Official Training Camp Thread 3

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
[align=center]MONDAY TRAINING CAMP SESSION: 2 P.M[/align]


[align=center]WEEK SCHEDULE:

Mon. Aug. 13 • 2:00 p.m. - pads/shells
Tues. Aug. 14 • 8:45 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full pads
Wed. Aug. 15 • no practice
Thurs. Aug. 16 • 8:45 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full pads
Fri. Aug. 17 • no public practice
Sat. Aug. 18 • preseason Seahawks game - 7:00 p.m
[/align]



:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
Seven players absent, not dressed

Practice is under way in pads at Clarke Hinkle Field. Seven players are absent or not dressed. They are: fullback Brandon Miree, running backs Vernand Morency and P.J. Pope, tackle Orrin Thompson and defensive ends DeVon Hicks and Cullen Jenkins. Only Jenkins has not missed time in recent days due to injury. Cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson, who sat out Saturday's game against Pittsburgh, are in uniform, but it's unclear how much they will participate today.
 

Pack93z

You retired too? .... Not me. I'm in my prime
Joined
Aug 2, 2005
Messages
4,855
Reaction score
8
Location
Central Wisconsin
I sure wish Miree could stay healthy for more than a couple of seconds... he might be the most fragile FB I have ever heard of.

Either really unlucky or has the pain threshold of a field mouse.
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
MONDAY 2 PM SESSION

http://www.packersnews.com/includes/newspaper/blogs/insider/index.shtml

Ryan outperforms Dougherty in punting drill

Jon Ryan averaged 50.7 yards and 4.34 seconds of hang time on seven punts. Free-agent Ryan Dougherty averaged 48.7 yards and 4.22 seconds of hang time on six punts.

-- Atari Bigby lined up with the No. 1 defense in place of Marquand Manuel during a team drill. It was the first time anyone other than Manuel lined up in the spot.

-- No-name safety Alvin Nnabuife intercepted an Aaron Rodgers pass intended for Ruvell Martin. Rodgers was rolling to his left when he got off the wounded-duck attempt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rookie Crosby holds edge in field-goal drill

Once again, rookie Mason Crosby held a slight end over Dave Rayner in a field-goal drill this afternoon. Crosby went seven for seven from distances of 32, 32, 39, 39, 44, 46, and 53 yards. Rayner was six of seven, with the miss coming from 53 yards. He matched Crosby on all of his other distances.

First string holder Jon Ryan was used for all of Crosby's kicks; Aaron Rodgers held for Rayner.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Receivers drop four passes in six-play stretch

Packers receivers suffered a severe case of the drops during a seven-on-seven drill. In a stretch of six plays there were four dropped passes. The guilty parties included Carlton Brewster, Brandon Jackson, Carlyle Holiday and Donald Driver. Tight end Zac Alcorn also dropped a pass during the drill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Offense struggles during team blitz drill; Franks makes outstretched catch

The offense struggled in a team blitz drill. Aaron Rodgers nearly had a screen pass intercepted and a short time later missed badly on a screen pass intended for Corey White. Brett Favre would have been sacked in the pocket, but he unleashed a long pass anyway which was dropped by rookie tight end Clark Harris.

Later, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila slapped the ball out of Favre's hand in the pocket. In a real game, it would have been ruled a sack and forced fumble.

-- Tight end Bubba Franks made his best catch of training camp during a seven-on-seven drill when he was fully outstretched and hauled in a pass in heavy traffic over the middle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Receivers come out on top in one-on-one drills

Receivers won 13 of 16 reps against defensive backs during one-on-one drills today. Rookie James Jones continues to shine -- as he has all camp -- during this drill. He caught passes over Charles Woodson and badly beat Marviel Underwood on a deep post corner route.

The only defenders to win reps were: Will Blackmon over Carlton Brewster, Antonio Malone over Calvin Russell and Patrick Dendy over Brewster.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Woodson looks sharp in coverage

Cornerback Charles Woodson, who didn't play in the Packers' first preseason game on Saturday night, was back in top form at practice this afternoon.

