Official Training Camp Thread 4
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Official Training Camp Thread4
http://packers.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=670295
Camp battles heat up: Blackmon gains edge as return specialist; Bush takes lead in backup cornerback race.
Blackmon literally went a long way toward probably wrapping up the dual role of kickoff and punt returner. The second-year cornerback ripped off an 83-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, setting up a go-ahead, 1-yard touchdown run by Brandon Jackson in the 48-13 rout of the Seahawks. On his next touch of the football, Blackmon had a 16-yard punt return. "He fields the ball good. He has a knack for getting loose. He's a powerful kid," special teams coordinator Mike Stock said. Stock said Woodson could be used on punt returns on a situational basis. David Clowney is as fast as Blackmon but has yet to stand out on kickoff returns to this point, and the rookie receiver isn't a good bet to make the team right now.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS
Jarrett Bush vs. Patrick Dendy vs. Will Blackmon vs. Frank Walker at nickel cornerback-- Bush should have the inside track for the job after building on a solid preseason with two interceptions in the Aug. 18 win over Seattle. His ball skills are a cut above the others. However, he dropped a gimme third interception in the game.
Dave Rayner vs. Mason Crosby for kicker -- The two combatants had plenty of opportunities to work on their extra-point kicks in the 48-13 pounding of the Seahawks. Crosby was given first chance in a field-goal situation and made his only attempt, from 37 yards. Rayner later converted a chip shot of 24 yards. Both were equally strong, as usual, on kickoffs. So far, rookie Crosby has a slight edge on incumbent Rayner after each has kicked more than 100 field goals in team situations at practice.
Donald Lee vs. Bubba Franks for the starting tight end job -- Perhaps Franks is ready to reclaim the starting job he lost after seven years. Able to see better after scrapping a protective shield he had been wearing in practice because of a scratched cornea, vintage Franks was on display early in the last game, catching three passes from Brett Favre and picking up two first downs in just one series. Franks finished with four receptions for 30 yards, a week after he dropped the only pass thrown his way. Lee, meanwhile, didn't have a catch in making a second straight start.
http://packers.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=670295
Camp battles heat up: Blackmon gains edge as return specialist; Bush takes lead in backup cornerback race.
Blackmon literally went a long way toward probably wrapping up the dual role of kickoff and punt returner. The second-year cornerback ripped off an 83-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, setting up a go-ahead, 1-yard touchdown run by Brandon Jackson in the 48-13 rout of the Seahawks. On his next touch of the football, Blackmon had a 16-yard punt return. "He fields the ball good. He has a knack for getting loose. He's a powerful kid," special teams coordinator Mike Stock said. Stock said Woodson could be used on punt returns on a situational basis. David Clowney is as fast as Blackmon but has yet to stand out on kickoff returns to this point, and the rookie receiver isn't a good bet to make the team right now.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS
Jarrett Bush vs. Patrick Dendy vs. Will Blackmon vs. Frank Walker at nickel cornerback-- Bush should have the inside track for the job after building on a solid preseason with two interceptions in the Aug. 18 win over Seattle. His ball skills are a cut above the others. However, he dropped a gimme third interception in the game.
Dave Rayner vs. Mason Crosby for kicker -- The two combatants had plenty of opportunities to work on their extra-point kicks in the 48-13 pounding of the Seahawks. Crosby was given first chance in a field-goal situation and made his only attempt, from 37 yards. Rayner later converted a chip shot of 24 yards. Both were equally strong, as usual, on kickoffs. So far, rookie Crosby has a slight edge on incumbent Rayner after each has kicked more than 100 field goals in team situations at practice.
Donald Lee vs. Bubba Franks for the starting tight end job -- Perhaps Franks is ready to reclaim the starting job he lost after seven years. Able to see better after scrapping a protective shield he had been wearing in practice because of a scratched cornea, vintage Franks was on display early in the last game, catching three passes from Brett Favre and picking up two first downs in just one series. Franks finished with four receptions for 30 yards, a week after he dropped the only pass thrown his way. Lee, meanwhile, didn't have a catch in making a second straight start.
Greg C.
Cheesehead
Re: Official Training Camp Thread4
I was thinking the same thing about the tight ends after Saturday's game. Lee was handed the starting job before training camp, and he has yet to claim it as his own. This shouldn't be too much of a surprise, because he wasn't that good of a player to begin with. Now that Bubba has finally shown signs of life, I think he has a better than 50-50 chance of winning his starting job back early in the regular season, or maybe even in training camp.
I was thinking the same thing about the tight ends after Saturday's game. Lee was handed the starting job before training camp, and he has yet to claim it as his own. This shouldn't be too much of a surprise, because he wasn't that good of a player to begin with. Now that Bubba has finally shown signs of life, I think he has a better than 50-50 chance of winning his starting job back early in the regular season, or maybe even in training camp.
MONDAY EVENING SESSION: UNDERWOOD GONE, BIGBY 1ST TEAM
http://www.packersnews.com/includes/newspaper/blogs/insider/index.shtml
Safety Underwood to be cut
The Packers plan to release safety Marviel Underwood on Tuesday, coach Mike McCarthy said after practice tonight.
Underwood suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp last year and never appeared to be back to full speed in training camp.
McCarthy cited the Packers' depth at the position and a desire to give Underwood a chance to land with another team as reasons for the timing of the release.
- Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila left practice early because of a family situation in Milwaukee, McCarthy said. Gbaja-Biamila also is day-to-day because of a bruised knee.
- Defensive end Michael Montgomery suffered the worst of the four knee injuries sustained by Packers in Saturday's game. He will undergo arthroscopic surgery sometime in the next few days and almost certainly will miss a month or more.
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GM Thompson fields punt
Although the rain in Green Bay subsided much earlier in the day and Clarke Hinkle Field appeared dry, the Packers chose to hold their final night practice of training camp inside the Don Hutson Center.
Will Blackmon lined up as the No. 1 punt returner. It appears he has locked down that job. Also receiving punts during practice were Greg Jennings, James Jones and Chris Francies.
Perhaps the most entertaining punt reception of the evening was when Packers General Manager Ted Thompson stepped onto the field and caught a punt from the Jugs machine. Thompson played 10 years as a linebacker in the NFL but isn’t believed to have ever been a return man.
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Bigby, Bush move up
Atari Bigby and Jarrett Bush have been promoted. In the first team period tonight, Bigby, not Marquand Manuel, was at safety, and Bush, not Patrick Dendy, was the third cornerback in the nickel defense. Bush and Bigby both stood out in Saturday's preseason win against Seattle. Bigby had two sacks and Bush had two interceptions.
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Rayner perfect, Crosby misses one
Dave Rayner was 2-for-2 and Mason Crosby 2-for-3 in the initial team field-goal period tonight. Rayner converted twice from 43 yards. Crosby converted from 43 and 48 but missed his second attempt from 43. Jon Ryan held for Rayner and Aaron Rodgers held for Crosby.
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Underwood absent from indoor practice
Practice is under way in shorts at the Don Hutson Center. The only notable absence is safety Marviel Underwood. The reason for Underwood's absence was not immediately clear. One of the four players who suffered knee injuries Saturday night, tackle Orrin Thompson, is on the field but is not participating. The other three -- fullback Ryan Powdrell, receiver Shaun Bodiford and defensive end Michael Montgomery -- were on crutches this afternoon and were not attendance.
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Injury update
Receiver/return specialist Shaun Bodiford said he will miss four to six weeks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on the opening kickoff of Saturday night's exhibition win over Seattle. Fullback Ryan Powdrell said he will miss three to six weeks with a similar injury to his left leg. Bodiford, Powdrell and end Michael Montgomery were on crutches in the locker room when it was open to the media this afternoon. Montgomery, who injured the MCL in his right leg, did not speak with reporters. A fourth player who suffered an MCL injury Saturday, tackle Orrin Thompson, was not in the locker room. Only Montgomery was likely to make the Packers' 53-man roster, though Bodiford was fighting for a spot as a return man. Powdrell's injury leaves the Packers with only four healthy backs -- Noah Herron and rookies Brandon Jackson, Korey Hall and Corey White. However, General Manager Ted Thompson said there are no imminent plans to bring in someone else.
