Who will step up in 2008/09

Bertram

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Players that I think will step up their game and develop into real players:

Allen Barbre - Colledge and Spitz hasn't been very good, this guy looked good last year, hopefully he has developed into a better player and will lock down one of the guard spots.

Tramon Williams - He's a good return guy and hasn't looked bad at CB despite his size, I think he might even challenge Patrick Lee.

Aaron Rouse - This guy is a giant in the secondary, will probably lock down one of the safety spots, I'm not sure if I want Rouse/Collins or Rouse/Bigby, both Bigby and Collins has their problems but I see Bigby as more of a liabillity in pass coverage and I think it might be Rouse/Collins.

Justin Harrell - I think he will be a contender for one of the starting DT jobs, he will be an active guy in the rotation that's for sure.




Players that need to step up:

Abdul Hodge - If this guy doesn't step up his game, he will be gone soon. Has had his share of injury problems.

Will Blackmon - Has looked amazing as a return guy when on the field, only problem is staying on the field. Needs to stay on the field this season.

DeShawn Wynn - Has also looked amazing on the field, when he was on it, needs to toughen up and get on the field and play, or else he might be gone soon.
 

MassPackersFan

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Players I think will step up their game:
Atari Bigby - He improved dramatically over the 2007 season, and I expect to see more of what he showed in the Seattle game throughout 2008.

AJ Hawk - Was solid in 2007, but not spectacular. I am attributing it to a slight sophomore slump, and I expect to see him step up his game to Barnett's level this year.

Junius Coston - I think he's going to turn into a VERY solid guard. If he stays healthy I expect to see him lock up a starting spot.

Players who need to step up:
Colledge/Spitz - With other guys being developed and coming in to challenge for a roster spot, they need to prove themselves to be the better veterans, or they could find themselves on the bench and one of them could even be on his way out.

Nick Collins - I like Collins, and I think he has the tools to be a great free safety. But Aaron Rouse will be pressing hard this year, and Collins hasn't had a breakout year yet to lock up the position. He could lose his starting spot if he doesn't start making more plays.

Jon Ryan - We know he can get the job done, but will he consistently? The punter from Wisconsin could easily supplant Ryan as our starting punter if Ryan continues to struggle at pinning teams inside their 20.

Predicted key change to 2009 starting lineup
- Chad Clifton retires. Barbre takes LT if ready. If not, Colledge moves over and Spitz/Coston take G spots.
 

bozz_2006

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Players I think will step up their game:
Atari Bigby - He improved dramatically over the 2007 season, and I expect to see more of what he showed in the Seattle game throughout 2008.

AJ Hawk - Was solid in 2007, but not spectacular. I am attributing it to a slight sophomore slump, and I expect to see him step up his game to Barnett's level this year.

Junius Coston - I think he's going to turn into a VERY solid guard. If he stays healthy I expect to see him lock up a starting spot.

Players who need to step up:
Colledge/Spitz - With other guys being developed and coming in to challenge for a roster spot, they need to prove themselves to be the better veterans, or they could find themselves on the bench and one of them could even be on his way out.

Nick Collins - I like Collins, and I think he has the tools to be a great free safety. But Aaron Rouse will be pressing hard this year, and Collins hasn't had a breakout year yet to lock up the position. He could lose his starting spot if he doesn't start making more plays.

Jon Ryan - We know he can get the job done, but will he consistently? The punter from Wisconsin could easily supplant Ryan as our starting punter if Ryan continues to struggle at pinning teams inside their 20.

Predicted key change to 2009 starting lineup
- Chad Clifton retires. Barbre takes LT if ready. If not, Colledge moves over and Spitz/Coston take G spots.

I believe Colledge was drafted to eventually replace Clifton.
 

longtimefan

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that need to step up? Rodgers...If he falls flat on his face this entire team might fall flat..

I also agree with op, Wynn needs to step it up as well..We need 2 capable rb back there to share the load..
 

Zombieslayer

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Players that I think will step up their game and develop into real players:

Allen Barbre - Colledge and Spitz hasn't been very good, this guy looked good last year, hopefully he has developed into a better player and will lock down one of the guard spots.

Tramon Williams - He's a good return guy and hasn't looked bad at CB despite his size, I think he might even challenge Patrick Lee.

