Morgan Burnett

[Smidgeon]

I have no doubt that MB is talented. But--as others on this forum pointed out--he appeared to play tentatively when he was starting.

There could be a couple reasons for this: first, that he was just going through rookie jitters and didn't want to be the goat. Second that he's not a very physical player.

The first option is one with which I have no problem. Once he's more comfortable, he'll be good. The second possibility worries me. I want a SS that puts the fear of being hit into the other team's offense. I did like that part about Bigby.

So when I read this comment from Barnett about Burnett (http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110208/PKR01/110208128/Super-Bowl-title-defense-presents-unique-challenges), it made me happy: “You’ve got some hungry sons of (guns) coming back,” Barnett said. “Jermichael’s going to be out there to prove so much, Ryan Grant, Morgan Burnett, a young dude so hungry already not being able to play, you can see it in his face. You’ve got some guys coming back, it’s going to be exciting to see.”

[LEWCWA]

This guy is going to be a good problem, cause he won't be handed the starting spot again. He'll have to take it back from Peprah. I like that. Pep played pretty good, but MB is probably more talented, but will have to work to play!

[Joemailman]

I fully expect Burnett to be the starting SS next year. His tentativeness can be attributed to the fact that he was still learning a very complex defense. The days of a SS who is a big hitter but suspect in coverage, like Bigby. are numbered. Burnett is a playmaker, not a "big hitter".

[sharpe1027]

Peprah played outstanding for being a 3rd stringer. Hell, he played very good for being a starter. The Bears and Steelers may have picked up on his limitations when they tried to get him matched up in coverage. A lot of credit has to go to Dom for not letting this happen all that often.

[imscott72]

He's young. He'll be fine..

[SMBASS]

You don't hear much about Peprah, (Maybe that's a good thing.) but I thought he stepped in and did a fantastic job this year. I'm looking forward to seeing what Burnett can do when he's healthy and he's had another year to learn the system but I wouldn't be too concerned if we went into next season with Charlie and Nick at the starting safety spots and Morgan as a 1A backup. Burnett has some great physical tools and he's a ballhawk as Joe said so I think he'll eventually earn the starting spot again and be a heck of a good player someday. I think Bigby will be gone but I feel pretty good about having these other three guys as our top safeties.

[Lurker64]

Burnett was never particularly aggressive in college either. He is, however, a ballhawk, a playmaker, and good in coverage. The fact that he doesn't play downhill in run support very often is kind of why he was a third round pick.

Still, he'll be fine. There's a lot you can teach a young player with talent if you have good coaching, and assuming Perry doesn't leave, he does.

[Bretsky]

Burnett is the real deal; he'll be fine IMO
Showed some great instincts while he was playing
Love the idea of having Burnett and Peprah as options there

[Little Whiskey]

what happens if they sign that corner from Oak and they move Woodson back to safety? this is of course if there is no setbacks in Woodson's collar bone healing. might cause an interesting situation.

[Brandon494]

what happens if they sign that corner from Oak and they move Woodson back to safety? this is of course if there is no setbacks in Woodson's collar bone healing. might cause an interesting situation.

Not that I wouldnt love if that were to happen but the chances are slim to none.

Peprah did a great job this season BUT I think Burnett is the future. Hopefully they'll give both players a chance to win the starting job which is not a bad problem to have.

[bobblehead]

Wow, I know that skin hates Bigby, but I honestly don't discount him yet. Let me see if he is healthy. (I am assuming we resign him cheap).

[mission]

Love the idea of having Burnett and Peprah as options there

Yeah, that's good depth in base and will allow Capers to do some different things in exotic pass packages. Peprah is too solid in general not to have a role, but Burnett is a lot more exciting of a prospect. Adding another ballhawk to that secondary doesn't even seem fair to me! :)

[mmmdk]

Injuries win Championships! :smile:

[SMBASS]

Wow, I know that skin hates Bigby, but I honestly don't discount him yet. Let me see if he is healthy. (I am assuming we resign him cheap).

It's not that I've ever hated Bigby. I've actually enjoyed watching him lay the wood a few times when he's been healthy. I just don't see him fitting into our future plans. He may be around if he's willing to sign cheap and compete for a spot but I have a feeling he'll be gone. I also don't think he did anything to endear himself to the coaches/organization with the entire holdout and subsequent injury fiasco this past summer.

