Official Packers/Steelers Game Thread

[HarveyWallbangers]

Rexy is 8-10 for 50 yards now.

Dink and dunk. Not impressive to me--especially since their offense didn't score when he was in there. It's only the preseason though, but it's not like that has me worried. I know you aren't worried, but somebody else posted his stats like it means something.

Ahman had 3 carries for 7 yards with the Texans. Doesn't mean anything, but I hope he does well. I liked the way he played, and the better he does (in the regular season), the better our compensatory pick.
:D

[falco]

Finally Jackson breaks a big one. That's what I've been wanting to sell all night.

[ND72]

Ahman had 3 carries for 7 yards with the Texans. Doesn't mean anything, but I hope he does well. I liked the way he played, and the better he does (in the regular season), the better our compensatory pick.
:D

Damn Right. I hope he has a huge year, give us a 3rd rounder!

[BallHawk]

Question for you people with TV......

How does Aaron look compared to the last time that he played in the preseason? Is he taking advantage of playing backups or has he significantly improved? Or is it both?

[J-Rok]

Well, Bears would've scored, but Robbie "Fools" Gould missed the FG. My Bear fan friends??? were complaining.

But yep, dink and dunked a whole bunch. I have the game on in the background waiting for Garrett Wolfe to be hb. I'm interested in how he does.

[falco]

Question for you people with TV......

How does Aaron look compared to the last time that he played in the preseason? Is he taking advantage of playing backups or has he significantly improved? Or is it both?

Ballhawk, don't you get the game?

[ND72]

Question for you people with TV......

How does Aaron look compared to the last time that he played in the preseason? Is he taking advantage of playing backups or has he significantly improved? Or is it both?

I would vote that he has significantly improved. I think the better word is "experienced". 2 years int he same system for young guys can be bigger than people think.

and DAMN, is Brandon Jackson bustin some runs.

[BallHawk]

Question for you people with TV......

How does Aaron look compared to the last time that he played in the preseason? Is he taking advantage of playing backups or has he significantly improved? Or is it both?

Ballhawk, don't you get the game?

Nope, down in Florida all we get is Bucs and Dolphins. :(

[J-Rok]

Did Jackson bust one or two runs? Gamecenter's slow.

[falco]

Question for you people with TV......

How does Aaron look compared to the last time that he played in the preseason? Is he taking advantage of playing backups or has he significantly improved? Or is it both?

Ballhawk, don't you get the game?

Nope, down in Florida all we get is Bucs and Dolphins. :(

Sorry, thought you were a fellow Wausau native. Not sure why.

Rodgers looks really good. I remember last season he would make his reads and take off scrambling and try to make the yardage with his feet. Now he scrambles, and finds someone to throw too.

[BallHawk]

Did Jackson bust one or two runs? Gamecenter's slow.

I feel your pain. We're about 90 seconds behind. :evil:

[ND72]

Did Jackson bust one or two runs? Gamecenter's slow.

2 "big" ones...5 carries 33 yards in the 2nd half. 50 yards on the night (11 or 14 carries, didnt' catch it)

[BallHawk]

Sorry, thought you were a fellow Wausau native. Not sure why.

You have me confused with PackerPro42. He's one of the other kids on here.

[J-Rok]

First test for the young legs. Fingers crossed.

[ND72]

52 yard field goal by Crosby....well good, just inside the left upright. good from at least 55 I'd say though.

[GrnBay007]

Drills it....lol 13-9

52 yard FG

[BallHawk]

Mason Crosby will be the Packers' kicker this year. Book it.

[Guiness]

52 yarder for Crosby - nice :shock:

[Him8123]

way to drill that ball crosby :D

[Packnut]

Gotta love this kid's leg. I hope he ends up winning the battle.

[J-Rok]

Pit play-by-play:

That was good from 52, but that would've been a 62 yarder. That's the longest kick ever made on Heinz Field. That was impressive.

//just saying

Edit: Just said, "First time a visiting team kicker kicked a FG over 50 yards.

And: he's got a leg.

[ND72]

remember 2 short years ago when our DL couldn't rush a High School JV team? Now, we're only bringing our front 4 and getting some good pressure...all nigth long too, not just the 2's.

Justin Harrell with a sack

[Guiness]

That was odd - Rayner does the kickoff right after Crosby's FG...

[VegasPackFan]

Guys on Pitt radio raving about Crosby's leg. That was the longest FG on record at Heinz

[RashanGary]

Crosby just won it. The team loves him. TT is a big guy on continuity. For whatever reason, Thomposn puts a lot of stock in how guys get along.


YES HARRELL!!!!

[falco]

nice play by Harrell. good coverage helped on the sack too.

