A Few Early Training Camp Thoughts

[The Shadow]

1. I don't think that the somewhat commonly-held belief that Wells is going away is accurate. It now seems at this early point that it is Preston who is more likely to go.
2. Could Bishop's play overtake Barnett?
3. Harrell's early performance , as well as Jenkins - and Raji's addition could quite suddenly all combine to vault the defensive line from a worrisome spot to a strength.
4. The offensive line might now be the biggest question mark.

[pbmax]

Bishop can't cover. If he takes a spot, they would prefer it to be Hawk's position. If Barnett isn't ready, then Chillar could get bounced on run downs for Bishop, but Hawk would have to be the cover guy.

[The Shadow]

I'm not so sure Barnett covers all that much better - and now with the leg injury....

[Fritz]

Given the usual provisos - it's early, injuries, etc. - I would say that Preston appears to be the one in trouble. A few comments here and there about him struggling on the left side, a few comments about Moll from the Coach that seem favorable, same with Wells, and boom - yes, Preston might be gone.

[The Shadow]

Preston seems to have that certain Adrian Klemm mojo.

[pbmax]

While you can't be sure about the knee recovery, Barnett was/(if healthy) will be our best cover linebacker.

[CaptainKickass]

Re: A Few Early Training Camp Thoughts

1. I don't think that the somewhat commonly-held belief that Wells is going away is accurate. It now seems at this early point that it is Preston who is more likely to go.
2. Could Bishop's play overtake Barnett?
3. Harrell's early performance , as well as Jenkins - and Raji's addition could quite suddenly all combine to vault the defensive line from a worrisome spot to a strength.
4. The offensive line might now be the biggest question mark.

I've been maintaining that the starting center job is, was, has been, and will be Wells job to lose. Lots of sentiment on this board and from the media to the contrary, but a guy who starts @ center in the NFL for 4 years doesn't just "go away" without a fight. One thing Wells has proven is that despite the fact that he ain't as tall, quick, strong as the "template" for an NFL center says he should be - the dude has fought for everything he's gotten, every year, and I really don't see that changing. Especially after reading where he's made some gains in the offseason as well as endeared himself to the coaches.

I don't believe that Wells is going anywhere this season and will show enough fight to be the starting center - again - barring injury.

.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Re: A Few Early Training Camp Thoughts

I've been maintaining that the starting center job is, was, has been, and will be Wells job to loose.

Not sure about that.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/52478752.html

McCarthy won't directly admit it, but it's clear from the team's actions that he wants more size up front so that he can succeed with a power running attack. The zone system is intact, but McCarthy has the option to run more inside plays if his linemen can get some movement...

Early on in camp, Spitz was working primarily at center, but moved to right guard when Wells got his turn. The coaches stopped that and now Spitz is playing exclusively at center so that he and Wells can have a fair competition.

This competition is between Sitton and Wells. I think the coaches are hoping that Sitton plays well at the RG spot, so Spitz can move to C. We'll see how Sitton does. He looked pretty good last year, and offers up much more size than Wells.

[CaptainKickass]

Re: A Few Early Training Camp Thoughts

Yo Harv - I appreciate discussion like most, and commend your attempt with a quote and article to back up your stance.

BUT

You just kinda just reinforced my thoughts, and actually furthered my point:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/52478752.html

McCarthy won't directly admit it

Not only won't McCarthy directly admit it, he won't even indirectly admit it. I don't believe he has said anything even remotely close to that. At least not that I've been privy to in all of the media quotes and press conferences.

In fact - at the risk of being redundant - I have read that Wells has not only inproved in the offseason, but has actually further endeared himself to the coaches.

All of this "Wells will be gone this year" has been media and fan speculation as far as I can tell.

.

[HarveyWallbangers]

We'll see, but it makes little sense. If the coaches trusted Wells so much, don't you think they'd have Spitz compete with Sitton instead? Or are you speculating that the coaches aren't enamored with Spitz as an OG? I don't think that is the case either. My guess is Spitz starts no matter what. If Sitton does well at RG, Spitz starts at OC. If Sitton falls on his face, they move Spitz back to RG and Wells starts at OC.

[Merlin]

I think McCarthy saying that he wants to run more power plays is very telling. First it was all small guys for the ZBS and now they seem to be shifting to wanting bigger stronger guys which is in direct contrast with the type of lineman a true ZBS needs.

[CaptainKickass]

We'll see, but it makes little sense. If the coaches trusted Wells so much, don't you think they'd have Spitz compete with Sitton instead? Or are you speculating that the coaches aren't enamored with Spitz as an OG? I don't think that is the case either. My guess is Spitz starts no matter what. If Sitton does well at RG, Spitz starts at OC. If Sitton falls on his face, they move Spitz back to RG and Wells starts at OC.

I'm merely speculating that Wells wins the starting center job - again.

How does the rest of the Oline shake out? I got no idea.

[The Shadow]

I think a tandem of Wells and Spitz is more appealing than Preston/Spitz.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I think a tandem of Wells and Spitz is more appealing than Preston/Spitz.

Especially if Preston performs as poorly as it seems from training camp reports. I wasn't one that argued that Wells would be cut if he wasn't starting. The Packers aren't in cap trouble and I don't see them cutting good insurance for an injury in the interior OL. If everyone stays healthy, I think it's 50/50 at best on him starting though.

[Bretsky]

Keep Wells as a backup........or as a below average starter than gets overpowered too much

I'd prfer Spitz