On one of the first plays during a drill, Woodson leaped over wide receiver Donald Driver to intercept a Brett Favre pass.

ADDITION: Woodson also nearly had another interception against Favre when he knocked a pass down intended for Greg Jennings. As if Woodson didn't do enough already, he was seen on the sidelines doing push-ups with his fists touching the ground.

Woodson also took reps with the first punt return team.

Other notes

-- Driver limped off the field after one play, but was back in the lineup after sitting out just one play.

-- Rookie kicker Mason Crosby converted two of three field-goal attempts. He missed wide left from 44 yards, but made kicks of 45 and 40 yards. Incumbent kicker Dave Rayner made one of two kicks. He converted a 44-yarder, but missed wide right on a 43-yarder.
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
Re: MONDAY 2 PM SESSION

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070813/PKR01/708130523/1989

Notebook: Packers emerge virtually healthy

The Green Bay Packers appeared to get out of Saturday night's exhibition game against Pittsburgh on Saturday night without any injuries to key players or any major injuries to anyone on the roster. After the game, coach Mike McCarthy reported two injuries: No. 3 quarterback Ingle Martin sustained a head injury, and backup safety Marviel Underwood a hamstring injury. On Sunday, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said neither of those two injuries appeared worse than leaving those players' status day-to-day. "Knock on wood, we came out of the game kind of OK," Thompson said.

Underwood was making his first game appearance since last year's exhibition opener, when he tore the anterior-cruciate ligament and medial-collateral ligament in his right knee. He made no mention of his hamstring after the game and lamented that he slowed down and misjudged the ball on a potential interception in the first half that turned into a 49-yard reception by Santonio Holmes. "I missed the whole year, so I want to get back in that groove," he said. "I could have had an interception, but you could tell I was hesitant with it. In a couple weeks, I'll be able to make that play no problem."

The Packers went into the game concerned about their depth at defensive tackle, because starter Ryan Pickett was a potential no-show with the impending birth of a child, and first-round draft pick Justin Harrell was a possible pregame scratch because of a strained groin. Both played in the game, and Harrell made three tackles, including a sack. Nevertheless, the Packers used offensive lineman Travis Leffew on a couple of snaps at defensive tackle late in the game to give the rest of the defensive tackles some rest. Leffew prepared for that by taking two snaps in one-on-one pass-rushing drills in practice on Thursday night. Leffew also played as a backup guard on offense. "(Leffew) is a very, very smart guy, and he's a football guy," Thompson said.
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
UPDATE

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070813/PKR01/70813163/1989

TE Franks on thin ice

At this point, 2½ weeks into training camp, the chances of Bubba Franks regaining his starting tight end job appear to be next to nil. The issue is whether or not he’ll even be on the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster when they’re preparing for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Donald Lee seemingly entrenched as the starting tight end, Franks didn’t help his situation when he dropped an easy pass in Saturday’s preseason opener at Pittsburgh. The drop was a drive killer. He whiffed on a third-and-8 play from the 50 that stalled what had been a productive series by the second-string offense.

“Hopefully, he can rebound from that,” Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said on Monday. “I think he’s having a solid camp. He hasn’t been dropping a whole bunch of balls, so hopefully that doesn’t become an issue. Hopefully, he’s not pressing. You don’t need to press.” Drops were a problem for Franks last year. According to Stats Inc., he dropped 15.1 percent of the passes thrown his way. That was the second-highest drop percentage on the team. Only Lee had a higher drop rate at 23.8 percent. Franks bounced back in practice today to make what probably was his best catch of training camp during a 7-on-7 drill. He hauled in a pass on a middle seam route with backup linebacker Tracy White in tow.

In any other season, the eighth-year veteran might be a strong candidate to be released before the season started. His salary — $1.4 million this season — makes him expensive for a backup who doesn’t play on many of the special teams. But the Packers’ lack of another proven NFL tight end might just save Franks’ spot on the roster. With backup Tory Humphrey lost for the season due to a broken ankle, neither second-year pro Zac Alcorn nor rookie seventh-round pick Clark Harris has distinguished himself. A team that kept four tight ends a year ago (Franks, Lee, Humphrey and David Martin) right now might not have more than two worth keeping. “One of those young guys needs to jump up and take advantage of the opportunity,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “That hasn’t happened yet.”