[mmmdk]

Give thanks, Packer people, to Aaron Rodgers and the brave 53 & a bunch of IR guys! TO VICTORY!

[Bretsky]

Wow, I know that skin hates Bigby, but I honestly don't discount him yet. Let me see if he is healthy. (I am assuming we resign him cheap).


When a QB goes back to pass I'd far prefer the consistency and intelligence of Peprah to Bigby.

[SMBASS]

The Indy pre-season game was where I first noticed Burnett's ball-hawking skills. There was a play in the game where GB had a corner blitz called. Garcon was lined up wide on the same side as the slot receiver. The CB on that side was lined up over the the slot receiver and just as the ball was being snapped Burnett came running up from his deep safety spot to about linebacker depth. The CB blitzed to the inside of the slot receiver and Burnett bumped the slot receiver as he came off the line and released him to the inside. You can see Burnett reading Manning's eyes and Manning thought he was going to trail the slot receiver across the middle so he tried to throw it to Garcon who was running a curl at about 8-10 yards deep on the outside. Burnett took about one or two steps to the inside with the slot receiver and then broke to the outside and jumped Garcon's route to make the interception.

I don't think Garcon was Burnett's responsibility on the play because a safety was lined up over Garcon at about a 10 yard depth prior to the snap. It looks as though Burnett was supposed to take the slot receiver acoss the middle but because he was watching Manning and saw the play developing he changed directions and jumped the route for the pick.

I saw it argued that Burnett just got lucky on the play because he played the coverage incorrectly and ended up in the right place. I could be wrong but I watched that play a number of times and everything he did looked purely intentional. It looked like a heads up, savvy play by Burnett to me. You could see by the look on Manning's face after the play that he sure as heck wasn't expecting Burnett to be there. Since the safety was playing so far off of Garcon he thought he had an easy pitch and catch for a quick 10 yards.

[Patler]

When a QB goes back to pass I'd far prefer the consistency and intelligence of Peprah to Bigby.

You don't think Bigby is intelligent?
I think his inconsistencies have been injury related, more than anything.

But, I doubt it matters. I really do not expect the Packer to even make an offer to him. Collins, Burnett, Peprah, Bush/another fills the roster anyway. (Remember the name, "Anthony Levine".)

[Bretsky]

You don't think Bigby is intelligent?
I think his inconsistencies have been injury related, more than anything.

But, I doubt it matters. I really do not expect the Packer to even make an offer to him. Collins, Burnett, Peprah, Bush/another fills the roster anyway. (Remember the name, "Anthony Levine".)


Honestly, not really

Poor Anthony Levine.........if anybody knows him........warn him to run......the curse of Atlas Herrion lives on !!

[esoxx]

Anyone ever hear Nick Collins talk? Intelligence is not his game. Kind of an anomaly at that position.

[Bretsky]

I'm talking football smart

Nick Collins sounds like a genius compared to Torence Marshall.....blast from the past

[rbaloha1]

MB is a younger version of Darren Sharper. Why else was he assigned #42? Its worked well for Collins .

[Smidgeon]

You don't think Bigby is intelligent?
I think his inconsistencies have been injury related, more than anything.

But, I doubt it matters. I really do not expect the Packer to even make an offer to him. Collins, Burnett, Peprah, Bush/another fills the roster anyway. (Remember the name, "Anthony Levine".)

Why so high on Levine?

[Patler]

Why so high on Levine?

Not so high, just a feeling that he has a chance to stick. As Bretsky pointed out, call it my "Atlas Herrion intuition." :lol:

[SavedByGrace]

You know, I see a lot of people discussing Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, and Atari Bigby up above. But the truth of the matter is, going into next year we only have 1 out of those 3 coming back for sure next year. I'd love to see the Pack let Bigby go and sign Peprah to a longer deal. But who knows, maybe he now thinks he's a proven player who's worth bigger money and will want a deal that will cause TT to balk. There's a possibility we could be down to just MB next year.

[Joemailman]

Ted Thompson would not have traded away a 4th round pick to move up and grab Burnett if they were satisfied with Bigby. And that was before Bigby had another injury-filled season. If they lose Peprah to FA, possibly they bring back Bigby for depth. I doubt it though. They'll have Derrick Martin, a really good ST player, and Levine coming back next year.

