TRAINING CAMP: TUESDAY SESSIONS & REVIEWS

[TopHat]

Morning notes

In attendance but sitting out this morning: linebacker Abdul Hodge; offensive linemen Tony Moll, Chad Clifton, Orrin Thompson and Junius Coston; receiver Greg Jennings; tight end Bubba Franks; defensive ends Aaron Kampman and DeVon Hicks; safety Marviel Underwood; receiver Robert Ferguson; and running back Vernand Morency. Tight end Clark Harris (sprained ankle) and guard Daryn Colledge (mid-back sprain) returned to practice. Running back P.J. Pope, who a knee scoped Monday, and quarterback Brett Favre were absent.

Quick hits from practice ...

-- A day after Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly took all the first reps at defensive tackle with the No. 1 defense, Colin Cole and Corey Williams opened the no-huddle team periods with the 1s.

-- Tight end Zac Alcorn caught five passes during one semi-scripted no-huddle drill with the starters. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, practicing in Favre's place, was 10-for-11 on the drive.

-- The offense committed three penalties during the no-huddle drills, which for the second time in camp included crowd noise pumped through speakers. Rookie guard Allen Barbre and utility lineman Tyson Walter had false starts.

-- Rookie Paul Thompson, splitting time with Ingle Martin as the second-team quarterback, made up for a fumbled snap on his first play by delivering a beautiful touchdown throw to Chris Francies. Frank Walker had blanket coverage on Francies, but Thompson fit the pass through a tiny window. He also had a nice touch pass to Donald Lee on a first-and-goal inside the 5-yard line.

-- Martin had a nice TD pass of his own, a fade to Lee that just cleared linebacker Juwan Simpson's coverage.

-- Linebacker A.J. Hawk came out of nowhere to bat away a pass to Donald Driver near the left sideline.

-- And your passing stats: Rodgers 16-for-20; Martin 4-for-4; Thompson 3-for-3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low-key workout continues, kickers attempt field goals
The drizzle subsided about a half hour into practice and the Packers continued to work out on Clarke Hinkle Field in shorts and no pads. The Packers spent extensive time on walk-through drills and practice was very low-key. Kicker Dave Rayner converted on a 40-yard field goal as crowd noise was piped onto the field. Rookie Mason Crosby missed his 40-yard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Packers practicing outside this morning in drizzle

Despite a steady drizzle, practice is under way outdoors this morning at Clarke Hinkle Field. Quarterback Brett Favre is the only absence of note. In addition, a number of other players are sitting out what is essentially a walk-through practice in shorts.

[TopHat]

http://www.packersnews.com

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/BFMTCC.jpg
BRET: "CLIFTON & TAUSCHER KNOW SOMETHING."

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/TTMM-1.jpg
MM & TT: "MMMM...BRETT, CC, & MT KNOW SOMETHING."

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/BJ-1.jpg
RB JACKSON: RUNS TO DAYLIGHT.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/DD.jpg
WR DRIVER: "I GOT AN EXTENSION!"

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/JJ-1.jpg
WR JONES: "NO. 2 OR NO. 3 RECEIVER...MMM...?"

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/Clowney.jpg
CLOWNEY: "THOSE GUYS ARE SO SLOW!"

[TopHat]

http://www.packers.com

What do you think of the quality and depth of your defensive line?)

It really started last year. I thought that group was the most consistent on the football team and had the most depth. Adding Justin (Harrell) and some other young guys just adds to that depth. It's a very, very competitive position.

(How important is that to building a team?)

When we talk about the blue print of the Green Bay Packers we talk about the offensive and defensive line. That's where we put our emphasis. The transactions we've made for our football team reflect that. It all starts up front. Offensive and defensive line is a priority for us. I'm very happy with the depth at the defensive line.

(Do you see the offensive line coming together well?)

The first group has been very cohesive. I like the way they're playing. They have a great understanding of the scheme. I thought they practiced consistent throughout camp. I thought the second group kind of lagged there in the fifth and sixth practice but since then they've turned it on soon. I'm very happy with the progress that we're making. We've had a couple of guys nicked today so a lot of guys are getting work. I'm very happy with that group. They're a young group but they're progressing nicely.

(How valuable is a guy like Tony Moll with his versatility?)

