Official Packers Vs. Cardinals Game Day Thread

[vince]

He has taken strides.

I had to read it twice to make sure it wasn't talking about Justin. Graham looks more than solid despite some easily correctable mechanics in the pocket. Even Flynn has looked shaky and unsure in the pocket with some pressure.

QFT. I said Harrell isn't yet ready. Like you said Mish, he needs to correct his ball security and I think he needs to continue to build up his body like Rodgers has done, but he was fantastic last night I thought. While I still think there's no chance of Flynn being traded this year, Harrell is on pace with where Flynn was his second year, and he was the back-up that year. The difference is where the program is in the building process. They were growing then and the risk made more sense then IMO.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Just watched the game. Some things that stuck out to me.

That first touch by Alex Green was a beauty. Showed a lot there. Patience, acceleration, spin move, shake. Went down a little easy, but man it was easy to get excited after one play. I hate to say it, but with his forward body lean and athletic ability, he kind of reminded me of another famous A. Green for the Pack. He won't be that good. Ahman had off the chart measurables and a work ethic to match, but I'm excited about Green. We have a poor man's Dorsey Levens, a poor man's Eddie George, and a poor man's Batman in the backfield.

Walden had a bad game playing the run, but I did see a couple of pass rushes moves that I didn't see last year. Zombo kind of looked like he did last year.

Francois seemed to be everywhere, and D.J. Smith looks like he can play. Perhaps the depth at ILB isn't terrible.

Good to see Finley back and Driver healthy. With three good RBs, I can't see this offense disappointing. Perhaps it won't hit the lofty expectations that people have for it, but it should be even better than last year.

Anybody else feel like Shields is off to a slow start? I'm hoping he can improve on last year, but I hope he doesn't regress. Our defensive backfield is loaded with playmakers. Burnett fits right in.

Jarius Wynn actually impressed me. He looks improved.

I've heard Nick McDonald has struggled in camp, and he had some real letdowns in this game.

[3irty1]

Jarius Wynn took some steps in the right direction. He might be better than Wilson now, and certainly better as a pass rusher.

DJ Smith is already a nice player. He's just plain fast. His height is a concern but if he can halfway cover he's a big find.

McDonald against the threes was a little maddening. You can tell what MM is so turned on about, the guy can anchor like crazy and hits moving targets at an elite level. Sometimes he just looks like he's being controlled by Madden when he can't find anyone to block. Hope he learns a lot from Wells.

Lang is such a Packer. Tough as nails.

The Vikings are drooling over the thoughts of us cutting MD Jennings.

I'm ready to see what all the DJ Williams fuss was about. Unleash him already.

The Packers might have the two best QB's in the NFCN. Certainly 2 of the top 4.

What does Tom Clements have to do to get an offensive coordinator or even HC job? I'm glad no one wants him but sheesh. He's a QB factory.

Quarless took a step forward as a receiver and a blocker. He could quietly become a fine player. Its as if God gave him some gifts.

Sherrod needs some NFL weight room. Both times he was beaten it was before he got out of his stance. He's just too long to play guard.

Newhouse is a crushing block in the run game for a LT. They gotta get him playing on the right side.

Alex Green seems to have good enough vision. Probably the fastest of the three backs over the span of 20 yards or so. He's got some nice wiggle too.

[vince]

I've heard Nick McDonald has struggled in camp, and he had some real letdowns in this game.

I didn't see some of his work in the trenches, but he did impress me getting out leading on two screens. He took out two guys on the Alex Green play and created a lane for Grant to cut upfield on, only to have Grant go outside and into the guy McDonald had sealed to the outside. McDonald may well need to continue to get stronger and develop, but he looks to me like he has great movement and good potential for the future at center.

[Harlan Huckleby]

That is diametrically opposed to the philosophy of team building that Thompson and McCarthy have implemented with so much success. If they have to pick up a vet QB off the street that has no experience in working with McCarthy in his offense, they will be seriously desperate. It's all about the quarterback and no one is better at developing them in-house out of nothing than McCarthy and Clements.

Getting Flynn's services for 3 years and a 3rd or 4th from a 7th, and getting Harrell for absolutely nothing are not bad deals.

Your last sentence is confusing. Sound like you are advocating trading Flynn. I agree for a 1st or 2nd rounder only, because he's ready to be a good starter now.

I get McCarthy's strategy of developing QBs inhouse, then getting a cheap backup that lives and breathes the system. I'm onboard. But the QB has to be ready to backup in their second year, or the idea doesn't work. I see enough in Harrell that he can serve as the backup now. If I'm to optimistic on this point, cut his texas ass.

High draft picks are golden.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Jarius Wynn actually impressed me. He looks improved.

AFAIR, (as far as i remember) Wynn made his hay against the backup O-lineman. But I won't piss in the punchbowl.

Francois seemed to be everywhere, and D.J. Smith looks like he can play. Perhaps the depth at ILB isn't terrible.

Francois looked pretty quick and sturdy. I'm not sure D.J Smith has made the roster. He makes mistakes. Definitely promise there.

[Fritz]

Blue Dog, I think what Vince means is that if Flynn walks away as an FA and signs a pretty healthy contract to start at QB somewhere next year, the Pack will get a compensatory pick.

Also, thanks 3irty1 and Harv for the good analysis.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Blue Dog, I think what Vince means is that if Flynn walks away as an FA and signs a pretty healthy contract to start at QB somewhere next year, the Pack will get a compensatory pick .

