We've seen a lot of cranky players and moody interviews recently. Kampman's not happy with the scheme, the other Aaron just sounds pissed, Al Harris keeps getting harassed with zone questions.
The media is obviously trying to find some good storys, but are they taking this too far for the Packers players? They try to get all kinds of stuff out of them with these leading questions and force opinions onto them that the players don't support.
First off is Al Harris. The man has been a dominating corner his entire GB career. He doesn't have the straight line speed, but he has everything else. Why would a zone defense not work for him? And how often does he have to answer these same question. He sure seems to be sick of it himself.
Almost from the moment Capers was hired in January, there were questions about whether Harris, a predominantly man-to-man cornerback throughout his 11-year NFL career, would be able to succeed in playing in a defense that is defined largely by zone coverages.
During last weeks organized team activities, Harris couldnt have been much more defiant in his response to those charges.
Who says that? Harris said. I havent heard one scout say that. Just for your knowledge, when you ask these types of questions, zone is much easier to play than man. Thats the way it is. Thats why they call it man and zone.
When asked if he isnt suited to play zone, Harris responded: Why, why wouldnt it suit me? Were not hacks here. Were pros. Man, Im a corner. There isnt a technique that I havent played.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090530/PKR01/90530030/1058 I would be quite agitated as well. You do nothing than ply your heart (or spleen) out and the media comes knocking on your door when they think to have found something you CANT do.
Second off is Kampman. Theres no doubt in my mind that hes unhappy about something. No one knows exactly why, though. Of course, youre free to ask about this. It is slightly odd that a player who reaches out to the fans the way that Kampman does all of a sudden doesnt want to talk anymore, but do you really have to ask the same question 20 times in one interview? It was pretty obvious that he wasnt going to release anything after the first time. Maybe 2 if youre pushing it.
http://www.packers.com/multimedia/videos/2009_non_game/video_20090603__42f83762f227__e5bde910c648/ Lastly, Aaron Rodgers. He gave an interview in where said some less than flattering things about Kampman. Nothing too bad, but maybe something that he shouldnt have gone public with. Of course, this is his own fault, but one can imagine that he mightve gotten slightly annoyed by the leading question these reporters kept asking. Constantly being asked questions about your team mate and a defense, while youre the QB and the offense, might not make you the happiest man in the world. Hence, the cranky attitude in that same interview.
http://www.stationcaster.com/player.php?s=74&c=496&f=27776 The thing that is getting most clear, is that the media is all about the money in this day and age. The constant flow of people going to news sites when you have some juicy rumor beats out reporting on real things.
Here some feel good stuff, some pieces that dont get the attention they deserve.
Just Harrell is feeling good about the defense. A good kid and he deserves to stay healthy this year.
http://www.packers.com/multimedia/videos/2009_non_game/video_20090603__42f83762f227__2c1e1c1e2b6d/ Kampman and Crosby at the Miracle Leagues opening day.
http://www.packers.com/pg/2009-06-06/photo1.jpg http://www.packers.com/pg/2009-06-06/photo5.jpg http://www.packers.com/pg/2009-06-06/photo7.jpg Clay Matthews, Alfred Malone and Brett Goode at the Junior Power Pack Clinic.
http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2009/06/02/1/