Official Packers vs. Titans Game Day Thread

[Joemailman]

You're Up Captain!

[CaptainKickass]

OBLIGATORY GAME DAY POST!

[Joemailman]

Will any of the receivers battling for the 5th and 6th spots stand out from the rest?
Can any of them return punts?
Will Sherrod and Lane play well enough to make us stop worrying about losing Barclay?
Can Tolzien play well enough to justify keeping 3 QB's?
Can Richard Rodgers or Bostick push Quarless for the starting spot?
Will any of the UDFA RB's stand out?
Will any of the DT's other than Raji look stout enough to play NT?
How will Peppers look?
It's preseason. Will Matthews even play?
Will any of the safeties look like they're ready to start?

[pbmax]

It hardly seems like a year has gone by (7 months actually).

[Harlan Huckleby]

How will Peppers look?
I think Peppers is old vet who keeps it in 2nd gear for preseason, even with position switch.

I want to see Datone Jones prove he needs to be starter.

[pbmax]

Richard Rodgers watch here. I seriously have no idea what to expect out of the kid.

[Joemailman]

I'm hopeful that with Flynn and Tolzien coming in after Rodgers, the game will be more entertaining than last year with the Three Stooges at QB.

[pbmax]

Green Bay Packers ‏@packers 49s
Rodgers, Lacy & Nelson not playing for #Packers tonight in Nashville. More in the pregame warmup: http://pckrs.com/m3st

Tom Silverstein ‏@TomSilverstein 4m
#Packers not playing vs. #Titans because of injury: Burnett, Miller, Lyerla, Barclay, Abbrederis, Guion and Worthy.

[pbmax]

Tyler Dunne ‏@TyDunne 8m
Matt Flynn, James Starks, Jarrett Boykin will be starting in place of 12/27/87.

[pbmax]

Genaro C. Armas ‏@GArmasAP 2m
#Brewers ceremonial 1st pitch tonight? Vanilla Ice! Throw makes it on fly to the catcher, just a bit outside. #iceicebaby


WHAT?

[VegasPackFan]

Anyone have a source for FREE streaming on this game? Otherwise have to wait for Sunday morning to see it.

[red]

well i'm piss drunk

this feels about right

[Joemailman]

Rich Gannon has just informed us the defense needs to get better.

[pbmax]

Greg Punzo's twitter account and http://feed2all.eu are most likely committing some kind of crime by posting these links.

[pbmax]

Rich Gannon has just informed us the defense needs to get better.

Is THAT what wist has been trying to say all this time?!

[pbmax]

Because its Packers preseason, there is heavy rain and a threat of thunderstorms.

[pbmax]

And the broadcast goes dark.

[Joemailman]

The dreaded blue screen.

[pbmax]

38 yard return

Tyler Dunne ‏@TyDunne 23s
On KR for GB: Dorsey, Palmer, HHCD, Banjo, Lattimore, Bush, D. Jones, Daniels, Kuhn, R. Taylor, Harris.

Pete Dougherty ‏@PeteDougherty 1m
DuJuan Harris taking first KOR for Packers

[pbmax]

Tretter's man just made a stop for 2 yards and was the only O lineman with 3 yards of ball

[Joemailman]

Gannon informs us that Tretter is ath-uh-letic.

[pbmax]

R Rodgers with flare out of formation, caught ball thrown to wrong side of the body, got first down. He is large and heavy.

[pbmax]

Well, Tretter had two far better blocks later in the drive and Stark Plug put in into the end zone from the inverted wishbone.

[Joemailman]

Nice first drive by the offensive offensive line.

[pbmax]

Base D

. . . Jones, Raji, Daniels
Matthews Jones Hawk Peppers
Williams Hyde Ha-Ha Shields


Despite a some reports to the contrary, in Nickel Williams was outside, Hyde at safety and I THINK Hayward was the slot DB. But didn't get good look. Might be due to Burnett being out. Dime could be different.

[denverYooper]

I've got Eddie George on the broadcast.

Starks is looking nifty.

[Joemailman]

Adams putting the thrill back in the punt return.

[denverYooper]

Titans broadcasters here pointing out that Hayward and Richardson both played at Vandy, bringing up the Tennessee ties.

[denverYooper]

Adams putting the thrill back in the punt return.

Is it Wednesday yet?

[pbmax]

Sherrod and backup Tackle Adams are in. Lost his guy and couldn't recover to stop him on a run.

[denverYooper]

2nd string line?

[Rutnstrut]

Starks looked great, Peppers not so much on the first D series.

[Joemailman]

2nd string line?

Except for Tretter.

