Fit to Repeat by Brian Carriveau

2011 Packers

Fit To Repeat

Breaking down the Packers position by position by Brian Carriveau

erhaps even more impressive than winning the Super Bowl is the talent general manager Ted Thompson has assembled for 2011 and seasons to come. Going so far as to guarantee multiple Super Bowl victories would be foolish, but it is not a stretch to say that the Packers are set up for sustained success. Quick: Name the best players on the Packers. Without a doubt, names like Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Greg Jennings, and B.J. Raji all appeared near the top of the list. All six have at least two years remaining on their contract. With players like them under the team’s control, the Packers can afford to lose a few players to free agency or injury and still be highly competitive. On offense, the Packers have an abundance of talent, and they spent their first three draft choices in 2011 on offense to boot. Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod look to be the bookend tackles for the next decade and the receiving corps got even better with the addition of Randall Cobb. As for the defense, Green Bay has arguably the best secondary in the NFL to go along with a pass rusher in the top five, maybe higher. The special teams were dismal last season, but even that couldn’t prevent the Packers from winning the Super Bowl. Perhaps the only thing that can prevent from the Packers from a deep playoff run is an injury to Aaron Rodgers. Even then, some NFL observers believe Matt Flynn is worthy of being a starting quarterback on another team. To get an insider’s view on the roster, we talked to some former Packers players, coaches, and broadcasters to see what they think of the 2011 version of the team.

Football

With an accomplished starting quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and a capable backup in Matt Flynn, the Packers are about as set at the position as any team in the NFL. When Rodgers won the Super Bowl MVP this past February, he cemented himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. It’s almost hard to believe now that people weren’t sold on Rodgers as a starting QB back in the days when he backed up Brett Favre. “I remember watching him in pre-season games a little bit,” said Rich Gannon, the Packers’ pre-season television color analyst. “I thought he was stiff; I thought he was a little bit erect; I thought he was more of a mechanical thrower. I think that [Mike McCarthy’s] done a lot with him in terms of really working on some of his mechanics. You look at the last couple years, the guy, it’s been incredible. I don’t want to say Despite not being a Pro Bowler in 2010, Aaron Rodgers transformation, but the guy is a special player.” won the NFL’s FedEx Air Player of Year Award. After a rookie year in which he played sparingly, Rodgers spent the final six weeks of the 2006 season on When Rodgers was knocked out of the Week 14 game injured reserve with a broken foot. There were even concerns against the Lions with a concussion and missed the following that Rodgers was injury prone, but there were some bright game against the Patriots, Flynn stepped in and the offense spots. McCarthy’s first season as head coach of the Packers was didn’t miss a beat. Although the Packers lost both games, 2006, and he took to working on Rodgers’ fundamentals. It Flynn played admirably and suggested that he might be a took time, but Rodgers’ arm strength improved along with his starting quarterback in the NFL. throwing motion. “Look at how he played against New England,” said “He’s very sound mechanically, fundamentally, good Gannon. “And I’ve seen him develop a little bit throughout decision maker, very accurate with his location on throws,” said the preseason during the pre-season games. I just think they Gannon. “I think Mike’s given him a lot of responsibility at the do an outstanding job, and it’s a good place to be if you’re a line of scrimmage in terms of getting in and out of plays and the young quarterback.” running game responsibilities. The guy certainly can handle it.” Providing depth is Graham Harrell, who was signed to Perhaps one of the more underrated aspects of Rodgers’ the 53-man roster last season after Rodgers suffered a concusgame is his running ability. sion. The college record-setter has talent, but remains largely “I think people don’t talk enough about his athleticism,” an unknown. said Gannon, “his ability to make plays with his legs... And I “There’s this misconception about these kids that come think Aaron was the second-leading rusher behind Michael out of Texas Tech, this certain system and scheme and stuff,” Vick among quarterbacks [in 2010], the ability to pick up said Gannon. “I think that he’s going to get better as far as his some first downs and make some plays with his legs—I think footwork, in terms of timing and rhythm and understanding it’s really, it’s a big part of who he is.” of the system.” MSP

Passing Efficiency

Yards/Attempt

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

72.1

78.5

2007

95.9

80.9

2008

93.3

2009 2010

Third Down Conversion Rate

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

6.3

6.89

2006

39.2%

38.7%

2007

7.7

6.88

2007

42.6%

39.5%

83.2

2008

7.5

6.98

2008

44.2%

39.5%

101.8

83.0

2009

8.1

7.02

2009

47.0%

38.6%

98.9

82.2

2010

8.0

7.00

2010

41.5%

38.2%

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Photo on previous page: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Sport Photo this page: Hunter Martin/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images