Aaron Rouse - This guy is a giant in the secondary, will probably lock down one of the safety spots, I'm not sure if I want Rouse/Collins or Rouse/Bigby, both Bigby and Collins has their problems but I see Bigby as more of a liabillity in pass coverage and I think it might be Rouse/Collins.

Justin Harrell - I think he will be a contender for one of the starting DT jobs, he will be an active guy in the rotation that's for sure.




Players that need to step up:

Abdul Hodge - If this guy doesn't step up his game, he will be gone soon. Has had his share of injury problems.

Will Blackmon - Has looked amazing as a return guy when on the field, only problem is staying on the field. Needs to stay on the field this season.

DeShawn Wynn - Has also looked amazing on the field, when he was on it, needs to toughen up and get on the field and play, or else he might be gone soon.



Excellent read. Always enjoy reading your opinions.

The only thing I'd change is I'd put Harrell in must step up. No, I'm not implying he's in danger of losing his job, but he's in danger of losing respect. He was a 1st round pick, and he'll be replacing Corey Williams who has done an outstanding job in the middle.

Plus, we're really going to need his skill set this upcoming year.
 

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I think Johnny Jolly is gonna beast it up this season. Just a hunch.

I also expect Barbre to work his way into a position on the offensive line.

Of the picks from last year that I'd LIKE to see elevate their games a few steps:

1.) James Jones--if he develops into more of a #2 quality receiver then our mulitple-WR sets will give teams lots of trouble. Jennings, Driver, Jones, Nelson + [insert Koren or Martin or Lee]. Plus, if we have an injury to one of the other guys we can still play at a high level if Jones is productive.

2.) Aaron Rouse--in flashes last year he was a big playmaker. Didn't play often, but seemed to make impact when he was in game. Collins and Bigby both have issues in their game. If one had a better compliment--Rouse--I think they would play at a higher level. Rouse is rangy and big, but needs to improve tackling and anticipation.

3.) Justin Harrell-- Corey Williams made some big plays inside. Harrell needs to contribute like a starter this year. Jolly has already impressed there.
 

Lare

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Don't know who will step up, but those I think need to step up:

Rodgers- Been toting a clipboard a long time, time to prove you're 1st round pick worthy.

AJ Hawk- Pretty average last year for a top five selection.

Harrell- Healthy now with a year in the offseason program, time to show you're worth what the Pack has invested in you.

Jenkins- Got the big money but hampered by nagging injuries last year. Have to do better this year.

Jones- Good start, bad finish. Has to do better with legitimate competition or he could be gone.

Jackson/Wynn/Morency- Got every opportunity in the world to take the job & couldn't. This year is probably last chance.

Colledge/Spitz/Wells- Need to be much more consistent this year or will be replaced (as indicated by the draft picks invested here).

Poppinga- Pretty clear they think you're not doing the job when they brought in Chillar. Either play pass defense or enjoy life on ST.

Robinson- Bad knees, draft picks probably signal end of career.

Lee- Bubba's gone, time to get consistent or let the young guy do it.

Collins- Last chance to do something, anything.

KGB- You're getting paid a lot of money to be a specialist. Be special for a change.

Bush/Bigby- Plenty of enthusiasm, not a lot of smarts. Need to play as if you belong at this level.

Sanders- Pretty average production from a unit on a team that says it is a defense-first team. Need a more consistent pass defense and pressure on the QB one way or another.

McCarthy/Thompson- Need to prove the performance last year wasn't due to Brett. A stumble this year could be a sign it was.

JMHO
 

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Don't know who will step up, but those I think need to step up:

Rodgers- Been toting a clipboard a long time, time to prove you're 1st round pick worthy.

AJ Hawk- Pretty average last year for a top five selection.

Harrell- Healthy now with a year in the offseason program, time to show you're worth what the Pack has invested in you.

Jenkins- Got the big money but hampered by nagging injuries last year. Have to do better this year.

Jones- Good start, bad finish. Has to do better with legitimate competition or he could be gone.

Jackson/Wynn/Morency- Got every opportunity in the world to take the job & couldn't. This year is probably last chance.

Colledge/Spitz/Wells- Need to be much more consistent this year or will be replaced (as indicated by the draft picks invested here).

Poppinga- Pretty clear they think you're not doing the job when they brought in Chillar. Either play pass defense or enjoy life on ST.

