TopHat
08-11-2007, 10:02 AM
While on tour in the middle west states, TOP HAT came across a mysterious Holy Grail Turtle at a mystic river near a green bay under a golden sun. The Turtle looked up at the "reflection" in the waters. He smiled asking TOP HAT, "Gee, it is getting a little hairy at the forum. Bretsky, MTP, Zool, GreenBay007, Rastak, Woodbuck, Ziggy, Packnut etc. are wondering about previews for the preseason Steelers game?" TOP HAT was amused & said, "I will post them for the Packer Rats." The Holy Grail Turtle smiled, looked away to watch the reflection of the "lady in the lake" holding a "golden green hat" mysteriously appearing in the flowing river, and returned seeing TOP HAT gone with the dusk.
Things to Watch & Keys to Game
1. Overall, how well does the offensive do in scoring, coordination, & minimizing penalties? Simply how is the chemistry? Is Bret & Rodgers comfortable? How well does the offensive line play, especially in runs & blitzes, against the stout Steelers defense
2. How well do the receivers play, especially who plays at the 3 or 4 or 5 set receivers? Watch the QBs check points.
3. For the West Coast offense, how do the tight ends play & how effective?
4. How well do the Wrs, especially Jones, handle bump-and-run getting open?
5. How well does RB Jackson handle assignments, runs, & blitzes?
6. How well does the defensive line play, after watching the Steelers offense tear up the Saints.
7. How well does the first line pass defense handles the Steelers receivers,
e.g. Santonio Holmes, Cedrick Wilson and Hines Ward. How good are LB Poppinga etc. at coverage. How deep will our new LBs corps be?
8. How well do the DLs play, especially Justin Harrell & Jolly & Cole, handling the Steelers offensive plays. Who stands out besides Kampman & Jenkins? How does the rotation go?
9. How well does the secondary play, i.e. Bush, Dendy etc., if Harris and Woodson sit out? How well do Manuel, Rouse, Bigby, Blackmon, Underwood, and generally backups play.
11. How well does the new improved QB Rodgers play?
12. How improved is the special teams with new personnel, e.g. Hall, Bishop, etc.?
13. How do Bodiford & Clowney do in KR? How well goes the PR?
14. How does the kicking battle between Crosby & Rayner go?
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
http://packers.scout.com/2/666796.html
Packers prepare to play Steelers; injury update; Hodge slips down depth chart Enough Green vs. White already. Time for a realistic progress gauge. Saturday night Green Bay will play at Pittsburgh (6:30 p.m. CT) in the first NFL game for several Packers. Training camp has provided first impressions. Saturday, they can be taken seriously. Is James Jones this year’s Greg Jennings? Is Justin Harrell hinting more toward Jamal Reynolds than Vonnie Holliday? Can David Clowney outlast Shaun Bodiford in the return game? These will be intriguing questions to track. Yet most Packers fans will be firmly mesmerized on rookie running back Brandon Jackson, who has taken advantage of injuries to Vernand Morency and P.J. Pope.
__________________________________________________ ____________
http://www.railbirdcentral.blogspot.com/
Favre to play little Saturday, Rodgers most & Martin some.
Green Bay Packers star quarterback Brett Favre will start his team's first preseason game on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he reportedly won't see much action. According to the Associated Press, "(Packers head coach Mike) McCarthy recognizes that Favre needs to establish chemistry with younger players such as second-round running back Brandon Jackson and third-round receiver James Jones, but he doesn't want the three-time MVP to go overboard." "McCarthy said he anticipates the starters will play about 12 to 15 snaps Saturday, though some veterans could play less, including QB Brett Favre," writes Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "McCarthy said he wants to get backup Aaron Rodgers some action with the starters."
