So, the Pack has $30 million in salary cap room and any attempt to bolster a thin defensive line through quality free agent help has seemingly vanished as the few available top candidates signed elsewhere. Which leaves the Pack with basically Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins, Aaron Kampman and Justin Harrell (well, he's on the roster anyway) as the defensive line. How and why the Pack didn't seriously go after help to bolster what was already the weak link in last year's defense is a mystery. Granted, both the Redskins and Giants threw a boatload of money at Albert Haynesworth and Chris Canty, respectively. And, probably to most people's way of thinking, overpaid. Certainly this was Packer GM Ted Thompson's point of view, who is never one to throw away money. That was also the case with Colin Cole, whom the Packers lost via free agency to Seattle. While Cole was starting to finally make an impact, with $6 million of guaranteed contract money, Seattle definitely overpaid.
The problem is, that established the market. And there weren't that many quality free agent defensive linemen available to begin with. Reportedly, the Pack has had some discussions with the agents for San Diego's Igor Olshansky, Baltimore's Marques Douglas and New England's Mike Wright, but nothing firm. In fact, other reports were circulating yesterday that Olshanksy had come to terms with Houston.
So where does this leave the Pack? Apparently shifting gears and looking for a safety instead. Go figure.
Check out this article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel for more on that approach, as well as a few other free agent possibilities.
Bottom line is that unless somehow the Pack captures lightening in a bottle with one of the middle-of-the-road or over-the-hill free agents still on the market, or gets lucky with a draft pick, new defensive coordinator Dom Capers is going to have to be very creative with his schemes. Because right now, the Pack's defensive line situation is looking precarious at best.
Showing posts with label Colin Cole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colin Cole. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Packers miss out on Canty, lose Cole
The Packers, somewhat contrary to form, had publicly expressed some interest in Cowboys free agent defensive end, Chris Canty. At 6'7" and a tad over 300 pounds, he would have been a good addition for the Pack's new 3-4 scheme. Well, the Pack can now go back to form: Canty reportedly has signed 6-year, $42 million deal with the NY Giants.
Moving right along...
One of the the Packers' own that they hoped to hang on to, defensive lineman Colin Cole, has reportedly signed a 5 year, $21.5 million deal with Seattle. The loss of Cole hurts what was already a thin defensive line. The Pack had thought that if they couldn't resign Cole they could make a strong run at Canty. Not if you believe the report in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, which is showing the Newark Star-Ledger as the news source, and a supposed confirmation from one of those ubiquitous "NFL sources."
The quality free agents who could help the Packers upfront in the new 3-4 scheme is now falling off rather considerably. The Pack may now wind up having to hope that Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly can rotate to hold the point of attack, along with somehow getting a bookend of some kind to Aaron Kampman.
Cole was just starting to come on as a real player and losing him is a definite blow. And not even being able to have a face to face with Canty before he agreed to terms with the Giants is also disappointing. It will be interesting to see what Ted Thompson does now with the $30 million in salary cap room he's sitting on.
Moving right along...
One of the the Packers' own that they hoped to hang on to, defensive lineman Colin Cole, has reportedly signed a 5 year, $21.5 million deal with Seattle. The loss of Cole hurts what was already a thin defensive line. The Pack had thought that if they couldn't resign Cole they could make a strong run at Canty. Not if you believe the report in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, which is showing the Newark Star-Ledger as the news source, and a supposed confirmation from one of those ubiquitous "NFL sources."
The quality free agents who could help the Packers upfront in the new 3-4 scheme is now falling off rather considerably. The Pack may now wind up having to hope that Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly can rotate to hold the point of attack, along with somehow getting a bookend of some kind to Aaron Kampman.
Cole was just starting to come on as a real player and losing him is a definite blow. And not even being able to have a face to face with Canty before he agreed to terms with the Giants is also disappointing. It will be interesting to see what Ted Thompson does now with the $30 million in salary cap room he's sitting on.