[BallHawk]

Justin Harrell proving to Merlin he deserves to make the team. :wink:

[Him8123]

hope harrell keeps that up TT does too

[falco]

Guys on Pitt radio raving about Crosby's leg. That was the longest FG on record at Heinz

rayner had the longest kick ever at lambeau, don't forget (even though he lost it on a technicality)

[BallHawk]

Guys on Pitt radio raving about Crosby's leg. That was the longest FG on record at Heinz

Can you explain that? It's registering as a 52 yarder. That can't be the record? Can it?

[BallHawk]

Guys on Pitt radio raving about Crosby's leg. That was the longest FG on record at Heinz

rayner had the longest kick ever at lambeau, don't forget (even though he lost it on a technicality)

I thought that game was in Miami?

[ND72]

ok, I'm sick of the Preseason already, I'm ready to strap it up for real.

[Guiness]

I wonder if someone else gets the carries now - that's 15 for Jackson. Quite a few for his debut.

edit: guess not

[falco]

Guys on Pitt radio raving about Crosby's leg. That was the longest FG on record at Heinz

rayner had the longest kick ever at lambeau, don't forget (even though he lost it on a technicality)

I thought that game was in Miami?

I'm pretty sure it was Lambeau, but maybe someone else can confirm/deny.

[J-Rok]

The commentators said it's a crazy tough place to kick. They were saying it'd be more impressive in October, but said that still doesn't take away from how great Crosby's leg is.

[VegasPackFan]

Thats what they said.....

Then they made excuses that it was only summer and the wind is much worse in the season

[GrnBay007]

ok, I'm sick of the Preseason already, I'm ready to strap it up for real.

That's a good sign?

[J-Rok]

Haha, these Pitt commentators.

"Rodgers has the quicks"

[RIPackerFan]

I have to believe it is a good sign - if we were sucking wind, we would want the preseason to last forever to fix it.

[Guiness]

GC has Kabeer with a sack - did he get one?

[BallHawk]

Another question for those watching.....

What happened on Rodgers 20 yard run? Was it the defense was playing deep and he just opted to run or did he actually maneuver and outrun some defenders?

[Guiness]

Nice soft punt by Ryan. Second one he's dropped inside the 20 tonight.

[BallHawk]

Nice punt by Ryan.

[HarveyWallbangers]

The commentators said it's a crazy tough place to kick. They were saying it'd be more impressive in October, but said that still doesn't take away from how great Crosby's leg is.

Heinz Field has been open that long. A few years or so. Kicking at Heinz come fall and winter is different than kicking there in August.

I hope Crosby wins, but more than anything, I just want the one that wins to be reliable. They are pretty similar actually. Rayner has a strong leg also. Both are good on kickoffs. Both can kick the deep one. Both have been somewhat inconsistent. Remember that Rayner was drafted also. I think he might have even been drafted higher than Crosby, so he's not a bad prospect. Both guys will be kicking in the NFL for a long time.

[J-Rok]

Ryan pins them deep? Ball downed at the 5.

[Carolina_Packer]

I like hearing that Clark Harris is doing the long snapping. Perhaps we won't need to carry a separate long snapper anymore! That would give them some more flexibility at whatever position needs an extra guy.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Nice soft punt by Ryan. Second one he's dropped inside the 20 tonight.

Second one he's dropped inside the 5. Anybody want to hate on him some more tonight?
:D

[Guiness]

I like hearing that Clark Harris is doing the long snapping. Perhaps we won't need to carry a separate long snapper anymore! That would give them some more flexibility at whatever position needs an extra guy.

I'd be awfully surprised if that happened. Davis is one of (if the the) best in the business, and he does get a fair number of tackles as well.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I like hearing that Clark Harris is doing the long snapping. Perhaps we won't need to carry a separate long snapper anymore! That would give them some more flexibility at whatever position needs an extra guy.

The way Harris has reportedly looked in camp, we'd only be carrying him for his long snapping anyways. He has to deserve a spot as a TE. Otherwise, go with old reliable.

[falco]

Before we get too worked up, remember how bad our first string offense looked.

[GrnBay007]

LOL OK, sorry for the OT's :P But Houston 19 Chicago 7 just makes me a lil happier.

[HarveyWallbangers]

On the plus side, the first team defense looked good against the no huddle. The backups have the edge since. It's just preseason #1, but it's better than getting blown out--which I thought might happen.
:D

[RIPackerFan]

Remember what we looked like last year in the first preseason game.

[BallHawk]

For all you Gopher fans....

What is this guy Gary Russel like?

[RashanGary]

GOOD

Holliday, Blackmon, Rodgers, Jackson, 2nd Oline, Crosby, Jenkins, Bush, #1 defense


BAD

Favre (with starting WR's)
Bigby
Underwood
Dendy
3rd string had VERY bad conditioning. They were tired after less than a quarter.