In any business the more you can do, the more valuable you are. Tony, being a young player and playing two positions last year, is very beneficial to him. Ideally you'd like to keep all of your young linemen at one position and let them learn instead of moving them around. We've had a number of young guys that have been able to do that for us.

(How do you see the progress of Zac Alcorn?)

Anytime you have an opportunity to rep with the first team it will help you because you're in with the top unit. It also reflects the progress that he's making. Donald Lee has had an excellent training camp. Zac has been battling some physical issues and he's overcoming that. I thought he had a good day today.

(How was the no-huddle execution at the end of practice?)

I thought it was very good. It went a little longer than we had anticipated. The work was very good for both sides. Just to see the communication on the defensive side, getting lined up to different formations and adjustments, getting the play entry in. I thought Aaron (Rodgers) was excellent as a whole. I thought he ran that play very well.

(How is Corey Williams looking?)

I think Corey Williams is having a very good camp. He's bumped and bruised as most guys are now. He's been outstanding. I'm very happy with the way Corey's been playing.

(What have you seen from Tony Palmer at center?)

I think he's doing a nice job. He's a very powerful player on the first level. The thing he needs to work on and get used to, because schematically he hasn't done it before, is the second level blocking. I think he's done a very nice job at guard on the first level. He's doing a good job with the calls. He had a couple rough shotguns but I'm pleased with Tony Palmer.

(When did you develop that as a plan for him?)

He actually played center last year at the end of the year for the scout team, doing opponent work. He's been doing that a lot with us. He missed a lot of time in the offseason but that's something that we started last year.

(Brett has said he needs a lot of snaps in the preseason games. Does he need a lot of reps with the younger guys?)

It's a concern. We've talked about it but you have to be smart too. I'm not interested in exposing Brett Favre. You have to find a common ground. There are some new faces that he needs to work with but I need to get Aaron Rodgers as much work as possible. And we have two young quarterbacks that will be battling it out too. Ingle (Martin) and Paul (Thompson) have made progress. We have a pretty good battle for the No. 3 spot.

(How's the battle going between Crosby and Rayner?)

It's going good. We're probably wearing them out a little bit, kicking them too much. We want to make sure we give them both a chance to win the job. They're both talented. They're both strong legged. I'm glad they're both here.

(Do you like what you've seen from Crosby as a rookie coming up?)

I think Mason is very mature. I like his approach, the way he goes about his business. He's a football kid. He's played defensive back and you can see it in his personality with the way he goes about his business. Dave did a real nice job for us last year. He was very good on the kickoffs, strong legged. That's something that we want to maintain. I'm very happy that they're both here.

[packers11]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=U0&Date=20070807&Category=PKRTRAIN&ArtNo=708070808&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=3

Look at Jennings...

Could he be the next Favre??? :lol:

[OS PA]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=U0&Date=20070807&Category=PKRTRAIN&ArtNo=708070808&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=3

Look at Jennings...

Could he be the next Favre??? :lol:

Looking at the rest of those pictures it appears that today is "Zac Alcorn Day"

[Scott Campbell]

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/DD.jpg


Ok Donald, we get the idea. You have abs of steel.

Now please pull your shirt down.

[Joemailman]

He can't. He wears cutoff jerseys in practice. Gotta keep the EC girls happy.

[BallHawk]

He can't. He wears cutoff jerseys in practice. Gotta keep the EC girls happy.

I think the EC Gals are paying more attention to Zac Alcorn's facial hair then Donald Driver's abs.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[MJZiggy]

He can't. He wears cutoff jerseys in practice. Gotta keep the EC girls happy.

And we love him for that...

[TopHat]

Harrell, Wynn among four injured in night practice

Four players -- defensive tackles Justin Harrell (groin) and Ryan Pickett (knee), running back DeShawn Wynn (quadriceps) and tight end Clark Harris (hip flexor) -- dropped out of practice Tuesday night. Harris had returned in the morning after missing three sessions because of a sprained ankle. Chad Clifton sat out again because of soreness in both knees, said coach Mike McCarthy, who hopes his starting left tackle will be ready to practice Thursday night. Tight end Donald Lee also sat out the night practice, but that was a reward for being the team’s only healthy tight end, according to McCarthy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Odds and ends from Tuesday night practice

Some observations from tonight's practice:

- Defensive tackle Johnny Jolly continued to look impressive in the one-on-one pass-rushing drills. Although he's mopping up against inferior competition, Jolly cleanly beat guard Pat Murray on two consecutive reps and also beat guard Adam Stenavich.