Friday, November 30, 2007
The morning after: ouch
Yes, fellow Packer fans, it was not a bad dream. It was real. Our Pack getting beat yet again in Dallas. Brett looking like more the QB of the 90's losing in Dallas rather than the QB of 2007 winning anywhere and everywhere.
But the big ouch was Brett getting knocked out of the game in the second quarter. Initially it was diagnosed as an elbow injury. Later on it was stated as an elbow sprain and funny bone injury affecting the nerve more than the bone. We awake this morning, though, to also learn that Brett suffered a partial separation of his left shoulder on that same play. What is amazing, though, was that Brett addressed the media after the game and about the only mention he made of the shoulder was that it was hurt but if need be they'd just "shoot it up" and he'd be ready to go in the game against the Raiders on Dec. 9 at Lambeau. As some of the radio folks were saying this morning, how do you not know you've separated your shoulder? To which one of the other radio folks replied, "He's a freak of nature...but in a good way." Ya think???
Other than Brett's injuries, Coach McCarthy last evening indicated that there were no other injuries he was a aware of coming out of the game. That's good. Because, as noted here and elsewhere, there were certainly enough going into the game. And, it could be argued, those injuries certainly did have an impact on the outcome of the game. The loss of Charles Woodson in the secondary was huge. Jarrett Bush was burned repeatedly, eventually being replaced by Tramon Williams. Players looked out of position and confused. Al Harris admitted afterward that there were "communication problems" in the secondary. But Harris also admitted that there should be no excuses and that the Pack just got beat. The injuries on the defensive line -- Johnny Jolly, Colin Cole, and KGB -- also showed up in the total lack of pressure on Tony Romo all night long. The Pack did not get any sacks, and rarely pressured Romo. Combined with the lack of pressure on the QB and the lack of communication in the secondary, it set things up for a big night for the kid from Burlington, WI.
With that said, as noted in the last post of last evening, backup QB Aaron Rodgers brought the Pack back, leading the team back from a 27-10 deficit to make it 27-24 late in the game. He spearheaded drives leading to two touchdowns and a field goal and kept the Pack in the game right up until the last minute. He looked very sharp on his throws and very poised. If for some reason Brett were unable to go against the Raiders, or could not go all the way, fans should feel much more comfortable with the guy filling the shoes. As Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Packers, said during a radio interview this morning, Rodgers can beat the Raiders. This is not hype from a Packers mouthpiece. Larrivee is a seasoned sportscaster and, in fact, noted that he has watched Rodgers play since his first game at California. Larrivee did and still does college play-by-play announcing and thus had a chance to see Rodgers on more than a few occasions during his college career. Larrivee liked him then and indicated that, unlike many top college QBs who have come into the league and got thrown into play and "get beat up", as Larrivee expressed it, with bad teams, Rodgers -- in his third year -- has had a chance to mature and watch one of the game's best. As Larrivee noted, that will serve both Rodgers and the Packers well whenever Brett decides to finally...well, you know...
If you want to read more about Brett's injuries and related matters, check out this story.
As noted in the final post of last evening, there's a lot to digest about this game. Perhaps there will be more here later today. Thanks for reading.
But the big ouch was Brett getting knocked out of the game in the second quarter. Initially it was diagnosed as an elbow injury. Later on it was stated as an elbow sprain and funny bone injury affecting the nerve more than the bone. We awake this morning, though, to also learn that Brett suffered a partial separation of his left shoulder on that same play. What is amazing, though, was that Brett addressed the media after the game and about the only mention he made of the shoulder was that it was hurt but if need be they'd just "shoot it up" and he'd be ready to go in the game against the Raiders on Dec. 9 at Lambeau. As some of the radio folks were saying this morning, how do you not know you've separated your shoulder? To which one of the other radio folks replied, "He's a freak of nature...but in a good way." Ya think???
