Partial
08-28-2007, 01:09 PM
Hi Pete -
1A Why has Donald Driver been dropping balls this summer? Used to do this a lot early in his career & for some time, he was BF's last resort because of it. Took years to get BF's trust, then got to Pro Bowl, respect all over the place. Is he reverting, or just out of practice due to giving other guys chances in camp? How does Brett feel about it?
1B Last two years, there'd often be a receiver in great position, & Brett would pass overthrown or underthrown or to wrong guy, etc. 2007 camp reports talk about BF throwing into some guy's chest, into his hands, totally right on, again & again, & old hands like Jennings & Driver are dropping the balls. Sometimes I think a completed pass is a miracle on the scale of the parting of the Red Sea. Your thoughts?
2 Haven't heard anything at all lately about Al Harris' back problems. Anything leaking out of the rumor mill?
3 I look at Brandon & he's exciting. But even if he's got the talent, durability, smarts & strength, does he have the size to go crashing through the redwood forests he's going to meet in the pro's., without getting killed? Especially with some very risky ball-carrying positions I've seen in pics this summer?
I think we're a sleeper. What do you think?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I guess I've noticed Driver having a couple more drops than usual, but if I remember right he had an excellent drop ratio last year. With a guy who's done it over a period of several years like he has, I'm not sure I'd put that high on the concern list. I haven't heard anything about Harris' back either, he's been practicing. Size is concen with Jackson as far as durability, might prevent him from being a 25-carry guy ever, might have to be in the 15-18 carry range to stay healthy over the long haul.
There is talk about the DL being real good and I read that Williams is even looking good at DE. If Williams does continue to look good at DE and Harrell pans out at DT, do you think we could see a trade involving KGB?
The fact is if we want to trade cast-offs, we are going to get cast-offs in return. We need to trade somebody good to get sombody good and we know TT won't use draft picks. KGB is one that we may actually be able to get something for - I don't see anyone trading something good for a Manuel.
Who do you thnk we could actually trade to get a good player in a need position? I've heard people say to trade Rayner or Corsby, but what value is that when teams know we are going to have to drop one anyway?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I'm guessing against a KGB trade because even though Williams has done OK at DE, it's on run downs. KGB is a speed rusher, and there is no other speed rusher of his caliber on the roster. You're righ that you have to give up something to get something of value. But who knows, maybe one of the kickers could yield a decent player, or maybe one of the DTs. A team might trade for Crosby or Rayner if they aren't high on the waiver wire and think some of the teams ahead of them might claim him. Maybe Colin Cole or Williams could yield a decent player in a trade.
On Monday night a lot was made of Peyton Manning spending countless hours with Anthony Gonzalez studying film of 2004 slot routes and helping him recognize what he can contribute to the team as a rookie. Can you imagine Brett ever going the extra mile with a rookie, coaching him up and trying to make him understand where he wants him to be and what to do when a play blows up? Brett seems like he would rather complain about his surrounding cast than try and lift them up to new heights. What's up with that?
PS - Squirter - relax its the preseason.
PETE DOUGHERTY: No, I can't see Favre doing a lot of that, though I'm sure he would during, say OTAs when he's in town. But he also values his time down in Mississippi in the offseason and is going to be down there as much as he can in the offseason. I didn't hear those comments on Monday night and suspect they're exaggerated if they said he spent "countless" hours working with Gonzalez. Makes for good TV. Not saying he didn't help the guy, and perhaps that's one of Manning's strengths is helping out his young receivers. But those things often or at least sometimes are exaggerated to TV announcers.
Pete,
Thanks for taking my question.
I have a question about the pass rush drills in practice. we keep reading about how poorly Harrell is doing in the drills and the coaches, understandibly, defend him and tell us to be patient. and i also understand why fans want to see instant dominance from all 1st round picks. but what i'd like to know is 1) how are the other DTs doing in pass rush drills? 2)my understanding is that they're role is to push the middle and stuff the run, not be dwight freeny. is that true? so, seeing all their stats side by will give us a better idea how he is doing. thanks!
PETE DOUGHERTY: There's some truth to that, the DT's biggest job is to collapse the pocket, and perhaps in the future Harrell will be decent or even better at that, because he's a huge, strong guy and gets OK push almost all the time. But there's also a knack to getting around guys using technique or quickness or whatever, and he's raw in that way. Jenkins is pretty decent at that, he's got a good spin move. Other guys are good at using their hands to slip a blocker. Johnny Jolly actually has looked like a decent inside rusher this year also, has shown some quickness. I've charted almost all the one-on-ones but don't have them added up. But with Jenkis and Corey Williams and Jolly, the Packers should have a decent inside rush on passing downs. There's no Tommie Harris in that group, but they're pretty decent.
Hi Pete
First time writer here thanks for takin my question
I was wondering why the Packers arent lookin at Trotter? Couldnt they move Barnett to Poppingas side? Barnett has good speed and I think he would be a better OLB. Trotter has a couple more years in the tank. Plus he was the leader of that Philly D. We need a strong defensive leader in that locker room. Hawk,Trotter,Barnett. Thats a group of linebackers reporters would be talkin about. By the time you read this he will probably be gone on another team.
Thanks Pete
PETE DOUGHERTY: They don't want to take Barnett out of the middle. He's having a really good camp, and this defense counts on the MLB to make plays sideline to sideline, so I just don't see it happening. If Trotter were still a quality starter, Philly wouldn't have cut him, because he was a good team guy and all that other stuff too.