General Manager Ted Thompson and his staff will be scouring the waiver wire between now and Week 1, but there’s little chance an impact tight end will become available. “There’s not a lot of history of getting established guys,” McKenzie said. “But you can get functional guys. Really, it’s that way at every position, but we’ll be looking at that. I’m not concerned (about the tight ends), but we’ve got some areas where we want to make sure we upgrade the group. Anytime you lose one player that you had in the program for a couple of years (like Martin), we haven’t replaced that experience yet, so we’re going to continue to look.”

Franks essentially lost his starting job this spring, when the Packers opened their June organized team activities with Lee and Humphrey as their top tandem in their “tiger” set, which is two tight ends. Since then, Franks has done little to challenge Lee, who had one catch for 6 yards in Saturday’s 13-9 win over the Steelers. Meanwhile, Lee has been solid. The offensive coaches were so pleased with his one-on-one blocking at Pittsburgh that they had the team’s video staff put clips of his blocks on a tape to show during a meeting today. “I thought Donald Lee played very good in the game,” McCarthy said. “Bubba did some good things, too. He did have the one drop on the basic crossing (route). It looked like he never found the ball, and then he comes out here today and had a very good practice. I think those two guys are giving us very solid, consistent play throughout training camp.”
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
REPORT: TC DAY 17

http://packers.scout.com/2/668076.html

The Word: Training Camp Day 17: Bigby makes most of opportunity in practice; Lee and Bush turn in big plays

For the first time in a training camp drill this summer, safety Marquand Manuel didn’t line up with the first team defense. Two days removed from a lackluster preseason opener, Atari Bigby was given snaps alongside Nick Collins in the defensive secondary. The move was certainly a surprise after Bigby’s role in Pittsburgh’s two biggest plays Saturday night. In the first quarter, receiver Walter Young caught a post pass inside Green Bay’s 20-yard line. Bigby had a clear shot at him but whiffed, as Young turned it into the Steelers’ lone touchdown. In the second quarter, Santonio Holmes blew by cornerback Will Blackmon at the first level and Bigby at the second for a 49-yard completion.

Head coach Mike McCarthy offered Bigby shot at redemption today and the safety responded. In a late 11-on-11 two minute drill, Bigby nestled into his zone displayed his athleticism by leaping high for an interception off Brett Favre. The pass was intended for Greg Jennings, who stood five yards behind Bigby. Range is definitely Bigby’s calling card. It’s what could separate him from hard-hitting safeties Marviel Underwood and Aaron Rouse. Bigby just needs to establish a mental rhythm so his athleticism can flourish more frequently. “I think Atari is a very talented safety,” McCarthy said. “I think his range is as good as we have in that particular group back there. He needs to clean up some things. But he’s young. He just needs more opportunities.” The strong safety position battle has flown under the radar throughout most of camp. But as Marquand Manuel’s inconsistent play persists, Bigby, Underwood and Rouse will see increased reps. Aggressiveness is the backbone of the position. Unfortunately full contact is restricted daily at camp. This simply adds to the pressure of every snap in practice. Without a legitimate chance to shine in run support during practice, safeties needs to be playmakers in the passing game to stand out. Plays like Bigby’s interception today make a big difference. “Our safeties just need to play,” McCarthy said. “We have some young guys back there and we just need to put them in competitive situations to take advantage of opportunities so they can show us what they can do.”

Other notes from today’s practice:

Offensive Play of the Day

McCarthy was impressived with the solid game from Donald Lee Saturday night. “I thought Donald Lee played very well in the game, particularly his run blocking,” the coach said. “He had a couple big time one-on-one blocks in the game. It was highlighted in the offensive meeting.” Today in practice, Lee made two big catches downfield. If he can combine consistent hands with improving run-blocking, Lee will lock down the starting tight end spot. In the first 11-on-11 segment, Lee caught a 30-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers with Underwood on coverage. Later on during the two-minute drill, Lee got involved with his starting quarterback. On 3rd and 5, Favre hit Lee on a 10-yard crossing route and the tight end gained an additional 15 yards after the catch.

