Poll Question: Outside Linebackers are Clay Matthews III and ...

Total: 14

Zero2Cool
13 years ago
I was gonna make this a poll, but would rather get opinions oh wait I changed the notification window, I'm gonna make it a poll.


Who do think is going to be the starting outside linebacker opposite of Clay Matthews III?


Edit, haha, guess you just witnessed a small case of ADD in the first sentence.
UserPostedImage
Packers_Finland
13 years ago
I think Walden will take it even though it's really anyone's guess between him, Jones and Zombo.

Edit: If someone asks me for a reason, I'll just say dreadlocks.
This is a placeholder
Pack93z
13 years ago
Again.. we have little to base it off of.. lol. [aiee]

By opposite of Matthews.. I take it your looking for the majority of snaps guy.

Seriously.. I think on athletic talent alone, I think Jones has the overall best chance to take the spot. But for whatever reason, that talent hasn't equated to his game on the field to date. Flashes here and there, just lack of consistency, although he is still a very young player and with the injury last season.. still not a ton of experience on the field.

Walden has to learn how to anchor against the run from what I seen last season, but as a pass rusher flashed a bit. Takes on blocks too high IMO and doesn't keep his body clean from the lineman's hands.. gets stuck.

Zombo looks like a guy that will blossom at some point, has a drive about him. IMO, not as athletically gifted as a Jones but seems to get more out of his snaps than a Jones. Seems to use his length well..

Briggs.. IMO.. haven't seen enough to form an opinion on the field. Preseason and camp is important to this late season pick up. I really want to see what he brings..

Elmore.. if his drive from college carries over, and I anticipate it, I can see him making this squad for special teams and developmental purposes.. just don't think his game is complete enough to set him on the corner right now by choice.. by injury need maybe.. or specifically to rush the passer.. but not a 3 down backer IMO out of the gate.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
PackerTraxx
13 years ago
I don't know, I thought Jones would be able to clearly win the position and have an impact but that doesn't seem to be happening. Then trying him inside...? Zumbo seems to be steady and tenacious. Walden has taken the biggest step so far. If he continues he may be able to take over. Although I'm stll hoping for Jones to come on because he has the most ability.
Why is Jerry Kramer not in the Hall of Fame?
Greg C.
13 years ago
It's a very interesting three-way race. I think Zombo did the best job last year, so that's who I'm going with. Jones was the invisible man when he played that position, I think it was for six games, last year. Walden had the one three-sack game but was otherwise pretty quiet. Zombo made his presence felt more than either of those guys. When Jones was a rookie two years ago, he may have looked more talented than he was because he was more familiar with the 3-4 OLB position than most other rookies, and many veterans, are when they come in. Last year he didn't stand out, but then, maybe he was hampered by injuries.
blank
Pack93z
13 years ago
Timely post on the same topic..


Erik Walden Doesn’t Lack In Confidence 

By Brian Carriveau on Aug 08, 2011 with 0 Comments

The three players vying for the starting right outside linebacker spot opposite Clay Matthews all have their individual strengths.

Frank Zombo is regarded by some as the best run defender, a stout player that can hold the edge. Erik Walden might have the quickest first step and be the fastest to the quarterback. Brad Jones is probably the most fluid of the three, the best in pass coverage and has the most experience in the system.

It's not inconceivable that Dom Capers will institute some sort of platoon that will take advantage of all three players' abilities in certain down and distances.

But that won't happen if Walden has anything to say about it.

"Maybe, but being the greedy guy I am, I don't want it like that," said Walden. "I'm doing everything in my ability to conquer the spot, just allowing me to make plays and go out and contribute."

The fourth-year player from Middle Tennessee State isn't ready to concede anything just yet. To hear him speak, Walden has the tone of a man that wants to be a three-down player, not unlike Matthews.

And he's not shying away from head-to-head-to-head battle he's forging with Zombo and Jones each and every day at training camp.

"I don't feel there's no pressure," said Walden. "It's just football. It's definitely great to have competition, but at the end of the day, I feel like the best man will prevail, and I feel that's me. I'm just working hard, just trying to do what I can do to allow myself to be successful."

With the elimination of two-a-day practices this training camp thanks to new collective bargaining agreement regulations and a preference of the Packers coaching staff, repetitions are at a premium for a guy like Walden who has less time to impress than summers past.

At the same time, he's trying to take advantage of the classroom, walkthrough and correctional period sessions as much as possible and hopes it will translates to the field of play.

"Your margin of error is smaller being that you have all day to take in the mental process," said Walden. "When you get out there, it should allow you to play full speed."

The task in front of Walden will be to duplicate what made him the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week in the regular season finale last season against the Chicago Bears that catapulted the Packers to a playoff berth and a run that would culminate in a Super Bowl victory.

Coming into that game Walden had accumulated 36 career tackles in three seasons as a journeyman that saw him go from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins and finally to the Packers as a mid-season signee when injuries ended the seasons of Jones and Brady Poppinga.

Walden didn't have any sacks prior to the Week 17 game against the Bears but still managed to sack Jay Cutler three times that day and rack up 12 total tackles on his way to player of the week honors.

The outside linebacker would start the following the first three games of the playoffs, but never had quite the same impact before injuring himself and giving way to Zombo to start the Super Bowl.

One challenge will be for Walden to become more consistent. Putting up 12 tackles and three sacks game in and game out is unrealistic, but just by becoming a reliable contributor, the Packers defense would benefit in 2011.

It starts in a game environment this Saturday, in the Packers' preseason opener at Cleveland against the Browns, a game Walden is looking forward to.

