the_idle_threat
07-24-2006, 05:35 AM
From Packer Insider at JSO:
Hoping for the best
Green's capabilities a burning question by Bob McGinn
Green Bay - Rebuilding teams normally don't hitch their ground game to an aging running back coming off major surgery.
The Green Bay Packers are doing that with Ahman Green this season, hoping if not praying that he's still a franchise back and not over the hill.
New offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski acknowledged that Green's career could go either way. Najeh Davenport and Samkon Gado hold some promise, but if the Packers plan to rebound in 2006, they probably will need another vintage season from their four-time Pro Bowl running back.
"With the injury factor you're not sure," Jagodzinski said. "Do you wish he didn't have a torn tendon? Absolutely. But Ahman's rehab has gone extremely well from what the doctors have said."
Age, injury and poor performance wrecked the Packers' ground game in its free-fall from 10th place in 2004 to 30th last year in National Football League rushing. General manager Ted Thompson stood pat in this area aside from taking two guards on the first day of the draft, hopeful that Green (torn quadriceps) and Davenport (broken ankle) can lead the resurgence.
But was it rational thinking?
Although Green blew his right quad at Minnesota in Week 6, it was not a freakish incident. He had missed practice and game time for several years because of similar problems with the same thigh.
Indications are that Green has used his renowned work ethic to make a speedy recovery from his Oct. 25 surgery. But given Green's age (29), all the pounding he has taken from 2,111 regular-season and post-season touches and the fact his right leg was a problem even before the rupture, no one can say with any degree of certainty what his future holds.
"Believe it or not, I still believe he'll be the guy that he was in the past," running backs coach Edgar Bennett said. "I'm not really worried about it. We'll do everything we possibly can to make sure he's 100% by the start of the season."
Even if the leg holds, there are reservations about whether Green remains the back who averaged 1,370 yards per season and 4.67 yards per carry from 2000-'04.
Last season, Green didn't appear to be finishing runs or breaking tackles like the Green of old. Operating essentially with the same lousy run blocking as did Gado later in the season, Green averaged 3.31 yards per carry compared with 4.07 for Gado.
Shortly before the start of free agency, Green had little alternative but to accept an incentive-laden one-year deal for $2.01 million that contained a $500,000 signing bonus, considered paltry for someone of his stature.
"I think Ahman, if healthy, is going to run with a huge, huge chip on his shoulder," Jagodzinski said. "I love that. Because I know what kind of competitor he is. He don't say much in the papers but he's a tough SOB now, as tough as we've got on this team. I hope he goes, 'OK all you (expletive), I'm going to prove you wrong.' And he will."
Bennett expects Green to be a "perfect match" for the new zone-blocked running scheme because, in his opinion, Green already has been a one-cut runner. Davenport and, to a lesser extent, Gado might be better suited for the old gap-scheme that featured more predetermined holes and power plays.
After breaking his ankle in Week 5, Davenport lost his shot at a lucrative contract in unrestricted free agency and settled for one year at $655,000 ($25,000 roster bonus).
"Both Najeh and Ahman should be hungry and they have something to prove," Bennett said. "I think it will benefit them and us."
Unless Davenport can stay on the field, run lower and improve his receiving, he will never be a featured back.
Gado, who is faster and a better receiver than Davenport, does possess starting ability. He just didn't look comfortable running stretch plays this spring.
"He's a real analytical kid and he just over-thinks things," Jagodzinski said. "When you get in pads, if you don't hit that thing north and south, you are going to get your clock cleaned. It may take him three of those times where he doesn't do that and he'll figure that (expletive) out fast."
The zone scheme, as coached by Alex Gibbs in Denver and now Atlanta, has utilized lighter fullbacks than more traditional ground games. That's why the Packers intend to play Noah Herron at both positions and possibly spend time with both Davenport and Gado at fullback.
