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**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-02-2007, 12:03 AM

Hawk prepared for a long, hot season
By RICHARD PUFALL

Green Bay - It was 83 degrees when the Green Bay Packers opened training camp Saturday, but the blazing sun scorching Clarke Hinkle Field made it seem a lot hotter.

No one in the state of Wisconsin would wear a knit ski cap on a day like this. No one, that is, except A.J. Hawk, Green Bay's second-year rising star at weak-side linebacker.

"I just got comfortable lifting in this in the off-season," Hawk said of the cold-weather lid he wore on this hot, humid July day. "It helps during walk-through when I don't have a helmet on to keep the hair out of my eyes.

"People always ask me about the tights and long sleeves that I wear, but that's just how I practice. I don't play games like that.

"It's hot up here in the summer. People that don't live here think it doesn't get above 40 in Green Bay. It gets hot and humid here, and I like that. That's how camp should be. And I enjoy it."

But people are asking more about the heat Hawk and his defensive teammates will bring against opposing offenses, especially after the team finished last season on a four-game winning streak that salvaged the season with an 8-8 record.

"I think the expectations we have on ourselves are huge because we feel we have a ton of talent on this defense," said Hawk, Green Bay's No. 1 draft choice in 2006 and the No. 5 pick overall.

"Having that year with everyone together last year, and pretty much bringing everyone back, it helps so much in this scheme that we play. Communication is huge. And I think we had a great off-season. This year we want to start out like we ended last year."

The Packers started miserably last season, losing four of their first five games, and Hawk and the defense were handed the bill for most of the damage.

Seven weeks and six games into the season, Green Bay's defense ranked 32nd and dead last in the NFL. The Packers were especially bad against the pass, ranking 32nd, and were 10th against the run.

But Green Bay figured things out over the final 10 games and finished the season with the NFL's 12th-ranked defense.

"We didn't play up to our potential last year, obviously. But I think we can," said Hawk, who led Green Bay's defense with 155 tackles (112 solo). "However high expectations people on the outside have of us as a defense, ours are much higher."

Hawk, middle linebacker Nick Barnett and strong-side linebacker Brady Poppinga, like the rest of the defense, improved as the season unfolded.

"We feel good going into this year," Hawk said. "We just want to have a good camp and make sure we take it into the regular season and start out fast this year."

Many believe that the defense must carry a fading Green Bay offense that lacks playmakers, is led by aging quarterback Brett Favre and will struggle to replace Ahman Green at running back. But Hawk doesn't see it that way.

"I don't think we need to," Hawk said. "We have an explosive offense, a very underrated offense I think. People don't talk about how explosive our offense really is. I don't think we're going to need to, but we feel that as a defense we want to be able to win games. Whatever that takes.

"We're going to come out and try to get turnovers every single day and try to keep the momentum with us. We'll see how it goes, but I think we're a competent defense, for sure."

Hawk, who forged an all-football-all-the-time reputation at Ohio State, says he's focused on winning and not personal statistics.

"I just want to make sure that everyone on our defense can count on me to do my job, that I'll be there every day, practicing and playing the games," Hawk said. "I want them to count on me just like I can count on the rest of them.

"I'm not a big guy that sets numbers on tackles and sacks, I don't do that. I obviously want to make impact plays, but who knows when that's going to happen, so I just make sure I'm accountable with my teammates."

Hawk's account is golden with Barnett, who is starting his fifth season as Green Bay's middle linebacker.

"I think the biggest thing with him is consistency, being able to come in and play and being a true warrior and running to the ball," Barnett said of Hawk. "We've got a lot of good camaraderie between the three of us, Brady Poppinga, A.J. Hawk and myself. We have a certain relationship and that helps a lot when you're out there on the field.

"I think we're going to do some special things. I've got a lot of faith in A.J. and Brady. We've only gotten better since minicamp and last year. Everything is second nature to us now with the scheme. With him (Hawk) now, getting two years under the scheme, I think he's going to be flying around out there."

Hawk agreed, saying a year of experience, minus the distractions and stress built into a rookie season will help him focus on a fast start in 2007.

"It feels a little better this year coming in and not being a first-year guy, not having to worry about getting your contract done," Hawk said.

Hawk said he believes his teammates have bought into the philosophy and approach of Mike McCarthy, Green Bay's second-year head coach.

"I think what everyone really respects about coach McCarthy is how he analyzes himself and analyzes everything we do and tries to make it better," Hawk said. "Changing the schedule up a little bit here and there, getting guys some more rest. He's thinking ahead, he's a progressive thinker and making sure he's taking care of players, doing what's best for the team.

"I think that's what everyone around here respects about him is that he wants what's best for the team, He wants to win, that's his No. 1 goal, just like every guy on this team."

McCarthy has given his players Wednesdays off from practice during the first three weeks of August, hoping to keep them fresh and strong for opening day on Sept. 9. McCarthy made his mission clear when he addressed his players at the start of camp.

