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Well I can see that Bretsky for some reason beat me to it. Anyways this will be a weekly article on the Home Page and in most cases it will be up just hours after the game. I do take the time to go back and watch the game over, and rewind it every now and then to get a better look at the player. Last year I focused on mostly individual players, this year I will add whole units, like this week I added the offensive line, and special teams as a whole. Well I hope you all enjoy it!
Winners and Loser of the Green Bay Vs San Diego
Well I have to apologize to all you loyal and die hard PackerRats that were patiently waiting at their computer for the first installment of the 2006 Official PackerRats Winners and Losers Column from last nights Green Bay Packers first preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers. I am happy to report that the delay was due to none other than my Brother and Sister in law having their first baby.
Before I get into who the Winners and Losers were from last night, I would like to comment on some players that maybe fell in the middle, such as AJ Hawk and Ahmad Carroll. AJ Hawk seemed to get better and better as the game went on. In the first series he gave up a quick seem route to the Chargers tight end Antonio Gates for 17 yards and a first down. Hawk seemed to be outclassed by the All Pro tight end on that play. Later on in the first quarter and second quarter Hawk seemed to find his rhythm on the field that he has been missing for most of training camp. He chased down ball carriers, and was able to make a nice tackle out in the flat on a flare pass by Phillip Rivers that Hawk read beautifully. Hawk does need to realize that it is not as easy to drag player down in the NFL as it was in college, and also that just sticking a shoulder into a running back isn’t going to drop him as easy as it was for him at Ohio St. Overall I think Hawk has things he needs to improve on, his blitzing for one, but his first taste of the NFL seemed to be an above average experience for AJ Hawk.
Ahmad Carroll got burnt like a bad piece of Rye by Phillip Rivers and Vincent Jackson for the Chargers first touchdown. Jackson has about 5 inches in extra height on Carroll, but Carroll bit on Jackson’s hesitation move, and that was all Jackson needed to get separation from Carroll to haul in a perfect pass from Rivers. Carroll then received an off setting person foul on the punt where the referee was injured. I am not to sure what happened on that play in regards to Carroll. Ahmad seemed to make some adjustments in coverage, and played several passes with excellent technique demonstrated by several pass breakups. No other corner has demonstrated the ability to unseat Carroll as the teams nickel back up until this point. Ahmad has chosen to live and let die, he doesn’t let past plays effect his current state of mind.
Favre was another player that could have and should have had a big game. Favre went 5-10 passing, but easily could have gone 9-10 passing if 3 or 4 of his passes would have been held on too. Other than his first attempt that totally missed his mark, all of his other 10 throws could have been caught. Favre seemed to still have the same old arm strength, and I don't know if Brett Favre at 30 would have been able to escape the pressure that he was under tonight. Favre could not escape three sacks, and was knocked down at least two more times in the first half. The offensive line needs to do a better job at recognizing the blitz, and also picking up stunts by the defensive line.
Winners
Charles Woodson, He will probably be most remembered on Saturday night for catching a punt, making several moves and then falling down in the same spot that he caught the ball, but on a night were the Packers secondary was torched regularly you never once heard Woodson’s name. Teams are unwillingly to test Woodson if they have too. Instead the Chargers decided to pick on Al Harris, and attack the Packers defense with their tight ends. Al Harris is going to have a long year if he doesn’t pick it up. Teams will be looking to match up and throw against Harris instead of going head to head against Charles Woodson.
Rod Gardner, he didn’t get very much time with the number one offense but he made the most of his time catching 2 passes from Rodgers in the second half. One of his passes was for 16 yards and a first down to keep the Packers only scoring drive going. On the play he made a nice diving catch at a ball in front of him. It was also nice to see Gardner get a little excited over the completion.
Aaron Rodgers, he was able to complete his first 6 passes of the night and not all of them were check downs to the running back in the flat. He still is too quick on his reads to his down field receivers, but he demonstrated a poise in the pocket that was a vast improvement from his time under center in 2005. He had one poorly thrown ball, and that was the interception. He had single coverage on Boerichter and didn’t hesitate to throw the ball up. The corner back just flat out beat Boerichter for the football. Rodgers was also able to scramble for 21 yards on three attempts. Rodgers has seemed to develop similar moves to Favre in avoiding the rush by angling his body in certain ways to make him harder to hit when an on coming defensive player has a clean shot at him.
