MassPackersFan
14 years ago
foxsports link 

What I learned at camp this summer

I always loved summer camp.

But bug juice has been replaced with cheeseburgers and brats from Curly's inside Lambeau Field and Dougs Fish Fry in lovely Cortland, N.Y.

I try to make it a goal not to overreact to a day or two with NFL clubs in August, but here are my pressing takes, SCHEIN 9 style, on what I learned at summer camp.

1. The Packers offense will be the best in the NFL

Aaron Rodgers looks bigger than he did last year. When I talked to the quarterback at length, Rodgers said he learned a lot about leadership, accuracy and "availability to his team" from working with Drew Brees. The Packers' pass protection, the lone weakness of the offense, is going to be better with first-round pick Bryan Bulaga starting at left guard. And Rodgers said he spent the offseason pouring over film with Mike McCarthy, going over how he can do a better job getting rid of the ball quicker. Hell be my preseason pick for league MVP this year.

The Packers have outstanding depth and talent 1-through-5 at receiver, highlighted by Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, but the biggest difference will be the presence of Jermichael Finley, who predicted hed amass 1,200 receiving yards this year. Rodgers smiled when informed of that goal. Finley has that type of upside, especially now that hes completely dedicated to football and not prone to off-field distractions.

McCarthy, for one, would love to be a bit more balanced on offense this year, which should equal 1,350 yards for the strong and steady Ryan Grant.

2. The Packers defense is more comfortable, even with key injuries

Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins was refreshingly candid when I asked him when the club finally felt comfortable last year in Dom Capers 3-4 defense. Collins said: At earliest, I would say midseason. It was a sentiment backed up by linebacker Nick Barnett later in the day. Not bad, considering the Packers finished second in the league on defense. But the Pack is collectively chapped about the late-season breakdowns against Pittsburgh and Arizona, with the later coming in the postseason.

Sure, Al Harris is hurt. So is Atari Bigby. Pro Bowler Aaron Kampman is no longer in Green Bay, though he clearly wasnt a fit in Capers system. Johnny Jolly is suspended for the year. But this team now fully comprehends what the coordinator wants. Plus, Clay Matthews had a fantastic rookie season and isnt worried about a minor hamstring injury. Hes only getting better. B.J. Raji held out last year, then got hurt. Hes a huge key to the Green Bay success. Tramon Williams filled in capably for Harris last year.

And whenever you have reigning Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson looming at the back end, you feel good.

3. The Packers special teams scare me

On a blazing hot Thursday morning, nobody felt the heat worse than Mason Crosby when the Packers kicker blew an easy kick. McCarthy screamed. The fans booed. And flashbacks to last seasons struggles came flooding back.

You saw my NFL on FOX video this offseason. Im picking Green Bay to make the Super Bowl, but Crosby has to be better. McCarthy is personally involved in special teams meetings and thinks the issue on the coverage teams was simply holding penalties. The coach says the punting will be better.

[click link above for more, non-Packer related stuff]
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Packers_Finland
14 years ago
Let me tell you. The problem with the coverage teams was NOT simply holding penalties. Way to do your job half-assed guys.
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Nonstopdrivel
14 years ago

Aaron Rodgers looks bigger than he did last year.

"MassPackersFan" wrote:



This was one of the first things that jumped out at me in those Jay Glazer Training Camp videos. Rodgers appears to have put on some serious mass, particularly in his legs. I find this very encouraging, considering one of my biggest worries going into the regular season last year was how thin Rodgers looked. I was afraid his body wouldn't stand up to the rigors of the hits he would have to take. I'm a lot more confident in his durability this year. His legs are huge.
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Jacob
14 years ago
when i first read the special teams scared him i thought he meant in a good way
14 years ago
what if we replaced Mason Crosby with David Crosby?

I agree with Twinkiegorilla.

bozz_2006 wrote:


zombieslayer
14 years ago
It bugs me that Peyton Manning two years in a row had statistically inferior seasons to Aaron and Aaron didn't get the recognition. I'd love for Aaron to get his first (of several hopefully) MVPs.

Rodgers


2008 341  	536  	63.6  	4038  	28  	5.2  	13  	2.4  	71  	7.5
2009 350  	541  	64.7  	4434  	30  	5.5  	7  	1.3  	83  	8.2

Let's not forget he also ran in 9 TDs in the past 2 years.

Manning


2008 371  	555  	66.8  	4002  	27  	4.9  	12  	2.2  	75  	7.2
2009 393  	571  	68.8  	4500  	33  	5.8  	16  	2.8  	80  	7.9

Whereas besides Michael Vick, well, let's just say with REAL QBs, Aaron Rodgers is the best scrambler in the NFL, Manning had 1 whopping TD rushing in the past two seasons plus ran for -13 yards in 2009.