Robinson- Bad knees, draft picks probably signal end of career.

Lee- Bubba's gone, time to get consistent or let the young guy do it.

Collins- Last chance to do something, anything.

KGB- You're getting paid a lot of money to be a specialist. Be special for a change.

Bush/Bigby- Plenty of enthusiasm, not a lot of smarts. Need to play as if you belong at this level.

Sanders- Pretty average production from a unit on a team that says it is a defense-first team. Need a more consistent pass defense and pressure on the QB one way or another.

McCarthy/Thompson- Need to prove the performance last year wasn't due to Brett. A stumble this year could be a sign it was.

JMHO

Jones is far from the hot seat. I think he has too much potential and the coaches see that. He'll eventually replace Driver and it will be Jennings/Jones/someone else as our #1/2/3 (in no order).

Sanders - interesting you put that up. We were #6 in D last year, and I think we could have been better.

Bigby - I blame the lack of smarts more on the coaching than him. He hits like a ton of lead and can be a big play guy but he's sometimes in the wrong spot.
 
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Don't know who will step up, but those I think need to step up:

Rodgers- Been toting a clipboard a long time, time to prove you're 1st round pick worthy.

AJ Hawk- Pretty average last year for a top five selection.

Harrell- Healthy now with a year in the offseason program, time to show you're worth what the Pack has invested in you.

Jenkins- Got the big money but hampered by nagging injuries last year. Have to do better this year.

Jones- Good start, bad finish. Has to do better with legitimate competition or he could be gone.

Jackson/Wynn/Morency- Got every opportunity in the world to take the job & couldn't. This year is probably last chance.

Colledge/Spitz/Wells- Need to be much more consistent this year or will be replaced (as indicated by the draft picks invested here).

Poppinga- Pretty clear they think you're not doing the job when they brought in Chillar. Either play pass defense or enjoy life on ST.

Robinson- Bad knees, draft picks probably signal end of career.

Lee- Bubba's gone, time to get consistent or let the young guy do it.

Collins- Last chance to do something, anything.

KGB- You're getting paid a lot of money to be a specialist. Be special for a change.

Bush/Bigby- Plenty of enthusiasm, not a lot of smarts. Need to play as if you belong at this level.

Sanders- Pretty average production from a unit on a team that says it is a defense-first team. Need a more consistent pass defense and pressure on the QB one way or another.

McCarthy/Thompson- Need to prove the performance last year wasn't due to Brett. A stumble this year could be a sign it was.

JMHO


Holy cow.

Wow Lare, reading your post I'd have thought we were 3-13, not 13-3. Talk about being a critic...
 

bozz_2006

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all about da packers said:
Don't know who will step up, but those I think need to step up:

Rodgers- Been toting a clipboard a long time, time to prove you're 1st round pick worthy.

AJ Hawk- Pretty average last year for a top five selection.

Harrell- Healthy now with a year in the offseason program, time to show you're worth what the Pack has invested in you.

Jenkins- Got the big money but hampered by nagging injuries last year. Have to do better this year.

Jones- Good start, bad finish. Has to do better with legitimate competition or he could be gone.

Jackson/Wynn/Morency- Got every opportunity in the world to take the job & couldn't. This year is probably last chance.

Colledge/Spitz/Wells- Need to be much more consistent this year or will be replaced (as indicated by the draft picks invested here).

Poppinga- Pretty clear they think you're not doing the job when they brought in Chillar. Either play pass defense or enjoy life on ST.

Robinson- Bad knees, draft picks probably signal end of career.

Lee- Bubba's gone, time to get consistent or let the young guy do it.

Collins- Last chance to do something, anything.

KGB- You're getting paid a lot of money to be a specialist. Be special for a change.

Bush/Bigby- Plenty of enthusiasm, not a lot of smarts. Need to play as if you belong at this level.

Sanders- Pretty average production from a unit on a team that says it is a defense-first team. Need a more consistent pass defense and pressure on the QB one way or another.

McCarthy/Thompson- Need to prove the performance last year wasn't due to Brett. A stumble this year could be a sign it was.

JMHO


Holy ****.

Wow Lare, reading your post I'd have thought we were 3-13, not 13-3. Talk about being a critic...

Let's watch it with the language there, fella!
 