[pbmax]

This just in:

Brad Jones just filled and sealed a gap with a hard tackle.

[Rutnstrut]

Holy shit, Brad Jones accidently made a play.

[pbmax]

Well, Davante Adams won't be making the Game Day roster on the basis of his role as punt returner.

[Rutnstrut]

Well Adams will be looking for work.

[pbmax]

Peppers just abandoned a gap and the RB went right into it for a TD. Very Walden like.

[Rutnstrut]

I was going to ask when they got Walden back.

[pbmax]

2nd string line?

Pete Dougherty ‏@PeteDougherty 10m
No. 2 offense in, OL left to right: Sherrod, Tiller, Tretter, Lane, Adams. Tretter only OL starter still in game.

[pbmax]

FI-RE SLO-CUM

Clap Clap Clap-Clap-Clap

[pbmax]

Sherrod much better block on Harris last run.

[pbmax]

Sherrod's last pass block was, uh, functional, but when Flynn bailed (LG lost his guy quickly) he lost his guy on a change of direction too.

Nothing mind blowing yet.

[pbmax]

That run D looked familiar. Scrum in middle and no one gets blown out but NO ONE gets their hand on the ball carrier. Radio says Dix missed a tackle.

[pbmax]

HHCD with a much better fill on that first down run.

[Rutnstrut]

Overall to me the whole team looks very pre-season like. I am concerned about the defense though, mostly because I have no faith in Capers. I also think they are really going to need a big man or two on defense.

[pbmax]

Raji still getting tied on on single blocking.

[pbmax]

HHCD lost his TE on a flat and a better pass would have given them a first down.

[Joemailman]

They're obviously afraid to punt the ball to Hyde.

[pbmax]

What Sherrod does best just happened. Pass block on left side, OLB went fast and wide, Sherrod caught him and he never got loose even though he had all the momentum.

[pbmax]

Radio Larry says Guion figures prominently into the Capers plan this year.

[red]

oh this is just fucking worthless

what are we gonna learn from this game in these shit conditions?

why even play the game?

theres only like 100 people at the game, its not that you would piss them off by calling the game off

ok, we have learned one thing. don't let adams return. why is he even an option for returner?

[pbmax]

Wes Hodkiewicz ‏@WesHod 4m
Mike Pennel getting a lot of work inside at nose. He's a big kid. Getting a shot with Guion still on the shelf

[pbmax]

Heady play Sherrod gets an encroachment for the team.

[Joemailman]

oh this is just fucking worthless

what are we gonna learn from this game in these shit conditions?

why even play the game?

theres only like 100 people at the game, its not that you would piss them off by calling the game off

ok, we have learned one thing. don't let adams return. why is he even an option for returner?

They would like to find someone other than Hyde or Cobb who can do it. They know Adams will be on the roster, so they gave him a chance. Nor sure he'll get another one.

[pbmax]

Flynn not highly accurate tonight. Three throws to open receivers. Two behind the guy and one WAY outside.

[pbmax]

Sherrod failed but block on TE screen. Doesn't matter. Rodgers just runs through the defense for a first.

[pbmax]

Wes Hodkiewicz ‏@WesHod 6m
Richardson was the first safety when Hyde slid into the slot in dime.

[pbmax]

Sherrod failed but block on TE screen. Doesn't matter. Rodgers just runs through the defense for a first.

Twitter tells me that was Bostick.

[pbmax]

Neal (or Jones) loses track of the ball and loses contain as he wanders.

[pbmax]

HHCD beaten by a step on a seam route but he recovers and knocks the ball loose for an incompletion.

[BZnDallas]

HAHA makes a nice play on a ball caught by TE down the seam... forced the drop or would have been a first down

oops my bad PB

[Joemailman]

Jarrett Bush is unstoppable!

[Joemailman]

Slide, don't dive!

[Rutnstrut]

Tolzien is terrible.

[pbmax]

Tolzien is terrible.

He looked better than last year. Made a couple trips through progressions. 2-4 with two drops. Shouldn't dive head first and should have thrown ball away on immediate free rusher.

[pbmax]

Jeebus. Neal had Whitehurst twice and Pennel had pressure before a panic throw was completed the WR escaped for a huge gain. Ridiculous.

Barrington missed a tackle after the catch that would have prevented a first.

[pbmax]

Sherrod passes off stunt and recovers for looper nicely. But he tends to block high and get out of balance. Needs to get deeper bend in his knees when preparing to punch/engage.

Smaller pass rushers are not getting around him. But I could see him having trouble with strong bull rushers. Needs better base.

