TRAINING CAMP: TUESDAY SESSIONS & REVIEWS

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Morning notes

In attendance but sitting out this morning: linebacker Abdul Hodge; offensive linemen Tony Moll, Chad Clifton, Orrin Thompson and Junius Coston; receiver Greg Jennings; tight end Bubba Franks; defensive ends Aaron Kampman and DeVon Hicks; safety Marviel Underwood; receiver Robert Ferguson; and running back Vernand Morency. Tight end Clark Harris (sprained ankle) and guard Daryn Colledge (mid-back sprain) returned to practice. Running back P.J. Pope, who a knee scoped Monday, and quarterback Brett Favre were absent.

Quick hits from practice ...

-- A day after Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly took all the first reps at defensive tackle with the No. 1 defense, Colin Cole and Corey Williams opened the no-huddle team periods with the 1s.

-- Tight end Zac Alcorn caught five passes during one semi-scripted no-huddle drill with the starters. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, practicing in Favre's place, was 10-for-11 on the drive.

-- The offense committed three penalties during the no-huddle drills, which for the second time in camp included crowd noise pumped through speakers. Rookie guard Allen Barbre and utility lineman Tyson Walter had false starts.

-- Rookie Paul Thompson, splitting time with Ingle Martin as the second-team quarterback, made up for a fumbled snap on his first play by delivering a beautiful touchdown throw to Chris Francies. Frank Walker had blanket coverage on Francies, but Thompson fit the pass through a tiny window. He also had a nice touch pass to Donald Lee on a first-and-goal inside the 5-yard line.

-- Martin had a nice TD pass of his own, a fade to Lee that just cleared linebacker Juwan Simpson's coverage.

-- Linebacker A.J. Hawk came out of nowhere to bat away a pass to Donald Driver near the left sideline.

-- And your passing stats: Rodgers 16-for-20; Martin 4-for-4; Thompson 3-for-3.
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Low-key workout continues, kickers attempt field goals
The drizzle subsided about a half hour into practice and the Packers continued to work out on Clarke Hinkle Field in shorts and no pads. The Packers spent extensive time on walk-through drills and practice was very low-key. Kicker Dave Rayner converted on a 40-yard field goal as crowd noise was piped onto the field. Rookie Mason Crosby missed his 40-yard.
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Packers practicing outside this morning in drizzle

Despite a steady drizzle, practice is under way outdoors this morning at Clarke Hinkle Field. Quarterback Brett Favre is the only absence of note. In addition, a number of other players are sitting out what is essentially a walk-through practice in shorts.

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PICS

http://www.packersnews.com

BRET: "CLIFTON & TAUSCHER KNOW SOMETHING."


MM & TT: "MMMM...BRETT, CC, & MT KNOW SOMETHING."


RB JACKSON: RUNS TO DAYLIGHT.


WR DRIVER: "I GOT AN EXTENSION!"


WR JONES: "NO. 2 OR NO. 3 RECEIVER...MMM...?"


CLOWNEY: "THOSE GUYS ARE SO SLOW!"

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MM PRESS CONFERENCE

http://www.packers.com

What do you think of the quality and depth of your defensive line?)

It really started last year. I thought that group was the most consistent on the football team and had the most depth. Adding Justin (Harrell) and some other young guys just adds to that depth. It's a very, very competitive position.

(How important is that to building a team?)

When we talk about the blue print of the Green Bay Packers we talk about the offensive and defensive line. That's where we put our emphasis. The transactions we've made for our football team reflect that. It all starts up front. Offensive and defensive line is a priority for us. I'm very happy with the depth at the defensive line.

(Do you see the offensive line coming together well?)

The first group has been very cohesive. I like the way they're playing. They have a great understanding of the scheme. I thought they practiced consistent throughout camp. I thought the second group kind of lagged there in the fifth and sixth practice but since then they've turned it on soon. I'm very happy with the progress that we're making. We've had a couple of guys nicked today so a lot of guys are getting work. I'm very happy with that group. They're a young group but they're progressing nicely.

(How valuable is a guy like Tony Moll with his versatility?)

In any business the more you can do, the more valuable you are. Tony, being a young player and playing two positions last year, is very beneficial to him. Ideally you'd like to keep all of your young linemen at one position and let them learn instead of moving them around. We've had a number of young guys that have been able to do that for us.