Defensive Play of the Day

For cornerbacks, anticipation goes beyond natural instincts. It takes split-second glancing and split-second reaction. On the final play of practice, at the defense’s five-yard line, Rodgers threw an interception to Jarrett Bush, who would have probably returned it for a 99-yard touchdown. But it wasn’t an ‘offensive miscommunication.’ It was the 23-year old Bush making a veteran in-play read.“The offense loves that route,” he started. “I didn’t know whether Aaron would go up top with the ball or throw a stop route so I just played my technique. I peeked at Aaron and saw him wind up. When I peek, I can only peek for so long because then he is going to go up top and I have to be able to turn and play the ball. So when I caught him winding up, I said to myself, ‘I’m taking this!’”

Stock is Rising

Saturday Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila whipped around Pittsburgh’s Max Starks as if he were John Michels. Today, KGB’s resurgence continued. Since being demoted to his pass-rushing role of old, Gbaja-Biamila hasn’t appeared over-the-hill. Instead, he’s still over quarterbacks. During today’s 11-on-11 action, KGB zipped past Chad Clifton towards Favre’s backside, and slapped the ball loose. KGB turns 30 in a month, but you can’t tell that he's getting any older from his daily hustle at camp. His speed is still an obvious level ahead of everyone else on the defensive line. Gbaja-Biamila should make the team and substantially add to his sack total this season, which sits at 64 ½. His value as a specialist is just too great to cut lose for the Packers.

Stock is Falling

The drops, look-out blocks, overthrows, sacks, and interceptions lingered into today’s practice from Saturday’s three-and-out extravaganza. Hopefully, Green Bay’s defense is just that good. The Packers’ offense struggled mightily during 11-on-11 action today, particularly the first team offense. In the first 11-on-11 installment, Favre was 2-for-5. One incompletion was an ugly overthrow to Robert Ferguson. He second was actually a completion…the chest of Charles Woodson on a quick slant, intended for Greg Jennings. The third misfire was a result of Marquand Manuel blitzing untouched from the left side. To top off the series, KGB forced a fumble on the unit’s final play. Later on, Favre threw an interception to Bigby and had passes bounce off the hands of Underwood and Charles Woodson. Thankfully, three preseason games and a handful of practices remain for Favre to gain chemistry with his revamped core of receivers. The pace he is currently playing at is a step ahead of everyone else right now.

He Said It

“He understands the game so well for a rookie. It was a broken play, I rolled out to the right, and he was able to get his guy off of him and continue his way back to the ball. On other routes, he was able to make catches and turn it into positive yardage. I think he had a pretty good night for his first game."--Quarterback Aaron Rodgers on an improvisational pass to receiver James Jones against Pittsburgh.
 

Tiger

Cheesehead
Joined
Sep 10, 2006
Messages
1,090
Reaction score
0
Location
Ireland
I think it's pretty cool the way ARod is building up good chemistry with the backup recievers, its a pity they may never all get to play together in regular season.
 

Greg C.

Cheesehead
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Messages
2,856
Reaction score
0
Location
Marquette, Michigan
It's good to hear that the coaching staff was pleased with Donald Lee's run blocking Saturday night. The blocking of tight ends is a part of the game that I just don't pay much attention to. Still, it's a little weird that, after Bubba did so poorly catching the ball last season, they replace him in the starting lineup with a guy who dropped even MORE passes.