Hi Pete,
This is an early post and thanks for answering. I read an article about "cheating" in the NFL which listed studying teams to pick up their signals (which is not cheating). The Pack and Brett have basically been running the same offense for 15 or so years. Brett said MM changed terminology last year, but they went back on some to what he was familiar with. Does this help opponents that can look back on years of tapes and learn the audibles? Many times it seems as if defenders know the routes better than the receivers. What do they do to prevent this from happening?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I think McCarthy's terminology is a lot different than Holmgren-Sherman's. Favre used to make calls like "Jet" and "black" and "razor" at the line, and don't remember hearing them the last two years. Plus they can change calls for a game. More importantly, they use dummy audibles, where he can say in the huddle I'm going to call an audible but don't pay attention, or like the wipe-off signal in baseball, they can use a word that nullifies an audible. Not to say some players can't steal something every once in a while -- I've seen Kampman basically point out who's getting the ball a couple times in regular-season games in the past -- but I just don't get the sense it happens that much. Maybe it does and it's something nobody ever talks about, but I haven't gotten that sense.
Hi Pete-
I'm submitting this in the middle of the 2nd quarter, so I think I can safely say the Pack has NO running game to speak of. NONE!! This is not a good sign, unless you're looking for Favre to break all the records by week 2. What is it that makes Denver and Atlanta such successful running teams employing this zone scheme, and we look inept and overmatched? I thought our offensive line was vastly improved, and Denver managed to plug in a different back every year and get him 1800 yards. In Atlanta, they had Vick's threat but Dunn wasn't a top-tier back. I'm getting worried....
PETE DOUGHERTY: Good question and something I've been trying to figure out this week. Atlanta had a huge edge in the run game because of Vick. Not only did his scrambling and bootlegging add a lot of rushing yards, but the threat of him bootlegging slowed backside pursuit considerably. Plus, I disagree about Dunn, he's better than any backs the Packers have. Denver has been running it so long they've perfected the blocking part I think, but even Shanahan changed his thinking and spent big to bring in Travis Henry to upgrade the backfield. But I'm not sure why the Packers were so bad in two of the three games. They say you need a whole game to judge the run game and the starters only played half a game or less, but something seems to be missing there. Maybe it's the talent at halfback, maybe it's Tauscher and Clifton being a tad too big for the system -- though they're worth keeping because they pass block so well. Maybe the run game picks up in the regular season. We'll see.
Pete
What do you think the Pack will do about our RB situation? The Jags looked like they had some good backs back there. Do you think White makes the team or will Herron get the shot? I like White he is a big body back with some good quickness and agility. Herron just doesnt get many opportunites. Is it because he is a lock to make the team and MM wants to see his other backs in action?I like what I saw of White. He has good burst and is powerful like a young Jerome Bettis. Do you think he gets a chance to start against the Titans?
Thanks for your time
PETE DOUGHERTY: I know Herron is assignment sure and conscientious and a good worker and all that, but he's so limited physically. He'll make it with all the injuries, but if he has to play a lot they're in trouble. White looks OK but I question how he'd do against the starters. Still, he does have some sie at least. I'm guesing White will get a decent look against Tennessee, but the guy they really want to see is DeShawn Wynn, who's finally practicing this week afte a quad injury sidelined him the first three games. Wynn has some talent, a big guy with pretty good feet, but his injury history dating back to Florida is so shaky, not a dependable guy at all.
Hi Pete-
Much was made in Rogers' first year or two of his disposition on the field, how he seemed immature in wanting to blame others for mistakes and it wasn't exactly endearing him to his surrounding cast. Now, I see Aaron clicking with his receivers and staying calm under duress, and it's Favre who looks like the whiner out there. Granted, Brett has every right to be frustrated with playing with such a young team, but does he need to show up his receivers on national television every chance he gets? Seems that he could address some of that in the huddle, he's making himself out to be the poor old grizzled vet. It's not going to win over all these guys who are trying to learn on the fly, and have been doing a decent job by all accounts.
PETE DOUGHERTY: Favre was asked about that today at his press conference and said he's gotten less patient as he's gotten older, and that McCarthy had talked to him about that exact subject of demonstrating his frustration. So I'd look for that to tone down. Don't know how old you are, but speaking from experience, I've gotten far less tolerant about some things as I've gotten older and more patient about other things, so I kind of understand where he's coming from. I've seen Manning do that some, and Gannon, for instance, I guess was really tough to work with. But you're right, that kind of thing isn't good to do for morale, etc.
Rob Davis has been the GB long snapper for a long time and has done a great job. How many other teams utilize a roster spot for a long snapping specialist?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Couldn't give you an exact number, but off the top of my head I can't think of a team whose long-snapper isn't primarily if not exclusively a long-snapper. There's probably a couple, but I don't know of them off the top of my head. It's just a given in the NFL today, you can't lose a game because of a botched snap.
Any idea why GB didn't make all of its roster cuts today (Friday)? Apparently they still have one more cut to make. What's going to happen between now and Tuesday that they didn't know already? Could it be they're waiting to see the status of an injured player?
PETE DOUGHERTY: You might have heard, but the Packers a little while ago put Ryan Powdrell on IR. They probably were trying to decide whether to IR him or reach an injury settlement.
