Yes, you read that right. The Packers play two games today. Well, technically, one they have already played and the other is tonight's regularly scheduled preseason game against Jacksonville.
Let me explain. At 2:30 p.m. today Central time, the NFL Network will air the Packers game from last weekend against Seattle. For those fortunate few who actually receive the NFL Network, it might be worth checking out if you weren't in the original broadcast area, especially since it was such a solid and high-scoring game for the Pack. This is not to say that you don't have a life just because you can actually spend 3 hours in the afternoon watching the NFL Network (hey...I heard that!). Just passing along info here for those interested.
The second game of the day is the nationally televised game on Fox beginning at 7 p.m. Central. The Pack take on the Jags at Lambeau. This should be an interesting game for a few reasons. First, to see whether the sharpness that was present in Saturday's game carries over to this game. Secondly, because this is normally the preseason game where the starters typically play at least 3 quarters to try to get in sync before the start of the regular season; but that's not going to happen tonight...more on that in a moment. Finally, because some players will be battling in perhaps their last bid to make the roster.
Now, as to the starters and how long they play. Coach McCarthy indicated to the press earlier this week that because of the competition the team has at so many spots, the staff wants to see as much of these players as possible in order to assist their evaluations. So, you can probably read into that the starters may only play a half. Perhaps Brett might only play a quarter or so, although you can be sure he'd just as soon play the entire game. The balancing act in this third game, regardless of how long the starters play, is that they escape without injury. The Packers have already been hit with injuries -- some possibly season-ending -- at a number of positions and thus depth is already spotty in spots (is that a redundant redundancy?).
One of the positions at which the Pack thinks they may have found a gem in the rough is at fullback. After relying on William Henderson to always be there for so many years, the task of filling his big shoes (literally...I saw a pair once) might have seemed insurmountable. Yes, Brandon Miree did a serviceable job last year and was penciled in as the nominal starter this year until injuries kept him on the sidelines during most of training camp. That allowed rookie FB, Korey Hall, to step in. A converted linebacker from Boise State, Hall might at first have seemed a real project. But, barring injury, Hall may actually find himself as the starting fullback for the Green Bay Packers come regular season. There is great article about Hall and his progress in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Check it out here.
Regardless of whether you watch one or two games today, regardless of whether you have a life or not, enjoy! We are, after all, Packers fans. And it just doesn't get any better than that.
Showing posts with label William Henderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label William Henderson. Show all posts
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Favre Sore, Fullback Trials, OTAs Continue
As the optional organized team activities continue in Green Bay, the biggest news to report is that QB Brett Favre sat out yesterday's practice with a sore throwing shoulder. That news came from Brett himself who spoke with the media. He indicated that he thought it was probably tendinitis. He also said he learned his lesson a few years ago when he had a sore elbow, kept throwing anyway, and almost missed his start because of it. With age comes wisdom, Brett! Now, rest.
The other news from yesterday was that Brett was actually late for the first practice session. He had a good excuse, though: Coach Mike McCarthy was reviewing new plays with him and must have lost track of the time...or just decided it was important enough to do that review, especially since he knew Brett would be sitting out anyway. McCarthy told the media that he didn't think he used Brett as well as he could have last year, indicating that generating more movement in the pocket was something he probably should have done, and would be doing this year. So look for plays that are designed to move Brett around...intentionally...we all know that he can do that very well on his own. Now they are going to apparently design these schemes to utilize Brett's ability to make plays on the move. Given the changes and questions about the backfield, that's probably a good thing.
Speaking of backfield (subtle segue, eh?), we all know that the solid and long-time combination of William Henderson opening holes for Ahman Green is gone, Green to Houston and Henderson to retirement. While much of the focus has been on who will replace Green, no less important is who will replace Henderson, a player renowned for his work ethic and reliability. Brandon Miree was the newcomer last year who unseated Henderson until an elbow injury returned the starting job to Henderson. Miree was solid, if not spectacular. Now a third-year pro, Miree has the advantage of working in a zone blocking scheme his entire pro career, first with Denver and last year with the Packers. Other candidates are playing catch up in that effort, and all are rookies. Korey Hall, whom the Packers are trying to convert from linebacker, is one of the possibilities. He was a special teams demon at Boise State and the Packers are having him practice with all those units as well. Combine that with having to learn a new position, a new stance, etc., and Hall has his work cut out for him. But according to reports, the Packers like what they see from him so far. Other candidates include draftee Ryan Powdrell, who was rotating in the second- and third-string offense, and free-agent signee Corey White.
Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game
If you aren't doing anything special this Sunday -- Father's Day -- and just happen to be in the neighborhood of Appleton, WI, drop in at Fox Cities Stadium for the Eighth Annual Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game. It starts at high noon. As noted on the official site, "The event will feature Brett Favre and members of the Green Bay Packers. The annual game traditionally matches the Packers offense against the Packers defense. All proceeds will benefit the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, whose mission is to provide aid to disadvantaged or disabled children residing in Wisconsin and Mississippi." This is one of the major fundraising events for Brett's foundation. And, as retirement looms, you wonder how many more of these events there will be, particularly in Wisconsin once Brett retires back to Mississippi. Take advantage of these opportunities if you can.