[Harlan Huckleby]

oh this is just fucking worthless

what are we gonna learn from this game in these shit conditions?

why even play the game?
I watched the first quarter, my thoughts exactly. Switched to Brewers.

Is Rodgers the starting TE? If he has the job now, I expect he keeps it.

[pbmax]

HAHA makes a nice play on a ball caught by TE down the seam... forced the drop or would have been a first down

oops my bad PB

Never apologize. You might have something better.

[pbmax]

I will say this. They have not much to Sherrod's side at all. They have flopped sides with Sherrod and Adams now.

[pbmax]

Tolzien just grabbed a D line's jersey and threw him back so he could dive on his fumble first. Like an older brother move.

But a terrible fumble for a QB just prior to a throw.

[Joemailman]

How does a guy like Rajion Neal, who played in the SEC and ran for 1200 yards, averaging over 5 YPC, not get drafted?

[pbmax]

Like this Neal kid's run for a TD.

[BZnDallas]

Nice run and finish by Neal for the TD

[BZnDallas]

the running backs on this team all look pretty decent... Is RB a position we'd only carry 1 on the practice squad or multiple?

[pbmax]

Not a great pass but should have been caught by Harper.

EDIT: It was almost like Tolzien expected to throw a contested jump ball on a shorter route. But Harper shed the DB early and had a free run to the sideline.

[pbmax]

Joe Thomas out with a knee.

[pbmax]

Wayne Larriavee's spotter tonight is constantly off at least one yard in the Packers favor.

[pbmax]

Harper doesn't seem to know how to flip his hands around to catch a low ball at his side.

[pbmax]

Actual pressure seen on QB.

[pittstang5]

Harper doesn't seem to know how to flip his hands around to catch a low ball at his side.

Harper not doing himself any favors not catching that, plus the drop for 2 pt conversion.

[denverYooper]

Nice balance Neal.

[pbmax]

That's two Packer D turnovers in the second half

[pbmax]

He had Perillo open for a TD. Overthrew it.

Jason Wilde ‏@jasonjwilde 1m
Rettig's third-down pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage, for my press-box brethren on deadline. #Packers

[esoxx]

Harper doesn't seem to know how to flip his hands around to catch a low ball at his side.

Fire Bennett!!

[pbmax]

Mettenberger > Rettig

[pbmax]

Fire Bennett!!

He tried to catch it like someone was throwing him a n ironing board. Or a bat.

Dammit Defense!

[esoxx]

He tried to catch it like someone was throwing him a n ironing board. Or a bat.

Dammit Defense!

Fire Capers!!

[bobblehead]

What Sherrod does best just happened. Pass block on left side, OLB went fast and wide, Sherrod caught him and he never got loose even though he had all the momentum.

Its nice to be large. Yes, I am just now first reading all this. Mainly just ignoring it until the NFL replay tomorrow morning at 6am local time.

[pbmax]

Neal hurt his leg on that return.

[esoxx]

This Chase Rettig is gawd awful. Two turnovers in Titan territory produces three whole points.

BJ Coleman part deux.

[pbmax]

Its nice to be large. Yes, I am just now first reading all this. Mainly just ignoring it until the NFL replay tomorrow morning at 6am local time.

He actually looked more comfortable on the right. But I wonder if that was the number of snaps talking.

[denverYooper]

Neal hurt his leg on that return.

charley horse

[pbmax]

Unfortunately, that play, deep and under thrown to a WR expecting same, will be a common play cal this year if preseason is any indication.

Rettig did under throw it, way too much air.

[esoxx]

Horrible underthrow. Hang it up son.

[pbmax]

Nice throw to Perillo. Stared it down though.

[esoxx]

Bumblin' stumblin'...shades of Jim del Gazio.

[pbmax]

Is Perkins the new Whisper Goodman?

[esoxx]

Terrell Sutton

[bobblehead]

the running backs on this team all look pretty decent... Is RB a position we'd only carry 1 on the practice squad or multiple?

Its really weird how RB's all look good or all look bad running behind the same line...creepy.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Rettig is a camp arm. Coleman was somebody we actually drafted. Rettig is awful.

[pbmax]

Another under throw.

[pbmax]

Not a fan of new Instamatic Surface tablets for game pictures.

Bring back the 8 x 10 glossies.

[esoxx]

Wasn't Coleman's number 7 as well? Burns the retinas.

[pbmax]

Rettig is a camp arm. Coleman was somebody we actually drafted. Rettig is awful.

They don't usually bring in camp arms. They have gone 3 QBs more than 4 most years under McCarthy/Thompson, haven't they?

[pbmax]

Its really weird how RB's all look good or all look bad running behind the same line...creepy.

