Zero2Cool
16 years ago

[img_r]http://cmsimg.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20081031&Category=PKR01&ArtNo=811010392&Ref=AR&Profile=1058&MaxW=318&Border=0[/img_r]The Green Bay Packers had the time over last week's bye to try and figure out what's the difference between Ryan Grant in 2007 and Ryan Grant this year.

Is it mainly his hamstring injury early in training camp that proved far more serious than it originally appeared?

Has the offensive line's play slipped?

Or, is Grant not as good as his numbers last season suggest, and did he benefit from defenses slanting their calls to stop Brett Favre in 2007?

The Packers hope the major factor is Grant's hamstring injury, which sidelined him for almost all of training camp and limited his ability to practice early in the season after he returned.

"I think he's a talented back," said Edgar Bennett, the Packers' running backs coach. "Some of his greatest attributes are his vision, he's a very aggressive runner, he's physical, he's explosive. Not making any excuses whatsoever, but when you're describing a guy like that and he's hampered by an injury, it plays a role."

Last year, Grant rushed for 929 yards after becoming the primary halfback in the final 10 regular-season games and averaged 5.1 yards a carry for the season. This year he's averaging 3.4 yards a carry and ranks No. 17 in the NFL in rushing (464 yards) after seven games.

The Packers' actions at least up to this week suggest they think his injury is the main reason for his lower production. Even though Grant's rushing average has been low (3.0 yards) the last two games, the Packers keep giving him the ball and have used backup halfback Brandon Jackson almost strictly on passing downs. Grant had 64 carries against Seattle and Indianapolis combined the past two games, whereas Jackson had no carries.

This week, Grant will try to get back on track against a big, physical Tennessee Titans defensive line led by probably the most dominating defensive tackle in the NFL this season, Albert Haynesworth (6-foot-6, 320). Tennessee, which has allowed the fewest points in the NFL, ranks No. 10 in the league in rushing yards allowed and No. 9 in yards allowed per carry. Its strength along the defensive line will be a difficult matchup for a Packers offensive line that lacks power at left tackle (Chad Clifton), left guard (Daryn Colledge) and center (Scott Wells).

"I'm of the opinion last year, and some guys disagree, that the (offensive) line improved dramatically between Brandon Jackson getting headaches (early in the season) and Ryan Grant gashing people (starting in Week 7)," said Joe Philbin, the Packers' offensive coordinator. "That's one man's opinion. I don't know that it's fair to say Ryan's a different guy right now. I think he'll be catching his stride now, he has more carries under his belt, he's seeing things a little better. We're certainly expecting some big things from him."

Nelson questionable
[ul]The Packers might not be able to unveil their five-receiver set against Tennessee after all.

Last year the five-receiver set was an effective change-of-pace in their offensive game plans, but this season they haven't had five receivers healthy enough to suit up on game day through seven games. Now, even with James Jones' return from a knee injury this week, they still might not after rookie Jordy Nelson injured his ankle in practice Thursday.

Nelson didn't practice Friday, and coach Mike McCarthy listed him as questionable (50 percent chance of playing) on the Packers' injury report. McCarthy said Nelson will test his ankle Sunday before the game to determine whether he can play.[/ul]

Harris, Bigby ready
[ul]Cornerback Al Harris and safety Atari Bigby aren't on the Packers' injury report after a full week's practice and are expected back in the starting lineup Sunday after prolonged absences.

Harris missed the last four games because of a ruptured spleen, and Bigby missed the last five because of a pulled hamstring. Harris will play full time at cornerback, whereas Bigby probably will share time with Aaron Rouse at the safety position opposite Nick Collins.

"Aaron has done a very good job with his productivity when he has played," McCarthy said.[/ul]

Harrell no decision
[ul]The Packers will have to decide today whether defensive tackle Justin Harrell will play Sunday against Tennessee.

Harrell is on the physically-unable-to-perform list, and the Packers will have to move him to the 53-man roster if they want to play him against the Titans. He's returning from a herniated disc in his lower back that sidelined him almost all offseason until he was eligible by PUP rules to begin practicing 2 weeks ago.

For Harrell to play Sunday, the Packers have to activate him and cut another player, but the NFL does not conduct official business on Sundays, so they'll have to decide today.

With defensive ends Mike Montgomery (ankle) and Jason Hunter (hamstring) healthy enough to play this week, it's not a given the Packers will activate Harrell, though they would like to begin working him into their defensive-tackle rotation as soon as possible so he can contribute more later in the season.