The other news from yesterday was that Brett was actually late for the first practice session. He had a good excuse, though: Coach Mike McCarthy was reviewing new plays with him and must have lost track of the time...or just decided it was important enough to do that review, especially since he knew Brett would be sitting out anyway. McCarthy told the media that he didn't think he used Brett as well as he could have last year, indicating that generating more movement in the pocket was something he probably should have done, and would be doing this year. So look for plays that are designed to move Brett around...intentionally...we all know that he can do that very well on his own. Now they are going to apparently design these schemes to utilize Brett's ability to make plays on the move. Given the changes and questions about the backfield, that's probably a good thing.
Speaking of backfield (subtle segue, eh?), we all know that the solid and long-time combination of William Henderson opening holes for Ahman Green is gone, Green to Houston and Henderson to retirement. While much of the focus has been on who will replace Green, no less important is who will replace Henderson, a player renowned for his work ethic and reliability. Brandon Miree was the newcomer last year who unseated Henderson until an elbow injury returned the starting job to Henderson. Miree was solid, if not spectacular. Now a third-year pro, Miree has the advantage of working in a zone blocking scheme his entire pro career, first with Denver and last year with the Packers. Other candidates are playing catch up in that effort, and all are rookies. Korey Hall, whom the Packers are trying to convert from linebacker, is one of the possibilities. He was a special teams demon at Boise State and the Packers are having him practice with all those units as well. Combine that with having to learn a new position, a new stance, etc., and Hall has his work cut out for him. But according to reports, the Packers like what they see from him so far. Other candidates include draftee Ryan Powdrell, who was rotating in the second- and third-string offense, and free-agent signee Corey White.
Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game
If you aren't doing anything special this Sunday -- Father's Day -- and just happen to be in the neighborhood of Appleton, WI, drop in at Fox Cities Stadium for the Eighth Annual Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game. It starts at high noon. As noted on the official site, "The event will feature Brett Favre and members of the Green Bay Packers. The annual game traditionally matches the Packers offense against the Packers defense. All proceeds will benefit the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, whose mission is to provide aid to disadvantaged or disabled children residing in Wisconsin and Mississippi." This is one of the major fundraising events for Brett's foundation. And, as retirement looms, you wonder how many more of these events there will be, particularly in Wisconsin once Brett retires back to Mississippi. Take advantage of these opportunities if you can.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Sir William: Adieu
As expected -- and stated several days ago by himself -- Packers fullback William Henderson was released today by the Packers after 12 years of outstanding performance. Other than Brett Favre, Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke, no other player in team history has played more games that Henderson. He was -- is -- one of the good guys. And as stated here previously, if the league had more players of the caliber of William Henderson not only would the league be better, but all the communities which host NFL teams would also benefit from their community spirit.
William: thank you. You will be missed. See you in the Packers Hall of Fame. Long live #33!
Here is the official announcement from the Packers.
William: thank you. You will be missed. See you in the Packers Hall of Fame. Long live #33!
Here is the official announcement from the Packers.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Henderson Says He'll Be Released by Tuesday
A report from WBAY-TV in Green Bay says that veteran fullback and fan favorite William Henderson will be released by the Packers as early as Tuesday. The news comes from none other than Henderson himself.
The Packers have been bringing in new fullbacks for perhaps the last four years or so in an effort to replace Henderson. Last year, the Pack brought in Brandon Miree who was the nominal starter until he got injured. In the end, Henderson remained the starter. The ultimate team player, he always acted in the best interests of the team. If only the league had more players like Henderson. Durability and work ethic meant that Henderson missed just four games in his career. He ranks third all-time in games played for the Packers. With his departure, Brett Favre will be the only remaining member of the mid-90's Super Bowl teams. An under-appreciated fullback on the national scene, look for Henderson being inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame one of these days.
Henderson passed along this statement through WBAY: "I want to express my 100% gratitude to the fans for their support both on and off the field, and not just MNKO (WBAY-TV's Monday Night Kick-Off program that he co-hosted). It was an honor to be associated with the Packers. It is humbling to leave such a great organization, but I will always be grateful for my time in Green Bay." Class. All the way. With the exception of Favre, I can't imagine the team, the community or the fans missing any player more than William Henderson.
You can read the full story here.
The Packers have been bringing in new fullbacks for perhaps the last four years or so in an effort to replace Henderson. Last year, the Pack brought in Brandon Miree who was the nominal starter until he got injured. In the end, Henderson remained the starter. The ultimate team player, he always acted in the best interests of the team. If only the league had more players like Henderson. Durability and work ethic meant that Henderson missed just four games in his career. He ranks third all-time in games played for the Packers. With his departure, Brett Favre will be the only remaining member of the mid-90's Super Bowl teams. An under-appreciated fullback on the national scene, look for Henderson being inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame one of these days.
Henderson passed along this statement through WBAY: "I want to express my 100% gratitude to the fans for their support both on and off the field, and not just MNKO (WBAY-TV's Monday Night Kick-Off program that he co-hosted). It was an honor to be associated with the Packers. It is humbling to leave such a great organization, but I will always be grateful for my time in Green Bay." Class. All the way. With the exception of Favre, I can't imagine the team, the community or the fans missing any player more than William Henderson.
You can read the full story here.
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