In the wide, wide world of sports today is a day that is distinctive for Gene Sarazen winning the 16th PGA Championship in 1933 at Blue Mound CC in Milwaukee.
Oh, today is also the anniversary of this PackerFansUnited.com blog!
Yep, this ongoing ode to all things Packers got its humble start on this date -- Aug. 13 -- in 2005.
Just thought you'd want to know. So to all you faithful readers out there, thanks for continuing to stop in. And for any new readers, welcome. To one and all, please help spread the word about this little corner of the Packers blogosphere. As the NFL preseason is about to commence, followed by the absolute best sports season of every year, we'll try to provide timely -- or at least, insightful -- news, links, commentary, etc. when it seems worth saying. And you can always find links to other great Packers-related sites, headlines, and even our very own PackerFansUnited.com shop where you can, well, shop. So please do!
Happy Anniversary PackerFansUnited.com! (Somebody had to say it.)
Training camp bits & pieces
Most of this probably doesn't come as any shock to those who follow the Packers closely, but for the casual observer let's just say that there is a bit of concern about the number of walking wounded in camp these days. Early in the week, the Pack had 12 guys on the sidelines with various injuries. That includes the promising but oft-injured TE Tory Humphrey who broke his arm in practice last week; the Packers have placed him on injured reserve which -- along with the surgery required -- likely ends his season before it starts. Humphrey missed part of 2006 with a hamstring injury and all of 2007 with a broken leg. He caught 11 passes in the 2008 season -- the best in his career. Now, done again.
Another promising but oft-injured player is DeShawn Wynn. As reported here and elsewhere, the feeling among several camp observers was that Wynn was finally starting to flash the potential the Pack thought they had when they drafted him a few years back. But there were always raps on his work ethic and willingness to play through injuries. He was out with a bruised knee for a few days but apparently returned to practice today. There is some speculation that he may have passed Brandon Jackson as the primary back up to Ryan Grant. Some guys are injury prone, while others may think they are. If Wynn is able to shake the latter tag -- for himself as much as anyone else -- he could have a dynamite year. Keep your fingers crossed.
And it should come as no surprise -- as much as one really wants to root for the young man -- that Justin Harrell is once again nursing a sore back. On Tuesday, Coach McCarthy, according to news reports, indicated that Harrell would be out indefinitely. But as Green Bay Press-Gazette sportswriter Mike Vandermause said in his column yesterday, no matter what happens this season, the Packers might as well give him one more season to run out his contract on the outside chance they could perhaps get something for him along the way. Check out his column here. It's not Harrell's fault he can't stay healthy. It was and is Ted Thompson's fault for reaching for a player with a history of injury in college and drafting him #16 in the first round. This one will likely go down right alongside former GM/coach Mike Sherman's pick in 2001 of Jamal Reynolds as one of the biggest first round failures in Packers' history...let's not even mention Tony Mandarich...oops, dang!
Raji has left the building
Actually, the Packers' first round pick, B. J. Raji, has done more than that. Raji has reportedly left Green Bay, with all signs pointing to a lengthy hold out. He's not the only first-rounder yet to be signed. But given that a few are right around his #9 slot it seems as if both he and the Packers are willing to take their chances and wait for the salary bar to be set elsewhere rather than in Green Bay. It's not as critical for defensive players to be in on time as it would be for an offensive player. But as every fan knows, the longer any rookie is out of camp the less likely it is that they will perform as expected their first year. The one thing that you don't want to see happen is an entirely wasted season. I don't believe the Packers will allow that to happen. It's still a waiting game. But at some point, someone needs to blink. Let's hope they get this done soon. There are a number of injuries along the defensive line at the moment and the Packers could use Raji not only to get some reps but to get into game shape and condition before the season officially kicks off with that Sunday night game versus Da Bearz.
