Is to much being made of our 7th ranked defense?

[wist43]

The problem with blitzing for the Packers is that they don't have any effective blitzers... Poppinga would fill the bill, but they didn't start using him from scrimmage until later in the season, and now with the knee injury he is a ???

Some may cite Hawk's sack stats from college as hope that the Packers might be able to generate a decent rush from the second level with him, but I don't see it with Hawk. He times his blitz's nicely, but he's not a pass rusher per se, i.e. he isn't going to be able to defeat a block and get home.

As I said, the only hope for an improved pass rush is likely going to come from improvement in Montgomery and/or Poppinga. KGB will get some sacks against lesser tackles, Kampman will get a few on hustle, Jenkins will get some pressures from the interior, but overall, I don't expect their pass rush to be significantly improved.

[Joemailman]

Wist,

I think you are wrong about Hawk. When I saw Hawk play for Ohio State, the one thing that really stood out was his ability to use his instincts and speed to avoid being blocked. The inability of Barnett to do this is why he is a lousy blitzer. The key to being a good blitzer is not the ability to beat blocks, but the ability to avoid them. I think this ability will make Hawk a very good blitzer.

[woodbuck27]

Wist,

I think you are wrong about Hawk. When I saw Hawk play for Ohio State, the one thing that really stood out was his ability to use his instincts and speed to avoid being blocked. The inability of Barnett to do this is why he is a lousy blitzer. The key to being a good blitzer is not the ability to beat blocks, but the ability to avoid them. I think this ability will make Hawk a very good blitzer.

What you are saying I believe, and what I see is, AJ Hawk has great feet.That man is all about attacking the ball. I also liked Hawks lateral pursuit. He's all about HEAT !

Our other new fella at LBer Abdul Hodge, is a straight ahead, get in your face, nose for the ball carrier, football player as well.

We have a great future at LBer.

[The Leaper]

Blitzing doesn't have to end up in a sack to be effective. If Hawk or Manuel merely forces the QB to get rid of the ball sooner than he wants to, it is a win for GB.

We didn't blitz all that often last year...opposing QBs would sit in the pocket for what seemed like hours at a time. 2004 was blitz fest...and Bates came in and did a 180 because of the roster he had to work with. Bates ran a very conservative defense last year because he knew it didn't have the talent or playmakers to create lots of big plays. It was bend-but-don't-break. I think that will change a little this year.