Packers Defense in 2007

[BobDobbs]

I am excited about the defense this year. I think they're going to be fun to watch and they might even be good. For the past few years we have watched a defense that has struggled to compete physically and has given up huge plays that take us out of the game. I think we may have grown beyond that. I realize this is a standard that has to be raised to become a championship team, but I'm happy for now.

With a rush package of Kampman, Williams, Jenkins, and KGB as a part time specialist we are going to be very tough on 3rd and long.

I don't like the depth at LB at all. The starters are a good group. Will Hawk become a factor that other teams have to scheme against? And can Poppinga not be a liability on passing downs?

Obviously the biggest problem is Safety. Unless Manuel got a new pair of legs surgically grafted to his body this offseason he's not true starting material. I think that our basic problem is that Collins doesn't seem to be able to run the defense and make calls from the backfield. At least one safety has to do that.

So, do we go with an athletically inferior Manuel because he can make calls or with an athletically superior player who may lead to the type of breakdowns that have been losing games for years.

Rouse is a rookie and from the little bit of tape I've seen he looks like he runs into people not through them. We don't need Chuck Cecil, but you should hit people with your shoulder not your facemask.

Atari Bigby sounds like a video game character to me. Until I see him in person I'm assuming that Ted Thompson just made him up.

Underwood is who I'm hoping and praying for. He was coming on strong before his injury and he's been in the system long enough to hypothetically make calls. I've got no objective evidence to support him taking over the starter spot only hope. That usually doesn't tackle anybody.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Rouse is a rookie and from the little bit of tape I've seen he looks like he runs into people not through them. We don't need Chuck Cecil, but you should hit people with your shoulder not your facemask.

On tape, he made some big sticks, but I also noticed that he looks awkward at times while tackling. Big kid though. Athletic. Man, I hope he we hit on that pick because if we do, we may hit big on it.

[BobDobbs]

I definitely haven't seen Rouse play enough yet to judge him. You're right if he turns out to be a player we might really hit big time. No matter what though it is going to be tough for a rookie who is learning the defense to make calls back there.
Who knows maybe Collins can do it. Or maybe with veteran corners there is less pressure on the Safeties to read the offense before the snap and adjust alignments.
That is going to be a fun position to watch in the preseason.[/quote]

[Carolina_Packer]

OR...(don't laugh)...Marquand Manuel, having an offseason to heal and a year under his belt as a full-time starter might have the light bulb go on and be more assignment sure...this can't be ruled out. It's not like he's some grizzled veteran who is spent. He was never THE guy at safety in Seattle. That said, I would (as would all of us) see why TT thought so much of him that he gave him such a deal to come to Green Bay. I view Rouse as more of a longer-term guy. Who knows, though, Rouse might be a beast from day 1. We were all surprised by Collins in 2005.