The place-kickers are in a dead even heat up to this point. What is going to be the tiebreaker for these two? The fact Rayner kicked in GB last season would seem to be a factor in favor of Rayner however I could see TT keeping Crosby because he used a draft pick on him. How do you see this decision getting made? Coin-flip?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Good question, and I don't know the answer for sure. I don't think Thompson would keep Crosby because he used a pick on him, but if it's even or close to even and he thinks Crosby is a little better prospect for the long term, he'd presumably go that way. I'm leaning Crosby right now, but that's just a guess. This last game could make a difference, it's really close right now. they kicked again in practice today, and Crosby missed a long kick that would have put him two up on Rayner for the day.
How does the process for cutting players work? I'm assuming MM has input into the decision but presumably TT makes the final decision. Have you had an opportunity to ask MM what happens if he disagrees with a TT decision?
If TT makes the final decision, does he meet with the player along with MM during the exit interview process? I'm guessing the answer is no.
PETE DOUGHERTY: Thompson has final say but has told McCarthy he'll never give him a player he doesn't want. I think McCarthy has a lot of influence, and they try to reach consensus as much as possible. But push comes to shove, it's Thompson's call. I doesn't meet with guys after they're cut, McCarthy does though. Not all head coaches do.
Could the Pack really go with Hall at FB? I think Miree is ok, but doesn't stay on the field and really isn't that great. Do you think that they might go with Hall and 4 TEs (Lee, Franks, Alcorn and Harris)?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Not only could they, but it looks like they will unless they trade for acquire on waivers a FB they really like. Aren't a lot of fullbacks out there, it's become a forgotten position, not many guys play it anymore. Don't see any way they go with four TEs, they might have to go elsewhere to find a viable No. 3 (behind Lee and Franks) unless Alcorn or Harris plays big this week.
08-24-07 This close to the opener, Teams tend to either over play or down play injuries to their advantage. If they have a good player that might not go then they say, " he is doing well" (Driver) just to make the other team keep him in their game plan. If a player goes down and it turns out its not that bad... Why not talk it up wost then what it is? Ted did not say much in his press conference. Is there any chance that he is hiding the truth?
Is there any chance that the Packers are trying to miss lead the Eagles about DD injury to gain some kind of advantage?
P.S. 1st string D look BAD A S S...........DO you think Chicago was watching the game??????????
PETE DOUGHERTY: I'm sure the reason they're being vague about Driver is to keep Philly guessing.
Pete,
Since Thompson obviously loves a strong defense and in particular is keen on building depth in the defensive line, I continue to be puzzled by the Packers apparent disinterest in resigning Corey Williams before he becomes a free agent. He seems to be an improving dependable player who can play either tackle or end. What is going on here? Thanks for your thoughts.
PETE DOUGHERTY: I guess because they want to see how Jolly, Harrell, Cole and maybe even Muir play. If Jolly develops this year, maybe they'll decide he's as good as Williams, and that siging Williams to a big contract isn't necessary. So they want to let that play out. I'd worry about Williams getting complacent once he gets paid. Not saying he's Cletidus Hunt, but I don't get the sense that Williams is a particularly hard worker. I suspect the Packers have the same concerns.
When it comes to scouting do the packers just have "regional scouts" around the country? I am asking this because this is two years in a row that the Packers have struck gold with WR's, and I'm wondering if we have positional scouts as well as regional. Either way it looks like Ted Thompson has an above average scouting staff because if you think about it the only "bust" we have had so far was Cory Rodgers. Though it remains to be seen from what this years class does (and Aaron Rodgers when he finally gets the start), the team has improved considerably considering how many "free agent acquisitions we have had since TT has been here.... Your thoughts?
PETE DOUGHERTY: They have regional scouts, not position scouts. Plus they have a director of college scouting (John Dorsey) who scouts the entire draft, as does Thompson and his personnel adviser, John Schneider. And the pro scouts, especially Reggie McKenzie, get involved in that too. It's a collective effort by all groups, though Thompson has the final call.
Mr. Dougherty, How is Justin Harrell doing so far this preseason?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Only OK as far as I can tell. A big, strong man who has been hard to move around but also hasn't made a lot of plays.
My question is with Brandon Jackson being a rookie and having an up and down preaseason do you think that Mike Mccarthy will use the tight ends more and do you think Mike Mccarthy will have Brett throw more to Donald Driver and Greg Jennings and James Jones?
PETE DOUGHERTY: They appear to have made a nice upgrade by adding Jones to Driver and Jennings, so that's their best chance to make up for the rest of their offensive shortcomings.
I have another question How did Atri Bigby do in starting in the game against the Jaguars?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Pretty decent from what I could tell, he's a little stronger and more athletic than Manuel.
Pete
I would imagine by the time coaches have watched the 80+ players go through post-draft workouts, OTAs, training camp, and several preseason games, they probably have a 95% of certainty who they are going to keep and who they will cut without the need for a 4th preseason game. Would you agree?
Which if any of the undrafted FAs do you see GB keeping?
Thanks.
PETE DOUGHERTY: You're right, most of the decisions have been made, I'm sure. Maybe Birdine the DE and/or Muir the DT, depending on trades, etc.
Hey Pete,
What are you thoughts on the National Media's take on the Pack? I keep hearing them say that the Steelers are a playoff team, and we destroyed their first string Offense. National guys say Seatle is a lock for the playoff and an outside shot for the Super Bowl, and we destroyed their first string Defense and abused their 1st string offense (with the 2nd stringers mixed in at QB and Tackle). Jacksonville is a 'shoe-in' for the playoffs and our D left their 1st string scoreless. Posts here have indicated that our 1st stringers have out-scored opponants 1st string by a large margin, yet the Pack seems to "8 and 8 at best, maybe 7 and 9, 6 and 10" according to the bozo's on ESPN. Do they even watch the games or just get briefs from someone else? I doubt they call the local guys to get the low down.