Wynn and Mirre doubtful to play Saturday
Green Bay Packers running backs DeShawn Wynn and Brandon Miree are likely doubtful to play in the team's first preseason game Saturday at Pittsburgh. "Wynn sustained a strained quadriceps in practice Tuesday night," reports Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "Miree has a shoulder stinger. They're among a handful of players trainers were expected to re-evaluate this morning, but McCarthy didn't express optimism about either playing." The Packers are low on running backs as it is, and this situation doesn't help matters. The only healthy running backs are tailbacks Noah Herron and Brandon Jackson, fullbacks Korey Hall and Ryan Powdrell, and Corey White who can play either position.
__________________________________________________ ________________________________
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/PKR01/708110520/1057/PKR&located=RSS
5 things to watch in tonight's Packers-Steelers game
1. How will the Packers fare with just two healthy halfbacks, rookie Brandon Jackson and Noah Herron? Actually, it's 2½ if you count Corey White, who the Packers officially list as a fullback but is capable of running with the ball. In the absence of injured Vernand Morency and P.J. Pope, this will be Jackson's chance to shine and put in a claim for the starting job.
2. They should rename them the Blitz-burgh Steelers. In their preseason opener last week against New Orleans, the Steelers blitzed on nine of the first 10 plays. The Packers' offensive line, and Brett Favre, must come prepared for the onslaught.
3. Rookie Mason Crosby is making a strong run at unseating veteran kicker Dave Rayner. But it's one thing to boot field goals in practice; it's another to do it in a game. Let the competition begin.
4. In two previous seasons, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has done nothing to push Favre toward retirement. Of course, he hasn't had much of a chance. The preseason will give Rodgers ample playing time and a prime opportunity to prove he can run the offense.
5. Starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson might not play, which should only intensify the battle for the No. 3 and No. 4 cornerback spots. It's time to put up or shut up for Jarrett Bush, Patrick Dendy, Will Blackmon and Frank Walker.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________
http://packers.scout.com/2/666919.html
Packers at Steelers: Keys to the game Aaron Rodgers will get plenty of playing time.
From offense to defense to special teams, here are five things to look for as Green Bay kicks off the preseason on tonight at Pittsburgh. It’s dangerous to read too much into a preseason football game. Especially the first preseason game. With that said, tonight’s opener (6:30 p.m. CT start) at Pittsburgh will provide a big test for a young Packers roster with a bunch of unanswered questions.
Here are five keys to the game.
Packers run game vs. Steelers run defense
Last year, coach Mike McCarthy stressed the importance of the running game and vowed to make it the emphasis of his offense. Then he went out and had Brett Favre throw a team-record number of passes.
McCarthy is returning home to Pittsburgh. He was called “Pittsburgh Macho” when he was hired by Ted Thompson. He’s got to find out if Brandon Jackson is capable of being a No. 1 running back, and he’s got to find out if he’s got a fullback. Even with a new coaching staff, Pittsburgh hasn’t changed its blitzing ways. The Steelers blitzed the Saints on practically every play when it was starters vs. starters in the Hall of Fame Game last week.
With all of that said, expect McCarthy to lean on his young and talented offensive line. The Packers, like most teams, don’t spend much time game-planning for a preseason game, so they probably won’t be fully prepared to face a wide array of blitzes. Thus, to keep Favre and Aaron Rodgers safe, look for McCarthy to see if his blockers can handle the Steelers’ front seven. If they can, it will be a good omen for the season.
Packers defensive line vs. Steelers offensive line
The Packers’ defensive line is supposed to be a strength, with the addition of first-round pick Justin Harrell at defensive tackle and Cullen Jenkins entering his first season as the starter. Pittsburgh’s offensive line is always stout, and it will be this year, too, even with longtime line coach Russ Grimm bolting to Arizona. Alan Faneca is one of the best left guards in the business, and he’ll provide a terrific trial-by-fire for Harrell and Colin Cole, who are competing for the defensive tackle slot opposite Ryan Pickett. Jenkins, meanwhile, faces underrated left tackle Marvel Smith. It’s only the first preseason game, but the Packers’ defensive front seven is supposed to be what carries this team to victories. The Steelers will provide a fantastic first test.