- Defensive end Cullen Jenkins claimed a victory over rookie guard Allen Barbre, while Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila put a speed rush on guard Tyson Walter.

- Dave Rayner and Mason Crosby each missed two kicks during a field goal drill. Rayner converted on 4 of 6 attempts, missing wide left from 43 yards and wide right from 47 yards. His successful kicks came from 30, 30, 34 and 37 yards.

Crosby made 6 of 8 attempts. A 47-yarder was blocked, and he missed another 47-yarder wide right. Crosby's successful kicks came from 30, 30, 34, 37, 43 and 47 yards. After practice, coach Mike McCarthy said that the block was due to a defensive player being offside, so it won't count as a miss.

- Bubba Franks made a nice catch over the middle even after getting drilled by linebacker Nick Barnett.

- Both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers slipped on the turf while planting their feet in the pocket during team drills.

- Donald Driver dropped a slant pass over the middle from Favre.

- The receivers put on a show as Carlyle Holiday hauled in a pass in the end zone over Charles Woodson. Holiday had to reach to reel in the pass while also keeping his feet in bounds. Late in practice, Donald Driver made an even better catch. Driver was falling on his back, fully extended, when he caught a touchdown pass from Favre in the corner of the end zone over Woodson.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Collins picks Favre at evening workout

Safety Nick Collins intercepted a Brett Favre pass early in Tuesday night's practice during a team drill when Favre was rolling to his left.

Rookie receiver David Clowney dropped a deep slant pass from Aaron Rodgers.

Defensive tackle Johnny Jolly batted down a Rodgers pass at the line of scrimmage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Punter battle

Punter Jon Ryan averaged 59.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time on 6 punts. Free agent Ryan Dougherty averaged 51.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time, also on 6 punts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Several sit out evening practice

Not practicing at this evening's muggy workout were Donald Lee, Tony Moll, Orrin Thompson, Greg Jennings, Chad Clifton, Vernand Morency and DeVon Hicks,

[TopHat]

http://packers.scout.com/2/666025.html

Week 2 Camp Battles Competition heats up between Rayner-Crosby and backup cornerbacks

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Dave Rayner vs. Mason Crosby for Kicker

Rayner, the incumbent, held the edge early in camp after he went 11-for-11 to Crosby's 9-for-11 in an extensive field-goal segment Aug. 2. The only non-make for Rayner after five days of camp was on a blocked kick.
Rayner, though, stumbled the next two days, punctuated by an 8-of-11 effort before a boisterous capacity crowd at Lambeau Field for the intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 4. Rayner was off the mark from 36 yards and missed both of his kicks from 52. Crosby was slightly better at 9-of-11, missing from 38 and 49 yards, but connected on both of his 52-yard attempts. The first big test comes in the preseason opener Aug. 11 at Pittsburgh.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Patrick Dendy vs. Jarrett Bush vs. Frank Walker vs. Will Blackmon vs. Tramon Williams for nickel back

Dendy had the most exposure to the spot with the No. 1 sub package in the first week of camp and has the most experience of playing in the system as a third-year player. Bush, though, is coming on and capped a solid opening week by breaking up a pass to Ruvell Martin in the end zone on third down in the intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 4. Walker, the team's only notable offseason acquisition, has regressed after standing out in the offseason. Donald Driver beat Walker for two big receptions in the scrimmage. The injury-plagued Blackmon might be turning the corner for the better, as he picked off one pass in the scrimmage and had another interception nullified by a penalty. Williams, a first-year player, delivered the biggest hit of the live scrimmage when he leveled Chris Francies to break up a pass over the middle.

-- Ingle Martin vs. Paul Thompson for No. 3 QB

Martin has a tenuous hold on the job he held as a rookie last year. He left a lot to be desired with his throwing accuracy in the offseason and remains in a rut early in camp, completing only two of seven passes in the scrimmage. Thompson, an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma, was more productive during mop-up work late in the scrimmage, going 4-of-8 for 45 yards, though he threw an interception when Robert Ferguson slipped.

