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Right about now Tretter would have been hitting his stride...I don't think he had many reps at guard in TC as they focused on him getting comfy center.  I think Lane Taylor is currently the back- up at guard. Tretter still needs a few weeks to get up to speed, maybe after the bye week

 

Hey GL - with regards to Sherrod...eff off, ya big meanie  

 

 

Originally Posted by 18c3v:

Take a look at Lacy's game-clinching 10 yard run against the Vikings.  It was all Linsley.  Bahktiari whiffed, Lang got pushed back, and Sitton just cleaned up after Linsley ran his guy downfield. 

 

1:13 of this video: 

 

http://www.packers.com/media-c...93-9d38-6292dc189e18

 

Picking up on that, GBPG focused on Linsley's great work that entire game-killing drive:

 

http://www.packersnews.com/sto...inal-drive/70068764/

But while the Packers' line as a whole did the tough job that final series, in reviewing the video it's difficult to overlook Linsley's blocking against Joseph... But with the game on the line, Linsley won decisively.

On four of the five runs to end the game, Linsley moved Joseph anywhere from two to five yards, even though Linsley (301 pounds) was giving up more than 20 pounds. He could do it because he has excellent upper-body strength and as a rookie is showing attention to detail in his techniques.

On first down, a Lacy run to the left, Linsley pushed Joseph back at least two yards, and Lacy cut back right off Linsley's backside for a three-yard gain. If Joseph gets a stalemate, that run goes for nothing.

On second down, Linsley knocked back Joseph four or five yards and dropped him on his back. Basically a pancake. Lacy also got a good block from fullback John Kuhn and ran behind Linsley for a big five-yard gain.

That left third-and-2 with the game on the line. Short enough where the Vikings had to defend run and pass. Coach Mike Zimmer went with his signature double-A gap look, with linebackers Anthony Barr and Chad Greenway lined up over each of Linsley's shoulders, Joseph between right guard and tackle. Linsley knocked back Barr two yards, Lang drove back Greenway the same, and Lacy plowed right behind them for an easy four yards and huge first down.

On each of the next two plays, Linsley pushed back Joseph three yards, the rest of the line got some push as well, and Lacy picked up five yards, then 10 yards for the game-clinching first down.

Yes, having a power back such as Lacy is a huge edge when trying to run out the clock. But just as important was the Packers winning the battle in the interior of the line with the Vikings knowing what was coming. The last time the Packers had a center who run blocked like this was Frank Winters.

PackersTalk weighs in with more praise for the kid.  And oh yeah, TT.

 

http://packerstalk.com/2014/11...28PackersTalk.com%29 

Linsley is Pro Football Focus’ 3rd ranked center behind perennial All-Pro Nick Mangold of the Jets and the Seahawks’ Max Unger.  Unger has only participated in 6 of Seattle’s games so of centers who’ve taken at least 50% of their team’s snaps Linsley is 2nd and tops in the NFC.  His run blocking grade of +6.8 resides in the top 5 of the NFL and his penalty rating of +1.1 is tied for first.  A young center who can get the protections called, move people in the run game and not make mental mistakes is very useful.  One who is yet to allow a sack of QB Aaron Rodgers just might be priceless.

Speaking of prices, Linsley is set to make an average of $601,250 a year between now and 2017.  His predecessors, Evan Dietrich Smith and Scott Wells are making $3.56 and $3.63 million per season, respectively.  Instead of tying himself to those players, Thompson stuck to his strategy and netted himself an elite center at a younger age and a better price...  As of right now if you look at the center rankings, Evan Dietrich Smith checks in at #31, with a grade of -7.7.  Wells is playing much worse.  His -15.9 grade for the rams is good for 40th of the 42 NFL centers that have played at least 25% of their teams snaps.

Ted Thompson’s ability to find young, effective players and play them in big positions while they make rookie salaries is an example of why the Packers’ success isn’t cyclical like it is for other teams... Selecting players like Linsley, and in turn allowing players like Wells and Dietrich-Smith to walk is how a team can afford to pay Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews piles and piles of money to stay its stars and still field a competitive group.  There are times that Ted Thompson and his methods tests fans’ patience, especially around the free agency period.  I would ask those that do to remember players like Linsley and situations like we have at center right now.

Last edited by ilcuqui

Have to add Jennings and Jones to the list of guys Ted has let go because he had a plan. Davante is going to be good. Tough being a rookie WR in this offense. 

 

This is wild ass speculation but I think Charles Woodson is in Oakland because Ted had too much respect for Mr Football to ask him to take a pay cut. 

Last edited by ChilliJon

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