THE PACKERS OFFENSIVE LINE --- BAFFLING

[Harlan Huckleby]

Ruettgers was in danger of getting cut, i believe his 2nd training camp. HE was a late bloomer.

[packrulz]

Oh, my mistake, I thought he started right away. Never mind.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I can't remember, maybe he did start right away. Just like Wahle start righted away at left tackle after an injury.

But I remember clearly that Ruettgers struggled, just like Wahle, and there was talk of Ruettgers not even making the team his 2nd or 3rd year. John Michels same story, really. Wahle and Ruettgers came out of it. Michels bought a car dealership.

[Patler]

Ruettgers was in danger of getting cut, i believe his 2nd training camp. HE was a late bloomer.

Can't remember that far back, but that doesn't sound right to me.

[retailguy]

Ruettgers was in danger of getting cut, i believe his 2nd training camp. HE was a late bloomer.

Can't remember that far back, but that doesn't sound right to me.

Ruettgers was drafted 7th in 1985, and didn't start full-time until the 1986 season. His first year was not stellar, it's true, at the start of 1987 he was on thin ice, but righted the ship as he started for 11 seasons. If you remember he retired in the middle of the 96 season with bad knees, I think....

[Bretsky]

OF COURSE I realize Coston or White will start ? There in lies my greatest criticism of TT; he'll settle for that. And the real reason we know one of them we'll start is there is no competition amongst NFL caliber starters there. That's why I'm so upset at TT for not getting us players at OG and LB. We'll surely have some guys on the field that don't yet belong there.

And I'm not saying they can't develop. But relying on guys to start who were not good enough to crack the lineup to put a uniform on last year is nothing short of idiotic is my opinion.

I just don't understand why you're so down on these two guys. Chris White played his guts out last season to "stick". Coston wasn't expected to contribute as a rookie, and its been reported over and over that he's busted his ass both during the season and since. Why shouldn't they have a shot? I agree with shamrock/patler/dude, or whomever he is, Klemm is the backup plan.

If Atlanta can start four undrafted guys and a 7th rounder and lead the league in rushing in their second season of the scheme, isn't it reasonable to expect something passable, even if its not stellar?

Bretsky, truthfully, these comments have some similarity to the whiners in 92 & 93 when everyone was concerned about "jumping on the west coast bandwagon". I respect your opinions, I just don't see the fears. Comparing their performance to shermans scheme really is not fair. Sherman's scheme was completely personnel driven. This scheme is NOT personnel driven. Many different types have done this in Denver and Atlanta. They have ALWAYS had good blocking and have led or come close to leading the league in rushing.

The real question is - has jags got enough experience in two seasons to install this thing and make it work? In my opinion, THAT is what you/us should worry about. I find it difficult to believe he's "mastered" it in two seasons. That concerns me....

I don't think I'm down on them; but given the facts I refuse to have the Kool Aide Blind Faith. That is the difference right there between our views, and if I were TT I'd be bringing in a player or two in case these guys turn out to be Atlas Herrions.

[retailguy]

I don't think I'm down on them; but given the facts I refuse to have the Kool Aide Blind Faith. That is the difference right there between our views, and if I were TT I'd be bringing in a player or two in case these guys turn out to be Atlas Herrions.

Bretsky,

I have to ask, after that statement, are you Son of a Vic?

We'll just have to agree to disagree, I guess... Peace!

[BooHoo]

Still thinking we need to address the OLine. I am confident TT will draft at least one OLine type this year.

[Iron Mike]

Still thinking we need to address the OLine. I am confident TT will draft at least one OLine type this year.

Or could be, he's waiting for June 1st cuts.

[BooHoo]

Still thinking we need to address the OLine. I am confident TT will draft at least one OLine type this year.

Or could be, he's waiting for June 1st cuts.

I really wonder what qualify of player will be cut on 1 June. Are there any possible candidates being reported?

[Partial]

Adam Timmerman was a 7th round draft pick in 1995 (#230), didn't do much as a rookie and was thrust into the starting lineup in 1996.

Marco Rivera was a 6th round pick in 1996 (#208), didn't get into a single game that year, played hardly at all in 1997 and became a starter in 1998.

No reason that Coston or White can't do the same.

As far as high draft picks, Taylor missed his first year because of injury, but would have started. Verba, Clifton and Tauscher all were starters as rookies. No reason a high draft pick couldn't do the same this year.

Shamler,

No one is saying it isn't possible. I think these guys have potential. However, until I see some production rather than simply potential I don't want them penciled in as my starters, especially when they didn't play at all last year.

If I were in TT's shoes, I'd bring in some people to short-term contracts who can in the best case situation ride the pine and be incredible back-ups to our youngens while we build or depth through the draft, and worst case scenario can start and share plays with the youngens.

Just because you struck gold once does not mean you will again.

I am extremely hopeful for these guys in the future, but I see no reasons to put all their eggs in one basket this season when they have the resources to bring in some good players with short-term contracts.

[Bretsky]

I don't think I'm down on them; but given the facts I refuse to have the Kool Aide Blind Faith. That is the difference right there between our views, and if I were TT I'd be bringing in a player or two in case these guys turn out to be Atlas Herrions.

Bretsky,

I have to ask, after that statement, are you Son of a Vic?

We'll just have to agree to disagree, I guess... Peace!

NOPE,

Vic is a lot more negative than I am.

But based on your view on these guys who we have never seen play, I must ask. Are you Tex ?

Cheers,
B

[Guiness]

have to disagree retail.

If O'Dwyer was ok, why did he not pick up with another team last year? He was cut before the end of camp, so he could've hooked up. He was finished.

Sure, Klemm was pursued by NE. As a back up tackle. I do however, have hopes that he can be a solid player. He stayed healthy last year, which was a big concern.

What I really don't get is why they haven't gone out and gotten Faine. They seem to want to rely on White and Wells. Faine is a proven starter, and has a low annual salary. For the cost of a 4th rounder, you get a guy who can compete. If both Wells and White both show up loaded for bear, you cut Faine and all you lose is a 4th rounder. If not, you get a starter for $550K!!! Sorry, but picks in the mid rounds don't pan out often enough to not make that a good gamble.

[MJZiggy]

I think TT's trying to gain picks, not risk them on a player working out. Besides, he really does have confidence in Wells.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm okay with Wells at OC, and I'm even okay thinking Coston, Whitticker, or Barry might be fine competing for one OG spot. However, we HAVE to get a starting OG in the draft. That means a top 3 pick. Davin Joseph in round 2 would be the guy I'd want.