THE PACKERS OFFENSIVE LINE --- BAFFLING

[Tarlam!]

Great guards rarely come into the NFL from college ball instantly great. At least, that's what I am observing from a coupla comments made on here.

Why, then, have we written of Whittiker completely?

I am pretty sure we will continue with growing pains, but, we will continue to grow!

The new offensive scheme will rely on running and short yardage. We will, I believe, see more double TE sets - a thing of beauty!

Our QB will need less time in the pocket to make plays. I think we will be far less reliant on our OL than under Shermy's system.

That is why I think what we have on our roster is sufficient, maybe, we add something not overly spectacular to provide depth.

Until the Visa card commercials, did any of us know the Pats' OL by name?

[billy_oliver880]

Until the Visa card commercials, did any of us know the Pats' OL by name?

Still don't know them.

[MJZiggy]

I still don't because I'm too focused during that one, but...oh, what were we talking about? Oh yes, I do believe the line will be fine, but just in case, we do need a few competent people who can be thrown in in case one of the kids has performance issues or problems learning the new scheme. Depth and a backup plan is a good idea I think. Do you think TT might bring in a few camp bodies over the summer to compete?

[Sparkey]

Dec. 20, 2005 - 6:16 p.m. ET
Jeff Faine was placed on injured reserve because of a torn right biceps muscle today.
This marks the third straight season the center's year ended because of injury. He might need surgery, but coach Romeo Crennell predicted a full recovery.



Three years in a row his season cut short by injuries ?

For a guy thats light in the butt, would be considered injury prone and is comming off a biceps tear, does he really make much sense ?

[Harlan Huckleby]

I do believe the line will be fine, but just in case, we do need a few competent people who can be thrown in in case

This is what was said last year. They'll be fine. Out of the grab bag of 15 unheralded players, Beighatol would find the 5 best in Summer camp and coach them up.

Well, it didn't work. Turns out the guys they had weren't good enough to compete. Favre got hit more, and the running game suffered.

I'll say that the guards and centers coming off last year's roster now have another year of development, and can only get better. But there is plenty of room for concern. Favre pointed this out in his last interview, and he ouight to know what he is talking about.

[KYPack]

I do believe the line will be fine, but just in case, we do need a few competent people who can be thrown in in case

This is what was said last year. They'll be fine. Out of the grab bag of 15 unheralded players, Beighatol would find the 5 best in Summer camp and coach them up.

Well, it didn't work. Turns out the guys they had weren't good enough to compete. Favre got hit more, and the running game suffered.

I'll say that the guards and centers coming off last year's roster now have another year of development, and can only get better. But there is plenty of room for concern. Favre pointed this out in his last interview, and he ouight to know what he is talking about.

You said a mouthful, HH.

It's like "The King is back, & he STILL doesn't have any clothes"

We went thru this last year, & 12 months later, we're still in the same place.

A big worry in my mind is scouting and evaluation. Thompson didn't own the guard problem, it was thrust on him. He did own the attempt to patch it up, and that effort was piss poor.

The league scouts and Thompson came up with O'Dwyer and Klemm as vet FA's. Matt was all washed up and Klemm was a tackle. Neither could hack it at the NFL level at guard.

Thompson and the college scouts came up with Whitticker and Coston. A 5th and a 7th round choice. Whitticker might be ready in '07. Coston from what I saw in Pre-Season, knows how to put his equipment on properly.

With last year's disaster in mind, I expected influx of talent this off-season. At least 1, but maybe 2 vet FA's. I dunno, maybe Thompson waiting for the June cuts, but things feel shakey right now.

I know the party line is that a zone stretch blocking scheme will allow us to build a steller line with UFA's and 7th round picks. I hope so, cause that's what we've got.

[Partial]

i've already penciled Davin Joseph in as our starting left guard.

I have penciled in Eslinger(4th) as our starting center.

They can let wells, coston, klemm, barry, whitticker and herron fight for that last spot.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Those young guys are a year older, so there is some hope. Everybody thought DT would be a disaster last year, and a lot of those 2nd and 3rd year guys really stepped up. You never know. I'm hoping the new scheme helps out Wells, White, and Coston. I'm also hoping Barry gets a legit chance at OG.

I don't think the pass protection was that bad last year. THe run blocking was horrible. The receivers being beat up and Ferguson disappointing hurt the passing game.