McCarthy praises Hawk, lukewarm on Wynn
By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
Aug. 10, 2010 2:26 p.m.
Green Bay - After today's light practice, coach Mike McCarthy had a few interesting things to say.
He really gave some high praise to LB A.J. Hawk.
"I would think A.J. is probably having his best camp in his time here," McCarthy said. "Ive liked his approach. His conditioning is at the highest level. Hes always been a highly conditioned athlete, and I think hes taken it to another level this year, and I think hes been very productive out here. Hes put together some big days, and I thought he definitely stood out in the scrimmage Saturday night."
Later, Hawk said he appreciated the comments.
"I think at least physically I feel as good as I've felt since I've been in the league, which is rare because coming in, as a rookie, you'd figure you'd feel your best," Hawk said. "I always feel every year I feel really good coming but for some reason I think I just feel healthy and lucky to get some good reps in.
"I feel healthy and I feel comfortable in this defense and the scheme. I think what's helped me is I've played pretty much at some point every inside linebacker position, nickel, dime and the regular package. I have a feeling of everything around me."
There's no question Hawk has been a little bit more aggressive shooting gaps in this training camp.
"It's definitely being confident in the scheme and being confident, not only in what I'm doing but what I know what everyone else around me is doing," Hawk said. "I think we have a better feel for where your help is at, where your safety's coming down, where your other backer is, what your d-line is going to do. I've always had an idea of knowing what they're doing but now I've had a year under my belt of feeling it, being on the game field, getting some real reps at it. And it's also kind of just letting it go and playing."
McCarthy wasn't as high on DE Jarius Wynn, a sixth-round choice in 2009.
"Hes kind of just been OK," McCarthy said. "Jarius needs to take a big step. The other part of that is Jarius has a lot of competition. The two rookies have come in here, (Mike) Neal and (C.J.) Wilson, and have done a very good job. Jarius has excellent competition. Hes a talented guy and has natural pass rush ability, but hes definitely going to have to keep coming, because thats going to be a competition I think well all be watching."
Wynn reacted with a, 'Mike said that?' to hearing the comments. He also revealed he was slowed in the early going by a right hip injury.
"I had a little setback, a little hip injury at the beginning of training camp so that's what started things off slow. I had to get that treated and back right. But I will pick it up. I will pick it up."
Wynn, who has flashed in pass rush drills, said he's working on being more stout against the run, holding up better against double teams.
In other news, Brady Poppinga passed his concussion tests and has been cleared.