Depth chart

Looking at the depth chart at packers.com today, I see our first string defensive tackles are listed as Pickett and Kenderick Allen. Having Allen there surprises me.

 

There's going to be fierce competition along the defensive line and multiple combinations used to keep those guys fresh. The starter may very well end up with fewer snaps depending on how things are going throughout the game.

IMO many that feel the Pack is down because of the guys "up front" are not considering all of the factors regarding the defense. They look at the numbers and place much of the blame for the poor run defense on the D linemen. The scheme calls for them to occupy, placing the responsibility for shutting down the run on the LB's.

So are the defensive lineman not doing what they are called on to do effectively, or, were the LB's not getting it done, or, both?

Most often last year I thought the interior line did a good job between the tackles. There wasn't much there. Outside the tackles was a different stories which leads me to believe it was the LB's not getting it done.

Regardless, the play along the interior line should improve and we will have more experience there with some young guys getting valuable PT last year.

The competition there will make them all work harder as well.

The big upgrade in the Lb position is where I see an improving run defense from where it was last year. Speed and anticipation. Something we lacked last year and IMO what contributed to our lousy run D more than the interior line play.

 

Competition simply puts makes everyone play better, unless you're not a competitor. Ray Nitchske loved competition. He always thought it made him a better player. He would challenge his fellow linebackers all the time and that's what made them so great. They were all outstanding players, but what made the linebacker corps so tough was that they pushed themselves as a corps. I think the same type of thing can happen with the d line.

 

Depth Charts change on a daily basis when training camp starts. Just try to keep tabs on what's happening. Living in the Green Bay it's easy to do as everything is Packers 24/7.

I'm rooting for Corey Williams. I've liked him for a long time and today I read something sad. He lost his father at 15 and mother at 20 and then lost his baby after it was born premature.

 

I just read an article in packersnews.com stating that the depth chart on the Packer web site is nonsense. It's better to read day-to-day reports to find out what the REAL depth chart is.