Thompson, a converted receiver, didn't get rattled easily under duress and showed his athleticism by getting outside the pocket to try to make things

[TopHat]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=644126

Tuesday camp report

THUMBS UP

It has been awhile since the punting has been in good hands in Green Bay. There's no guarantee it will be like this in games, but Jon Ryan has been hitting the ball consistently and seems to have adjusted to shortening his stride to two steps. What's more, the rookie free agent the Packers picked up off the street last week, Ryan Dougherty, has been a pleasant surprise. The 6-foot-1, 233-pound Dougherty looks like a linebacker and used his powerful frame to average 42.7 yards per punt at East Carolina. "He's very impressive for a guy that wasn't highly acclaimed," special teams coach Mike Stock said. Ryan was on for the second straight punting session. Kicking to inside the 20, his best punts were 54, 59 and 64 yards. Another traveled 71, but landed 6 yards into the end zone. Some of Dougherty's best punts were 54, 55 and 59 yards. Both punters had a mild wind behind their backs.

THUMBS DOWN

First-round pick Justin Harrell has been unimpressive during his first week and a half of camp, especially in one-on-one pass-rushing drills. Harrell doesn't seem to have many moves and he's regularly stopped by the likes of Adam Stenavich, Travis Leffew and Tony Palmer. During the night practice he managed to bull rush Swedish import C.J. Blomvall, but that was about it. It's gotten to a point where the coaches don't even put him up against Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz or Scott Wells. They're probably worried about crushing his confidence. But it's hard to imagine he'll get a lot better not working against comparable athletes. If Harrell's going to play this year, he's going to have to face starting talent at some point.

INJURY REPORT

Tackles Chad Clifton (knee) and Orrin Thompson (back) and defensive end DeVon Hicks (groin) missed both practices. Clifton had soreness and may be back Thursday. Thompson, who had an MRI done, may be back this week. Quarterback Brett Favre (ankle) and guard Junius Coston (knee) both missed the morning practice but came back for the evening one. Favre had tightness in his right ankle, which is not the one that was operated on in the off-season. Left guard Daryn Colledge (back) and end Mike Montgomery (knee) returned for both practices. Linebacker Rory Johnson (side) and tight end Clark Harris (ankle) returned for the night practice, but Harris dropped out. Harrell (groin), defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (knee) and running back DeShawn Wynn (thigh) dropped out late into the night practice. As is customary, safety Marviel Underwood, linebacker Abdul Hodge, end Aaron Kampman, receiver Robert Ferguson and tight end Bubba Franks were held out of the morning practice. All are on once-a-day schedules.

ODDS AND ENDS

A modified zone running play drill was one of the more physical events of training camp. It was essentially a back running behind four linemen against two defensive tackles and two linebackers. Tackling was not live, but pads were popping.

During the field goal period, both kickers had to run out on the field to make a kick with the clock running down to zero. From 43 yards, Dave Rayner missed to the left and rookie Mason Crosby made it. Both kickers also missed from 47 yards. In the morning, Crosby missed his only attempt, from 40 yards. For the day, Rayner was 5 for 7; Crosby was 6 for 8. One of Crosby's kicks was blocked but the defender was ruled offside.

Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders used some three-man lines with two linebackers and six defensive backs during a red-zone drill.

Corey Williams and Colin Cole were back in the starting lineup at defensive tackle, a day after Pickett and Johnny Jolly got a turn with the No. 1s.

[OS PA]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Punter battle

Punter Jon Ryan averaged 59.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time on 6 punts. Free agent Ryan Dougherty averaged 51.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time, also on 6 punts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is it just me not knowing right from wrong, or are Ryan's numbers insane?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Lots of potential in that kid, and he's easy to root for. The bonus: his Dad was a big Packers fan.

[Partial]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Punter battle

Punter Jon Ryan averaged 59.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time on 6 punts. Free agent Ryan Dougherty averaged 51.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time, also on 6 punts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is it just me not knowing right from wrong, or are Ryan's numbers insane?


It was probably very windy. Those numbers are just ridiculous.

He really need to improve his hang time. 4.4 sec and 40 yards historically represents a good punt. If he's booming 'em 55 yards, he needs to give him gunners another half second or so. Probably even more.

[The Leaper]

Ryan's numbers aren't good. He needs to stop kicking the ball 60 yards down field and start kicking it 60 yards high. He is extremely prone to giving up big returns because he outkicks his coverage.

I would much rather see him kicking the ball 50 yards with 5 seconds of hang time. He has the leg to do it, so get it done.

