Packers Shake Up OL- Bulaga to LT

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Originally posted by Goalline:

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Originally posted by Iowacheese:
]this.....****ing dumdum never admits mistakes.

truth er

Not even after the gay encounter with BK? Exquisite!

Who ever said it was a mistake?

Hateful.

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Originally posted by lovepack:
We will have our answer on Capers by week 1.

And if the answer is a Packer victory we wont hear from you till week 2, and if they win again, till week 3... well you get the picture.

Capers can only give them the scheme and teach them what to do. If the players don't execute it correctly, that's not on Capers. The scheme was there in the SF game but the players (Walden, CBs, safeties) didn't execute it, bit on fakes, didn't fill their lanes. SF tried to do the same thing to the Ravens but their edge guys didn't bite and stayed true to their assignments and lo and behold the QB didn't run wild. In the regular season loss to the queens, Casey Hayward (I think) didn't cover his zone correctly and cheated up resulting in a pass over his head for a dire 1st down that I think sorta sealed the game up if memory serves. The scheme was perfect, the player didn't execute it.

You watch what happens this year with the new tools Caper's has been handed. If they stay relatively healthy by mid-season QBs will not know where it's coming from. Don't expect it Game 1. Capers inserts more twists and tricks as the D gels and he trusts them to execute it.

TT hasn't given Campen much to work with over the years, so I think Campen's done an above-average job with what he's been given. Last year TT/Campen got Sherrod and we all know how that turned out, so the jury is still out if Campen can develop someone with better talant. This year will be a better measure: does Barclay take a step forward? Does Datko look better? Do the new positions work? Will the line be able to open some running lanes?

Bulaga at least plays with more of an edge to him than does Newhouse, so Bulaga will at least fight to keep a rusher out of the backfield rather than relying only on technique. I don't think he's the long-term answer, but perhaps one of the new guys works out or Sherrod comes back stronger, better, and nastier.

But don't forget one thing: our opening up running lanes and run blocking depends more heavily on one thing: MM has to commit to running the ball. He has to commit in mini-camps, in TC, preseason, and throughout the season. He can't just wait until November to try to install a running game. It's got to be an emphasis all year from the get-go. I'd also like to see Rodgers remain healthy for his entire contract, and if he keeps getting hit like last year that's not going to happen.

As for Capers, I found it extremely disappointing that after facing Joe Webb last year (who hadn't played all year and who didn't run much in our game with the Queens), he said the team was ready to face Scampernick. Uh, no, we weren't. To me that spoke of a guy who just didn't understand what he was facing. The Niners were a whole different level and Capers should have realized that. I'm hoping he ate his humble pie and learned from it. Perhaps we should put Cobb in the backfield to run the option in practice (wearing a red jersey ).

Overall, we'll see in the preseason how the pieces all fit and if MM commits to running.

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Originally posted by Hungry5:
I think Campen gets bashed from fans more than he deserves, but I have believed for quite some time that Philbin was the reason for the development of the Thompson OL draftees you outlined.

I think that's true. I am guilty of it too.

Some of the early OL picks didn't pan out as hoped for, and he took the lion's share of the blame. Fair or not, fans will do that.

I keep going back to the fact that if the guy was even half as incompetent as he's sometimes made out to be he would've been fired by MM years ago.

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Originally posted by Fandame:

But don't forget one thing: our opening up running lanes and run blocking depends more heavily on one thing: MM has to commit to running the ball.

Its difficult to take the ball out of the MVPs hands, but GB showed something last year:

This is from Wayne Larivee's end of season report at JSO

"...For the second half of the regular season the Packers averaged 29.75 rushing attempts, 4.1 yards per carry and 122.6 yards per game -plenty good enough to supplement a passing attack the caliber of Green Bay’s. "


That's not bad...and as you noted, the OL gets better at it the more they practice it.

I think Bulaga, Sitton and Lang have turned out very well, especially considering Sitton and Lang were fourth rounders (hardly a place in the draft to find sure-fire, ready-made starters). And Newhouse and EDS seemed to have developed nicely considering their draft position. I think LT has been a struggle, but it's also the hardest position to find especially when picking late in the first round. I mean, look at the last few years, the best LT's are J Thomas, R Clady, J Long (before injuries), J Staley, T Williams and R Okung, almost all of which were top ten picks. And this year, not surprising that 3 LT's were picked in the first 4 picks. It's become a premium position. So again, hard to blame the team for not finding a pro bowler here.

