nerdmann
14 years ago
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Why-Finleys-2011-return-has-me-talking-football.html 

Over the holiday weekend, I ran into plenty of Packers fans up in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. No question they are talking repeat, however, the one name that always surfaced in our conversations was TE Jermichael Finley. And while talking educated football (something you always get with Green Bay fans), I started to think about the upcoming season and how lethal of a player Finley can be in Mike McCarthy’s offense.

Today, let’s think like a coach and discuss why Finley is the one player we should all look forward to seeing back on the field in 2011.

Jermichael FinleyICONThe Packers game plan is going to look solid with Finley back in the lineup.

Multiple Alignments: First thing I look at when breaking down the TE’s of today’s game. Are they a traditional “on the line Y” (think attached to the core of the formation) or are they the type of player that can be used as a receiver. With Finley, I see both. An athlete that can align as the TE in regular personnel (2 WR, 1 TE, 2 RB), and in the multiple spread looks we see every Sunday from the Packers. In the slot, as the “X” receiver backside of a 3x1 formation (isolates the TE vs. a CB or SS) and when the Packers use their empty sets. The Packers’ TE gives you options in any personnel grouping.

Impact vs. Lovie and the Bears: How do you defeat the Tampa 2 defense in Chicago? Get down the middle of the field and challenge middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and the two deep safeties. As part of the 4 vertical route scheme, double china-post and in play action. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have issues vs. Lovie Smith and the Chicago defense, and adding Finley back to the mix allows them to test the top of the scheme—which produces explosive plays. Much easier to target the defensive scheme when you have the player to get it done.

Red Zone matchups: When I was playing in the NFL, it was Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Todd Heap. The three players you had to specifically game plan for once the ball crossed the 20-yard line. And that game plan got even more nervous when the ball was inside of the 10-yard line. TEs that can catch the ball, win vs. a safety and are an issue for any defensive coordinator. Finley can abuse man coverage and Cover 4 (quarters) will be easy to beat. Look for more Red 2 (CBs sink to create an almost 5-deep look) vs. Green Bay this season. Because I don’t have a real good answer to give you right now to defend him in the red zone.

Adding to the game plan: What is crazy about this post (and the converastions I had with fans over the weekend) is that we are talking about the defending Super Bowl champs. This isn’t a 7-9 team looking to get an impact player back into the lineup in hopes of making a playoff run. Instead, this Packers’ team is already loaded on offense with No.12 under center, plus the weapons they have at receiver and in the backfield. Getting Finley back just adds to what they already have—the best offense in the NFL. The type of player that is luxury to put into your Sunday game plan.

This guy makes me want to talk NFL football. Time to get this lockout settled—don’t you think?

Bowen wrote:


“Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don't do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.”
millertime
14 years ago
Can't wait to see this guy play. BEAST MODE!
PackerTraxx
14 years ago
I hope Finley keeps his head on straight. He has the potential to be one of the best ever. With the weapons Ted Thompson is giving Rodgers this is going to be a very difficult O to prepare for - tons of flexibility and talent.
Why is Jerry Kramer not in the Hall of Fame?
porky88
14 years ago
Finley is the best offensive weapon (non-QB) the Packers have had since Sterling Sharpe. He is that special of a talent. But durability is becoming an alarming issue. In two of his three seasons, he's been hurt. In fact, he's missed about as many games as he's played through that span. If he's healthy, he's special, but right now, it's a valid concern in my opinion.
Zero2Cool
14 years ago

Finley is the best offensive weapon (non-QB) the Packers have had since Sterling Sharpe. He is that special of a talent. But durability is becoming an alarming issue. In two of his three seasons, he's been hurt. In fact, he's missed about as many games as he's played through that span. If he's healthy, he's special, but right now, it's a valid concern in my opinion.

Originally Posted by: porky88 


 


More so than Ahman Green as a dual running and receiving threat?


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Cheesey
14 years ago
My biggest worry with Finley is his attitude. He's shown he's talented. I just worry about his thinking. Will he have the attitude Sharpe had when he was here?
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porky88
14 years ago



More so than Ahman Green as a dual running and receiving threat?

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 



As much as I like Green, I think he benefited from running behind an outstanding offensive line. Green was a very good RB no doubt, but from a pure talent standpoint, Sharpe and Finley are the two best non QBs of the last two decades. I don't think Green had the talent those guys had or have.
blueleopard
14 years ago

I hope Finley keeps his head on straight. He has the potential to be one of the best ever. With the weapons Ted Thompson is giving Rodgers this is going to be a very difficult O to prepare for - tons of flexibility and talent.

Originally Posted by: PackerTraxx 



I hate how everybody wants the guy to "put his head on straight."

Just because he doesn't hold back when speaking his mind doesn't mean he's a total asshole. The worst thing he's done was say Rodgers didn't throw a good ball during his rookie year. After that, he's been fine. Has he been crying to the media when he doesn't get the ball?

Finley is a team guy. He just likes to have more fun than others. People seem to treat him like he's the next person to end up in Minnesota's love boat.
Danreb Victorio A Believer of Greg Jennings
Zero2Cool
14 years ago

As much as I like Green, I think he benefited from running behind an outstanding offensive line. Green was a very good RB no doubt, but from a pure talent standpoint, Sharpe and Finley are the two best non QBs of the last two decades. I don't think Green had the talent those guys had or have.

Originally Posted by: porky88 


 


That is true, the OL was dominant. Javon Walker was a great talent too, but most fail to acknowledge it because it was brief and how he left. I'm not sure if I could put him by Sharpe, but Finley for sure.


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coltonja
14 years ago

Finley is the best offensive weapon (non-QB) the Packers have had since Sterling Sharpe.

Originally Posted by: porky88 



Better than Samkon Gado? Yeah right.

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