Best part was Harris looking quick as before.

[esoxx]

Rettig is a camp arm. Coleman was somebody we actually drafted. Rettig is awful.

Hardly much difference. Coleman was a 7th rd pick, 243 overall. Likely street FA if we don't draft him there.

[pbmax]

So I don't know what to make of the Peppers experiment. They played two series and I only remember him from blowing a run play.

[pbmax]

Jason Wilde ‏@jasonjwilde 52s
McCarthy on injuries: "[Raijon] Neal, they're looking at his knee right now. And [Joe] Thomas left with a knee."

[Iron Mike]

Looks to me like Hill, Harper and Quarless were entirely underwhelming.

[pittstang5]

Jason Wilde ‏@jasonjwilde 52s
McCarthy on injuries: "[Raijon] Neal, they're looking at his knee right now. And [Joe] Thomas left with a knee."

Figures - One was having a good camp from what I read (Thomas) and one looked pretty freakin good last night (Neal). They'll probably be out for the year. Injuires with this team are getting very old.

[smuggler]

My thoughts exactly pitt

[gbgary]

didn't see the game (a couple's shower of all things. whoever invented that needs shot) but am about to watch the replay. was about to ask about injuries and saw this...NOT GOOD!!

[wist43]

Base D

. . . Jones, Raji, Daniels
Matthews Jones Hawk Peppers
Williams Hyde Ha-Ha Shields


Despite a some reports to the contrary, in Nickel Williams was outside, Hyde at safety and I THINK Hayward was the slot DB. But didn't get good look. Might be due to Burnett being out. Dime could be different.

What I saw of the defense was 'worst case scenario'.

Jones and Daniels lining up in the base, those putrid ILB's on the field 24/7, and the nickel was nothing more than the idiotic 2-4.

Square pegs in round holes... everyone being used to the worst of their ability.

I expect that will be our defense all year long. That being the case, Daniels and Jones will wear down as the season goes on, and will lose their effectiveness altogether (you guys will blame the players - and never even consider that it is dunderdummy's fault); and we're going to be completely run over in both the base and nickel.

I knew this is what they were going to do... it's disheartening and demoralizing. Another lost season.

The good news is - Capers will be fired immediately after the season is over.

[Joemailman]

Come on Wist. Can't you at least wait until the end of the preseason before giving up on the season? ;-)

[pbmax]

I want to know why Peppers was rushing from left end.

[wist43]

Come on Wist. Can't you at least wait until the end of the preseason before giving up on the season? ;-)

We needed to make some schematic changes on defense - they changed nothing except the players; and worse, the changes in personnel that they did make - are putting those good players in position to fail.

As soon as I saw how they were lined up, and who was where - my heart sank b/c I know that's what they've been working on since January.

Daniels at 3-4 DE is a waste; Jones at 3-4 DE is a waste; Raji is not a natural NT; the Dunder Brothers, i.e. Hawk and Jones will still be on the field 24-7... nothing has changed - except that Dunderdummy has found new misguided ways to misuse everyone.

The only hope we have, is that the pass coverage got fixed - b/c the mess that was our defensive front surely didn't.

We're going to get run over on defense... wouldn't be surprised if we give up over 150 yds/game on the ground this year - that is a disheartening prospect.

[red]

We needed to make some schematic changes on defense - they changed nothing except the players; and worse, the changes in personnel that they did make - are putting those good players in position to fail.

As soon as I saw how they were lined up, and who was where - my heart sank b/c I know that's what they've been working on since January.

Daniels at 3-4 DE is a waste; Jones at 3-4 DE is a waste; Raji is not a natural NT; the Dunder Brothers, i.e. Hawk and Jones will still be on the field 24-7... nothing has changed - except that Dunderdummy has found new misguided ways to misuse everyone.

The only hope we have, is that the pass coverage got fixed - b/c the mess that was our defensive front surely didn't.

We're going to get run over on defense... wouldn't be surprised if we give up over 150 yds/game on the ground this year - that is a disheartening prospect.

agreed. we kept capers on with the promise that fat fuck would step in and make him drastically change things up

if we're now just seeing the same old shit, then, WTF?

[Freak Out]

Just not showing their hand boys.... :-)

[red]

on a positive note, i thought haha looked solid

[Just Jeff]

Just not showing their hand boys.... :-)

MM is just that cunning. Watch out Seattle

[pbmax]

Actually he has flat out said he will be showing Seattle nothing this preseason. Whether that goes for Capers D, we'll see in four weeks.

[Just Jeff]

Actually he has flat out said he will be showing Seattle nothing this preseason. Whether that goes for Capers D, we'll see in four weeks.

