motife
02-06-2007, 08:56 PM
Packers Team Report
Posted: February 4, 2007
Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
WHAT'S SUPER: The defense, led by the line, made strides late in the season. The unit is well-stocked at end with Pro Bowl selection Aaron Kampman, potential star Cullen Jenkins and pass-rush specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. The team is solid at tackle, too, with run stuffer Ryan Pickett and versatile Corey Williams. Jenkins, Colin Cole and Johnny Jolly provide depth inside. OTs Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are top-notch; they pass protect as well as any duo in the league.
WHAT'S NOT SUPER: Playmakers are needed at wideout, tight end and running back. The club particularly lacks a big receiver who can be a red zone threat. Bubba Franks appears to be finished, so Green Bay needs a tight end who can split the safeties and free up space for the wideouts. RB Ahman Green still can grind out yards but doesn't have the ability to break tackles he once did. The Packers need a Reggie Bush-type home run threat in the backfield to make the offense go.
GOT A SHOT? No. The return of QB Brett Favre provides hope, but this team is way too young to compete for a Super Bowl berth. It could be a playoff contender if it adds a franchise running back, but that seems unlikely with the 16th overall draft pick and a shallow pool of backs to choose from.
Comments
SuperBowl
Posted by twobrian5 on Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:01 am
C'mon. How can anyone say the Packers don't have a chance at the Super Bowl? What dynamic playmakers did the Bears have on offense? Berrian maybe, everybody else was average. Yes, their defense was outstanding led by Urlacher and Briggs, but couldn't the Packers be that much better next year with Barnett and Hawk? I wouldn't rule out the Packers getting someone like Marshal Lynch in the 1st round either. The only teams in real need of a running back that pick ahead of Green Bay are Cleveland and Houston. With the draft, anything is possible. Like Steven Jackson & Deuce McCallister were believed to be top 10 picks, but fell into the 20th picks of the round because teams didn't need running backs. I think Green Bay has a chance at the Division title if we can stay relatively healthy.
A shot...
Posted by cmac555 on Mon Feb 05, 2007 01:44 pm
Let's say the Pack does what Favre wants and trades for Randy Moss. (Yeah, I'd hate it, but it would give us a big receiver.) Then they use pick #16 on Marshawn Lynch, the RB from Cal. If they could then find a TE in free agency or with pick #2, they're back in it. But besides offensive playmakers, what the Pack needs is a stud safety and a young CB who can eventually be a star.
Packers
Posted by gbummer on Mon Feb 05, 2007 06:46 pm
I read this article this morning and I was wondering all day how to comment. To me it is frusterating that all major sports sites do not give the Packers a chance for the Superbowl or even much hope for the playoffs in the coming year.
I do agree that the Packers defensive line. linebackers and offensive line are very much improved and could surprise a lot of people next year. I also feel they have two really good cornerbacks, and some capable safeties.
Now lets get to the offense. I am not ready to get rid of Bubba Franks or Ferguson yet. Brett Favre is coming back and with a little more support the offense could be much better.
The schedule looks rougher than last year since the Packers need to play the Chargers, Broncos, Cheifs and Raiders. With the team we have now and no improvements we could beat three of the four.
Now what should Ted thompson do, He needs to trade for a good wide receiver or tight end. If no receiver is available in a trade or free agency the draft is full of wide receivers. There is no real way Ted Thompson can blow this unless he trades down and looses his 16th pick, and not pick up a veteran receiver or tight end.
Now my prediction for the 2007-2008 season is that Brett Favre and the Packers will go 10-6, and earn a spot in the playoffs and who knows what we can do from there. I have confidents in Ted Thompson, and that he will improve on Bretts receiving group like he did on the Linebackers last year.
Free Agency & Wide Receivers
Posted by twobrian5 on Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:33 pm
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pack with the same wide receivers as last year. Remember, Koren Robinson more then likely well be back from his suspension in October. He was pretty good before he got suspended. As far as Bubba goes, you have to remember he spent most of the year staying in to block for the 3 rookie lineman on most passing downs. I don't think he's finished from one off or down year. But, I think they'll either sign or draft a tight end to augment Bubba. I'd like to see them get Daniel Graham from the Pats. He's a FA.