PETE DOUGHERTY: I don't pay much more than cursory attention to them, because they have no more idea than you or I. Nobody does, it's too tough to know all the teams. The best guys to ask are pro scouts, and even they can be way off.
I know you're not a rules expert, but I wanted to ask about the Tuck Rule and it's application in a game, since we saw it in the game last week.
I can understand how the quarterback's action should be considered a pass if the ball leaves his hand prior to "tucking", or securing the ball. But why does that attempted pass not fall under the rules of ALL passes, most notably being if the ball does not travel forward, it is a live ball. In the game on Thursday, while the ball clearly came out of the Jacksonville QB's hand prior to him securing the ball again, the resulting "pass" definitely did not travel forward; it was NOT a forward pass.
Do you think that a reasonable alteration of that rule (if one is even required) would be a requirement that the ball travel forward for it to be an incomplete pass (like every other pass attempt), and not an attempted lateral and live ball?
PETE DOUGHERTY: My guess is, if the ball went backwards it should have been called a fumble, and none of the refs noticed it went backwards. Can't say I did.
If you're not sure could you ask someone who would know the specifics of the Tuck Rule?
Thanks for your help and opinion.
Realistically, what happens if Favre and /or Rodgers goes down in the regular season? Do they go after a Todd Bouman or Aaron Brooks or (insert name here) They seem sure that neither Thompson or Ingle is a bonafide #3 at this point.
PETE DOUGHERTY: They'd probably go after a guy like you mentioned, yes. But it would be a lost season regardless if that guy ever had to take over as the starter.
I guess I am a bit surprised to be 10 days from opening weekend and the only healthy FB we have is a rookie converted LB. I understand this looks to be a defensive minded lowscoring team... but theis is a bit ridiculous. Are there any fullbacks you are aware of that may become available between now and the opener with any experience in the zone blocking scheme? Our weakest roster positions...are the offensive playmaker positions...Brett deserves better.
PETE DOUGHERTY: I'm betting they claim a FB off waivers after final cuts or maybe get one in a trade.
Looking at the schedule, we go against the best tight ends in the league this year (Gates, Gonzalez, Shockey, Clark, maybe Greg Olsen, LJ Smith, Cooley, Graham). Who is going to cover them? Do think at some point Rouse will do so because his size/speed match up or does he need more time?
PETE DOUGHERTY: That's why they drafted Rouse, but it doesn't look like it's going to be this year unless there are injuries. They never really gave him much of a look and I haven't heard a good reason why other than they like Bigby and think both he and Manuel are right now clearly better than the other backup safeties. Barnett and/or Poppinga will get matched up with those TEs, I'm assuming. Barnett's pretty good in coverage, Poppinga still a work in progress.
Pete,
Thanks for taking my question. I think the kicker position has added intrigue to the camp -- however, without a strong running game, and our only veteran receiver down right now (Jennings hasn't played in 16 games yet), I think this is really more of a distraction for the fan. If we can't get past the opponent's 35-yard line, having a good kicker will only get us a long opening kick-off opening the game or after halftime.
Ahman was good -- and we have not found an adequate replacement in my opinion. In your opinion, were the D-lines of Pittsburgh and JAX at the top of the heap in the NFL or is the running game something that will sink the Pack this year?
Thanks for the chat. Those of us "Over There" don't get to see training camp or pre-season, so we rely on you guys to be our eyes and ears. I for one appreciate the job you do. I know you probably have had this chatroom duty hung on you for no extra pay -- much like we in the military have extra duties placed on us so the job gets done. Time to go fight the bad guys!
Go Air Force! Go Pack Go!!!
PETE DOUGHERTY: Both those defenses were in the top four last year in run defenses, so they might be the top of the heap again this year. But I'm sure the Packers are concerned about how little production they had against them. I'm trying to figure the same thing out and don't have anything close to a definitive answer. My best guess is the run game will be better this year but still will struggle against the really good run defenses. And the best of luck to you fighting the bad guys. Be safe.
Being Packer fans we think Lambeau is the best stadium in the league. Based on your travels and conversations with visiting media which stadium gets the nod?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Hard for me to know from a fan's perspective, because I sit in the press box, and in the new stadiums they're usually in bad spots, down by the goal line, or way, way, way high. Lambeau's got to be right near the top though, the seats are so close, and because of new seating codes, no stadium can put the seats that close together if built today. All the sightlines are great. Other reporters generally speak very highly of Lambeau. Kansas City looks like it's pretty good and has a great atmosphere. Carolina, Pittsburgh, Tampa, all those seem similar and pretty good.
Hi, my question is on Coston, who seems to be getting talked up a lot lately. It seems every year we hear he staying in GB worked out, muscled up but he never looks good. At a couple of practices and on NF network he was at LT and RG and looked terrible. How do you think he is doing?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I can judge based mostly on one-on-one pass rushing, and he looks significantly improved there, stronger, harder to bull rush, a little better balance and technique, etc. Looks like he might be a decent jack-of-all trades backup. Remember, he was exceptionally raw coming out of NOrth Carolina A&T. I was wondering the same thing coming into camp this year, but from what I can tell he deserves a roster spot this year based on play, not just potential.
Any news on Nick Barnett's legal troubles?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Haven't heard a word, sorry. That's all the questions and time's past. Thanks and hope all's well.
