Cleft Crusty: Post Bengals Preseason Game Mock Chat

[mraynrand]

HI folks, sorry I was delayed, but the game is delayed by bad weather, and my (non-surgical) knee is killing me with the arthritis, so it took a while to get from the press box down to where the JS has it's phone modem hooked up. In any case, I'll begin answering you're questions as only I know how. I may take a break to watch the rest of the game (such as it is being called) should the officials be insane enough to restart it. So fire away.

[b bulldog]

Did Hawk play against the Bengals starters or did he only play against the Bengals second and third teamers?

[RIPackerFan]

I think that MM and TT is secretly throwing this game, just to lull the rest of the league into a false sense of security. That can only explain this display - what do you think.

[b bulldog]

In all seriousness, AJ really gets engulfed by blockers, hopefully he will learn to shed a bit better.

[mraynrand]

Did Hawk play against the Bengals starters or did he only play against the Bengals second and third teamers?

Hawk was in from the first snap, and proceded to get walked back 6 yards by the Bengal's massive LT on the first (running) play

[retailguy]

who was worse, ferguson or Rod gardner?

[b bulldog]

What does it mean when your $11mil corner can't cover the oppossing teams #2?

[mraynrand]

I think that MM and TT is secretly throwing this game, just to lull the rest of the league into a false sense of security. That can only explain this display - what do you think.

I think you have as much possibility of being right as of Mike McCarthy being the second gunman on the Grassy Knoll. The obvious answer is that the Bengals have been accumulating top picks for several years now and are loaded with proven talent. The Packers probably don't have a receiver that could get above #4 on Cincinnati's depth chart.

[RIPackerFan]

Can we use superglue on the receiver's hands to catch Favre passes - in all seriousness - what was up with all the drops?

[Brainerd]

Hey Crusty, is time to trade AROD? 2/6 for 7 yards against 3rd team.

[mraynrand]

What does it mean when your $11mil corner can't cover the oppossing teams #2?

You paid too much. Or, it's a meaningless preseason game, and some veterans are just making sure they don't get injured. If you want to be optimistic about the Packer's D, i suggest you choose answer 'B'

[b bulldog]

dON'T YOU THINK THAT PICKING #2 is being way optimistic in regards to Woodson?

[woodbuck27]

Did Hawk play against the Bengals starters or did he only play against the Bengals second and third teamers?

Hawk was in from the first snap, and proceded to get walked back 6 yards by the Bengal's massive LT on the first (running) play

as he walked HAWK back he said ...

" How's married LIFE.. Hot Dog ?? "

[mraynrand]

Hey Crusty, is time to trade AROD? 2/6 for 7 yards against 3rd team.

What do you think you could get for him? A sixth round pick? If you are one of the worst teams in the NFL, and you just showed off your lousy QB, how can you ask for anything for him? Perhaps you could get a roll of tape, or a Gatorade container, but probably not much else. Of course, with his 'pornstache' you might get a fyer from some ambitious filmmaker.

[b bulldog]

Can you say Brady Quinn?

[mraynrand]

Can we use superglue on the receiver's hands to catch Favre passes - in all seriousness - what was up with all the drops?

The Field, the ball, and the air was very wet. Also, the Packers have little to no proven talent at wide receiver, and have several with hands of stone. As far as I could tell, Hoosyomamma had no trouble catching the ball.

[mraynrand]

who was worse, ferguson or Rod gardner?

That's like asking: Whose worse, a 1985 Hyundai, or a 1986 Ford Festiva? Which would you rather own?

[b bulldog]

How can a QB with such big hands have so many fumbles?

[woodbuck27]

Can we use superglue on the receiver's hands to catch Favre passes - in all seriousness - what was up with all the drops?

The Field, the ball, and the air was very wet. Also, the Packers have little to no proven talent at wide receiver, and have several with hands of stone. As far as I could tell, Hoosyomamma had no trouble catching the ball.

That's because Hoosyomamma drinks sugar sweetened Kool aid before and during games.

[potsdam_11]

With a withering old master at QB, the Packers start the season 2-7, and then at long last, the old man sits down and a young QB from Cal, takes the helm....

