In addition to Wayne Larivee's blog on defense and Nick Barnett's Super Bowl or die mission, here are some notes and quotes during this down time:
~ The law of compensation is: the more you put in, the more you get. Thats a favorite saying by Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers.
Thats why Packers veteran defensive end Cullen Jenkins made sure he had a good offseason. The older you get, the tougher it gets to be here at OTAs, but you know how important it is and you know it is helping to build team chemistry.
He said the defense tweaked stuff here and there but that doesnt mean that his role will change all that much from 2009. And that has meant a tweaking in Jenkins own personal career goals. He's had to tone down the Pro Bowl goal to something that's private.
Its like (Packers coach Mike) McCarthy said: were not interested in having Pro Bowl players on a losing team. So Ive learned to be more of a team player whatever they need me to do, whatever they want me to play, Ill do it. Thats my job, I get paid pretty good to do what I do. Youve just got to not let selfish reasons, I guess, drive you the wrong way.
Is it really selfish to aspire to go to the Pro Bowl, since good players will only help the defense? Oh I definitely want to go, said Jenkins. Im tired of my brother (Kris Jenkins) being able to brag to me about going to the Pro Bowl and I cant say nothing. Thats definitely a goal. All I can say is thats a little tougher for a D-end in the 3-4 -- but its still possible. You can get the sacks, you just have to work hard. (Justin) Smith from San Francisco, he went last year as an alternate and he didnt have I dont think even 10, he had seven or eight. It is possible. You just have to be consistent.
~ A lot of eyes will be on the outside linebacker position when camp breaks. "Its very competitive with my outside linebackers. Nobody is assured anything, said assistant coach Kevin Greene. He didnt get a draft pick at that position this year but wasnt bemoaning that fact. I coach what comes in my room.
Brad Jones has worked hard in the weight room this offseason to prepare for his second year. Hes come back a little bit heavier. And thats going to help him, said Greene. He was holding his own impressively at 230 last year, said Greene -- really light for that spot. Hes a physical kid too and has natural pass instincts. The OLB in the 3-4 is quote, unique. On one play he could be running with a receiver 30 yards vertical on a seam route. The next play, were teaching them, youve got to run over that offensive tackle weighing 330. Thats a pretty wide variety of skills.
~ Ryan Grant was a Pro Bowl alternate last year with a 1,253 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He was ranked seventh in the NFL in rushing, third in the NFC.
I dont care, he said quickly, when he was asked if he felt unappreciated nationally for his achievements. It doesnt make a difference to me. Because I want to win. When we win, I might have something to say.
Was he better in 2009 than 08? I hope so. Thats the plan, to get better every year. I think I improved in every category. I believe so. I let that kind of speak for itself. We won more games, so that helps. Our offense was better.