[BallHawk]

The ump in the 'stros Vs. Brewers game sucks.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Russell is actually a pretty good back, but I think he got into some trouble up here. Maybe he was injured. I remember him not staying on the field.

[RashanGary]

NOTICE:

Bishop is ahead of Hodge or so it seems.

[BallHawk]

HOME RUN RYAN BRAUN!!!!!!!!!!

[HarveyWallbangers]

YES! Braun with a 3 run jack--after I ripped him for his inability to do the little things.
:D

Wife bought me a Crew shirt on Thursday. Colorado is WORKING the Cubs!

[BallHawk]

HOME RUN PRINCE FIELDER!!!!!!

GO CREW!!!!!

[Carolina_Packer]

Gary Russell seems like a guy TT would sign. Free agent, under the radar.

[BallHawk]

YES! Braun with a 3 run jack--after I ripped him for his inability to do the little things.
:D

Wife bought me a Crew shirt on Thursday. Colorado is WORKING the Cubs!

Harv never get rid of that shirt. Ever.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Bad: I have Lidge in a fantasy league.
Good: I have Braun in the same league.

The good FAR outweights the bad tonight!!!
:bclap:

[falco]

Walker seems like he could keep a roster spot this year. Blackmon and Bush look good too, but Walker would be better than Dendy.

[J-Rok]

Haha, everyone in the PIT booth and Heinz Field went

OOOOOH! with that sack.

[Him8123]

way to go D keep piling the sacks up :x

[HarveyWallbangers]

How is Walker looking? I've seen 3 or 4 of these on the GC.

B.St. Pierre pass incomplete short right to W.Reid. coverage by #41 walker

[J-Rok]

Were the Steelers lined up for a FG or a punt on that false start?

[Him8123]

punt

[falco]

Harv, I haven't seen Walker give up anything yet. He's had blanket coverage on at least 3 or 4 plays.

[RashanGary]

I am proud of the depth of this team. Rodgers being our backup probably makes things a little skewed. He's been GREAT!

[Joemailman]

How is Walker looking? I've seen 3 or 4 of these on the GC.

B.St. Pierre pass incomplete short right to W.Reid. coverage by #41 walker

Walker has looked excellent, albeit against nobodies. His coverage has been perfect.

[falco]

I am proud of the depth of this team. Rodgers being our backup probably makes things a little skewed. He's been GREAT!

Rodgers has looked good. But him played against a bunch of 2nd and 3rd stringers probably makes things a little skewed as well.

[VegasPackFan]

No doubt TT is building a deep team but do we have the starters of a caliber to compete - that is the big question

[Joemailman]

I am proud of the depth of this team. Rodgers being our backup probably makes things a little skewed. He's been GREAT!

Rodgers has looked good. But him played against a bunch of 2nd and 3rd stringers probably makes things a little skewed as well.

Don't forget he's playing with 2nd and 3rd stringers.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Rodgers has looked good. But him played against a bunch of 2nd and 3rd stringers probably makes things a little skewed as well.

No doubt, but on the opposite note he's playing with 2nd and 3rd stringers, and we don't exactly have a lot of depth at OL. We are about 2 deep there.

[BallHawk]

Great win for the Crew!

And now back to the Packers. :D

[falco]

I am proud of the depth of this team. Rodgers being our backup probably makes things a little skewed. He's been GREAT!

Rodgers has looked good. But him played against a bunch of 2nd and 3rd stringers probably makes things a little skewed as well.

Don't forget he's playing with 2nd and 3rd stringers.

Absolutely. I said earlier Joe that I think Rodgers needs to see significant time against first stringers with first stringers this preaseason.

[HarveyWallbangers]

No doubt TT is building a deep team but do we have the starters of a caliber to compete - that is the big question

On defense, it looks like it.

On offense, there are some players (Favre, Driver, Jennings, Tauscher, Clifton). If we are average on offense and don't turn the ball over a lot, I think we could sneak into the playoffs. Tough schedule though. Hope we get off to a quick start. That game vs. Philadelphia is going to be big.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Great win for the Crew!

And now back to the Packers. :D

Cubs getting worked. Lead looks like it will be at 1 1/2 games.

[VegasPackFan]

Harv,

I agree

[HarveyWallbangers]

Did Ingle get hurt? It said he scrambled, and the next play Rodgers was back in the game.

[BallHawk]

The CB spot is looking like Bush, Walker, Blackmon, and Dendy being the odd man out.

Carlyle Holiday looks to be the #5.

Of course, this is only game one.

[Guiness]

Radio says it was Martin that threw those last couple of passes. I'm guessing AR's name is another gamecenter snafu.

