By Chris Havel
When contemplating the Green Bay Packers' 1-2 start as they prepare for Monday night's game at Philadelphia, these are the things that make me go "Hmm?"
# Al Harris, the Packers' top cornerback, spoke out to a Milwaukee newspaper this week, but what he didn't say stood out.
Harris singled out Carl Hairston, Winston Moss and Lionel Washington for praise. He complimented them on being "great coaches" and noted each was a former NFL player. If he mentioned other defensive coaches, specifically coordinator Bob Sanders and defensive backs coach Kurt Schottenheimer, I missed it.
A head coach, coordinator or position coach doesn't have to be a former NFL player to be great. However, the coach must be able to relate to his players, which means establishing common ground in order to communicate effectively.
That hasn't happened on defense. Do Harris' comments reflect his frustration, or do they indicate a deeper rift on the staff?
If the Eagles' offense torches Green Bay, it suggests one of two things: Either the Packers' defense lacks the talent to compete with the NFC's best, or the coaches and players can't get on the same page despite being painfully aware of the problem. Neither is good.
# Because of the running game's ineffectiveness, coach Mike McCarthy has decided to start Brandon Miree in place of William Henderson at fullback. That's a good call if it's because the veteran hasn't been doing the job. But it's a bad call if it's because the coaches misjudged the fullback's role in their version of the zone-blocking scheme.
The fullback must seal off defensive ends and linebackers, and Henderson said he can do that. If more is required of the fullback, it's a subtle but significant change and suggests frustration and/or doubt in the scheme.
McCarthy needs Miree to be a heck of a run blocker, and needs rookie guards Daryn Colledge and Tony Moll to continue to improve. If not, the running game will keep limping along — with or without Henderson.
# Kicker Dave Rayner has been excellent on kickoffs, and he hasn't missed a field goal since a 53-yard attempt in the opener. He hasn't been tested, either.
If the Packers hope to hang with the Eagles, odds are Rayner will have to deliver. A nationally televised night game in front of hostile crowd is an excellent chance for Rayner to stake his claim. It also could be the first step to the waiver wire.
Rayner and punter Jon Ryan were scrutinized and criticized during the preseason, but so far, the kicking game ranks among the least of the Packers' worries.
# Brady Poppinga is too hardnosed and hard-working not to improve. If he continues to be exposed in pass coverage, there is a point where common sense suggests it isn't the player. It's the coaching. That point is fast approaching.
# By Tuesday morning, I'm guessing, Packers fans will think Vernand Morency is pretty good, A.J. Hawk is outstanding and Charles Woodson is a lot like Allen Rossum — a punt returner moonlighting as a cornerback.
They also will think Nick Collins needs a sidekick, communication is underrated and 11 points wasn't quite enough.
Chris Havel can be reached by voice mail at (920) 431-8586 or by e-mail at [email protected]