"Coach McCarthy, when he gets up and speaks, he's a fiery guy," Hawk said. "He gets everyone going. He just wanted to make sure that this year we don't start out like we did last year."

**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-02-2007, 12:07 AM

Driver provides an injury scare
By ROB REISCHEL

Green Bay - The Green Bay Packers received a look at what life without Donald Driver would be like. It's fair to say, they'd rather not see that picture again.

Driver, the Packers' best wide receiver and top offensive playmaker, missed the first three days of training camp after failing his physical due to a right shoulder injury. Driver was back at practice Tuesday morning, though, after passing a second physical Sunday night.

The Packers won't have any limitations on Driver and he appears ready to go from here.

"It feels good," Driver said after Tuesday morning's practice. "They wanted to make sure it was strong enough, so I had to go back in the weight room and do some strength stuff. But, I'm back. And that's a good thing."

Although Driver was sidelined for just a short time, his absence was eye-opening. And the Packers' offense would likely be a shell of itself if it lost the Pro Bowl receiver during the regular season.

"I'm just glad it's July and not October," wide receiver Greg Jennings said when Driver was sidelined. "Donald's a great, great player and it'd be a big blow if we didn't have him at some point this year. He's a great mentor to all of us. To lose that aspect is huge."

During the Packers' physicals last Friday, team physician Patrick McKenzie had Driver put his arms straight out. When McKenzie pushed Driver's arms up and down, Driver could provide very little resistance with his right one.

Driver called the injury a strain to his acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and it's one he first suffered during a Week 14 victory in San Francisco last season. The injury lingered throughout the off-season, but each time it flared up, it improved with rest.

Driver isn't one who likes to rest much, though. And he refused to take much time off during the off-season.

"I'm 32 years old now," he said. "I'm not like these young guys. I've got to keep working if I'm going to stay the No. 1 receiver here."

Driver believes he re-aggravated the injury while lifting weights a few days before camp. Then, when it came time for his physical, the shoulder was still too weak.

"It's just the strength," Driver said at the time. "You have to take time off to make sure the pain goes away. I stopped at times this off-season when the pain kicked in and I was better in no time. I can't keep beating it up. I have to let it heal."

Because there's no tear to the joint, surgery isn't necessary. Instead, Driver will just have to give it proper rest throughout the season.

Driver is one of Green Bay's guttiest players and has missed just one game since becoming a starter in 2002. But the Packers might have to give consideration to lightening his mid-week workload once the regular season rolls around.

A year ago, Driver set career-highs in receptions (92) and receiving yards (1,295), scored eight touchdowns and reached his second Pro Bowl. He was far and away Green Bay's most dynamic offensive force and the Packers would be in serious trouble without him.

"He's a great player, you know," wide receiver Ruvell Martin said of Driver. "He does a lot of good things on the field and obviously, we're a better team with him."

With Driver sidelined for four practices, several Packers had the chance to step forward - and a few took full advantage.

Jennings resembled the player he was last September, not the one who limped to the finish line on a bum ankle. He was quick, precise and sure-handed.

"I feel great, I really do," Jennings said.

But the early star of the group was rookie third-rounder James Jones. The knock on the big, strong, powerful Jones (6-foot-1, 207) coming out of San Jose State was his speed (4.59). But Jones didn't have a problem getting separation against most of Green Bay's cornerbacks, caught everything thrown his way and was running with the No. 1 offense by the third practice.

If Jones keeps up his stellar play, he's likely to have a leg up on players such as Martin, Carlyle Holiday and Robert Ferguson for the No. 3 wide receiver job.

"He's young, there are probably a couple things you didn't notice that he needs to improve on," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said of Jones. "But as far as catching the football and separating from people I think he's been fairly consistent."

Of course, Green Bay hasn't had a receiver as consistent as Driver this decade.

Since becoming a starter in 2002, Driver has averaged 76.8 receptions, 1,081.8 receiving yards and 6.6 touchdowns per season. Over the last three years, those numbers rose to 87.3-1,241.3-7.3.

A year ago, Driver was on the receiving end of a whopping 26.8% of Favre's completions. That was the highest percentage by one player since Robert Brooks hauled in 28.4% in 1995.

So the Packers don't want to do anything to jeopardize Driver's ability to play a full season.

"I don't think about it too much," Driver said. "Once I got the strength back, I was just like, 'Let's play ball.' So now, it's good enough to start running around and making plays."

Which is music to the Packers' ears.

**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-02-2007, 12:10 AM

Jackson jumps at chance to show what he can do
By ROB REISCHEL

Green Bay - Brandon Jackson remembers playing football in his backyard when he was no more than 8 years old. As players bigger than him, older than him converged, Jackson's nifty feet somehow allowed him to escape.

For the past 15 years, those feet have been Jackson's meal ticket.