1A Why has Donald Driver been dropping balls this summer? Used to do this a lot early in his career & for some time, he was BF's last resort because of it. Took years to get BF's trust, then got to Pro Bowl, respect all over the place. Is he reverting, or just out of practice due to giving other guys chances in camp? How does Brett feel about it?
1B Last two years, there'd often be a receiver in great position, & Brett would pass overthrown or underthrown or to wrong guy, etc. 2007 camp reports talk about BF throwing into some guy's chest, into his hands, totally right on, again & again, & old hands like Jennings & Driver are dropping the balls. Sometimes I think a completed pass is a miracle on the scale of the parting of the Red Sea. Your thoughts?
2 Haven't heard anything at all lately about Al Harris' back problems. Anything leaking out of the rumor mill?
3 I look at Brandon & he's exciting. But even if he's got the talent, durability, smarts & strength, does he have the size to go crashing through the redwood forests he's going to meet in the pro's., without getting killed? Especially with some very risky ball-carrying positions I've seen in pics this summer?
I think we're a sleeper. What do you think?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I guess I've noticed Driver having a couple more drops than usual, but if I remember right he had an excellent drop ratio last year. With a guy who's done it over a period of several years like he has, I'm not sure I'd put that high on the concern list. I haven't heard anything about Harris' back either, he's been practicing. Size is concen with Jackson as far as durability, might prevent him from being a 25-carry guy ever, might have to be in the 15-18 carry range to stay healthy over the long haul.
There is talk about the DL being real good and I read that Williams is even looking good at DE. If Williams does continue to look good at DE and Harrell pans out at DT, do you think we could see a trade involving KGB?
The fact is if we want to trade cast-offs, we are going to get cast-offs in return. We need to trade somebody good to get sombody good and we know TT won't use draft picks. KGB is one that we may actually be able to get something for - I don't see anyone trading something good for a Manuel.
Who do you thnk we could actually trade to get a good player in a need position? I've heard people say to trade Rayner or Corsby, but what value is that when teams know we are going to have to drop one anyway?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I'm guessing against a KGB trade because even though Williams has done OK at DE, it's on run downs. KGB is a speed rusher, and there is no other speed rusher of his caliber on the roster. You're righ that you have to give up something to get something of value. But who knows, maybe one of the kickers could yield a decent player, or maybe one of the DTs. A team might trade for Crosby or Rayner if they aren't high on the waiver wire and think some of the teams ahead of them might claim him. Maybe Colin Cole or Williams could yield a decent player in a trade.
On Monday night a lot was made of Peyton Manning spending countless hours with Anthony Gonzalez studying film of 2004 slot routes and helping him recognize what he can contribute to the team as a rookie. Can you imagine Brett ever going the extra mile with a rookie, coaching him up and trying to make him understand where he wants him to be and what to do when a play blows up? Brett seems like he would rather complain about his surrounding cast than try and lift them up to new heights. What's up with that?
PS - Squirter - relax its the preseason.
PETE DOUGHERTY: No, I can't see Favre doing a lot of that, though I'm sure he would during, say OTAs when he's in town. But he also values his time down in Mississippi in the offseason and is going to be down there as much as he can in the offseason. I didn't hear those comments on Monday night and suspect they're exaggerated if they said he spent "countless" hours working with Gonzalez. Makes for good TV. Not saying he didn't help the guy, and perhaps that's one of Manning's strengths is helping out his young receivers. But those things often or at least sometimes are exaggerated to TV announcers.
Pete,
Thanks for taking my question.
I have a question about the pass rush drills in practice. we keep reading about how poorly Harrell is doing in the drills and the coaches, understandibly, defend him and tell us to be patient. and i also understand why fans want to see instant dominance from all 1st round picks. but what i'd like to know is 1) how are the other DTs doing in pass rush drills? 2)my understanding is that they're role is to push the middle and stuff the run, not be dwight freeny. is that true? so, seeing all their stats side by will give us a better idea how he is doing. thanks!
PETE DOUGHERTY: There's some truth to that, the DT's biggest job is to collapse the pocket, and perhaps in the future Harrell will be decent or even better at that, because he's a huge, strong guy and gets OK push almost all the time. But there's also a knack to getting around guys using technique or quickness or whatever, and he's raw in that way. Jenkins is pretty decent at that, he's got a good spin move. Other guys are good at using their hands to slip a blocker. Johnny Jolly actually has looked like a decent inside rusher this year also, has shown some quickness. I've charted almost all the one-on-ones but don't have them added up. But with Jenkis and Corey Williams and Jolly, the Packers should have a decent inside rush on passing downs. There's no Tommie Harris in that group, but they're pretty decent.
Hi Pete
First time writer here thanks for takin my question
I was wondering why the Packers arent lookin at Trotter? Couldnt they move Barnett to Poppingas side? Barnett has good speed and I think he would be a better OLB. Trotter has a couple more years in the tank. Plus he was the leader of that Philly D. We need a strong defensive leader in that locker room. Hawk,Trotter,Barnett. Thats a group of linebackers reporters would be talkin about. By the time you read this he will probably be gone on another team.
Thanks Pete
PETE DOUGHERTY: They don't want to take Barnett out of the middle. He's having a really good camp, and this defense counts on the MLB to make plays sideline to sideline, so I just don't see it happening. If Trotter were still a quality starter, Philly wouldn't have cut him, because he was a good team guy and all that other stuff too.
