Backup OL - IRRESPONSIBLE

Irresponsible? Unbelievable.

McDonald was our #9 guy last year and he never played a snap. If this is about not carrying 9 OL, I don't see an issue. McDonald is still on the street and is available if it becomes necessary to get a 9th OL on the team. OL isn't DL, you don't rotate players in. You never have more than 8 guys active on gameday, and it's usually only 7. That 9th OL spot is usually for a developmental guy, in which case McDonald and Schlauderhoff weren't considered good enough to warrant that spot. I'd rather them keep DJ Williams as the 5th TE than a worse player at OL just to make the numbers look good.

But if this is about EDS not being good enough to back up the interior line by himself, I agree. I'd like to see a veteran C/G picked up, and that could still happen. But Sitton and Wells didn't miss a significant snap last year and Lang hasn't had any recurring injuries in his career. Not that you want to roll the dice but if you are, this is the group to roll the dice with, injury wise. Still want to see them grab a veteran C/G though, but it's hardly "irresponsible" of TT.

Irresponsible might be strong, but before the draft, I wanted at least 2 of first three rounds to be o-line. A stronger o-line provides a better running game, better pass protection, and protects who I think is the most important player in the entire league.

O-line is not close to where I would like it to be, personally.

Why not the first 4 picks?

quote:

Originally posted by panic button last year:
It is irresponsible for TT to go into this season with the backups on the OL at running back that we have. I like the backups, but way too inexperienced. TT needs to get backup talent or we'll be looking at a big sack season like 2 years ago, and that won't lead us back to the title.

I think this is simply an annual thread of angst by Orono. This is 2011's.

Here was 2010's (on the very same date):

quote:

Originally posted by Orono:
Come on TT, do the right thing and sign a returner. And at the same time, how about some blockers for the return game.

Do the right thing...because Thompson is like a Wall Street CEO and is motivated by screwing the GBP as much as possible.

I wonder if Thompson will wait until after this weekends games to find another (vet) OL for the 53? Signed after the 1st game the contract is not guaranteed IIRC - even with the new CBA.

That is correct H5

There will be a plethora of vets available after GB completes its first game, and because GB and NO play on Thursday, they would get first crack at those players- unless the NFL closed that loophole

Additionally, since the Packers are the reigning Super Bowl Champions, they are last in line for any waiver claims. That explains why they haven't gotten anybody yet, while Carolina is busy adding players

So anybody pooping in their pants right now just isn't paying much attention to how roster building works in the NFL.

Take a look around the NFL and you'll discover most teams are thin on the OL. Sitton supposedly grades out at the 2nd best lineman right now- I know he was good but that sort of surprised me. When someone like Tauscher can come out of semi-retirement and do what he did for us the last several years, it speaks to the need for quality linemen in the league.

Every team has weak spots. If our weakest spot is backup O-Line, we're sitting pretty good at least for game 1.

It's a starting 53 not a final 53. FYI, we have 2 OL on our PS. The guys getting paid millions of dollars to do the right thing for the Green Bay Packers are well aware of what this team needs

So let me get this straight. TT should have signed a starting caliber Guard/Tackle to accept playing as a backup for the Packers. Where was this player supposed to come from?

And factor in if another OL is signed who are you going to cut? A different OL, a LB, DB, TE? Oh tell us oh wise one Orono!!!

(Not holding my breath waiting for an answer.)

I think we should try to add a veteran OG too as Thompson is taking a gamble with his severely inexperienced backups to start the season. If Ted does add someone hopefully they turn out better than Duke Preston did.

I agree that backup OL is the biggest concern right now (that actually is a very positive thing to think--- back up OL is the biggest concern...think about it.

I do think that someone will be added eventually...but if that person isn't going to be active or contribute week 1 why should the Pack strap themselves with guaranteed money. I see a move after this weeks games.

How many times did the 9th OL play on offense last season?

quote:

Originally posted by justanotherpackerfan:
I agree that backup OL is the biggest concern right now (that actually is a very positive thing to think--- back up OL is the biggest concern...think about it.

I do think that someone will be added eventually...but if that person isn't going to be active or contribute week 1 why should the Pack strap themselves with guaranteed money. I see a move after this weeks games.

How many times did the 9th OL play on offense last season?

Wouldn't an experienced backup automatically go to first or second off the bench rather than 9th as in final lineman?

I guess that depends on if he knows or can pick up the system. I guess I assumed there is no way someone could be up to speed with the short week this week.

Point taken. About a month down the road may be a different story though .

It'd be great if Thompson would add a veteran, but after reading your post and realizing it will take time before that veteran can contribute makes the chances almost nill especially taking into account Thompson's track record.

quote:

Originally posted by Slippery_When_Wet:
If Ted does add someone hopefully they turn out better than Duke Preston did.

Seriously? Preston didn't even make the final cut of the team in '09. If you're going to make comparisons how about choosing someone who actually made the team.

While TT had his moments early in his tenure with finding quality OL, there is simply no comparison from his OL's in his early years vs 2010-2011.