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Players that I think will step up:

1) RB Brandon Jackson - I think people put too much expectations on him considering he was a really raw RB, but with an off-season and entire year under his belt I think he'll show us flashes of being a starting caliber RB.

2) Junius Coston - I really think his superior athletic ability and talent will allow him to settle into one of the starting G spots. I'm thinking LG, hopefully with some experience as a starter he can take a step forward this TC.

3) RB Ryan Grant - People might say he stepped up last season, but I think he can still offer this team more. I'm hoping with an entire off-season with the Packers and being better versed with the Offense and teammates, he will become a top 5 RB in this league. I expect him get better stats rushing this season due more of an emphasis on the run by McCarthy compared to last year. (I still think the Packers will be pass happy, but they'll run more IMO)

Players that NEED to step up:

1) DE Cullen Jenkins - He showed flashes of dominance last pre-season, but couldn't deliver during regular season. He has the ability, and is/will be surrounded by solid players. Doesn't have to do it all himself, but has to step up and deliver sacks to off-set loss of Corey Williams.

2) FS Nick Collins - I am a HUGE Nick Collins fan, he can hit and has the speed to cover the fastest WRs in the NFL. Yet he has not made a memorable impact. The last game of 2006-2007 against the Bears was an impressive display of what Nick could do with his talent. He has the tools to be a dominant Safety, and he can start by holding on to INTs that are thrown right to him! Rouse is right behind him, and either Nick steps up or he can have a blast being relegated to ST.

3) CB Al Harris - I'm probably the biggest defender of Al Harris on this board, but he still has to rebound from last year, especially the Giants NFC Championship game. He is an year older so there are questions about whether his skills have declined, but I think Al was pretty average at times last season, not what you expect from a pro-bowler. He has to come out and prove that the Giants game was not a sign of things to come.
 

Lare

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all about da packers said:
Holy cow.

Wow Lare, reading your post I'd have thought we were 3-13, not 13-3. Talk about being a critic...


IMO AADP, 6 of our 13 victories retired this offseason. We need people to start stepping up in order for us to have any chance of repeating that level of success.
 

Raider Pride

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all about da packers said:
Holy cow.

Wow Lare, reading your post I'd have thought we were 3-13, not 13-3. Talk about being a critic...


IMO AADP, 6 of our 13 victories retired this offseason. We need people to start stepping up in order for us to have any chance of repeating that level of success.

Our loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game also retired this year as well.
 

IronMan

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Raider Pride said:
all about da packers said:
Holy cow.

Wow Lare, reading your post I'd have thought we were 3-13, not 13-3. Talk about being a critic...


IMO AADP, 6 of our 13 victories retired this offseason. We need people to start stepping up in order for us to have any chance of repeating that level of success.

Our loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game also retired this year as well.
Al Harris retired?
 

IronMan

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BTW, why is not ok to say that Brett Favre is a big reason for the Packers success last year? Is it because lare questioned Ted Thompson? It is almost as if, when someone questions Ted Thompson, even if it is in a respectful way as Lare did, it is deemed necessary to immediately follow that person's post by saying something negative about Brett.
 

djcubez

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I agree with AADP about Collins. Great safety with great instincts that has a knack for the ball. He just needs to trust himself more and hold onto those balls that have been easy picks (too many to count last season).
 
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Bertram

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BTW, why is not ok to say that Brett Favre is a big reason for the Packers success last year? Is it because lare questioned Ted Thompson? It is almost as if, when someone questions Ted Thompson, even if it is in a respectful way as Lare did, it is deemed necessary to immediately follow that person's post by saying something negative about Brett.

Because it clearly was the rest of the team playing well that enabled Brett Favre to succeed, Favred didn't carry this team last season, it carried itself. It was the first season in many years that the Packers wasn't carried by Favre alone, the whole team stepped up, it was a joint effort and it enabled Favre to play his game and it ended up being a record season for him. The defense showed up, our receivers showed up bigtime, our defensive line showed up, our linebackers showed up. It was a team effort, and Favre should not be credited the success of the 2007/08 team alone.
 
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IMO AADP, 6 of our 13 victories retired this offseason.

Wow Lare, I didn't know you thought that highly of Rob Davis. :lol:

In all seriousness, knowing that certainly gives perspective to your first post.