(How do you see the progress of Zac Alcorn?)

Anytime you have an opportunity to rep with the first team it will help you because you're in with the top unit. It also reflects the progress that he's making. Donald Lee has had an excellent training camp. Zac has been battling some physical issues and he's overcoming that. I thought he had a good day today.

(How was the no-huddle execution at the end of practice?)

I thought it was very good. It went a little longer than we had anticipated. The work was very good for both sides. Just to see the communication on the defensive side, getting lined up to different formations and adjustments, getting the play entry in. I thought Aaron (Rodgers) was excellent as a whole. I thought he ran that play very well.

(How is Corey Williams looking?)

I think Corey Williams is having a very good camp. He's bumped and bruised as most guys are now. He's been outstanding. I'm very happy with the way Corey's been playing.

(What have you seen from Tony Palmer at center?)

I think he's doing a nice job. He's a very powerful player on the first level. The thing he needs to work on and get used to, because schematically he hasn't done it before, is the second level blocking. I think he's done a very nice job at guard on the first level. He's doing a good job with the calls. He had a couple rough shotguns but I'm pleased with Tony Palmer.

(When did you develop that as a plan for him?)

He actually played center last year at the end of the year for the scout team, doing opponent work. He's been doing that a lot with us. He missed a lot of time in the offseason but that's something that we started last year.

(Brett has said he needs a lot of snaps in the preseason games. Does he need a lot of reps with the younger guys?)

It's a concern. We've talked about it but you have to be smart too. I'm not interested in exposing Brett Favre. You have to find a common ground. There are some new faces that he needs to work with but I need to get Aaron Rodgers as much work as possible. And we have two young quarterbacks that will be battling it out too. Ingle (Martin) and Paul (Thompson) have made progress. We have a pretty good battle for the No. 3 spot.

(How's the battle going between Crosby and Rayner?)

It's going good. We're probably wearing them out a little bit, kicking them too much. We want to make sure we give them both a chance to win the job. They're both talented. They're both strong legged. I'm glad they're both here.

(Do you like what you've seen from Crosby as a rookie coming up?)

I think Mason is very mature. I like his approach, the way he goes about his business. He's a football kid. He's played defensive back and you can see it in his personality with the way he goes about his business. Dave did a real nice job for us last year. He was very good on the kickoffs, strong legged. That's something that we want to maintain. I'm very happy that they're both here.

[packers11]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=U0&Date=20070807&Category=PKRTRAIN&ArtNo=708070808&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=3

Look at Jennings...

Could he be the next Favre???

[OS PA]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=U0&Date=20070807&Category=PKRTRAIN&Ar tNo=708070808&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=3

Look at Jennings...

Could he be the next Favre???

Looking at the rest of those pictures it appears that today is "Zac Alcorn Day"

[Scott Campbell]

Ok Donald, we get the idea. You have abs of steel.

Now please pull your shirt down.

[Joemailman]

He can't. He wears cutoff jerseys in practice. Gotta keep the EC girls happy.

[BallHawk]

He can't. He wears cutoff jerseys in practice. Gotta keep the EC girls happy.

I think the EC Gals are paying more attention to Zac Alcorn's facial hair then Donald Driver's abs.

[MJZiggy]

He can't. He wears cutoff jerseys in practice. Gotta keep the EC girls happy.

And we love him for that...

[TopHat]

TUESDAY EVENING SESSION

Harrell, Wynn among four injured in night practice

Four players -- defensive tackles Justin Harrell (groin) and Ryan Pickett (knee), running back DeShawn Wynn (quadriceps) and tight end Clark Harris (hip flexor) -- dropped out of practice Tuesday night. Harris had returned in the morning after missing three sessions because of a sprained ankle. Chad Clifton sat out again because of soreness in both knees, said coach Mike McCarthy, who hopes his starting left tackle will be ready to practice Thursday night. Tight end Donald Lee also sat out the night practice, but that was a reward for being the team’s only healthy tight end, according to McCarthy.
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Odds and ends from Tuesday night practice

Some observations from tonight's practice:

- Defensive tackle Johnny Jolly continued to look impressive in the one-on-one pass-rushing drills. Although he's mopping up against inferior competition, Jolly cleanly beat guard Pat Murray on two consecutive reps and also beat guard Adam Stenavich.