Other than Brett's injuries, Coach McCarthy last evening indicated that there were no other injuries he was a aware of coming out of the game. That's good. Because, as noted here and elsewhere, there were certainly enough going into the game. And, it could be argued, those injuries certainly did have an impact on the outcome of the game. The loss of Charles Woodson in the secondary was huge. Jarrett Bush was burned repeatedly, eventually being replaced by Tramon Williams. Players looked out of position and confused. Al Harris admitted afterward that there were "communication problems" in the secondary. But Harris also admitted that there should be no excuses and that the Pack just got beat. The injuries on the defensive line -- Johnny Jolly, Colin Cole, and KGB -- also showed up in the total lack of pressure on Tony Romo all night long. The Pack did not get any sacks, and rarely pressured Romo. Combined with the lack of pressure on the QB and the lack of communication in the secondary, it set things up for a big night for the kid from Burlington, WI.
With that said, as noted in the last post of last evening, backup QB Aaron Rodgers brought the Pack back, leading the team back from a 27-10 deficit to make it 27-24 late in the game. He spearheaded drives leading to two touchdowns and a field goal and kept the Pack in the game right up until the last minute. He looked very sharp on his throws and very poised. If for some reason Brett were unable to go against the Raiders, or could not go all the way, fans should feel much more comfortable with the guy filling the shoes. As Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Packers, said during a radio interview this morning, Rodgers can beat the Raiders. This is not hype from a Packers mouthpiece. Larrivee is a seasoned sportscaster and, in fact, noted that he has watched Rodgers play since his first game at California. Larrivee did and still does college play-by-play announcing and thus had a chance to see Rodgers on more than a few occasions during his college career. Larrivee liked him then and indicated that, unlike many top college QBs who have come into the league and got thrown into play and "get beat up", as Larrivee expressed it, with bad teams, Rodgers -- in his third year -- has had a chance to mature and watch one of the game's best. As Larrivee noted, that will serve both Rodgers and the Packers well whenever Brett decides to finally...well, you know...
If you want to read more about Brett's injuries and related matters, check out this story.
As noted in the final post of last evening, there's a lot to digest about this game. Perhaps there will be more here later today. Thanks for reading.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Packers banged up
It's that time of the NFL season when team depth starts to show, well, how deep it is. (Is that a redundancy?) Fortunately for the Packers, they have so far been able to fill every hole that has opened up. Some folks questioned the reasoning in keeping 11 defensive linemen. Not any more. Example: yesterday Colin Cole was not only activated for one of the few games this season but saw a lot of action because of the injury the prior week to Johnny Jolly. Cole wound up fracturing his forearm during the game and he is definitely out for the game against the Cowboys and perhaps longer if surgery is required. Mike Montgomery came in and was involved in several pressures and tackles. This coming week, with both Jolly (out indefinitely) and Cole definitely out, that means first round pick Justin Harrell and Daniel Muir, another rookie, will move up in the D-line scheme.
Others who came out of the game nicked up include: Charles Woodson, who apparently has a jammed toe suffered on his 34-yard punt return; KGB, who hurt his ankle; Aaron Rouse, who was starting in place of the injured Nick Collins, came out with a knee injury; Mark Tauscher's already injured ankle made him give way late in the game for Tony Moll; Donald Driver appeared to have a sore ankle after getting rolled up on while blocking on a rushing play.
Of course, some players have already been out for a while: Bubba Franks and Will Blackmon among them.
So, as we go into this showdown of 10-1 teams next Thursday night -- only the fifth time in the last 60 years that two teams with 10 wins or better have matched up in the regular season -- it might be important to keep an eye on the injury reports for both teams. If you want to keep up to date on the Packers injury status, go here. If you care to keep an eye on the Cowboys injuries, go here.
The Pack needs as many of their topline players available as possible come next Thursday. Given that veteran players like Woodson, Driver, and Tauscher will want to be in that game, count on adrenalin to help carry them onto the field if at all possible. The Pack will need to be firing on all cylinders for the entire 60 minutes of the game. If the starters can't go, the back ups have to be ready. So far this season, they have been. And they'll have to take their game to another level. This game could very well determine home field advantage throughout the playoffs. It will be the Pack's biggest challenge yet. They have the team -- and the coaching -- to get it done. Let's get ready to r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-umble!!!
