bad stuff about GB WR's, season may hinge on Jennings

[motife]

Jennings battles the odds


Greg Jennings By: Doug Ritchay
, dritchay@sbcglobal.net
Date: May 5, 2006

Packers depending on rookie to contribute in 2006, but history says it will be a challenge

When the Green Bay Packers traded wide receiver Javon Walker to Denver it officially left a huge void in the Packers’ passing game – who’s the big-time playmaker?
Some may say Donald Driver, but the veteran is a quality No. 2 receiver, who in a pinch can be No. 1 (for a short time). However, Driver, who’ll enter 2006 as the Packers’ go-to guy, isn’t Walker (when healthy), Steve Smith, Randy Moss, Tory Holt, Terrell Owens or even Joe Horn.

With that in mind, what will the Packers’ passing game look like? Nobody knows for sure, but the Packers took a step in trying to make up for Walker’s loss in the second round of the NFL draft by selecting Western Michigan wide receiver Greg Jennings, who some teams rated as the No. 2 receiver in the draft behind Ohio State’s Santonio Holmes.

Jennings led the nation last season, averaging 8.91 catches per game and was second in yards, 114.45 per game. Impressive numbers, but most point out that came against the likes of Ball State, Miami (Ohio), Central Michigan and others in the Mid-American Conference.

If these numbers came in the Big Ten or ACC, then we’d be talking about a first-round gem. Instead, Jennings will have to prove he’s a diamond in the rough, capable of helping the Packers this season. Is this realistic?

Packers history tells us no.

The last three wide receivers selected in the second round by the Packers were Terrence Murphy (2005), Robert Ferguson (2001) and Derrick Mayes (1996).

Murphy was released this off-season after sustaining a spinal injury last season, which has at least put his career on hold if not on ice. Prior to that, Murphy was a spot player and caught three passes.

Ferguson has been an underachiever, who in his rookie season barely played after showing a work ethic comparable to a corpse. He had no catches as a rookie.

Mayes had great hands (all you had to do was ask him), but he had six catches as a rookie as the Packers won the Super Bowl.

This doesn’t mean Jennings is destined to have a quiet rookie season, but it shows how difficult it is for a rookie to make an impact as a wide receiver. What Jennings has going for him is the Packers desperately need him to play like he did in college.

The Packers’ receiving corps outside of Driver is a joke. Rod Gardner is a former No. 1 pick, who has seen two teams (Washington and Carolina) give up on him. Marc Boerigter is a possession receiver, which is a nice was of saying he has no speed. And Ferguson will get hurt. It’s as automatic as Brett Favre starting at quarterback. Jennings has everything in his favor, except that he’s a rookie.

Assuming Jennings comes along slowly in the passing game, let’s go back to the original question of this column: what will the passing game look like?

Without a true deep threat, or go-to guy, Favre might be able to get away with throwing passes with the arm strength of a Danny Wuerffel, who couldn’t throw a football through a wet paper sack in his hey day.

The passing game will likely be one of slants, flat passes to running backs and seam passes to tight ends. The “home-run” ball Favre likes to throw (too much sometimes) might be as ancient as Barry Bonds’ head size dipping below a 9. Receivers will have to gain yards after the catch, which isn’t always easy. Jennings, though, has that skill.

“I take a lot of pride in my route running and also running after the catch and being a playmaker,” Jennings said. “That was one of the things Brett needed last year, and hopefully I can and will be able to give it to him.”

If Jennings can’t infuse some spark, this is a concern, because if the Packers can’t force the defense to respect passing plays beyond 20 yards, the defense will gang up on receivers, bump them, having no fear of getting beat deep. Also, the running backs will see a lot of safeties creep up near the line of scrimmage to make plays. Jennings was productive in college, recording three straight 1,000-yard seasons, but being productive in college is one thing, making it happen in the NFL is completely different. All Jennings has to do is look at Gardner as an example.

Be that as it may, Jennings has a chance maybe no other rookie wide receiver has this season - he has a chance to become a focal point of his team’s passing game. History says he won’t do it, but the Packers need him

[lynn dickey]

All that means we're due to finally hit on one of these second round WRs. Let's hope this is the guy.

[MadtownPacker]

Didnt Jennings lead or was in the top of the NCAA in yards per catch?

[gbpackfan]

Favre has played with worse and made them look like pro bowlers. I think we will be fine. However, I would like to see GB look for a nice O weapon via trade or the waiver wire. You never know who is going to get cut!

[RashanGary]

Havel said Jennings looked really impressive at day one of the minicamp. The offense will start out pretty basic because it is new for everyone including Ferguson. I think Jennings stands a chance to have a pretty big impact.

[GrnBay007]

I'd just feel better if they added an experienced WR to the group. What if one of them would go down the first game of the season like Walker did last year. I don't want to name any names and jinx a certain player......u know?

[swede]

It has been exciting to hear that Jennings seems to belong on the field already, showing skill and athleticism on his first day.

This year on offense we will see grind-it-out West Coast with dink and dunk passing, hard-nosed running by Samkon and Ahman, and the occasional long gain. Control the clock, move the sticks, and score 14 points a game.

Let the new defense give up 13 or less and we win.

Can you feel the brand new day, baby?

[Tarlam!]

There is plenty of experience on the WR roster. DD, Gardner and Boerigter are all vets that can be "go-to" guys. I predict Fergie will either blossum in training camp, or he will be cut.