QUARTERBACKS

RUNNING BACKS

Photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images

It’s tough to envision exactly how the running backs for the Green Bay Packers will be used in 2011. They have a stable full of talent, but uncertainty rules. Will Ryan Grant be able to recover from a seasonending knee injury suffered last season? Is he the unquestioned starter ahead of James Starks? Will the Packers be willing to pay his sizable salary when they have younger and cheaper options? Working in his favor is Grant’s experience and body of work. In 2008 and 2009 he put up back-to-back 1,200-yard campaigns. His ball security has also been impressive having lost only five fumbles his entire career. And according to former Packers running back and assistant coach Harry Sydney, Grant has another quality the Packers offense values. “I think Ryan Grant is better than Starks because of his plant and go,” said Sydney. “You saw Starks, he runs with power, but he doesn’t have that plant and go as quick as Ryan Grant, his acceleration.” And that’s not to demean Starks, the rookie phenom to whom the Packers tied their cart during last year’s playoff run. “I see James Starks as another good fit because of his running style,” said Sydney, currently a host on Green Bay’s sports radio station, WDUZ. Starks led all NFL running backs with 315 rushing yards in the 2010 postseason including 123-yard performance against the Eagles in the wild card round—a postseason franchise rookie record. While still largely unproven, Starks has a ton of potential, which will make the battle for playing time between him and Grant an intriguing one. Further complicating matters is the status of free agent Brandon Jackson. Green Bay found out last year that Jackson probably isn’t cut out to be a featured back in their offense, though he really blossomed in the third-down role that values receiving and pass protection skills. “Jackson was a third-down back that ran some nice screens and draws but could never move the pile,” Sydney told Maple Street Press. “And he didn’t play special teams really.” Because of those reasons, a door may also be open for rookie running back Alex Green of the University of Hawaii. If Jackson happens to return to Green Bay, there will be a full house of halfbacks. And if he doesn’t, the rookie may assume

Rushing Yards/game

Ryan Grant appeared in just one regular season game in 2010. his role on third downs. Either way, the Packers may employ their halfbacks somewhat differently than in the past. “At Hawaii, he catches the ball well, pass protection is decent, he runs screens well, and he’s a bigger guy,” said Sydney. “And so now... you have a scenario where you might have two halfbacks in there. And then teams can’t key.” Like Jackson, John Kuhn is a free agent, though he seems to have carved himself a niche with the Packers. “He’s your goal-line, short-yardage guy,” said Sydney. “Everybody loves how he blocks as a fullback. I think he does an adequate job. I think Kuhn has a niche. I think Kuhn’s a good guy, and he’s a folk hero.” Kuhn was particularly effective on third downs, racking up 57 yards on 15 carries, 12 of which resulted in first downs—an 80% rate that ranked second in the NFL. Furthermore, Kuhn converted 9-of-10 attempts on third-and-1. It’s possible that the Packers will use H-backs instead of fullbacks, with players like Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor able to fill those roles. MSP

Carries per Game

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

103.9

117.3

2007

99.8

110.9

2008

112.8

2009 2010

20+ Yard Runs

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

Packers

2006

26.9

28.2

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

9.8

2007

24.2

27.3

T-18

2007

10.0

116.0

2008

27.3

27.6

2008

11.7

T-19

117.8

116.7

2009

100.4

114.5

2010

27.4

27.5

2009

11.3

T-15

26.3

27.2

2010

11.5

T-31

Maple Street Press | 7

WiDe RECEIVERS

Passing Yards/game

Catches/game

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

237.2

204.8

2007

270.9

214.3

2008

238.3

2009 2010

20+ Yard Receptions

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

21.9

19.1

2006

43.0

T-10

2007

23.9

20.4

2007

41.9

T-5

211.3

2008

21.4

19.7

2008

42.3

T-8

261.2

218.5

2009

22.3

20.3

2009

45.8

T-10

257.8

221.6

2010

22.0

20.5

2010

47.6

T-6

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Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