Others who came out of the game nicked up include: Charles Woodson, who apparently has a jammed toe suffered on his 34-yard punt return; KGB, who hurt his ankle; Aaron Rouse, who was starting in place of the injured Nick Collins, came out with a knee injury; Mark Tauscher's already injured ankle made him give way late in the game for Tony Moll; Donald Driver appeared to have a sore ankle after getting rolled up on while blocking on a rushing play.
Of course, some players have already been out for a while: Bubba Franks and Will Blackmon among them.
So, as we go into this showdown of 10-1 teams next Thursday night -- only the fifth time in the last 60 years that two teams with 10 wins or better have matched up in the regular season -- it might be important to keep an eye on the injury reports for both teams. If you want to keep up to date on the Packers injury status, go here. If you care to keep an eye on the Cowboys injuries, go here.
The Pack needs as many of their topline players available as possible come next Thursday. Given that veteran players like Woodson, Driver, and Tauscher will want to be in that game, count on adrenalin to help carry them onto the field if at all possible. The Pack will need to be firing on all cylinders for the entire 60 minutes of the game. If the starters can't go, the back ups have to be ready. So far this season, they have been. And they'll have to take their game to another level. This game could very well determine home field advantage throughout the playoffs. It will be the Pack's biggest challenge yet. They have the team -- and the coaching -- to get it done. Let's get ready to r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-umble!!!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Favre set to carve
Gobble gobble, Packer fans. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. May your plate be full and your pants be expando-matic today. This is the day we give thanks for all the good things in our lives. And certainly, one of the things we are most thankful for this year is our 9-1 Packers. And what better way to rejoice in all that is America's real team than to start our holiday celebrations by watching the Packers beat the Lions?
It's a slightly early start time today, 11:30 a.m. Central time. And, of course, the Pack is coming off just a few days rest following its victory over Carolina on Sunday. But nothing should prevent the Pack from taking care of business in Detroit. Of course, they will have to stay focused and not start thinking too soon about those big turkey dinners waiting for them when they get back to Green Bay later this evening. Or looking past the Lions to the game against the Cowboys next Thursday evening.
Detroit was hot, now they've lost two in a row. They need to win to keep within striking distance of the Pack, although that's a long shot. As is the playoffs for them if they don't win today. As one of the Packers players said in a radio interview earlier this week, this will be Detroit's Super Bowl. So the Lions will be jacked up and may keep it close for a while.
Perhaps this year more than in recent memory, the Lions actually think they have a good team. But the passing game is about all they have. They've rushed for minus-18 and 25 yards in the last two games. And QB John Kitna has to rely on his not-so-great O-line to protect him while the receivers try to get down field. As a result, Kitna's been sacked a lot...a lot. Now, put that up against the Pack's D-line who have been known to get an effective pass rush going and it could be a long day for Mr. Kitna. Cue Aaron Kampman and KGB. The Pack will be missing DT Johnny Jolly, but Colin Cole and the other guys in the rotation will fill in admirably. Now, don't get me wrong, Kitna will make some throws and, if the Packers D-backs aren't on their usual game, could burn the Pack a time or two. This must be what the oddsmakers are factoring in to their 3-1/2 spread in favor of the Pack.
But those same oddsmakers must be forgetting the porous secondary the Lions will be putting on the field to go against the Pack's group of outstanding receivers. How many 4 and 5 receiver sets do you think we'll see today? Word to the Lions secondary: be afraid...be very afraid.
The Pack have the running game going enough to keep the defense guessing, despite starter Ryan Grant having a bit of a gimpy ankle coming out of last week's game. Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency might see a bit more action than in prior weeks, but the group should still be able to keep things rolling. And as for ol #4? Count on a big game today.
Take the Pack to reveal the Lions for the turkeys they really are. And pass the gravy, please.
It's a slightly early start time today, 11:30 a.m. Central time. And, of course, the Pack is coming off just a few days rest following its victory over Carolina on Sunday. But nothing should prevent the Pack from taking care of business in Detroit. Of course, they will have to stay focused and not start thinking too soon about those big turkey dinners waiting for them when they get back to Green Bay later this evening. Or looking past the Lions to the game against the Cowboys next Thursday evening.