Center and overall depth is a legit complaint though, although I think this year will fix that. With the addition of Bakhtiari and Tretter (assuming they aren't huge busts), they have 9 guys that seem to be legit NFL players (Bulaga, Sitton, EDS, Lang, Newhouse, Barclay, Sherrod, Bakhtiari, and Tretter), which is unlike recent years when 1-2 undrafted free agent rookies were our "depth". And center seems to be an issue, which is frustrating b/c it doesn't seem that hard to find a competent center. Hopefully EDS and/or Tretter works out there.

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Originally posted by Fandame:
Overall, we'll see in the preseason how the pieces all fit and if MM commits to running.

Up until last week, I'd have been skeptical about the same thing, but the fact that TT spent 2 of his first 4 picks on running backs has changed my way of thinking.

I don't think Ted made that decision in a vacuum. Thompson and McCarthy have both spoken more than once about what a close working relationship they have, and how well they communicate with each other, and MM also mentioned more than once this offseason that improving the running game is a top priority for him. I think they talked a lot about this leading up to the draft. McCarthy either asked for help at RB, or at least supported Ted's decision to upgrade the RBs. I don't think they'd be here unless MM planned to use them.

The fact that Ted drafted these guys tells me that the team is genuinely committed to running the ball for the first time since McCarthy got here. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a draft, and it's not just about the specific players they drafted - it's because of what those players say to me about the kind of team we're finally trying to build.

I am really looking forward to seeing Bulaga at left tackle. I've always felt that was his natural position. He and Sitton are just going to maul on the left side.

Secondly, I can't help but think of the Laff-a-lympics every time I hear Greg Van Roten's name mentioned. Curiously, he looks a little like Dread Baron, Dick Dastardly's twin brother.

Third, Dick Dastardly sounds like the perfect nickname for Henry.

Injury (or the lack thereof) will be the single biggest factor in our OL's performance this season. The tools are there, we just need to be able to use them.
When Bulaga started at RT, it was as much about having Cliffy play one more year at LT as anything, but I think his talent was obvious in TC, and the coaches wanted him to play.
When Cliffy retired, the coaches wanted to keep him there for minimal disruption and Sherrod was supposed to be good enough to replace Clifton at LT.
Enter Newhouse, who was just good enough to remain a starter. Although he has looked downright god-awful at times, he still grades out high with his coaches; at times he's been the best of the starters. I think he has done well, especially considering his draft position and talent level, but the truth is he's not good enough. He would excell in an emergency role, but we need better protection from that position against the (supposedly) stronger defensive teams.
Newhouse's game experience puts him head and shoulders above any rookies, and likely Sherrod, as well. Of course, it's possible that any of them could have enough talent to overcome that experience, but all things being equal, Newhouse has the advantage.
Barclay is likely similar to Newhouse, and I hope they have a great camp battle. I think we can't lose either way; even if a draft pick/PS/2nd year guy comes out of nowhere, we should have a damn good player at RT.
I can't imagine Bulaga, Sitton, or Lang having any problems switching positions, and I look for them to be just as good, if not better, as they were in their old positions.
Really, EDS might be the only questionable starter for this year. I think he could do well ala' Scott Wells; a guy with plenty of flaws but turns out to be a pretty good player. I don't know that he can be beat out this year, but if a guy like Tretter is ready by next year, so be it.
No idea where guys like VanRoten, Datko, our incoming rookies and others fit into the mix, but there's plenty of time to see how TC develops and preseason plays out.
Sherrod has the potential to have the biggest influence on how the OL shakes out and performs. If he is able to play this year, he would essentially be a rookie, but should have first-round talent. It's intriguing.

MM is reacting to the teams he has to beat. SF, Seattle, & Minn. all three feature run before pass offenses. We had built the team & scheme to beat what was prevalent in the league at the time....passing attacks. We built to protect the QB on offense & take the ball away on defense, even if it meant giving up a lot of yards. With these teams running the ball there is less chance of creating turnovers & less plays that our offense runs. In addition the league has caught up to us in that every DC with half a brain (minus Phillips with Houston, who played us tight man with one safety in middle of field)is playing safeties back, taking away the deep pass & daring us to run. Yes we averaged 122 yards per game, but that was against defenses that, for the vast majority of plays, were in formations that favored the run.

And that is well said!

Timmy - Wish I was as confident that we'll have a "damn good player" at RT. To be honest, I'll take adequate.

