Originally posted by HarveyWallbangers
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It was a big knock on Sherrod and a big plus for Carpenter coming out. Newhouse faces a similar challenge to Sherrod. He's had to learn all new technique. It takes time to ingrain that muscle memory and trust in the technique. He's bounced around too.
I'm turning into a fan of Newhouse. From where he came, what he's had to overcome. . . . . McCarthy talks about players being, "on time." On time is different for every player. For Shields, it would be different than a top prospect coming out of Saban's defense. For Sherrod, it's going to be different than Bulaga. I think all things considered, Newhouse is, "on time." He's well below average right now, but I think there are teams with worse starting LT's that Marshall Newhouse right now. I'd like to have a better LT today, but he's not killing us either.
If I had to bet on it, I'm betting Newhouse becomes a staple of the Packers OL for years to come. If I had to guess his position, I'm going to say LT. With Sherrods knee injury, he's really turned into a project, even more than he already was. The way Newhouse is trending, Sherrod might never get a chance to replace him. Newhouse seems like a durable guy too. He's athletic, seems loose.
I like him a lot and I think the two week span he's going to get going into the playoffs is going to be a great chance for him to get a little refresher on his technique. Even guys like Rodgers, Sitton, Raji, Matthews. . . . Coaches talk about taking time to keep re-establishing their foot and leverage technique. The best of the best benefit from it. Newhouse has had a fast and furious introduction to the NFL. Somehow I doubt he has a lot of time to just focus on solidifying his technique.
My prediction. . . . . Newhouse surprises us and plays solid ball in the playoffs. He keeps his spot. Cliffy was doing a better job keeping his body between the defender and the QB, but he was getting shoved back right into Rodgers lap. Newhouse tends to get beat outside but recovers to push the DL backward. AR can usually step up and the strength of our OL is inside. For our offense, Newhouse's weaknesses aren't as painful as they could be and I don't think they're as permanent (even in the short term) as they're made out to be.


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