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Tonight's practice indoors
The Packers' practice tonight will be indoors at the Don Hutson Center and thus closed to the public. Practice, which starts at 6:30 p.m., had been scheduled to be on Clarke Hinkle Field, but a steady drizzle throughout the day changed those plans. It's the second practice the team has moved inside during this year's training camp.
http://www.packersnews.com/includes/newspaper/blogs/insider/index.shtml
Safety Underwood to be cut
The Packers plan to release safety Marviel Underwood on Tuesday, coach Mike McCarthy said after practice tonight.
Underwood suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp last year and never appeared to be back to full speed in training camp.
McCarthy cited the Packers' depth at the position and a desire to give Underwood a chance to land with another team as reasons for the timing of the release.
- Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila left practice early because of a family situation in Milwaukee, McCarthy said. Gbaja-Biamila also is day-to-day because of a bruised knee.
- Defensive end Michael Montgomery suffered the worst of the four knee injuries sustained by Packers in Saturday's game. He will undergo arthroscopic surgery sometime in the next few days and almost certainly will miss a month or more.
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GM Thompson fields punt
Although the rain in Green Bay subsided much earlier in the day and Clarke Hinkle Field appeared dry, the Packers chose to hold their final night practice of training camp inside the Don Hutson Center.
Will Blackmon lined up as the No. 1 punt returner. It appears he has locked down that job. Also receiving punts during practice were Greg Jennings, James Jones and Chris Francies.
Perhaps the most entertaining punt reception of the evening was when Packers General Manager Ted Thompson stepped onto the field and caught a punt from the Jugs machine. Thompson played 10 years as a linebacker in the NFL but isn’t believed to have ever been a return man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bigby, Bush move up
Atari Bigby and Jarrett Bush have been promoted. In the first team period tonight, Bigby, not Marquand Manuel, was at safety, and Bush, not Patrick Dendy, was the third cornerback in the nickel defense. Bush and Bigby both stood out in Saturday's preseason win against Seattle. Bigby had two sacks and Bush had two interceptions.
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Rayner perfect, Crosby misses one
Dave Rayner was 2-for-2 and Mason Crosby 2-for-3 in the initial team field-goal period tonight. Rayner converted twice from 43 yards. Crosby converted from 43 and 48 but missed his second attempt from 43. Jon Ryan held for Rayner and Aaron Rodgers held for Crosby.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwood absent from indoor practice
Practice is under way in shorts at the Don Hutson Center. The only notable absence is safety Marviel Underwood. The reason for Underwood's absence was not immediately clear. One of the four players who suffered knee injuries Saturday night, tackle Orrin Thompson, is on the field but is not participating. The other three -- fullback Ryan Powdrell, receiver Shaun Bodiford and defensive end Michael Montgomery -- were on crutches this afternoon and were not attendance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Injury update
Receiver/return specialist Shaun Bodiford said he will miss four to six weeks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on the opening kickoff of Saturday night's exhibition win over Seattle. Fullback Ryan Powdrell said he will miss three to six weeks with a similar injury to his left leg. Bodiford, Powdrell and end Michael Montgomery were on crutches in the locker room when it was open to the media this afternoon. Montgomery, who injured the MCL in his right leg, did not speak with reporters. A fourth player who suffered an MCL injury Saturday, tackle Orrin Thompson, was not in the locker room. Only Montgomery was likely to make the Packers' 53-man roster, though Bodiford was fighting for a spot as a return man. Powdrell's injury leaves the Packers with only four healthy backs -- Noah Herron and rookies Brandon Jackson, Korey Hall and Corey White. However, General Manager Ted Thompson said there are no imminent plans to bring in someone else.
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Tonight's practice indoors
The Packers' practice tonight will be indoors at the Don Hutson Center and thus closed to the public. Practice, which starts at 6:30 p.m., had been scheduled to be on Clarke Hinkle Field, but a steady drizzle throughout the day changed those plans. It's the second practice the team has moved inside during this year's training camp.
TC 24 REPORT: BIGBY STARTS THURSDAY; MARTIN MAYBE GONE
http://packers.scout.com/2/670546.html
The Word: Training Camp Day 24: Thompson optimistic on Franks, team overall; Bigby’s stock soars, Martin’s drops.
For those who feel Bubba Franks will be released anytime soon by the Green Bay Packers, think again. General manager Ted Thompson said today that he and his staff have all the confidence in the world that the veteran tight end will bounce back from two consecutive sub-par seasons. Franks followed a solid week of practice last week by catching all four passes thrown in his direction on Saturday night. Three of Franks' catches came in the second Packers series, which led to a field goal by Mason Crosby. Franks left the game in the second quarter after taking a shot to the stomach and having the wind knocked out of him, but he said afterward that he was fine. Franks has been held to 25 catches in each of the last two seasons and one touchdown, a far cry from his production during his Pro Bowl seasons from 2001-03.
The Packers, who finished two-a-day practices for the preseason on Thursday, practiced inside the Don Hutson Center on Monday evening due to cool and damp conditions outside. Here are a few notes from the no pads practice:
Offensive Plays of the Day
The Packers are hoping to get more out of their tight ends this season, and both Donald Lee and Bubba Franks continued to show that they are ready to play a bigger role. Lee and Franks both displayed good hands and route-running ability in the practice. Lee made an impressive catch of a pass from Brett Favre while falling to the ground in front of safety Alvin Nnabuife for a 15-yard gain over the middle during a team scrimmage. Franks capped a 7-on-7 drill by stretching the middle of the field and catching a laser from Aaron Rodgers at the end of the period.
Defensive Play of the Day
With no pads, the defense is limited in team and 7-on-7 drills, so big plays are few and far between. But veteran cornerback Charles Woodson came up with a big play when he intercepted a pass over the middle thrown by Ingle Martin that was intended for tight end Joe Werner. Woodson jumped in front of Werner and easily caught the pass.
Stock is Up
Atari Bigby, the goat of Green Bay’s first preseason game, continued his bid to unseat Marquand Manuel as the starter at strong safety on Monday night. Bigby practiced with the first-team defense ahead of Manuel and will start in the Packers exhibition game Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. McCarthy fell short of naming Bigby as starter for the opener, but if he plays like he did on Saturday night, that may be the case for the regular season opener Sept. 9 against Philadelphia. Bigby had two sacks and a quarterback pressure in the first half against Seattle. His second-quarter sack of Seneca Wallace and forced fumble turned into a touchdown. Many were ready to ship Bigby out of Green Bay after the first exhibition game against Pittsburgh. Bigby allowed wide receiver Walter Young to break free for a touchdown early in the game. Though he was not to blame, Bigby was helping to defend on a 49-yard completion to Santonio Holmes that led to a Steelers' field goal.
Stock is Down
If the regular season began today, the Packers probably would have a new third-string quarterback behind Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Ingle Martin and Paul Thompson have both been equally woeful in their ability to complete passes in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. It wouldn’t be a big surprise to see the Packers release Martin at the end of this preseason and place the more athletic Thompson on the practice squad. It’s not uncommon to see either quarterback throw interceptions in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. When they are not getting picked off by the defense, both quarterbacks have been overthrowing or underthrowing receivers. Martin, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL draft by the Packers, spent all of last season as the team’s third-string quarterback. If he is going to stick with the team this year, he’ll have to make the best of his opportunities Thursday against Jacksonville and in the preseason finale Aug. 30 at Tennessee.
http://packers.scout.com/2/670546.html
The Word: Training Camp Day 24: Thompson optimistic on Franks, team overall; Bigby’s stock soars, Martin’s drops.
For those who feel Bubba Franks will be released anytime soon by the Green Bay Packers, think again. General manager Ted Thompson said today that he and his staff have all the confidence in the world that the veteran tight end will bounce back from two consecutive sub-par seasons. Franks followed a solid week of practice last week by catching all four passes thrown in his direction on Saturday night. Three of Franks' catches came in the second Packers series, which led to a field goal by Mason Crosby. Franks left the game in the second quarter after taking a shot to the stomach and having the wind knocked out of him, but he said afterward that he was fine. Franks has been held to 25 catches in each of the last two seasons and one touchdown, a far cry from his production during his Pro Bowl seasons from 2001-03.
The Packers, who finished two-a-day practices for the preseason on Thursday, practiced inside the Don Hutson Center on Monday evening due to cool and damp conditions outside. Here are a few notes from the no pads practice:
Offensive Plays of the Day
The Packers are hoping to get more out of their tight ends this season, and both Donald Lee and Bubba Franks continued to show that they are ready to play a bigger role. Lee and Franks both displayed good hands and route-running ability in the practice. Lee made an impressive catch of a pass from Brett Favre while falling to the ground in front of safety Alvin Nnabuife for a 15-yard gain over the middle during a team scrimmage. Franks capped a 7-on-7 drill by stretching the middle of the field and catching a laser from Aaron Rodgers at the end of the period.