"Absolutely," said Walden. "We're tired of beating up on each other. We've got one more work week left, then it's Friday we take off, and then Saturday, we get into Cleveland and it's game day."


"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
The_Claymaker
13 years ago
I said Zombo. I'm surprised Walden is getting so much love (1st prior to my vote, I would have him behind Zombo and Jones), I know he played pretty well down the stretch/into the playoffs, but didn't Zombo start the Super Bowl when he got healthy?
Greg C.
13 years ago

I said Zombo. I'm surprised Walden is getting so much love (1st prior to my vote, I would have him behind Zombo and Jones), I know he played pretty well down the stretch/into the playoffs, but didn't Zombo start the Super Bowl when he got healthy?

Originally Posted by: The_Claymaker 



Zombo came back to play in the Super Bowl, but he was the only option for the coaches because Walden had been injured in the NFC championship game. The coaches would've had an interesting decision on their hands if both players had been healthy for the Super Bowl. Walden had played in the last 4-5 games and held up well, so I suspect he would've gotten the nod, or maybe the coaches would've platooned them.
blank
nerdmann
13 years ago

Zombo came back to play in the Super Bowl, but he was the only option for the coaches because Walden had been injured in the NFC championship game. The coaches would've had an interesting decision on their hands if both players had been healthy for the Super Bowl. Walden had played in the last 4-5 games and held up well, so I suspect he would've gotten the nod, or maybe the coaches would've platooned them.

Originally Posted by: Greg C. 




Zombo would have played running downs, Walden, passing downs.
“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.”
Fan Shout
Martha Careful (5h) : RIP Packer Safety Tim Brown
beast (23h) : Yeah, but also some of the wording suggestions Jax only pranked called the QB, not the others... and if he had an open spreadsheet & 3 calls
beast (23h) : Thank goodness he's not leaving the Turtle in the Red Tide
Mucky Tundra (23h) : Cowboys 1st round pick Tyler Booker will indeed be bringing his pet turtle to Dallas with him
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : that contained all prospects info and contact
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : beast, according the Falcons statement Jax came across it on an ipad. If I had to guess, probably an open spread sheet or something
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Simmons put up an emoji with cheese.
beast (27-Apr) : Not sure anyone is interested in Isaiah Simmons... Collin Oliver might of taken his potential slot
beast (27-Apr) : I'm going with Jax Ulbrich is not telling the whole truth... he accidentally came across it? Why would a defensive coordinator have a QB #?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : He's not that great, but final piece of the script.\
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : If we add Isaiah Simmons, book your Super Bowl tickets
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Colts 1st round TE Tyler Warren also got prank called, was that Jax Ulbrich as well?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Jax Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich’s son, released an apology for his role in the Shedeur Sanders prank call.
Martha Careful (27-Apr) : apparently he did not participate in practice or play on the east west shrine game nor the NFL combine. The kid was a mediocre spoiled brat
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Yeah that one that was a super wounded duck that Sanders supporters are highlighting to prove a point
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Shough is the guy who missed guys at combine isn't he?
beast (27-Apr) : It's not official until I'm dead! I have a chance still! (Not really)
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : I could feel my body decomposing in real time when I read that
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : @MIKEYSAINRISTIL Tyler Shough will officially be the last person drafted to the NFL born in the 1900’s
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : saw the tweet, he meant the city
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : Was that for the team or the city?
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter · 3m Draft grade is in: Green Bay gets an A. The people, the city, the venue were all superb. NFL Draft’s next
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matt LaFleur says Jaire Alexander is participating in #Packers offseason program, which has been conducted virtually during this first week
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : ✅ ...
buckeyepackfan (26-Apr) : Check
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matthew Golden cahanged 81 to 22??
TheKanataThrilla (26-Apr) : Sam Howell to Vikings...guess no Aaron
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : 1 round 7 min, with one extra minute if there is a trade. 2nd round 4 minutes, 3rd -3, 2 thereafter IMO
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Agree
dfosterf (26-Apr) : Great idea imo
dfosterf (26-Apr) : 1st round to 7 minutes with one extension
dfosterf (26-Apr) : NFL comissioner wants to shorten the 2st
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : @jalenreagors They’re discussing if Sheduer can go back to college on NFL Network LMFAOOOOO
beast (26-Apr) : Great point Martha
beast (26-Apr) : Buddy Ryan used to say if a candy bar goes missing, there are two to blame, Rex and Rob 🤪 jk 😁
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Bum Phillips used to say there are two ways to get better. Get better players or get players to play better. We have a new DL coach
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Yes. Look at the losses last year. They can win.
beast (26-Apr) : Can Packers win with their current DL?
bboystyle (26-Apr) : waiting for a pass rusher.
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 5 minutes between picks in the 3rd
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 3rd. Hate this phone
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 4rd
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 5 minutes in the 4
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 7 minutes between picks in the 2nd round
Martha Careful (25-Apr) : Sorry to bitch, but the headline writers in that section absolutely mislead, or don't know how to read. It is maddening
Martha Careful (25-Apr) : No thanks. Not a dependable guy to be in the right place and run the right route. Dumb as a box of rocks.
Zero2Cool (25-Apr) : Losing 2nd round pick for a one year rental, not ideal. Especially a headcase.
TheKanataThrilla (25-Apr) : Pickens for Jaire may be interesting. Definitely not sure we want Pickens long term.
dfosterf (25-Apr) : No.Absolutely not
Zero2Cool (25-Apr) : NO NO NO NO NO NO!!1 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 3:25 PM
Vikings
Sunday, Jan 5 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Recent Topics
2h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

22h / Packers Draft Threads / Mucky Tundra

23h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

23h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

27-Apr / Around The NFL / bboystyle

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

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