Sherrod, Richardson, and the Rest of the PUPpies

[pbmax]

I think some are making too much of the Sherrod at guard experiment. It lasted only a couple weeks, and he didn't play exclusively at guard. He also played left tackle even during preseason games. I never thought it was a permanent thought, just a look-see to find out if he might be one of the 5 best before a permanent move to tackle later. Colledge had left, and LG was wide open. Clifton was still around, you had a first round draft pick coming in. Why not see if maybe he could handle it for a year or so?

If he is such a natural tackle as many suggest, a few practices at guard certainly didn't corrupt his entire rookie season, especially since he was still getting practice and game snaps at LT even while they looked at him at guard.

I posted on this in another thread. The majority of snaps in a training camp are early. After the third preseason game (which was the point the Packers declared Lang the winner) McCarthy switches to regular season Game Week mode and that means no more two a days, such as they exist today, shorter practices with less hitting, plus at least two days a week off from practice.

His reps at LT were 3rd string reps behind Newhouse and those would be fewer than 1st or 2nd team reps. His 2nd team reps were at RT after Lang won the job. He did not get 1st team reps after being moved exclusively to Tackle, which Newhouse got in relief of veteran Clifton.

But if that wasn't enough to knock him off course, there is still the matter of no rookie camp, no minicamp and no off season workouts. All of which Newhouse had PLUS a full, previous camp. Bulaga won a backup tackle job after losing at Guard through injury when there was virtually other candidate to take the job when he returned from his injury. Sherrod was competing with Newhouse.

All of which is just a long way of saying that after he got his feet wet in his backup role during the season, he looked more like an NFL tackle than Newhouse. Its possible during their competition that he graded lower, but its tough to judge in game when we don't know the call/assignment or technique and we don't see practice. I think this gets solved (for better or worse) with being healthy and getting more reps, but that is very tough to do in season as has been stated previously in this thread.

[Patler]

I posted on this in another thread. The majority of snaps in a training camp are early. After the third preseason game (which was the point the Packers declared Lang the winner) McCarthy switches to regular season Game Week mode and that means no more two a days, such as they exist today, shorter practices with less hitting, plus at least two days a week off from practice.

His reps at LT were 3rd string reps behind Newhouse and those would be fewer than 1st or 2nd team reps. His 2nd team reps were at RT after Lang won the job. He did not get 1st team reps after being moved exclusively to Tackle, which Newhouse got in relief of veteran Clifton.

But if that wasn't enough to knock him off course, there is still the matter of no rookie camp, no minicamp and no off season workouts. All of which Newhouse had PLUS a full, previous camp. Bulaga won a backup tackle job after losing at Guard through injury when there was virtually other candidate to take the job when he returned from his injury. Sherrod was competing with Newhouse.

All of which is just a long way of saying that after he got his feet wet in his backup role during the season, he looked more like an NFL tackle than Newhouse. Its possible during their competition that he graded lower, but its tough to judge in game when we don't know the call/assignment or technique and we don't see practice. I think this gets solved (for better or worse) with being healthy and getting more reps, but that is very tough to do in season as has been stated previously in this thread.

I have acknowledged the fact there was no off season time and time again, including earlier in this thread. But, honestly, I don't think it was that much of an excuse. Realistically, the rookies don't get much off season work anyway their first year. A brief rookie orientation camp, maybe some OTA's in June (unless the player is one whose school is still in session, in which case he is not allowed to participate). Sure, it all helps, and 2011 was hectic, but the more significant things for him are missing the 2012 and 2013 off seasons. In 2011, training camp started July 30, not much different than usual.

He didn't get 2nd string reps at LT because he couldn't supplant Newhouse. Newhouse had no off season work in 2011 either, so basically he was what he was the year before, a rookie who was inactive for 15 games, then went on IR. Yet even in the first couple preseason games, Newhouse played better at LT. By the third preseason game, the guard experiment with Sherrod was mostly done, and he worked at both tackle spots, as did Newhouse. Still, Newhouse was better and remained better even as Sherrod became basically only a tackle. Sherrod had opportunities to step over Newhouse, but couldn't, and Newhouse had no NFL regular season game experience at that point.

[Bossman641]

I don't remember much about Sherrod but I remember being scared shitless when we were down 2 tackles on the road at ATL, and being surprised at how well he held up. Same thing at KC until he got injured.