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They were completely outmatched and embarrassed yet again when it really mattered. Capers MO is starting to look like choking in the playoffs.

6th round draft pick Walden
7th round draft pick Brad Jones
Tramon Williams giving us that Ole' ****
D-Line not getting any penetration & having more late round picks playing.
Only having one competent safety

Any of this ringing a bell? FYI...I'm wide awake & haven't ever been under a rock.

The 49'ers have a $hitload of 1st round draft picks on their team. Better get used to it because they're good.

You can't seriously blame everything on Capers & yes I'm not happy about the defense either but let's get some guys back from injury before hanging Capers. Who..BTW...is the REASON we won the Super Bowl.

Did you forget innovative calls like dropping BJ Raji into coverage vs. the Bears?

Completely ridiculous & I'm not saying Capers shouldn't take part in the blame but he's not the only reason the defense sucked. You can't make Chicken salad from Chicken $hit

Now back to your regularly scheduled O-Line discussion / James Campen bashing

I get moving Bulaga to LT. It makes sense to put your best tackle on the QB's blind side. Swapping Sitton and Lang is where I don't really see the point. Lang had some not so great moments in 2012 but I'd hardly call him a liability at LG. Sitton is allegedly one of the best RGs in the game...so why not leave him over there to possibly make up for any deficiencies that may arise from having a newer player at RT?

If it were up to me: LT - Bulaga, LG - Lang, C - Open competition, RG - Sitton, RT - Open competition. Address the biggest concern on the line from the past two years (protecting the franchise) while having less upheaval in the interior by keeping the guard positions the same.

Of course, maybe switching from LG to RG isn't nearly as big a deal as I'm making it out to be.

I'm guessing MM wants to keep Bulaga and Sitton together. Here's the problem - the Packers were shaky from center to left tackle last season. Now there's a decent chance they'll be shaky from center to RT.

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Swapping Sitton and Lang is where I don't really see the point.

Makes it easier to push him to right tackle in case of injury (oh joy) also makes it easier to move him to center and Barclay down to guard if EDS gets hurt.

Bulaga & Sitton have proven to work well together in the past. I see Eddie Lacy running like Adrian Peterson over the left side this year. Had a dream about it last night where Rodgers throws for 300 & 3 TD's & Lacy rushes for 200 & 2 TD's.

Niners defense had no answer...in my dream. We won 38-17

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Bulaga 'Thankful' For Switch To Left Tackle
gnb.scout.com

“I was excited about it,” he told Packer Report on Saturday afternoon. “Obviously, I didn’t know that this was going to happen. This was just something that was brought to my attention. I was excited about it and very thankful for the opportunity, and I’m just excited to get going with it. I’m happy that in these IPWs (individual player workouts) and OTAs (organized team activities) that we can — me and Josh (Sitton) and Marshall (Newhouse) and T.J. (Lang) can get our footwork down and get used to the position switch. I’m very thankful that (McCarthy) did it early so we can get used to things reversed, with right to left and left to right.” continue

Bulaga is going to command some coin at LT. If he turns out as good as I think he'll be, it won't be cheap to extend him.

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Bulaga & Sitton have proven to work well together in the past.

Indeed. Here's a metric from PFF showing the Packers ability to run block/rush according to side of the line. I took it from 2011 since that was the last time Bulaga and Sitton were side by side. As you can see, they did quite well. And Newhouse was terrible.

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Originally posted by Boris:
Bulaga is going to command some coin at LT. If he turns out as good as I think he'll be, it won't be cheap to extend him.

File that one under good problem to have.

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Originally posted by Boris:

Had a dream about it last night where Rodgers throws for 300 & 3 TD's & Lacy rushes for 200 & 2 TD's.

Niners defense had no answer...in my dream. We won 38-17

Wait... you mean Crosby made a field goal?

Oh, never mind. I forgot you said it was a dream.

Just kiddin.' I'm not one of those who are so down on Mason.

maybe Giorgio was kicking...

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Originally posted by titmfatied:

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“ I’m very thankful that (McCarthy) did it early so we can get used to things reversed, with right to left and left to right.”

Translation: "Thank god he's telling us now, instead of waiting until we get to camp and then changing his mind every 3 days until the opening game."

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Originally posted by Salmon Dave:

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Originally posted by Boris:

Had a dream about it last night where Rodgers throws for 300 & 3 TD's & Lacy rushes for 200 & 2 TD's.