Even so, I think a few players mentioned won't be that key to matching 13-3 success even without Brett.

Those players:
- KGB: I think he did the job he was supposed to, so I don't think he can necessarily step up any more. After his previous years as a starter, I think he produced exactly like he needed to.

- Bush: I think Bush has the talent to be a starting CB in the NFL, but after the emergence of Williams and the drafting of Lee, I don't think it matters any more if Bush steps up. It'd be great if he did, but right now Bush is probably our 5th/6th CB and a ST player (which he is already good at). Unlike last year when he was nickel CB to start the season, the need for Bush to step up has passed IMO, and he failed to do so.

- Lee: I don't think he can step up any more than he did the past season. He was big, gave us production that Bubba had shown he could no longer give. Lee definitely needs to match the year he had last year, and based on the contract extension the Packers gave him they think he will.

Other than that, I can't argue much with your post. I agree especially about Collins and Hawk. Some article mentioned that AJ Hawk did the little things quite well last season, but he has to be bigger than that for us, he has to be at least be pushing for a pro-bowl birth as the #5 pick.
 

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I agree with most of the people here, but I have to add James Jones. I think he will step up and be our future #2 WR. Also I think Ryan Grant needs to step up and prove he is not a 1 hit wonder.
 

IronMan

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IronMan said:
BTW, why is not ok to say that Brett Favre is a big reason for the Packers success last year? Is it because lare questioned Ted Thompson? It is almost as if, when someone questions Ted Thompson, even if it is in a respectful way as Lare did, it is deemed necessary to immediately follow that person's post by saying something negative about Brett.

Because it clearly was the rest of the team playing well that enabled Brett Favre to succeed, Favred didn't carry this team last season, it carried itself. It was the first season in many years that the Packers wasn't carried by Favre alone, the whole team stepped up, it was a joint effort and it enabled Favre to play his game and it ended up being a record season for him. The defense showed up, our receivers showed up bigtime, our defensive line showed up, our linebackers showed up. It was a team effort, and Favre should not be credited the success of the 2007/08 team alone.
I did not say that Favre should get ALL the credit. I said he was a big reason for the Packers success last year. He did after all have one of the best seasons of his career.

My real question is why R.P. comes out of nowhere to say that Favre was the reason we lost the NFC Championship game. Its not like R.P. to put all the blame on one person. Perhaps Lare crediting Brett with accounting for 6 wins was a bit much. But for R.P. to say that Brett was the reason we lost the NFC Championship game is just as extreme, if not more. Personally, I say Brett was worth 3-4 wins. Without him I say we would have won 9, maybe 10 games.
 

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For the record, Brett Favre would have had his 4th MVP if it had not been for Tom Brady having the best year for a QB perhaps ever.

Favre was good for 3 or 4 wins. We were still a good team. Without Brett, we would have still had a winning record.

And no, Brett did not stink against the Giants. The Giants beat us. We did not hand the game to them. The Giants would have beaten ANYONE that game. And look what they did to the best O ever in the history of the NFL.

Hats off to the Giants. I give them my utmost respect. I do not blame ANY Packer for losing to the Giants. They beat us.
 

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Favre was pretty bad in the 2nd half of the Giants game. Though I'm sure it would've helped had McCarthy ran the ball more than what 5 times in the 2nd half of the game.

Players who need to step up


Justin Harrell - Lare is right about him. He's had a year to heal and it's time to show us why Ted Thompson took you in the 1st round last year. Packers traded a pretty good player because they like Harrell.

Johnny Jolley - Talent isn't a concern. He needs to stay healthy.

Atari Bigby - Play like he did in December and Janaury. He was rock solid then. If he does, he'll be in for a contract extension IMO.

Daryn Colledge - Most inconsistent player on the team. One week he is gold, the next he is awful.

Finally,

Aaron Rodgers - It's his time.

Players I think will step up

Allen Barbre - I think he'll beat out Colledge. Seems to be that "mauler" that Packers are looking for.

Aaron Rouse - I think he'll beat out Nick Collins. Big physical safety with outstanding instincts.

I think Jolley, Bigby and Rodgers will play well this year from my other list.
 

cheesey

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I'm expecting alot from the rookie Nelson this year........i just have a good feeling about him. I think he will be returning punts, and be a part of the 5 wr set.
 

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