[mmmdk]

I'm talking football smart

Nick Collins sounds like a genius compared to Torence Marshall.....blast from the past

Sorry, off topic a bit, but when I hear the name "Torrence Marshall" it brings back dark memories of posters toying with a screwy poster at JSO in 2005 (I think) . As I remember it; it was vicious & malicious. Shame on them.

[pbmax]

When a QB goes back to pass I'd far prefer the consistency and intelligence of Peprah to Bigby.

Remember that next time Mike Wallace goes by him twice in the Super Bowl. And that was not the only instance in the playoffs where he was late in covering. I love him as a backup. Much less excited as the presumptive starter. I have the same concern with Bigby.

[pbmax]

Anyone ever hear Nick Collins talk? Intelligence is not his game. Kind of an anomaly at that position.

Yes, because as McCarthy and Thompson have shown, public speaking is the key measure of intelligence. :roll:

[vince]

Remember that next time Mike Wallace goes by him twice in the Super Bowl. And that was not the only instance in the playoffs where he was late in covering. I love him as a backup. Much less excited as the presumptive starter. I have the same concern with Bigby.
x2


Yes, because as McCarthy and Thompson have shown, public speaking is the key measure of intelligence.
x4

[3irty1]

Peprah isn't exactly a physical force back there either.

Burnett better fits the idea of our defense. With him in the lineup, every member of our secondary is a threat to take the ball away. Since he's more of a free safety anyways, Collins can move closer to the ball on occasion and try doing some of the things that the other top safeties in the game get to do. More importantly, Dom realizes that although historically running and stopping the run are the keys to victory in a football game that in this day and age passing is king. If you can pass and stop the pass you'll do very well in this league. This is what Burnett does best.

[sharpe1027]

What about the possibility of Woodson moving to safety, or at least being the primary backup at the position?

[Smidgeon]

Peprah isn't exactly a physical force back there either.

Burnett better fits the idea of our defense. With him in the lineup, every member of our secondary is a threat to take the ball away. Since he's more of a free safety anyways, Collins can move closer to the ball on occasion and try doing some of the things that the other top safeties in the game get to do. More importantly, Dom realizes that although historically running and stopping the run are the keys to victory in a football game that in this day and age passing is king. If you can pass and stop the pass you'll do very well in this league. This is what Burnett does best.

I forget the article, but post-SB, I read that one of the takeaways that other teams will try to mimic is that the spread passing game will start increasing even more. Which means that a good defense needs 3-4 good CBs and safetys that can cover. The Packers will have four-five (3CB and 2S) that can do this (including Burnett) and will probably pick up one or two in the draft (unless Bell, Pat Lee, Gordy, or Awesomegha come into the fold). So while the offenses will be picking up the spread, the Packers are already a step ahead.

[mission]

What about going Peprah, Collins, Woodson, Burnett, Shields and Tramon in dime?

I think I like that a lot.

[Smidgeon]

Maybe, but that would kind of worry me. I'm under the impression that if a safety could cover WRs one on one, they'd be CBs; which makes me guess that Burnett's forte is surveying and reading the field from the back end rather than covering one on one.

[Lurker64]

Maybe, but that would kind of worry me. I'm under the impression that if a safety could cover WRs one on one, they'd be CBs; which makes me guess that Burnett's forte is surveying and reading the field from the back end rather than covering one on one.

Frequently, the main difference between safeties and CBs is that safeties is that safeties are bigger and more linear athletes and aren't nearly as effective in turning and running against another team's best WR. But it's easier to cover a guy who runs into your area than a guy you have to run with from the LOS.

[mission]

Maybe, but that would kind of worry me. I'm under the impression that if a safety could cover WRs one on one, they'd be CBs; which makes me guess that Burnett's forte is surveying and reading the field from the back end rather than covering one on one.

That's thinking a bit too traditionally, Smidge. Dom's strength is putting guys in a position that maximizes their strengths and hides their weaknesses. We don't play a lot of man except on the outside with Shields and Williams and they usually get help in some way underneath (from LBs) or deep from safeties. Players all have different responsibilities like hook to curl, deep third, curl to flat, or position reads like RBs and QB spies. They might be covering a guy who intersects these responsibilities but that doesn't necessarily make it "man" ... it just looks like it on TV. :) There's a ton we could do with those six guys on the field in passing situations.