One year ago, wide receiver was seen as one of the best and deepest positions on the roster, and in the entire NFL. While this year’s group can be just as good and effective as in 2010, there’s a couple more questions than there were 365 days ago. However, there’s one player with few question marks: Greg Jennings. In 2010 Jennings proved to be one of the league’s elite wide receivers and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Former Packers receiver Don Beebe, a member of the Super Bowl XXXI winning team, thinks Jennings ranks right up there with the NFL’s best at the position. “I think Greg obviously has all the tools that all the great ones do,” said Beebe. “He has the quickness, and speed, and great catching ability, and he’s a great route runner who’s just a great guy, a team player, and all those things. Greg is certainly one of those top five to eight guys in the league Since Week 6 of the 2010 season, Greg Jennings ranks first in the right now.” NFL with 1,082 yards on 62 receptions. The exclamation point on Jennings’ season came in Super Bowl XLV when he caught two touchdown But where does he rank in the Packers’ pecking order passes. Those were two of 21 catches he had in the postseaat receiver? In 2010, Nelson was fourth on the team with son, which tied for the team lead. 45 regular-season receptions. If Driver’s play slips, it will be Donald Driver enters his 13th professional season in interesting to see whether Nelson can develop into the #2 2011, and observers are left to wonder whether age has finally receiver on the roster. Beebe thinks there’s a number of roles caught up to him. Nelson could fill. “There’s no question, Donald Driver is still productive,” “Guys like Jordy––who could be your second, third, said Beebe, who currently operates a franchise of athletic fourth guy on the roster––could really have a great season performance centers across the United States “And the older and catch 50, 60, 70 balls and maybe more just because that’s you get, the harder it is to try to stay in kind of that top-notch the way offenses have gone these days,” Beebe told Maple shape. You have to train just a little bit harder every year, and Street Press. “So yeah, Jordy had a breakout [Super Bowl] and that’s where he is at. But he can play a couple more years, breakout part of the year last year, and I think it could be a there’s no doubt.” great stepping stone for him.” Indeed, there’s no doubt that Driver is one of the better The unknown is where James Jones fits into the Packers’ conditioned players in the NFL. And he’s indicated that he plans at wide receiver. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in his wants to play until he’s 40 (he’s now 36). first four years in the NFL, but he’s free agent at the whims Meanwhile, Jordy Nelson appears to be entering his of the NFL’s labor struggles. In any case, the Packers have a prime. With a Super Bowl performance that included nine contingency plan in second-round pick Randall Cobb out catches for 140 yards and could have been even better if not of the University of Kentucky. Cobb figures to heavily factor for a couple drops, Nelson had a career game on the sport’s in the team’s return game, but should also see the field on biggest stage. offense. MSP

Tight ENDS

Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

With the addition of two more tight ends in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Packers are about as deep at the position as any team in the NFL. Jermichael Finley, one of the best tight ends in professional football when he’s healthy, leads this unit. Finley had a breakout sophomore season in 2009 that saw him catch 55 passes for 676 yards and five touchdowns. Expectations were high entering last season and he responded by catching 21 passes for 301 yards a touchdown in the first four games, before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 5. If there’s one knock on Finley, it’s that he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. In addition to missing most of last season, he also missed three games in 2009 with another knee injury. Despite the praise heaped upon Finley, the fact is that he’s only put together one solid season so far. He enters 2011 in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, which has stirred debate about his future in Green Bay—some team is sure to pay him big money, whether that team is the Packers remains to be seen. Andrew Quarless emerged as another option late last season and started four games between the regular season and the playoffs. His performance was by no means dominant, but then again, few rookies have such an impact. The key for Quarless going forward will be continuing development. With Finley slated to become a free agent after this season, the Packers may look to Quarless to take on a much larger role in the future. He has the body type to play a similar style as Finley, lining up outside, although he

appears to have the flexibility to line up on the line and in the backfield as well. Tom Crabtree is the best blocking tight end on the Packers, bar none. While his receiving statistics are underwhelming, he’s not asked to be an integral part of the team’s aerial attack. However, in the few opportunities he’s gotten, he’s displayed reliable hands. Crabtree had six catches for 69 yards last season in the regular season and playoffs including a touchdown against the Eagles in the wild card round. Crabtree was occasionally used in as an H-back, lining up in the offensive backfield last season, and it appears he may have some company this year. In the fifth round, the Packers selected D.J. Williams of Arkansas. Williams had a prolific career at Arkansas, and was the John Mackey Award winner his senior season as the nation’s best tight end. He was one of quarterback Ryan Mallet’s favorite targets and led the pass-happy Razorbacks in receiving in 2010 with 54 receptions for 627 yards. At 6’2” and 245 pounds, he’s smaller than the typical NFL tight end, but he has the talent to play H-back and be a receiving threat out of the backfield. The Packers also selected Ryan Taylor of North Carolina in the seventh round. He doesn’t have a ton of experience at tight end and his biggest contributions might come on special teams. In any case, the Packers have said they will utilize him as a tight end, and H-back may be his most likely role. MSP

Jermichael Finley had back-to-back 100-yard receiving games in Weeks 2 and 3 of 2010 before landing on injured reserve.