[GBRulz]

He can't. He wears cutoff jerseys in practice. Gotta keep the EC girls happy.

I think the EC Gals are paying more attention to Zac Alcorn's facial hair then Donald Driver's abs.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I'm not Alcorn's biggest supporter in here for nothing!!! :lol:

[TopHat]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070808/PKR01/708080651/1057/PKR&located=RSS

Insider: Colledge has come a long way

Thumbs up

Maybe life without Chad Clifton wouldn't be a total disaster after all. When Clifton missed the Miami game last season with a game-day illness, the offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Brett Favre. At the time, rookie Daryn Colledge moved over to Clifton's left tackle spot from left guard and couldn't block Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor one-on-one. Less than a year later, Colledge appears to be better prepared for such a task. With Clifton out on Tuesday to rest his sore knees, Colledge once again moved over from his regular left guard position and more than held his own during practice. To be sure, he wasn't going against any players of Taylor's caliber, but he looked far more prepared to handle the left tackle assignment. He was solid in protection during the team blitz period and showed the nasty streak necessary to play left tackle during a one-on-one pass blocking rep against Johnny Jolly.

Rookie Allen Barbre filled in at Colledge's left guard spot with the No. 1 offense and also held up well. Barbre, a promising fourth-round pick, also handled Jolly during the one-on-one drill and had a strong showing against first-round draft pick Justin Harrell. Cullen Jenkins did smoke Barbre during the one-on-ones, but Barbre hasn't been the only lineman to get beat by Jenkins during this camp.

Thumbs down

The coaches look like they want to be thorough in their evaluation of both kickers, but there's a possible dangerous situation brewing. Dave Rayner, the incumbent, and rookie Mason Crosby might be beginning to suffer from fatigue. Though neither is likely to admit it, it's a strong possibility their legs are tiring, given that both have missed more kicks in the past few days than they did early in camp. History should tell the Packers that overkicking in camp could be a big problem. In 1997, rookie kicker Brett Conway was overworked and pulled a thigh muscle. He ended up missing the season. But the kickers went at it again on Tuesday night. Rayner made 4 of 6 field goals, and Crosby 6 of 7. Rayner missed wide left from 43 yards and wide right from 47. Crosby missed wide right from 47. He also had a 47-yarder blocked, but the defense was offsides, so it was wiped off the books. That came after a brief kicking session on Tuesday morning in which Rayner made a 40-yarder, and Crosby missed from 40. There hasn't been a preseason game played and both kickers are well into the 60s in terms of number of attempts during team periods in practice. Rayner is 54-for-65 (83.1 percent), while Crosby is 53-for-63 (84.1 percent).

Did you notice?

Donald Driver made the catch of training camp during an 11-on-11 drill near the end of the night practice. On first-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Driver made a diving, one-handed grab for a touchdown on a corner route with Charles Woodson covering him.

Jon Ryan executed perhaps the perfect punt during a special teams period in the night practice. With the ball on his 35-yard line, Ryan hit a towering kick that hung in the air for 4.56 seconds and sailed toward the right sideline. Woodson tried to catch it without going out of bounds, but his momentum carried him out at his 5-yard line. Overall, Ryan averaged 59.3 yards and 4.671 seconds of hang time, while Ryan Dougherty averaged 51.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time during the drill.

The defense showed a dime alignment for the first time. It was 3-2 front with the six defensive backs, featuring three cornerbacks (Woodson, Al Harris and Patrick Dendy) and three safeties (Nick Collins, Marquand Manuel and Atari Bigby).

Rookie Desmond Bishop worked ahead of second-year linebacker Abdul Hodge in the middle with the No. 2 defense.

For the second straight day, backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers took some reps as a holder on field goals. Previously, Ryan and receiver Ruvell Martin had handled the holding duties.

[BallHawk]

Rayner is 54-for-65 (83.1 percent), while Crosby is 53-for-63 (84.1 percent).

Talk about neck and neck. This is going to come down to kickoffs.