Greg Jennings, He had a rough start, dropping two of Favre’s passes with one almost going for an interception, and then his next drop negated a first down on a fourth down and two situation. Even though Jennings dropped two passes on Favre’s last drive, he was able to haul on in for a first down just two plays after he dropped a previous pass from Favre. Then factors that stand out other than the dropped balls, are that Jennings was able to run good routes, and get open for the opportunity to catch passes. Jennings also dominated the passing game for the Packers in the second half, catching 4 balls total for 68 yards, and one of those catches set up the Packers only scoring opportunity when he hauled in a 48 yard pass from Rodgers.
Tyrone Culver, He was able to step in to the starting defense when Underwood went down with a serious knee injury. His play was far from spectacular, but for a sixth round pick being able to step in there with the first string defense and hold his own says something about this kid’s future with the Packers. Culver had shown several times in the game Saturday that he doesn’t shy away from contact, and wants to stick his nose in there and make hard tackles that will stop the moment of ball carriers, and hits that could lead to breaking up receptions.
Losers
Offensive Line, together they just played flat out terrible. They had trouble protecting the quarterback all night, and they could not maintain their blocks long enough to give the running backs room to run. They operated like a type writer most of the night, where one or two blockers would sustain their blocks, and then have a teammate lose their block to blow up the play. Clifton is just coming back off a knee injury and his time missed has hurt his transition to the new zone blocking scheme. Tauscher who always seems prepared, was confused by a simple twist between the outside linebacker and defensive end, and gave up a sack. Tauscher’s sack came just a play after Colledge let his defender through the middle to nail Favre. It seems like Jason Spitz and Scott Wells had the best outings of all the linemen for the Packers. Out of the back ups, White seemed to hold his own at center, but the second and third string linemen were still unable to open up holes for Samkon Gado or Noah Herron. To think that this line was going to gel in the running game and passing game by the first preseason game need to have their heads examined. This unit has a long way to go.
Al Harris, he is going to learn that he is going to get picked on with Charles Woodson playing opposite of him. Harris was lucky that Jackson was not able to get his feet in bounds, otherwise it would have been him getting schooled for the touchdown instead of Ahmad Carroll. Harris also gave up a ridiculous 10 yard catch to McCardell in the Chargers first drive. McCardell ran a simple 10 yards and then turned around, Harris was a good five yards off of him when McCardell got his hands on the ball.
Tra Boger, he took a terrible angle on Michael Turners 13 yard scamper for a touchdown. Boger was way outclassed on that play, he was lost in no man’s land. If he is going to make this roster he is going to have to improve his tackling ability. The play should have been stopped for a short gain, but instead it went for a touchdown.
Nick Barnett, What would the first official winners and losers be if I didn't include him. Barnett was totally out of place along with the rest of the defense on the first series when the Chargers ran a tight end screen to Manumaleuna who picked up 30 yards running. Barnett overcompensated to the screen that they set up on the left side of the formation. Barnett failed to realize that they’re were two tight ends to the right of the formation, Ben Taylor took Gates who ran a route down field, Manumaleuna went uncovered as he showed block. Barnett just overacted to the screen to the running back. More than anything it was a good designed play, but Hawk had sniffed out the screen to his side, Barnett should have recognized his coverage responsibilities to the right, and not over commited to the left.
Marviel Underwood, He blew his knee out in the first preseason game. There goes his only chance at starting. It was unfortunate because he had made vast improvement in the 2006 training camp. He had the opportunity with Manuel not being physically able to play, and now it looks that his season is finished.
Special Teams, the Packers averaged 18 yards on 4 kick off returns, and a meager 7 yards on punt returns. These are substandard statistics and if this team is going to improve in the win column this year those numbers have to improve. There were defenders running untouched down the field until the got to the ball carrier. The blocking and scheme failed miserably on Saturday. The punting was below average, with low hang time by both punters. They ended up averaging 42 yards a kick on 7 punts. The Packer did have a nice onside kick late into the fourth quarter that they were not able to capitalize on.