Robinson
Posted by gbummer on Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:13 am
I was kind off thinking the same thing with Robinson, with a group liker Driver, Robinson, Ferguson, and Jennings it does not look bad. But I think if they can get Moss or one in the draft (which is rich in wide receivers), that is the route they need to go. I agree keep Bubba and get Graham.
TT Offseason
Posted by slimshady2k3 on Tue Feb 06, 2007 03:30 pm
In my opinion, I'm not sure if Graham would be the guy I'd want. Eric Johnson used to play for McCarthy in S.F. He's a sure handed guy who can get down the field. He's been banged up a bit, but I'd be confident in him the same way I was with Woodson, who turned out to be a great deal.
As far as receivers go, we REALLY could use Moss. Favre has had exactely ONE deep ball threat in his CAREER. Javon Walker could go up and get it. Other than him, I don't remember a guy with those skills catching balls from Favre. Randy Moss is probably THE best deep ball receiver to ever play the game, and he's got 3-4 years left in him at a minimum. If this guy can be had for Fergy & a 3rd rounder, I wouldn't hesitate to take him.
The third position that needs to be addressed is Safety. Collins has the potential to be a Pro-Bowl caliber guy, but he needs a complimentary guy along side, and Manuel is NOT that guy. I think Ken Hamlin would be a terrific fit here. If not him, a less expensive veteran with good coverage skills is what's needed. I can't count how many big plays we gave up where Manuel was soley to blame. He's a backup at best.
Lastly, is the running back position. I'm in favor of getting a rookie here, because rookie RB's can and usually produce right away, unlike rookie TE's, safeties, and WR's. I think the consensus is Lynch here, and i dont disagree with that. Green is on the downside of his career, and we could use a young, hungry, feature back. I really like Morency in the zone blocking scheme, but i'm not sure if he's a 25 carry guy.
If these things were to happen, (Johnson, Moss, Hamlin (or a veteran), and Lynch becoming packers, I have NO DOUBT this is a playoff caliber team with Super bowl aspirations.
Brett Favre to Moss?
Call me a homer, but with this many weapons ol' #4 could make a run at his 4th MVP. This offense could be absolutely stellar.
Posted: February 4, 2007
Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
WHAT'S SUPER: The defense, led by the line, made strides late in the season. The unit is well-stocked at end with Pro Bowl selection Aaron Kampman, potential star Cullen Jenkins and pass-rush specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. The team is solid at tackle, too, with run stuffer Ryan Pickett and versatile Corey Williams. Jenkins, Colin Cole and Johnny Jolly provide depth inside. OTs Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are top-notch; they pass protect as well as any duo in the league.
WHAT'S NOT SUPER: Playmakers are needed at wideout, tight end and running back. The club particularly lacks a big receiver who can be a red zone threat. Bubba Franks appears to be finished, so Green Bay needs a tight end who can split the safeties and free up space for the wideouts. RB Ahman Green still can grind out yards but doesn't have the ability to break tackles he once did. The Packers need a Reggie Bush-type home run threat in the backfield to make the offense go.
GOT A SHOT? No. The return of QB Brett Favre provides hope, but this team is way too young to compete for a Super Bowl berth. It could be a playoff contender if it adds a franchise running back, but that seems unlikely with the 16th overall draft pick and a shallow pool of backs to choose from.
Comments
SuperBowl
Posted by twobrian5 on Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:01 am
C'mon. How can anyone say the Packers don't have a chance at the Super Bowl? What dynamic playmakers did the Bears have on offense? Berrian maybe, everybody else was average. Yes, their defense was outstanding led by Urlacher and Briggs, but couldn't the Packers be that much better next year with Barnett and Hawk? I wouldn't rule out the Packers getting someone like Marshal Lynch in the 1st round either. The only teams in real need of a running back that pick ahead of Green Bay are Cleveland and Houston. With the draft, anything is possible. Like Steven Jackson & Deuce McCallister were believed to be top 10 picks, but fell into the 20th picks of the round because teams didn't need running backs. I think Green Bay has a chance at the Division title if we can stay relatively healthy.
A shot...