Is it just me, or are we about to revisit 1977?

[FavreChild]

Dear Cleft,

WTF???? I mean, seriously, WTF???

[b bulldog]

I for one would like to see if ARod is legit before we decide to pass or pick Quinn.

[mraynrand]

How can a QB with such big hands have so many fumbles?

That's a great question. At first, it appeared that Vontage Leech may have bumped Favre, but using the ESPN super slo-mo feature, I was able to tell during the ten minute play-back that the ball just flipped out. I think Favre was trying to pull the ball back after seeing that the running back in the flat was well covered.

[MJZiggy]

Hey Crusty, what did you think of Samkon's short stint at FB in the 3rd Qtr.?

[mraynrand]

Dear Cleft,

WTF???? I mean, seriously, WTF???

My wife is seriously old and ugly, but I prefer not to call her a White Trash Female.

[RashanGary]

Can you say Brady Quinn?

That would make my next ten years as a football fan. Rodgers shmodgers. I'd take Quinn and win consisntanlty for the next 10 years and never look back.

[FavreChild]

I for one would like to see if ARod is legit before we decide to pass or pick Quinn.

You mean you would prefer to see whether (WHEN) Quinn (and ND) kicks Michigan's ass, right? :wink:

[woodbuck27]

"The Field, the ball, and the air was very wet." Cleft Crusty

OK now Cleft...let me get this straight.

I believe your saying:

Poor field conditions can be blamed for the most part on the first teams poor showing? Is that the case, Cleft?

Your always "the Best"... Mr.Crusty.

I think...

[mraynrand]

Hey Crusty, what did you think of Samkon's short stint at FB in the 3rd Qtr.?

I thought Samkon played fairly well. He had really been missing holes during camp and improved on this. Also, he was better at catching the ball and turning upfield. But this was against guys who will be flipping burgers next week, so take it with a grain of salt (and pepper).

[RIPackerFan]

Is there any hope knowing that the NFC North is the cesspool of the NFL? As the Vikings continue to lose players to the law, the Bears to injuries, and the Lions.....Well they are the Lions, anythings possible...right?

[mraynrand]

"The Field, the ball, and the air was very wet." Cleft Crusty

OK now Cleft...let me get this straight.

I believe your saying:

Poor field conditions can be blamed for the most part on the first teams poor showing? Is that the case, Cleft?

Your always "the Best"... Mr.Crusty.

I think...

I was saying that there were wet conditions, but they seemed to more severely affect the team with the poorest talent.

[b bulldog]

With Carr as our HC, I will be shocked if anything else but a golden domer victory is at hand.

[mraynrand]

Is there any hope knowing that the NFC North is the cesspool of the NFL? As the Vikings continue to lose players to the law, the Bears to injuries, and the Lions.....Well they are the Lions, anythings possible...right?

As I said in my chats last year, sure the division is pretty poor, but you still have to win games. The Lions will probably be much improved, now that Millen has righted the ship. Both Chicago and Minnesota have defenses that can carry them. Green Bay will be fortunate to score against Chicago.

[woodbuck27]

"The Field, the ball, and the air was very wet." Cleft Crusty

OK now Cleft...let me get this straight.

I believe your saying:

Poor field conditions can be blamed for the most part on the first teams poor showing? Is that the case, Cleft?

Your always "the Best"... Mr.Crusty.

I think...

I was saying that there were wet conditions, but they seemed to more severely affect the team with the poorest talent.

Ya DAM ! I think that's correct Cleft... Your sharp tonight. :mrgreen:

Always a pleasure to absorb your insight and tid bits.

One more.

How did Jon Ryan look to you Mr.Crusty?

[mraynrand]

I for one would like to see if ARod is legit before we decide to pass or pick Quinn.

You mean you would prefer to see whether (WHEN) Quinn (and ND) kicks Michigan's ass, right? :wink:

Quinn may end up being a better QB that Rodgers, but given the 'talent' around Rodgers, how can you know how good he can be and why would you expect Quinn to be any better. Furthermore, if you are already looking at Quinn, and the possibility of him as your 'franchise QB,' you might be looking at 2008, or 2009 before he can lead the team and generate wins.