[J-Rok]

I assume JJ hasn't been in the game? His stats kind of just... stopped after what seemed like six consecutive catches.

[Joemailman]

I am proud of the depth of this team. Rodgers being our backup probably makes things a little skewed. He's been GREAT!

Rodgers has looked good. But him played against a bunch of 2nd and 3rd stringers probably makes things a little skewed as well.

Don't forget he's playing with 2nd and 3rd stringers.

Absolutely. I said earlier Joe that I think Rodgers needs to see significant time against first stringers with first stringers this preaseason.

In the pregame, Larrivee asked MM about Arod getting time with the starters. MM said it's something they'd like to do, but that they also have to get Favre ready. It didn't sound like it's something likely to happen.

[BallHawk]

Radio says it was Martin that threw those last couple of passes. I'm guessing AR's name is another gamecenter snafu.

I think the Gamecenter operator had one too many. :D :wink:

[RashanGary]

I like this team. The #1 offense had it's issues with the pass game as far as the QB just not chosing on high percentage throws but that QB is someone we trust so it's not something that I consider a big issue.

[GrnBay007]

In the pregame, Larrivee asked MM about Arod getting time with the starters. MM said it's something they'd like to do, but that they also have to get Favre ready. It didn't sound like it's something likely to happen.

I heard that too. Favre needs time to jell with all these newbies.

[Carolina_Packer]

A little pick would salt the game away and be a nice cherry on top.

[MadtownPacker]

way to go D keep piling the sacks up :xWelcome to the forum man.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Sweet! ARod is getting some pub on the ESPN scoreboard.
:D

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/scoreboard

[BallHawk]

The Packers stopping some one on 4th and 1?

Championship.

:wink:

[BallHawk]

How does Corey White look? What are the chances of him making the team?

[Carolina_Packer]

Turn out the lights, the party's over!! Good night all. Some good things to build on tonight.

[GrnBay007]

Packers 1-0 Ohhh Babyyyy!!!! :P :clap: :cow:

[RashanGary]

GOOD

Holliday, Blackmon, Rodgers, Jackson, 2nd Oline, Crosby, Jenkins, Bush, #1 defense


BAD

Favre (with starting WR's)
Bigby
Underwood
Dendy
3rd string had VERY bad conditioning. They were tired after less than a quarter.

[Him8123]

good way to start the season ill take it 8-)

[J-Rok]

I'd add Ryan to that list.

[GrnBay007]

GOOD

Holliday, Blackmon, Rodgers, Jackson, 2nd Oline, Crosby, Jenkins, Bush, #1 defense


BAD

Favre (with starting WR's)
Bigby
Underwood
Dendy
3rd string had VERY bad conditioning. They were tired after less than a quarter.

AHEM.....you forgot JJ in the good section!

[cuqui]

plus Jones!

[J-Rok]

LOL

BEN STEELE JUST LIT UP A BEAR RETURNER.

HAHAHAHAHA

[RashanGary]

VERY good points on the additions. You guys could throw that together and make it a good/bad of the 1st preseason game.

[HarveyWallbangers]

GOOD

Holliday, Blackmon, Rodgers, Jackson, 2nd Oline, Crosby, Jenkins, Bush, #1 defense


BAD

Favre (with starting WR's)
Bigby
Underwood
Dendy
3rd string had VERY bad conditioning. They were tired after less than a quarter.

Holliday, but no Jones? Holliday had a 3 yard TD, but that was his only catch of the game. Jones had 6 catches. Sounds like Frank Walker had a heck of a game also. Ryan had 47 yd avg, and a punt downed at the 3 and one at the 5.

[vince]

And no injuries right? That's also a GOOD thing...

[RashanGary]

And no injuries right? That's also a GOOD thing...

YUP!!

[Guiness]

And no injuries right? That's also a GOOD thing...

quite right Vince - put that in the GOOD section. Underwood and Blackmon still moving under their own power.

[footballfever]

add fergy to the list of bad, or add him to the list with a first class ticket to Houston......... How much more time and space can that SOB seriously waste on this team?

[Guiness]

Just looking at the Oakland game - McCown started, not Russel. Wonder what's up with that? I thought Russel was already anointed as the starter.

[J-Rok]

Russell's holding out.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I guess Jenkins beat the Steelers starter, Marvel Smith, for the sack and forced fumble. I think the second was on Colon.

[Guiness]

Russell's holding out.

He hasn't signed yet???? Bloomin' idiot.

Any other first rounders remaining unsigned?

[GrnBay007]

Great game thread guys!!!

Nice to finally see/hear some Packer action!!!

Can't wait till next game.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Okay, so GBP says that Jenkins beat starting RT Max Starks on his second sack. Starks had moved over from RT to replace Smith. That's an even better sign.