I saw the interception by Bigby on Channel 5 news last night, and it was an impressive play. Maybe there's still hope for this guy to become a starter.
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
TC REPORT DAY 17: GOOD REPORT

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=646223

THUMBS UP

On Sunday, a day after Mason Crosby boomed a 52-yard field goal in Pittsburgh, Ted Thompson was asked if the Colorado rookie had a leg up on veteran Dave Rayner. We don't keep score like that," the general manager said. "They're both doing a nice job." That, they most assuredly are. On a muggy Monday, the steely contestants were hammering away at each other yet again. Like metronomes, Crosby and Rayner have been putting on a daily pressure-kicking clinic at Hinkle Field. Crosby held the upper hand, drilling 10 of 11 (a miss from 44), whereas Rayner checked in at eight of 10 (misses from 44 and 53.). Over 2½ weeks of practice plus the intrasquad scrimmage, Crosby is 70 for 82 (85.4%) on field goals, whereas Rayner is 68 for 83 (81.9%). Given that there have been three different holders and different snappers, their marksmanship has been exceptional. At first, all eyes were trained on the kickers to see how they'd fare. But now one can detect less interest among their teammates. There's almost no drama. Both have been too good for too many days. Barring a reversal in fortune, it's hard to imagine the Packers giving up on a sixth-round draft choice who has performed so superbly and could have a tremendous future. It's a pretty safe bet that Crosby would be kicking somewhere else almost immediately if he were to wind up on the street.

THUMBS DOWN

Whatever you do, Mike McCarthy, don't let Brett Favre watch tape of blitz pickup Monday. Favre might not want to get under center again if Brandon Jackson is supposed to be protecting him. For only the third time this camp, the running backs squared off with the linebackers in the full-contact blitz drill. It was an absolute nightmare for Jackson, the Nebraska rookie. By subjective judgment, Jackson lost all eight of his matchups: three against free agent Rory Johnson, two against Tracy White and one each against Abdul Hodge, Tim Goodwell and Desmond Bishop. In the first two sessions, Jackson had a 2-4 mark but at least made some solid contact. This time, he kept lunging and he kept missing as his quarry raced past on one side or the other. Position coach Edgar Bennett stayed by Jackson's side, reminding him to stay with his technique. Then Jackson would blow another one and look skyward as if he couldn't believe this was happening. But it was, and the Packers have a major problem. They need Jackson to be like a bug on a bus, not roadkill. They need him to face people up, not duck and lunge. No question, it is a brutally difficult exercise for the backs. But this type of spectacle could ruin an offense come September. "There's no excuse for that," Jackson said. "I will get better." If he doesn't, he can't play.

INJURY REPORT

Added to the injury list were T Orrin Thompson (unspecified). Returning to practice were T Tony Moll, CB Al Harris and CB Charles Woodson.

ODDS AND ENDS

Defensive end Larry Birdine, a free-agent rookie from Oklahoma, is getting better. He applied constant pressure playing the last 2½ quarters in Pittsburgh and gave great effort Monday in the one-on-one drills. Birdine isn't an easy mark for anyone these days. The difference between a starter and a backup was evident as linebackers coach Winston Moss put his charges through individual drills. Invariably, the starters would catch the passes from Moss, and the backups displayed stone hands. Aaron Kampman got around Mark Tauscher on both of their one-on-one drills, quite possibly the first time that has happened all summer. Patrick Dendy had pretty good coverage, but rookie David Clowney used his blazing speed to make a fine over-the-shoulder catch from Aaron Rodgers. Then Ruvell Martin went long to make a tough grab against clinging coverage by Jarrett Bush. Two other running backs, Noah Herron and Corey White, did a respectable job in the blitz drill. Fullbacks Korey Hall and Ryan Powdrell were competitive, too.

SCHEDULE TUESDAY
Practice at 8:45 a.m. in shells, 6:30 p.m. in pads
.
 