[Bossman641]

So I just went back and read McGinn's ratings from the Chiefs and Falcons games.

Falcons - said Sherrod didn't look out of place at RT and it might be his best position. Used hands and set well, got his arms on Edwards. Allowed a sack and knockdown and went wrong way on run for minus 3. Adequate debut.

Chiefs - Started poorly and gave up 3 hurries in 18 snaps. Then settled down and held off Hali, who was giving Newhouse fits. Final word from McGinn...given how poorly Sherrod played in August this final showing was fairly encouraging.

Basically how I remembered it...he started slow bu settled down and you could see the talent was there.

[pbmax]

So I just went back and read McGinn's ratings from the Chiefs and Falcons games.

Falcons - said Sherrod didn't look out of place at RT and it might be his best position. Used hands and set well, got his arms on Edwards. Allowed a sack and knockdown and went wrong way on run for minus 3. Adequate debut.

Chiefs - Started poorly and gave up 3 hurries in 18 snaps. Then settled down and held off Hali, who was giving Newhouse fits. Final word from McGinn...given how poorly Sherrod played in August this final showing was fairly encouraging.

Basically how I remembered it...he started slow bu settled down and you could see the talent was there.

I remember the bad run when he went one way and everyone else went the other. Though I apparently cannot keep the opponent straight. I think it was one of his first plays.

Don't remember the hurries per se in KC, but I was impressed that even when he didn't win the initial battle, he did not let go and stayed on his feet. That gives the QB time to make a decision or room to make a move. Half of Newhouse's difficulty was giving up on a play after giving up an edge leaving the rusher one on one versus the QB.

[Fritz]

How many times, too, did Newhouse actually win the battle and have the guy blocked, only to let up and watch the guy get a sack when Rodgers took off out of the pocket? I think Jared Allen did that at least two or three times a game last season against Newhouse.

Patler's right: we're in two camps. Those of us who think Sherrod will be a very good pass blocking tackle (and an adequate run blocker), and those who think he'll be a bust.

[Patler]

Patler's right: we're in two camps. Those of us who think Sherrod will be a very good pass blocking tackle (and an adequate run blocker), and those who think he'll be a bust.

For me it is a little different. Some think he has shown promise already, others think he did little of nothing as a rookie. I'm in the later group, but I'm not willing to completely write him off yet. I expect nothing from him this year, because that is where I saw him before his injury, and the rust on his game is two years thick.

I want to see him have a full year off season program, and training camp from day 1. Then, if he can't at least push the starters for a job, it will probably be time to move on.

[Fritz]

True, I don't disagree.

But they sure do need to give him this offseason and training camp to get back in the swing, else they've wasted all this time waiting for him, only to cut him once he's healthy!

[Patler]

True, I don't disagree.

But they sure do need to give him this offseason and training camp to get back in the swing, else they've wasted all this time waiting for him, only to cut him once he's healthy!

I'm sure they will. The Packers seem to have plenty of patience with injured players.
I think the chances of them out right releasing Sherrod are nil.

[Bossman641]

Sherrod activated to the 53 man roster. Finley and Barrington to IR. The comeback begins

[pbmax]

Sherrod activated to the 53 man roster. Finley and Barrington to IR. The comeback begins

I think he can return KOs.

[Zool]

I think he can return KOs.

How are his foot mechanics and downfield vision? Does he have a high arm slot in his drop backs? Put him in at QB and see what happens.

[Fritz]

How are his foot mechanics and downfield vision? Does he have a high arm slot in his drop backs? Put him in at QB and see what happens.

Let's start with his pad level. One thing at a time, man.

[Patler]

From the GBPG:

The Packers are especially encouraged about tackle Derek Sherrod’s comeback from a broken leg because he used his 22 months away from the field to improve his body. They added Sherrod to their 53-man roster this week after he’d used up his eligibility on the PUP list.

Sherrod is noticeably leaner through the torso than his rookie season of 2011, and Campen said the 24-year old has significantly improved his strength in his upper body and legs. Sherrod is listed at 6-6 and 321 pounds.

“His body is completely changed, I’m sure you guys can see it, too,” Campen said. “He’s leaned out. He’s upright and tall and stronger. All the arrows are pointing up for him. He just needs reps.”

[Upnorth]

This is awesome news. Can't wait to see if he is worth anything...