[woodbuck27]

I for one would like to see if ARod is legit before we decide to pass or pick Quinn.

You mean you would prefer to see whether (WHEN) Quinn (and ND) kicks Michigan's ass, right? :wink:

Quinn may end up being a better QB that Rodgers, but given the 'talent' around Rodgers, how can you know how good he can be and why would you expect Quinn to be any better. Furthermore, if you are already looking at Quinn, and the possibility of him as your 'franchise QB,' you might be looking at 2008, or 2009 before he can lead the team and generate wins.

Riiiiggghhtt !!

[mraynrand]

How did Jon Ryan look to you Mr.Crusty?[/b][/size]

He averaged 44.8 yards on 4 kicks. He had a booming 61 yard kick. I don't have the numbers on the returns, but a couple were line drive kicks that allowed even Antonio Chatman to look good. Ryan looks to be getting a lot of action this year. He may be the team MVP.

[woodbuck27]

7 MORE ! 7 MORE !! 7 MORE !!!

GO PACK GO !!

[woodbuck27]

"Ryan looks to be getting a lot of action this year. He may be the team MVP." Cleft Crusty


mmmmm, suppose,

mmmmm

[VegasPackFan]

Crusty,

Why all the doom and gloom?

If TT can pull off 9-10 good trades and we get 10 first round draft picks next year, we can at least contend for the division title again.

Dont ya think?

[VegasPackFan]

Follow up question:

Deep down in the vacuum of your jaded, lifeless soul, are you a fan of the Pack?

[Bretsky]

CLIFF,

Why is Robert Fergsuson still on the Packer Roster ?

Why did Ted Thompson decide to go into the season with next to no experience on the Interior OL and do you honestly think he believes two starting rookies can make an OL unit competent ?

[mraynrand]

Crusty,

Why all the doom and gloom?

If TT can pull off 9-10 good trades and we get 10 first round draft picks next year, we can at least contend for the division title again.

Dont ya think?

Absolutely, and Pluto may strighten in it's orbit, pick up mass, and be a planet once more. It's all sunshine and rainbows for the Green Bay Packers.

[mraynrand]

CLIFF,

Why is Robert Fergsuson still on the Packer Roster ?

Why did Ted Thompson decide to go into the season with next to no experience on the Interior OL and do you honestly think he believes two starting rookies can make an OL unit competent ?

I think Ted Thompson has been consistent on two issues that resulted in losing Wahle and Rivera in the same year. First, he's placed a value on a player and not gone above (why Wahle left) and Second, he's let veterans go a year or so early, rather than later.

With Ferguson, I think he has no choice. It's not that Ferguson is any good, it's just that the trash behind him (Gardner, Martin) is so bad.

[mraynrand]

Follow up question:

Deep down in the vacuum of your jaded, lifeless soul, are you a fan of the Pack?

Absolutely not. I am a fan of no team. The only way for e to be objective is to put my love of football in a blind trust. That's why I enjoy High School fotball. When I watch the NFL, I'm just too busy taking notes and doing my job to care whether I'm watching the best QB ever or things of that nature. I have to hate what I'm doing to be effective. And do I ever hate my job. Arrrg, ecuse me for a second, I have a pain in my chest, on the left side, and it's radiating down my arm. Got some nitro here, OK... Next question?

[Bretsky]

Cliff,

Do you think nobody wants to come to GB anymore if the money is right, or did Ted Thompson just choose to not pursue the early free agents and instead front load contracts to use up cap space ?

[mraynrand]

do you honestly think he believes two starting rookies can make an OL unit competent ?


I think Thompson is looking to the future. He has a five year contract and can be pretty awful in the first few years. Excellent GMs can have a few bad years, if only because of bad luck - look at Matt Millen in Detroit - there's a GM talent that's had a lot of bad breaks with draft picks and coaches, and you don't see his owner panicking. If the team is bad two seasons from now, then Thompson might have to re-assess his picks and overall strategy, but I don't think he's expecting to win many games in the next year or two.

[No Mo Moss]

As wierd as it sounds I think this is good for the team. They probably thought they were pretty hot shit after last week. This aught to teach them a lesson and get them in focus for the bears.