"People have always told me I have quick feet, ever since I was a little kid," said Jackson, a rookie running back with the Green Bay Packers. "Playing ball in the backyard, I remember shaking people and I was always complimented on my footwork. I think my feet have always been pretty strong."

Now, Jackson is hoping those feet help him run to a starting position.

Green Bay has a gaping hole at running back following the departure of Ahman Green, the starter from 2000-'06. Jackson is raw and has tons to learn, but he has a legitimate chance to be the starter when the Packers open the season with Philadelphia Sept. 9.

"I think he's got a good build, he's got big hands, big lower body, runs low to the ground, he's got quick feet, he sees things pretty well," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said of Jackson. "I think he wants to be a good player."

And in the early days of training camp, Jackson (5-foot-10, 212) is getting a chance to show it.

Vernand Morency, the favorite to replace Green, dropped out of the first practice of camp with a knee contusion. After Monday's practice, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said Morency is likely to miss two weeks.

That means Jackson figures to get most of the reps with the No. 1 offense and has a chance to establish himself early.

"I think it gives me a little edge," said Jackson, who played collegiately at Nebraska and left after his junior year. "It gives me a chance to go in almost full-time with the (No.) 1's and execute with every starter out there and get that good chemistry. It's a good situation right now for me."

On the flip side, it's far from an ideal situation for the Packers.

Thompson has said throughout the off-season that the Packers were likely to utilize a backfield-by-committee approach in 2007. Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy wasn't as committed to that and hoped someone would emerge as the Packers' primary ball carrier.

It was thought Morency (5-10, 212) had the best chance of doing just that. But the fact Morency couldn't make it through the first practice had to be a concernto the coaches.

"Looking at what he's done in the off-season I'm surprised that he had an injury this early," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said of Morency, who is day-to-day. "He doesn't know exactly when it occurred. But . . . I'm not concerned. We've said it over and over again. If it takes one guy to do the job then we'll use one guy. If it takes a committee of backs then we'll do it by committee."

Jackson has a history with the committee approach, sharing time a year ago with three other backs. In fact, Jackson admitted he would have had his work cut out for him this season to win the starting job away from Cornhuskers' junior Marlon Lucky.

"They love that guy," Jackson said of Lucky. "He'll probably play (in the NFL) someday."

Jackson's uncertainty over where he stood at Nebraska was one reason he left school early. But he couldn't have landed in a better spot, as the Packers are desperately trying to find a lead back.

In the early days of practice, Jackson flashed some of the ability that made him a second-round draft choice. He plants extremely well and is quick to the hole. He has the quickness to turn the corner and get upfield. But without question his most impressive attribute remains those feet.

"Great feet," fullback Brandon Miree said of Jackson. "He's going to make a lot of people miss."

It wasn't all seashells and balloons for Jackson, though. Far from it.

Noted for his outstanding hands out of the backfield, Jackson dropped the first two passes thrown his way.

"That usually happens with a rookie," Thompson said.

Jackson was steamrolled in blitz pickup drills, first by linebacker A.J. Hawk on Saturday, then by linebacker Nick Barnett Sunday. Jackson also seemed to be thinking too much, which led to indecisiveness at times.

"This is a different level and I've got to prove myself here again," Jackson said. "I'm proving myself now with Morency out and getting the majority of the reps now. I'm trying to show them I can take over the No. 1 position. I'm just trying to stay sound in my technique and do the right things."

Whether that means Jackson can emerge as the featured back remains to be seen.

Remember, he was never the lead back at Nebraska. And even though Jackson started 9 of 14 games a year ago, he finished with just 188 carries (5.3 average).

The Packers aren't likely to know exactly what they have in Jackson until they play a few exhibition games. And Green Bay might eventually have to add a veteran or make a trade to complete its backfield.

Until then, though, Jackson - and those nifty feet of his - are hoping to take advantage of a golden opportunity.

"I just stay humble and every opportunity I get, I try and take advantage of," Jackson said. "I want to start, but I've got to stay focused on learning the plays, staying sound in my technique and everything. That's the way I can win a starting job."

**PlantPage55** · 08-02-2007, 01:25 AM

Man, I'm the only one that's not getting blown at all these days...

**Fritz** · 08-02-2007, 07:22 AM

Ah, training camp. It's the same in every city. "Free Agent Who Grew Up in Crack Neighborhood and Played Two Years at a Community College Before Flunking Out Hopes to Make Big Impact."

Yeah baby!

**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-08-2007, 10:27 PM

Rookie quarterback figures he has shot
By ROB REISCHEL

Green Bay - Paul Thompson thought his quarterbacking days were done. He figured if he'd ever play in the National Football League, he'd be catching passes, not throwing them.

Like Forrest Gump once said, though, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.

Thompson was moved from quarterback to wide receiver during his junior season at Oklahoma. But when Sooners starter Rhett Bomar was dismissed from the team last August, Thompson moved back under center and was asked to save Oklahoma's season.