Showing posts with label Tory Humphrey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tory Humphrey. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Draft musings
OK, Packer fans, it's time to start thinking about who the Pack will pick at #9 in the upcoming NFL Draft. Or, if they actually stick with that pick, given GM Ted Thompson's penchant for trading down to grab more players in exchange.
It's no surprise to any Packer fan that most folks -- including this folk -- see the defensive line as the number one area of need. Now, that whole "need" thing runs a bit contrary to Thompson's usual approach to taking the best available athlete. But this year might indeed be different, especially given the move to the new 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. The Pack's defensive line, due to injury and lack of depth, was mediocre at best last season. That can't happen again. The Pack will need stout players upfront and active players on the edges and across the middle.
But the Pack also has a need for a few folks on the offensive side of the ball, particularly on the line. As noted here and elsewhere before, it is questionable whether longtime veteran Mark Tauscher will be back as part of the team, given that he won't be totally rehabbed from his knee injury until several weeks into the season. The Packers have a number of good, young, versatile players across the line right now. But picking up at least one good tackle would be a plus.
Wide receivers? We should be covered. And the Packers just yesterday agreed to terms with tight end Tory Humphrey, who has always enamored the Pack with his potential but who can never seem to stay healthy. And what about running back? Hopefully, Ryan Grant won't take half the season to find his full stride. Head coach Mike McCarthy likes Brandon Jackson and would like to see more of what he can do, too. But if there is a good back available, the Packers could sure use one in the mix.
So, what are all the mock drafts saying about the Packers' #9?
The consensus at this point seems to OLB Everette Brown out of Florida State. Brown was a defensive end for the Seminoles and was extremely productive. Pro scouts, however, seem to be projecting him, because of his size, as a better option at OLB. And he may have to work against the bad experience several teams -- including the Packers -- have had with other highly touted defensive ends coming out of Florida State; does the name Jamal Reynolds ring a bell? (Shudder!)
But there are other names being tossed about, including:
That should be enough to set your head spinning. There are only a zillion or two mock draft sites you can check out which will give you more names, scouting reports, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel here.
As with any draft, much depends on what happens in front of you. B.J. Raji and Brian Orakpo would be excellent picks, but the likelihood of them lasting until #9 is questionable. The trade between Denver and Chicago last week also will impact things a bit. And then there is the distinct possibility that the Lions with the #1 overall pick, and even with new management, may still somehow throw a monkey wrench into things.
Of course, what happens in a draft sometimes depends on things that happen behind you, too. Would a team that picks a few slots behind the Pack and which sees a player they really want -- such as a QB -- wheel and deal with the Packers to move up? If Thompson thought he could still get the player he's targeting and nab an extra pick later, that would be a deal you just know Thompson would definitely take a look at if the past is any precursor.
So, stay tuned as things get closer to draft weekend, April 25-26. And, by the way, if you're looking to join in some fun and excitement, be sure to head to Lambeau Field for the Draft Day party.
It's no surprise to any Packer fan that most folks -- including this folk -- see the defensive line as the number one area of need. Now, that whole "need" thing runs a bit contrary to Thompson's usual approach to taking the best available athlete. But this year might indeed be different, especially given the move to the new 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. The Pack's defensive line, due to injury and lack of depth, was mediocre at best last season. That can't happen again. The Pack will need stout players upfront and active players on the edges and across the middle.
But the Pack also has a need for a few folks on the offensive side of the ball, particularly on the line. As noted here and elsewhere before, it is questionable whether longtime veteran Mark Tauscher will be back as part of the team, given that he won't be totally rehabbed from his knee injury until several weeks into the season. The Packers have a number of good, young, versatile players across the line right now. But picking up at least one good tackle would be a plus.
Wide receivers? We should be covered. And the Packers just yesterday agreed to terms with tight end Tory Humphrey, who has always enamored the Pack with his potential but who can never seem to stay healthy. And what about running back? Hopefully, Ryan Grant won't take half the season to find his full stride. Head coach Mike McCarthy likes Brandon Jackson and would like to see more of what he can do, too. But if there is a good back available, the Packers could sure use one in the mix.
