Packers vs. Broncos Post Game Thoughts

Packers vs. Broncos Post Game Thoughts

Filed under Aaron Rodgers, Brian Brohm, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jarrett Bush, Josh Sitton, Mason Crosby, Matt Flynn, Pat Lee, Post Game Thoughts, Will Blackmon

Aug 23
The game could have gone a little better but Packer fans should be really happy that last night was not a repeat of last week. The Packers offense rebounded nicely and I hope they can continue to play that well into the season. The Packers defense is another story and I think there were a couple things that lead to their poor performance. Since I am in a good mood after last night’s game I have decided to start with the positives from the game.

Positives

Aaron Rodgers had a great game in my opinion. There is no way you can possibly complain about 18/22 for 193 yards. Tack on a passing and running TD as well. Rodgers rebounded from last week. He might have only had one of two mistakes in the whole game and the rest of the game was flawless. If we see more games like this than against the 49ers I think Rodgers will have a very successful season this year. As long as the line give Rodgers time I think he will quickly develop and overcome these mistakes that he has made so far this preseason.

The wide receivers redeemed themselves tonight. There was only one noticeable drop in my opinion (James Jones) and other than that the receivers did their job. This week they were finally able to get open so Rodgers had somewhere to throw the ball. I think McCarthy really needs to think about using a lot of the short passes this season since Aaron Rodgers and the receivers played much better with the short passes than the intermediate to long passes of last week. Finally it was nice to see Greg Jennings back since he really opened up the passing game in my opinion.

Kregg Lumpkin might have earned himself a spot on the roster with his play in yesterday’s game. While his stats might not show a great game I think he showed the potential to be a good RB in the league. While I personally don’t think he is currently worthy of a roster spot on the team I think the Packers are going to have to keep him on the roster since there is no way he makes it to the practice squad. This is one of those times that I wish the NFL had a developmental league like the MLB. While I wouldn’t guarentee that he makes the roster, I will say that he improved his chance last night.

The offensive line did a very good job pass blocking in today’s game. While it has been said that the Broncos defensive line is pretty weak, that doesn’t really matter to me. It doesn’t matter since the offensive line did their job in the game. They could have been challenged more but they weren’t. If there defensive line was better we don’t know what would have happened. We could have given up many more sacks or we could have continued to block well. There is really no reason to debate what would have happened since we will never get to see what would have happened.

Jason Hunter had a great game at defensive end. I have been a critic of Jason Hunter for a while now and for good reason. He never seemed to get any pressure on the QB. He didn’t have a problem with that last night. He had several good pressures on the QB (would have had more if the Broncos offensive lineman didn’t hold several plays in a row) and even caused the Tracy White interception that won the game. Hopefully next week the Packers can give him some time against the Titan starting offensive line since I want to see what he can do against better competition. If Hunter continues to play like he did last night he could be a future pass rusher in this league. I think last night’s performance at least guarenteed him a spot on the roster especially since he has always been a great special teamer.

Desmond Bishop had a very good game in my opinion. This battle between Bishop and Hodge for the final linebacking spot is getting really heated. Both are playing great and there is a very slim chance that we can keep both of them. One of them will probably have to go. Someone is likely to either be able to sign a very good LB or make a final roster trade to acquire one of these linebackers with a lot of talent that we just don’t have room for.

Will Blackmon made the roster last night in my opinion. Not from his defensive play (even though that wasn’t terrible) but from his returning. Blackmon probably won the punt returning job after last night’s performance and has finally given the Packers a returning threat which we haven’t had for a very long time.

Negatives

These injuries are starting to get ridiculous. How our luck is going as far as injuries are concerned I wouldn’t be shocked if our whole roster is hurt by the end of the season. If the injuries weren’t bad enough we had five injuries in yesterday’s game. It appears that James Jones’, Nick Collins’, and Charles Woodson’s appear to be nothing and they won’t miss the opener against the Vikings. Atari Bigby’s injury is a little more serious since there is a chance that he might not be able to play the opener. Finally Sitton’s was probably the worst he hurt his knee and had to have his leg wrapped. He will have more tests today but the one positive is that he didn’t need to use crutches to walk. At this point I think we need to wait to see what the test reveal.

We really need help on the defensive line. Injuries are decimating the defensive line. In particular we can’t keep a good defensive tackle from getting hurt. I think most of the problems from last night can actually be attributed to the defensive tackle position. First the defensive tackles did nothing to help in the run game. They couldn’t hold their spot and they couldn’t get any push. The defesnvie tackles also hurt the passing game since our defensive ends got some pressure from the sides but it went to waste since we could get absolutley no pressure up the middle. The Packers really need to either add a defensive tackle or hope that Pickett and/or Harrell get back soon. I think Packer fans saw last night why Pickett is so valuable to this team.