"A lot of times in the zone scheme you have a lot of guys in front of you so the linebackers aren't coming just downhill on you," Jagodzinski said. "That's why you don't have to be a 250-pound fullback in this system. You can take a halfback that's not quite fast enough and put him at fullback and you've got exactly what you're looking for."
Herron has limitations in size, speed and athletic ability for running back but might be tough and resourceful enough also to fill a backup role at fullback.
"He had a tremendous off-season," Bennett said. "Outstanding. He has very good quickness, he plays faster than that (4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and is a smart football player."
Unless venerable William Henderson hits the proverbial "wall" in his 12th season he can be penciled in again in his role as Brett Favre's reliable old receiver, a sometime blocker and special-teams leader.
"Obviously, every year we have to prove it all over again," Bennett said. "But William is relentless. I think he can still get it done as a blocker as well."
The major question is whether Vonta Leach, a blood-and-guts fullback with stiffness as a receiver and blocker, might lose his job to one of the swing men.
"But football is a physical game," Bennett said. "That's important. He can be a dominating type player from a blocking standpoint."
Free-agent fullback A.J. Cooper appeared worthy of an extended look because he's smart and a natural receiver.
At a Glance
The 10 running backs on the Green Bay roster heading into training camp. Each player is listed with height, weight, age, how acquired and college. Acquisition categories: T means acquired by trade, D4 means fourth-round draft choice and FA means free agent.
Running Backs at a Glance (6)
Player Ht. Wt. Age Acquired College
AHMAN GREEN 5-11½ 218 29 T-'00 Nebraska
Ranked eighth among NFL running backs by Pro Football Weekly entering '06; was fifth entering '05 and '04, seventh entering '03 and '02, and 18th entering '01.
NAJEH DAVENPORT 6-0½ 250 27 D4-'02 Miami
Started two games in four seasons. Carried 17 times for 178 yards and one TD at St. Louis in '04 and carried 12 times for 54 yards and two TDs against New Orleans in '06 before suffering season-ending ankle injury.
SAMKON GADO 5-10 228 23 FA-'05 Liberty
Led team in rushing (582), yards per carry (4.07), 100-yard games (3) and longest rush (64) despite playing eight games. Had four fumbles in first 90 touches, none in last 63.
NOAH HERRON 5-11 223 24 FA-'05 Northwestern
Rushed 45 times for 121 yards (2.7) and two TDs in final five games. Joined Packers Nov. 30 after agreeing to leave Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad.
ARLISS BEACH 5-10½ 220 22 FA-'06 Kentucky
Backup for most of his time at Kentucky, finishing with 226 carries for 951 yards (4.2) and 14 TDs. Ran 40 yards in 4.5 seconds in March 2005 and had 21 on the Wonderlic test.
CHAZ WILLIAMS 5-9 212 24 FA-'05 Georgia Southern
Option quarterback in college, rushing for 2,609 yards (60 TDs) and passing for 2,471 yards (23 TDs). Suffered season-ending ankle injury one week into '05 training camp and underwent season-ending surgery Aug. 8.
Fullbacks at a Glance (4)
Player Ht. Wt. Age Acquired College
WILLIAM HENDERSON 6-1 253 35 D3-'95 North Carolina
Playing less and less in recent years. Was on field for 38.4% of the snaps in 2003, 33.9% in '04 and 27.8% in '05. Last dropped pass was in '03 divisional playoff loss against Eagles.
VONTA LEACH 6-0 248 24 FA-'04 East Carolina
Played 14 snaps in late-season stint in '04 after coming off the practice squad. Came back to play 269 snaps in '05, essentially splitting time with Henderson, who had 307.
A.J. COOPER 6-1½ 240 22 FA-'06 North Dakota State
Two years in junior college were followed by two seasons for Bison as a tight end. Caught 47 passes for 758 yards (16.1) and seven TDs at North Dakota State.
BEN BROWN 6-1 248 25 FA-'06 Tabor
Carried the ball extensively in a one-back offense for an obscure college in Kansas. Has run 40 yards in about 4.78 seconds.