Sorry but after 16 weeks of showing nothing last season, I am not holding my breath. Eventually you have to show something and for the last 4 years, its been nothing.

[pbmax]

Sorry but after 16 weeks of showing nothing last season, I am not holding my breath. Eventually you have to show something and for the last 4 years, its been nothing.

So the 2010 defense wasn't good enough for you?

[deake]

After watching the first part of the game agian, I hope Peppers is saving it for the regular season. I thought HaHa and Hyde played really good together.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Quick observations from the game:

Rajion Neal may make the front office think about keeping four RBs, if he isn't seriously injured.

I think Myles White is the solid favorite for the 5th WR spot. Kevin Dorsey has potential but he's raw. He's a smooth runner though. Chris Harper and Alex Gillette looked okay, but not good enough for a roster spot. I don't think any of them warrant a 6th WR spot. Jeff Janis will have a chance to impress.

Brandon Bostick has to be the favorite to start at TE.

J.C. Tretter looked good. He's really good in space. Derek Sherrod switched between LT and RT. Outside of some problems cut blocking (he was 50/50 on cut blocks), I thought he looked very good. Aaron Adams is okay. I'm not as concerned about the backup OTs after this game. I wasn't impressed with the backup OGs. Lane Taylor and Andrew Tiller both had up and down games. I was slightly more impressed with Jordan McCray than John Fullington. I think that's where the Packers will miss Don Barclay the most.

Not to sound like Wist, but I'm a little concerned about the Packers size on the DL. At times the front three got pushed around. I thought both Josh Boyd and Khyri Thornton had good games though. I forgot Boyd was #93, and I kept thinking how impressed I was with #93. I finally looked it up and saw it was Boyd. Mike Pennel struggled against the better competition early in the game, but then flashed later in the game against weaker competition. I think Guion can still win a job, if he comes back soon enough, but Pennel is a good candidate for the practice squad.

Peppers looked pretty pedestrian, but I'm not overly concerned yet. I thought Nick Perry ran well, and that dude sets the edge. Neal is a great athlete, but he still loses contain too much. Jayrone Elliott impressed me more than Carl Bradford and Adrian Hubbard. Hubbard looked stiff. Nate Palmer was okay. Andy Mulumba did nothing. Matthews, Peppers, Perry, and Neal are locks to make the roster. If I had to rank the others based on last night, I'd go with Palmer, Elliott, Bradford (although he's likely to be higher because of his draft status), Mulumba, and Hubbard.

I think the roster spots for Jamari Lattimore and Sam Barrington are safe. I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be with Joe Thomas (when he was in there) and Jake Doughty.

I hope they find a way to get Jumal Rolle on the team. I think that kid can play in the league.

Sean Richardson looks really impressive to me. He's always been big and fast, but he looks more fluid. He looked like a man amongst boys.

[pbmax]

Aaron Adams looked much more comfortable on the left side, oddly enough. But like Sherrod, it may have been just from the sheer number of reps and working up a sweat.

[Brandon494]

Peppers is a veteran in this league, it would have been foolish for him to go all out in a pointless preseason game. What does he have to prove? Hes not a rookie trying to make the team.

[RashanGary]

Quick observations.

Thanks for informative post. I don't have the passion to pay attention like I used to, but I love getting this type of information after a preseason game!

[smuggler]

Anybody know about Raijon Neal's knee injury? Evidently Joe Thomas' knee injury will keep him out for a while but doesn't require surgery. I'm nervous for Neal, who looked pretty good in the game.

[Patler]

Now this is what we wanted to hear!
Per McGinn:


Jarrett Bush was the best defensive player on the field. In 16 snaps, he had eight tackles (one for loss), a sack and a pressure. "I love him," one scout said. "He seems to be around the ball all the time."

[HarveyWallbangers]

Quick observations from the game:

Looks like McGinn agrees with my assessment of Tretter and Sherrod.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/a-reason-for-optimism-on-packers-offensive-line-b99327181z1-270705291.html


In 16 snaps split evenly against starters and backups, Tretter demonstrated an aggressive, hustling approach that was impressive.

Sherrod, in 45 snaps against second- and third-stringers, probably looked better than he ever has since being drafted with the final choice of the first round in 2011.

[bobblehead]

I thought Sherrod was really good for first game in so long. I still think he could win the LT job if its an open competition.

[pittstang5]

Now this is what we wanted to hear!
Per McGinn:

From the little bit I have seen of the game, Jarrett Bush was a madman Saturday night. I just don't get it. His play is so wishy washy at times - he makes a play one series, then has a huge brain fart the next.