Defensive Play of the Day
With no pads, the defense is limited in team and 7-on-7 drills, so big plays are few and far between. But veteran cornerback Charles Woodson came up with a big play when he intercepted a pass over the middle thrown by Ingle Martin that was intended for tight end Joe Werner. Woodson jumped in front of Werner and easily caught the pass.
Stock is Up
Atari Bigby, the goat of Green Bay’s first preseason game, continued his bid to unseat Marquand Manuel as the starter at strong safety on Monday night. Bigby practiced with the first-team defense ahead of Manuel and will start in the Packers exhibition game Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. McCarthy fell short of naming Bigby as starter for the opener, but if he plays like he did on Saturday night, that may be the case for the regular season opener Sept. 9 against Philadelphia. Bigby had two sacks and a quarterback pressure in the first half against Seattle. His second-quarter sack of Seneca Wallace and forced fumble turned into a touchdown. Many were ready to ship Bigby out of Green Bay after the first exhibition game against Pittsburgh. Bigby allowed wide receiver Walter Young to break free for a touchdown early in the game. Though he was not to blame, Bigby was helping to defend on a 49-yard completion to Santonio Holmes that led to a Steelers' field goal.
Stock is Down
If the regular season began today, the Packers probably would have a new third-string quarterback behind Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Ingle Martin and Paul Thompson have both been equally woeful in their ability to complete passes in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. It wouldn’t be a big surprise to see the Packers release Martin at the end of this preseason and place the more athletic Thompson on the practice squad. It’s not uncommon to see either quarterback throw interceptions in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. When they are not getting picked off by the defense, both quarterbacks have been overthrowing or underthrowing receivers. Martin, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL draft by the Packers, spent all of last season as the team’s third-string quarterback. If he is going to stick with the team this year, he’ll have to make the best of his opportunities Thursday against Jacksonville and in the preseason finale Aug. 30 at Tennessee.
Official Training Camp Thread4
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=649587
Monday camp report
THUMBS UP
A year ago, the Packers didn't even have enough cornerbacks to play a dime defense (six defensive backs) and their nickel cornerback was Ahmad Carroll. Of the two backup cornerbacks, Will Blackmon was battling a foot injury that would plague him until he was finally put on injured reserve and Jarrett Bush barely knew the defense because he was picked up on waivers in September. Another cornerback, Patrick Dendy, was on the practice squad after missing all of camp with an ankle injury. Just a season later, the Packers are in much better shape. Bush has emerged as a real talent, moving atop the depth chart at the nickel spot after a two-interception game against Seattle. Blackmon has all but won the return job, but can't be discounted as a cornerback because he's strong, athletic and has shown a knack for causing fumbles and making interceptions. Dendy ended up being the nickel last year, but has fallen back despite making some improvement because the other two have performed so well. This doesn't mean Bush or Blackmon or whoever wins the spot won't take his lumps come the regular season. But at least the Packers have some hope the bad taste of Carroll will be wiped from their mouth.
THUMBS DOWN
Why the Packers kidded themselves that Marquand Manuel was suddenly going to turn things around is a complete mystery. They were delusional in thinking that his marginal speed and poor coverage ability were magically going to change because he was healthier. Maybe Manuel looked quicker, as the coaches claimed, but the Packers wasted precious time tutoring better athletes like Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse while putting Manuel on the field. The decision to elevate Bigby to the starting position this week was the right one, but they should have been putting Rouse, a third-round pick, on a fast track to be the top backup instead of messing around with Manuel. Former general manager Ron Wolf always said that the worst thing you can do is fail to part quickly with your mistakes and that appears to be what current general manager Ted Thompson did with Manuel.
INJURY REPORT
Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila was tending to a family issue in Milwaukee and missed practice. Coach Mike McCarthy said he would be back today, but that he's day-to-day with a bruised knee suffered in the Seahawks game. Fullback Brandon Miree (stinger) returned to practice, but he has not been fully cleared for contact. The practice was conducted in lighter pads known as shells and McCarthy said he would review practice to see if Miree was ready for full contact.
ODDS AND ENDS
The final night practice of training camp was held inside the Don Hutson Center because of a wet field and chilly conditions. The Packers have only four more practices open to the public. Despite a better performance against Seattle, Abdul Hodge worked at the No. 3 middle linebacker position behind rookie Desmond Bishop and saw only a limited number of snaps. Cornerback Charles Woodson picked off quarterback Ingle Martin on a crossing route on one play in seven-on-seven and should have had another interception off Martin on the next play, but he let the ball bounce off his hands. He leads all defensive backs in interceptions this summer.
With Mike Montgomery sidelined with a knee injury, tackle Corey Williams got six snaps at defensive end Saturday night and probably will see a lot more as the season goes on. Williams is starting in the middle, but this will be a chance for him to show his versatility in a contract year. "It don't matter," Williams said of the move. "It's not a big deal to me. I'll play wherever Coach asks me to play. I have a lot riding on this year."
McCarthy said he and Thompson would put together a preliminary 75-man roster before the game Thursday night in preparation for the first cutdown next Tuesday. The two will adjust their list the next day and probably make the cuts the following Friday or Saturday, well ahead of the deadline.
The No. 1 offense will not play three quarters as it normally would in the third exhibition game because McCarthy doesn't want to expose some of the positions thinned by injury too much. He also thinks there's enough competition for jobs that it's important to see some of the backups play against Jacksonville's starters.
Martin will be the third quarterback off the bench against the Jaguars. Last week, Paul Thompson got that opportunity.
Receiver Greg Jennings' complaint about being left out of the offense must have been heard because quarterback Brett Favre hit him with several passes during team and seven-on-seven drills. Jennings looked good on the receptions, including a rocket he snared between two defenders.
SCHEDULE TUESDAY
One practice at 10:45 a.m.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=649587
Monday camp report
THUMBS UP
A year ago, the Packers didn't even have enough cornerbacks to play a dime defense (six defensive backs) and their nickel cornerback was Ahmad Carroll. Of the two backup cornerbacks, Will Blackmon was battling a foot injury that would plague him until he was finally put on injured reserve and Jarrett Bush barely knew the defense because he was picked up on waivers in September. Another cornerback, Patrick Dendy, was on the practice squad after missing all of camp with an ankle injury. Just a season later, the Packers are in much better shape. Bush has emerged as a real talent, moving atop the depth chart at the nickel spot after a two-interception game against Seattle. Blackmon has all but won the return job, but can't be discounted as a cornerback because he's strong, athletic and has shown a knack for causing fumbles and making interceptions. Dendy ended up being the nickel last year, but has fallen back despite making some improvement because the other two have performed so well. This doesn't mean Bush or Blackmon or whoever wins the spot won't take his lumps come the regular season. But at least the Packers have some hope the bad taste of Carroll will be wiped from their mouth.
THUMBS DOWN
Why the Packers kidded themselves that Marquand Manuel was suddenly going to turn things around is a complete mystery. They were delusional in thinking that his marginal speed and poor coverage ability were magically going to change because he was healthier. Maybe Manuel looked quicker, as the coaches claimed, but the Packers wasted precious time tutoring better athletes like Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse while putting Manuel on the field. The decision to elevate Bigby to the starting position this week was the right one, but they should have been putting Rouse, a third-round pick, on a fast track to be the top backup instead of messing around with Manuel. Former general manager Ron Wolf always said that the worst thing you can do is fail to part quickly with your mistakes and that appears to be what current general manager Ted Thompson did with Manuel.
INJURY REPORT
Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila was tending to a family issue in Milwaukee and missed practice. Coach Mike McCarthy said he would be back today, but that he's day-to-day with a bruised knee suffered in the Seahawks game. Fullback Brandon Miree (stinger) returned to practice, but he has not been fully cleared for contact. The practice was conducted in lighter pads known as shells and McCarthy said he would review practice to see if Miree was ready for full contact.