[TopHat]

http://packers.scout.com/2/666100.html

The Word: Training Camp Day 11

Alcorn deals with aching feet; offensive and defensive plays of day; Jolly steps up Zac Alcorn is attacking his blistered feet harder than a defensive back. But caking them with gauze, rolling them in tape and adding rubber padding is only half the battle. The future is brightening for the second-year pro fighting for a roster spot at an injury-riddled position. And his feet are healing.“They’re starting to get callused over,” Alcorn said. “I’ve had everything on them. I’ve made patches, tape, toe glides, tape over the top of that, two socks on, I cut the end of my shoes out and put a cast over the end of them. I’ve had everything on my feet. They’re like ten pounds. I’m feeling better now.” Alcorn put together solid morning and evening practices Tuesday, and he appears to be solidifying a roster spot behind Donald Lee and Bubba Franks. In the morning Alcorn caught several passes from Aaron Rodgers, and then snagged a laser from Brett Favre in the nightcap during red zone work. “It feels really good to develop chemistry,” he said. “It’s good to develop chemistry with the first team guys when I’m out there.”

Last season Alcorn was on the team's practice squad before making the team’s active roster in Week 11. Now his knowledge of the game matches his talent - a satisfying development. “I can’t even tell you how much of a difference my knowledge is of the offense compared to last year,” he said. “Last year at this time I was having a really hard time just lining up as the Y tight end, which is the strong side tight end. Now I know the Y, the U and the V positions. I know them and I know them well. Sometimes you get out in the heat of the battle and get all of those positions scrambled together. But now I’m really comfortable. I can’t even tell you the difference.” In Tuesday night’s practice during the red zone segment, Alcorn replaced Franks as the number-one tight end most of the time. Lee was given a day off after not missing a practice throughout camp. He may know all three tight end positions as well as verses from the Bible (which he reads regularly), but Alcorn also realizes his strength.

“I will probably be playing a lot of the U tight end,” said Alcorn. “It’s the backside tight end when we’re in double tight. That is the tight end that is usually involved in the passing game.” Several other players sat out of practice Tuesday night. Chad Clifton was in shorts due to sore knees, Greg Jennings is still reeling from a hip flexor, and four players dropped out of the night practice: Justin Harrell (groin), DeShawn Wynn (quadriceps), Clark Harris (hip flexor) and Ryan Pickett (knee) each bowed out at some point. McCarthy is hopeful that Clifton will return Thursday, after Wednesday’s day off.

Here are some more notes from Tuesday’s practice:

Offensive Play of the Day

They’ve done it 34 times. But it never gets old. On his very last pass of the night, Favre fired a bullet to the right side of the end zone. It appeared like a sure overthrow, but receiver Donald Driver got past Charles Woodson and hauled in the pass with one hand. While Favre is set to shatter some major NFL records this season, Driver could make his mark on team history this year in multiple categories. With eight touchdowns, he’ll pass Sterling Sharpe on Favre’s all-time TD connection list. Antonio Freeman has a comfortable lead with 57 scores. With another 1,000-yard season, Driver will tie James Lofton and Sharpe as the Packer receiver with the most 1,000-yard campaigns. With his career peaking, Driver may also flirt with Robert Brooks’ 1995 record of 1,497 receiving yards. After signing a contract extension Monday, Driver is set to be a Packer for life and continue to make his mark on the franchise. A healthy Jennings and an emerging James Jones will definitely delay his aging process.

Defensive Play of the Day

Early during practice, Favre rolled to his left and threw a pass to wide receiver Ruvell Martin, which was tipped and intercepted by safety Nick Collins. Collins is quietly having a very productive training camp. At Family Night he read Favre in the red zone perfectly, picked off a pass, and returned it 60 yards and during practice he has taken command of the defensive secondary. That’s a good sign considering the coverage problems Green Bay’s secondary had early on last season.

Stock is Rising

Johnny Jolly showed up at training camp out of shape and failed the running portion of his physical. But now that’s irrelevant. Jolly has lined up on the starting defensive unit next to Pickett on several occasions this past week and he has taken full advantage of the valuable reps. Tuesday, Jolly knocked down a Rodgers pass and routinely showed a strong push at the point of attack. Jolly leverages his 6-3, 312-pound frame properly, coming up and through offensive lineman. If the season started today, Jolly would easily play ahead of top pick Justin Harrell, who is still struggling. Keep an eye on Jolly Saturday at Pittsburgh. He could be another draft gem uncovered by general manager Ted Thompson.

