For those that perhaps haven’t caught on, these training camp articles are meant to be informative but also satirical. Both the good and bad are meant to represent the worst in NFL fans. They are real events that took place but isn’t in any way my evaluation. Now on with the show…
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Thanks to a day of and some candid coaches (and Ted Thompson) interviews, I’m not forced to make something out of nothing. Just when you thought the Packers reporters couldn’t be any worse, they go and totally redeem themselves!
With that said, given all the information, I’ll do my best to reduce my points to bullet points… No promises.
There was a bit of breaking news so today I think we’ll go ahead and start with the good news.
The Amazing
For starters, news began to circulate of a new defensive tackle signed by the Packers, Aiulua Fanene. The 6’5 303 pound monster is the future at the nose tackle position. Enough said.
I’m also going to do my best to make sure this is the last time I brag about this but I make no promises… Rollins is the man. Not only did Rollins get the nod to replace Gunter on the boundary because he’s terrible, cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said, in summary, Rollins is amazing in the slot, Rollins has overtaken Randall on the depth chart, and finally, Rollins is “outplaying everyone”. I tried to tell you.
A few other notes from our secondary, you know, the secondary that is going to shock the world in 2017. Here goes:
- Morgan Burnett is a monster, breaking up passes from Rodgers to Bennett.
- King isn’t in pads but sounds like he will be back soon. Described as a quick learner.
- Whitt is going to ask Rodgers to target King more. Good luck Rodgers!
- Explosive plays and receptions are down this year. Best DB group in the NFL.
- Kentrell Brice not only took a step at safety, he’s a freak on special teams
That is all and that’s enough. Top 5 defense for sure. Speaking of defense:
- McCurley said Josh Jones at ILB is basically like having Clay Matthews at ILB… In other words, freak. As a side note, let me say now that Clay/Biegel and Jones/Burnett at ILB is going to happen this season. It has to.
- Winston Moss praised our most under appreciated pass rusher, Jayrone Elliot, saying he is more physical this year. Not sure how but it’s good to hear.
- Jake Ryan, refusing to allow his position to be subbed out, was out breaking up passes.
The running backs, who have gotten hammered lately, were starting to come to life a little. Kerridge again had a huge day making a freakish one handed catch, while Ty Montgomery was juking people out of their shoes. Ty doesn’t have the job locked up though as Jamaal Williams is starting to cut into snaps more and more thanks to being a blocking phenom.
Taysom Hill, the fastest quarterback in the NFL, got to show off a bit on Tuesday as he ran wild, once for a long gain up the gut, the other throwing a strike on the run to Max McCaffrey. McCaffrey for those that don’t know is the brother of first round draft pick Christian McCaffrey. The poor Panthers drafted the wrong McCaffrey.
Sticking with quarterbacks, Joe Callahan also had a nice play as he scrambled under pressure and hit Colby Pearson for a nice gain. Certainly doesn’t hurt to have a freak like Pearson as a target but still, a great effort by Callahan.
Crosby is still the best in the NFL. You know it, I know it, but let’s take a look at how he did anyway shall we:
33- Good
36- Good
39- Good
41- Good
43- Good
46- Blocked but still good
46- Good again
48- It’s good
Finally, Ron Zook, the Packers special teams coach had a little bit to say at the press conference. In summary, Trevor Davis is, baring injury, 100%, absolutely, without question going to be the Packers punt returner. Davis knew it was important, spent the offseason training to be a return man, sent Zook film of him training, got a chance to try out, and Zook had to have help getting his jaw cleaned up off the practice field.
The Horrible
Let’s not sugar coat these injuries. The Packers suck at health, they have always sucked at health, and 2017 is probably worse than any other year. Let’s take a look.
- Kevin King is already hurt with a shoulder injury. If he’s out we’re done.
- Herb Waters is officially out for the year. Another corner we need.
- Demeri Goodson, another corner, is hurt.
- Third round pick Montravious Adams will be out for 6 weeks, which is well into the season.
- Fourth round pick Vince Biegel is also hurt.
Josh Jones was skipped so far but there have only been 5 training sessions thus far… FIVE! I’m sure Jones and Daniels and Rodgers will all have their turn getting hurt.
But at least the hurt players have an excuse for not producing. The rest of the team, all of them pretty much garbage, have no excuse.
For starters, if there are any injuries to the receiver position we are all doomed as evidenced by Michael Clark and Malachi Dupre, both of which fumbled on Tuesday.
As for pass rush, assuming Perry and Matthews are hurt most of the year, which is pretty obvious, nobody should expect sacks. The only pass rush that came on Tuesday was from Randall and Burnett when the offensive line completely forgot to block them. Yay for our great offensive line.
Oh but that’s not all. 6’5 245 pound Kyler Fackrell lost to 6’1 187 pound Trevor Davis on a blitz. Not just lost, Davis allegedly sent Fackrell flying through the air. This isn’t a joke. This happened. This is what happened to one of the Packers best pass rushers.
How about interior pass rush. Clearly the Packers are good up the gut. Actually yes, there was a bright spot on the defensive interior. Letroy “el chapo” Guion went 3-1 in his 1 on 1’s. Which is going to be great for whatever team picks him up after we cut him.
Outside of Guion, no. There was nothing of note. Nothing except the fact that supposedly Mike Daniels wasn’t able to beat Lane Taylor once. Not once. LANE. TAYLOR. It’s over folks, I’m sorry.
Fortunately we did hear some inspiring words from Mr. Ted Thompson as he gave one of his riveting talks. Speaking about the team so far, Thompson offered these words of encouragement, “They’re doing OK. It’s a pretty good group.”
God help us all.