Official Packers/Browns Thread (Preseason Ver)

[sheepshead]

I didnt see the game at all, watched a little of the bears and they look disheveled. I am very happy to see the "D" and running game have solid days. My 2 biggest concerns.

[mraynrand]

Lumpy looks OK between the tackles, but anytime he tries to turn it outside, his tremendous lack of burst speed is on glaring display. The Packers know what they have with Lumpy. May have a unique change of pace with Ty Sutton - only problem is the 4.75 40 - short frame with a lot of meat - for comparison, Darren Sproles is two inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter with a 4.49 40 coming out. Wynn looked like nothing special.

Grain of salt: Browns are bad - very bad.

[pbmax]

Lumpy looks OK between the tackles, but anytime he tries to turn it outside, his tremendous lack of burst speed is on glaring display. The Packers know what they have with Lumpy. May have a unique change of pace with Ty Sutton - only problem is the 4.75 40 - short frame with a lot of meat - for comparison, Darren Sproles is two inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter with a 4.49 40 coming out. Wynn looked like nothing special.

Grain of salt: Browns are bad - very bad.

I think the report I read had Sutton running a 4.61 for a private workout with the Packers. He's not Sproles, but he isn't waist deep in quicksand either.

I think Lumpkin mirrors what Grant does, slightly less well. I think Wynn has more shake while being big enough for the inside runs. But it seemed like everyone had a better run than him. Everything being equal, I would like Wynn to stick. But I wonder if he replaces Jackson, not Lumpkin.

[SkinBasket]

Man... How comfortable does Rodgers look. He has always had a strong arm coming out of college, but he has looked much better than anticipated - especially being a Tedford product. How much of that do you think is attributed to him sitting for 3 years with no pressure?

A lot. He looked very good tonight. Definitely less skittish than last year imo. Then again, it is the Browns so I'll continue being fair and withholding judgement.

Except for when it comes to declaring Desmond Bishop the next Ray Lewis and Hawk a bust?

I've been a Bishop supporter from the get-go, but until he can produce in the regular season, I'm not going to get terribly excited. He looked like an all star last preseason too. In games that mattered, not so much.

As far as Hawk goes, I have no idea what you're talking about "getting blown up."

[sheepshead]

http://packers.magnify.net/video/NFL-Preseason-Week-1-Cleveland

Nice wrap if you didnt see the game, like me. Rodgers to driver was sweet.

[woodbuck27]

What we've seen Donald Driver do:

Pro Summary

** A true pro who continues to perform at a high level at age 34
Three-time Pro Bowl selection enters the 2009 campaign needing just 19 catches to surpass Sterling Sharpe (595) for the team record for career receptions

** With 7,989 receiving yards, trails just Don Hutson (7,991), Sharpe (8,134) and James Lofton (9,656) in franchise annals and he sits atop the Lambeau Field record book for receptions and receiving yardage.

** Donald became all-time leader in receiving yards at Lambeau in 2008 with 24-yard grab in Week 7 vs. Indianapolis, surpassing Antonio Freeman’s record of 3,477, and currently has 3,823 and he surpassed Freeman (213) in ’07 in Week 3 for the stadium record for receptions, and currently has 273 catches at Lambeau

** Donald Driver enters season with a streak of 111 games with at least one reception (116 including postseason), the longest streak in franchise history after surpassing Sharpe’s team record of 103 in Week 9 at Tennessee last season

** Donald Driver set a team record in 2008 with his sixth 1,000-yard season, surpassing Sharpe and Lofton, and extended his franchise record with his fifth straight

** He joins Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne as the only receivers in the league to have five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2004-08

** He teamed with Greg Jennings in ’08 as each went over the 1,000-yard receiving mark, only the fourth time in team history that a receiving duo accomplished that feat; Driver and teammate Javon Walker each topped 1,000 yards in ’04.

** Donald Driver has caught 50 or more passes in a season seven times, matching Lofton and Sharpe for the team record and surpassed 70 receptions in ’08 for the fifth straight season

** Despite catching only two touchdowns in ’07, was duly recognized by NFC players and coaches as one of the conference’s top wideouts and earned his third Pro Bowl trip (2002 and 2006 were the others)

** Set personal highs in receptions and yards three straight years beginning in 2004, putting up 92 catches for 1,295 yards in 2006 to earn a second Pro Bowl appearance. Those totals ranked third and second in the NFC, respectively; both were fifth in the NFL in 2006, and his career-high 191-yard performance at Minnesota (Nov. 12) was the best single-game total by an NFC receiver on the season.