Winners and Loser of the Green Bay Vs San Diego
Well I have to apologize to all you loyal and die hard PackerRats that were patiently waiting at their computer for the first installment of the 2006 Official PackerRats Winners and Losers Column from last nights Green Bay Packers first preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers. I am happy to report that the delay was due to none other than my Brother and Sister in law having their first baby.
Before I get into who the Winners and Losers were from last night, I would like to comment on some players that maybe fell in the middle, such as AJ Hawk and Ahmad Carroll. AJ Hawk seemed to get better and better as the game went on. In the first series he gave up a quick seem route to the Chargers tight end Antonio Gates for 17 yards and a first down. Hawk seemed to be outclassed by the All Pro tight end on that play. Later on in the first quarter and second quarter Hawk seemed to find his rhythm on the field that he has been missing for most of training camp. He chased down ball carriers, and was able to make a nice tackle out in the flat on a flare pass by Phillip Rivers that Hawk read beautifully. Hawk does need to realize that it is not as easy to drag player down in the NFL as it was in college, and also that just sticking a shoulder into a running back isn’t going to drop him as easy as it was for him at Ohio St. Overall I think Hawk has things he needs to improve on, his blitzing for one, but his first taste of the NFL seemed to be an above average experience for AJ Hawk.
Ahmad Carroll got burnt like a bad piece of Rye by Phillip Rivers and Vincent Jackson for the Chargers first touchdown. Jackson has about 5 inches in extra height on Carroll, but Carroll bit on Jackson’s hesitation move, and that was all Jackson needed to get separation from Carroll to haul in a perfect pass from Rivers. Carroll then received an off setting person foul on the punt where the referee was injured. I am not to sure what happened on that play in regards to Carroll. Ahmad seemed to make some adjustments in coverage, and played several passes with excellent technique demonstrated by several pass breakups. No other corner has demonstrated the ability to unseat Carroll as the teams nickel back up until this point. Ahmad has chosen to live and let die, he doesn’t let past plays effect his current state of mind.
Favre was another player that could have and should have had a big game. Favre went 5-10 passing, but easily could have gone 9-10 passing if 3 or 4 of his passes would have been held on too. Other than his first attempt that totally missed his mark, all of his other 10 throws could have been caught. Favre seemed to still have the same old arm strength, and I don't know if Brett Favre at 30 would have been able to escape the pressure that he was under tonight. Favre could not escape three sacks, and was knocked down at least two more times in the first half. The offensive line needs to do a better job at recognizing the blitz, and also picking up stunts by the defensive line.
Winners
Charles Woodson, He will probably be most remembered on Saturday night for catching a punt, making several moves and then falling down in the same spot that he caught the ball, but on a night were the Packers secondary was torched regularly you never once heard Woodson’s name. Teams are unwillingly to test Woodson if they have too. Instead the Chargers decided to pick on Al Harris, and attack the Packers defense with their tight ends. Al Harris is going to have a long year if he doesn’t pick it up. Teams will be looking to match up and throw against Harris instead of going head to head against Charles Woodson.
Rod Gardner, he didn’t get very much time with the number one offense but he made the most of his time catching 2 passes from Rodgers in the second half. One of his passes was for 16 yards and a first down to keep the Packers only scoring drive going. On the play he made a nice diving catch at a ball in front of him. It was also nice to see Gardner get a little excited over the completion.
Aaron Rodgers, he was able to complete his first 6 passes of the night and not all of them were check downs to the running back in the flat. He still is too quick on his reads to his down field receivers, but he demonstrated a poise in the pocket that was a vast improvement from his time under center in 2005. He had one poorly thrown ball, and that was the interception. He had single coverage on Boerichter and didn’t hesitate to throw the ball up. The corner back just flat out beat Boerichter for the football. Rodgers was also able to scramble for 21 yards on three attempts. Rodgers has seemed to develop similar moves to Favre in avoiding the rush by angling his body in certain ways to make him harder to hit when an on coming defensive player has a clean shot at him.
