Packers 2014 defense

Richardson may be tough for Hyde to beat out.

That is a real possibility RP. Richardson hits harder and has better speed (4.43 vs 4.52). I think Hyde eventually takes over the slot spot from Hayward who will move Tramon off the outside. Last season in GB for Williams I'd think.

 

 

 

Too many "what ifs" with current group of safeties. Collins proved how crucial that position is to the success of the defense. To gamble with a player that suffered a pretty serious neck injury couple years back and a guy that's rarely, if ever, played the spot is dangerous. If Thompson can't go safety in round 1, hope he gets one in round 2.

TT will draft an offensive lineman.

Mosley would be a great pick. He should still be there at 21.

 

If Dix or Ebron happened to fall, youd have an interesting decision.

I seem to recall the staff being pretty high on Richardson but he's been hurt.

One thing that has to change - blitz success. According to PFF, the Pack were 5th in number of blitzes used while only being the 25th most productive team at getting pressure on the blitz.

 

And if you're thinking "hey, just blitz less!" - they were also 25th in pressure without the blitz.

They need better safety play if this defense is every going to be championship quality.  I don't think Dix will be available so that leave Pryor as the only other option in round 1.  I'd be ok with him or Mosley as I think either will be a big improvement.  

 

I think this was TT's biggest draft mistake, not prioritizing safety after they realized Collins career was over.  This team just has not been the same after her went down, not even close.  In 2012, they took Nick Perry over Harrison Smith and in 2013, took Datone Jones over Matt Elam.  Hindsight is obviously 20/20 but good options at safety existed and TT chose front seven in consecutive drafts over a safety.  It'll be interesting to see what happens if Dix and/or Pryor is available at 21.  History says TT prefers drafting in the trenches in the round 1 but the more glaring need is at safety.  

Its not a surprise that most X4 posters prefer Dix. 

 

A big, long Dix would bring the physical presence weve been longing for.

Hes always on top of balls, and when blitzing he gets penetration in the pocket.

Though he tends to get swallowed up when being double teamed.

 

Just a little Ha-Ha for today

Here is Florio's latest mock, http://blog.chron.com/ultimate...-draft-2-0/#22216-12  he projects a corner. if it falls that way Ted will not take a short corner. McClain thinks Mosley. But in a draft were even the first pick is uncertain figuring out who will be there at 21 for Ted is a bit difficult.

The weird thing aabout taking a corner early might be the direction of the defense. The general rule is 'don't take zone corners early' but if they're going to be playing more man (which they did later in the season last year, at least on the outside) they may want to take another potential successor to Tramon early. Their corners have been pretty cheap to acquire (Hayward a #2 but otherwise later or non-picks) but maybe TT will spens a premium pick on a corner to play outside opposite Shields.

TT will trade down and get another 2 picks. He doesn't like the bright lights of Thursday night anyway.  Friday, he'll kick butt in Rounds 2 and 3.  

 

So, if he trades down...he'll have 6 picks out of the next 66 picks or so.  Then, he can mix and match and hopefully get 2-3 starters if necessary.

 

 

6' 2" 217 is bigger and faster than almost anybody available in the draft.  He came back late season and was worked into the lineup. 

The play-makers on  the Packers defense is not the problem.  It's keeping said play-makers healthy throughout the season.  Unfortunately, this is been the same old story for the Packers for the past several years (offense and defense).

I'm sure titm knows his current 40 times, but how will Peppers cover RBs out of the backfield?

 

I like the #56, though.

 

Best way to cover a RB out of the backfield is to put a QB on his back in the backfield.

I doubt they will ask him to cover that often. Yet, @ 6'7" he doesn't necessarily have to be "on" the RB in the flat. 

Sweet now I can wear my Lamont hollinquest hat again

Injuries...or lack thereof...will determine how far this D goes.

Health is the obvious key to success of the defense in 2014 but I think they're on track to show significant improvement.  Reasons why:

 

1) Moving Raji back to the nose.  Everything about Raji screams NT, including his body type (short and fat) and his past experience (best season was 2010, where he played NT).  He should upgrade from Pickett last year and allow another player to be an upgrade at the DE position (where Raji was below average last year). 

 

2) Healthy return of Worthy, Perry, CMIII, Hayward, B Jones and Richardson.  As of today, that is 5 expected starters and a highly drafted rotational pass rusher that will be back on the field at 100%.  Huge boost to the defense. 

 

3) First to second years improvement of D Jones, Hyde and Boyd.  Hyde has already shown he can play and D Jones and Boyd have flashed talent, just need the offseason to put some consistency together.  Also expect more improvement from Mike Daniels.  

 

4) Expected bounce back season from Burnett.  Remember how bad Collins looked as a youngster playing next to Mark Roman and Marquand Manuel?  That's what gives me hope that Burnett was just being dragged down by inept safety play next to him by Jennings and McMillian (and inept might be an understatement). 

 

5) This one is obviously a question mark but there are three defenders in the first round that I think can walk in and start on day 1 and plug huge hole on this defense: Mosley, Clinton-Dix and Pryor.  I think one will be there and if TT chooses, can plus a huge hole on this defense.  

 

There it is.  My reasons for hope that this defense can turn it around in 2014 and be a championship caliber defense.  

quote:

Injuries...or lack thereof...will determine how far this D goes.

And not just injuries on D.  If Rodgers gets injured again the defense will go south. 

I hope not Fedya.  I know that happened last year, but do HOPE the D rises to the occasion if that happens again.

 

(just like other great teams of yesteryear have done when their #1 QB went down)

 

"It is time."

 

 

If they re-sign Flynn I think they can survive if AR misses multiple games again (non-IR).

I think they could with Tolzien.

yeah me toozzzzzzz

I can't Stanzzzzzzzzziiiiiii when you pick on Tolzien.

 

By the way, what dealership does Riiiiikkkkkiiii sell cars for these days?

If Tolzien played for anyone but the Badgers you would all be up in arms right now saying how bad he sucks and that Thompson was nuts having him as our sole backup...sorry folks but the guy is brutal

So simple....even a caveman figured it out.

I'm taking the bus...

 

And you will NOT see me at the Pancake social

Mid April is the perfect time to stress out about the Packers back-up QB.

 

ST had some tough stretches last season and looked raw and lost. He also showed he has an NFL arm. Given time with McCarthy he could very well be a solid back-up.

quote:

If Tolzien played for anyone but the Badgers you would all be up in arms right now saying how bad he sucks

Conversely, if Tolzien had played for the Hawkeyes, Iowacheese wouldn't be denigrating him at every turn.

I'll drink to that.

 

Peppers gets his number: 56

 

Sounds like an LB.

 

http://thepackmentality.com/posts/62288

 

a

saw

was

Can Ted draft a DC in the first round?  That's an easier fix than the lack of talent, IMO.

not was