Niners defense had no answer...in my dream. We won 38-17

Wait... you mean Crosby made a field goal?

No. There was a two-point conversion and a safety.

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Originally posted by LarseeBear:
Heard something interesting on bspn talking about the Pack draft.

We won the SB when we had a running game (grant had a nice season).

Gotta keep the D honest. Best thing to keep AR healthy.

Edit: sorry, it was Starks

We won the SB because the defense could make stops, unlike last years defense.

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Wait... you mean Crosby made a field goal?

Yes a 55 yarder as the half expired

The Packers had something resembling a running game during the Superbowl push. They have been totally one dimensional ever since and defenses have adjusted. You can't blame it all on the D.

Adding Datone Jones should help the defense and if Lacy and Franklin can't put together a respectable run game than something is wrong.

Very excited to see what they do in 2013

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Originally posted by Tschmack:
Adding Datone Jones, Desmond Bishop, and Nick Perry should help the defense......

FIFY

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Originally posted by Boris:
[QUOTE]They were completely outmatched and embarrassed yet again when it really mattered. Capers MO is starting to look like choking in the playoffs.

6th round draft pick Walden
7th round draft pick Brad Jones
Tramon Williams giving us that Ole' ****
D-Line not getting any penetration & having more late round picks playing.
Only having one competent safety

Any of this ringing a bell? FYI...I'm wide awake & haven't ever been under a rock.

The 49'ers have a $hitload of 1st round draft picks on their team. Better get used to it because they're good.

You can't seriously blame everything on Capers & yes I'm not happy about the defense either but let's get some guys back from injury before hanging Capers. Who..BTW...is the REASON we won the Super Bowl.

Capers was not the REASON we won the SB. No one player or coach is the reason and if you had to pick one person, it would without a doubt be Rodgers. Agree that Walden sucked. I didn't think they should have re-signed him even for a backup and was blasted on here for stating such. Jones just got a pretty healthy contract and may even start. We still have only one competent safety so nothing has changed there (not counting development which I think we will see from McMillian so we may be just fine there). Dline: Raji-first round, Pickett-first round, Neal-2nd round, Daniels-4th round. Never been a fan of Wilson. I never said Capers was the only reason. I'm just saying I'm starting to lose faith in the guy based on playoff performances and comments from other teams saying how predictable he is.

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Originally posted by Boris:
Yes a 55 65 yarder as the half expired

FTFY.
If you're gonna dream, dream big!

I liked moving CMIII to blind side so he could arrive on the QB without being seen. Many blind side defensive players are there to do exactly that, rush the passer. Putting the best pair of blockers there and forcing those pass rushers to respect the run will be critical to our success.

Is Newhouse really as bad as so many here think he is?

Anyway, I hope not.

Newhouse has come a long way in pass pro, IMO. He's still pretty terrible at run blocking though. Just doesn't seem aggressive enough.

Agree. Didn't the coaches say about Newhouse he was a "technical" player? Perhaps that is code for "non-aggressive" blocker.

"technical" is code for "dancer". Newhouse needs a big dose of nasty. hopefully the competition pushes him to be that or he'll lose out. but I'm not sure he's got it in him.

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Originally posted by phaedrus:
Is Newhouse really as bad as so many here think he is?

Anyway, I hope not.

Newhouse is the backup/swing tackle ideally. He's good enough for spot duty but not as your regular starter. If Bakhtiari shows he can be a serviceable backup then it's likely Newhouse is looking for employment elsewhere. He's neither consistent enough for LT nor physical enough for RT full time. That's not to say he doesn't belong in the league, he's just not a good starter.

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Originally posted by Ryan Grant:
They were completely outmatched and embarrassed yet again when it really mattered. Capers MO is starting to look like choking in the playoffs. If they hadn't won the SB in 2010, he would already be gone.

The issue isn't as much Capers as it is a lack of talent. For all the firepower the offense has, the defense is spotty.

Top-line talent: Matthews
Good talent: Raji, Burnett, Tramon
Promissing talent: Shields, Heyward, McMillan
Question marks: Perry, Bishop, Worthy
Old guys/decent players holding on: Pickett, Jones
Roster chum/rotational guys: Wilson, Neal, MD Jennings, Hawk, etc.

There's just more talent on offense. The defense is very spotty in the front seven.

They're shifting their best OL to protect the franchise QBs blindside...are there really people who have a problem with that?