[Scott Campbell]

19 pages on a preseason game - impressive. Good stuff - thanks.

[Joemailman]

19 pages on a preseason game - impressive. Good stuff - thanks.

JSO had 5 pages and 92 replies. :laugh: JSO

[GBRulz]

went out to watch the game with some friends, but didn't pay much attention to the 2nd half.

Random thoughts.......

I think Jones is a serious contender for the #2 WR spot. Any chance that he beats out Jennings?

Did our running game pick up at all? I was not impressed by what I saw in the first half.

Loved the way our DL and LB's were playing. However, there still seems to be alot of confusion in the secondary and giving up the big plays again.

At this point, they could cut Bigby tomorrow. I wasn't impressed with Underwood, either. But last year I was rooting for him, then he got hurt. I'm still kinda pulling for the guy.

TE's tonight.... again, not getting involved.

Rodgers looked great. Moving around and seems to be much more mobile this year vs just standing in the pocket holding on to the ball too long. Really happy to see progress with him.

It's obvious that Favre needs alot more reps with his receivers. They didn't seem to be getting a whole lot of separation tonight.

WHY was Fergy playing as #3 receiver?? Did I see that right?

If I had to choose our WR's after tonight.... I'd say...DD, Jones, Jennings, Martin and Holiday.

[RashanGary]

I think Jennings is more explosive than Jones. Jennings is a homerun threat and a short area threat where Jones is only a short area threat. I think Jones gave us a lot to be excited about, but I would say Jennings still has the leg up as far as being a better overall reciever.

Jennings better get healthy though. The injury thing is starting to be a concern for me. He's still playing, but that hip thing seems to be lingering just like the ankle did last year.

[BallHawk]

I think Jones is a serious contender for the #2 WR spot. Any chance that he beats out Jennings?

It could happen if one of these two things occur:

Jennings remains hurt

OR

James Jones plays fantastic over the next few weeks and Jennings plays poorly.


It could happen, but I doubt it will. It's Jennings job to lose and unless the coaches feel Jones gives them a significantly better chance to win at the #2, rather then Jennings, Jennings will be the #2 on opening day.

However, I do think Jones has cemented himself as the #3, leaving Martin with the #4.

[HarveyWallbangers]

One preseason game and people want to move Jones ahead of Jennings. Jones was nice, but do people forget that Jennings did even better in the preseason last year? He led the entire league in receiving yards by a wide margin (his 328 receiving yards was 83 yards better than the runner-up).

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/stats/2006/pre

After getting pretty much shutodown by the Bears, he proved it was no fluke by going for 6 catches for 67 yards and 1 TD vs. New Orleans. Then, 3 catches for 101 yards and 1 TD vs. Detroit. Then, 5 catches for 86 yards. Finally, 5 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD vs. St. Louis. 18 catches for 359 yards and 3 TDs in those 4 games (which was even better than the 328 yards he had in 4 preseason games). That within his first 5 regular season games in the NFL. The next week, he hurt his ankle vs. Miami, and he was never the same.

[RashanGary]

His injury is starting to bother me Harv. He plays through it, which is nice, but he needs to get healthy and play big like he did early last year or some of this criticism will be valid. I think he has #1 WR talent and is the 2nd best WR on our team, but if he can't get healthy and stay healthy none of it will matter.

[GBRulz]

Harvey, nobody is moving Jones to #2 after one pre-season game. It's just speculation because Jennings isn't healthy yet. Jennings started out awesome last year, but he hit a wall after his injury. I hope the guy can get healthy, but if not and Jones gives us a better chance at #2, then I think it's certainly something worth exploring. I think we are very fortunate to have all this talent at WR. I admit, going into this season I didn't know what to expect, but I think our guys will do just fine. They do need more reps with Brett, though.

[HarveyWallbangers]

How many snaps did he play tonight, 12? I watched the Family Night scrimmage, and he and Driver starred. Didn't he have 4 or 5 catches in that? To me, he looked just like his old self. Am I missing something? 12 plays in a preseason game where got one overthrown ball tossed his way, and people are talking about him being demoted. You said you were worried about him before the scrimmage, then he lit it up in the scrimmage.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Why don't people think he's healthy? He sure looked healthy to me on Family Night.

[RashanGary]

Why don't people think he's healthy? He sure looked healthy to me on Family Night.

Harv, he has a lingering hip flexor problem. How could you have missed that? He was acctually questionable for this game up until yesterday. He has missed practice on and off for the last couple of weeks. He hasn't made any huge plays like he made last year in either of these live appearances. He's been quite and somewhat invisible in camp.

Seriously, he is obviously not himself. I hope he gets it together. I think he is a clear upgrade in talent over Jones but if he doesn't start to play like the talented player we saw last year (which means catching more than 3 yard slants) then we are obviously going to wonder about him.

