gbguy20
  • gbguy20
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
15 years ago
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090908/PKR07/90908162/1058/PKR01/Offense--defense-start-with-Rodgers--Woodson&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL 

Mike Vandermause column: Offense, defense start with top-rated Rodgers, Woodson

September 8, 2009



General Manager Ted Thompson said he gnashed his teeth in cutting the Green Bay Packers roster to |53 players. Now its my turn to grind my molars and rank the 2009 Packers, from most to least important.
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1. Aaron Rodgers

As the starting quarterback goes, so go the Packers. The better Rodgers performs, the higher this team will ascend. Based on his first regular season as a starter and the recently completed preseason, Rodgers should be very good.
2. Charles Woodson

Lets call him the quarterback of the defense. Hes excited about the new scheme and the Pro Bowl cornerback will make plays all over the field.
3. Aaron Kampman

Successful defenses must put pressure on the passer, and that will be his primary responsibility in a new outside linebacker role.
4. Greg Jennings

He received a fat new contract that comes with great expectations to serve as the most potent weapon in a high-powered arsenal.
5. Chad Clifton

His healthy return at left tackle, at the ripe old age of 33, is imperative to keep the quarterback secure and the offense humming at optimal efficiency.
6. Ryan Grant

A strong running game is imperative, and a return to his healthy 2007 form, in which explosive runs were a regular occurrence, will go a long way in bolstering the offense.
7. Cullen Jenkins

The defense missed him more than anyone will ever know when he went down for the season in Week 4. Ends in the 3-4 sometimes get overlooked, but he could be an unsung star.
8. B.J. Raji

This is a high ranking for someone who hasnt cracked the starting lineup. But his potential, like his body frame, is huge. His development on the defensive line will be key in stopping the run this season.
9. Nick Collins

If he can claim this defense as his own and repeat as a Pro Bowl safety performer, Dom Capers will sleep much better at night.
10. Jermichael Finley

He is loaded with potential, adds a new dimension to the offense as a dangerous tight end and will make opposing defensive coordinators squirm.
11. Al Harris

He is bound and determined to prove he can flourish in the zone-oriented defensive scheme at age 34. His success will help keep pass-happy opponents at bay.
12. Donald Driver

Hes been so good for so long that its easy to take him for granted. He will make defenses regret double-teaming Jennings.
13. Nick Barnett

His healthy return from knee surgery will solidify the middle of the 3-4, and dont underestimate his infectious enthusiasm and zest for contact.
14. Daryn Colledge

He has become entrenched at left guard for the foreseeable future, but his ability to shift to left tackle in case something happens to Clifton makes him even more valuable.
15. Jason Spitz

He has taken over as the starting center, but his ability to shift to guard is a plus if injuries strike.
16. Ryan Pickett

Theres not much glory in eating up blocks, but his role as the starting nose tackle is vital.
17. Atari Bigby

If the safety returns to the big-hitting, playmaking form of 2007, it will be a boon to the defense. That might not happen based on the preseason, and his ranking could plummet.
18. Allen Barbre

He has big shoes to fill in replacing longtime veteran Mark Tauscher at right tackle but has flashed promise.
19. Tramon Williams

Adequately filling the nickel back role is crucial, especially since he likely will be on the field almost as much as a starter.
20. Josh Sitton

He brings 322 pounds of beef to the right guard spot, the kind of physical presence the team craves.
21. Clay Matthews

This ranking is based on potential, since he has yet to earn a starting job. But if the outside linebacker lives up to his pass-rushing expectations, the defense will become dangerous.
22. Johnny Jolly

His starting status is tenuous with Raji on the rise, but he overcame an ankle injury and performed well late in the preseason. He will serve as an important cog in the D-line rotation.
23. A.J. Hawk

He hasnt missed a start in three years, but hes interchangeable with some solid backups and will see his role reduced in passing situations.
24. Brandon Chillar