I liked when they were trying to convert him to a safety and thought that would be a good fit for him. He just makes me nervous when he has to come into a game.

[Joemailman]

I thought Sherrod was really good for first game in so long. I still think he could win the LT job if its an open competition.

I doubt it is open though, unless Bakhtiari really digresses. That's unfortunate, because Bakhtiari would be I believe a perfect G/T swing guy. Like Barclay, only more talented. Sherrod will likely have to wait until someone gets injured, and then he'll need to perform so well he can't be taken out.

[Zool]

From the little bit I have seen of the game, Jarrett Bush was a madman Saturday night. I just don't get it. His play is so wishy washy at times - he makes a play one series, then has a huge brain fart the next.

I liked when they were trying to convert him to a safety and thought that would be a good fit for him. He just makes me nervous when he has to come into a game.

Bush is the equivalent of a AAAA baseball player. Looks fantastic against everyone but the starters.

[denverYooper]

Sherrod had some issues, but he looks like the most fluid player Green Bay has put at tackle in some time. He looks like he has the ability to turn into a black hole on the edge.

[pbmax]

Sherrod needs reps. It might be the best he looked in camps (I thought late in his rookie season prior to injury it looked like he got it too) but he has some distance to travel yet.

But for a guy who is for all intents and purposes a second year player (first entire offseason, middle of first camp, one truncated camp, played in parts of 5 games or so) he didn't whiff. But I think they ran behind him only once or twice. Need to see a lot more run blocking from him.

But as we saw in his rookie year, if he gets his mitts on you, you aren't getting away.

[Joemailman]

Sherrod needs reps. It might be the best he looked in camps (I thought late in his rookie season prior to injury it looked like he got it too) but he has some distance to travel yet.

But for a guy who is for all intents and purposes a second year player (first entire offseason, middle of first camp, one truncated camp, played in parts of 5 games or so) he didn't whiff. But I think they ran behind him only once or twice. Need to see a lot more run blocking from him.

But as we saw in his rookie year, if he gets his mitts on you, you aren't getting away.

I'm not sure he'll ever be the guy you want to run behind. The question may be, if he can pass block like Clifton, do you accept mediocre run blocking? They accepted it from Clifton for years because he secured the QB's blind side.

[ThunderDan]

At one point in the telecast Rich Gannon was talking about the injuries that some TENN player had. He said he had a knee and a wrist and I thought Red's head would explode if he heard it.

[3irty1]

I'm not sure he'll ever be the guy you want to run behind. The question may be, if he can pass block like Clifton, do you accept mediocre run blocking? They accepted it from Clifton for years because he secured the QB's blind side.

He's got a lot more to work with as a positional run blocker than Clifton did though. Sherrod is a considerably bigger and more mobile wall.

[Patler]

He's got a lot more to work with as a positional run blocker than Clifton did though. Sherrod is a considerably bigger and more mobile wall.

I think you are forgetting how big Clifton really is/was. He was so broad that it masked his height, but he was a big, big fella. At the pre-draft combine:

Derek Sherrod - 6'5", 321 lbs.
Chad Clifton - 6'5", 334 lbs.

As for athleticism and mobility:

40 yard dash - Sherrod 5.28, clifton 5.05
20 yard Shuttles - Sherrod 4.63, Clifton 4.73
3 cone drill - Sherrod 7.43, Clifton 7.58
Vertical jump - Sherrod 28", Clifton 30.5"
Broad jump - Sherrod 97", Clifton 102"

Clifton was bigger, faster with better explosiveness in his legs (vertical & broad jumps). Sherrod quicker at directional changes (shuttle and cone drill).

[3irty1]

I think you are forgetting how big Clifton really is/was. He was so broad that it masked his height, but he was a big, big fella. At the pre-draft combine:

Derek Sherrod - 6'5", 321 lbs.
Chad Clifton - 6'5", 334 lbs.

As for athleticism and mobility:

40 yard dash - Sherrod 5.28, clifton 5.05
20 yard Shuttles - Sherrod 4.63, Clifton 4.73
3 cone drill - Sherrod 7.43, Clifton 7.58
Vertical jump - Sherrod 28", Clifton 30.5"
Broad jump - Sherrod 97", Clifton 102"

Clifton was bigger, faster with better explosiveness in his legs (vertical & broad jumps). Sherrod quicker at directional changes (shuttle and cone drill).