- Defensive end Cullen Jenkins claimed a victory over rookie guard Allen Barbre, while Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila put a speed rush on guard Tyson Walter.

- Dave Rayner and Mason Crosby each missed two kicks during a field goal drill. Rayner converted on 4 of 6 attempts, missing wide left from 43 yards and wide right from 47 yards. His successful kicks came from 30, 30, 34 and 37 yards.

Crosby made 6 of 8 attempts. A 47-yarder was blocked, and he missed another 47-yarder wide right. Crosby's successful kicks came from 30, 30, 34, 37, 43 and 47 yards. After practice, coach Mike McCarthy said that the block was due to a defensive player being offside, so it won't count as a miss.

- Bubba Franks made a nice catch over the middle even after getting drilled by linebacker Nick Barnett.

- Both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers slipped on the turf while planting their feet in the pocket during team drills.

- Donald Driver dropped a slant pass over the middle from Favre.

- The receivers put on a show as Carlyle Holiday hauled in a pass in the end zone over Charles Woodson. Holiday had to reach to reel in the pass while also keeping his feet in bounds. Late in practice, Donald Driver made an even better catch. Driver was falling on his back, fully extended, when he caught a touchdown pass from Favre in the corner of the end zone over Woodson.
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Collins picks Favre at evening workout

Safety Nick Collins intercepted a Brett Favre pass early in Tuesday night's practice during a team drill when Favre was rolling to his left.

Rookie receiver David Clowney dropped a deep slant pass from Aaron Rodgers.

Defensive tackle Johnny Jolly batted down a Rodgers pass at the line of scrimmage.
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Punter battle

Punter Jon Ryan averaged 59.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time on 6 punts. Free agent Ryan Dougherty averaged 51.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time, also on 6 punts.

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Several sit out evening practice

Not practicing at this evening's muggy workout were Donald Lee, Tony Moll, Orrin Thompson, Greg Jennings, Chad Clifton, Vernand Morency and DeVon Hicks,

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WEEK 2 BATTLES

http://packers.scout.com/2/666025.html

Week 2 Camp Battles Competition heats up between Rayner-Crosby and backup cornerbacks

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Dave Rayner vs. Mason Crosby for Kicker

Rayner, the incumbent, held the edge early in camp after he went 11-for-11 to Crosby's 9-for-11 in an extensive field-goal segment Aug. 2. The only non-make for Rayner after five days of camp was on a blocked kick.
Rayner, though, stumbled the next two days, punctuated by an 8-of-11 effort before a boisterous capacity crowd at Lambeau Field for the intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 4. Rayner was off the mark from 36 yards and missed both of his kicks from 52. Crosby was slightly better at 9-of-11, missing from 38 and 49 yards, but connected on both of his 52-yard attempts. The first big test comes in the preseason opener Aug. 11 at Pittsburgh.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Patrick Dendy vs. Jarrett Bush vs. Frank Walker vs. Will Blackmon vs. Tramon Williams for nickel back

Dendy had the most exposure to the spot with the No. 1 sub package in the first week of camp and has the most experience of playing in the system as a third-year player. Bush, though, is coming on and capped a solid opening week by breaking up a pass to Ruvell Martin in the end zone on third down in the intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 4. Walker, the team's only notable offseason acquisition, has regressed after standing out in the offseason. Donald Driver beat Walker for two big receptions in the scrimmage. The injury-plagued Blackmon might be turning the corner for the better, as he picked off one pass in the scrimmage and had another interception nullified by a penalty. Williams, a first-year player, delivered the biggest hit of the live scrimmage when he leveled Chris Francies to break up a pass over the middle.

-- Ingle Martin vs. Paul Thompson for No. 3 QB

Martin has a tenuous hold on the job he held as a rookie last year. He left a lot to be desired with his throwing accuracy in the offseason and remains in a rut early in camp, completing only two of seven passes in the scrimmage. Thompson, an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma, was more productive during mop-up work late in the scrimmage, going 4-of-8 for 45 yards, though he threw an interception when Robert Ferguson slipped.

