Starting Center

[Harlan Huckleby]

When Tretter returns he'll be coming off 8 weeks of inactivity. Tretter has no game experience, Linsley will be 8 games into the learning curve. Linsley already looks like a strong starter, not just a stop-gap.

[pbmax]

Linsley is being graded on a curve now by the public; its about how many obvious screwups he has.

The coaches are more interested in the details. It could change, but I still think they want Tretter to start.

[Pugger]

But if Linsley continues to play well and we still have tackle issues perhaps they might leave him in the middle and try Tretter outside?

[Patler]

I read a few things about Tretter's pre-season. One of the articles had quotes from opposing team scouts. One said Tretter was outstanding, especially considering he had never played the position. The clincher was when he said he had the makings of an All-Pro, because he was already doing things that established centers struggle with. He said Tretter was looking like a real find for the Packers.

That said, if Linsley is playing well when Tretter comes back, I would not be surprised to see Linsley remain as the starter this year. They may not want to shake things up that much to bring in a guy with no experience. Next season could be the competition for the starting spot.

[denverYooper]

But if Linsley continues to play well and we still have tackle issues perhaps they might leave him in the middle and try Tretter outside?

Or maybe they'll move Lang to RT and put Tretter at RG if Bulaga doesn't come back/goes down again.

It's funny that none of us really expects Bulaga to stay healthy.

[pbmax]

I read a few things about Tretter's pre-season. One of the articles had quotes from opposing team scouts. One said Tretter was outstanding, especially considering he had never played the position. The clincher was when he said he had the makings of an All-Pro, because he was already doing things that established centers struggle with. He said Tretter was looking like a real find for the Packers.

There was another point made in the preseason about Tretter than I did not see evidence for. During camp practices and one of the early preseason game, reporters noted that Tretter seemed to be able to execute the reach block play side on zone runs, which is something that hasn't gone well since Wells left.

However, in the cases I was able to watch, he didn't seem to get a lot of them done. Having a banged up leg isn't going to help that. If Linsley can do it and M3 can run his zone runs, that would be one way to ensure a job.

[pbmax]

But if Linsley continues to play well and we still have tackle issues perhaps they might leave him in the middle and try Tretter outside?

That's called a Flanagan.

[Guiness]

Tretter played tackle in college, I could see him ending up there. It could depend on Linsley and Sherrod. APRU (Assuming Player (Bulaga) Remains Unhealthy), it's an 8 game tryout for them, and the loser goes to the bench with Tretter taking his place.

WRT Lang kicking out and Tretter at guard, Lang has been out there before and not done well, hasn't he?

[HarveyWallbangers]

There was another point made in the preseason about Tretter than I did not see evidence for. During camp practices and one of the early preseason game, reporters noted that Tretter seemed to be able to execute the reach block play side on zone runs, which is something that hasn't gone well since Wells left.

However, in the cases I was able to watch, he didn't seem to get a lot of them done. Having a banged up leg isn't going to help that. If Linsley can do it and M3 can run his zone runs, that would be one way to ensure a job.

I watched Tretter on every play in the preseason, and I thought he was outstanding. I only saw one negative play from him. He was bull rushed early in the first preseason game. Other than that, there was nothing to quibble about from his preseason.

[Bossman641]

Linsley is stronger but I believe Tretter is more athletic and better getting to the second level. The comments coming from opposing scouts were very high on Tretter. Regardless, it's be nice if they could cross-train one of these guys at guard.

[pbmax]

I watched Tretter on every play in the preseason, and I thought he was outstanding. I only saw one negative play from him. He was bull rushed early in the first preseason game. Other than that, there was nothing to quibble about from his preseason.

Nah. He had at least two play side reach blocks on outside zone runs that he did not get to. Wound up trailing the guy all down the line. Only matters if the RB needs a cutback.

No one bats 100% and I am not saying the sky is falling. What I am saying is that the near universal praise for him in the preseason is premature until he enters a regular season game.

[MadScientist]

This is the Packers, by the end of the year Gerhart will be the only one able to suit up. If we're lucky.

[Patler]

What I am saying is that the near universal praise for him in the preseason is premature until he enters a regular season game.

Which is exactly why I almost expect them to stay with Linsley if he is playing well, regardless of their feelings for each long term. Next year it might be a wide open competition.

[Harlan Huckleby]

On the one-hand... on the other hand...

Harry Truman said "Give me a one-handed economist!" Same can be said about posters.

It is a close call.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Nah. He had at least two play side reach blocks on outside zone runs that he did not get to. Wound up trailing the guy all down the line. Only matters if the RB needs a cutback.

No one bats 100% and I am not saying the sky is falling. What I am saying is that the near universal praise for him in the preseason is premature until he enters a regular season game.

Nitpicky. Of course, there are times when OL don't reach their moving target, but Im guessing neither play would have gotten a minus when the coaches graded his play.