Rodgers under center
Favre will start, but McCarthy wants Rodgers to get some snaps with the rest of the first-team offense. That means Rodgers likely will play at least half of the game. Rodgers has had a strong training camp, and performed well with the No. 2 offense — surrounded by a few guys who won’t make the team — against the No. 1 defense during last Saturday's intra-squad scrimmage. He hasn’t faced a true pass rush yet, though, and hasn’t been hit since the New England game last season, when his season ended with a broken foot. Nobody knows yet whether Rodgers really is the quarterback of the future, and Saturday’s game won’t provide any definitive answers. Still, a good outing against a strong team should bolster the confidence of his teammates, coaches and the fans.
In the secondary
The battle to be the Packers’ backup cornerbacks is perhaps the hottest fight in training camp, and the ability to find a quality No. 3 and No. 4 cornerback became apparent when the NFC North-rival Detroit Lions threw for 500 yards in their preseason opener. Jarrett Bush is closing on Patrick Dendy to be the nickel corner, and don’t forget about Will Blackmon, who showed playmaking skills during the scrimmage and is the most athletic of the bunch. Those corners will be tested by Pittsburgh’s new offense, which was partially written by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Then, there’s the battle which hasn’t been much of a battle. Marquand Manuel seemingly is entrenched as the No. 1 safety opposite Nick Collins, but that all could change if Manuel performs like he did at the scrimmage and someone from a group including Atari Bigby, Aaron Rouse or Marviel Underwood finally does enough to impress. If someone is going to unseat Manuel, he had better make his move now.
Kickers go live
Barring a few breakout performances by the offense, the Packers are going to need strong play from their special teams to win games this season. At the forefront is the battle at kicker, where rookie sixth-round pick Mason Crosby has made up a lot of ground on incumbent Dave Rayner this week. You don’t want the offense to stall between the Steelers’ 25- and 35-yard lines too often, but the more opportunities for Rayner and Crosby, the better. Finally, there’s the battle at kickoff returner. Shaun Bodiford seems to have the advantage over rookie fifth-round pick David Clowney. Clowney is raw at receiver and there are only so many roster spots, but he could turn the tables with an impressive runback or two. The special teams haven’t gone totally live during training camp. Thus, the depth chart at this early stage means practically nothing.
Things to Watch & Keys to Game
1. Overall, how well does the offensive do in scoring, coordination, & minimizing penalties? Simply how is the chemistry? Is Bret & Rodgers comfortable? How well does the offensive line play, especially in runs & blitzes, against the stout Steelers defense
2. How well do the receivers play, especially who plays at the 3 or 4 or 5 set receivers? Watch the QBs check points.
3. For the West Coast offense, how do the tight ends play & how effective?
4. How well do the Wrs, especially Jones, handle bump-and-run getting open?
5. How well does RB Jackson handle assignments, runs, & blitzes?
6. How well does the defensive line play, after watching the Steelers offense tear up the Saints.
7. How well does the first line pass defense handles the Steelers receivers,
e.g. Santonio Holmes, Cedrick Wilson and Hines Ward. How good are LB Poppinga etc. at coverage. How deep will our new LBs corps be?
8. How well do the DLs play, especially Justin Harrell & Jolly & Cole, handling the Steelers offensive plays. Who stands out besides Kampman & Jenkins? How does the rotation go?
9. How well does the secondary play, i.e. Bush, Dendy etc., if Harris and Woodson sit out? How well do Manuel, Rouse, Bigby, Blackmon, Underwood, and generally backups play.