** Donald Driver wants to play until he’s 40, and he just may do that with the tremendous care he takes of his body. He sets an example for the team’s younger receivers, both on the field and off, of what it takes to be successful, and credits predecessors Freeman and Robert Brooks for helping him develop his leadership skills

** His knowledge of the West Coast offensive system, combined with his athleticism as a former college track standout and one-time Olympic hopeful, makes him a threat no matter where he lines up on the field

** His 82-yard catch-and-run at Minnesota in 2006 gave him three career TD receptions of 80 or more yards (not including playoffs), tying a Packers record held by Howton (two in 1952, one in 1953) and Carroll Dale (1966, 1967, 1970)

** He stepped forward in 2005 when injuries decimated the Packers at the skill positions and was the team’s lone reliable playmaker for the duration of the season, earning the team’s Most Valuable Player award for the second time (also 2002)

** In 2004, teamed with Javon Walker to register the Packers’ best season by a receiving duo in both combined receptions (173) and combined receiving yards (2,590); yardage total ranked second in the NFL that year behind the Rams’ Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce (2,664).

** In 2003, became the first player since Don Majkowski (10th round, 1987-92) drafted by the Packers in the seventh round or later to play five seasons in Green Bay.

** In 2002, was named to the Pro Bowl and became the lowest-drafted Packers Pro Bowler in 19 years. He broke through as the team’s No. 3 receiver for much of 2000, when he replaced an injured Corey Bradford.

** Though a low-round draft choice in 1999, initially had carved out a roster spot by regularly making phenomenal receptions in first training camp
Enjoyed decorated collegiate track career, demonstrating his athleticism with world-class skills in the high jump, reaching 7 feet, 6½ inches.


How lucky have we been to have enjoyed Donald Drivers success as a Green Bay Packer? His entire life defines inspiration and hope. His dedication to the team and the community is nothing short of outstanding. woodbuck27

Donald overcame countless obstacles growing up has inspired him to become one of the team’s most involved players in giving back to the community. In 2000, he and his wife created the Donald Driver Foundation

(www.donalddriverfoundation.com), which offers assistance to homeless mothers and underprivileged children as well as scholarships to high school students in three states. In addition, has made more than 500 appearances since 1999, from schools to youth football fields to churches, delivering motivational speeches or offering assistance.

Congratulations Donald Driver.


Go Packers!

[Partial]

Man... How comfortable does Rodgers look. He has always had a strong arm coming out of college, but he has looked much better than anticipated - especially being a Tedford product. How much of that do you think is attributed to him sitting for 3 years with no pressure?

A lot. He looked very good tonight. Definitely less skittish than last year imo. Then again, it is the Browns so I'll continue being fair and withholding judgement.

Except for when it comes to declaring Desmond Bishop the next Ray Lewis and Hawk a bust?

I've been a Bishop supporter from the get-go, but until he can produce in the regular season, I'm not going to get terribly excited. He looked like an all star last preseason too. In games that mattered, not so much.

As far as Hawk goes, I have no idea what you're talking about "getting blown up."

Show me where I declared either as the next Ray Lewis or a bust. Please do. I pointed out an observation saying Bishop had several quarterback hits, and then noted that Hawk was blown up several times. That is an observation, not an opinion.

I saw Hawk get shoved around on a huge amount of JL runs last night. Guy has a tough time in traffic and shedding blocks fo' sho'.

[pbmax]

Show me where I declared either as the next Ray Lewis or a bust. Please do. I pointed out an observation saying Bishop had several quarterback hits, and then noted that Hawk was blown up several times. That is an observation, not an opinion.

I saw Hawk get shoved around on a huge amount of JL runs last night. Guy has a tough time in traffic and shedding blocks fo' sho'.

You do know that Bishop played a different position than Hawk?

And that Jamal Lewis used that devastating blocking on Hawk to carry 7 times for 17 yards and a 2.4 ypc?

[rbaloha1]

How can they not start DBishop? Dude had what, 4, 5 hits on the QB tonight? Dude was everywhere!

I was at a bar watching the game so I wasn't wathcing as closely as I would have liked. Bishop, Lumpkin and Sutton jumped out to me. Rodgers looked very good and Jones looked very good. Grant looked fast. This O should be extremely good. Jolly played behind MM... really? MM is JAG.

Anyone see Hawk do anything but get blown up?

IMO Bishop earned a position in obvious passing downs. Unfortunately Chillar and Barnett play the same position.

Hawk is not good at the point of attack -- better in space. IMO Hawk's best position is wolb.

Lets not forget Finley who is finally displaying the potential we were waiting for.