Maple Street Press | 9

OFFENSIVE LINE

Rushing Yards/attempt

Pass attempts per Sack

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

3.9

4.2

2007

4.1

2008

4.1

2009 2010

Points/Game

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

26.3

14.1

2007

30.4

15.5

4.2

2008

15.9

4.3

4.2

2009

3.8

4.2

2010

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Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

18.8

20.7

2007

27.2

21.7

16.0

2008

26.2

22.0

10.8

15.5

2009

28.8

21.5

14.2

15.3

2010

24.3

22.0

Photo: Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Packers are entering a transition phase along the offensive line. They’re trying to milk as much as they can from veteran tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, while also developing relative youngsters Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod to be the bookend tackles of the future. As long as Clifton can continue to play at a high level, he figures to be the starting left tackle. And given his play in the second half of 2010, there’s little reason to think that he can’t still be successful. Clifton’s performance during the playoff run was an underrated reason the Packers were able to win the Super Bowl. As for Tauscher, his time in Green Bay could be coming to a close. Tauscher’s season ended with a shoulder injury, and it’s debatable whether he’d Whether Scott Wells and Daryn Colledge will continue to line be a better option than Bulaga at right tackle if up next to each other remains to be seen. and when he returns. “I think Chad Clifton definitely fits in,” said former Packers “I know there’s a thing out there in the NFL that the ‘unoffensive lineman Larry McCarren. “He finished the season very dersized guys’ get hurt more often and have shorter careers,” strong, and I think he fits in prominently for another year. Mark McCarren said. “But Scott Wells played really well last year, Tauscher I’m not so sure about, having injury problems coming and I thought he was a big plus for the Green Bay Packers.” back last year and spending the season on IR.” Lining up next to Wells is arguably the best player Bulaga had an up and down rookie season, though like on the entire offensive line. Right guard Josh Sitton has Clifton, his play down the stretch was simply superb. If he can put together two dominant seasons about as quietly as continue to build off his playoff performance, Bulaga figures possible. It’s only a matter of time before he is considered to be a key factor in 2011. All-Pro caliber. The same can’t necessarily be said of 2011 first-round draft The biggest question mark is left guard where incumbent choice Sherrod, at least not right away. He is a big part of the starter Daryn Colledge is a free agent. If Colledge isn’t in Packers’ plans going forward, but unless Clifton’s play declines or the team’s plans, there’s no shortage of candidates to take he gets hurt, Sherrod looks to be a backup this season. his place. The front-runner may be T.J. Lang, who’s gotten “If Chad Clifton remains healthy and plays well and spurts of playing time the past couple seasons, but there’s a Bryan Bulaga does his thing on the other side, there may not host of others. be an opportunity for Sherrod to play tackle,” said McCarren, “They’ve got Lang coming back, who’s an interesting the color analyst for the Packers Radio Network. “So even prospect,” said McCarren. “We mentioned Sherrod earlier. though he might be ready athletically and production-wise, They think he can play guard as well as tackle, maybe not that door may not be open to him.” as well but as another position. They also have Jason Spitz, Another veteran is center Scott Wells. While not a Pro who’s also kind of in Never Never Land as far as what his Bowler, Wells is perhaps coming off the best two years of his future is. They’ve got Nick McDonald coming back who career. He’s strong, smart, and does a good job keeping pass made the team as an undrafted free agent last year, and they rushers off Aaron Rodgers up the middle. like him.” MSP