For the most part, Thompson did just that. It's a big reason why he's in the Green Bay Packers' training camp today and waging a battle to take the No. 3 quarterback job away from Ingle Martin.

"I'm definitely looking to get into at least that (No.) 3 spot," Thompson said last week. "You've got to beat guys out and that's what I want to do and work my way up the ladder. I'm definitely not settling for anything less and going at it full speed ahead."

Thompson is undoubtedly fighting an uphill battle to make the team. But it's become clear that he's more than just a camp arm.

At 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, Thompson has fantastic size. He can make all the throws asked of him and has decent elusiveness and is an outstanding athlete. On the downside, Thompson has struggled with decision-making, has a long, deliberate throwing motion and started at quarterback for just one season at OU.

Still, third-stringer Ingle Martin has been up and down in the early days of camp. And it isn't out of the question that Thompson could unseat Martin.

"I don't know. We'll have to see," Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said when asked if Thompson could beat Martin out. "He's done some good things. He's got a stronger arm than I even remember from OTAs. I thought he had a decent arm, but it's even better."

The biggest problem for Thompson has been getting a chance to show it.

When you're buried at No. 4 on the depth chart, you don't get a lot of reps. But Thompson is trying to make the most of his.

Thompson was impressive during an early practice last week, going 5 of 7 as noise was being pumped across Clarke Hinkle Field. On Friday, he made a gorgeous throw to Carlton Brewster, who had worked free of safety Marquand Manuel.

Then in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage, Thompson started red-hot before he was intercepted by Will Blackmon. Thompson finished the scrimmage 4 of 8 for 45 yards with one interception. Martin struggled (2 of 7, 7 yards).

"I feel good, but it's tough," Thompson said. "You get a few reps here and there, so it's kind of hard to get in a rhythm. I feel I've been doing well and learning the offense real well. I feel a lot more comfortable every day."

Thompson's in his comfort zone largely because he's playing the position most dear to his heart.

Thompson patiently waited his turn, sitting behind Heisman Trophy winner Jason White his first two years in Norman, Okla. But when Thompson was a junior, he couldn't beat out Bomar - a redshirt freshman - and the coaching staff moved him to wide receiver.

Thompson thought his days under center were over. But just three weeks before Oklahoma's 2006 season opener, Bomar was kicked off the team after receiving payments for work he didn't complete at a local car dealership.

With the Sooners' season potentially in disarray, Thompson played a huge role in saving their year. Thompson started 14 games, threw for 22 touchdowns, 2,667 yards and led Oklahoma to an 11-3 record and a Fiesta Bowl berth, where it lost a memorable game to upstart Boise State.

"A lot of people wrote us off, but luckily I was able to come in and continue to be productive," said Thompson, whose team played much of the year without running back Adrian Peterson, the seventh overall pick in April's draft. "It was just a good collective team unity, sticking to it and not letting anybody pull us down."

Thompson thought his performance would get him drafted in April. The problem was some teams projected him as a wide receiver and others labeled him a quarterback.

In May, Thompson went to rookie camp with the New York Jets - a team that considered him a receiver. But when the Packers called, Thompson left New York for a chance to play the position he loves most.

"I think I'm a quarterback and I think I can play it at this level," Thompson said.

Time will tell if the Packers feel the same way.

Green Bay's coaches have worked extensively with Thompson on his footwork. They've also done some tampering with Thompson's delivery, trying to raise it up a bit.

"When you get a quarterback at this level, they all have a natural throwing motion to some point," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "The things we work with that we want all our guys to be the same at are ball carriage, footwork, and things like that. We have moved his release up a little bit, but mainly the changes we made in Paul are in his footwork and ball carriage."

There's no guarantee Thompson will get much, if any work in the pre-season games beginning Saturday at Pittsburgh. That could make his bid to unseat Martin even tougher.

Thompson might eventually be a candidate for the practice squad. But he isn't shy saying that's not something he'd be satisfied with.

"That's not a goal I set for myself at all," he said. "I set real high standards for myself and expect to achieve them. I definitely think I can make this team."

**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-08-2007, 10:28 PM

Hard to say: Brady Poppinga, Green Bay's intense, hard-hitting strong-side linebacker put the intrasquad scrimmage into perspective for those trying to draw any conclusions about the Packers, offensively or defensively.

"Am I happy with it?" Poppinga said of the defense. "It's hard to really say, because it's not really anything you scheme for. It's very generic. It's sort of just-go-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of stuff. It's hard to gauge really where you're at."

Poppinga, however, was sure about one thing: It's no fun hitting your teammates.

"You've got to see them the next day and a lot of times they'll come in sore and say, 'hey, you made my neck hurt . . . ' I don't want to hear that. I'd rather hit somebody else."

But Poppinga had no trouble offering an evaluation of the sell-out crowd.