His ability in pass coverage will earn him playing time and his versatility as a linebacker is welcome and needed in the 3-4.
25. Mason Crosby

The difference between winning and losing is sometimes razor-thin and comes down to field goals. The Packers need a solid season out of their place-kicker, who must prove he can perform in the clutch and from long distance.
26. Brady Poppinga

He was an afterthought when training camp opened but showed up ready to play every day. Even if his starting linebacker job is because of injuries, theres something to be said for being available.
27. Will Blackmon

He needs to emerge as a solid No. 4 cornerback, but more important, he must provide a spark in the return game.
28-29. Korey Hall, John Kuhn

Take your pick at starting fullback, where these twins performed well in training camp and add value on special teams.
30. Brandon Jackson

He was injured during the preseason and hasnt lived up to his second-round-pick billing, but hes decent as a third-down blocker and backup to Grant.
31. James Jones

Finley will steal some of his catches, but Jones will play no small role in the offense as the No. 3 receiver.
32. Donald Lee

He had a solid camp and wont be forgotten because the Packers love to run two-tight end formations.
33. Scott Wells

He gives the team a sense of security as the offensive lines sixth man with starting-caliber ability coming off the bench.
34. Matt Flynn

If Rodgers goes down, its uncertain whether the backup quarterback can win a game in a pinch. But he has improved from his rookie season, and he also fills the all-important role of holder.
35. Jeremy Kapinos

He overcame a slow start and looked solid late in the preseason, which could be a big relief after last seasons punting follies with Derrick Frost.
36. Jordy Nelson

His long touchdown catch against Arizona in the preseason is an indication of how a No. 4 receiver can sneak up on defenses and make them pay.
37. Desmond Bishop

He made a lot of plays in the preseason from his backup linebacker post, but it remains to be seen how much the team will use him with a glut of talent at the position.
38. Aaron Rouse

He needs to overcome injury and inconsistency and prove hes worthy in the No. 3 safety role.
39. Jarrett Bush

Hes a special teams demon who is versatile enough to play cornerback and safety.
40. Michael Montgomery

Hes an unheralded defensive lineman who has developed veteran savvy in four NFL seasons but will battle to stay in the rotation.
41. DeShawn Wynn

Hes a natural runner who could unseat Jackson as the No. 2 halfback if he stays healthy and focused.
42. Brett Goode

What other position in professional sports other than long snapper requires a player to be perfect for the entire season?
43. Derrick Martin

The newly acquired defensive back could emerge as the No. 3 safety if Rouse doesnt heal but also has experience at cornerback.
44. Jarius Wynn

He may open the season on the game-day inactive list as the No. 6 defensive lineman, but he came on strong late in training camp and could push Montgomery for playing time.
45. Jeremy Thompson

He lined up as the starting right outside linebacker when camp opened, but has fallen off the map due to injuries and ineffectiveness.
46. T.J. Lang

Hes only a rookie but possesses versatility on the offensive line and untapped potential.
47. Breno Giacomini

He looked shaky in the preseason but will be called on at right tackle if something happens to Barbre.
48. Brett Swain

He surprised some by beating out Ruvell Martin as the fifth receiver, but his biggest asset is special teams talent.
49. Spencer Havner

If this were a track team, he would be a decathlete. He made the team for his ability to perform multiple tasks (tight end, linebacker and special teams).
50. Brad Jones

He was a lowly seventh-round linebacker but shows promise down the road.
51. Quinn Johnson

He will one day be a starter, but for now, there isnt much value in a third-string fullback.
52. Brandon Underwood

He could be called on if an injury bug strikes at cornerback, but the rookie needs more seasoning.
53. Evan Dietrich-Smith

Hes a rookie project but made the team because he can play multiple positions on the offensive line.
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warhawk
15 years ago
Aside from the obvious here I think Clifton bouncing back and staying healthy is a big factor. If he goes down we have to shuffle the Oline more than if any other player along there is hurt.
"The train is leaving the station."
British
15 years ago

Aside from the obvious here I think Clifton bouncing back and staying healthy is a big factor. If he goes down we have to shuffle the Oline more than if any other player along there is hurt.