11. How well does the new improved QB Rodgers play?
12. How improved is the special teams with new personnel, e.g. Hall, Bishop, etc.?
13. How do Bodiford & Clowney do in KR? How well goes the PR?
14. How does the kicking battle between Crosby & Rayner go?
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
http://packers.scout.com/2/666796.html
Packers prepare to play Steelers; injury update; Hodge slips down depth chart Enough Green vs. White already. Time for a realistic progress gauge. Saturday night Green Bay will play at Pittsburgh (6:30 p.m. CT) in the first NFL game for several Packers. Training camp has provided first impressions. Saturday, they can be taken seriously. Is James Jones this year’s Greg Jennings? Is Justin Harrell hinting more toward Jamal Reynolds than Vonnie Holliday? Can David Clowney outlast Shaun Bodiford in the return game? These will be intriguing questions to track. Yet most Packers fans will be firmly mesmerized on rookie running back Brandon Jackson, who has taken advantage of injuries to Vernand Morency and P.J. Pope.
__________________________________________________ ____________
http://www.railbirdcentral.blogspot.com/
Favre to play little Saturday, Rodgers most & Martin some.
Green Bay Packers star quarterback Brett Favre will start his team's first preseason game on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he reportedly won't see much action. According to the Associated Press, "(Packers head coach Mike) McCarthy recognizes that Favre needs to establish chemistry with younger players such as second-round running back Brandon Jackson and third-round receiver James Jones, but he doesn't want the three-time MVP to go overboard." "McCarthy said he anticipates the starters will play about 12 to 15 snaps Saturday, though some veterans could play less, including QB Brett Favre," writes Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "McCarthy said he wants to get backup Aaron Rodgers some action with the starters."
Wynn and Mirre doubtful to play Saturday
Green Bay Packers running backs DeShawn Wynn and Brandon Miree are likely doubtful to play in the team's first preseason game Saturday at Pittsburgh. "Wynn sustained a strained quadriceps in practice Tuesday night," reports Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "Miree has a shoulder stinger. They're among a handful of players trainers were expected to re-evaluate this morning, but McCarthy didn't express optimism about either playing." The Packers are low on running backs as it is, and this situation doesn't help matters. The only healthy running backs are tailbacks Noah Herron and Brandon Jackson, fullbacks Korey Hall and Ryan Powdrell, and Corey White who can play either position.
__________________________________________________ ________________________________
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/PKR01/708110520/1057/PKR&located=RSS
5 things to watch in tonight's Packers-Steelers game
1. How will the Packers fare with just two healthy halfbacks, rookie Brandon Jackson and Noah Herron? Actually, it's 2½ if you count Corey White, who the Packers officially list as a fullback but is capable of running with the ball. In the absence of injured Vernand Morency and P.J. Pope, this will be Jackson's chance to shine and put in a claim for the starting job.
2. They should rename them the Blitz-burgh Steelers. In their preseason opener last week against New Orleans, the Steelers blitzed on nine of the first 10 plays. The Packers' offensive line, and Brett Favre, must come prepared for the onslaught.
3. Rookie Mason Crosby is making a strong run at unseating veteran kicker Dave Rayner. But it's one thing to boot field goals in practice; it's another to do it in a game. Let the competition begin.
4. In two previous seasons, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has done nothing to push Favre toward retirement. Of course, he hasn't had much of a chance. The preseason will give Rodgers ample playing time and a prime opportunity to prove he can run the offense.
5. Starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson might not play, which should only intensify the battle for the No. 3 and No. 4 cornerback spots. It's time to put up or shut up for Jarrett Bush, Patrick Dendy, Will Blackmon and Frank Walker.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________
http://packers.scout.com/2/666919.html
Packers at Steelers: Keys to the game Aaron Rodgers will get plenty of playing time.
From offense to defense to special teams, here are five things to look for as Green Bay kicks off the preseason on tonight at Pittsburgh. It’s dangerous to read too much into a preseason football game. Especially the first preseason game. With that said, tonight’s opener (6:30 p.m. CT start) at Pittsburgh will provide a big test for a young Packers roster with a bunch of unanswered questions.
Here are five keys to the game.