"The best. The best around," Poppinga said, bubbling with excitement. "There isn't anything better than this. We play in places during the season that don't even compare to this. This was just a practice and they (the fans) come out energized, hyped up. They are the best fans that exist. . . . It's great. I wouldn't have it any other way. Just to be a part of it is a pleasure and an honor. It's a privilege that doesn't exist anywhere else."

The Packers play their first pre-season game Saturday night in Pittsburgh and Poppinga is looking forward to mixing it up with the Steelers and hitting people from another team.

"I like Pittsburgh's style," Poppinga said. "I think they're going to have the same smash-mouth style. That's right up my alley."

**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-08-2007, 10:29 PM

Rookie receiver shows he belongs
By ROB REISCHEL

Green Bay - James Jones lined up wide right during the first practice of training camp, 2007.

The Green Bay Packers' rookie wide receiver looked across and saw Charles Woodson - he of the Heisman Trophy and an NFC-leading eight interceptions a year ago - staring back at him.

When Brett Favre took the snap, Jones ran 15 yards downfield, planted quickly, curled across the middle and waited for Favre's pass. Woodson, who's seen this play a million times, was all over it and timed his break on the ball perfectly.

It didn't matter, though. Jones snared the ball effortlessly, turned upfield and hasn't stopped running since.

In the first two weeks of camp, Jones has made more plays than any receiver on the roster. If Jones continues his upward climb, there's a good chance he'll be the Packers' No. 3 receiver this year and he could push Greg Jennings at No. 2.

"Coming into camp, I know my ability and I know my talent are to do great things," said Jones, who was drafted in the third round out of San Jose State. "So it's definitely not a surprise to me. I just go out there every day and give it 110 (percent) and whenever the ball comes my way, man, I try and make a play. But it's not a surprise, man."

It's somewhat surprising to others, though.

Rookie receivers rarely make a splash. And few could have predicted Jones would be one of those guys.

Jones had just 55 catches and two touchdowns during his first three years at San Jose State. And although Jones had a big senior season with 70 receptions and 10 TDs, some wondered if he was a one-year wonder.

Jones didn't do himself any favors when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds at the NFL combine. But there were parts of Jones' game that Thompson fell in love with.

First, the 6-foot-1, 207-pound Jones has tremendous size. He's extremely powerful, loves working the middle of the field and will win most battles against smaller cornerbacks.

"It's not easy to come in as a rookie and do good things," wide receiver Ruvell Martin said. "So far, he's catching the ball well and running good routes. Guys are hard on rookies, but he seems to be handling it really well."

Second, Jones is a natural hands catcher. Unlike some Green Bay wide receivers such as Antonio Freeman who allowed the ball to reach their body, Jones seems almost effortless plucking it out of the air.

"The football's allergic to my body," he said. "I try not to let it touch my body."

Third, Jones is already running extremely precise routes. He's quick off the line of scrimmage, unlikely to be disrupted by press coverage and he's nifty in and out of his breaks.

"I'm a lot quicker than people think," Jones said. "Sometimes I don't even rely on my strength because my quickness is better that you think. I'm quick enough to get off the press and get in and out of my routes. The only time I really utilize my strength is when I'm coming back on a ball and a defender's on me."

Jones appears to be the perfect example of why timed speed doesn't always translate into football speed.

Jones plummeted down many draft boards based strictly on his 40-yard dash time. But he clearly plays faster with pads and his speed doesn't appear as though it will be a hindrance.

"I'm not big on the 40. I'm big on the football speed," Jones said. "That's just one of those things that getting into the NFL, you've got to run a good 40. If you go around the NFL, you can't name too many star receivers that ran legitimate 4.3 and 4.4's. A lot of guys are high 4.4.

"It's the game speed and how fast you play that matters. Football's not a straight line, it's how fast you get in and out of cuts and how well you can get off the defender. Can you make the tough catch in traffic? Can you go up and get it? The 40 to me is overrated, but that's what the NFL goes on and you've got to run a good one to get in the league."

Now that Jones is here, he's making the most of it.

It hasn't seemed to matter if Jones finds himself against Al Harris, Woodson or a street free agent. He's making plays.

Jones beat nickel back Patrick Dendy on a deep route on July 30. He caught passes on crossing routes from both Favre and Ingle Martin during a four-play sequence last Thursday.

And although Jones was quiet during Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage with just two catches, his overall performance has certainly turned heads.

"He reminds me a lot of Sterling Sharpe," Favre said of Jones. "He catches everything with his hands and regardless of where he is, continues to run the ball. Very athletic, big strong guy who is, to me, confident in catching the ball and continuing in traffic, instead of maybe catching it, cradling it and going down or whatever."

The fact Jones is even in the NFL is the ultimate Cinderella story. Jones and his mother moved from homeless shelter to homeless shelter when he was younger and he later moved in with his grandmother.

Jones persevered, though, and bucked the odds to reach the NFL. This summer, he's continued to surprise, much to the Packers' delight.