"Special teams will probably be the driving force of the decisions when it comes between who is up and down," McCarthy said.[/ul]

Etc.
[ul]Quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't throw in team drills Friday, as has been the standard practice since he sprained his shoulder Oct. 5. The Packers limit his throwing on Fridays so his shoulder is less irritated on game day.[/ul]



Obviously, we know the answer to Harrell, but I felt a few comments were worth keeping the segment and posting it.



Joe Philbin's comments kind of make me think he feels Brandon Jackson could have equalled the same results as Grant in the later half of the season.
UserPostedImage
packersfan101101
16 years ago
Grant really does need to get back on track.. 3.4 yards a carry is terrible compared to last year. If he doesnt have at least a decent game against the titans i think its time to try something else
brandon jackson is amazing
16 years ago
wtf nelson questionable?
UserPostedImage
tromadz
16 years ago
he got hurt in practice.
RaiderPride
16 years ago
I hope and pray that I have been wrong about Grant. I hope he is not a practice squad pick-up, one hit wonder, who the Packers should not have re-upped.... But...

If Grant does NOT have a good game against this Titan Defence, I think Grant will get a mulligan this week from the coaching staff.
""People Will Probably Never Remember What You Said, And May Never Remember What You Did. However, People Will Always Remember How You Made Them Feel."
brnt247
16 years ago
Jackson is a poor mans Westbrook, I think we should try and use the both of them a bit more rather than strictly Grant. Grant is better at running the ball, but Jackson makes some very good cuts and is always a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.
blank
yooperfan
16 years ago
I think Grant deserves to have the whole season as a basis for evaluation, not just the Titans game.
I do fear that he is not the running back that his new contract defines.
So far it doesn't look good but there are alot of factors involved in his lack of production.
As Packers fans we have to all hope that the running game comes together down the stretch.
longtimefan
16 years ago
If Grant doesnt show he can run hard and keep legs going ( like he did last year) someone needs to stick a football up him sideways

We NEED a solid running game..

And hows this for a quote about Harrell and if he would be activated

"Special teams will probably be the driving force of the decisions when it comes between who is up and down," McCarthy said.

16 years ago
I don't know if I agree with the "power" issue with Wells. Rock said at Fan Fest two years ago that Wells was possibly the most powerful guy on the team.
UserPostedImage
bozz_2006
16 years ago

If Grant doesnt show he can run hard and keep legs going ( like he did last year) someone needs to stick a football up him sideways

We NEED a solid running game..

And hows this for a quote about Harrell and if he would be activated

"Special teams will probably be the driving force of the decisions when it comes between who is up and down," McCarthy said.

"longtimefan" wrote:



To me, that quote addresses why KGB was the one to get cut for Harrell's return. They couldn't lose an special teamers, and they wanted Harrell back, so a non-special-teamer got the axe.
UserPostedImage
Users browsing this topic
    Fan Shout
    beast (30m) : Oh yes, sometimes they make using a cellphone tough. I just wanted to make sure it was the correct article, & thank you for pointing it out.
    jdlax (1h) : I can't believe one of my teams went out and wablammo just up and acquired one of the best players in the world overnight
    dfosterf (6h) : I do very much appreciate when Beast and others pick up my slack 😊
    dfosterf (6h) : I accept Beast's admonishment regarding my failure to link stuff I reference. I simply never learned to link from my cell phone.
    beast (6h) : That's not what your she said 😌, she said keep going 😏
    Mucky Tundra (10h) : Anything over 4 hours means he needs to get to the hospital
    Mucky Tundra (10h) : Someone might want to check on Hafley and make sure his erection has gone down
    Zero2Cool (11h) : LaFleur texts "bleep me I cannot sit down"
    Zero2Cool (12h) : YouTube has had me last hour or two lol
    Mucky Tundra (12h) : Ugh this trade happened right as my shift started and it's killing me
    Zero2Cool (12h) : Parsons wore 23 in high school.
    Zero2Cool (12h) : Packers just cost Lions more money with Hutchinson too huh
    Zero2Cool (14h) : That is fair by me.
    buckeyepackfan (14h) : Kenny Clark is the player, 2 1st rnd picks
    Zero2Cool (14h) : umm... what?
    wpr (14h) : I am stunned
    Mucky Tundra (14h) : RICKEY SCOOPS WAS RIGHT AGAIN!!!
    Mucky Tundra (14h) : ITS HAPPENING
    buckeyepackfan (14h) : DEAL IS DONE
    buckeyepackfan (14h) : MICAH IS COMING TO GREEN BAY!!!!!!!!!
    wpr (21h) : Me do-ed it gooderly,
    Zero2Cool (28-Aug) : Bahah, I was like WTF why isn't anyone posting on PP.com ... oops no one has permissions
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : tell her I reckon
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : Micah Robinson cut. Probable PS player tomorrow. Has to call mom back and t
    Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : New site so much better. Might make switch and deal with it.
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : Mecole Hardman to our practice squad
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : Nick Nieman from Texans our 5th linebacker. Special teams signing
    TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Looks like we signed Clayton Tune as QB3
    wpr (27-Aug) : TKT people lose their minds over QB3. Point is almost none of them are ready that's why they are on the PS and other teams don't take them.
    TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Unfortunately he doesn't seem ready to be an emergency QB.
    TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : As a Canadian and a follower of Canadian University football. I am rooting for him
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : I bet a lot of us will follow the Taylor Elgersma journey with interest. Personally, got a Kurt Warner vibe goin' on. I like him
    TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Not sure if either will be claimed though.
    TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Tune or Hooker would make sense
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : Clayton Tune cut by the Cards? Don't know if that's the guy, we shall see
    TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Per Bill Huber, the Packers will not be bringing back Taylor Elgersma or Sean Clifford on the practice squad, so a new third quarterback
    Mucky Tundra (27-Aug) : Schefter must have deleted his tweet
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : Hopefully Jerry reaches under the seat cushions and ashtrays of his jet and scrapes up the 45 million apr and spares us further nonsense
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : Have to admit the PO'd Cowboy fan videos would be fun to watch. Problem with draft picks is half their fanbase barely knows what that is
    beast (27-Aug) : I think Cowboys fans are ready to get their pitch forks and burning sticks if Jerry were to trade Micah
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : If Jerry traded Micah to GB, here in northern Va. they would have to quick build yet another data center to handle the internet hate traffic
    Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : its signing and trades that you don't hear about, other then announced
    Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : If you hear rumors about Packers sign or trade, won't happen. Not how they work
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : 19 players in a contract year. Jones called loss to us worst loss in Cowboy history. Forget Parsons trade. Not happenin' Cap'n
    packerfanoutwest (27-Aug) : The Packers, meanwhile, are the youngest team in the league for the third consecutive year.
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : That it was darkest before the dawn in Bengals and Commanders before they got deals done
    Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : what is Schefter saying?
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : He was getting Dorito infusion therapy
    dfosterf (27-Aug) : He's outta shape. Why, just the other day I saw him splayed out on the trainers table
    Mucky Tundra (27-Aug) : Parsons has followed Rasheed Walker on Twitter. Quite the choice
    Please sign in to use Fan Shout
    2025 Packers Schedule
    Sunday, Sep 7 @ 3:25 PM
    LIONS
    Thursday, Sep 11 @ 7:15 PM
    COMMANDERS
    Sunday, Sep 21 @ 12:00 PM
    Browns
    Sunday, Sep 28 @ 7:20 PM
    Cowboys
    Sunday, Oct 12 @ 3:25 PM
    BENGALS
    Sunday, Oct 19 @ 3:25 PM
    Cardinals
    Sunday, Oct 26 @ 7:20 PM
    Steelers
    Sunday, Nov 2 @ 12:00 PM
    PANTHERS
    Monday, Nov 10 @ 7:15 PM
    EAGLES
    Sunday, Nov 16 @ 12:00 PM
    Giants
    Sunday, Nov 23 @ 12:00 PM
    VIKINGS
    Thursday, Nov 27 @ 12:00 PM
    Lions
    Sunday, Dec 7 @ 12:00 PM
    BEARS
    Sunday, Dec 14 @ 3:25 PM
    Broncos
    Friday, Dec 19 @ 11:00 PM
    Bears
    Friday, Dec 26 @ 11:00 PM
    RAVENS
    Saturday, Jan 3 @ 11:00 PM
    Vikings
    Recent Topics
    3h / Green Bay Packers Talk / jdlax

    8h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

    9h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

    9h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

    12h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

    15h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

    20h / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

    28-Aug / Feedback, Suggestions and Issues / Zero2Cool

    27-Aug / Fantasy Sports Talk / Zero2Cool

    27-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

    27-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / Cheesey

    26-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

    26-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

    25-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

    24-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

    Headlines
    Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.