Interior Oline

[HarveyWallbangers]

I actually have some hopes for Jason Hunter and Mike Montgomery. Hunter seems to be blossoming a bit like KGB did, and he has incredible athletic ability. I wouldn't be shocked if he brings to the team what Keith McKenzie brought about a decade ago. Maybe not 8 sacks/year, but I think he can give us a handful of sacks.

[Zool]

Spitz-Wells-Sitton

I'm going with this because this appears to be what the coaches would prefer.

I recall Spitz playing like shit at LG sometime during the preseason. Cant find it right now.

[Carolina_Packer]

I actually have some hopes for Jason Hunter and Mike Montgomery. Hunter seems to be blossoming a bit like KGB did, and he has incredible athletic ability. I wouldn't be shocked if he brings to the team what Keith McKenzie brought about a decade ago. Maybe not 8 sacks/year, but I think he can give us a handful of sacks.

I totally see that comparison. Let's hope he doesn't flame out as fast. I live in NC, so I saw him a bit with App State, and while 1AA, ability is ability, and if you do enough right things, you can make the next level. That kid was a beast in college, and athletic. If Mike Montgomery can step up, what a bonus. I think the biggest question mark as far as where does he go from here is Colin Cole. It's time for that guy to step up and seize the situation, but if he's overmatched and maxed out on his abilities for the pros, then he shouldn't be there anyway. There are plenty of people who can fill space.

Is there anyone else in the DT depth that has any intrigue as far as development? As for DE, I've heard it said that they are somewhat disappointed with Jeremy Thompson's development, but that said, he is a rookie. That's the issue with having a young team. It's good for energy and stamina, but what about technique, assingment-suredness, leadership and confidence? That's the chance you take.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I totally see that comparison. Let's hope he doesn't flame out as fast. I live in NC, so I saw him a bit with App State, and while 1AA, ability is ability, and if you do enough right things, you can make the next level. That kid was a beast in college, and athletic. If Mike Montgomery can step up, what a bonus. I think the biggest question mark as far as where does he go from here is Colin Cole. It's time for that guy to step up and seize the situation, but if he's overmatched and maxed out on his abilities for the pros, then he shouldn't be there anyway. There are plenty of people who can fill space.

Is there anyone else in the DT depth that has any intrigue as far as development? As for DE, I've heard it said that they are somewhat disappointed with Jeremy Thompson's development, but that said, he is a rookie. That's the issue with having a young team. It's good for energy and stamina, but what about technique, assingment-suredness, leadership and confidence? That's the chance you take.

I agree on Cole. He needs a fast start or we need to find somebody else. Right now, we don't have any other DT depth--just DEs that can slide inside in a pinch.

[mission]

Honestly... sack numbers are great, but I think our D is gonna be way bigger on the turnover side of things than we've had in quite some time.

So, even if the sack numbers are pedestrian, as long as we can keep constant pressure and get some balls thrown up for the boys to bring back then we'll be good. I expect a very advantageous defense this season.

Big on the plus side of the TO-ratio hopefully... I'd put some money on that one.

[boiga]

Spitz-Wells-Sitton

I'm going with this because this appears to be what the coaches would prefer.

I recall Spitz playing like shit at LG sometime during the preseason. Cant find it right now.

Yeah, that was a big part of the problem in the San Francisco game. Spitz got washed a couple of times and Sitton wasn't particularly assignment sure. Spitz-Wells-Sitton could work, but they need more experience working as a unit.

I see Colledge-Spitz-Moll as being fairly efficient against the pass rush tonight. They don't have as much upside as that giant Sitton for run blocking, but they were a solid unit last year and should be improved since then.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think Spitz and Sitton have locked-down starting jobs.
Barbre and Moll are backups.

That leaves one job between Colledge and Wells.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I agree on Cole. He needs a fast start or we need to find somebody else. Right now, we don't have any other DT depth--just DEs that can slide inside in a pinch.

The problem is that at this stage in the season, no DTs better than Cole are available on practice squads, or even through trades.

In an odd way, the tight spot the Packers find themselves in validates the drafting of Justin Harrell. Big guys with the athleticism to play D-line are rare. Probably it was worth taking a chance on Harrell with a high draft pick. And he certainly is not a washout yet.