"My level of happiness is real good," Jones said. "I could get happier, but I just got to keep it up and every day I've got to elevate my game and show 'em something new.

"Right now, this is a great opportunity for me to get on the field with a great quarterback and a great team and a great franchise. And I expect to do great things. I'm excited about it. I'm just here to make the most of my chances."

So far, he's done exactly that.

**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-08-2007, 10:35 PM

Wynn attempts to set record straight
By ROB REISCHEL

Green Bay - DeShawn Wynn wants to make one thing perfectly clear.

"I'm not a bad guy or anything," said Wynn, a rookie running back with the Green Bay Packers.

Check that, there's one more thing Wynn would like to clear up.

"I think I am a hard-worker," he said. "I don't know why I have a reputation for being lazy."

Our bad, just one more item Wynn wants to address.

"The whole cell phone story is bogus," he said. "Total bogus."

Work ethic, cell phones, attitude issues. Wynn has been a walking soap opera when it comes to all of the above.

Those off-the-field transgressions are a major reason Wynn slipped to the seventh round of April's draft. But Wynn is trying to put them all behind him and win a spot in Green Bay's wide-open backfield competition.

"The kid's got some ability," Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said.

The key is - and always has been - for people to notice Wynn's ability and not the outside issues he seems to be embroiled in.

For example, Wynn led the national champion Florida Gators in rushing last season with 699 yards. At 5-10½ and 230 pounds, he's extremely powerful and packs quite a punch. Wynn's speed is solid, too, as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds at the NFL combine.

Wynn missed the first three practices of training camp with a stomach virus. But when he returned, he showed the power, burst and vision necessary to play at this level.

"I like his size. I like his feet, his quickness," Philbin said. "I don't think he's a blazer speed-wise. But he moves around like a football player moves.

"He's got some balance, he's got some vision, he's got some power. He's impressive. He is impressive to watch. Now, you can't get too excited because you don't know how long he's going to be out there. But he's impressive. He's impressive."

What isn't impressive is the rap sheet on Wynn.

Wynn is the first to admit he didn't have the right attitude when he arrived at Florida in 2003. And it didn't take long for he and head coach Ron Zook to butt heads.

"Early on in my career, I probably had an attitude problem," Wynn said. "But that's part of growing up and being young. You can't hold that against somebody who had an attitude problem as a freshman. That's something you just grow with, but sometimes it stays with you."

When Wynn was a junior, Gators' first year coach Urban Meyer was reportedly looking for Wynn to run a play during spring drills. Wynn didn't exactly endear himself to his new staff, though, when they saw him standing on the sideline, talking on his cell phone.

Wynn insists that report is false and has no idea where it came from.

"There's no way I'd be on a cell phone like that," he said. "You'd have to take me to the crazy house if I ever did that. That was pretty much a rumor. It just popped up on ESPN."

Wynn was later suspended for the 2005 season opener due to an academic issue. Wynn's work ethic, toughness and competitiveness have all been questioned, too.

For his part, Wynn is trying to write a new chapter.

"To tell you the truth, I don't even know what my reputation was coming in here," Wynn said. "So I don't know how to respond to that. Just be me pretty much.

"I just want to start my own reputation here and just be me. There's not too much I can do about what happened in the past."

Wynn and the Packers are certainly hopeful he has a bright future.

While fellow rookie Brandon Jackson has taken most of the reps with the No. 1 offense, Wynn could eventually find his own niche. Wynn has good power and could be both a goal-line and short-yardage threat. To do so, though, he'll have to shed the label of being soft.

Wynn took steps toward that when he tried practicing early in camp despite that nasty stomach virus. That malady prevented Wynn from keeping any solids or liquids down for four days.

"I wanted to go out there and try and push through," Wynn said. "I didn't want to sit out at the beginning of this camp."

Wynn doesn't want to be on the outside, either, when camp ends. But he's got some ground to make up if he's going to be part of the Packers' 53-man roster.

Jackson and injured Vernand Morency are ahead of Wynn. Wynn also has to catch veteran Noah Herron, along with P.J. Pope and Corey White.

Wynn's talent is certainly tantalizing. But he'll have to show a great deal in the next few weeks for the Packers to trust having him on the roster.

"I don't feel like it's any more of a fight than it was in my college career," Wynn said. "I guess you could say that in a way it's more.

"But I'm just going to go out there and give it my all and if it's not good enough, it's not. I got a lot of faith in my ability. And I feel if I go out there and work hard and bring that kind of mentality every day, I'll be all right."

**HarveyWallbangers** · 08-08-2007, 10:45 PM

Ground gained in the team's trenches
By RICHARD PUFALL

Green Bay - A year ago a huge hole loomed in the middle of Green Bay's offensive line, but not the good kind through which Packers backs could run to daylight. This hole was shaped like a question mark and first-year coach Mike McCarthy could only hope he had the answer.

