) Patrick Robinson CB Florida State 5-11 192

Tramon Williams may be one of the best nickel backs in the league, but after that there isn’t much to speak of in the Packer’s secondary. Additionally, the safety position is a huge concern with only Derrick Martin as any kind of serviceable back-up. Getting some young talent into this secondary must be a concern for TT.

Patrick Robinson is the top senior corner in the draft and possesses unmatched physical tools at the position. Florida State coaches say he’s as gifted a player as Deion Sanders and Terrell Buckley. If Green Bay drafts him, Packer fans will hope Robinson can remind us of Deion and forget Buckley.

Robinson is not a great tackler, and his numbers won’t jump out at you, at least not the last two seasons, but before everyone knew who Robinson was back in 2006, he tallied six picks.

Teams simply don’t throw his way anymore and it could be a great tool to learn how to be a more physical corner from two of the best in Al Harris and Charles Woodson.

South Florida S Nate Allen could draw some consideration here as well as the defensive back class is one of the thin group after top tier guys like Berry, Florida’s Joe Haden and USC’s Taylor Mays.

5) Arthur Jones DT Syracuse 6-3 302

Right now, the Packers have one of the best defensive lines in football. Cullen Jenkins has elevated his game to elite status. Ryan Picket has been solid inside and Johnny Jolly has been a difference maker on the other end.

However, Jolly could be wearing a different jersey pretty soon (and not the NFL kind, a bright orange one), and B.J. Raji is probably a better fit as nose tackle, although he has been getting reps at end.

Jones and Jolly are very similar players. Both have long arms and can use their hands to gain position. The Syracuse star makes a living in opponents backfields despite seeing double teams. He even had 15 tackles, 4 for a loss in the 2008 game against Notre Dame.

A knee injury ended Jones’ season early, and he had surgery on his chest after a freak accident in the weight room last spring. Jones’ strength is one of his biggest assets and he will have to check out physically to earn this kind of draft position.

USC’s Everson Griffen and North Carolina’s Marvin Austin could also be options here as defensive lineman.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Losing The Edge: Sacking Kampman Could Be Double-Edged Sword For Packers

When Aaron Kampman heard the Packers were switching to the 3-4 defense, he kept his mouth shut about his frustrations. As we all know, that was as good as saying, “I’m not on board.” Through eight games in 2009 it isn’t hard to see why.

Kampman has just 2.5 sacks and has been rendered useless on many passing downs, having to cover running backs and tight ends from his new linebacker position. Now, out with a concussion, Kampman will be replaced by Colorado rookie Brad Jones for Sunday’s key face-off with the Dallas Cowboys.

That is great news for Packer fans this week (“this week” is important).

Aaron Kampman is not an outside linebacker, not a very good one anyway. He should have his hand down as a 4-3 end because Kampman is a technician pass-rusher. That is to say he doesn’t beat tackles with speed or power, but rather by working them over and over all game long. He has great hands, quick feet, and no one will out-hustle him.

That used to be enough. It isn’t in this defense.  

Kampman is regarded as an elite pass-rusher even though he’s had double-digit sack numbers just twice in his career. Before his break-out season in 2006 Kampman had only 12.5 sacks in 48 career starts.  And since his career high 15.5 sack season in 2006, his numbers have gone from 12.5 in 2007 to 9.5 in 2008. He’s currently on pace to finish with just 7 in 2009.

The former Iowa Hawkeye will be 30 at the end of this month. He was still an elite pass-rusher despite the numbers last season, but how much longer can that continue? Late bloomers are tough to predict.

Despite Kampman’s frustration with it, this new defense has made light year strides against the run. Adrian Peterson was essentially a non-issue in both Vikings contests, and the Packers currently rank ninth in the league in rush yards allowed.

It wouldn’t matter if Kampman were playing or not, that number would likely be the same.

The problem this season is the pass-rush. The problem last season was the pass-rush. The problem next season will be the pass-rush if Aaron Kampman is still in Green Bay, assuming the Packers stick with their new defense and that isn’t necessarily a knock on Kampman.  

I’m not saying Brad Jones is the definitive answer either, I’m just saying he’s closer. 

Kampman does not have the agility to play in space against tackles. He beats them by getting them off-balance and working them for position. But when talking about Aaron Kampman’s skill set, “explosive” is not an appropriate word.

Brad Jones on the other hand, runs a sub 4.6 40. From a pure athletic standpoint, there just is no comparison.  

If you look at the elite defenses in the league, nearly all of them have an explosive pass-rusher. Teams like the Giants, Steelers, and Colts have a couple. That’s why they’re scary teams for opposing offenses.

The Packers are an edge rusher and an offensive tackle away from really being a contender in the NFC (let’s not forget a coach). Whether it’s the draft (There are probably seven or eight first round pass-rushers and a deep crop of tackles), or free agency, there are places to go to sure up this team.    

Kampman heads to free agency after this season, and will expect a big payday (that he’ll likely get). The smart move would have been to make a Jared Allen-type trade with Kampman months ago, ensuring the Packers would receive SOMETHING for their Pro Bowl pass-rusher. Now, he can walk away and head to say, the Vikings where he signed an offer sheet as a restricted free agent in 2005.