DEFENSIVE LINE

Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Sport

Though there are signs of trouble along the defensive line, the Packers are more prepared than meets the eye. It may appear they’re in a dilemma with Cullen Jenkins eligible for free agency and Johnny Jolly’s continuing legal woes, but the team had the foresight to add depth a season ago. It’s possible that Jenkins will return to the Packers, though perhaps not likely. He’s going to be an unrestricted free agent and he’ll be looking for a big payday. All things being equal, the Packers would welcome him back, but probably not at the price he can command on the open market. Jolly remains a long shot to return to Green Bay after another drug-related arrest in his native Houston In addition to 6.5 sacks in the regular season, B.J. Raji added one following his suspension for violating the against the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round of the playoffs. league’s substance abuse policy. Anchoring the current defensive line is nose tackle B.J. He isn’t asked to be a playmaker, however, and the Packers Raji. After a breakout sophomore season, Raji appears to be will be happy if he can put together another reliable year as entering his prime. Not only is he stout against the run, his a run stuffer. 6.5 sacks last year suggest he’s one of the best pass rushing 3-4 Last year’s second-round draft choice, Mike Neal, nose tackles in the NFL. figures to receive the first chance to start opposite Pickett if “I think his potential is really unlimited in the fact that Jenkins does not come back. Neal had an impressive training he’s got a great NFL body type,” said former Packers defensive camp and beginning of the 2010 season before he suffered lineman Lester Archambeau. “Especially for the defense the a season-ending shoulder injury. If he can stay healthy, he Packers are running, he’s a great player against the run. And as appears to have a bright future. guys get older, they get more experienced, their techniques get Another young player that will be part of the defensive better, so I think his best football’s ahead of him.” line rotation is C.J. Wilson. He received more playing time as Ryan Pickett remains a stalwart at defensive end. Since last season went along, culminating with a spot in the starting coming to Green Bay as a free agent in 2006, he’s been a lineup in the Super Bowl. Whether he can be a full-time consistent and reliable defender, and an underrated reason the starter remains to be seen. Packers were Super Bowl champions. The question is, how Howard Green, who the Packers acquired at mid-season much longer can be an effective player? last year, should be in the team’s plans as part of the base 3-4 “With defensive linemen, as long as they work on their defense. Like Pickett, he’ll be asked to be a run stuffer. craft, they can play until their bodies don’t let them,” said The newest part of the defensive line is seventh-round Archambeau, who’s still involved in the NFL as an agent. draft choice Lawrence Guy. The word is that he has the Pickett seems to work on his craft, but he’s on the talent, but like any first-year player, he’ll face an uphill battle wrong side of 30 and is closer to the end than the beginning. to become a contributor in his first-year. MSP

Rushing Yards allowed/carry

Sacks

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

4.1

4.2

2007

3.9

4.1

2008

4.6

2009 2010

Scoring Defense (Points allowed/game)

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

36.3

2006

22.9

20.7

T-25

2007

34.4

T-13

2007

18.2

21.7

T-6

4.2

2008

32.4

2008

23.8

22.0

3.6

4.2

2009

34.4

T-11

2009

18.6

21.5

4.7

4.2

2010

35.3

T-20

2010

15.0

22.0

Maple Street Press | 11

InSIDE LINEBACKERS

Takeaways

A.J. Hawk has posted 25 career double-digit tackle games. Brandon Chillar finds himself in a similar situation. He’s been a reliable player when healthy, but he might be too expensive to sit on the bench. One thing working in Chillar’s favor is that you can never have enough depth, as the Packers found out last season. Despite his back-up status, he’s possibly only an injury away from being a starter. And the Packers like him, as evidenced by the contract extension they offered him in 2009. Rookie D.J. Smith stands to benefit from a situation where either Barnett or Chillar is traded or cut. The sixthround pick out of Appalachian State is currently third string, but could move up to the second string with one transaction. Smith was an active force in college racking up more than 500 career tackles, but he must overcome the odds that say his 5’11” frame is too small for the NFL. MSP