I'm not saying line up man across the board and expect Burnett to run with Mike Wallace down the sideline. Dom could make something work if he felt there wasn't much of a drop off having the 6th guy on the field.

[prime311]

Its so rare for a defensive back or receiver to make a big impact their first season. Those are just positions that take a lot of time to learn the nuances of. Thats part of what made the job Shields did this year so special, not only as an undrafted player but as a 1st year secondary player. It took Collins, Sharper, etc... years to settle into the position, but they were great once they did. I think Burnett will be just like those guys.

[SkinBasket]

Considering the safeties we've burned through, and suffered through - including Bigby the past decade or so, Peprah looks like Jesus out there. Some of that is how our defense has changed, I'm sure, and some of it has been the emergence of our outstanding CB group, but some of it is that he just doesn't suck the donkey cock as hard as those other guys have. And I'll take that until (if) Burnett learns the defense and proves himself better than Peprah.

[3irty1]

There is a big mystery about who could possibly fill Charles Woodson's shoes in this defense once he hangs em up. My bet is on Morgan Burnett. In college he filled a role similar to Woodson's or the jets CB Dwight Lowery. A slot specialist. Burnett has great ball skills and the size of a safety to make plays near the line but also terrific lateral quickness to cover water-bug type guys like Wes Welker who are more quick than fast, just like Wood. Wouldn't be shocked to see him work this roll in our big nickel package someday allowing another safety to take the field rather than a guy like Jarrett Bush.

[mission]

Its so rare for a defensive back or receiver to make a big impact their first season. Those are just positions that take a lot of time to learn the nuances of. Thats part of what made the job Shields did this year so special, not only as an undrafted player but as a 1st year secondary player. It took Collins, Sharper, etc... years to settle into the position, but they were great once they did. I think Burnett will be just like those guys.

07 and 2 posts, I think that's the record. :)

Welcome back and keep posting :)

[Smidgeon]

There is a big mystery about who could possibly fill Charles Woodson's shoes in this defense once he hangs em up. My bet is on Morgan Burnett. In college he filled a role similar to Woodson's or the jets CB Dwight Lowery. A slot specialist. Burnett has great ball skills and the size of a safety to make plays near the line but also terrific lateral quickness to cover water-bug type guys like Wes Welker who are more quick than fast, just like Wood. Wouldn't be shocked to see him work this roll in our big nickel package someday allowing another safety to take the field rather than a guy like Jarrett Bush.

But to truly fill this role, wouldn't he have to turn into a "down hill" player? Woodson throws himself through a lot of traffic to make tough tackles. From appearances (and I stress appearances because I know so little), isn't Burnett on the other end of that particular spectrum?

[mission]

I guess when it really comes down to it... our coaches have taken players with above average talent and made them look good on their way to winning a Super Bowl. I think of Shields, Williams, Woodson, Peprah and heck, even Bush. Everyone was at worst good.

We all kind of forget all the old "Charlie Peprah" jokes of a few years ago when he was on his first stint with us. Now he's a solid starter in this scheme and I don't argue that at all. I like the guy.

Assuming we retain guys like Whitt and Perry, I think we'll continue to see young DBs -- especially Burnett -- shine in this system. We could be known as the DB Factory before it's all over with. :)

[prime311]

But to truly fill this role, wouldn't he have to turn into a "down hill" player? Woodson throws himself through a lot of traffic to make tough tackles. From appearances (and I stress appearances because I know so little), isn't Burnett on the other end of that particular spectrum?

Wood has incredible instincts. You don't just have that. Maybe Burnett could be that guy, but probably not anytime soon. Maybe I just don't want to diminish the job Wood has done, but there are so few DB's that can play the run, cover an elite receivers, and time a blitz all while still having a nose for the big play. Collins is the only guy on our D even close to that, but I'm not sure hes even a solid enough tackler for the spot. The truth of the matter is that the defense works how it works primarily because of Wood, and without him Capers would probably run the defense a bit differently, because no one is just going to be plugged into that spot and not miss a beat.

[3irty1]

But to truly fill this role, wouldn't he have to turn into a "down hill" player? Woodson throws himself through a lot of traffic to make tough tackles. From appearances (and I stress appearances because I know so little), isn't Burnett on the other end of that particular spectrum?

