If any of this is in reference to my criticism, I don't think he sucks, or is giving anything less than his full effort.

However, I will disagree that he played well in 2007 for the entire season.. 2006 I will agree he looked good for a rookie backer adjusting to the game. But go back and watch Hawk of 06, verses Hawk of 07 & 08.. IMO, Hawk became a reactionary linebacker and did not attack plays.

In 07, it was the scheme that was holding him back, the read and react coverage that Sanders was utilizing and that Hawk was a beat or two slow. In 08, it was an injury, scheme and moving that caused him to play that same reactionary stance and didn't attack plays. Fine, I can buy part of that explanation, even though IMO, as time wears on he is becoming slower and slower to react, like he is over thinking the game.

So, my expectations for Hawk in camp this year is that he would be hungry and playing at a different level. Reading those that are covering camp, from JSonline, the State Journal and the Press Gazette is that Hawk hasn't been sharp and in an aggressive camp has been one of the quieter players. That is disappointing.

Is that a true measure of the season to come for Hawk.. nope. But in the first week of camp and expectations of an attacking group of linebackers, this news is disappointing after watching his play, IMO, decline after a solid rookie season.

Personally, the "sucks" label never was applied once.. but in the same accord is he playing up to the expectations of such a attacking backer in college and a solid rookie season to build off.

Why is it when some are critical of a players play that it is automatically believed that the player "sucks"? It is an honest question...

---

Simply put, I think Hawk will be an impact LB healthy, under Capers. JMHO

---

For as much grief that I have given Moss over the last two season.. here is my thoughts summarized in his words.

BTW.. this sounds like he is thinking too much which was speculated at great length..

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/52727432.html 

---

I truly hope so as well.. over the winter I was as excited for this group and Hawk as a focal point for them to turn it loose in this defense... again.. a week of camp doesn't write the whole season off. It just sounds disappointing after two years of declining play, albeit it maybe last season was injury riddled.

---

That's a good question. Looking back at this thread, I think my comment was excessive, especially considering that you specifically said that you don't think he sucks. My apologies for being so sloppy. No offense was intended.

My bottom line is that this is the first negative report I've heard of Hawk in training camp, after having heard a very positive report on him in the first day or two, so I'd like to wait till I hear more before I start getting concerned about him.

Of course I agree that he's been nowhere near the player he was in college, and at this point I would be happy with him being an important cog in a great defense, even if he isn't All Pro material.

---

Most of these football beat writers are dorky masscom majors who probably never played a down of football in their life, so I don't put much stock in their assessments. This offseason has been remarkably drama-free, so in their desperate quest to meet deadlines, they seize on whatever ragged thread they can possibly grasp, and in this case it's Hawk's perceived lack of aggression. I'll wait to see Hawk in real-game situations before I start to panic.

As for Humphrey, I think it's obvious that he is not long for the NFL. Unfortunate for us, but I'd rather have us clear a roster spot in preseason than get sideswiped during the regular season.

And what is it with Packers and hamstring injuries? Jesus, people, warm up before you hit the practice field. Though I have to admit I tweaked a hamstring a couple of days ago while doing bench press. How the FRIG that is possible, I haven't the faintest clue.

---

There was a lot of talk at the end of last year about Rock's program with all of the squats/etc leading to hamstring problems because it builds the quads up huge. I'm a little surprised to see it carry over into this year, but I don't see it as a "rash of hamstring injuries" yet, fingers crossed/knock on wood/etc..

---

The only way a program of squats builds up quads to the detriment of hamstrings is if there is an excessive emphasis on front squats over back squats. I squat three times a week, and while my quads certainly have become larger, my gluteus and hamstrings have become HUGE relative to my frame. It is very hard for me to find jeans that fit me properly now. Deep back squats improve not only the strength but also the flexibility of the hip flexors and hamstrings, as well as improve the integrity of all knee ligaments (including the PCL, which is very hard to develop).

No, if anything, squatting regularly should improve overall hamstring health.

---

There is no doubt that I bang on Hawk heavily.. I think it is because I watch his play from OSU and then look at 07 and 08 play and think to myself that it is a different player.

Out of all the players on this squad past their second year.. I think he has the highest ceiling of untapped potential.. either that or he played well above his ability in college.

Also, I think I have such high hopes for this unit after they played below par last season.. Greene, Moss and a scheme that highlights backers.... hope that Hawk plays lights out this season and earns his next big contract off his play.

---

If anyone is going to make our D great this year (besides our secondary) it will be Capers ... he's the man that will make our D work well.