Yards Allowed per Defensive Play

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

28.0

T-5

2007

28.5

2008

2009 2010

Opponent's Third Down Conversion

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

5.1

5.2

2006

32.6%

38.7%

2007

5.0

5.2

2007

33.0%

39.5%

24.8

2008

5.3

2008

38.1%

39.5%

27.1

2009

4.8

5.3

2009

36.0%

38.6%

26.9

2010

5.1

5.3

2010

36.2%

38.2%

12 | www.maplestreetpress.com

Photo: Tom Dahlin/Getty Images

The Packers have plenty of depth at inside linebacker, almost to a fault. They’ve accumulated so many quality players that speculation is that they will cut or trade one of them. Two players that appear safe are A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop. After Nick Barnett was lost for the season with a wrist injury, Hawk and Bishop held down the starting spots and each had the best season of his respective career. They performed so well that each received new contracts. Hawk was cut and subsequently re-signed in the span of two days back in March. And Bishop inked a contract extension in mid-season last year after filling in so admirably for Barnett. Head coach Mike McCarthy told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in the offseason that Hawk and Bishop would be the two starters at inside linebacker in spite of Barnett only losing his job due to injury. Coming into 2010, Hawk’s future in Green Bay was uncertain. He had a positive rookie season back in 2006 but had been just adequate from 2007–09. Finally in 2010 he put it all together and would have been an injury replacement in the Pro Bowl had the Packers not reached the Super Bowl. Though he only had half a sack, Hawk led the team in tackles and had a career-high three interceptions. Furthermore, his five interceptions since Week 13 of 2009 are first among NFL linebackers. Bishop started the final 12 games of the regular season and all four playoff games. He was second on the team in tackles, which also was a career high. In addition, he tallied three sacks and had 10 passes defended, the most by a Green Bay linebacker since John Anderson had 15 in 1981. Bishop’s 49 tackles on special teams from 2007–09 led the team, though he figures to have his workload lessened in that phase of the game. It’s Barnett’s future in Green Bay that’s precarious. While he’s been a productive player when he’s been healthy, the problem is that he hasn’t been healthy enough. He’s landed on injured reserve in two of the past three seasons, and he’s entering his ninth year in the league. Whether he’ll be content to be a backup is up for debate, and he’d be a highly priced reserve. Those factors have some thinking that he’s a candidate to be traded, and his experience in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense should make him a valuable commodity.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Sport

In Clay Matthews, the Packers have one of the best outside linebackers, if not one of the best defensive players, in the NFL. But apart from Matthews, it’s unclear whether the team has a clear-cut starter or just a bunch of players vying for a roster spot. Matthews has been a breath of fresh air for the Packers. After trading up into the first round to select him in 2009, all the two-time Pro Bowler has done is post back-to-back double-digit sack seasons and become a force to be reckoned with. “The thing that makes him great to me, physically I think he’s a specimen, and he has tremendous athletic ability,” said former Packers linebacker and linebackers coach Paul Rudzinski. “I think what really sets him apart is that he plays with so much passion. Every down he’s going 110%.” After finishing 2010 with 13.5 sacks and another 3.5 in the postseason, Matthews won the Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year Award. Entering only his third year as a professional, there’s no reason to think he’s going to slow down anytime soon. Beyond Matthews, however, there are questions. Considering that outside linebacker can be such an impact position in a 3-4 defense, it’s a wonder the Packers haven’t addressed the situation more than they have. But with a Super Bowl victory, the team proved it could win without a big-time playmaker opposite Matthews. Maybe Frank Zombo can develop into one. After making the team as an undrafted rookie last season, he defied the odds and had an overachieving season, at least from an outsider’s expectations. With four regular-season sacks and

another in the Super Bowl, Zombo quickly became a fan favorite, and looks to have a bright future. “I was really impressed with him, especially early on in the preseason and stuff,” said Rudzinski, currently an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps. “I don’t know how tall he is, but he has so much ability. He doesn’t have quite the ability that Clay Matthews has, but the same thing, he’s got that motor. He’s going, and he’s a great athlete.” The competition for Zombo should be fierce. One of the more intriguing options is Erik Walden. He flashed late last season, when he was named the NFC’s Week 17 Defensive Player of the Week for a three-sack, 16-tackle performance in Green Bay’s game against the Bears. Also in the mix is Brad Jones. In 20 games for the Packers over the past two years Jones has racked up 60 tackles and four sacks. His biggest problem has been staying on the field, as he’s been dogged by several injuries that forced him to be put on injured reserve last season. Another injured Packer trying to make a comeback is Brady Poppinga whose 2010 season was ended by a torn meniscus. Before exiting, Poppinga played in six games and had one sack, but he may have to improve on those totals if he’s going to make the team. “I think he can [make the team],” Rudzinski said. “It’s going to be difficult because there’s so much depth at the linebacker position.” If none of the veterans pan out, the Packers could turn to sixth-round draft choice Ricky Elmore. Coming out of the University of Arizona, Elmore was the Pac-10 leader in sacks in his junior and senior seasons. MSP

Frank Zombo’s sack of Ben Roethlisberger in the third quarter of the Super Bowl helped lead to a missed field goal.

