CUT THROAT CONTACTS.....COULD 4 of 6 REALLY BE GONE NEXT YEAR ?

[Cheesehead Craig]

Is it shaped like Casey Hayward?

LOL. But likely true to some degree.

I love Woodson but I don't think it's coincidence that the secondary is playing better without him. I thought last year when the team had to rely on him for the secondary calls that he blew too many assignments and gambles far too often and that his communication wasn't that great. The guys that are in there are giving up far fewer big plays and blown assignments. Sure some have their limitations but keeping things in front of them and being where they are supposed to be has done wonders overall for the coverage.

I believe Woodson will be released. It's sad as I think he's a class act guy but with the same injury coming up again and the way the secondary is gelling without him, I don't see how he's kept around for that dollar figure.

[Pugger]

Finley is one of those guys who spends far too much time talking about himself, explaining himself, trying to analyze himself for reporters. In and of itself, that does not make him any more or less valuable as a player; but for some fans (and I suspect some teammates as well) it gets tiring to listen to. Lack of maturity, self-confidence, or something.

It will be interesting to see his contributions Sunday and for however long their playoff run extends. I suspect the JS article was on the money as of a month ago, and the Packer brain trust was tending toward releasing him before paying the roster bonus in the off season. His recent turn-around of sorts might have them changing their minds. A long playoff run with significant contributions from Finley could be the icing on the cake for his return in 2013.

The ESPN Milwaukee article mentions self-confidence as well. I think Finley sometimes substitutes bravado for confidence and perseverance.

I can't think of many guys starting in the NFL that don't have a lot of self-confidence. You may be right about Finley's bravado but as long as he stays out of trouble and his coaches and teammates don't have a problem with him I won't either.

[Fritz]

That would make sense, PBS. Again, though, no one here seems to be acknowledging how difficult it will be to keep Raji. I think he wants out.

[denverYooper]

That would make sense, PBS. Again, though, no one here seems to be acknowledging how difficult it will be to keep Raji. I think he wants out.

Why do you think Raji wants out?

I just went back and found your post about his desire to get upfield. Have you read quotes or anything indicating that he'd like to do this?

[denverYooper]

The Packers should have hired Mike Singletary as their TE coach. He would have gotten Finley's mind right sooner.

[Fritz]

Why do you think Raji wants out?

I just went back and found your post about his desire to get upfield. Have you read quotes or anything indicating that he'd like to do this?

Just a couple articles a year or two ago about how Raji thinks his numbers would be way better if he were in a different system. He just strikes me as the kind of guy who would like the recognition that comes with big numbers. He's been a good soldier, but I have a feeling he'd like to be a bigger star in a bigger solar system.

A large market team that runs a system that allows defensive linemen to get upfield - that's my guess.

[King Friday]

Raji thinks he can get upfield?

Seriously?

Has he seen his ass lately?

[Guiness]

Just a couple articles a year or two ago about how Raji thinks his numbers would be way better if he were in a different system. He just strikes me as the kind of guy who would like the recognition that comes with big numbers. He's been a good soldier, but I have a feeling he'd like to be a bigger star in a bigger solar system.

A large market team that runs a system that allows defensive linemen to get upfield - that's my guess.

The 3-4 D is not flattering to defensive linemen. They become more like offensive linemen, only noticed when they screw up. Certainly a lot less opportunities to shine.

[pbmax]

Raji thinks he can get upfield?

Seriously?

Has he seen his ass lately?

He has had some of his best games in the Eagle Okie package, which has made a resurgence in the second half of the season. It features Pick on the nose (1 tech), Raji at 3 tech (DT) and Neal/Wilson at a 5 tech. In that defense (which resembles a 4-3 Under front I believe) his job is to 1 gap penetrate and he has been very good in that role.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.espnmilwaukee.com/common/...5841&is_corp=1

" Now, Finley enters the regular-season finale at Minnesota Sunday with 53 receptions for 595 yards and two touchdowns, putting him two shy of his career high in receptions (55, which he set in 2009 and matched in 2011) and three shy of the franchise single-season record for receptions by a tight end (56, set by Paul Coffman in 1979).

While ProFootballFocus.com has him for nine dropped passes on the season, Finley has only two drops in the past seven games. And in last Sunday’s 55-7 blowout of the Tennessee Titans, Finley had five catches for a season-high 70 yards, including catches on three consecutive plays on the final drive of the first half. " Fr. Story

Comment woodbuck27:

That's a good story.

Our GM doesn't have an easy job this off season. How will TT drop or trade a still young, developing and maturing TE (Jermichael Finley) that in all likelyhood could set a franchiae record for receptions by a TE this season?

GO PACK GO !

[woodbuck27]

Raji thinks he can get upfield?

Seriously?

Has he seen his ass lately?

Now that's funny. I take it that your not allowing alot of credibility for any Raji notions of more tackles and sacks.

[mraynrand]

I didn't read the entire thread but if Finley and Jennings go, I bet they end up with Chicago and Minnesota, respectively - and have outstanding seasons. Carry on.

[imscott72]

I think Hawk restructures and sticks around. He's been solid this year. Woodson and Jennings are most likely gone. I wouldn't write Finley off just yet.

[pbmax]

I think Hawk restructures and sticks around. He's been solid this year. Woodson and Jennings are most likely gone. I wouldn't write Finley off just yet.

It would be great, but I think the chances are lessened by his good season. He might not be willing to reduce the cap number unless he gets an extension and some more upfront.

[KYPack]

He has had some of his best games in the Eagle Okie package, which has made a resurgence in the second half of the season. It features Pick on the nose (1 tech), Raji at 3 tech (DT) and Neal/Wilson at a 5 tech. In that defense (which resembles a 4-3 Under front I believe) his job is to 1 gap penetrate and he has been very good in that role.

It's tough to equate a 30 front with 40 front terminology. A 4-3 under would have both DT's in a 3 tech. With Pickett on the nose, that would be a zero technique and the equivelant of a 4-3 over.

With Wilson back and Neal resurgent, I like out DLine's chances at performing well.