Mortfini

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 6, 2007
Messages
457
Reaction score
0
Location
newcastle england
Re: TC REPORT DAY 17: GOOD REPORT

Like what KGB is doing Still lacking at T.E also the CB i like the fact that if woodson or harris become injured dendy can fill in with easy also on nickle plays
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
TC REPORT DAY 17: EDITED REPORTS

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/PKR01/708140492/1989

Notebook: No help coming for depleted backfield

Coach Mike McCarthy said late last week the Packers wouldn't consider adding a running back until a day after Saturday's preseason opener. Sunday came and went, and the Packers took the field Monday afternoon with the same inexperienced group of five running backs and fullbacks that played at Pittsburgh — even though it's becoming increasingly clear would-be starter Vernand Morency will miss at least two more preseason games. "We're going to stay the course," McCarthy said. "We are young, but these guys will benefit from the extra reps." Morency and P.J. Pope still are "a couple weeks away," according to McCarthy, meaning neither is expected to play in the Packers' exhibition games Saturday against Seattle and Aug. 23 against Jacksonville. The preseason finale is Aug. 30 at Tennessee. Also sidelined are starting fullback Brandon Miree (shoulder stinger), who dressed but sat out team drills Monday, and seventh-round draft pick DeShawn Wynn (strained quadriceps). McCarthy reiterated Wynn "needs to get back out here" soon if he hopes to make the roster.

On top picks

General Manager Ted Thompson expressed general satisfaction with the debuts of his top two draft picks Saturday.....

Bush pleased with starting debut

The injury-induced absences of Charles Woodson and Al Harris gave second-year cornerbacks Jarrett Bush and Will Blackmon their first starting experiences Saturday night. Bush played cornerback opposite third-year pro Patrick Dendy and shifted to the slot (nickel) spot most of the time when Blackmon entered as a third cornerback...."I'd never played corner like that from the get-go (in the NFL), so I think some of that anxiety might be gone, because I know what to expect." Bush said his primary regret was failing to break up two passes while playing in the slot. He finished with four tackles. Woodson (hamstring) and Harris (back) practiced with the starters Monday, with Dendy as the No. 3 cornerback.

Odds and ends

After reviewing film, McCarthy said six mental errors and seven "other negatives" in the first 13 plays contributed to the first-team offense's impotent performance at Pittsburgh. QB Brett Favre was 2-for-7 for 7 yards and was part of a fumbled center-quarterback exchange as the offense went three-and-out four times. … Reserve T Tony Moll (shoulder stinger) returned to practice, as did S Marviel Underwood (hamstring) and QB Ingle Martin (head), who were injured in Saturday's game. … WR Donald Driver limped off the field after Woodson went over him to intercept a Favre pass on the first team drill Monday. Driver was on the field with the starting offense minutes later and only appeared to sit out one-on-one passing drills. … Players suffered a severe case of the drops during a seven-on-seven drill. In a stretch of six plays, Carlton Brewster, Jackson, Carlyle Holiday and Driver each failed to handle a pass. TE Zac Alcorn also dropped one during the drill. … DT Cullen Jenkins practiced in shorts but said he had his football pants underneath.
______________________________________________________________

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/PKR01/708140495/1989

Insider: Woodson puts on show during practice

Thumbs up

Just when it looked like Charles Woodson was going to coast through another practice on Monday, the cornerback put on a show. The easy-going veteran doesn't always look like he's going at full speed in training camp, but he was all over the field for the entire 2½-hour, full-pads practice. The starting left cornerback, who didn't play in Saturday's preseason opener at Pittsburgh because of a sore hamstring, had an interception, two pass breakups in coverage and one tipped ball near the line of scrimmage during team periods. He picked off a Brett Favre pass during the first team (11-on-11) period when he jumped over receiver Donald Driver to take the ball away from him. He nearly had another pick on a Favre pass intended for Greg Jennings and later broke up a Favre pass to Donald Lee in the 2-minute drill. His batted down a pass by Aaron Rodgers when he came flying in a corner blitz.

Thumbs down

If the coaches want to truly level the playing field in the kicking battle between incumbent Dave Rayner and rookie Mason Crosby, they're going to have to make some changes to their practice routine. ssential to a fair fight is the need for both kickers to work with the same holder and snapper....The difference in the holders is noticeable. Ryan, who held all of last season, gets the ball placed quicker and at a more consistent angle than Rodgers, who takes longer to get the ball down because he catches it farther away from his placement point. Rayner made all three of his kicks on Monday with Ryan as his holder, but went 6-for-7 with Rodgers. He missed wide right from 53 yards. Crosby had Ryan holding for him throughout practice and went 10-for-11. His lone miss was wide left from 44 yards early in practice.