[VegasPackFan]

Cleft,

I blame Sherman.

[mraynrand]

Cliff,

Do you think nobody wants to come to GB anymore if the money is right, or did Ted Thompson just choose to not pursue the early free agents and instead front load contracts to use up cap space ?

What difference would free agents have made? How many teams have been successful through signing high priced FAs? Still, you're idea that FAs wouldn't want to come to GB may have some merit. If you knew a company was firing every employee and trying to make do with the cheapest, unknown talent in the business and with interns, would you risk working for them?

[mraynrand]

As wierd as it sounds I think this is good for the team. They probably thought they were pretty hot shit after last week. This aught to teach them a lesson and get them in focus for the bears.

By this logic, the Packers should endeavor to lose every game this season, because that would make them more focused for next year. Get real, do you get encouraged by your own failures, or do you get depressed. When I write a collumn and my editor says it sucks, I usually poison myself with Jack Daniels until they pump my stomach at the hospital. I come back and write again, but how is this a good thing?

[mraynrand]

Cleft,

I blame Sherman.

Sherman can take some of the blame for some blown picks, but Thompson is putting his stamp on the team and at some point, will have to be held accountable. Are you still blaming Jimmy Carter for the economy?

[VegasPackFan]

Well Cleft, you just said that TT should not be judged until the 4th or 5th year of his GM tenure. Now you say he should take the blame this year. Which is it? Someone must take the blame.

Why do you contradict yourself with these answers?

[Bretsky]

Cliff,

Do thoughts of having to chat with Diehard Packer fans drive you to drink before answering our questions ?

[mraynrand]

Well Cleft, you just said that TT should not be judged until the 4th or 5th year of his GM tenure. Now you say he should take the blame this year. Which is it? Someone must take the blame.

Why do you contradict yourself with these answers?

I said that at some point Thompson would have to be held accountable. Since he has a five year deal, and won't get a senile or brain dead owner to extend his contract like in Detroint, I would expect that if the Packers aren't winning more than losing by 2008, Thompson will be seeking other employment oppotunities.

[mraynrand]

Cliff,

Do thoughts of having to chat with Diehard Packer fans drive you to drink before answering our questions ?

I'm not allowed to drink on the job, and I respect that rule. That doesn't prevent me from dowining a fifth on the plane home, however. But Liquor and my nitroglycerin don't mix well. Also, free tip: stents work better than sterno for clearing up blocked arteries.

[VegasPackFan]

In a follow up to Bretsky's question:

Would please share your pre-chat warm up regimen?

I have a grade school dance recital to attend this week, and of course, winter will bring the dreaded nativity plays.

[Bretsky]

Cliff,

Jim Bates seemed to have this defense flying around last year and playing up to or above their ability. Why hire a guy who's never been a DC his entire life when several former defensive coordinators were available ? Bates had fire; the new DC seems rather unemotional and a defense with more talent than last year seems to be off cylinder. What are your thought regarding the hire and his ability to achieve more than Bates did last year ?

[mraynrand]

In a follow up to Bretsky's question:

Would please share your pre-chat warm up regimen?

I have a grade school dance recital to attend this week, and of course, winter will bring the dreaded nativity plays.

I go through my game notes, look at the box score statistics, and interview players and coaches (or listen to press conferences/statements), if possible. I also do two pushups and drink a bottle of Pepto Bismol.

[mraynrand]

Cliff,

Jim Bates seemed to have this defense flying around last year and playing up to or above their ability. Why hire a guy who's never been a DC his entire life when several former defensive coordinators were available ? Bates had fire; the new DC seems rather unemotional and a defense with more talent than last year seems to be off cylinder. What are your thought regarding the hire and his ability to achieve more than Bates did last year ?

If Bates is such a defensive treasure, then why is he sitting at home collecting social security checks? What gives you any insight into how good a defensive coordinator the Packers have, when they have yet to play a regular season game and are running vanilla defenses? Seems I recall people having doubts about Donatell in the 2000 preseason. Perhaps waiting for some real action would be advisable. But since fans can't wait, how about this: If you were a seasoned pro playing in a meaningless preseason game, how hard would you be throwing your body (and meal ticket) around? Want to get injured and ruin your chances at a contract extension?