ODDS AND ENDS
The final night practice of training camp was held inside the Don Hutson Center because of a wet field and chilly conditions. The Packers have only four more practices open to the public. Despite a better performance against Seattle, Abdul Hodge worked at the No. 3 middle linebacker position behind rookie Desmond Bishop and saw only a limited number of snaps. Cornerback Charles Woodson picked off quarterback Ingle Martin on a crossing route on one play in seven-on-seven and should have had another interception off Martin on the next play, but he let the ball bounce off his hands. He leads all defensive backs in interceptions this summer.
With Mike Montgomery sidelined with a knee injury, tackle Corey Williams got six snaps at defensive end Saturday night and probably will see a lot more as the season goes on. Williams is starting in the middle, but this will be a chance for him to show his versatility in a contract year. "It don't matter," Williams said of the move. "It's not a big deal to me. I'll play wherever Coach asks me to play. I have a lot riding on this year."
McCarthy said he and Thompson would put together a preliminary 75-man roster before the game Thursday night in preparation for the first cutdown next Tuesday. The two will adjust their list the next day and probably make the cuts the following Friday or Saturday, well ahead of the deadline.
The No. 1 offense will not play three quarters as it normally would in the third exhibition game because McCarthy doesn't want to expose some of the positions thinned by injury too much. He also thinks there's enough competition for jobs that it's important to see some of the backups play against Jacksonville's starters.
Martin will be the third quarterback off the bench against the Jaguars. Last week, Paul Thompson got that opportunity.
Receiver Greg Jennings' complaint about being left out of the offense must have been heard because quarterback Brett Favre hit him with several passes during team and seven-on-seven drills. Jennings looked good on the receptions, including a rocket he snared between two defenders.
SCHEDULE TUESDAY
One practice at 10:45 a.m.
Zombieslayer
Cheesehead
Re: Official Training Camp Thread4
Will we just keep 2 QBs? That would be interesting, and it would free up another position.
Will we just keep 2 QBs? That would be interesting, and it would free up another position.
BUSH & BIGBY; KICKER COMPETITION HOT
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070821/PKR01/708210496/1989
Insider: Kicker Crosby has a few problems Monday night
Thumbs up
...However, it has become clear there are better alternatives to strong safety Marquand Manuel and nickel cornerback Patrick Dendy. Better to realize that now than after it has cost your team a game or two. McCarthy replaced Manuel on Monday with second-year pro Atari Bigby, who made two big plays on blitzes during Saturday's victory over Seattle. Though Bigby's coverage skills remain a bit of a question, he can't be any worse in coverage than Manuel, who struggled mightily in that area last season. Bigby's strength appears to be his ability to play at the line of scrimmage. While Bigby has come on of late, Jarrett Bush's performance against the Seahawks — he had two interceptions and dropped another — was a continuation of what had been a strong showing throughout training camp. Bush's play combined with Dendy's inability to cover consistently on the outside, especially on deep routes, prompted that change. McCarthy seems to have the right pieces in place with Bigby and Dendy. The question is whether there's enough time for them to gel with the rest of the No. 1 defense before the regular-season opener against Philadelphia on Sept. 9.
Thumbs down
Just when it looked like rookie Mason Crosby had taken the lead in the battle for the kicking job, the sixth-round draft pick stubbed his toe on Monday. Practicing in the climate-controlled environment of the Don Hutson Center, Crosby inexplicably missed what should have been a routine 43-yard field goal during a brief kicking session. Though Crosby holds a slight edge in percentage during training camp practices, his latest miss might have pushed incumbent Dave Rayner back into the lead for the job. Rayner went 2-for-2 on Monday, making a pair of 43-yarders with Jon Ryan holding. Crosby went 2-for-3. His miss from 43 yards was wide right. After his miss, Crosby was given the only try from 48 yards, and he made it. All three of Crosby's kicks came with Aaron Rodgers as his holder. Rodgers, the backup holder, has made a noticeable adjustment in the way he's placing the ball on his holds. Until Monday, he had been catching the ball near his front leg and moving it toward his back leg before placing it down. On Monday, he placed the ball almost directly below where he caught it.
Did you notice?
Brandon Miree made it through an entire practice for the first time since he sustained a shoulder stringer during the Aug. 4 scrimmage. However, he worked as the No. 2 fullback behind rookie Korey Hall. Miree looked rusty from the long layoff. During one drill, he dropped an easy swing pass from Ingle Martin.
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070821/PKR01/708210496/1989
Insider: Kicker Crosby has a few problems Monday night
Thumbs up
...However, it has become clear there are better alternatives to strong safety Marquand Manuel and nickel cornerback Patrick Dendy. Better to realize that now than after it has cost your team a game or two. McCarthy replaced Manuel on Monday with second-year pro Atari Bigby, who made two big plays on blitzes during Saturday's victory over Seattle. Though Bigby's coverage skills remain a bit of a question, he can't be any worse in coverage than Manuel, who struggled mightily in that area last season. Bigby's strength appears to be his ability to play at the line of scrimmage. While Bigby has come on of late, Jarrett Bush's performance against the Seahawks — he had two interceptions and dropped another — was a continuation of what had been a strong showing throughout training camp. Bush's play combined with Dendy's inability to cover consistently on the outside, especially on deep routes, prompted that change. McCarthy seems to have the right pieces in place with Bigby and Dendy. The question is whether there's enough time for them to gel with the rest of the No. 1 defense before the regular-season opener against Philadelphia on Sept. 9.
Thumbs down
Just when it looked like rookie Mason Crosby had taken the lead in the battle for the kicking job, the sixth-round draft pick stubbed his toe on Monday. Practicing in the climate-controlled environment of the Don Hutson Center, Crosby inexplicably missed what should have been a routine 43-yard field goal during a brief kicking session. Though Crosby holds a slight edge in percentage during training camp practices, his latest miss might have pushed incumbent Dave Rayner back into the lead for the job. Rayner went 2-for-2 on Monday, making a pair of 43-yarders with Jon Ryan holding. Crosby went 2-for-3. His miss from 43 yards was wide right. After his miss, Crosby was given the only try from 48 yards, and he made it. All three of Crosby's kicks came with Aaron Rodgers as his holder. Rodgers, the backup holder, has made a noticeable adjustment in the way he's placing the ball on his holds. Until Monday, he had been catching the ball near his front leg and moving it toward his back leg before placing it down. On Monday, he placed the ball almost directly below where he caught it.
Did you notice?
Brandon Miree made it through an entire practice for the first time since he sustained a shoulder stringer during the Aug. 4 scrimmage. However, he worked as the No. 2 fullback behind rookie Korey Hall. Miree looked rusty from the long layoff. During one drill, he dropped an easy swing pass from Ingle Martin.
Official Training Camp Thread4
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=649588
Notes: Doing the safety dance. Bigby displaces Manuel as starter alongside Collins
The Green Bay Packers didn't just hand Marquand Manuel's position to Atari Bigby. But clearly the strong safety job now is Bigby's to lose....Cornerback Jarrett Bush also was moved ahead of Patrick Dendy as the nickel back in the 4-2-5 defense. Dendy has held that job since Week 5 last season but Bush is a faster and seemingly more dynamic player. Manuel, who signed a five-year, $10 million deal in March 2006 to leave Seattle as an unrestricted free agent, worked with rookie Aaron Rouse on the No. 2 defense. The Packers are expected to keep four safeties. Rouse, a third-round pick, is expected to be one of the backups, and Manuel easily could lose his roster spot to either Culver or Peprah. A source close to the situation said cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson had been lobbying the coaches for Bigby to replace Manuel, a player whom they apparently no longer trusted In the nickel defense. The dependable Dendy, however, probably isn't out of the picture. Will Blackmon also has a chance for the job. "For as good as (Bush) played on defense I thought he played better on special teams," McCarthy said. "He's a very physical football player. He's only going to get better...."
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=649588
Notes: Doing the safety dance. Bigby displaces Manuel as starter alongside Collins
The Green Bay Packers didn't just hand Marquand Manuel's position to Atari Bigby. But clearly the strong safety job now is Bigby's to lose....Cornerback Jarrett Bush also was moved ahead of Patrick Dendy as the nickel back in the 4-2-5 defense. Dendy has held that job since Week 5 last season but Bush is a faster and seemingly more dynamic player. Manuel, who signed a five-year, $10 million deal in March 2006 to leave Seattle as an unrestricted free agent, worked with rookie Aaron Rouse on the No. 2 defense. The Packers are expected to keep four safeties. Rouse, a third-round pick, is expected to be one of the backups, and Manuel easily could lose his roster spot to either Culver or Peprah. A source close to the situation said cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson had been lobbying the coaches for Bigby to replace Manuel, a player whom they apparently no longer trusted In the nickel defense. The dependable Dendy, however, probably isn't out of the picture. Will Blackmon also has a chance for the job. "For as good as (Bush) played on defense I thought he played better on special teams," McCarthy said. "He's a very physical football player. He's only going to get better...."
warhawk
Cheesehead
Official Training Camp Thread4
Bigby brings more to the table. He may get caught once in awhile but he will make WAY more big plays than Manuel.
