Darren Sharper

[rbaloha1]

Sporting News named DS first half defensive player of the year.

DS look faster -- maybe less injured. An example of a defensive coordinator maximizing playmaker's strengths as opposed to Capers.

[pbmax]

This is going to end ugly isn't it? I think I pledged to finance a trip to Canton to be sure at least one large banner reading 4th and 26 was displayed if he gets selected to the HOF. I think Nutz was my traveling partner, but my memory might be failing me.

[pbmax]

When I think Ballhawk, first I think
ED REED
Then I think
DARREN SHARPER

They should have made him a receiver.

[mraynrand]

This is going to end ugly isn't it? I think I pledged to finance a trip to Canton to be sure at least one large banner reading 4th and 26 was displayed if he gets selected to the HOF. I think Nutz was my traveling partner, but my memory might be failing me.

I'll be there with "THE CATCH II"

[Bretsky]

I must be the only one...but I've always thought Sharper was grossly underappreciated by fans in Green Bay.

He had one horrid year..either his 2nd or 3rd...where he took some terrible angles and was a bad tackler and he got tagged from that forever

He was hurt too much

Other than that he was stellar; Nick Collins looks dam good. But other than Collins, Sharper is undoubtedly our best safety since Leroy Butler.

[mraynrand]

But other than Collins, Sharper is undoubtedly our best safety since Leroy Butler.

Absolutely. And he may be better than Collins. He suffered from 1) Randy Moss, 2) losing Butler in 2001, 3) a pretty average secondary around him most of his career in GB 4) taking chances (possibly due to 3), and 5) having some highly visible and costly fuck-ups.

Note: The Packers have not yet come close to replacing Butler with a decent SS (or safety with 'SS' skills).

[Kiwon]

When I think Ballhawk, first I think
ED REED
Then I think
DARREN SHARPER

Yeah, he's got some killer ball skills.

Enough already about the Vikings' "Love Boat" episode.

[MichiganPackerFan]

I still blame the 4th and 26 on coaching. How can you NOT call a timeout to make sure everything is in place when shutting down that play means you don't need your timeouts for any other purpose. Sherman always played not to lose, he never played to win.

[rbaloha1]

I still blame the 4th and 26 on coaching. How can you NOT call a timeout to make sure everything is in place when shutting down that play means you don't need your timeouts for any other purpose. Sherman always played not to lose, he never played to win.

yes. they were confused. a timeout would have ensured everyone was on the same page.

[gbgary]

never should have let him go.

[rbaloha1]

never should have let him go.

Its easy to say now. Back then it appeared DS skills were declining and was close to retirement.

[Fritz]

I still blame the 4th and 26 on coaching. How can you NOT call a timeout to make sure everything is in place when shutting down that play means you don't need your timeouts for any other purpose. Sherman always played not to lose, he never played to win.

Except at the end of the first half, when he went for it on fourth and goal from the one or two or whatever it was, and Green tripped on an offensive lineman's heels and came up short.

So after that failed, later in the game his team was chewing up yardage on the ground and had a fourth and one or two at Philly's 35 or so, I believe. He punted, and of course Bidwell, I think it was, knocked it into the end zone and Philly got it only 15 yards further away. Had Shermy gone for it, a first down would have sealed the deal. And Philly's line was gassed.

[Kiwon]

I still blame the 4th and 26 on coaching. How can you NOT call a timeout to make sure everything is in place when shutting down that play means you don't need your timeouts for any other purpose. Sherman always played not to lose, he never played to win.

Except at the end of the first half, when he went for it on fourth and goal from the one or two or whatever it was, and Green tripped on an offensive lineman's heels and came up short.

So after that failed, later in the game his team was chewing up yardage on the ground and had a fourth and one or two at Philly's 35 or so, I believe. He punted, and of course Bidwell, I think it was, knocked it into the end zone and Philly got it only 15 yards further away. Had Shermy gone for it, a first down would have sealed the deal. And Philly's line was gassed.

I was listening on the radio and cringed when they decided to punt. I just had a feeling.....

Of course, no team should convert on 4th and 26, but picking up that one yard and first down would have ended the threat.

Bidwell's failure to pin them deep, not blitzing on 4th down, that's all secondary. The way to end those kind of games are with kneel downs with the offensive on the field.

[Kiwon]

Back to the too old, too slow, too cocky, can't tackle, Sharper...
.................................................. .......................

Midseason awards: Dazzling Favre, dismal Browns

by Charles Robinson

Best defensive player: Darren Sharper, Saints

With apologies to Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen(notes), Sharper has been the biggest momentum changer this season. His seven interceptions are tied for the league lead, while his three defensive touchdowns lead the NFL. And he really should have eight picks and four touchdowns – a roughing-the-passer penalty against the New York Giants negated one of his interceptions. Combine the playmaking with Sharper’s hitting ability and bottomless emotion, and there hasn’t been a more dynamic defensive player in the first half of 2009.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtaUh3cgr60OOYZXprttw1I5nYcB?slug=cr-inconvenienttruths111109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Guiness]

I still blame the 4th and 26 on coaching. How can you NOT call a timeout to make sure everything is in place when shutting down that play means you don't need your timeouts for any other purpose. Sherman always played not to lose, he never played to win.

Except at the end of the first half, when he went for it on fourth and goal from the one or two or whatever it was, and Green tripped on an offensive lineman's heels and came up short.

So after that failed, later in the game his team was chewing up yardage on the ground and had a fourth and one or two at Philly's 35 or so, I believe. He punted, and of course Bidwell, I think it was, knocked it into the end zone and Philly got it only 15 yards further away. Had Shermy gone for it, a first down would have sealed the deal. And Philly's line was gassed.

I always felt that was a turning point as well. Heck, I would've preferred to see the FG team trot out than a punt.