It is official -- Bulaga and Sitton are on the left side

[denverYooper]

Poor drafting, reckless management, I don't even know how Murphy lets these bums stick around.

These are dark days, my friends.

[rbaloha1]

Poor drafting, reckless management, I don't even know how Murphy lets these bums stick around.

These are dark days, my friends.

Again, A-rod masks the problems which continues to make everyone appear good. Takeaway AR -- no playoffs.

It is just live Favre's success allowed numerous coaches head coaching opportunities. Some succeeded (Gruden, Reid, etc.). Some failed (Mornenenwig, etc.)

In regards to the niners drafting success due to draft position -- hogwash. When you draft higher you must also pick the correct players which the niners consistently doing. The Cowboys 90's success from the Walker trade was selecting the CORRECT PLAYERS.

The Packers selected #5 overall and selected Hawk. The niners select #6 and selected Vernon Davis. The Packers with a mid first round pick selected Justin Harrell.

[KYPack]

Poor drafting, reckless management, I don't even know how Murphy lets these bums stick around.

These are dark days, my friends.

Yep, we are definitely in a huge heap of shit, kids.

There is only one thing I can do.

Gonna fashion myself a good tinfoil hat, to protect myself from all these huge chunks of sky that are raining down on all of us.

[rbaloha1]

Yep, we are definitely in a huge heap of shit, kids.

There is only one thing I can do.

Gonna fashion myself a good tinfoil hat, to protect myself from all these huge chunks of sky that are raining down on all of us.

Dad, you will protect us.

[Brandon494]

Love the move, for one it puts our best lineman on Rodgers blind side and he it also gives us the best run blocking unit if Barclay wins the RT spot. I would think Marshall backs up RT and Sherrod at LT while both rookies will be backups on the interior line. I can't wait to see what Rodgers can do with a solid running game this season if everything works out.

[pbmax]

nm

[Fritz]

I'm not comparing the talents, just putting SF in the same situation as Green Bay.

Anthony Davis breaks both the bones in his leg late one season and is gone the whole next season.
Joe Staley goes down with a hip injury in week 9 of the following season.

That's going to have an effect on a team's season. Are the reserves going to be just as good as the starters? No, they are reserves. Let's look at how the OL was built:

Joe Staley, LT 1st round pick 28 in 2007
The 49ers acquired Staley after trading into the first round with the New England Patriots. The Niners gave their 2008 1st Round Pick(which became Jerrod Mayo) and a 4th Round pick in 2007. The Patriots subsequently traded the fourth round pick (110 overall) to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Randy Moss.

He started as a RT and swapped over to LT the next year. Had he been injured at any point in his early development, it would have set the team back, especially since they gave up a first round pick to acquire him.

Mike Iupati, LG, drafted 1st round, pick 17
#17: Carolina → San Francisco (PD). Carolina traded this selection to San Francisco for 2009 second- (43rd overall; Carolina selected Everette Brown) and fourth-round selections (111th overall; Carolina selected Mike Goodson).

Jonathan Goodwin, C, drafted by Jets in 5th round 2002
He's 34 now. On August 3, 2011, Goodwin signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent.

Alex Boone, RG, undrafted free agent in 2009
After being signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent following the 2009 NFL Draft, he was released on the final day of roster cuts. He was subsequently signed to the practice squad. He was signed to the active roster on January 6, 2010. In the 2012 season he exceeded expectations by becoming a starter, and by performing at or near Pro Bowl caliber levels.[2] One journalist called Boone one of the most underpaid players in the NFL.

Anthony Davis, RT, drafted 1st round, pick 11 in 2010
#11: multiple trades:
#11: Chicago → Denver (PD). Chicago traded this selection, a 2009 first-round selection (18th overall; Denver selected Robert Ayers) and a 2009 third-round selection (84th overall; traded to Pittsburgh, who selected Mike Wallace), and quarterback Kyle Orton to Denver for quarterback Jay Cutler and a 2009 fifth-round selection (140th overall, Chicago selected Johnny Knox).[source 1]
#11: Denver → San Francisco (D). Denver traded this selection it acquired from Chicago to San Francisco for a first-round selection (13th overall; traded to Philadelphia, who selected Brandon Graham) and a fourth-round selection (113th overall; traded to New England, who selected Aaron Hernandez).

So, in my example, Joe Staley and Anthony Davis both go down. Who does that leave them with for healthy starting OL? Iupati. He's obviously good. We have Sitton. He's good too. What does it leave them with at center? A journeyman on his 3rd team who is still productive, but getting up there in years. Finally they have Alex Boone, an undrafted free agent who was on their practice squad and really made good once he got an opportunity.