Hi Pete,
This is an early post and thanks for answering. I read an article about "cheating" in the NFL which listed studying teams to pick up their signals (which is not cheating). The Pack and Brett have basically been running the same offense for 15 or so years. Brett said MM changed terminology last year, but they went back on some to what he was familiar with. Does this help opponents that can look back on years of tapes and learn the audibles? Many times it seems as if defenders know the routes better than the receivers. What do they do to prevent this from happening?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I think McCarthy's terminology is a lot different than Holmgren-Sherman's. Favre used to make calls like "Jet" and "black" and "razor" at the line, and don't remember hearing them the last two years. Plus they can change calls for a game. More importantly, they use dummy audibles, where he can say in the huddle I'm going to call an audible but don't pay attention, or like the wipe-off signal in baseball, they can use a word that nullifies an audible. Not to say some players can't steal something every once in a while -- I've seen Kampman basically point out who's getting the ball a couple times in regular-season games in the past -- but I just don't get the sense it happens that much. Maybe it does and it's something nobody ever talks about, but I haven't gotten that sense.
Hi Pete-
I'm submitting this in the middle of the 2nd quarter, so I think I can safely say the Pack has NO running game to speak of. NONE!! This is not a good sign, unless you're looking for Favre to break all the records by week 2. What is it that makes Denver and Atlanta such successful running teams employing this zone scheme, and we look inept and overmatched? I thought our offensive line was vastly improved, and Denver managed to plug in a different back every year and get him 1800 yards. In Atlanta, they had Vick's threat but Dunn wasn't a top-tier back. I'm getting worried....
PETE DOUGHERTY: Good question and something I've been trying to figure out this week. Atlanta had a huge edge in the run game because of Vick. Not only did his scrambling and bootlegging add a lot of rushing yards, but the threat of him bootlegging slowed backside pursuit considerably. Plus, I disagree about Dunn, he's better than any backs the Packers have. Denver has been running it so long they've perfected the blocking part I think, but even Shanahan changed his thinking and spent big to bring in Travis Henry to upgrade the backfield. But I'm not sure why the Packers were so bad in two of the three games. They say you need a whole game to judge the run game and the starters only played half a game or less, but something seems to be missing there. Maybe it's the talent at halfback, maybe it's Tauscher and Clifton being a tad too big for the system -- though they're worth keeping because they pass block so well. Maybe the run game picks up in the regular season. We'll see.
Pete
What do you think the Pack will do about our RB situation? The Jags looked like they had some good backs back there. Do you think White makes the team or will Herron get the shot? I like White he is a big body back with some good quickness and agility. Herron just doesnt get many opportunites. Is it because he is a lock to make the team and MM wants to see his other backs in action?I like what I saw of White. He has good burst and is powerful like a young Jerome Bettis. Do you think he gets a chance to start against the Titans?
Thanks for your time
PETE DOUGHERTY: I know Herron is assignment sure and conscientious and a good worker and all that, but he's so limited physically. He'll make it with all the injuries, but if he has to play a lot they're in trouble. White looks OK but I question how he'd do against the starters. Still, he does have some sie at least. I'm guesing White will get a decent look against Tennessee, but the guy they really want to see is DeShawn Wynn, who's finally practicing this week afte a quad injury sidelined him the first three games. Wynn has some talent, a big guy with pretty good feet, but his injury history dating back to Florida is so shaky, not a dependable guy at all.
Hi Pete-
Much was made in Rogers' first year or two of his disposition on the field, how he seemed immature in wanting to blame others for mistakes and it wasn't exactly endearing him to his surrounding cast. Now, I see Aaron clicking with his receivers and staying calm under duress, and it's Favre who looks like the whiner out there. Granted, Brett has every right to be frustrated with playing with such a young team, but does he need to show up his receivers on national television every chance he gets? Seems that he could address some of that in the huddle, he's making himself out to be the poor old grizzled vet. It's not going to win over all these guys who are trying to learn on the fly, and have been doing a decent job by all accounts.
PETE DOUGHERTY: Favre was asked about that today at his press conference and said he's gotten less patient as he's gotten older, and that McCarthy had talked to him about that exact subject of demonstrating his frustration. So I'd look for that to tone down. Don't know how old you are, but speaking from experience, I've gotten far less tolerant about some things as I've gotten older and more patient about other things, so I kind of understand where he's coming from. I've seen Manning do that some, and Gannon, for instance, I guess was really tough to work with. But you're right, that kind of thing isn't good to do for morale, etc.
Rob Davis has been the GB long snapper for a long time and has done a great job. How many other teams utilize a roster spot for a long snapping specialist?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Couldn't give you an exact number, but off the top of my head I can't think of a team whose long-snapper isn't primarily if not exclusively a long-snapper. There's probably a couple, but I don't know of them off the top of my head. It's just a given in the NFL today, you can't lose a game because of a botched snap.
Any idea why GB didn't make all of its roster cuts today (Friday)? Apparently they still have one more cut to make. What's going to happen between now and Tuesday that they didn't know already? Could it be they're waiting to see the status of an injured player?
PETE DOUGHERTY: You might have heard, but the Packers a little while ago put Ryan Powdrell on IR. They probably were trying to decide whether to IR him or reach an injury settlement.