I have absolutly no bias against Jennings. He's one of my favorite players and one of the guys that I said would be a HUGE part of the improvement of this team, but to say he has had the impact that he had last year or even the impact that Jones has this year is not the way I, and many here, see it; for good reason I might add.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Guys get banged up. He was supposedly banged up when he played on Family Night, but he starred. Should we forget that he looked good that night? Favre had 7 throws. He completed 2. Of the other 5, Favre went to Driver on two of them. I'm assuming that he was the primary option. Of the other 3, Favre went immediately to Lee over the middle. No chance for Jennings to be an option on the play. Of the other 2, Jennings was the primary receiver, the defender jumped the route, and Favre basically threw the ball away. Not sure about the other pass. Judging him based on these 7 pass plays is pretty laughable.

[HarveyWallbangers]

You even said yourself that Pittsburgh played good defense, their corners were playing press coverage, and that Favre was looking to get rid of the ball right away. That means he didn't even look at his secondary options most plays. It was 1-2-3 steps, out to Driver three times. 1-2-3 steps, out to Lee. 1-2-3 steps, out to Jennings (on a route the corner jumped). Jones, on the other hand, played a lot more, he played against backups, and he looked like he was the primary option on a lot of plays.

[RashanGary]

I hear ya Harv. I just worry about the injury. He hasn't really stood otu and I worry he's not 100%. The next logical step is to wonder how long he'll be less than 100%, esspecially because this hip has been a problem leading up to TC and now all of the way through it so far.

[Partial]

Why don't people think he's healthy? He sure looked healthy to me on Family Night.

Harv, he has a lingering hip flexor problem. How could you have missed that? He was acctually questionable for this game up until yesterday. He has missed practice on and off for the last couple of weeks. He hasn't made any huge plays like he made last year in either of these live appearances. He's been quite and somewhat invisible in camp.

Seriously, he is obviously not himself. I hope he gets it together. I think he is a clear upgrade in talent over Jones but if he doesn't start to play like the talented player we saw last year (which means catching more than 3 yard slants) then we are obviously going to wonder about him.

I have absolutly no bias against Jennings. He's one of my favorite players and one of the guys that I said would be a HUGE part of the improvement of this team, but to say he has had the impact that he had last year or even the impact that Jones has this year is not the way I, and many here, see it; for good reason I might add.

I reckon he has been quiet because his performance is to be expected now. You never hear anything about Kampman, Driver, Clifton, etc. You do for Favre because he is well, Favre.

I agree with Harv in that he looks normal and is likely as healthy as he'll be. Guys that are listed as questionable normally end up playing. Guys get banged up in practice and camp. Al Harris and Chuck sat tonight out. The only reason DD and Jennings played were the same reason Favre played. To get a few more reps in. They took their ten or so snaps and left.

He'll be fine. I am not at all worried about him. By the end of camp last year there were reports that he looked like the best player on the team, including Driver and Favre. He is seriously the least of our worries and our future #1.

He is in good enough condition to play or they would have sat him. In my homeristic, slightly drunken yet humble opinion, I think a better question is will Jennings challenge for #1 instead of Jones challenging for #2.

[Bretsky]

Replay of game is on now

[CaliforniaCheez]

Well on the whole the team did adequately except for

Burn Ward Bigby and Butterfinger Bubba.




Underwood's hamstring injury may be costly for him.

Brandon Jackson ought to be fairly exhausted from all those snaps.

Starting O-line didn't win the battles but it doesn't mean they lost them.

Korey Hall showed significant improvement.

What is the field goal distance record in Heinz Field??

Crosby's kick set the NFL record.

Prior record was on 12/7/2006.
http://www.ravens24x7.com/column_view.php?cid=6&id=871&view=archive

"K Jeff Reed also kicked field goals of 50 and 39 yards. The 50-yarder was the longest in an NFL game in Pittsburgh since Heinz Field opened in 2001."

College record is 55 yards set on 11/17/2006.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_480212.html

West Virginia's Steve Slaton's 55-yarder was the knockout blow in a 45-27 victory over Pitt on Thursday night before 55,642 at Heinz Field and an ESPN national television audience.

Congratulations Mason Crosby.

[Joemailman]

Well on the whole the team did adequately except for

Burn Ward Bigby and Butterfinger Bubba.




Underwood's hamstring injury may be costly for him.

Brandon Jackson ought to be fairly exhausted from all those snaps.

Starting O-line didn't win the battles but it doesn't mean they lost them.

Korey Hall showed significant improvement.

What is the field goal distance record in Heinz Field??

Crosby's kick set the NFL record.