We spent 2 first rounders on OT, they spent 4 first round picks to get 3 first rounders since they had to give up a first rounder to get Staley back in 2007. We had an old center last year who was just a stop gap. Now we have someone we hope is the next Alex Boone. They both entered the league in 2009 as undrafted free agents and now EDS is getting a shot. We'll see if he makes good.

So, the difference in the path taken to build the offensive line is Mike Iupati (a first rounder pick) and Josh Sitton (a fourth round pick). Otherwise, we both drafted OT's in the first round, they have an undrafted guard they hit on and we have T.J. Lang. Then it's journeyman guy at center vs. EDS. They are not built so wildly different if you really look at it. What is the difference by and large? Health for one and body type/scheme. They always wanted to run the ball with Gore and we have not had a strong commitment to the run. This year we drafted a bruiser and an edge guy at RB, so that might just change. SF can show different looks on offense with what they have built. Green Bay is identified mostly by the passing game with the exception of when they could get a few solid performances from James Starks in the playoffs in 2010. I think the commitment level is about to change. That will make the Packers less predictable and help the offense and Aaron Rodgers even more.

Now we just need a run of good health and with that some continuity and I think we will be OK. I can't control what Thompson does with the draft or how he and MM build an OL, so I don't stress about it. I wish them well.

This is a good, thoughtful post. It takes into account one factor that changes the whole equation: injuries. That's not to say that if Bulaga and Sherrod hadn't gotten hurt they'd have been awesome - but the point is, we'll probably never know. Although I have hope both will be healed and we can see.

As fans, we are uncomfortable with discussing the impact of injury too much, because we've been taught that that's excuse making. And to some degree it is. But you still ought to account for it in discussions like these, because several of these posts have been dismissive of the Thompson offensive line drafts without considering injury as one factor, especially when compared to SF's healthy line.

We might be hailing Ted as an offensive line drafting genius had Sherrod not gotten hurt, and Bulaga as well. We might not. But we'll never know.

[Patler]

Injuries to high draft picks have influenced roster building and team performance.

Had Murphy not been injured, who knows how anxious TT would have been to draft Jennings, or Jones, or Nelson. One of those later picks might have been spent on another position.

Had Harrell not been hurt and instead performed reasonably well, who knows what different complexion the defense might have.

Had Collins not been hurt, he could be playing for years yet, and teamed with Burnett the back end could be a strength of the defense instead of a question mark.

Had Sherrod not been injured, maybe the line would be set for a number of years, except for center.

You can even take it a step further, and say had Spitz not been injured after taking over at center, that position might have been stable today, too. Of course, that would have required a new contract with Spitz too.


Injuries are always a part of the game, but it seems the Packers have had more than their fair share of career ending or career altering injuries to prominent players who could/should have had a strong impact on the team today.

[woodbuck27]

Hold on a second. Who is backing up Left Tackle?

Yesterday afternoon Sunday 05 May, 2013...I got thinking more about your question, pb.

I look at it this way. Who's our backup LT? First>>>Who's our starting LT?

The latest announcement informs us that Bryan Bulaga will shift over to LT. That's left to be determined RE: Will he be even close (r) to a better fit than the latest 'disaster', in terms of run support, Marshall Newhouse. Who in all fairness was on ... his... learning curve. Who in all fairness was getting it and protecting Aaron Rodgers better late in the season and the pass.

In that regard and LT efficiency... the fact that the running game was improved must be factored in.

We've gone from discussing the running game and the Zone Blocking System. That's morphed into what? To the latest news and Green bay Packer OL and more>>> political musical chairs.

How long ago was it that we were discussing 'the new' Zone Blocking System (ZBS) and the efficiency that will lend to the Packer running game? Running game >>> what running game, under the watchful eye of Ted Thompson and in terms of any consistency after Ryan Grant?

What running game, when MM somehow loses sight of a game plan and focus? Aborting a working strategy not continuing to exploit that running game. When that running game is working on that day >>> that game.

What's that >>>why's that... Packer fans? You know the answer. If that answer is the correct one. Do you seriously expect a real change in the Packer offensive primary weapon ..the passing game? It better change as opposition defenses have caught up to that.

The Packers running game.

Ted Thompson's latest 'new' focus. His latest focus in the 2013 draft. A different flavour/focus than where he correctly went in the 2012 draft; and sadly left 'only' partially finished.

Decisions >>>decisions. Ohh .... what to do!?

The newest focus 'a HUGE investment' >>> Aaron Rodgers. A new presumption. RB 'talent' will protect TT's investment in Aaron Rodgers.

Sadly that thinking seems to me to be flawed. There's a huge glitch in that thinking/strategy:

Before you can drive a vehicle (the brand new/shiney RB) down **a new highway.

