Best and Worst of Camp

[Deputy Nutz]

Brandon Jackson is great in the open field, it is his hesitation and decision making ability behind the line of scrimmage with the football. Sure he hasn't had wide open lanes to run through but sometimes in the zone scheme a running backs best asset is finding that one crease, and then motoring through it before it closes along with every other option.

[texaspackerbacker]

I still say, Brandon Jackson just doesn't have that unique "burst" that Grant has. Look at the rushing totals with him starting. Look at his individual totals. I liked him a little bit before his injury early last year; I liked him more when he came back. He would probably be a marginally adequate starter, but he just ain't Grant--a true difference-maker.

I don't know whether Harris really faded or not. I don't recall him having problems with big receivers early in the season--including when we kicked the Giants' butts early in the season. I think he got worn down, but I also think that is something planning and conditioning, whatever, can deal with, and that he is professional enough to snap back.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I still say, Brandon Jackson just doesn't have that unique "burst" that Grant has. Look at the rushing totals with him starting. Look at his individual totals. I liked him a little bit before his injury early last year; I liked him more when he came back. He would probably be a marginally adequate starter, but he just ain't Grant--a true difference-maker.

I just don't know. BJ appears to have burst this season. He's smaller than Grant, and is not extremely elusive. I think the jury is still out on both players.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Grant's pretty elusive for a big guy, but that's not what is important in the ZBS really. It's ability to read the right hole, ability to cut, and explosiveness. I think Grant has all three of those qualities. Jackson is missing the first one. I agree with Nutz on Jackson. In another scheme, Jackson probably looks better.

[Freak Out]

Pure and simple we are a contender with Grant...if we had BJ as the starter I would be worried. Grant has PROVEN he has what it takes in this system.

[mraynrand]

Grant's pretty elusive for a big guy, but that's not what is important in the ZBS really. It's ability to read the right hole, ability to cut, and explosiveness. I think Grant has all three of those qualities. Jackson is missing the first one. I agree with Nutz on Jackson. In another scheme, Jackson probably looks better.

As the primary back, right now he looks a little out of place - but remember his skill set coming in. I think he could be a great change of pace guy on third downs and in various formations to receive out of the backfield. Still, at this point, it's mostly wishful thinking, because we haven't seen much.

[falco]

also, tramon williams

[Noodle]

Grant has had the good judgment, twice now, to stay the hell out of the backfield during the early season.

Look, do you really think BJack got all that much better toward the end of last year, or don't you think he might have looked as good as Grant because the dat' burn OL started doing it's friggin' job?

I agree that BJack looks hesitant, but they may be that there are simply no creases at all to run through. The problem with TV is you see the line from the side, you don't often get a view from the back's perspective. My guess is that, from where BJack's looking, there ain't much daylight there.

It'll get better, just like it did last year, but will anyone really argue that the OL has done BJack any favors this preseason?

[texaspackerbacker]

Amen to that (freakout's post, I mean).

Grant is good enough to force an extra defender in the box and open things up for the passing game--and if they don't adjust to him, he runs wild.

[Scott Campbell]

I agree that BJack looks hesitant, but they may be that there are simply no creases at all to run through. The problem with TV is you see the line from the side, you don't often get a view from the back's perspective. My guess is that, from where BJack's looking, there ain't much daylight there.

I saw some great footage from directly behind the line of Grant squeezing through some tiny creases last year. He hit them really quick too. I think the guy is the real deal, and will be worth more than what Ted paid him.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Would be great to get Wells and Pickett back before the start of the season.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=787823

Wells, Pickett on way back: Both the Packers’ offensive and defensive lines should get their anchors back early next week.

Center Scott Wells and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett said they would play in the season-opening game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8. Both also expect to take part in practice when it resumes on Monday.

[bobblehead]

I think it is 100% certain that TT intends to add a vet QB, otherwise Flynn would have seen more playing time. Well, if Flynn gets a shot tomorrow, maybe the team is seriously considering going into the season without adding a vet.

I disagree. I don't think anyone worth a damn is available. If Arod goes down and we are in the hunt you will see the simplist gameplan....well, about what the bears do. We will try to win with defense, special teams and a running game. We will try to sneak into the playoffs and have arod healthy for them.

Now I'm not saying I advocate not having a vet in camp learning the system, competing to be the #2, but that is where we are now.

[boiga]

Did Harris really fade? Or does he just struggle with big physical receivers?

I'd agree with that. Al Harris game is all based around out muscling receivers at the line. However, there are 3 or 4 guys in the league that can beat Al out in a show of strength, pound for pound. Plaxico and TO fit that bill.

However, there are also the guys who are all speed but no strength that Al just beats down. Remember Calvin Johnson being thrown on his back last Thanksgiving? Al just removed the Lions best receiver from that game. No one else can do that.

also, tramon williams

Agreed. He has probably had the best offseason of anyone on the team. He solidified a nearly starting position and has dibs on starting spot should one of the elderly gentlemen go down.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I disagree. I don't think anyone worth a damn is available.

A dozen vets who are better than Flynn and Brohm will be available. Even raggedy Culpepper, right now, is better than Brohm. Craig Nall is better than Brohm and Flynn.

I know these guys are bad values, but they WILL instantly make the Packers a better team.

Watch and learn.

[The Gunshooter]

I predicted that the fade by Al Harris was only temporary, and that he would bounce back strong this season.

Did Harris really fade? Or does he just struggle with big physical receivers?

You hit it on the head. Harris' play hinges on his physicality and smarts, he can't play zone because he has no recovery or closing speed. Compare him to someone like Deion Sanders who can stand in your face and push you and then run you down with 4.2 speed when he is beat.

Harris appeared better than he is last year because there are weaker links then him to attack, like Bush and Poppinga. Tramon Williams better be running a 4.1 with his small frame. He is just a dime back/special team guy.