So, what are all the mock drafts saying about the Packers' #9?
The consensus at this point seems to OLB Everette Brown out of Florida State. Brown was a defensive end for the Seminoles and was extremely productive. Pro scouts, however, seem to be projecting him, because of his size, as a better option at OLB. And he may have to work against the bad experience several teams -- including the Packers -- have had with other highly touted defensive ends coming out of Florida State; does the name Jamal Reynolds ring a bell? (Shudder!)
But there are other names being tossed about, including:
- Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
- B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
That should be enough to set your head spinning. There are only a zillion or two mock draft sites you can check out which will give you more names, scouting reports, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel here.
As with any draft, much depends on what happens in front of you. B.J. Raji and Brian Orakpo would be excellent picks, but the likelihood of them lasting until #9 is questionable. The trade between Denver and Chicago last week also will impact things a bit. And then there is the distinct possibility that the Lions with the #1 overall pick, and even with new management, may still somehow throw a monkey wrench into things.
Of course, what happens in a draft sometimes depends on things that happen behind you, too. Would a team that picks a few slots behind the Pack and which sees a player they really want -- such as a QB -- wheel and deal with the Packers to move up? If Thompson thought he could still get the player he's targeting and nab an extra pick later, that would be a deal you just know Thompson would definitely take a look at if the past is any precursor.
So, stay tuned as things get closer to draft weekend, April 25-26. And, by the way, if you're looking to join in some fun and excitement, be sure to head to Lambeau Field for the Draft Day party.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Packers try to keep their own
The Packers under GM Ted Thompson have always tried to retain their own valuable potential free agents rather than pull in outsiders. Them ya know is better than them ya don't...or something like that
That's why the Packers today issued qualifying tender offers to five of their own players: S Atari Bigby, CB Jarrett Bush, DE Jason Hunter, FB John Kuhn and WR Ruvell Martin. CB Tramon Williams, an exclusive-rights free agent, also was issued a one-year tender offer. Most of these offers are in the $1 million to $1.5 million range. Basically, the Packers reserve the right to match any offer each of these players might receive from another team by issuing these qualifying tenders. It's a preemptive strike before the free agency period begins at midnight tonight.
Who is on this list is as interesting as who isn't: WR Shaun Bodiford and TE Tory Humphrey. Bodiford is a player who always seemed to have a wealth of potential but he could never stay on the field; he's only played in six games over the last two seasons. Given that it would have cost the Pack a minimum of $1.01 million to continue to hope for that potential -- and given the depth of excellent receivers the Packers have on the squad already -- parting ways was the best option. As for Humphrey, his agent, Blake Baratz, is quoted as telling the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that "The Packers seem to want him back and he wants to come back." Baratz and the Packers have apparently already had discussions about Humphrey's return.
You can read the Packers' brief announcement about the tender offers here.
That's why the Packers today issued qualifying tender offers to five of their own players: S Atari Bigby, CB Jarrett Bush, DE Jason Hunter, FB John Kuhn and WR Ruvell Martin. CB Tramon Williams, an exclusive-rights free agent, also was issued a one-year tender offer. Most of these offers are in the $1 million to $1.5 million range. Basically, the Packers reserve the right to match any offer each of these players might receive from another team by issuing these qualifying tenders. It's a preemptive strike before the free agency period begins at midnight tonight.
Who is on this list is as interesting as who isn't: WR Shaun Bodiford and TE Tory Humphrey. Bodiford is a player who always seemed to have a wealth of potential but he could never stay on the field; he's only played in six games over the last two seasons. Given that it would have cost the Pack a minimum of $1.01 million to continue to hope for that potential -- and given the depth of excellent receivers the Packers have on the squad already -- parting ways was the best option. As for Humphrey, his agent, Blake Baratz, is quoted as telling the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that "The Packers seem to want him back and he wants to come back." Baratz and the Packers have apparently already had discussions about Humphrey's return.