"warhawk" wrote:



Agreed, our depth at LT is precarious.

At least we have starting calibre Wells ready to slot in at C and Spitz and Colledge move along one.
UserPostedImage
Felipe7777777
15 years ago
i agree, injuries will play a big part (as they do every season) on the O-Line, the shuffling has really hurt the pack over the years hopefully this year the main group stays in tact and without the injury bug!
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djcubez
15 years ago
I like the rankings but I'd put Crosby way higher on that list.
wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member
15 years ago
I like the idea of someone putting their opinion on the line and rating every player on the team. It is tough to value the middle of the pack players when you jump back and forth from offense to defense.

I have a few players tht I would value differently.

1. Greg Jennings #4???? If you ask around there are those who would call the team the Gregorious Packers of Green Bay. :tongue3:

2. Raji can't be rated 8 because of potential. Put him where be belongs for now and move him up after he proves himself. I say 18.

3. Finley. I hope he becomes the 10th best player on the team but for now I see him around 16. He can't be ranked above Double D.

4. Harris Even though he is a Pro Bowler I wonder about his ability to play the zone. I think he will do well but not as well as he did when he was in M2M. #15.

5. DD moves to a more respected #9 when the others are moved down.

6. Barnett moves up to 10 where he belongs.

7. Bigby 17 ??? Really???? 22 might be too high.

8. Jolly should be around 19.

9. It pains me to see Hawk at 23 but with his reduced PT this might be closer to where he belongs.

10. Jones should be moved up to around 26.

11. With as well as Finely has looked this preseason, D Lee has taken a back seat. I think by the end of the yr he will be in the mid 20's.

12. Nelson will end up in the mid 20's as well. Not bad for the # 4 WR. He will make some big catches that move the chains and get the Pack out of their own end of the field. His contributions will help GB win the all important battle for field position.
UserPostedImage
wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member
15 years ago

I like the rankings but I'd put Crosby way higher on that list.

"djcubez" wrote:



Right. I skipped Crosby and forgot to come back to him. He is around 17. He has to be more valuable than Bigby easily.
UserPostedImage
beast
15 years ago

I like the rankings but I'd put Crosby way higher on that list.

"wpr" wrote:



Right. I skipped Crosby and forgot to come back to him. He is around 17. He has to be more valuable than Bigby easily.

"djcubez" wrote:



Finley, Bigby and Matthews are very over rated.....

well at least in what they have done so far... FInley and Matthews could grow into that... but right now they're not that in my mind. Bigby can't grow that high IMO. He's makes great looking hits but he's limited talent wise.
UserPostedImage
Rockmolder
15 years ago
I found that odd, as well. Half of this appears to be done on potential and half on current value. I'd rate Driver over Finley at this point. He's had a pretty decent pre-season, but that's all. He hasn't done anything to prove that he can really handle all the pressure that comes with the regular season.

Spitz and Colledge are mixed up as well, if you ask me. Colledge might be able to play a more important positions if the need arises, but Spitz is just the better guard at this point. I guess it's all about the versatility here.

I'd go with Tramon Williams over Bigby, as well. Tramon is turning into a playmaker, as where Bigby has been just solid throughout the pre-season and the 2008 season.