Packers run game vs. Steelers run defense
Last year, coach Mike McCarthy stressed the importance of the running game and vowed to make it the emphasis of his offense. Then he went out and had Brett Favre throw a team-record number of passes.
McCarthy is returning home to Pittsburgh. He was called “Pittsburgh Macho” when he was hired by Ted Thompson. He’s got to find out if Brandon Jackson is capable of being a No. 1 running back, and he’s got to find out if he’s got a fullback. Even with a new coaching staff, Pittsburgh hasn’t changed its blitzing ways. The Steelers blitzed the Saints on practically every play when it was starters vs. starters in the Hall of Fame Game last week.
With all of that said, expect McCarthy to lean on his young and talented offensive line. The Packers, like most teams, don’t spend much time game-planning for a preseason game, so they probably won’t be fully prepared to face a wide array of blitzes. Thus, to keep Favre and Aaron Rodgers safe, look for McCarthy to see if his blockers can handle the Steelers’ front seven. If they can, it will be a good omen for the season.
Packers defensive line vs. Steelers offensive line
The Packers’ defensive line is supposed to be a strength, with the addition of first-round pick Justin Harrell at defensive tackle and Cullen Jenkins entering his first season as the starter. Pittsburgh’s offensive line is always stout, and it will be this year, too, even with longtime line coach Russ Grimm bolting to Arizona. Alan Faneca is one of the best left guards in the business, and he’ll provide a terrific trial-by-fire for Harrell and Colin Cole, who are competing for the defensive tackle slot opposite Ryan Pickett. Jenkins, meanwhile, faces underrated left tackle Marvel Smith. It’s only the first preseason game, but the Packers’ defensive front seven is supposed to be what carries this team to victories. The Steelers will provide a fantastic first test.
Rodgers under center
Favre will start, but McCarthy wants Rodgers to get some snaps with the rest of the first-team offense. That means Rodgers likely will play at least half of the game. Rodgers has had a strong training camp, and performed well with the No. 2 offense — surrounded by a few guys who won’t make the team — against the No. 1 defense during last Saturday's intra-squad scrimmage. He hasn’t faced a true pass rush yet, though, and hasn’t been hit since the New England game last season, when his season ended with a broken foot. Nobody knows yet whether Rodgers really is the quarterback of the future, and Saturday’s game won’t provide any definitive answers. Still, a good outing against a strong team should bolster the confidence of his teammates, coaches and the fans.
In the secondary
The battle to be the Packers’ backup cornerbacks is perhaps the hottest fight in training camp, and the ability to find a quality No. 3 and No. 4 cornerback became apparent when the NFC North-rival Detroit Lions threw for 500 yards in their preseason opener. Jarrett Bush is closing on Patrick Dendy to be the nickel corner, and don’t forget about Will Blackmon, who showed playmaking skills during the scrimmage and is the most athletic of the bunch. Those corners will be tested by Pittsburgh’s new offense, which was partially written by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Then, there’s the battle which hasn’t been much of a battle. Marquand Manuel seemingly is entrenched as the No. 1 safety opposite Nick Collins, but that all could change if Manuel performs like he did at the scrimmage and someone from a group including Atari Bigby, Aaron Rouse or Marviel Underwood finally does enough to impress. If someone is going to unseat Manuel, he had better make his move now.
Kickers go live
Barring a few breakout performances by the offense, the Packers are going to need strong play from their special teams to win games this season. At the forefront is the battle at kicker, where rookie sixth-round pick Mason Crosby has made up a lot of ground on incumbent Dave Rayner this week. You don’t want the offense to stall between the Steelers’ 25- and 35-yard lines too often, but the more opportunities for Rayner and Crosby, the better. Finally, there’s the battle at kickoff returner. Shaun Bodiford seems to have the advantage over rookie fifth-round pick David Clowney. Clowney is raw at receiver and there are only so many roster spots, but he could turn the tables with an impressive runback or two. The special teams haven’t gone totally live during training camp. Thus, the depth chart at this early stage means practically nothing.