**The NFL >>> and the Packer's OL Vs the Best NFL Team's DL. (see below please **).

Winding the clock back 'in review':

Your, 'of course' aware that last season. We witnessed just how huge that OL failure was. 51 QB sacks and 33 of those credited directly to the Packer OL. The Packer QB SACK Stat 'negatively padded' via the cautiousness of Aaron Rodgers, contributing to his own demise in terms of another(18) SACK's.

At the final whistle...an enormous 51 QB SACK's total. That must stop or the conclusion is obvious. Someone is going to get seriously banged up. . . . Aaron Rodgers.

** Before the vehicle (s) can get access to 'the highway'. Tha highway has to be constructed...finished...examined ...approved ... and then finally.... opened for traffic (the RB's). Maybe that task isn't so great; looking back on the emergence of DuJuan 'Little big Man' Harris?

I'm likely like you and hope not. I like it to be easy ...too.

Yet ... please allow me to focus on that highway.The question that begs to be asked has again been answered last week. The highway is again under re-construction. Running game and 'new shiny RB's' >>> 'buyer beware'.

The real question should be:

At what stage is the highway at, in terms of completion; or, all good to go/safe for all vehicles?

Have 'the right materials'; 'an ample supply of right materials' ! Been made available by Ted Thompson?

HC Mike McCarthy has to do the best he can with the pieces given him. MM has a confusing puzzel to solve, with pieces from four different puzzels. He has 'sorta' LT pieces, that may fit better as RT pieces. LG pieces that are re-hammered RG pieces.

MM's view = LG>><<RG; with 'a blessing' in dependable G Josh Sitton.

MM has a ***6' - 2 " (308 lb) UFA at Center.

The last *** 'smallish fella' at Center, was allowed to walk in FA. Ignoring the fact that he was a solid puzzel piece. Proof of that; Mr. Wells election to the Pro Bowl. That ignored, for an aged Center from the AFC !? Another 'blind experiment', that 'unfortunately' was doomed to failure. Will 'as I re-call it', continue to cost the Packers CAP this season.

MM's latest response at Center. A UFA and cast-off >>>re-claimed >>>given a second life Packers', Evan Dietrich-Smith. Who in all fairness is at the bottom end, of his learning curve.

MM presents us with an 'OL deck shuffel'. I admire his PR skills... if not his sincerety.

That announcement based in a brand new focus !

The Packers need to accomodate two highly prized draft picks at RB. Eddie Lacy... 'the new pride of the RB stabel' and Johnathan Franklin 'the designated' #2 man.

DuJuan Harris played 'Little Big Man' late last season and will be in a fight to be retained, or his 'thanks and goodbye' will be extended. As Packer fans don't we owe DuJuan Harris's heart for football? DuJuan Harris>>> 'the light' >>> finally came on for Ted Thompson. He finally saw his QB, not knocked on his ass. Answered part of the question, as to how to prevent that 'dangerous event'.

Maybe ...Alex Green gets a reprieve (if the Packers go with four RB's). It's bye bye and thanks for showing up sometimes, Mr.Starks.

We see a deck shuffle. " That's how the Packers OL is built to perform." Errrrcchh ! Nope ! Let's toss that delusion to the curb.

Our OL is weak. Not 'big and strong' is strictly, a partial criticism. I look to the talent level at a paricular position. I'm also aware that we don't live in a perfect world and things Packer.

The basic TRUTH. Our OL is weak. Clear evidence of that TRUTH is it's ranking in terms of the running game. Only three NFL teams 'run block' worse, than the Green Bay Packers OL. So much for the 'to be daunting' ZBS. That's 'morphed' into something else, to provide 'whatever' is the newest flavour/strategy.

How did the Green Bay Packers ever arrive at....... 'so political' !?

Whatever...the truth is.... that the OL is like the 3-4 defensive scheme. Based in the roster choices, clearly not working. The finger is pointed to the size factor. Sure ... but my position is that it's moreso a lack of talent. With TT's attitude of 'NO' to FA. He must focus correctly on a solid strategy towords drafting extremely well. After succeeding at that; TT then needs to be blessed with 'at least', some average luck. He's certainly not naive or aware that one out of two of his draft picks; will 'maybe' be headed North to Canada, after all the prospects 'and NFL', weigh in.

Every puzzel piece has to somehow fit every puzzel spot. As Wist43 points out the Packers draft a tackle assuming he will easily turn out to be a superior guard. Ignoring the simple fact that a tackle is a tackle a guard a guard and please draft a center... to play CENTER.

Those prospects have to transfer/translate their talents to the BIG TIME >>>the NFL.

That generally and optimistically takes about three seasons.

Be patient Packer fans. That's exactly where my Packer fan reality lives.

GO PACK GO !

[pbmax]

Injuries are always a part of the game, but it seems the Packers have had more than their fair share of career ending or career altering injuries to prominent players who could/should have had a strong impact on the team today.

