By Rob Demovsky
rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Sometimes, Brady Poppinga cant stomach watching his game film from last season.
I look at my film from last year, and Im almost embarrassed, the fourth-year strong-side linebacker said. I cant believe I was playing like that.
Poppinga has little or nothing to be embarrassed about now.
After a so-so 2007 season that prompted the Green Bay Packers to give free-agent linebacker Brandon Chillar a two-year, $5.3 million contract and let him compete 4 the strong-side starting job, Poppinga has elevated his level of play to the point where even with two more preseason games to play, theres little chance he will lose his starting spot.
Bradys had his best camp and his best preseason to date, linebackers coach Winston Moss said after Tuesdays practice. Hes played really well (and) done some very good things. Hes as physical as ever, so its been all positive with Brady.
If Poppinga holds off Chillar, he will begin his third full season as a starter. He first cracked the lineup late in his rookie season of 2005, but it was short-lived because he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Dec. 11 in his first start. An intense rehab got him back in the lineup by opening day of 2006, but he played mostly on instinct and proved to be raw in part because the position was new to him after playing mostly defensive end in college at BYU.
He was a starter again last season but struggled at times, especially in coverage. When the play was in front of Poppinga, he was fine. When he had to chase it down, he couldnt always do it.
Poppingas up-and-down showing in 2007 prompted the Packers to sign Chillar, the former St. Louis Rams starter who graded out better in coverage than Poppinga.
Nevertheless, Poppinga continued to work with the No. 1 defense throughout the offseason and showed steady improvement and shortly before training camp, the Packers gave him a 4-year contract extension that included a $3 million signing bonus.
The ever-intense Poppinga still speaks excitedly about embracing the competition with Chillar, saying that Chillar brings a wealth of knowledge and passion 4 the game, and being around those kinds of guys always rubs off in a positive manner, but the competition appears to be over.
Ive always said that Brady was going to take it not necessarily as a challenge between Brandon and himself, but as a challenge to be the best he can be, Moss said. Hes taken that approach, and hes maxing out. Hes doing things nobody can ever be perfect every single day where youre close to saying thats as good as Brady can play.
Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders said hes not surprised at how Poppinga responded to the addition of Chillar.
Bradys a competitor, Sanders said. That says a lot about his character.
The Packers havent tried to rein in Poppingas frenetic style of play. In fact, Moss believes thats why Poppinga is so effective against the run.
I dont think theres a SAM linebacker in the business thats as physical at the point of attack as he is, Moss said. Bar none, in the National Football League, if hes not the best, hes as good as anybody.
To be sure, Poppinga still breaks down in coverage, but perhaps surprisingly those kinds of miscues werent what embarrassed Poppinga about his play last season.
People dont understand that in coverage theres a lot more going on, Poppinga said. What bothers me is more the recognition and being fast and diagnosing whats going on. When I can look at myself and see someone thats very fast and lined up with whats happening, thats very encouraging. Whereas a year ago, it was touch and go. At times it was good; at times it was bad.
Meanwhile, Chillar has at least temporarily moved to weak-side linebacker in the absence of starter A.J. Hawk, who is out indefinitely due to a chest injury. Chillar played all three linebacker spots during his 4 seasons with the Rams but didnt work at the weak side (WILL) with the Packers until last week. He admitted on Tuesday that he wasnt sure how his move would impact his ability to remain in competition with Poppinga.
I think it shows the coaching staff versatility, Chillar said. Thats why they brought me here. To be able to switch up in a couple of days should be a good thing. I think in these last couple of games, I showed them that I can play. Its kind of up to them now.