This is becoming a physical, big play, takeaway, defense vs. being on the cautious side trying to avoid mistakes and Bigby fits in perfectly for that.
Bigby brings more to the table. He may get caught once in awhile but he will make WAY more big plays than Manuel.
This is becoming a physical, big play, takeaway, defense vs. being on the cautious side trying to avoid mistakes and Bigby fits in perfectly for that.
Packnic
Cheesehead
Official Training Camp Thread4
i think that kicker decision is gonna be a tough one man. i really have no idea which one we should keep... id rather drop ingle martin and thompson and keep the extra kicker.
i think that kicker decision is gonna be a tough one man. i really have no idea which one we should keep... id rather drop ingle martin and thompson and keep the extra kicker.
TUESDAY TC SESSION
http://www.packersnews.com/includes/newspaper/blogs/insider/index.shtml
CB Walker looks impressive; Favre airs it out
Quick hits from today's practice:
-- CB Frank Walker, who is fighting for a roster spot, looked impressive in picking off a pass intended for Chris Francies. Walker essentially stole the ball from the receiver. Then in a 7-on-7 drill, Walker batted a Brett Favre pass away from James Jones in the end zone.
-- Favre still proved that he can air it out. Working with the No. 1 offense, he heaved a bomb, estimated at approximately 60 yards in the air, to Donald Driver, who promptly dropped the pass.
-- Colin Cole lined up with the No. 1 defense at tackle alongside Ryan Pickett.
-- Johnny Jolly picked off a screen pass thrown by Paul Thompson at the line of scrimmage. There was some question as to whether Jolly trapped the ball -- Thompson was motioning that it was an incomplete pass, but Jolly seemed to indicate he caught the ball cleanly.
-- Rookie David Clowney, another player fighting for a job, did himself no favors when a Thompson pass bounced off his hands during a 7-on-7 drill.
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11 players not practicing today
Although the Packers are practicing in pads in the Don Hutson Center this morning, some fans are being let in to watch practice from the sideline. Not practicing are: running backs Vernand Morency, DeShawn Wynn and P.J. Pope; fullback Ryan Powdrell; receiver Shaun Bodiford; offensive linemen Tony Moll, Orrin Thomspon and Tony Palmer; and defensive ends DeVon Hicks, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Michael Montgomery.
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Packers release S Underwood, sign rookie free-agent fullback
The Packers have released safety Marviel Underwood, as expected, and signed fullback Erryn Cobb, a rookie free agent from Northwestern. The move was announced by GM Ted Thompson today. Cobb – 6-1, 241 pounds – played 49 games for Northwestern. He began as a linebacker in 2003 before moving to fullback in 2004. He was the team’s starting tight end in 2005 and played "superback," a combination of tight end and fullback, as a senior in 2006. He will wear No. 25. Underwood was a fourth-round draft pick for the Packers in 2005. He played in 16 games.
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Today's practice moved indoors
Today's Packers practice has been moved indoors to the Don Hutson Center. Practice was to start at 10:45 a.m.
http://www.packersnews.com/includes/newspaper/blogs/insider/index.shtml
CB Walker looks impressive; Favre airs it out
Quick hits from today's practice:
-- CB Frank Walker, who is fighting for a roster spot, looked impressive in picking off a pass intended for Chris Francies. Walker essentially stole the ball from the receiver. Then in a 7-on-7 drill, Walker batted a Brett Favre pass away from James Jones in the end zone.
-- Favre still proved that he can air it out. Working with the No. 1 offense, he heaved a bomb, estimated at approximately 60 yards in the air, to Donald Driver, who promptly dropped the pass.
-- Colin Cole lined up with the No. 1 defense at tackle alongside Ryan Pickett.
-- Johnny Jolly picked off a screen pass thrown by Paul Thompson at the line of scrimmage. There was some question as to whether Jolly trapped the ball -- Thompson was motioning that it was an incomplete pass, but Jolly seemed to indicate he caught the ball cleanly.
-- Rookie David Clowney, another player fighting for a job, did himself no favors when a Thompson pass bounced off his hands during a 7-on-7 drill.
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11 players not practicing today
Although the Packers are practicing in pads in the Don Hutson Center this morning, some fans are being let in to watch practice from the sideline. Not practicing are: running backs Vernand Morency, DeShawn Wynn and P.J. Pope; fullback Ryan Powdrell; receiver Shaun Bodiford; offensive linemen Tony Moll, Orrin Thomspon and Tony Palmer; and defensive ends DeVon Hicks, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Michael Montgomery.
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Packers release S Underwood, sign rookie free-agent fullback
The Packers have released safety Marviel Underwood, as expected, and signed fullback Erryn Cobb, a rookie free agent from Northwestern. The move was announced by GM Ted Thompson today. Cobb – 6-1, 241 pounds – played 49 games for Northwestern. He began as a linebacker in 2003 before moving to fullback in 2004. He was the team’s starting tight end in 2005 and played "superback," a combination of tight end and fullback, as a senior in 2006. He will wear No. 25. Underwood was a fourth-round draft pick for the Packers in 2005. He played in 16 games.
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Today's practice moved indoors
Today's Packers practice has been moved indoors to the Don Hutson Center. Practice was to start at 10:45 a.m.
TUESDAY SESSION: LBS
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=650412
Tuesday camp report
THUMBS UP
Give safety Charlie Peprah a lot of credit. All summer long he has languished on the fourth team, waiting for any kind of opportunity to prove himself as a position player. A starter on the kickoff coverage unit and second-string on three other special teams units, Peprah looked to be a long shot to make the team. But against Seattle Saturday night, Peprah picked off a pass late in the game and had another interception Tuesday in practice. It would help if he could elevate himself onto the first team of several other special teams units. Then there would be no reason to keep Manuel around.
THUMBS DOWN
Wide receiver Donald Driver still is quarterback Brett Favre's best option but he has had a case of the drops during training camp and needs to clean that up before the regular season starts. Driver was at it again this week in practice, dropping a pass Monday in practice and then letting a perfectly thrown deep ball from Favre bounce off his hands during a full pads practice Tuesday. Driver also had a drop on a slant route in the first quarter of the Seattle exhibition game Saturday night....Driver can't do it all alone and the more the ball is spread around, the less reliance there is on one player making every catch. Jennings has seen a few more balls in the past week but he needs to be used some as the primary receiver so he can establish himself as a big part of the offense.
INJURY REPORT
Defensive Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) missed practice. Running back DeShawn Wynn (thigh) was not cleared to practice and won't play against Jacksonville. Coach Mike McCarthy said running back Vernand Morency (knee) might be back for the Tennessee game Aug. 30 and definitely would be ready for the season opener against Philadelphia Sept. 9.
ODDS AND ENDS
Jennings might not be getting the ball a lot but it hasn't affected his catching ability. When Favre threw him a post route into the end zone, Jennings reached out and snared the ball cleanly with two hands.
First-round pick Justin Harrell had a forgettable day in one-on-one pass rush drills. He lost to guard Allen Barbre and centers Tyson Walter, Jason Spitz and C.J. Blomvall.
Manuel received a couple of repetitions with the No. 1 defense, but Atari Bigby and Nick Collins handled most of the work together. Manuel was paired mostly with rookie Aaron Rouse.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=650412
Tuesday camp report
THUMBS UP
Give safety Charlie Peprah a lot of credit. All summer long he has languished on the fourth team, waiting for any kind of opportunity to prove himself as a position player. A starter on the kickoff coverage unit and second-string on three other special teams units, Peprah looked to be a long shot to make the team. But against Seattle Saturday night, Peprah picked off a pass late in the game and had another interception Tuesday in practice. It would help if he could elevate himself onto the first team of several other special teams units. Then there would be no reason to keep Manuel around.