The place-kickers are in a dead even heat up to this point. What is going to be the tiebreaker for these two? The fact Rayner kicked in GB last season would seem to be a factor in favor of Rayner however I could see TT keeping Crosby because he used a draft pick on him. How do you see this decision getting made? Coin-flip?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Good question, and I don't know the answer for sure. I don't think Thompson would keep Crosby because he used a pick on him, but if it's even or close to even and he thinks Crosby is a little better prospect for the long term, he'd presumably go that way. I'm leaning Crosby right now, but that's just a guess. This last game could make a difference, it's really close right now. they kicked again in practice today, and Crosby missed a long kick that would have put him two up on Rayner for the day.
How does the process for cutting players work? I'm assuming MM has input into the decision but presumably TT makes the final decision. Have you had an opportunity to ask MM what happens if he disagrees with a TT decision?
If TT makes the final decision, does he meet with the player along with MM during the exit interview process? I'm guessing the answer is no.
PETE DOUGHERTY: Thompson has final say but has told McCarthy he'll never give him a player he doesn't want. I think McCarthy has a lot of influence, and they try to reach consensus as much as possible. But push comes to shove, it's Thompson's call. I doesn't meet with guys after they're cut, McCarthy does though. Not all head coaches do.
Could the Pack really go with Hall at FB? I think Miree is ok, but doesn't stay on the field and really isn't that great. Do you think that they might go with Hall and 4 TEs (Lee, Franks, Alcorn and Harris)?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Not only could they, but it looks like they will unless they trade for acquire on waivers a FB they really like. Aren't a lot of fullbacks out there, it's become a forgotten position, not many guys play it anymore. Don't see any way they go with four TEs, they might have to go elsewhere to find a viable No. 3 (behind Lee and Franks) unless Alcorn or Harris plays big this week.
08-24-07 This close to the opener, Teams tend to either over play or down play injuries to their advantage. If they have a good player that might not go then they say, " he is doing well" (Driver) just to make the other team keep him in their game plan. If a player goes down and it turns out its not that bad... Why not talk it up wost then what it is? Ted did not say much in his press conference. Is there any chance that he is hiding the truth?
Is there any chance that the Packers are trying to miss lead the Eagles about DD injury to gain some kind of advantage?
P.S. 1st string D look BAD A S S...........DO you think Chicago was watching the game??????????
PETE DOUGHERTY: I'm sure the reason they're being vague about Driver is to keep Philly guessing.
Pete,
Since Thompson obviously loves a strong defense and in particular is keen on building depth in the defensive line, I continue to be puzzled by the Packers apparent disinterest in resigning Corey Williams before he becomes a free agent. He seems to be an improving dependable player who can play either tackle or end. What is going on here? Thanks for your thoughts.
PETE DOUGHERTY: I guess because they want to see how Jolly, Harrell, Cole and maybe even Muir play. If Jolly develops this year, maybe they'll decide he's as good as Williams, and that siging Williams to a big contract isn't necessary. So they want to let that play out. I'd worry about Williams getting complacent once he gets paid. Not saying he's Cletidus Hunt, but I don't get the sense that Williams is a particularly hard worker. I suspect the Packers have the same concerns.
When it comes to scouting do the packers just have "regional scouts" around the country? I am asking this because this is two years in a row that the Packers have struck gold with WR's, and I'm wondering if we have positional scouts as well as regional. Either way it looks like Ted Thompson has an above average scouting staff because if you think about it the only "bust" we have had so far was Cory Rodgers. Though it remains to be seen from what this years class does (and Aaron Rodgers when he finally gets the start), the team has improved considerably considering how many "free agent acquisitions we have had since TT has been here.... Your thoughts?
PETE DOUGHERTY: They have regional scouts, not position scouts. Plus they have a director of college scouting (John Dorsey) who scouts the entire draft, as does Thompson and his personnel adviser, John Schneider. And the pro scouts, especially Reggie McKenzie, get involved in that too. It's a collective effort by all groups, though Thompson has the final call.
Mr. Dougherty, How is Justin Harrell doing so far this preseason?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Only OK as far as I can tell. A big, strong man who has been hard to move around but also hasn't made a lot of plays.
My question is with Brandon Jackson being a rookie and having an up and down preaseason do you think that Mike Mccarthy will use the tight ends more and do you think Mike Mccarthy will have Brett throw more to Donald Driver and Greg Jennings and James Jones?
PETE DOUGHERTY: They appear to have made a nice upgrade by adding Jones to Driver and Jennings, so that's their best chance to make up for the rest of their offensive shortcomings.
I have another question How did Atri Bigby do in starting in the game against the Jaguars?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Pretty decent from what I could tell, he's a little stronger and more athletic than Manuel.
Pete
I would imagine by the time coaches have watched the 80+ players go through post-draft workouts, OTAs, training camp, and several preseason games, they probably have a 95% of certainty who they are going to keep and who they will cut without the need for a 4th preseason game. Would you agree?
Which if any of the undrafted FAs do you see GB keeping?
Thanks.
PETE DOUGHERTY: You're right, most of the decisions have been made, I'm sure. Maybe Birdine the DE and/or Muir the DT, depending on trades, etc.
Hey Pete,
What are you thoughts on the National Media's take on the Pack? I keep hearing them say that the Steelers are a playoff team, and we destroyed their first string Offense. National guys say Seatle is a lock for the playoff and an outside shot for the Super Bowl, and we destroyed their first string Defense and abused their 1st string offense (with the 2nd stringers mixed in at QB and Tackle). Jacksonville is a 'shoe-in' for the playoffs and our D left their 1st string scoreless. Posts here have indicated that our 1st stringers have out-scored opponants 1st string by a large margin, yet the Pack seems to "8 and 8 at best, maybe 7 and 9, 6 and 10" according to the bozo's on ESPN. Do they even watch the games or just get briefs from someone else? I doubt they call the local guys to get the low down.