Detroit was hot, now they've lost two in a row. They need to win to keep within striking distance of the Pack, although that's a long shot. As is the playoffs for them if they don't win today. As one of the Packers players said in a radio interview earlier this week, this will be Detroit's Super Bowl. So the Lions will be jacked up and may keep it close for a while.
Perhaps this year more than in recent memory, the Lions actually think they have a good team. But the passing game is about all they have. They've rushed for minus-18 and 25 yards in the last two games. And QB John Kitna has to rely on his not-so-great O-line to protect him while the receivers try to get down field. As a result, Kitna's been sacked a lot...a lot. Now, put that up against the Pack's D-line who have been known to get an effective pass rush going and it could be a long day for Mr. Kitna. Cue Aaron Kampman and KGB. The Pack will be missing DT Johnny Jolly, but Colin Cole and the other guys in the rotation will fill in admirably. Now, don't get me wrong, Kitna will make some throws and, if the Packers D-backs aren't on their usual game, could burn the Pack a time or two. This must be what the oddsmakers are factoring in to their 3-1/2 spread in favor of the Pack.
But those same oddsmakers must be forgetting the porous secondary the Lions will be putting on the field to go against the Pack's group of outstanding receivers. How many 4 and 5 receiver sets do you think we'll see today? Word to the Lions secondary: be afraid...be very afraid.
The Pack have the running game going enough to keep the defense guessing, despite starter Ryan Grant having a bit of a gimpy ankle coming out of last week's game. Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency might see a bit more action than in prior weeks, but the group should still be able to keep things rolling. And as for ol #4? Count on a big game today.
Take the Pack to reveal the Lions for the turkeys they really are. And pass the gravy, please.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
NFL Network's Path to the Draft and More
Today's edition of the NFL Network's "Path to the Draft" program featured the Packers "On the Clock." The analyst for the segment was Brian Baldinger, who did at least have the benefit of broadcasting a few Packer games last year. He was asked who the Pack would take at #16. While acknowledging the team's needs at wide receiver and tight end, Baldinger said the loss of Ahman Green meant the Packers had to go for a running back with their pick and Marshawn Lynch out of California would be a "great fit." He also said it's likely Lynch would still be on the board at #16. He felt Lynch would fit the Packers system nicely, make an immediate impact, and be similar in style to Ahman Green. As for the Packers second round pick, Baldinger said they should give Brett Favre another receiving target and Anthony Gonzales of Ohio State would be a great pick to be a possible #3 or 4 receiver for the Pack.
Baldinger was also asked what he saw ahead for Brett this year. Citing Brett's career-low completion percentage this last year, he said that it was all a matter of Brett making better decisions. (In fact, this was also the subject of an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.) With good talent and a good system, Baldinger said the Pack could definitely compete in the NFC North this season, predicting a 9-7 or 10-6 record and playoff contention. A lot of that, he said, had to do with how quickly the Pack's many young players raised the level of their game.
In another NFL Network segment, "State of the Franchise," they took a more in-depth look at the Packers. They began by discussing Brett Favre and whether he will be able to make some of the changes Coach McCarthy would like to have him make. They then discussed whether or not Brett coming back is hindering the development of Aaron Rodgers. It was the consensus that Rodgers can only benefit from watching and learning from Brett Favre. As for the rumor of Randy Moss joining the Packers, they felt that the team needed to add another receiver, but that Moss would not be a good fit for the Packers. Instead, they talked about the Packers needing safety help, running back and tight end help. These analysts also named running back Marshawn Lynch as the pick for the Pack at #16.