Posted by cmac555 on Mon Feb 05, 2007 01:44 pm
Let's say the Pack does what Favre wants and trades for Randy Moss. (Yeah, I'd hate it, but it would give us a big receiver.) Then they use pick #16 on Marshawn Lynch, the RB from Cal. If they could then find a TE in free agency or with pick #2, they're back in it. But besides offensive playmakers, what the Pack needs is a stud safety and a young CB who can eventually be a star.
Packers
Posted by gbummer on Mon Feb 05, 2007 06:46 pm
I read this article this morning and I was wondering all day how to comment. To me it is frusterating that all major sports sites do not give the Packers a chance for the Superbowl or even much hope for the playoffs in the coming year.
I do agree that the Packers defensive line. linebackers and offensive line are very much improved and could surprise a lot of people next year. I also feel they have two really good cornerbacks, and some capable safeties.
Now lets get to the offense. I am not ready to get rid of Bubba Franks or Ferguson yet. Brett Favre is coming back and with a little more support the offense could be much better.
The schedule looks rougher than last year since the Packers need to play the Chargers, Broncos, Cheifs and Raiders. With the team we have now and no improvements we could beat three of the four.
Now what should Ted thompson do, He needs to trade for a good wide receiver or tight end. If no receiver is available in a trade or free agency the draft is full of wide receivers. There is no real way Ted Thompson can blow this unless he trades down and looses his 16th pick, and not pick up a veteran receiver or tight end.
Now my prediction for the 2007-2008 season is that Brett Favre and the Packers will go 10-6, and earn a spot in the playoffs and who knows what we can do from there. I have confidents in Ted Thompson, and that he will improve on Bretts receiving group like he did on the Linebackers last year.
Free Agency & Wide Receivers
Posted by twobrian5 on Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:33 pm
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pack with the same wide receivers as last year. Remember, Koren Robinson more then likely well be back from his suspension in October. He was pretty good before he got suspended. As far as Bubba goes, you have to remember he spent most of the year staying in to block for the 3 rookie lineman on most passing downs. I don't think he's finished from one off or down year. But, I think they'll either sign or draft a tight end to augment Bubba. I'd like to see them get Daniel Graham from the Pats. He's a FA.
Robinson
Posted by gbummer on Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:13 am
I was kind off thinking the same thing with Robinson, with a group liker Driver, Robinson, Ferguson, and Jennings it does not look bad. But I think if they can get Moss or one in the draft (which is rich in wide receivers), that is the route they need to go. I agree keep Bubba and get Graham.
TT Offseason
Posted by slimshady2k3 on Tue Feb 06, 2007 03:30 pm
In my opinion, I'm not sure if Graham would be the guy I'd want. Eric Johnson used to play for McCarthy in S.F. He's a sure handed guy who can get down the field. He's been banged up a bit, but I'd be confident in him the same way I was with Woodson, who turned out to be a great deal.
As far as receivers go, we REALLY could use Moss. Favre has had exactely ONE deep ball threat in his CAREER. Javon Walker could go up and get it. Other than him, I don't remember a guy with those skills catching balls from Favre. Randy Moss is probably THE best deep ball receiver to ever play the game, and he's got 3-4 years left in him at a minimum. If this guy can be had for Fergy & a 3rd rounder, I wouldn't hesitate to take him.
The third position that needs to be addressed is Safety. Collins has the potential to be a Pro-Bowl caliber guy, but he needs a complimentary guy along side, and Manuel is NOT that guy. I think Ken Hamlin would be a terrific fit here. If not him, a less expensive veteran with good coverage skills is what's needed. I can't count how many big plays we gave up where Manuel was soley to blame. He's a backup at best.
Lastly, is the running back position. I'm in favor of getting a rookie here, because rookie RB's can and usually produce right away, unlike rookie TE's, safeties, and WR's. I think the consensus is Lynch here, and i dont disagree with that. Green is on the downside of his career, and we could use a young, hungry, feature back. I really like Morency in the zone blocking scheme, but i'm not sure if he's a 25 carry guy.
If these things were to happen, (Johnson, Moss, Hamlin (or a veteran), and Lynch becoming packers, I have NO DOUBT this is a playoff caliber team with Super bowl aspirations.
Brett Favre to Moss?
Call me a homer, but with this many weapons ol' #4 could make a run at his 4th MVP. This offense could be absolutely stellar.