PACKERS NEED BY POSTIONS- BLOGS

[get louder at lambeau]

I thought about him, but he was damaged goods. Walker began screaming for a new deal with two years left on his rookie deal, then proceded to blow out his ACL in game 1 of that season. It was also TT's first season and he needed to set an example.

A lot will have to do with whether Finley is a UFA or RFA, but I can see TT slapping him with the highest tag available. I know I would.

Yeah, there are differences, but there are also a LOT of similarities- both are/were the best weapon in the passing game, both have/had shown relatively short bursts of outstanding production, both are/were thought to have big egos, both seem to like to talk a little too much, both had their seasons cut short by torn knee ligaments right when they were supposed to be the focus of the offense...

We'll see what happens. Hopefully Finely is less of a money-hungry bitch than Walker, and doesn't get all disgruntled and whiny.

[get louder at lambeau]

Quarless didn't offer much in return? Personally, I think Quarless offered a lot as a rookie TE. His production was way higher than Finley's rookie year, and he worked hard and didn't complain. What's not to like about this kid going forward?

His hands. Kid dropped a lot of balls this year.

[Smidgeon]

His hands. Kid dropped a lot of balls this year.

So did Finley his rookie year. Especially jump balls in the endzone. But I don't have the impression Quarless dropped a lot. When I think about drops, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver and a couple big ones by Jennings are what comes to mind. I don't doubt that Quarless dropped his share, but this team in general dropped quite a few.

[RashanGary]

So did Finley his rookie year. Especially jump balls in the endzone. But I don't have the impression Quarless dropped a lot. When I think about drops, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver and a couple big ones by Jennings are what comes to mind. I don't doubt that Quarless dropped his share, but this team in general dropped quite a few.

Finley had 6 receptions and 1 TD his rookie year.

[MadScientist]

The biggest challenge in signing Finley is the health unknown. If he hadn't been injured, TT would have probably tried re-signing him before the CBA ended in order to take advantage of the 'take cash now while you still can' pressure. Now they have to wait to see how well he recovers, and by that time Finley may well decide that it is better to wait for FA (or the franchise tag / holdout route if there is a franchise tag next year).

[Fritz]

That's what I had thought too. I was sure he never fumbled. And thanks to sharpe, it appears he didn't. Poor writing.

I get a kick out of the comment I read that said Starks ran too high. I really don't care how someone runs if they are effective.

I did not know that James Starks was stoned when he ran. Does this mean if he's only a little bit high he'd be okay when he runs?

[Patler]

Tight end - its nice to have a good one; but rumor has it that you can win a Super Bowl with an insignificant rookie and a washed up vet playing the position!

[Guiness]

Is this Finley's contract year?

If so, I would expect the Packers to wait and see if he comes back strong, then try and extend him during the year. He'd get him money a little early, and have insurance against injury. The Packers would get a discount for that.

I can't see them spending a first (or second) day pick on a TE. They've got Quarless and Crabtree, both of whom have shown something.

[Lurker64]

Tight end - its nice to have a good one; but rumor has it that you can win a Super Bowl with an insignificant rookie and a washed up vet playing the position!

And Tom Crabtree as a provocateur. Honestly, of all the TEs on the Packers I think he had the biggest role in the superbowl, what with a memorable crushing borderline-illegal block to spring Starks on one of his longer runs, and in drawing the 15-yard penalty on the ultimate kickoff.

[get louder at lambeau]

Tight end - its nice to have a good one; but rumor has it that you can win a Super Bowl with an insignificant rookie and a washed up vet playing the position!

Can you imagine Rodgers directing McCarthy's multiple offense with a two TE set with two Finley types though? See what the D gives, then do anything from audibling both out wide for a pseudo 4 wide, or keep both in to block, or anything in between. They could take advantage of any defensive alignment.

[Smidgeon]

Finley had 6 receptions and 1 TD his rookie year.

I was referring to Finley's drops his rookie year.

[Tarlam!]

Tight end - its nice to have a good one; but rumor has it that you can win a Super Bowl with an insignificant rookie and a washed up vet playing the position!

Without doubt, but Finley is more than just a TE. He's a potential game changer. He'll probably be a superstar. He's more like a "great to have". There's no denying your point, obviously.

[Patler]

Can you imagine Rodgers directing McCarthy's multiple offense with a two TE set with two Finley types though? See what the D gives, then do anything from audibling both out wide for a pseudo 4 wide, or keep both in to block, or anything in between. They could take advantage of any defensive alignment.

I would rather see them line up with a back who can do it all, like Ahman Green or Bennett, and I think Starks might be that guy. He was a decent receiver in college, anyway. If he can learn to block, too. Three WRs, Finley and a back that can run, catch or protect if he has to.......!

[bobblehead]

I thought of a good example of a young player not getting re-signed by Thompson, that could apply if Finley turns into a diva- Javon Walker.

Not at all the same. JWalk was holding out with 2 full years left on his rookie deal. Its not like he played out his deal, was studly, and TT let him go. Not the case at all. If JFinley plays lights out this season and stays healthy, there is exactly ZERO chance that TT doesn't offer him a blockbuster deal. Only chance at losing him is if Finley is hell bent on testing the market.

[get louder at lambeau]

I would rather see them line up with a back who can do it all, like Ahman Green or Bennett, and I think Starks might be that guy. He was a decent receiver in college, anyway. If he can learn to block, too. Three WRs, Finley and a back that can run, catch or protect if he has to.......!

Maybe we could have both! Change that three WRs to two WRs, two great TEs who can offer more flexibility in audibling for Rodgers, and that kind of a back. If we had two Finely types, who needs three WRs? The TEs can split wide, run patterns out of their traditional spots or block. Just seems like more flexibility for McCarthy's "multiple offense", and we have a smart QB to put them in the best matchup possible at the line.