You can read the Packers' brief announcement about the tender offers here.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
LeRoy's view
There's a concise and insightful analysis of the Packers' loss at New Orleans and more courtesy of retired Packers safety LeRoy Butler here. Bottom line: he called the loss a "collective effort" with players not prepared, but coaches, etc. needing to share responsibility. Having said that, Butler also said "there was nothing wrong with the game plan," that it was the same plan which shut down Peyton Manning and the Colts. Anyway, some interesting comments for you to check out.
Injuries hit again
After having a spate of injuries early in the season, and then seemingly getting a bit healthier as of late, the Pack took a hit coming out of the Saints game. The safeties, especially, came out banged up. Aaron Rouse, Atari Bigby, Charlie Peprah and Nick Collins all are dealing with ailments. Also on the defensive side of things, Johnny Jolly came out dinged up.
On the offensive side of the ball, the most concerning injury is that of RT Mark Tauscher, who left the game after the second play Monday night. He was undergoing tests yesterday to determine just how bad the hamstring injury is but the fact they were doing an MRI indicates it is likely to keep him out of at least this week's game against Carolina. Tony Moll filled in for Tauscher and for the most part did an adequate job. Also nicked up are TE Tory Humphrey and RB Brandon Jackson.
You can read more about the injuries here.
As Butler says, the Packers are the most talented team in the Division, which might not be saying much this year. And the Packers certainly aren't demonstrating that fact either. But injuries going down the stretch run, combined with inconsistent play, may seal the Packers fate...unless they turn it around starting this Sunday.
Injuries hit again
After having a spate of injuries early in the season, and then seemingly getting a bit healthier as of late, the Pack took a hit coming out of the Saints game. The safeties, especially, came out banged up. Aaron Rouse, Atari Bigby, Charlie Peprah and Nick Collins all are dealing with ailments. Also on the defensive side of things, Johnny Jolly came out dinged up.
On the offensive side of the ball, the most concerning injury is that of RT Mark Tauscher, who left the game after the second play Monday night. He was undergoing tests yesterday to determine just how bad the hamstring injury is but the fact they were doing an MRI indicates it is likely to keep him out of at least this week's game against Carolina. Tony Moll filled in for Tauscher and for the most part did an adequate job. Also nicked up are TE Tory Humphrey and RB Brandon Jackson.
You can read more about the injuries here.
As Butler says, the Packers are the most talented team in the Division, which might not be saying much this year. And the Packers certainly aren't demonstrating that fact either. But injuries going down the stretch run, combined with inconsistent play, may seal the Packers fate...unless they turn it around starting this Sunday.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tell us something we don't already know: Pack to retire Brett's number
There was never any doubt that the Packers would retire Brett Favre's #4. The only question was when. That was answered Wednesday when Mark Murphy, the Packer's new president and CEO, said it would happen sometime this coming season. Murphy was also careful to indicate that plans are preliminary at this point, with many details, such as at which game this will occur, yet to be determined. Stay tuned.
By the way, in case you wanted to know who else in Packers' history has worn #4, here ya go: *Vern Lewellen (B), Nebraska, 1925-26; *Herm Schneidman (B), Iowa, 1935-37; Chuck Fusina (QB), Penn State, 1986; Dale Dawson (K), Eastern Kentucky, 1988. The folks with the * wore multiple numbers during their years with the team, which was not uncommon in the early years. I guess you could say, looking at this last that, yeah, Brett kinda made that number his own. Ya think???
Monster Chillar Horror Theatre!
The old timers here will hopefully get that play on spelling...and the reference itself. For those with no clue -- not as in no clue at all, just with regard to this reference (never insult your readership!) -- it's a nod to the regular comedy sketch called "Monster Chiller Horror Theatre" that appeared as part of the old classic TV show, SCTV.
