Official "Jump to Conclusions Based on the First Preseason Game Thread"

[pbmax]

I am less hopeful on Lee than Bush at CB. Bush was playing outside when his strength is inside. He will be fine as the last CB or the 2nd slot CB.

Lee was outside and that was supposed to be his forte. And he was still getting beat.

There was little pressure on the Browns QB, but it was disconcerting.

[Guiness]

A few people have hit on it, and I saw it as well - RT could be a problem. I thought Bulaga might get some reps at LT but I don't know how that could possibly happen now. I had a flashback to Allen Barbre at RT there for a bit *shudder*
Better hope he's a warrior the way Tauscher was for years.

Someone said this is Clifton's last year. Maybe, but for some reason I'm not so worried. Last preseason, I think it was Patler that said 'there may not be enough tape in the trainer's bag to hold him together for anther year'. Yes, we need to continue to look for our next LT, but I think Clifton will show up again this year. Tape and all.

Taylor did help himself, and made some good grabs, but he was pretty wide open on at least a couple of those. I didn't notice so much blocking out of him, but I still think he gets promoted a squad and we see him against some better competition, with Flynn throwing to him.

TE is definitely going to be the most interesting competition. A lot of bodies, all looking good there. I happen to like Crabtree a lot, and think many are counting him out too soon. I'm going to get a clip of the block Lurker mentioned above and put it in my sig...

Wasn't paying enough attention to Lee, and should have been. The announcers were pretty bad at not giving names, so it was hard to figure out what was going on at times.

[Joemailman]

Chris Campbell was out last night with a knee so that is probably why Newhouse spent so much time at RT. But this raises an interesting question:

If Campbell doesn't make the squad, does that make Newhouse the backup RT? Because he looked terrible over there. Does Campbell have a shot at making the 53?

Clifton, Lang, Sherrod, Wells, Sitton, Bulaga, Newhouse, McDonald. That's eight that I consider safe. Who is next?

You would think Campbell's chances improved a bit. Was Newhouse's performance a result of a guy having trouble switching sides? Bulaga talked about how everything you do is reversed when you switch from LT to RT. If so, perhaps he just needs more reps there. If Bulaga were to be injured, I suppose moving Lang there would also be a possibility, although then you're getting into a musical chairs situation on the OL again.

[Lurker64]

Somebody who demonstrates that he can backup RT and another position pretty much assures himself a roster spot. My hope is that Newhouse just struggled reversing the footwork, and that he could pick that up if he worked at it. Otherwise, I think we have to hope that Bulaga stays healthy (Bulaga looks great for what it's worth.)

[Harlan Huckleby]

Clifton, Lang, Sherrod, Wells, Sitton, Bulaga, Newhouse, McDonald. That's eight that I consider safe. Who is next?

3 backups who can play is pretty good depth. They'll add one more developmental guy on the active roster. The O-line depth looks acceptable.

I did some thinking - always a dangerous proposition - and I came up with my new magic forumula for the O-line: I think they should keep Newhouse strictly as backup RT, start Lang at LG, and give Sherrod significant playing time at LT throughout the season. By that I mean he gets about 1/4 of the snaps. It will keep Clifton fresher, maximize the skills of the players, and provide greatest stability. Of course my idea is unlikely to happen, they just don't like sharing jobs in the NFL on the OL. Most likely they will start Sherrod at LG and continue the merry-go-round, which is OK.

[Guiness]

3 backups who can play is pretty good depth. They'll add one more developmental guy on the active roster. The O-line depth looks acceptable.

I did some thinking - always a dangerous proposition - and I came up with my new magic forumula for the O-line: I think they should keep Newhouse strictly as backup RT, start Lang at LG, and give Sherrod significant playing time at LT throughout the season. By that I mean he gets about 1/4 of the snaps. It will keep Clifton fresher, maximize the skills of the players, and provide greatest stability. Of course my idea is unlikely to happen, they just don't like sharing jobs in the NFL on the OL. Most likely they will start Sherrod at LG and continue the merry-go-round, which is OK.

You're right, it just doesn't happen. Is it a holdover sentiment? I remember Marco saying he would just not come out, he had to be in there to protect Favre.

A lot of other positions in the NFL platoon. A lot of team's have a platoon at RB instead of a feature back - we will probably be one of them this year. DL are rotated out based on down and distance. TE's as the situation demands - even taking them out to put in an extra tackle, a la U-72. What's so special about OL that you can't sub someone in to give a guy a blow? But you never see it.

I suspect out OL guys, pbmax and KY will chime in with a post enlightening us about the need for chemistry and continuity. And, being as I played db and am probably too light to play OL on a middle school team, they're probably right.

[gbgary]

That's some quality conclusion jumping Joe!

this made me laugh.

[Ballboy]

I had hopes for Lee, but he played really bad. Unless a 180 happens, he will be done.

I didnt like the constant switching of Lang and Sherrod; they did this most likely because of no off season and limited hitting practices.