THUMBS DOWN
Wide receiver Donald Driver still is quarterback Brett Favre's best option but he has had a case of the drops during training camp and needs to clean that up before the regular season starts. Driver was at it again this week in practice, dropping a pass Monday in practice and then letting a perfectly thrown deep ball from Favre bounce off his hands during a full pads practice Tuesday. Driver also had a drop on a slant route in the first quarter of the Seattle exhibition game Saturday night....Driver can't do it all alone and the more the ball is spread around, the less reliance there is on one player making every catch. Jennings has seen a few more balls in the past week but he needs to be used some as the primary receiver so he can establish himself as a big part of the offense.
INJURY REPORT
Defensive Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) missed practice. Running back DeShawn Wynn (thigh) was not cleared to practice and won't play against Jacksonville. Coach Mike McCarthy said running back Vernand Morency (knee) might be back for the Tennessee game Aug. 30 and definitely would be ready for the season opener against Philadelphia Sept. 9.
ODDS AND ENDS
Jennings might not be getting the ball a lot but it hasn't affected his catching ability. When Favre threw him a post route into the end zone, Jennings reached out and snared the ball cleanly with two hands.
First-round pick Justin Harrell had a forgettable day in one-on-one pass rush drills. He lost to guard Allen Barbre and centers Tyson Walter, Jason Spitz and C.J. Blomvall.
Manuel received a couple of repetitions with the No. 1 defense, but Atari Bigby and Nick Collins handled most of the work together. Manuel was paired mostly with rookie Aaron Rouse.
Greg C.
Cheesehead
Re: BUSH & BIGBY; KICKER COMPETITION HOT
This is a weird bit of commentary. Crosby misses one 43-yard field goal in practice and they're saying that now he may have lost the lead in the kicking competition. I don't buy it.
Looking on the bright side, if that's the best they can come up with for a "thumbs down," it must've been a pretty good practice for the team.
This is a weird bit of commentary. Crosby misses one 43-yard field goal in practice and they're saying that now he may have lost the lead in the kicking competition. I don't buy it.
Looking on the bright side, if that's the best they can come up with for a "thumbs down," it must've been a pretty good practice for the team.
porky88
Cheesehead
Re: BUSH & BIGBY; KICKER COMPETITION HOT
:rotflmao: That's the Green Bay Press Gazette for you.
Greg C. said:
:rotflmao: That's the Green Bay Press Gazette for you.
TUESDAY TC SESSION
http://packers.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=670815
The Word: Training Camp Day 25: Morency may return next week; Havner battles for spot; plays of the day
Vernand Morency, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since the first day of training camp, may return next week and play against the Tennessee Titans in Green Bay’s preseason finale at Tennessee. Coach Mike McCarthy said that if Morency does not play against Tennessee, he will be ready to play in time for the season opener against Philadelphia Sept. 9. Rookie Brandon Jackson has stepped in with the first-team offense since Morency was sidelined. Even if Morency is ready to play in time for the opener, Jackson probably will be the starter, but that could change if Morency returns next week. The Packers close their preseason schedule Aug. 30 against the Titans.
Here are some other notes from the practice, in which the players wore pads, but were restricted to 'thud' tackling:
Offensive Play of the Day
For those who insist that Bubba Franks is washed up and won’t be a contributor to the offense this season, think again. Franks had another good practice and provided a snapshot of the chemistry between him and Brett Favre. During an 11-on-11 goal line drill from the 3, Franks burst off the line into the end zone against a linebacker and made a quick cut to his left, racing to the corner to haul in a well-placed touch pass from Favre. Franks and Favre made the play look easy because of the timing between both of them.
Defensive Play of the Day
Johnny Jolly is fighting to land a roster spot along an impressive defensive line. Jolly helped his cause today by making a rare interception for a lineman. Jolly shed his blocker at the line of scrimmage against the third-team offense, then jumped up to get his hands on a pass from Paul Thompson. Jolly dived to his knees to make the catch behind the line of scrimmage and made the play. Jolly, who failed his physical prior to camp, has put himself in position to make the team due to the quickness and athleticism that he has showed to get past offensive linemen and make plays, line the one he made at the end of practice today.
Stock is Up
Keep an eye on linebacker Spencer Havner in the next two preseason games. The first-year pro from UCLA spent the last 13 weeks of the 2006 season on Green Bay’s practice squad. Havner began training camp as a longshot to make the team, but he has been practicing with the second-team defense at outside linebacker opposite Tracy White and next to middle linebacker Desmond Bishop. If Havner can continue to improve in the next two preseason games at linebacker and on special teams, he probably will make the team. The Packers probably will keep six linebackers on the roster, including starters A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett and Brady Poppinga. White and Bishop appear to be on their way to making the team, leaving Havner battling for the final spot against Abdul Hodge, Tim Goodwell, Rory Johnson, and Juwan Simpson.
Stock is Down
Running back DeShawn Wynn said last week that he was hoping to return to practice this week and play against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night at Lambeau Field. However, Wynn did not practice the last two days due to his tender quadriceps, which he injured Aug. 7 in practice, and will not play against the Jaguars. At this pace, Wynn seems to be headed toward the season-ending injured reserve list, or possibly getting released. The Packers simply have not seen enough of Wynn, a seventh round draft choice this year by Green Bay out of Florida, to determine if he can contribute to the offense.
http://packers.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=670815
The Word: Training Camp Day 25: Morency may return next week; Havner battles for spot; plays of the day
Vernand Morency, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since the first day of training camp, may return next week and play against the Tennessee Titans in Green Bay’s preseason finale at Tennessee. Coach Mike McCarthy said that if Morency does not play against Tennessee, he will be ready to play in time for the season opener against Philadelphia Sept. 9. Rookie Brandon Jackson has stepped in with the first-team offense since Morency was sidelined. Even if Morency is ready to play in time for the opener, Jackson probably will be the starter, but that could change if Morency returns next week. The Packers close their preseason schedule Aug. 30 against the Titans.
Here are some other notes from the practice, in which the players wore pads, but were restricted to 'thud' tackling:
Offensive Play of the Day
For those who insist that Bubba Franks is washed up and won’t be a contributor to the offense this season, think again. Franks had another good practice and provided a snapshot of the chemistry between him and Brett Favre. During an 11-on-11 goal line drill from the 3, Franks burst off the line into the end zone against a linebacker and made a quick cut to his left, racing to the corner to haul in a well-placed touch pass from Favre. Franks and Favre made the play look easy because of the timing between both of them.
Defensive Play of the Day
Johnny Jolly is fighting to land a roster spot along an impressive defensive line. Jolly helped his cause today by making a rare interception for a lineman. Jolly shed his blocker at the line of scrimmage against the third-team offense, then jumped up to get his hands on a pass from Paul Thompson. Jolly dived to his knees to make the catch behind the line of scrimmage and made the play. Jolly, who failed his physical prior to camp, has put himself in position to make the team due to the quickness and athleticism that he has showed to get past offensive linemen and make plays, line the one he made at the end of practice today.
Stock is Up
Keep an eye on linebacker Spencer Havner in the next two preseason games. The first-year pro from UCLA spent the last 13 weeks of the 2006 season on Green Bay’s practice squad. Havner began training camp as a longshot to make the team, but he has been practicing with the second-team defense at outside linebacker opposite Tracy White and next to middle linebacker Desmond Bishop. If Havner can continue to improve in the next two preseason games at linebacker and on special teams, he probably will make the team. The Packers probably will keep six linebackers on the roster, including starters A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett and Brady Poppinga. White and Bishop appear to be on their way to making the team, leaving Havner battling for the final spot against Abdul Hodge, Tim Goodwell, Rory Johnson, and Juwan Simpson.
Stock is Down
Running back DeShawn Wynn said last week that he was hoping to return to practice this week and play against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night at Lambeau Field. However, Wynn did not practice the last two days due to his tender quadriceps, which he injured Aug. 7 in practice, and will not play against the Jaguars. At this pace, Wynn seems to be headed toward the season-ending injured reserve list, or possibly getting released. The Packers simply have not seen enough of Wynn, a seventh round draft choice this year by Green Bay out of Florida, to determine if he can contribute to the offense.