[rbaloha1]

Lumpy looks OK between the tackles, but anytime he tries to turn it outside, his tremendous lack of burst speed is on glaring display. The Packers know what they have with Lumpy. May have a unique change of pace with Ty Sutton - only problem is the 4.75 40 - short frame with a lot of meat - for comparison, Darren Sproles is two inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter with a 4.49 40 coming out. Wynn looked like nothing special.

Grain of salt: Browns are bad - very bad.

]

Forget the 40 times -- Sutton can cut back and possesses vision. Explosive enough to make the runs required for zbs scheme. Homerun hitter -- no.

[rbaloha1]

Man... How comfortable does Rodgers look. He has always had a strong arm coming out of college, but he has looked much better than anticipated - especially being a Tedford product. How much of that do you think is attributed to him sitting for 3 years with no pressure?

A lot. He looked very good tonight. Definitely less skittish than last year imo. Then again, it is the Browns so I'll continue being fair and withholding judgement.

Except for when it comes to declaring Desmond Bishop the next Ray Lewis and Hawk a bust?

I've been a Bishop supporter from the get-go, but until he can produce in the regular season, I'm not going to get terribly excited. He looked like an all star last preseason too. In games that mattered, not so much.

As far as Hawk goes, I have no idea what you're talking about "getting blown up."

Did you watch the Texans regular season game from last season? The best Hawk can do at the point of attack is a stalemate. Teams shall test Hawk throughout the season with inside runs.

[digitaldean]

From what I saw last night...
The only reason the Browns didn't score was due to Edwards & the holding penalty on their FG. Quinn's pass hit him square in the hands and he dropped it like he did so much in 2008.

Sutton was moving d-linemen back when getting hit last night. Nice performance. Rodgers looked sharp. Finley had a good game. Even Lee's catch and hurdle in the red zone looked good.

As for the backup qb's: Flynn still holds onto the ball too long. He's OK, but he's a HUGE dropoff as a 2nd QB. Brohm for all his touting in college is still showing he's struggling with the timing routes. Wouldn't be shocked that we pick up some vet castoff and let him go.

Poppinga and Collins were at fault for the lack of contain on Cribbs' run. Kampy played OK. Hoping the next 3 games help him get more confidence in his position. I agree he can be a weak link in the pass coverage. Hawk is just underwhelming at his present position.

First line D got consistent pressure that caused 2 picks and almost got a 3rd.

Great first step for the tem, but tempering my enthusiasm because the Browns really do stink...

[Harlan Huckleby]

Brohm for all his touting in college is still showing he's struggling with the timing routes. Wouldn't be shocked that we pick up some vet castoff and let him go.

I haven't seen a single aspect of Brohm's game that argues for keeping him. Maybe he'll throw a decent deep pass in preseason, I seem to remember that was his forte is college.

[rbaloha1]

Brohm for all his touting in college is still showing he's struggling with the timing routes. Wouldn't be shocked that we pick up some vet castoff and let him go.

I haven't seen a single aspect of Brohm's game that argues for keeping him. Maybe he'll throw a decent deep pass in preseason, I seem to remember that was his forte is college.

Agreed. Only around due to being a 2nd round pick. If a seventh round pick -- aloha.

[mission]

First watched the game on a few different choppy internet streams and then got to see it later on NFL Network replay.

Few ramblings:

Bishop: This guy is DISRUPTIVE! The stats don't even come close to telling the story. He just has an intense nose for the ball.. great blitzes, created turnovers... even plays where he doesn't show up on the stat sheet, he's knocking down the QB, altering a pass. So let's say he can't cover ... fine! Don't have him... he's gotta be on the field for a big chunk of the time. I went from Go Hawk to Wow Bishop. I followed him very closely the second time around and that's when I started noticing all the little things. Loved his nose for the ball.

Defense in general: A few times I forgot I was even watching the Packers. All the different fronts, fake blitzes, alignment changes... all of this in week 1 of the preaseason. Whole team is just flying to the ball, great intensity... coverages could get tighter ... 4 INTs not withstanding. I can't wait to watch this group develop through the year...

Poppinga: Same Brady. Gets sucked way inside on an end around and a step slow in coverage. Too much competition at LB for him to get much PT this year. He's just too stiff. Could be a situational rushing backer. Looks worse in this scheme.

Terrell Sutton looks tiny out there but no one can seem to find him behind the line. few times he ran into a group for what i thought was a sure loss, and he just reappeared out the back/side for an extra 8 yards. I think he's a great changeup... all the backs looked good but Sutton looked *different* good. Wynn can hit the road as far as I'm concerned. His ceiling is capped.

Can't wait to see more of the guys out there next week!