You’d like to keep Kampman because pass-rushers can take over a game. Just ask the Packer tackles. But in this defense, Kampman isn’t a game-changer at outside linebacker. In fact, he’s just barely average, particularly with his deficiencies in coverage.   

But whether you like it or not Packer fans, Dom Capers is here for a while. What’s more, it wouldn’t surprise is Ted Thompson hired him knowing Mike McCarthy may not be long for this world.

Kampman’s potential departure would open up a starting spot for someone who could be an impact player, but it also opens up the possibility of Kampman coming back to hurt the Packers, something Cheeseheads know all about this season.

The problem is Aaron Kampman can’t help the Packers much more this season and probably couldn’t in the near future either. Unfortunately for fans, he could certainly help someone else.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Time To Clean Up Disaster Site After Hurricane Freeman Hits Green Bay

A complete unmitigated disaster, one that requires serious introspection, and self-evaluation. That’s perhaps the only way to describe what the Packers 38-28 loss to hapless Tampa Bay was. This is the kind of loss that ruins a season, particularly with a match-up with the red-hot Cowboys on national television next Sunday afternoon.

Oh, and did I mention there are still dates with the Ravens, Steelers, Cardinals, and Bears left on the schedule after that?

The Buccaneers were supposed to be the perfect whipping boy for a frustrated Packers team coming off one of the most emotional losses of the season. Tampa even had their throwback uni’s on, hearkening back to the days of historic ineptitude to match the Bucs 0-7 season.

Make that 1-7.

The Buccaneers couldn’t get to the quarterback, and had traded their most talented pass-rusher to the Bears. Better remind Aaron Rodgers, at least after you pick him up off the ground. Mark Tauscher didn’t help much, as the Packers gave up six sacks.

At some point Rodgers is going to start feeling phantom pressure, get happy feet, and start making bad throws. In fact, we’re already starting to see it. Donald Driver might be right when he says that if you give Rodgers time, he’s the best quarterback in the NFL, but if they can’t start protecting him soon, it could do permanent damage to Rodger’s psyche.

I hear a lot of whining about Ted Thompson, and I hesitate to even bring him up, but this isn’t on TT. This team isn’t constructed poorly, it’s being coached poorly.

I was never sold on Mike McCarthy as the man to lead the Packers back to the Super Bowl. He has been consistently out-coached during his tenure in Green Bay, and it’s been the same problems, no matter who the players, or coaches have been.

The offense can’t move the ball consistently, and relies too heavily on big plays. The short passing game has disappeared, and given way to five, and seven step drops, despite the Packers’ inability to protect. And when Rodgers does get time, he can’t find a receiver. I don’t know if guys just aren’t getting open, or if Rodgers isn’t making his reads properly, but something has to change, and nothing has.

The running game has shown improvement, and Grant seems to have his burst back. But the play action game has been nonexistent. When they do go off a run fake, it’s all downfield throws. Rodgers doesn’t seem content with underneath routes, even when they’re wide open, and prefers to throw into double, or even triple coverage downfield (a habit he no doubt learned from his predecessor).

The defense continues to get take-aways, and stop the run, but the lack of a pass-rush has been the undoing of the season for the Packers. Even getting a rookie making his first start wasn’t enough to create some havoc in the opponents backfield. The interceptions were made on rookie throws, not great defensive calls.

The preseason showed the Packers susceptibility to underneath throws if the blitz didn’t get home. The regular season has only proved that tenfold. The 3-4 was a sexy idea at the time of the switch, coming off a season in which the Packers’ defense was responsible for a number of late game collapses.

Now after two terrible weeks, the 3-4 has about as much sex appeal as your elementary school lunch lady.

Al Harris, and Charles Woodson, can only fool Father Time so long. Aaron Kampman’s concerns over the switch were clearly justified as he has proven week in, and week out he’s a terrible fit at outside linebacker.

This team looks tailor-made for a 4-3, with Pickett and Raji inside, Kampman and Jenkins at the ends, and Jolly (until he goes to jail anyway) on the inside on passing downs. Chillar, Matthews, and Barnett would be an athletic, and versatile linebacking group, and we all know what the secondary can do, just as long as they don’t have to cover for 10 seconds a play.

If the Packers are committed to the 3-4, then you have to make some changes in personnel. If they’re committed to winning now, then the change must come from the coaches. Either Dom needs to figure something else out, or he needs to go.

Same goes for McCarthy. There is too much talent on this offense for them to be stalling in the red zone, continually, and perpetually committing penalties, not to mention being habitually put in a position to fail because of poor calls.

Lost in the Brett Favre/Aaron Rodgers hype is the fact that the pressure is now on the Packers to make the playoffs, since the Vikings are almost certainly going (likely with a first round bye).

The only goal now, is to win every week. Fail to win enough games, and miss out on the playoffs, heads need to roll in Green Bay. The fans here expect the playoffs, and they deserve it. Especially when the former face of the franchise will be playing well into January in purple and gold.