Greg Jennings, He had a rough start, dropping two of Favre’s passes with one almost going for an interception, and then his next drop negated a first down on a fourth down and two situation. Even though Jennings dropped two passes on Favre’s last drive, he was able to haul on in for a first down just two plays after he dropped a previous pass from Favre. Then factors that stand out other than the dropped balls, are that Jennings was able to run good routes, and get open for the opportunity to catch passes. Jennings also dominated the passing game for the Packers in the second half, catching 4 balls total for 68 yards, and one of those catches set up the Packers only scoring opportunity when he hauled in a 48 yard pass from Rodgers.
Tyrone Culver, He was able to step in to the starting defense when Underwood went down with a serious knee injury. His play was far from spectacular, but for a sixth round pick being able to step in there with the first string defense and hold his own says something about this kid’s future with the Packers. Culver had shown several times in the game Saturday that he doesn’t shy away from contact, and wants to stick his nose in there and make hard tackles that will stop the moment of ball carriers, and hits that could lead to breaking up receptions.
Losers
Offensive Line, together they just played flat out terrible. They had trouble protecting the quarterback all night, and they could not maintain their blocks long enough to give the running backs room to run. They operated like a type writer most of the night, where one or two blockers would sustain their blocks, and then have a teammate lose their block to blow up the play. Clifton is just coming back off a knee injury and his time missed has hurt his transition to the new zone blocking scheme. Tauscher who always seems prepared, was confused by a simple twist between the outside linebacker and defensive end, and gave up a sack. Tauscher’s sack came just a play after Colledge let his defender through the middle to nail Favre. It seems like Jason Spitz and Scott Wells had the best outings of all the linemen for the Packers. Out of the back ups, White seemed to hold his own at center, but the second and third string linemen were still unable to open up holes for Samkon Gado or Noah Herron. To think that this line was going to gel in the running game and passing game by the first preseason game need to have their heads examined. This unit has a long way to go.
Al Harris, he is going to learn that he is going to get picked on with Charles Woodson playing opposite of him. Harris was lucky that Jackson was not able to get his feet in bounds, otherwise it would have been him getting schooled for the touchdown instead of Ahmad Carroll. Harris also gave up a ridiculous 10 yard catch to McCardell in the Chargers first drive. McCardell ran a simple 10 yards and then turned around, Harris was a good five yards off of him when McCardell got his hands on the ball.
Tra Boger, he took a terrible angle on Michael Turners 13 yard scamper for a touchdown. Boger was way outclassed on that play, he was lost in no man’s land. If he is going to make this roster he is going to have to improve his tackling ability. The play should have been stopped for a short gain, but instead it went for a touchdown.
Nick Barnett, What would the first official winners and losers be if I didn't include him. Barnett was totally out of place along with the rest of the defense on the first series when the Chargers ran a tight end screen to Manumaleuna who picked up 30 yards running. Barnett overcompensated to the screen that they set up on the left side of the formation. Barnett failed to realize that they’re were two tight ends to the right of the formation, Ben Taylor took Gates who ran a route down field, Manumaleuna went uncovered as he showed block. Barnett just overacted to the screen to the running back. More than anything it was a good designed play, but Hawk had sniffed out the screen to his side, Barnett should have recognized his coverage responsibilities to the right, and not over commited to the left.
Marviel Underwood, He blew his knee out in the first preseason game. There goes his only chance at starting. It was unfortunate because he had made vast improvement in the 2006 training camp. He had the opportunity with Manuel not being physically able to play, and now it looks that his season is finished.
Special Teams, the Packers averaged 18 yards on 4 kick off returns, and a meager 7 yards on punt returns. These are substandard statistics and if this team is going to improve in the win column this year those numbers have to improve. There were defenders running untouched down the field until the got to the ball carrier. The blocking and scheme failed miserably on Saturday. The punting was below average, with low hang time by both punters. They ended up averaging 42 yards a kick on 7 punts. The Packer did have a nice onside kick late into the fourth quarter that they were not able to capitalize on.
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