So, what's up with that? Well, Packers' GM Ted Thompson finally made a free agent signing, a linebacker by the name of Brandon Chillar...get it? Chillar...get it?
Anyway, Chillar is only the second unrestricted free agent signing Thompson has made in the last two years, the other being defensive back Frank Walker who was a major dud and is now collecting a paycheck elsewhere. Chillar, on the other hand, has been a two-year starter for the Rams. According to reports, he took less money than he was being offered by the Rams and the Cardinals to play for the Pack because he wanted to play -- and start -- for a winner. Chillar will challenge current Packers' starter Brady Poppinga for the strong-side linebacker spot. That can only be a good thing. His agent, according to reports, indicated that Chillar understands he is not guaranteed the starting spot.
You can read more about Chillar here. That same story will also tell you that the Pack also re-signed two of their own free agents, tight end Tory Humphrey and fullback John Kuhn. Because both were exclusive rights free agents, neither were eligible to negotiate with other teams, and signed minimum wage contracts.
By the way, in case you wanted to know who else in Packers' history has worn #4, here ya go: *Vern Lewellen (B), Nebraska, 1925-26; *Herm Schneidman (B), Iowa, 1935-37; Chuck Fusina (QB), Penn State, 1986; Dale Dawson (K), Eastern Kentucky, 1988. The folks with the * wore multiple numbers during their years with the team, which was not uncommon in the early years. I guess you could say, looking at this last that, yeah, Brett kinda made that number his own. Ya think???
Monster Chillar Horror Theatre!
The old timers here will hopefully get that play on spelling...and the reference itself. For those with no clue -- not as in no clue at all, just with regard to this reference (never insult your readership!) -- it's a nod to the regular comedy sketch called "Monster Chiller Horror Theatre" that appeared as part of the old classic TV show, SCTV.
So, what's up with that? Well, Packers' GM Ted Thompson finally made a free agent signing, a linebacker by the name of Brandon Chillar...get it? Chillar...get it?
Anyway, Chillar is only the second unrestricted free agent signing Thompson has made in the last two years, the other being defensive back Frank Walker who was a major dud and is now collecting a paycheck elsewhere. Chillar, on the other hand, has been a two-year starter for the Rams. According to reports, he took less money than he was being offered by the Rams and the Cardinals to play for the Pack because he wanted to play -- and start -- for a winner. Chillar will challenge current Packers' starter Brady Poppinga for the strong-side linebacker spot. That can only be a good thing. His agent, according to reports, indicated that Chillar understands he is not guaranteed the starting spot.
You can read more about Chillar here. That same story will also tell you that the Pack also re-signed two of their own free agents, tight end Tory Humphrey and fullback John Kuhn. Because both were exclusive rights free agents, neither were eligible to negotiate with other teams, and signed minimum wage contracts.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Training camp starts off...not so good
Let's see...in the first few days of training camp the Packers lose one of their tight ends (Tory Humphrey) for an undetermined amount of time -- perhaps the entire season -- with a fractured fibula, lose their nominal starting running back (Vernand Morency) for perhaps two to four weeks with an undisclosed knee injury, have their Pro Bowl #1 receiver (Donald Driver) fail his physical with a lingering shoulder injury, and have their QB (that would be Brett) experience yet another family loss -- his wife's stepfather died suddenly Saturday. Can you say, "Aaaaarrrrghhh!"?
Brett and his wife's stepfather, Rocky Byrd, had become very close over the past 10 years or so, according to reports. For Brett to receive the news of Byrd's sudden heart attack at age 56 had to resurface memories of his own father's death in 2003. There is an excellent and revealing article about all this at packersnews.com. You can find it here.
Over the weekend practices, with the injury to Humphrey and a few other unusual circumstances with the tight end corps, there actually were times when the offense had no tight ends to work with. Oh boy. The only silver lining to Morency's injury is it is giving the Packers extended looks at the other backs on the roster. And with Brett having to return to Mississippi to deal with Byrd's death, backup QB Aaron Rodgers is making the most of his opportunities. Media reports indicated that his throws and reads both looked sharp yesterday.
