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.
Advertisement
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.
BAD EMAIL because the address couldn ot be found, or is unable to receive mail.
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!
blank
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.
Fan Shout
Mucky Tundra (8h) : Will there be a tracker on the ball or something?
Zero2Cool (11h) : uh oh
Martha Careful (12h) : Too bad camera's can't spot the ball as well.
Mucky Tundra (13h) : So will the chain gang be gone completely or will they still be around as a backup or whatever?
Zero2Cool (14h) : The method for measuring first downs in the NFL will switch from chain gangs to camera-based technology in 2025, the league announced.
Martha Careful (17h) : A big step in the right direction. Just put in the college system is very very good.
Zero2Cool (19h) : NFL has passed a rule that allows both teams to possess the ball in OT during the regular season
Zero2Cool (19h) : Touchbacks on kickoffs will now bring the ball to the 35-yard line.
beast (31-Mar) : It might of gotten more popular recently, but braiding hair (even men) in certain cultures goes back for centuries.
Martha Careful (30-Mar) : Is men braiding their hair a new style thing? Watching the NCAA men's tournament many players have done
Zero2Cool (29-Mar) : Ha. Well, it'd be nice for folks to reset their own password. Via validated email 😏
beast (29-Mar) : Monopoly was supposed to be an educational game, that show how evil capitalism was and how we should avoid it
beast (29-Mar) : Lol, I was thinking username would be better, as then I wouldn't have to keep an email up to date lol 😂
beast (29-Mar) : Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : I was thinking email because I think it'll make folks keep it up todate lol
wpr (29-Mar) : sure is
Zero2Cool (29-Mar) : Monopoly is a rip off of The Landlord's Game
wpr (27-Mar) : 28 days until the draft
earthquake (27-Mar) : Which seemed strange to my 9 year old self, that you could be a fan for a team other than the one you play for
earthquake (27-Mar) : Nothing eventful happened, other than it being clear that he was a bengals fan
earthquake (27-Mar) : And we went and hung out with him one afternoon, I must have been 9 or so
earthquake (27-Mar) : That’s wild, when I was a kid my friend lived in the same apartment complex in De Pere
Mucky Tundra (27-Mar) : Only career highspot was a 200 yard rushing game while playing for the Cardinals
Mucky Tundra (27-Mar) : He is a former Packer. Drafted out of Northern Illinois. Didn't do much in GB.
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Despicable
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : Former NFL. I think Packers too
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : NFL RB Leshon Johnson has been charged in a massive dog fighting operation, with the FBI seizing over 190 Pit Bulls
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Some real irony of a QB as short as Wilson playing for the Giants
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Giants country, let's be the tall beings of lore!
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Russell Wilson signs with the Giants.
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : I was thinking email because I think it'll make folks keep it up todate lol
wpr (25-Mar) : I don't think there is a significant difference. I use a user name for many. Others email.
Martha Careful (25-Mar) : email
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : would it be better to use EMAIL or USERNAME to log into a site?
wpr (25-Mar) : Thanks Zero
Zero2Cool (24-Mar) : New forum has the ability to Thank a post now.
beast (24-Mar) : And the only time they have won the Championship in an even year, was the first time they did, in 2006.
beast (24-Mar) : Since 2007, there have been 10 odd numbered years, Wisconsin Women have won the Championship in 7 of those 10 odd numbered years.
buckeyepackfan (24-Mar) : Congratulations Lady Badger Hockey Team. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!
Zero2Cool (23-Mar) : I don't think it's completed yet. it was just announced last month, right?
dhazer (23-Mar) : did netflix ever release the Packers documentary
Zero2Cool (21-Mar) : And it is glorious!
beast (21-Mar) : Unsigned FA QB Rodgers is supposedly in the Steelers building
Martha Careful (19-Mar) : But I don't own a car! So can I still use it in my apartment?
Zero2Cool (19-Mar) : btw, new site auto updates
Zero2Cool (19-Mar) : Woohoo!
TheKanataThrilla (19-Mar) : Oops I guess I should have updated the site before posting
TheKanataThrilla (19-Mar) : Jeremy Fowler @JFowlerESPN · Follow Source: Free agent WR/return specialist Mecole Hardman is signing with the #Packers on a one-year deal.
Zero2Cool (18-Mar) : Former Packers wide receiver Bob Long, who stayed in Wisconsin after playing days, dies at age 83
Martha Careful (17-Mar) : PFOW, Pati O'Furniture
wpr (17-Mar) : Thanks dfosterf. Been a while since I heard the song.
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
Sunday, Jan 12 @ 3:30 PM
Eagles
Recent Topics
13h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

15h / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

31-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

30-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

29-Mar / Random Babble / wpr

28-Mar / Feedback, Suggestions and Issues / dfosterf

28-Mar / Random Babble / Martha Careful

26-Mar / Random Babble / Mucky Tundra

25-Mar / Random Babble / Martha Careful

24-Mar / Random Babble / packerfanoutwest

24-Mar / Random Babble / Zero2Cool

21-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

19-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

19-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

18-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

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