I liked Cobb on PR and KR, and I guess he did OK at WR....he caught the balls thrown to him by AR and MF, but I didnt really see much run after the catch which is what I was looking for....we have plenty that can catch the ball, but what you do with it after the catch is what I was looking for.

Starks played well.

DL is an issue, simply no pressure at all. Im sure Dom didnt put in many blitzes, but they showed nothing at all. I thought Guy played good, he seemed to be the only one at the end getting a push(he was #91 right?)

[gbpackfan]

Marshall Newhouse can't handle speed rushers.
Looks like another injury-plagued year for Finley.
Randall Cobb is the next Greg Jennings.
James Starks will be the starting RB.
Packers have no pass rush.
Pat Lee can't cover or tackle.
Morgan Burnett is the next Leroy Butler.
Spencer Havner is back.

BAM! That. Just. Happened!

[gbpackfan]

Lang is better than Sherrod at LG

[KYPack]

You're right, it just doesn't happen. Is it a holdover sentiment? I remember Marco saying he would just not come out, he had to be in there to protect Favre.

A lot of other positions in the NFL platoon. A lot of team's have a platoon at RB instead of a feature back - we will probably be one of them this year. DL are rotated out based on down and distance. TE's as the situation demands - even taking them out to put in an extra tackle, a la U-72. What's so special about OL that you can't sub someone in to give a guy a blow? But you never see it.

I suspect out OL guys, pbmax and KY will chime in with a post enlightening us about the need for chemistry and continuity. And, being as I played db and am probably too light to play OL on a middle school team, they're probably right.

OmiGod! I agree with Harlan here, that can't be right, is it? I think Lang and Sherrod are good ones. Lang is your starter and Sherrod can fill at two left OL spots. Both of these guys have really good footwork. In the first half, the Brown RDE tried one of those "banana" edge moves. Sherrod stayed cool and moved right with the guy. He made 3 excellent slide steps and then checked the DE on the backside of the QB. He's a kid, but he's got the makings of an good LT someday.

Lang is the better OG. He has a better grasp of the job. He favors the inside on pass pro and is pretty aggressive. That said, he gets to the second level quickly and goes right at the defenders. I think if he was healthy last year, he may have knocked Colledge out of the job then.

I like our chances with these two kids.

Yes, I'd be one to give the "continuity-teamwork" sermon, 'cause I believe it. Identify these two guy's jobs and stick them in some spots. Quit flippin' 'em around, dammit!

[Harlan Huckleby]

Lang is better than Sherrod at LG

I haven't seen anything that makes me believe this is true. But for sure Sherrod belongs at LT. I was more enthusiastic about Sherrod working at guard when it looked like Newhouse was a solid LT backup. Maybe I'm overreacting to a couple bad plays, but Newhouse didn't look like a sure thing for LT last night.

[gbgary]

this is the jump to conclusions based on one preseason game thread...so on that i'll say the defense sucks and if it can't stop colt mccoy or seneca wallace they're not going to stop anyone. the offense on the other hand won't be stopped unless we're down to third string harrel. i reserve the right to jump to different conclusions based on our next preseason game and so on.

[pbmax]

OmiGod! I agree with Harlan here, that can't be right, is it? I think Lang and Sherrod are good ones. Lang is your starter and Sherrod can fill at two left OL spots. Both of these guys have really good footwork. In the first half, the Brown RDE tried one of those "banana" edge moves. Sherrod stayed cool and moved right with the guy. He made 3 excellent slide steps and then checked the DE on the backside of the QB. He's a kid, but he's got the makings of an good LT someday.

Lang is the better OG. He has a better grasp of the job. He favors the inside on pass pro and is pretty aggressive. That said, he gets to the second level quickly and goes right at the defenders. I think if he was healthy last year, he may have knocked Colledge out of the job then.

I like our chances with these two kids.

Yes, I'd be one to give the "continuity-teamwork" sermon, 'cause I believe it. Identify these two guy's jobs and stick them in some spots. Quit flippin' 'em around, dammit!

OK, so most seem on board (so far) for Clifton, Lang, Sherrod, Wells, Sitton, Bulaga, Newhouse, McDonald as the first eight. That is also the game day actives (if Lurker is right and I have no reason to doubt him, you have 5 starters and three backups active).

The is at least one, possibly two other spots open. I think Schlauderhauff might be it based on draft status and the next in line would be Campbell for tackle purposes. Roster has 5 bodies to play 2 guards and center. Five for tackle rounds that out nicely.

As for giving Cliffy breathers, the less you play O line, the worse you play O line. We have seen before when Clifton is struggling with injuries or sore knees, he actually gets worse the less he practices. Less game time might make him less tired but less effective. For that reason and KY's continuity point, swapping players isn't popular. Some of it though, is just common practice. Outside of sixth lineman formations, subs simply have never been used to, say, get a better run blocker in the game for short yardage.

Might be the next big thing. But coaches will resist.

[pbmax]

As for jumping to conclusions, for the sixth straight year, the pass rush worries me. I have been right 4 of 6 times.