Stock is Falling

It could be hard for P.J. Pope to re-enter the running back sweepstakes when he returns in 2-4 weeks from arthroscopic knee surgery. Pope has had his moments at training camp, flashing potential as a goal line back. But unless two backs out of Brandon Jackson, Noah Herron, DeShawn Wynn, and Corey White totally bomb in the preseason, Pope could be the odd man out. Remember, the Packers will be getting Vernand Morency back too. Pope’s chances are slim.

[Freak Out]

Ryan's numbers aren't good. He needs to stop kicking the ball 60 yards down field and start kicking it 60 yards high. He is extremely prone to giving up big returns because he outkicks his coverage.

I would much rather see him kicking the ball 50 yards with 5 seconds of hang time. He has the leg to do it, so get it done.

He really needs to start forcing more fair catches and forcing the ball out of bounds. The dude does have a cannon leg though...he just needs to develop that touch.

[Freak Out]

[quote="TopHat"]http://www.packersnews.com

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/jcredfern/BFMTCC.jpg
BRET: "CLIFTON & TAUSCHER KNOW SOMETHING."


You forget just how big those two are until you see a picture like this.

[TopHat]

http://packers.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=666119

Thoughts on Colledge at tackle; holders; leader in kicking battle


Colledge the future at tackle

It appears that guard Daryn Colledge is not only Green Bay's starting left guard, but the team's backup left tackle, and probably the future at that position. Coach Mike McCarthy sat veteran starter Chad Clifton out of both practices in a precautionary measure to rest his knees on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Colledge, who made an emergency start in place of Clifton last season at Miami, took on a number of reps at left tackle in both practices. Colledge, entering his second season, played tackle at Boise State, so it seems natural that he will be moved over when Clifton, who is entering his eighth season moves on. Clifton's current contract expires after the 2009 season. "It's an excellent opportunity for me to get out there and look at the defense in a different way," said Colledge. "The tackle has a whole different opinion on how a defense looks compared to a guard. I think it makes me a better guard to see what the tackle is going through against different defenses, and allows me to think of what the guard needs to do."

On hold

Punter Jon Ryan and wide receiver Ruvell Martin have served as the holders on field goal and extra point attempts for kickers Dave Rayner and Mason Crosby. This week, however, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has entered the mix as a holder. Martin served as a holder at Saginaw Valley State and as the Packers' backup holder last season. Ryan is the team's primary holder.

Moll steps in at tight end

Due to injuries to a few tight ends during the first week-plus of training camp, offensive lineman Tony Moll has lined up at the tight end during some of the practices. Moll played tight end while at the University of Nevada before he moved to tackle. Moll is currently the backup tackle to Mark Tauscher, but played some tight end in the team's intra-squad scrimmage last Saturday night. Zac Alcorn (foot blisters) and Bubba Franks (eye) were kept out of some practices last week. Both Alcorn and Franks have returned to practice this week.

Crosby has slight edge

The race for the kicking job between Dave Rayner and Mason Crosby is very close, but if the coaches had to make a decision today, Crosby probably would get the nod. Crosby has made a few more field goal attempts than Rayner, especially from longer distances, and also was selected in the sixth round of the recent NFL draft by the Packers. Both kickers will be employed in the NFL this season, but only one in Green Bay. The true test will be the upcoming preseason games, and it might come down to the final kick of the final game, but for now, Crosby has the lead in the race. "I'm taking every kick as an opportunity every time I step on the field, but I'm looking forward to the preseason games," said Crosby. "Different stadiums, different venues and being able to show some stuff. Game situations obviously are going to be different. Every kick, every practice is important. That's what they're stressing. I'm going to take every kick and see where it pans out in the end."

Sleepers

Here are three free agents that were longshots at making the final roster at the beginning of camp, but now have a decent shot of making the roster:

1. Offensive tackle Orrin Thompson. He has been filling in behind Chad Clifton at the tackle position with the first-team offense on a number of occasions in training camp. He also did the same in off-season minicamps and Organized Team Activities practices.

2. Cornerback Tramon Williams. He is having a great camp, but in a position where there is an abundance of talent. He's up against Will Blackmon, Frank Walker, Jarrett Bush and Patrick Dendy for the two backup spots behind Al Harris and Charles Woodson.

3. Running back Corey White. He is part fullback and part running back, but has mainly played running back in practices due to injuries to Vernand Morency and P.J. Pope. White has been getting more and more reps and will have a great opportunity in the first two preseason games to show that he's worthy of making the roster.