Thompson, a converted receiver, didn't get rattled easily under duress and showed his athleticism by getting outside the pocket to try to make things

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THUMBS UP AND DOWN

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=644126

Tuesday camp report

THUMBS UP

It has been awhile since the punting has been in good hands in Green Bay. There's no guarantee it will be like this in games, but Jon Ryan has been hitting the ball consistently and seems to have adjusted to shortening his stride to two steps. What's more, the rookie free agent the Packers picked up off the street last week, Ryan Dougherty, has been a pleasant surprise. The 6-foot-1, 233-pound Dougherty looks like a linebacker and used his powerful frame to average 42.7 yards per punt at East Carolina. "He's very impressive for a guy that wasn't highly acclaimed," special teams coach Mike Stock said. Ryan was on for the second straight punting session. Kicking to inside the 20, his best punts were 54, 59 and 64 yards. Another traveled 71, but landed 6 yards into the end zone. Some of Dougherty's best punts were 54, 55 and 59 yards. Both punters had a mild wind behind their backs.

THUMBS DOWN

First-round pick Justin Harrell has been unimpressive during his first week and a half of camp, especially in one-on-one pass-rushing drills. Harrell doesn't seem to have many moves and he's regularly stopped by the likes of Adam Stenavich, Travis Leffew and Tony Palmer. During the night practice he managed to bull rush Swedish import C.J. Blomvall, but that was about it. It's gotten to a point where the coaches don't even put him up against Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz or Scott Wells. They're probably worried about crushing his confidence. But it's hard to imagine he'll get a lot better not working against comparable athletes. If Harrell's going to play this year, he's going to have to face starting talent at some point.

INJURY REPORT

Tackles Chad Clifton (knee) and Orrin Thompson (back) and defensive end DeVon Hicks (groin) missed both practices. Clifton had soreness and may be back Thursday. Thompson, who had an MRI done, may be back this week. Quarterback Brett Favre (ankle) and guard Junius Coston (knee) both missed the morning practice but came back for the evening one. Favre had tightness in his right ankle, which is not the one that was operated on in the off-season. Left guard Daryn Colledge (back) and end Mike Montgomery (knee) returned for both practices. Linebacker Rory Johnson (side) and tight end Clark Harris (ankle) returned for the night practice, but Harris dropped out. Harrell (groin), defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (knee) and running back DeShawn Wynn (thigh) dropped out late into the night practice. As is customary, safety Marviel Underwood, linebacker Abdul Hodge, end Aaron Kampman, receiver Robert Ferguson and tight end Bubba Franks were held out of the morning practice. All are on once-a-day schedules.

ODDS AND ENDS

A modified zone running play drill was one of the more physical events of training camp. It was essentially a back running behind four linemen against two defensive tackles and two linebackers. Tackling was not live, but pads were popping.

During the field goal period, both kickers had to run out on the field to make a kick with the clock running down to zero. From 43 yards, Dave Rayner missed to the left and rookie Mason Crosby made it. Both kickers also missed from 47 yards. In the morning, Crosby missed his only attempt, from 40 yards. For the day, Rayner was 5 for 7; Crosby was 6 for 8. One of Crosby's kicks was blocked but the defender was ruled offside.

Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders used some three-man lines with two linebackers and six defensive backs during a red-zone drill.

Corey Williams and Colin Cole were back in the starting lineup at defensive tackle, a day after Pickett and Johnny Jolly got a turn with the No. 1s.

[OS PA]

Re: TUESDAY EVENING SESSION

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Punter battle

Punter Jon Ryan averaged 59.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time on 6 punts. Free agent Ryan Dougherty averaged 51.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time, also on 6 punts.

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Is it just me not knowing right from wrong, or are Ryan's numbers insane?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Lots of potential in that kid, and he's easy to root for. The bonus: his Dad was a big Packers fan.

[Partial]

Re: TUESDAY EVENING SESSION

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Punter battle

Punter Jon Ryan averaged 59.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time on 6 punts. Free agent Ryan Dougherty averaged 51.3 yards and 4.67 seconds of hang time, also on 6 punts.

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Is it just me not knowing right from wrong, or are Ryan's numbers insane?

It was probably very windy. Those numbers are just ridiculous.

He really need to improve his hang time. 4.4 sec and 40 yards historically represents a good punt. If he's booming 'em 55 yards, he needs to give him gunners another half second or so. Probably even more.