[Bretsky]

Cliff,

Jim Bates seemed to have this defense flying around last year and playing up to or above their ability. Why hire a guy who's never been a DC his entire life when several former defensive coordinators were available ? Bates had fire; the new DC seems rather unemotional and a defense with more talent than last year seems to be off cylinder. What are your thought regarding the hire and his ability to achieve more than Bates did last year ?

If Bates is such a defensive treasure, then why is he sitting at home collecting social security checks? What gives you any insight into how good a defensive coordinator the Packers have, when they have yet to play a regular season game and are running vanilla defenses? Seems I recall people having doubts about Donatell in the 2000 preseason. Perhaps waiting for some real action would be advisable. But since fans can't wait, how about this: If you were a seasoned pro playing in a meaningless preseason game, how hard would you be throwing your body (and meal ticket) around? Want to get injured and ruin your chances at a contract extension?

I'll excuse your mistake Cliff, but I think Bates is pretty dang smart. He's not collecting social security; he's receiving his full salary from the Packers.

Cliff, are you implying that the veterans are dogging these preseason games and we should give no value to their successes or failures because several players are not trying ?

If that is the case, shouldn't you be inquiring to the coaches as to why they are in charge of people not giving near 100% ?


Cheers,
B

[the_idle_threat]

Cleft,

Love the chats. Have you ever toured through death valley on your motorcycle? If not, it's a great ride, especially in mid-summer.

Anyhoo, why did they bother playing out the end of this game after the rain delay? When it comes to the last 9 minutes of a pre-season games, do the coaches even care?

--Powerball Express

[mraynrand]

Well, since it's 1:30 in the blessed AM here, and there are no more questions, I'll ask one final question: Cleft, are you sick of answering questions?

Cleft Crusty: You're #od-dammned right I'm sick of it. Blackberry brandy, here I come. Good Night!

P.S. feel free to leave questions - Clefty will answer them if he damn well feels like it.

[mraynrand]

Cliff,

Jim Bates seemed to have this defense flying around last year and playing up to or above their ability. Why hire a guy who's never been a DC his entire life when several former defensive coordinators were available ? Bates had fire; the new DC seems rather unemotional and a defense with more talent than last year seems to be off cylinder. What are your thought regarding the hire and his ability to achieve more than Bates did last year ?

If Bates is such a defensive treasure, then why is he sitting at home collecting social security checks? What gives you any insight into how good a defensive coordinator the Packers have, when they have yet to play a regular season game and are running vanilla defenses? Seems I recall people having doubts about Donatell in the 2000 preseason. Perhaps waiting for some real action would be advisable. But since fans can't wait, how about this: If you were a seasoned pro playing in a meaningless preseason game, how hard would you be throwing your body (and meal ticket) around? Want to get injured and ruin your chances at a contract extension?

I'll excuse your mistake Cliff, but I think Bates is pretty dang smart. He's not collecting social security; he's receiving his full salary from the Packers.

Cliff, are you implying that the veterans are dogging these preseason games and we should give no value to their successes or failures because several players are not trying ?

If that is the case, shouldn't you be inquiring to the coaches as to why they are in charge of people not giving near 100% ?


Cheers,
B

Maybe you'd be better served asking my boss why I'm dogging it, trying to get out of answering these idiotic questions. And if Bates isn't collecting SS yet, hey, it's just a matter of time.

[mraynrand]

Cleft,

Love the chats. Have you ever toured through death valley on your motorcycle? If not, it's a great ride, especially in mid-summer.

Anyhoo, why did they bother playing out the end of this game after the rain delay? When it comes to the last 9 minutes of a pre-season games, do the coaches even care?

--Powerball Express

Powerball,

I'll take your advice on Death Valley. Next summer perhaps I'll take the wife out there to look at classic ballparks with real atmosphere. There's nothing like riding on the back of a Harley, collecting bugs in your face, touring worn down ballparks to show your woman you care.


And as to the last 9 minutes, coaches have to make important decisions on which piece of crap player they're going to keep as the 52 and 53rd guy on the roster.