Our offensive line is really letting the running backs down. All night the offensive line struggled at opening holes for the running game. The offensive line needs to start opening holes for the running game or we will be in some trouble this season since we will have to focus on the pass and defenses will do the same. This week the offensive line improved their pass blocking. Hopefully this week they will improve their run blocking.

The Packers really need to add a veteran QB. Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn are just not ready to start. If we don’t add a veteran and Rodgers gets hurt we might as well throw the season away since at this point Brohm and Flynn would never be able to win a game. I think Thompson was pretty stupid not adding a veteran earlier. I don’t know how he expected two rookies to be able to fill in if Rodgers got hurt. I am not giving up on either QB since I think either or both could have a pretty good future as long as they are given some time to develop.

Other Thoughts

Jon Ryan had a really good game punting but I wouldn’t put too much stock into it since the game was in Denver after all. Denver’s high altitude has always helped kickers and punters in the past with the distance on their kicks. At least Ryan didn’t shank a punt in this game.

Mason Crosby finally missed a field goal. I guess it was about time that he would miss one since he has been pretty much perfect this whole training camp. The snap and hold were also not great which could have lead to the missed field goal.

The running back battle is as muddled as it has ever been. At this point I can’t really tell you who win will either the one or two open spots on the roster. Each running back brings their own strengths and weaknesses and the decision will come down to what the coaching staff wants most out of the third running back.

Danny Lansanah might have earned himself a spot on the practice squad with his play last night. He is definently a raw player at this point in his career but he showed potential (exactly what you want out of a practice squad player). Lansanah needs to learn from his stupid roughing the passer penalty though since every player should know better than that.

I hope Joey Haynos makes the roster over Tory Humphrey. While Tory Humphrey makes some good plays we balances those with some terrible plays. Add in the fact that he can’t stay healthy and you should know why I want to finally cut him loose. The reason I like Joey Haynos is because of his measureables. You don’t find many 6′8″ TEs in the league. Just think how that height advantage could be used in the end zone with jump balls. Joey Haynos also has good hands and showed last night that he can block as well.

Jarrett Bush really needs to develop some consistency. Last week he played terrible and this week he played pretty good. If Bush wants to have any chance of making the roster (he is the CB looking in at this point in time) he needs to have another solid game against the Titans and show that he has some consistency between games.

I am excited about Pat Lee’s future. While I don’t think he will have much impact this season (fourth CB at best) I think he could be a very good player in the future. Pat Lee has shown a knack for the football. He also seems to be getting better every single week that he plays. He is a little raw but I think with some development he could be a very good CB.

Sometime this week there will be a roster cutdown to 75 players. When I find the exact date I will write a post about who I think is on the bubble. When the cuts are released I will also write a post about whether I thought they were the right choices or not.

So what did you think about last night’s game? What went well and what went wrong in your opinion? Are you more optimistic about the season after last night’s game?
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4 Responses to “Packers vs. Broncos Post Game Thoughts”

nunobow said on August 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm

Hi Eric

Thanks for the “report” and your thoughts.

Unfortunately I don’t get to watch any of the preseason games, because kickoff is at 2 or 3 a.m. over here. So I have to base my thoughts and impressions solely on game reports.

(the regular season on the other hand… saw all 16 games and the 2 playoff games last season - and plan to see it all “live” again come september!)

Regarding the injuries they start bothering me big time as well. However, I think that Pickett will be ready for the regular season. (I’m far more concerned about Harrell… not only this year but in general, but that’s another story…)

He (Pickett) has been out “unnaturally” long for a hamstring injury - so I just think that the medical staff and the coaches are being cautious (or “smart” as McCarthy says) with him, because they - more than anyone - knows how important he is for our defense, and therefore not cannot risk any setbacks with him. In other words: He’ll not be allowed back on the field until 110% healthy as long as we don’t play in the regular season.

Why do I think that he will be ready for the season opener? Because Ryan Grant has talked about how much he works out inside the Don Hutson center during practices - and that HE would be participating the practices if it was up to him. I think (and hope!) that it’s a similar situation with Pickett.