Hoping for the best
Green's capabilities a burning question by Bob McGinn
Green Bay - Rebuilding teams normally don't hitch their ground game to an aging running back coming off major surgery.
The Green Bay Packers are doing that with Ahman Green this season, hoping if not praying that he's still a franchise back and not over the hill.
New offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski acknowledged that Green's career could go either way. Najeh Davenport and Samkon Gado hold some promise, but if the Packers plan to rebound in 2006, they probably will need another vintage season from their four-time Pro Bowl running back.
"With the injury factor you're not sure," Jagodzinski said. "Do you wish he didn't have a torn tendon? Absolutely. But Ahman's rehab has gone extremely well from what the doctors have said."
Age, injury and poor performance wrecked the Packers' ground game in its free-fall from 10th place in 2004 to 30th last year in National Football League rushing. General manager Ted Thompson stood pat in this area aside from taking two guards on the first day of the draft, hopeful that Green (torn quadriceps) and Davenport (broken ankle) can lead the resurgence.
But was it rational thinking?
Although Green blew his right quad at Minnesota in Week 6, it was not a freakish incident. He had missed practice and game time for several years because of similar problems with the same thigh.
Indications are that Green has used his renowned work ethic to make a speedy recovery from his Oct. 25 surgery. But given Green's age (29), all the pounding he has taken from 2,111 regular-season and post-season touches and the fact his right leg was a problem even before the rupture, no one can say with any degree of certainty what his future holds.
"Believe it or not, I still believe he'll be the guy that he was in the past," running backs coach Edgar Bennett said. "I'm not really worried about it. We'll do everything we possibly can to make sure he's 100% by the start of the season."
Even if the leg holds, there are reservations about whether Green remains the back who averaged 1,370 yards per season and 4.67 yards per carry from 2000-'04.
Last season, Green didn't appear to be finishing runs or breaking tackles like the Green of old. Operating essentially with the same lousy run blocking as did Gado later in the season, Green averaged 3.31 yards per carry compared with 4.07 for Gado.
Shortly before the start of free agency, Green had little alternative but to accept an incentive-laden one-year deal for $2.01 million that contained a $500,000 signing bonus, considered paltry for someone of his stature.
"I think Ahman, if healthy, is going to run with a huge, huge chip on his shoulder," Jagodzinski said. "I love that. Because I know what kind of competitor he is. He don't say much in the papers but he's a tough SOB now, as tough as we've got on this team. I hope he goes, 'OK all you (expletive), I'm going to prove you wrong.' And he will."
Bennett expects Green to be a "perfect match" for the new zone-blocked running scheme because, in his opinion, Green already has been a one-cut runner. Davenport and, to a lesser extent, Gado might be better suited for the old gap-scheme that featured more predetermined holes and power plays.
After breaking his ankle in Week 5, Davenport lost his shot at a lucrative contract in unrestricted free agency and settled for one year at $655,000 ($25,000 roster bonus).
"Both Najeh and Ahman should be hungry and they have something to prove," Bennett said. "I think it will benefit them and us."
Unless Davenport can stay on the field, run lower and improve his receiving, he will never be a featured back.
Gado, who is faster and a better receiver than Davenport, does possess starting ability. He just didn't look comfortable running stretch plays this spring.
"He's a real analytical kid and he just over-thinks things," Jagodzinski said. "When you get in pads, if you don't hit that thing north and south, you are going to get your clock cleaned. It may take him three of those times where he doesn't do that and he'll figure that (expletive) out fast."
The zone scheme, as coached by Alex Gibbs in Denver and now Atlanta, has utilized lighter fullbacks than more traditional ground games. That's why the Packers intend to play Noah Herron at both positions and possibly spend time with both Davenport and Gado at fullback.