Did you notice?

The No. 1 offense couldn't finish off a 2-minute drill against the starting defense near the end of practice. Trailing 14-10 with 1:48 left and two timeouts remaining, Favre moved the offense from its own 30-yard line to near midfield but on second-and-10 from the 49-yard line threw an interception. Safety Atari Bigby picked off the pass that was intended for Jennings with 41 seconds left. In the same drill, the No. 2 offense fared better. Trailing 9-7 with 1:58 remaining and two timeouts, Rodgers moved the offense from its own 30 into field-goal range, where Crosby and Rayner both made 44-yard game-winners as time expired. The final two plays of practice were fourth-and-goal plays from the 5-yard line. On the first, cornerback Patrick Dendy had blanket coverage on James Jones, and Favre threw incomplete. On the second, cornerback Jarrett Bush picked off a Rodgers pass intended for Carlyle Holiday.
______________________________________________________________

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/PKR01/708140491/1989

Bigby on Manuel's starting heels

It was only three plays in a training camp practice, but the implication was undeniable: Strong safety Marquand Manuel's starting job is in peril, and second-year pro Atari Bigby poses the most imminent threat. Coaches rotated several safety pairings with members of the starting defense the first 16 days of camp. But no one except Manuel lined up opposite Nick Collins until Monday afternoon, when Bigby made a surprise appearance during a team period. Though Manuel replaced Bigby for the starters' last snap, coach Mike McCarthy said nothing after practice to dispel the notion it's an open competition....
 
OP
OP
T

TOPHAT

Cheesehead
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
947
Reaction score
0
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION

Favre struggles again in team drills

Brett Favre finished this morning's practice 5-for-14 with two interceptions -- the same numbers he posted in team periods Monday afternoon. It was another rough workout for Favre, who was picked off by defensive tackle Corey Williams and A.J. Hawk. Al Harris also had a good chance for an interception, and two other Favre passes were deflected. Backup Aaron Rodgers was 12-for-13, including 11-of-12 during a highly effective no-huddle drive.

Since they weren't posted last night, here are the final passing stats from Monday's practice (7-on-7 in parentheses): Favre 16-for-28, 2 INTs (11-for-14); Rodgers 10-for-24, 2 INTs (3-for-7); Ingle Martin 2-for-3, INT; Paul Thompson 1-for-3; and Brandon Jackson 0-for-1.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Barnett battling back problem

Shortly after practice concluded without him on the field, middle linebacker Nick Barnett said this morning he has been bothered by tightness in his back for a while. Barnett was on the field during the walkthrough portion of practice but left before warm-ups. Rookie Desmond Bishop worked with the starting defense in his absence. Barnett said there was a chance he might practice tonight.

Also sitting out most or all of this morning's session were: TE Bubba Franks; Ts Chad Clifton and Orrin Thompson; WR Robert Ferguson; RBs DeShawn Wynn, Vernand Morency and P.J. Pope; fullback Brandon Miree; LB Abdul Hodge; DEs Aaron Kampman and DeVon Hicks; S Marviel Underwood; and G Tony Palmer. Only Palmer had not sat out practice previously in training camp. Franks, Clifton, Ferguson, Hodge, Kampman and Underwood are on a one-a-day schedule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bishop steps in for Barnett at LB

Linebacker Nick Barnett and guard Tony Palmer didn't participate in the morning workout. In Barnett's absence, rookie Desmond Bishop lined up with the No. 1 defense. Patrick Dendy lined up as the nickel cornerback.

Also worth noting:

-- Defensive lineman Corey Williams intercepted a Brett Favre screen pass intended for running back Brandon Jackson. The pass was from point-blank range, with Williams no more than 4 yards away from Favre, who threw it right into his bread basket.
-- Wide receiver Ruvell Martin made an excellent catch, hauling in a deep pass along the sidelines from Aaron Rodgers with cornerback Frank Walker and safety Atari Bigby in coverage.

