Samkon Gado - a starter at RB ? An Article.

[woodbuck27]

Just remember, Logan Mankins would have solved all our problems. If you had once shut down Darren Charles in a high school football game, you would understand this.

Jeeee . . . a deja vu experience.

[The Leaper]

But back to the POINT made by the author of the original article, Rick Cina. He's asking the question "Does Gado have what it takes to be a starting RB?" I don't believe that's the role he's being considered for by the coaching staff. If Green is healthy enough to go.....and all indications are that he's going to be....then he'll be our starter and Gado will be the backup.

I think it is a valid question because of the uncertainties surrounding our RBs. At this point, Gado has just about as much chance of securing the starting RB role as anyone else on the roster...so figuring out if he can carry that burden over 16 games is a valid question IMO. Sure...Green and Davenport probably will be higher on the depth chart if healthy. However, neither is at 100%...and still might not be by Labor Day. Gado's ability to potentially carry the load is a key question heading into training camp.

[Partial]

Just remember, Logan Mankins would have solved all our problems. If you had once shut down Darren Charles in a high school football game, you would understand this.

hey, you have to give tank credit that he sure was right on that one. Mankins is a good, good player and would have helped us a ton last year.

[CaptainKickass]

Just remember, Logan Mankins would have solved all our problems. If you had once shut down Darren Charles in a high school football game, you would understand this.

Jeeee . . . a deja vu experience.

Hey - I've been to DejaVu in 12 different cities and not once have I ever had any football discussions!

[retailguy]

thanks Shamrock for pointing out the obvious - Gado had a different line to run behind, and he had the benefit of not running behind it until the middle of the season.

One of the reasons that Denver is always finding quality running backs is because the OL is always solid. If the OL is opening holes and the back can find them, the team does well. Case in point, Atlanta - Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett are good backs, but don't put fear into any DC, yet the team led the league in rushing last year (With Vick's Help).

Point is, Gado doesn't need to be a star, he just needs to follow directions. Hell he's Doctor material, he ought to be able to follow orders. Point is, if Green can't go, we've got bigger problems then whether or not Gado can.

Odds would be against both Green & Davenport making it back from injuries and both making the roster. I think the look at Noah Herron does not bode well for Vonta Leach. Quite honestly, if both Davenport and Herron make the roster, both have fullback experience, why do you need Leach? It wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that the backs could be:

Green, Davenport, Gado, Herron & Henderson, with Davenport and Herron splitting the backup fullback role.

If the reports we're reading are sincere, and not some offseason digging for ANYTHING to write about, this might not be a bad deal. I'm still concerned that both Davenport and Green make it back though....

[packrulz]

Gado was fine as a runner but it's the blocking, running routes, and catching I'm concerned about. I disagree with the writer about the reps though, I think he'll get better and better with more reps. Plus, even he admits he was wrong about Driver & Harris.

[CaptainKickass]

Didn't anyone besides me see that sahweeeeeeeet sideline grab from Favre that Gado made down the sideline for like 25+yards. The kid can catch, and catch from #4.

[Patler]

Whats the concern about Davenport? He just cracked a bone is all, wasn't it? No other damage that I recall. No reason he shouldn't recover from that. The biggest question is, how soon before he gets hurt AGAIN!

[Partial]

How old is Najeh now? He's gotta be gettin' up there.

He's a really good backup if he's healthy, probably one of the best in the league. Thats a big if, though.

[Noodle]

So far, it's been a big never.

Not his fault, but somebody laid a voodoo curse on that guy.

Or maybe the closet gods were not amused.

[KYPack]

Just remember, Logan Mankins would have solved all our problems. If you had once shut down Darren Charles in a high school football game, you would understand this.

hey, you have to give tank credit that he sure was right on that one. Mankins is a good, good player and would have helped us a ton last year.

Sure, Tank is a real Nostradamus. He "picked" Mankins AFTER the draft.

I'm a super scout one year after the draft.

Any idiot can look at last years draft and come up with the guys we SHOULD'VE drafted.

Also, props to PB for busting Tank for his bullshit.

[retailguy]

Whats the concern about Davenport? He just cracked a bone is all, wasn't it? No other damage that I recall. No reason he shouldn't recover from that. The biggest question is, how soon before he gets hurt AGAIN!

So Shamrock, if it's just a broken bone, why can't he pass the physical and practice? It has to be more serious than just that....

And, all the critiques are true, the guy has always been messed up, hell he was messed up when he was drafted too....

How can you be 6 foot tall, 250 lbs, bench press 400+ pounds and be fragile. Sheesh.....

[retailguy]

Or maybe the closet gods were not amused.

This is really very funny.....

[packerpete]

I always look in the Lambeau end zone for a fan with a laundry basket and a sign that says, Lambeau Leap Here Najeh!!

[woodbuck27]

How old is Najeh now? He's gotta be gettin' up there.

He's a really good backup if he's healthy, probably one of the best in the league. Thats a big if, though.

Najeh will be 27 in August.

Considering that Green and Davenport are both coming off serious injury at this point - I rank OUR RBs:

1. Gado 2. Green 3. Davenport 4. Henderson 5. Herron

Looking at the numbers and comparing Gado to Davenport and their starts in the NFL is difficult, as Najeh didn't get a single start in his first two seasons dressing for 23 games. In 116 carries he had a very solid ( 5.1 yard avg.) compared to Samkon's 4.1 yard avg. last season.

Davenport didn't get the quality starts or wasn't pressed into service as Samkon was last season.

Overall I believe that we may be in serious shape at RB with new coaching ,a new ZBS, inexperience in the middle of OUR OL and Green coming off a serious injury, as all major factors.

If Samkon comes through we will all be extremely pleased but it will be because Green isn't ready but OUR OL is doing remarkably well.There has to be trade off's.

Anyone expecting a perfect Packer World in 2006 is blessed with supreme optimism.

I'm pulling for all you fans.I'm also pulling for Samkon Gado.