Maple Street Press | 13

CORNERBACKS

Passing yards allowed/game

Passing Efficiency Against

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

206.8

204.8

2007

210.4

214.3

2008

202.8

2009

201.1

2010

194.2

Interceptions

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

75.40

78.51

2007

75.60

80.90

211.3

2008

71.90

218.5

2009

68.80

221.6

2010

67.20

14 | www.maplestreetpress.com

Packers

NFL Avg

2006

16.3

NFL Rank 3

2007

16.7

T-6

83.16

2008

14.5

82.97

2009

16.4

82.20

2010

16.0

Photo: Tom Dahlin/Getty Images

Coming into 2010, the Packers knew what they had in Charles Woodson at corner, but that was about it. Al Harris was coming off a severe knee injury, and everyone else was still unproven. But after a breakout performance from Tramon Williams and a stellar rookie season from Sam Shields, the position quickly went from uncertainty to strength. After a 2009 season in which he was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year, there was no doubt Woodson was an elite player. He did regress a bit in 2010, but not nearly enough to suggest he isn’t valuable. For one, he’s the unquestioned leader of the defense—and probably only behind Aaron Rodgers in the influence he has over the entire team. As a postseason captain, he had the attention of the entire locker room as he encouraged the team to make a trip to the White House their ultimate goal. As a player, Woodson still defends the slot as well Tramon Williams is the only undrafted player in the NFL to grab as any player in the game and is one of best cornerfour or more interceptions in each of the past three seasons. backs in the NFL in run support. He’s also dangerous on the blitz. Where he seemed to struggle last season is that the Packers use more often than their base defense. In when he had to turn and run with opposing receivers, maybe retrospect, he probably would have gone from undrafted to losing a step due to his advancing age. Woodson broke his a first-round selection had the NFL Draft been conducted collarbone during the Super Bowl, though his injury doesn’t again after the season. project as a problem going forward. The young corner had two interceptions and nine passes Joining Woodson in the elite category last season was defended in the regular season, though his biggest perforWilliams, who proved himself as one of the league’s up-andmance of the year came in the playoffs. Shields recorded two coming cornerbacks. That he was not named to the Pro Bowl interceptions and a sack in the NFC championship victory on its initial vote was more a result of his unknown status than over the Bears, including a fourth-down interception with a reflection on his play. Williams had an amazing season, and Chicago driving deep into Green Bay territory only down by it probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say he was the team MVP seven points. when considering his play from Week 1 all the way through Pat Lee has been underwhelming as a second-round the Super Bowl. draft choice out of Auburn in 2008, although there is reason Williams led the team with six interceptions and 23 for optimism. After injuries forced both Woodson and Shields passes defended, both career highs. He also led the NFL out of the Super Bowl, Lee was pressed into action and with three interceptions in postseason play. The icing on the performed admirably with little preparation. It will tough for cake was probably his break-up of a Ben Roethlisberger pass him to break into the cornerback rotation with at least three intended for Mike Wallace on fourth-and-5 on the Steelers’ players ahead of him, however. final drive in the Super Bowl. Rookie Davon House will begin his career deep down Shields exceeded everyone’s expectations by becoming a the Packers depth chart, although he has some intriguing major contributor as the team’s nickel cornerback, a formation talent that will make him a tough cut. MSP

SAFETIES

Photo: Rob Tringali/Getty Images

A sign of how comfortable the Packers are with their safety personnel? Among the team’s 10 draft choices in 2011, not one of them was a safety. Leading the way is Nick Collins, who has made three straight Pro Bowls, the first Packers safety to accomplish that feat since LeRoy Butler. Collins’s 2010 season was another success, and the icing on the cake was his interception return for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. “He’s a big-time playmaker,” said former Packers safety Matt Bowen. “I think he’s just going to get better and better, I really do. I still think you put the top two guys, you flip a coin with Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. But Ed Reed’s getting up there in age, and pretty soon I think you’re talking about Nick Collins up there with Troy Polamalu as one of the best overall.” A battle is brewing for the starting safety spot next to Collins. Morgan Burnett was the starter at the beginning of last year before a knee injury ended his season. He was eventually replaced by Charlie Peprah, who had a surprisingly solid 2010 campaign. “With Burnett coming back, I think they would open up the competition a little bit,” said Bowen, who currently writes for NationalFootballPost.com. “I think that’s what every good football team does. Even with the contract for a new guy, the good teams that I’ve been around, they want a little competition in August, because you want to see the guy that got the contract extension still prove it every day.”