BACKUP LBS: PREVIEW
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=650433
Packers want backups to step forward. Linebacker picture remains muddled
Abdul Hodge was a third-round draft choice. Rory Johnson has the most talent. And Desmond Bishop has been on the field every single day. Veteran Tracy White, the Green Bay Packers' best special-teams player a year ago, appears to have nailed down one of what is expected to be three backup berths at linebacker on the 53-man roster. After that, it's probably too close to call among Hodge, Johnson, Bishop and versatile Spencer Havner. Hodge continues to work behind both Nick Barnett and Bishop at middle linebacker. However, in the nickel defense, it has been Hodge and White as the No. 2 set. Johnson is No. 3 on the weak side behind A.J. Hawk and White. Havner has maintained the No. 2 spot on the strong side behind Brady Poppinga. Reggie McKenzie, the team's director of pro personnel, is confident there will be three backup linebackers worth keeping on the final cut Sept. 2.
Bishop must make his own amends. Seattle's Maurice Morris was able to zip 15 yards up the gut for a touchdown because Moss said Bishop took on a lead block with the wrong shoulder, creating a gap. Still, Bishop remained ahead of Hodge in the base defense this week. "We want to see if Bishop can handle that role and be the backup," Moss said. "But I have not seen a clear-cut person emerge as the No. 2." Hodge's reactions were a bit off in Pittsburgh, partially the result of missing the entire off-season with patellar tendinitis in both knees. Hodge said he developed the tendinitis shortly before the combine in February 2006 and it has dogged him since. Hodge made six tackles against Seattle, including three or four in which he pursued almost to the sideline. Moss described the tackles as mostly routine. Havner started from 2002-'05 at UCLA, the first two outside and the last two inside. McKenzie raves about his elusiveness as a pass rusher. He's rangy and instinctive, just not all that physical. "He's fighting the good fight," Moss said. "Steady, athletic, trying to get it done
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=650433
Packers want backups to step forward. Linebacker picture remains muddled
Abdul Hodge was a third-round draft choice. Rory Johnson has the most talent. And Desmond Bishop has been on the field every single day. Veteran Tracy White, the Green Bay Packers' best special-teams player a year ago, appears to have nailed down one of what is expected to be three backup berths at linebacker on the 53-man roster. After that, it's probably too close to call among Hodge, Johnson, Bishop and versatile Spencer Havner. Hodge continues to work behind both Nick Barnett and Bishop at middle linebacker. However, in the nickel defense, it has been Hodge and White as the No. 2 set. Johnson is No. 3 on the weak side behind A.J. Hawk and White. Havner has maintained the No. 2 spot on the strong side behind Brady Poppinga. Reggie McKenzie, the team's director of pro personnel, is confident there will be three backup linebackers worth keeping on the final cut Sept. 2.
Bishop must make his own amends. Seattle's Maurice Morris was able to zip 15 yards up the gut for a touchdown because Moss said Bishop took on a lead block with the wrong shoulder, creating a gap. Still, Bishop remained ahead of Hodge in the base defense this week. "We want to see if Bishop can handle that role and be the backup," Moss said. "But I have not seen a clear-cut person emerge as the No. 2." Hodge's reactions were a bit off in Pittsburgh, partially the result of missing the entire off-season with patellar tendinitis in both knees. Hodge said he developed the tendinitis shortly before the combine in February 2006 and it has dogged him since. Hodge made six tackles against Seattle, including three or four in which he pursued almost to the sideline. Moss described the tackles as mostly routine. Havner started from 2002-'05 at UCLA, the first two outside and the last two inside. McKenzie raves about his elusiveness as a pass rusher. He's rangy and instinctive, just not all that physical. "He's fighting the good fight," Moss said. "Steady, athletic, trying to get it done
INSIDER: UPDATE
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070822/PKR01/708220591/1989
Insider
Thumbs up
Don't write off defensive end Jason Hunter just yet. Seemingly a forgotten man in the jumbled group of defensive linemen, Hunter might be back in the mix now that Michael Montgomery is out at least a month due to a knee injury. On Tuesday, Hunter lined up with the No. 1 group on the punt team, kickoff team and kick return team, which is a sign that he's still in the Packers' long-term plans. In Tuesday's one-on-one pass rushing drill, he flashed the quickness....He used a quick inside move to smoke Junius Coston, who was lined up at right tackle. Whether Hunter makes the team or not probably depends on how many defensive ends General Manager Ted Thompson decides to keep or whether Montgomery is placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Thumbs down
Given how badly quarterbacks Ingle Martin and Paul Thompson played during Tuesday's practice, maybe Ted Thompson should consider keeping only two quarterbacks to use the extra roster spot for a position with legitimate depth. Martin, a fifth-round pick in 2006, has struggled throughout camp this season. On Tuesday, for example, he badly underthrew a ball to receiver Carlton Brewster in the end zone, and it was easily broken up by cornerback Charles Woodson. Later, he missed a wide-open James Jones on a fade route in the end zone. Thompson, a rookie free agent who has shown some promise, also struggled on Tuesday. Safety Charlie Peprah picked off a pass in the end zone that was intended for tight end Zac Alcorn, and then defensive tackle Johnny Jolly intercepted a screen pass. The Packers always could keep the rookie Thompson on the practice squad and though they wouldn't be able to use him on game day unless he was on the 53-man roster, they could continue to develop him.
Did you notice?
Running Brandon Jackson reverted to his early training camp ways when he had trouble catching the ball out of the backfield. He bobbled a swing pass that probably would have been knocked out of his hands had it been a live drill and on the very next play flat-out dropped a similar pass.
Coston, a third-year offensive lineman, worked at every offensive line position but center during Tuesday's practice.
Linebacker Tim Goodwell stripped the ball from receiver David Clowney in a ball-security drill. Clowney was the only player to fumble during the brief period.
After a quiet start to camp, receiver Greg Jennings had his second straight productive practice. On Tuesday, he caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre with Patrick Dendy covering him.
Rookie first-round draft pick Justin Harrell went 0-for-4 in the one-on-ones, losing to Tyson Walter, Allen Barbre, C.J. Blomvall and Jason Spitz.
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070822/PKR01/708220591/1989
Insider
Thumbs up
Don't write off defensive end Jason Hunter just yet. Seemingly a forgotten man in the jumbled group of defensive linemen, Hunter might be back in the mix now that Michael Montgomery is out at least a month due to a knee injury. On Tuesday, Hunter lined up with the No. 1 group on the punt team, kickoff team and kick return team, which is a sign that he's still in the Packers' long-term plans. In Tuesday's one-on-one pass rushing drill, he flashed the quickness....He used a quick inside move to smoke Junius Coston, who was lined up at right tackle. Whether Hunter makes the team or not probably depends on how many defensive ends General Manager Ted Thompson decides to keep or whether Montgomery is placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Thumbs down
Given how badly quarterbacks Ingle Martin and Paul Thompson played during Tuesday's practice, maybe Ted Thompson should consider keeping only two quarterbacks to use the extra roster spot for a position with legitimate depth. Martin, a fifth-round pick in 2006, has struggled throughout camp this season. On Tuesday, for example, he badly underthrew a ball to receiver Carlton Brewster in the end zone, and it was easily broken up by cornerback Charles Woodson. Later, he missed a wide-open James Jones on a fade route in the end zone. Thompson, a rookie free agent who has shown some promise, also struggled on Tuesday. Safety Charlie Peprah picked off a pass in the end zone that was intended for tight end Zac Alcorn, and then defensive tackle Johnny Jolly intercepted a screen pass. The Packers always could keep the rookie Thompson on the practice squad and though they wouldn't be able to use him on game day unless he was on the 53-man roster, they could continue to develop him.
Did you notice?
Running Brandon Jackson reverted to his early training camp ways when he had trouble catching the ball out of the backfield. He bobbled a swing pass that probably would have been knocked out of his hands had it been a live drill and on the very next play flat-out dropped a similar pass.
Coston, a third-year offensive lineman, worked at every offensive line position but center during Tuesday's practice.
Linebacker Tim Goodwell stripped the ball from receiver David Clowney in a ball-security drill. Clowney was the only player to fumble during the brief period.
After a quiet start to camp, receiver Greg Jennings had his second straight productive practice. On Tuesday, he caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre with Patrick Dendy covering him.
Rookie first-round draft pick Justin Harrell went 0-for-4 in the one-on-ones, losing to Tyson Walter, Allen Barbre, C.J. Blomvall and Jason Spitz.
BACKUP SAFETIES: PREVIEW
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070822/PKR01/708220590/1989
Safety battle likely down to backups. Rouse, Manuel may be fighting for spot behind Bigby.