Prior record was on 12/7/2006.
http://www.ravens24x7.com/column_view.php?cid=6&id=871&view=archive

"K Jeff Reed also kicked field goals of 50 and 39 yards. The 50-yarder was the longest in an NFL game in Pittsburgh since Heinz Field opened in 2001."

College record is 55 yards set on 11/17/2006.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_480212.html

West Virginia's Steve Slaton's 55-yarder was the knockout blow in a 45-27 victory over Pitt on Thursday night before 55,642 at Heinz Field and an ESPN national television audience.

Congratulations Mason Crosby.

Did Underwood's injury occur on that long pass play where he pulled up short?

I don't think a lot of carries will bother Brandon Jackson. He seemed just as strong late in the game as he was early. He looked great when he got some running room.

[CaliforniaCheez]

Team Stat Comparison
GB Pitt
1st Downs 19 14
Total Yards 306 309
Passing 182 177
Rushing 124 132
Penalties 8-48 7-74
3rd Down Conversions 5-17 3-14
4th Down Conversions 0-0 0-1
Turnovers 0 1
Possession 29:11 30:49

Sorry the colums do not line up.

[Guiness]

Underwood is injured again? If that's the case, you have to think that's the end of him as a Packer.

[OS PA]

Did Underwood's injury occur on that long pass play where he pulled up short?

I don't think a lot of carries will bother Brandon Jackson. He seemed just as strong late in the game as he was early. He looked great when he got some running room.

This is way too early of a comparison, but later in the game against the 2nd's and 3rds, Brandon Jackson was looking incredibly similar to a poor mans Larry Johnson. It could have been how much the Packers were running him, or how he was busting through the lines, but I saw many similarities. Hopefully with a few years under his belt he can get better.

[BooHoo]

Wow, if Brandon Jackson can have a pro-bowl year that would be incrediable. Okay, time for me to wake up and be realistic. But we do need to find a running game.

[KYPack]

Underwood is injured again? If that's the case, you have to think that's the end of him as a Packer.

Lot's of people liked him bc of his spunk.

He's really a little guy and smallish safeties that like to stick their nose in there don't last long.

I think that's the verdict on Underwood. A good kid, but just not there physically.

We have other young guys who are choices at those spots now.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Rouse had a couple of good licks and no obvious breakdowns that I saw.

[Joemailman]

If Rouse can have a good week of practice, I look for him to get in the next game a lot earlier than we did last night.

[Joemailman]

Well, let's see how we did.



Finally we can start to gauge what progress the Packers have made since last season. Here are some things I'll be looking for:

Can the Packers show enough of a running game to keep defenses honest? The Packers will be facing a 3-4 defense, which will be good practice for the San Diego game coming in September.

As usual, the packers struggled to run the ball against a 3-4 defense.

Will the Tight Ends be any more of a factor in the passing game than they were last year?

The early returns are not encouraging.

Is James Jones this year's Jennings, or a training camp wonder?

Probably somewhere in the middle. Has a great chance to be #3 this year.

Can Brandon Jackson start to pick up the important pass protection aspect of his position?

I didn't see any major breakdowns. I believe It was Herron who was victimized by the blitz by Polamalu.

Will Poppinga be better in pass protection than last year?

Didn't see anything definitive last night.

Is Manuel better than last year, and if not, will any of the youngsters show enough to push him?

Manuel only played one series, but Bigby and Underwood blew their chance to make a push for a starting job.

Will Justin Harrell start to assert himself and silence his critics.

Didn't play until late in the 1st half. Had some decent moments against reserves.

Who will emerge as the top candidate as the #3 CB?

Walker, Blackmon, and Bush all played well. Dendy lost ground. This is a good situation for the Pack.

Is Johnny Jolly coming into his own, or is he a training camp phenom?

Still to be determined

[The Leaper]

The Steeler announcers were idiots. I thought they had a more intelligent fan base than that.

[The Leaper]

He is in good enough condition to play or they would have sat him. In my homeristic, slightly drunken yet humble opinion, I think a better question is will Jennings challenge for #1 instead of Jones challenging for #2.

Jennings challenging for #1?

I probably will never understand the woodies some of you have for Jennings. You'd think he was a young Terrell Owens the way some of you talk about him.

Sure, he did well early last year as an unproven player against some mediocre pass defenses. Can he repeat that when defenses have more film on him to review? Can he repeat that when defenses know his weaknesses and can adjust to take advanatage of them?

Driver is proven...he is a Pro Bowl receiver. WTF makes you think Jennings can even BEGIN to think of challenging that?

[The Leaper]

West Virginia's Steve Slaton's 55-yarder was the knockout blow in a 45-27 victory over Pitt on Thursday night before 55,642 at Heinz Field and an ESPN national television audience.