-- The rain has stopped outside the Don Hutson Center, but it appears the players will finish the morning workout indoors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning practice moved indoors because of rain

If you're planning to come out to this morning's practice, don't bother. A sudden downpour sent the team scurrying indoors to the Don Hutson Center. When practice is held at the Hutson Center, it is closed to the general public. It is the first time the Packers have practiced indoors since training camp started. The team has another outdoors practice scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today, weather permitting. The forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m.
 

pack_in_black

Cheesehead
Joined
Aug 16, 2006
Messages
1,876
Reaction score
0
Location
Colorado Springs
What happens if Brett continues to struggle with the first team, and Rodgers keeps tearing it up?

Seriously, would MM even consider putting Rodgers in with the 1's?

I know that could never happen, but really, this could become quite a hot topic if the offense doesn't start clicking come week 3 or so...
 

HomerK

Cheesehead
Joined
Apr 28, 2007
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
It's starting to sound like Brett's finally lost it. It's kind of sad to say that, but maybe it's time to have him hang em up. The records are not as important if we actually have a shot at winning.
 

Pack93z

You retired too? .... Not me. I'm in my prime
Joined
Aug 2, 2005
Messages
4,855
Reaction score
8
Location
Central Wisconsin
From the Jsonline blog... Brett sounds very frustrated with himself an the youth around him. Catch the last comment... 5 more years?

Overall doesn't sound especially positive.

Green Bay - Quarterback Brett Favre might be in his 17th season in the National Football League but Saturday night in Pittsburgh was one of his all-time summer lows, he said today.

"I was as frustrated when I came out as I think I've ever been in pre-season," Favre said during his second press briefing of the Green Bay Packers' training camp. "Knowing that their scheme poses problems and it would be difficult, I just expect more from myself and the offense in general. It wasn't so much what they did but what we didn't do."

Favre played the entire first quarter in the Packers' 13-9 victory over the Steelers, failing to generate a single first down in four three-and-out possessions.

"Talent alone does not get you championships," said Favre. "Chemistry does. We have to find it fast. There will be a lot of ups and downs along the way. We have to get a little bit better each week."

Among Favre's other comments were these:

On the past: "Our play-calling is different. We have a different head coach, different coaches, different players. A lot has changed. In games from the past, you go out and can do things blindfolded. Whereas last year and this year, we're constantly trying to find chemistry and to find what we hang our hat on.

On the Steelers' 3-4 defense: "That defense poses us a lot of problems. It did two years ago. They give you a lot of looks. They make you change your scheme up for that week because they are 3-4. You never know who's blitzing. They're hard to run against. That scheme is hard to run against. It offered some challenges. To a certain degree, that scheme makes you look bad. Or question where you're at offensively."

On the season ahead: "You'd like to go into a season like Indy is now and NE and even the Bears. The way we were in years past. I consider the Saints in that position. San Diego. You know Indy will run the same plays but it's hard to stop them because they've been running them so long and so well. We were the same way. I mean, you knew I was going to throw a screen pass to Edgar Bennett but you didn't know when it was coming. It worked.

"It's frustrating for me but I understand. I've been there. I'm having to maybe anticipate a little more. It's hard to anticipate a throw down the field when I'm a little unsure if he's going to break it off when I think he is. It's hard to play that way. Once again, that's the way it is.

"At some point, I have to play the game. I've tried to focus on only what I do. In years past I have tried to coach everybody up on the fly. It's hard enough to play my question to focus on everyone else. I can't do that."

On where the team is headed: "I may play five more years. I think we're all assuming that's not the case. If this was a five-year project and this year is just the first step ... but I want to win now. I hope everyone else does, too. We've had a lot of success in the past. Most of these guys didn't experience that success."
 

Popcynical

Cheesehead
Joined
Oct 29, 2005
Messages
519
Reaction score
0
Location
Southern California
I watched the conference with Brett and it seemed that he was more concerned about chemistry with his receivers than anything else. Hopefully it builds up more and more as we get closer to the season.
 

Members online

No members online now.

Latest posts

Top