In the middle of that line was Scott Wells, in his first season as Green Bay's starting center, replacing Mike Flanagan who had signed with the Houston Texans. But Wells, a talented, overachieving seventh-round draft choice in 2004, was not the problem.

Green Bay's biggest concerns were the players who would line up alongside Wells at the guard positions.

The year before, in Mike Sherman's last season as head coach, the Packers struggled with Adrian Klemm at left guard and rookie Will Whitticker on the right side.

Klemm - with the versatile Wells filling in - and Whitticker were Green Bay's answer to the question that surfaced after the 2004 season when the Packers lost guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera in free agency.

But at the start of training camp last year Klemm, who had been moved to his more natural left tackle position, ruptured his right Achilles' tendon and was lost for the season. Then, Whitticker was released near the end of camp.

The Packers were solid at both tackles with veterans Chad Clifton on the left side and Mark Tauscher on the right. They had teamed with Wahle, Flanagan and Rivera to give Green Bay one of the NFL's better lines from 2000-'04.

But this was 2006 and general manager Ted Thompson had a problem to solve. Thompson addressed the line woes with the NFL draft. He selected three little-known rookies - Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz and Tony Moll - who, after some early struggles, turned Green Bay's question mark into an exclamation point.

But it wouldn't come quickly or easily. And there was an added complication. Every linemen - including Clifton and Tauscher - would have some learning to do. New offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski installed a zone-blocking scheme, which he had learned from Alex Gibbs in Atlanta.

The linemen studied, but clearly were not ready for the first test. When the Chicago Bears blew out the Packers, 26-0, in the season opener at Lambeau Field everything was called into question, especially the scheme and Thompson's draft picks.

The Packers had just 267 net yards (103 rushing, 164 passing) against the Bears and things were ugly in Titletown. After the Week 1 thumping, the Packers had the 21st ranked offense in the 32-team NFL, but appeared overrated at that.

More important, the line's early struggles contributed to Green Bay's stumbling 1-4 start.

Slowly but surely, however, the young line got more comfortable with the new blocking scheme and began to find its groove. By season's end, Green Bay's offense improved to No. 9 in the league and the line began to click, helping the Packers finish with a four-game winning streak and an 8-8 record.

Mostly because of the improved line play, the Packers ran only 77 plays that went for negative yardage, third fewest in the league.

"I guess it was more extended playing time together," Wells said of the line's improvement. "We were able to build some chemistry and continuity. Getting more familiar with the system also helped. I'd just say an overall comfort level. We got comfortable with one another."

Colledge, a second-round pick from Boise State, struggled in the exhibition season, lost his left guard job, then stormed back to start the final 15 games. McCarthy called Colledge Green Bay's most improved player.

"For us it's a stretch and cut kind of technique," Colledge said, explaining Green Bay's approach to zone blocking. "We try to create double-teams on the front line and stretch the defense to the point where it breaks, then just make one cut and head up the field, north and south with the ball. We just want to do it to the point where the defense makes mistakes.

"We'd like to be stronger than we are. We feel like we've got a ways to go. We're improving every day. We've got 10-11 guys in that room, they're dedicated to this system and we want to make it better and better every single week. We're just not happy where we're at and we want to keep on improving."

Spitz, drafted in the third round from Louisville, opened the season at left guard then moved to the right side when Colledge won his job back. The improved play of the line was no mystery to Spitz.

"Just repetition," said Spitz, who started 13 games. "There's no better way to learn than going through game experience. So the more games we got under our belts the better we played together. The more reps as a young line, it started coming together.

"It was tough at first. It was new for all off us. A couple of us were new to the game. It was unfamiliar territory. The more we play together, obviously the better we'll be."

Moll became a valuable spot starter, established himself as a super sub filling in for his injured line-mates and is an important piece of the puzzle for 2007. Moll, a fifth-round draft choice from Nevada, started five games at right guard and filled in at right tackle for five-plus games when Tauscher was injured.

"We had three rookies come in and we gained a lot of experience from last year," said Moll, who brought zone-blocking experience with him for Nevada. "I think it's going to make a big difference for this year."

The line's struggles early last season also had a negative impact on Green Bay's tight ends, who turned in one of their poorest seasons in recent memory. Often the tight ends lined up in the backfield or the slot to help protect quarterback Brett Favre. As a result, three tight ends - David Martin, Bubba Franks and Donald Lee - combined for just 580 yards on 56 receptions, with only two touchdowns.

"I think our offensive line was probably a bright spot, considering at the start of the season that may have been our biggest question mark," Favre said. "Tremendous potential there. They remind me a lot of our group several years back. Now, they still have to play. They can't get complacent."

Favre was more concerned with building continuity among the 2007 Packers, rather than getting his tight ends into the passing lanes.

"Being on the same page to me is much more important than having a lot of guys out (in pass patterns)," Favre said. "Basically what I'm saying is we have to gain some chemistry quickly, and some trust, and we don't have that right now."