When did Steve Slaton start kicking FGs?

[Packnut]

After watching this game a couple of times some things jump out:

1- Our TE situation is UNFORGIVABLE. You guys who defend Teddy without question need to wake up and realize he has failed to do ANYTHING to upgrade this position and that is a FAILURE on his part. Let's not forget it's his FREAKIN job! We have the worst TE situation in the NFL. It's very sad when you read fantasy TE rankings and there are only 31 teams mentioned!

2- Rodgers looked damned good. Head and shoulders above last season. No it's not about QB ratings, it's about the type of throws he was able to make. It's about the way the team repsonded to him. It's about the energy he brought. I feel much better about him today then at any time since he was drafted.

3- Brandon Jackson will be a good RB in time, but he has a lot to learn at this point. On the job training will be painful at times but his instincts will improve with playing time.

4- Our starting O line is better than last season but the huge leaps some here were touting ain't gonna happen this season. Pitt was able to pressure Favre which resulted in the quick short passes. They did not open up holes. Expect Philly to blitz, blitz, blitz and blitz some more.......

5-Kampman and Jenkins have the potential to be down-right dominating. IF Pickett and the platoon system can elevate their game, this could be one of the top 2 or 3 D lines in the NFL. Our LB corps should take each lineman out to dinner BEFORE the season starts just to say thank you.

6- For the life of me, I cannot understand why Harrell is in such poor shape. Cardio training has NOTHING to do with the injury. Several camp observers have commented on his conditioning problems and it was evident in the game. I would think that someone who got paid the amount he did, would have at the very least come into camp in great condition. Training camp is used to get into football shape, not cardio shape. Players are expected to do that on their own. There were a few of you who gave Brestsky a hard time about Meachem being out of shape. Well, you owe him an apology, cause Teddy's boy did no better.

While some of you will say it's only the first pre-season game, I would suggest you watch a few of the other games replayed on the NFL network. Some #1 offenses actually moved the ball and picked up 1st downs. :shock:

[The Leaper]

6- For the life of me, I cannot understand why Harrell is in such poor shape. Cardio training has NOTHING to do with the injury. Several camp observers have commented on his conditioning problems and it was evident in the game. I would think that someone who got paid the amount he did, would have at the very least come into camp in great condition.

Harrell probably played more snaps than anyone else on defense...he was in there for at least portions of every quarter. He notched a sack on a hustle play late in the game...which probably wouldn't happen if he was so woefully out of shape as you suggest.

So, why are you so concerned about Harrell's conditioning? For the first preseason game, he looked OK to me. Birdine was sucking wind much more by the end of the game...and he didn't see anything close to the playing time that Harrell did.

[Joemailman]

According to a story in JSO http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=645796, Harrell's snap count was in the low 30's, and he was extremely fatigued at the end. According to the stat sheet, Pittsburgh ran 58 offensive plays. This would seem to prove Leaper's point that Harrell was on the field more than anyone else. Maybe he is out of shape, and this is MM's way of getting him in shape. However, in fairness to Harrell, I suspect the Pacler's other DT's would also have been fatigued if they had taken 30+ snaps.

[Packnut]

"He tried to road-grade for long stretches but sometimes he didn't even get off the line of scrimmage," one scout said. "He showed some push as a pass-rusher but not much hand use. He wore down and they had to take him out."


Snap count means NOTHING, If you have to take plays off. Geez, this is'nt that complicated. Watch the damn thing a few times and focus on him.
He is PLAYING himself into shape and my point is still the same. He should have come into camp in better cardio condition.

[The Leaper]

Snap count means NOTHING, If you have to take plays off. Geez, this is'nt that complicated. Watch the damn thing a few times and focus on him. He is PLAYING himself into shape and my point is still the same. He should have come into camp in better cardio condition.

Running on a treadmill and doing cardio is not the same thing as playing football.

As I just pointed out, he got a sack late in the game on a hustle play...where he outworked the OL, fought through blocks, and got to the QB after several seconds when downfield coverage was solid. If he was in such ABYSMAL CONDITION, as all your whining indicates, then a hustle play late in a game where he played a majority of the snaps likely would not have occured because he would not have had the stamina for it.

The fact of the matter is that few 300 pound defensive lineman come into camp in any condition to immediately start playing 4 quarters of football...especially in 80+ degree heat. Again, as I pointed out previously, Birdine was on his hands and knees repeatedly after plays...sucking wind like a vacuum cleaner. This despite playing SIGNIFICANTLY fewer snaps than Harrell.

Was Harrell fatigued at the end of the game? Yes. Should he have been better conditioned? Probably. Was it enough to warrant your paragraph of concern? Likely not. It is only the first preseason game...and the fact he still made plays despite fatigue is actually a positive in my book.