Rich Eisen had a one-on-one interview with Coach Mike McCarthy from the NFL Owners Meeting. McCarthy said that the area of the team that improved the most last year was the offensive line. He also said they are very happy with Vernand Morency at running back and have a few other young guys they are "excited" about. McCarthy was also asked about Favre, and said that he still has "a lot left in the tank." He also said he felt very excited about the future of Aaron Rodgers. When asked about Randy Moss being a part of the future of the team, McCarthy deftly said he couldn't talk about a player under contract. As to the defense, he said he was very happy with the play of the defensive line. As to what surprised him during his first year as coach, McCarthy said there was nothing more rewarding than pulling into Lambeau field every day, but that the administrative part of the job was probably the part he had to adjust to most.
Paul Burmeister and Charles Davis took yet another look at the Packers draft needs. While saying the Packers were high on California RB Marshawn Lynch, Davis didn't think Lynch would be available at #16 given some changing needs with teams drafting ahead of the Packers. If that's the case, he felt Tennessee receiver Robert Meachem would be a great fit for the Packers opposite Donald Driver. Meachem has good size at 6-3 and 210 lbs. He caught 71 passes for 1,298 yards last year, with 11 touchdowns. He runs a 4.45 40. This is the first time this name has popped up in a discussion of a possible Packer pick at #16. While running back, and hence Lynch, would seem to be the pick to take if he's available, Meachem does offer an intriguing alternative.
PACK RE-SIGNS COLE
The Packers re-signed defensive lineman Colin Cole today to a one-year contract. Cole performed admirably in back-up duty and obviously showed the Packers enough to make them want to keep him around.
Baldinger was also asked what he saw ahead for Brett this year. Citing Brett's career-low completion percentage this last year, he said that it was all a matter of Brett making better decisions. (In fact, this was also the subject of an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.) With good talent and a good system, Baldinger said the Pack could definitely compete in the NFC North this season, predicting a 9-7 or 10-6 record and playoff contention. A lot of that, he said, had to do with how quickly the Pack's many young players raised the level of their game.
In another NFL Network segment, "State of the Franchise," they took a more in-depth look at the Packers. They began by discussing Brett Favre and whether he will be able to make some of the changes Coach McCarthy would like to have him make. They then discussed whether or not Brett coming back is hindering the development of Aaron Rodgers. It was the consensus that Rodgers can only benefit from watching and learning from Brett Favre. As for the rumor of Randy Moss joining the Packers, they felt that the team needed to add another receiver, but that Moss would not be a good fit for the Packers. Instead, they talked about the Packers needing safety help, running back and tight end help. These analysts also named running back Marshawn Lynch as the pick for the Pack at #16.
Rich Eisen had a one-on-one interview with Coach Mike McCarthy from the NFL Owners Meeting. McCarthy said that the area of the team that improved the most last year was the offensive line. He also said they are very happy with Vernand Morency at running back and have a few other young guys they are "excited" about. McCarthy was also asked about Favre, and said that he still has "a lot left in the tank." He also said he felt very excited about the future of Aaron Rodgers. When asked about Randy Moss being a part of the future of the team, McCarthy deftly said he couldn't talk about a player under contract. As to the defense, he said he was very happy with the play of the defensive line. As to what surprised him during his first year as coach, McCarthy said there was nothing more rewarding than pulling into Lambeau field every day, but that the administrative part of the job was probably the part he had to adjust to most.
Paul Burmeister and Charles Davis took yet another look at the Packers draft needs. While saying the Packers were high on California RB Marshawn Lynch, Davis didn't think Lynch would be available at #16 given some changing needs with teams drafting ahead of the Packers. If that's the case, he felt Tennessee receiver Robert Meachem would be a great fit for the Packers opposite Donald Driver. Meachem has good size at 6-3 and 210 lbs. He caught 71 passes for 1,298 yards last year, with 11 touchdowns. He runs a 4.45 40. This is the first time this name has popped up in a discussion of a possible Packer pick at #16. While running back, and hence Lynch, would seem to be the pick to take if he's available, Meachem does offer an intriguing alternative.
PACK RE-SIGNS COLE
The Packers re-signed defensive lineman Colin Cole today to a one-year contract. Cole performed admirably in back-up duty and obviously showed the Packers enough to make them want to keep him around.
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