Yes, I know football does it differently than baseball. As much as I don't like baseball, they get their MVP thingie right. It should be the best player in the league.

As for our D, not too worried yet. Once everyone comes back from injury, you'll see a completely different D.

As for our STs, they worry me.
My man Donald Driver
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(thanks to Pack93z for the pic)
2010 will be seen as the beginning of the new Packers dynasty. 🇹🇹 🇲🇲 🇦🇷
Packers_Finland
14 years ago

what if we replaced Mason Crosby with David Crosby?

"TwinkieGorilla" wrote:



What about Sidney Crosby?
This is a placeholder
14 years ago
who?

*googles "Sidney Crosby"*

who?

I agree with Twinkiegorilla.

bozz_2006 wrote:


Nonstopdrivel
14 years ago
I've heard Bing Crosby is available.
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Greg C.
14 years ago

foxsports link And Rodgers said he spent the offseason pouring over film with Mike McCarthy
[click link above for more, non-Packer related stuff]

"MassPackersFan" wrote:



Q: What exactly did they pour over the film?
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Fan Shout
packerfanoutwest (15h) : Aaron Rodgers’s first pass of first team period was picked off
Mucky Tundra (20h) : tbh I didn't hear of his passing
Zero2Cool (20h) : Cosby Show. Malcom Jamal Warner I think is real name
Mucky Tundra (20h) : I was thinking of Ozzy and Hulk
Mucky Tundra (20h) : Who's Theo?
Zero2Cool (20h) : How is Theo alliteration?
Mucky Tundra (21h) : Bad week for people whose names are alliterations
Zero2Cool (22h) : Hulk Hogan gone too.
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Oh, it's toe injury
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Hope it's not serious. that would stink
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Sounds like an ankle not a knee for Fields
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Ya Flaccp on Browns
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Maybe Tyrod Taylor instead
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : He's on Browns, right?
dfosterf (24-Jul) : They would probably go with Flacco is my guess if Fields out
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Fleece 'em again!
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Malik Willis might be someone Jets come after
packerfanoutwest (24-Jul) : Packers introduce 1923-inspired classic uniform, leather-look helmet
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Both LB Quay Walker and Rookie DB Micah Robinson have passed their physicals
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Happy to see site feels more snappy snappy
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : No sir. I did not.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : You didn't get free childcare when you were at work?
wpr (23-Jul) : These guys make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Pay for their own childcare.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : 2nd issue. Number 1 issue was no gameday childcare. 1 of 3 teams not providing it
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Suppose if locker room is main issue, we sitting pretty
wpr (23-Jul) : I thought so Mucky. In those useless player polls GB always rates high overall. Locker is a part of it.
Mucky Tundra (23-Jul) : Wasn't the locker room just updated like 6 or 7 years ago?
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I have forum updated on different site. We'll see how this one goes before going to that
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Elgton Jenkins has a back injury, is expect to end contract dispute
wpr (23-Jul) : It's funny the PA complained about the locker room. It wasn't that long ago it was top shelf. Things change in a hurry.
wpr (23-Jul) : The site is much more better.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : NFLPA report said Packers lockerroom needed upgrade. Whining bout where you change?
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I saw that and thought it was kind of lame.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : Packers new locker room is pretty awesome. Great for morale, imo
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Shuffled things on the web server. Hope it makes it faster.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Other times, it's turtle ass
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Sometimes it's snappy, like now.
beast (23-Jul) : I feel like it's loading at the top of the next minute, or something like that.
beast (23-Jul) : Also the thanks/heart takes FOREVER to load, and posting in the shout box takes three times FOREVER!
beast (23-Jul) : Thanks for saying something, I thought it was slow, but assumed it was on my end
beast (23-Jul) : Thanks for saying something, I thought it was slow, but assumed it was on my end
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Yeah, I noticed that too. Is it slow for PackerPeople.com too?
wpr (23-Jul) : I don't know what you IT guys call it but the page loading is very slow for me today.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : SSL might be settled now.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Still working through SSL cert issues
wpr (23-Jul) : Glad to be back
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I think PH original finally working.
dfosterf (22-Jul) : Can tell you are having a fun day Kev
Zero2Cool (22-Jul) : Yep, I had to manually move them. It'll fix itself after more posts.
Mucky Tundra (22-Jul) : Same deal with the songs/videos thread, says you replied last but when I go there it's what I posted earlier is last
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