TT will save roster space for the eventuality, because he would rather invest in the future with a rookie than with a bust.

We also have a TE that can split open the defense in Donald Lee. We are also said to be going short pass West Coast.

So, for this offense, we have the guys on the roster that we need.

Now, my last argument: TT SAID JENNINGS WAS THE CREAM OF THE CROP AT THE COMBINE OR SENIOR BOWL (can't remember which one). He said Jennings was the WR he wanted goning into the draft.

That's good enough for me.

[Bretsky]

There is plenty of experience on the WR roster. DD, Gardner and Boerigter are all vets that can be "go-to" guys. I predict Fergie will either blossum in training camp, or he will be cut.

TT will save roster space for the eventuality, because he would rather invest in the future with a rookie than with a bust.

We also have a TE that can split open the defense in Donald Lee. We are also said to be going short pass West Coast.

So, for this offense, we have the guys on the roster that we need.

Now, my last argument: TT SAID JENNINGS WAS THE CREAM OF THE CROP AT THE COMBINE OR SENIOR BOWL (can't remember which one). He said Jennings was the WR he wanted goning into the draft.

That's good enough for me.

Tarlem,

I really think DD is the only starting caliber WR we have. Gardner was pretty much let go by two teams now; my view is he'll be a fine #3 but that could be optomistic over the long haul. Boerighter is a #4 IMO.

Ferguson is a fraud. He reminds me of David Martin. He has ability and teases us with 1-2 plays and everybody jumps on his train and then he turns into potential unrealized once again.

[Tarlam!]

B, I agree, but, with a caveat.

You're speaking of guys let go cause they failed to blossom - that's where I agree. Now, they will get a chance to blossom - like Harris for example, who was only a backup in Philly. I bet some players come to Lambeau and are transformed. My hope is this is the case with Gardener and Boerigter.

I have no hope for Fergie, but without Walker around, maybe he can rise to the occasion.

[mraynrand]

The optimistic view of the receivers is:

1) Gardner - has all the physical tools. Mental readjustment and good teaching environment could lead to break-out season

2) Boerigter - possession receiver in the Keyshawn Johnson Jurevicius mold

3) Jennings - a Johnny Morton or better kind of receiver in rookie year

4) Driver - solid, solid, solid. Don't get hurt.

4) TEs - serviceable only (that's optimistic)

5) Wild Card - the running backs catching out of the backfield. We know Henderson and Green can be relied on, but will Green be healthy? Can Samkon catch the ball? We know Najeh can't catch and run. Is the screen play dead in the new offense? Who invented liquid soap and why?

[Scott Campbell]

The optimistic view of the receivers is:

How bout a June 1 cap casualty?

[MadtownPacker]

This year on offense we will see grind-it-out West Coast with dink and dunk passing, hard-nosed running by Samkon and Ahman, and the occasional long gain. Control the clock, move the sticks, and score 14 points a game.

Let the new defense give up 13 or less and we win.

I agree with everything you said except the O is gonna average more like 20 something a game. It will just come on long possessions, which is very good.

M3 systems is very QB friendly (it got A Brooks to the ProBowl) with all the short passes and I think the scoring droughts that would come under Sherman will not happen cuz the O will be in a rhythm all game. Something that always seemed to be a problem the last couple of years. This will also help avoid the desperation heaves by Favre. I see nothing but good things happening on O if the WRs can develop fast.

[mraynrand]

If the new defense allows 13 points a game, the Packers would win 14 games. A defense that strong also generates great field position and gets you easy points. I don't think that's realistic given the roster and the recent history of scoring in the NFL. It's also unrealistic to think that the Packer offense will only manage 14 points a game.

[RashanGary]

Chicago gave up 13 per game last year. But yeah, I doubt we'll be that good with just the addtion of Hawk, Woodson, Manuel, Pickett and the growth of many of our young players.

[Badgepack]

I thought TT would have signed a college power foward like many teams are doing. No worse than most undrafted signings.

[lynn dickey]

3) Jennings - a Johnny Morton or better kind of receiver in rookie year

Is this supposed to be a positive? God help us if he turns into Johnny Morton.

[MadtownPacker]

I thought TT would have signed a college power foward like many teams are doing. No worse than most undrafted signings.

Thats what Im wondering too. But maybe Lee showed enough to make the coaches feel he is that TE. He did show great hands and the abilty to get down the field.

[Tarlam!]

Who invented liquid soap and why?

I don't know who invented it, but, Unilever (a procter and gamble competitor based in the UK) marketed it very successfully. Liquid soaps were probably first invented for two reason:

the old soap in bars strpped the skin of natural oils. These oils a vital in protecting the skin, especially during chemical changes affewcted by temperature. The manufacturs were able to successfully lace liquid soaps with skin conditioning substances, thus, a lot of workers compensation was saved (think hairdressers, people who prepare food). Liquid soap greatly reduced dermatitis.

Secondly, it is a great way to make money. A bar of soap last what seems like forever. Liquid soap dispensors are always needing refilling.


Oh, I get it - that question was actually sarcasm! I am such a dork!!

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think the Packers have one of the weakest recieving groups in the NFL. Those of you who said losing Walker was no big deal got your head in the sand.

If Jennings has some speed, that will help. I wanted the Packers to keep their high #2 pick and take Chad Jackson just 'cause the guy can get downfield. (We'll see how he does with N.E.) Hell, even a Corey Bradford type player would help keep the defenses honest.