He has quality starters with Wells at C, Sitton at RG and Buluga at RT. TJ Lang's wrist is 100% healed and I think he's an upgrade in toughness and in the run vs what we had in Colledge. Clifton remains to be seen at LT but I think Sherrod will eventually be just fine and only improve in regular season practices and perhaps eventually splitting time with Clifton at LT at some point this season.

We'd all love to have 5 Josh Sittons sitting behind our starters but we have to be realistic here. OL are some of the hardest positions to fill on ANY NFL team. There's a reason behind QB why they are the 2nd highest paid position on a team.

TT has said in multiple Pressors that his 53 man roster is never set. It always flucuates and changes. It surely did last season and it more then likely will this one as well. After watching him build the roster he has in 5+ years I've stopping wringing my hands worrying what he'll do next. He'll make the necessary adjustments. He'll find the right guys.

quote:

Originally posted by Orono:
It is irresponsible for TT to go into this season with the backups on the OL that we have. I like the backups, but way too inexperienced. TT needs to get backup talent or we'll be looking at a big sack season like 2 years ago, and that won't lead us back to the title.

Good post, Orono.

I am sure TT is fine just standing still all season with the OL he has. He wont do anything to make the team better. All he did was put together a team that won the Super Bowl last year.

By the way, show me your Super Bowl ring, Orono.

Armchair GM's suck.

quote:

Originally posted by packerboi:

quote:

Originally posted by Slippery_When_Wet:
If Ted does add someone hopefully they turn out better than Duke Preston did.

Seriously? Preston didn't even make the final cut of the team in '09. If you're going to make comparisons how about choosing someone who actually made the team.

While TT had his moments early in his tenure with finding quality OL, there is simply no comparison from his OL's in his early years vs 2010-2011.

As far as I know Duke Preston is the only offensive lineman free agent of note with starting experience that Thompson acquired.
So how could I really provide another example when there isn't one, especially recently. I like Ted Thompson as much as the next guy and don't really fault him. It is Campen the line coach who is responsible for the lack of development of low round picks and undrafted free agents.

Hopefully Clifton and Wells stay healthy because we are relying on a player Thompson waived last year in Evan D.S. and Sherrod who isn't ready yet for the live fire. I will crossing my fingers for good health to the starters because the backups have me and many others VERY nervous.

quote:

Originally posted by justanotherpackerfan:
How many times did the 9th OL play on offense last season?

Not sure, but saw in the paper that MM always activated 7 OL on game day, even throughout the playoffs.

So, the 8th & 9th OL could only help for the next game if injury occured.

And there are a couple of OL on the practice squad (rookies, I know).

Here's a thought: What happens if the OL doesn't suffer any significant injuries all season?

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
Here's a thought: What happens if the OL doesn't suffer any significant injuries all season?

Super Bowl Champs!

TT went with a rookie QB to back up AR so he's shown a willingness to roll the dice. He's the man with the plan and I'm sure the necessary contingencies are in place.

NFL teams rosters are dynamic, injuries will happen. So spots will open up for another O-Line. Also a 53 man roster fills up fast, why waste a spot for a guy that is at best is a marginal NFL player. Marginal NFL players can be stashed on the practice squad. In a week or two the Packers will have a ninth O-line man on the active roster and a good player on Injured reserved. I would think Harrell will be on the 53 man roster before the season ends.

quote:

Originally posted by justanotherpackerfan:

I see a move after this weeks games.

I don't. May I show you the weak spot on TT's shin?

quote:

Originally posted by Boris:
It's a starting 53 not a final 53. FYI, we have 2 OL on our PS. The guys getting paid millions of dollars to do the right thing for the Green Bay Packers are well aware of what this team needs

This. When it's all said and done, the truth of the matter is the vast majority of us have no business critiquing the roster.

I know, as fans, that's what we do... but let's keep **** in perspective. Lord knows I've been down that road in the past. TT and MM forced me to get my learn on.

quote:

Originally posted by Slippery_When_Wet:

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
Here's a thought: What happens if the OL doesn't suffer any significant injuries all season?

Super Bowl Champs!

YES!

Put CMIII at LT if Clifton goes down... Dude can do anything.

Funny. I was thinking Quarless or Crabtree at LT

Or move Bulaga to LT and use the TE's on the RT spot

quote:

Originally posted by Dum Dum:
I've been down that road in the past. TT and MM forced me to get my learn on.

too bad they were not around back in your asvab test score days....Might have been a few more opportunities coming your way

Men roll with the 101st Airborne Division. You wouldn't know anything about that Airman.

quote:

Originally posted by Hungry5:
I wonder if Thompson will wait until after this weekends games to find another (vet) OL for the 53? Signed after the 1st game the contract is not guaranteed IIRC - even with the new CBA.

Excellent info, Hungry. Thanks.

Also, we have Domingez on the Practice Squad. If a injury happens, we can always activate him. I think they go the vet route first, but they have options.

OL are so yesterday. 5 Wides and 3 Tights with Kuhn at blocking back.

Try to stop Us!

Gosh do I miss the old days when we whined about the punter, KR, TOG hurting the team by not announcing until the 3rd week of the season, whether we actually landed on the moon....

Tauscher is only a phone call away... I presume.

Actually Tausher's current location is listed as:

"In your base - killin' your doodez".

Amazing thread by a Brent ballwasher.