It was a simple play, but it was exhibit A as to why Aaron Kampman cant play outside linebacker in the Green Bay Packers new 3-4 defense.
There was Kampman, a converted defensive end, trying to cover receiver Greg Jennings on a deep route the second day of training camp. Kampman was trailing Jennings close enough, so it seemed, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers lofted a pass over Kampman and into the outstretched arms of Jennings, who ran easily into the end zone.
The doubters, the ones who said this defense wasnt for Kampman, were proven correct.
Except for this:
Aaron did exactly what hes supposed to do, defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. That was our safety. On those type of vertical routes, what Aaron has to do is take away any underneath or inside throw. Aaron got a plus on that play because he did exactly what he was supposed to do.
See a photo gallery from Friday's practice.
In fact, Capers and outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene said this week that Kampman has been near perfect on his coverage assignments so far in camp, which is a notable feat for a guy who almost never was asked to drop into coverage, especially not against receivers, during his first seven NFL seasons.
Thats not to say teams wont go after Kampman when hes in coverage. During a blitz/red zone period in Fridays practice, Kampman dropped to cover receiver Jordy Nelson in the flat. Kampman stayed with him until Nelson turned his route up the field. Playing zone, Kampman let Nelson go, but no one picked him up and he had an easy touchdown catch from Rodgers.
Rodgers saw what most quarterbacks will see when they notice the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Kampman on a receiver an opportunity.
Dont overthrow it because hes probably going to be open, Rodgers said when asked what goes through his head when he sees a linebacker on a receiver. Their scheme is so multiple that they do have to drop off one of their standup linebackers on a No. 3 receiver, which could be a tight end or could be a receiver, but those guys have done a nice job. Theyve really improved. When we showed up in the spring, we had a few more big plays, but theyve been making improvement. But any time weve got Greg Jennings or Donald Driver or Jermichael Finley or Donald Lee against one of those guys, we feel like its a mismatch for us.
Greene doesnt, as long as Kampman or any other outside linebacker gets the proper help.
There are some defenses that theyre called to do that, but theres always help in coverage, thats the thing, Greene said. If you assume proper leverage position where your hip is, youre fine. I dont believe we have a defense where we just match up an outside backer (on a receiver) and just say, youre locked up. But we do have defenses that match them up and say, this is where your help is and you have to carry them on this type of leverage, stay here and cause this kind of throw.
To be sure, there are times where Kampman and the other outside linebackers will have to cover tight ends and running backs, but so much of Capers system is based on zone coverage, so its never really a true one-on-one assignment.
For his part, Kampman has taken the same stance he did all offseason in regard to his position change. After avoiding reporters for most of the offseason, he answered questions in early June but offered little insight into his feelings.
When asked point blank on Friday whether he was less than thrilled about the switch, Kampman said: It was what it was. That was a story that was kind of made.
Kampman excelled in the Packers old 4-3 scheme. He made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and 2007, when he combined for 27 sacks in two seasons, and last year put up respectable numbers (9 sacks) on a defense that struggled mightily, so it would be natural to think a 29-year old who was entering the final year of his contract would be resistant to change.
Thats definitely one way to take it, Kampman said. But that doesnt mean thats how I took it.
Never one to seek the spotlight, Kampman said he maintained his silence for much of the offseason because he felt it was wrong for so much of the focus to be on his transition when the rest of the returning players were going through the same thing.
It kind of took on a life of its own, Kampman said. The reality is that I kind of became the centerpiece, and there were 10 other guys on defense that also were dealing with the same thing. The biggest thing that was uncomfortable for me was that Im just one of 11.
What Kampman appears comfortable with is rushing the passer and stopping the run his main duties in the old scheme. In a team run period during Tuesday nights practice the most physical session of camp Kampman was in the offensive backfield play after a play. On one play, he easily got around tight end Tory Humphrey to stuff DeShawn Wynn for a loss. Two plays later, he dumped Ryan Grant in the backfield.
He gives you a big, physical presence out there, Capers said. Hes a good matchup on tight ends, and hes played down there on the tackle some. I think hes going to give us a big, physical presence there, and that should help our run defense.