Peprah set career highs in 2010 with 11 games started, 64 tackles, and two interceptions. Perhaps his most memorable interception was in the regular-season finale against the Bears, when Peprah picked off a second-half Jay Cutler pass in the end zone. Peprah also became a reliable in-the-box tackler for the Packers and rarely got beat deep. When all was said and done, the Packers decided they didn’t want to allow Peprah to hit the free agent market and signed him to a contract extension before the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expired. Burnett will provide Peprah with competition. The rookie impressed coaches and fans last season by winning the starting job during training camp. He had some struggles early, especially against the run, though he appears to have potential. The most important part will be recovering from his torn ACL. “It takes a while to get back up to top speed, where you’re comfortable coming in and going out of your breaks,” Bowen said. “And even just the simple things, dropping to the deep half in Cover-2, being able to trust your body, trust your abilities when a wide receiver gets up on your cushion. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but there is a transition where you might not see the same player right away.” Also in the mix at safety are Jarrett Bush and Anthony Smith, both of whom are better known for their efforts on special teams than on defense. MSP

It’s not a stretch to say that Nick Collins is one of the elite safeties in the NFL.

Maple Street Press | 15

SPECIAL TEAMS

Net Punting Average

Punt Coverage (Yards Allowed per Return)

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

35.7

37.1

2007

37.6

37.3

2008

35.7

2009 2010

Punt Returns (Yards per Return)

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

Packers

NFL Avg

NFL Rank

2006

9.1

8.7

2006

7.8

8.7

2007

5.9

9.1

2007

10.3

9.1

37.5

2008

7.5

9.3

2008

10.8

9.3

34.1

38.3

T-31

2009

10.1

8.5

2009

6.9

8.5

37.6

37.5

2010

11.0

9.6

T-24

2010

7.9

9.6

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Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Packers proved in 2010 that they could win a Super Bowl with subpar special teams. But as a team that lost six regular season games and only qualified for the playoffs as the final seed in the NFC, there’s cause for concern. If the offense or defense happens to regress, shoddy special teams play could be a burden the Packers don’t want to bear. The good news about is that the Packers took a step forward in last season. The bad news is that it was a baby step. After ranking 31st in the Dallas Morning News’ annual special teams ranking in 2009, the Packers finished 29th in 2010. The biggest reason for the improvement was a stellar performance from first-year punter Tim Masthay. It can be argued that the Packers may not have won two games last season without Masthay: Week 8 at the Jets Tim Masthay finished the regular season with a 37.6-yard net average, and Week 17 vs. the Bears. Against New York, which matched the best by a Packers punter since 1976. Masthay punted eight times for a 41.5 net average while placing five punts inside the 20 in a 9–0 Packers “I can remember my days there. Once the end of October rolled victory; against Chicago, he placed four of eight punts inside around, it was, ‘Hunker down and get ready to experience some the 20 while allowing Devin Hester to return just two punts tough kicking conditions and playing conditions for everybody.’” for 35 yards. One place the Packers kicker would seem to benefit in “I thought he did a very good job of pinning guys inside 2011 is from the new NFL rule moving kickoffs up to the the 20,” said former Packers kicker Al Del Greco, currently a 35-yard line as opposed to the 30. Del Greco thinks there’s co-host of The Opening Drive, a sports radio show on WJOX going to be fewer returns this season. in Birmingham, AL. “But you continue to work, don’t rest “I think you’re going to see a lot less of that now, on your laurels. Certainly with the year that he had, I think because there are so many guys in the league that are there’s a very bright future for him.” so strong that there’s no question that the number of Unfortunately, Masthay was one of the few bright spots. touchbacks will improve,” said Del Greco speaking from a Kicker Mason Crosby was below average in field goal ackicker’s standpoint. curacy and did little to help the kickoff unit. Special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum needed help With Crosby scheduled to be a free agent this past for his units, and he may have found it with newly drafted offseason, the Packers had to make a choice: Either re-sign return man Randall Cobb from the University of Kentucky. their veteran kicker or decide to go in another direction. The Packers ranked 26th in the NFL in kickoff return While Crosby hasn’t been a Pro Bowler, there is risk in average and 22nd in punt return average, so even a modest signing a new kicker. improvement would be welcomed. Cobb averaged 24.6 yards “I actually think he’s done a pretty good job, because I per kick return in college and 9.8 yards per punt return, so think you need to consider where he kicks,” said Del Greco. there’s optimism in that department. MSP