PETE DOUGHERTY: I don't pay much more than cursory attention to them, because they have no more idea than you or I. Nobody does, it's too tough to know all the teams. The best guys to ask are pro scouts, and even they can be way off.
I know you're not a rules expert, but I wanted to ask about the Tuck Rule and it's application in a game, since we saw it in the game last week.
I can understand how the quarterback's action should be considered a pass if the ball leaves his hand prior to "tucking", or securing the ball. But why does that attempted pass not fall under the rules of ALL passes, most notably being if the ball does not travel forward, it is a live ball. In the game on Thursday, while the ball clearly came out of the Jacksonville QB's hand prior to him securing the ball again, the resulting "pass" definitely did not travel forward; it was NOT a forward pass.
Do you think that a reasonable alteration of that rule (if one is even required) would be a requirement that the ball travel forward for it to be an incomplete pass (like every other pass attempt), and not an attempted lateral and live ball?
PETE DOUGHERTY: My guess is, if the ball went backwards it should have been called a fumble, and none of the refs noticed it went backwards. Can't say I did.
If you're not sure could you ask someone who would know the specifics of the Tuck Rule?
Thanks for your help and opinion.
Realistically, what happens if Favre and /or Rodgers goes down in the regular season? Do they go after a Todd Bouman or Aaron Brooks or (insert name here) They seem sure that neither Thompson or Ingle is a bonafide #3 at this point.
PETE DOUGHERTY: They'd probably go after a guy like you mentioned, yes. But it would be a lost season regardless if that guy ever had to take over as the starter.
I guess I am a bit surprised to be 10 days from opening weekend and the only healthy FB we have is a rookie converted LB. I understand this looks to be a defensive minded lowscoring team... but theis is a bit ridiculous. Are there any fullbacks you are aware of that may become available between now and the opener with any experience in the zone blocking scheme? Our weakest roster positions...are the offensive playmaker positions...Brett deserves better.
PETE DOUGHERTY: I'm betting they claim a FB off waivers after final cuts or maybe get one in a trade.
Looking at the schedule, we go against the best tight ends in the league this year (Gates, Gonzalez, Shockey, Clark, maybe Greg Olsen, LJ Smith, Cooley, Graham). Who is going to cover them? Do think at some point Rouse will do so because his size/speed match up or does he need more time?
PETE DOUGHERTY: That's why they drafted Rouse, but it doesn't look like it's going to be this year unless there are injuries. They never really gave him much of a look and I haven't heard a good reason why other than they like Bigby and think both he and Manuel are right now clearly better than the other backup safeties. Barnett and/or Poppinga will get matched up with those TEs, I'm assuming. Barnett's pretty good in coverage, Poppinga still a work in progress.
Pete,
Thanks for taking my question. I think the kicker position has added intrigue to the camp -- however, without a strong running game, and our only veteran receiver down right now (Jennings hasn't played in 16 games yet), I think this is really more of a distraction for the fan. If we can't get past the opponent's 35-yard line, having a good kicker will only get us a long opening kick-off opening the game or after halftime.
Ahman was good -- and we have not found an adequate replacement in my opinion. In your opinion, were the D-lines of Pittsburgh and JAX at the top of the heap in the NFL or is the running game something that will sink the Pack this year?
Thanks for the chat. Those of us "Over There" don't get to see training camp or pre-season, so we rely on you guys to be our eyes and ears. I for one appreciate the job you do. I know you probably have had this chatroom duty hung on you for no extra pay -- much like we in the military have extra duties placed on us so the job gets done. Time to go fight the bad guys!
Go Air Force! Go Pack Go!!!
PETE DOUGHERTY: Both those defenses were in the top four last year in run defenses, so they might be the top of the heap again this year. But I'm sure the Packers are concerned about how little production they had against them. I'm trying to figure the same thing out and don't have anything close to a definitive answer. My best guess is the run game will be better this year but still will struggle against the really good run defenses. And the best of luck to you fighting the bad guys. Be safe.
Being Packer fans we think Lambeau is the best stadium in the league. Based on your travels and conversations with visiting media which stadium gets the nod?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Hard for me to know from a fan's perspective, because I sit in the press box, and in the new stadiums they're usually in bad spots, down by the goal line, or way, way, way high. Lambeau's got to be right near the top though, the seats are so close, and because of new seating codes, no stadium can put the seats that close together if built today. All the sightlines are great. Other reporters generally speak very highly of Lambeau. Kansas City looks like it's pretty good and has a great atmosphere. Carolina, Pittsburgh, Tampa, all those seem similar and pretty good.
Hi, my question is on Coston, who seems to be getting talked up a lot lately. It seems every year we hear he staying in GB worked out, muscled up but he never looks good. At a couple of practices and on NF network he was at LT and RG and looked terrible. How do you think he is doing?
PETE DOUGHERTY: I can judge based mostly on one-on-one pass rushing, and he looks significantly improved there, stronger, harder to bull rush, a little better balance and technique, etc. Looks like he might be a decent jack-of-all trades backup. Remember, he was exceptionally raw coming out of NOrth Carolina A&T. I was wondering the same thing coming into camp this year, but from what I can tell he deserves a roster spot this year based on play, not just potential.
Any news on Nick Barnett's legal troubles?
PETE DOUGHERTY: Haven't heard a word, sorry. That's all the questions and time's past. Thanks and hope all's well.