Mike McCarthy, and Dom Capers, you, and your staff, have been put on notice. Your jobs are on the line if you don’t make the playoffs.

And Ted Thompson, you’re not immune. If the Packers are sitting home during the playoffs, and there aren’t consequences, it’s time for you to go too. You better hope the Pack can keep Aaron Rodgers upright, because if he get sacked much more, and you don’t make some changes, then you deserve to be sacked along with him.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Despite Critics, Don’t Sell Packer Defense Short

Packer fans are not happy with Dom Capers right now.

And they’re not the only ones. Players voiced their frustration following the loss to Minnesota, saying they were “handcuffed” to quote Cullen Jenkins.

Just don’t blame the defense for the Packers being 4-3.

You can understand the frustration when Green Bay showed no ability in two games to stop the Vikings offense, gave up a ton of points, and lost both football games.

Now, we are hearing from bloggers, writers, and fans that the Packers defensive rankings are inflated because they’ve played bad teams, and they don’t deserve to be considered a top tier defense. The Pack currently rank in the Top 10 in all four major categories: points, total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards allowed.

Critics will say those numbers are due to playing sub-standard teams, and if you look at the stats against the Vikings, they show the Packers really aren’t that good.

They’re right about the stats, but they’re equivocating, and it’s not fair to this defense.

So since everyone wants to talk about the schedules, and the Packers in relation to the Vikings, let’s do that, and you may be surprised at the results.

The first contention fans make is the easy schedule the Packers faced outside of the Vikings. But the Packers, and Vikings, have played very similar schedules, rank on opposite ends of the league, and yet the Vikings are supposed to have an elite defense.

But take a look at the schedules. Each team has faced the Lions, Rams, and Browns. The Vikings gave up 933 yards and 40 points to those three, while the Packers gave up just 624 yards, and 23 points.

We know what happened in the head-to-head meetings, but both teams put up a ton of points, and a ton of yards. So those games are a wash.

You can’t count the extra game, because these rankings are based on a per game basis, not total. The only argument there would be that the Packers got some rest, and the Vikings didn’t. The difference is, the Vikings weren’t dealing with the same injury issues the Packers have been, so again, that ought to be a wash as well.

The rest of the schedule, so far, has been very similar. The Packers played a 4-3 Bears team, and a 5-2 Cinci team, both of whom have beaten the Steelers (to whom the Vikings fell just two weeks ago). The Vikings played 4-3 Baltimore, and 5-2 Pittsburgh, is this sounding familiar? Both the Packers, and Vikings, split their meetings, although the Vikes gave up 58 points, and Green Bay just 46.  

Now, consider the Packers have given up the fourth fewest total yards, and the Vikings the 19th fewest.

The Packers have faced Matt Forte, Adrian Peterson (Twice), Cedric Benson, and Stephen Jackson, and have given up just 13 yards, more on the ground per game than the vaunted Vikings rush D (The Packers rank ninth and the Vikings fourth).

This is defensive improvement. It was what Dom Capers was brought here to do. It isn’t the defense’s fault the Packers can’t protect Aaron Rodgers. Last Sunday, the Packers’ defense was constantly defending a short field, because the offense was putting them in horrible positions given their propensity to give up sacks, and penalties.

I hear you, there’s more to football than these rankings. Look at last season with the offense.

I get it.

The Packers couldn’t stop Brett Favre in either of the two meetings, and that hurts Packer fans. I know. But Favre has killed everyone this year. He’s playing at an elite level right now.

Green Bay ranks first in turnover ratio, and fourth in the league in interceptions. They have one of the best secondaries in the league, and they’re a Top-10 team statistically against the pass.

But the big criticism is, they’re not getting to the quarterback with just 11 sacks this season. Did you know 5-2 New England only has 12? Or 4-3 Atlanta only has 14? The Miami Dolphins are sixth in the league in sacks, and they’re 3-4. The Seahawks, and Redskins are tied for seventh in the NFL in sacks, and they’re a combined 4-10.

So to you who say stats aren’t as important as winning football games, I agree. Remember, the Packers are still very much in the thick of the Wild Car race, and have plenty of chances to separate themselves down the stretch.

The loss to Minnesota hurts, not only because it was a division game, but because Brett Favre was the QB. The division is all but out of reach, however, the schedule is still favorable.

Let’s not forget the Packers will likely go to 5-3 this week, and play a number of their wild card competition down the stretch, including a monstrous game against the Cowboys at Lambeau in two weeks.

Win the next two, and don’t make any big mistakes down the stretch, and the Packers are still in excellent shape to make the playoffs, not to mention finish with a top-ranked defense.

Fans need to push the images of Brett Favre out of their mind, and remember this was a 6-10 team last year killed by injuries, and inconsistency.

Aaron Rodgers has been sacked more than any quarterback in the league by far, and he’s still the highest rated QB in the league, not to mention how infrequently he’s turned the football over. A-Rod is the man who will have to step up down the stretch, create opportunities to score, and keep that defense off the field.

Consistency is the key. Play like a 10 defense every week, and it doesn’t matter what bloggers say, you are a Top-10 defense.

I don’t have to tell you what sorts of things defense wins.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010