If I could be guaranteed to get an actionable answer to two questions about the Packers instead of any draft picks (or say contribution from draft picks) I would take:

1. Are the Packers doing anything to contribute/prolong to injuries?

2. Why does the defense play disciplined in one game then undisciplined in 2 others?

Solve those two riddles, I like the odds. Unfortunately, odds are long that they get any answers at all.

[Fritz]

Well, we can at least be assured the Packers are trying to get answers to both those questions, and have way more info at their disposal than we do. But who knows whether the answers they come up with can then be translated into actions that will resolve the problems?

[Pugger]

Injuries to high draft picks have influenced roster building and team performance.

Had Murphy not been injured, who knows how anxious TT would have been to draft Jennings, or Jones, or Nelson. One of those later picks might have been spent on another position.

Had Harrell not been hurt and instead performed reasonably well, who knows what different complexion the defense might have.

Had Collins not been hurt, he could be playing for years yet, and teamed with Burnett the back end could be a strength of the defense instead of a question mark.

Had Sherrod not been injured, maybe the line would be set for a number of years, except for center.

You can even take it a step further, and say had Spitz not been injured after taking over at center, that position might have been stable today, too. Of course, that would have required a new contract with Spitz too.


Injuries are always a part of the game, but it seems the Packers have had more than their fair share of career ending or career altering injuries to prominent players who could/should have had a strong impact on the team today.

I'm with you. All of these injuries has made an impact on this team. These major injuries to high draft picks have made it a hell of lot more challenging to win, that's for darn sure. I find it incredible were able to be as successful as we were last year considering Woodson, Jennings, Matthews, Nelson and Bulaga all were unavailable for stretches of games last year and we lost Bishop and Perry too. Of all of the playoff teams last year we were hit the hardest but still managed to win 11 regular season games. With all of the new talent assembled these past 2 years if we can have the health we had in 2011 I like our chances.

[denverYooper]

If I could be guaranteed to get an actionable answer to two questions about the Packers instead of any draft picks (or say contribution from draft picks) I would take:

1. Are the Packers doing anything to contribute/prolong to injuries?

2. Why does the defense play disciplined in one game then undisciplined in 2 others?

Solve those two riddles, I like the odds. Unfortunately, odds are long that they get any answers at all.

At some point, there were a few articles and sound bytes from M3 indicating that they were doing some serious study in the offseason on #1. I wonder if part of the conclusion was that they need to focus more on the running game - through talent and reps. It would make a certain amount of sense, because it allows the OL to be the aggressors more often and should, if they become proficient enough, give the defense more rest, thus lowering their fatigue and all of the negative effects therefrom.

[George Cumby]

Yep, we are definitely in a huge heap of shit, kids.

There is only one thing I can do.

Gonna fashion myself a good tinfoil hat, to protect myself from all these huge chunks of sky that are raining down on all of us.

You may join me in the fallout shelter I dug in my backyard. I have lots of MRE's and HotPockets. You will have to supply your own laxative and toilet paper.

Seriously, though, it's the injury thing which is so troublesome as it doesn't seem to improve.

[woodbuck27]

This is a good, thoughtful post. It takes into account one factor that changes the whole equation: injuries. That's not to say that if Bulaga and Sherrod hadn't gotten hurt they'd have been awesome - but the point is, we'll probably never know. Although I have hope both will be healed and we can see.

As fans, we are uncomfortable with discussing the impact of injury too much, because we've been taught that that's excuse making. And to some degree it is. But you still ought to account for it in discussions like these, because several of these posts have been dismissive of the Thompson offensive line drafts without considering injury as one factor, especially when compared to SF's healthy line.

We might be hailing Ted as an offensive line drafting genius had Sherrod not gotten hurt, and Bulaga as well. We might not. But we'll never know.

Solid or certainly valid factoring Fritz.

Here it goes right now in Canada and the CFL. The Annual CFL College Draft is getting set to go this afternoon. I'm going to watch it on 'the Sports Network' TSN.

There will be 7 Rounds of drafting on the tube.

First on the clock >>> The Hamilton Tiger-cats. The analysis is draft the BEST Canadian available and assist changeing a Hamilton Defense ...that did very badly in the 2012 season. It was actually last in many categories. It should be the large 300 lb plus Defensive Lineman Fr. the Calgary Dynamos....DE (Yup ... no shit!) Linden Gaydosh.

I'm particularly interested to see where the lad that TT is bringing in for... I assume.... a competition at OLB, from Montreal, Canada >>> will be drafted in the CFL. I'm writing of College DE Andy Mulumba.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=114433&draftyear=2013&genpos=DE

Edit:

In fact ....DE Lindon Gaydosh from The Calgary Dynamos and Home...East River, Alberta ...was the first pick of the CFL Draft ...2013 Edition. He's now a Hamilton Tiger-Cat.