Wells, Favre's center, believes the tight ends will be used more as offensive weapons, rather than pass blockers, thanks to a more experienced, improved line.

"I think it will definitely help," Wells said. "Last year they (tight ends) had to block a lot more, obviously. We had a lot of six-, seven-man pass protections because of the holes we had in the offense. By the end of the year we got them more involved. Hopefully, this year we'll be able to do more of that. Use them more in the passing game rather than just as blockers."

Last season Favre led the NFL with 613 passing attempts, the most of his career, but his 18 touchdown passes were his fewest since 1992, his first season as a Packer. Clearly, Favre missed the production of his tight ends.

"We want to send more guys out in the pass game and give Brett more options, more guys to throw to," Colledge said. "It helps us if teams have to worry about the pass just as much as the run, that helps open up everybody. . . . We want to spread the defense thin and let Brett do what he does best: make plays."

If the zone-blocking scheme is executed properly, an average NFL back can gain huge chunks of yardage, as evidenced by the success enjoyed by the Denver Broncos.

"We think we've got a great group of backs back there, but as an offensive line we hope that you can put anybody back there and plug and play." Colledge said. "We figure if we make big enough holes any one of them can run for a lot of yards."

The Packers might take the backfield-by-committee approach with veteran Vernand Morency sharing the load with rookie second-round pick Brandon Jackson. Both are fast with quick feet and ideal for the zone-blocking scheme.

"Either way will work for me, honestly," Wells said. "I think there's strengths to both. There are strengths to having a superstar step up and be your playmaker. But there's also strengths to having a backfield by committee, because then, if somebody goes down there's not a big letdown. You've got consistency . . . you stay fresh.

"I've had experience with both. In college (Tennessee) we had a backfield by committee with three guys we ran with. Having Ahman (Green) here, he was definitely a playmaker for us."

Green, the second-leading rusher to Jim Taylor in Green Bay history, left the Packers to sign as a free agent with the Houston Texans. Spitz knows the Packers must move on without Green.

"You have to," Spitz said. "Regardless of who we lose, who we gain, that's part of football. You're going to lose people to free agency. It's part of life. You have to keep on moving regardless of who's here, we still have to do the same job."

Meanwhile, Thompson, the man who put this line together, seems pleased with his creation.

"We feel pretty good about our offensive line as a whole," Thompson said. "It's the same group that's been out there before, certainly the starting group. We think we have good competition, a good group of guys fighting for those other spots. I think we're going to have a pretty solid offensive line when it's all said and done. We would like very much to be very solid in the offensive and defensive line. If we do that, I think we have a chance to be a pretty good team, and I think we are."

McCarthy, who had nothing but unanswered questions in his line a year ago, liked what he saw in Saturday night's intrasquad scrimmage.

"Last year we had three rookies competing for two positions and we put in a new scheme," McCarthy said. "I think our guys are very comfortable. They've had a full year of training. The training in the run-blocking system is the most important, the way we do the drills, the tempo of the drills. Now you're seeing the effects on the game film. I thought the tempo and the way they get off the ball, the wedge attack, those are the things you're looking for in a zone scheme. We're clearly way ahead of where we were last year."

Offensive linemen, like few other groups in team sports, develop a bond which can also contribute to their success. Green Bay's young line is playing as team, but also as friends.

"Absolutely," Spitz said. "More so in the offensive line, because there always seems to be a universal personality for offensive linemen. For some reason, no matter where you come from, if you play offensive line you're a certain kind of guy.

"We're a tight-knit group. We all get along. We hang out outside of football, which is good. And when you're playing with your friends, for your friends, you seem to want to perform better."

Green Bay's rookies helped the team to an 8-8 finish in 2006, but that's a mark Colledge says is far below their goal for 2007.

"This team expects to win games and if it doesn't it wouldn't be anything but a disappointment," Colledge said. "This team wants to win another championship for this town."

**BallHawk** · 08-08-2007, 11:03 PM

Without fluff pieces, Lori Nickel wouldn't have a job.

**Scott Campbell** · 08-09-2007, 08:43 AM

Re: Fluff Pieces

Originally posted by HarveyWallbangers

Running back . . . I think Morency really was productive for us with his opportunities last year. I look for him to improve. So I just think we will improve from within. That's what I'm selling, doesn't sound like you're buying, so we'll have to wait and see."

McCarthy

LOL - ain't that the truth.

**wist43** · 08-09-2007, 09:02 AM

Those guys should write for "Ladies Home Journal"...

Let's hold hands and sing "kum bye ya"... of course proclaiming all the while that it's "for the children and the environment".

**Cheesehead Craig** · 08-09-2007, 09:03 AM

Shit,
When I saw the title "Fluff pieces" I thought it was about fluff girls and pics of them. Then I realized I was in the wrong thread.

Damn you Harvey!

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