Well I was talking about the older Clifton working in the ZBS. But wasn't Clifton also almost 2 years older than Sherrod during their respective drafts? Maybe Sherrods size is some kind of optical illusion but he's always looked much bigger than the guys next to him who are listed as having similar mass. It looks to me like he's packed on some meat since his rookie season but could still hold tons more on his frame. He's got the arms and hands of a gorilla that Clifton lacked. I guess Clifton could be just as much of an optical illusion with how low he played in his technique. Wish I could see them next to each other.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Clifton was bigger, faster with better explosiveness in his legs (vertical & broad jumps). Sherrod quicker at directional changes (shuttle and cone drill).

They are pretty comparable though. Clifton was slightly bigger. He was faster--although analysis shows that 40 yard time isn't a great judge of OTs. The other drills tend to better predict an OTs prospects in the NFL. They are split on the other traits (3 cone and shuttle for Sherrod; vertical and broad jump for Clifton).

[pbmax]

They are pretty comparable though. Clifton was slightly bigger. He was faster--although analysis shows that 40 yard time isn't a great judge of OTs. The other drills tend to better predict an OTs prospects in the NFL. They are split on the other traits (3 cone and shuttle for Sherrod; vertical and broad jump for Clifton).

It is also amenable to my observation he needs to use his legs more. Perhaps get stronger. He has a lot of lean in him when he sets up. He just needs reps. We will get to see what Sherrod can do if he gets significant snaps in the 4th preseason game.

My concern for this year is that absent Bach falling down stairs, Sherrod's pass pro is not going to be enough to unseat the Composer. When he can run block closer to Bach, then it will be time for Bach to take over for Bulaga.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I rewatched the game. Pretty sad, I know, but the wife and kids are out of town.

I concentrated on the TEs, WRs, and OLBs.

TEs - I thought they all looked pretty solid. Nothing spectacular, but they are serviceable. Quarless actually had a good game blocking. He's a bit faster than Rodgers. Rodgers looked better on second view. For a guy that is 270 lbs he moves pretty well. Not great, but he didn't look as lumbering as I remembered. He was hit or miss in his blocking. He struggled blocking out of H-Back sets. I still think Bostick looks the best as a receiver. The dude has filled out, but looks like he still has his speed. These guys will rotate, but I think we'll see Bostick a lot in passing sets.

WRs - I still think White will win a job--primarily because he's the only backup that fits in the slot. Nelson can do it, but I'd think that'd want more flexibility on the roster--other things being equal. I thought Dorsey and Sheppard looked decent in their route running, but probably not good enough to make the roster. Personally, I don't see it with Harper. He looks similar to Gillette to me. I'm excited to see Janis.

OLBs - Peppers was fine. For a guy his size, he's pretty fluid. Better than Aaron Kampman and Nick Perry. On the TD run, I'd fault Brad Jones. I'm pretty sure Peppers was supposed to set the edge, and Jones should have had that gap. Instead, he took an inside gap where there were other players already. Jones actually had a good game up to that point. I like Perry and Neal as backups. Neither Palmer nor Mulumba were impressive, but Palmer has a big role on special teams. I like Elliott much more than Hubbard. I hope we don't lose that kid.

I still like Rolle. Perillo is intriguing. He's a pretty good athlete--yet has enough size to develop as a blocker. I hope he makes the PS. Thornton looks similar to Boyd. Both guys have a nice combination of power and quickness--although Boyd didn't stand out as much on second view.

[bobblehead]

It is also amenable to my observation he needs to use his legs more. Perhaps get stronger. He has a lot of lean in him when he sets up. He just needs reps. We will get to see what Sherrod can do if he gets significant snaps in the 4th preseason game.

My concern for this year is that absent Bach falling down stairs, Sherrod's pass pro is not going to be enough to unseat the Composer. When he can run block closer to Bach, then it will be time for Bach to take over for Bulaga.

You and I have been in lock step re: Sherrod from the start. This is spot on. Problem is that he is a FA after this season, and a team desperate for a tackle that can set up the wall will snatch him up.

[HarveyWallbangers]

It is also amenable to my observation he needs to use his legs more. Perhaps get stronger. He has a lot of lean in him when he sets up. He just needs reps. We will get to see what Sherrod can do if he gets significant snaps in the 4th preseason game.

My concern for this year is that absent Bach falling down stairs, Sherrod's pass pro is not going to be enough to unseat the Composer. When he can run block closer to Bach, then it will be time for Bach to take over for Bulaga.

He looks stronger this year to me. Not as lean. He looks more like Clifton than the Sherrod I remember a couple of years ago. He certainly passes the eyeball test. It was good to see him play well--even if it was a meaningless preseason game.