On another front, there's an interesting article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel about "KGB" and his new role as a designated pass rusher rather than starting defensive end. Check it out here.
Brett and his wife's stepfather, Rocky Byrd, had become very close over the past 10 years or so, according to reports. For Brett to receive the news of Byrd's sudden heart attack at age 56 had to resurface memories of his own father's death in 2003. There is an excellent and revealing article about all this at packersnews.com. You can find it here.
Over the weekend practices, with the injury to Humphrey and a few other unusual circumstances with the tight end corps, there actually were times when the offense had no tight ends to work with. Oh boy. The only silver lining to Morency's injury is it is giving the Packers extended looks at the other backs on the roster. And with Brett having to return to Mississippi to deal with Byrd's death, backup QB Aaron Rodgers is making the most of his opportunities. Media reports indicated that his throws and reads both looked sharp yesterday.
On another front, there's an interesting article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel about "KGB" and his new role as a designated pass rusher rather than starting defensive end. Check it out here.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Driver fails physical...other first practice problems
Starting wide receiver Donald Driver failed his physical today with a shoulder injury that goes back to last season. Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly and DeShawn Wynn were on the non-football injury list, with Pickett and Jolly being out of condition...Coach McCarthy was not happy.
According to a report at PackerNews.com, tight end Tory Humphrey, who was hurt during practice, has an ankle injury and was taken for X-rays. WTMJ-4 TV out of Milwaukee was also reporting that running back Vernand Morency tweaked a knee...no further info about that injury is currently available.
On the positive side of things, rookie defensive lineman Justin Harrell did practice after being cleared by team doctors, although veteran Corey Williams worked with the first unit. And QB Brett Favre reportedly looked sharp in his first time back at the helm. Sure nice to be able to utter that name again, isn't it?
According to a report at PackerNews.com, tight end Tory Humphrey, who was hurt during practice, has an ankle injury and was taken for X-rays. WTMJ-4 TV out of Milwaukee was also reporting that running back Vernand Morency tweaked a knee...no further info about that injury is currently available.
On the positive side of things, rookie defensive lineman Justin Harrell did practice after being cleared by team doctors, although veteran Corey Williams worked with the first unit. And QB Brett Favre reportedly looked sharp in his first time back at the helm. Sure nice to be able to utter that name again, isn't it?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Pack Signs Tight End
Don't get too excited, Packer fans. It's more or less one of our own anyway in a re-signing: exclusive rights free agent Tory Humphrey. If that name doesn't ring a bell it's because he was mainly a special teams guy. Had five tackles as a matter of fact in seven games. Didn't catch a pass though. Come to think of it, none of the Packers' tight ends did much of that last year (sorry, Bubba).
Anyway, reports indicate that Head Coach Mike McCarthy regards him highly and wants to see what he can do with his hands as well as his blocking and tackling abilities. He does have good size: 6-2, 250. He had a good 2006 season in NFL-Europe as a receiver. Didn't set the world on fire but apparently showed enough to make the Pack want him back.
So...that's about it. If you listen carefully you can hear the crickets in the corridors at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Pretty quiet right now. Isn't there some saying about it always being the most quiet before...well, whatever. If you want to know more about Mr. Humphrey, go here.
Anyway, reports indicate that Head Coach Mike McCarthy regards him highly and wants to see what he can do with his hands as well as his blocking and tackling abilities. He does have good size: 6-2, 250. He had a good 2006 season in NFL-Europe as a receiver. Didn't set the world on fire but apparently showed enough to make the Pack want him back.
So...that's about it. If you listen carefully you can hear the crickets in the corridors at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Pretty quiet right now. Isn't there some saying about it always being the most quiet before...well, whatever. If you want to know more about Mr. Humphrey, go here.
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