The Green Bay Packers selected Aaron Rouse with a third-round draft pick this year to be one of three contenders to possibly knock Marquand Manuel out of the starting lineup at safety. But after a full offseason and 3½ weeks into training camp, the Packers appear to have never given Rouse or anyone other than Atari Bigby serious consideration for overtaking Manuel. Bigby began taking a few snaps with the starters last week in practice and will start along side Nick Collins in this Thursday's preseason game against Jacksonville. Though Rouse probably has had more snaps in practice than any of the Packers' backup safeties, almost all but one or two came with the Nos. 2 or 3 defenses, not the starters. Whether the Packers would have been better served by also giving him a look with the starters remains open for debate, but coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Bob Sanders decided that Bigby's speed, aggressiveness and experience (he's played in NFL Europa and been in the NFL since 2005) put him well ahead of the third-round draft pick from Virginia Tech. So barring injuries, either Bigby or Manuel will be starting opposite Collins in the regular-season opener Sept. 9 against Philadelphia.
Though Manuel was a weak link in the secondary last year after the Packers signed him in free agency, they gave him the vast majority of snaps with the starters for the first three weeks of training camp, until Bigby took the majority in this short week that consisted of only two full practices. The team's coaching staff continues to praise Manuel publicly, especially for his ability to quarterback the secondary, and says he's a better player after recovering this offseason from a severe groin injury that slowed him last year. But if Manuel has been better in this camp, the difference isn't big, and he's done nothing to distinguish himself among the safeties. Bigby, on the other hand, showed good range in coverage in offseason practices...
In turn, if Manuel isn't the starter for the regular-season opener, there's a chance he might not even make the final 53-man roster only a year after General Manager Ted Thompson signed him to a five-year, $10 million contract that included a $1.5 million signing bonus. The Packers probably will keep four safeties, with Collins, Bigby and Rouse almost surely taking three spots. If the 28-year-old Manuel doesn't start, the Packers might prefer to keep one of their two second-year safeties, Tyrone Culver or Charlie Peprah — as a special-teams player and developmental prospect. The Packers cut third-year pro Marviel Underwood on Tuesday because they wanted to make sure Bigby, Rouse, Manuel, Culver and Peprah will get plenty of snaps in this week's game.
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070822/PKR01/708220590/1989
Safety battle likely down to backups. Rouse, Manuel may be fighting for spot behind Bigby.
The Green Bay Packers selected Aaron Rouse with a third-round draft pick this year to be one of three contenders to possibly knock Marquand Manuel out of the starting lineup at safety. But after a full offseason and 3½ weeks into training camp, the Packers appear to have never given Rouse or anyone other than Atari Bigby serious consideration for overtaking Manuel. Bigby began taking a few snaps with the starters last week in practice and will start along side Nick Collins in this Thursday's preseason game against Jacksonville. Though Rouse probably has had more snaps in practice than any of the Packers' backup safeties, almost all but one or two came with the Nos. 2 or 3 defenses, not the starters. Whether the Packers would have been better served by also giving him a look with the starters remains open for debate, but coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Bob Sanders decided that Bigby's speed, aggressiveness and experience (he's played in NFL Europa and been in the NFL since 2005) put him well ahead of the third-round draft pick from Virginia Tech. So barring injuries, either Bigby or Manuel will be starting opposite Collins in the regular-season opener Sept. 9 against Philadelphia.
Though Manuel was a weak link in the secondary last year after the Packers signed him in free agency, they gave him the vast majority of snaps with the starters for the first three weeks of training camp, until Bigby took the majority in this short week that consisted of only two full practices. The team's coaching staff continues to praise Manuel publicly, especially for his ability to quarterback the secondary, and says he's a better player after recovering this offseason from a severe groin injury that slowed him last year. But if Manuel has been better in this camp, the difference isn't big, and he's done nothing to distinguish himself among the safeties. Bigby, on the other hand, showed good range in coverage in offseason practices...
In turn, if Manuel isn't the starter for the regular-season opener, there's a chance he might not even make the final 53-man roster only a year after General Manager Ted Thompson signed him to a five-year, $10 million contract that included a $1.5 million signing bonus. The Packers probably will keep four safeties, with Collins, Bigby and Rouse almost surely taking three spots. If the 28-year-old Manuel doesn't start, the Packers might prefer to keep one of their two second-year safeties, Tyrone Culver or Charlie Peprah — as a special-teams player and developmental prospect. The Packers cut third-year pro Marviel Underwood on Tuesday because they wanted to make sure Bigby, Rouse, Manuel, Culver and Peprah will get plenty of snaps in this week's game.
Claymorespackersfan
Cheesehead
Top Hat I was wondering if there is any real news on Alan Barbre-he seemed to be doing OK early in training camp but there's been little mention of him of late?
I'll hook ya up on this one. packers news:
Barbre is a rock in blocking test
By Rob Demovsky
[email protected]
Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz combined to start 28 games as rookie offensive linemen last season, but neither one dominated a certain practice drill like rookie guard Allen Barbre has this summer.
By unofficial count, the Green Bay Packers' fourth-round draft pick has lined up 22 times in the one-on-one pass blocking/pass rushing drill. He has won 18 of them, including a clean sweep of three reps during Tuesday's practice.
"Sometimes, he puts on a show down there," Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. "He has everything you're looking for in a pass protector. There's really nothing he's lacking."
Barbre has rare athleticism for a guy who is 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds. In college, he was a gunner on the punt return team. At the NFL scouting combine, he ran a 4.84 40-yard dash.
"He's got good bend for a big guy," Philbin said. "He's got a good base, and he can punch you."
All of those qualities come in handy when trying to protect the quarterback.
Of his four losses in the one-on-one drill, two have come against Cullen Jenkins, who arguably has been the best defensive lineman in camp this year.
During Tuesday's full-pads practice, Barbre won each of his three reps in a different manner. He used a quick, left-handed punch to turn back rookie defensive tackle Daniel Muir. He overpowered a power rusher in rookie first-round draft pick Justin Harrell and used his quickness on the outside to win a rep at left tackle against rookie defensive end Larry Birdine.
Barbre hasn't feasted on just rookies, either. He has won reps against the likes of Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Johnny Jolly.
Though Barbre is a soft-spoken 23-year-old from the small town of Granby, Mo., his coaches say he plays with a quiet confidence. When asked if he ever loses a one-on-one rep, Barbre sheepishly replied: "I guess you could say I get my share."
"That's always been kind of a gift, I'd say," Barbre said. "I've always been able to pass block. I've always worked at it and watched my technique closely."
When training camp opened, second-year pro Tony Moll (who started 10 games last season as a fill in at right guard and right tackle) was widely considered the team's top backup linemen. Now, that probably would best describe Barbre, however Moll's slip is at least partially tied to his shoulder stinger that has kept him out for the last two weeks.
Another difference between Moll and Barbre is Barbre, at this point, probably is limited to one position. A tackle during all four of his college seasons at Division II Missouri Southern State, Barbre has played exclusively at left guard during all team drills and in the first two preseason games.
When starting left tackle Chad Clifton missed a couple of practices early in camp, Colledge moved over from left guard to left tackle and Barbre filled in for Colledge. Barbre's only work at left tackle has come in the form of a handful of one-on-one reps.
Still, Barbre might be the Packers' best left-tackle prospect in the long run.
"It may be Barbre," Philbin said. "Long-term, he might be our guy out there."
As solid as Barbre has been in pass protection, he's still struggling to execute the zone-blocking scheme in part because he's too tentative.
"He just needs to unleash it and go," offensive line coach James Campen said. "Get to his aiming point, don't be hesitant and just go. Once he gets into that mode, he's going to be just fine. He's very athletic. He has a mean streak in him. Once he realizes he can just turn it loose and go, we expect him to be the same player that we saw in college."
Barbre and the No. 2 offensive line should get a fair amount of playing time in the final two preseason games (at home against Jacksonville on Thursday and at Tennessee on Aug. 30).
Even if Barbre doesn't play a down this season, it appears Thompson's decision to use the 119th overall pick in the draft – the pick that probably would have pried Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders had General Manager Ted Thompson offered it up – on Barbre could pay dividends down the road.
"If you asked him if he was totally comfortable at this stage of the game, he'd probably say no," Philbin said. "But I think these next two weeks, getting him some more work, will help in his development for sure."
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