[HarveyWallbangers]

You and I have been in lock step re: Sherrod from the start. This is spot on. Problem is that he is a FA after this season, and a team desperate for a tackle that can set up the wall will snatch him up.

Some other team is going to get a relatively young OT (provided they stay healthy) next year from the Packers--either a RT in Bulaga or LT in Sherrod. The Packers won't be able to afford both. Sherrod may actually be a better prospect down the line.

[Patler]

Well I was talking about the older Clifton working in the ZBS. But wasn't Clifton also almost 2 years older than Sherrod during their respective drafts? Maybe Sherrods size is some kind of optical illusion but he's always looked much bigger than the guys next to him who are listed as having similar mass. It looks to me like he's packed on some meat since his rookie season but could still hold tons more on his frame. He's got the arms and hands of a gorilla that Clifton lacked. I guess Clifton could be just as much of an optical illusion with how low he played in his technique. Wish I could see them next to each other.

When Clifton played you saw him next to Wahle who was 6'6" and Flanagan who was 6'5". Rivera looked small at 6'3" 310 next to Tauscher who played at about 330. That was a big line. Sherrod and Bulaga look big now because the rest of our O-line guys are quite small, comparatively.

[pbmax]

He looks stronger this year to me. Not as lean. He looks more like Clifton than the Sherrod I remember a couple of years ago. He certainly passes the eyeball test. It was good to see him play well--even if it was a meaningless preseason game.

He did look strong, in the upper body. He needs to have a better base though to truly anchor. He might be good enough now to be like older Clifton and a pass blocking genie. But better legs and knee bend will make him a better run blocker and allow him to anchor against a bull rushers.

I am encouraged. He just isn't finished yet.

[pbmax]

Sherrod versus his current mates minus the Composer.


http://prod.images.packers.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/PACKERS/assets/images/imported/GB/photos/clubimages/2012/11-November/temp121121-team-photo-7--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg

[pbmax]

Here is Bulaga/Clifton/Sherrod


http://nflcompackers.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/111031-team-photo-bobber-9.jpg

[vince]

Man that Crabtree guy is one good looking football player.

[bobblehead]

Some other team is going to get a relatively young OT (provided they stay healthy) next year from the Packers--either a RT in Bulaga or LT in Sherrod. The Packers won't be able to afford both. Sherrod may actually be a better prospect down the line.

You are incorrect sir. If both prove reliable and the best 2 tackles on the roster, they will both be paid. You don't let Tackles walk, you let guards walk.

[vince]

You are incorrect sir. If both prove reliable and the best 2 tackles on the roster, they will both be paid. You don't let Tackles walk, you let guards walk.Maybe not when you have a 3rd guy who's 90% as good and 10% of the price. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out but if Sherrod makes it tough and Bakh continues to improve also AND Bulaga just stays healthy, that's one of the best problems I can think of a team having.

[Patler]

Here is Bulaga/Clifton/Sherrod


http://nflcompackers.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/111031-team-photo-bobber-9.jpg

Sherrod looks like he could be a bit taller than Clifton. Lang sure looks a lot taller than Sitton, though the roster lists him only an inch taller. EDS looks smaller than Wells, no wonder they weren't excited about keeping him, MM thought Wells was too small.

[pbmax]

I seem to recall Newhouse was supposed to be 6' 4", wasn't he?

But Lang, who is 6' 4" judged by playing next to Clifton and Sherrod, seems a lot taller.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Maybe not when you have a 3rd guy who's 90% as good and 10% of the price. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out but if Sherrod makes it tough and Bakh continues to improve also AND Bulaga just stays healthy, that's one of the best problems I can think of a team having.

Correct. Both won't get paid. I think Bulaga and Sherrod are potentially better than Bahk, but Bahk will have more value going forward because he'll get paid a lot less for at least two years.

[denverYooper]

Sherrod looks like he could be a bit taller than Clifton.

Their bodies look quite similar, though. Even their hairline is similar...

[Patler]

Their bodies look quite similar, though. Even their hairline is similar...

For as little of their bodies as we can see. I think Sherrod has looked smaller from the waist down, which is probably where Clifton's weight advantage was. Don't know about this years "new Sherrod", however.

[3irty1]

For as little of their bodies as we can see. I think Sherrod has looked smaller from the waist down, which is probably where Clifton's weight advantage was. Don't know about this years "new Sherrod", however.

Going back to watch some Clifton I think his size was best disguised by his technique. He was a master technician at sitting in the chair.

That combined with Sherrod looking bigger than he really is if by nothing else but some kind of ideasthesia associated with his shape. Possibly a primitive remnant of the human brain that evolved to contrast hyper-intelligent bears wearing human costumes.