The O-line causes some concern with me though. Even though Sitton is a rookie it’s not going to give us more continuity having him out for a while. Especially not now, when Spitz has to fill in for Wells at Center. If only Wells could play we would have our line from last year intact, and even though I would like to see Barbre get the chance over Colledge, it’s not that bad at all. (well… if they play up to standards that is)

To sum up a bit:
If our 2 lines enter the regular season in good health - then I think we’ll be fine. Even if it means that they’ll have to use a couple of games to get back in rhythm and up to full speed.

If not - or if they don’t play really well - I don’t even think that we’ll win 6 games, because A-Rod will inevitably have both good and bad games in his first year as a starter. He can’t carry this team on his shoulders (and should not eiter) - so the lines has to get healthy and play well to help the team.

Just my 5 cents.

/nunobow

PS! I sure hope that we both will keep Lumpkin on the team and 7 linebackers. A trade, however, of either Hodge or Bishop is a possibility. But I sure do not hope that we have to cut either of them, because they are to good for that. They must have some trade-value…
C4NTEX said on August 23rd, 2008 at 6:03 pm

Hi Eric,
I just became aware of your site and I am really enjoying your comments.
I was able to watch the last two games although on a tiny screen on my computer.
My thoughts: I think Rodgers shows very good talent and has just a few minor things to work out. My main criticism of his play, is that he doesn’t step up in the pocket. If we are able to keep the ends outside he is alright. I do feel he will develop the confidence to step up to deliver the ball.
I will go out on a huge limb here: Kregg Lumpkin is way better than Brandon Jackson. Jackson is soft, he makes some good moves, but in traffic he is looking for a place to go down. I realize Lumpkin has to learn all the nuances of the offense, but give him the ball, he knows what to do with it. I see the team keeping K-Lump, and cutting Morency.
The O-line looked better. The recievers are starting to shake off the offseason and look good.
On defense, my Mom could figure out our front 7. The tackles come straight ahead, the ends come upfield and try to adjust on the fly. I would love to see some inside stunts, combined w/ blitzes, also end stunts , loops etc. I was an off. co-ordinator at a small TX high school years ago, and nothing is easier to game plan against than a base D that is pretty much in the same place every time.
I’m not sure if our back up corners are any good or not, they are sure having to cover for a long time.
I will say I love Bishop, Lansannah, and Rouse. Hodge gets caught up inside too much, takes bad angles, and doesn’t get off blocks as well as I would like.
My take on the QB situation, I would love to see us get a veteran back-up for the season. I would take a huge gamble and cut Brohm to try to get him to the practice squad. I really feel that no matter the draft position he was taken in, the way he’s played, no one is going to take a chance on him.
This is probably way too long, have many other thoughts, hope your readers enjoy these comments
C4
admin said on August 24th, 2008 at 8:23 am

Thanks for both of your comments. I agree with most of what both of you said. I think Kregg Lumpkin has a very good shot at making the roster at this point. I have a feeling that the Packers are going to keep 4 RBs so Lumpkin will get one spot and Herron or Morency will get the other spot.

I agree that our defensive line really needs to improve. I think once we get over some of our injuries I think we will be fine. Another reassuring thing is that defenses usually play very vanilla defenses in the preseason so we could see different plays once the regular season begins.

As far as the linebackers are concerned I think we are in the situation of having way too many good linebackers. This really isn’t a problem though. With good depth at a position comes the problem of either having to cut or trade some good players. At this point I wish we could keep all 7 but it is a little impractical since we don’t need that many linebackers. Hopefully the Packers can trade the linebacker they decide not to keep but even if we are able to trade them we won’t get fair value since teams know we have to cut one of them.

The one comment that I don’t agree with though is the Brian Brohm comment. There is no way I think we can cut Brohm. A team will definently pick him up based on his potential alone. I personally don’t want to lose Brohm since I think he has potential. I think he is just having some struggles adjusting to the pro game and he will be fine with some more practice time. How Brohm is playing it would be nice to put him on the practice squad but I think it is too big of a risk. This is a situation that shows why I believe the NFL should have a developmental league. Hopefully the NFL thinks about this since it would be good for the game of football since it will give rookies time to develop before they are rushed out onto the field. It will also help the NFL since it will make them more money since we all know how much the NFL likes to make money. If the NFL would start a developmental league I think it would be a hit and would help everyone involved.
nunobow said on August 24th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

I have to agree with Eric on Brohm. There’s no way that we can take the chance cutting him and adding him to the practice squad. In fact I’d bet that he’d never make it to the practice squad before having signed elsewhere.

A developmental league could be an interesting addition to the NFL. Especially now that NFL Europe has closed - but also just in general.

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