Well I don't expect anybody to ever truly fill the roll because Charles Woodson can do so much so well but Burnett has the ball skills and the short area quickness that can approximate those of Charles Woodson. I think you'll see Burnett get his nose into the action a bit more as he gets comfortable in the NFL. All in all he's a pretty complete safety but with exceptional ball skills and the exceptional ability to change directions which is huge to play the slot. He also has experience doing it in college where he would move down to slot corner in nickel situations.

[Smidgeon]

Well I don't expect anybody to ever truly fill the roll because Charles Woodson can do so much so well but Burnett has the ball skills and the short area quickness that can approximate those of Charles Woodson. I think you'll see Burnett get his nose into the action a bit more as he gets comfortable in the NFL. All in all he's a pretty complete safety but with exceptional ball skills and the exceptional ability to change directions which is huge to play the slot. He also has experience doing it in college where he would move down to slot corner in nickel situations.

Good news. I don't watch a lot of college ball, so it's nice to hear about it.

[esoxx]

Yes, because as McCarthy and Thompson have shown, public speaking is the key measure of intelligence. :roll:

So is a 14 on the Wonderlic test.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Anyone ever hear Nick Collins talk? Intelligence is not his game. Kind of an anomaly at that position.

Nick has come a long way since his rookie year.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Peprah isn't exactly a physical force back there either.

Peprah was pretty physical when he was in there this year. I'd prefer he'd come back as a backup to Burnett or Woodson (pipe dream), but I was relatively impressed with his play (big hits included).

[RashanGary]

I'm in the minority here, but Burnett showed less to me than the other rookies. Bulaga, Neal, Shields, Starks showed more. Wilson, Burnett, Quarless, Zombo and Newhouse are wait an see's for me.

[mission]

I'm in the minority here, but Burnett showed less to me than the other rookies. Bulaga, Neal, Shields, Starks showed more. Wilson, Burnett, Quarless, Zombo and Newhouse are wait an see's for me.

Big surprise that some guys who played the whole season showed more to you.

Neal didn't show any more than Burnett, that's for sure. INT(s!) versus whatever production Neal gave us. I can remember one play where he got some pressure on a passer.

And Wilson and Zombo will be fine in whatever roles they play next season.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Yeah, that interception against Colts in the preseason flashed playmaker. Not many young guys make that play.

[mmmdk]

Yeah, that interception against Colts in the preseason flashed playmaker. Not many young guys make that play.

True, forgot about that yet flashes are flashes - Peprah really played strongly & smartly all season. Would be hard for any rookie to top that feat.

[Patler]

Yeah, that interception against Colts in the preseason flashed playmaker. Not many young guys make that play.

This one?

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81a0a663/Burnett-INT

[3irty1]

True, forgot about that yet flashes are flashes - Peprah really played strongly & smartly all season. Would be hard for any rookie to top that feat.

Flashes are just flashes but they also give you a view into a players upside. Burnett has serious skills.

[Fritz]

Wood has incredible instincts. You don't just have that. Maybe Burnett could be that guy, but probably not anytime soon. Maybe I just don't want to diminish the job Wood has done, but there are so few DB's that can play the run, cover an elite receivers, and time a blitz all while still having a nose for the big play. Collins is the only guy on our D even close to that, but I'm not sure hes even a solid enough tackler for the spot. The truth of the matter is that the defense works how it works primarily because of Wood, and without him Capers would probably run the defense a bit differently, because no one is just going to be plugged into that spot and not miss a beat.

Capers said in an interview that he had to scheme differently in the second half because Woodson was missing. So you are correct.

[Guiness]

Sorry, off topic a bit, but when I hear the name "Torrence Marshall" it brings back dark memories of posters toying with a screwy poster at JSO in 2005 (I think) . As I remember it; it was vicious & malicious. Shame on them.

Ah, fond memories of TM's apparent gf. Candy or something? She came by asking because he'd gone missing?

Not the brightest bulb, iirc, so ya, dark memories :lol:

[HarveyWallbangers]

This one?

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81a0a663/Burnett-INT

Sorry! That showed great recognition, but I meant this one:

Burnett Pick Pocket (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/09000d5d81aa6624/WK-2-Can-t-Miss-Play-Burnett-s-pick-pocket)