I guess that this list is made on importance of the player performing than on skill. In that case, I pretty much agree with it. Although I find it a weird way to rank players.
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Mucky Tundra (46m) : Funny observation I've heard: Carson Wentz was on the sideline for both Eagles Super Bowl wins w/guys supposed to be his back up winning
Zero2Cool (6h) : NFL thought it would get more attention week preceding Super Bowl.
Zero2Cool (6h) : Yes, the Pro Bowl. It was played Sunday before Super Bowl from 2010-2022
packerfanoutwest (6h) : pro bowl
Zero2Cool (6h) : From 2010 to 2022, it was played on the Sunday before the Super Bowl
Zero2Cool (6h) : They moved it to the BYE week before Super Bowl several years ago.
packerfanoutwest (6h) : it was always after the SB.....
beast (16h) : Though I stop following pro bowl years ago
beast (16h) : I thought the pro game was before the Super Bowl?
packerfanoutwest (16h) : ok now for the Pro Bowl Game in Hawaii
TheKanataThrilla (17h) : If I was Philly I would try to end it instead of punting it
Mucky Tundra (17h) : VICTORY! We have (moral) victory!
TheKanataThrilla (17h) : Hey they mentioned that we 3-peted
Mucky Tundra (18h) : seems to me the 49ers should have traded Aiyuk when they had the chance
Mucky Tundra (18h) : if the Eagles get it down to the 1, do they Tush Push or give it to Barkley?
TheKanataThrilla (18h) : 49ers have a money problem if they want to sign their QB
Mucky Tundra (18h) : Wait for real? Didn't he just get an extension two years ago?
Zero2Cool (18h) : 49ers gonna trade Deebo. Interesting
TheKanataThrilla (18h) : Replays always never seem to show the holdings
TheKanataThrilla (18h) : Great throw by Hurts
Mucky Tundra (18h) : Where Carter falls prey to bad off the field influences (to be clear, not saying he'd clip someone though)
Mucky Tundra (18h) : Had Carter not gone to Philly were they already had a lot of old college friends, he ends up in a similar spot to Aaron Hernandez
Mucky Tundra (18h) : I think some of his coaches told scouts to stay away
Mucky Tundra (18h) : the street racing incident+conditioning and motivation problems
beast (18h) : Then Carter was street racing, where the other car crashed and people died... and other teams were scared to pick Carter for some reason
beast (18h) : I think the Saints traded up, giving their next year 1st to the Eagles, and then they sucked and Eagles got the 10th overall pick
packerfanoutwest (18h) : wtf Barkley?
TheKanataThrilla (18h) : Getting Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round in 2023 was pretty darn good
Mucky Tundra (19h) : for some reason i'm thinking of a draft where the Eagles where in the mid 20s and a top player fell all the way to them
TheKanataThrilla (19h) : I think so. I would need to look it up. Think it may have been Carolina's pick.
Mucky Tundra (19h) : i'm not sure who i'm thinking of now
Mucky Tundra (19h) : oh fuck me i messed that up
Zero2Cool (19h) : Jordan Davis was 13th overall
Zero2Cool (19h) : Carter was 9th overall
Zero2Cool (19h) : Eagles had 15th and 10th selections, moved to 13 and 9 to get Davis and Carter back to back
Zero2Cool (19h) : Eagles traded up for Carter, didn't they?
Mucky Tundra (19h) : Obviously he was a huge risk but getting a top 5 talent on the dline in the mid 20s is fortuitous
Mucky Tundra (19h) : Jalen Carter falling into their lap certainly helps
TheKanataThrilla (19h) : And we could only wish to have this type of D
TheKanataThrilla (19h) : It's not like Philly has had low draft picks, but has managed to get themselves a top notch pass rush. We spend so much draft capital of D
packerfanoutwest (19h) : another crap halftime show
TheKanataThrilla (19h) : I think it is over, but then I think of Atlanta and want Philly to go in with the same intensity in the second half
Mucky Tundra (19h) : And with a Pass Rush that might as well be on a milk cartoon and no Jaire
Martha Careful (19h) : I cant help but feel good about how well the Packers D played in Philly during the playoffs
Mucky Tundra (19h) : this game is over
Mucky Tundra (19h) : This might be the kill shot here
Mucky Tundra (19h) : oh that's such a bad penalty for KC after getting the 3rd down stop
TheKanataThrilla (19h) : Philly DL has come to play
TheKanataThrilla (20h) : Ceoper DeJean with the INT scored...bad memories of draft night
Mucky Tundra (20h) : ok scratch that
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