"A lot of times in the zone scheme you have a lot of guys in front of you so the linebackers aren't coming just downhill on you," Jagodzinski said. "That's why you don't have to be a 250-pound fullback in this system. You can take a halfback that's not quite fast enough and put him at fullback and you've got exactly what you're looking for."
Herron has limitations in size, speed and athletic ability for running back but might be tough and resourceful enough also to fill a backup role at fullback.
"He had a tremendous off-season," Bennett said. "Outstanding. He has very good quickness, he plays faster than that (4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and is a smart football player."
Unless venerable William Henderson hits the proverbial "wall" in his 12th season he can be penciled in again in his role as Brett Favre's reliable old receiver, a sometime blocker and special-teams leader.
"Obviously, every year we have to prove it all over again," Bennett said. "But William is relentless. I think he can still get it done as a blocker as well."
The major question is whether Vonta Leach, a blood-and-guts fullback with stiffness as a receiver and blocker, might lose his job to one of the swing men.
"But football is a physical game," Bennett said. "That's important. He can be a dominating type player from a blocking standpoint."
Free-agent fullback A.J. Cooper appeared worthy of an extended look because he's smart and a natural receiver.
At a Glance
The 10 running backs on the Green Bay roster heading into training camp. Each player is listed with height, weight, age, how acquired and college. Acquisition categories: T means acquired by trade, D4 means fourth-round draft choice and FA means free agent.
Running Backs at a Glance (6)
Player Ht. Wt. Age Acquired College
AHMAN GREEN 5-11½ 218 29 T-'00 Nebraska
Ranked eighth among NFL running backs by Pro Football Weekly entering '06; was fifth entering '05 and '04, seventh entering '03 and '02, and 18th entering '01.
NAJEH DAVENPORT 6-0½ 250 27 D4-'02 Miami
Started two games in four seasons. Carried 17 times for 178 yards and one TD at St. Louis in '04 and carried 12 times for 54 yards and two TDs against New Orleans in '06 before suffering season-ending ankle injury.
SAMKON GADO 5-10 228 23 FA-'05 Liberty
Led team in rushing (582), yards per carry (4.07), 100-yard games (3) and longest rush (64) despite playing eight games. Had four fumbles in first 90 touches, none in last 63.
NOAH HERRON 5-11 223 24 FA-'05 Northwestern
Rushed 45 times for 121 yards (2.7) and two TDs in final five games. Joined Packers Nov. 30 after agreeing to leave Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad.
ARLISS BEACH 5-10½ 220 22 FA-'06 Kentucky
Backup for most of his time at Kentucky, finishing with 226 carries for 951 yards (4.2) and 14 TDs. Ran 40 yards in 4.5 seconds in March 2005 and had 21 on the Wonderlic test.
CHAZ WILLIAMS 5-9 212 24 FA-'05 Georgia Southern
Option quarterback in college, rushing for 2,609 yards (60 TDs) and passing for 2,471 yards (23 TDs). Suffered season-ending ankle injury one week into '05 training camp and underwent season-ending surgery Aug. 8.
Fullbacks at a Glance (4)
Player Ht. Wt. Age Acquired College
WILLIAM HENDERSON 6-1 253 35 D3-'95 North Carolina
Playing less and less in recent years. Was on field for 38.4% of the snaps in 2003, 33.9% in '04 and 27.8% in '05. Last dropped pass was in '03 divisional playoff loss against Eagles.
VONTA LEACH 6-0 248 24 FA-'04 East Carolina
Played 14 snaps in late-season stint in '04 after coming off the practice squad. Came back to play 269 snaps in '05, essentially splitting time with Henderson, who had 307.
A.J. COOPER 6-1½ 240 22 FA-'06 North Dakota State
Two years in junior college were followed by two seasons for Bison as a tight end. Caught 47 passes for 758 yards (16.1) and seven TDs at North Dakota State.
BEN BROWN 6-1 248 25 FA-'06 Tabor
Carried the ball extensively in a one-back offense for an obscure college in Kansas. Has run 40 yards in about 4.78 seconds.