any news on cliffy?

[rbaloha1]

I like the idea of Lang moving to center (if Wells is unsigned) and BB playing lg. What a site to see BB and JS pulling and bulldozing defensive players on screens.

[Fritz]

Screw it. Just re-sign Wells and be done with it.

[Harlan Huckleby]

They have to resign Wells, he is key to the roll they are on. We haven't seen enough of Newhouse & Sherrod to handicap all the positions across the line. The fact that they didn't meltdown last week is hugely encouraging, though. I would hate to see Bulaga moved from a position where he is performing well.

apologies for the Captain Obvious post, will try to have something better next time.

[rbaloha1]

IMO BB is a better guard.

[pbmax]

I saw Sitton and Lang struggle but didn't notice Wells except for one bad run play. I suppose a severe test will be 2 games versus Detroit.

I do remember Bulaga giving Colledge a run for his money last year in camp, but I thought their performance was pretty similar. However, I have no specific memory of the reporting before he got injured.

[Patler]

I'm not the only one who thinks Bulaga could be moved inside.
From NFP:

*With left tackle Chad Clifton expected to miss significant time, it looks like the Packers will be reliant on 2010 fifth round pick Marshall Newhouse to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside. Some analysts thought the Packers reached for Newhouse in the fifth round last year. Many teams thought Newhouse was a guard only coming out of Texas Christian even though he played left tackle there. In fact, even Packers coaches thought he was a guard initially. But this year in camp, they put him at tackle and liked what they saw. Now they believe Newhouse’s best position is left tackle. Newhouse has enough quick feet and athleticism to play tackle. He could be Clifton’s eventual replacement. If it plays out that way, 2011 first round pick Derrick Sherrod will likely play right tackle, and 2010 first round pick Bryan Bulaga probably will move inside to guard.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Anybody else hear the comment during the Rams game by one of the broadcasters stating that Clifton would be out 2-3 weeks? I wonder if that was pure speculation, a mistake, or if they had some inside information. It seemed odd because I would suspect Clifton would be out for awhile. With how well Newhouse is playing I'm not sure if we wouldn't better off just going with Newhouse and letting him develop.

[vince]

I'd guess that was a misinterpretation of McCarthy's statement that he'll be evaluated in 2 weeks. I'd be shocked if he's back in that short time and surprised if he's back at all.

Newhouse will get his big test this week. It'll be interesting to see how much McCarthy trusts him on Allen on an island. I hope he gets a lot of help because I think Rodgers and the receivers can handle MN's weak and banged up DB's with just a few guys enroute. Keeping Rodgers untouched should be a high priority in this game because he'll slice up their secondary when he has time.

[Upnorth]

I agree with Vince for the upcoming game.

Long term the thought of Sherrod at RT Buluga at LG is hard to figure, as Buluga is a very good RT. If Newhouse is the real deal, and it looks good (Allen will tell us what we need to know) and Buluga is LG then our blind side protection will be amazing. HOwever runs to the left might be tricky, I haven't seen enough power out of Buluga to run blick as a guard consistently. I must admit I have really only focused on his pass protection at tackle so I might be out to lunch.
Finally I think it is very important to resign wells and get his eventual replacement on roster.

[denverYooper]

I'd guess that was a misinterpretation of McCarthy's statement that he'll be evaluated in 2 weeks. I'd be shocked if he's back in that short time and surprised if he's back at all.

Newhouse will get his big test this week. It'll be interesting to see how much McCarthy trusts him on Allen on an island. I hope he gets a lot of help because I think Rodgers and the receivers can handle MN's weak and banged up DB's with just a few guys enroute. Keeping Rodgers untouched should be a high priority in this game because he'll slice up their secondary when he has time.

I agree with this. If he does well over JA, I have to think the coaching staff probably likes him from this game forward.

[denverYooper]

I agree with Vince for the upcoming game.

Long term the thought of Sherrod at RT Buluga at LG is hard to figure, as Buluga is a very good RT. If Newhouse is the real deal, and it looks good (Allen will tell us what we need to know) and Buluga is LG then our blind side protection will be amazing. HOwever runs to the left might be tricky, I haven't seen enough power out of Buluga to run blick as a guard consistently. I must admit I have really only focused on his pass protection at tackle so I might be out to lunch.
Finally I think it is very important to resign wells and get his eventual replacement on roster.

Bulaga is an outstanding RT. A lot of things would have to happen for him to be moved to LG.

[rbaloha1]

I'd guess that was a misinterpretation of McCarthy's statement that he'll be evaluated in 2 weeks. I'd be shocked if he's back in that short time and surprised if he's back at all.

Newhouse will get his big test this week. It'll be interesting to see how much McCarthy trusts him on Allen on an island. I hope he gets a lot of help because I think Rodgers and the receivers can handle MN's weak and banged up DB's with just a few guys enroute. Keeping Rodgers untouched should be a high priority in this game because he'll slice up their secondary when he has time.

Newhouse had some help in the previous game. Against Allen its probably prudent to have consistent help.

[Pugger]

Newhouse had some help in the previous game. Against Allen its probably prudent to have consistent help.

This.

How is Cliffy coming along anyway?

[Fritz]

I've been wondering about Cliffy's long-term prognosis. Back this season at all?

What about Collins? Is there a chance he can come back next year?

And I do wonder too if MM will be safe and keep some extra protection in (Williams? Crabtree?) on Newhouse's side. I agree - better to keep extra blockers in to keep Rodgers upright and clean, and let a couple receivers work at getting open against Minny's d-bags. I mean, d-backs.

[mraynrand]

I've been wondering about Cliffy's long-term prognosis. Back this season at all?

What about Collins? Is there a chance he can come back next year?

And I do wonder too if MM will be safe and keep some extra protection in (Williams? Crabtree?) on Newhouse's side. I agree - better to keep extra blockers in to keep Rodgers upright and clean, and let a couple receivers work at getting open against Minny's d-bags. I mean, d-backs.

I thought they did a really nice job chipping DEs with the TEs - and getting a pass out to them after the chip - especially right after Clifton was injured. I'd like to see them get Allen with a few decleater chips at the start of the game. Get him looking for it. Getting the ball out fast helps as well, and Rodger's accuracy and decision making makes the quick pass almost unstoppable. And if they start jumping routes, he'll kill 'em with a double move. Stubby/Rodgers seem to be several moves ahead of the opposition.