I see. I'm not so clear on compensatory picks.

[Patler]

I didn't see some of his work in the trenches, but he did impress me getting out leading on two screens. He took out two guys on the Alex Green play and created a lane for Grant to cut upfield on, only to have Grant go outside and into the guy McDonald had sealed to the outside.

Screen to Grant? Do you mean the delay run to him? I don't think Grant had any receptions. Are you sure it was McDonald on the Grant run? I thought it was Wells. (Maybe I just assumed it was Wells because the starters were still in.) Dockett played that very well. Even if Grant cut the wrong way, whoever the blocker was, Wells or McDonald, Dockett tossed him aside like he was nothing.

[3irty1]

I see. I'm not so clear on compensatory picks.

With the contract he'll get in FA, we're looking at a 3rd or 4th round pick in compensation most likely.

[KYPack]

Nice job, 31. Should you get a new avatar, but maybe you should keep your "predator" for historical purposes.

I agree with your post on the game. etc. Green looks great, maybe he can work with Edgar on the sly to learn some blitz pick-up and blocking tricks. The kid is clueless in that area. Can Fontenot somehow channel some knowlege in that area and teach the kid a trick or two?

Some comments from the "dark side".

Guys we have to cut (or PS, whatever)

Pat Lee. I was happy when we drafted him. The CB from Auburn. I'd seen an Auburn game and they had a good looking kid at corner. Rough, but lots of skill & upside. When Lee got here, he looked like a different player. And he was. The kid I saw was drafted by NE. He's a pretty good hand. Lee is not. Lee has decptive speed. He's slower than he looks. Lee is a triple threat. He's slow, not quick and has bad instincts. He always makes the wrong choice. Passive when he should commit himself, out of position when he does. He's a former #2 pick, but let's use the Brian Brohm rule and cut his ass.

Ricky Elmore a Stand-up DE in college. The conversion to 3-4 OLB has failed. Ricky cannot hack the program. He gets killed in practice against our 3's, invisible in games. It didn't work, maybe PS, he's a kid. Don't think he can ever play in the NFL.

Brad Jones It's such fun to make a prediction about a guy and see him blossom and make you a "seer". I really liked Jones as a rook. A skinny dude, but showed some decent instincts and he gave a flash that he worked in the film room. Then, he had that horrible play-off game against the Cards in '09. I thought Jones might emerge as "the other guy opposite CMIII" I thought about posting that Jones would come on & be 'the guy' in 2011. Then, I figured I should wait and see what happened in a game or so. Would I have been wrong (Partially wrong?) Oh yeah. This kid has lost it. I saw him in goal line against Cleveland. He looks like Caspar the Friendly Ghost. The kid has forgotten how to play football or something. It would take a complete 180 for him to make the team. It's disappointing, but time to move on.

[Fritz]

I like that one, KY - the "Brian Brohm" rule. This would be the opposite of the "BJ Sander" rule.

And I agree on Lee - I was rooting for the guy, but it seems clear he just doesn't have what it takes. And Jones, well, he does seem to have disappeared.

[Patler]

With the contract he'll get in FA, we're looking at a 3rd or 4th round pick in compensation most likely.

I think we might all be disappointed in the draft pick the Packers get for Flynn leaving in free agency. I doubt he will sign that big of a contract in comparison to top QB contracts around the league, unless he gets significant playing time this year and performs well. Since that will require Rodgers to be out, I sincerely hope it does not happen.

[Yoop]

Your last sentence is confusing. Sound like you are advocating trading Flynn. I agree for a 1st or 2nd rounder only, because he's ready to be a good starter now.

I get McCarthy's strategy of developing QBs inhouse, then getting a cheap backup that lives and breathes the system. I'm onboard. But the QB has to be ready to backup in their second year, or the idea doesn't work. I see enough in Harrell that he can serve as the backup now. If I'm to optimistic on this point, cut his texas ass.

High draft picks are golden.

how could you have seen enough of Harrell to be convinced he's ready to step into live action against a 1st team defense? thats a stretch of the imagination, lol it's rare to see a late rounder like Flynn be as ready as he is let alone Harrell with basically one off season of work, normally it takes 2 off season for most QB's to be ready, AR is the best in the league, why? because he got time to transition, sure today top picks are expected to play, but it's a money and shortage of talent problem mostly, imo every QB could be better when they start in the NFL if they had a season to groom first.

[vince]

Screen to Grant? Do you mean the delay run to him? I don't think Grant had any receptions. Are you sure it was McDonald on the Grant run? I thought it was Wells. (Maybe I just assumed it was Wells because the starters were still in.) Dockett played that very well. Even if Grant cut the wrong way, whoever the blocker was, Wells or McDonald, Dockett tossed him aside like he was nothing.

I had a couple plays confused. Thanks for clarifying that Patler. I was thinking of another play where he got to the second level on a Green run that went for 5 yards. The Grant run was with Wells.

I did go back and look at every play McDonald was in the game on and there was only one negative play, which came in the first series where he got pushed back and Flynn was sacked by his guy after Flynn moved up in the pocket and McDonald no longer had leverage on his man. He got good push on the goal line score by Green and had a number of positive plays at center after that. I'm not sure how they look at a lineman who does what's expected of him but my guess after re-watching each play is that he graded out positive for the game.